Gas appliance and connection device for gas appliance

The gas appliance connection device addresses issues of secure connection and disconnection by using separate control members for mechanical and fluid operations, ensuring no gas leakage and precise flow control, thereby improving safety and efficiency.

EP4080106B1Active Publication Date: 2025-07-02APPLICATIONS DES GAZ
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2022168742
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-04-21
Filing Date
2022-04-19
Publication Date
2025-07-02
Estimated Expiration
2042-04-19

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing gas appliance connection devices face challenges in facilitating mechanical and fluid connections, ensuring secure disconnections, and preventing gas leakage during disconnection, with improvements needed in gas flow control and residual gas presence.

Method used

A gas appliance connection device with separate control members for mechanical and fluid connections, featuring a valve pusher and first control member to manage valve opening and closing, ensuring distinct steps for connection and disconnection, and a locking mechanism to prevent gas leakage.

Benefits of technology

The solution allows secure and controlled gas flow management by separating connection and disconnection steps, preventing gas leakage, and enabling precise adjustment of gas flow rates, thus enhancing operational safety and efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to a gas appliance connection device (2) comprising: a valve pusher (8) configured to be moved between a retracted position in which the valve pusher (8) is retracted to permit the closure of a valve (10a) of a gas cartridge (10) and a forward position in which the valve pusher (8) is forward to permit the opening of the valve (10a) of the gas cartridge (10); and a first control member (12) configured to be moved between a closed position in which the first control member (12) moves the valve pusher (8) into the retracted position and an open position in which the first control member (12) moves the valve pusher into the forward position.
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Description

Domain

[0001] This application relates to a gas appliance connection device and an assembly comprising a gas appliance and a gas appliance connection device. State of the art

[0002] Document FR2876776A1 discloses a gas appliance connection device of the type incorporating a valve pusher. When the gas appliance connection device is mechanically connected and locked to a gas cartridge, a valve pusher opens a valve in the gas cartridge. The gas appliance connection device is then fluidically connected to the gas cartridge.

[0003] Although satisfactory, such a type of gas appliance connection device can still be improved. In particular, mechanical connection, mechanical disconnection, locking, unlocking, fluid connection, fluid disconnection or even use can be facilitated. More specifically, the residual presence of gas in the gas appliance connection device during mechanical disconnection can be avoided. Gas flow control in the gas appliance connection device during use can be improved. The present application aims to achieve all or part of these objectives.

[0004] GB2240612A describes a valve for compressed or liquefied gas. WO2013 / 072372A1 describes a valve for a pressurized gas cylinder. EP0369600A1 describes a shut-off valve suitable for use in a gas storage tank or interposed in a mid-position of a pipeline. Summary

[0005] The invention relates to a gas appliance connection device and an assembly comprising a gas appliance and a gas appliance connection device according to the claims. It may be noted that aspects of the present application not falling within the scope of protection of the claims are not part of the invention but may be useful in understanding the invention.

[0006] One aspect of the present application relates to a gas appliance connection device comprising: a valve pusher configured to be moved between a retracted position in which the valve pusher is retracted to allow the closing of a valve of a gas cartridge and an advanced position in which the valve pusher is advanced to allow the opening of the valve of the gas cartridge; and a first control member configured to be moved between a closing position in which the first control member moves the valve pusher to the retracted position and an opening position in which the first control member moves the valve pusher to the advanced position.

[0007] Initially, the gas appliance connection device and the gas cartridge can be mechanically and fluidically disconnected. The first control member is in the closed position. The valve pusher is in the retracted position. The gas cartridge valve is closed.

[0008] A user can mechanically connect the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge by attaching the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge or vice versa by attaching the gas cartridge under the gas appliance connection device. The first control member is in the closed position. The valve pusher is in the retracted position. The gas cartridge valve is always closed.

[0009] The user can fluidly connect the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge. The first control member is moved from the closed position to the open position causing the valve pusher to move from the retracted position to the advanced position. The gas cartridge valve is opened.

[0010] The user can fluidly disconnect the gas appliance connection device from the gas cartridge. The first control member is moved from the open position to the closed position causing the valve pusher to move from the advanced position to the retracted position.

[0011] The user can finally mechanically disconnect the gas appliance connection device from the gas cartridge. The gas cartridge valve is closed.

[0012] The fluid connection step is separate from the mechanical connection step and can be performed more securely. Similarly, the fluid disconnection step is separate from the mechanical disconnection step and can be performed more securely. Since the fluid disconnection is separate from the mechanical disconnection, during mechanical disconnection no gas escapes from the gas appliance connection device or the gas cartridge and the "pschitt" effect is eliminated.

[0013] The valve pusher and the first control member may be configured such that when the first control member is moved between the closed position and a first intermediate position the valve pusher remains in the retracted position.

[0014] Thus, the gas appliance connection device allows to catch up with industrial tolerances and ensures that the fluid connection is not made during the mechanical connection.

[0015] The valve pusher and the first control member can be configured so that: when the first control member is moved between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher is moved between the retracted position and a third intermediate position with a variable pitch; and / or when the first control member is moved between the second intermediate position and the open position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher is moved between the third intermediate position and the advanced position with a fixed or variable pitch.

[0016] When the first control member is moved between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position, the gas appliance connection device is fluidically connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the gas cartridge valve increases (e.g., non-linearly or sinusoidally). The gas flow rate flowing through the gas cartridge valve increases (e.g., non-linearly or sinusoidally).

[0017] When the first control member is moved between the second intermediate position and the open position, the gas appliance connection device is still fluidically connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the gas cartridge valve increases (e.g., linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum opening. The gas flow rate flowing through the gas cartridge valve increases (e.g., linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum flow rate.

[0018] This makes it easier to adjust the gas flow between the gas cartridge and the gas appliance.

[0019] The valve pusher pitch can be defined by the shape of the valve pusher and / or the cam.

[0020] The first control member may comprise a camshaft, a cam mounted at a first end of the camshaft arranged to bear on the valve pusher and an adjustment knob mounted at a second end of the camshaft.

[0021] The first control member can be rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees. The first intermediate position can be between 20 and 100 degrees. The second intermediate position can be between 105 and 180 degrees.

[0022] The gas appliance connection device may comprise: a locking member configured to be moved between a locked position in which the locking member locks the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge and an unlocked position in which the locking member unlocks the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge; and a second control member configured to be moved between a locking position in which the second control member moves the locking member to the locked position and an unlocked position in which the second control member moves the locking member to the unlocked position.

[0023] Initially, the gas appliance connecting device and the gas cartridge are mechanically and fluidically disconnected. A user can mechanically connect the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can lock the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can fluidly connect the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can fluidly disconnect the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge. The user can unlock the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge. The user can mechanically disconnect the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge.

[0024] The locking step is distinct from the mechanical connection step and the fluidic connection step. Similarly, the unlocking step is distinct from the mechanical disconnection step and the fluidic disconnection step.

[0025] The first control member and the second control member can be configured so that: when the second control member is in the unlocked position, the second control member prohibits the movement of the first control member between the closed position and the open position; and when the second control member is in the locked position, the second control member authorizes the movement of the first control member between the closed position and the open position.

[0026] Thus, the fluidic connection step cannot be performed until the mechanical connection step and the locking step have been performed.

[0027] The first control member and the second control member can be configured so that: when the second control member is in the unlocked position, the second control member is directly above the first control member; and when the second control member is in the locked position, the second control member is not directly above the first control member.

[0028] The first control member and the second control member can be configured so that: when the second control member is in the unlocked position, a flat of the first control member is opposite a flat of the second control member; and when the second control member is in the locked position, a flat of the first control member is not opposite a flat of the second control member.

[0029] The first control member and the second control member can be configured so that: when the first control member is in the open position, the first control member prohibits the movement of the second control member between the locking position and the unlocking position; and when the first control member is in the closed position, the first control member authorizes the movement of the second control member (16) between the unlocking position and the locking position.

[0030] Thus, the unlocking step and the mechanical disconnection step cannot be performed until the fluidic disconnection step has been performed.

[0031] The locking member may comprise a ring comprising longitudinally extending tabs; and the second control member comprises a ring comprising radially inwardly extending projections; wherein the second control member is rotatably mounted on the locking member such that: when the second control member is in the locking position the projections press against the tabs and the tabs are moved radially inward to engage a collar of the gas cartridge; and when the second control member is in the unlocking position the projections release the tabs and the tabs are not moved radially inward to engage a collar of the gas cartridge.

[0032] The gas appliance connection device may comprise a centering member arranged to center the gas appliance connection device and the gas cartridge.

[0033] The centering member may comprise a ring arranged to be received inside a collar of the gas cartridge.

[0034] The gas appliance connection device may include a magnet mounted on the centering member.

[0035] The gas appliance connection device may comprise a plurality of magnets arranged in a circular manner.

[0036] The plurality of magnets may be arranged along equiangular lines.

[0037] Equiangular lines can form angles of 120 degrees.

[0038] The plurality of magnets may be arranged in magnet groups. Each magnet group may have two or three magnets.

[0039] One aspect of the present application relates to an assembly comprising: a gas appliance; and a gas appliance connection device above.

[0040] The gas appliance may include a stove, a lamp, a grill or a barbecue.

[0041] One aspect of the present application relates to a gas appliance connection device comprising: a first control member configured to be moved between a closed position and an open position such that: when the first control member is in the closed position the first control member is arranged to fluidly disconnect the gas appliance connection device from a gas cartridge; when the first control member is in the open position the first control member is arranged to fluidly connect the gas appliance connection device to a gas cartridge; and a second control member configured to be moved between a locking position and an unlocking position such that: when the second control member is in the locking position the second control member is arranged to lock the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge;when the second control member is in the unlocking position the second control member is arranged to unlock the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge; wherein the first control member and the second control member are configured so that: when the second control member is in the unlocking position the second control member prohibits the movement of the first control member between the closed position and the open position; and when the second control member is in the locking position the second control member authorizes the movement of the first control member between the closed position and the open position.;

[0042] Initially, the gas appliance connecting device and the gas cartridge are mechanically and fluidically disconnected. A user can mechanically connect the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can lock the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can fluidly connect the gas appliance connecting device to the gas cartridge. The user can fluidly disconnect the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge. The user can unlock the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge. The user can mechanically disconnect the gas appliance connecting device from the gas cartridge.

[0043] The locking step is distinct from the mechanical connection step and the fluidic connection step. Similarly, the unlocking step is distinct from the mechanical disconnection step and the fluidic disconnection step.

[0044] The fluid connection step cannot be performed until the mechanical connection step and the locking step have been performed.

[0045] The first control member and the second control member can be configured so that: when the second control member is in the unlocked position, the second control member is directly above the first control member; and when the second control member is in the locked position, the second control member is not directly above the first control member.

[0046] The first control member and the second control member may be configured such that: when the second control member is in the unlocked position, a flat of the first control member is opposite a flat of the second control member; and when the second control member is in the unlocked position, a flat of the first control member is not opposite a flat of the second control member.

[0047] The first control member and the second control member do not necessarily have flats. For example, a pin mechanism may be used. When the second control member is in the unlocked position, a pin is withdrawn and allows movement of the first control member relative to the second control member. When the second control member is in the locked position, a pin is engaged and prevents movement of the first control member relative to the second control member.

[0048] The first control member and the second control member may be configured such that: when the first control member is in the open position, the first control member prohibits the movement of the second control member between the unlocking position and the locking position; and when the first control member is in the closing position, the first control member authorizes the movement of the second control member between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0049] Thus, the unlocking step and the mechanical disconnection step cannot be performed until the fluidic disconnection step has been performed.

[0050] The gas appliance connection device may comprise: a locking member configured to be moved between a locked position in which the locking member locks the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge and an unlocked position in which the locking member unlocks the gas appliance connection device to the gas cartridge; and wherein the second control member may be configured to be moved between a locking position in which the second control member moves the locking member to the locked position and an unlocked position in which the second control member moves the locking member to the unlocked position.

[0051] The locking member may comprise a ring comprising longitudinally extending tabs; and the second control member may comprise a ring comprising radially inwardly extending projections; the second control member may be rotatably mounted on the locking member such that: when the second control member is in the locking position the projections press against the tabs and the tabs are moved radially inward to engage a collar of the gas cartridge; and when the second control member is in the unlocking position the projections release the tabs and the tabs are not moved radially inward to engage a collar of the gas cartridge.

[0052] The gas appliance connection device may comprise a valve pusher configured to be moved between a retracted position in which the valve pusher is retracted to allow closing of a valve of a gas cartridge and an advanced position in which the valve pusher is advanced to allow opening of the valve of the gas cartridge; and the first control member may be configured to be moved between a closing position in which the first control member moves the valve pusher to the retracted position and an opening position in which the first control member moves the valve pusher to the advanced position.

[0053] The fluid connection step is separate from the mechanical connection step and can be performed more securely. Similarly, the fluid disconnection step is separate from the mechanical disconnection step and can be performed more securely. Since the fluid disconnection is separate from the mechanical disconnection, during mechanical disconnection no gas escapes from the gas appliance connection device or the gas cartridge and the "pschitt" effect is eliminated.

[0054] The valve pusher and the first control member may be configured such that when the first control member is moved between the closed position and a first intermediate position the valve pusher remains in the retracted position.

[0055] Thus, the gas appliance connection device allows to catch up with industrial tolerances and ensures that the fluid connection is not made during the mechanical connection.

[0056] The valve pusher and the first control member can be configured so that: when the first control member is moved between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher is moved between the retracted position and a third intermediate position with a variable pitch; and / or when the first control member is moved between the second intermediate position and the open position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher is moved between the third intermediate position and the advanced position with a fixed pitch.

[0057] When the first control member is moved between the first intermediate position and the second intermediate position, the gas appliance connection device is fluidically connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the gas cartridge valve increases non-linearly. The gas flow rate flowing through the gas cartridge valve increases non-linearly.

[0058] When the first control member is moved between the second intermediate position and the open position, the gas appliance connection device is still fluidically connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the gas cartridge valve increases linearly until it reaches a maximum opening. The gas flow rate flowing through the gas cartridge valve increases linearly until it reaches a maximum flow rate.

[0059] This makes it easier to adjust the gas flow between the gas cartridge and the gas appliance.

[0060] The first control member may comprise a camshaft, a cam mounted at a first end of the camshaft arranged to bear on the valve pusher and an adjustment knob mounted at a second end of the camshaft.

[0061] The gas appliance connection device may comprise a centering member arranged to center the gas appliance connection device and the gas cartridge.

[0062] The centering member may comprise a ring arranged to be received inside a collar of the gas cartridge.

[0063] The gas appliance connection device may include a magnet mounted on the centering member.

[0064] The gas appliance connection device may comprise a plurality of magnets arranged in a circular manner.

[0065] The plurality of magnets may be arranged along equiangular lines.

[0066] Equiangular lines can form angles of 120 degrees.

[0067] The plurality of magnets may be arranged in magnet groups. Each magnet group may have two or three magnets.

[0068] One aspect of the present application relates to an assembly comprising: a gas appliance; and a gas appliance connection device above.

[0069] The gas appliance may include a stove, a lamp, a grill or a barbecue.

[0070] These aspects will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows with reference to the attached schematic drawings representing, by way of non-limiting example, an embodiment. Brief description of the drawings

[0071] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the unlocked position and a control member is in the closed position; Figure 2is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the unlocked position and a control member is in the closed position; Figure 3 is a sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the unlocked position and a control member is in the closed position; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locked position and a control member is in the closed position; Figure 5 is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locked position and a control member is in the closed position; Figure 6is a sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locking position and a control member is in the closing position; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locked position and a control member is in the open position; Figure 8 is a side view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locked position and a control member is in the open position; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the locked position and a control member is in the open position; Figure 10 is an exploded view of the first gas appliance connection device; Figure 11is a side view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the first intermediate position; Figure 12 is a side view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the closed position; Figure 13 is a front view of a cam of the first gas appliance connection device when a control member is in the closed position; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the first gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the locking position and a control member is in the closing position; Figure 15 is a sectional view of the first gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the locking position and a control member is in the closing position; Figure 16is a perspective view of a second gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the locking position and a control member is in the closing position; Figure 17 is a sectional view of the second gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the locking position and a control member is in the closing position; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a third gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the unlocked position and a control member is in the closed position; and Figure 19 is a sectional view of the third gas appliance connection device and a gas cartridge when a control member is in the unlocked position and a control member is in the closed position. Detailed description of the drawings

[0072] THE Figures 1 to 15 represent a first gas appliance connection device 2 (not shown). For example, the gas appliance may be a single-burner stove or a lamp.

[0073] The connection device 2 comprises a body 4 and an injector 6. The injector 6 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately disassembled from the body 4. For example, the injector 6 is configured to be screwed to the body 4 and alternately unscrewed from the body 4. The injector 6 is arranged to be fluidically connected to the gas appliance and alternately fluidically disconnected from the gas appliance. Here, the injector 6 opens upwards.

[0074] In a configuration not shown, the injector 6 is configured to be screwed onto the valve pusher 8 and alternately unscrewed from the valve pusher 8. In this configuration, the gas appliance is configured to be screwed onto the valve pusher 8 and alternately unscrewed from the valve pusher 8.

[0075] The gas appliance is configured to be mounted on the connection device 2 and alternately dismounted from the connection device 2. Here, the gas appliance is configured to be screwed onto the body 4 and alternately unscrewed from the body 4.

[0076] The connection device 2 comprises a valve pusher 8 (or flap pusher visible in the Figures 3 , 6 , 9 10 And 15 ). The valve pusher 8 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately dismounted from the body 4. The valve pusher 8 is configured to be moved between a retracted position or a high position (visible at Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ) in which the valve pusher 8 is moved back to allow the closing of a valve 10a of a gas cartridge 10 (visible in the Figure 15 ) and an advanced position or low position (visible at the Figure 9) in which the valve pusher 8 is advanced to allow the opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10. The valve pusher 8 is configured to slide inside the body 4. The valve pusher 8 is tubular in shape. The valve pusher 8 comprises a first annular portion 8a and a second annular portion 8b, the function of which will be apparent later. In the retracted position, the valve pusher 8 is arranged to be fluidly disconnected from the gas cartridge 10. In the advanced position, the valve pusher 8 is arranged to be fluidly connected to the gas cartridge 10.

[0077] Gas cartridge 10 (visible at the Figure 15) comprises a valve. The valve comprises the flap 10a, a seat 10b (or seal) and an elastic return member (not shown) returning the flap 10a towards the seat 10b. The flap 10a comprises a bottom wall 10c. The flap 10a comprises a crosspiece 10d arranged on the bottom wall 10c to allow a distance to be maintained between the valve pusher 8 and the bottom wall 10c of the flap 10a when the valve pusher 8 is in the advanced position (visible in Figure 9 ). The 10 gas cartridge also has a 10f collar.

[0078] When the valve pusher 8 is in the retracted position (visible at Figures 3 6 And 15 ), the elastic return member pushes the valve 10a in the direction of the seat 10b. The valve 10a is in contact with the seat 10b and the gas contained by the gas cartridge 10 cannot flow between the valve 10a and the seat 10b and consequently cannot flow from the outside of the valve 10a to the inside of the valve 10a.

[0079] When the valve pusher 8 is in the advanced position (visible on the Figure 9 ), the valve pusher 8 pushes the valve 10a in the direction opposite to the seat 10b. The valve 10a is distant from the seat 10b and the gas contained by the gas cartridge 10 can flow between the valve 10a and the seat 10b. The valve pusher 8 is in contact with the crosspiece 10d and is thus distant from the bottom wall 10c of the valve 10a. The valve pusher 8 is also distant from the side wall 10e of the valve 10a. Thus, when the valve pusher 8 is in the advanced position, the gas contained by the gas cartridge 10 can flow from the inside of the valve 10a to the inside of the valve pusher 8.

[0080] The connection device 2 comprises a control member 12. The control member 12 is configured to be mounted on the body 4 and alternately dismounted from the body 4. The control member 12 is configured to be moved between a closed position (visible in Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) and an opening position (visible at Figures 7 to 9 ). In the closed position, the control member 12 moves the valve pusher 8 to the retracted position (visible in Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ). In the open position, the control member 12 moves the valve pusher 8 to the advanced position (visible in the Figure 9 ).

[0081] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the closed position (visible in Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) and a first intermediate position (visible at the Figure 11 ) the valve pusher 8 remains in the retracted position. Thus, the connection device 2 makes it possible to catch up with industrial tolerances and ensures that the fluid connection is not made between the valve pusher 8 and the gas cartridge 10 when the control member 12 is moved between the closed position (visible at Figures 1 to 6 And12 à 15 ) and the first intermediate position (visible at the Figure 11 ).

[0082] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the first intermediate position (visible in the Figure 11 ) and a second intermediate position (not shown) with a fixed pitch the valve pusher 8 is moved between the retracted position (visible at Figures 3 , 6 And 15 ) and a third intermediate position (not shown) with a variable pitch.

[0083] The valve pusher 8 and the control member 12 are configured so that when the control member 12 is moved between the second intermediate position (not shown) and the opening position (visible in Figures 7 to 9 ) with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher 8 is moved between the third intermediate position (not shown) and the advanced position (visible in the Figure 9) with a fixed or variable pitch.

[0084] When the control member is moved between the first intermediate position (visible at Figure 11 ) and the second intermediate position (not shown) the valve pusher 8 is fluidically connected to the gas cartridge 10. The opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (for example non-linearly or sinusoidally). The flow rate of gas circulating through the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (for example non-linearly or sinusoidally).

[0085] When the control member 12 is moved between the second intermediate position (not shown) and the open position (visible in Figures 7 to 9) the valve pusher 8 is always fluidically connected to the gas cartridge. The opening of the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (for example linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum opening. The gas flow rate flowing through the valve 10a of the gas cartridge 10 increases (for example linearly or sinusoidally) until it reaches a maximum flow rate. Thus, the adjustment of the gas flow rate between the gas cartridge 10 and the gas appliance can be facilitated.

[0086] Here, the control member 12 comprises a camshaft 12a, a cam 12b mounted at a first end of the camshaft 12a and an adjustment knob 12c (or handwheel) mounted at a second end of the camshaft 12a. The cam 12b is arranged to bear on the valve pusher 8. Here, the cam 12b is arranged to be received between the first annular portion 8a and the second annular portion 8b of the valve pusher 8. The cam 12b is arranged to bear on the second annular portion 8b when the control member 12 is moved from the closed position (visible in Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) to the open position (visible at Figures 7 to 9 ). The cam 12b is arranged to bear on the first annular portion 8a when the control member 12 is moved from the open position (visible in Figures 7 to 9 ) to the closed position (visible at Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15). The pitch of the valve pusher 8 is defined by the shape of the valve pusher 8 and / or the cam 12b. Here, the adjustment knob 12c is arranged to be rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees. The first intermediate position (visible at Figure 11 ) is located between 20 and 100 degrees. The second intermediate position (not shown) is located between 105 and 180 degrees. It is understood that other value ranges are possible.

[0087] The control member 12 is mounted on the body 4, for example by a headless screw 13 received in a bore of the body 4 and a semi-circular groove of the cam 12b.

[0088] The connection device 2 comprises a locking member 14 (visible in Figures 3 , 6 , 9 And 10 ) configured to be moved between an unlocked position (visible at the Figure 3 ) and a locked position (visible to the Figures 6 , 9 And 15). When the locking member 14 is in the locked position (visible in Figures 6 , 9 And 15 ) the locking member 14 locks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. When the locking member 14 is in the unlocked position (visible in the Figure 3 ) the locking member unlocks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge. The locking member 14 is mounted on the body 4, for example by screws 15 received through holes in the locking member 14 and bores in the body 4.

[0089] Here, the locking member 14 comprises a ring comprising tabs. The tabs extend longitudinally (i.e., extending along an axis parallel to the axis of the valve pusher 8). The tabs are elastically deformable radially (i.e., are elastically deformable or movable along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the valve pusher 8).

[0090] The connection device 2 comprises a control member 16 configured to be moved between an unlocking position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) and a locking position (visible at Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ). When the control member 16 is in the locked position (visible at Figures 4 to 9 , 1 4 and 15 ) the control member 16 moves the locking member 14 into the locked position (visible in Figures 6 , 9 And 15 ). When the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) the control member 16 moves the locking member 14 into the unlocked position (visible in the Figure 3 ).

[0091] Here, the control member 16 comprises a ring comprising projections. The projections extend radially (i.e. extending along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the valve pusher 8) inwards.

[0092] The control member 16 is rotatably mounted on the locking member 14 so that when the control member 16 is in the locking position (visible in Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) the projections press against the tabs and the tabs are deformed or moved radially inwards to hook the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. When the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) the projections release the legs and the legs are no longer deformed or displaced radially inward to hook the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10.

[0093] The control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) the control member 16 prohibits the movement of the control member 12 between the closed position and the open position.

[0094] Conversely, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 12 is in the open position (visible in Figures 7 to 9 ), the control member 12 prohibits the movement of the control member 16 between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0095] Here, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) the control member 16 is directly above the control member 12.

[0096] For example, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 16 is in the unlocked position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ) a flat of the control member 12 is opposite a flat of the control member 16.

[0097] The control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 16 is in the locking position (visible in Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) the control member 16 authorizes the movement of the control member 12 between the closed position and the open position.

[0098] Conversely, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the control member 12 is in the closed position (visible in Figures 1 to 6 And 12 à 15 ) the control member 12 authorizes the movement of the control member 16 between the locking position and the unlocking position.

[0099] Here, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured so that when the second control member is in the locking position (visible in Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) the control member 16 is not in line with the control member 12.

[0100] For example, the control member 12 and the control member 16 are configured such that when the control member 16 is in the locked position (visible in Figures 4 to 9 , 14 and 15 ) a flat of the control member 12 is not opposite a flat of the control member 16.

[0101] It is understood that other mechanisms are possible. Instead of a mechanism using flats, it is, for example, possible to use a mechanism using a pin and a hole.

[0102] The connection device 2 comprises a centering member 18 arranged to center the connection device 2 and the gas cartridge 10. Here, the centering member 18 and the locking member are formed in one piece. The centering member 18 comprises a ring arranged to be received inside the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10.

[0103] The connection device 2 comprises a plurality of magnets 20. The plurality of magnets 20 is arranged to extend above the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10 when the ring is received inside the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. Here, the plurality of magnets is arranged in a circular manner. The plurality of magnets is arranged along equiangular lines. The equiangular lines form angles of 120 degrees. The plurality of magnets is arranged in groups of magnets. Each group of magnets comprises two or three magnets. Each magnet extends longitudinally (i.e. extends along an axis parallel to the axis of the valve pusher 8). Each magnet is received in an orifice of the centering member 18 provided for this purpose.

[0104] The connection device 2 is now described in use.

[0105] Initially the connecting device 2 and the gas cartridge 10 are mechanically and fluidically disconnected.

[0106] A user mounts the gas appliance on the connection device 2.

[0107] The user attaches the gas appliance and the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The connection device 2 is mechanically connected to the gas cartridge 10 (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ). The centering member 18 is received in the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. The plurality of magnets 20 retains the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10.

[0108] The user locks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 16 from the unlocking position to the locking position (visible in Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0109] The user fluidly connects the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 12 from the closed position to the open position (visible in Figures 7 to 9 ).

[0110] The connection device 2 is advantageous in that the steps of mechanical connection, locking, and fluid connection are distinct. The locking step cannot be performed until the mechanical connection step is performed. The fluid connection step cannot be performed until the locking step is performed. Thus, the steps of mechanical connection, locking, and fluid connection can be performed more securely.

[0111] After use, the user fluidly disconnects the connection device 2 from the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 12 from the open position to the closed position (visible in Figures 4 to 6 ).

[0112] The user unlocks the connection device 2 to the gas cartridge 10. The user moves the control member 16 from the locking position to the unlocking position (visible in Figures 1 to 3 ).

[0113] The user mechanically disconnects the connection device 2 from the gas cartridge 10. The centering member 18 is no longer received in the collar 10f of the gas cartridge 10. The plurality of magnets 20 no longer retains the connection device 2 from the gas cartridge 10.

[0114] The user disassembles the gas appliance from the connection device 2.

[0115] The connection device 2 is advantageous in that the fluidic disconnection, unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps are distinct. The unlocking step cannot be performed until the fluidic disconnection step is performed. The mechanical disconnection step cannot be performed until the unlocking step is performed. Thus, the fluidic disconnection, unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps can be performed more securely.

[0116] As the fluidic disconnection step is separate from the unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps, during the unlocking and mechanical disconnection steps no gas escapes from the connection device 2 or the gas cartridge 10 and the “pschitt” effect is eliminated.

[0117] THE Figures 16 and 17represent a second gas appliance connection device 102 (not shown). As with the connection device 2, the connection device 102 is attached to the gas cartridge 10. On the other hand, the gas appliance is no longer mounted on the connection device 102. The gas appliance is next to the connection device 102 and mechanically and fluidically connected to the connection device 102 via a (flexible) pipe. The injector 6 is replaced by a plug 106 opening on one side and no longer upwards. For example, the gas appliance may be a multiple burner stove.

[0118] THE Figures 18 and 19represent a third gas appliance connection device 202 (not shown). As for the connection device 2, the gas appliance is mounted on the connection device 202. On the other hand, the connection device 202 and the gas appliance are no longer attached to the gas cartridge 10. The connection device 202 and the gas appliance are placed on the ground and the gas cartridge is attached under the connection device 202 and the gas appliance. The control member 16 is replaced by a control member 116 comprising a handle facilitating the actuation of the control member 116 without accessing under the gas appliance. For example, the gas appliance may be a grill.

Claims

1. Connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance, comprising: a valve pusher (8) configured to be moved between a retracted position in which the valve pusher (8) is retracted for closing a flap (10a) of a valve of a gas cartridge (10) and an extended position in which the valve pusher (8) is extended for pushing back the flap (10a) of the valve of the gas cartridge (10) and for thus opening the flap (10a) of the valve of the gas cartridge (10); and a first control member (12) configured to be moved between a closing position in which the first control member (12) moves the valve pusher (8) into the retracted position and an opening position in which the first control member (12) moves the valve pusher into the extended position.

2. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 1, wherein the valve pusher (8) and the first control member (12) are configured so that, when the first control member (12) is moved between the closing position and a first intermediate position, the valve pusher (8) remains in the retracted position.

3. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 2, wherein the valve pusher (8) and the first control member (12) are configured so that: when the first control member (12) is moved between the first intermediate position and a second intermediate position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher (8) is moved between the retracted position and a third intermediate position with a variable pitch; and / or when the first control member (12) is moved between the second intermediate position and the opening position with a fixed pitch, the valve pusher (8) is moved between the third intermediate position and the extended position with a fixed or variable pitch.

4. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 3, wherein the first control member (12) comprises a camshaft (12a), a cam (12b) mounted to a first end of the camshaft (12a) that is arranged to be supported by the valve pusher (8), and an adjusting knob (12c) mounted to a second end of the camshaft (12a).

5. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 3, wherein: the first control member (12) is rotated at least between 0 and 180 degrees; the first intermediate position is located between 20 and 100 degrees; and / or the second intermediate position is located between 105 and 180 degrees.

6. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising: a locking member (14) configured to be moved between a locked position in which the locking member (14) locks the connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance at the gas cartridge (10) and an unlocked position in which the locking member (14) unlocks the connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance at the gas cartridge (10); and a second control member (16) configured to be moved between a locking position, in which the second control member (16) moves the locking member (14) into the locked position and an unlocking position in which the second control member (16) moves the locking member into the unlocked position.

7. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 6, wherein the first control member (12) and the second control member (16) are configured so that: when the second control member (16) is in the unlocking position, the second control member (16) prevents movement of the first control member (12) between the closing position and the opening position; and when the second control member (16) is in the locking position, the second control member (16) permits movement of the first control member (12) between the closing position and the opening position.

8. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the first control member (12) and the second control member (16) are configured so that: when the second control member (16) is in the unlocking position, the second control member is in vertical alignment with the first control member (12); and when the second control member (16) is in the locking position, the second control member (12) is not in vertical alignment with the first control member (12).

9. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the first control member (12) and the second control member (16) are configured so that: when the second control member (16) is in the unlocking position, a flat section of the first control member (12) faces a flat section of the second control member (16); and when the second control member (16) is in the locking position, a flat section of the first control member (12) does not face a flat section of the second control member (16).

10. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the locking member (14) comprises a ring comprising longitudinally extending legs, and the second control member (16) comprises a ring comprising radially inwardly extending projections; wherein the second control member (16) is rotatably mounted to the locking member (14) so that: when the second control member (16) is in the locking position, the projections press against the legs and the legs are moved radially inwards to hook a collar of the gas cartridge; and when the second control member (16) is in the unlocking position, the projections release the legs and the legs are not moved radially inwards to hook a collar of the gas cartridge.

11. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the first control member (12) and the second control member (16) are configured so that: when the first control member (12) is in the opening position, the first control member (12) prevents movement of the second control member (16) between the locking position and the unlocking position; and when the first control member (12) is in the closing position, the first control member (12) permits movement of the second control member (16) between the unlocking position and the locking position.

12. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising a centering member (18) arranged to center the connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance and the gas cartridge (10).

13. The connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to claim 12, wherein the centering member comprises a ring arranged to be received inside a collar of the gas cartridge.

14. The connection device for gas appliance according to claim 8 or claim 9, comprising a magnet (20) mounted to the centering member (18).

15. Assembly, comprising: a gas appliance; and a connection device (2; 102; 202) for gas appliance according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Stop valve

    EP0369600A1