CN100489395C - System, apparatus and method for controlling ignition including re-ignition of gas and gas fired appliances using same - Google Patents

Abstract

Featured is a gas control device being configured and arranged so as to control operation of a hot surface igniter so it is warmed-up to ignition temperatures of a gas when a call for heat is made and, following ignition, to control operation of the igniter so it is capable of rapidly re-igniting the gas without having to continuously maintain the igniter at or above gas ignition temperatures. More particularly, the gas control device includes circuitry that controls energization of the igniter for ignition of the gas and, after ignition of the gas is determined to have occurred, controls energization of the igniter so that the igniter can be warmed up to ignition temperature conditions within desired re-ignition time periods. Also featured are systems and apparatuses embodying such control devices as well as methods related thereto.

Description

Be used to control coal gas ignition and comprise the system of igniting again, apparatus and method and use its Gas appliance

The application requires to obtain the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60423509, and its date of application is on November 4th, 2003, incorporates reference as a whole here into.

Invention field

The present invention relates generally to be used to control the system and method for coal gas ignition, relate more particularly to when using resistor igniter, to be used to control coal gas ignition and comprise the system and method for igniting again, relate more particularly to be used to control the system and method for the coal gas ignition of Gas appliance and water heater, and relate more particularly to utilize microprocessor/microcontroller to carry out such system and method for these control functions.

Background of invention

Many utensils are arranged, and for example cooking stove and clothes drier and water heater are in these utensils, combustible for example combustible hydrocarbon (for example, propane, natural gas) mixes with air (being oxygen), and burning continuously in utensil or water heater, so that continuous heat energy to be provided.This Continuous Heat energy for example is used for cooked food, drying clothes, and add hot water so that the Continuous Heat water source to be provided.

Because fuel and AIR MIXTURES (being fuel/air mixture) can spontaneous combustions when mixing, must provide incendiary source to handle and operation continuously, till spontaneous combustion process can self sustaining to start burning.In the not far past, incendiary source is to be commonly referred to as the lamp of keeping watch at night, and in the lamp of keeping watch at night, even when heater or utensil do not move, very Xiao Liang combustible and air mix and burning continuously.For many reasons, the lamp of no longer will keeping watch at night is used as incendiary source, and alternatively uses igniter.

Igniter is can set up the device that is used for the required environment of fire fuel/air mixture when needing, and comprises spark-type igniters, for example piezoelectrics and hot-surface-type point device, for example silicon carbide hot surface igniter.Spark-type igniters produces the electric spark that can put coal gas, and igniting very fast is provided easily, that is to say igniting in several seconds.Yet, comprise with the problem of spark-type igniters: electronics and the physical noise that produces by spark wherein.

Use hot surface igniter, silicon carbide hot surface igniter for example, fire end or element carry out resistance heated by electricity and reach the required temperature of fire fuel/air mixture, like this, when fuel/air mixture flows to the closest approach firearm, just light this fuel/air mixture.When satisfying the special operation demand of heater/utensil, repeat by needs this processing.The advantage of hot-surface-type igniters is: compare with spark-type igniters, the noise that they produce is insignificant.Yet hot-surface-type igniters needs effectively igniting/heat time heating time, with resistance resistor igniter is heated to foot and can lights temperature of gas.

The igniter that the manufacturer of used hot surface igniter has several families and an any tame manufacturer is compared with the manufacturer's of another family igniter, because its certain material composition, quality, and physical configuration are heated to a certain different final temperature with different a kind of speed usually.For example, when 115 volts of power supplies, a tame manufacturer igniter can be heated to a certain temperature that is enough to a coal gas in about 5 second time, about 1600 ℉ (degrees Fahrenheit), and when powering up 20 seconds or when longer, reaching a certain metastable final temperature of about 2500 ℉.The manufacturer's of another family igniter can need the long or short time, is heated to 1600 ℉, and can obtains lower or higher final temperature.The speed of variations in temperature and the final temperature of acquisition also depend on the magnitude of voltage that applies.Especially, when the voltage that normally applies was low, when applying high voltage, igniter heats was slow and obtain lower final temperature; When the normal voltage that applies was higher relatively, igniter heats was very fast and obtain higher final temperature.

Hot surface ignition systems comprises control module, in other functions, sets up igniter warm-up time Cycle Length.The length in igniter warm-up time cycle can be based upon relatively low value when knowing when use had a certain specified point firearm of quick warm-up time, for example, at 15 seconds.Yet when particular ignition utensil to be used has slow warm-up time, or when wishing this system applicable to the igniter of warm-up time fast or at a slow speed, the length in igniter warm-up time cycle can be based upon relatively large value, for example, and at 45 seconds.

Consider system's operation, the 15-45 second ignition device warm-up time cycle specific question can not occur usually, because heating is called in its expression and allow igniter to obtain the cycle of gas ignition temperature between the required time.From the cooking, drying clothes and add the viewpoint of hot water,, such delay be expectation and the user generally can not notice.For example, the delay in the baking box igniting is shorter than significantly to baking and banking up with earth or reach the time that preheats baking box of red-hot environment.Like this, for typical user, the 15-45 of coal gas ignition postpones time that can not increase the time of preheating significantly or reach red-hot environment second.Yet the viewpoint that such igniter warm-up time cycle refires from coal gas during burning/heat treated sees it is a shortcoming, the industrial standard coal gas of foundation again the duration of ignition be 4 seconds or shorter.

A kind of conventional oven gas burner control system (comprising ignition ability again) is used the Bimetallic valve control system, and here, in case when bimetallic element stood to surpass the heat of a certain scheduled volume, air valve stayed open, so coal gas can flow through and burns.For this air valve is stayed open, in the whole cycle of oven gas burner operation, igniter is kept operation (promptly keep heating or above firing temperature), so that required heat energy to be provided to Bimetallic valve.In addition, for baking oven with self-cleaning ability, igniter keep heating or surpass gas ignition temperature, during cleaning frequency part, the temperature that baking oven is heated to raising with the residue removing and/or change (for example, becoming ash) oven interior surface (for example, spill, drip etc.).In the whole cooking/heating or during the cleaning frequency, igniter maintained or surpass gas ignition temperature, must reduce the Acceptable life of igniter.

Find that in USP4615282 the control module in the hot surface ignition systems contains microprocessor, microprocessor can be programmed, so that a certain preselected igniting warm-up time cycle to be provided, allow igniter to be heated to gas ignition temperature at system's normal operation period (for example 15 or 45 seconds), and can further programme, only to be the igniter warm-up time cycle (for example 10 seconds) that test purpose provides a certain acceleration, shorter than the preselected igniter warm-up time cycle, allow igniter heats to the sufficiently high a certain temperature of some coal gas but enough be longer than.Be used to provide the program in the igniter warm-up time cycle of acceleration, with in response to automatically carrying out from unique signal of the testing equipment that is separately connected to control module.Can provide further: this signal is unique, can not be produced by system oneself under normal or exceptional condition.

Like this, be desirable to provide a kind of new system, device and/or equipment, operation with the control point firearm, so that igniter can be put coal gas once more in desired time in the cycle, do not need igniter is maintained continuous " operation (on) " state, and be provided for the method that the control point firearm powers up/moves.Also be desirable to provide such a kind of control system and method, igniter is warmed to the firing temperature of a coal gas here, and thereafter, the operation of control point firearm is so that igniter maintains a kind of state that can refire coal gas fast.Be desirable to provide a kind of like this equipment and method especially, can the control point the powering up of firearm, with when comparing, can prolong the service life of this igniter by the service life of the igniter of prior art control device control.When with prior art system, device or control appliance are compared, such coal gas control system, the device and the structure of equipment will be simpler, and such method will not require that very skilled user could be used this equipment.

Summary of the invention

Feature of the present invention is: gas controller is configurable and be arranged in, and can control the operation of hot surface igniter, thus when call heat energy, such igniter be heated or above a certain temperature of the firing temperature of coal gas.Such gas controller is also configurable and be arranged in: behind such ignition operation, the control point firearm is so that igniter can refire coal gas (promptly refiring coal gas in the cycle duration of ignition again of hope) apace, needn't be done as traditional combustion gas control circuit, continuously igniter be maintained or surpass gas ignition temperature.More particularly, this gas controller comprises such circuit: for a coal gas control point firearm power up and, after determining that combustion gas has taken place lights, the control point firearm powers up, to make igniter be warmed to the firing temperature environment in the cycle duration of ignition again of hope.Similarly, feature of the present invention is to realize system and the device of such control appliance with and related methods.

Feature of the present invention still is the coal gas control system, can control to power up to resistor igniter from power supply, and comprise control appliance configurable and that arrange, with the operation of controlling resistance igniter.More particularly, this control appliance is configurable and be arranged in: the temperature of resistor igniter is warmed to meets or exceeds gas ignition temperature, so that gas-fired.In addition, control appliance is configurable and be arranged in, after successfully putting coal gas, the operation of controlling resistance igniter, so that resistor igniter is in a certain temperature that is lower than gas ignition temperature, and can heat resistor igniter again, so that in the cycle duration of ignition again of hope, refire coal gas.

In embodiment more specifically, the coal gas control system is controlled the operation of one or more gas control valves further, and those gas control valves controls are in order to the coal gas stream of burning.In addition, this control device is configurable and be arranged in, and when determining that at control device resistor igniter is heated to a certain temperature that equals gas ignition temperature at least, opens one or more gas valves.

Other aspects of the present invention and embodiment are discussed below.

Definition

Can be expressly understood the present invention with reference to following definition:

Term coal gas will be understood that to mean any gaseous combustible material, these combustible materials are that Gas appliance uses those relevant personnel that are skilled in technique known, the utensil (for example, gas range, the baking oven that for example are used for cooked food and drying clothes, clothes dryer) and water heater, and these combustible materials further comprise, but are not restricted to propane, natural gas, town gas, and manufactured gas.

The accompanying drawing summary

In order at large to understand the target of character of the present invention and serious hope, with reference to following detailed description, together with accompanying drawing, corresponding component explained in the same reference character, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is the theory diagram that comprises according to a kind of Gas appliance of coal gas control system of the present invention, describes the control of gas-cooker;

Fig. 2 is the theory diagram that contains according to the Gas appliance of control system of the present invention, describes the control of a plurality of gas ranges;

Fig. 3 A-D describes the flow chart according to control method of the present invention;

Fig. 4 is used for the flow chart that the coal gas control system comprises the Gas appliance of exemplary igniter control circuit according to one embodiment of the invention; And

Fig. 5 is the flow chart that adds electric treatment of describing a certain igniter, and this igniter is to be controlled by the igniter control circuit of Fig. 4.

Detailed Description Of The Invention

As discussed above, a kind of ignition system is provided now, this ignition system comprises control device, this control The operation of device energy controlling resistance igniter processed, for example slug type electric igniter. Be used in ignition system of the present invention In exemplary better points firearm comprise the slug type ceramic igniter, for example United States Patent (USP) 6852629; 6474492; And 5801361, those igniters that disclose in other.

Control device is configured to aptly: (i) the temperature heating with igniter meets or exceeds gas-fired Required firing temperature, and (ii) after coal gas is successfully lighted, so the operation of control point firearm is point Firearm is in a certain temperature that is lower than gas ignition temperature, and therefore, resistor igniter can be lighted a fire again, with Just in the cycle again duration of ignition of a certain expectation, again put coal gas. Preferably, by supervision mean value, The temperature maintenance that makes igniter is the temperature of expectation (for example, in firing temperature or be lower than firing temperature). Good ground, when igniter was obtained a certain predetermined current level, this system only connected Gas Flow aptly.

Control device can suitably move, so that resistor igniter maintains about 100 ℃ temperature or higher, For example 200 ℃, 200 ℃, 300 ℃, 400 ℃, 500 ℃, 600 ℃ or 1000 ℃, or more be lower than target Gas ignition temperature (for example a target gas ignition temperature can be about 1100 ℃, 1200 ℃, 1300 ℃ Or 1400 ℃, for example 1100 ℃ to 1400 ℃). During non-light-off period, resistor igniter also can be fitted The locality maintains the temperature (namely maintaining environment temperature) of non-raising. Yet for many application, would rather with Igniter maintains certain temperature that is higher than room or environment temperature, but in the cycle that does not need or do not wish to light a fire During this time, be lower than firing temperature (for example, be lower than about 1200 ℃, 1150 ℃, 1100 ℃).

Preferably, ignition system of the present invention provides the rapid-ignition to gaseous fuel, for example, is activating point Behind the ignition system igniting occur in about 6 seconds or shorter time in (namely again the cycle duration of ignition), more preferably exist After the activation system igniting about 5,4,3 or even 2 seconds in.

With reference now to various accompanying drawings,, wherein similar reference letter relates to similar parts.Show the gas heater or the theory diagram of the Gas appliance 10 of gas cooker or baking oven for example in Fig. 1, described coal gas implement comprises according to coal gas control system 100 of the present invention.Gas appliance 10 also comprises: controlling organization 12, main or main air valve 32, gas range or gas control valve 34, steam line 36, gas range 38, flame sense mechanism 50 and igniter 60.The electric energy that is used for operating gas utensil element is from power supply 20, and at the coal gas of Gas appliance internal combustion from coal gas source 30.In exemplary illustrated embodiment, coal gas source 30 is the steam lines in the family.Gas-pipe line contains manual ACV Air Cut Valve usually and is interconnected to the gas supply line of Gas Company.Equally, power supply 20 is the main electroplaxs in the family, and this main electroplax is connected to the power line of Utilities Electric Co. through circuit breaker electric.

Will be appreciated that: the voltage of supply or line pressure are along with the working range of in the world geographical position and permission and variation and decide.In the U.S., the line voltage of regulation is 220VAC, and normal line voltage is typically in the scope of about 208VAC and about 240VAC.In Europe and other areas in the world, the line voltage of regulation is 230VAC.Normal line voltage is typically in about 220VAC and about 240VAC scope.Like this, general line voltage change can be in the scope between about 176VAC and the about 264VAC.In the U.S., there is the situation of finding other normal line voltage; In normal line voltage is in the situation of 120VAC, and line voltage can be in about 102VAC and about 132VAC scope, and is in the another kind of situation of 24VAC at line voltage normally, and line voltage can be in the scope between about 20VAC and the about 26VAC.

Controlling organization 12 is technical known to user's input/action, can give in many mechanisms that microcontroller 110 provides output signal or the switch anyly, open and turn off selectively to make gas range 38, and the thermal output of selectively regulating gas range.In exemplary illustrated embodiment, controlling organization 12 is the known rotary switches of those persons skilled in the art, is selectively rotated by the user, and necessary signal output is provided thus.In another embodiment, controlling organization 12 has been used to selects a certain power level (for example, temperature), the one or more pressure-sensitive switches that make gas range 38 open and turn off.Pressure-sensitive switch can with being used in combination of the visual display unit of LCD or other types, this visual display unit shows to the user to be opened and turns off situation and power level information.

In this explanation embodiment, show a redundant gas valve subsystem, this subsystem is made up of main valve 32 and gas control valve 34, however this can not constitute the present invention will be limited to this explanation embodiment.Controlled atmosphere regulating device 100 of the present invention is contemplated for, and is suitable for using the Gas appliance of the single gas control valve that contains 38 of source of the gas 30 and gas ranges.Steam line 36 is any in the known many duct products of those persons skilled in the art, can be suitable for using coal gas, and be suitable for main valve 32, and the gas control valve 34 of Gas appliance is interconnected to source of the gas 30 and is interconnected to gas range 38 successively.

Main valve 32 is any one in the known many valves of those persons skilled in the art, magnetic valve for example, and these valves are with in response to selectively moving from the control signal of microcontroller 110.In the embodiment of an explanation, main valve 32 is suitable for being configured to: be an on-off valve and be positioned at disconnection or on-position in response to the signal that receives from control device that control device for example is a microcontroller 110.Similarly, a kind of in the known many control valves of gas control valve 34 those persons skilled in the art, and can selectively be adjusted to and comprise any position between all-pass and the disconnected full position, this selectively governing response in coming for example control signal of microcontroller 110 of self-regulation device.Like this, gas control valve 34 is regulated the gas flow that flows to gas range through gas control valve, and therefore, selectively controls the heat that is produced by gas range 38.Gas range 38 is any gas ranges known on technology and the structure, is with the development of known principle and/or technology, by this technology and structure, fuel gas controllably with the ambient atmosphere fusion to set up combustion process.

Flame sense mechanism 50 typically is provided for determining to exist the continuous burning of fuel/air mixture.In one embodiment, induction mechanism embodies the flame electrical phenomena that the flame between the isolating metal shell around igniter 60 and the igniter is adjusted as being used for the mechanism that flame detection exists.In this embodiment, flame detection, or the electric current between definite igniter and the shell leaks whether surpass a certain predetermined value.In other embodiments, flame sense mechanism is a thermopolymer type sensor, the temperature in induction fuel/air mixture combusts zone, or comprise a kind of optical sensor.Flame sense mechanism also can comprise igniter shell and/or gas range earth element.Induction mechanism 50 is operably coupled or interconnected to microcontroller 110, has flame or aphlogistic indication or signal so that expression to be provided.The action of being taked by microcontroller 110 is corresponding to such indication of describing hereinafter.

Igniter 60 is any in known numerous resistor-types of those persons skilled in the art or the hot-surface-type igniters, the use/application that has day that is suitable for that this does to describe.In specific illustrative embodiments, igniter 60 is the hot surface igniter between ceramic/metal, for example the Norton Mini igniter of being made by St.Gobain IndustrialGeramics Norton Igniter Products.A kind of igniter so typically comprises heating element heater, stretches out from an end of its base, and this heating element heater is fixed on this base.Should not be limited to this, because the present invention can use with the hot surface igniter of other types and the igniter device or the igniter of other types, for example Norton CRYSTAR igniter is as an example.In specific demonstration embodiment, ammeter millet cake firearm 60 is to have normal working voltage 18,60,70,80, or the resistor igniter of 150 volts of (V) alternating voltages, yet, will be appreciated that the present invention not particular restriction in these exemplary normal working voltages.

Coal gas control system 100 comprises microcontroller 110, and the mechanism of power supply switching mechanism 120 and monitoring point firearm 60 is suitable for the temperature that coal gas is lighted to determine when igniter has reached.In illustrative embodiment, MA monitoring agency is technical known induction by current mechanism 130, sensed igniter current.Known as those persons skilled in the art, can set up the relation of relevant ignitor current to igniter 60 temperature.Like this, when the ignitor current of being sensed by circuit inductance mechanism 130 reaches a certain predetermined value, be referred to as current threshold hereinafter, just know that igniter 60 has reached the minimum operating temperature of lighting the coal gas-air mixture.When this sensed igniter current reached current threshold, this condition was referred to as " confirmed " incendiary source sometimes.Will be appreciated that: other known mechanisms of those persons skilled in the art also expect with in the present invention, are used for determining the condition of work of igniter 60.For example, temperature-sensing element (device) (for example, bimetallic element) can be positioned at the position of closest approach firearm 60, so that a signal can representing when temperature surpasses predetermined value to be provided.

Power supply switching mechanism 120 is any circuit and/or the components that can carry out following operation: response is from the control signal of microcontroller 110, power up (being the cut-in point firearm) at least selectively for igniter 60, with heating or this igniter of heating, make igniter heat to being enough to a coal gas, and outage (that is, igniter being disconnected) is so that igniter stops resistance heated.As hereinafter describing, in one embodiment of the invention, after successfully putting coal gas, the power supply switching mechanism also can be by microcontroller 110 controls, so that igniter 60 is maintained certain predetermined temperature or in a certain predetermined temperature range, is lower than gas ignition temperature.This system further comprises the igniting element of enhancing, as temporarily and the U.S. that gives jointly publish and to disclose among the number of patent application 2003-0164368A1, will further discuss below and with particular reference to Fig. 4.

In illustrative embodiment, power supply switching mechanism 120 comprises the thyratron that hinders forward and reversing the current, rectifier.At one more particularly among the embodiment, thyratron is the electric current that a known TRIAC of those persons skilled in the art can hinder a direction, till it receives a gate pulse from microcontroller 110.In case receive this gate pulse, electric current flows through this triac.Thyratron or triac are electrically coupled to power supply 20 and hot surface igniter 60, flow with the electric current of control from the power supply to the hot surface igniter.Like this, hinder in the situation of electric current hot surface igniter 60 outages at thyratron or triac.Receive under the situation of gate pulse at thyratron or triac, electric current flows through hot surface igniter 60, thus, powers up to igniter, and makes its heating.

Microcontroller 110 comprises processing unit 112, random access memory 114, nonvolatile memory 116 and the application program of carrying out in processing unit.Application program comprises instruction and standard, is used for reception and processing from ignitor current induction mechanism 130, flame sense mechanism 50, and Gas appliance controlling organization 12 is input to the various signals of microcontroller 110.Application program also comprises instruction and standard, to give main air valve 32, gas control valve 34 and power supply switching mechanism 120 provide the output control signal, control allows coal gas to enter the combustion zone thus, power up for hot surface igniter 60, and igniter is maintained the wait state of putting coal gas in the predetermined period of time once more.Together with Fig. 3 A-3D the application program that contains instruction and standard is discussed below.

Processing unit 112 is any in the known numerous microprocessors of those persons skilled in the art, is used to carry out the function of describing here, and moves in the environment of expectation.In an exemplary embodiment, processing unit 112 is Samsung S3C9444 or Microchip12C671.Random-access memory (ram) 114 and nonvolatile memory 116 are numerous such storage devices, storage chip, or any as in the known similar memory of those persons skilled in the art.Nonvolatile storage 116 more particularly comprises flash memory or spindle-type memory (spindle type of memory).In illustrative embodiment more specifically, nonvolatile storage 116 comprises nonvolatile ram (NVRAM), for example the read-only storage of EPROM (ROM).In a specific embodiments, processing unit 112, RAM114 and non volatile storage device 116 are so to place and arrange: so that co-located is on the monolithic integrated chip.This is not special restriction, because these elements can dispose and arrange by any mode in the known numerous modes of those persons skilled in the art.

From following discussion with reference to understanding the figure 3A-3D: coal gas control system 100 of the present invention, and the working condition that realizes a kind of like this exemplary illustrated Gas appliance 10 of system.Also should be with reference to feature and functional aforementioned discussion of figure 1 and coal gas control system 100, hereinafter no longer provide in addition or discuss.As top note, function and the instruction and the standard of the application program of carrying out is discussed also below in the processor 112 of microcontroller 110.

Coal gas control system 100 operation, with at Gas appliance device 10, those time durations when for example the heating unit of water heater does not produce heat energy make hot surface igniter 60 outages, and turn off main air valve and gas control valve 32,34.Similarly, do not produce the time durations of heat energy at these, coal gas control system 100 is in idle condition.When need produced heat energy by Gas appliance 10, an input signal offered microcontroller 110, for example from a signal of controlling organization 12.A signal like this is corresponding to starting a signal adding electric treatment for surface point firearm 60, with a coal gas/air burning stove 38, step 402.In the situation that coal gas control system 100 is cut off the power supply when idle condition the time, for example after not receiving the signal that powers up and put coal gas/air burning stove 38 to igniter 60, can represent such signal by restoring electricity to control system through a certain period.Such signal also is to produce calling of heat energy basically.

Step 404,406, after receiving the signal that calls generation heat energy, microcontroller 100 is confirmed the existence of flame detection before carrying out and starting.More particularly, even if need, microcontroller 110 is assessed this output from flame sense mechanism 50, to determine whether output signal indicates existing of flame.Be present in the place (YES, step 406) of the flame that do not have if determine flame, that shows a fault, and block signal of microcontroller 110 outputs, so that Gas appliance 10 is in locking pattern, step 408.At attention mode, the igniter 60 and the air valve 32,34 of Gas appliance 10 can not move (for example, igniter can not power up, and valve can not be opened).Typically, Gas appliance manufacturer provides a kind of mechanism, by this mechanism attention mode that resets, and for example after passing through a certain predetermined period of time or behind the electric energy of this utensil of sever supply, and from recovering thereafter.

If determine that there be not (NO, step 406) in flame, control signal of microcontroller 110 outputs powers up for igniter 60, so that igniter heats is arrived gas ignition temperature environment, step 410.More particularly, microcontroller 110 gives the electric power switching mechanism 120 output control signals, provides electric energy (that is, voltage and current) to give igniter 60, powers up to igniter.In an illustrative example embodiment, switching mechanism 120 carries out the selectivity operation by microcontroller 110, so that igniter 60 is heated to gas ignition temperature.

Use is from the output of igniter MA monitoring agency, and microcontroller 110 monitors these igniters, and for example igniter temperature or the parameter that relates to the igniter temperature are (for example, ignitor current), step 412, and assess these environment, with determine firing temperature whether or surpass gas ignition temperature, step 414.As described above, ignitor current can relate to the igniter temperature.Like this, in an exemplary embodiment, microcontroller 110 monitors this ignitor current induction mechanism 130, whether surpasses current threshold to determine ignitor current this induction or that measure.Like this, if when ignitor current induction or that measure meets or exceeds this current threshold, the igniter temperature correspondingly meets or exceeds gas ignition temperature so.

If determine that the igniter temperature is lower than gas ignition temperature (NO, step 414), make definite that whether first timeout clock (time-out clock) stops, step 416.In other words, make definite: whether the over and done with time is equal to or greater than a certain predetermined period of time after produce giving the signal that igniter 60 powers up.As pointing out here, a given igniter is usually by the hot spot firearm, lights the required special time cycle of required minimum temperature and characterizes so that it reaches combustion gas.Like this, the predetermined period of time of this first timeout clock is to set up according to the warm-up time cycle of institute's use igniter.In the embodiment of an explanation, this preassignment time cycle is 15 seconds.If determine that first timeout clock stops (YES, step 416), so, block signal of microcontroller 110 outputs makes Gas appliance 10 be in locking pattern, step 408 thus.If determine that first timeout clock does not stop (NO, step 416), handle the processing that repetition is illustrated in step 412 and 414 so.

If determine that firing temperature meets or exceeds firing temperature (NO, step 414), microcontroller is exported one or more control signals, and main air valve 32 and gas control valve 34 are opened, and allows coal gas to flow to gas range 38, step 420 thus.In an exemplary embodiment, microcontroller 110 ignitor currents this induction of assessment or that measure are and if determine that electric current this induction or that measure meets or exceeds current threshold, determines that igniter 60 is in a certain temperature that meets or exceeds gas ignition temperature.

After opening air valve 32,34, usually cycle Time Created, in the cycle during this period of time, should light coal gas, and should set up the consecutive identical burning of coal gas from gas range 38.Typically, be set to finish aforementioned operation about 4 seconds time cycle.Like this, open after the valve 32,34, make definitely, second timeout clock that whether relates to the aforementioned time cycle stops, step 422 (P) 14-8～10).If should not go over (NO, step 422) time cycle, air valve 32,34 stays open, and coal gas continues to flow to gas range 38.

If determine that second timeout clock stops (YES, step 422), the signal that microcontroller 110 uses from flame sense mechanism 50 determines whether flame exists, and this flame is represented successful place coal gas and set up the consecutive identical burning of coal gas, step 424.If detect flame (YES, step 424), microcontroller 110 continues to make valve to stay open (for example continue air-supply valve and power up, so that they stay open), step 430, and start or set up the present invention and refire function, as described below.

Because valve stays open, also produce the signal that to control or to regulate the output of gas range 38 heats.More particularly, the controlling organization 12 of Gas appliance or temperature-adjusting device further provide signal (for example line voltage signal), with the heat energy output of control or adjusting gas range 38.In an exemplary embodiment, temperature-adjusting device or controlling organization 12 give gas control valve 34 outputs a line voltage signal, and this gas control valve 34 is regulated the coal gas amount by this valve successively, and produces thermal energy by gas range like this.

Processing proceeds to the running status of assessment Gas appliance 10, to determine whether to finish or finish specific heating cycle, step 432.Heat treated is proceeded (NO, step 432), finishes up to definite heating cycle (YES, step 432).Finish or finish when specific heating cycle, valve 32,34 is closed, and igniter 60 cuts off the power supply once more, and stops ignition function again.Step 434.

Indicate as top, if detect flame (YES, step 424), microcontroller 110 starts or sets up ignition function more of the present invention, as hereinafter describing.More particularly, microcontroller 110 gives the electric power switching mechanism 120 output control signals, to continue powering up for igniter 60, but make igniter is maintained standby or the holding state of lighting a fire again, step 440, and the existence of continuation monitoring flame, step 450.Power up as for igniter 60, microcontroller 110 control electric power switching mechanisms, so that impose on the voltage and current of igniter is such: igniter is maintained in a certain temperature or a certain temperature range that is lower than gas ignition temperature, but want enough high, with in, make igniter can be warmed to the minimum temperature of a coal gas less than predetermined period of time.In an exemplary embodiment, this predetermined period of time is 4 seconds or shorter, more particularly, be about 2 seconds and more particularly from, and comprise, between about 2 seconds to about 4 seconds.

From the existence of monitoring flame, step 450 is made definite that whether relevant flame exists, step 452.If determine that there be (YES, step 456) in flame, handle proceeding to execution in step 450 and 452, till finish or detect no flame (loss of flame) heating cycle.In an one exemplary embodiment, microcontroller 110 1 second can be shorter, more specifically in about 0.8 second, detect no flame.If determine not have flame (NO, step 452), so, microcontroller 11 gives the electric power switching mechanism 120 output control signals, so that igniter 60 is heated to gas ignition temperature environment, step 454 again.Because igniter 60 maintains standby temperature (step 440), the time of heating igniter and setting up the coal gas ignition environment again indicated as top in about 2 to 4 seconds.

Send out power up to igniter and set up the control signal (step 454) of gas ignition temperature environment again after, just determine whether a certain predetermined period of time passes by step 456 after producing a such control signal.If (NO, step 4560 were not handled and were continued execution in step 454 and 456 not in the past this preset time cycle.If this predetermined period of time is pass by (YES, step 456), handle and turn back to step 424 (Fig. 3 B), determine whether flame detection again with assessment.

When after powering up to igniter for the first time, turning on the gas-fire valve for the first time, or after when detecting no flame, making attempt and putting coal gas once more, if do not detect flame (NO, step 424), microcontroller 110 gives electric power switching mechanism 120 output control signals so that igniter 60 is gone to power up, and the control signal of main air valve and gas control valve 32,34, step 460 are closed in output.In addition, the each increment of counter of expression fire trial cycle times is 1, and the counting of counter and test-fired maximum times compare step 462.Equal the maximum times (YES, step 462) in fire trial cycle if determine this counter, so, microcontroller 110 output block signals, step 408.

Less than the maximum times (NO, step 464) of light-off period test, remove this system if determine counting in the counter so, with the surplus materials of dissipate coal gas not or burning, step 464.For such removing is provided with a certain predetermined period of time, enough the dissipate surplus materials of coal gas not or burning of this time cycle.Continue this dissipation and handle (NO, step 466) till definite this predetermined test-fired time cycle is pass by (YES, step 466).After this predetermined period of time has been pass by, handle turning back to step 404 (Fig. 3 A), confirm to handle to carry out pretrigger.

With reference now to Fig. 2,, illustrate and contain a plurality of or more a plurality of gas range 38a, the theory diagram of the Gas appliance of b, described coal gas implement contain according to coal gas control system 100 of the present invention, can be configured to control respectively each coal gas control kitchen range.In Fig. 2, alphabetical a adds the reference number of using among Fig. 1 to, corresponding to the element among Fig. 1, but provides in the control chart 2 gas range of describing with identification.Like this, will do reference, so that corresponding elements/components and functional to be described in detail in detail to the aforementioned discussion of Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 A-D.

Microcontroller 110 ' about this embodiment, the microcontroller that contains the application program of carrying out in the processor 112 of microcontroller for example can suitably dispose, so that microcontroller can be controlled the operation of each gas range respectively, do not consider the operation of other gas ranges, or other method is that microcontroller can be configured in time control single gas range.For example, a gas range can normally move, and other gas ranges will lighting through coal gas once more.Yet, in the situation of carrying out the locking pattern (step 408), owing to all gas range all effecteds of closing of main air valve.With regard to microcontroller 110 other aspects, the application program of its part and execution therein is with reference to the aforementioned discussion of relevant Fig. 1 and Fig. 4 A-D.

Will be appreciated that: though Fig. 2 has described the gas range in the combustion gas scope, but circuit that Fig. 2 describes and system configuration easily are applicable to the Gas appliance of control broad range, and described coal gas implement contains more a plurality of gas ranges and is used in the interior gas range of baking oven of baking and banking up with earth and toasting.For example, in foundation exemplary illustrative gas-fired oven of the present invention, such baking oven comprises: main air valve, and cure air valve with each and connect, be used for control and cure; And the baking gas control valve, be used for the control baking.This is similar to the first and second gas control valve 34a, the arrangement of b and main gas control valve 32, as shown in Figure 2.Yet, and compare with the operation of gas stove, in the baking oven situation, although though bake gas control valve and toast gas control valve is controlled respectively, can not operate simultaneously but can not power up simultaneously,, can not cure simultaneously and roast because baking oven is generally used for curing or roasting.About other aspects, will be described in further detail and use coal gas control system of the present invention with reference to the aforementioned discussion of figure 1-3, be used for gas-fired oven and other combustion gas and use, enumerate no longer especially here.

With reference now to Fig. 4.The theory diagram that contains according to the Gas appliance of coal gas control system of the present invention is shown.With reference to USSN10090450, date of application is that on March 4th, 2002, (U.S. published number of patent application 2003-0164368A1, to people such as Chodacki, publication date is on September 4th, 2003), the content of incorporating this patent here into is for referencial use, and its details is no longer shown in the accompanying drawing that relates to hereinafter or hereinafter describe.Will be with reference to the aforementioned discussion of figure 1 and 3A-D, and the details of public structure/feature/element and method step are no longer described hereinafter.

Coal gas control system 300 further comprises zero cross circuitry 302, application program with line voltage measurement circuit 304 and execution in the processor 112 of microcontroller 110 further comprises being used to control instruction and the standard that powers up according to this embodiment igniter of the present invention.

Zero cross circuitry 302 is electrically coupled to power supply 20, with the line voltage of supervision from power supply, and is operably coupled to microprocessor 110.Zero cross circuitry 302 is any circuit in the known numerous circuit of those persons skilled in the art, can dispose and be arranged in can detect or when definite AC line voltage crosses time shaft, in other words, can pass through no-voltage.Should zero cross circuitry 302 also configurable and be arranged in: as an output signal to be provided to microcontroller 110 during by no-voltage at AC line voltage.In an exemplary embodiment, output signal is a data signal.

Line voltage measurement device 304 is electrically coupled to power supply 20, and is operably coupled to microcontroller 110.Line voltage measurement device 304 comprises any in the known numerous line voltage measurement circuit of those persons skilled in the art, can dispose and be arranged in monitor and determine from the line voltage of power supply 4 and provide expression this determine the output signal of line voltage.More particularly, such circuit disposes and is arranged in: can determine line voltage apace and such output signal is provided for microcontroller 110.In embodiment more particularly, line voltage measurement device 304 comprises traditional electric resistance partial pressure filter circuit.In an exemplary embodiment, output signal is an analog signal, yet circuit can be configured to provide digital output signal.

Electric power switching mechanism 320 comprises thyratron 332, and that is a rectifier, hinders electric current in forward and reverse flow.In embodiment more particularly, thyratron 322 is triacs, and is known as those persons skilled in the art, can hinder electric current and flow at any one, till it receives a gate pulse from microcontroller 110.In case receive this gate pulse, electric current flows through this triac.Thyratron 322 or triac are electrically coupled to power supply 4 and hot surface igniter 60, flow through hot surface igniter with the control electric current from power supply.Like this, hinder in the mobile situation of electric current the hot surface igniter outage at thyratron 322 or triac.Received a gate pulse at thyratron 322 or triac, electric current flows through in the situation of hot surface igniter 60, powers up to igniter thus, and makes igniter heats.

From following discussion with reference to the operation principle that can understand coal gas control system 300 figure 3A-D and Fig. 5.Also, hereinafter no longer provide or discuss the feature and the function of control system 300 with reference to the aforementioned description of figure 4 and Fig. 4 and Fig. 1.As top note, go back representation function below and the instruction and the standard of the application program in the processor 112 of microcontroller 110, carried out.Yet, be limited to following discussion principle description and power up relevant special processing according to the igniter (Fig. 3 A step 410) of this embodiment of the present invention.

Indicate together with Fig. 3 A as top, if determine that there be not (NO, step 406) in flame, microprocessor 110 output control signals power up for igniter 60, make igniter heats to gas ignition temperature environment, step 410.According to this embodiment, microcontroller 110 is given triac or thyratron 322 output signals (for example gate pulse), activates thyratron, so that flow through hot surface igniter 60 from the electric current of power supply 4.More particularly, microcontroller 110 control triac or thyratrons 322, so that such electric current is mobile continuously, and so-called " all-pass (full-on) " voltage offers hot surface igniter 60, step 502.This produces a kind of " overvoltage " environment usually, that is, the voltage that produces on the hot surface igniter 60 is higher than the igniter normal working voltage.Therefore, hot surface igniter 60 is heated to a certain to fixed temperature apace, and also produces more heat energy in igniter.

Indicate as top, line voltage measurement device 304 monitors the line voltage of power supply 20, and the output signal of expression line voltage is provided to microcontroller.Receive such one add the signal of telecommunication after, the output signal that microcontroller 110 is handled from line voltage measurement device 304 is to determine the amplitude of line voltage, step 510.

This line voltage of determining or measuring of microcontroller 110 assessments, to determine certain period time cycle, in this time cycle, " (full-line) completely " voltage applies or is delivered to hot surface igniter 60, step 512.This cycle time is referred to as " all-pass " time cycle hereinafter.More particularly, line voltage that microprocessor 112 is relatively determined and the line voltage in the look-up table are to determine to be suitable for " all-pass " time cycle that this determines line voltage.In embodiment more particularly, look-up table is to be stored in the nonvolatile storage 116.In an exemplary embodiment, this processing of definite " all-pass " time cycle is to finish in about 1 second after microcontroller 110 receives the signal that powers up to igniter.

Therefore, when each microcontroller 110 received the input signal that powers up to hot surface igniter 60, according to each line voltage of measuring, processor 112 was regulated " all-pass " time cycle.The line voltage of measuring when in other words, " all-pass " voltage time that will impose on or pass to hot surface igniter 60 will power up with each igniter changes.For example, if the line voltage of measuring is the low side in a certain given voltage range, " all-pass " time cycle will be adjusted so, compensate by " all-pass " voltage that applies cycle long period.Similarly, if the voltage of measuring is high-end in a certain given voltage range, " all-pass " time cycle will be adjusted so, mend by apply " all-pass " voltage in the time of relatively lacking than low end line voltage.

After time cycle, processor 112 continues to determine whether this time stops step 504 at definite " all-pass ".Do not stop (NO, step 504) if determine the time cycle, then, microprocessor 110, more especially processor 112 control triac or thyratrons 322 are so that " all-pass " voltage continues to apply or passes to hot surface igniter 60, step 502.Stop (YES, step 504) if determine this time cycle, processor 112 control triac or thyratrons 322 are adjusted the voltage that imposes on triac or thyratron, step 506 then.Handle the step 412 that turn back to Fig. 3 A thereafter.

Will be appreciated that: the igniter of describing together with Fig. 4-5 adds electric treatment, also is suitable for use in to detect when putting coal gas once more after the flame failure, powers up (step 450 of Fig. 3 C, 452) to igniter.In such a case, before applying full-on voltage, igniter is in a kind of not heating environment or is heated to the standby temperature environment, as describing hereinbefore.In such a case, microcontroller 110 will similarly be determined the full-on voltage time cycle, and control imposes on the time cycle of determining of igniter with this full-on voltage, and after this determines that the time cycle stops, voltage is adjusted to the normal working voltage of igniter.

Though described preferred embodiment of the present invention with proprietary term, such description only is illustrative, and is to be understood that: make a change and change the spirit and scope that do not deviate from following claims.

Claims (13)

1, a kind of control to the coal gas control system that resistor igniter powers up, is characterized in that described control system comprises from power supply:

Control device is configured to control the operation of described resistor igniter;

Wherein, described control device is configured to make described resistor igniter to heat and meets or exceeds the firing temperature of fuel gas buring; And

Wherein, described control device also is configured to: behind the some coal gas of success, control the operation of described resistor igniter, so that described resistor igniter is in the temperature that is lower than described gas ignition temperature, and described resistor igniter is reheated, with in the cycle duration of ignition again of a certain hope once more to described coal gas ignition.

2, according to the described coal gas control system of claim 1, it is characterized in that, described coal gas control system is the operation of the one or more gas control valves of control further, the coal gas stream of these gas control valve control burnings, and wherein, described control device is configured to: with determine at described control device described resistor igniter be heated to be equal to or greater than described gas ignition temperature after, open one or more gas valves.

3, according to the described coal gas control system of claim 1, it is characterized in that, described control device is configured to: after successfully putting coal gas, powering up of controlling resistance igniter, here, power up to resistance heater, so that described resistor igniter maintains a certain temperature that is lower than gas ignition temperature, and set up this temperature, like this, make described resistor igniter is heated to from the described temperature that is lower than described gas ignition temperature again and light the once more duration of ignition cycle of required time of the required minimum temperature of this combustion gas less than a certain hope.

4, according to the described coal gas control system of claim 3, it is characterized in that described control device comprises:

Switching mechanism is connected between described resistor igniter and the described power supply;

Microcontroller and the application program of in described microcontroller, carrying out; And

Wherein, described application program comprises that instruction and standard are used for:

Give described switching mechanism output control signal, selectively to control the voltage that imposes on described resistor igniter;

Give described switching mechanism output control signal, so that described resistor igniter is heated to described gas ignition temperature; And

Give described switching mechanism output control signal, after successfully putting coal gas, described resistor igniter is maintained a certain temperature that is lower than described gas ignition temperature.

According to the described coal gas control system of claim 4, it is characterized in that 5, described application program comprises that further instruction and standard are used for:

Described resistor igniter is heated to the described temperature of setting, lights the required time of the required minimum temperature of described coal gas and wish in the time cycle a certain of igniting again so that described resistor igniter is heated to from the described temperature that is provided with again.

6, a kind of control powers up to resistor igniter from power supply, and controls the coal gas control system of one or more gas control valves operations, and described gas control valve control coal gas stream is used for burning, it is characterized in that described coal gas control system comprises:

Control device is connected between described resistor igniter and the described power supply to operation, and is connected to described one or more air valve with moving;

Wherein, described control device is configured to: the heating input signal is called in response, selectively voltage is imposed on described resistor igniter; And

Wherein said control device is configured to:

Described resistor igniter is heated by the voltage that described selection applies, light temperature of gas so that be in to meet or exceed, gas ignition temperature,

Like this, in case determine that described resistor igniter has been heated to described gas ignition temperature, described one or more air valves are just opened; And

Like this, successfully light, the described voltage that imposes on described resistor igniter is controlled described resistor igniter is maintained a certain running temperature that is lower than described gas ignition temperature in case determine described coal gas.

7, according to the described gas controller of claim 6, it is characterized in that, described control device is configured to: be controlled at and determine successfully to light the after-applied described voltage of giving described resistor igniter of described coal gas, so that described resistor igniter is in the temperature of a certain setting so that with described resistor igniter from described temperature be heated to again described coal gas when lighting required minimum temperature required time in the time cycle of the igniting again of a certain hope.

8, a kind of ignition system is characterized in that, comprising:

Control device, the operation of controlling resistance igniter;

Wherein, described control device is configured to: (i) described igniter heats is reached or surpass the firing temperature make fuel gas buring; And (ii) after successfully lighting described coal gas, control the operation of described igniter, so that described igniter is in a certain temperature that is lower than described gas ignition temperature, therefore and described resistor igniter is heated once more so that in the cycle duration of ignition again of one section hope once more to described coal gas ignition.

9, according to the described ignition system of claim 8, it is characterized in that, be connected to described resistor igniter operation described control device.

According to the described ignition system of claim 9, it is characterized in that 10, described resistor igniter is to carry out telecommunication with described control device.

According to the described ignition system of claim 8, it is characterized in that 11, described igniter is the sintered ceramic igniter.

According to the described ignition system of claim 8, it is characterized in that 12, behind coal gas ignition, described igniter maintains and is lower than described gas ignition temperature, but is higher than a certain temperature of environment temperature.

According to the described ignition system of claim 8, it is characterized in that 13, the cycle duration of ignition is about 4 seconds or shorter again in described hope.

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