AU2017201932A1

AU2017201932A1 - Gas Burner Ignition System

Info

Publication number: AU2017201932A1
Application number: AU2017201932A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dane Hocking
Original assignee: Haus Group Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Haus Group Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-03-22
Filing date: 2017-03-22
Publication date: 2018-10-11

Abstract

Abstract A method of electronically controlling the safety magnet of a solenoid valve of a burner of a gas cooktop hob uses an ignition pin as a flame sensor to detect flame ionisation taking place at the burner flame by delivering a direct current (DC) micro amp charge to a control module where the charge is as a consequence of ions formed during combustion of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame (electrical conductivity) in conjunction with the flame rectifying effect. When a positive reading from the flame sensor is received by the control module a separate circuit is initiated and the solenoid valve is opened enabling fuel to flow through the solenoid valve. (71] Ec (00 0 0 wl (1 (0 m C 76

Description

Gas Burner Ignition System

Technical Field

This invention is concerned with the field of gas fuel ignition systems and although not limited to the application will be described in the context of an ignition system installed in a domestic gas fuelled cooker hob.

Background

Existing ignition systems of common cooktop hobs include an igniter and a solenoid valve connected with a thermocouple. The igniter can ignite the cooker hob with a pulsed high voltage spark and maintain the flame by activation of the thermocouple and solenoid valve. When the user presses and turns on the control knob on a cooker hob, the knob must be held for a period of time until the flame combustion stabilizes before releasing the igniter knob. Premature release of the knob before the thermocouple has reached its operating temperature will cause the solenoid valve to close, shutting the burner. The thermocouple provides sufficient power directly to the valve to hold the safety magnet open when the thermocouple reaches operating temperature.

Flame Ionization Detection (FID) is based on the detection of ions formed during combustion of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame in conjunction with the flame rectifying effect.

Flame rectification is a phenomenon in which a flame can act as an electrical rectifier occurring when an alternating current (AC) is converted to direct current (DC) by using the conductivity of the flame as the path.

Any reference herein to known prior art does not, unless contrary indication appears, constitute an admission that such prior art is commonly known by those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, at the priority date of this application.

Description of the Invention

The invention provides a gas burner ignition system, including a power circuit, an igniter and a solenoid valve, the system further including the switch control circuit by way of a micro switch mounted to the valve, a spark igniter and flame sense control circuit connected between the power circuit and the igniter and a solenoid valve control circuit connected between the ignition system and the solenoid valve.

This invention is directed at providing an improved method of detecting the presence of a flame and subsequently controlling the safety magnet of the solenoid valve.

This invention relies on an electronically controlled solution to manipulate the solenoid valve, removing the need for a temperature controlled thermocouple.

Once the occurrence of the initiation event (i.e. User turns the control knob of the gas valve), this invention adopts a method of detecting flame ionisation taking place at the burner flame and relaying a signal to the ignition module.

Upon a positive micro amp reading being received by the ignition module, related to the flame being present, a separate circuit is initiated and the solenoid valve is opened enabling fuel to flow through the solenoid valve.

The system does not rely on the incorporation of a thermocouple.

The system offers an TED output indicating the system status.

The system offers the utilisation of a magnetic reed switch which monitors the cross ring and burner components are correctly placed in the burner base.

The system offers the utilisation of a proximity sensor which monitors the placement of cookware on top of the pan supports above the burner

Claims

Claims

1. Method for monitoring the combustion of a burner of a gas cooktop hob by way of utilising the ignition pin as a flame sensor wherein the sensor delivers a direct current (DC) micro amp charge to the control module where the charge is as a consequence of ions formed during combustion of organic compounds in a hydrogen flame (electrical conductivity) in conjunction with the flame rectifying effect.
2. Method for controlling the safety magnet of the solenoid controlled gas delivery valve by way of issuing a charge directly from the control module, when a positive reading from the flame sensor is received by the control module.
3. An ignition system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, further including an LED circuit, where an LED located close to the control is used to indicate the ‘status’ of the flame and solenoid valve.
4. An ignition system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, further including an automatic feedback circuit, by way of a reed switch to sense if the burner cross ring or the burners associated components is located in the correct operable position.
5. An ignition system as claimed in claims 1 and 2, further including an automatic feedback circuit, by way of a proximity sensor to sense if the cookware is located above the burner on the pan support.
6. An ignition system substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 of the drawing figures.