EP2597371A1 - Wood-burning heating device with continuous supply - Google Patents

Abstract

The device (1) has a storage unit (4) for accommodating wood logs (5) and comprising a supply opening (41). An introduction opening (40) comprises a lid (6) movable between open and tight closed positions. The supply opening is connected to an input hopper (28) transversely extending inside of the storage unit with respect to a horizontal plane (P). An angle is selected such that the logs contained in the storage unit are delivered successively into a combustion chamber (10) while sliding by gravity along the input hopper and by measuring combustion of the logs contained in the chamber.

Description

Technical area :

The present invention relates to a wood heating device fed by logs including compressed wood and / or traditional type, said device comprising a combustion chamber arranged to accommodate at least one log at a time, equipped with at least one external air intake port, at least one outlet of combustion fumes, and communicating with ash recovery means from the combustion of said logs, said device comprising continuous supply means of said combustion chamber.

Prior art:

There are currently many models of heaters fueled with wood logs on the market. Thanks to improvements in recent years, these devices are now much more efficient than in the past and advantageously, for most of them, a return of the order of 80%. Furthermore, modern inserts, boilers, or wood stoves fit perfectly into a logic of environmental protection, their operation based not only on a renewable energy source but also allowing to considerably reduce the emissions of dioxide. of carbon and to remove any pollution by sulfur.

Nevertheless, despite all these advantages, the use of such heating devices, powered by wood logs, is still often limited to auxiliary heating, because their operation is generally dependent on the availability of a user taking care of introduce the logs regularly into the firebox. Indeed, the few attempts to automate the supply of logs such wood heating devices, allowing their operation regardless of the presence of a user, did not meet the expected commercial success, mainly due to the complexity of the proposed systems, not conducive to their generalization .

Thus, the publication FR 2,668,581 proposes for example an automatic feeding mechanism of a wood boiler having a plurality of superimposed and inclined slides, for directing logs to a collector channel, itself coupled to a log mount adapted to convey said logs to a loading chute connected to said boiler. Such a solution assumes the implementation of numerous technical means connected to each other and likely to gradually deregulate or even cause a failure of the mechanism in the absence of permanent maintenance. Therefore, such a solution is not only expensive from the point of view of its manufacture but also of its use. Moreover, it has the disadvantage of only operate with previously calibrated logs, those not having adequate dimensions always requiring manual introduction into the combustion chamber. Finally, such a mechanism for automatic feeding of a boiler occupies a large volume and assumes to have a location of suitable size, which is hardly compatible with real estate prices still rising.

Another alternative, known from the publication FR 2,721,096 plans to equip a wood-burning appliance with a feed system comprising a plurality of log storage bins coupled to stepping means and means for pushing said logs contained in said bins; inside said heater. This solution, raising disadvantages similar to those mentioned above, does not give more satisfaction and so far has not experienced the expected commercial success.

Presentation of the invention

The present invention aims at overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a wood-fired heating device fed automatically and continuously for a given period of time, independently of the presence of a user, by means of a simple structure system. and bulky, so as to minimize its cost, maintenance and congestion. Another object of the invention is to propose such a wood heating device whose continuous feeding system works equally well with logs of calibrated dimensions, such as logs of compressed wood, as with traditional logs of which the dimensions are slightly variable relative to each other within the same category.

For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a wood heating device of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that it comprises a store arranged to accommodate a plurality of superimposed logs, said store comprising at least one opening of introduction said logs in said magazine and at least one feed opening communicating with said combustion chamber, arranged to allow the passage of at least one log from said magazine to said combustion chamber, said insertion opening having a movable cover between a open position and a sealed closed position while said feed opening is connected to at least one feed ramp extending transversely inside said magazine and forming, with respect to a horizontal plane, an angle α chosen so such that said logs contained in said magazine are delivered successively in said combustion chamber issuant by gravity along said feed ramp as and when combustion of said log contained in said combustion chamber.

According to a feature of the invention, said angle α is between 40 ° and 50 °.

According to a preferred embodiment, said magazine comprises at least one peripheral wall connected to a bottom defining said feed ramp, said insertion opening being formed near the upper end of said peripheral wall while said opening feed is formed near said bottom.

On the other hand, the invention is also characterized in that said peripheral wall comprises at least one thermally insulated partition separating it from the circuit made by the hot convection air inside said heating device. Preferably, the peripheral wall also has at least a part of a rear face or a side face of the heating device.

According to a preferred embodiment, the heating device according to the invention comprises a management unit arranged to select different modes of operation of said device.

The heating device according to the invention is also characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the open position of said lid.

Advantageously, said cover may further comprise a return spring for causing its automatic return to its sealed closed position.

Furthermore, the heating device according to the invention is also characterized in that said feed opening comprises at least one flap arranged to pivot between an open position in which the passage of at least one log contained in said store to said combustion chamber is allowed and a closed position in which the passage of at least one log contained in said magazine to said combustion chamber is prohibited.

Advantageously, said magazine may comprise at least one internal separation partition making it possible to define at least two compartments for storing said logs inside said magazine.

Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the heating device according to the invention may comprise means for detecting the presence of logs in said store.

In this case, said means for detecting the presence of logs in said magazine can be arranged to trigger a complementary heating device when the quantity of logs contained in said magazine is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Alternatively, said means for detecting the presence of logs in said magazine may further comprise warning means arranged to indicate that the amount of logs contained in said magazine is less than a predetermined threshold value.

Brief description of the drawings:

• la figure 1 est une vue frontale d'un dispositif de chauffage selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de dessus du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 1,
• les figures 3 et 4 sont des vues en coupe longitudinale du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 1, selon deux plans de coupe distincts, illustrant respectivement le circuit des fumées de combustion et le circuit de l'air de convection à l'intérieur dudit dispositif de chauffage,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe transversale simplifiée du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 1 dans lequel le magasin comporte quatre compartiments, et
• la figure 6 est une vue en coupe longitudinale simplifiée du dispositif de chauffage de la figure 1 dans lequel le magasin comporte deux compartiments.

The present invention and its advantages will appear better in the following description of an embodiment given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• the figure 1 is a front view of a heating device according to the invention,
• the figure 2 is a top view of the heater of the figure 1 ,
• the Figures 3 and 4 are views in longitudinal section of the heating device of the figure 1 according to two distinct section planes, respectively illustrating the combustion flue gas circuit and the convection air circuit inside said heating device,
• the figure 5 is a simplified cross-sectional view of the heating device of the figure 1 wherein the magazine has four compartments, and
• the figure 6 is a simplified longitudinal sectional view of the heating device of the figure 1 wherein the magazine has two compartments.

Illustration of the invention and best way to achieve it:

With reference to the figures, the invention relates to a device 1 for wood heating, such as for example a wood stove, intended to be fed both with logs 5 obtained from compressed wood and logs of traditional type, according to the choice of the user. These two types of logs have specific properties known, adapted both to different expectations and needs of a user to the configuration of the space in which the heater 1 is implanted.

In the variant embodiment illustrated, the heating device 1 comprises, in a conventional manner, a combustion chamber 10 equipped with an external combustion air intake port 11 and a coupled combustion fumes outlet orifice 12. a fan 18 for forced extraction of said combustion fumes via a flue (not shown). As illustrated in figure 3 , the combustion air arrives from the outside environment towards the combustion chamber 10 while circulating inside a sealed conduit 110 in the direction indicated by the arrows F0 , whereas the combustion fumes are directed by means of a deflector 24 to a sealed duct 120 in which they circulate in the direction indicated by the arrows F1 in the direction of the outlet orifice 12.

The combustion chamber 10 further comprises a receptacle 13, the dimensions of which are such that it allows it to accommodate at least one log 5 at a time. Said receptacle 13 is preferably removable and has perforated walls of a plurality of holes 14 allowing on the one hand the arrival of the combustion air to the home and on the other hand the evacuation of the ash from the combustion successive logs 5 to a removable collection tank 17 and intended to be emptied periodically by a user. A movable gate 16, disposed between the receptacle 13 and the recovery tank 17, also makes it possible, if necessary, to manually shake the ashes contained in the receptacle 13 in order to facilitate their fall into the collection tank 17 and to ensure perfect circulation of combustion air in the combustion chamber 10.

The illustrated heating device 1 is of the electronically controlled type, and as such comprises means for automatically igniting the fire in said combustion chamber 10, such as for example at least one electric spark plug 15 (cf. Fig. 3 ) allowing an electronic ignition of the log 5 contained in the receptacle 13. According to other embodiments, in which the wood heating device according to the invention would be of traditional type, the log 5 could also be ignited manually, by example using a liquid or solid firelighter, newspaper, small wood, or any other similar ignition means.

Heat exchangers 20 also cause the transfer of the heat produced by the combustion of the logs 5 to the circulating convection air, from an inlet orifice 21 coupled to a fan 22, in the direction of the arrows F2 through a conduit watertight 210 (cf. Fig. 4 ). The convection air is discharged to the ambient environment by means of a series of ventilation fins 23, possibly motorized.

The front face 25 of the heating device 1 further comprises, in a conventional manner, a glazed door 19, movable between a sealed closed position and an open position obtained only when the heating device 1 is off and cold. The glazed door 19 mainly allows to visualize the flames rising in the combustion chamber, for the purpose as well to check the smooth running of the combustion as to enjoy the beauty of the fire. Its opening makes it possible to proceed to the cleaning of the combustion chamber 10, the receptacle 13 or of said glass door 19. In the case of a wood-burning device of traditional type, the opening of the glass door 19 also allows the manual introduction into the combustion chamber 10 of the various means of manual ignition of the fire mentioned above.

According to the invention, the heating device 1 also comprises means for automatically feeding the combustion chamber 10, allowing it to operate continuously for a predetermined period of time, by avoiding the compulsory presence of a user to regularly introduce logs 5 into the receptacle 13 via the glass door 19.

As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 , the heating device 1 comprises for this purpose a magazine 4, 400, 410 arranged to accommodate a plurality of superimposed logs. According to the invention, in the embodiment shown, the magazine 4, 400, 410 is defined by the rear face 26, a portion of the side faces 27 of the heating device 1, a bottom 28, and a partition 29 thermally insulated separating it from the circuit made by the hot convection air inside the sealed conduit 210.

The magazine 4, 400, 410 has an insertion opening 40 formed by the upper ends of the partition 29, rear faces 26, and side 27 of the heating device 1. The opening 40 allows the filling of the magazine 4 by the introduction of the logs 5. It comprises a lid 6 movable between an open position allowing access to the magazine 4, 400, 410 and a sealed closed position prohibiting this access. In order to prevent any inadvertent introduction of air into the store 4, 400, 410 and the ignition of the logs contained therein, the cover 6 and / or the opening 40 includes a seal guaranteeing the sealing of the position closed of said cover 6. The latter returns to its closed position by gravity, and can also be equipped with means, such as for example a return spring (not shown) or any other similar means, to ensure in all circumstances its return automatically to the sealed closed position. Similarly, the heating device 1 may comprise means for detecting the open position of the cover 6, such as, in particular, a probe (not shown) connected for example to sound or visual signaling means, where appropriate linked to a delay in case of non-closure of the sealed lid 6, to an automatic closing mechanism of the lid, to a delay or to means able to cut the operation of the heating device 1.

The magazine 4, 400, 410 also comprises a feed opening 41 communicating with the combustion chamber 10 and whose dimensions allow the passage of at least one log 5 at a time from said magazine 4, 400, 410 to said chamber In accordance with the invention, the feed opening 41 is connected to the bottom 28 of the magazine 4, 400, 410 which, with respect to a horizontal plane P , forms an angle α, preferably between 40 ° and 50 °. °. Thus, the logs 5 contained in the magazine 4, 400, 410 are delivered automatically and successively into the receptacle 13 of the combustion chamber 10 by sliding by gravity, as and when the combustion of the log 5 contained in the receptacle 13, along the bottom 28 advantageously defining a feed ramp.

According to an additional feature of the invention, the feed opening 41 comprises at least one pivoting flap 7 arranged to occupy an open position in which the passage of at least one log 5 contained in the magazine 4, 400, 410 to the combustion chamber 10 is authorized and a closed position in which the logs 5 are retained in said magazine 4, 400, 410. The closed position of the pivoting flap 7 allows in particular to proceed to a cleaning of the combustion chamber 10 without having to emptying the magazine 4, 400, 410, or simply stopping the supply of the combustion chamber 10 and therefore the operation of the heater 1.

The heating device 1 may comprise a magazine 4 without internal partitioning (cf. Fig. 3 and 4 ), in which the logs 5 simply rest on each other and are organized relative to each other as and when they are introduced into said magazine 4 and their sliding along the bottom 28. As illustrated to the figure 5 , the heating device 1 may also comprise a magazine 400 equipped with four compartments 300 of vertical axis delimited by internal vertical partitions 32, 33, 34. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. figure 6 , the heating device 1 may comprise a magazine 410 having two compartments 310 of vertical axis delimited by a vertical partition 31, interposed for example halfway between the rear face 26 of the heating device 2 and the insulated partition 29. Well Of course, the dimensions of the magazine 4, 400, 410 and the compartments 300, 310 are variable and adjusted with respect to the size of the logs 5 that they are supposed to contain and to the quantity of logs 5 that the user wishes to store in the magazine 4, 400, 410. The compartmentalized configurations are more particularly suitable for large volume stores they optimize optimally through organized stacking and no game logs 5 which can therefore be welcomed more numerous. Of course, other embodiments in which the magazine is compartmentalized differently from the illustrated examples are also conceivable.

Furthermore, the heating device 1 may be equipped with means for detecting the presence of logs 5 in the magazine 4, 400, 410 arranged, if necessary, to trigger a complementary heating device when the quantity of logs 5 contained in said magazine 4, 400, 410 is less than a pre-established threshold value. Such a complementary heating device can be defined for example by an oil boiler, an electric central heating, a pellet stove or any other heating device able to take over in the event of a stoppage of operation of the wood heating device. 1 according to the invention.

Alternatively, the means for detecting the presence of logs 5 in said magazine 4, 400, 410 may also simply comprise warning means, such as in particular a light or sound signal, the sending of a message via a network of signals. telecommunications, arranged to indicate to a user that the amount of logs 5 contained in the magazine 4, 400, 410 is less than a predetermined threshold value and that a filling of the magazine 4, 400, 410 is required.

Moreover, in order to optimize its operation as much as possible, the heating device 1 can be coupled to a management unit (not shown) controlled, if necessary, remotely by means of a remote control and in particular making it possible to manage the speed of combustion. , and / or the speed of rotation of the fans as well as any other operating parameter of said heating device 1.

Possibilities of industrial application:

It is clear from this description that the invention achieves the goals set, namely to propose a heating device 1 fed by logs of wood 5 of any type and structure, as well calibrated such as logs of compressed wood than uncalibrated, said heater having a increased autonomy thanks to a longer burning time without human intervention. The heating device 1 according to the invention further comprises a simple structure allowing its manufacture at lower cost and requiring only limited maintenance. In addition its compact structure has a small footprint and allows its installation in a small room, including a living room of a home.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described but extends to any modification and variation obvious to a person skilled in the art while remaining within the scope of protection defined in the appended claims. In particular, although it has been described in the context of a stove-like heating device, the present invention also relates to other wood-burning appliances such as, for example, inserts, stoves, fireplaces. wood-fired central heating boilers or any other appliance of the same type, modified to incorporate a 4,400,410 store and, where appropriate, suitably sized.

Claims (13)

Heating device (1) with wood fed with logs (5) including compressed wood and / or traditional type, said device comprising a combustion chamber (10) arranged to accommodate at least one log (5) at a time , equipped with at least one orifice (11) for external air inlet, with at least one orifice (12) for outputting the combustion fumes, and communicating with means for recovering ash from the combustion of said logs (5), said device comprising means for continuously feeding said combustion chamber (10), characterized in that it comprises a magazine (4, 400, 410) arranged to accommodate a plurality of superimposed logs (5) , said magazine (4, 400, 410) having at least one insertion opening (40) of said logs (5) in said magazine (4, 400, 410) and at least one feed opening (41) communicating with said combustion chamber (10) arranged to allow the passage of at least one e log (5) of said magazine (4, 400, 410) to said combustion chamber (10), said insertion opening (40) having a lid (6) movable between an open position and a sealed closed position while said supply opening (41) is connected to at least one feed ramp (28) extending transversely within said magazine (4, 400, 410) and forming, with respect to a horizontal plane ( P ), an angle α chosen such that said logs (5) contained in said magazine (4, 400, 410) are successively delivered into said combustion chamber (10) by sliding by gravity along said feed ramp (28) as the combustion of said log (5) contained in said combustion chamber (10). Heating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said angle α is between 40 ° and 50 °. Heating device (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said magazine (4, 400, 410) comprises at least one peripheral wall connected to a bottom (28) defining said feed ramp, said insertion opening (40) being formed near the upper end of said peripheral wall while said feed opening (41) is formed near said bottom (28). Heating device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said peripheral wall comprises at least one thermally insulated partition (29) separating it from the circuit made by the hot convection air inside said heating device (1 ). Heating device (1) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that said peripheral wall comprises at least a portion of a rear face (26) or a lateral face (27) of the heating device (1). Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a management unit arranged to select different modes of operation of said heating device (1). Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the open position of said cover (6). Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (6) comprises a return spring for causing its automatic return to its sealed closed position. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said feed opening (41) comprises at least one flap (7) arranged to pivot between an open position in which the passage of at least a log (5) contained in said magazine (4, 400, 410) to said combustion chamber (10) is authorized and a closed position in which the passage of at least one log (5) contained in said magazine (4, 400, 410) to said combustion chamber (10) is prohibited. Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said magazine (400, 410) comprises at least one internal partition wall (31, 32, 33, 34) for defining at least two compartments (300, 310) for storing said logs (5) within said magazine (400, 410). Heating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for detecting the presence of logs (5) in said magazine (4, 400, 410). Heating device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that said means for detecting the presence of logs (5) in said magazine (4, 400, 410) are arranged to trigger a supplementary heating device when the quantity of logs (5) contained in said magazine (4, 400, 410) is less than a pre-established threshold value. Heating device (1) according to any one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said means for detecting the presence of logs (5) in said magazine (4, 400, 410) comprise warning means arranged to indicate that the quantity of logs (5) contained in said magazine (4, 400, 410) is less than a pre-established threshold value.

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