EP2708816A2

EP2708816A2 - A touch-sensitive gas control system and a cam gas tap for domestic cooking appliances

Info

Publication number: EP2708816A2
Application number: EP13164657.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gokhan Turhan; Mehmet Demirezen; Isa Gun
Original assignee: Turas Gaz Armatuerleri Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Turas Gaz Armatuerleri Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2012-09-14
Filing date: 2013-04-22
Publication date: 2014-03-19
Also published as: EP2708816A3

Abstract

A new touch-sensitive gas control system (A) for domestic cooking appliances and a cam gas tap (2) operating in accordance with said system are disclosed. Said tap comprises a body (2.1), a gas inlet (2.2), a gas outlet (2.3), a male, a pin, a magnet, a shuttle, and a gasket as main components, as well as comprising a gearbox mounted on said body, a servomotor located in said gearbox, a gear, a pinion with a cam thereon, and a gear system cover which is mounted on the gearbox in a way to cover it completely in order to prevent food residues and other external residues from getting in the system. As a result of the rotation movement transferred to the pinion, the pin contacts with cam surfaces and moves downward at a certain displacement and pushes the shuttle forward, thereby making it press the magnet.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a new gas control system enabling gas taps used in domestic cooking appliances to be touch controlled by the user, and to a cam gas tap operating synchronically with said system.
The invention relates to a new gas control system enabling gas taps used in domestic cooking appliances to be touch controlled by the user, and to a safety cam gas tap that is suitable for use with said system. A cam disc is present on the pinion provided in the designed tap. The cam provided on this cam disc and having a special design pushes the pin forward and transfers the movement to the shuttle, and then the shuttle presses the magnet, thereby allowing gas passage. When said cam gas tap is connected to gas control system, double safety is achieved. That is, when burning out occurs due to external factors (wind, spilling of food, etc.) in the burner, flame holder detects that and this information is transferred to both magnet and control panel. In this case, not only magnet automatically stops gas flow, but also the control panel stops servomotor and makes the gears take their initial position, i.e. closed position, thereby stopping gas flow. Risks are minimized thanks to this double safety.

STATE OF THE ART

Within the state of the art, there are many applications regarding either touch button and touch control systems, or magnet. Now, reference will be made to several existing applications in literature with regard to subject matter.
The application made by the firm Electrolux Professional and numbered EP 2 273 678 A2 discloses a touch button for cooking appliances. As seen in Fig. 1, the user can adjust any burning state desired by a single touch with his/her finger (F). However, this application covers only touch button, yet it discloses no gas control system or gas tap.
Again, the application made by the firm Electrolux Home Product Corporation and numbered WO 2006/128831 discloses a touch-sensitive control panel. This panel comprises an outer plate (1) (i.e. upper part) with external contact areas (100) and a command assembly (2) (i.e. lower part) with an electronic circuit and components (3) thereof. This application only discloses a touch-sensitive control panel. However, this application differs from the subject matter of the present invention and discloses no gas control system, gas tap or burner connected to said panel. The control panel disclosed in our application is completely different from the one disclosed therein. Moreover, our invention directly relates to a new cam gas tap to be operated in coordination with touch-sensitive gas control systems.
The application numbered US 2002/0045142 discloses a touch-controlled gas control system. In this application, as seen in Fig. 1, the invention comprises a burner (114) where burning occurs and which is composed of a microcontroller (101), two valves (112, 113), a gas line conduit (123), an igniter (117), a flame holder, as well as comprising various modules (igniter module, sensor module, etc.). However, as seen in the figure, this system is quite complex and two valves (112, 113) within the system are only schematically displayed. In other words, no novelty or improvement on the valves has been made. Within our invention, on the other hand, a new simple safety cam gas tap operated in coordination with a gas control system has been developed.
The application owned by the firm Orkli S. Coop. and numbered EP 1 909 029 discloses a safety electromagnetic gas tap. As seen in Fig. 1, an electromagnet (2) is provided in safety gas tap and the operation of said electromagnet within the system is explained. In this application, an electromagnet is used in gas tap, just as in our invention. However, all types of magnets, apart from electromagnet, can be used as a part of cam gas tap according to our invention. Furthermore, a new cam design is provided in the present invention in order for the pin to be pushed at a certain displacement. In this way, the pin is pushed forward at a certain displacement and transfers the movement to the shuttle, and then the shuttle presses the magnet, thereby allowing gas passage. Therefore, our invention is quite a different application from the former application.
The application owned by the firm Mondragon Componentes S. Coop. and numbered EP 2 203 044 discloses a gas tap (3) comprising an electromagnet therein, as in the application numbered EP 1 909 029 . The magnet used therein also functions as a part of the touch-sensitive control system, just as in the former application. However, a tap with a new cam design has been provided within our invention, as mentioned before. The magnet used in this tap is a magnet type other than electromagnet.
There are many applications regarding present subject matter in literature. Only some of these applications have been referred above shortly. As seen, there exist applications regarding the entire touch-sensitive control system, in addition to applications only focusing on the component called magnet. However, our invention is totally different from these applications, wherein a new cam gas tap designed in accordance with gas control systems used in domestic cooking appliances is disclosed. Detailed explanations relating to the newly designed gas tap are given below.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The object of the invention is to introduce a new touch-sensitive gas control system allowing touch control of the gas flow rate directed to outlet in gas taps used in domestic cooking appliances.
Another object of the invention is to provide a new touch-sensitive gas control system where gas flow rate directed to tap outlet can be controlled and desired power level of burning in the burners is achieved.
Another object of the invention is to introduce a new cam gas tap operating synchronically with the developed touch-sensitive gas control system.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, touch-sensitive gas control system enabling gas flow rate directed to burners from gas taps in domestic cooking appliances to be touch controlled comprises; a microprocessor allowing all the information coming from software to be processed, a control panel with a signal amplifier for amplifying the signal coming from flame holder and a digital indicator displaying the position at which the tap operates, a touch button which is connected to said control panel by means of a connecting cable and by which the user can control the gas flow rate as desired, at least one cam gas tap directing the gas to the burners in desired flow rate, and at least one burner provided thereon with an igniter performing periodical ignition in accordance with the information sent by the system and with a flame holder allowing flame consistency.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, cam gas tap directing the gas to the burners by synchronically operating with the control system according to the invention comprises a body, a gas inlet, a gas outlet, a male, a pin, a magnet, and a shuttle as main components, as well as comprising a gearbox mounted on said body, a servomotor located in said gearbox, a big size gear (hereinafter will be referred to as "gear"), a pinion, and a gear system cover which is mounted on the gearbox in a way to cover it completely in order to prevent food residues and other external residues from getting in the system.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, provided in gearbox are; a servomotor housing with a rectangular form, two servomotor fixing ridges in order for the servomotor located in said housing to be fixed, servomotor fixing screw holes (one for each) on said servomotor fixing ridges and L-shaped ridges on the edges thereof, two mounting holes (on the body) in order to allow mounting on the body by means of connecting screws, a servomotor connecting cable duct for servomotor connecting cable, two screw holes for mounting on tap body, a circular gear housing, and a circular pinion housing.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a hole through which the male passes and an inner level of the hole, through which the male passes, that is concentric to the hole through which said male passes in order for the pinion to be located therein are provided within the center of the circular pinion housing.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the circular gear housing is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the gear.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least five screw holes with internal threads are provided on the gearbox so as to mount the gear system cover.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the length of said servomotor fixing ridges in gearbox is the same size as the distance between the lower surface of the servomotor connecting ridge and the lower surface of servomotor.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention; a pin hole is provided in circular pinion housing within the gearbox in order for said pin to pass.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is an upper surface circular ridge on gear upper surface and there is a stepped center screw hole in the center of said upper surface circular ridge.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a lower surface circular ridge on gear lower surface and there is an internal thread center hole in the center of said lower surface circular ridge.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the lower surface circular gear ridge is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the circular gear housing on the gearbox.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there are radially scattered threads around gear center along the spring (w) which a certain gear center angle α faces.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said gear center angle α is between 50° and 200°, depending on operating angles of the tap.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a closed position thread cavity is provided in said gear such that closed position thread of the pinion will pass, in order for the position where no gas passes through the tap (closed position) to be defined.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio of gear outer diameter to pinion diameter is between 1, 4 and 2.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the pinion is provided with a pinion hole, a pinion nail located inside said pinion hole, threads radially scattered around pinion center, and with a cam disc.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, an inner level is provided in said pinion hole.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of said pinion nail is between 1 and 5 mm, such that it will be inserted in male slot/crack.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one pinion closed position thread is provided in said pinion such that it will be placed in gear closed position thread cavity, in order to define closed position.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, closed position thread length of the pinion is between 3 and 6 mm in order for the position at which no gas passes through the tap (i.e. closed position) to be defined.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner level diameter of the pinion is between 7 and 14 mm such that outer diameter of the male upper section will pass.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said pinion is provided with a cam disk with a cam thereon in order to transfer the movement to the shuttle by pushing said pin forward.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the cam provided on said cam disc has an angular surface (c) having a certain angle β1, a flat surface (a) allowing the pin to be pushed at maximum, and another angular surface (b) having a certain angle β2.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the angle β1 of the cam provided on cam disc is between 10° and 40°, and angle β2 is between 20° and 50°.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of said cam disc is between 1 and 5 mm.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention; outer diameter of the pinion is smaller than the diameter of the circular pinion housing in order for said pinion to be placed in circular pinion housing on the gearbox.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, there are at least five screw holes on the gear system cover, such that said gearbox will be completely covered/closed and to allow mounting on gearbox, in order to prevent external residues from getting in the system.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, provided on lower surface of the gear system cover are; a circular gear housing, a peripheral gear beveling, a circular pinion housing, a peripheral pinion beveling, a circular vertical extension, a U-shaped vertical extension and at least two vertical extensions provided between screw holes and in such a form that will allow the attachment of the gear system cover to mounting cavities.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, outer diameter of the circular vertical extension is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the pinion hole to serve as a bearing for the pinion.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the circular gear housing provided on gear system cover is equal to or greater than the diameter of the ridge provided on the upper surface of the gear.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the diameter of the circular pinion housing provided on gear system cover is equal to or greater than the diameter of pinion.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the width of said U-shaped vertical extension is the same size as that of servomotor housing.
The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention will be understood more clearly with the detailed description written by referring to the following figures; therefore, the evaluation needs to be done by taking these figures and the detailed description into consideration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1 is the overall perspective view of a cooker provided with touch-sensitive gas control system according to the invention and with cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 2 is the perspective view showing the inner part of the cooker provided with touch-sensitive gas control system according to the invention and with cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 3 is the cross-sectional view of a cooker provided with touch-sensitive gas control system according to the invention and with cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 4 is the overall schematic view of the gas control system used in domestic cookers,
Fig. 5 is the overall perspective view of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 6 is the exploded view of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 7 is another perspective view of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 8 is the perspective view showing the inner part of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 9 is the perspective view of the male of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 10 is the perspective view showing the gearbox of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 11 is another perspective view showing the gearbox of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 12 is the top view of the gearbox of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 13 is the cross-sectional view of the gearbox of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 14 is the perspective view of the servomotor of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 15 is another perspective view of the servomotor of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 16 is the perspective view showing the lower part of the gear of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 17 is the top view showing the lower part of the gear of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 18 is the perspective view showing the upper part of the gear of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 19 is the top view showing the upper part of the gear of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 20 is the perspective view showing the lower part of the pinion of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 21 is the top perspective view of the pinion of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 22 is the front view of the pinion of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 23 is the top view of the pinion of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 24 is the perspective view showing the upper part of the gear system cover of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 25 is the perspective view showing the lower part of the gear system cover of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 26 is the top view of the gear system cover of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 27 is the cross-sectional view showing the closed position of the cam gas tap according to the invention,
Fig. 28 is the cross-sectional view showing the cam gas tap according to the invention when it is started to be pushed at a certain displacement,
Fig. 29 is the cross-sectional view showing the cam gas tap according to the invention when the pin is pushed at maximum displacement.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

A. Touch-sensitive gas control system
B. Cooker
1. Control panel
- 1.1. Microprocessor
- 1.2. Signal amplifier
- 1.3. Digital indicator
- 1.4. Touch button
- 1.5. Touch button connecting cable
- 1.6. Power cable
- 1.7. Gas flow
- Q. Flow rate of the gas delivered to the burner (3) from the tap (2) by means of interconnecting pipes
2. Gas tap
- 2.1. Body
- 2.2. Gas inlet
- 2.3. Gas outlet
- 2.4. Male
  - 2.4.1. Male (2.4) crack
  - 2.4.2. Gas passage holes and channels of the male (2.4)
  - 2.4.3. Outer diameter of the upper part of the male (2.4) 2.5. Pin
  - 2.5.1. Pin (2.5) diameter
- 2.6. Magnet
  - 2.6.1. Connecting cable of the magnet (2.6)
- 2.7. Shuttle
- 2.8. Spring
- 2.9. Union
- 2.10. Adjustment screw
- 2.11. Gasket
- 2.12. Gearbox
  - 2.12.1. Screw hole
  - 2.12.2. Pin (2.5) hole
  - 2.12.3. Mounting hole onto the body (2.1)
  - 2.12.4. Fixing screw hole of servomotor (2.14)
  - 2.12.5. Connecting cable duct of servomotor (2.14)
  - 2.12.6. Male (2.4) passage hole
    - 2.12.6.1. Inner level of male passage hole (2.12.6)
      - 2.12.6.1.1. Diameter of the inner level (2.12.6.1) of male passage hole
    - 2.12.6.2. Diameter of male passage hole (2.12.6)
  - 2.12.7. Servomotor (2.14) housing
    - 2.12.7.1. Width of servomotor housing (2.12.7)
  - 2.12.8. Circular gear (2.15) housing
    - 2.12.8.1. Diameter of circular gear housing (2.12.8)
  - 2.12.9. Circular pinion (2.16) housing
    - 2.12.9.1. Diameter of circular pinion housing (2.12.9)
  - 2.12.10. Mounting holes of gear system cover (2.13)
  - 2.12.11. Fixing ridge of servomotor (2.14)
    - 2.12.11.1. Length of fixing ridges (2.12.11)
    - 2.12.11.2. L-shaped ridges
  - 2.12.12. Connecting screws
  - b2. Depth of the inner level of male passage hole (2.12.6)
- 2.13. Gear system cover
  - 2.13.1. Screw holes
    - 2.13.1.1. Inner level of screw holes (2.13.1)
  - 2.13.2. Lower surface
    - 2.13.2.1. Circular gear housing
      - 2.13.2.1.1. Diameter of circular gear housing (2.13.3.1)
    - 2.13.2.2. Peripheral gear beveling
    - 2.13.2.3. Circular pinion housing
      - 2.13.2.3.1. Diameter of circular pinion housing (2.13.3.3)
    - 2.13.2.4. Peripheral pinion beveling
    - 2.13.2.5. Circular vertical extension
      - 2.13.2.5.1. Inner diameter of circular vertical extension (2.13.3.5)
      - 2.13.2.5.2. Outer diameter of circular vertical extension (2.13.3.5)
    - 2.13.2.6. U-shaped vertical extension
      - 2.13.2.6.1. Width of U-shaped vertical extension (2.13.3.6)
    - 2.13.2.7. Vertical extensions
  - 2.13.3. Upper surface
  - 2.13.4. Connecting screw
- 2.14. Servomotor
  - 2.14.1. Servomotor (2.14) outlet gear
  - 2.14.2. Connecting cable of servomotor (2.14)
  - 2.14.3. Fixing screw of servomotor (2.14)
  - 2.14.4. Connecting projection of servomotor (2.14)
    - 2.14.4.1. Lower surface of servomotor connecting projection (2.14.4)
  - 2.14.5. Lower surface of servomotor (2.14)
  - 2.14.6. Distance between lower surface (2.14.4.1) of servomotor connecting projection and lower surface (2.14.5) of servomotor
- 2.15. Gear
  - 2.15.1. Gear upper surface
    - 2.15.1.1. Upper surface circular ridge
      - 2.15.1.1.1. Diameter of upper surface circular ridge (2.15.1.1)
    - 2.15.1.2. Stepped center screw hole
  - 2.15.2. Gear lower surface
    - 2.15.2.1. Lower surface circular ridge
      - 2.15.2.1.1. Diameter of lower surface circular ridge (2.15.2.1)
    - 2.15.2.2. Stepped and internal threaded center hole in gear lower surface (2.15.2)
  - 2.15.3. Radially scattered threads around gear center on the spring section (w) which a certain angle α faces
    - 2.15.3.1. Closed position thread cavity
  - 2.15.4. Connecting screw of gear (2.15)
  - 2.15.5. Outer diameter of gear (2.15)
  - 2.15.6. Center hole of gear (2.15)
  - α. Center angle of gear (2.15)
  - w. the spring which angle (α) faces
- 2.16. Pinion
  - 2.16.1. Pinion (2.16) hole
    - 2.16.1.1. Inner level
      - 2.16.1.1.1. Inner level (2.16.1.1) diameter
    - 2.16.1.2. Diameter of pinion hole (2.16.1)
  - 2.16.2. Pinion (2.16) nail
    - 2.16.2.1. Width of pinion nail (2.16.2)
  - 2.16.3. Radially scattered threads around pinion (2.16) center
  - 2.16.4. Closed position thread of pinion (2.16)
    - 2.16.4.1. Closed position thread length
  - 2.16.5. Upper surface of pinion (2.16)
  - 2.16.6. Upper surface of thread section in pinion (2.16)
  - 2.16.7. Pinion (2.16) diameter
  - 2.16.8. Pinion (2.16) outer diameter
  - 2.16.9. Cam disc
    - 2.16.9.1. Cam
      - a. Flat surface of cam (2.14.5.1)
      - b. Angular surface of cam (2.14.5.1)
      - c. Another angular surface of cam (2.14.5.1)
      - β1. Angle (b) of angular surface of cam
      - β2. Angle (c) of another angular surface of cam
    - 2.16.9.2. Thickness of cam disc (2.14.5)
  - b1. Distance between upper surface (2.16.5) of pinion and upper surface (2.16.6) of thread section
3. Burner
- 3.1. Igniter
- 3.2. Igniter connecting cable
- 3.3. Flame holder
- 3.4. Flame holder connecting cable
- 3.5. Flame holder grounding cable
4. Cooker (B) grill
5. Transformer
6. Cooker (B) lower plate
7. Cooker (B) upper glass
8. Cooker (B) interconnecting pipes
9. Cooker (B) fan
10. Cooker (B) indicator

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1 is the overall perspective view of a cooker (B) which is provided with touch-sensitive gas control system (A) according to the invention, and to which cam gas tap (2) according to the invention operating in coordination with said gas control system (A) is mounted, is given. As seen in figure, four burners (3) and individual grills (4) for each burner (3) are provided on the cooker (B). Moreover, there exist touch button (1.4), digital indicator (1.3) and an indicator (10) to facilitate burner (3) choice for the user, in order to touch control each burner (3) on the lower glass (7) of the cooker (B). In Fig. 2, another perspective view showing the inner part of the same cooker (B) is given. As seen in figure, four individual taps (2) for directing the gas to each burner (3) are provided, said taps being located on the lower plate (6) of the cooker. The gas exiting gas taps (2) is transferred to burners (3) by means of interconnecting pipes (8). Again, electrical energy to individual igniters (3.1) provided for each burner (3) is provided by the transformer (5) so as to ignite the burners (3). Moreover, since electronic components are present in the system, a fan (9) is provided in said cooker (B) in order to prevent these components from being damaged by heat. In Fig. 3, cross-sectional view of the cooker (B) to which cam gas tap (2) according to the invention is mounted is given.
In Fig. 4, schematic view of touch-sensitive gas control system (A) developed for domestic cookers or ovens, is given. The system is composed of a control panel (1), at least one gas tap (2) directing the gas, and at least one burner (3) where the gas at a certain flow rate (Q) passing through this gas tap (2) is directed and where burning takes place. Provided within said control panel (1) are; a microprocessor (1.1) controlling the system and enabling all the information coming from software to be processed, a digital indicator (1.3) indicating the flow rate passage position of the tap (2), and a signal amplifier (1.2) amplifying the signal coming from flame holder (3.3) to such a level that can be detected by software. In addition, a touch button (1.4) connected to said control panel (1) by means of a connecting cable (1.5) and helping the user to adjust the tap (2) to the desired position is provided. In order to exemplify the operation of the system (A), when the user wants the burner (3) to burn in low state, s/he chooses this state via touch button (1.4) and this state is displayed in digital indicator (1.3). Afterwards, the information coming from software is processed by microprocessor (1.1) and then is transferred to servomotor (2.14). Servomotor (2.14) transfers the movement to gear (2.15), and the gear (2.15) transfers it to the pinion (2.16) on which a cam (2.16.9.1) is provided. Upon rotation of the pinion (2.16), the cam (2.16.9.1) provided on cam disc (2.16.9) pushes the pin (2.5) forward and transfers the movement to the shuttle (2.7). The shuttle (2.7), in turn, presses the magnet (2.6) and allows gas passage therein. Thus, the gas at a certain flow rate (Q) passing through adjustment screw (2.10) holes in the male (2.4) directing the gas is directed to tap gas outlet (2.3). The gas directed to gas outlet (2.3) is transferred to the burner (3) where burning will take place, by means of interconnecting pipes (8). That is, a gas flow (1.7) from the tap (2) towards the burner (3) takes place. Other information processed by microprocessor (1.1) is that the igniter (3.1) performs ignition at certain intervals (e.g. every five minutes) in accordance with software. After burning occurs, flame holder (3.3) detects the heat, thereby providing burning consistency. This information coming from flame holder (3.3) not only keeps the magnet (2.6) open, but also it is amplified by signal amplifier (1.2) such that software can detect and is processed in control panel (1). Thus, burning at desired power (kW) level by the user is performed in the burner (3). Again, while burning is going on at a certain power level, the user interferes in the process by using touch button (1.4) and s/he can increase or decrease the flow rate of the gas directed to burner (3). Moreover, s/he can stop burning by using touch button (1.4). Here, when burning out occurs due to external factors (wind, spilling of food, etc.) in the burner (3), flame holder (3.3) detects it. The information detected reaches to both control panel (1) and magnet (2.6). In other words, not only control panel (1) stops servomotor (2.14) and takes the gears (2.15, 2.16) to "0" reference point (closed position), thereby stopping gas flow; but also magnet (2.6) stops gas flow. Therefore, gas leakage risks are minimized since double safety is provided. Referring to connection type of the system (A) in Fig. 3, a power cable (1.6), an igniter connecting cable (3.2), a flame holder connecting cable (3.4), a flame holder grounding cable (3.5), a touch button connecting cable (1.5), and a servomotor connecting cable (2.14.2) are included in control panel (1). Again, magnet connecting cable (2.6.1) is connected to flame holder connecting cable (3.4). Hence, the information coming from flame holder (3.3) reaches both to magnet (2.6) and control panel (1), thereby guaranteeing double safety.
In Fig. 5, the perspective view of a new cam gas tap (2) operating in accordance with the newly developed touch-sensitive gas control system (A) is given. The cam gas tap (2) according to the invention comprises, in most general terms, a body (2.1), a gas inlet (2.2), a gas outlet (2.3), a shuttle (2.7), an adjustment screw (2.10), a male (2.4), a spring (2.8) and a magnet (2.6). Exploded view of the components constituting gas tap (2) is given in Fig. 6 for a better understanding thereof. As seen in figure, the tap (2) is provided with shaft and cover, as in conventional taps. The gearbox (2.12) is mounted on the body (2.1) of said tap (2) by means of two connecting screws (2.12.12). Servomotor (2.14), gear (2.15) and pinion (2.16) are located in said gearbox (2.12). Servomotor (2.14) is fixed inside the gearbox (2.12) by means of at least one fixing screw (2.14.3). Gear (2.15) and pinion (2.16) are located in housings (to be further explained) (1.12.8, 2.12.9) within gearbox (2.12) and are connected to outlet gear (2.14.1) of servomotor (2.14) via a gear connecting screw (2.15.4). Finally, the gear system cover (2.13) is mounted on said gearbox (2.1) such that it will be entirely closed, by means of five connecting screws (2.13.4). The reason for using this gear system cover (2.13) within the system is to prevent the system from being damaged and to prolong its service life, by preventing food or other external residues from getting in gearbox (2.12). Another perspective view of the tap (2) according to the invention is given in Fig. 7, while the perspective view showing the inner part of the cam gas tap (2), without gear system cover (2.13) thereon, is given in Fig. 8. The male (2.4) as seen in Fig. 9 enables the gas at desired flow rate (Q) to be directed to outlet (2.3) in accordance with the burning state chosen via touch button (1.4). Gas passage at desired flow rate (Q) is performed by means of holes and channels (2.4.2) on the male (2.4).
Overall perspective views of the gearbox (2.12) are given in Figs. 10 and 11. As seen in figures, a rectangular servomotor housing (2.12.7) is provided in said gearbox (2.12). Servomotor (2.14) driving the system is located in said servomotor housing (2.12.7). Two servomotor fixing ridges (2.12.11) are provided in said rectangular servomotor housing (2.12.7). In order for the servomotor (2.14) to be located in said servomotor housing (2.12.7) properly, the length (2.12.11.1) of said fixing ridges is the same size as the distance (2.14.6) between lower surface (2.14.4.1) of servomotor connecting ridge (2.14.4) and servomotor lower surface (2.14.5). Again, in order for servomotor (2.14) to be fixed, there are L-shaped ridges (2.12.11.2) on the edges of said servomotor fixing ridges (2.12.11). Moreover, one servomotor fixing screw hole (2.12.4) is provided for each one of said servomotor fixing ridge (2.12.11). In this way, servomotor (2.14) is mounted on the gearbox (2.12) by means of at least one servomotor fixing screw (2.14.3). As the outlet of servomotor connecting cable (2.14.2), a servomotor connecting cable duct (2.12.5) is designed in the lower part of the gearbox (2.12). At least five internal threaded screw holes (2.12.1), two mounting holes (2.12.3) onto the body and a pin hole (2.12.2) are provided on gearbox (2.12). An outlet gear (2.14.1) is provided in the upper part of servomotor (2.14). This outlet gear (2.14.1) is placed in stepped and internal threaded center hole (2.15.2.2) in lower surface (2.15.2) of the gear (2.15) and is mounted by means of a gear connecting screw (2.15.4) located in gear center hole (2.15.6), thereby rotation movement being transferred to the gear (2.15). Therefore, the size of said outlet gear (2.14.1) is such that it will be properly located in said internal thread center hole (2.15.2.2) and thread features thereof are consistent with one another. Thus, the gear (2.15) is placed in circular gear housing (2.12.8) on the gearbox (2.12). Therefore, the diameter (2.12.8.1) of said circular gear housing is equal to or greater than the outer diameter (2.15.5) of the gear. In Fig. 12, top view of the gearbox (2.12) is given. Here, the diameter (2.12.9.1) of circular pinion housing (2.12.9) is equal to or greater than outer diameter (2.16.8) of the pinion. Again, a hole (2.12.6) through which a male in the same center as said circular pinion housing (2.12.10) is provided. When gearbox (2.12) is mounted on the tap (2), the components called male (2.4) passes through this hole (2.12.6). Therefore, the diameter (2.12.6.2) of the hole (2.12.6) through which said male passes is equal to or greater than the diameter (2.4.3) of the upper part of the male. Furthermore, an inner level (2.12.6.1) of the hole through which a male passes with a greater diameter than the diameter (2.12.6.2) of the hole (2.12.6) through which said male passes is provided. In this way, the male (2.4) is enabled to pass through pinion hole (2.16.1) and the pinion (2.16) is placed on said inner level (2.12.6.1). Therefore, the diameter (2.16.1.1.1) of the pinion hole level is such that the outer diameter (2.4.3) of the upper part of the male will pass, preferably between 7 and 14 mm. Another aspect to be taken into consideration in order for the pinion (2.16) to be mounted on gearbox (2.12) is that pinion nail (2.16.2) provided on pinion (2.16) and placed in pinion hole (2.16.1) passes through male crack (2.4.1). Therefore, the width (2.16.2.1) of said pinion nail (2.16.2) can be between 1 and 4 mm, such that it will pass through male crack (2.4.1). Again, radially scattered threads (2.16.3) around pinion (2.16) center are provided. Here, the function of the pinion nail (2.16.2) is to transfer rotation movement coming from the gear (2.15) to the male (2.4). Gas passage at a certain flow rate (Q) through the holes and channels (2.4.2) on the male (2.4) is permitted by the rotation movement transferred to the male (2.4).
In Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19, different views of the designed gear (2.15) are given for a better understanding thereof. As seen in figures, radially scattered threads (2.13.4) are provided in gear (2.15) around center thereof, on the spring section (w) which a certain center angle α faces. Said gear center angle α can be between 50° and 200°, depending on operating angles of the tap (2). Thread length and thread cavities of all of these threads (2.15.3) are the same. As seen in Fig. 19, only one closed position thread cavity (2.15.3.1) with different size from the others is provided. The case when closed position thread (2.16.4) of the pinion (2.16) is placed in at least one closed position thread cavity (2.15.3.1) is "0" reference position at which no gas passage occurs in the tap (2), i.e. closed position. When this thread (2.14.4) leaves said thread cavity, i.e. when gears (2.15, 2.16) rotate, the gas passing through the male (2.4) at a certain flow rate (Q) is directed to outlet (2.3). The ratio of gear outer diameter (2.15.5) to pinion diameter (2.16.7) is between 1,4 and 2. In Figures 20, 21, 22, and 23, different views of the pinion (2.16) are given. As seen in figures, a pinion hole (2.16.1) through which the male (2.4) passes, a pinion nail (2.16.2) attached to male (2.4) crack, threads (2.16.3) that are radially scattered around pinion center, and a cam disc (2.16.9) are provided on the pinion (2.16). The function of the cam (2.16.9.1) provided on said disc (2.16.9) is to push the pin (2.5) at a certain displacement and allow the movement to be transferred to the shuttle (2.7). The shuttle (2.7) presses magnet (2.6) with this movement; thus, the gas is directed to the male (2.4). As seen in Fig. 15, three different surfaces are present on cam (2.16.9.1). These are; a flat surface (a), an angular surface (c) having an angle β1, and another angular surface (b) having an angle β2. In Fig. 27, cross-sectional view of the cam gas tap (2) according to the invention in closed position is given. As seen in figure, since the pin (2.5) does not contact with the cam (2.16.9.1), it is not pushed forward; therefore, no gas passage occurs because the shuttle (2.7) does not press the magnet (2.6). In Fig. 28, surface (b) on cam (2.16.9.1) presses the pin (2.5) and pushes it forward at a certain displacement, and then transfers the movement to the shuttle (2.7), the shuttle, in turn, presses the magnet (2.6), thereby allowing gas passage. When the pin (2.5) contacts with flat surface (a) of said cam as in Fig. 29, it is pushed forward at maximum displacement, the shuttle (2.7) moves and presses the magnet (2.6), thereby allowing gas passage again. In case of angular surfaces (b) and (c), thanks to the angular surface form thereof, the pin (2.5) is pushed forward at a certain displacement and until it reaches to flat surface (a), i.e. maximum displacement. Preferably, said angle β1 can be between 10° and 40°, while angle β2 can be between 20° and 50°. Again, the thickness (2.16.9.1) of said cam disc (2.16.9) can be between 1 mm and 5 mm.
In Figures 24, 25, and 26, different views of the gear system cover (2.13) are shown. As seen in top perspective view of the gear system cover (2.13) in Fig. 24, it is designed in such a form that it will completely cover the gearbox (2.12). Again, at least five screw holes (2.13.1) are provided on the upper surface (2.13.3) of said gear system cover (2.13). Each one of said screw holes (2.13.1) has screw hole inner levels (2.13.1.1) in order for screw heads to be placed thereto. All of these screw holes (2.13.1) on the upper surface (2.13.3) are opened into the lower surface (2.13.2) of the cover as seen in Fig. 25. Referring to bottom perspective view of the gear system cover (2.13) in Fig. 25, there exist a circular gear housing (2.13.2.1), a circular pinion housing (2.13.2.3) and a circular vertical extension (2.13.2.5). Said circular gear housing (2.13.2.1) and circular pinion housing (2.13.2.3) have peripheral beveling (2.13.2.2, 2.13.2.4) (one for each). Upper surface circular ridge (2.15.1.1) of the gear (2.15) is placed in said circular gear housing (2.13.2.1). Therefore, the diameter (2.13.2.1.1) of the circular gear housing (2.13.2.1) can be equal to or greater than the of upper surface ridge diameter (2.15.1.1.1) of the gear (2.15). Again, a pinion (2.16) is positioned in circular pinion housing (2.13.2.3) on the gear system cover (2.13). The diameter (2.13.2.3.1) of this circular pinion housing (2.13.3.3) can be equal to or greater than the diameter (2.16.7) of the pinion. The circular vertical extension (2.13.2.5) on the lower surface (2.13.2) of the gear system cover (2.13) is designed for centering of the pinion (2.16). It is required that the outer diameter (2.13.2.5.2) of said circular vertical extension (2.13.2.5) is smaller than the diameter (2.16.1.2) of the pinion (2.16) hole. Again, in order to facilitate mounting of the cover (2.13) on the gearbox (2.12), vertical extensions (2.13.2.6, 2.13.2.7) are provided. U-shaped vertical extension (2.13.2.6) facilitates positioning of the cover (2.13) in servomotor housing (2.12.7) section, as well as preventing wrong mounting. Therefore, the width (2.13.2.6.1) of said extension and the width (2.12.7.1) of servomotor housing in gearbox (2.1) are of the same size. Again, vertica extensions (2.13.2.7) between screw holes (2.13.1) are designed such that they will be engaged in gear system cover mounting cavities (2.12.10) on the gearbox (2.12). These vertical extensions (2.13.2.7) are designed for mounting the gear system cover (2.13) on the gearbox (2.12) easily. In this way, gear system cover (2.14) is mounted on gearbox (2.12) by means of at least five connecting screws (2.13.5). Due to the fact that gear system cover (2.13) is mounted on gearbox (2.12) so as to completely cover it, food residues and other external residues are prevented from getting in gearbox (2.12), thereby avoiding damages to the system operation, as well as prolonging service life thereof.
The protection scope of this application is stated under the claims and cannot be restricted to the descriptions given only for illustrative purposes, because it is clear that any person skilled in the art can produce the novelty provided with the invention, without drifting apart from the main subject of the invention and/or s/he can apply this novelty to the other fields used in the related technique with similar purposes. Therefore, it is obvious that such embodiments will lack novelty, and especially will lack the criteria of exceeding the prior art, i.e. comprising inventive step.

Claims

A touch-sensitive gas control system (A) enabling gas flow rate directed to burners from gas taps in domestic cooking appliances to be touch controlled; characterized in that it comprises; a microprocessor (1.1) allowing all the information coming from software to be processed, a control panel (1) with a signal amplifier (1.2) for amplifying the signal coming from flame holder (3.3) and a digital indicator (1.3) displaying the position at which the tap (2) operates, a touch button (1.4) which is connected to said control panel (1) via a connecting cable (1.5) and by which the user can control the gas flow rate as desired, at least one cam gas tap (2) directing the gas to the burners in desired flow rate (Q), and at least one burner (3) provided thereon with an igniter (1.3) performing periodical ignition in accordance with the information sent by the system and with a flame holder (3.3) allowing flame consistency.
A cam gas tap (2) which is used in domestic cooking appliances and which directs the gas to the burners (3) by synchronically operating with the control system (A) according to Claim 1 and which allows touch control of the gas flow rate; characterized in that it comprises a body (2.1), a gas inlet (2.2), a gas outlet (2.3), a male (2.4), a pin (2.5), a magnet (2.6), and a shuttle (2.7) as main components, as well as comprising a gearbox (2.12) mounted on said body (2.1), a servomotor (2.14) located in said gearbox (2.12), a gear (2.15), a pinion (2.16), and a gear system cover (2.13) which is mounted on the gearbox (2.12) in a way to cover it completely in order to prevent food residues and other external residues from getting in the system.
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claim 2; characterized in that it comprises a servomotor housing (2.12.7) with a rectangular form, two servomotor fixing ridges (2.12.11) in order for the servomotor (2.14) located in said housing (2.12.7) to be fixed, servomotor fixing screw holes (2.12.14) (one for each) on said servomotor fixing ridges (2.12.11) and L-shaped ridges (2.12.13.2) on the edges thereof, two mounting holes (2.12.3) (on the body) in order to allow mounting on the body (2.1) by means of connecting screws (2.12.14), a servomotor connecting cable duct (2.12.5) for servomotor connecting cable (2.14.2), two screw holes (2.12.1) for mounting on tap body (2.1), a circular gear housing (2.12.8), and a circular pinion housing (2.12.9).
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claims 2 and 3; characterized in that a hole (2.12.6) through which the male (2.4) passes and an inner level (2.12.6.1) of the hole, through which the male passes, that is concentric to the hole (2.12.6) through which said male passes in order for the pinion (2.15) to be located therein are provided within the center of the circular pinion housing (2.12.9).
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claims 2 to 4; characterized in that the diameter (2.12.8.1) of the circular gear housing (2.12.8) is equal to or greater than the outer diameter (2.15.5) of the gear.
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claims 2 to 5; characterized in that at least five screw holes (2.12.1) with internal threads are provided thereon so as to mount the gear system cover (2.13).
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claims 2 to 6; characterized in that the length (2.12.11.1) of said servomotor fixing ridges (2.12.11) is the same size as the distance (2.14.6) between lower surface (2.14.4.1) of servomotor connecting ridge (2.14.4) and servomotor lower surface (2.14.5).
A gearbox (2.12) according to Claims 2 to 7; characterized in that a pin hole (2.12.2) is provided in circular pinion housing (2.12.9) in order for said pin (2.5) to pass.
A gear (2.15) according to Claim 2; characterized in that there is an upper surface circular ridge (2.15.1.1) on gear upper surface (2.15.1) and there is a stepped center screw hole (2.15.1.2) in the center of said upper surface circular ridge (2.15.1.1).
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2 to 9; characterized in that it has a lower surface circular ridge (2.15.2.1) in the lower surface (2.15.2) thereof and a stepped and internal threaded center hole (2.15.2.2) in the center of said lower surface circular ridge (2.15.2.1).
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2, 9 and 10; characterized in that the diameter (2.15.2.1.1) of lower surface circular ridge (2.15.2.1) is equal to or smaller than the diameter (2.12.8.1) of circular gear housing on gearbox (2.12).
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2, and 9 to 11; characterized in that radially scattered threads (2.15.3) around the center of the gear (2.15) along the spring (w) which a certain angle α of the gear faces are provided.
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2, and 9 to 12; characterized in that said gear center angle α is between 50° and 200°, depending on operating angles of the tap (2).
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2, and 9 to 13; characterized in that a closed position thread cavity (2.15.3.1) is provided in said gear (2.15) such that closed position thread (2.16.4) of the pinion will pass, in order for the position where no gas passes through the tap (2) (closed position) to be defined.
A gear (2.15) according to Claims 2, and 9 to 14; characterized in that the ratio of gear outer diameter (2.15.5) to pinion diameter (2.16.7) is between 1,4 and 2.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claim 2; characterized in that a pinion hole (2.16.1), a pinion nail (2.16.2) located inside said pinion hole (2.16.1), threads (2.16.3) that are radially scattered around pinion center, and a cam disc (2.16.9) are provided thereon.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2 and 16; characterized in that there is an inner level (2.16.1.1) in said pinion hole (2.16.1).
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, 16 and 17; characterized in that the width (2.16.2.1) of said pinion nail (2.16.2) is between 1 and 5 mm, such that it will be attached in male crack (2.4.1).
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 18; characterized in that at least one pinion closed position thread (2.16.4) is provided therein such that it will be placed in gear closed position thread cavity (2.15.3.1), in order to define closed position.
A pinion closed position thread (2.16.4) according to Claim 19; characterized in that closed position thread length (2.16.4.1) of the pinion is between 3 and 6 mm in order for the position at which no gas passes through the tap (2) (i.e. closed position) to be defined.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 20; characterized in that the diameter (2.16.1.1.1) of the inner level is between 7 and 14 mm, such that the diameter (2.4.3) of the upper part of the male will pass.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 21; characterized in that a cam disc (2.16.9) with a cam (2.16.9.1) thereon is provided in said pinion (2.16) in order for said pin (2.5) to be pushed forward and to transfer the movement to the shuttle (2.7).
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 22; characterized in that the cam (2.14.5.1) provided on said cam disc (2.16.9) has an angular surface (c) having a certain angle β1, a flat surface (a) allowing the pin (2.5) to be pushed at maximum, and another angular surface (b) having a certain angle β2.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 23; characterized in that said angle β1 of the cam (2.16.9.1) provided on said cam disc (2.16.9) is between 10° and 40°, while angle β2 is between 20° and 50°
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 16 to 24; characterized in that the thickness (2.16.9.2) of said cam disc (2.16.9) is between 1 mm and 5 mm.
A pinion (2.16) according to Claims 2, and 17 to 25; characterized in that the outer diameter (2.16.8) of the pinion is smaller than the diameter (2.12.9.1) of the circular pinion housing, in order for said pinion (2.16) to be placed in circular pinion housing (2.12.9) on the gearbox (2.12).
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claim 2; characterized in that there are at least five screw holes (2.13.1) thereon, such that said gearbox (2.12) will be completely covered and to allow mounting on gearbox (2.12), in order to prevent external residues from getting in the system.
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claims 2 and 27; characterized in that a circular gear housing (2.13.2.1), a peripheral gear beveling (2.13.2.2), a circular pinion housing (2.13.2.3), a peripheral pinion beveling (2.13.2.4), a circular vertical extension (2.13.2.5), a U-shaped vertical extension (2.13.2.6) and at least two vertical extensions (2.13.2.7) provided between screw holes (2.13.1) and in such a form that will allow the attachment of the gear system cover to mounting cavities (2.12.10) are provided on the lower surface (2.13.2) thereof.
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claims 2, 27 and 28; characterized in that the outer diameter (2.13.2.5.2) of the circular vertical extension is equal to or smaller than the diameter (2.16.1.2) of the pinion hole to serve as a bearing for the pinion (2.16).
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claims 2, and 27 to 29; characterized in that the diameter (2.13.2.1.1) of the circular gear housing provided thereon is equal to or greater than the diameter (2.15.1.1.1) of the ridge provided on the upper surface of the gear (2.15).
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claims 2, and 27 to 30; characterized in that the diameter (2.13.2.3.1) of the circular pinion housing provided thereon is equal to or greater than the diameter (2.16.8) of the pinion.
A gear system cover (2.13) according to Claims 2, and 27 to 31; characterized in that the width (2.13.2.6.1) of said U-shaped vertical extension is the same size as the width (2.12.7.1) of the servomotor housing.