EP3839342A1

EP3839342A1 - Gas cooking appliance

Info

Publication number: EP3839342A1
Application number: EP19383125.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: José Ignacio Múgica Odriozola; Félix Querejeta Andueza
Original assignee: Copreci SCL
Current assignee: Copreci SCL
Priority date: 2019-12-17
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2021-06-23
Also published as: CN112984563A

Abstract

A gas cooking appliance comprising at least one gas burner (10a), a regulating valve (20a) fluidically communicated with the burner (10a) for regulating gas flow between a minimum power and a nominal power, and a timer switch for increasing the power of the burner (10a) to a booster power with a booster gas flow rate during a predetermined time interval. The gas cooking appliance comprises an electromagnetic valve (40) arranged between the regulating valve (20a) and the burner (10a), the electromagnetic valve (40) comprising a closure member, moveable between a closing position and an opening position. The closure member comprises a through hole calibrated to allow a gas flow corresponding to the nominal power of the burner (10a) to pass, the timer switch being configured for controlling the electromagnetic valve (40) by causing the closure member to transition to the opening position to provide the booster power.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to gas cooking appliances.

PRIOR ART

Gas cooking appliances comprising at least one burner and a regulating valve for each burner fluidically communicated with said burner for regulating gas flow reaching the burner from a main gas conduit, and further comprising actuating means for increasing the power of the burner beyond the nominal power with a booster gas flow rate, are known.
US2008216810A1 describes a gas cooking appliance comprising at least one gas burner, a regulating valve fluidically communicated with each burner for regulating gas flow between a minimum power and a nominal power, and a timer switch for increasing the power of the burner to a booster power with a booster gas flow rate during a predetermined time interval.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a gas cooking appliance, as defined in the claims.
The gas cooking appliance of the invention comprises at least one gas burner, a regulating valve fluidically communicated with the burner for regulating gas flow between a minimum power and a nominal power, and a timer switch for increasing the power of the burner to a booster power with a booster gas flow rate during a predetermined time interval.
The gas cooking appliance further comprises an electromagnetic valve arranged between the regulating valve and the burner, the electromagnetic valve comprising a closure member, moveable between a closing position and an opening position, the closure member comprising a through hole calibrated to allow a gas flow corresponding to the nominal power of the burner to pass. The timer switch is configured for controlling the electromagnetic valve by causing the closure member to transition to the opening position to allow the passage of a flow providing the booster power.
The closure member is arranged by default in the closing position, such that it allows, at most, the gas flow corresponding to the nominal power to pass, and in order to provide the booster power, the timer switch, which causes the closure member to transition to the opening position during a predetermined time, is activated.
The gas cooking appliance of the invention is a simple and compact appliance as it requires only one internal gas conduit and allows the electromagnetic valve to be coupled directly to the outlet of the regulating valve, therefore reducing the required space, the number of required parts, and therefore the cost.
These and other advantages and features of the invention will become evident in view of the drawings and detailed description of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a partial perspective view of a first embodiment of the gas cooking appliance of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a partial diagram of the gas cooking appliance of Figure 1.
Figure 3 shows another partial diagram of the gas cooking appliance of Figure 1.
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a gas regulating valve of the gas cooking appliance of Figure 1, with an electromagnetic valve to the outlet.
Figure 5 shows a longitudinal section view of the gas regulating valve of Figure 4, with the closure member of the electromagnetic gas valve in a closing position.
Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section view of the gas regulating valve of Figure 4, with the closure member of the electromagnetic gas valve in an opening position.
Figure 7A shows a front view of the regulator element of the gas regulating valve of Figure 4.
Figure 7B shows a second front view of the regulator element of the gas regulating valve of Figure 4.
Figure 8 shows a front view of a lever of the gas cooking appliance of Figure 1, with the maximum actuation range, and the actuation range for regulating gas flow, indicating the angular position of the booster, nominal or maximum, and minimum flow rates of the gas burner.
Figure 9 shows a diagram relating the gas flow rate in the gas burner of the gas cooking appliance of Figure 1 with the maximum actuation range of the actuator of the regulating valve.
Figure 10 shows a partial perspective view of a second embodiment of the gas cooking appliance of the invention.
Figure 11 shows a partial diagram of the gas cooking appliance of Figures 10.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1 to 9 show a first embodiment of a gas cooking appliance 100 according to the invention.
In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance comprises four burners 10a-10d of different gas heat outputs, fluidically associated with a respective injector 11a-11d. The gas cooking appliance 100 comprises a regulating valve 20a for the burner 10a, which is fluidically communicated with the injector 11a, for regulating gas flow reaching the burner 10a from a main gas conduit 1. Gas flow regulation allows regulating the power of the burner 10a between a minimum power and a nominal power, and supplying a booster power which is greater than the nominal power. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 further comprises three manual gas valves 70b-70d, which are fluidically communicated with the injectors 11b-11d, for regulating gas flow reaching the respective burners 10b-10d from the main gas conduit 1. Gas flow regulation allows regulating the power of the burners 10b-10d between a minimum power and a nominal power.
The valve 20a comprises a rotary actuator 21 acting in a range of angular actuation A, the actuator 21 being configured for varying the gas flow rate Q through the regulating valve 20a. The valve 20a is a compact element comprising a manual gas valve 70a, the manual valve 70a comprising a body 22 comprising an inlet conduit 23, assembled and in fluid communication with the main gas conduit 1, an outlet conduit 24, and the actuator 21 which is the actuating shaft of the manual valve 70a. The valve 20a also comprises an electromagnetic valve 40 which is coupled to the outlet conduit 24. The electromagnetic valve 40 comprises the gas outlet 41, which is fluidically communicated with the injector 11a, a gas inlet 47, which is fluidically communicated with the outlet conduit 24 of the valve 20a, and a single channel 43 running along the inside of the electromagnetic valve 40, and comprising a closure hole 45 through which gas flow is supplied to the gas outlet, the channel 43 fluidically communicating the inlet 47 and the gas outlet 41.
The electromagnetic valve 40 also comprises a closure member 42, moveable between a closing position and an opening position, comprising a hole 44 configured for a first gas flow to go through same, the valve 20a supplying to the outlet 41 a second gas flow that is greater than the first gas flow when the closure member 42 is in the opening position, opening the closure hole 45 in the channel 43. When the closure member 42 is in the closing position, it allows the passage of gas to the gas outlet 41 only through the hole 44.
The gas cooking appliance 100 also comprises a timer switch 53, which is a device which allows increasing the power of the burner 10a to the booster power with a booster gas flow rate Qb, during a predetermined time interval, the timer switch 53 controlling the electromagnetic valve 40 of the valve 20a when it receives an operation signal and is activated. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 comprises an electric switch 60 for activating the timer switch 53 when it is activated, generating the operation signal and sending it to the timer switch 53.
In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 comprises a spark generator 51 electrically connected to an electrode 52 associated with each burner 10a-10d for igniting flame in said burner 10a-10d when it is activated. The switch 60 is operatively associated with the actuator 21 and electrically connected to the spark generator 51, such that when the switch 60 is activated by the user acting on the actuator 21, it activates the spark generator 51, said spark generator 51 activating the electrodes 52, and activates the timer switch 53 which controls the electromagnetic valve 40, simultaneously.
The gas flow overfeeding function in cooking processes is normally used at the beginning of the cooking processes to reduce the wait time to achieve boiling, to rapidly heat cooking utensils and the products to be cooked which are cold, or to heat large amounts of water, etc. The actuation range of the rotary actuator of the valves for varying the gas flow rate Q through said valves is usually comprised between the closed valve OFF position of 0°, a position with maximum gas flow rate, corresponding to the nominal power of the burner, of 90°, commonly used for igniting flame of the burner, and finally a position with minimum gas flow rate, corresponding to the minimum power of the burner, at an angle which can be, according to the gas cooking appliance, 160°, 270°, etc. With this configuration, the user does not have to arrange the actuator of the valve in a specific gas flow position on one hand, and press on a separate switch of the regulating valve on the other, so as to activate the booster or overfeeding function of the burner, but rather in one and the same operation of the valve 20a, he or she positions the actuator 21 in a booster gas flow position corresponding to the booster flow rate Qb, and by simply pressing on the actuator 21 in said position, the switch 60 is activated as it is associated with the actuator 21. With this operation, the booster gas flow rate Qb flows and flame is ignited in the burner simultaneously.
The manual valves 70b-70d also comprise a rotary actuator 21 which is configured for varying the gas flow rate Q through the manual valves 70b-70d. The manual valves 70b-70d also comprise a body comprising an inlet conduit, assembled and in fluid communication with the main gas conduit 1, an outlet conduit, and the actuator 21 which is the actuating shaft of the manual valves 70b-70d. In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 comprises three electric switches 60 associated with the actuators 21 of the manual valves 70b-70d. The switches 60 are electrically connected to the spark generator 51, such that when the switch 60 is activated by the user acting on the actuator 21, it activates the spark generator 51, said spark generator 51 activating the electrodes 52.
Each of the four switches 60 is activated at any point of a second actuation range B, the second actuation range B being greater than or equal to the actuation range A. Therefore, in this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the actuation range A for regulating gas flow through the valve 20a to the respective burner 10a is between about 30° and between about 270°. The second actuation range B of the switches 60 is between about 0° and between about 270°, such that from the initial moment in which the user wants to arrange the actuator 21 in any of the angular positions of the actuation range A with gas flow, the switch 60 can be activated to generate sparks in the electrodes 52 and ignite flame in the respective burner 10a-10d. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the activation of the switch 60 is by means of pressing thereon. To that end, in addition to being rotary, the actuator 21, which is the actuating shaft of the valve 20a and of the manual valves 70b-70d, is suitable for being moved axially, such that in its axial movement, the actuator 21 presses on a micro 61 of the switch 60, activating it.
The switches 60 associated with the manual valves 70b-70d are electrically connected in parallel with the spark generator 51, and the switch 60 associated with the valve 20a is electrically connected with a wire independent of that of the other switches 60 to the spark generator 51 and the timer switch 53.
The hole 44 of the closure member 42 is designed such that it is calibrated to limit the first gas flow going through same, when the closure member 42 is in the closing position, to a maximum flow rate QM corresponding with the nominal power of the burner 10a. Therefore, as long as the electromagnetic valve 40 is not activated, the maximum gas flow which can pass through the hole 44 of the closure member 42 is the maximum flow rate QM of the burner 10a. As the actuator 21 is arranged at other points of the actuation range, corresponding to smaller gas flows than the maximum flow rate QM, the hole 44 will allow said gas flows to pass, without restrictions, to the burner 10a.
The second gas flow on the outlet 41 is supplied through the channel 43 of the electromagnetic valve 40 when the closure member 42 is in the opening position, the second gas flow corresponding to the booster flow rate Qb corresponding to the booster power of the burner 10a. To obtain the booster gas flow rate Qb in the burner 10, the gas flow going from the outlet conduit 24, through the channel 43, to the gas outlet 41, when the closure member 42 is in the opening position, is greater than or equal to the gas flow corresponding to the predetermined maximum booster power defined for the burner 10a. To limit said gas flow to the predetermined maximum booster power, the injector 11a is calibrated, limiting it to the predetermined flow. Therefore, when the actuator 21 is positioned within the booster range Ab, it can be positioned in said range in positions with different gas flow, all of them within the booster flow rate Qb, such that, even with the presence of those different gas flows, the limitation of the calibrated injector 11a will allow the burner 10a to work with the predetermined maximum booster power during the time interval predetermined by the timer switch 53.
The actuation range A of the actuator 21 for regulating gas flow comprises a booster range Ab which, in the shown embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, is comprised between about 60° and between about 95°, in which the valve 20a supplies the booster flow rate Qb to the outlet 41 of the electromagnetic valve 40, when the switch 60 is activated and the closure member 42 is in the opening position. A position within the booster range Ab is that shown in Figure 9 as position P9. When the predetermined time interval has elapsed, the timer switch 53 sends a signal to transition the closure member 42 to the closing position, the valve 20a thus supplying the burner 10a with the maximum flow rate QM in the same booster range Ab of the actuator 21, and specifically in the same position initially decided by the user P9. In other words, if for example the user wants to first heat a large amount of water, for example, he or she arranges a container 80 with the water 90 therein on the burner 10a, positions the actuator 21 of the valve 20a in the booster range Ab, in position P9 for example, and when the predetermined time ends, the gas flow to the burner 10a will become the maximum flow rate QM in the same position P1. Therefore, the user does not have to arrange the actuator 21 in a gas position on one hand, and press on a separate switch of the regulating valve on the other, but rather in one and the same operation with the valve 20a, he or she will position the actuator in the booster range Ab allowing a booster gas flow corresponding to the booster flow rate Qb, and by simply pressing on the actuator 21 in said position, he or she will activate the switch 60, and thereby actuate the booster or overfeeding function of the burner 10a. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the booster flow rate Qb and the maximum flow rate QM coincide in the same angular position within the booster range Ab.
The actuation range A for regulating gas flow comprises a regulation range A1 corresponding to a corresponding variable gas flow between a minimum gas flow rate Qm, corresponding to the minimum power of the burner 10a, in position P1 of the regulation range A1, and the maximum flow rate QM of the valve 20a, in position P9. In other embodiments of the gas cooking appliance 100 (not shown in the drawings), the booster range Ab is at least partially within the regulation range A1 or adjacent to the regulation range A1, such that the gas flow corresponding to the booster flow rate Qb is obtained as the sum of flows corresponding to the booster range Ab and the regulation range A1, in the angular segment in which they coincide, but always with the booster flow rate Qb transitioning to the maximum flow rate QM, when the predetermined time interval set by the timer switch 53, when it has been activated, has elapsed.
The valve 20a and the manual valves 70b-70d comprise a regulator element 25 coupled to the actuator 21 which allows regulating gas flow to the respective burner 10a-10d. In this embodiment, the regulator element 25 of the valve 20a comprises a main regulating channel 26a and a regulating channel 26b for the calibration bypass of the minimum gas flow for changing the type of gas. The regulator element 25 is configured for regulating gas flow between the inlet conduit 23 and the outlet conduit 24 of the valve 20a in the actuation range A, the regulating channel 26a comprising a booster segment 27 corresponding to the booster range Ab and a regulating segment 28 corresponding to the regulation range A1 of the actuation range A. In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the regulator element 25 of the valve 20a is a cone, but in other embodiments it can be a rotary disc.
The gas inlet conduit 23 of the regulating valve 20a 100 is fluidically communicated with the safety valve 71, the regulator element 25 being arranged in a housing of the body 22 of the valve 20a, which is in turn fluidically communicated with the safety valve 71 and with the outlet conduit 24. The actuating shaft of the actuator 21 comprises a coupled inner shaft 21a going through the regulator element 25, and a spring 21b allowing the movement of the actuating shaft to the initial position after being pressed on axially. The valve 20a comprises a transmission element 21c for opening the safety valve 71. Said transmission element 21c is housed in a housing which is fluidically communicated with a hole (not shown in the drawings) which is arranged in the body 22 of the valve 20a, and is moreover fluidically communicated with the lower part of the regulator element 25. This hole fluidically communicates with the safety valve 71.
In this embodiment, the transmission element 21c is a rocker arm, and the safety valve 71 comprises a member closing same, such that when the actuating shaft of the actuator 21 is pressed on axially, the inner shaft 21b presses on the transmission element 21c, and this transmission element 21c acts on the cutoff of the safety valve 71 through the hole of the body 22 of the valve 20a, opening the safety valve 71. Therefore, the gas entering from the inlet conduit 23 can pass through the safety valve 71, and through the open member, to the housing of the regulator element, such that when the actuator 21 is acted on in the actuation range A, gas flows to the outlet conduit 24.
A knob 29, shown in Figure 8, is arranged in the actuator 21 of the valve 20a to make it easier for the user to handle said valve 20a. Visual indications 29a which allow guiding the user with respect to the power required of the selected burner are arranged either in the panel of the gas cooking appliance 100 or in the lever 29 itself. Therefore, for example, the OFF position is indicated to indicate the valve being closed to gas flow, booster power/Qb, nominal power/QM, and minimum power/Qm, in addition to indicating, for example, the nine gas flow positions, between maximum flow P9 corresponding to the booster flow rate Qb and the maximum flow rate QM, and position P1 of minimum flow rate Qm.
In this embodiment, the gas cooking appliance 100 also comprises a thermocouple 12 arranged next to the burner 10a, said thermocouple 12 being electrically connected to the safety valve 71 of the regulating valve 20a. This thermocouple 12 has a safety function. Due to the flame in the burner 10a, the safety valve 71 is open due to the electric current generated in the thermocouple 12 and a magnetic group of the safety valve being powered with said electric current. However, when the flame in the burner 10a is extinguished for some reason, the magnetic group is no longer electrically powered, and the safety valve of the regulating valve 20a closes, closing the gas flow to the burner 10a.
Given the features of the regulating valve 20a, the gas outlet 41 of the electromagnetic valve 40 is fluidically communicated with the injector 11a through a single gas conduit 2a, through which conduit 2a different gas flows corresponding between the minimum and nominal power of the burner 10a, and the booster power when the electromagnetic valve 40 of the valve 20a is activated, go to said injector 11a, and therefore to the burner 10a. The manual valves 70b-70d are also fluidically communicated with the injectors 11b-11d through a respective single gas conduit 2b-2d.
This embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100 comprises a control unit 50, the control unit 50 comprising the timer switch 53 and the spark generator 51. The control unit 50 may further comprise other dedicated functions in the gas cooking appliance 100, such as remote function control, etc.
In this embodiment of the gas cooking appliance 100, the electromagnetic valve 40 is a bistable valve comprising an electromagnetic actuator 46 fed from the timer switch 53 through an electric wire 54. The closure member 42 changes position when the electromagnetic actuator 46 is electrically powered, and maintains its position in the absence of power supply from said electromagnetic actuator 46, with a pulse of power being sufficient to cause the change in position.
Figures 10 and 11 show a second embodiment of a gas cooking appliance 100 according to the invention. The gas cooking appliance 100' of the second embodiment has the same features as the gas cooking appliance 100 of the first embodiment, with the differences that the gas cooking appliance 100' comprises four regulating valves 20a-20d, each comprising a rotary actuator 21 and an electromagnetic valve 40. The four switches 60 of the gas cooking appliance 100' are operatively associated with the actuator 21, and said switches 60 are electrically connected to the timer switch 53 and the spark generator 51, the spark generator 51 activating the electrode 52, and the timer switch 53 controlling the electromagnetic valve 40, simultaneously, when the actuator 21 is actuated and the switch 60 is activated.

Claims

Gas cooking appliance comprising at least one gas burner (10a), a regulating valve (20a) fluidically communicated with the burner (10a) for regulating gas flow between a minimum power and a nominal power, and a timer switch (53) for increasing the power of the burner (10a) to a booster power with a booster gas flow rate (Qb) during a predetermined time interval, characterized in that it comprises an electromagnetic valve (40) arranged between the regulating valve (20a) and the burner (10a), the electromagnetic valve (40) comprising a closure member (42), moveable between a closing position and an opening position, the closure member (42) comprising a through hole (44) calibrated to allow a gas flow corresponding to the nominal power of the burner (10a) to pass, the timer switch (53) being configured for controlling the electromagnetic valve (40) by causing the closure member (42) to transition to the opening position to allow the passage of a flow providing the booster power.
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 1, wherein the burner (10a) receives gas flow through an injector (11a), the electromagnetic valve (40) being arranged between the regulating valve (20a) and the injector (11a), and the injector (11a) being configured to provide, at most, the gas flow corresponding to the booster flow rate (Qb).
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 2, wherein the gas outlet (41) of the electromagnetic valve (40) is communicated with the injector (11a) through a single gas conduit (2a).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure member (42) is arranged in a channel (43) of the electromagnetic valve (40), said channel (43) being sized to supply a gas flow corresponding at least to the booster flow rate (Qb) when the closure member (42) is in the opening position.
Gas cooking appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic valve (40) is coupled to the outlet of the regulating valve (20a).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic valve (40) is a bistable valve, with the closure member (42) changing position upon receiving electric current pulses from the timer switch (53).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the regulating valve (20a) comprises an actuator (21) that rotates in a actuation range (A), configured for varying the gas flow rate (Q) through the regulating valve (20a), the actuator (21) comprising an activation switch (60) electrically connected to the timer switch (53) and configured for activating said timer switch (53) when it is activated.
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 7, comprising a spark generator (51) electrically connected to an electrode (52) associated with the burner (10a) for igniting flame in said burner (10a) when it is activated, the switch (60) being electrically connected to the spark generator (51), the spark generator (51) activating the electrode (52), and the timer switch (53) controlling the electromagnetic valve (40) simultaneously when the switch (60) is activated.
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the activation of the switch (60) is by means of pressing on the actuator (21).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the switch (60) is activated at any point of a second actuation range (B), the second actuation range (B) being greater than or equal to the actuation range (A) of the actuator (21).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the actuation range (A) of the actuator (21) comprises a booster range (Ab), in which the valve (20a) supplies the booster flow rate (Qb) to the outlet (41) of the electromagnetic valve (40), when the switch (60) is activated and the closure member (42) is in the opening position, and supplies a maximum flow rate (QM) corresponding to the nominal power, in the same booster range (Ab), when the predetermined time interval has elapsed and the closure member (42) transitions to the closing position.
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 11, wherein the booster flow rate (Qb) and the maximum flow rate (QM) coincide in the same position of the booster range (Ab).
Gas cooking appliance according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the actuation range (A) comprises a regulation range (A1) corresponding to a corresponding variable gas flow between a minimum gas flow rate (Qm), corresponding to the minimum power of the burner (10a), and the maximum flow rate (QM) of the valve (20a), the booster range (Ab) being at least partially within the regulation range (A1), or adjacent to the regulation range (A1).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of claims 7 to 13, wherein the regulating valve (20a) comprises a regulator element (25) coupled to the actuator (21), the regulator element (25) comprising at least one regulating channel (26a) configured for regulating gas flow between an inlet conduit (23) and the outlet conduit (24) of the valve (20a) in the actuation range (A), the at least one regulating channel (26a) comprising a booster segment (27) corresponding to the booster range (Ab), and at least one regulating segment (28) corresponding to the regulation range (A1) of the actuation range (A).
Gas cooking appliance according to any of claims 7 to 14, comprising a control unit (50), the control unit (50) comprising the timer switch (53) and the spark generator (51).