HK1193150B - Gas valve unit - Google Patents

Description

Air valve unit

Technical Field

The invention relates to a gas valve unit (Gasventileinheite) for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas appliance (Gasgeraet), in particular a gas burner of a gas kitchen appliance, wherein the gas valve unit has at least two switching valves.

Background

Gas valve units of the mentioned type are described, for example, in documents EP0818655a2 and WO2004063629a 1. With such a gas valve unit, the gas volume flow supplied to the gas burner of the gas cooking appliance is controlled in a plurality of stages. The gas volume flow has a reproducible size in each stage. By opening or closing certain switching valves of the gas valve unit and thus releasing or interrupting the gas flow through certain throttle openings, the flow cross section of the gas valve unit as a whole and thus the size of the gas volume flow is adjusted.

In known gas valve units of this type, the switching valves are individually electromagnetically actuated. To this end, each of the switching valves has associated with it an own electromagnet which opens or closes the switching valve. The control of the electromagnet is realized by an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit processes the signals generated by the operator of the gas kitchen appliance by means of the electrical control element and actuates the electromagnet of the switching valve accordingly.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on the object of providing a more simply designed gas valve unit of the type mentioned at the outset.

This object is achieved according to the invention in that the switching valve is mechanically operable by moving at least one body relative to the switching valve.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas kitchen appliance, is proposed, wherein the gas valve unit has at least two switching valves, wherein the at least two switching valves are mechanically actuatable by moving at least one body relative to the switching valves.

The actuation of the gas valve unit is effected by changing the position and spatial orientation of the at least one body relative to the switching valve to be actuated.

If the movement of the at least one body is effected by hand by an operator, no electrical components are required for switching the on-off valve. Alternatively, the at least one body can also be moved by means of any adjusting element, for example an electric motor. The electric motor is controlled by an electrical control unit. Which enables the gas valve unit to be selectively operated mechanically by an operator or by means of an electrical adjustment element. In the production of kitchen appliances, gas valve units of identical construction can be combined both with mechanical user interfaces (e.g. knobs) and with electrical user interfaces (e.g. touch sensors).

The gas valve unit is in particular part of a manually operated multiple regulator (mehrfachstellgereit) which comprises a valve element and an adapted ignition safety. In particular, a handle or a rotary knob, a valve, a nozzle and a seal are integrated in the valve element. The handle can be pressed in with light pressure. The ignition fuse is actuated. The switching valve is pressed in one or more gas-tight spaces by one or more elastic components against the sealing element and thus prevents a throughflow to the associated opening or the sealing opening. The elastic component or spring finds its counter-fixing in a gas-tight mounting of the cover (Gegenhalt).

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of N switching valves are provided, wherein each valve has a movable blocking body (absterkoerper) which, when the switching valve is closed, rests against the valve seat and thereby closes the opening in the valve seat.

Preferably, each of the on-off valves has an associated closing spring that presses the lock member against the valve seat when the on-off valve is closed. In addition, each of the on-off valves preferably has an opening spring that acts in opposition to a closing spring. In particular, the spring constant of the closing spring is greater than the spring constant of the opening spring.

In a preferred embodiment, each switching valve has an actuation region, by means of which the switching valve can be actuated by means of the at least one body.

The respective body is preferably designed as a driver (Mitnehmer). The catch is designed in particular such that the opening of the switching valve lifts the blocking body out of the valve seat against the force of the closing spring by means of the force caused by the catch engaging into the actuating region.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one body and the switching valve are embodied such that depending on one position of the body or depending on a plurality of positions of the body no switching valve or exactly one switching valve or exactly two switching valves are open. The dimensions of the respective body and the possible positions of the bodies are designed, for example, such that the respective body can open at most one on-off valve at a time. In the zero position of the rotatable component, no body is arranged above the switching valve.

Preferably, the at least one body is arranged above the on-off valves arranged in a row according to the angle of the rotatable member.

In one embodiment, the at least two switching valves can be actuated mechanically by moving the two bodies relative to the switching valves.

In particular, the first angle of the first body to the rotatable member is arranged above a first switching valve of the column of switching valves.

Preferably, the second body is arranged above the first on-off valve from a second angle (which is greater than the first angle) and the first body is guided over the on-off valve following the first on-off valve according to the enlarged angle of the rotatable member.

In a preferred embodiment, the second body, in cooperation with the first switching valve, sets a base load (Grundlast) for providing a gas volume flow. The first body, in conjunction with the further switching valves, sets up a corresponding additional load for providing the gas volume flow.

Preferably, as described above, a plurality of N switching valves are provided, wherein each valve has a movable blocking body which, when the switching valve is closed, rests against the valve seat and thereby closes the opening in the valve seat or the valve opening. In particular, the openings have different diameters. Preferably, the second to nth openings have an increased diameter. Therefore, the additional load of the access can be increased according to the rotation angle.

As already mentioned above, each switching valve has a movable blocking body which, when the switching valve is closed, rests against the valve seat and thereby closes the opening in the valve seat. When the on-off valve is opened, the opening in the valve seat is flowed through by the gas. This gas flow is interrupted when the locking body of the respective on-off valve abuts against the valve seat.

Preferably, the valve seat is embodied as a substantially flat surface. The flat surfaces of the valve seats form sealing surfaces for the respective locking bodies. If a sheet material is used for the manufacture of the valve seat, no machining steps are required for the manufacture of the valve seat itself. Then only openings have to be added to the flat faces. Alternatively, the valve seat can be designed as a shaped seal, wherein the locking body is then designed flat at its sealing surface. This variant has the advantage that the risk of damage to the sealing edge at the closure body is reduced.

Particularly advantageously, the valve seats of the at least two switching valves are formed by a common component. The common component can be embodied as a valve sealing plate and has for each switching valve an opening or valve opening and a valve seat associated with the opening. In particular, each switching valve has an associated closing spring which presses the closing body against the valve seat when the switching valve is closed. The closing spring thus generates a closing force of the on-off valve. The closing spring thus ensures that the switching valve is reliably closed independently of the installation position of the gas valve unit, for example, even if the weight of the blocking body counteracts the force of the closing spring.

Preferably, each locking body is formed by a substantially cylindrical push rod. The locking body preferably has an annular sealing edge at its end facing the valve seat.

Each locking body is guided in a valve body of the gas valve unit in an axially displaceable manner.

A particularly advantageous arrangement exists when the blocking body of the respective switching valve is arranged on a circular path around the axis of the gas valve unit and the blocking body is movable parallel to this axis. This results in an annular arrangement in which the openings of the valve sealing plate are also arranged on a circular path. The movement of the locking body is effected perpendicular to the plane of the valve sealing plate.

For actuating the respective switching valve, the position of the at least one body relative to the locking body of the respective switching valve can be changed. When the manipulation region is located above the corresponding body, then the manipulation region is manipulated by the corresponding body. Otherwise, the switching valve is closed by the force of the closing spring acting on the locking body.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas kitchen appliance, is proposed, wherein the gas valve unit has at least two switching valves, wherein the at least two switching valves are mechanically actuatable by moving the two bodies relative to the switching valves.

In a preferred embodiment, the two bodies and the switching valve are embodied such that depending on the position of the two bodies no switching valve is open or exactly one switching valve or exactly two switching valves are open. The dimensions of the respective body and the possible positions of the bodies are designed such that the respective body can open at most one on-off valve at a time. In the zero position of the rotatable component, no body is arranged below the switching valve.

When the rotatable member is further rotated so that the generated angle is larger than the first angle, then the second body is arranged above the first on-off valve when the second angle is reached and also remains above the rotatable member when it is further rotated. And the first body is guided over the on-off valve following the first on-off valve according to the enlarged angle of the rotatable member. The second body can thus provide a base load of the gas volume flow in cooperation with the first switching valve. The first body can in this case provide a corresponding additional load of the gas volume flow in cooperation with the other switching valves, depending on which switching valve the body is located above.

The following example with five on-off valves and the assumption that the (i +1) th angle is greater than the ith angle can illustrate this. For a first angle of the rotatable member, the first body is above the first on-off valve. Thus providing a base load.

For a second angle of the rotatable member, the first body is above the second on-off valve and the second body is above the first on-off valve. For a third angle of the rotatable member, the first body is over the third on/off valve and the second body is over the first on/off valve. Thus, the base load is provided by means of the first switching valve and the additional load is provided by means of the third switching valve.

For a fourth angle of the rotatable member, the first body is above the fourth on-off valve and the second body is above the first on-off valve. Similarly, for a fifth angle of the rotatable member, the first body is above the fifth on-off valve and the second body is above the first on-off valve.

A particularly expedient embodiment of the invention provides that the two bodies are arranged on a component of the gas valve unit that can be rotated about an axis of the gas valve unit, wherein the axis is preferably formed by a switching shaft of the gas valve unit. As the rotatable member rotates, the body is moved onto the circular track. Here, the second body following the first body is however only moved to a position above the first on-off valve. The diameter of the circular track corresponds approximately to the diameter of the circular track in which the locking body is located. This means that the first body can be moved over the blocking bodies of all switching valves when the rotatable member is rotated.

A particularly simple arrangement provides that the rotatable member is rotatable about the axis by hand of the operator. No electrical or electronic components are required at all. The actuation of the gas valve unit is effected exclusively by manual force of the operator, which moves the body relative to the actuation region of the switching valve.

It is also possible that the rotatable member is rotatable about the axis by means of an electrical adjustment element. For the electrical control element, in particular an electric motor, for example a stepping motor, is used. The actuating element is controlled by an electrical control unit, for example, as a function of signals from an electrical user interface or as a function of automation, for example, as a function of automated power regulation or automatic disconnection.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas kitchen appliance, is proposed, wherein the gas valve unit has a number of switching valves, wherein the number of switching valves can be additionally accessed by mechanical actuation of at least one body that can be moved relative to the switching valves.

Preferably, the at least one body and the on-off valve are embodied such that a certain number of the on-off valves are opened depending on the position of the at least one body.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one body is arranged above or below the switching valves arranged in rows according to the angle of the rotatable component.

In particular, a number of bodies corresponding to the number of switching valves is provided, which are designed for additional access to the number of switching valves.

Alternatively, the at least one body is embodied as a single driver, which is designed to additionally switch in the number of switching valves.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow to a dual-circuit gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas kitchen appliance, is provided, wherein the gas valve unit has a gas inlet, two gas outlets and at least two switching valves, wherein the gas volume flow supplied at the first gas outlet and the gas volume flow supplied at the second gas outlet can be regulated in a multistage manner, wherein the at least two switching valves can be mechanically actuated by moving at least one body relative to the switching valves.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow to a dual-circuit gas burner of a gas appliance, in particular a gas kitchen appliance, is proposed, wherein the gas valve unit has a gas inlet, two gas outlets and at least two switching valves, wherein the gas volume flow to at least one of the gas outlets is adjustable in multiple stages, wherein the gas volume flow to the two gas outlets is interrupted in a zero position of the gas valve unit and the gas volume flow, which is adjustable in multiple stages in a switching position adjacent to the zero position, is set to a maximum value, wherein the at least two switching valves are mechanically actuatable by moving at least one body relative to the switching valves.

Drawings

Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in detail on the basis of the embodiments shown in the schematic drawings. Wherein:

figure 1 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a gas valve unit with a closed switching valve,

figure 2 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a gas valve unit with an open first switching valve,

figure 3 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a gas valve unit with an open first switching valve and an open second switching valve,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a gas valve unit with an open second switching valve, an

Fig. 5 shows a schematic switching arrangement of a gas valve unit with an open fifth switching valve.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 5 show the switching arrangement of the gas valve unit according to the invention in successive switching states. A gas inlet 1 can be identified, with which the gas valve unit is coupled, for example, to the main gas line of the gas kitchen appliance. Gas with a constant pressure of, for example, 20mbar or 50mbar, which is provided for combustion, is located at the gas inlet 1.1. At the gas outlet 2 of the valve unit, a gas line is connected, for example, to a gas burner of a gas kitchen appliance. The gas inlet 1.1 is connected via the gas outlet chamber 3 of the gas valve unit to the inlet side of in this embodiment five switching valves 4(4.1 to 4.5). By opening the switching valve 4, the gas inlet 1.1 is connected to the gas outlet chamber 3. A sealing plate or valve sealing plate 5 is arranged between the gas inlet chamber 1.2 and the gas outlet chamber 3.

The switching valve 4 is mechanically operable by moving the driver 6 relative to the switching valve 4.

In this case, the driver 6 and the switching valves 4 are embodied such that depending on the position of the driver 6, no switching valve 4 is open or exactly one switching valve 4 or exactly two switching valves 4 are open.

For this purpose, openings 8 in the nozzle plate 9 are associated in the respective switching valves 4.1 to 4.5. When the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 are open, gas can pass from the gas inlet chamber 1.2 to the gas outlet chamber 3.

The valve seats of the on-off valves 4.1 to 4.5 are preferably formed by a common component. The common component is, for example, a valve sealing plate 5.

Each of the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 has a closing spring 11, which presses the locking body 7 against the valve seat when the switching valve 4.1 to 4.5 is closed. The movable blocking body 7 rests against the valve seat when the switching valve 4 is closed. The locking body 7 is formed of, for example, a substantially columnar push rod. In addition, each switching valve 4.1 to 4.5 has an opening spring 10, which acts counter to a closing spring 11.

In addition, each switching valve 4.1 to 4.5 has an actuation region 12, by means of which the switching valve 4.1 to 4.5 can be actuated by means of the driver 6.

The valve housing 13 of the gas valve unit essentially comprises a handle shaft (not shown), a cover plate 14 and a seal-nozzle plate combination system. The seal-nozzle plate combination system is assembled from an upper gas distribution seal 15, a nozzle plate 9, a lower gas distribution seal 16, a pressure plate 17 and a seal plate 5.

The handle shaft can be rotated and can be pressed in with a slight pressure. The seal-nozzle plate combination system is located on the side facing the handle shaft and is integrated in the cover plate 14, wherein the seal-nozzle plate combination system is directed towards the opposite handle shaft side.

The handle shaft is also guided by means of the cover plate 14. The cover plate 14 with the seal-nozzle plate combination is preferably designed as a removable separation point at the valve housing 13. The closing spring 11 finds its counter-fixing at the pressure plate 19. An opening spring 10 is arranged opposite the closing spring 11. The opening spring 10 is supported on the valve housing 13 and acts with a significantly lower force on the closing spring 11.

The locking body or valve body 7 passes through a pressure plate 19 with its actuating region 12. The driver 6 is moved by the handle shaft on the pressure plate 19, so that the driver 6 is in contact with the actuation region 12 of the respective switching valve 4.1 to 4.5 and can be opened or closed. This side of the valve housing 13 is closed by a gas-tight valve housing cover 18 and is therefore located on the opposite side of the handle shaft. The housing 13 is shown in the illustration of fig. 1 to 5 as an exploded view. The handle shaft is eliminated in this illustration because it is arranged in the middle. The visible handle shaft area is arranged above the cover plate 14.

The driver 6 is designed to lift the blocking body from the valve seat against the force of the closing spring 11 in order to open the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 by means of the force caused by the driver 6 engaging in the actuating region 12. The locking bodies 7 of the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 are preferably arranged on a circular path around the axis of the gas valve unit. The locking body 7 is movable parallel to this axis.

For actuating the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5, the position of the driver 6 relative to the blocking body of the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 can be changed. In particular, the driver 6 is arranged here below the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 arranged in a row, depending on the angle of the rotatable component.

In the switching position according to fig. 1, the driver 6 is in the zero position and none of the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 is open. Thus, no gas can flow from the gas inlet chamber 1.2 to the gas outlet chamber 3. All the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 are sealed on a valve sealing plate 5.

When the driver 6 is displaced from the zero position, it approaches the first switching valve 4.1 and there, by contact with the actuating region 12 of the first switching valve 4.1, causes the blocking body 7 of the first switching valve 4.1 to be separated from the sealing plate 9. The gas path is then open in the direction of the gas outlet chamber 3 and thus in the direction of the gas outlet 2. This is shown in fig. 2. In the illustrated example of fig. 1 to 5, the state in which the first switching valve 4.1 is open corresponds to the complete combustion position, since in this arrangement a minimum pressure loss can be taken into account.

When the driver 6 is moved further, it approaches the second switching valve 4.2 and is thereby also separated from the sealing plate 9 by contact with the actuating region of the second switching valve 4.2. At this point in time, the two switching valves 4.1 and 4.2 are open (see fig. 3). The flow rate change is preferably not yet realized, since the pressure loss realized by the nozzle opening of the second switching valve 4.2 is greater than it is in the case of the first switching valve 4.1.

When the driver 6 is moved further with reference to fig. 4, the driver 6 then loses its contact with the actuation area 12 of the first switching valve 4.1. This results in the closing spring 11 closing the first switching valve 4.1 again, so that the locking body 7 of the first switching valve 4.1 seals again against the sealing plate 5. Only at this point is a reduced flow change via the second switching valve 4.2 achieved (see fig. 4).

When the driver 6 continues to move as far as the fifth switching valve 4.5 and only then opens (see fig. 5), then the smallest possible flow rate is achieved in this position, since the subsequent nozzle opening (which is opened by the fifth switching valve 4.5) preferably has the smallest flow cross section. The nozzle openings which continue to be flowed through by the gas flow in series in the direction of the gas outlet 2 preferably all have a larger nozzle cross section, so that no further flow reduction can be achieved. Since all the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5 are arranged parallel to one another, open or close with a time delay, the gas is forced to line up through all the openings 8 in the nozzle plate 9 as far as the gas outlet 2. With this arrangement, no overshoots (Ueberschwingen) or undershoots (unterscchwingen) of the flow are caused at the instant of the respective switching operation of the switching valves 4.1 to 4.5.

In this gas valve unit, the gas always flows first through the parallel-arranged switching valves and then through the series-connected nozzle openings.

The switching states of fig. 1 to 5 described above are advantageously accurately reproducible. The switching state can be accurately reproduced even for the smallest flow at the maximum coupling pressure without causing the desired overshoot or undershoot of the power level.

No grease is required during the opening and closing of the opening and closing valve, so that the movement of the opening and closing point is not caused.

The mechanically opened and closed gas valve unit may be operated by hand. The electronics are not necessary, but a motor drive may be applied.

A rotational stroke of about 320 ° is provided by the arrangement according to the invention. The valve block can be configured as a ring or also as a slide. The gas valve unit can be used for any gas type, and can also be used for liquefied gas.

In addition, there are variants of gas valve units in which a variable gas quantity relative to the base load can be achieved in the individual switching stages. Depending on the design of the opening cross section, it is also possible to show an increased gas quantity at all times relative to the base load. Furthermore, even a sawtooth profile can be used for the amount of gas supplied.

In addition, the design of the switching valve in some embodiments of the gas valve unit can also be designed very simply, viewed in the flow direction from the sealing plate, since the additional double perforation of the gas distribution plate and the nozzle plate can be dispensed with.

List of reference numerals

1.1 gas inlet

1.2 gas inlet Chamber

2 gas outlet

3 gas inlet cavity

4-switch valve

5 valve sealing plate

6 driving piece

7 locking body

8 opening

9 nozzle plate

10 opening spring

11 closing spring

12 manipulation area

13 valve housing

14 cover plate

15 upper gas distribution seal

16 lower part gas distribution seal

17 pressing plate

18 guard board

And (7) pressing a plate.

Claims (19)

1. A gas valve unit for regulating a gas volume flow supplied to a gas burner of a gas appliance, wherein the gas valve unit has at least two switching valves (4), wherein the at least two switching valves (4) can be mechanically actuated by moving at least one body (6) relative to the switching valves (4), and wherein the at least one body (6) and the switching valves (4) are embodied such that depending on the position of the at least one body (6) no switching valve (4) is open or exactly one switching valve (4) or exactly two switching valves (4) are open, wherein each switching valve (4) has a movable blocking body (7) which, when the switching valve (4) is closed, rests against a valve seat and thereby closes an opening (8).

2. A gas valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that a plurality of N switching valves (4.1 to 4.5) are provided.

3. A gas valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each on-off valve (4) has a closing spring (11) and an opening spring (10) acting against the closing spring (11), the closing spring (11) pressing the blocking body (7) against the valve seat when the on-off valve (4) is closed.

4. A gas valve unit as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that each switching valve (4) has an actuation region (12) by means of which the switching valve (4) can be actuated by means of at least one of the bodies (6).

5. A gas valve unit as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the respective body (6) is configured as a catch, which is designed to lift the blocking body (7) from the valve seat against the force of the closing spring (11) in order to open the switching valve (4) by means of the force caused by the catch engaging into the actuation area (12).

6. Gas valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the bodies (6) is arranged above the on-off valves (4) arranged in rows according to the angle of the rotatable member.

7. A gas valve unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the first angle of the first body to the rotatable member is arranged above the first on-off valve (4.1) of the row of on-off valves (4.1-4.5).

8. A gas valve unit according to claim 7, characterized in that the second body remains arranged above the first on-off valve (4.1) from a second angle larger than the first angle and the first body is guided over the on-off valves (4.2 to 4.5) following the first on-off valve (4.1) according to the increasing angle of the rotatable member.

9. A gas valve unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the second body, in cooperation with the first switching valve (4.1), establishes a base load for providing the gas volume flow and the first body, in cooperation with the other switching valves (4.2 to 4.5), establishes respective additional loads for providing the gas volume flow.

10. A gas valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the openings (8) have different diameters.

11. Gas valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second to nth openings (8) have successively increasing opening cross sections.

12. A gas valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve seats of the on-off valves (4) are formed by a common member.

13. A gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the blocking body (7) of each switching valve (4) is arranged on a circular track around the axis of the gas valve unit and the blocking body (7) is movable parallel to the axis.

14. A gas valve unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the gas appliance is a gas kitchen appliance.

15. A gas valve unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the component is formed by a valve sealing plate (9).

16. A gas valve unit according to claim 13, characterized in that the axis is formed by a switching shaft of the gas valve unit.

17. A gas-fired appliance with at least one gas valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A gas appliance having a gas appliance according to claim 17.

19. The gas appliance of claim 18, wherein the gas appliance is a gas range.