EP1592923B1 - Method and circuit for igniting a gas flow - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a circuit for igniting a gas flow in a fully automatic manner. The aim of the invention is to maintain the necessary current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, once an electronic control unit has been activated, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (2) is opened by an electromagnet which is temporarily excited by a rush of current, is maintained in the open position by a safety pilot magnet (6) by means of a holding current provided by a voltage source (10), and the escaping gas is ignited. Once a thermoelectric couple (4) is provided for the necessary holding current, the voltage source (10) is switched off. In the event of damage, the method is automatically interrupted.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for igniting a gas stream and a circuit arrangement for carrying out this method, as they can be used in particular for gas control valves for a gas heating furnace.

State of the art

Possibilities for igniting a gas stream are available in a variety of designs.

So is in the US 5 722 823 A an igniter for igniting gases described. The ignition device comprises a solenoid which actuates a gas valve, an igniter for electrically igniting the gas flow and a remote control, which is connected via a low-voltage line to the solenoid and the ignition on. The remote control includes a power supply and a timer for the timely provision of low voltage.

This design requires a lot of energy to ignite the gas stream. Thus, three relay coils are supplied, which mean a relatively high power consumption. Furthermore, the solenoid valve is constantly energized during the ignition process, which has a high current consumption result. For energy supply, therefore, only a power supply comes into question. A further disadvantage is that errors occurring within the circuit can lead to a state influencing the safety.

From the GB 2 351 341 A a valve device for controlling the ignition of a gas burner is known. An actuating spindle is moved by hand to the ignition position, the ignition safety valve is opened. The actuating spindle need only be kept in this position for a short time, since during the movement of the actuating spindle, a micro switch is turned on. This causes a power supply to provide a voltage to hold the magnetic insert. Ignition is via a piezoelectric spark ignition. The power supply is switched off when the thermo-current supplied by a thermocouple is sufficient to hold the pilot-operated safety valve in the open position.

Even with this solution, it is disadvantageous that a power supply is used. In addition, an additional effort for the implementation of the piezoelectric spark ignition is necessary. In particular, with a larger line spacing between Zündsicherungsventil and burner opening, the problem is that at the time of ignition is still no flammable gas mixture may be present at the burner port, since the time period between the opening of the Zündsicherungsventils and the ignition is relatively low.

Furthermore, in the DE 93 07 895 U a multi-function valve with thermoelectric fuse for gas burners of heating systems described. This multi-function valve uses the existing mains power supply of a room for its operation. To ignite the gas flow, a solenoid valve is energized via a pushbutton, whereby the ignition safety valve is opened. At the same time the ignition of the gas flow. A thermocouple located in the area of the ignited gas flame is heated and brings about the resulting thermo-current a magnetic insert in the excited state. The magnet holds an anchor and thus also connected to the armature ignition safety valve in the open position. Now the push button can be released and the solenoid valve de-energized.

Here it is disadvantageous that the push-button must be held until the thermal fuse in the ignition position valve is held in the open position. Also disadvantageous is that due to the fact that the solenoid valve must remain energized this time on the mains power supply, the power consumption is relatively high and thus a mains power supply is necessary.

The two in the GB 2 351 341 A and in the DE 93 07 895 U described solutions also have the disadvantage that they can not be operated fully automatically, but that a manual operation is required. Other methods and arrangements for igniting a gas stream are out DE 3126639A and from DE 28 09 843 A known.

Presentation of the invention

The invention is based on the problem to develop a method for fully automatic ignition of a gas stream and a circuit arrangement for carrying out this method, which have such a low power consumption that an integrable voltage source can be used while ensuring a sufficient life. Furthermore, the structure should be as simple and inexpensive as possible.

According to the invention, the problem is solved in terms of the method by activating a transverter which generates a higher voltage from a DC voltage provided by a voltage source with which a storage capacitor and a starting capacitor serving to provide the ignition voltage are charged. A per se known Zündsicherungsmagnet is activated with a holding current provided by the voltage source, at the same time an existing between the Zündsicherungsmagneten and one influenced by the gas flame thermocouple circuit is interrupted via a relay. About a switching element, the storage capacitor is then discharged suddenly, with a surge is generated, which serves for short-term excitation of an electromagnet to open a per se known Zündsicherungsventil while applying the armature of the Zündsicherungsmagneten. Due to the activated by the holding current Zündsicherungsmagneten the armature is held after its successful installation in this position and one with the ignition capacitor via an ignition transformer connected ignition electrode in a known manner generates a spark for igniting the outflowing gas. Subsequently, further ignition processes are initiated by the ignition capacitor recharged and after charging a renewed spark is generated. After a predetermined time, the ignition is stopped. The current flowing from the voltage source to the Zündsicherungsmagneten holding current is interrupted and closed between the Zündsicherungsmagneten and the thermocouple existing circuit via the relay again.

Thus, a solution was found with which the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art have been eliminated. A short operation of the electronic control unit ignition of the gas flow is possible. Due to the independent of the duration of the operation of the control unit only pulse-like actuation of the electromagnet, a very low power requirement. Furthermore, it is possible to use the generation of the spark on the voltage source, so that the additional cost of a piezoelectric igniter can be omitted.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the other claims.

So it turns out to be advantageous if first by the electronic control unit after its activation to ignite the gas flow, a check is made as to whether a gas flame burns. In the case of positive information, the ignition process is aborted, whereas in the case of negative information, the method steps listed above are carried out.

Furthermore, there is an advantageous embodiment of the method, when the presence of a thermoelectric voltage is measured, wherein in the absence of thermoelectric voltage further ignition processes, as described above, are initiated. If there is a detectable thermoelectric voltage, however, the ignition is terminated. Once the from the measured thermoelectric voltage electronically calculated thermo-current is sufficient to hold the armature on the Zündsicherungsmagneten, the current flowing from the voltage source to the Zündsicherungsmagneten holding current is interrupted and closes the existing between the Zündsicherungsmagneten and the thermocouple circuit via the relay again.

It is also conceivable that the storage capacitor and the ignition capacitor are relatively easily charged via a respective associated transverter to different voltages.

Furthermore, there is a favorable embodiment of the method, if from the voltage source provided by the DC voltage higher AC voltage is generated by a power oscillator instead of the transverter is used and the storage capacitor until the initiation of the ignition to a power oscillator downstream first stage of a multiple cascade is switched, after which the storage capacitor and the electrically connected to the second stage of the multiple cascade ignition capacitor are charged by the higher AC voltage through the cascade to predetermined higher DC voltages. After reaching the predetermined higher DC voltages of the power oscillator is turned off and turned on when initiating further ignitions again.

In order to further reduce the power requirement, which proves to be particularly favorable when the voltage source consists of a battery which may be made so small in size that they are located together with the electronic control unit in the housing of a receiver part of a remote control can, the holding current provided by the voltage source for holding the armature simultaneously via the Zündsicherungsmagneten and the relay flow, wherein at the time of closing the between Zündsicherungsmagnet and thermocouple existing circuit briefly an additional current is generated to reliably prevent the armature during Switching the relay due to the momentary power interruption at intermediate position the switching contacts of the relay drops. On the other hand, it is also conceivable for the voltage of the holding current provided by the voltage source to be provided to the ignition fuse magnet to be converted into the millivolt range via an additional transverter.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the presence of a thermoelectric voltage is measured by means of an analogue amplifier,

To increase the security of the method, for example when an accident occurs, a method step, which interrupts the excitation of the Zündsicherungsmagneten via the voltage source in addition by one or more independent series-connected and timed safety shutdown after a defined period of time.

Thus, the period between the first ignition and the following ignition is kept as short as possible, it is favorable for energy saving reasons, if the storage capacitor is switched off from the cascade before further cyclic charging of the ignition capacitor.

On the part of the circuit arrangement, the problem is solved according to the invention by the features specified in patent claim 12. Advantageous embodiments and further developments can be found in the associated subclaims.

embodiment

• Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung der Schaltungsanordnung,
• Fig. 2 eine detaillierte Darstellung des Leistungsoszillators
• Fig. 3 eine detaillierte Darstellung des Analogverstärkers.

The method according to the invention and the circuit arrangement according to the invention for igniting a gas stream are explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment. The individual representations show:

• Fig. 1 a schematic representation of the circuit arrangement,
• Fig. 2 a detailed representation of the power oscillator
• Fig. 3 a detailed representation of the analog amplifier.

In the Fig. 1 illustrated exemplary circuit arrangement according to the invention for carrying out the method for igniting a gas stream is used in a gas control valve. This gas control valve is a switching and control device, which is preferably intended for installation in a gas-fired stove or the like. It enables the operation and monitoring of a burner by controlling the amount of gas flowing to the burner. In addition to the invention not essential and therefore not shown in this embodiment modules, the gas control valve has a pilot burner 1 and an ignition valve 2. The structure and function of the pilot burner 1 and the Zündsicherungsventils 2 are familiar to the expert and are therefore not explained here.

For controlling serves as an electronic control unit, not shown microcomputer module, which is in this embodiment, together with a voltage source 10 in a separate location-independent housing also not shown the receiver part of a remote control. Serve as voltage source 10, as shown in the drawing, commercially available batteries, in this case the size R6.

A power oscillator 11 described in more detail below, which can be controlled by the microcomputer module via a port J, is connected to the voltage source 10. It is followed by a cascade 12/13 which serves to control and supply a downstream storage capacitor C1 and to control and supply a downstream ignition capacitor C2. Since the voltage required to charge the storage capacitor C1 is significantly less than the voltage required to charge the ignition capacitor C2, the cascade circuit 12/13 is implemented as a multiple cascade connection.

Here, the first stage of the cascade 12 is used to control and supply the downstream storage capacitor C1. This in turn is followed by an electromagnet 5, which, as shown schematically in the illustration, for actuating a known Zündsicherungsventils 2 is used. Due to the only short-term load in this case a thermally undersized so-called pulse magnet 5 is sufficient.

The second stage of the cascade 13 serves to control and supply the downstream ignition capacitor C2, which is part of a known per se, and therefore not explained in more detail here ignition device. Via a port C, the ignition capacitor C2 can be controlled by the microcomputer module for ignition. Furthermore, the second stage of the cascade 13 is connected to a voltage monitoring element 14. At the same time, the element 14 serves to limit the occurring maximum voltage in order to prevent the destruction of components. In this case, an additional voltage monitoring for the storage capacitor C1 can be dispensed with since, after the ignition capacitor C2 has been charged, it can also be assumed that the storage capacitor C1 has been charged up. For feedback to the microcomputer module is the Port D.

In Fig. 2 the circuit of the used power oscillator 11 is shown in detail. The power oscillator 11 consists of a CMOS circuit 15, which is known per se to a person skilled in the art, with at least four gates. These gates can be NOR gates, NAND gates, simple inverters or similar. Subordinate to them is a complementary field effect power stage 16, which is followed by an LC series resonant circuit consisting of coil L1 and HF capacitor C3. For feedback and phase adjustment serves as a so-called phase shifter 19, an RC element.

As in Fig. 1 further illustrated, an ignition fuse 6 associated Zündsicherungsmagnet 6 is connected to a thermocouple 4. In this circuit, the opener of a monostable relay 17 is additionally arranged, whereas in the energized state this circuit is open and the ignition safety magnet 6 is energized by the voltage source 10 formed by the batteries. For this purpose, a switching element, in this case a transistor T1, which can be controlled by the microcomputer module via port G, is connected on the one hand to the voltage source 10 and on the other hand to the relay 17. Parallel to the relay 17, a resistor R1 is additionally arranged, since the holding current required for the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 is higher than the current flowing through the relay 17 current. Furthermore, there are two series-connected timed safety shutdowns 18 in this circuit, which are connected via the ports H and M in terms of control with the microcomputer module.

Between relay 17 and safety shutdown 18, two further switching elements, a transistor T2 and a transistor T3, are connected to this circuit. While the transistor T2, which is preceded by a resistor R3, connected to the negative terminal of the voltage source 10 and can be controlled via the port F from the microcomputer module, the transistor T3 is connected to the positive terminal of the voltage source 10 and can via the port E from the microcomputer module be controlled.

In the circuit arrangement, furthermore, an analog amplifier 20 is connected in parallel with the thermocouple 4. This analog amplifier 20 has the task of measuring and amplifying a DC voltage of the thermocouple 4 which occurs in the millivolt range and to convert it into a variable that can be processed for the microcomputer module. Since the DC amplifiers otherwise customary for such cases require, on the one hand, an additional auxiliary voltage lying above the operating voltage and, on the other hand, drift deviations, for example due to temperature influences, the analog amplifier 20 is designed as an AC amplifier.

• Ein vom Mikrorechnermodul über Port L ansteuerbarer Feldeffekttransistor T4 und
• ein Widerstand R2 bilden einen steuerbaren Spannungsteiler. Dem Spannungsteiler sind ein Vorverstärker V1 und ein Nachverstärker V2 nachgeordnet, denen jeweils ein Koppelkondensator C4 / C5 zugeordnet ist.

Below is the analog amplifier, as well as in Fig. 3 shown, described as follows:

• A controllable by the microcomputer module via port L field effect transistor T4 and
• a resistor R2 form a controllable voltage divider. The voltage divider downstream of a preamplifier V1 and a post-amplifier V2, each of which a coupling capacitor C4 / C5 is assigned.

In the case of the preamplifier V1, the reference potential is formed by the positive voltage in order to eliminate fluctuations in the on-board voltage. In contrast, the repeater V2, the reference potential is formed by mass. Both amplifiers V1 / V2 and a trigger TR are put into operation via the port K of the microcomputer module, since they are put out of operation as a power saving measure when not in use. The trigger TR located behind the postamplifier V2 is in turn connected to the microcomputer module via port 1.

To carry out the method, the command for igniting is given to the microcomputer module via the remote control. The activated via port K analog amplifier 20 is checked whether the thermocouple 4 is applied a thermoelectric voltage and given the appropriate information via port I to the microcomputer module. While in the presence of a thermoelectric voltage, which is synonymous with a burning pilot flame, the ignition process is stopped, the voltage divider of the analog amplifier 20 is controlled by the microcomputer module via port L in the absence of a thermal voltage. By a single circuit of the voltage divider, the present at the thermocouple 4 DC voltage is converted into an AC voltage pulse. Via the coupling capacitor C4, the pulse reaches the preamplifier V1. The signal coming from the preamplifier V1 is coupled via the coupling capacitor C5 to the post-amplifier V2 and amplified again. This analogue signal coming from the postamplifier V2 is triggered by the trigger TR at fixed trigger points, as in the Fig. 3 associated diagram, digitized.

In the diagram, the curve of the voltage U over the time t is plotted. By the trigger TR is in a predetermined voltage level SE at the Initiation of the pulse signal IS at the time TL, a first trigger point TR1 and the fall of the voltage of the pulse signal IS set a second trigger point TR2, which is assigned a time TE. The time interval between the two times TL and TE is a measurement signal MS.

The measurement signal MS thus obtained from the existing thermal voltage passes through the port I to the microcomputer module for evaluation. In this case, the length of the measuring signal MS is directly proportional to the thermoelectric voltage present on the thermocouple 4.

While in the presence of a thermal voltage, i. an already burning pilot flame, the ignition is canceled, are activated in the absence of a thermal voltage through the microcomputer module via port J of the power oscillator 11 and connected via port A of the storage capacitor C1 to the first stage 12 of the multiple cascade.

By activating the power oscillator 11, the resonant circuit begins to oscillate via the feedback member, i. the resonant circuit is the self-oscillating and frequency-determining power oscillator 11. Thus, at the output of the power oscillator 11 is compared to the predetermined by the batteries at the input low DC voltage to a multiple higher AC voltage. With this alternating voltage, the storage capacitor C1 and the ignition capacitor C2 are charged with the aid of the two cascade stages 12/13 of the multiple cascade until the voltage monitoring and limiting of the maximum voltage occurring element 14 responds and sends a signal to the microcomputer module via the port D, which then via the port J the power oscillator 11 turns off.

Subsequently, the time-controlled safety shutdown 18 are activated via the port M and supplied via the port T G driven transistor T1 of the Zündsicherungsmagnet 6 with a coming from the voltage source 10 holding current by the relay 17 is energized and so the circuit between the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 and the thermocouple 4 is opened. By then following control of the port B, the storage capacitor C1 is discharged suddenly. Thereafter, the storage capacitor C1 is disconnected from the cascade stage 12 via port A. The pulse magnet 5 is briefly energized by this surge and a plunger 7 is moved against the force of a closing spring 8 until the armature 3 comes to rest on the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6. Due to the flowing holding current of the armature 3 is held in this position and thus the Zündsicherungsventil 2 in the open position. The gas can flow through the gas control valve to the pilot burner 1.

When an accident occurs, such as failure of a component or the like, the energization of the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 via the voltage source 10 is additionally interrupted by one or more independent series-connected and timed safety shutdown 18 after a defined period of time and the Zündsicherungsventil 2 does not remain in the open position, but is closed by the closing spring 8 again.

Via port C is activated by the microcomputer module, the ignition device, the ignition capacitor C2 discharges and it comes to the ignition electrode 9 to skip the spark, causing the outflowing gas is ignited. After a predetermined time, in this example about 1 second, the analog amplifier 20 is activated via the ports K and L and it is checked whether the thermocouple 4 due to the incipient heating by the burning pilot flame already a detectable voltage, i. at least approx. 1 mV.

If this is not the case, further ignition processes are initiated by, as already explained in detail above, the power oscillator 11 is activated, the ignition capacitor C2 is charged and discharged again with the formation of a re-spark. In this case, the storage capacitor C1 remains disconnected from the cascade stage 12 in these subsequent ignition processes to save power, as further charging of the storage capacitor C1 is no longer necessary is. If no ignition of the gas take place within a specified period of time, then the ignition procedure is terminated by the microcomputer module.

In the presence of the minimum voltage, of course, no further ignition operations are initiated, but the existing no-load voltage of the thermocouple 4 is further checked until the size of the electronically calculated therefrom current is sufficient as holding current for the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6. Thereafter, the analog amplifier 20 is deactivated via port K and interrupted via port G of the current flowing from the voltage source 10 to the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 current. The relay 17 is de-energized and the switching contacts of the relay 17 close the circuit between the thermocouple 4 and Zündsicherungsmagneten 6. The armature 3 is now held by the thermo-current.

In order to prevent the armature 3 from dropping due to the short interruption of the holding current which occurs when the relay contacts 17 are switched on, the transistor T2 is activated for a short time at the time of switching over the port F and an additional one is also present for a short time via the resistor R3 Electricity generated, the above Fall of the anchor prevented with certainty.

If the gas control valve is to be switched off, the command for switching off is given to the microcomputer module via the remote control. By brief activation of port G and port E bypassing the safety shutdown 18 and the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 a surge is sent through the relay 17, the switching contacts thus briefly lift off. Thus, the holding current flowing between the thermocouple 4 and Zündsicherungungsmagneten 6 is interrupted. The armature 3 is no longer held by the Zündsicherungsmagneten 6 and under the action of the closing spring 8 closes the Zündsicherungsventil 2. The gas supply to the pilot burner 1 and of course to the main burner, not shown, is interrupted and the gas flame goes out.

Of course, the method according to the invention and the circuit arrangement for carrying out this method are not based on the illustrated embodiment limited. Rather, changes, modifications and combinations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, it is understood that the transmission of the control signals, as in the case of remote controls generally known by means of cable, infrared, radio waves, ultrasound or similar. can be done. Furthermore, it is possible that no remote control is used, and that all the necessary components are located on or in the gas control valve. It is also possible that only one main burner is present, which is ignited directly. Likewise, instead of the batteries as a voltage source (10), a small plug-in power supply can be used, which is then conveniently plugged.

List of reference signs

1

pilot burner

2

ignition locking

3

anchor

4

thermocouple

5

pulse magnet

6

ignition locking

7

tappet

8th

closing spring

9

ignition electrode

10

voltage source

11

power oscillator

12

Cascade Level 1

13

Cascade Level 2

14

Element for voltage monitoring and limiting

15

CMOS circuit

16

Complementary - field effect - power level

17

relay

18

safety shutdown

19

phase shifter

20

analog amplifier

A to M

ports

C1

storage capacitor

C2

ignition capacitor

C3

RF capacitor

C4

coupling capacitor

C5

coupling capacitor

IS

pulse signal

L1

Kitchen sink

LS

pulse signal

MS

measuring signal

R1

resistance

R2

resistance

R3

resistance

SE

voltage level

TE

Time at TR2

TL

Time at TR1

TR

trigger

TR1

trigger point

TR2

trigger point

T1

transistor

T2

transistor

T3

transistor

T4

Field Effect Transistor

V1

preamplifier

V2

postamplifier

MS

measuring signal

Claims (18)

1. Process for igniting a gas stream, whereby by means of an electronic control unit and after activating it to ignite the gas stream

   - a transverter is activated, which generates a higher voltage from a direct current supplied from an electricity source (10),

   - a storage capacitor (C1) and an ignition capacitor (C2), serving to provide the ignition voltage (C2) by means of the higher voltage, are charged.

   - an essentially familiar ignition locking magnet (6) activated by a holding current provided by the electricity source (10), while at the same time an electric circuit that exists between the ignition locking magnet (6) and a thermocouple (4) that can be influenced by the gas flame is interrupted via a relay (17).

   - the storage capacitor (C1) is abruptly discharged via a circuit element, generating a surge of current, which briefly energises an electromagnet (5), to open an essentially familiar ignition locking valve (2) and at the same time attach anchor (3) of the ignition locking magnet (6), while the anchor (3) is held in this position after attachment because of the ignition locking magnet (6) activated by the holding current,

   - a pilot light is generated in a familiar fashion to ignite the outflowing gas via an ignition electrode (9) connected with the ignition capacitor (C2) via an ignition transformer,

   - further ignition procedures are initiated, whereby

   • the ignition capacitor (C2) is re-charged,

   • after charging a new pilot light is generated,

   - after a prescribed period of time ignition is terminated.

   - the holding current flowing from the electricity source (10) to the ignition locking magnet (6) is interrupted and the circuit between the ignition locking magnet (6) and the thermocouple is closed via the relay (17).
2. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 1, characterised by the fact that after being activated to ignite the gas stream the electronic control unit carries out a check to determine whether a gas flame is alight, aborting the ignition procedure if the information is positive.
3. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 or 2, characterised by the fact that

   - the existence of thermal electromagnetic force is measured and further ignition procedures are initiated if it is lacking, insofar as

   • the ignition capacitor (C2) is re-charged,

   • after charging a new pilot light is generated,

   whereas if there is a thermal electromagnetic force ignition is terminated,

   - the holding current flowing from the electricity source (10) to the ignition locking magnet (6) is interrupted and the circuit between the ignition locking magnet (6) and the thermocouple is closed via the relay (17) as soon as the thermoelectric current calculated from the existing thermal electromagnetic force is sufficient to hold the anchor (3) on the ignition locking magnet (6).
4. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that the storage capacitor (C1) and the ignition capacitor (C2) are charged via transverters assigned to each of them respectively.
5. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 to 3, characterised by the fact that

   - from the direct current supplied from the electricity source (10) a higher voltage is generated, using a power oscillator (11) instead of the transverter,

   - the storage capacitor (C1) is switched to the first stage (12) of a multiple cascade downstream of the power oscillator (11) and charged up to a prescribed higher DC voltage,

   - the ignition capacitor (C2), which is connected by electrical conduction with the second stage (13) of the multiple cascade, is charged up to a prescribed higher DC voltage.
6. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 5, characterised by the fact that after reaching the prescribed higher DC voltages the power oscillator (11) is switched off and then switched on again when further ignition procedures are initiated.
7. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 to 6, characterised by the fact that the holding current supplied from electricity source (10) to hold the anchor (3) simultaneously flows through the ignition locking magnet (6) and the relay (17), and that at the time that the electric circuit between ignition locking magnet (6) and thermocouple (4) is closed by closing the relay (17) an additional current is briefly generated.
8. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 to 6, characterised by the fact that the voltage of the holding current supplied to the ignition locking magnet (6) from electricity source (10) is transverted into the millivolt range.
9. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one or more of the patent claims 1 to 8, characterised by the fact that the existence of a thermal electromagnetic force is measured by an analogue amplifier (20).
10. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with one or more of the patent claims 1 to 9, characterised by the fact that for safety purposes after a defined period of time has elapsed the energisation of the ignition locking magnet (6) via the electricity source (10) is inevitably interrupted by one or more safety cutoffs (18) connected in series and timed.
11. Processes to ignite a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 5 or 6, characterised by the fact that at the first ignition procedure following ignition procedures prior to charging the ignition capacitor (C2) the storage capacitor (C1) is disconnected from the cascade (12).
12. Circuit arrangement for carrying out the procedure for igniting a gas stream in accordance with one of the patent claims 1 to 11 with

    - a transverter connected to an electricity source (10),

    - a storage capacitor (C1) (downstream from the transverter), which is connected to an electromagnet (5) to operate an essentially familiar ignition locking valve (2), and an ignition capacitor (C2), which is linked in a familiar fashion to a ignition electrode (9) via an ignition transformer,

    - an essentially familiar ignition locking magnet (6), which is connected via a relay (17) either to the electricity source (10) or a thermocouple (4),

    - at least one timed safety cutoff (18) located between the electricity source (10) and the ignition locking magnet (6),

    - an element for measuring the voltage of the thermocouple (4), whereby the elements to be triggered are connected to an electronic control unit via ports assigned top them.
13. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 12, characterised by the fact that the storage capacitor (C1) has an element assigned to it (14) to monitor and limit voltage and an transverter assigned to it also.
14. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 12, characterised by the fact that the ignition capacitor (C2) has an element assigned to it (14) to monitor and limit voltage and an transverter assigned to it also.
15. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 13 and/or 14, characterised by the fact that

    - instead of the transverter a power oscillator (11) is connected to the electricity source (10),

    - a cascade (12/13) is downstream from the power oscillator (11),

    - the element (14) is located after the cascade (12/13) for monitoring and limiting voltage.
16. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 13, characterised by the fact that the power oscillator (11) is developed from a CMOS circuit (15), which has at least four gates, which are either developed as NOR gates or NAND gates or simple negators, and of which at least one gate is upstream from the other parallel-connected gates, or of several CMOS circuits, a complementary field effect power stage (16) downstream from the gates, an LC resonant circuit (L1/C3) also downstream from these, and a link serving as a phase shifter (19).
17. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with one or more of the patent claims 12-16, characterised by the fact that the element for measuring the voltage of the thermocouple (4) is an analogue amplifier (20).
18. Circuit arrangement for the electronic ignition of a gas stream in accordance with patent claim 17, characterised by the fact that the analogue amplifier (20) is an AC amplifier, downstream from a clocked voltage divider.

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