A connecting structure of an electromagnetic valve and a thermocouple and a burner flame-out protection device

Abstract

This utility model discloses a connection structure between an electromagnetic valve and a thermocouple, as well as a flameout protection device for a gas appliance. The connection structure includes: an insulating component with a through hole and a pair of mounting slots extending axially through it; a phase socket fixedly installed within the through hole; and a grounding terminal comprising a U-shaped clamp and a pair of extensions formed by the two arms of the U-shaped clamp extending towards the same side. The extensions are inserted into and extend out of corresponding mounting slots, and the extensions are bent to form radially extending elastic arms. When the thermocouple plug, composed of the insulating component, grounding terminal, and phase socket, is inserted into the connection port of the electromagnetic valve, the elastic arms remain pressed against the inner wall of the connection port. This utility model provides a connection structure between an electromagnetic valve and a thermocouple to simplify the installation of the grounding terminal and improve the stability and reliability of the grounding connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of gas appliance accessories technology, and more specifically, to a connection structure between a solenoid valve and a thermocouple, as well as a flameout protection device for gas appliances. Background Technology

[0002] Gas appliances pose a risk of accidental flameout during use. To prevent gas leaks from causing fires, explosions, and other safety accidents, most existing gas appliances are equipped with flameout protection devices. These devices typically include a thermocouple and a solenoid valve. When heated, the thermocouple generates an electromotive force (EMF) and keeps the solenoid valve in a normally open state, ensuring gas supply. When the appliance accidentally extinguishes, the thermocouple stops outputting the EMF, and the solenoid valve immediately closes to cut off the gas supply, achieving safety protection. Thermocouples are usually connected to the solenoid valve via two wires: one is a phase connection, often achieved using a pin terminal and socket; the other is a ground connection, with various structural variations.

[0003] Taking WO2003085324A1 as an example, this document discloses a thermocouple safety device suitable for gas combustion. The thermocouple includes a phase conductor and a ground conductor, each with terminals for connecting to an electromagnetic unit to control the opening and closing of a gas valve seat. The device has an elastically deformable connecting element at the free end of the ground conductor, allowing it to be laterally coupled to a collar-like element of a tubular body to limit the position of the thermocouple relative to the tubular body.

[0004] However, this type of grounding connection structure is relatively complex to install, and its exposed design is prone to loosening or even falling off during use, resulting in unreliable grounding connections and insufficient reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In existing flameout protection devices for gas appliances, the grounding connection structure between the thermocouple and the solenoid valve is relatively complex during installation and is mostly an exposed design, making it prone to loosening or detachment during use. This results in unreliable grounding, affecting the safety and reliability of the flameout protection device. Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a connection structure between the solenoid valve and the thermocouple to simplify the installation of the grounding terminal and improve the stability and reliability of the grounding connection.

[0006] This utility model embodiment also proposes a flameout protection device for a gas appliance having the above-described connection structure.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a connection structure between a solenoid valve and a thermocouple, including: An insulating component, wherein the insulating component is provided with a through hole and a pair of mounting grooves along the axial direction, and the through hole is located at the center of the insulating component; A phase socket, wherein the phase socket is fixedly installed in the through hole; The grounding terminal includes a U-shaped clamp and a pair of extensions formed by the two clamping arms of the U-shaped clamp extending toward the same side. The extensions are inserted into and extend out of the corresponding mounting groove, and the extended portions are bent to form radially extending elastic arms. When the thermocouple plug, which consists of the insulating component, grounding terminal, and phase socket, is inserted into the connection port of the solenoid valve, the elastic arm remains pressed against the inner wall of the connection port.

[0008] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model simplifies the terminal fixing method and significantly improves the tightness of the connection between the grounding terminal and the insulating component by setting an installation groove inside the insulating body and inserting the extension of the grounding terminal into the installation groove, or by using injection molding to cover the grounding terminal with the insulating component. The elastic arm formed by bending the end of the grounding terminal can deform radially when the thermocouple plug is inserted into the connection port of the solenoid valve, maintaining stable contact with the inner wall of the solenoid valve connection port, thereby increasing the clamping force and effectively preventing loosening or falling off. This solution avoids the unreliability factors caused by exposed connection structures and improves the firmness of the grounding connection and the reliability of long-term use. At the same time, the overall plug structure is compact and the assembly process is simple, which is conducive to mass production and widespread application.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the main body is divided into a first part and a second part along the axial direction. When the plug part is inserted into the connection port, the second part is fully or partially inserted into the connection port, while the first part is exposed relative to the connection port, forming a step between the two parts. This design can limit and position the connection during insertion, ensuring that the insertion depth of the plug and the connection port is consistent, thus improving assembly stability.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the mounting groove extends through both ends of the step. This structure facilitates the stable distribution of the grounding terminal extension during insertion, enhances its fixing effect with the insulating component, and further improves the assembly firmness of the grounding terminal.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer surface of the first part is provided with a pair of first planes, and the clamping arm is kept in contact with the first planes.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the end of the second part away from the first part is provided with a guide portion at an angle, and the extension portion has a guide surface that fits against the guide portion. This design can provide guidance during insertion, reduce assembly resistance, and ensure quick and accurate connection between the grounding terminal and the connector.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the outer surface of the first part is provided with an avoidance notch, and the connection point of the two clamping arms on the U-shaped clamp matches the avoidance notch. This design ensures the terminal is fixed while leaving space for the U-shaped clamp, avoiding assembly interference and improving the compactness of the overall structure.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the U-shaped clip has a pin on the side away from the extension, and the pin is connected to the thermocouple body by a wire.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the mounting groove is symmetrically arranged around the central axis of the through hole. This structure ensures that the two sets of grounding terminals are subjected to balanced forces, keeping the plug portion coaxial and stable during insertion and preventing offset or tilting.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this utility model, the solenoid valve includes a flange, which is integrally formed with a connection port, and the grounding terminal is grounded to the flange through the connection port. This design utilizes the flange portion of the solenoid valve body for grounding, reducing additional parts, further simplifying the structure, and improving the overall reliability of the device.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a flameout protection device for a gas appliance is disclosed, comprising a solenoid valve, a thermocouple, and a connection structure between the solenoid valve and the thermocouple as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the thermocouple in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the insulating component and the grounding terminal in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the grounding terminal in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the grounding terminal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the insulating component in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 6This is a half-sectional perspective view of the insulator in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the solenoid valve in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the solenoid valve in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Explanation of the labels in the diagram: 1. Insulating components; 2. Grounding terminal; 3. Phase socket; 4. Thermocouple body; 5. Solenoid valve; 11. First part; 12. Second part; 13. Through hole; 14. Clearance notch; 11a. First plane; 12a. Mounting groove; 12b. Guide section; 12c. Step; 12d. Second plane; 21. U-shaped clip; 22. Extension; 23. Pin; 21a. Clamping arm; 22a. Guide surface; 22b. Elastic arm; 51. Connection port; 52. Flange; 53. Phase pin. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model. Example 1

[0029] like Figure 1-8 As shown, this embodiment discloses a connection structure between a solenoid valve and a thermocouple, including an insulating component 1, a phase socket 3, and a grounding terminal 2. The insulating component 1 has a columnar structure, and its main body is divided into a first part 11 and a second part 12 along the axial direction. The first part 11 remains exposed when connected to the solenoid valve 5, and the second part 12 is inserted into the connection port 51 of the solenoid valve 5. The first part 11 and the second part 12 are mutually transitioned by a step 12c structure, forming a clear positioning interface to facilitate the positioning and installation of the grounding terminal 2. A through hole 13 is provided at the axial position of the main body of the insulating component 1 to accommodate the phase socket 3. A pair of mounting grooves 12a are also provided on both sides of the main body of the insulating component 1. The mounting grooves 12a are symmetrically distributed with respect to the central axis of the through hole 13 and penetrate the upper and lower ends of the step 12c, so that the extension 22 of the grounding terminal 2 can be inserted therein.

[0030] Furthermore, in combination Figure 5-6As shown, the mounting groove 12a penetrates both ends of the step 12c, specifically meaning that one end of the mounting groove 12a is located on the surface of the step 12c, and the other end is located at the end of the second part 12 on the insulating member 1 away from the first part 11. Since the mounting groove 12a is used for the extension 22 to be inserted and pass through, the cross-section of the mounting groove 12a is a flat strip.

[0031] Furthermore, combined Figure 1 As shown, the phase socket 3 is fixedly installed in the through hole 13 of the main body of the insulating component 1. The phase socket 3 is made of conductive metal material and is connected to the thermocouple body 4 through a wire, thereby realizing the phase electrical connection of the thermocouple. During use, the phase socket 3 can be inserted and cooperate with the phase pin 53 on the solenoid valve 5 to form a reliable electrical conduction relationship, ensuring that the electromotive force can be stably transmitted to the solenoid valve 5.

[0032] Furthermore, combined Figure 3-4 As shown, the grounding terminal 2 includes a U-shaped clip 21, which is formed by bending a conductive metal plate and has high conductivity and a certain elastic recovery force. The two clamping arms 21a of the U-shaped clip 21 extend in the same direction from the bend, forming a pair of extensions 22, which are perpendicular to the clamping arms 21a. Each extension 22 is inserted into the mounting groove 12a corresponding to the main body of the insulating component 1, and extends out of the insulating component 1 at the other end of the mounting groove 12a. The extended portion is then bent outward to form a radially extendable elastic arm 22b. After the insulating component 1 is inserted into the connection port 51 of the solenoid valve 5, the elastic arm 22b can extend radially outward and tightly abut against the inner wall of the connection port 51, achieving a grounding electrical connection.

[0033] Furthermore, combining Figure 6 As shown, the outer surface of the first part 11 is provided with a pair of first planes 11a, and the two clamping arms 21a remain in contact with the first planes 11a during insertion. A guide portion 12b is provided at the end of the first part 11 away from the second part 12. This guide portion 12b is formed with a slope or rounded corner transition along the outer surface. The extension 22 of the grounding terminal 2 is provided with a guide surface 22a that matches the guide portion 12b. During insertion, the guide surface 22a and the guide portion 12b are in contact with each other, guiding the grounding terminal 2 smoothly into the connection port 51, avoiding jamming or assembly difficulties caused by terminal position deviation.

[0034] Furthermore, the outer surface of the second part 12 is provided with a clearance notch 14, which corresponds to the connecting part of the clamp arm 21a of the U-shaped clamp 21. By setting the clearance notch 14, the U-shaped clamp 21 can be partially embedded in the notch area during assembly, thereby reducing the overall radial dimension, avoiding interference with the insertion action due to the outward protrusion of the terminal, and further improving the structural compactness.

[0035] Furthermore, combining Figure 5 As shown, the insulating component 1 is made of plastic to provide insulation and structural support; the grounding terminal 2 is made of metal to ensure good conductivity. The solenoid valve 5 includes a flange 52, which is integrally formed with the connection port 51. The flange 52 has a cylindrical connection port 51 at its bottom, and a phase pin 53 is positioned at the center axis of the connection port 51. When the thermocouple is connected to the solenoid valve 5, the second part 12 of the insulating component 1 is inserted into the connection port 51, and the phase socket 3 engages with the phase pin 53, thus completing the phase connection of the thermocouple. Simultaneously, the elastic arm 22b of the grounding terminal 2 elastically deforms in the radial direction and presses against the inner wall of the connection port 51, allowing the grounding terminal 2 to achieve grounding conduction through the connection port 51 and the flange 52. Therefore, the phase connection and grounding connection can be completed in the same insertion action, significantly simplifying the installation process.

[0036] Furthermore, combined Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface of the second part 12 is provided with a pair of second planes 12d, which are arranged in parallel and form an angle with the elastic arm 22b of the grounding terminal 2. The elastic arm 22b and the second planes 12d are kept in a non-fully fitted state, so that when the insulating member 1 is inserted into the connection port 51 of the solenoid valve 5, the elastic arm 22b can extend radially outward, with sufficient deformation space to enhance the clamping force and prevent the elastic arm 22b from losing its elasticity due to full fit.

[0037] Furthermore, combined Figure 4 As shown, the U-shaped clip 21 has a pin 23 on the side away from the extension 22. The pin 23 is connected to the thermocouple body 4 through a wire to facilitate electrical connection.

[0038] Furthermore, the mounting groove 12a of the insulating component 1 is set with the central axis of the through hole 13 as a symmetrical reference. The symmetrical arrangement ensures that the grounding terminal 2 is subjected to balanced force on both sides during insertion, and keeps the plug coaxial when inserted into the connection port 51 of the solenoid valve 5, further improving the insertion stability and vibration resistance.

[0039] Combination Figure 7-8 As shown, another embodiment discloses a flameout protection device for a gas appliance, which includes a solenoid valve 5, a thermocouple, and the connection structure between the solenoid valve and the thermocouple in this embodiment. Its working principle is as follows: After the appliance is ignited, the thermocouple generates an electromotive force under heat. This electromotive force is transmitted to the phase pin 53 of the solenoid valve 5 via the phase socket 3 and a wire, energizing the coil of the solenoid valve 5 and keeping the valve open, thereby ensuring gas supply. Simultaneously, the grounding terminal 2 forms a grounding circuit with the inner wall of the solenoid valve 5 connection port 51 and the flange 52 via the elastic arm 22b, ensuring circuit integrity. When the appliance accidentally flames out, the thermocouple stops heating and outputting an electromotive force, the coil of the solenoid valve 5 is de-energized, and the valve closes to cut off the gas supply, achieving the purpose of flameout protection.

[0040] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0041] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connection structure between a solenoid valve and a thermocouple, characterized in that, include: An insulating component, wherein the insulating component is provided with a through hole and a pair of mounting grooves along the axial direction, and the through hole is located at the center of the insulating component; A phase socket, wherein the phase socket is fixedly installed in the through hole; The grounding terminal includes a U-shaped clamp and a pair of extensions formed by the two clamping arms of the U-shaped clamp extending toward the same side. The extensions are inserted into and extend out of the corresponding mounting groove, and the extended portions are bent to form radially extending elastic arms. When the thermocouple plug, which consists of the insulating component, grounding terminal, and phase socket, is inserted into the connection port of the solenoid valve, the elastic arm remains pressed against the inner wall of the connection port.

2. The structure for connecting a solenoid valve and a thermocouple according to claim 1, wherein: The insulating component is divided into a first part and a second part along the axial direction. When the plug part is inserted into the connection port, all or part of the second part extends into the connection port. The first part is exposed relative to the connection port, and the second part protrudes outward relative to the first part to form a step.

3. The structure according to claim 2, wherein: The mounting groove extends through both ends of the step.

4. The structure according to claim 2, wherein: The outer surface of the first part is provided with a pair of first planes, and the clamping arm is in contact with the first planes.

5. The structure for connecting a solenoid valve and a thermocouple according to claim 2, wherein: The second part has a guide portion at one end away from the first part, and the extension has a guide surface that fits with the guide portion.

6. The structure for connecting a solenoid valve and a thermocouple according to claim 2, wherein: The outer surface of the first part is provided with a clearance notch, and the connection between the two clamping arms of the U-shaped clamp matches the clearance notch.

7. The structure according to claim 6, wherein: The U-shaped clamp has a pin on the side away from the extension, and the pin is connected to the thermocouple body via a wire.

8. The connection structure of a solenoid valve and a thermocouple according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The mounting groove is symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis of the through hole.

9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein: The solenoid valve includes a flange integrally formed with the connection port, and the grounding terminal is grounded via the connection port and the flange.

10. A flame failure protection device for a gas appliance, characterised in that: It includes a solenoid valve, a thermocouple, and the connection structure between the solenoid valve and the thermocouple as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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