WO2021078482A1

WO2021078482A1 - Gas valve arrangement and gas stove

Info

Publication number: WO2021078482A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/077308
Authority: WO
Inventors: Santiago Lopez Ranero; Carlos Pelayo Alonso; Emilio Placer Maruri; Mario VELO BEZANILLA
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2019-10-21
Filing date: 2020-09-30
Publication date: 2021-04-29

Abstract

A gas valve arrangement (14A, 14B) for a gas stove (1), comprising a gas valve (10 - 13), an actuation knob (15) for actuating the gas valve (10 - 13), an electric switch (25) for activating an igniter (6 - 9) of a gas burner (2 - 5) of the gas stove (1), and a switch device (23) that transforms a linear movement of the actuation knob (15) along a middle axis (M) thereof into a linear movement of a switch actuation element (30) away from the middle axis (M) against the switch (25) for actuating the switch (25), wherein the linear movement of the actuation knob (15) is oriented perpendicular to the linear movement of the switch actuation element (30).

Description

Gas valve arrangement and gas stove

The present invention relates to a gas valve arrangement for a gas stove and to a gas stove with such a gas valve arrangement.

A gas stove comprises one or more gas burners, an igniter for igniting the gas burner and a gas valve for regulating a flow of combustion gas to the gas burner. The gas valve has an actuation stem that can be rotated and pressed down in a valve housing of the gas valve. The valve housing has an electrical switch that closes an electrical circuit for activating the igniter when the actuation knob is pressed down into the valve housing. Due to the fact that the switch is arranged at or in the valve housing, spilled food or water can wet the switch. This can result in a malfunction of the switch.

It is one object of the present invention to provide an improved gas valve arrangement for a gas stove.

Accordingly, a gas valve arrangement for a gas stove is provided. The gas valve arrangement comprises a gas valve, an actuation knob for actuating the gas valve, an electric switch for activating an igniter of a gas burner of the gas stove, and a switch device that transforms a linear movement of the actuation knob along a middle axis thereof into a linear movement of a switch actuation element away from the middle axis against the switch for actuating the switch, wherein the linear movement of the actuation knob is oriented perpendicular to the linear movement of the switch actuation element.

Due to the fact that the linear movement of the actuation knob is transformed into a perpendicular movement of the switch actuation element, it is possible to place the switch in a distance from the gas valve. Thus, spilled water or food that wets the gas valve does not affect the switch.

The gas valve arrangement is a household appliance or part of a household appliance.

For this reason, the gas valve arrangement can be named household gas valve arrangement. The gas valve arrangement can be part of the gas stove. The gas valve arrangement can comprise a plurality of gas valves. Each gas valve has a valve housing and an actuation stem that is rotatable supported in the valve housing. By rotating the actuation stem, a flow of combustion gas from a gas main pipe to the gas burner can be regulated. In this way, the power of the gas burner can be adjusted.

The actuation stem can also be pressed into the valve housing to actuate the switch. The switch can be part of an electric circuit that comprises the igniter. The actuation knob is attached to the actuation stem. By means of the actuation knob, the actuation stem can be rotated and pushed down. The actuation stem is spring-loaded into an initial position. The actuation stem can be pressed down by means of the actuation knob against a spring force. As soon as the actuation knob is no more loaded with an actuation force, it returns to its initial position.

"Actuating" the gas valve in this context means rotating and pressing down the actuation knob in direction of the valve housing. "Activating" the igniter in this context means that the switch closes an electric circuit so that the igniter sparks to light the gas burner. The "linear movement" of the actuation knob in particular is a linear movement thereof in direction of the gas valve along the middle axis. That the switch actuation element moves "away" from the middle axis, in this context means a linear movement in a direction that is oriented from the middle axis in direction of the switch. "Actuating" the switch in this context means that the switch is closed by means of the switch actuation element so that the igniter is powered. "Perpendicular" in this context means an angle of 90° ± 10°, preferably of 90° ± 5°, more preferably of 90° ± 1°, more preferably of exactly 90°.

According to an embodiment, the switch is arranged in a distance from the middle axis.

The distance can be a couple of centimeters. In this way, the switch is even more protected from moisture.

According to a further embodiment, the switch is arranged at a first end of the switch device, wherein the actuation knob is arranged at a second end of the switch device.

Preferably, the ends face away from each other. In particular, the switch device has a rectangular shape with two long sides and two short sides. The ends are preferably the short sides. According to a further embodiment, the switch device is plate-shaped, wherein the switch device is arranged perpendicular to the middle axis.

The switch device can be attached to the valve housing of the gas valve.

According to a further embodiment, the actuation knob comprises a cam section that interacts with the switch device to linear move the switch actuation element away from the middle axis against the switch.

Preferably, the switch can have a knob or stem that is contacted by the switch actuation element. In this way, the switch can be actuated.

According to a further embodiment, the cam section is at least partly cone-shaped.

The cam section can comprise a disk-shaped subsection and a cone-shaped subsection. The cone-shaped subsection preferably has the form of a truncated cone. The transformation of the linear movement of the actuation knob into the linear movement of the switch actuation element is preferably done by the at least partly cone-shaped cam section. However, alternative solutions, like for example a wedge-shaped cam section, are possible.

According to a further embodiment, the actuation knob comprises an actuation section and a sleeve section that connects the actuation section to the cam section, wherein the actuation section, the sleeve section and the cam section are integrally formed.

Preferably, the sleeve section is tube-shaped. The sleeve section and the cam section can receive the actuation stem. "Integrally" formed or "monolithic" in this context means that the actuation knob is formed as one integral part that is not assembled out of a plurality of parts. For example, the actuation knob is an injection molded part. The actuation knob is attached to the actuation stem in a non-rotatable manner. According to a further embodiment, the switch device comprises a cam interaction element which interacts with the actuation knob and the switch actuation element to linear move the switch actuation element away from the middle axis against the switch.

Preferably, the cam interaction element is optional. The switch actuation element can directly interact with the actuation knob. The cam interaction element and the switch actuation element are preferably both plate-shaped.

According to a further embodiment, the cam interaction element is sandwiched between the actuation knob and the switch actuation element.

In particular, the cam interaction element is sandwiched between the cam section of the actuation knob and the switch actuation element. "Sandwiched" means in this context arranged between. The cam interaction element preferably is not connected to the switch actuation element. However, the cam interaction element contacts the switch actuation element. When the cam interaction element is pushed in direction of the switch by means of the down-movement of the actuation knob, the cam interaction element pushes the switch actuation element in the same direction so that the switch actuation element switches the switch.

According to a further embodiment, the switch device comprises a guide frame which receives the switch actuation element and the cam interaction element and guides both along a longitudinal direction of the guide frame.

Preferably, the switch is attached to the guide frame.

According to a further embodiment, the actuation knob is guided through the guide frame. For this reason, the guide frame can have an opening.

According to a further embodiment, the switch device comprises a spring which preloads the switch actuation element against the cam interaction element and the cam interaction element against the actuation knob. The spring is a pressure spring. The spring can be a cylinder spring. Preferably, the spring is arranged between the guide frame and the switch actuation element. When the actuation knob is no longer pressed down, the spring moves the switch actuation element and the cam interaction element back in their initial position. The switch is opened and the igniter is unpowered.

According to a further embodiment, the gas valve arrangement further comprises at least two gas valves, wherein each gas valve has its own cam interaction element, and wherein the at least two gas valves share a common switch actuation element.

In this way, the number of switches can be reduced. Only one switch for all gas valves is sufficient. The number of gas valves is arbitrary. Each gas valve has its own actuation knob.

Furthermore, a gas stove comprising such a gas valve arrangement is provided.

The gas stove can be named gas hob. The gas stove is a household appliance. For this reason, the gas stove can be named household gas stove.

According to an embodiment, the gas stove further comprises a gas burner and an igniter to ignite the gas burner, wherein the switch activates the igniter by closing an electric circuit.

The number of gas burners is arbitrary. For example, there are provided four gas burners. Each gas burner has a gas valve and an igniter to ignite the gas burner. Preferably, the gas stove has only one switch device with only one switch for all gas valves. The electric circuit comprises the switch, the ignitor and wiring. The switch can switch all igniters at the same time.

Further possible implementations or alternative solutions of the invention also encompass combinations - that are not explicitly mentioned herein - of features described above or below with regard to the embodiments. The person skilled in the art may also add individual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic form of the invention. Further embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and dependent claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of one embodiment of a gas stove;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a gas valve arrangement for the gas stove according to Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a gas valve arrangement for the gas stove according to Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the gas valve arrangement according to Fig. 3.

In the Figures, like reference numerals designate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless otherwise indicated.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a gas hob or gas stove 1. The gas stove 1 can be a household appliance or part of a household appliance. The gas stove 1 comprises a plurality of gas burners 2 to 5. The number of gas burners 2 to 5 is arbitrary. As Fig. 1 shows, there can be provided four gas burners 2 to 5. Each gas burner 2 to 5 has an igniter 6 to 9 to ignite the assigned gas burner 2 to 5.

The gas stove 1 has a plurality of gas valves 10 to 13. The number of gas valves 10 to 13 is the same as the number of gas burners 2 to 5. Each gas valve 10 to 13 is assigned to one gas burner 2 to 5. Each gas valve 10 to 13 is attached to a main gas pipe. The gas valves 10 to 13 preferably are gas regulating valves. The gas valves 10 to 13 are suitable for regulating a stream of combustion gas from the main gas pipe to the assigned gas burner 2 to 5 continuously or stepwise. In particular, the gas valves 10 to 13 are so-called step valves. The gas valves 10 to 13 are preferably clamped to the main gas pipe.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a gas valve arrangement 14A comprising one gas valve 10. The gas valve 10 has an actuation knob 15. The actuation knob 15 is attached to an actuation stem 16 that is rotatable supported in a valve housing 17. By rotating the actuation stem 16 in the valve housing 17, the flow of combustion gas from the main gas pipe to the assigned gas burner 2 to 5 can be regulated or blocked.

The actuation stem 16 is spring-loaded in a direction away from the valve housing 17 by means of a spring force F1. The actuation stem 16 can be pressed down by means of the actuation knob 15 in direction of the valve housing 17. This is done by an actuation force F2. By means of the actuation force F2, the actuation stem 16 is pressed into the valve housing 17. When the actuation force F2 no longer acts on the actuation knob 15, the spring force F1 moves back the actuation stem 16 and the actuation knob 15 into the initial position shown in Fig. 2. In other words, "spring-loaded" means that the actuation stem 16 and the actuation knob 15 move back into the initial position by means of the spring force F1. The forces F1, F2 act along a symmetry axis or middle axis M of the actuation knob 15.

The actuation knob 15 has a cylindrical actuation section 18 that can be gripped by a user with two fingers. A sleeve section 19 protrudes from a bottom-side of the actuation section 18. The sleeve section 19 receives the actuation stem 16. The actuation knob 15 further has a cam section 20. The cam section 20 comprises a disk-shaped subsection 21 and a cone-shaped subsection 22. Preferably, the subsection 22 has the form of a truncated cone. The sleeve section 19 connects the cam section 20 to the actuation section 18. The actuation knob 15 is rotation-symmetrically constructed towards the middle axis M.

The cone-shaped subsection 22 protrudes from the disk-shaped subsection 21 on a surface thereof that is averted the actuation section 18. The actuation section 18, the sleeve section 19 and the cam section 20 are made as one piece. "One piece" in this context means that the actuation section 18, the sleeve section 19 and the cam section 20 are formed as a monolithic or integral part and are not assembled from a number of separate parts.

The gas valve arrangement 14A further comprises a switch device 23. The actuation knob 15 and in particular the cam section 20 can be part of the switch device 23. By means of the switch device 23, the assigned igniter 6 to 9 can be switched on. The switch device 23 comprises a guide frame 24 which can be attached to the valve housing 17. An electric switch 25 is attached to the guide frame 24 at a first end 26 thereof that is averted from the actuation knob 15. A second end 27 of the guide frame 24 receives the actuation stem 16 and the cam section 20 of the actuation knob 15. The first end 26 can be named first end of the switch device 23. The second end 27 can be named second end of the switch device 23.

In the guide frame 24, a cam interaction element 28 is guided along a longitudinal direction L of the guide frame 24. The cam interaction element 28 is plate-shaped. The longitudinal direction L is oriented from the actuation knob 15 in direction of the switch 25. The cam interaction element 28 interacts with the cam section 20 of the actuation knob 15 as will be explained later. The cam interaction element 28 can move in the guide frame 24 along the longitudinal direction L and against the longitudinal direction L. This movement is indicated by means of an arrow 29 in Fig. 2.

The guide frame 24 also receives a switch actuation element 30. The switch actuation element 30 is plate-shaped. The switch actuation element 30 can be moved along the longitudinal direction L and against the longitudinal direction L as indicated by the arrow 29. The switch actuation element 30 contacts the cam interaction element 28. However, the switch actuation element 30 and the cam interaction element 28 are not directly connected to each other.

The cam interaction element 28 can push the switch actuation element 30 along the longitudinal direction L. In this way, the switch actuation element 30 can follow a movement of the cam interaction element 28. The switch actuation element 30 is biased against the cam interaction element 28 by means of a spring 31. The spring 31 acts with a spring force F3 against the switch actuation element 30. The switch 25 can be activated by the switch actuation element 30 being moved against the spring force F3 to contact the switch 25. For this reason, the switch 25 can have a knob or stem that is contacted by the switch actuation element 30.

The function of the gas valve arrangement 14A will be explained in the following. The gas valve 10 is assigned to the gas burner 2 and the igniter 6. Fig. 2 shows the gas valve arrangement 14A in an initial position. To start the gas burner 2, the actuation knob 15 is rotated and at the same time pressed down against the spring force F1 by means of the actuation force F2. Doing so opens the gas valve 10 so that combustion gas flows from the main gas pipe to the gas burner 2 and pours out of the gas burner 2.

At the same time, when pressing down the actuation knob 15, the cone-shaped subsection 22 of the cam section 20 glides on the cam interaction element 28 and moves the cam interaction element 28 in the longitudinal direction L away from the actuation stem 16. The cam interaction element 28 lies against the switch actuation element 30 and moves it against the spring force F3 towards the switch 25. As soon as the switch actuation element 30 contacts the switch 25, the switch 25 closes an electric circuit and powers the igniter 6 to light the combustion gas escaping from the gas burner 2.

As soon as the gas burner 2 is ignited, the actuation force F2 is released and the spring force F1 moves the actuation knob 15 back in its initial position. At the same time, the spring 31 pushes the switch actuation element 30 away from the switch 25 by means of the spring force F3. The switch 25 is then open or inactive. The switch actuation element 30 pushes the cam interaction element 28 against the cam section 20 so that the cam interaction element 28 rests against the cone-shaped subsection 22 of the cam section 20. As soon as the gas burner 2 is ignited, the actuation knob 15 can be rotated to adjust the power of the gas burner 2.

By means of the switch device 23, it is possible to place the switch 25 in a distance from the gas valve 10. Hence, electrical problems due to spilled water or food can be avoided. Even when the gas valve arrangement 14A comprises more than one gas valve 10, only one switch 25 is needed. In this way, the gas valve arrangement 14A is suitable for a gas stove 1 with a plurality of actuation knobs 15. No extra switch device 23 is needed. The wiring of the switch 25 can be reduced compared to a gas valve arrangement with a plurality of gas valves that each has a switch.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of another gas valve arrangement 14B. Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the gas valve arrangement 14B. The gas valve arrangement 14B differs from the gas valve arrangement 14A only in that the gas valve arrangement 14B has two gas valves 10, 11 instead of one gas valve 10. Accordingly, there are provided two actuation knobs 15 and two cam interaction elements 28 that are received in the guide frame 24. However, the number of gas valves 10, 11 is arbitrary. There can be - as mentioned before - four gas valves 10 to 13.

The function of the gas valve arrangement 14A is basically the same as for the gas valve arrangement 14A. The only difference is, when pushing the actuation knob 15 of the gas valve 10 down, the cam interaction element 28 of the gas valve 10 does not directly push the switch actuation element 30 against the switch 25 but it pushes the cam interaction element 28 of the gas valve 11 which directly interacts with the switch actuation element 30. In this way, the cam interaction element 28 of the gas valve 11 transfers the movement of the cam interaction element 28 of the gas valve 10 to the switch actuation element 30.

Although the present invention has been described in accordance with preferred embodiments, it is obvious for the person skilled in the art that modifications are possible in all embodiments.

Reference Numerals:

1 gas stove

2 gas burner

3 gas burner

4 gas burner

5 gas burner

6 igniter

7 igniter

8 igniter

9 igniter

10 gas valve

11 gas valve

12 gas valve

13 gas valve

14A gas valve arrangement

14B gas valve arrangement

15 actuation knob

16 actuation stem

17 valve housing

18 actuation section

19 sleeve section

20 cam section

21 subsection

22 subsection

23 switch device

24 guide frame

25 switch

26 end

27 end

28 cam interaction element

29 arrow

30 switch actuation element

31 spring F1 spring force

F2 actuation force

F3 spring force

L longitudinal direction M middle axis

Claims

1. A gas valve arrangement (14A, 14B) for a gas stove (1), comprising a gas valve (10 - 13), an actuation knob (15) for actuating the gas valve (10 - 13), an electric switch (25) for activating an igniter (6 - 9) of a gas burner (2 - 5) of the gas stove (1), and a switch device (23) that transforms a linear movement of the actuation knob (15) along a middle axis (M) thereof into a linear movement of a switch actuation element (30) away from the middle axis (M) against the switch (25) for actuating the switch (25), wherein the linear movement of the actuation knob (15) is oriented perpendicular to the linear movement of the switch actuation element (30).

2. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the switch (25) is arranged in a distance from the middle axis (M).

3. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switch (25) is arranged at a first end (26) of the switch device (23), and wherein the actuation knob (15) is arranged at a second end (27) of the switch device (23).

4. The gas valve arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the switch device (23) is plate-shaped, and wherein the switch device (23) is arranged perpendicular to the middle axis (M).

5. The gas valve arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the actuation knob (15) comprises a cam section (20) that interacts with the switch device (23) to linear move the switch actuation element (30) away from the middle axis (M) against the switch (25).

6. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the cam section (20) is at least partly cone-shaped.

7. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the actuation knob (15) comprises an actuation section (18) and a sleeve section (19) that connects the actuation section (18) to the cam section (20), and wherein the actuation section (18), the sleeve section (19) and the cam section (20) are integrally formed.

8. The gas valve arrangement according to one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the switch device (23) comprises a cam interaction element (28) which interacts with the actuation knob (15) and the switch actuation element (30) to linear move the switch actuation element (30) away from the middle axis (M) against the switch (25).

9. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the cam interaction element (28) is sandwiched between the actuation knob (15) and the switch actuation element (30).

10. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the switch device (23) comprises a guide frame (24) which receives the switch actuation element (30) and the cam interaction element (28) and guides both along a longitudinal direction (L) of the guide frame (24).

11. The gas valve arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the actuation knob (15) is guided through the guide frame (24).

12. The gas valve arrangement according to one of claims 8 - 11, wherein the switch device (23) comprises a spring (31) which preloads the switch actuation element (30) against the cam interaction element (28) and the cam interaction element (28) against the actuation knob (15).

13. The gas valve arrangement according to one of claims 8 - 12, further comprising at least two gas valves (10 - 13), wherein each gas valve (10 - 13) has its own cam interaction element (28), and wherein the at least two gas valves (10 - 13) share a common switch actuation element (30).

14. A gas stove (1) comprising a gas valve arrangement (14A, 14B) according to one of claims 1 - 13.

15. The gas stove according to claim 14, further comprising a gas burner (2 - 5) and an igniter (6 - 9) to ignite the gas burner (2 - 5), wherein the switch (25) activates the igniter (6 - 9) by closing an electric circuit.