US20110086319A1 - Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto - Google Patents
Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110086319A1 US20110086319A1 US12/837,459 US83745910A US2011086319A1 US 20110086319 A1 US20110086319 A1 US 20110086319A1 US 83745910 A US83745910 A US 83745910A US 2011086319 A1 US2011086319 A1 US 2011086319A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- igniter
- burner
- flame
- ignition system
- fuel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C3/00—Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels
- F24C3/10—Arrangement or mounting of ignition devices
- F24C3/103—Arrangement or mounting of ignition devices of electric ignition devices
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N5/00—Systems for controlling combustion
- F23N5/24—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements
- F23N5/242—Preventing development of abnormal or undesired conditions, i.e. safety arrangements using electronic means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23Q—IGNITION; EXTINGUISHING-DEVICES
- F23Q7/00—Incandescent ignition; Igniters using electrically-produced heat, e.g. lighters for cigarettes; Electrically-heated glowing plugs
- F23Q7/06—Incandescent ignition; Igniters using electrically-produced heat, e.g. lighters for cigarettes; Electrically-heated glowing plugs structurally associated with fluid-fuel burners
- F23Q7/10—Incandescent ignition; Igniters using electrically-produced heat, e.g. lighters for cigarettes; Electrically-heated glowing plugs structurally associated with fluid-fuel burners for gaseous fuel, e.g. in welding appliances
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2227/00—Ignition or checking
- F23N2227/02—Starting or ignition cycles
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2227/00—Ignition or checking
- F23N2227/42—Ceramic glow ignition
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2229/00—Flame sensors
- F23N2229/12—Flame sensors with flame rectification current detecting means
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2231/00—Fail safe
- F23N2231/06—Fail safe for flame failures
- F23N2231/08—Fail safe for flame failures for pilot flame failures
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23N—REGULATING OR CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
- F23N2241/00—Applications
- F23N2241/08—Household apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention relates to control systems for fuel burner igniters and more particularly to control systems for electrical resistance-type igniters for fuel burners and methods for controlling the voltage thereto.
- appliances such as cooking ranges and clothes dryers and heating apparatuses such as boilers and furnaces in which a combustible material, such as a combustible hydrocarbon (e.g., propane, natural gas, oil) is mixed with air (i.e., oxygen) and continuously combusted within the appliance or heating apparatus so as to provide a continuous source of heat energy.
- a combustible material such as a combustible hydrocarbon (e.g., propane, natural gas, oil) is mixed with air (i.e., oxygen) and continuously combusted within the appliance or heating apparatus so as to provide a continuous source of heat energy.
- This continuous source of heat energy is used for example to cook food, heat water to supply a source of running hot water and heat air or water to heat a structure such as a house.
- an ignition source is provided to initiate the combustion process and to continue operating until the combustion process is self-sustaining.
- the ignition source was what was commonly referred to as a pilot light in which a very small quantity of the combustible material and air was mixed and continuously combusted even while the heating apparatus or appliance was not in operation.
- a pilot light was used as an ignition source.
- An igniter is a device that creates the conditions required for ignition of the fuel/air mixture on demand, including spark-type igniters such as piezoelectric igniters and hot surface-type igniters such as silicon carbide ceramic intermetallic hot surface igniters. Spark-type igniters that produce an electrical spark that ignites the fuel/air mixture, advantageously provide very rapid ignition, which is to say, ignition within a few seconds. Problems with spark-type igniters, however, include among other things the electronic and physical noise produced by the spark.
- the circuitry of the spark type ignition device is sometimes packaged in a module that is electrically connected between a cooktop power supply and the cooktop burner system. Power supply phase conductors and neutral conductors are input to the module, and the module output is fed to an electrode and an igniter for ignition or re-ignition of the burner flame as necessary.
- Known ignition modules for gas-fired burners are susceptible to malfunctions in use. For example, the phase and neutral conductors of an alternating current power supply can sometimes be reversed and cause the modules to continuously spark.
- the modules are often sensitive to voltage on the neutral conductor which desensitizes the flame detection circuit and can lead to continuously generated sparks despite the presence of a flame on a burner.
- proper operation of the ignition modules is dependent upon proper connection of ground conductors and neutral conductors in electrical junction boxes that feed the ignition module in use. If the electrical junction box is not properly wired, the ignition module will continuously spark. Unnecessary sparking of the ignition module reduces energy efficiency and also shortens a useable life of the ignition module.
- Hot-surface igniters such as the silicon carbide ceramic intermetallic hot surface igniter
- the heating tip or element is resistively heated by electricity to the temperature required for the ignition of the fuel/air mixture, thus when the fuel/air mixture flows proximal to the igniter it is ignited. This process is repeated as and when needed to meet the particular operating requirements for the heating apparatus/appliance.
- Hot-surface-type igniters are advantageous in that they produce negligible noise in comparison to spark-type igniters.
- Hot surface-type igniters can require significant ignition/warm-up time to resistively heat the resistance igniter sufficiently to a temperature that will ignite the fuel-air mixture (e.g., gas-air). In some applications, this warm-up time can vary between about 15 and about 45 seconds.
- the ignition system operates a millivolt type electronic gas safety valve via a flame sensing circuit.
- millivolt valves are used with a thermopile that generates a voltage that is required to hold the valve coil of the millivolt type electronic gas safety valve open to deliver the gas flow to the burner.
- the user manually pushes in a special knob associated with the burner. While the knob is pushed in, gas (i.e., a gas-air mixture) is delivered to the burner until the thermopile has had time to heat up and deliver the millivolt signal to the valve.
- gas i.e., a gas-air mixture
- the elapsed time for this heat up of the thermopile can be in excess of ten seconds.
- thermo-electric gas valve operation can be slow to shut down due to accumulated heat at the thermopile, The accumulated heat causes the millivolt signal to be outputted to the valve thereby keeping the valve open until the thermopile cools down sufficiently to terminate the signal output which then allows the valve to close.
- raw unlit gas i.e., the combustible gas-air mixture
- the unlit gas would be ignited.
- a gas burner for a stove or cook top Such a stove burner safety system includes an electromagnetic valve and a manual gas cock controlling the gas flow to the burner and a spark plug adjacent the burner which receives a spark pulse from the electric circuitry or electric module which also controls the electromagnetic valve.
- a switch turns on the electric module. If a flame failure is detected, a train of a certain number of spark pulses is supplied to the spark plug and if re-ignition does not occur within a certain number of pulses or a certain time, the electromagnetic valve is turned off.
- This system is arranged to use an electromagnet valve that is opened or closed by a signal and a manual valve that initially supplies the gas to start the combustion process.
- a flame burner ignition system that includes a burner, a power supply, an electrical system including a ground conductor, and an ignition module.
- the ignition module includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The output is operatively coupled to the burner, while one of the inputs is coupled to the ground conductor, and the other of the inputs is coupled to the power supply.
- the described system also includes an isolation transformer that is connected between a junction box and the ignition module. As the ignition module is isolated from the power source, a reversal of line or phase conductor and the neutral conductor does not effect the ignition module. In this way, it is described that the ignition module will operate correctly despite improper wiring of the junction box and so that a false detection of an extinguished flame is not detected by the flame sensing circuitry.
- a fuel gas ignition system for gas burners that uses hot surface igniters such as miniaturized hot surface igniters, and which includes mechanisms for burner shutdown that provides for safe and reliable operation of the heating device or appliance. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a fuel ignition system that is always on so as to provide a further safety mechanism particularly after actions are taken to terminate burner operations. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a fuel gas ignition system that would shutdown operation of a burner under specific conditions so that follow-on manual actions are taken to resolve the shutdown and/or to re-initiate burner operation. Preferably such an ignition control system would not increase the complexity of operation of the heating device or appliance in comparison to prior art devices.
- the present invention features a fuel gas ignition system and methods for controlling fuel gas ignition. Such control systems and methods further control the energization of the igniter device.
- such a fuel gas ignition system includes a miniaturized hot surface igniter that having any of a number of various types, configurations and material systems, a gas valve and an microcontroller or microprocessor.
- the microcontroller or microprocessor includes a software program having code segments, instructions and criteria for controlling operation of the igniter, operation of the gas valve and the ignition of the gas by the igniter.
- Such an ignition system further includes a flame sensing means for continuously sensing presence of a burner flame such as by the flame rectification technique.
- the flame rectification circuit design is established to eliminate the need for earthing or a ground, by the use of a comparator circuit actuated by a burner flame present between the igniter element and igniter assembly shielding.
- the instructions and criteria further include instructions and criteria for using the flame sensing signal to trigger an electronically actuated gas valve of the types commonly used in the industry.
- the ignition system is configured so that it can operate a millivolt type electronic gas safety valve via the flame sensing circuit.
- the millivolt valve is activated by a valve driver circuit in the control circuitry.
- the microcontroller powers the coil in the valve to deliver gas to the burner.
- the microcontroller powers the miniaturized hot surface igniter installed in the burner to accomplish the ignition of the gas.
- the microcontroller After an igniter activation period of 1 to 4 seconds, the microcontroller causes power to be removed from the igniter and thereafter the microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame. In the event burner flame is not detected, the microcontroller powers the igniter for the defined igniter activation period to attempt to light/re-light the burner. In further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to make multiple trials or attempts for such ignition or lighting of the burner. In yet further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to make N attempts, N being ⁇ 1, to light/re-light the burner. The microcontroller also is operated so that there is near instantaneous shut down of the gas valve by the flame sensing circuit thereby essentially eliminating the possible flow of raw un-lit gas to the appliance.
- the microcontroller also is configurable so as to include a soft lock-out so that the valve delivering the gas to the burner is turned off if the burner fails to light as determined by the flame sensing circuit and cannot be thereafter turned on without user intervention.
- the microcontroller is configured so the user is required to re-set the valve operation. This allows the user to determine the cause for the burner failing to light or determine the need for service to the appliance.
- the microcontroller is configured so as to continuously power the igniter thereafter until flame is detected or the user stops, ends or terminates operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position).
- the igniter is energized in any of the manners described herein, but is generally energized using a regulated voltage until flame is detected or the user ends burner operations.
- the microcontroller is configured so as to maintain power to the igniter after the igniter activation period instead of removing power as described above, and thereafter the microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame.
- the microcontroller also is configured so as to continuously power the igniter thereafter until flame is detected or the user ends, stops or terminates operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position).
- the fuel gas ignition system includes at least one of an auditory signal device or a visual signal device to provide a warning or signal to the user.
- the microcontroller is configurable so as to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user using such auditory/visual signal devices to identify that (a) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries (i.e., burner operation is stopped); (b) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries and the igniter is now in the continuous energized mode; or (c) that the initial attempt to light the was not successful and that the igniter is in the continuous energized mode.
- the electronic control functionalities are either AC or DC voltage powered.
- the microcontroller is configured so that the igniter is heated up to the ignition temperature(s) and can achieve ignition of the fuel gas within time periods established by industry standards or practices.
- the microcontroller is configurable so as to bring the hot surface igniter to the ignition temperature in 2 seconds or less.
- control system more specifically, at least the microcontroller, is continuously powered.
- the microcontroller is configured so that the flame sensing circuit and sensor are checked for proper operation at the end of each burner operating sequence. This operation can be accomplished as these functionalities are continuously powered even after the burner operating sequence.
- the microcontroller determines that the flame sensing circuit and sensor are not operating properly, the microcontroller is configured to establish a lockout representative of a fault to prevent further use of the cooktop or at least the affected burner.
- the microcontroller also is configurable so as to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user to identify the faulted condition. In this way, an indication is provided to the user to allow them to determine the reason for the fault, to correct the fault and/or to have the appliance serviced.
- the microcontroller also is configurable so as to allow the user to reset the appliance so that operation can be resumed. For example, the user could be required to actuate a rest button provided on a surface that is not normally accessed by the user or by causing the user to remove and re-apply electrical power to the appliance.
- the microcontroller is configured to check the flame sensing signal at the end of burner operation. In the event that the microcontroller detects that a flame is still present after the end of a burning operation, potentially indicating that closure of the gas valve has failed to have properly occurred, the microcontroller is configured to reactivate the valve opening and closure sequence as an attempt to properly close the gas valve. A number of opening and closing sequences can be conducted as required.
- the microcontroller also is configurable to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user to identify the faulted condition. In this way, an indication is provided to the user to allow them to determine the reason for the fault, to correct the fault and/or to have appliance serviced.
- the microcontroller is configurable so that it remains in an active operating mode, even after end-user cessation of operation, for ignition and re-ignition if the flame sensing circuit detects the presence of a gas flame.
- the igniter of the present design includes an integrated flame sensing shield which is configured so as to provide for an increase in the level of the flame sense signal due the unique shield geometry as compared to other shield designs.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary conventional free standing gas range that can use a fuel gas ignition system of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram view of a fuel gas ignition system of the present invention including a burning area element(s) and a gas supply line(s) for clarity.
- FIG. 2B is another schematic block diagram view of the fuel gas ignition system of FIG. 2A but configured with an igniter including an integrated flame sensing shield.
- FIGS. 3A-B include a high level flow diagram of the process embodied in the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention, more particularly the process embodied in the microcontroller of the fuel gas ignition system.
- FIGS. 4A-B are a various views of the insulator ( FIG. 4A ) and the shield feature ( FIG. 4B ) of hot surface igniter usable with the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 an exemplary conventional free standing gas range 10 that includes an outer body or cabinet 12 that incorporates a generally rectangular cooktop 14 .
- An oven not shown, is positioned below cooktop 14 and has a front-opening access door 16 .
- a range backsplash 18 extends upward of a rear edge 20 of cooktop 14 and contains various control selectors (not shown) for selecting operative features of the heating elements for cooktop 14 and the oven.
- the cooktop 14 includes four gas fueled burners 22 which are positioned in spaced apart pairs positioned adjacent each side of the cooktop. Typically, each pair of burners 22 is surrounded by a recessed area 24 of the cooktop 14 . The recessed areas 24 are positioned below an upper surface 24 of the cooktop 14 and typically serve to catch any spills from cooking utensils (not shown) being used with the cooktop. Each burner 22 extends upwardly through an opening in the recessed areas 24 , and a grate 28 is positioned over each burner 22 . Each grate 28 includes a flat surface thereon for supporting cooking vessels and utensils over the burners 22 for cooking of meal preparations placed therein.
- cooktop 14 is shown with two pairs of grates 28 positioned over two pairs of burners 22 , this shall not be considered limiting as it is known to those skilled in the art that cooktops are configurable so as to include greater or fewer number of burners.
- the cook top can include three pairs of burners.
- such a cooktop can be configured so as to provide a grilling surface or griddle which use burners as a heat source for grilling food or the cooking of food on the griddle.
- the construction and operation of the cooktop gas burners 22 are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art and thus further discussion of the details and construction of burners or the a cooktop not discussed further herein.
- the fuel gas ignition system 100 of the present invention can be embodied in cooktops which form the upper portion of a range, such as range 10 , as well as with other forms of cooktops, such as, but not limited to, free standing cooktops that are mounted in kitchen counters. While the description of the present invention makes general reference to a gas-fired cooktop, it is contemplated and thus with in the scope of the present invention for the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention to be embodied with any of a number of other fuel burning apparatuses or combustion burners for a variety of combustible fuels as are known to those skilled in the art or hereinafter developed.
- Such other apparatuses or applications include, but are not limited to, gas heater devices, gas ovens, gas kilns, gas-fired meat smoker devices, and gas barbecues.
- gas heater devices gas ovens
- gas kilns gas-fired meat smoker devices
- gas barbecues gas barbecues
- FIG. 2A there is shown a simplified schematic block diagram view of a cooktop 200 or other heating device that embodies or includes an igniter and fuel gas ignition control system 100 of the present invention, a combustion area 214 and control circuitry 240 that embodies a microcontroller 242 that forms the controlling part of the igniter and fuel ignition control system 100 .
- the illustrated cooktop 200 is described hereinafter as being used with a gaseous hydrocarbon (such as natural gas, propane) as the material to be combusted therein to produce the heat energy.
- a gaseous hydrocarbon such as natural gas, propane
- the igniter and fuel ignition control system 100 includes one or more igniter devices 120 , burner tubes 104 , fuel admission valves 108 , one for each combustion area 214 or burner of the cooktop. As described further herein, the igniter and fuel ignition control system 100 can further include igniter control electrical circuitry 244 that is configured so that one or more voltage levels are applied to a hot surface igniter.
- the device control circuitry 240 more specifically the microcontroller 242 is electrically interconnected and operably coupled to the fuel admission valve 108 and the igniter control circuitry 244 so each can be selectively operated to produce heat energy as hereinafter described.
- the fuel admission valve 108 is fluidly interconnected using piping or tubing to a source 2 of a combustible material as the fuel for the heating device 200 .
- the piping or tubing is interconnected to a source of a gaseous hydrocarbon such as natural gas or propane.
- the fuel source can be one of an external tank or an underground natural gas piping system as is known to those skilled in the art.
- the control circuitry 240 is electrical interconnected to an external switch device 190 that provides the appropriate signals to the control circuitry (microcontroller) for appropriate operation of the heating device.
- the external switch device 190 is a mechanical and/or electronic type of switch that can output one or more signals to the control circuitry/microcontroller so that a user can turn the a burner or other heating element (e.g., grill unit, griddle, oven) on and initiate the ignition of the gas/fuel, to regulate or adjust gas flow so as to thereby control the amount of heat energy being developed by the burner (e.g., high through low) and to turn the burner off when heat energy is no longer wanted.
- a burner or other heating element e.g., grill unit, griddle, oven
- the external switch device 190 is a thermostat as is known to those skilled in the art that senses a bulk temperature within the building structure or the hot water in the tank. Based on the sensed temperatures the thermostat outputs signals to the control circuitry 240 more particularly the microcontroller, to turn the furnace or hot water heater on and off.
- control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 receives a signal from the external switch device 190 calling for the cooktop 200 or other heating device (e.g., stove burner, oven, hot water heater, furnace, etc) to be turned on.
- the microcontroller outputs signals to the igniter control circuitry 244 so as to cause the hot surface igniter 120 to be heated up for ignition, (i.e., cause electricity to flow through the heating element of the igniter 120 to heat the heating element to the desired temperatures for causing a fuel/air mixture to ignite).
- the fuel admission valve 108 is opened so that the fuel flows through the burner tube 104 to the igniter heating element.
- air is mixed with the fuel that is presented to the igniter heating element so that a combustible mixture is thereby created and ignited by the igniter heating element.
- This ignited fuel/air mixture is located in the combustion area 114 so that useable heat energy can be extracted and used for the intended purpose of the heating device (e.g., to heat food or water).
- a single burner tube 104 is illustrated, as is known to those skilled in the art, a plurality or a multiplicity or more of burner tubes can be provided to generate a desired heat output where one or more fuel admission valves 108 can be provided for each burner tube.
- the one of the plurality or multiplicity or more of burner tubes is arranged with respect to the hot surface igniter 120 .
- igniter 120 is generally described herein as a hot surface igniter, this is a particularly preferred mechanism for causing the ignition of the fuel/air mixture.
- This embodiment shall not be considered as limiting as it is within the scope of the present invention for the combined igniter and fuel ignition control system 100 of the present invention to be adapted for use with any of a number of ignition devices as are known to those skilled in the art or hereinafter developed.
- ignition devices include spark type ignition devices.
- a sensor 112 is typically located proximal the hot surface igniter and/or a region of the combustion area 214 for use in determining the presence of combustion of the fuel/air mixture including presence of continued combustion.
- the sensor 112 is configured and arranged so as to embody the flame rectification method or technique.
- the sensor 112 is a thermopile type of sensor that senses the temperature of the area in which the fuel/air mixture is being combusted.
- the igniter 120 of the present invention is configured so to include an integrated flame sensing shield 122 (see FIG. 4B ) that is secured to the insulator 124 (see FIG. 4A ) and also embodied in or located within igniter.
- the flame sensing shield 122 functions as a shield for protection and also as the sensor 112 for use in determining or detecting the presence of a flame or the combustion process.
- a flame sensing shield is operably coupled to the microcontroller 242 .
- Such a flame sensing shield is particularly suitable/adaptable for use in the flame rectification method or technique.
- such a sensor when reference is made herein to a sensor that is used in connection with determining or detecting the presence of a flame or the combustion process, such a sensor includes the a flame sensing shield.
- a flame sensing shield 122 also is configured so as to provide for an increase in the level of the flame sense signal due the unique shield geometry as compared to other shield designs.
- the sensor 112 is interconnected to the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 so that if the sensor does not output, for example, a signal indicating the safe and continuous ignition of the fuel/air mixture within a preset period of time, the control circuitry shuts or closes the fuel admission valve 108 .
- the control circuitry 240 (microcontroller 242 ) also is configured and arranged to repeat this attempt to ignite the fuel/air mixture to start the heating process one or more times. After ignition is obtained, signals are outputted to the igniter control circuitry 244 to cutoff the electrical power to the hot surface igniter 120 .
- the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 receives a signal from the external switch device 190 calling for the heating device to be turned off. In the case of a cooktop, this would be when the user actuates the external switch device 190 (e.g., control knob) to be in the off position. In response to such a signal, the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 closes the fuel admission valve 108 to cut off the flow of fuel, thereby stopping the combustion process.
- control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 takes additional actions to shut the fuel admission valve 108 .
- FIGS. 3A-B there is shown a high level flow diagram illustrating the process for controlling fuel gas ignition, controlling fuel gas admission and controlling the energization of the igniter. Also shown are processes for putting a burner into a safe condition when the igniter and fuel ignition control system 100 of the present invention detects out of normal conditions. More particularly, the flow charts describe the process embodied in the microcontroller 244 . As is known to those skilled in the art, it is within the skill of one skilled in the computer programming arts to develop software code including code segments, instructions and criteria from the flow chart(s) provided herein.
- control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 includes storage devices (e.g., NVRAM, EEPROM, and the like) for storing the program code and other parameters described herein) as well as interfaces (e.g., USB and the like) so the microcontroller can be operably coupled to display and input devices (mouse, keyboard).
- storage devices e.g., NVRAM, EEPROM, and the like
- interfaces e.g., USB and the like
- the microcontroller 242 is continuously is powered (i.e., coupled to the power source 4 ) so that it capable of controlling operating under different operating modes of the cooktop, appliance or heating devices.
- the appliance, cooktop, heating device is put into operation, Step 300 by any of a number of actions.
- the user turns the knob or a manual valve or switch representing the external switch device 190 or a signal from a switching or sensing device 190 (e.g., thermostat) is received.
- This action opens the manual valve and makes an electrical contact to initiate the sequence for powering the igniter.
- the solenoid or other electronically actuated/controlled valve which is inline with the manual valve, is closed, there is no flow of fuel gas to the burner.
- Step 300 With the relay activated in Step 300 , full line voltage is applied to the selected igniter and the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 measures the line voltage, Step 302 .
- the line voltage is measured for the first 200 ms.
- the control circuitry/microcontroller selects the required “jump start” timing from the lookup table, Step 304 .
- the igniter is “jump started” for the defined time period. After the “jump start” time period has elapsed, the control circuitry/microcontroller regulates the voltage to the igniter for the remained of the igniter on time, Step 306 .
- the control circuitry/microcontroller turns on the solenoid valve (fuel admission valve 108 ) to the burner, Step 308 .
- the solenoid valve(s) to both rings of the burner are turned on.
- the igniter is turned off, Step 310 .
- the predetermined time is based on industry standards and practices and in an exemplary embodiment the predetermined time is 4 seconds.
- control circuitry/microcontroller moves into the flame sensing mode to determine if a flame is detected for more than a predetermined period of time (Step 312 ), where the predetermined period of time is based on industry standards and practices.
- the predetermined time is a 3 second duration.
- the solenoid valves are deactivated or turned off by the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 , Step 320 ( FIG. 3B ) and the trial for ignition counter is incremented by one, Step 322 .
- the control circuitry/microcontroller then counts the number of trials for ignition and determines if the number of trials is less than or equal to a preset number of trials (N), Step 324 , where N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). In an illustrative embodiment N is three. If the number of trials is less than or equal to N (No, Step 302 ), then the process returns to step 302 and the system initiates another ignition sequence.
- Step 326 the system moves to a lockout condition where the system will not allow any further attempts to ignite the burner and thus terminates the process that had been started.
- the burner logic is reset after such a lockout by having the user turn the manual knob 190 into the off position, which powers down the gas admission valve 108 and resets the manual valve switch. This should reset the system 100 thereby allowing the user to again try and turn the failed burner on (i.e., restarting the process at Step 300 ).
- the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 244 is configured so the igniter 120 is continuously powered thereafter until flame is detected or the user takes action to stop, end or terminate operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position).
- the igniter is energized in any of the manners described herein such as using a jump voltage to initially heat up the igniter and thereafter continuously apply a regulated voltage. In general the igniter is energized until flame is detected or the user ends or stops operation of the burner (burner operations).
- control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 244 is configured so that when the system is being operated in the flame sensing mode, the igniter is not turned off as provided in Step 310 , but rather as described above, the power to the igniter is maintained after the igniter activation period (e.g., regulated voltage continues to be applied to the igniter), and thereafter the control circuitry/microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame.
- the control circuitry/microcontroller also is configured so the igniter is continuously powered until flame is detected or the user takes actions to stop, end or terminate operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position).
- the processes described in connection with Steps 320 - 324 need not be performed.
- the fuel gas ignition system 100 further includes at least one of a auditory signal device 251 (e.g., chime) or a visual signal device 253 (e.g., light) that is/are operably coupled to the control circuitry/microcontroller.
- a auditory signal device 251 e.g., chime
- a visual signal device 253 e.g., light
- These signal devices 251 , 253 provide an auditory and/or a visual signal to the user to identify that (a) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries (i.e., burner operation) is stopped); (b) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries and the igniter is now in continuous energized mode; or (c) that the initial attempt to light the was not successful and that the igniter is in the continuous energized mode.
- Step 312 if the flame sense circuit does detect a flame (Yes, Step 312 ), then the system is put into the run mode, Step 330 and the control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 , sets the trial for ignition counter to zero, Step 332 .
- the flame sense circuitry continuously monitors the gas flame of the active burner. Also, a determination is periodically made to determine if the burner is still active, Step 340 . If there is a call for burner operation to end (No, Step 340 ) then the system stops operation of the burner, Step 350 .
- Step 340 If burner operation is continuing and the system remains in the run mode, (Yes, Step 340 ) the solenoid valve(s) or gas admission valve(s) remain open or active, Step 342 and the flame sense circuitry continues to monitor the burner flame, Step 344 . If flame is detected (Yes, Step 344 ), the system remains in the run mode and the process returns to steps 340 . If the flame sense detects a loss of flame (No, Step 344 ), then the system moves to a rapid re-ignition mode, Step 346 .
- the rapid re-ignition mode is used in the case where a flame failure is detected during gas burner operation.
- the rapid-re-ignition operation is a means by which a hot surface igniter can be made to re-light the burner in less than 4 seconds and without de-activating the gas supply to the burner.
- the burner is ignited and the igniter is operated in the flame sense mode; a determination is made as to flame failure; full line voltage is applied to the igniter for a time increment defined by measured line voltage level, the igniter “jump starts” to ignition temperature in about 2 seconds; the burner is re-ignited; the system regulates the voltage to the igniter for the remainder of the “on” time; the igniter shuts down and moves into the flame sense mode; and the flame sense operation continues to monitor the burner flame.
- the re-ignition process for the igniter can include operating the igniter in a continuous on or energized mode such as that described above.
- Step 360 a post operation flame sense circuit check is made to determine if there is no flame. If the flame sense circuit does not show the presence of a flame (Yes, Step 360 ), system operation is ended, Step 362 .
- Step 364 If the flame sense circuit determines that flame is still present (No, Step 360 ) after the operating sequence is ended, the system is returned to a continuous operating mode, Step 364 .
- the control circuitry/microcontroller outputs signals to cycle the fuel admission valve 108 (opening and closing sequences) in an attempt to properly close the valve and thus end gas flow to the burner, Step 366 .
- a determination is made using the flame sense circuit to determine if the gas valve has closed. Step 368 . If the gas valve is determined to have closed (Yes, Step 368 ), then the process proceeds to Step 362 and operation is ended. If it is determined that the gas valve has not closed (No, Step 368 ), the process returns to Step 364 .
- the jump start voltage process referred to herein is the process and mechanisms described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/589,253 as filed by at least one of the Applicants of the present invention.
- the teachings of this application are incorporated herein by reference and reference shall be made to that application for more specific details of the structure and operation of such processes and devices.
- the igniter and gas ignition control system 100 of the present invention is operated so the hot surface igniter 20 is de-energized during those times when heat energy is not to be produced by the appliance or heating device. As such, during such non-heat producing times the igniter control circuitry 244 is in an idle state. It also is within the scope of the present invention for the igniter to be de-energized and thus returned to the idle state after the fuel-air mixture is self-sustaining.
- an input signal is provided to the microcontroller 242 , such a signal corresponds to a signal to energize the one or more hot surface igniters 120 .
- the microcontroller outputs a signal (e.g., a gate pulse) to a triac or thyristor of the igniter control circuitry 244 to fire the thyristor so that current from the power source 4 flows through the one or more hot surface igniters 120 .
- the microcontroller 242 controls the triac or thyristor so that such current flows continuously and so a first regulated voltage is supplied to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 .
- the first regulated voltage typically produces an over voltage condition, that is the voltage developed across the hot surface igniter (s) 120 is more than nominal operating voltage for the igniter(s). Consequently, the hot surface igniter (s) 120 heats faster to a given temperature and also will produce more heat energy in the igniter(s).
- a line voltage measuring apparatus within the igniter control circuitry 244 monitors the line voltage of the power source 4 and provides output signals representative of the line voltage to the microcontroller 242 . After receiving such an energizing signal, the microcontroller 242 processes the output signals from the line voltage measuring apparatus to determine the amplitude of the line voltage.
- the nominal line voltage typically ranges between about 208 VAC and about 240 VAC.
- the nominal line voltage typically ranges between about 220 VAC and about 240 VAC.
- line voltage variance universally can range anywhere between about 176 VAC and about 264 VAC.
- the nominal line voltage is 120 VAC, which ranges between 102 VAC and 132 VAC and in another case the nominal line voltage is 24 VAC, which ranges between 20 VAC and 26 VAC.
- the microcontroller 242 evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and the microprocessor thereof controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 to maintain the voltage about a first voltage for the igniter.
- the first voltage is a voltage that is higher than the second regulated voltage and is set so as cause the igniter to heat up rapidly thereby reducing warm up time so as to be in a set range.
- the second voltage also is less than the voltage outputted by a power supply and/or power source 2 . This includes the case where the power supply includes or embodies a mechanism that steps down the voltage.
- the first voltage also is set so as to not significantly reduce operating life of the igniter.
- low voltage igniters shall mean igniters whose nominal operating voltage is about 60 volts or less such as for example, igniters whose nominal operating voltage is about 6 volts, 12 volts, 18 volts, 24 volts, or 60 volts.
- the microprocessor or microcontroller 242 controls the triac or thyristor so as to regulate the voltage being applied by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments. More particularly, the microprocessor uses the output signals from the zero cross circuitry to control the operation of the triac or thyristor in these half-wave cycle increments. In more specific embodiment's, the regulation method being implemented by the microprocessor regulates the voltage being applied by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments with a period of about 50 half-wave cycles that are divided further into sub-periods of about 5 half-wave cycles each to minimize flickering.
- the microprocessor regulates output voltage to the hot surface igniter(s) by turning on the triac or thyristor for four half-wave cycles and turning it off for one half-wave cycle during the first sub-period (SP- 1 ); turning it on for another four half-wave cycles (SP- 2 ); turning it off for one half-wave cycle; turning it on for three half-wave cycles (SP- 3 ); and so forth to the tenth sub-period (SP- 10 ).
- control circuitry 240 /microcontroller 242 further includes a nonvolatile memory that includes a look-up table that associates line voltage from the power source with the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 so the voltage being applied is maintained at or about the first voltage.
- a nonvolatile memory that includes a look-up table that associates line voltage from the power source with the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 so the voltage being applied is maintained at or about the first voltage.
- the microcontroller 242 evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and periodically makes adjustments to the duty cycle so that the second regulated voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 is being maintained so that the hot surface igniter maintains a fairly consistent temperature. More particularly, the microprocessor/microcontroller compares the newly determined or measured line voltage with the look-up table and determines the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 so the voltage being applied is maintained at or about the nominal operating voltage for the igniter.
- the look up table further includes an on-time for applying the first regulated voltage to the hot surface igniter 120 .
- the time period is set equal to the on-time and the microprocessor/microcontroller continuously determines if this time has expired. If it is determined that the time period has not expired, then the microcontroller controls the triac or thyristor so that the first regulated voltage continues to be applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 . If it is determined that the time period has expired, then the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied by the triac or thyristor at a second regulated voltage.
- the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 to maintain the voltage at the second regulated voltage to the igniter.
- the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor so as to regulate the voltage being applied as the second regulated voltage by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments.
- the second regulated voltage is lower than the first regulated voltage. In more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be at or about the nominal operating voltage specified for the hot surface igniter 120 . In yet more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be about the nominal operating voltage of the hot surface igniter 120 , and in even yet more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be essentially the nominal operating voltage of the hot surface igniter.
- the nonvolatile memory further includes in the look-up table an association of line voltage from the power source with the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 so the applied voltage is maintained at or about the second regulated voltage.
- the period of the half-wave cycle, the number of sub-periods, and/or the number of half-wave cycles per sub-period can be modified from that described herein and such modification is within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
- the microcontroller evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and periodically makes adjustments to the duty cycle so that the voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 is maintained so that the hot surface igniter maintains a fairly consistent temperature.
- the microprocessor continuously determines if the energization cycle of the hot surface igniter is complete or done. Typically, the microprocessor receives an input signal from an external sensor or switch indicating that the heating process should be terminated or that a stable combustion process has been established within a heating device such that an ignition source is no longer required. If it is determined that the energization cycle is complete, then the microprocessor provides the appropriate outputs that blocks current flow through the triac or thyristor and continues to control the system. If it is determined that the energy station cycle is not complete, then the microprocessor continues to regulate the second regulated voltage being applied to the hot surface igniter 120 .
- the heat-up or energization of the igniter 120 uses the methods, techniques, and/or systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,148,454, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/225,891 filed Jul. 15, 2009, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to control systems for fuel burner igniters and more particularly to control systems for electrical resistance-type igniters for fuel burners and methods for controlling the voltage thereto.
- There are a number of appliances such as cooking ranges and clothes dryers and heating apparatuses such as boilers and furnaces in which a combustible material, such as a combustible hydrocarbon (e.g., propane, natural gas, oil) is mixed with air (i.e., oxygen) and continuously combusted within the appliance or heating apparatus so as to provide a continuous source of heat energy. This continuous source of heat energy is used for example to cook food, heat water to supply a source of running hot water and heat air or water to heat a structure such as a house.
- Because this mixture of fuel and air (i.e., fuel/air mixture) does not self-ignite when mixed together, an ignition source is provided to initiate the combustion process and to continue operating until the combustion process is self-sustaining. In the not too distant past, the ignition source was what was commonly referred to as a pilot light in which a very small quantity of the combustible material and air was mixed and continuously combusted even while the heating apparatus or appliance was not in operation. For a number of reasons, the use of a pilot light as an ignition source was done away with and an igniter used instead.
- An igniter is a device that creates the conditions required for ignition of the fuel/air mixture on demand, including spark-type igniters such as piezoelectric igniters and hot surface-type igniters such as silicon carbide ceramic intermetallic hot surface igniters. Spark-type igniters that produce an electrical spark that ignites the fuel/air mixture, advantageously provide very rapid ignition, which is to say, ignition within a few seconds. Problems with spark-type igniters, however, include among other things the electronic and physical noise produced by the spark.
- Also, the circuitry of the spark type ignition device is sometimes packaged in a module that is electrically connected between a cooktop power supply and the cooktop burner system. Power supply phase conductors and neutral conductors are input to the module, and the module output is fed to an electrode and an igniter for ignition or re-ignition of the burner flame as necessary. Known ignition modules for gas-fired burners, however, are susceptible to malfunctions in use. For example, the phase and neutral conductors of an alternating current power supply can sometimes be reversed and cause the modules to continuously spark. In addition, the modules are often sensitive to voltage on the neutral conductor which desensitizes the flame detection circuit and can lead to continuously generated sparks despite the presence of a flame on a burner. Still further, proper operation of the ignition modules is dependent upon proper connection of ground conductors and neutral conductors in electrical junction boxes that feed the ignition module in use. If the electrical junction box is not properly wired, the ignition module will continuously spark. Unnecessary sparking of the ignition module reduces energy efficiency and also shortens a useable life of the ignition module.
- With hot surface igniters, such as the silicon carbide ceramic intermetallic hot surface igniter, the heating tip or element is resistively heated by electricity to the temperature required for the ignition of the fuel/air mixture, thus when the fuel/air mixture flows proximal to the igniter it is ignited. This process is repeated as and when needed to meet the particular operating requirements for the heating apparatus/appliance. Hot-surface-type igniters are advantageous in that they produce negligible noise in comparison to spark-type igniters. Hot surface-type igniters, however, can require significant ignition/warm-up time to resistively heat the resistance igniter sufficiently to a temperature that will ignite the fuel-air mixture (e.g., gas-air). In some applications, this warm-up time can vary between about 15 and about 45 seconds.
- In one conventional burner ignition system, the ignition system operates a millivolt type electronic gas safety valve via a flame sensing circuit. Typically millivolt valves are used with a thermopile that generates a voltage that is required to hold the valve coil of the millivolt type electronic gas safety valve open to deliver the gas flow to the burner. When the burner is to be operated, the user manually pushes in a special knob associated with the burner. While the knob is pushed in, gas (i.e., a gas-air mixture) is delivered to the burner until the thermopile has had time to heat up and deliver the millivolt signal to the valve. The elapsed time for this heat up of the thermopile can be in excess of ten seconds.
- In this type of safety shutdown system if the burner flame is lost, the burner shuts down and the user re-initiates the burner operating sequence by re-setting the knob by the push and hold sequence. In some cases this type of thermo-electric gas valve operation can be slow to shut down due to accumulated heat at the thermopile, The accumulated heat causes the millivolt signal to be outputted to the valve thereby keeping the valve open until the thermopile cools down sufficiently to terminate the signal output which then allows the valve to close. As a result of the delayed closure, raw unlit gas (i.e., the combustible gas-air mixture) continues to be delivered. In addition to wasting fuel, if an ignition source is inadvertently put in proximity to the burner, the unlit gas would be ignited.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,352, there is found a gas burner for a stove or cook top. Such a stove burner safety system includes an electromagnetic valve and a manual gas cock controlling the gas flow to the burner and a spark plug adjacent the burner which receives a spark pulse from the electric circuitry or electric module which also controls the electromagnetic valve. When the stem of the manual valve is actuated (i.e., pushed in) a switch turns on the electric module. If a flame failure is detected, a train of a certain number of spark pulses is supplied to the spark plug and if re-ignition does not occur within a certain number of pulses or a certain time, the electromagnetic valve is turned off. This system is arranged to use an electromagnet valve that is opened or closed by a signal and a manual valve that initially supplies the gas to start the combustion process.
- In U.S. Pat. No. 6,923,640, there is found a flame burner ignition system that includes a burner, a power supply, an electrical system including a ground conductor, and an ignition module. The ignition module includes a first input, a second input, and an output. The output is operatively coupled to the burner, while one of the inputs is coupled to the ground conductor, and the other of the inputs is coupled to the power supply. The described system also includes an isolation transformer that is connected between a junction box and the ignition module. As the ignition module is isolated from the power source, a reversal of line or phase conductor and the neutral conductor does not effect the ignition module. In this way, it is described that the ignition module will operate correctly despite improper wiring of the junction box and so that a false detection of an extinguished flame is not detected by the flame sensing circuitry.
- It thus would be desirable to provide a fuel gas ignition system for gas burners that uses hot surface igniters such as miniaturized hot surface igniters, and which includes mechanisms for burner shutdown that provides for safe and reliable operation of the heating device or appliance. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a fuel ignition system that is always on so as to provide a further safety mechanism particularly after actions are taken to terminate burner operations. It would be particularly desirable to provide such a fuel gas ignition system that would shutdown operation of a burner under specific conditions so that follow-on manual actions are taken to resolve the shutdown and/or to re-initiate burner operation. Preferably such an ignition control system would not increase the complexity of operation of the heating device or appliance in comparison to prior art devices.
- The present invention features a fuel gas ignition system and methods for controlling fuel gas ignition. Such control systems and methods further control the energization of the igniter device.
- In particular embodiments, such a fuel gas ignition system includes a miniaturized hot surface igniter that having any of a number of various types, configurations and material systems, a gas valve and an microcontroller or microprocessor. The microcontroller or microprocessor includes a software program having code segments, instructions and criteria for controlling operation of the igniter, operation of the gas valve and the ignition of the gas by the igniter.
- Such an ignition system further includes a flame sensing means for continuously sensing presence of a burner flame such as by the flame rectification technique. In more particular embodiments, the flame rectification circuit design is established to eliminate the need for earthing or a ground, by the use of a comparator circuit actuated by a burner flame present between the igniter element and igniter assembly shielding.
- In more particular embodiments, the instructions and criteria further include instructions and criteria for using the flame sensing signal to trigger an electronically actuated gas valve of the types commonly used in the industry. Specifically, the ignition system is configured so that it can operate a millivolt type electronic gas safety valve via the flame sensing circuit.
- In more particular aspects/embodiments, the millivolt valve is activated by a valve driver circuit in the control circuitry. When the electrical contact is made through the knob activating the valve the microcontroller powers the coil in the valve to deliver gas to the burner. At the same time the microcontroller powers the miniaturized hot surface igniter installed in the burner to accomplish the ignition of the gas.
- After an igniter activation period of 1 to 4 seconds, the microcontroller causes power to be removed from the igniter and thereafter the microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame. In the event burner flame is not detected, the microcontroller powers the igniter for the defined igniter activation period to attempt to light/re-light the burner. In further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to make multiple trials or attempts for such ignition or lighting of the burner. In yet further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to make N attempts, N being ≧1, to light/re-light the burner. The microcontroller also is operated so that there is near instantaneous shut down of the gas valve by the flame sensing circuit thereby essentially eliminating the possible flow of raw un-lit gas to the appliance.
- The microcontroller also is configurable so as to include a soft lock-out so that the valve delivering the gas to the burner is turned off if the burner fails to light as determined by the flame sensing circuit and cannot be thereafter turned on without user intervention. In further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured so the user is required to re-set the valve operation. This allows the user to determine the cause for the burner failing to light or determine the need for service to the appliance.
- In alternative embodiments, if flame is not detected after making such multiple or N attempts to light the burner, the microcontroller is configured so as to continuously power the igniter thereafter until flame is detected or the user stops, ends or terminates operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position). In such a case, the igniter is energized in any of the manners described herein, but is generally energized using a regulated voltage until flame is detected or the user ends burner operations.
- In yet a further alternative embodiment, the microcontroller is configured so as to maintain power to the igniter after the igniter activation period instead of removing power as described above, and thereafter the microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame. In such a case, the microcontroller also is configured so as to continuously power the igniter thereafter until flame is detected or the user ends, stops or terminates operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position).
- In further embodiments, the fuel gas ignition system includes at least one of an auditory signal device or a visual signal device to provide a warning or signal to the user. Also, the microcontroller is configurable so as to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user using such auditory/visual signal devices to identify that (a) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries (i.e., burner operation is stopped); (b) the burner was unable to light after a predetermined number or tries and the igniter is now in the continuous energized mode; or (c) that the initial attempt to light the was not successful and that the igniter is in the continuous energized mode. In this way, an indication is provided to the user so action to stop, end or terminate burner operation can be taken in the case of (b) and (c) if the burner does not light while the igniter is in the continuous on or energized mode and in the case of (a) to take the appropriate actions so that the user can again try and have the burner start. For example, turning the knob back to off position and then back to the knob position for causing ignition.
- In further embodiments, the electronic control functionalities are either AC or DC voltage powered.
- In more particular embodiments, the microcontroller is configured so that the igniter is heated up to the ignition temperature(s) and can achieve ignition of the fuel gas within time periods established by industry standards or practices. In yet more particular embodiments, the microcontroller is configurable so as to bring the hot surface igniter to the ignition temperature in 2 seconds or less.
- In yet further embodiments, the control system more specifically, at least the microcontroller, is continuously powered.
- In yet further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured so that the flame sensing circuit and sensor are checked for proper operation at the end of each burner operating sequence. This operation can be accomplished as these functionalities are continuously powered even after the burner operating sequence. In the case that the microcontroller determines that the flame sensing circuit and sensor are not operating properly, the microcontroller is configured to establish a lockout representative of a fault to prevent further use of the cooktop or at least the affected burner.
- The microcontroller also is configurable so as to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user to identify the faulted condition. In this way, an indication is provided to the user to allow them to determine the reason for the fault, to correct the fault and/or to have the appliance serviced. The microcontroller also is configurable so as to allow the user to reset the appliance so that operation can be resumed. For example, the user could be required to actuate a rest button provided on a surface that is not normally accessed by the user or by causing the user to remove and re-apply electrical power to the appliance.
- In yet further embodiments, the microcontroller is configured to check the flame sensing signal at the end of burner operation. In the event that the microcontroller detects that a flame is still present after the end of a burning operation, potentially indicating that closure of the gas valve has failed to have properly occurred, the microcontroller is configured to reactivate the valve opening and closure sequence as an attempt to properly close the gas valve. A number of opening and closing sequences can be conducted as required. The microcontroller also is configurable to cause an auditory and/or a visual signal to be outputted or communicated to the user to identify the faulted condition. In this way, an indication is provided to the user to allow them to determine the reason for the fault, to correct the fault and/or to have appliance serviced.
- In yet further embodiments, the microcontroller is configurable so that it remains in an active operating mode, even after end-user cessation of operation, for ignition and re-ignition if the flame sensing circuit detects the presence of a gas flame.
- In yet further embodiments, the igniter of the present design includes an integrated flame sensing shield which is configured so as to provide for an increase in the level of the flame sense signal due the unique shield geometry as compared to other shield designs.
- Other aspects and embodiments of the invention are discussed below.
- For a fuller understanding of the nature and desired objects of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures wherein like reference character denote corresponding parts throughout the several views and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary conventional free standing gas range that can use a fuel gas ignition system of the present invention. -
FIG. 2A is a schematic block diagram view of a fuel gas ignition system of the present invention including a burning area element(s) and a gas supply line(s) for clarity. -
FIG. 2B is another schematic block diagram view of the fuel gas ignition system ofFIG. 2A but configured with an igniter including an integrated flame sensing shield. -
FIGS. 3A-B include a high level flow diagram of the process embodied in the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention, more particularly the process embodied in the microcontroller of the fuel gas ignition system. -
FIGS. 4A-B are a various views of the insulator (FIG. 4A ) and the shield feature (FIG. 4B ) of hot surface igniter usable with the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention. - Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown in
FIG. 1 an exemplary conventional free standinggas range 10 that includes an outer body orcabinet 12 that incorporates a generallyrectangular cooktop 14. An oven, not shown, is positioned belowcooktop 14 and has a front-openingaccess door 16. Arange backsplash 18 extends upward of arear edge 20 ofcooktop 14 and contains various control selectors (not shown) for selecting operative features of the heating elements forcooktop 14 and the oven. - In the exemplary free
standing gas range 10, thecooktop 14 includes four gas fueledburners 22 which are positioned in spaced apart pairs positioned adjacent each side of the cooktop. Typically, each pair ofburners 22 is surrounded by a recessedarea 24 of thecooktop 14. The recessedareas 24 are positioned below anupper surface 24 of thecooktop 14 and typically serve to catch any spills from cooking utensils (not shown) being used with the cooktop. Eachburner 22 extends upwardly through an opening in the recessedareas 24, and agrate 28 is positioned over eachburner 22. Eachgrate 28 includes a flat surface thereon for supporting cooking vessels and utensils over theburners 22 for cooking of meal preparations placed therein. - While the
cooktop 14 is shown with two pairs ofgrates 28 positioned over two pairs ofburners 22, this shall not be considered limiting as it is known to those skilled in the art that cooktops are configurable so as to include greater or fewer number of burners. For example, the cook top can include three pairs of burners. As also known to those skilled in the art, such a cooktop can be configured so as to provide a grilling surface or griddle which use burners as a heat source for grilling food or the cooking of food on the griddle. Further, the construction and operation of thecooktop gas burners 22 are within the knowledge of those skilled in the art and thus further discussion of the details and construction of burners or the a cooktop not discussed further herein. - It should be recognized that the fuel
gas ignition system 100 of the present invention can be embodied in cooktops which form the upper portion of a range, such asrange 10, as well as with other forms of cooktops, such as, but not limited to, free standing cooktops that are mounted in kitchen counters. While the description of the present invention makes general reference to a gas-fired cooktop, it is contemplated and thus with in the scope of the present invention for the fuel gas ignition system of the present invention to be embodied with any of a number of other fuel burning apparatuses or combustion burners for a variety of combustible fuels as are known to those skilled in the art or hereinafter developed. Such other apparatuses or applications include, but are not limited to, gas heater devices, gas ovens, gas kilns, gas-fired meat smoker devices, and gas barbecues. In sum, the description provided below is therefore set forth only by way of illustration rather than limitation, and shall not be used to limit practice of the present invention to any particular application. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , there is shown a simplified schematic block diagram view of acooktop 200 or other heating device that embodies or includes an igniter and fuel gasignition control system 100 of the present invention, acombustion area 214 andcontrol circuitry 240 that embodies amicrocontroller 242 that forms the controlling part of the igniter and fuelignition control system 100. The illustratedcooktop 200 is described hereinafter as being used with a gaseous hydrocarbon (such as natural gas, propane) as the material to be combusted therein to produce the heat energy. This shall not be construed as a limitation as the materials used for combustion are not limited to gaseous hydrocarbons but also include combustible liquid hydrocarbons and other gases (e.g., hydrogen) and liquids that continuously combust once they are ignited. Also while asingle combustion area 214 representative of a burner is shown, this also shall not be considered limiting as the number of combustion areas is dependent upon the type of heating device or appliance embodying the present invention. - The igniter and fuel
ignition control system 100 includes one ormore igniter devices 120,burner tubes 104,fuel admission valves 108, one for eachcombustion area 214 or burner of the cooktop. As described further herein, the igniter and fuelignition control system 100 can further include igniter controlelectrical circuitry 244 that is configured so that one or more voltage levels are applied to a hot surface igniter. Thedevice control circuitry 240, more specifically themicrocontroller 242 is electrically interconnected and operably coupled to thefuel admission valve 108 and theigniter control circuitry 244 so each can be selectively operated to produce heat energy as hereinafter described. - The
fuel admission valve 108 is fluidly interconnected using piping or tubing to asource 2 of a combustible material as the fuel for theheating device 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the piping or tubing is interconnected to a source of a gaseous hydrocarbon such as natural gas or propane. The fuel source can be one of an external tank or an underground natural gas piping system as is known to those skilled in the art. - The
control circuitry 240, more specifically themicrocontroller 242, is electrical interconnected to anexternal switch device 190 that provides the appropriate signals to the control circuitry (microcontroller) for appropriate operation of the heating device. For example in the case of a cooktop, theexternal switch device 190 is a mechanical and/or electronic type of switch that can output one or more signals to the control circuitry/microcontroller so that a user can turn the a burner or other heating element (e.g., grill unit, griddle, oven) on and initiate the ignition of the gas/fuel, to regulate or adjust gas flow so as to thereby control the amount of heat energy being developed by the burner (e.g., high through low) and to turn the burner off when heat energy is no longer wanted. If the combustion area is for a heating device such as a furnace to heat a building structure or a hot water heater then theexternal switch device 190 is a thermostat as is known to those skilled in the art that senses a bulk temperature within the building structure or the hot water in the tank. Based on the sensed temperatures the thermostat outputs signals to thecontrol circuitry 240 more particularly the microcontroller, to turn the furnace or hot water heater on and off. - In use, the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 receives a signal from theexternal switch device 190 calling for thecooktop 200 or other heating device (e.g., stove burner, oven, hot water heater, furnace, etc) to be turned on. In response to such a signal, the microcontroller outputs signals to theigniter control circuitry 244 so as to cause thehot surface igniter 120 to be heated up for ignition, (i.e., cause electricity to flow through the heating element of theigniter 120 to heat the heating element to the desired temperatures for causing a fuel/air mixture to ignite). These processes for energizing and heating of theigniter 120 and operation of theigniter control circuitry 244 are described further herein. - In a particular embodiment, after the igniter heating element is heated to the desired temperature, the
fuel admission valve 108 is opened so that the fuel flows through theburner tube 104 to the igniter heating element. As is known in the art, air is mixed with the fuel that is presented to the igniter heating element so that a combustible mixture is thereby created and ignited by the igniter heating element. This ignited fuel/air mixture is located in the combustion area 114 so that useable heat energy can be extracted and used for the intended purpose of the heating device (e.g., to heat food or water). Although asingle burner tube 104 is illustrated, as is known to those skilled in the art, a plurality or a multiplicity or more of burner tubes can be provided to generate a desired heat output where one or morefuel admission valves 108 can be provided for each burner tube. Typically, the one of the plurality or multiplicity or more of burner tubes is arranged with respect to thehot surface igniter 120. - While the
igniter 120 is generally described herein as a hot surface igniter, this is a particularly preferred mechanism for causing the ignition of the fuel/air mixture. This embodiment shall not be considered as limiting as it is within the scope of the present invention for the combined igniter and fuelignition control system 100 of the present invention to be adapted for use with any of a number of ignition devices as are known to those skilled in the art or hereinafter developed. Such ignition devices include spark type ignition devices. - A
sensor 112 is typically located proximal the hot surface igniter and/or a region of thecombustion area 214 for use in determining the presence of combustion of the fuel/air mixture including presence of continued combustion. In one embodiment, thesensor 112 is configured and arranged so as to embody the flame rectification method or technique. In another embodiment, thesensor 112 is a thermopile type of sensor that senses the temperature of the area in which the fuel/air mixture is being combusted. - In further embodiments and with reference to
FIGS. 2B and 4A , B, theigniter 120 of the present invention is configured so to include an integrated flame sensing shield 122 (seeFIG. 4B ) that is secured to the insulator 124 (seeFIG. 4A ) and also embodied in or located within igniter. Theflame sensing shield 122 functions as a shield for protection and also as thesensor 112 for use in determining or detecting the presence of a flame or the combustion process. As also shown inFIG. 2B , such a flame sensing shield is operably coupled to themicrocontroller 242. Such a flame sensing shield is particularly suitable/adaptable for use in the flame rectification method or technique. - It shall be understood that when reference is made herein to a sensor that is used in connection with determining or detecting the presence of a flame or the combustion process, such a sensor includes the a flame sensing shield. In yet further embodiments, such a
flame sensing shield 122 also is configured so as to provide for an increase in the level of the flame sense signal due the unique shield geometry as compared to other shield designs. - The
sensor 112 is interconnected to thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 so that if the sensor does not output, for example, a signal indicating the safe and continuous ignition of the fuel/air mixture within a preset period of time, the control circuitry shuts or closes thefuel admission valve 108. As also described herein, the control circuitry 240 (microcontroller 242) also is configured and arranged to repeat this attempt to ignite the fuel/air mixture to start the heating process one or more times. After ignition is obtained, signals are outputted to theigniter control circuitry 244 to cutoff the electrical power to thehot surface igniter 120. - When the heating function is completed, the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 receives a signal from theexternal switch device 190 calling for the heating device to be turned off. In the case of a cooktop, this would be when the user actuates the external switch device 190 (e.g., control knob) to be in the off position. In response to such a signal, thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 closes thefuel admission valve 108 to cut off the flow of fuel, thereby stopping the combustion process. As also described herein, if thesensor 112 outputs a signal indicating that fuel is being combusted or burned after theexternal switch device 190 has been placed in the closed position, thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 takes additional actions to shut thefuel admission valve 108. - Referring now to
FIGS. 3A-B , there is shown a high level flow diagram illustrating the process for controlling fuel gas ignition, controlling fuel gas admission and controlling the energization of the igniter. Also shown are processes for putting a burner into a safe condition when the igniter and fuelignition control system 100 of the present invention detects out of normal conditions. More particularly, the flow charts describe the process embodied in themicrocontroller 244. As is known to those skilled in the art, it is within the skill of one skilled in the computer programming arts to develop software code including code segments, instructions and criteria from the flow chart(s) provided herein. Also, while in particular embodiments the process is embodied in software code for execution in themicrocontroller 244, it is within the skill of those in the arts, to embody the described process is hardware. As also known to those skilled in the art, thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 includes storage devices (e.g., NVRAM, EEPROM, and the like) for storing the program code and other parameters described herein) as well as interfaces (e.g., USB and the like) so the microcontroller can be operably coupled to display and input devices (mouse, keyboard). - In particular embodiments, the
microcontroller 242 is continuously is powered (i.e., coupled to the power source 4) so that it capable of controlling operating under different operating modes of the cooktop, appliance or heating devices. The appliance, cooktop, heating device is put into operation, Step 300 by any of a number of actions. For example, the user turns the knob or a manual valve or switch representing theexternal switch device 190 or a signal from a switching or sensing device 190 (e.g., thermostat) is received. This action opens the manual valve and makes an electrical contact to initiate the sequence for powering the igniter. It should be noted that as the solenoid or other electronically actuated/controlled valve, which is inline with the manual valve, is closed, there is no flow of fuel gas to the burner. - With the relay activated in
Step 300, full line voltage is applied to the selected igniter and thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 measures the line voltage,Step 302. In particular exemplary embodiments the line voltage is measured for the first 200 ms. Based on the measured line voltage fromstep 2 the control circuitry/microcontroller selects the required “jump start” timing from the lookup table,Step 304. The igniter is “jump started” for the defined time period. After the “jump start” time period has elapsed, the control circuitry/microcontroller regulates the voltage to the igniter for the remained of the igniter on time,Step 306. - When the jump start period is initiated, the control circuitry/microcontroller turns on the solenoid valve (fuel admission valve 108) to the burner, Step 308. In more particular embodiments, the solenoid valve(s) to both rings of the burner are turned on. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed thereafter the igniter is turned off,
Step 310. The predetermined time is based on industry standards and practices and in an exemplary embodiment the predetermined time is 4 seconds. - Thereafter, the control circuitry/microcontroller moves into the flame sensing mode to determine if a flame is detected for more than a predetermined period of time (Step 312), where the predetermined period of time is based on industry standards and practices. In an exemplary embodiment the predetermined time is a 3 second duration.
- In an embodiment of the present invention, if the flame sense circuit does not detect a flame (No, Step 312), then the solenoid valves are deactivated or turned off by the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 242, Step 320 (FIG. 3B ) and the trial for ignition counter is incremented by one,Step 322. The control circuitry/microcontroller then counts the number of trials for ignition and determines if the number of trials is less than or equal to a preset number of trials (N),Step 324, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one (1). In an illustrative embodiment N is three. If the number of trials is less than or equal to N (No, Step 302), then the process returns to step 302 and the system initiates another ignition sequence. - If the number of trials is greater than N (Yes, Step 302), for example there have been 3 trials for ignition without a successful burner ignition, then the process proceeds to Step 326. In
Step 326, the system moves to a lockout condition where the system will not allow any further attempts to ignite the burner and thus terminates the process that had been started. In particular embodiments, the burner logic is reset after such a lockout by having the user turn themanual knob 190 into the off position, which powers down thegas admission valve 108 and resets the manual valve switch. This should reset thesystem 100 thereby allowing the user to again try and turn the failed burner on (i.e., restarting the process at Step 300). - In alternative embodiments, if flame is not detected after making the N attempts to light the burner, the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 244 is configured so theigniter 120 is continuously powered thereafter until flame is detected or the user takes action to stop, end or terminate operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position). In such a case, the igniter is energized in any of the manners described herein such as using a jump voltage to initially heat up the igniter and thereafter continuously apply a regulated voltage. In general the igniter is energized until flame is detected or the user ends or stops operation of the burner (burner operations). - In yet a further alternative embodiment, the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 244 is configured so that when the system is being operated in the flame sensing mode, the igniter is not turned off as provided inStep 310, but rather as described above, the power to the igniter is maintained after the igniter activation period (e.g., regulated voltage continues to be applied to the igniter), and thereafter the control circuitry/microcontroller continuously monitors the burner flame. In such a case, the control circuitry/microcontroller also is configured so the igniter is continuously powered until flame is detected or the user takes actions to stop, end or terminate operation of the burner (e.g., turns the knob to off position). In this further alternative embodiment, the processes described in connection with Steps 320-324 need not be performed. - In further embodiments, the fuel
gas ignition system 100 further includes at least one of a auditory signal device 251 (e.g., chime) or a visual signal device 253 (e.g., light) that is/are operably coupled to the control circuitry/microcontroller. Thesesignal devices - Referring now back to the process shown on
FIG. 3A , if the flame sense circuit does detect a flame (Yes, Step 312), then the system is put into the run mode,Step 330 and thecontrol circuitry 240/microcontroller 242, sets the trial for ignition counter to zero,Step 332. - When the gas flame is detected and the call for burner operation is active (the knob is turned on) and the system is in the run mode, the flame sense circuitry continuously monitors the gas flame of the active burner. Also, a determination is periodically made to determine if the burner is still active,
Step 340. If there is a call for burner operation to end (No, Step 340) then the system stops operation of the burner,Step 350. - If burner operation is continuing and the system remains in the run mode, (Yes, Step 340) the solenoid valve(s) or gas admission valve(s) remain open or active,
Step 342 and the flame sense circuitry continues to monitor the burner flame, Step 344. If flame is detected (Yes, Step 344), the system remains in the run mode and the process returns tosteps 340. If the flame sense detects a loss of flame (No, Step 344), then the system moves to a rapid re-ignition mode,Step 346. - The rapid re-ignition mode, is used in the case where a flame failure is detected during gas burner operation. The rapid-re-ignition operation is a means by which a hot surface igniter can be made to re-light the burner in less than 4 seconds and without de-activating the gas supply to the burner. In the rapid re-ignition mode, the following operational sequences are performed: the burner is ignited and the igniter is operated in the flame sense mode; a determination is made as to flame failure; full line voltage is applied to the igniter for a time increment defined by measured line voltage level, the igniter “jump starts” to ignition temperature in about 2 seconds; the burner is re-ignited; the system regulates the voltage to the igniter for the remainder of the “on” time; the igniter shuts down and moves into the flame sense mode; and the flame sense operation continues to monitor the burner flame. As indicated above, in alternative embodiments, the re-ignition process for the igniter can include operating the igniter in a continuous on or energized mode such as that described above.
- In the case where the user has ended the operating sequence (e.g., by turning the knob to off position, Step 350) and in further embodiments of the present invention, a post operation flame sense circuit check is made to determine if there is no flame,
Step 360. If the flame sense circuit does not show the presence of a flame (Yes, Step 360), system operation is ended,Step 362. - If the flame sense circuit determines that flame is still present (No, Step 360) after the operating sequence is ended, the system is returned to a continuous operating mode,
Step 364. In addition, the control circuitry/microcontroller outputs signals to cycle the fuel admission valve 108 (opening and closing sequences) in an attempt to properly close the valve and thus end gas flow to the burner,Step 366. A determination is made using the flame sense circuit to determine if the gas valve has closed.Step 368. If the gas valve is determined to have closed (Yes, Step 368), then the process proceeds to Step 362 and operation is ended. If it is determined that the gas valve has not closed (No, Step 368), the process returns to Step 364. - In the discussion regarding
FIGS. 3A , B, reference is made to applying different voltages to the igniter at different times. In one embodiment of the present invention, the jump start voltage process referred to herein is the process and mechanisms described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/589,253 as filed by at least one of the Applicants of the present invention. The teachings of this application are incorporated herein by reference and reference shall be made to that application for more specific details of the structure and operation of such processes and devices. - As more particularly described herein, the igniter and gas
ignition control system 100 of the present invention is operated so thehot surface igniter 20 is de-energized during those times when heat energy is not to be produced by the appliance or heating device. As such, during such non-heat producing times theigniter control circuitry 244 is in an idle state. It also is within the scope of the present invention for the igniter to be de-energized and thus returned to the idle state after the fuel-air mixture is self-sustaining. - As described herein, when heat energy is to be produced by the appliance or heating device, an input signal is provided to the
microcontroller 242, such a signal corresponds to a signal to energize the one or morehot surface igniters 120. Following receipt of this signal, the microcontroller outputs a signal (e.g., a gate pulse) to a triac or thyristor of theigniter control circuitry 244 to fire the thyristor so that current from thepower source 4 flows through the one or morehot surface igniters 120. More particularly, themicrocontroller 242 controls the triac or thyristor so that such current flows continuously and so a first regulated voltage is supplied to the hot surface igniter(s) 120. The first regulated voltage typically produces an over voltage condition, that is the voltage developed across the hot surface igniter (s) 120 is more than nominal operating voltage for the igniter(s). Consequently, the hot surface igniter (s) 120 heats faster to a given temperature and also will produce more heat energy in the igniter(s). - As indicated above, a line voltage measuring apparatus within the
igniter control circuitry 244 monitors the line voltage of thepower source 4 and provides output signals representative of the line voltage to themicrocontroller 242. After receiving such an energizing signal, themicrocontroller 242 processes the output signals from the line voltage measuring apparatus to determine the amplitude of the line voltage. In the United States where the specified line voltage is 220 VAC, the nominal line voltage typically ranges between about 208 VAC and about 240 VAC. In Europe and other parts of the world where the specified line voltage is 230 VAC, the nominal line voltage typically ranges between about 220 VAC and about 240 VAC. Thus, line voltage variance universally can range anywhere between about 176 VAC and about 264 VAC. In the United States, there are cases where other nominal line voltages are found; in one case the nominal line voltage is 120 VAC, which ranges between 102 VAC and 132 VAC and in another case the nominal line voltage is 24 VAC, which ranges between 20 VAC and 26 VAC. - The
microcontroller 242 evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and the microprocessor thereof controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 to maintain the voltage about a first voltage for the igniter. In more particular embodiments, the first voltage is a voltage that is higher than the second regulated voltage and is set so as cause the igniter to heat up rapidly thereby reducing warm up time so as to be in a set range. In further embodiments, the second voltage also is less than the voltage outputted by a power supply and/orpower source 2. This includes the case where the power supply includes or embodies a mechanism that steps down the voltage. In more specific embodiments, the first voltage also is set so as to not significantly reduce operating life of the igniter. - In yet further embodiments, the first voltage is set so that the voltage being applied satisfies the following relationship: V1st=Vnom+(Vnom×c), where V1st is the first voltage, Vnom is the nominal operating voltage of the low voltage igniter and c is a number that satisfies the following relationship 0.1≦c≦0.4. It shall be understood that low voltage igniters, as that term is used in the subject application, shall mean igniters whose nominal operating voltage is about 60 volts or less such as for example, igniters whose nominal operating voltage is about 6 volts, 12 volts, 18 volts, 24 volts, or 60 volts.
- In an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor or
microcontroller 242 controls the triac or thyristor so as to regulate the voltage being applied by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments. More particularly, the microprocessor uses the output signals from the zero cross circuitry to control the operation of the triac or thyristor in these half-wave cycle increments. In more specific embodiment's, the regulation method being implemented by the microprocessor regulates the voltage being applied by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments with a period of about 50 half-wave cycles that are divided further into sub-periods of about 5 half-wave cycles each to minimize flickering. - The following example illustrates the application of this regulation method in the case where a nominal voltage of 150 VAC is being applied to a hot surface igniter(s). If it is determined that 32 out of the 50 half-wave cycles are needed to regulate the voltage being applied so as to maintain a 150 VAC nominal voltage, then the half-cylces will be distributed in the sub-periods as follows: eight of the 10 sub-periods in the duty cycle would have three half-wave cycles (8×3=24) and the remaining two sub-periods would have four half-wave cycles (2×4=8). Assuming that the two sub-periods with four half-wave cycles are the first and second sub-periods (SP-1 and SP-2, respectively), the microprocessor regulates output voltage to the hot surface igniter(s) by turning on the triac or thyristor for four half-wave cycles and turning it off for one half-wave cycle during the first sub-period (SP-1); turning it on for another four half-wave cycles (SP-2); turning it off for one half-wave cycle; turning it on for three half-wave cycles (SP-3); and so forth to the tenth sub-period (SP-10).
- In more particular embodiments, the
control circuitry 240/microcontroller 242 further includes a nonvolatile memory that includes a look-up table that associates line voltage from the power source with the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to thehot surface igniter 120 so the voltage being applied is maintained at or about the first voltage. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the period of the half-wave cycle, the number of sub-periods, and/or the number of half-wave cycles per sub-period can be modified from that described herein and such modification is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. - In further embodiments, the
microcontroller 242 evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and periodically makes adjustments to the duty cycle so that the second regulated voltage being applied to thehot surface igniter 120 is being maintained so that the hot surface igniter maintains a fairly consistent temperature. More particularly, the microprocessor/microcontroller compares the newly determined or measured line voltage with the look-up table and determines the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to thehot surface igniter 120 so the voltage being applied is maintained at or about the nominal operating voltage for the igniter. - In further embodiments, the look up table further includes an on-time for applying the first regulated voltage to the
hot surface igniter 120. In particular embodiments, the time period is set equal to the on-time and the microprocessor/microcontroller continuously determines if this time has expired. If it is determined that the time period has not expired, then the microcontroller controls the triac or thyristor so that the first regulated voltage continues to be applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120. If it is determined that the time period has expired, then the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied by the triac or thyristor at a second regulated voltage. - After the first regulated voltage on-time has expired, the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor to regulate the voltage being applied or delivered to the hot surface igniter(s) 120 to maintain the voltage at the second regulated voltage to the igniter. As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, the microprocessor controls the triac or thyristor so as to regulate the voltage being applied as the second regulated voltage by duty cycling the AC line voltage in half-wave cycle increments.
- In more particular embodiments, the second regulated voltage is lower than the first regulated voltage. In more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be at or about the nominal operating voltage specified for the
hot surface igniter 120. In yet more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be about the nominal operating voltage of thehot surface igniter 120, and in even yet more specific embodiments, the second regulated voltage is regulated so as to be essentially the nominal operating voltage of the hot surface igniter. - In more particular embodiments, the nonvolatile memory further includes in the look-up table an association of line voltage from the power source with the number of half-wave cycles needed to regulate the voltage being applied to the
hot surface igniter 120 so the applied voltage is maintained at or about the second regulated voltage. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the period of the half-wave cycle, the number of sub-periods, and/or the number of half-wave cycles per sub-period can be modified from that described herein and such modification is within the scope and spirit of the present invention. As also described above, in further embodiments, the microcontroller evaluates the determined or measured line voltage and periodically makes adjustments to the duty cycle so that the voltage being applied to thehot surface igniter 120 is maintained so that the hot surface igniter maintains a fairly consistent temperature. - Once the microprocessor has initiated the application of the second regulated voltage to the
igniter 120, the microprocessor continuously determines if the energization cycle of the hot surface igniter is complete or done. Typically, the microprocessor receives an input signal from an external sensor or switch indicating that the heating process should be terminated or that a stable combustion process has been established within a heating device such that an ignition source is no longer required. If it is determined that the energization cycle is complete, then the microprocessor provides the appropriate outputs that blocks current flow through the triac or thyristor and continues to control the system. If it is determined that the energy station cycle is not complete, then the microprocessor continues to regulate the second regulated voltage being applied to thehot surface igniter 120. - In another embodiment, the heat-up or energization of the
igniter 120 uses the methods, techniques, and/or systems described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,148,454, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. - Although a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described using specific terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims.
- All patents, published patent applications and other references disclosed herein are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties by reference.
- Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims.
Claims (19)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/837,459 US20110086319A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-07-15 | Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US22589109P | 2009-07-15 | 2009-07-15 | |
US12/837,459 US20110086319A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-07-15 | Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110086319A1 true US20110086319A1 (en) | 2011-04-14 |
Family
ID=43450225
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/837,459 Abandoned US20110086319A1 (en) | 2009-07-15 | 2010-07-15 | Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110086319A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2454527A4 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011009008A2 (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100108658A1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2010-05-06 | Saint-Gobain Corporation | Dual voltage regulating system for electrical resistance hot surface igniters and methods related thereto |
US20100141231A1 (en) * | 2008-11-30 | 2010-06-10 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Igniter voltage compensation circuit |
US20110207065A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-25 | Timothy Scott Shaffer | Rapid gas ignition system |
US20110250547A1 (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Burner system and a method of control |
US20150159881A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | General Electric Company | Auto Flame-Out Detection and Reignition Method for a Gas Burner of a Cooktop Appliance |
US9546788B2 (en) * | 2012-06-07 | 2017-01-17 | Chentronics, Llc | Combined high energy igniter and flame detector |
US9587835B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2017-03-07 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Home appliance with improved gas igniter |
US11125439B2 (en) | 2018-03-27 | 2021-09-21 | Scp Holdings, An Assumed Business Name Of Nitride Igniters, Llc | Hot surface igniters for cooktops |
US11486577B1 (en) | 2021-05-27 | 2022-11-01 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Cooking appliance with electronically-controlled gas burner verification |
US11506393B2 (en) | 2021-02-17 | 2022-11-22 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Gas cooking appliance with gas burner state indications |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BR202014031603U2 (en) * | 2014-12-17 | 2016-11-08 | Whirlpool Sa | constructive arrangement introduced in cooking equipment knob |
ES2731680A1 (en) * | 2018-05-16 | 2019-11-18 | Bsh Electrodomesticos Espana Sa | GAS COOKING DEVICE DEVICE (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
Citations (66)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2487753A (en) * | 1947-12-19 | 1949-11-08 | Baker & Co Inc | Fuel igniter |
US2619576A (en) * | 1949-01-03 | 1952-11-25 | Emil H Greibach | Soldering iron |
US2862547A (en) * | 1953-10-19 | 1958-12-02 | Coleman Co | Oil burner electric igniter |
US3434728A (en) * | 1966-09-26 | 1969-03-25 | Paul C Soldato | Means of automatically adjusting hydraulic pneumatic packings |
US3584987A (en) * | 1969-04-25 | 1971-06-15 | Harper Wyman Co | Fuel burner ignition |
US3589846A (en) * | 1970-03-23 | 1971-06-29 | Therm O Disc Inc | Burner control system |
US3660005A (en) * | 1970-06-12 | 1972-05-02 | Robertshaw Controls Co | Fail-safe electric ignition systems |
US3741709A (en) * | 1972-01-11 | 1973-06-26 | Koehring Co | Solid state safety control for fuel burning apparatus |
US3974106A (en) * | 1974-05-22 | 1976-08-10 | Norton Company | Ceramic electrical resistance igniter |
US4003360A (en) * | 1975-11-20 | 1977-01-18 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Electric ignition system |
US4020821A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1977-05-03 | Columbia Gas System Service Corporation | Gas-fired smooth top range |
US4099906A (en) * | 1976-12-20 | 1978-07-11 | Honeywell Inc. | Hot surface fuel ignition system |
US4106889A (en) * | 1976-11-19 | 1978-08-15 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Burner ignition system |
US4162669A (en) * | 1977-02-22 | 1979-07-31 | Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ignition system for rotary piston engines |
US4265612A (en) * | 1979-03-08 | 1981-05-05 | Ram Products, Inc. | Intermittent pulsing gas ignition system |
US4370125A (en) * | 1980-10-01 | 1983-01-25 | Emerson Electric Co. | Control system for blue-flame oil burner |
US4375205A (en) * | 1980-07-03 | 1983-03-01 | Champion Spark Plug Company | Glow plug control circuit |
US4402663A (en) * | 1981-04-28 | 1983-09-06 | Ram Products, Inc. | Automatic ignition and flame detection system for gas fired devices |
US4405299A (en) * | 1981-07-24 | 1983-09-20 | Honeywell Inc. | Burner ignition and flame monitoring system |
US4406612A (en) * | 1981-10-22 | 1983-09-27 | Emerson Electric Co. | Oil burner primary control for interrupted ignition system |
US4418661A (en) * | 1981-02-07 | 1983-12-06 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Glow plug, particularly for diesel engine |
US4469658A (en) * | 1980-12-24 | 1984-09-04 | Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | Sintered silicon carbide materials having metallized surface and process for producing the same |
US4560343A (en) * | 1984-06-11 | 1985-12-24 | Honeywell Inc. | Functional check for a hot surface ignitor element |
US4615282A (en) * | 1985-12-04 | 1986-10-07 | Emerson Electric Co. | Hot surface ignition system control module with accelerated igniter warm-up test program |
US4642521A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1987-02-10 | Advance Transformer Company | Compact igniter for discharge lamps |
US4762982A (en) * | 1985-09-14 | 1988-08-09 | Kyocera Corporation | Method and device for supplying electric current to ceramic heaters |
US4789330A (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1988-12-06 | Carrier Corporation | Gas furnace control system |
US4863372A (en) * | 1988-06-08 | 1989-09-05 | Channel Products, Inc. | Gas ignition apparatus |
US4925386A (en) * | 1989-02-27 | 1990-05-15 | Emerson Electric Co. | Fuel burner control system with hot surface ignition |
US4935606A (en) * | 1987-06-23 | 1990-06-19 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Method of operating gas furnace igniter |
US4997361A (en) * | 1984-06-25 | 1991-03-05 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Hot surface direct ignition system for gas furnaces |
US5146881A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1992-09-15 | Pfefferle William C | Method of operating I.C. engines and apparatus thereof |
US5206484A (en) * | 1989-11-09 | 1993-04-27 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Glow-plug having ceramic base matrix and conducting element dispersed therein |
US5233166A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-08-03 | Kyocera Corporation | Ceramic heater |
US5364260A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1994-11-15 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Fuel control system, control means therefor and methods of making the same |
US5416300A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1995-05-16 | Landis & Gyr Business Support Ag | Electric igniter actuator with network voltage clocking to pass only a portion of the wave trains to the igniter |
US5437548A (en) * | 1993-01-19 | 1995-08-01 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Fuel ignition system and method of making the same |
US5470223A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1995-11-28 | Desa International, Inc. | Microprocessor controlled fuel and ignition control for a fuel burning device |
US5567144A (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 1996-10-22 | Desa International Inc. | Hot surface ignition controller for fuel oil burner |
US5660043A (en) * | 1992-02-14 | 1997-08-26 | Precision Combustion, Inc. | Torch assembly |
US5725368A (en) * | 1997-02-20 | 1998-03-10 | Emerson Electric Co. | System for providing rapid warm-up of electrical resistance igniter |
US5786565A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 1998-07-28 | Saint-Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corporation | Match head ceramic igniter and method of using same |
US5865612A (en) * | 1996-02-16 | 1999-02-02 | Honeywell Inc. | Hot surface ignitor |
US5899684A (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-05-04 | Desa International, Inc. | Power phase regulator circuit improvement, motor start switch, self-adjusting preheat and ignition trial improvement, and series-type voltage regulator improvement to hot surface ignition control for fuel oil burner |
US5902099A (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1999-05-11 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Combined fan and ignition control with selected condition sensing apparatus |
US5997998A (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1999-12-07 | Tdk Corporation | Resistance element |
US6104008A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 2000-08-15 | Larson; Eric K. | Thermal limiter for stove heater |
US6148258A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 2000-11-14 | Nartron Corporation | Electrical starting system for diesel engines |
US6216683B1 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 2001-04-17 | General Electric Company | Gas oven control |
US6322352B1 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2001-11-27 | Isphording Germany Gmbh | Gas burner system |
US20010052775A1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2001-12-20 | Antonino Torres | Electronic ignition device |
US6474979B1 (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2002-11-05 | Emerson Electric Co. | Device and method for triggering a gas furnace ignitor |
US6521869B1 (en) * | 2001-10-04 | 2003-02-18 | Emerson Electric Co. | System for powering an igniter to a level proven to ignite gas |
US20030087213A1 (en) * | 2001-11-07 | 2003-05-08 | Reifel Allan J. | Ignition control system and method |
US20030164368A1 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2003-09-04 | Chodacki Thomas A. | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter |
US6777653B2 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-08-17 | Emerson Electric Co. | Igniter controller |
US6803544B1 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2004-10-12 | Emerson Electric Co. | Ignitor distinguishing control system and method therefor |
US20040209209A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-10-21 | Chodacki Thomas A. | System, apparatus and method for controlling ignition including re-ignition of gas and gas fired appliances using same |
US6923640B2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2005-08-02 | General Electric Company | Flame burner ignition system |
US20060066452A1 (en) * | 2004-01-08 | 2006-03-30 | Maple Chase Company | System for controlling ignition sources when flammable gas is sensed |
US20070125745A1 (en) * | 2005-12-07 | 2007-06-07 | Kanakasabapathi Subramanian | Method of making an ignition device |
US20070292810A1 (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2007-12-20 | Hni Corporation | Fireplace control system |
US20080145803A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2008-06-19 | Aos Holding Company | Apparatus and method of detecting igniter type |
US20100108658A1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2010-05-06 | Saint-Gobain Corporation | Dual voltage regulating system for electrical resistance hot surface igniters and methods related thereto |
US20100141231A1 (en) * | 2008-11-30 | 2010-06-10 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Igniter voltage compensation circuit |
US20110264269A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | Chodacki Thomas A | Ignition System Having Control Circuit With Learning Capabilities and Devices and Methods Related Thereto |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4755132A (en) * | 1986-07-18 | 1988-07-05 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Hot surface ignition system for a gas furnace and method of making the same |
WO2000063620A1 (en) * | 1999-04-15 | 2000-10-26 | Caldera Corporation | Gas cooktop and control system |
AU2003901309A0 (en) * | 2003-03-21 | 2003-04-03 | Technical Components Pty Ltd | Hot surface re-igniter control |
US8875557B2 (en) * | 2006-02-15 | 2014-11-04 | Honeywell International Inc. | Circuit diagnostics from flame sensing AC component |
-
2010
- 2010-07-15 WO PCT/US2010/042200 patent/WO2011009008A2/en active Application Filing
- 2010-07-15 US US12/837,459 patent/US20110086319A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-07-15 EP EP10800578.6A patent/EP2454527A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (70)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2487753A (en) * | 1947-12-19 | 1949-11-08 | Baker & Co Inc | Fuel igniter |
US2619576A (en) * | 1949-01-03 | 1952-11-25 | Emil H Greibach | Soldering iron |
US2862547A (en) * | 1953-10-19 | 1958-12-02 | Coleman Co | Oil burner electric igniter |
US3434728A (en) * | 1966-09-26 | 1969-03-25 | Paul C Soldato | Means of automatically adjusting hydraulic pneumatic packings |
US3584987A (en) * | 1969-04-25 | 1971-06-15 | Harper Wyman Co | Fuel burner ignition |
US3589846A (en) * | 1970-03-23 | 1971-06-29 | Therm O Disc Inc | Burner control system |
US3660005A (en) * | 1970-06-12 | 1972-05-02 | Robertshaw Controls Co | Fail-safe electric ignition systems |
US3741709A (en) * | 1972-01-11 | 1973-06-26 | Koehring Co | Solid state safety control for fuel burning apparatus |
US3974106A (en) * | 1974-05-22 | 1976-08-10 | Norton Company | Ceramic electrical resistance igniter |
US4020821A (en) * | 1975-03-10 | 1977-05-03 | Columbia Gas System Service Corporation | Gas-fired smooth top range |
US4003360A (en) * | 1975-11-20 | 1977-01-18 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Electric ignition system |
US4106889A (en) * | 1976-11-19 | 1978-08-15 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Burner ignition system |
US4099906A (en) * | 1976-12-20 | 1978-07-11 | Honeywell Inc. | Hot surface fuel ignition system |
US4162669A (en) * | 1977-02-22 | 1979-07-31 | Toyota Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Ignition system for rotary piston engines |
US4265612A (en) * | 1979-03-08 | 1981-05-05 | Ram Products, Inc. | Intermittent pulsing gas ignition system |
US4375205A (en) * | 1980-07-03 | 1983-03-01 | Champion Spark Plug Company | Glow plug control circuit |
US4370125A (en) * | 1980-10-01 | 1983-01-25 | Emerson Electric Co. | Control system for blue-flame oil burner |
US4469658A (en) * | 1980-12-24 | 1984-09-04 | Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. | Sintered silicon carbide materials having metallized surface and process for producing the same |
US4418661A (en) * | 1981-02-07 | 1983-12-06 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Glow plug, particularly for diesel engine |
US4402663A (en) * | 1981-04-28 | 1983-09-06 | Ram Products, Inc. | Automatic ignition and flame detection system for gas fired devices |
US4405299A (en) * | 1981-07-24 | 1983-09-20 | Honeywell Inc. | Burner ignition and flame monitoring system |
US4406612A (en) * | 1981-10-22 | 1983-09-27 | Emerson Electric Co. | Oil burner primary control for interrupted ignition system |
US4560343A (en) * | 1984-06-11 | 1985-12-24 | Honeywell Inc. | Functional check for a hot surface ignitor element |
US4997361A (en) * | 1984-06-25 | 1991-03-05 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Hot surface direct ignition system for gas furnaces |
US4642521A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1987-02-10 | Advance Transformer Company | Compact igniter for discharge lamps |
US4762982A (en) * | 1985-09-14 | 1988-08-09 | Kyocera Corporation | Method and device for supplying electric current to ceramic heaters |
US4615282A (en) * | 1985-12-04 | 1986-10-07 | Emerson Electric Co. | Hot surface ignition system control module with accelerated igniter warm-up test program |
US4935606A (en) * | 1987-06-23 | 1990-06-19 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Method of operating gas furnace igniter |
US4789330A (en) * | 1988-02-16 | 1988-12-06 | Carrier Corporation | Gas furnace control system |
US4863372A (en) * | 1988-06-08 | 1989-09-05 | Channel Products, Inc. | Gas ignition apparatus |
US5146881A (en) * | 1989-02-17 | 1992-09-15 | Pfefferle William C | Method of operating I.C. engines and apparatus thereof |
US4925386A (en) * | 1989-02-27 | 1990-05-15 | Emerson Electric Co. | Fuel burner control system with hot surface ignition |
US5206484A (en) * | 1989-11-09 | 1993-04-27 | Battelle Memorial Institute | Glow-plug having ceramic base matrix and conducting element dispersed therein |
US5233166A (en) * | 1991-07-31 | 1993-08-03 | Kyocera Corporation | Ceramic heater |
US6148258A (en) * | 1991-10-31 | 2000-11-14 | Nartron Corporation | Electrical starting system for diesel engines |
US5660043A (en) * | 1992-02-14 | 1997-08-26 | Precision Combustion, Inc. | Torch assembly |
US5437548A (en) * | 1993-01-19 | 1995-08-01 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Fuel ignition system and method of making the same |
US5416300A (en) * | 1993-03-05 | 1995-05-16 | Landis & Gyr Business Support Ag | Electric igniter actuator with network voltage clocking to pass only a portion of the wave trains to the igniter |
US5364260A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1994-11-15 | Robertshaw Controls Company | Fuel control system, control means therefor and methods of making the same |
US5470223A (en) * | 1994-11-30 | 1995-11-28 | Desa International, Inc. | Microprocessor controlled fuel and ignition control for a fuel burning device |
US6216683B1 (en) * | 1995-08-18 | 2001-04-17 | General Electric Company | Gas oven control |
US5567144A (en) * | 1995-10-05 | 1996-10-22 | Desa International Inc. | Hot surface ignition controller for fuel oil burner |
US5865612A (en) * | 1996-02-16 | 1999-02-02 | Honeywell Inc. | Hot surface ignitor |
US5902099A (en) * | 1996-10-31 | 1999-05-11 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Combined fan and ignition control with selected condition sensing apparatus |
US6104008A (en) * | 1996-11-26 | 2000-08-15 | Larson; Eric K. | Thermal limiter for stove heater |
US5786565A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 1998-07-28 | Saint-Gobain/Norton Industrial Ceramics Corporation | Match head ceramic igniter and method of using same |
US5892201A (en) * | 1997-01-27 | 1999-04-06 | Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics, Inc. | Method of heating a stovetop range using a ceramic igniter |
US5725368A (en) * | 1997-02-20 | 1998-03-10 | Emerson Electric Co. | System for providing rapid warm-up of electrical resistance igniter |
US5899684A (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-05-04 | Desa International, Inc. | Power phase regulator circuit improvement, motor start switch, self-adjusting preheat and ignition trial improvement, and series-type voltage regulator improvement to hot surface ignition control for fuel oil burner |
US5997998A (en) * | 1998-03-31 | 1999-12-07 | Tdk Corporation | Resistance element |
US6322352B1 (en) * | 1998-06-10 | 2001-11-27 | Isphording Germany Gmbh | Gas burner system |
US20010052775A1 (en) * | 2000-01-27 | 2001-12-20 | Antonino Torres | Electronic ignition device |
US6474979B1 (en) * | 2000-08-29 | 2002-11-05 | Emerson Electric Co. | Device and method for triggering a gas furnace ignitor |
US6803544B1 (en) * | 2000-10-06 | 2004-10-12 | Emerson Electric Co. | Ignitor distinguishing control system and method therefor |
US6923640B2 (en) * | 2001-09-28 | 2005-08-02 | General Electric Company | Flame burner ignition system |
US6521869B1 (en) * | 2001-10-04 | 2003-02-18 | Emerson Electric Co. | System for powering an igniter to a level proven to ignite gas |
US20030087213A1 (en) * | 2001-11-07 | 2003-05-08 | Reifel Allan J. | Ignition control system and method |
US7671305B2 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2010-03-02 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter |
US20030164368A1 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2003-09-04 | Chodacki Thomas A. | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter |
US7148454B2 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2006-12-12 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter |
US20070007278A1 (en) * | 2002-03-04 | 2007-01-11 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter |
US6777653B2 (en) * | 2002-09-26 | 2004-08-17 | Emerson Electric Co. | Igniter controller |
US20040209209A1 (en) * | 2002-11-04 | 2004-10-21 | Chodacki Thomas A. | System, apparatus and method for controlling ignition including re-ignition of gas and gas fired appliances using same |
US20060066452A1 (en) * | 2004-01-08 | 2006-03-30 | Maple Chase Company | System for controlling ignition sources when flammable gas is sensed |
US20080145803A1 (en) * | 2004-01-23 | 2008-06-19 | Aos Holding Company | Apparatus and method of detecting igniter type |
US20070125745A1 (en) * | 2005-12-07 | 2007-06-07 | Kanakasabapathi Subramanian | Method of making an ignition device |
US20070292810A1 (en) * | 2005-12-14 | 2007-12-20 | Hni Corporation | Fireplace control system |
US20100108658A1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2010-05-06 | Saint-Gobain Corporation | Dual voltage regulating system for electrical resistance hot surface igniters and methods related thereto |
US20100141231A1 (en) * | 2008-11-30 | 2010-06-10 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Igniter voltage compensation circuit |
US20110264269A1 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2011-10-27 | Chodacki Thomas A | Ignition System Having Control Circuit With Learning Capabilities and Devices and Methods Related Thereto |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100108658A1 (en) * | 2008-10-20 | 2010-05-06 | Saint-Gobain Corporation | Dual voltage regulating system for electrical resistance hot surface igniters and methods related thereto |
US20100141231A1 (en) * | 2008-11-30 | 2010-06-10 | Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc. | Igniter voltage compensation circuit |
US20110207065A1 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2011-08-25 | Timothy Scott Shaffer | Rapid gas ignition system |
US9068752B2 (en) * | 2010-02-22 | 2015-06-30 | General Electric Company | Rapid gas ignition system |
US20110250547A1 (en) * | 2010-04-12 | 2011-10-13 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Burner system and a method of control |
US9546788B2 (en) * | 2012-06-07 | 2017-01-17 | Chentronics, Llc | Combined high energy igniter and flame detector |
US9476595B2 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2016-10-25 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Auto flame-out detection and reignition method for a gas burner of a cooktop appliance |
US20150159881A1 (en) * | 2013-12-06 | 2015-06-11 | General Electric Company | Auto Flame-Out Detection and Reignition Method for a Gas Burner of a Cooktop Appliance |
US9587835B2 (en) | 2014-04-08 | 2017-03-07 | BSH Hausgeräte GmbH | Home appliance with improved gas igniter |
US11125439B2 (en) | 2018-03-27 | 2021-09-21 | Scp Holdings, An Assumed Business Name Of Nitride Igniters, Llc | Hot surface igniters for cooktops |
US11493208B2 (en) | 2018-03-27 | 2022-11-08 | Scp Holdings, An Assumed Business Name Of Nitride Igniters, Llc | Hot surface igniters for cooktops |
US20230038340A1 (en) * | 2018-03-27 | 2023-02-09 | SCP holdings, An Assumed Business Name Of Nitrite Ignites, LLC | Hot surface igniters for cooktops |
US11788728B2 (en) * | 2018-03-27 | 2023-10-17 | Scp R&D, Llc | Hot surface igniters for cooktops |
US11506393B2 (en) | 2021-02-17 | 2022-11-22 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Gas cooking appliance with gas burner state indications |
US11486577B1 (en) | 2021-05-27 | 2022-11-01 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Cooking appliance with electronically-controlled gas burner verification |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2454527A2 (en) | 2012-05-23 |
EP2454527A4 (en) | 2017-12-20 |
WO2011009008A3 (en) | 2011-04-28 |
WO2011009008A2 (en) | 2011-01-20 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20110086319A1 (en) | Fuel gas ignition system for gas burners including devices and methods related thereto | |
US20140186779A1 (en) | Ignition system having control circuit with learning capabilities and devices and methods related thereto | |
US6923640B2 (en) | Flame burner ignition system | |
AU2003291705B2 (en) | System, apparatus and method for controlling ignition including re-ignition of gas and gas fired appliances using same | |
US8413648B2 (en) | Fuel-fired barbecue | |
US7671305B2 (en) | Systems for regulating voltage to an electrical resistance igniter | |
US9068752B2 (en) | Rapid gas ignition system | |
AU2008355940B2 (en) | Ignition control with safeguard function | |
TWM584874U (en) | Automatic fuel shutoff device for gas burner | |
US20100108658A1 (en) | Dual voltage regulating system for electrical resistance hot surface igniters and methods related thereto | |
US20020197575A1 (en) | Automatic flame-out detector and reignition system and method of ignition | |
US20150037737A1 (en) | System for gaseous fuel ignition for a cooking appliance | |
US10935248B2 (en) | Method of operating an ignition element of a gas burner | |
CN100489395C (en) | System, apparatus and method for controlling ignition including re-ignition of gas and gas fired appliances using same | |
KR940005905B1 (en) | Method of controlling gas grill | |
CN215446552U (en) | Kitchen range | |
KR100619168B1 (en) | A lighting control method of gas ovenrange | |
KR20050090052A (en) | Gas range | |
JPS6176842A (en) | Tap-controlled water heater | |
JPS60144519A (en) | Gas combustion apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC., MASSACHUSE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CHODACKI, THOMAS A.;TANGUAY, MICHAEL W.;REEL/FRAME:025571/0254 Effective date: 20101229 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: COORSTEK, INC., COLORADO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SAINT-GOBAIN CERAMICS & PLASTICS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:026246/0413 Effective date: 20110304 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |