EP2383519A2 - Gas valve with ignition device - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve has an ignition device comprising an actuation shaft, which is rotatable for fixing an opening cross section of the valve around a longitudinal axis. The shaft is adjustable for operation of the ignition device in an axial direction. A groove is inserted into the shaft in a circumferential direction. The ignition device comprises an adjusting element adjusting ignition condition. The adjusting element is formed with a retaining opening for accomplishing the shaft. A lock nose (3201) is movable relative to a base body (320) of the adjusting element.

Description

The invention relates to a gas valve with ignition device.

Gas valves are used in particular in gas-fired cooking appliances, such as cooktops, gas ovens or gas stoves. With the gas valve, the gas volume flow flowing to one or more gas burners of the cooking appliance is set between zero and a maximum value. This is done by rotating an actuating shaft of the gas valve, which is also referred to as a cock shaft, about its longitudinal axis. The gas valve further comprises an electrical switch, which is actuated by pressing the actuating shaft in the axial direction. The electrical switch is part of an ignition device for igniting the gas stream exiting at the gas burner. Every time a user presses the actuating shaft of the gas valve, the ignition device generates electrical sparks in the region of the gas burner. Such a gas valve is for example in the EP 1 500 881 A2 described. In order to activate the ignition device, in this case a sleeve is attached to the actuating shaft. The sleeve has at one end a disc shape and over the length of the sleeve, a slot is introduced through which the sleeve can be bent.

A disadvantage of this gas valve is that the serving as an actuator sleeve is weakened by the provision of the slot over its entire length.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide an ignition device for a gas valve with an actuating shaft, in which an adjusting element for setting a Zündzustandes can be attached to the actuating shaft in a simple and reliable manner.

The invention is based on the finding that this object can be achieved by providing locking devices on the element, which are movable with respect to the element.

According to the present invention, this object is therefore achieved by a gas valve with ignition device comprising an actuating shaft for fixing an opening cross-section of the gas valve is rotatable about a longitudinal axis, for actuating the igniter in the axial direction is displaceable and in the circumferential direction at least one groove is introduced. The gas valve is characterized in that the ignition device comprises an adjusting element for setting a firing state and the adjusting element has a receiving opening for carrying out the actuating shaft and at least one relative to the base body of the adjusting element movable latching lug.

For the purposes of the present invention, an ignition device is understood to mean a device by means of which a gas stream is ignited on the burner (s). For this purpose, the ignition device preferably comprises at least one electrical switch for activating an ignition element, which generates ignition sparks. Furthermore, the ignition device comprises an actuating shaft, which is displaceable for actuating the ignition device, in particular for actuating the electrical switch along the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft. As adjusting element according to the invention an element is referred to, which is included in the ignition device and by means of which a firing state can be set. In this case, the state of ignition is understood as the state in which actuation of the electrical switch can take place or in which the actuation of the electrical switch actually takes place. In the first case, the adjusting element is an element that can allow or prevent the axial movement of the actuating shaft. In the second case, in which the state of ignition is understood to be the state in which the actuation of the electrical switch actually takes place, the setting element for setting the ignition state can in particular represent an actuating element or transmission element for actuating the electrical switch.

The basic body of the adjusting element is the part of the adjusting element which serves to transmit forces to an electrical switch of the gas valve. The power transmission can serve the indirect or immediate operation of the switch or serve to maintain a predetermined state. Such a state can be for example a blocking state in which an actuation of the switch is not possible.

By the adjusting element has at least one relative to the base body of the adjusting element movable latching lug, the adjusting element can be fixed in a simple manner on the actuating shaft. In particular, by the at least one locking lug prevents axial movement of the adjusting element on the actuating shaft during use of the gas valve. Since the locking lug is movable relative to the base body, this can build a holding force between the adjusting element and the actuating shaft. In addition, by the relative mobility of the detent to the main body of the adjustment, the shape and the structure of the body can be chosen so that it can optimally meet the setting of the ignition state. In particular, the main body can be continuous over its circumference. As a result, the adjustment is given a stability that allows in particular a force absorption in the axial direction. The continuous shape of the adjusting element is possible with the adjusting element according to the invention, since during the application of the adjusting element on the actuating shaft, the latching lug or the latching lugs can be moved due to their relative mobility. Once the adjustment has reached the position of the actuating shaft, in which the groove is provided, the detent latches or snap the detents then into the groove. A bending of the adjusting element, as required in the prior art, is not necessary in the adjustment element according to the invention, since only by the movement of the locking lugs, the passage of the actuating shaft is made possible.

The locking lug or the latching noses extend from the inner periphery of the receiving opening in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft. As a result, the latching lugs can engage in a groove provided in the actuating shaft. The locking lugs are also movable relative to the base body of the adjusting element, so that the locking lugs which protrude beyond the inner circumference during insertion of the actuating shaft in the radial direction can be pressed outwards and thus allow the passage of the actuating shaft through the receiving opening.

Preferably, the adjustment element has at least one attachment arm on which the latching lug is provided. By providing a fastening arm, the relative movement of the locking lug relative to the main body of the adjusting element can be performed by the mounting arm. This means that the locking lug itself does not have to have flexibility, but can be rigid. This is advantageous because in the state mounted on the actuating shaft, the latching lugs for introducing force onto the actuating shaft applied force in the adjustment serve. By the locking lugs can be made rigid, the force is therefore reliable. The mounting arm is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft. The relative movement of the latching lug to the base body of the adjusting element is therefore effected by a radial outward pivoting of the mounting arm. The orientation of the mounting arm parallel to the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft has the advantage that the length of the mounting arm can be made large. Thereby, the flexibility of the mounting arm is increased and the attachment of the adjusting element on the actuating shaft is facilitated. The latching lug is preferably provided in the vicinity of the free end of the mounting arm. The relative movement of the latching lug to the base body is determined by the amount by which the mounting arm can be pivoted relative to the base body.

Preferably, the side of the mounting arm, on which the latching lug is provided, on the inner circumference of the receiving opening. The inner circumference of the edge of the receiving opening is referred to, which faces the actuation shaft when the operating shaft is inserted. The inner circumference is defined by the areas that exist between the attachment arms. The inner circumference is preferably rotationally symmetrical, but may also particularly preferably also have a flattening or bevelling. Their function will be explained later. By the side of the fastening arm, on which the latching lug is provided, lies on the inner circumference of the receiving opening, the surface of the fastening arm can serve as an additional support surface for the adjustment for latched in the groove locking lug. In addition, the other surfaces of the inner circumference, which lie between the mounting arms, act as support surfaces. The adjusting element can thereby be protected against pivoting with respect to the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft or the Verschwenkgrad can be minimized. Finally, the embodiment in which one side of the attachment arm lies on the inner circumference has the advantage that the manufacture of the adjustment element is simplified.

Preferably, the dimensions and shape of the inner circumference of the receiving opening correspond to the dimensions and shape of the outer periphery of the actuating shaft. In this embodiment, the adjustment is except through the groove and the latching latches or detents latched therein also by the Positive locking between the inner circumference of the adjustment and the outer periphery of the actuating shaft fixed. This has the advantage that the pivoting of the adjusting element with respect to the actuating shaft can be prevented. On the other hand, in the case of a shape of the receiving opening and of the actuating shaft, which deviates from a rotationally symmetrical shape, an anti-twist device can also be produced. The adjustment can thus not rotate with respect to the actuating shaft. Thus, a rotational movement of the actuating shaft leads to a rotational movement of the adjusting element.

According to a preferred embodiment, three fastening arms, each with a latching lug, are provided on the adjusting element. By this embodiment, the locking action can be applied distributed over the circumference of the actuating shaft. The three locking lugs can be distributed uniformly over the inner circumference of the receiving opening. Preferably, however, the three Rastanasen are arranged so that two locking lugs are offset by an angle of 180 ° to each other and the third locking lug between these opposing locking lugs in the middle, that is arranged at an angle of 90 ° to the two opposite locking lugs.

In this embodiment, a flattening is preferably provided at the receiving opening, the flattening lies between the opposing locking lugs. By this flattening a rotationally secure attachment of the adjusting element is made possible on the actuating shaft. The rotationally secure attachment takes place in that the cross section of the actuating shaft also has a corresponding flattening in the region where the adjusting element is to be fastened. Thus, in this embodiment, by the latching noses which extend into the receiving opening, an axial movement of the adjusting element on the actuating shaft and the flattening prevents a rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the actuating shaft.

Particularly preferably, the latching lug is provided integrally on the adjusting element. This means that the locking lug is integrally formed with the base body of the adjusting element and an optionally provided fastening arm. The advantage of this embodiment lies in particular in the easier production of the adjusting element and the easier attachment of the adjusting element to the actuating shaft. To connect between adjustment and Actuating shaft are namely, in contrast to the prior art, no separate fasteners, such as discs, brackets or cotter pins necessary.

According to one embodiment, at least one slot or gap is provided in the underside of the adjusting element, by means of which a fastening arm for a latching nose is formed. In this embodiment, the fastening arm is thus generated from the volume of the base body of the adjusting element, whereby the production of the adjusting element is simplified. In addition, the provision of a slot, a gap between the mounting arm and the base body is formed, which allows movement of the mounting arm to the width of the slot.

The adjusting element may have different shapes. For example, a sleeve with an actuating flange at one end of the sleeve can be used as the adjusting element. About the actuating flange can then indirectly, for example via a transmission element, or directly the electric switch of the gas valve can be actuated. According to a preferred embodiment, however, the adjusting element has a bell shape and on the underside of the adjusting element, a cutout is made over part of the circumference. By the bell shape, for example, a base of the adjusting element for indirect or immediate operation of the electrical switch of the gas valve can be used, while the bottom of the bell for setting a blocking state and a firing state in which the operation of the electrical switch can be done. By providing the cutout in the lower edge of the adjustment member, the adjustment member may rest in a position with the lower edge on a projection on the housing of the electrical switch. In this state, an axial movement of the actuating shaft is prevented and the electrical switch can not be operated. If, however, the area of the cutout in the lower edge of the adjusting element is aligned with the projection, the actuating shaft can be moved axially. This state represents the ignition state in which the actuation of the electrical switch can take place. This bell shape of the adjustment with cutout can be used in the gas valve according to the invention, as by the attachment of the adjusting element on the actuating shaft by means of locking lugs, which are preferably provided on mounting arms, prevents pivoting of the adjusting element with respect to the actuating shaft can be. Such pivoting is to be feared in particular in the blocking state in which the adjusting element rests on a projection of the housing of the electrical switch only at one point of the lower edge. If a compressive force is applied to the actuating shaft in this state, then it is introduced only at one point, namely on the projection and a pivoting of the adjusting element relative to the actuating shaft would be to be feared.

Preferably, the cutout has at least one width which corresponds to the width of the projection on the housing. Particularly preferably, however, the width of the cutout is greater than the width of the projection. The width of the cutout is the angle range over which the cutout is provided in the lower edge of the setting element.

• Figur 1: eine schematische, perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Gasventils in einem Zündzustand;
• Figur 2: eine schematische Schnittansicht durch den oberen Bereich des Gasventils nach Figur 1;
• Figur 3: eine schematische, perspektivische Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsform des Einstellelementes;
• Figur 4: eine schematische Unteransicht der Ausführungsform des Einstellelementes nach Figur 3;
• Figur 5: eine schematische, perspektivische Unteransicht der Ausführungsform des Einstellelementes nach Figur 3; und
• Figur 6: eine schematische Detailansicht des Befestigungsbereiches der Ausführungsform des Einstellelementes nach Figur 3.

The invention will be explained again below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereby show:

• FIG. 1 a schematic, perspective view of an embodiment of the gas valve according to the invention in a firing state;
• FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view through the upper portion of the gas valve to FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 a schematic perspective top view of an embodiment of the adjusting element;
• FIG. 4 : A schematic bottom view of the embodiment of the adjusting element according to FIG. 3 ;
• FIG. 5 a schematic, perspective bottom view of the embodiment of the adjusting element according to FIG. 3 ; and
• FIG. 6 : A schematic detail view of the attachment region of the embodiment of the adjustment according to FIG. 3 ,

In FIG. 1 an embodiment of the gas valve 1 according to the invention is shown. The gas valve 1 has a main body 10, in which further components of the gas valve 1 can be accommodated. For example, a rotatable valve plug for adjusting the opening cross-section of the gas valve 1 and, in addition, a solenoid valve for securely closing the gas valve can be arranged in the main body 10.

Via the gas line 2, gas is passed from the gas valve 1 to a burner, not shown. On the upper side of the main body 10 of the gas valve 1, an electrical switch 31 is arranged. The electrical switch 31 serves in particular as an ignition switch for the gas valve 1. When the electric switch 31 is actuated, an ignition element, not shown, is activated, by means of which a burner (not shown) connected to the gas valve 1 is ignited.

By the electrical switch 31, an actuating shaft 30 is guided, which projects beyond the electrical switch 31 upwards and extends into the main body 10 of the gas valve 1. In the region of the actuating shaft 30, in which this projects above the electrical switch 31, the cross section of the actuating shaft 30 deviates at least in the upper part of the circular cross section of the actuating shaft 30 over the further length thereof. In particular, a flattening 301 is provided on the actuating shaft 30.

On the upper side of the electrical switch 31, in the illustrated embodiment, in the region of the passage of the actuating shaft 30, a shoulder 310 is provided, which protrudes upward above the top of the box-shaped electrical switch 31. The paragraph 310 has an annular cross-section. On one side, a radial projection 311 is also provided on the shoulder 310.

On the actuating shaft 30 above the electrical switch 31 at a distance from the shoulder 310, a setting 32 is fixed. The adjusting element 32 has a cup shape or bell shape. The base 321 of the cup points in the installed state of the adjusting element 32 upwards. The open side of the cup faces the electrical switch 31. In the base 321 a receiving opening 3210 for receiving or for the passage of the actuating shaft 30 is introduced.

The actuating shaft 30 is mounted in the base body 10 of the gas valve 1, that it is rotatable about its longitudinal axis 300. In addition, the actuating shaft 30 can be moved axially along its longitudinal axis 300, that is to be displaced. Here, a displacement of the actuating shaft 30 in the direction of the main body 10 of the gas valve 1 from a starting position by applying a pressure on the actuating shaft 30 against the spring force of an inner valve spring (not shown) in the base body 10 of the gas valve 1. This movement is in Also referred to below as pushing in the actuating shaft 30. If the pressure force is taken from the actuating shaft 30, the actuating shaft 30 moves back to the starting position.

As it turned out FIG. 3 shows, the adjusting element 32 at its lower edge or lower edge 322, which faces the electrical switch 31, over a portion of the circumference of the adjusting element 32 a cutout 3220. As a result of this cutout 3220, the lower edge 322 of the adjusting element 32 consists of a lower region 3221, an elevated region 3222 offset from the lower region 3221 and of transitions 3223 between these two regions. The cutout 3220 and thus the raised area 3222 extend in the illustrated embodiment over less than half of the circumference of the adjusting element 32 at the lower edge 322. The raised area 3222 may, for example, cover an angular range of 100 °. The transitions 3223 between the lower region 3221 and the raised region 3222 have an S-curve shape. As a result, the transition 3223 is uniform.

In FIG. 1 the ignition state is shown, in which the actuation of the electrical switch 31 can take place. In this state, the actuating shaft 30 is rotated with the adjusting member 32 attached thereto in such an angular position about the longitudinal axis 300 that the raised portion 3222 of the adjusting member 32 is above the projection 311 on the shoulder 310 of the housing of the electrical switch 31. In this case, the raised area 3222 does not touch the projection 311 and in particular its upper side. Rather, there is a gap between the top of the projection 311 and the raised portion 3222 of the bottom edge 322. This distance defines the amount by which the actuating shaft 30 moves axially along its longitudinal axis 300, that is, can be pushed in.

The cutout 3220 on the adjusting element 32 is positioned at the circumference thereof so that, when the adjusting element 32 is attached to the actuating shaft 30 in a rotationally secure manner, the raised area 3222 overlies the projection 311 when the angular position of the actuating shaft 30 has a large to maximum opening cross section of the gas valve 1 sets. By contrast, the lower region 3221 lies above the projection 311 when the angular position of the actuating shaft 30 defines a medium to small opening cross section of the gas valve 1.

On the actuating shaft 30, an operating element (not shown) is usually provided at the upper end, via which the user of the cooking appliance, in which the gas valve 1 is provided, rotate the shaft about its longitudinal axis 300 and move it along the longitudinal axis 300, in particular can push in.

The user presses in the in FIG. 1 Ignition state shown on the operating element, the actuating shaft 30 is moved in the direction of the base body 10 of the gas valve. By this longitudinal movement of the actuating shaft 30 of the electric switch 31 is actuated.

For actuating the electrical switch 31, a transfer element in the form of a transmission spring 3103 is preferably provided (see FIG. 2 ). This transmission spring 3103 is provided inside the adjustment member 32 around the operation shaft 30.

As it turned out FIG. 2 results, the adjustment member 32 is attached to the actuating shaft 30, that these forces, which act on the actuating shaft 30 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 300 of the actuating shaft 30, can be transferred to the adjusting element 32. In particular, the adjusting element 32 is engaged in a circumferential groove 302 on the actuating shaft 30 for this purpose.

The detailed structure of the adjusting element 32 will be described below with reference to FIGS FIGS. 3 to 5 explained in more detail.

As it turned out FIG. 3 can be seen, the shape of the receiving opening 3210 corresponds to the shape of the cross section of the actuating shaft 30 in the upper region. This means that the receiving opening 3210 has a circular cross-section has and on one side a flattening 3211 is provided. Due to the configuration of the actuating shaft 30 and the receiving opening 3210, the adjusting member 32 is held against rotation on the actuating shaft 30, that is, can not rotate relative to the actuating shaft 30 about the longitudinal axis 300 of the actuating shaft 30.

The receiving opening 3210 is provided in the base 321 of the adjusting element. The base 321, together with the bell-shaped lateral surface, forms the main body 320 of the adjusting element 32. The material thickness of the base 321 is greater than the thickness of the material in the region of the lateral surface (see FIG FIG. 2 ).

In the underside of the base 321, a slot 3203 is introduced in three places in the illustrated embodiment. The slots 3203 have a substantially U-shape. In particular, the two legs of the slot 3203 extend to the inner periphery 3212 of the receiving opening 3210. The base of the U-shape has a curvature corresponding to the curvature of the inner periphery 3212. Through the slot 3203 thus a web is worked out of the volume of the base 321, which is a mounting arm 3202. On the side of the mounting arm 3202, which faces away from the slot 3203, a detent 3201 is provided near the free end of the mounting arm 3202. The locking lug 3201 extends beyond the inner circumference 3212 into the receiving opening 3210.

In the illustrated embodiment, three attachment arms 3202 are each provided with a latching nose 3201. Two of the attachment arms 3202 are immediately adjacent to the flattening 3211 and thus offset by 180 ° to each other. The third fastening arm 3202 lies opposite the flattening 3211 and thus between the two further fastening arms 3202.

When inserting the actuating shaft 30 in the adjusting element 32, the locking lugs 3201 are pushed over the mounting arms 3202 to the outside. As a result, the adjusting element 32 on the actuating shaft 30, the dimensions of which correspond to the inner circumference 3212 of the adjusting element 32, are displaced axially until the locking lugs 3201 are aligned with the groove 302 and can latch into them. In this state, the adjusting element 32 is at the Operating shaft 30 is fixed and can not be moved axially relative to the actuating shaft 30 is still rotated relative to the actuating shaft 30.

The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. For example, the number of locking lugs on one of the mounting arms may be greater than one. In addition, a different number of mounting arms may be provided.

The core of the present invention is the use of a locking system for fastening the adjusting element to an actuating shaft of a gas valve. The latching system preferably comprises three detents which secure the adjustment member to the actuating shaft. For this purpose, a groove for engaging the locking lugs is provided on the actuating shaft. The locking lugs are provided on fastening or latching arms, which incline under a certain pressure to the outside, while the adjusting element is applied to the actuating shaft. Once the latches are in the required position, they engage in the groove in the actuating shaft. By the engagement of the locking lugs in the groove, the relative vertical movement of the adjusting element with respect to the actuating shaft is prevented or at least limited. The rotational movement of the adjusting element with respect to the actuating shaft is preferably prevented by the shape of the receiving opening of the adjusting element for the actuating shaft. A pivoting of the adjusting element with respect to the actuating shaft is in particular prevented by the areas of the adjusting element which lie between the latching arms. These areas of the adjustment also provide for preventing pivoting when a transmission spring received in the adjustment member is actuated by the adjustment member. Since the latching arms are integrated in the adjustment, a further change in the geometry of the adjustment is not required. The inside of the adjusting, in particular the underside of the base of the adjusting element, further transmits to a transmission spring upon actuation of the actuating shaft sufficient force sufficient to produce the actuating signal for actuating the electrical switch.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

gas valve

10

body

2

gas pipe

3

detonator

30

actuating shaft

300

longitudinal axis

301

flattening

302

groove

31

electrical switch

310

paragraph

311

head Start

3103

transmission spring

32

adjustment

320

body

3201

locking lug

3202

Mounting Arm

3203

slot

321

Floor space

3210

receiving opening

3211

flattening

3212

inner circumference

322

lower edge

3220

neckline

3221

lower area

3222

increased area

3223

crossing

Claims (10)

Gas valve with ignition device comprising an actuating shaft (30) which is rotatable about an axis (300) for fixing an opening cross-section of the gas valve (1), is displaceable in the axial direction for actuating the ignition device and in which at least one groove (302) is introduced in the circumferential direction characterized in that the ignition device comprises an adjusting element (32) for setting a firing state and the adjusting element (32) has a receiving opening (3210) for passing the actuating shaft (30) and at least one relative to the base body (320) of the adjusting element (32 ) has movable latching lug (3201). Gas valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the latching lug (3201) extends from the inner periphery (3212) of the receiving opening (3210) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (300) of the actuating shaft (30). Gas valve according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting element (32) has at least one fastening arm (3202) on which the latching lug (3201) is provided. Gas valve according to claim 3, characterized in that the side of the mounting arm (3202), on which the latching lug (3201) is provided, on the inner circumference (3212) of the receiving opening (3210). Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the dimensions and the shape of the inner periphery (3212) of the receiving opening (3210) correspond to the dimensions and the shape of the outer periphery of the actuating shaft (30). Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that on the adjusting element (32) has three fastening arms (3202) each having a latching lug (3201) are provided. Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the latching lug (3201) is provided in one piece on the adjusting element (32). Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that in the underside of the adjusting element (32) at least one slot (3203) is provided, through which a fastening arm (3202) for a latching lug (3201) is formed. Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the adjusting element (32) by the shape of the receiving opening (3210) is secured against rotation on the actuating shaft (30). Gas valve according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the adjusting element (32) has a bell shape and on the underside of the adjusting element (32) over a part of the circumference, a cutout (3220) is introduced.

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