EP4067742B1 - Method for attaching a gas nozzle to a gas valve, gas nozzle and heater - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for fastening a gas nozzle to a gas valve, a unit comprising a gas nozzle and a gas valve and a heating device.

State-of-the-art gas-powered heaters include a gas valve that regulates the gas supply to the burner. The gas to be burned flows from the gas valve into a gas nozzle, which introduces it (together with an air stream supplied to the gas nozzle) into the intake channel of the burner.

The gas valve and gas nozzle are connected using state-of-the-art fastening clips or screws. Due to the limited space available, the connection must be very compact, particularly to enable space-saving installation. At the same time, relatively high forces and/or moments can act on this connection during operation, which must therefore be permanently absorbed.

The EN 10 2004 007 123 B3 proposes a mixing device for a gas burner, comprising a housing and a Venturi nozzle, wherein the Venturi nozzle is integrated into the housing in such a way that the housing and the Venturi nozzle are designed as a monolithic unit, wherein a gas control device with a gas outlet nozzle engages the monolithic unit, wherein the gas outlet nozzle engages in a recess of the monolithic unit.

The US 4 128 391 A relates to a burner arrangement for welding, soldering, etc., in which the burner tip is inserted into a regulating device and secured by means of a securing bracket.

The US 2016/0161114 A1 relates to a mixing device for a premixing burner, in which a mixture of fuel gas and combustion air is fed to a blower, comprising a venturi nozzle into which a gas flow is introduced. In this case, a rotation axis of the blower deviates from an axis of the venturi nozzle, which enables a space-saving arrangement of a gas valve.

The known solutions for connecting gas valves and gas nozzles have shown that they often do not withstand the stresses, especially during maintenance work or assembly. A failure of the connection can result in gas escaping.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the invention to propose a method for fastening a gas nozzle to a gas valve for a heating device, which at least partially overcomes the problems of the prior art described and in particular meets the requirements for high stability and a compact design.

In addition, the proposed procedure should be cost-effective and easy to implement.

These objects are achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the solution proposed here are specified in the dependent patent claims. It is pointed out that the features listed in the dependent patent claims can be implemented in any technologically more meaningfully, can be combined with one another and define further embodiments of the invention. In addition, the features specified in the patent claims are specified and explained in more detail in the description, with further preferred embodiments of the invention being presented.

1. a) Einführen (mindestens) eines Verbindungsbereiches der Gasdüse in (mindestens) einen Gasaustrittsbereich des Gasventils mit einer zweiten Fügerichtung,
2. b) Einbringen (mindestens) eines Befestigungselementes durch (mindestens) einen Befestigungsbereich der Gasdüse in das Gasventil mit einer ersten Fügerichtung, die von der zweiten Fügerichtung abweicht.

A method for attaching a gas nozzle to a gas valve for a heating device contributes to this, which comprises at least the following steps:

1. a) introducing (at least) one connection area of the gas nozzle into (at least) one gas outlet area of the gas valve with a second joining direction,
2. b) Inserting (at least) one fastening element through (at least) one fastening area of the gas nozzle into the gas valve with a first joining direction which deviates from the second joining direction.

In a regular procedure, steps (a) and (b) can be carried out at least once in the specified order and/or sequentially.

According to a step a), a connecting region of the gas nozzle is introduced into a gas outlet region of the gas valve with a second joining direction. The connecting region can be a protruding shaped element of the gas nozzle, which is preferably connected or designed as one piece with an adjacent shaped element. The connecting region can be an at least partially exposed, in particular straight hollow cylinder, which is enclosed at least partially, preferably over its entire surface, after being introduced into the gas outlet region of the gas valve. In other words, the connecting region in the gas outlet region of the gas valve can be accommodated by a corresponding geometric shaped element of the gas valve. In this way, a secure, in particular gas-tight connection for the gas transport from The gas outlet area in the gas nozzle can be reached through the connection area of the gas nozzle. The connection is advantageously particularly torque-resistant for rotational forces from the gas nozzle relative to the gas valve. The insertion takes place along a second joining direction.

The connection area is designed in such a way that gas escaping from the gas outlet area of the gas valve can be guided through the connection area into the gas nozzle. The connection area can form (internally) a flow path for the gas entering the gas nozzle and (externally) a contact and/or alignment surface towards the outlet or gas outlet area of the gas valve.

Preferably, a single connection region is provided if the gas valve is designed with a single gas outlet region and the gas nozzle is designed with a single gas inlet region.

A gas-tight connection can be established between the gas outlet area of the gas valve and the connection area. For example, a sealing element, such as a sealing ring, can be provided in the connection area of the gas nozzle and/or in the gas outlet area of the gas valve and a sealing surface in the corresponding area of the other component.

According to step b), the fastening element is introduced into a fastening area of the gas nozzle in the gas valve with a first joining direction that differs from the second joining direction. The first joining direction and the second joining direction can therefore define or enclose an angle to one another, which can be in the range of 30 to 120 degrees, for example.

The gas nozzle at least partially encloses an edge of the gas valve, with the connection area and the fastening element being introduced into different sides of the gas valve adjacent to the edge. In other words, the gas nozzle preferably forms an edge itself that corresponds to and partially encloses an edge of the gas valve. The connection area and the gas outlet area are assigned to an adjacent side of the edge and the fastening area of the gas nozzle is assigned to the other adjacent side of the edge. A very stable connection can advantageously be created by enclosing an edge of the gas valve with the gas nozzle.

An edge is present in particular where two outer surfaces of the gas valve or gas nozzle meet. It is preferred that the edge on the gas valve forms a type of elevation, projection, etc. on the outer shape of the gas valve and/or a type of notch, recess, etc. in the outer shape of the gas nozzle. The angle enclosed by the (preferably essentially flat) outer surfaces is in particular in the range of approximately 90°, but can also be in a different range. The opposing outer surfaces, which each delimit an edge, can be aligned with one another, run parallel and/or overlap one another (in the assembled state).

In the joined state, the gas nozzle can lie flat against the gas valve with the fastening area and/or in the area surrounding the connection area, i.e. it can touch it (fully or completely) with the (predetermined) support surface. This design can also advantageously improve the stability of the connection, particularly with respect to rotational loads.

The fastening element can be inserted at a distance from the edge. In other words, this means in particular that a fastening element with a Area of an outer wall of the gas valve that is not directly on the edge but is away from it. The distance can also increase the stability of the connection between the gas nozzle and the gas valve because the leverage effect of the distance reduces the forces on the fastening element, for example in the event of rotational loads on the connection. The specific design is selected depending in particular on the external shape of the gas valve.

The fastening area and the outer area surrounding or adjacent to the gas valve can be designed in terms of material selection and geometric shape so that distortions due to the expected loads during operation can be reduced or even largely eliminated. This can prevent material failure and/or achieve a secure, torsion-resistant connection between the gas nozzle and the gas valve.

A screw or screw connection is preferred as a fastening element. The screw is preferably guided through the fastening area of the gas nozzle and anchored or screwed into the gas valve. However, other fastening elements can also be used alternatively or cumulatively, for example a cantilevered fastening element of the fastening area of the gas nozzle, which snaps into a corresponding area on the gas valve.

A first joining direction of the fastening element can be (essentially) perpendicular to the second joining direction of the connecting region of the gas nozzle in the gas outlet region of the gas valve according to step a). A first joining direction here refers to the direction along which the fastening element is introduced into the gas valve. A second joining direction is the direction along which the connecting region of the gas nozzle is introduced into the gas valve. This design can be achieved, for example, by a Enclosing a (vertical) edge of the gas valve with the gas nozzle. The stability of the connection can be further increased by joining directions that are arranged perpendicular to one another.

It is understood that according to the proposed method, angles other than right angles can be formed between the first joining direction of the fastening element and the second joining direction of the connection area of the gas nozzle in the gas outlet area of the gas valve. Angles in the range between 20° and 160°, between 40° and 140° or between 60° and 120° are preferred. The choice of angle can depend on the specific design of the gas valve and gas nozzle and the structural conditions in the heater. In this angle range, an advantageously improved stability of the connection can be achieved.

A flow direction of a gas flow (in particular air flow) through the gas nozzle (or the position of the flow channel for the air) can be perpendicular to the second joining direction of the connection area of the gas nozzle in the gas outlet area of the gas valve according to step a). The gas valve can thus advantageously be arranged in a compact design next to the air intake channel of the burner.

A further aspect relates to a gas nozzle and a gas valve of a heating device, which comprise (at least) one fastening area for (at least) one fastening element and (at least) one connection area for connection to (at least) one gas outlet area, wherein the fastening element and the connection area have different joining directions. It is possible for the fastening element to form a central axis along which it acts between the gas nozzle and the gas valve (e.g. first joining axis which is parallel to the first joining direction). It is possible for the connection area (also) to form a central axis along which it acts in the gas valve is/is introduced (e.g. second joining axis that is parallel to the second joining direction). The first joining axis and the second joining axis can be designed at an angle to each other in the gas nozzle. The proposed gas nozzle enables a simple, compact yet very stable attachment to a gas valve.

According to a preferred embodiment of the gas nozzle and the gas valve, the joining directions of the fastening element and the connection area can be aligned at right angles to each other.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the gas nozzle and the gas valve, a sealing area can be provided in the connection area. The sealing area can have a sealing element or be a sealing surface.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the gas nozzle can be made of plastic. A large number of suitable plastics are known in the art. Alternatively, the gas nozzle can also consist of a metallic material, for example steel, or of a combination of different materials, for example plastic and metal.

A further aspect relates to a (joined or attached to each other) unit consisting of a gas valve and a gas nozzle as proposed here.

A further aspect relates to a heating device comprising a unit proposed here consisting of a gas valve and a gas nozzle or a gas nozzle proposed here.

The explanations of the method can also be used to characterize the devices specified here, and vice versa. In particular, the method can be used to produce a unit (joined or fastened together) consisting of a gas valve and a gas nozzle proposed here.

A method for fastening a gas nozzle to a gas valve for a heating device, a gas nozzle, a unit comprising a gas nozzle and a gas valve and a heating device are therefore specified here, which at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, the method, the gas nozzle, the unit comprising a gas nozzle and a gas valve and the heating device each contribute at least to making the fastening of a gas nozzle to a gas valve of a heating device sufficiently stable for the loads that occur while at the same time ensuring a compact design of the connection.

As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second") primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, sizes or processes, and in particular do not necessarily specify a dependency and/or sequence of these objects, sizes or processes. If a dependency and/or sequence is required, this is explicitly stated here or it is obvious to the person skilled in the art when studying the specifically described design. If a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components can apply equally to all or part of the majority of these components, but this is not mandatory.

• Fig. 1: eine Gasdüse und ein Gasventil während der Durchführung von Schritt a) des hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens, und
• Fig. 2: eine Gasdüse und ein Gasventil während der Durchführung von Schritt b) des hier vorgeschlagenen Verfahrens.

The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments given. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to use partial aspects of the embodiments shown in the figures to extract the facts explained and to combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures and in particular the proportions shown are only schematic. They show:

• Fig.1 : a gas nozzle and a gas valve during the implementation of step a) of the method proposed here, and
• Fig. 2 : a gas nozzle and a gas valve during the implementation of step b) of the process proposed here.

Fig.1 shows a gas nozzle 2 and a gas valve 1 proposed here during the implementation of step a) of the method proposed here. The gas nozzle 2 can comprise a connecting region 21 which is designed as a hollow cylinder or tube.

The gas nozzle 2 can be mounted in an air intake duct in order to introduce combustion gas into the air intake duct. The gas nozzle 2 can have a flow direction of the air stream 23 that is perpendicular to a second joining direction 31 of the connection region 21 to a gas outlet region 11 of the gas valve 1.

The gas nozzle 2 can be brought to the gas valve 1 along the second joining direction 31 as part of step a). The connecting region 21 of the gas nozzle 2 can be introduced into a gas outlet region 11 of the gas valve 1 and enclosed by it.

The gas nozzle 2 can have a (protruding) fastening region 22 which runs essentially parallel to the second joining direction 31 (along a second joining axis 33) and can thus guide the joining process during step a). The fastening region 22 and the region in the vicinity of the connecting region 21 can each comprise at least one support surface 24 which rests on the gas valve 1 during and/or after joining the gas nozzle 2 and gas valve 1.

The support surface 24 can comprise a first edge 25 that corresponds to a second edge 15 of the gas valve 1. In the area of the second edge 15 of the gas valve 1, a first side 16 of the gas valve 1, in which the gas outlet area 11 is arranged, meets a second side 17, against which the fastening area 22 of the gas nozzle 2 rests in the connected state. In an advantageous manner, an excellently stable connection between the gas valve 1 and the gas nozzle 2 can be achieved by the support surface 24, which encloses a second edge 15 of the gas valve 1.

Fig. 2 shows a gas nozzle 2 and a gas valve 1 proposed here during the implementation of step b) of the method. The connection area 21 of the gas nozzle 2 was introduced into the gas outlet area 11 of the gas valve 1 and the support surfaces 24 of the fastening area 22 and in the vicinity of the connection area 21 rest on the gas valve 1.

As part of step b), a fastening element 4 can now be anchored in the gas valve 1 in a first joining direction 32 (along a first joining axis 34) through the fastening region 22 of the gas nozzle 2. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element 4 is a screw.

Due to the fact that the first joining direction 32 of the fastening element 4 and the second joining direction 31 of the connecting region 21 of the gas nozzle 2 in the gas outlet region 11 of the gas valve 1 are arranged essentially perpendicular to each other, the two fastening points of the fastening element 4 and the connecting region 21 support each other, because the second joining direction 31 of the connecting region 21 Fastening element 4 is only subjected to shear stress laterally. In this way, a fastening of the gas nozzle 2 to the gas valve 1 that is easy to manufacture but very stable and durable can be achieved.

List of reference symbols

1

Gas valve

11

Gas outlet area

15

second edge

16

first page

17

second page

2

Gas nozzle

21

Connection area

22

Mounting area

23

Flow direction air flow

24

Support surface

25

first edge

31

second joining direction

32

first joining direction

33

second joining axis

34

first joining axis

4

Fastener

Claims (11)

1. Method for fastening a gas nozzle (2) to a gas valve (1) for a heater, comprising at least the following steps:

   a) introducing a connecting region (21) of the gas nozzle (2) into a gas outlet region (11) of the gas valve (1) in a second joining direction (31),

   b) inserting a fastening element (4) in a fastening region (22) of the gas nozzle (2) into the gas valve (1) in a first joining direction (32), which differs from the second joining direction (31), wherein the gas nozzle (2) at least partially encloses an edge (15) of the gas valve (1) and the connecting region (21) of the gas nozzle (2) and the fastening element (4) are inserted into different sides (16, 17) of the gas valve (1) adjacent to the edge (15).
2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the gas nozzle (2) bears flat against the gas valve (1) with the fastening region (22) and in the vicinity of the connecting region (21).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening element (4) is inserted at a distance from the edge (15).
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting region (21) is at least partly cylindrical and is enclosed by the gas outlet region (11) of the gas valve (1).
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a gas-tight connection is produced between the connecting region (21) and gas outlet region (11) of the gas valve (1).
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first joining direction (32) is oriented perpendicular to the second joining direction (31).
7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a flow direction (23) of an air flow through the gas nozzle (2) is perpendicular to the second joining direction (31) of the connecting region (21) of the gas nozzle (2) in the gas outlet region (11) of the gas valve (1) according to step a).
8. Unit comprising a gas nozzle (2) and a gas valve (1) of a heater, the gas nozzle (2) having a fastening region (22) for a fastening element (4) and a connecting region (21) which is connected to a gas outlet region (11) of the gas valve (1), wherein the fastening element (4) forms a second joining direction (31) and the connecting region (21) forms a first joining direction (32) towards the gas valve (1), which differ from one another and the gas nozzle (2) at least partly encloses an edge (15) of the gas valve (1), characterized in that the connecting region (21) and the fastening element (4) are introduced into different sides (16, 17) of the gas valve (1) adjacent to the edge (15).
9. Unit comprising a gas nozzle (2) and gas valve (1) according to claim 8, wherein the joining directions (31, 32) are aligned at right angles to one another.
10. Unit comprising a gas nozzle (2) and gas valve (1) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein a sealing region is provided in the connecting region (21).
11. Heater, comprising a unit consisting of a gas valve (1) and a gas nozzle (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10.

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