EP3757476B1

EP3757476B1 - Heating apparatus

Info

Publication number: EP3757476B1
Application number: EP20180997.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Carlo Piazzetta; Fabio De Zen
Original assignee: Gruppo Piazzetta SpA
Current assignee: Gruppo Piazzetta SpA
Priority date: 2019-06-26
Filing date: 2020-06-19
Publication date: 2023-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-06-19
Also published as: IT201900010197A1; EP3757476A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a heating apparatus, in particular an apparatus which can be supplied with pellet.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

Many heating apparatuses have been proposed which can be supplied with wood or pellets or can also operate alternately with both of these fuels.
Often these apparatuses include a heat exchanger designed to allow the heat exchange between air to be heated and combustion fumes.
However, most of the existing apparatuses does not guarantee a satisfactory heat exchange, if not by providing complex or expensive measures.
With particular reference then to storage stoves, they often no longer comply with the regulations with reference to emissions and there is also the need to renew the worn hearth.
Moreover, they are supplied by wood, which entails limits in connection with loading frequency and control electronics.
EP1327825A1 , US5343819A , KR101757737B1 and ITB020100577A1 teach solutions according to the prior art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a new heating apparatus, in particular an apparatus which can be supplied with pellet.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus as indicated above which guarantees a high heat exchange between air to be heated and combustion fumes.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a new apparatus which can be manufactured quickly and easily starting from a storage stove, for the conversion of the latter from wood to pellets and for the conversion from heat transmission to room for radiation in heating apparatuses with forced ventilation heat transfer or heating by forced ventilation of the heat storage.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that can be easily maintained.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus equipped with an effective system for channeling the heat or the air heated in it.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an apparatus according to claim 1 is provided.
The dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be more evident from the description of an embodiment of an apparatus, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings in which:

figures 1 and 2 are perspective views slightly from above and from respective sides of an apparatus according to the present invention;
figures 3 to 16 are cross-section views or with parts removed of the apparatus in figure 1.

In the attached drawings equal parts or components are marked by the same reference numbers.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the attached figures, a heating apparatus 1 for rooms or premises, such as rooms of homes or offices according to the present invention has been illustrated, having a frame 2 delimiting a positioning and combustion chamber or combustion chamber PCC of a fuel.
The frame 2 includes a main part 3 as well as a door 4 constrained, for example hinged to the main part 3 and movable with respect to the latter between an open position and a closed position of an access opening to the combustion chamber PCC. The access opening is preferably at the front of the apparatus defined by door 4.
The door 4 can be equipped with double-glazing or glass ceramic 4a as well as a counter-door 4b for aesthetic purposes, for example always in glass ceramic.
The apparatus 1 further comprises or defines a transmission circuit 5 of primary air to be heated and conveyed in an environment external to the heating apparatus, such as a room in a house or an office, as well as a circuit 6 for conveying fumes of combustion generated in the combustion chamber PCC following the combustion of a fuel in the presence of comburent air.
The transmission circuit 5 and the conveying circuit 6 are clearly defined or delimited by the frame 2 and mainly or above all by the respective main part 3.
As regards in particular the combustion chamber PCC, it is delimited by a bottom or base wall 3a, by the door 4 as well as by a curved vertical wall or by several vertical walls 3b, 3c, 3d suitably inclined and constrained to each other, which extends/extend upwards starting from the edges, for example lateral and rear of the base wall 3a and which is/are fluid tight constrained to the latter. If several vertical walls are provided, they can include two sides 3b and 3c as well as a rear wall 3d, which is distal from the door 4.
The walls 3a, 3b, 3c and 3d are, preferably internal, components of the main part 3 of the frame 2.
The transmission circuit 5 and the conveying circuit 6 are at least for part of their extension in heat exchange ratio between them, so that the air conveyed in the transmission circuit 5 is heated by the combustion fumes in the conveying circuit 6.
The expression heat exchange means that the air within the transmission circuit 5 is in heat exchange by interposing a wall, preferably a metal wall of the frame, with the combustion fumes conveyed into the conveying circuit 6.
Naturally, the transmission circuit 5 or better the air transmission channel defined by it is fluid-tight, also by means of special gaskets not described in detail, with respect to the conveying circuit 6 or better the fume conveying channel defined by it, so that the ambient air to be heated is not mixed with the combustion fumes, but it is only in thermal exchange with them.
More specifically, the transmission circuit 5 comprises at least one first section 5a and at least one second section 5b, while the conveying circuit 6 comprises at least one first portion 6a in heat exchange ratio with the first section 5a as well as at least one second portion 6b in heat exchange ratio with the second section 5b.
Preferably, the second section 5b is a section of the transmission circuit 5 following or downstream of the first section 5a. Even more preferably, the second section 5b is a section adjacent and subsequent to the first section 5a, so that the exit end of the first section 5a corresponds to the entry end of the second section 5b, so that the air outgoing from the first section 5a enters in the second section 5b.
Clearly, the transmission circuit 5 can also have a connecting section between the first 5a and the second 5b section as well as other sections before or after the latter.
Advantageously, the second portion 6b is a portion of the conveying circuit 6 subsequent or downstream of the first portion 6a. Even more preferably, the second portion 6b is a portion adjacent and subsequent to the first portion 6a, so that the exit end of the first portion corresponds to the entry end of the second section 5b, in a manner such that the fumes coming out of the first portion 6a enter the second section 5b.
Clearly, the conveying circuit 6 can also have a connecting portion between the first 6a and the second 6b portion as well as other portions before or after the latter.
Also in this case, the expression heat exchange means that the air conveyed within the first section 5a is in heat exchange by interposing a wall, preferably a metal wall of the frame 2, with the combustion fumes conveyed within the first portion 6a, while the air conveyed within the second section 5b is in heat exchange by interposing a wall, preferably a metal one of the frame, with the combustion fumes conveyed within the second portion 6b. Preferably, the first section 5a has at least one wall in common with the first portion 6a and the second section 5b has at least one wall in common with the second portion 6b.
The first section 5a and the first portion 6a are in heat exchange ratio for all or part, at least 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of their length and the same applies to the second section 5b and the second portion 6b.
Moreover, in accordance with the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first section 5a and the first portion 6a extend along a first direction A-A, while the second section 5b and the second portion 6b extend or have a main direction along a second direction B-B, which is inclined, if desired orthogonal, with respect to the first direction A-A of main development of the first section 5a and the first portion 6a.
Preferably, the first section 5a and the first portion 6a are parallel to each other, and furthermore the second section 5b and the second portion 6b are parallel to each other.
If desired, the first section 5a and the first portion 6a are vertical or inclined with respect to the horizontal, while the second section 5b and the second portion 6b are horizontal or substantially horizontal or vice versa.
The expression "substantially horizontal" means that the second section 5b and the second portion 6b are preferably inclined with respect to the horizontal by an angle between 0° and 30°.
Clearly, different configurations could also be provided, but with an angle between the first 5a and the second 5b section, for example between 45° and 135°, if desired between 60° and 120° or between 80° and 100° and/or with an angle between the first 6a and the second 6b portion, for example between 45° and 135°, if desired between 60° and 120° or between 80° and 100°.
The first section 5a and the second section 5b are not end sections of a respective curved segment, also because a curved segment would not guarantee the desired turbulence. Moreover, the first 5a and the second 5b section are preferably straight.
In the same way, the first 6a and the second 6b portion are not end portions of a respective curved segment, also because a curved segment would not guarantee the turbulence to be obtained. On the other hand, the first 5a and the second 5b portion are preferably rectilinear.
The terms "vertical", "horizontal" and "inclined" must clearly refer to the main extension of the ducts, sections or portions, where the main extension refers to the length or main dimension between a respective air or fumes inlet end and a respective air or fumes outlet ends.
As an alternative or in addition to the condition indicated above, the relative arrangement between the first section 5a and the first portion 6a is different from that between the second section 5b and the second portion 6b, whereby the primary air in the passage from the first 5a to the second 5b section and combustion fumes in the passage from the first 6a to the second 6b portion undergo a variation not only or not necessarily directional, for example from vertical to horizontal or vice versa, but also relative to the shape and/or size of the passage section of the respective circuit 5, 6, the latter being able, for example, to vary from square, rectangular or circular to annular with a circular, square, rectangular base or with a base with other shape or vice versa.
In this regard:

the first portion 6a can be internal to the first section 5a and the second section 5b internal or in any case not enveloping or not including, for example alongside the second portion 6b, or
the first section 5a can be internal to the first portion 6a and the second portion 6b internal or in any case not enveloping or not including, for example alongside the second section 5b, or
the second portion 6b can be internal to the second section 5b and the first section 5a not internal and not enveloping or not including, for example alongside the first portion 6a, or
the second section 5b can be internal to the second portion 6b and the first section 5a not internal and not enveloping or not including, for example alongside the first portion 6a.

Thanks to the arrangement indicated above, an outflow of air from the first 5a to the second 5b section and of the fumes from the first 6a to the second 6b portion is obtained, such as to implement the heat exchange between the primary air and the combustion fumes, since a turbulent motion is imparted to air and to fumes.
The best heat exchange is naturally obtained when both the above described conditions (inclined sections and portions and sections and portions alternately one inside the other or as now indicated) are present.
Preferably, the transmission circuit 5 of air to be heated and conveyed, as well as the conveying circuit 6 of combustion fumes develop on one or both sides 9, 10 of the apparatus.
If desired, the transmission circuit 5 comprises at least one first section 5a and at least one second section 5b on a first side 9 of the apparatus as well as at least one first section 5a and at least one second section 5b on a second side 10 of the apparatus.
More particularly, according to the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the first section 5a comprises a first duct 5c which extends externally and preferably parallel to a respective side wall 3b, 3c which delimits the combustion chamber PCC and in a vertical direction or inclined with respect to the horizontal, while the second section 5b comprises a second duct 5d, which extends starting from the bottom of the first section 5a in a horizontal direction or in any case inclined with respect to the horizontal to a lesser extent than the first section.
Preferably, the second section 5d extends to a level lower than the bottom wall or base 3a.
The first 5c and/or the second 5d duct can/could have a square, rectangular, circular or other geometry cross section.
In this case, the conveying circuit 6 can instead comprise at least one first portion 6a and at least one second portion 6b on a first side 9 of the apparatus as well as at least one first portion 6a and at least one second portion 6b on a second side 10 of the apparatus.
Clearly in this case, a first section 5a on a first side 9 would be in heat exchange with a first portion 6a on that side 9 and at least one second section 5b on the first side 9 would be in heat exchange with a second portion 6b on that side and the same applies to the first 5a and second 5b sections and first 6a and second 6b portions on the second side 10.
Always according to the embodiment shown in the figures, the or a first portion 6a comprises a third duct 6c which extends externally and parallel to a respective side wall 3b, 3c of the combustion chamber PCC and in a vertical or inclined direction with respect to the horizontal, while the or the respective second portion 6b comprises a fourth duct 6d, which extends starting from the bottom of the first portion 6a in a horizontal direction or in any case inclined to a lesser extent than the first portion with respect to the horizontal.
Preferably, the or each second portion 6b extends to a level lower than the bottom wall or base 3a.
Advantageously, the third duct 6c of one or each first portion 6a is mounted externally to a respective lateral wall 3b, 3c, and thus the latter actually constitutes a wall of the third duct 6c and in this lateral wall 3b, 3c, a through upper opening UO is delimited in such lateral wall, which is arranged to place in fluid communication the combustion chamber PCC or better the top of the same with the channel defined by the third duct 6c, so that the combustion fumes can pass from the combustion chamber PCC or better from the top of the same within the third duct 6c.
The lower, in use end 6e of the third duct 6c is mounted, for example bolted and opening into a lower opening LO delimited by a wall or section of upper wall 6d1 of the fourth duct 6d.
The third duct 6c and/or the fourth duct 6d could/can have a square, rectangular, circular or with another geometry cross section.
As regards instead in detail the first 5c and the second 5d duct, the first duct 5c comprises an external wall 5c1, for example substantially parallel to a respective lateral wall 3b, 3c, an internal wall or proximal to the combustion chamber PCC corresponding to the external wall of a respective third duct 6c and to the side wall section 3b, 3c not wrapped by the latter, a front wall 5c2 and a rear wall 5c3. The first duct 5c, according to the embodiment shown in the figures, is thus in heat exchange with the combustion chamber PCC with the interposition of a respective side wall 3b, 3c.
With reference now to the bottom or lower part of the first duct 5c, this ends at the front of the fourth duct 6d, since the latter does not extend up to the front wall Sc2, so that a space FS is defined in front at the front end of the fourth duct 6d, from which the external air to be heated can enter the second duct 5d. With regard to this aspect, the front end of the fourth duct 6a may also have a front opening 6a1 at which the second duct 5d opens and the first 5c is connected.
The second conduit 5d is instead arranged or extending within a tubular or box-shaped body defining the fourth conduit 6d.
Clearly, a different configuration could also be envisaged, in which the fourth duct 6d extends up to the front wall 5c2, and a connection section between the first or second duct is also provided, which is shaped as an elbow or not or with other configurations such as to guarantee the passage of air between first and second duct and combustion fumes between third and fourth duct, of course preventing mixing between air to be heated and combustion fumes from occurring. In this regard, special gaskets not illustrated in detail may also be provided.
Moreover, as an alternative to the variant shown in the figures, there could be a first section of the transmission circuit internal to a first portion of the conveying circuit and a second section external to the first portion or one of the configurations indicated above or in any case such as to impart to the air external in the passage from the first section to the second section and/or to the fumes in the passage from the first to the second portion a variation not only or not necessarily directional, from vertical to horizontal or vice versa, and such as to determine a turbulent motion due to a variation of the shape and/or dimensions of the passage section, the latter being able, for example, to vary from square, rectangular or circular of the first section or of the first portion to annular with a circular, square, rectangular base or with a base with other shape of the second section or of the second portion or vice versa.
The configuration of the sections of the transmission circuit and of the portions of the conveying circuit could be the same on both sides of the apparatus or even different between the two sides 9, 10.
If desired, the transmission circuit 5 has at least one air inlet or suction opening 5f at the top on the front of the apparatus 1, if desired covered by a grid or the like component 11 and at least one discharge opening 5g at the bottom at the rear of the apparatus 1, each discharge opening 5g can be delimited by an end of a second section 5b.
Clearly, the suction opening 5f would open or be in fluid communication with the or each first duct 5c, so that air from outside could be conveyed within the latter.
As indicated above, the conveyor circuit 6 of combustion fumes can instead develop starting from a top area of the combustion chamber PCC towards the bottom of the apparatus and therefore towards the rear of the latter. More specifically, the conveying circuit 6 of combustion fumes can extend from the sides of the combustion chamber PCC towards the bottom of the apparatus and then towards the rear of the latter.
Combustion fumes exhaust ducts can then be provided, for example extending upwards and then to a chimney.
According to the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in the figures, a downward heat exchange in equi-current would occur between primary air and combustion fumes, but of course an inverse flow could also be provided, from the bottom to the top of the primary air and/or combustion fumes so as to have a counter-current heat exchange or upward equi-current between primary air and combustion fumes.
The apparatus can then comprise at least one brazier 12 protruding into the combustion chamber PCC, as well as a trigger element 13 for triggering the combustion of a fuel, such as pellets in or on the brazier 12. Appropriate means for activating the trigger element 13, such as a spark plug 13a, cables 13b or other suitable components.
The apparatus can also comprise a delivery line 14 of comburent air in the combustion chamber PCC, for example in the brazier 12.
The brazier 12 can have a tubular body, if desired mounted in the bottom or base wall 3a.
The tubular body can include an external tubular or cylindrical wall 12a and an internal tubular or cylindrical wall 12b defining between them a collector zone CZ served by the delivery line 14 of air to be conveyed (after passing through the zone CZ) towards a hollow or lower portion PCC1 of the combustion chamber PCC defined by the brazier 12 or better by the internal tubular wall 12b, after passing through first holes 12c delimited in the internal tubular wall 12b and second holes 12e delimited in a terminal transverse wall 12d mounted on one end, in use, lower of the internal tubular wall 12b and in fact intended to close, apart from the optional holes 12c, the latter at the bottom.
The internal tubular wall 12b can have a tapered configuration from top to bottom or towards a respective end wall 12d, or for example have an truncated cone upper section 12b1 with a decreasing section from top to bottom and also if desired a lower section, for example straight 12b2, in which the delivery line 14 or the delivery end of a piece of the latter can be inserted. The first holes 12c can be delimited for example in the lower straight section 12b for example at an upper end thereof.
The brazier 12 can also include a deflector 12f mounted on the upper edge or top of the internal tubular wall 12b, which deflector 12f can extend only for part of this edge, in particular for part of the front section or facing towards the door 4 of the same.
The delivery line 14 can be provided with a connecting duct 15 fitted in the external tubular or cylindrical wall 12a and opening into the collector zone CZ.
The delivery line 14 can then be provided with a terminal duct 16 mounted within the connecting duct 15 and in which a trigger element is housed, if desired an electric or a spark plug 13. This electric element could for example include a resistance, if desired inserted inside a sealed metallic cylindrical body, so that the Joule effect generated as a result of the electric power supply of the resistance causes an increase in the temperature of the cylindrical body until it becomes incandescent, thereby heating the air lapping it, which then enters inside the brazier 12 igniting the combustion of the fuel, for example wood pellets.
The terminal duct 16 can have an end 16a distal from the brazier 12 delimiting one or more through holes or slots 17 or an open distal end and a proximal end 16b open or with holes and mounted or fitted in the external tubular wall 12a and internal 12b so as to open in the recessed or lower portion PCC1, if desired immediately above the end wall 12d.
With such a structure, the air delivered through the delivery line 14 is conveyed into the connecting duct 15 thus passing in part through the holes 12c, 12e of the internal tubular wall 12b and, if desired of the end wall 12d and also into the end duct 16, thereby reaching the hollow or lower portion PCC1 passing in part around the trigger element 13. Clearly, all or only part of these passages for the comburent air could be provided.
The delivery line 14 can also have or alternatively to what is now described a branch 18 for the transmission of the comburent air at the door 4.
The branch 18 can comprise, among others, one or more initial ducts 18a, if desired horizontal and one or more vertical or non-horizontal ducts 18b which develop on one or both sides of the apparatus, if desired around the door 4 and which are in fluid communication or arranged to convey comburent air towards a first transverse duct 18c extending on the front of the apparatus or at the section of the frame 2 defining the front engagement zone of the door 4. The transverse duct 18c is preferably in a position higher than the base wall 3a.
Close to or in front of the first transverse duct 18c a second transverse duct 18d can be mounted or connected and these ducts are in fluid communication with each other by means of respective small holes or openings 18e.
In the second transverse duct 18d are then delimited one or more holes 18f for supplying comburent air inside the combustion chamber PCC, in particular starting from an upper frontal area of the same.
Clearly, the branch 18 of the delivery line 14 can also be structured in a different way, if desired without the first or second transverse duct.
The delivery line 14 is advantageously but not necessarily insulated or fluid-tight with respect to the environment around or for the installation of the apparatus, as well as with respect to the transmission circuit 5. In this case, the apparatus also has one or more suction pipes designed to put in fluid communication a zone different from that of installation of the apparatus 1 with the delivery line 14. This zone could be, for example, an area outside a home served by or in which the apparatus is installed.
Preferably, the apparatus also includes an automatic loader 20 of fuel, for example pellets, in the combustion chamber PCC. Such automatic loader 20 can comprise an auger 21 suitably operated by means of a respective gearmotor 21a, which is mounted in a first tube 22, if desired inclined with respect to the vertical and ascending when approaching the combustion chamber and therefore a second tube 23, if desired descending when approaching the combustion chamber PCC and opening into the latter, for example in a rear area of the same defined by the wall 3d.
The automatic loader 20 or rather a respective area close to the auger 21 can be loaded manually directly or after introducing the fuel into a tank 24 higher or mounted on top of the apparatus from which the fuel is dropped or slipped, if desired by opening/closing of a suitable valve, towards the automatic loader 20 or towards the respective auger 21.
The tank 24, if provided, can be mounted on the top of the apparatus 1 and can be loaded starting from an upper hatch and/or from a front hatch closed or better openable/closable through a respective door 25, 26. Clearly, the tank 24 could also be provided on the bottom of the apparatus.
Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises at least one first fan component 28a, as well as one or more suction ducts designed to put the first fan component 28a in fluid communication with the transmission circuit 5 and one or more delivery ducts designed to distribute the primary air in one or more rooms to be heated.
Preferably, the first fan component 28a is mounted outside of the frame 2, although it could also be mounted within it. If desired, the first fan component 28a is mounted in a room separated by a wall from the room for the installation of the apparatus.
Moreover, this component 28a can be connected both in the lower part of the apparatus and in the rear, this facilitating installation and making it possible to obtain a suitable channel to extract the hot air from the apparatus and bring it to the rooms to be heated.
Of course, the first fan component 28a can also be mounted so as to push and not suck the primary air into the transmission circuit.
The apparatus can then include a second fan component 28b designed to suck the combustion fumes along the conveying circuit 6.
The second fan component 28b can be arranged in different points of the apparatus, for example in the frame between the front and the rear of the same or even outside the apparatus.
The suction of the combustion fumes by the second fan component 28b can determine a consequent suction of the comburent air along the delivery line 14 within the combustion chamber PCC.
Of course, the second fan component 28b could also be mounted so as to push and not suck the combustion fumes into the conveying circuit.
Alternatively, a natural draft can also be provided for the combustion fumes.
Furthermore, as regards the comburent air, the respective delivery line could be served by means of a respective fan.
If desired, the apparatus 1 also includes a base 29 with the frame 2 being removably mountable thereon.
The base 29 can comprise a guide or a pair of parallel guides 30 in which sliding cross members 31 or similar of the frame are mounted, which cross members 31 are parallel to each other and mounted inferiorly to the frame 2, for example each at a side of the apparatus 1.
Thanks to this arrangement, it is possible to release the frame 2 from the base 29 for maintenance.
The base 29 can then comprise one or more uprights 32, if desired bearing lower feet 33, for example height-adjustable, as well as stiffening crosspieces 34 each extending between two respective uprights 32 and connected to them, for example by means of screws or bolts.
The uprights 32 above support the guide/guides 30 and are connected thereto, if desired by means of screws or bolts.
However, the uprights 32 can comprise a telescopic structure which can be adjusted in length.
The apparatus can then include an electronic control module 36 of the different components, for example fans, sensors, the automatic loader, valves, etc. The electronic control module 36 is preferably mounted outside the frame 2. If desired, the electronic control module 36 is mounted in a room separate by means of a wall from that of the installation of the apparatus.
The electronic control module 36 can be controlled by remote control 37, by another device or by a respective display.
Advantageously, the apparatus also includes a passage circuit 38 of air designed to exchange heat in a convective manner with the combustion chamber.
Such circuit 38 can for example have a first part or gap 38a extending behind the combustion chamber PCC, and thus delimited by the rear wall 3d together with an internal wall 39 which is distal from the door 4. An inlet opening IO is then provided in the circuit 38 and more particularly in the respective first part 38a, if desired an input opening 10 delimited and accessible starting from the bottom of the apparatus. The first part 38a is thus in heat exchange with the combustion chamber PCC by means of the rear wall 3d.
The passage circuit 38 also includes a second part including one or more convective ducts 38b which depart through the combustion chamber PCC and at the top thereof, between the first part 38a and the front of the apparatus immediately behind the door 4. The convective ducts 38b can have anterior or proximal end to the door 4 at a level higher than the relative rear end or distal from the door 4. Therefore, the convective ducts 38b are immersed or extend through the combustion chamber PCC.
A third part or plenum 38c can then be provided which develops starting from the first part 38a above the combustion chamber PCC and flows out of the apparatus or at the exhaust openings DO in the first section or first sections 5a of the transmission circuit 5, if desired at the top of the same.
Thanks to the passage circuit 38, in the event that the first fan component 28a is stopped or does not work, there would still be a convective heat exchange, which would allow the expulsion of heat, for example as long as the possible electronic control module realizes the malfunction so as to block the apparatus if a time greater than a threshold value has elapsed. There would therefore be an intermediate phase between a phase of correct operation and a phase of interruption of operation or in any case an operation phase different from that with fan 28a switched on.
Thanks to an apparatus according to the present invention, as will be understood, it is possible to increase the efficiency of the heat exchange between air to be heated and combustion fumes with respect to current solutions, this owing in particular to the, above described in greater detail, expedient according to which the transmission circuit and the conveying circuit have several sections and portions in heat exchange which are inclined to each other and/or because an alternation of air and fumes is provided between internal and external ducts, respectively, or in any case as indicated above.
As a result of this, turbulence is obtained in the air and/or combustion fumes which significantly increases the efficiency of the heat exchange.
In particular, the simultaneous presence of the inclinations between the sections and portions of the circuits 5, 6 and the fact that these circuits pass one inside the other alternately determines an excellent heat exchange between the air to be heated or primary air and combustion fumes.
In this regard, preferably, a fourth, for example horizontal, duct 6d is provided in the lower part of the apparatus in heat exchange with a second, for example even horizontal, duct 5d.
Moreover, an apparatus according to the present invention, depending on the respective structure, can be provided for converting existing storage heaters, in particular those that can no longer be used due to the anti-pollution regulations, from a wood to a pellet operation, which implies a less frequent loading and the possibility of using more advanced electronics.
Always by means of an apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to recover installed storage stoves by transforming them from heat storage apparatuses for heating with transmission of heat to the environment by radiation into heating apparatuses with heat transmission with forced ventilation or heating by means of the forced ventilation of the heat storage.
Furthermore, in an apparatus according to the present invention it is possible (but clearly not necessary) to provide modules mechanically or physically independent or separable from each other, for example each with reduced dimensions with respect to the previous solutions, in particular a hearth module (including the frame 2 delimiting the combustion chamber PCC as well as the transmission circuit 5 and the conveying circuit 6), a module for the base 29, a module for the first fan component 28a and an electronic control module 36 of the components of the apparatus. Owing to this, it is possible to replace or maintain the individual modules separately, as well as arrange them in positions distant from each other or separated also by means of a wall, thus improving safety or even soundproofing.
In this regard, clearly, with the expression "mechanically or physically independent or separable from each other", it is understood that each module can be managed, maintained or replaced, as a single piece independently from the others, although clearly, while using the apparatus, the different modules are connected mechanically and/or electronically, since the base 29 supports the frame 2, the first fan component 28a conveys the primary air into the transmission circuit 5 and the electronic control module 36 manages the operation of the apparatus.
The optional presence of the guides ensures the possibility of properly maintaining the apparatus.
On the other hand, if the delivery line 14 is insulated or fluid-tight with respect to the surrounding environment or where the apparatus is installed, then it is possible to guarantee the entry of comburent air directly from the outside of a house served by the apparatus, thereby avoiding to get this air from the home environment.
Modifications and variations of the invention are possible within the scope defined by the claims.

Claims

Heating apparatus for rooms or premises having a frame (2) delimiting a combustion chamber (PCC) of a fuel, said frame (2) including a main part (3) as well as a door (4) constrained to said main part (3) and movable with respect to the latter between an open position and a closed position of said combustion chamber (PCC), said apparatus further comprising a transmission circuit (5) of primary air to be heated and conveyed in an environment external to said heating apparatus as well as a circuit for conveying (6) combustion fumes generated in said combustion chamber (PCC), said transmission circuit (5) and said conveying circuit (6) being at least for part of their extension in heat exchange ratio between them, so that the air conveyed in said transmission circuit (5) is heated by said combustion fumes in said conveying circuit (6), said transmission circuit (5) comprising at least one first section (5a) and at least one second section (5b), while said conveying circuit (6) comprises at least one first portion (6a) in heat exchange ratio with said at least one first section (5a) as well as at least one second portion (6b) in a heat exchange ratio with said at least one second section (5b), wherein
said at least one first section (5a) and said at least one first portion (6a) extend along a first direction (A-A), while said at least one second section (5b) and said at least one second portion (6b) extend or have a main direction along a second direction (B-B) inclined with respect to the first direction (A-A) of main development of said at least one first section (5a) and of said at least one first portion (6a), and/or

the relative arrangement between said at least one first section (5a) and said at least one first portion (6a) is different from that between said at least one second section (5b) and said at least one second portion (6b), whereby the primary air in the passage from the first (5a) to the second (5b) section and the combustion fumes in the passage from the first (6a) to the second (6b) portion undergo a variation not only or not necessarily directional, but also relative to the shape and/or size of the passage section of the respective circuit (5, 6),

said apparatus being characterized in that
- said at least one first portion (6a) is internal to said at least one first section (5a) and said at least one second section (5b) is internal or in any case not enveloping or not including said at least one second portion (6b), or

- said at least one first section (5a) is internal to the first portion (6a) and the second portion (6b) is internal or in any case not enveloping or not including said at least one second section (5b), or

- said at least one second portion (6b) is internal to said at least one second section (5b) and said at least one first section (5a) is not internal and not enveloping or not including said at least one first portion (6a), or

- said at least one second section (5b) is internal to said at least one second portion (6b) and said at least one first section (5a) is not internal and not enveloping or not including said at least one first portion (6a).
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said at least one first section (5a) is inclined at an angle between 45° and 135° with respect to said at least one second section (5b), while said at least one first portion (6a) is inclined by an angle between 45° and 135° with respect to said at least one second portion (6b).
Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said at least one first section (5a) and said at least one first portion (6a) are vertical or inclined with respect to the horizontal, while said at least one first section (5b) and said first portion (6b) are substantially horizontal or vice versa.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission circuit (5) and said conveying circuit (6) develop on both sides (9, 10) of said apparatus, and in which said transmission circuit (5) comprises at least one first section (5a) and at least one second section (5b) on a first side (9) of the apparatus as well as at least one first section (5a) and at least one second section (5b) on a second side (10) of the apparatus, while said conveying circuit (6) comprises at least one first portion (6a) and at least one second portion (6b) on a first side (9) of the apparatus as well as at least one first portion (6a) and at least one second portion (6b) on a second side (10) of the apparatus.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said transmission circuit (5) has at least one air inlet or suction opening (5f) at the top on the front of the apparatus and at least one discharge opening (5g) at the bottom at the rear of the apparatus.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said combustion fumes conveying circuit (6) develops starting from a top zone of said combustion chamber (PCC) towards the bottom of said apparatus and therefore towards the rear of the latter.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one brazier (12) protruding into the combustion chamber (PCC) as well as a trigger element (13) for the combustion of a fuel in or on said brazier (12).
Apparatus according to claim 7, comprising a delivery line (14) of comburent air in said at least one brazier (12).
Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said brazier (12) comprises a tubular body including an external tubular or cylindrical wall (12a) and an internal tubular or cylindrical wall (12b) defining between them a collector zone (CZ) served by said delivery line (14) of air to be conveyed towards a hollow or lower portion (PCC1) of the combustion chamber (PCC) defined by the brazier (12).
Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said delivery line (14) is provided with a connecting duct (15) fitted in the external tubular or cylindrical wall (12a) and opening in the collector zone (CZ).
Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said delivery line (14) comprises a terminal duct (16) mounted within the connecting duct (15), said trigger element (13) being housed in said terminal duct (16).
Apparatus according to claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein said delivery line (14) comprises a branch (18) for the transmission of the comburent air at the door (4).
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an automatic loader (20) of fuel, for example pellets, in said combustion chamber (PCC).
Apparatus according to claim 13, comprising a upper tank of said fuel (24) from which the fuel can be dropped or slipped towards the automatic loader (20) or towards a respective auger (21), said tank (24) being loadable starting from an upper and/or frontal hatch closed by means of a respective door (25, 26).
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a base (29) on which said frame (2) is removably mounted.
Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein said base (29) comprises a guide or a pair of parallel guides (30) in which cross members (31) of said frame (2) are slidably mounted.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a passage circuit (38) of air designed to exchange heat in a convective manner with said combustion chamber (PCC).
Apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said passage circuit (38) has a first part (38a) extending behind the combustion chamber (PCC) and then an inlet opening (IO) in the circuit (38) and more in particular in the respective first part (38a) is provided, said passage circuit (38) also including a second part having one or more convective ducts (38b) which depart through the combustion chamber (PCC) between the first part (38a) and the front of the apparatus immediately behind the door (4).
Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein said passage circuit (38) comprises a third part (38c) which develops starting from the first part (38a) above the combustion chamber (PCC) and opens into the transmission circuit (5).
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one first fan component (28a) as well as one or more suction ducts designed to put said at least one first fan component (28a) in fluid communication with said transmission circuit (5) and one or more delivery ducts designed to distribute said primary air in one or more rooms to be heated.
Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein said at least one first fan component (28a) is mounted outside the frame (2), if desired in a premise separated by a wall from that of the installation of the apparatus.
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second fan component (28b) designed to aspirate the combustion fumes along said conveying circuit (6).
Apparatus according to claims 8 and 22, in which the aspiration of combustion fumes by the second fan component (28b) determines a consequent suction into the combustion chamber (PCC) of the comburent air along the delivery line (14).
Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claims 15 and 20, comprising:
- a hearth module including said frame (2) delimiting said combustion chamber (PCC) as well as said transmission circuit (5) and said conveying circuit (6),

- a module for said base (29),

- a module for said first fan component (28a), and

- an electronic control module (36) of the components of the apparatus, said modules being mechanically or physically independent or separable from each other, so that it is possible to replace or maintain the individual modules separately, as well as arrange them in positions distant from each other or separated also by means of a wall, thus improving safety or even soundproofing.