Gas stove

Abstract

The gas burner (1) comprises a top sheet (8), a gas valve (5) with an actuating lever (12) for actuating the gas valve (5), an actuating knob (16) for actuating the actuating lever (12), and a gasket (26) arranged at least partially between the actuating knob (16) and the top sheet (8), wherein the gasket (26) has a conical outer circumferential wall (37) received at least partially inside the actuating knob (16), and wherein the outer circumferential wall (37) seals axially and radially against the actuating knob (16).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to gas-fired stoves. Background Technology

[0002] A gas stove may include a gas burner and a gas valve. The gas valve is adapted to regulate the flow of combustion gas from the main gas line of the gas stove to the gas burner. An actuation knob is provided to actuate the gas valve. A gasket is provided between the actuation knob and the top plate of the gas stove. The gasket prevents liquids (e.g., water or spilled food) from entering the space below the top plate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of the present invention is to provide an improved gas furnace.

[0004] Therefore, a gas stove is provided. The gas stove includes: a top plate; a gas valve having an actuating rod for actuating the gas valve; an actuating knob for actuating the actuating rod; and a gasket, at least partially disposed between the actuating knob and the top plate, wherein the gasket has a tapered outer circumferential wall at least partially received inside the actuating knob, and wherein the outer circumferential wall seals against the actuating knob axially and radially.

[0005] The sealing performance is improved by the fact that the outer peripheral wall radially and axially abuts against the actuating knob for sealing, thus preventing liquid from entering the space below the top plate.

[0006] A gas stove can also be called a gas cooktop. A gas stove is a household appliance. For this reason, a gas stove can be called a household gas stove. The top plate can be made of steel (especially stainless steel). However, the top plate can also be made of glass ceramic or tempered glass. The top plate has a through-hole. An actuator rod is guided through the through-hole. A washer is installed into the through-hole and is therefore at least partially received within it. The through-hole can be a cylindrical hole. The top plate can also be called a cover plate. The top plate covers the cooking basin of the gas stove. The cooking basin can be a deep, elongated metal plate.

[0007] The aforementioned space is provided between the cooking basin and the top plate, the space accommodating an electronic board or circuit board and a gas valve. A gasket prevents liquid from entering this space. The gas valve can be installed into the cooking basin. Preferably, the gas stove has multiple gas valves, actuation knobs, and gaskets. Therefore, the top plate has multiple through-holes, wherein each gas valve has its own through-hole. In the following, "only one gas valve," "only one actuation knob," and "only one gasket" respectively refer to each of these.

[0008] The actuating rod can be rotated by means of an actuation knob. The gas valve is preferably located below the top plate. This means that the gas valve faces the back side of the top plate. The actuating rod is guided through a through-hole. Specifically, the actuating rod is guided from the back side of the top plate to the front side. The actuating rod can be rotated to adjust the flow of combustion gas from the main gas pipe to the gas burner. Depending on the rotation angle of the actuating rod, the flow of combustion gas from the main gas pipe to the gas burner can be increased, decreased, or completely blocked. The gas valve is preferably a gas regulating valve. The gas valve is adapted to continuously or gradually regulate the flow of combustion gas from the main gas pipe to the gas burner. In particular, the gas valve is a so-called stepped valve.

[0009] In this context, "at least partially" positioned between the actuation knob and the top plate" means placing a portion or section of the washer between the actuation knob and the top plate. This does not preclude the possibility that a portion or section of the washer is not positioned between the actuation knob and the top plate. The washer is flexible and elastically deformable. The washer can be reversibly compressed in its longitudinal direction. This means that the washer can be compressed when the actuation knob is pressed down toward the top plate with a downward thrust. This movement can be used to ignite the gas burner. When the downward thrust is released, the washer springs back to its initial geometry.

[0010] Preferably, the gasket is formed integrally. In this context, "integrally" or "monolithically" means that the gasket is not assembled from multiple different parts, but rather that the gasket forms a single piece. For example, the gasket may be made of silicone resin or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In particular, the gasket may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Preferably, the gasket is constructed rotationally symmetrically about a central axis or axis of symmetry. As previously mentioned, the gasket has a longitudinal direction oriented parallel to the axis of symmetry. The gasket also has a radial direction. The radial direction is oriented perpendicular to the axis of symmetry and points away from the axis of symmetry. The gasket preferably has a basic section. An outer peripheral wall protrudes from this basic section. The longitudinal direction is oriented from the basic section toward the outer peripheral wall.

[0011] In this context, "conical" means that the outer peripheral wall has a conical geometry (especially a truncated cone). This shape achieves a simple deformation of the gasket. In this context, "axial seal" means that the outer peripheral wall is placed against the actuating knob and pressed against it in the longitudinal direction. In this way, the outer peripheral wall seals against the actuating knob in the longitudinal direction. In this context, "radial seal" means that the outer peripheral wall is placed against the actuating knob and pressed against it in the radial direction. In this way, the outer peripheral wall seals against the actuating knob in the radial direction.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the actuation knob includes an attachment element having a disc-shaped base and a tubular sleeve, wherein the outer peripheral wall is axially sealed against the base, and wherein the outer peripheral wall is radially sealed against the sleeve.

[0013] An attachment element is attached to the actuator lever. The actuator knob also has an operating element that can be gripped with two fingers for controlling the gas valve. The operating element can be latched to the attachment element. Both the operating element and the attachment element can be injection-molded components.

[0014] According to another embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal direction of the gasket, the outer peripheral wall diverges from the axis of symmetry of the gasket.

[0015] This means that when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the outer peripheral wall moves toward the axis of symmetry. In this way, a conical geometry is produced for the outer peripheral wall.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the washer includes a tapered base section, wherein an outer peripheral wall protrudes from the base section along a longitudinal direction.

[0017] The basic section and the outer peripheral wall are formed as a single unit. The outer peripheral wall is more flexible than the basic section.

[0018] According to another embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the basic segments converge toward the axis of symmetry.

[0019] This means that the outer peripheral walls diverge from the axis of symmetry, while the basic segments converge toward the axis of symmetry. This produces the hourglass or X-shape of the washer.

[0020] According to another embodiment, a circumferential kink is provided between the outer circumferential wall and the basic section.

[0021] The circumferential kink extends entirely around the axis of symmetry. When the washer is compressed along the longitudinal direction, the circumferential kink acts as a flexible deflection region. The circumferential kink connects the outer circumferential wall to the base section.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the basic section includes a circumferential notch for receiving a top sheet.

[0023] The perforation in the top thin plate is joined with the circumferential notch.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the circumferential notch includes a first contact surface placed against the front side of the top sheet and a second contact surface placed against the back side of the top sheet.

[0025] In this way, the gasket is sealed against the top thin plate.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the gasket includes a disc-shaped sealing section attached to the base section.

[0027] The sealed section and the basic section are formed as a whole.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the sealing section includes circumferential ribs that rest against the top sheet.

[0029] This improves the seal between the gasket and the top plate. The circumferential ribs are positioned against the back side of the top plate, and thus provide a seal against the back side.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the gasket includes a reinforcing section of a radially reinforced base section.

[0031] The reinforced section preferably reinforces the base section. Specifically, the reinforced section generates a radial rebound force, for example, during cleaning of a gas stove, which acts against forces introduced into the gasket by the customer. The reinforced section may be referred to as a spring section or a rebound section. The radial rebound force preferably has a higher value than the force exerted by the customer. The function of these reinforced sections is to increase the radial stiffness of the gasket and to generate a rebound effect to prevent it from dislodging from its proper placement when manipulated by the customer.

[0032] According to another embodiment, the washer includes an inner circumferential wall that protrudes from the base section along the longitudinal direction.

[0033] A gap is provided between the outer and inner peripheral walls to collect liquid. The inner peripheral wall acts as a second liquid barrier. The outer peripheral wall acts as a first liquid barrier.

[0034] According to another embodiment, when viewed along the radial direction of the gasket, the inner circumferential wall is arranged within the outer circumferential wall.

[0035] The two circumferential walls extend completely around the axis of rotation. The two circumferential walls are formed integrally with the basic section.

[0036] According to another embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the upper edge of the outer peripheral wall is positioned above the upper edge of the inner peripheral wall.

[0037] This means that the inner circumferential wall does not rest against the actuation knob in its initial position. When the actuation knob is pressed down in the direction of the top plate, the inner circumferential wall comes into contact with the actuation knob.

[0038] According to another embodiment, when viewed along the longitudinal direction, the inner circumferential walls converge toward the axis of symmetry.

[0039] This means that the outer peripheral wall and the inner peripheral wall are formed relative to each other. The outer peripheral wall moves away from the axis of symmetry, while the inner peripheral wall moves towards the axis of symmetry.

[0040] Other possible embodiments or alternative solutions of the present invention also encompass combinations of features described above or below with respect to the embodiments (not explicitly mentioned herein). Those skilled in the art can also add individual or independent aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Other embodiments, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings, the following description, and the dependent claims, wherein: Figure 1 A top view of one embodiment of a gas furnace is shown; Figure 2 Showing according to Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of a gas furnace; Figure 3 Showing the use of according to Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the gasket for a gas stove; and Figure 4 Showing according to Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of the gaskets at the intersection lines IV-IV.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, similar reference numerals denote similar or functionally equivalent elements. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Figure 1 A schematic top view of an embodiment of a gas stove or gas oven 1 is shown. The gas oven 1 may be a household appliance or part of a household appliance. The gas oven 1 includes a cooking basin 2. The cooking basin 2 is a deep, elongated metal sheet. The cooking basin 2 is covered by a cover plate or top sheet (not shown). The gas oven 1 further has at least one gas burner arrangement 3. The number of gas burner arrangements 3 is arbitrary. Figure 1 As shown, five gas burners can be arranged in a 3-way configuration.

[0044] Each gas burner arrangement 3 includes a gas valve 5 attached to a main gas line 4, a gas burner 6, and a gas line 7 connecting the gas valve 5 to the associated gas burner 6. The gas valve 5 is preferably a gas regulating valve. The gas valve 5 is adapted to continuously or gradually regulate the flow of combustion gas from the main gas line 4 to the gas burner 6. In particular, the gas valve 5 is a so-called stepped valve. The gas valve 5 is preferably clamped to the main gas line 4.

[0045] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the gas furnace 1 is shown. As previously mentioned, the gas furnace 1 has a top thin plate 8. The top thin plate 8 covers... Figure 1 The cooking basin 2 is shown in the image. The top plate 8 may be made of metal (particularly stainless steel). The top plate 8 is a thin metal sheet. The top plate 8 has a front side 9 and a back side 10. The front side 9 avoids the cooking basin 2. The back side 10 faces the cooking basin 2. The top plate 8 includes a plurality of through-holes 11. The number of through-holes 11 is the same as the number of gas valves 5. Each gas valve 5 has its own through-hole 11. The through-hole 11 is a cylindrical hole. In the following, only one through-hole 11 and only one gas valve 5 will be mentioned.

[0046] Gas valve 5 is positioned below top plate 8. This means that gas valve 5 faces the back side 10 of top plate 8. Gas valve 5 has an actuator rod 12 guided through a through-hole 11. Specifically, actuator rod 12 is guided from the back side 10 of top plate 8 to the front side 9. Actuator rod 12 can be rotated about axis of rotation 13 to adjust the flow of combustion gas from main gas pipe 4 to gas burner 6. Depending on the rotation angle of actuator rod 12, the flow of combustion gas from main gas pipe 4 to gas burner 6 can be increased, decreased, or completely blocked. Electronic board or circuit board 14 is arranged between gas valve 5 and top plate 8. When using gas stove 1, circuit board 14 must be protected from liquids, such as water or spilled food. Actuator rod 12 can be guided through circuit board 14.

[0047] The gas furnace 1 further includes an actuation arrangement 15 for actuating the gas valve 5. An actuation rod 12 may be part of the actuation arrangement 15. The actuation arrangement 15 has an actuation knob 16 attached to the actuation rod 12 in a torque-resistant manner. In this context, "torque-resistant" means that the actuation knob 16 cannot be rotated against the actuation rod 12. The actuation knob 16 is associated with the front side 9 of the top plate 8. The gas valve 5 can be actuated by means of the actuation knob 16. To ignite the gas burner 6, the actuation knob 16 can be pressed downwards in the ignition direction ID. The ignition direction ID is directed toward the front side 9 of the top plate 8.

[0048] The actuation knob 16 has an operating element 17 that can be gripped by a user using two fingers. The operating element 17 may be an injection-molded part. The operating element 17 is can-shaped. The actuation knob 16 further has an attachment element 18 attached to the actuation lever 12. The attachment element 18 may also be an injection-molded part. The operating element 17 and the attachment element 18 may be formed as a single part. However, the operating element 17 and the attachment element 18 may be provided as two separate parts clamped together. Figure 2 The latter is shown in the image. The control element 17 receives the attachment element 18.

[0049] The attachment element 18 has a tubular receiving section 19 for receiving the actuating rod 12. The attachment element 18 further has a connecting section 20 for connecting the attachment element 18 to the actuating element 17. The connecting section 20 engages with the actuating element 17 to connect the actuating element 17 to the attachment element 18. The receiving section 19 and the connecting section 20 are integrally formed.

[0050] The connecting section 20 has a disc-shaped base 21 integrally formed with the receiving section 19 and a cylindrical sleeve 22 integrally formed with the base 21. The sleeve 22 is connected to the actuating element 17 in a form-locking manner. In this context, "form-locking" means that the sleeve 22 engages with the actuating element 17. The sleeve 22 can be latched into the actuating element 17. For this purpose, the actuating element 17 includes an annular notch 23 for receiving a corresponding rib of the sleeve 22. The notch 23 is provided inside the cylindrical sleeve section 24 of the actuating element 17. The sleeve section 24 is closed in front by means of the disc-shaped base section 25 of the actuating element 17. The sleeve section 24 and the base section 25 are integrally formed. The sleeve section 24 and the base section 25 together form the canister geometry of the actuating element 17.

[0051] Actuation arrangement 15 further includes Figure 3 The gasket 26 is shown in cross-sectional view. The function of gasket 26 is to prevent liquids (e.g., water or spilled food) from entering the space 27 below the top sheet 8 through the penetration 11. Gasket 26 is preferably made as a single piece. In this context, "single piece" means that gasket 26 forms a common structural component and is not made from different individual components assembled to form gasket 26. Preferably, gasket 26 is formed integrally or monolithically. In this context, "integrally" or "monolithically" means that gasket 26 is formed from a single component of the same material. For example, gasket 26 may be made of silicone material or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In particular, gasket 26 may be made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Gasket 26 may be an injection-molded component. Gasket 26 can be compressed in its longitudinal direction L.

[0052] The washer 26 is constructed with rotational symmetry and has a central axis or axis of symmetry 28. The longitudinal direction L is arranged parallel to the axis of symmetry 28. The washer 26 has a tapered base section 29. A circumferential notch 30 is provided in the base section 29. The notch 30 receives a top plate 8. A first contact surface 31 provided at the notch 30 rests against the front side 9 of the top plate 8. A second contact surface 32 rests against the back side 10 of the top plate. A disc-shaped sealing section 33 protrudes radially from the base section 29. The sealing section 33 has a circumferential rib 34 that rests against the back side 10 of the top plate 8.

[0053] An inner circumferential wall 35 protrudes from the basic section 29. The inner circumferential wall 35 has an upper edge 36 extending around the axis of symmetry 28. The inner circumferential wall 35 is tapered. Furthermore, an outer circumferential wall 37 protrudes from the basic section 29. When viewed along the radial direction R of the washer 26, the inner circumferential wall 35 is arranged inside the outer circumferential wall 37.

[0054] The outer peripheral wall 37 has an upper edge 38. When viewed along the longitudinal direction L, the upper edge 38 is positioned above the upper edge 36 of the inner peripheral wall 35. The outer peripheral wall 37 is tapered, similar to the basic section 29. However, when viewed along the longitudinal direction L, the basic section 29 narrows along the longitudinal direction L, while the outer peripheral wall 37 widens. This results in an hourglass or X-shaped washer 26. A circumferential kink 39 is sandwiched between the basic section 29 and the outer peripheral wall 37. A gap 40 is provided between the inner peripheral wall 35 and the outer peripheral wall 37. The gap 40 can be used to collect liquid 41, such as spilled water or the like.

[0055] As from Figure 4 As can be seen, washer 26 has reinforcing sections 42 to 49. Reinforcing sections 42 to 49 reinforce the basic section 29. Reinforcing sections 42 to 49 generate a radial rebound force FS, which acts against the force F introduced into washer 26 by the customer. Reinforcing sections 42 to 49 may be referred to as spring sections or rebound sections. The radial rebound force FS has a higher value than the force F. The function of these reinforcing sections 42 to 49 is to increase the radial stiffness of the washer and to generate a rebound effect to prevent it from dislodging from proper placement when operated by the customer. Washer 26 has a centrally located through-hole 50. Actuator 12 is guided through through through-hole 50.

[0056] The function of washer 26 will be explained below. When washer 26 is installed in the through-hole 11 of the top plate 8, the top plate 8 is received in the notch 30, and the rib 34 rests against the back side 10 of the top plate 8. The first contact surface 31 rests against the front side 9 of the top plate 8, and the second contact surface 32 rests against the back side 10 of the top plate 8. The actuating rod 12 is guided through the through-hole 50, and the upper edge 38 of the outer peripheral wall 37 is received in the sleeve 22 of the attachment element 18 of the actuating knob 16. Washer 26 can be compressed in the longitudinal direction L. This is necessary for igniting the gas burner 6. In the event of leakage of liquid 41 between the sleeve 22 and the upper edge 38 of the outer peripheral wall 37, the liquid 41 is blocked by the inner peripheral wall 35, preventing the liquid 41 from reaching the circuit board 14. The liquid 41 trapped between the circumferential walls 35 and 37 can then evaporate.

[0057] For example, during cleaning of the gas stove 1, even when operated by the customer, the reinforced sections 42 to 49 ensure that the gasket 26 remains correctly positioned in the penetration opening 11. Therefore, the gasket 26 is designed to maintain its proper placement even when operated during cleaning. Because the gasket 26 remains in the correct position, no liquid 41 is allowed to enter the space 27. Thus, the circuit board 14 is protected from liquid 41. The inner circumferential wall 35 acts as an additional barrier against liquid 41.

[0058] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Claims

1. A gas-fired furnace (1), comprising: Top thin plate (8); gas valve (5) having an actuating rod (12) for actuating the gas valve (5); An actuation knob (16) is used to actuate the actuation rod (12); A washer (26) is arranged at least partially between the actuation knob (16) and the top plate (8), wherein the washer (26) is integrally formed of the same material and has a tapered base section (29), a tapered outer circumferential wall (37), and an inner circumferential wall (35), the tapered outer circumferential wall (37) and the inner circumferential wall (35) protruding from the base section (29) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the washer (26) and through a gap. (40) Spaced apart from each other, wherein the tapered outer circumferential wall (37) is at least partially received inside the actuation knob (16), wherein the outer circumferential wall (37) is sealed axially and radially against the actuation knob (16), wherein the outer circumferential wall (37) diverges from the axis of symmetry (28) of the gasket (26) when viewed along the longitudinal direction (L) of the gasket (26), and wherein the gasket (26) includes reinforcing sections (42-49) formed between the base section (29), the outer circumferential wall (37) and the inner circumferential wall (35) to radially reinforce the base section (29), thereby generating a radial rebound force that acts against the force introduced into the gasket (26) by the customer.

2. The gas furnace according to claim 1, wherein, The actuation knob (16) includes an attachment element (18) having a disc-shaped base (21) and a tubular sleeve (22), wherein the outer peripheral wall (37) is axially sealed against the base (21) and wherein the outer peripheral wall (37) is radially sealed against the sleeve (22).

3. The gas furnace according to claim 1, wherein, When viewed along the longitudinal direction (L), the basic segment (29) converges toward the axis of symmetry (28).

4. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A circumferential kink (39) is sandwiched between the outer circumferential wall (37) and the basic section (29).

5. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The basic section (29) includes a circumferential notch (30) for receiving the top plate (8).

6. The gas furnace according to claim 5, wherein, The circumferential notch (30) includes a first contact surface (31) placed against the front side (9) of the top plate (8) and a second contact surface (32) placed against the back side (10) of the top plate (8).

7. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The gasket (26) includes a disc-shaped sealing section (33) attached to the basic section (29).

8. The gas furnace according to claim 7, wherein, The sealing section (33) includes a circumferential rib (34) placed against the top plate (8).

9. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When viewed along the radial direction (R) of the washer (26), the inner circumferential wall (35) is arranged within the outer circumferential wall (37).

10. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When viewed along the longitudinal direction, the upper edge of the outer peripheral wall (37) is positioned above the upper edge (36) of the inner peripheral wall (35).

11. The gas furnace according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, When viewed along the longitudinal direction (L), the inner circumferential wall (35) converges toward the axis of symmetry (28).

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