Improved gas valve unit

Abstract

An improved gas valve unit comprises a valve body provided with an inlet port, a main chamber at least partially defined in the valve body, a disc-shaped element having at least one through hole defining at least two areas having mutually different passage sections to put the main chamber in communication with a main outlet port, the disc-shaped element being rotatable within the chamber between at least one closed position in which the main outlet port is completely covered by the entire portion of the disc-shaped element and at least two different open positions in which, in each open position, a corresponding and different passage area defined by the at least one through hole of the disc-shaped element is at least partially facing the main outlet port (27) to allow the passage of gas from the chamber to the main outlet port through the passage area, and a control unit associated with the valve body and provided with means for snap-rotating the disc-shaped element between the closed position and the open positions and for snap-rotating the disc-shaped element between the at least two different open positions.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Improved Gas Valve Unit", with an international application date of May 24, 2018, international application number PCT / IT2018 / 050092, and national application number 201880034632.6. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to improved gas valve units, and in particular to improved gas valve units for regulating gas to be supplied to a gas burner. Background Technology

[0003] There are known to be various types of valve assemblies for regulating the flow of gas to a burner, such as those in which the gas passage cross-section (and thus the gas flow rate of the valve unit) is regulated by a specific on / off valve (which opens or closes the corresponding outlet).

[0004] In these known valve assemblies, the on / off valves can be operated electromagnetically, for example by individually controlling the electromagnet associated with each on / off valve using an electronic control unit, or by mechanically actuating the electromagnets, for example by moving the valve body to sequentially cause the on / off valves to open or close.

[0005] Specifically, WO2014139844 describes a valve unit in which an inlet is connected to an outlet via multiple on / off valves. Each on / off valve includes a vertically movable cylindrical gate and a corresponding spring that acts on the gate to push it toward a seal, thereby closing the gas passage opening associated with each on / off valve. Furthermore, the valve unit includes an actuator element that acts on the gate relative to the spring to remove the gate from the seal, thereby allowing the valve to open and allowing the corresponding gas to pass through. This solution is not optimal because it is particularly complex and therefore quite expensive from a construction standpoint, and it must be larger than a standard valve assembly because the cylindrical gate of the on / off valve cannot be appropriately miniaturized and the corresponding seal inserted at the gas passage cannot be inserted. Moreover, the larger and varying sizes of this solution require the use of a specially customized accessory for the valve unit to the inlet rail, which is incompatible and non-interchangeable with cooktops commonly used in the current market.

[0006] Furthermore, the control unit of this valve unit allows for continuous adjustment between various power levels, but does not allow for correct and precise positioning at the power level.

[0007] EP2786073 describes a valve unit comprising: a valve body having an inner cavity communicating with an inlet and an outlet; and a disc that rotates continuously relative to the inner cavity of the valve body and is provided with at least two connection holes, selectively connecting the inner cavity to or disconnecting it from the inlet and outlet. Specifically, in this solution, the disc, rotated by a rotating shaft, is driven by elastic elements and thrust bearings mounted around the rotating shaft to maintain direct contact with the inner cavity surface of the valve body. This solution is not entirely satisfactory because the direct contact of the disc with the inner cavity surface of the valve body and the resulting slippage leads to greater wear on the disc itself, inevitably reducing the service life of the valve unit. Furthermore, this solution does not guarantee optimal airtightness, and the direct contact between the metal disc and the metal surface of the inner cavity can cause negative effects related to the thermal expansion of these components.

[0008] GB662896 describes a valve unit having a valve body with an inner cavity communicating with an inlet and an outlet, both of which are defined on the same wall of the valve body. It also provides a disc covered at the top by an annular channel, the disc continuously rotating relative to the inner cavity of the valve body, and having at least two connecting holes to communicate the inlet and outlet. Specifically, in the valve unit of GB662896, the disc regulates the gas entering and leaving the inner cavity of the valve body.

[0009] In particular, in the valve unit of GB662896, the disc is placed on the same wall of the chamber, on which the air inlet connection hole is defined; such a construction is unsatisfactory in terms of safety, because overpressure of the incoming gas will tend to cause the disc to rise into the chamber, precisely because the direction of the airflow into the chamber is the same as the possible direction of the disc's rise.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve unit of GB662896 includes a closing element that rotates integrally with the valve unit's control lever and engages with four recesses defined on a sealing cover of the valve body. Specifically, one recess has a sharp edge and identifies the valve unit's closed position, while the other three recesses have blunt edges and identify three different open positions of the unit itself. Therefore, in this case, the closed position of the valve unit can only be identified by inserting the closing element into the recess with the sharp edge, providing the operator with a snap-fit ​​feel, while the closing element enters the recess with the blunt edge in a sliding and gradual manner, i.e., without any snap-fit ​​feel. This solution is not entirely satisfactory because it does not allow for precise, reliable, and repeatable adjustments between different opening conditions.

[0011] CN201103717 describes a valve unit having a valve body consisting of two parts that, when combined, define an inner cavity communicating with an inlet and two outlets; and an adjustment unit consisting of multiple components. Specifically, this adjustment unit includes a turntable with a single through-hole and rotated by a shaft, and a plate with a semi-circular shape defining multiple through-holes of different sizes, fixed at the outlets; specifically, these outlets must also have a semi-circular nozzle of suitable size for receiving / inserting the semi-circular plate. Therefore, depending on the angular position of the shaft and the turntable, the single through-hole defined on the turntable faces the different through-holes obtained on the fixed semi-circular plate, thereby selectively connecting the inner cavity to the outlets. Essentially, in the solution of CN201103717, the gas flow rate is changed by obtaining different through-holes in a fixed and non-rotating component. Furthermore, two auxiliary discs with multiple holes (all of the same size and corresponding to the size of a single hole on the rotary disc) are inserted between the rotary disc and the fixed plate. These holes are confined / fixed to the valve unit body (i.e., do not rotate with the rotary disc). This solution is not entirely satisfactory because it is quite complex and therefore costly to manufacture. Moreover, this solution requires a fairly large vent hole size, as it must accommodate a fixed plate with all possible holes of varying sizes, designed for each specific application.

[0012] EP3211308 and EP3211309 describe a valve unit having a valve body with: an inner cavity communicating with an inlet and an outlet; and a disc that rotates continuously relative to the inner cavity of the valve body and is provided with a plurality of connection holes that selectively connect or disconnect the inner cavity and the outlet. Specifically, in this solution, the disc is rotatably actuated by a rotating shaft and a control unit, which cause the disc to rotate continuously. Essentially, in EP3211308 and EP3211309, there is no fixed / unique element to identify the different angular positions of the disc, and therefore no element allows for precise and repeatable definition of the amount of gas discharged from the valve unit. This solution is not entirely satisfactory because it does not allow for precise, reliable, and accurate adjustment between different open states, nor does it allow for proper identification of the closed state. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The object of this invention is to provide an improved gas valve unit that does not have the disadvantages of conventional valve assemblies used herein.

[0014] Another objective of this invention is to provide a compact valve unit.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that allows the outlet flow rate to be adjusted at multiple levels while ensuring excellent airtight sealing in the closed state.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that allows for highly and easily customized various outlet flow levels.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that allows for a large number of service cycles.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that can be adjusted precisely, reliably and repeatably.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that reduces any swing of the control lever relative to its longitudinal axis.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that is highly isolated from the external installation environment, thereby eliminating any possibility of accidental introduction of liquids or substances into the unit itself.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that can be used with different types of gases, and in particular, it is easy to switch from one type of gas to another.

[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that is completely interchangeable with valve units already available on the market.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit that exhibits alternative and / or improved features in both structure and function compared to conventional valve units.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit with a simple structure that can be manufactured at low industrial cost.

[0025] According to the present invention, all these objectives themselves and any combination thereof, as well as other objectives that become apparent from the following description, are achieved by an improved pneumatic valve unit having the features of claim 1. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given in a non-limiting manner, in which: Figure 1 A perspective top view of a valve unit according to the present invention is shown, with its control unit partially cut out; Figure 2 A view of the bottom of its control element is shown; Figure 3a shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the disk-shaped element; Figure 3b shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the disk-shaped element; Figure 4 A perspective view of the seal beneath the disc-shaped element is shown; Figure 5 Its top view is shown; Figure 6 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut by AA in the diagram; Figure 7 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut from BB in the middle; Figure 8 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut by CC in the image; Figure 9 Its side view is shown; Figure 10 Showing along Figure 9 The horizontal cross-section of DD in the image is shown, and the airflow is marked. Figure 11 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut by EE in the diagram; Figure 12 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut by FF in the image; Figure 13 It shows along Figure 5 The vertical section cut by GG in the image; Figure 14 A first embodiment with a disk-shaped element is shown. Figure 9 A perspective view taken from the horizontal section HH in the middle; Figure 15 A second embodiment with a disk-shaped element is shown. Figure 9 A perspective view taken from the horizontal section HH in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0027] As can be seen from the figure, the improved gas valve unit 2 according to the present invention, which is specifically used to control / regulate the gas to be delivered to the gas burner, basically includes a control unit 3 associated with the valve body 4.

[0028] Preferably, the valve body 4 is metallic, and particularly made of extruded aluminum, wherein a series of gas passages and a series of chambers or cavities for accommodating specific functional components are obtained through machining, which will be described in more detail below. Suitablely, the valve body 4 may be defined as a single piece or several pieces joined together.

[0029] Advantageously, the valve body 4 has a generally box-shaped 5, preferably a parallelepiped shape, having a first face 6 associated with the control unit 3 and a second face 8 opposite and parallel to the first face 6, to which the cover 7 is associated. Suitably, the cover 7, made of aluminum sheet or other materials, even non-metallic materials, is fixed to the second face 8 of the valve body 4, and a contour-shaped seal is inserted between them to ensure the sealing of this constraint.

[0030] On the valve body 4, preferably on its side, there are respectively formed an air inlet 9 that is fluidly connected to an external source and an air outlet 10 that is fluidly connected to the gas burner to be supplied. Preferably, the air inlet 9 and the air outlet 10 are obtained on two opposing sides of the valve body 4.

[0031] Advantageously, a housing for a profiled seal 90 is also provided on the side of the valve body 4 where the air inlet 9 is formed, which is inserted between the valve body 4 and a pipe (not shown) connected to the gas supply line. Suitablely, two threaded holes 91 are obtained symmetrically on the valve body 4 with respect to the valve seat to allow the valve unit 2 to be secured to the connecting pipe by one or more screws engaging the profiled bracket (not shown).

[0032] Advantageously, a protruding pipe tensioner is provided on the side of the valve body 4 where the outlet 10 is obtained.

[0033] A first chamber 20 is obtained inside the valve body 4, which is preferably generally cylindrical in shape. This first chamber 20, together with a cap 11 projecting laterally from the valve body itself, defines the housing for the safety valve 12. Suitablely, this shut-off valve 12 is of the conventional type and is preferably configured to have only two states (i.e., open / closed) to allow or block airflow depending on its state.

[0034] Specifically, the safety valve 12 includes a gate 13 associated with a spring 14, which, in the absence of external stress, keeps the passage 21 closed, which communicates the first chamber 20 with the second chamber 22. The spring 14 is arranged to actuate the gate 13 in the same direction as the gas acting upon it. Preferably, the portion of the gate 13 acting on the passage between chambers 20 and 22 is flat and disc-shaped.

[0035] The gate 13 of the safety valve 12 is axially movable between a maximum closed position held by the spring 14 as described above and a relative maximum open position, which can be reached by the action of the first arm 31 of the actuating linkage mechanism 30. Appropriately, the first arm 31 of the linkage mechanism 30 acts on the rod supporting the gate 13, thereby applying a thrust greater than the elastic reaction force of the spring 14.

[0036] The valve body 19 of the safety valve 12, made of ferrous material, is attracted by an electromagnet 17 in its open position, which is aligned with a gate 13. The first chamber 20 is closed by a plug 11 that holds the electromagnet 17, and the sealing of the electromagnet 17 with the corresponding tubular protruding tension member of the valve body 4 ensures a proper seal of the chamber.

[0037] The first chamber 20 is connected to the air inlet 9 via the first conduit 24, while the second chamber 22 is connected to the main chamber 28 via the second conduit 26. The main chamber 28 is preferably generally cylindrical in shape and contains a disc-shaped element 40.

[0038] More specifically, the second chamber 22 includes a cavity 23 formed inside the valve body 4 and directly communicates with the channel 21, the second conduit 26, and the sub-chamber 25 defined between the second surface 8 and the cover 7 of the valve body 4.

[0039] The control linkage mechanism 30, which may be made of plastic or metal, includes a first arm 31 housed within a cavity 23 and a second arm 32 housed within a sub-chamber 25. Advantageously, the two arms 31 and 32 of the control linkage mechanism 30 are arranged orthogonally to each other and connected by a connecting tension member 33, which is also housed in the sub-chamber 25. More specifically, an element 34, preferably annular, is provided inside the sub-chamber 25. This element is fixed to, or stably held between, the cover 7 and / or the second surface 8 of the valve body 4 and is configured to support the control linkage mechanism 30 to allow its rotation in all cases, as explained in more detail below, caused by the axial movement of the lever 50 of the control unit 3.

[0040] The main chamber 28 preferably has a main outlet hole 27 at its bottom, and the others are connected to the air outlet 10 through a third conduit 29.

[0041] Advantageously, the main chamber 28 also has an auxiliary vent 36, which cannot be closed by the disc element 40 and communicates with the vent 10 through the fourth chamber 37, thus forming a bypass circuit for the disc element 40. Suitablely, the bypass circuit can even be closed or opened in a controlled manner by changing the axial position of the adjusting screw 38 conveniently housed inside the fourth chamber 37.

[0042] Specifically, the auxiliary vent 36 communicates with the first region (preferably the lower part) of the fourth chamber 37, in which an adjusting screw 38 for changing the gas type is positioned. Then, suitably, the second region (preferably the upper part) of the fourth chamber 37 communicates with the vent 10 via the fourth conduit 39.

[0043] As described above, the disc-shaped element 40 is disposed on the wall inside the main chamber 28, on which the main outlet hole 27 is obtained.

[0044] Advantageously, the inlet portion of the main outlet hole 27 is smaller than that of the disc element 40, especially in its extension in the plan view.

[0045] The disc-shaped element 40 has a central through-hole 41 through which the rod 50 of the control unit 3 passes, and at least one through-hole 42, 49 is suitably formed on a circular crown portion 47 defined around the through-hole 41.

[0046] The at least one through-hole 42 or 49 obtained in the disc-shaped element 40 defines at least two channel regions having different channel cross sections to allow the main chamber 28 to communicate with the main outlet hole 27.

[0047] The disc-shaped element 40 can rotate within the chamber 28 between the following positions: - At least one closed position, wherein the main outlet hole 27 is completely covered by the entire portion of the disc-shaped element 40, and - At least two distinct, preferably consecutive, open positions, each with a correspondingly different and transitional region having a channel cross-section distinct from each other (defined in / from the at least one through hole 42, 49 of the disk element 40) and at least partially facing the main outlet port 27 to allow gas from the main chamber 28 through such channel regions defined in or from the at least one through hole 42, 49 to the main outlet port 27.

[0048] The control unit 3 is associated with a device for engaging and rotating the disc-shaped element 40 between the closed position and the open position, and for engaging and rotating the disc-shaped element 40 between at least two different open positions.

[0049] Specifically, in the first embodiment of the disc-shaped element, a plurality of through holes 42 that are spaced apart and of different sizes are provided (see FIG. 3a). Preferably, the through holes 42 are circular with different diameters. Suitably, the through holes 42 individually or in combination with adjacent holes define regions with different channel cross-sections to communicate the main chamber 28 with the main outlet hole 27.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment (see FIG. 3b), a single through-hole 49 is provided, which is continuous and formed to vary the profile of the channel clearance, thereby allowing for gradual airflow regulation. Suitably, the continuous through-hole 49 comprises multiple regions and can have variations in shape and / or size along its circumferential extension. Advantageously, the continuous through-hole 49 defines a channel clearance by the multiple distinct regions constituting it, which varies gradually and discontinuously in an increasing or decreasing manner, or can have any other suitable shape and / or variation. The dimensions are determined according to the required airflow regulation requirements in a particular application. Suitably, the regions forming the single continuous through-hole 49 define regions with different channel cross-sections to communicate the main chamber 28 with the main outlet port 27.

[0051] For example, as shown in FIG3b, the profile of the through hole 49 is preferably formed such that its radial dimension gradually and continuously increases from the narrower region 54 to the wider region 56.

[0052] Advantageously, the main chamber 28 is positioned independently of the angular position of the disc element 40 and is in fluid communication with the air inlet 9. Specifically, the disc element 40 is housed within the main chamber 28 to act specifically on the main outlet port 27. Suitably, the wall of the main chamber 28 on which the disc element 40 acts (and on which the main outlet port 27 is formed) differs from the wall of the main chamber 28 having at least one inlet port in fluid communication with the air inlet 9.

[0053] Appropriately, the fact that the disc element 40 does not act on the wall of the main chamber 28, which is positioned in fluid communication with the inlet 9 (or in all cases acting on a separate wall) is advantageous in terms of safety, because although the gas entering the main chamber 28 may be overpressurized, it will not compromise the overall sealing of the valve unit 2; in fact, in this solution, such potential overpressurization at most tends to push the disc element 40 more toward the wall of the chamber 28 on which the main outlet hole 27 is formed only, and conveniently tends to push it toward the sealing element 43 inserted between the disc element itself and the wall.

[0054] Advantageously, the cross-sectional profile of the through-hole 41 of the disc element 40 corresponds to the profile of the rod 50 of the control unit 3, such that the latter rotates integrally but moves freely longitudinally relative to the disc element 40. For this purpose, more specifically, the through-hole 41 (and thus the corresponding lower part of the rod 50 therethrough) can have an generally circular cross-section with a straight tension member.

[0055] Suitablely, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3a and 3b, in order to adjust the outlet flow rate at multiple levels, the disc element 40 includes: a plurality of through holes 42 that are spaced apart from each other and are of increasing size; or a single through hole 49 whose profile is designed to define a gradually increasing channel area. However, it should be understood that in the embodiments not shown here, such a disc element 40 may also have a single through hole 42, preferably having a substantially circular shape, in order to provide on / off control of the outlet flow rate.

[0056] Advantageously, a sealing element 43 is inserted between the main bore 27 and the disc element 40, which, in particular, secures the sealing element (i.e., prevents it from rotating) and ensures the sealing of the valve unit 2 in the closed position by preventing gas leakage between the through holes 42 or 49 of the disc element 40 during rotation, thereby ensuring the correct gas flow rate at every angular position of the element itself. More specifically, the sealing element 43 is inserted between the disc element 40 and the bottom of the main chamber 28, where the main bore 27 is formed. Advantageously, the sealing element 43 consists of a disc seal having a corresponding circular central hole 44 through which the rod 50 of the control unit 3 passes, and having at least one, preferably two, more preferably contour-shaped through holes 45 facing the main bore 27, which is preferably obtained at the bottom of the main chamber 28. Suitably, two contour-shaped through holes 45 are provided to define two different and separate gas passages from the main chamber 28 to the main outlet bore 27, each passage being used only for one specific type of gas.

[0057] Advantageously, the circular hole 44 of the sealing element 43 has a larger cross-section than the cross-section of the rod 50 and the disc element 40, such that the sealing element 43 remains stationary and independent of rotation with respect to the rod 50 passing through it. Preferably, the through hole 41 of the disc element 40 has a flange edge 46 that holds it laterally and serves as a guide for the rod 50.

[0058] The control unit 3 includes: a rod 50; a contour shaping element 51 that rotates and translates integrally with the rod; and an outer cover element 52 that is fixed and integral with the first surface 6 of the valve body 4.

[0059] The control unit 3 also includes an elastic element 53 that acts on the side of the disc element 40 opposite to the surface that contacts the sealing element 43. In particular, the elastic element 53, preferably including a solenoid spring, is longitudinally passed through the rod 50 and operates under compression to push the disc element 40 into contact with the sealing element 43, thereby ensuring a high level of sealing performance of the valve unit 2.

[0060] More specifically, when one end of the elastic element 53 acts on the disc-shaped element 40, the other end of the elastic element acts on the support integral with the rod 50, thereby pushing and holding the rod 50 at the upper end of its travel position (i.e. away from the valve body 4).

[0061] Preferably, this support is defined by a contour-forming element 51, which is preferably made of plastic material and can be mounted on or integrally formed with the rod 50. Suitably, the contour-forming element 51 has an internal recess 55 that serves as a guide for the elastic element 53.

[0062] Advantageously, the contour shaping element 51 has a safety element receiving seat 70, which is preferably annular and metallic. In the event of damage or complete breakage of the contour shaping element itself, the safety element receiving seat 70 retains the resilient element 53 against the disc element 40 and the sealing element 43, thereby ensuring a high level of sealing performance of the valve unit 2.

[0063] Specifically, the contour-shaping element 51 includes a crown gear 57, which cooperates with the actuator 58 of the control unit 3 to define a snap-fit ​​rotation of the rotating unit consisting of the rod 50, the contour-shaping element 51, and the disc-shaped element 40. Suitablely, this snap-fit ​​rotation is generated by the engagement of the actuator 58 in a subsequent cut 63 defined between the teeth 62 of the crown gear 57, and provides the user with a sensitive tactile feedback of the movement of the rotating unit and allows multiple angular positions of the disc-shaped element 40 to be defined in a precise and repeatable manner.

[0064] Specifically, the engagement of the actuator 58 within a given notch 63 of the contour-forming element 51 corresponds to a precise and fully defined angular position of the rod 50, and to a predetermined connection condition between the main chamber 28 and the main outlet port 27. Therefore, a specific and easily identifiable channel section corresponds to the outlet port 10, defined by one or more through-holes 42 between a plurality of separate holes obtained on the disc element 40, or by a specific and easily defined portion / region of the contour-forming opening 49 obtained on the disc element 40. Suitably, each notch 63 of the crown gear 57 corresponds to a different channel section defined in / from the at least one through-hole 42 or 49 defined in the disc element 40. In other words, the angular position of the rotating unit consisting of the rod 50, the contour shaping element 51, and the disc-shaped element 40 is fixed and predetermined (and preferably corresponds to the number of cuts 63 of the crown gear 57 of the shaping element), which ensures that the gas flowing out of the valve unit 2 and delivered to the burner is repeatable at each angular position of the rod 50, thereby also ensuring the repeatability of the power generated by the burner.

[0065] Appropriately, the actuator 58 is defined by a pin, which engages under the compression of a spring by snapping into the notch 63 of the crown gear 57. Advantageously, by the construction of the end of the actuator 58 that engages with the notch 63 of the crown gear 57 and / or by the shape / size / arrangement of the notch 63 of the crown gear 57 and / or by the spring acting on the actuator itself, the sensitivity of the tactile sensation of the snapping motion of the aforementioned rotating unit and the force required to induce such motion can be appropriately altered (as needed).

[0066] Suitablely, in embodiments not shown here, the pusher 58 can be integral with the rod 50 to rotate with the rod 50 while always maintaining the same snap engagement, while the crown wheel 57 can be integral with the valve body 4, so that the crown wheel 57 can be fixed to the valve body 4.

[0067] The rod 50 is preferably made of a metallic material (e.g., brass or aluminum) and passes sequentially through the through-hole 41 of the elastic element 53, the through-hole 44 of the disc element 40, and the through-hole 44 of the sealing element 43, and is preferably inserted into a corresponding calibration hole 64 obtained in the valve body 4 at the bottom of the main chamber 28. Suitably, one or more bases for corresponding seals are provided on the outer surface of the portion of the rod 50 located within the calibration hole 64 of the valve body 4 to provide a suitable seal with the valve body 4 at the connection area of ​​the rod.

[0068] The lower end 61 of the lever 50 located inside the valve body 4 has a profile that mates with the second arm 32 of the control linkage mechanism 30 so as to cause the rotation of the control linkage mechanism 30 and the opening of the safety valve 12 by the action of the first arm 31.

[0069] Appropriately, the upper part 65 of the lever 50 relative to the valve body 4 is positioned externally and is constrained to a control knob (not shown) held by the user to actuate the valve unit 2 and check / regulate the airflow passing through.

[0070] The outer cover element 52 protects the contour-shaping element 51 from the outside and closes the top of the main chamber 28. Preferably, the outer cover element 52 is made of a metallic material (e.g., sheet metal or die-cast metal) or a plastic material.

[0071] Specifically, the outer cover element 52 is fixed to the valve body 4 by fixing screws, and advantageously, a seal is inserted between them at the connection area to allow sealing of the main chamber 28 defined between them.

[0072] Advantageously, the outer cover element 52 includes a calibrated tubular tension member 67, into which a corresponding portion of the rod 50 is inserted and guided. Suitably, one or more bases for corresponding seals are provided on the outer surface of the portion of the rod 50 that passes through the calibrated tubular tension member 67 to provide a proper seal at the connection area between the rod and the valve body 52.

[0073] Appropriately, the rod 50 is guided into the calibration hole 64 formed in the valve body 4 at the top and into the calibration tubular tension member 67 of the outer cover element 52 at the bottom, so as to minimize the clearance and wobbling of the rod itself.

[0074] In addition, the cover element 52 has a housing seat 69 for the pusher 58 formed on the side, which engages with the crown gear 57 of the contour shaping element 51.

[0075] Advantageously, the cover element 52 is internally provided with a profile 71, which is defined, for example, by a wall inserted between two steps, and the profile is shaped and arranged such that the rod 50 is only allowed to rotate after a vertical push is applied to it. In particular, for this purpose, the profile-shaping element 51 (integrated with the rod 50) is provided with a suitable protrusion 72, which is received and locked within the profile 71 when the rod 50 is not rotating relative to the angular position of 0°, so that the rod 50 can only rotate after the protrusion 72 is removed from the profile 71 by axial push of the rod itself.

[0076] A protective cap 60, preferably bellows-shaped and made of plastic or elastomeric material, is applied around the rod 50 and the cover element 52 to isolate the interior of the valve body 4 from the exterior, thereby preventing liquids, contaminants, or other materials from entering the chamber of the valve body. Suitablely, this cap 60 is axially locked into a suitable groove 66 obtained on the rod 50 and then engaged in a suitable base formed in the cover element 52 to prevent lateral displacement.

[0077] Advantageously, the outer cover element 52 also has an outer edge 59 that engages with the gas change adjusting screw 38 to hold it in place and prevent it from being pulled out. In particular, this ensures the seal of the fourth chamber 37 (in which the adjusting screw 38 is housed) even if the fourth chamber 37 is completely loosened.

[0078] The valve unit 2 according to the present invention operates as follows.

[0079] The user actuates the valve unit 2 by acting on a knob (not shown) attached to the rod 50 so that it is integrated in both rotation and translation.

[0080] When the control knob with lever 50 is held at 0° and not subjected to any axial push, valve unit 2 is in the closed state. Specifically, in this state, safety valve 12 is held closed by spring 14, thereby closing the passage 21 from the first chamber 20 to the second chamber 22 via its gate 13. Furthermore, in this state, disc element 40 is closed, meaning that no area of ​​its through-hole 42 or contour-defined through-hole 49 faces the opening 45 of the sealing element 43 and the main outlet port 27 of the main chamber 28. In other words, the entire crown 47 of disc element 40 completely covers the opening 45 of the sealing element 43 and the main outlet port 27.

[0081] Basically, in this case, the gas entering from the inlet 9 will not pass through the valve unit 2 and therefore will not reach the outlet 10, thus ensuring the effective sealing of the unit itself.

[0082] To open valve unit 2 so that gas can reach the burner and thus be ignited, the user first presses the knob axially, then presses the control lever while rotating it counterclockwise to reach the given operating angle.

[0083] Specifically, after the axial push of lever 50, its lower end 61 contacts the second arm 32 of the control linkage mechanism 30, causing the control linkage mechanism to rotate relative to the annular element 34. More specifically, due to this rotation of the linkage mechanism 30, the first arm 31 of the linkage mechanism itself presses its leg against the lever of the safety valve 12 to axially push the lever of the safety valve 12, that is, to move the gate 13 of the safety valve itself toward the open state of the passage 21 against the reaction of the spring 14. This allows gas located in the first chamber 20 (which originates from the inlet 9 through the first conduit 24) to flow into the second chamber 22 and from the second chamber 22 to the main chamber 28 through the second conduit 26.

[0084] In the absence of operable rotation of the control knob and the integrated lever 50 relative to the angular position of 0°, the disc element 40 remains in its closed state. Essentially, in this condition, no gas escapes through the outlet 10 because the gas reaching the main chamber 28 with the opening of the safety valve 12 is still blocked within that chamber, which in turn is because the main outlet port 27 is completely closed / covered by the disc element 40.

[0085] Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the knob (and thus the lever 50) also causes rotation of the disc element 40, which rotates integrally with the lever itself. Appropriately, during rotation, the lever 50 must be positioned at a predetermined angular location defined by engagement of the pusher 58 associated with the cover element 52 within one of the cutouts 62 of the crown gear 57 of the contour-shaping element 51, which is integral with the lever itself. At this angular location, a given and fully defined through-hole 42 of the disc element 40 faces, wholly or partially, the opening 45 of the sealing element 43 and the main bore 27, thereby defining a first channel region (having a corresponding first channel cross-section) to allow the main chamber 28 to communicate with the outlet 10 via the third conduit 29. When the disc element 40 is provided with a single contour-defined through hole 49 at such an angular position, the given and fully defined through hole area of ​​the contour-defined through hole 49 faces all or part of the opening 45 of the sealing element 43 and the main hole 27 to define a first channel area (having a corresponding first channel cross section) so that the main chamber 28 is connected to the outlet 10 through the third conduit 29.

[0086] Therefore, manual or automatic actuation of the conventional spark plug associated with a burner (not shown) supplied with gas controlled by valve unit 2 causes the burner to ignite itself, and the flame of the burner also acts on the conventional thermocouple to generate the supply voltage of the electromagnet 17, thereby keeping the safety valve 12 open even after the knob and lever 50 are released.

[0087] Advantageously, the through-hole 42 of the disc element 40 (see FIG. 3a) has a reduced diameter (in the clockwise circumferential unfolding direction) such that at each predetermined angular position of the rod 50, i.e., at the position set by the engagement of the pusher 58 in the corresponding cutout 63 of the crown gear 57 of the contour shaping element 51, one (or more) different through-holes 42 of the plurality of through-holes of the disc element 40 defines the connection between the channel section / main chamber 28 and the main outlet hole 27, which is different from (preferably smaller than) the channel section / connection defined by the previously opened hole.

[0088] Advantageously, the continuous through-hole 49 of the disc element 40 (see FIG. 3b) has a radially decreasing extension from region 56 toward region 54 (i.e., in a clockwise circumferential unfolding direction), such that at each predetermined angular position of the rod 50, i.e., at the angular position set by the engagement of the pusher 58 in the corresponding cutout 63 of the crown gear 57 of the contour-forming element 51, different regions of the continuous contour-forming opening 49 define a channel cross-section / connection between the main chamber 28 and the main outlet hole 27, which is different (preferably smaller) from the channel cross-section / connection defined by the previous region of the opening itself. Suitablely, as described above, the continuous contour-forming opening 49 can have any shape, for example, a shape that increases or decreases integrally or partially in a progressively discontinuous manner (in a step manner), such that at each predetermined angular position of the rod 50, the channel gap (cross-section) defined by a defined region of the continuous contour-forming opening 49 (which is positioned to face the main outlet hole 27) is different from the channel gap (cross-section) defined by the upstream and / or downstream regions of the defined region of the opening itself.

[0089] Essentially, the latching rotation of rod 50 also causes the latching rotation of disc element 40 integrated therewith, in order to selectively connect / disconnect the main chamber 28 to the outlet 10 and / or change the width of the cross-section of the connection channel between them, thereby regulating the airflow, which is supplied to the corresponding burner connected to the outlet 10 of the unit itself by being discharged from valve unit 2.

[0090] Specifically, by rotating the rod 50 in a snap-fit ​​manner starting from the 0° position, the main outlet port 27 is connected to the main chamber 28 first by means of the through hole 42 of the larger diameter disc element 40 (see FIG. 3a), or by means of the wider area 56 of the continuous profile-shaped opening 49 of the element itself (see FIG. 3b), or by means of any other terminal area of ​​the continuous opening 49 with a suitable profile or size, thereby allowing a larger gas flow to the outlet 10 and to the corresponding burner controlled by the valve unit 2, thereby achieving the maximum power level. Subsequently, the counterclockwise locking of the continuing rod 50 is rotated so that the main outlet hole 27 is connected to the main chamber 28 through a gradually narrowing region of the through hole 42 or the contour-shaped opening 49. Accordingly, the reduced gas flow prevents the burner from reaching a lower power level until the final angle position is reached, which marks the minimum power level reached by the burner. In this position, the main outlet hole 27 is connected to the main chamber 28 by means of a through hole 42 with a smaller diameter in the disc element 40 (see FIG. 3a) or a narrower region 54 of the contour-shaped opening 49 formed in the disc element A 40 (see FIG. 3b).

[0091] Appropriately, at the final angular position of lever 50, the varying degrees of tightening of the gas variation adjusting screw 38 in the fourth chamber 37 can be conveniently unscrewed so that its head rests against the outer edge 59 of the cover element 52, allowing alteration of the minimum airflow through bypass circuits 36, 37, 39, which reaches the outlet 10 without being controlled by the disc element 40. This allows valve unit 2 to be used with different types of gases. In particular, the axial position of adjusting screw 38 within its chamber 37 allows for the shut-off or regulation of the airflow through bypass circuits 36, 37, and 39.

[0092] More specifically, if LPG gas is used, the adjusting screw 38 is fully tightened in the fourth chamber 37 to completely stop the gas flow through the bypass circuits 36, 37 and 39 to the outlet 10, so that only the main airflow through the main outlet hole 27 and controlled by the disc element 40 reaches it.

[0093] If methane gas is used, the adjusting screw 38 is loosened so that, in addition to the main airflow through the main outlet hole 27 and controlled by the disc element 40, a bypass airflow through circuits 36, 37 and 39 and not controlled by the disc element 40 also reaches the output terminal 10.

[0094] Appropriately, the safety valve 12 is always active for any angular position of the lever 50, so that at any power level set by the valve unit 2, the extinguishing of the burner flame will cause an electrical interruption in the electromagnet 17, and since it is no longer supplied, the gate 13 is displaced by the spring 14 to the closed position of the channel 21 in a conventional manner, thereby interrupting the airflow between the first chamber 20 connected to the inlet 9 and the second chamber 22 connected to the main chamber 28.

[0095] It is clear from the above that the valve unit according to the present invention has advantages over conventional valve assemblies, especially: - By avoiding the use of a conical gate, it allows for a more effective seal in the closed state, while simultaneously allowing for adjustment of the airflow discharged from the valve unit by changing the angle of the control lever. - The interaction between the actuator and the crown gear defines a single click rotation that is easily perceived by the user at a tactile level. This allows for defining multiple angular positions of the control lever corresponding to an equal number of levels in the burner power rating, which are easily identifiable and repeatable. The presence of a resilient element (which pushes the disc-shaped element into contact with the seal or with another fixed and non-rotating sealing element) ensures a high level of sealing performance for the valve unit. - Potential overpressure in the intake (and consequently in the main chamber) could push the disc element against the seal, thus ensuring the valve unit's seal also exceeds pressure and flow limits. - By changing the diameter of the through-holes formed on the disc-shaped element, the outlet flow rate of the valve unit can be easily and highly customized, thereby adjusting the power level of the burner. -By simply changing the number of recesses (which engage with the pusher snap-fit) in the crown gear of the profile shaping element, the burner's power rating can be easily and highly customized. - It can be used with any type of gas, and the type of gas to be used in the valve unit can be changed (e.g., from methane to LPG, and vice versa) by simply acting on the gas change screw located in a location easily accessible from the outside. The fact that the control lever is held externally through a calibration hole on the cover element, while the calibration hole obtained on the valve body is held internally, allows for a reduction in the lever's own oscillation. - The use of a cap allows for complete isolation of the internal components of the valve unit from accidental introduction of liquids or other external substances. It is very compact and can fit even in a small space. - It can be manufactured at low industrial costs.

[0096] In particular, unlike known solutions, especially those specified in GB662896 and CN201 103717, the solution according to the invention uniquely features a disc with multiple regions of varying cross-sections, allowing for different gas passages from the main chamber towards the outlet. This disc can be rotated in a snap-fit ​​manner by a rotary control unit. Preferably, despite its simple construction, this solution allows for precise, reliable, and accurate adjustment of the valve unit between multiple distinct open states.

Claims

1. An improved gas valve unit, characterized in that, The gas valve unit includes: - Valve body (4), which is provided with an air inlet (9), the air inlet being fluidly connected to a gas source and at least one air outlet (10). - The main chamber (28), which is at least partially defined in the valve body (4), is in fluid communication with the air inlet (9) and is provided with a main air outlet (27) in fluid communication with the air outlet (10). A disc-shaped element (40), housed in the main chamber (28), is provided with at least one through hole (42, 49), the at least one through hole defining at least two channel regions having mutually different channel cross sections to communicate the main chamber (28) with the main vent (27), the disc-shaped element (40) being rotatable within the main chamber (28) between at least one closed position and at least two different open positions, wherein in the closed position the main vent (27) is completely covered by the entire portion of the disc-shaped element (40), while in each open position the corresponding and different channel regions defined by the at least one through hole (42, 49) of the disc-shaped element (40) at least partially face the main vent (27) to allow gas from the main chamber (28) through the channel regions (42, 49) to reach the main vent (27). - Control unit (3), which is associated with the valve body (4) and is provided with a component for locking the disc element (40) between the closed position and the open position and for locking the disc element (40) between at least two different open positions.

2. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: - The disc-shaped element (40) is provided with at least one through hole (49), in which at least two channel regions are defined, the at least two channel regions having different channel cross sections, so that the main chamber (28) communicates with the main air outlet (27). - In each of the at least two different open positions, corresponding and distinct channel regions in and defined by the at least one through-hole (49) of the disc element (40) are at least partially facing the main vent (27) to allow gas from the main chamber (28) to reach the main vent (27) through the channel region defined by the at least one through-hole (49) facing the main vent (27), while gas does not pass through channel regions not facing the main vent (27); and The main chamber (28) is in fluid communication with the air inlet (9), regardless of the angular position of the disc-shaped element (40). And among them: A sealing element (43) is inserted between the main vent (27) and the disc-shaped element (40), which is fixed and has at least one through hole (45) facing the main vent (27). The control unit (3) includes a lever (50) having: a portion outside the valve body (4) for association with a control knob; and a portion inside the valve body (4) that rotates integrally with the disc element (40). The improved gas valve unit includes a first housing chamber (20) of a safety valve (12), which is fluidly inserted between the air inlet (9) and the main chamber (28) of the disc element (40). The safety valve (12) includes a gate (13) movable along an axis angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod (50) of the control unit (3), and The improved gas valve unit includes a control linkage mechanism (30, 31, 32), which cooperates with the rod (50) of the control unit (3) and the safety valve (12) so that the axial translation of the rod (50) causes the gate (13) to translate, thereby causing the safety valve (12) to open.

3. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: - The disc-shaped element (40) is provided with a plurality of through holes (42) of different sizes, the plurality of through holes (42) defining at least two channel regions having different channel cross sections to communicate the main chamber (28) with the main vent (27), the disc-shaped element (40) being rotatable within the main chamber (28) between at least one closed position and a plurality of different open positions, wherein in each open position the corresponding and different channel regions defined by the plurality of through holes (42) of the disc-shaped element (40) are at least partially facing the main vent (27) to allow gas from the main chamber (28) to reach the main vent (27) through the channel regions defined by the plurality of through holes (42) facing the main vent (27), and gas does not pass through the channel regions not facing the main vent (27); as well as The control unit (3) is provided with a component for engaging and rotating the disc-shaped element (40) between the closed position and the open position, and for engaging and rotating the disc-shaped element (40) between a plurality of different open positions. The main chamber (28) is in fluid communication with the air inlet (9), regardless of the angular position of the disc-shaped element (40). in: A sealing element (43) is inserted between the main vent (27) and the disc-shaped element (40), which is fixed and has at least one through hole (45) facing the main vent (27). The control unit (3) includes a lever (50) having: a portion outside the valve body (4) for association with a control knob; and a portion inside the valve body (4) that rotates integrally with the disc element (40). The improved gas valve unit includes a first housing chamber (20) of a safety valve (12), which is fluidly inserted between the air inlet (9) and the main chamber (28) of the disc element (40). The safety valve (12) includes a gate (13) movable along an axis angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the rod (50) of the control unit (3), and The improved gas valve unit includes a control linkage mechanism (30, 31, 32), which cooperates with the rod (50) of the control unit (3) and the safety valve (12) so that the axial translation of the rod (50) causes the gate (13) to translate, thereby causing the safety valve (12) to open.

4. The gas valve unit according to claim 2, wherein: The valve body (4) is generally box-shaped and includes a first surface (6) and a second surface (8), the first surface being associated with the control unit (3), the second surface (8) being opposite to and parallel to the first surface (6), and a cover (7) being associated with the second surface. —The safety valve (12) includes a gate (13) associated with a spring (14), which, in the absence of external stress, keeps the passage (21) closed, the passage (21) connecting the first chamber (20) and the second chamber (22). The first chamber (20) is connected to the air inlet (9) via a first conduit (24), while the second chamber (22) is connected to the main chamber (28) via a second conduit (26). The disc-shaped element (40) is housed in the main chamber (28). —The second chamber (22) includes a cavity (23) formed inside the valve body (4) and directly communicating with the channel (21), the second conduit (26), and the secondary chamber (25) defined between the second surface (8) of the valve body (4) and the cover (7). The control linkage mechanism (30) includes a first arm (31) and a second arm (32), the first arm (31) being housed in the cavity (23) and the second arm (32) being housed in the sub-cavity (25).

5. The gas valve unit according to claim 4, wherein, The first arm (31) and the second arm (32) of the control linkage mechanism (30) are arranged orthogonally to each other and are connected by a connecting tension member (33), which is also housed in the sub-chamber (25).

6. The gas valve unit according to claim 5, wherein, An element (34) is provided inside the sub-chamber (25), which is fixed to the cover (7) and / or the second surface (8) of the valve body (4), or is stably held between them, and is configured to support the control linkage mechanism (30) so as to allow it to rotate in all cases, the rotation being caused by the axial movement of the rod (50) of the control unit (3).

7. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two channel regions having different channel cross sections are confined only in the disc-shaped element (40), which is rotatable to communicate the main chamber (28) with the main vent (27).

8. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disc-shaped element (40) is housed in the main chamber (28) so that it acts only on the main vent (27).

9. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-sectional dimensions of the main air outlet (27) are smaller than the planar extension of the disc-shaped element (40) at least at its air inlet portion.

10. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body (4) includes a side surface on which the air inlet (9) and at least one air outlet (10) are formed respectively. The air inlet is fluidly connected to the external source, and the air outlet is fluidly connected to the gas burner to be supplied.

11. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main chamber (28) is generally cylindrical.

12. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The disc-shaped element (40) includes a plurality of through holes (42) of different sizes and is rotatable within the chamber (28) between at least one closed position and a plurality of open positions, wherein in the at least one closed position the main vent (27) is completely covered by the entire portion of the disc-shaped element (40), while in each open position at least one of the through hole openings (42) faces the main vent (27) wholly or partially, so that the main chamber (28) communicates with the main vent (27) through the at least one through hole (42). - The control unit (3) is provided with a component for locking the disc-shaped element (40) between the closed position and the plurality of open positions.

13. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing element (43) includes a seal inserted between the disc-shaped element (40) and the wall of the main chamber (28) on which the main vent (27) is formed.

14. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall of the main chamber (28) on which the disc-shaped element (40) acts is different from / different from the wall of the main chamber (28) which is provided with at least one air inlet that is in fluid communication with the air inlet (9).

15. The gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main air outlet (27) is defined in the base, while the air inlet (9) is defined on the side surface of the main chamber (28).

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