CA2082996A1 - Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention features - Google Patents
Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention featuresInfo
- Publication number
- CA2082996A1 CA2082996A1 CA 2082996 CA2082996A CA2082996A1 CA 2082996 A1 CA2082996 A1 CA 2082996A1 CA 2082996 CA2082996 CA 2082996 CA 2082996 A CA2082996 A CA 2082996A CA 2082996 A1 CA2082996 A1 CA 2082996A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- brush
- chimney
- cable
- spacing
- 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
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 16
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 title description 2
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 22
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 16
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000011358 absorbing material Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000013022 venting Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 17
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003517 fume Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000414 obstructive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001312218 Arisaema triphyllum Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006481 Colocasia esculenta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 101150090997 DLAT gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 241000206607 Porphyra umbilicalis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F23—COMBUSTION APPARATUS; COMBUSTION PROCESSES
- F23J—REMOVAL OR TREATMENT OF COMBUSTION PRODUCTS OR COMBUSTION RESIDUES; FLUES
- F23J3/00—Removing solid residues from passages or chambers beyond the fire, e.g. from flues by soot blowers
- F23J3/02—Cleaning furnace tubes; Cleaning flues or chimneys
- F23J3/026—Cleaning furnace tubes; Cleaning flues or chimneys cleaning the chimneys
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Brushes (AREA)
- Incineration Of Waste (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A chimney cleaning device has a brush attatched to a cable. A
motor is used to rotate a drum on which the cable is winded so that the brush is lowered into the chimney and pulled back out. The cleaning device is provided with a set of strategically positioned radial venting apertures for optimising the draught of the chimney.
A built-in heat sensing device is incorporated to send a signal to a remote location if the temperature of the smoke reaching the device exceeds a predetermined level.
A chimney cleaning device has a brush attatched to a cable. A
motor is used to rotate a drum on which the cable is winded so that the brush is lowered into the chimney and pulled back out. The cleaning device is provided with a set of strategically positioned radial venting apertures for optimising the draught of the chimney.
A built-in heat sensing device is incorporated to send a signal to a remote location if the temperature of the smoke reaching the device exceeds a predetermined level.
Description
- 2~2~
Chimney Cleaninq APparatus With Built-in Fire Prevention Features Back~roud Of The Invention:
Field Of 'l`he lnvention:
The present invention relates to the field o~ chimneY cleaninq apparatus and more speciflcally to a chimney cleaninq aPparatus havinq a built-in temPerature sensinq device and a confiquration adapted to optimize the drau~ht, both features bein~ adapted to --minimize fire hazards.
Prior Art: ~-Chimneys associated with domestic fireplaces must be cleaned -~
periodically to prevent built-ups of combustion deposits on the inner peripheral walls caused by the combustion of conventional combustibles such as wood. 'rhe cleanin~ operation is traditionally ~--performed with a metallic brush suspended to a roDe or a riqid rod ~- -acting as a lonq handle. The individual performin~ the operation is positioned on the roof and manually moves the brush UD and down lnside the chimney, thus scrappinq the inner peripheral wall o~ the latter. The~ task is not only time consuminq but also unpleasant and even potentially dangerous since it is performed ~rom the roof.
Many individuals have resorted to professional chimney cleaners but the latter have proven to be quite costly.
A search amongst previous patents has revealed one pertinent document, namely Canadian patent no. 1,147,512 disclosinq an /
--" 2~82`~
electrically powered device adapted to be positioned on the top of the chimney and to be remotely activated from the inside for cleaning the venting duct of the chimney. The device has a brush attached to a cable windinqly linked to a drum rotated by an electrical motor. The cable is adapted to be winded and unwinded on the drum to llft and lower the brush thus cleaninq the inner wall of the chimney.
Although the device disclosed in Canadian patent no. 1,197,51 eliminates the need for manual manipulation of the cleaning brush, it presents a major drawbac~. lndeed, since it is positioned at ~-the discharge aperture of the chimney, it creates an obstruction to the passaqe of the smoke emanatinq from the fire~lace. Eventhough a spacing has been provided between the conducts indicated by the reference numerals 3 and 5 sPecially for allowing the smoke to escape the chimney, this spacing has proven to be insufficient .
The present invention proposes a modified structure having a multiplicity of venting outlets strateqically positioned to allow the smoke to escape the chimney with a minimal amount of restriction and to oPtimize the drau~ht of the chimney. A
specially shaped dome cover protecting the internal mechanism of the device further enhances the draught by creatinq an aerodynamical suction.
The present invention also imDroves over the device disclosed in Canadian patent no. ~,147,Sl~ by providinq a built-in heat sen~ing device adapted to detect excessive heat built-ups in the chimney and to accordingly send a siqnal to a remote location.
The heat zensin~ device comprises a piece of insulatimq material ,, i , , ", , , 2~29~
adapted to provide thermal inertia to the heat sensinq device thus preventing the device from unwantinqly sendin~ a siqnal when only a brief temperature peak is reached in the chimney. The Present ~invention also offers various mechanical improvements such as the use of a single switch operated remote control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention the chimney cleaning device i5 adapted to be flxed to the top outlet port of a chimney. The chimney is adapted to evacuate smoke emanatinq from a fireplace.
The chimney cleaning device has a first protective chamber which protectively encloses a motor coupled to a drum. A brush is suspended to the cable and the cable is adapted to be winded and unwiunded on the drum for respectivelY raisinq and lowerinq the brush inside the chimney. A second protective chamber is positioned underneath the first protective chamber and ~rotectively encloses a relativelY heat-absorbing material.A spacinq chamber is placed underneath the second protective chamber. 'l'he spacing chamber has a top wall a bottom wall and a Peripheral wall. The bottom wall of the spacing chamber is provided with an aperture for receiving the smoke emanatin~ from the fireplace. The peripheral wall of the spacing chamber is provided with a set of apertures allowing smoke to escape radially from the spacing chamber.The third protective chamber has a peripheral wall for circumferentially encircling the brush when the latter is in its highermost position. The third protective chamber is also provided with a set of peripheral apertures for allowing the smoke to escape radially from the chamber. The signalling means is adapted ~o send a siqnal to the motor for selectivelY makinq the motor lower the brush into the chimney and back out o it.
A heat sensin~ means is positioned adjacent the relatively heat absorbin~ material ~or sensin~ a temPerature level adjacent heat absorbin~ material and sendinq a siqnal to a remote location when the temperature exceeds a pre-determined level.
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According to an embodiment of the invention the third protective chamber is fixed to the spacinq chamber by a set of spacinq le,gs.
The spacing le,gs provide a spacing between the sPacinq chamber and the protective chamber which allows the smoke to escaPe radially.
The chimney cleaninq devlce has a dome-shaDed cover. The dome-shaped cover has a substantially half oval cross-section which creates an aerodynamical suction which in turn enhances ~he drauqht o~ the chimney.
According to one embodiment of the invention the signalling means comprises a "T" shaped actuator having a vertical branch and a horizontal,branch. The "T" shaped actuator also has a lever associated with a tubo switch. First an abuttinq pin is fixed to the cable adjacent the top end of the cable and a second abuttinq pin is positioned adiacent the lower end of the cable. The cable is adapted to slide inside the vertical branch of the "1"' shaped actuator and the lever of the toqgle switch is partiallY inserted inside the horizontal branch of the "T" shaped actuator. When the brush reaches its lowermost Position the first abuttinq pin abuts against the actuator ~ivotinq the lever downwardly and when the brush reaches its hiqher most position the second abuttina pin abuts against the actuator pivoting the lever upwardly.
In another embodiment of the invention the si~nalling means comprises an infra-red transmitter adapted to send an infra-red beam towards an infra-red receiver, an o~ticallY obstructing tongue pivotall~ mounted between the infra-red receiver and transmitters, means for pivoting the obstructing tonque in an obstructive relationship preventinq the beam from reachinq the receiver when the cable reaches its lowermost position and means for rotating the obstructinq tonque back into a non-obstructive relationship allowing the passaqe of the beam between the transmiSter and the receiver when the brush reaches its hiqher most posiSion, ,~ ~" ~ " ~ 5 ' ~
/ / ,/~ ' , /. ,' /, ' '~ J~
2~829~
The chimney cleaninq device also has a centring bracket positioned adjacent the drum for centring the cable substantiallY in line with the rotation axis of the drum.
When brushes havinq a non-circular confiquration are used a set of quided Pins extend downwardlY and vertically from the spacinq chamber for preventinq the brush ~rom unWantinqlY rotatinq when the brush is in the third Drotective chamber.
Brief description of the drawinqs:
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example in reference to the followlnq drawinq in which: -Fiq.l: is a front view of a chimney with a chimney cleaninq device ~ -embodying the invention mounted on it. ~-Fiq.2: is a cross-sectional view taken alonq arrow 2-~ of fig.l Fig.2a: is a cross-sectional view illustratinq an alternative mountinq embodiment used when the cleaninq device is mounted on the bodv of a chimney.
Fig.3: is a side view of the liftinq mechanism taken alonq arrows --3-3 of fiq.~.
Fiq.4: is a close-up view of the toqqle arranqement taken inside arrow 4 of ~iq.~.
Fiq.4a: is a view of fiq.4 with the toqqle arranqement on its lowermost position.
Fig.5: is a top view of an alternative toqqle arrangement usinq -~
an infra-red beam.
Fig.6: i~ a cross-sectional view taken alonq arrows 6-6 of fia.5.
Fig.6a: is a view of fig.6 with the toqqle mechanism at its lowermost position.
``~ 2~9~
Fi~-7: is a top view of the toP aPertUre of the chimney having a pipe outlet with a circular cross section. ~-Fig.8: is a top view of the top aperture of the chimne~ havin~ a pipe outlet with a oval cross section.
Fig.9: ls a top view of the top a~erture of the chimneY havinq a square cross section and no ~ipe outlet.
Fiq.10: is a toP view of the toP a~erture o the chimney havin~ a rectanqular cross section and no Dipe outlet.
Fiq.ll: is a toP view of the dome cover.
Fiq.12: is a close up view of the snaDDinq mechanism ta~en inside arrow 1~ of fiq.2.
Fi~.13: is a cross sectional view ta~en alonq arrow 13 of fiq.ll.
Description Of The Prefered Embodiment;
Referring to fig.l, there is shown a cleaning device 10 embodying the invention mounted on a Pipe outlet 12 of a chimney 14. A cleaning device control box 16 is rested on a countertoP of a fireplace 18.
Referinq now more specifically to fig.Z, the cleaninq device 10 has a liftinq device 2U. The liftinq device 20 com~rises a motor ZZ mechanicallY cou~led to a reduction qear box ~4. The qear box Z4 is couPled to a drum Z6. A cable ~ is adaPted to be winded and unwinded on the drum Z6 for res~ectively liftinq and lowerinq a cleaninq brush 30 in the chimnev 14.
AS illustrated in fiq.3, the motor 22 and the ~ear box Z4 are fixed to a mounting plate 3~ bY a set o adjustment bOlts 34 and 35 thigthened by a corresponding set of associa~ed nuts 33 Ç~; .
2~82~9~
which allow for horizontal adiustment of the sPacinq between the plate 32 and the qear box 24. The mountinq Dlate 32 is welded to a base platform 36.
A centerinq bracket 3~ is fixed to the base ~lat~orm ~6. The centerinq bracket 38 has an aperture 40 extendinq therethrouqh.
The aperture 40 is positioned in-line verticallY with a rotation -axis 4~ of the drum 26. The cable 28 is adapted to slide throu~h the aperture 40. The aperture 40 will thus insure that the cable 28 will fall substantially in-line with the rotation axis 42 of the drum 26 whether the cable ~8 is ~ully winded around the drum or only DartiallY winded.
A dome shaped cover 44 is sna~pinqly fixed to the base Dlatform ~6. 'rhe cover 44 and the Platform 36 t.~us form the first protective chamber for protectivelv enclosinq the liftin mechanism ~0. E~iqures ~, ll, l~ and 13 illustrate more -specifically the manner in which the cover 44 is fixed to the platform 36. The cover 94 has a Peripheral rim 46 and a set of relatively arcuate snaPpinq pronqs 4~ extendinq inteqrallY --therefrom. The rim 46 beinq made of relatively flexible material, it is adapted to bend as illustrated in fiq.l2 in order to snappinqly qrasp the lower edge of the base ~latform ~6. A slot 47 separates the rim 46 from the pronqs f~8.
one o~ the main features of the Present invention resides in the use of a built-in heat sensinq device. ~l~he heat sensinq device comPrises a thermostat ~0 fixed to the base Dlat~orm ~6. ~rhe thermostat YO lS adaPted to send o~f a siqnal throuqh a cable 9 to a remote location such as the control box 16 when the ~,",,, , -~ ,, .,, ", ", ,,~j , ;,~, ,,,i ,,, :". . ~ " .~ " ",:",j,, " .,,, ".,.,,,.,,j ,,.~,",",.," i., .,, ", ,~,;",;, ,.,,,",,.".,.,, ,, ,, ,." ,. ,,, " ,, " ..
,, ., ", ,. "...,,, ",","j,,;jj,,,,", .", ,, ,,, ~j" ".,, ~ ,~,, ",,.i,~..,.". ,.~., ;~, ,,.ii",,, :,~i,; .
2i~2~
temperature reaches a preselected level. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the thresho~d temDerature level is selected by the user at the control box 1~. The neat sensinq device also comprises a laver ~0 of relativelv heat absor~inq material Positioned directly underneath the ~irst Drotective chamber de~ined bY the cover 44 and the base ~lat~orm ~ib.
The layer 50 of relatively heat absorbinq material is ~rotectively enclosed inside a second protective chamber de~lne~ by the Platform 36, a second chamber peripheral wall 52 and a second chamber bottom wall 54. The second protective chamber is adaPted to protect the relatively heat absorbinq material 50 aqainst moisture or other deteriotinq aqents. The relatively heat absorbinq material 5U is adapted to provide thermal inertia to the heat sensinq device thus Preventinq the device from unwantinqly sendinq a siqnal when onlY a brie~ tem~erature peak is reached in the chimney.
The heatinq sensinq device synerqisticallY com~lnes with the other components of the cleanina devlce lU since these comPonents which could initially be thouqnt of as creatinq an o~structlon to the drau~qht of the chimneY and thus as potential fire hazards are now used as deflective means for deflectinq and transmittinq the heat carried bY the smoke to the heat sensinq device.
A spacing chamber is positioned underneath the second protective chamber enclosinq the layer 50 of relativelY heat abgorb~ng material. The spacinq chamber is defined bY the bottom wall 54 o the second Drotective chamber, a set of ~eri~heral spacinq elements S6 and a sDacinq chamber bottom wall Si3. ~rhe sPaC~nq chamber bottom wall 5~ is ~rovided with a s~acinq chamber ~ .
~, ~ v ~ G, ~ ~
2~8~
bottom wall aperture 6U extendi w therethrou~h. The aperture 60 allows smoke and fumes emanatinq ~rom the chimney and refered to b~
the numeral 60 to enter the spacinq chamber. The periDheral spa,-inq between the sracinq elements 5~, allows the smoke 62 to escar,e radially from the snacinq chamber.
A third rrotective chamber is Dositioned underneath the spacinq chamber. ~l~he third Drotective chamber is formed out of a Perir,heral sheet o~ material ,,q. ~ e third r,rotectlve cnam~er is adapted to r,rotectivel~ surround the cleaninq brush ~0 attached ~ -to the cable L8 and the associated cable tensionin~ counterweiqhts --66 when the latter are in their upPermost position. The Deripheral sheet of material o4 is provided with a set of ventinq aperture 68 adapted to allow the smoke 62' to escape radiallY from the third protective chamber. The sheet of material 64 is fixed to the spacinq chamber bottom wall 58 by a set of suspendinq leqs 'I0.
The clearance between the sheet of material 6g an~ the sDacinq chamber bottom wall 58 allows the smoke ~2'' to escaPe radiallY.
The cleaninq device lU is ~ixed to the chimneY 14 ~Y either one of two metho~ds deDendinq on whether the chimneY 14 ha~ a ~ -venting pire outlet 1~, as illustrated in ~iq.l, ,~, 'I and U or whether the chimney 14 does not have a ventinq riPe outlet 1~ as illustrated in ~iq. '~'a, fJf and 1". When the chimnev 14 has a vending pipe outlet, a set of fixinq leqs 7~f fixed at the toD end to the spacinq chamber bottom wall "~ extend vertically throuqh the third protective chamber beYond the lower rim 74 of th~ -peripheral sheet of material 64. 'rhe lower rim 74 is adaPted to be abbutinqly rested on the ven~inq DiDe outle~ lZ while a securinq , ""- ,,"",; ,"",~ ",~ . ,; ", , . .;.i ,~ . . , . ,~
` 2~29~
rinq 76 havin~ a tiqhteninq mecnanism )8 tiqhtly squeezes the fixinq leqs 72 around the pipe outlet 12.
As illustrated more specifically in fi~q~.2a. when the chimney 14 does not make use of a ventin~ Pipe outlet, a set of substantially 'L'-shaped leqs ~0 are ri~idlY fixed to the correspondinq fixinq leqs ~/2. 'rhe ~L'-shaped leqs ~ are adapted to be fixed to the chimneY lg bY conventional ~ixinq means such as bolts 82. lrypically~ when the latter arranqment is used, the sheet of material 64~ does not have any ventinq aPerture such as the ventina a~ertures 6~ ot the sheet o~ material ~4.
The clearance between the lower rim 14~ o~ the sheet of material 64' and the chimneY 14 ~rovided bY the 'L'-shaped leqs allows the smoke 62' to escape radially.
Whether the cleaninq device 10 is fixed directlY to the chimney 19 or to the ventinq pipe outlet 1~, the smoke emanatinq from the fireplace 18 is allowed to escape radiallY throuqh at least three suPerposed peripheral exit outlets. These three superposed exit outlets are easilv recoqnized in ~iqures 2 and 2a by the trajectorY of the fumes 62, 6~' and 6~''.
These three suPerPosed evacua~ion outlets constitute a major improvement over the corres~ondinq structure described in ~anadian patent 1,147 ~1~ wh1ch proooses a s~aclnq between the conducts indicated in that ~atent b~ the re~erence numeral 3 and 5. 'l'he super~osed peri~heral out~ets of the ~resent invention allow the smoke to escape the chimneY wi~h a minimal amount o restriction and also further oDtimize the drauqht.
To urther optimize the draught,~he dome cover 4g i5 qiven a -: 2~2~
substantiallY hal~ oval cross section as lllustrated clearlY in fiq.2 instead of the half roun~ cross section illustrated in Canadian patent 1,141,512. Whenever the wind hits one side of the half oval dome cover 44, an aerodYnamical suctlon effect is created on the opposinq side which ~urther enhances the drauqht of the chimney.
When the channel 84 of the chimney 14 has a non-circular cross section, as illustrated in ~iqures 8, 9 and 10 showinq respectively oval, square and rectanqular cross sections, the -cleaninq brush 3~ must have a corresPondinq shape in order to ~-adequately clean the perlpheral sur~ace of the channel ~4. --In fiqures 2a, 8, 9 and 1~, the elements 12, 14 an~ ~4 are ~ollowed bv the letters a, b and c resPeCtiVell~ to indicate oval, scuare and rectanqular cross sections.
When such a non-circular cleaninq brush 30 is used, a set of guidin~ pins 86 extendinq from the sPacinq chamber ~ottom wall 58 are adapted to Prevent the brush 30 from rotatinq. 'rhe brush 30 is prevented from rotatinq in order to allow it to be ~-fittingly inserted in the channel 84 when the cable Z8 is lowered.
As stated previouslY, the cable 28 is adapted to be wlnded and unwinded around the cable 26 bY the motor ~2 which is controlled by the control box 16. ~-~
Two em~odiments will now ~e descr1bed in order to illustrate embodiment~ o~ mechanisms adaPted to send aPDroPrlate siqnals to the contro~ box 16. Ln the ~irst o~ these two em~odiments, the cable ~ extenas throuqh the vertical branc~. Y4 o~ a su~stantially 'T'-shaped actuator 96. ~rhe vertical branch Y4 is adaPted to 2~82~
~.
slide inside a sleeve 88 extendinq verticallY throuqh the second protective chamber. A lever 98 of the toqqle switch 100 is inserted inside a horizontal branc~ of the "l"-shaped actuator 96. The toqqle switch l~U which is ~ixe~ to the base platform 36 is linked to t~e control box lb bv a ca~le 1~9. A set o~ abbutinq pins 108 are strateqically fixed to the cable ~ resPective1Y
ad~acent the top and bottom ends o~ tne cable ~8. ~rhe toqqle switch 100 is used to invert the rotation of the motor ~.
To initiate a cleaninq cycle, the user pushes on a ~utton of the control box 16. Electrical Power is sent to the motor 22 and with the lever 98 in its upper position illustrated in fiq.4, the motor 22 rotates the drum ~6 so that tne cable unwinds and the brush 30 is lowered into the channel 84 of the chimneY 1~.
When the brush ~0 reaches the preselected level adiuste~ bY
prepositioninq the Pin 1~6 on the cable ~, as illustrated in fiq.
9a~ the pin 1~6 will abbut on the horizontal branch 102 of the actuator 96 which will ln turn lower tne lever Y~ of the switch 100 thus invertinq the rotation o~ the motor ~. The arum ~6 will thus rotate in the opPosite direction windinq the cable ~8 and llfting the brush 30 bac~ to its oriqinal position. When the brush reaches its oriqinal position, the ~in 10~ abbuts aqainst ~he vertical branch 94 of the actuator Y6 thus liftinq the lever Y8 as illustrated in fiq.4, so that when a new cleanina cYcle is initiated, the brush wi~l be lowered into t~le channel ~ o~ the chimney 1~.
With the second embodiment o~ mechanism adaDte~ to send the si~na~ to the control box 16, an in~ra~red ra~ is used instead of /~
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r ~
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the togq1e switch 10U. Referinq to fiq.~, there is shown an infra-red transmitter 110 adapted to send an infra-red beam 112 towards an infra-red receiver 114.
An oPtically obstructinq tonq 11~ is Divotally mounted on a pivot base 11~ ~ixed to the base Plat~iorm ~ he cable ~iU is slidinqiY inserted inside a rinq l~0 ~ormed inteqrallY with one end of the tonque 11~ while the other ena of t~e ~onaue 11~ is adapted to ~ivot in order to obstruct the Dassaae of the infra-red beam 112 between the transmitter llU and tne recelver 114. A set of abbutinq Pins 106` and 10~` are ~ixed to the cable 28 respectively adjacent the top and lower end o~ the cable ~. The cable 28 and its associated pins are ada~ted to slide lnslde a --sleeve 88` extendinq throuqh the second ~rotective chamber. ~rhe infra-red beam 122 like the lever 98 of the toqqle swltch 100, is adapted to determine the direction of the motor 22. When the lever pin 108`abbuts aqainst the rinq 120, the tonque lL~ allows the passaqe of the beam 1~ thus sendlnq a siqnal to the motor 22 to rotate accordinqlv in order to lower the ~rush ~u. When the pin 106 abbuts aqainst tne rlnq 1~0 as illustrated in ~ia.6a, the tongue 116 is ~ivoted in a ~osition interceptina the ~eam 112. In ~uch a position a si~nal is sent to the motor 22 to invert its rotation so that the brush ~0 will be li~ted.
Chimney Cleaninq APparatus With Built-in Fire Prevention Features Back~roud Of The Invention:
Field Of 'l`he lnvention:
The present invention relates to the field o~ chimneY cleaninq apparatus and more speciflcally to a chimney cleaninq aPparatus havinq a built-in temPerature sensinq device and a confiquration adapted to optimize the drau~ht, both features bein~ adapted to --minimize fire hazards.
Prior Art: ~-Chimneys associated with domestic fireplaces must be cleaned -~
periodically to prevent built-ups of combustion deposits on the inner peripheral walls caused by the combustion of conventional combustibles such as wood. 'rhe cleanin~ operation is traditionally ~--performed with a metallic brush suspended to a roDe or a riqid rod ~- -acting as a lonq handle. The individual performin~ the operation is positioned on the roof and manually moves the brush UD and down lnside the chimney, thus scrappinq the inner peripheral wall o~ the latter. The~ task is not only time consuminq but also unpleasant and even potentially dangerous since it is performed ~rom the roof.
Many individuals have resorted to professional chimney cleaners but the latter have proven to be quite costly.
A search amongst previous patents has revealed one pertinent document, namely Canadian patent no. 1,147,512 disclosinq an /
--" 2~82`~
electrically powered device adapted to be positioned on the top of the chimney and to be remotely activated from the inside for cleaning the venting duct of the chimney. The device has a brush attached to a cable windinqly linked to a drum rotated by an electrical motor. The cable is adapted to be winded and unwinded on the drum to llft and lower the brush thus cleaninq the inner wall of the chimney.
Although the device disclosed in Canadian patent no. 1,197,51 eliminates the need for manual manipulation of the cleaning brush, it presents a major drawbac~. lndeed, since it is positioned at ~-the discharge aperture of the chimney, it creates an obstruction to the passaqe of the smoke emanatinq from the fire~lace. Eventhough a spacing has been provided between the conducts indicated by the reference numerals 3 and 5 sPecially for allowing the smoke to escape the chimney, this spacing has proven to be insufficient .
The present invention proposes a modified structure having a multiplicity of venting outlets strateqically positioned to allow the smoke to escape the chimney with a minimal amount of restriction and to oPtimize the drau~ht of the chimney. A
specially shaped dome cover protecting the internal mechanism of the device further enhances the draught by creatinq an aerodynamical suction.
The present invention also imDroves over the device disclosed in Canadian patent no. ~,147,Sl~ by providinq a built-in heat sen~ing device adapted to detect excessive heat built-ups in the chimney and to accordingly send a siqnal to a remote location.
The heat zensin~ device comprises a piece of insulatimq material ,, i , , ", , , 2~29~
adapted to provide thermal inertia to the heat sensinq device thus preventing the device from unwantinqly sendin~ a siqnal when only a brief temperature peak is reached in the chimney. The Present ~invention also offers various mechanical improvements such as the use of a single switch operated remote control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention the chimney cleaning device i5 adapted to be flxed to the top outlet port of a chimney. The chimney is adapted to evacuate smoke emanatinq from a fireplace.
The chimney cleaning device has a first protective chamber which protectively encloses a motor coupled to a drum. A brush is suspended to the cable and the cable is adapted to be winded and unwiunded on the drum for respectivelY raisinq and lowerinq the brush inside the chimney. A second protective chamber is positioned underneath the first protective chamber and ~rotectively encloses a relativelY heat-absorbing material.A spacinq chamber is placed underneath the second protective chamber. 'l'he spacing chamber has a top wall a bottom wall and a Peripheral wall. The bottom wall of the spacing chamber is provided with an aperture for receiving the smoke emanatin~ from the fireplace. The peripheral wall of the spacing chamber is provided with a set of apertures allowing smoke to escape radially from the spacing chamber.The third protective chamber has a peripheral wall for circumferentially encircling the brush when the latter is in its highermost position. The third protective chamber is also provided with a set of peripheral apertures for allowing the smoke to escape radially from the chamber. The signalling means is adapted ~o send a siqnal to the motor for selectivelY makinq the motor lower the brush into the chimney and back out o it.
A heat sensin~ means is positioned adjacent the relatively heat absorbin~ material ~or sensin~ a temPerature level adjacent heat absorbin~ material and sendinq a siqnal to a remote location when the temperature exceeds a pre-determined level.
~,, . . ,, ., , f ~ i, ., ., " .. .. . . .
'~,, .,, ~- ~, ,~, "" ~, ,$~, , .: ; .: ~. ~
,, ,, :,~ , ", , ,, , ", -: : , "
.: " ,,/,~" ~ - "i, ;", , , ~, ~ i , , ~ - , . , 2~8~99~
According to an embodiment of the invention the third protective chamber is fixed to the spacinq chamber by a set of spacinq le,gs.
The spacing le,gs provide a spacing between the sPacinq chamber and the protective chamber which allows the smoke to escaPe radially.
The chimney cleaninq devlce has a dome-shaDed cover. The dome-shaped cover has a substantially half oval cross-section which creates an aerodynamical suction which in turn enhances ~he drauqht o~ the chimney.
According to one embodiment of the invention the signalling means comprises a "T" shaped actuator having a vertical branch and a horizontal,branch. The "T" shaped actuator also has a lever associated with a tubo switch. First an abuttinq pin is fixed to the cable adjacent the top end of the cable and a second abuttinq pin is positioned adiacent the lower end of the cable. The cable is adapted to slide inside the vertical branch of the "1"' shaped actuator and the lever of the toqgle switch is partiallY inserted inside the horizontal branch of the "T" shaped actuator. When the brush reaches its lowermost Position the first abuttinq pin abuts against the actuator ~ivotinq the lever downwardly and when the brush reaches its hiqher most position the second abuttina pin abuts against the actuator pivoting the lever upwardly.
In another embodiment of the invention the si~nalling means comprises an infra-red transmitter adapted to send an infra-red beam towards an infra-red receiver, an o~ticallY obstructing tongue pivotall~ mounted between the infra-red receiver and transmitters, means for pivoting the obstructing tonque in an obstructive relationship preventinq the beam from reachinq the receiver when the cable reaches its lowermost position and means for rotating the obstructinq tonque back into a non-obstructive relationship allowing the passaqe of the beam between the transmiSter and the receiver when the brush reaches its hiqher most posiSion, ,~ ~" ~ " ~ 5 ' ~
/ / ,/~ ' , /. ,' /, ' '~ J~
2~829~
The chimney cleaninq device also has a centring bracket positioned adjacent the drum for centring the cable substantiallY in line with the rotation axis of the drum.
When brushes havinq a non-circular confiquration are used a set of quided Pins extend downwardlY and vertically from the spacinq chamber for preventinq the brush ~rom unWantinqlY rotatinq when the brush is in the third Drotective chamber.
Brief description of the drawinqs:
An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example in reference to the followlnq drawinq in which: -Fiq.l: is a front view of a chimney with a chimney cleaninq device ~ -embodying the invention mounted on it. ~-Fiq.2: is a cross-sectional view taken alonq arrow 2-~ of fig.l Fig.2a: is a cross-sectional view illustratinq an alternative mountinq embodiment used when the cleaninq device is mounted on the bodv of a chimney.
Fig.3: is a side view of the liftinq mechanism taken alonq arrows --3-3 of fiq.~.
Fiq.4: is a close-up view of the toqqle arranqement taken inside arrow 4 of ~iq.~.
Fiq.4a: is a view of fiq.4 with the toqqle arranqement on its lowermost position.
Fig.5: is a top view of an alternative toqqle arrangement usinq -~
an infra-red beam.
Fig.6: i~ a cross-sectional view taken alonq arrows 6-6 of fia.5.
Fig.6a: is a view of fig.6 with the toqqle mechanism at its lowermost position.
``~ 2~9~
Fi~-7: is a top view of the toP aPertUre of the chimney having a pipe outlet with a circular cross section. ~-Fig.8: is a top view of the top aperture of the chimne~ havin~ a pipe outlet with a oval cross section.
Fig.9: ls a top view of the top a~erture of the chimneY havinq a square cross section and no ~ipe outlet.
Fiq.10: is a toP view of the toP a~erture o the chimney havin~ a rectanqular cross section and no Dipe outlet.
Fiq.ll: is a toP view of the dome cover.
Fiq.12: is a close up view of the snaDDinq mechanism ta~en inside arrow 1~ of fiq.2.
Fi~.13: is a cross sectional view ta~en alonq arrow 13 of fiq.ll.
Description Of The Prefered Embodiment;
Referring to fig.l, there is shown a cleaning device 10 embodying the invention mounted on a Pipe outlet 12 of a chimney 14. A cleaning device control box 16 is rested on a countertoP of a fireplace 18.
Referinq now more specifically to fig.Z, the cleaninq device 10 has a liftinq device 2U. The liftinq device 20 com~rises a motor ZZ mechanicallY cou~led to a reduction qear box ~4. The qear box Z4 is couPled to a drum Z6. A cable ~ is adaPted to be winded and unwinded on the drum Z6 for res~ectively liftinq and lowerinq a cleaninq brush 30 in the chimnev 14.
AS illustrated in fiq.3, the motor 22 and the ~ear box Z4 are fixed to a mounting plate 3~ bY a set o adjustment bOlts 34 and 35 thigthened by a corresponding set of associa~ed nuts 33 Ç~; .
2~82~9~
which allow for horizontal adiustment of the sPacinq between the plate 32 and the qear box 24. The mountinq Dlate 32 is welded to a base platform 36.
A centerinq bracket 3~ is fixed to the base ~lat~orm ~6. The centerinq bracket 38 has an aperture 40 extendinq therethrouqh.
The aperture 40 is positioned in-line verticallY with a rotation -axis 4~ of the drum 26. The cable 28 is adapted to slide throu~h the aperture 40. The aperture 40 will thus insure that the cable 28 will fall substantially in-line with the rotation axis 42 of the drum 26 whether the cable ~8 is ~ully winded around the drum or only DartiallY winded.
A dome shaped cover 44 is sna~pinqly fixed to the base Dlatform ~6. 'rhe cover 44 and the Platform 36 t.~us form the first protective chamber for protectivelv enclosinq the liftin mechanism ~0. E~iqures ~, ll, l~ and 13 illustrate more -specifically the manner in which the cover 44 is fixed to the platform 36. The cover 94 has a Peripheral rim 46 and a set of relatively arcuate snaPpinq pronqs 4~ extendinq inteqrallY --therefrom. The rim 46 beinq made of relatively flexible material, it is adapted to bend as illustrated in fiq.l2 in order to snappinqly qrasp the lower edge of the base ~latform ~6. A slot 47 separates the rim 46 from the pronqs f~8.
one o~ the main features of the Present invention resides in the use of a built-in heat sensinq device. ~l~he heat sensinq device comPrises a thermostat ~0 fixed to the base Dlat~orm ~6. ~rhe thermostat YO lS adaPted to send o~f a siqnal throuqh a cable 9 to a remote location such as the control box 16 when the ~,",,, , -~ ,, .,, ", ", ,,~j , ;,~, ,,,i ,,, :". . ~ " .~ " ",:",j,, " .,,, ".,.,,,.,,j ,,.~,",",.," i., .,, ", ,~,;",;, ,.,,,",,.".,.,, ,, ,, ,." ,. ,,, " ,, " ..
,, ., ", ,. "...,,, ",","j,,;jj,,,,", .", ,, ,,, ~j" ".,, ~ ,~,, ",,.i,~..,.". ,.~., ;~, ,,.ii",,, :,~i,; .
2i~2~
temperature reaches a preselected level. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the thresho~d temDerature level is selected by the user at the control box 1~. The neat sensinq device also comprises a laver ~0 of relativelv heat absor~inq material Positioned directly underneath the ~irst Drotective chamber de~ined bY the cover 44 and the base ~lat~orm ~ib.
The layer 50 of relatively heat absorbinq material is ~rotectively enclosed inside a second protective chamber de~lne~ by the Platform 36, a second chamber peripheral wall 52 and a second chamber bottom wall 54. The second protective chamber is adaPted to protect the relatively heat absorbinq material 50 aqainst moisture or other deteriotinq aqents. The relatively heat absorbinq material 5U is adapted to provide thermal inertia to the heat sensinq device thus Preventinq the device from unwantinqly sendinq a siqnal when onlY a brie~ tem~erature peak is reached in the chimney.
The heatinq sensinq device synerqisticallY com~lnes with the other components of the cleanina devlce lU since these comPonents which could initially be thouqnt of as creatinq an o~structlon to the drau~qht of the chimneY and thus as potential fire hazards are now used as deflective means for deflectinq and transmittinq the heat carried bY the smoke to the heat sensinq device.
A spacing chamber is positioned underneath the second protective chamber enclosinq the layer 50 of relativelY heat abgorb~ng material. The spacinq chamber is defined bY the bottom wall 54 o the second Drotective chamber, a set of ~eri~heral spacinq elements S6 and a sDacinq chamber bottom wall Si3. ~rhe sPaC~nq chamber bottom wall 5~ is ~rovided with a s~acinq chamber ~ .
~, ~ v ~ G, ~ ~
2~8~
bottom wall aperture 6U extendi w therethrou~h. The aperture 60 allows smoke and fumes emanatinq ~rom the chimney and refered to b~
the numeral 60 to enter the spacinq chamber. The periDheral spa,-inq between the sracinq elements 5~, allows the smoke 62 to escar,e radially from the snacinq chamber.
A third rrotective chamber is Dositioned underneath the spacinq chamber. ~l~he third Drotective chamber is formed out of a Perir,heral sheet o~ material ,,q. ~ e third r,rotectlve cnam~er is adapted to r,rotectivel~ surround the cleaninq brush ~0 attached ~ -to the cable L8 and the associated cable tensionin~ counterweiqhts --66 when the latter are in their upPermost position. The Deripheral sheet of material o4 is provided with a set of ventinq aperture 68 adapted to allow the smoke 62' to escape radiallY from the third protective chamber. The sheet of material 64 is fixed to the spacinq chamber bottom wall 58 by a set of suspendinq leqs 'I0.
The clearance between the sheet of material 6g an~ the sDacinq chamber bottom wall 58 allows the smoke ~2'' to escaPe radiallY.
The cleaninq device lU is ~ixed to the chimneY 14 ~Y either one of two metho~ds deDendinq on whether the chimneY 14 ha~ a ~ -venting pire outlet 1~, as illustrated in ~iq.l, ,~, 'I and U or whether the chimney 14 does not have a ventinq riPe outlet 1~ as illustrated in ~iq. '~'a, fJf and 1". When the chimnev 14 has a vending pipe outlet, a set of fixinq leqs 7~f fixed at the toD end to the spacinq chamber bottom wall "~ extend vertically throuqh the third protective chamber beYond the lower rim 74 of th~ -peripheral sheet of material 64. 'rhe lower rim 74 is adaPted to be abbutinqly rested on the ven~inq DiDe outle~ lZ while a securinq , ""- ,,"",; ,"",~ ",~ . ,; ", , . .;.i ,~ . . , . ,~
` 2~29~
rinq 76 havin~ a tiqhteninq mecnanism )8 tiqhtly squeezes the fixinq leqs 72 around the pipe outlet 12.
As illustrated more specifically in fi~q~.2a. when the chimney 14 does not make use of a ventin~ Pipe outlet, a set of substantially 'L'-shaped leqs ~0 are ri~idlY fixed to the correspondinq fixinq leqs ~/2. 'rhe ~L'-shaped leqs ~ are adapted to be fixed to the chimneY lg bY conventional ~ixinq means such as bolts 82. lrypically~ when the latter arranqment is used, the sheet of material 64~ does not have any ventinq aPerture such as the ventina a~ertures 6~ ot the sheet o~ material ~4.
The clearance between the lower rim 14~ o~ the sheet of material 64' and the chimneY 14 ~rovided bY the 'L'-shaped leqs allows the smoke 62' to escape radially.
Whether the cleaninq device 10 is fixed directlY to the chimney 19 or to the ventinq pipe outlet 1~, the smoke emanatinq from the fireplace 18 is allowed to escape radiallY throuqh at least three suPerposed peripheral exit outlets. These three superposed exit outlets are easilv recoqnized in ~iqures 2 and 2a by the trajectorY of the fumes 62, 6~' and 6~''.
These three suPerPosed evacua~ion outlets constitute a major improvement over the corres~ondinq structure described in ~anadian patent 1,147 ~1~ wh1ch proooses a s~aclnq between the conducts indicated in that ~atent b~ the re~erence numeral 3 and 5. 'l'he super~osed peri~heral out~ets of the ~resent invention allow the smoke to escape the chimneY wi~h a minimal amount o restriction and also further oDtimize the drauqht.
To urther optimize the draught,~he dome cover 4g i5 qiven a -: 2~2~
substantiallY hal~ oval cross section as lllustrated clearlY in fiq.2 instead of the half roun~ cross section illustrated in Canadian patent 1,141,512. Whenever the wind hits one side of the half oval dome cover 44, an aerodYnamical suctlon effect is created on the opposinq side which ~urther enhances the drauqht of the chimney.
When the channel 84 of the chimney 14 has a non-circular cross section, as illustrated in ~iqures 8, 9 and 10 showinq respectively oval, square and rectanqular cross sections, the -cleaninq brush 3~ must have a corresPondinq shape in order to ~-adequately clean the perlpheral sur~ace of the channel ~4. --In fiqures 2a, 8, 9 and 1~, the elements 12, 14 an~ ~4 are ~ollowed bv the letters a, b and c resPeCtiVell~ to indicate oval, scuare and rectanqular cross sections.
When such a non-circular cleaninq brush 30 is used, a set of guidin~ pins 86 extendinq from the sPacinq chamber ~ottom wall 58 are adapted to Prevent the brush 30 from rotatinq. 'rhe brush 30 is prevented from rotatinq in order to allow it to be ~-fittingly inserted in the channel 84 when the cable Z8 is lowered.
As stated previouslY, the cable 28 is adapted to be wlnded and unwinded around the cable 26 bY the motor ~2 which is controlled by the control box 16. ~-~
Two em~odiments will now ~e descr1bed in order to illustrate embodiment~ o~ mechanisms adaPted to send aPDroPrlate siqnals to the contro~ box 16. Ln the ~irst o~ these two em~odiments, the cable ~ extenas throuqh the vertical branc~. Y4 o~ a su~stantially 'T'-shaped actuator 96. ~rhe vertical branch Y4 is adaPted to 2~82~
~.
slide inside a sleeve 88 extendinq verticallY throuqh the second protective chamber. A lever 98 of the toqqle switch 100 is inserted inside a horizontal branc~ of the "l"-shaped actuator 96. The toqqle switch l~U which is ~ixe~ to the base platform 36 is linked to t~e control box lb bv a ca~le 1~9. A set o~ abbutinq pins 108 are strateqically fixed to the cable ~ resPective1Y
ad~acent the top and bottom ends o~ tne cable ~8. ~rhe toqqle switch 100 is used to invert the rotation of the motor ~.
To initiate a cleaninq cycle, the user pushes on a ~utton of the control box 16. Electrical Power is sent to the motor 22 and with the lever 98 in its upper position illustrated in fiq.4, the motor 22 rotates the drum ~6 so that tne cable unwinds and the brush 30 is lowered into the channel 84 of the chimneY 1~.
When the brush ~0 reaches the preselected level adiuste~ bY
prepositioninq the Pin 1~6 on the cable ~, as illustrated in fiq.
9a~ the pin 1~6 will abbut on the horizontal branch 102 of the actuator 96 which will ln turn lower tne lever Y~ of the switch 100 thus invertinq the rotation o~ the motor ~. The arum ~6 will thus rotate in the opPosite direction windinq the cable ~8 and llfting the brush 30 bac~ to its oriqinal position. When the brush reaches its oriqinal position, the ~in 10~ abbuts aqainst ~he vertical branch 94 of the actuator Y6 thus liftinq the lever Y8 as illustrated in fiq.4, so that when a new cleanina cYcle is initiated, the brush wi~l be lowered into t~le channel ~ o~ the chimney 1~.
With the second embodiment o~ mechanism adaDte~ to send the si~na~ to the control box 16, an in~ra~red ra~ is used instead of /~
y~ , ,,;" ~ " " ",:",",. "1~""J", ", ~ , ' ", ,,, '' , ~ ,, I " ~
r ~
~fJ~,t: ' ~ i' ' ~ ' ~ ' , " , , j 2~29~
the togq1e switch 10U. Referinq to fiq.~, there is shown an infra-red transmitter 110 adapted to send an infra-red beam 112 towards an infra-red receiver 114.
An oPtically obstructinq tonq 11~ is Divotally mounted on a pivot base 11~ ~ixed to the base Plat~iorm ~ he cable ~iU is slidinqiY inserted inside a rinq l~0 ~ormed inteqrallY with one end of the tonque 11~ while the other ena of t~e ~onaue 11~ is adapted to ~ivot in order to obstruct the Dassaae of the infra-red beam 112 between the transmitter llU and tne recelver 114. A set of abbutinq Pins 106` and 10~` are ~ixed to the cable 28 respectively adjacent the top and lower end o~ the cable ~. The cable 28 and its associated pins are ada~ted to slide lnslde a --sleeve 88` extendinq throuqh the second ~rotective chamber. ~rhe infra-red beam 122 like the lever 98 of the toqqle swltch 100, is adapted to determine the direction of the motor 22. When the lever pin 108`abbuts aqainst the rinq 120, the tonque lL~ allows the passaqe of the beam 1~ thus sendlnq a siqnal to the motor 22 to rotate accordinqlv in order to lower the ~rush ~u. When the pin 106 abbuts aqainst tne rlnq 1~0 as illustrated in ~ia.6a, the tongue 116 is ~ivoted in a ~osition interceptina the ~eam 112. In ~uch a position a si~nal is sent to the motor 22 to invert its rotation so that the brush ~0 will be li~ted.
Claims (7)
1- A chimney cleaning device adapted to be fixed to a top outlet port of a chimney, said chimney being adapted to evacuate smoke emanating from a fireplace, said device comprising:
A first protective chamber protectively enclosing a motor and a drum rotatively coupled to said motor, a brush suspended to a cable, said cable being adapted to be winded and unwinded on said drum respectively to raise and lower said brush inside said chimney, a second protective chamber positioned underneath said first protective chamber and protectively enclosing a relatively heat absorbing material. a spacing chamber positioned underneath said second protective chamber, said spacing chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a spacing chamber peripheral wall, said bottom wall being provided with a bottom wall aperture for receiving said smoke emanating from said fireplace and said spacing chamber peripheral wall being provided with a set of spacing chamber peripheral wall apertures for allowing said smoke to escape radially from said spacing chamber, a third protective chamber having a third protective chamber peripheral wall for circumferentially encircling said brush when said brush is at its highermost position, said third protective chamber peripheral wall being provided with a set of third protective chamber peripheral wall apertures for allowing said smoke emanating from said fireplace to escape radially from said third protective chamber, a signalling means adapted to send a signal to said motor for selectively making said motor lower said brush into said chimney from said highermost position to a position adjacent said fireplace and to raise said brush back to its original position, a heat sensing means positioned adjacent said relatively heat absorbing material for sensing a temperature level adjacent said heat absorbing material and sending a signal to a remote location when said temperature level exceeds a predetermined level.
A first protective chamber protectively enclosing a motor and a drum rotatively coupled to said motor, a brush suspended to a cable, said cable being adapted to be winded and unwinded on said drum respectively to raise and lower said brush inside said chimney, a second protective chamber positioned underneath said first protective chamber and protectively enclosing a relatively heat absorbing material. a spacing chamber positioned underneath said second protective chamber, said spacing chamber having a top wall, a bottom wall and a spacing chamber peripheral wall, said bottom wall being provided with a bottom wall aperture for receiving said smoke emanating from said fireplace and said spacing chamber peripheral wall being provided with a set of spacing chamber peripheral wall apertures for allowing said smoke to escape radially from said spacing chamber, a third protective chamber having a third protective chamber peripheral wall for circumferentially encircling said brush when said brush is at its highermost position, said third protective chamber peripheral wall being provided with a set of third protective chamber peripheral wall apertures for allowing said smoke emanating from said fireplace to escape radially from said third protective chamber, a signalling means adapted to send a signal to said motor for selectively making said motor lower said brush into said chimney from said highermost position to a position adjacent said fireplace and to raise said brush back to its original position, a heat sensing means positioned adjacent said relatively heat absorbing material for sensing a temperature level adjacent said heat absorbing material and sending a signal to a remote location when said temperature level exceeds a predetermined level.
2 - A chimney cleaning device as recited in claim one wherein said third protective chamber is fixed to set spacing chamber by a set of spacing legs and wherein said spacing legs provide a spacing between said spacing chamber bottom wall and said protective chamber, said spacing allowing said smoke emanating from said fireplace to escape radially between said spacing chamber bottom wall and said protective chamber.
3 - A chimney cleaning device as recited in claim one wherein the first protective chamber has a dome-shaped cover, said dome-shaped cover having a substantially half oval cross-section.
4 - A chimney cleaning device as recited in claim one wherein said signalling means comprises a "T"' shaped actuator having a vertical branch and a horizontal branch, a toggle switch having a lever, a first abutting pin fixed to set cable adjacent a top end of said cable and a second abutting pin positioned adjacent a lower end of said cable, said cable being adapted to slide inside said vertical branch of said "T" shaped actuator and said lever of said toggle switch being partially inserted in said horizontal branch of said "T" shaped actuator whereby when said brush reaches its said lowermost position said first abutting pin abuts against said actuator pivoting said lever downwardly and when said brush reaches said higher most position said second abutting pin abuts against an actuator pivoting said lever upwardly.
5 - A chimney cleaning device as recited in claim one wherein said signalling means comprises an infra-red transmitter adapted to send an infra-red beam towards an infra-red receiver, an optically obstructing tongue pivotally mounted between said infra-red transmitter and said infra-red receiver, means for pivoting said obstructing tongue in an obstructing relationship With said beam, preventing said beam from reaching said receiver when said cable reaches said lowermost position and means for pivoting said obstructing tongue in a non-obstructing relationship With said beam allowing the passage of said beam between said transmitter and said receiver when said brush reaches said highermost position.
6 - A cleaning device as recited in claim one wherein said brush has a non-circular peripheral configuration and wherein instead of guiding pins extended vertically from said spacing chamber for preventing said brush from unwantingly rotating when said brush is in said third protective chamber.
7 - A cleaning device as recited in claim one having a centering bracket positioned adjacent said drum, said centering bracket having a centering bracket aperture, said cable being adapted to extend though said centering bracket aperture for centering said cable substantially in line with a rotation axis of said drum.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082996 CA2082996A1 (en) | 1992-11-16 | 1992-11-16 | Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention features |
| PCT/CA1993/000487 WO1994011676A1 (en) | 1992-11-16 | 1993-11-16 | Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention features |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082996 CA2082996A1 (en) | 1992-11-16 | 1992-11-16 | Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention features |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2082996A1 true CA2082996A1 (en) | 1994-05-17 |
Family
ID=4150695
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2082996 Abandoned CA2082996A1 (en) | 1992-11-16 | 1992-11-16 | Chimney cleaning apparatus with built-in fire prevention features |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2082996A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1994011676A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020167973A1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-08-20 | Robbins Vernal | Systems, devices, and/or methods for cleaning chimneys |
Families Citing this family (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2918740A1 (en) * | 2007-07-09 | 2009-01-16 | Pierre Joseph Michel Furnion | Chimney pipe cleaning device for e.g. industrial domain, has electric motor or gear motor managed by electronic that is activated by control, where control drive cable equipped with metallic or plastic ballast scraper in to and fro movement |
| DE102010062037A1 (en) | 2010-11-26 | 2012-05-31 | Kutzner + Weber Gmbh | Cleaning device for fireplaces |
| FR3000538B1 (en) * | 2013-01-02 | 2016-12-09 | Patrice Vercouter | AUTONOMOUS AND PREVENTIVE RAMONING DEVICE FOR PERMANENTLY MOUNTING ON A CHIMNEY |
| DE102016125545B3 (en) | 2016-12-23 | 2018-06-07 | Giacomo Burgio | Device for automated cleaning of chimneys |
| CN107218614A (en) * | 2017-05-18 | 2017-09-29 | 象州县科学技术情报研究所 | Suspension type apparatus for removing ash from chimney |
| CN113332818B (en) * | 2021-07-07 | 2022-06-10 | 南京信息工程大学 | Dust collector is used in environmental engineering construction with purification performance |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2459424B1 (en) * | 1979-06-18 | 1986-08-01 | Zaniewski Michel | DEVICE FOR VENTILATING PREMISES AND DRAWING CHIMNEYS |
| US4256257A (en) * | 1979-07-02 | 1981-03-17 | Pinkerton Carl A | Automatic chimney cap |
| CA1147512A (en) * | 1982-05-20 | 1983-06-07 | Gilles Rioux | Electrical chimney sweep |
| US4512055A (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-04-23 | Speedy Automatic Chimney Sweep, Inc. | Chimney cleaning apparatus with motor drive |
| US4505000A (en) * | 1984-02-16 | 1985-03-19 | Speedy Automatic Chimney Sweep, Inc. | Chimney cleaning apparatus |
| US4727617A (en) * | 1985-12-09 | 1988-03-01 | Bardini Armando J | Chimney cleaning apparatus |
-
1992
- 1992-11-16 CA CA 2082996 patent/CA2082996A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
1993
- 1993-11-16 WO PCT/CA1993/000487 patent/WO1994011676A1/en active Application Filing
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2020167973A1 (en) * | 2019-02-13 | 2020-08-20 | Robbins Vernal | Systems, devices, and/or methods for cleaning chimneys |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1994011676A1 (en) | 1994-05-26 |
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