AU2012307584B2

AU2012307584B2 - Gas valve unit

Info

Publication number: AU2012307584B2
Application number: AU2012307584A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christophe Cadeau; Jorn Naumann
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2011-09-16
Filing date: 2012-09-04
Publication date: 2015-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 2032-09-04
Also published as: ES2628903T3; EA201490594A1; EA026975B1; PL2756229T3; CN103797303B; WO2013037669A1; EP2756229A1; KR102002191B1; CN103797303A; EP2756229B1; US20140216581A1; AU2012307584A1; KR20140066721A

Abstract

The subject matter of the invention is a gas valve unit for adjusting a gas flow volume that is fed to a gas burner of a gas-operated device, the gas valve unit having a plurality of, individually actuatable throttle sections arranged in parallel for adjusting the flow rate of the gas flow volume.

Description

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 1 / 19 GAS VALVE UNIT The invention relates to a gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow that is fed to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas cooking appliance. Gas valve units of said type are described for example in EP0818655A2 and W02004063629 Al. Such gas valve units can be used to control the gas volumetric flow fed to a gas burner of a gas cooking appliance in a number of stages. The gas volumetric flow is then of a reproducible size in each stage. The throughflow cross section of the gas valve unit as a whole and therefore the size of the gas volumetric flow are set by opening or closing certain open/close valves of the gas valve unit, thereby allowing or preventing the gas flow through certain throttle openings. A gas conversion option is also described in the patent application "Structure of a gas valve unit" (201002677), which had not yet been published at the date of this application. If gas conversion is required with such a gas valve unit, a cover plate must be released and removed from the valve housing of the gas valve unit. As the connection between the valve housing and the cover plate is released, the valve bodies press against the sealing plate, thereby allowing air into the system, so that it can be removed easily from the valve housing. The handle shaft remains connected to the valve housing in a fixed manner in this process. When the cover plate has been removed, it is possible to take away the sealing plate, the pressure plate and the lower gas distribution plate as individual plates or as a composite plate. Present in the cover plate is an opening, which allows control of the nozzle plate used. Slight pressure through said opening onto the nozzle plate causes the nozzle plate including the sealing composite plate to be pressed out of the cover plate attachments. The upper gas distribution plate can remain in the cover plate. The nozzle plate can then be removed and replaced for the conversion. Corresponding geometries of the components only allow one incorporation option. The plates are replaced in the cover plate in reverse order. This solution 2 has the disadvantage that the cover plate must be disassembled before the change of gas type and must be reassembled after the change of gas type. It is desirable to provide a gas valve unit of the type mentioned in the introduction, with which components do not have to be disassembled for gas conversion. Object It is the object of the present invention to address the above needs. Summary The present invention provides a gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow that is fed to a gas burner of a gas appliance, the gas valve unit comprising a plurality N of individually actuatable throttle sections arranged in parallel for setting the throughflow rate of the gas volumetric flow, wherein the respective throttle section has a plurality M of throttle points arranged in series, and a plurality M of valve units is provided, the ith valve unit being set up to trigger the ith throttle points of the throttle sections, where i G [1, ... , M]. The plurality of throttle sections arranged in parallel allows different throughflow rates to be set, in particular as a function of the different gas types. In this process the throttle sections are combined appropriately in different ways by activating or deactivating the individual actuatable throttle sections for gas conversion. For example it is no longer necessary to replace nozzle plates when converting from natural gas to liquefied gas. It is also possible to dispense with at least one type of nozzle plate, as multiple use is possible within the nozzle plate. Because nozzle plate replacement is not required and the fitting therefore does not have to be opened, no seal check has to be performed. It is also not necessary to disassemble the switch strip of the gas valve unit for this reason. The plurality of possible combinations of throttle sections means that it is possible to set predefined gradations as required and thus to achieve the necessary settings for any gas type. If for example the standard gradation is too imprecise for the user or customer in the low output range, it is possible to set a more precise gradation in the low output range with the aid of a different throttle section or a different combination of throttle sections. 10044566 PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 3 / 19 The throttle point can also be referred to as a throttle element, control element or control device. In one preferred embodiment the throttle points arranged in series have an opening cross section that increases along the line. It is thus possible to increase the connected load according to the rotation angle of the actuation shaft. For example when converting back from liquefied gas to natural gas it is possible to achieve exact throughflow values by means of the defined opening cross sections. In a further preferred embodiment the respective throttle section has a throttle section switch for activating and deactivating the throttle section. The respective throttle section can be activated or deactivated by means of the respective throttle section switch. In one preferred embodiment the respective throttle section has a plurality M of throttle points arranged in series and a throttle section switch connected downstream of the throttle points to activate and deactivate the throttle section. In a further preferred embodiment a trigger facility is provided to trigger the N throttle section switches. The trigger facility is set up to select a certain trigger profile of a plurality of predetermined trigger profiles for triggering the N throttle section switches as a function of a gas type to be used. The trigger facility will also trigger the N throttle section switches with the selected trigger profile. The throughflow rate of the gas volumetric flow required for the respective gas type can therefore be set automatically by the trigger facility. In one preferred embodiment the gas valve unit has a plurality M of valve units. The ith valve unit here is set up to trigger the ith throttle points of the throttle sections (i e [1, ... , M]).

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 4/19 This means for example that all the first throttle points of the throttle sections are triggered by the first valve unit, in particular are triggered at the same time. In a further preferred embodiment the respective valve unit has a number N of open/close valves. Here the jth open/close valve is set up to trigger the jth throttle section (j e [1, ... , N]). When the open/close valve is closed, it rests on a valve seat. This closes an opening in the valve seat. The valve seats of the open/close valves can be formed by a common component, which is preferably formed by a valve sealing plate. In a further preferred embodiment the N open/close valves of the respective valve unit can be actuated at the same time by actuating a control apparatus. The control apparatus is formed for example by a movable, magnetically active body, in particular by a permanent magnet. To open the open/close valve the blocking body is raised from the valve seat by means of the force of the permanent magnet arranged above or below the open/close valve counter to the force of the spring. In the following the term "permanent magnet" is also used to represent other magnetically active bodies. If the movement of the permanent magnet is brought about manually by an operator, no electrical components are required to switch the valve units, in particular the open/close valves of the valve units. Alternatively the permanent magnet can also be moved by means of any actuator, for example an electric motor. The electric motor here is triggered by an electrical control unit or control apparatus. This control unit allows the same gas valve unit to be actuated mechanically by the operator or by means of an electrical actuator as required. During the production of cooking appliances gas valve units of identical structure can be combined both with mechanical user interfaces, for example rotary knobs, and also with electrical user interfaces, for example touch sensors. In one preferred embodiment the N open/close valves of the respective valve unit are formed by a blocking body, a spring acting on the blocking body and a number of separating walls to feed the gas volumetric flow to the N throttle sections.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 5 / 19 In a further preferred embodiment the N valve units can be activated in an additive manner by moving at least one magnetically active body, in particular a permanent magnet, relative to the valve units. In a further preferred embodiment a conversion facility for gas conversion is arranged in the region of the actuation shaft of the gas valve unit. The conversion facility is configured as a screw for example. The screw for converting the gas types can be positioned more centrally on the handle shaft than with cone fittings. The gas valve unit is in particular part of a manually actuated multiple position device consisting of a valve part and an adapted ignition protection. Integrated in the valve part are in particular a handle or rotary knob, permanent magnets, valves, nozzles and seals. The handle can be pressed in by light pressure and this actuates the ignition protection. The open/close valves or ferrite valves are pressed onto seals in one or more gas-tight chambers by one or more resilient components, thereby preventing the throughflow to the associated openings or seal openings. The resilient components or springs are held in a cover that it positioned in a gas-tight manner. A gas fitting for a gas appliance is also proposed, which has at least one gas valve unit as described above. A gas appliance is also proposed, which has a gas fitting as described above. The gas appliance is for example a gas oven. Further advantages and details of the invention are described in more detail based on the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a first embodiment of the gas valve unit in the switching position for city gas, PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 6/19 Figure 2 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the first embodiment of the gas valve unit in the switching position for natural gas, Figure 3 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the first embodiment of the gas valve unit in the switching position for liquefied gas Figure 4 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the first embodiment of the gas valve unit in a further switching position for natural gas, Figure 5 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a second embodiment of the gas valve unit, Figure 6 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the second embodiment of the gas valve unit in a first switching position, Figure 7 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the second embodiment of the gas valve unit in a second switching position, Figure 8 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the second embodiment of the gas valve unit in a third switching position, Figure 9 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the second embodiment of the gas valve unit in a fourth switching position, Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the gas valve unit, looking at the lower face of the sealing composite plate, Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the sealing composite plate, the nozzle plate and the upper gas distribution plate of a gas valve unit, PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 7/19 Figure 12 shows a view of the upper face of the sealing composite plate from Figure 11 and Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a cover plate with sealing composite plate, nozzle plate and upper gas distribution plate of a gas valve unit. Figures 1 to 4 show a schematic switching arrangement of the inventive gas valve unit in successive switching states. They show a gas input 1, with which the gas valve unit is connected for example to a main gas line of a gas cooking appliance. The gas provided for combustion is present at the gas input 1 at a constant pressure, of for example 20 mbar or 50 mbar. A gas line leading for example to a gas burner of the gas cooking appliance is connected to a gas output 2 of the gas valve unit. The gas valve unit has a plurality N of individually actuatable throttle sections 3, 4, 5 arranged in parallel for setting the throughflow rate of the gas volumetric flow. The parallel throttle sections 3, 4, 5 are arranged between the gas input 1 and the gas output 2. N = 3 in Figures 1 to 4 but this should not be seen to restrict its general nature. The respective throttle section 3, 4, 5 has a number M of throttle points 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.4, 5.1 5.4 arranged in series. M=4 in Figure 1 but this should not be seen to restrict its general nature. Thus the first throttle section 3 has a first throttle point 3.1, a second throttle point 3.2, a third throttle point 3.4 and a fourth throttle point 3.5. The second throttle section 4 and the third throttle section 5 are structured correspondingly. The throttle points 3.1-3.4, 4.1-4.4, 5.1 5.4 have an opening cross section that increases along the line. For example the opening cross section of the throttle point 3.2 is therefore greater than the opening cross section of the throttle point 3.1. Also the opening cross section of the throttle point 3.3 is greater than the opening cross section of the throttle point 3.2. The opening cross section of the throttle point 3.4 is also greater than the opening cross section of the throttle point 3.3.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 8 / 19 The respective throttle section 3, 4, 5 also has a throttle section switch 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 to activate and deactivate the corresponding throttle section 3, 4, 5. For example the first throttle section switch 3.5 is set up to activate and deactivate the first throttle section 3. A trigger facility (not shown) in particular is provided to trigger the throttle section switches 3.5, 4.5, 5.5. The trigger facility is set up to select a certain trigger profile of a plurality of predetermined trigger profiles to trigger the throttle section switches 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 as a function of a gas type to be used and to trigger the throttle section switches 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 correspondingly with the selected trigger profile. The gas valve unit also has a main throttle point 7 arranged downstream of the parallel throttle sections 3, 4, 5 and a main valve unit 8 arranged parallel to the throttle sections 3, 4, 5. The main valve unit 8 can also be referred to as a main switching device. The gas valve unit also has a plurality M of valve units 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 (M=4). As mentioned above N=3 in Figure 1. Each valve unit 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 therefore has three open/close valves 6.1.1, 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 6.2.3, 6.3.1, 6.3.2, 6.3.3, 6.4.1, 6.4.2, 6.4.3. For example the first valve unit 6.1 has a first open/close valve 6.1.1 to trigger the first throttle section 3, a second open/close valve 6.1.2 to trigger the second throttle section 4 and a third open/close valve 6.1.3 to trigger the third throttle section 5. Generally the jth open/close valve 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1; 6.1.2, 6.2.2, 6.3.2, 6.4.2; 6.1.3, 6.2.3, 6.3.3, 6.4.3 is set up to trigger the jth throttle section 3-5, where j e [1, ... , N]. For example the first open/close valves 6.1.1, 6.2.1, 6.3.1, 6.4.1 of the valve units 6.1, 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4 trigger the first throttle section 3. In the example in Figure 1 all three throttle section switches 3.5, 4.5, 5.5 are closed. The switching stages are therefore formed respectively in a common manner by the sub-rates of the three throttle sections 3, 4, 5, before they flow unthrottled through the main throttle point 7. This combination of throttle sections 3, 4, 5 represents the city gas variant. City gas has the lowest calorific value and therefore requires the greatest throughflow rates.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 9/19 Figure 2 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the first embodiment of the gas valve unit in the switching position for natural gas. Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that the third throttle section switch 5.5 for the third throttle section 5 is open. With this combination of throttle sections 3-5 according to Figure 2 the sub-rates of the gas throughflow rate are only formed by the first throttle section 3 and the second throttle section 4. Figure 3 shows a schematic switching arrangement of the first embodiment of the gas valve unit in the switching position for liquefied gas. According to Figure 3 the first throttle section switch 3.5 is closed, while the second throttle section switch 4.5 and the third throttle section switch 5.5 are open. Therefore with the combination in Figure 3 the sub-rate of the gas throughflow rate is only formed by the first throttle section 3. This setting represents the liquefied gas variant. In Figure 4 the first throttle section switch 3.5 is open, while the second throttle section switch 4.5 and the third throttle section switch 5.5 are closed. With this combination the sub-rate of the gas throughflow rate is formed by the second throttle section 4 and the third throttle section 5. This setting can be used for a burner with a greater low combustion output, as for example for natural gas. To summarize, the exemplary switching arrangement of the gas valve unit in Figures 1 to 4 shows that it is possible with selected combinations of valve units (switching devices) and throttle sections to set predefined gradations for setting the throughflow rate of the gas volumetric flow as required and in a reproducible manner. Figure 5 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a second embodiment of the gas valve unit. The gas valve unit in Figure 5 has a first throttle section 3 and a second throttle section 4. The first throttle section 3 has four throttle points 3.1-3.4. Correspondingly the second throttle section 4 has four throttle points 4.1-4.4. The respective connecting segments 3.6-3.9 in the first throttle section 3 and the corresponding connecting segments 4.6-4.9 in the second throttle section 4 are shown schematically. The respective throttle section 3, 4 has an input segment 3.10 or 4.10. Five open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 are provided to trigger the throttle PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 10/19 sections 3, 4. Each open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.4 forms two switching devices, one switching device for each of the throttle sections 3, 4. The open/close valve 6.1.5 has only one switching device, because it is the full combustion valve. The detailed view in Figure 5 also shows that the open/close valve 6.1.1 is formed by a blocking body 12, a spring 13 acting on the blocking body 12 and a separating wall 9.1. The separating wall 9.1 separates the channels to the input segments 3.10 and 4.10. Figures 6 to 9 show the schematic switching arrangement of the second embodiment of the gas valve unit in different switching positions. The input-side surface of the first four open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.4 is divided in each instance by a separating wall 9.1-9.4. The last open/close valve 6.1.5 is not divided with a separating wall, as the output-side gas is to flow directly to the gas output 2. Opening the open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 connects the gas input 1 in each instance to a certain segment of the throttle sections 3, 4, into which the gas flows by way of the respective open open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.5. As set out above, the throttle sections 3 and 4 comprise input segments 3.10 and 4.10, into which the first open/close valve 6.1.1 opens. The further open/close valves 6.1.2-6.1.5 each open into a connecting segment 3.6-3.9 or 4.6-4.9 of the throttle sections 3 and 4. The transition between the input segments 3.10 and 4.10 and the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6 and the transitions between adjacent connecting segments 3.6-3.9 and 4.6-4.9 are formed in each instance by a throttle point 3.1-3.4 or 4.1-4.4. The respective last throttle point 3.4 or 4.4 connects the last connecting segment 3.9 or 4.9 to the gas output 2. The throttle point 3.4 of the throttle section 3 can be closed with a throttle section switch 3.5 and also connects the last connecting segment 3.9 to the gas output 2. The open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 are actuated in particular by means of a permanent magnet 11, which can be displaced along the line of open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5. The force for opening the respective open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.5 is formed directly by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 11 here. This magnetic force opens the respective open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.5 counter to the spring force of the spring 13.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 11 / 19 In the switching position according to Figures 5 and 6 only the first open/close valve 6.1.1 is open. The gas from the gas input 1 flows through this first open/close valve 6.1.1 into the input segments 3.10 and 4.10, passing from there through all the throttle points 3.1-3.4, 4.1 4.4 and all the connecting segments 3.6-3.9, 4.6-4.9 on the way to the gas output 2. The quantity of gas flowing through the gas valve unit in Figures 5 and 6 predetermines the minimum output of the gas burner connected to the gas valve unit. Figure 7 shows the switching arrangement in which the permanent magnet 11 is displaced to the right in such a manner that both the first open/close valve 6.1.1 and the second open/close valve 6.1.2 are open. The gas from the gas input 1 flows through the open second open/close valve 6.1.2 directly into the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6 and from there by way of the throttle points 3.2-3.4 and 4.2-4.4 to the gas output 2. The gas flowing to the gas output 2 therefore bypasses the first throttle points 3.1 and 4.1 because of the open open/close valve 6.1.2. The gas volumetric flow in the switching position according to Figure 7 is therefore greater than the gas volumetric flow in the switching position according to Figures 5 and 6. Gas is supplied to the first connecting segment 3.6 and 4.6 almost exclusively by way of the second open/close valve 6.1.2. Because the open/close valves 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 are open, the same pressure level prevails in the input segments 3.10 and 4.10 as in the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6. Virtually no gas then flows out of the input segments 3.10 and 4.10 by way of the first throttle points 3.1 and 4.1 into the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6. The gas volumetric flow flowing as a whole through the gas valve unit therefore remains virtually the same when the permanent magnet 11 is moved further to the right in the drawing, causing the first open/close valve 6.1.1 to close while the second open/close valve 6.1.2 remains open. Moving the permanent magnet 11 to the right in the drawing causes the open/close valves 6.1.3-6.1.5 to open successively. This increases the gas volumetric flow through the gas valve unit in steps. Figure 8 shows the switching arrangement of the gas valve unit in which the permanent magnet 11 is displaced to the right in such a manner that both the first open/close valve 6.1.1 PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 12/19 and the second open/close valve 6.1.2 are open. In contrast to Figure 7 the throttle point 3.4 is closed by the throttle section switch 3.5. The gas from the gas input 1 flows through the open second open/close valve 6.1.2 directly into the first connecting segment 4.6 and from there by way of the throttle points 4.2-4.4 to the gas output 2. The other gas path leads from the open/close valve 6.1.2 into the first connecting segment 3.6 of the first throttle section 3 and from there by way of the throttle points 3.2-3.4. However the throttle point 3.4 is closed by the throttle section switch 3.5 so no further gas can flow to the gas output 2 by way of the connecting segment 3.9. The gas flowing to the gas output 2 bypasses the first throttle points 3.1 and 4.1 because of the open open/close valve 6.1.2. The gas volumetric flow in the switching position according to Figure 8 is therefore smaller than the gas volumetric flow in the switching position according to Figure 7. Gas is supplied to the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6 almost exclusively by way of the second open/close valve 6.1.2. Because the open/close valves 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 are open, the same pressure level prevails in the input segments 3.10 and 4.10 as in the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6. Virtually no gas then flows out of the input segments 3.10 and 4.10 by way of the first throttle points 3.1 and 4.1 into the first connecting segments 3.6 and 4.6. The gas volumetric flow flowing as a whole through the gas valve unit therefore remains virtually the same when the permanent magnet 11 is moved further to the right, causing the first open/close valve 6.1.1 to close while the second open/close valve 6.1.2 remains open. Figure 9 shows the switching arrangement of the gas valve unit in the maximum open position. Here the permanent magnet 11 is in its end position on the right side as illustrated in the drawing. The last open/close valve 6.1.5 is open when the permanent magnet 11 is in this position. The gas then flows directly from the gas input 1 into the last connecting segments 3.9 and 4.9 to the gas output 2. The position of the throttle section switch 3.5 does not influence the gas flow here.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 13 / 19 In the example in Figures 5 to 9 the permanent magnet 11 and the components of the open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 are matched to one another in such a manner that when the gas valve unit is open either just one open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.5 or just two open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 are open. The switching behavior described above can also be achieved with other components and facilities, for example mechanically, electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically or combinations thereof. During switching from one open/close valve 6.1.1-6.1.4 to an adjacent open/close valve 6.1.2 6.1.5, both adjacent open/close valves 6.1.1-6.1.5 are open for a short period. This ensures that switching does not result in brief interruption of the gas supply to the gas burner and therefore flickering or extinguishing of the flames. The switching position described above also ensures that the gas volumetric flow does not increase briefly during a switching operation. This also reliably prevents flaring of the gas flames during the switching operation. Figure 10 also shows an embodiment of the gas valve unit. Figure 10 in particular shows the cover plate 14 with integrated sealing composite plate and integrated nozzle plate. The sealing composite plate can be made up of individual parts consisting of the valve sealing plate, the pressure plate and the lower gas distribution plate. Figure 10 also shows the separating walls 9.1-9.8 of eight open/close valves. The full combustion valve 21 has no separating wall. Figure 11 shows an exploded view of the sealing composite plate 15, the nozzle plate and the upper gas distribution plate 16. The path 18 of the gas flow from the low combustion position 17 to the gas output 2 is shown schematically in Figure 11. Figure 12 shows the view of the upper face of the sealing composite plate from Figure 10. Figure 13 shows an embodiment of a cover plate 14 with the sealing composite plate 15, the nozzle plate 22 and the upper gas distribution plate 16 of a gas valve unit. It is also possible for the sealing composite plate 15 to be made up of individual parts, for example the sealing plate 15.1, the pressure plate 15.2 and the lower gas distribution plate 15.3. Figure 13 also shows a screw 19 in the region of the opening of the actuation shaft 20 of the gas valve unit.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 14/19 The screw 19 is set up for gas conversion purposes. When the screw 19 is screwed in up to the screw collar, the diaphragm seal below rests in a sealing manner on the nozzle plate 22, thus preventing the gas flow by this path.

PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 15 / 19 LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 1 Gas input 2 Gas output 3 First throttle section 3.1-3.4 Throttle points of the first throttle section 3.5 Throttle section switch of the first throttle section 3.6-3.9 Connecting segment 3.10 Input segment 4 Second throttle section 4.1-4.4 Throttle points of the second throttle section 4.5 Throttle section switch of the second throttle section 4.6-4.9 Connecting segment 4.10 Input segment 5 Third throttle section 5.1-5.4 Throttle points of the third throttle section 5.5 Throttle section switch of the third throttle section 6.1 First valve unit 6.1.1-6.1.5 Open/close valve 6.2 Second valve unit 6.2.1-6.2.3 Open/close valve 6.3 Third valve unit 6.3.1-6.3.3 Open/close valve 6.4 Fourth valve unit 6.4.1-6.4.4 Open/close valve 7 Main throttle point 8 Main valve unit 9.1-9.8 Separating wall 10 Gas input chamber 11 Permanent magnet 12 Blocking body PCT/EP2012/067191 / 2011P02562WO 16/19 13 Spring 14 Cover plate 15 Sealing composite plate 15.1 Sealing plate 15.2 Pressure plate 15.3 Lower gas distribution plate 16 Upper gas distribution plate 17 Low combustion position 18 Path 19 Screw 20 Opening for actuation shaft 21 Full combustion valve 22 Nozzle plate

Claims

1. A gas valve unit for setting a gas volumetric flow that is fed to a gas burner of a gas appliance, the gas valve unit comprising a plurality N of individually actuatable throttle sections arranged in parallel for setting the throughflow rate of the gas volumetric flow, wherein the respective throttle section has a plurality M of throttle points arranged in series, and a plurality M of valve units is provided, the ith valve unit being set up to trigger the ith throttle points of the throttle sections, where i e [1, ... , M].

2. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the throttle points arranged in series have an opening cross section that increases along the series.

3. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the respective throttle section has a throttle section switch for activating and deactivating the throttle section.

4. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective throttle section has a plurality M of throttle points arranged in series and a throttle section switch arranged downstream of the throttle points to activate and deactivate the throttle section.

5. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein a trigger facility is provided to trigger the M throttle section switches, being set up to select a certain trigger profile of a plurality of trigger profiles for triggering the M throttle section switches as a function of a gas type to be used and to trigger the M throttle section switches with the selected trigger profile.

6. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective valve unit has a number N of open/close valves, the jth open/close valve being set up to trigger the jth throttle section, where j e [1, ... , N].

7. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the N open/close valves of the respective valve unit can be actuated at the same time by actuating a control apparatus. 10044566 18

8. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the N open/close valves of the respective valve unit are formed by a blocking body, a spring acting on the blocking body and a number of separating walls to feed the gas volumetric flow to the N throttle sections.

9. The gas valve unit as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the M valve units can be activated in an additive manner by moving at least one magnetically active body relative to the valve units.

10. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the magnetically active body is a permanent magnet.

11. The gas valve unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein a conversion facility for gas conversion is arranged in the region of an actuation shaft of the gas valve unit.

12. The gas valve unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the conversion facility is a screw.

13. A gas fitting having at least one gas valve unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A gas appliance comprising a gas fitting as claimed in claim 13.

15. A gas appliance as claimed in claim 14, wherein the gas appliance is a gas oven.

16. A gas appliance as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gas appliance is a gas cooking appliance. BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON 10044566