EP3861254B1 - Fire column - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a column of fire with the preamble features of claim 1, in particular for forming a swirling flame.

In such fire columns, usually with a glass cylinder as an outer shell, the flame is rotated with swirling air, so that the "tornado-like" appearance creates a special visual attraction for the viewer. In the US Patent 7,097,448 This flame image is described as “corkscrew-shaped”. Such flame images are also from the printed matter US 2013/0011800 A1 and the DE 20 2007 018 478 U1 known. US 2013/011800A1 discloses a fire column according to the preamble of the attached claim 1. When using bio-ethanol and similar fuels, such fire or flame columns are also suitable in apartments and serve primarily for decoration, but also for the relaxation of the residents, as is often the case with open fireplaces ( or simulated fireplaces on monitors). In addition, such fire columns are used outdoors, e.g. B. used on terraces, whereby these then serve as light and heat sources on colder evenings.

From the US 8,641,413 Such a fire column is known, in which a base of the same diameter is arranged at the lower end of the glass cylinder, in which a large number of blade guide elements are arranged in a helical or helical shape. In Fig. 8, the air inflow and turbulent flame zone are clearly shown. The glass cylinder is placed on the base (same with the US 2014/0290643 A1 ) and can therefore e.g. B. can be easily knocked over by children playing. The risk of accidents and injuries is therefore considerable, especially since the outer shell, which begins at the height of the brazier, can become relatively hot. At the US 2014/0290643 A second concentric glass cylinder was used for this purpose, but this significantly increased the construction effort.

The construction effort is also at the US 8,641,413 relatively high because the individually attached guide elements are combined with a metal ring. In addition, this guide device is divided into two parts so that one half can be swiveled out, for example. B. to gain access to the brazier when lighting or extinguishing the flame. This is also due to the fact that the glass cylinder is relatively hot, so it should only be removed while wearing gloves. At the US 7,097, 448 The outer shell is intended to remain relatively cold due to several tangential inflow gaps, but the shell is at least in two parts and is therefore relatively complex to manufacture or assemble.

The invention is therefore based on the object of improving such a fire column in terms of safety and construction effort.

This task is solved by a fire column according to claim 1. Appropriate configurations are the subject of the subclaims.

By putting the outer casing over the guide elements as proposed, a secure hold is achieved, since the inner wall of the outer casing surrounds the guide elements with a slight clearance fit. This axial overlap is preferably approximately 20% of the height of the outer shell, so that in combination with a relatively solid foot or base part, it is hardly possible for the glass cylinder to be accidentally knocked over. The overlap results in a further advantage that the outer edges of the guide elements are enclosed by the outer shell, so that no separate component is required to delimit the individual air channels between the guide elements. The aforementioned clearance fit largely prevents supply air from passing from one air duct to the adjacent air duct, but still allows the outer shell to be lifted vertically easily. The advantage here is that the large number of air channels (e.g. six with six guide elements) cools the outer shell (in particular the inner wall of the glass cylinder) through increased flow speed, so that the lower area of the glass cylinder (and possibly the middle area at the level of the Flame exit above the fuel container) remains relatively cool. This minimizes the risk of burns and the outer cover can be removed by grasping the lower, cool area without gloves to extinguish the flame.

This creates a chimney effect not only in the upper area of the fire column due to the thermals, but also in the individual air ducts between the guide elements. These can also be designed in the shape of a nozzle in order to increase the flow speed for cooling purposes. A blower or fan (as in the above-mentioned prior art) is therefore not required, which further reduces the construction effort and increases the usability in the garden (outdoor). In addition, the guide elements can be manufactured in a cost-saving manner together with the base part (including fuel holder) as a cast part, whereby the guide elements for the preferred formation of air vortices in an oblique or helical shape can also be produced in one manufacturing step. If the main orientation of the guide vanes is axial, they can also be extruded together with the fuel intake in the form of a heat sink tube, which can significantly reduce production costs (for larger quantities). Such extruded or continuously cast parts also have a high degree of dimensional accuracy, which can ensure the above-mentioned clearance fit even without machining.

The generation of an air vortex rotating around the vertical axis of the fire column is particularly intensive thanks to the helical air guide elements mentioned, but even with only slightly slanted blade surfaces, intensive turbulence is already achieved the initially axial, largely laminar air flow in the area of the flame becomes increasingly turbulent. Even with purely axial inflow from the lower part of the fire column, turbulence in the form of a flickering fire is possible at the level of the flame due to this chimney effect (with good cooling of the lower area of the inner wall of the fire column). Since the flame pattern also depends on the amount of air supplied, the lower supply air cross section (before entering the guide elements) can preferably be changed.

The outer shell preferably consists of fireproof glass, in particular in the form of a cylinder with an open end face. Such pipes can be manufactured with high precision (to ensure the above-mentioned clearance fit) and are relatively inexpensive due to series production (e.g. for use in the chemical industry). However, other shapes and materials are also possible, e.g. B. a metal tube with windows in the style of a lamp or a metal grid or metal net. The outer shell preferably rests at its lower end on a plurality of radially aligned pins which are attached to a base part which surrounds the interior of the fuel container. This can also be designed for fuel paste or used to hold wood pellets or other fuels.

The base part is preferably made of metal in order to ensure the required stability together with a relatively heavy base plate, especially in the version as a so-called table fire. The fire column can also be arranged elevated in order to increase the lighting effect, in particular with a holder in the manner of a so-called patio heater or with a support, e.g. B. in the form of a ground spike for the garden area. The above-mentioned pins can also be at the lower end of the z. B. three guide elements can be formed or attached, so that the number of components is further reduced. The height of the pins can be adjusted to adjust the supply air cross section, in particular they can be designed as eccentric pins, so that the flame pattern can be varied. The outer shell can also have a wavy or stepped shape at the lower end in order to regulate the air gap by twisting it around the vertical axis. Perforated discs in a horizontal orientation or perforated rings that can rotate against each other are also conceivable in order to regulate the supply air or to smother the fire in the fire column when the slots provided therein are closed.

Several embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawings.

• Fig. 1 eine Feuersäule im Schnitt;
• Fig. 2 (a) und (b) je eine Feuersäule in erhöhter Ausführung;
• Fig. 3 eine Feuersäule gemäß Fig. 1 in Perspektivansicht;
• Fig. 4 (a) und (b) je eine Schnittdarstellung mit verschiedenen Leitelementen; und
• Fig. 5 (a) und (b) je eine Ausführung eines Brennstoffbehälters für Pellets.

Show here:

• Fig. 1 a pillar of fire in section;
• Fig. 2 (a) and (b) one fire column each in an elevated version;
• Fig. 3 a pillar of fire according to Fig. 1 in perspective view;
• Fig. 4 (a) and (b) a sectional view each with different guide elements; and
• Fig. 5 (a) and (b) one version of a fuel container for pellets.

In Fig. 1 a fire column 1 is shown with a base part 2 which has a fuel container 2a and a base plate 2b. Several guide elements 3 are arranged on the base part 2, which are designed here as helical sheets in order to generate an air vortex in an outer shell 4 placed over it. This is preferably designed as a transparent glass cylinder and thus provides a view of the base part 2. The flame enclosed on the circumference by the outer shell 4 is fed by fuel (of any consistency possible), in particular bio-ethanol or fuel paste, from the (recessed) fuel container 2a and receives the required amount of air via a supply air opening 6 (in the form of an annular gap) in the lower one Area of the fire column 1, more precisely at the lower, open end of the outer shell 4.

The inflowing air is deflected by the guide elements 3 to form a vortex or flow with a swirl. The amount of air can be varied via the cross section of the supply air opening 6, e.g. B. pins 5 can be adjusted in height. In the setting shown here, the cross section above the base plate 2a corresponds approximately to the passage volume between the base part 2 and the outer shell 4, with the relatively thin guide elements 3 here hardly reducing the passage. The outer shell 4 resting on the pins 5 (here three pieces with a pitch of 120° on the circumference of the base part) is placed over the guide elements 3 with a close fit or slight play fit and touches them in at least some places,

In Fig. 2 the column of fire 1 is shown in an elevated version, namely in Fig. 2a with a frame-like support 2c, for. B. to be placed on a terrace, In Fig. 2b the support 2c is designed like a rod or spike in order to be anchored in the garden ground with this holder in the manner of a ground spike.

In Fig. 3 is the pillar of fire according to Fig. 1 shown in perspective. The helical course of the guide elements 3 is clearly visible from this, as is the upper opening in the base part 2, in order to form a fuel container 2a there. The schematically indicated flame fed from this also rises in a rotating manner due to the targeted air vortices or at least flickers in the glass cylinder 4. The achievable height, e.g. B. up to ¾ of the outer shell 4 can be adjusted in particular by the combustion behavior of the fuel (preferably ethanol) and by the air supply.

In Fig. 4 Two side views of the base part 2 are shown, which here each has four guide elements 3, i.e. with a 90 ° division. The guide elements 3 are largely here aligned in the axial direction (to the vertical axis) and have a shape that widens upwards in order to form four nozzle channels on the circumference of the base part 2 and to accelerate the supply air from the opening 6, In Fig. 4a the outer shell 4 is placed over the guide elements 3 with a tight fit, so that their outer edges 3a almost touch the inner wall of the outer shell. In order to make it easier to put it on despite this clearance fit, the inner edge 4 'is preferably ground conically, so that the outer cover 4 can be placed in a self-centering manner and then supported on the pins 5. The pins 5 are here molded onto the lower end of the guide elements 3, in particular cast in one piece.

In Fig. 4b the guide elements 3 are inclined to the dash-dotted vertical axis and here have thin extensions 3 'in the manner of so-called winglets. These can be easily glued or soldered onto the guide elements 3 in order to increase the turbulence. The pins 5 are attached to the base part separately from the guide elements 3, preferably by means of eccentric bushings 5 ', in order to vary the height of the glass cylinder 4 and the supply air cross section relative to the base plate 2a.

In Fig. 5a The fire column is designed for the combustion of wood pellets, using the principle of the wood gasifier. For this purpose, a perforated plate 7 is inserted in the lower area of the fuel container 2a, under which several supply air openings 8 (here in the form of perforations or slots) are provided. As a result, primary air flows into the fuel container 2a below the pins 5 and through the pellets piled up on the perforated plate 7 (not shown here, as this commercially available fuel is used to operate pellet stoves). The supply air openings 8 can also be in the floor. or base plate 2b can be inserted so that the pellets in the fuel container 2a are flowed through evenly and the desired wood gas is formed through carbonization or pyrolysis (substoichiometric partial combustion). This is mixed at the upper end of the fuel container 2a with the secondary air swirled via the guide elements 3 and then burns (depending on the air supply) with a lower or higher flame. The air supply is here through (ring) slides (not shown) at the supply air openings 8 (or also 6 and/or 8' in Fig. 5b ) adjustable.

In order to keep the flame centrally, the fuel container 2a has a hood or partial cover 9 that is open in the center and is in particular shaped like a roof or truncated cone. This can also extend beyond the upper edge of the fuel container 2a, as indicated in dashed lines, in order to enable air to be supplied to the inside, namely via upper supply air openings 8 '. These are also more pronounced in their execution Fig. 5b provided, namely ring-shaped in the upper region of the fuel container 2a, the fuel container 2a preferably being double-walled on its circumference is. As a result, a partial air flow moves upwards along the circumferential surface in order to then be guided radially inwards into the combustion zone. This achieves effective and relatively clean combustion of the pellets, since the hood 9 in particular stabilizes the flame.

In summary, the small number of components results in a puristic design with low manufacturing costs. The stable construction increases safety and simplifies operation. In addition, various designs are also possible for outdoor use, whereby the light output or heat delivery can be varied as required, especially when using wood pellets. It can also be used indoors as a so-called "table fire", as bio-ethanol burns largely without odor or soot, which can also be achieved by the swirling nature of the flame.

Claims (15)

1. Fire column, the flame of which is fed by a fuel container (2a), in particular for bio-ethanol, and is surrounded by an outer casing (4), wherein supply air flows in largely axially in the lower region of the outer casing (4) via a plurality of guide elements (3) and is preferably set in a helical rotation to form a vortex flame, wherein the outer casing (4) is placed over the guide elements (3)
   characterized in that
   the inner wall of the outer casing engages around the guide elements (3) with a small clearance fit and the outer edges of the guide elements (3) are enclosed, so that no separate component is required to delimit the individual air channels between the guide elements and a transfer of supply air from one air channel to the adjacent air channel is largely prevented, however, an easy lift-off of the outer casing in a vertical direction is still possible, and that the outer casing (4) rests at its lower end face on several pins.
2. Fire column according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer casing (4) is centered in upright position by outer edges (3a) of the guide elements (3).
3. Fire column according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide elements (3) surround the fuel container (2a), in particular are attached to it.
4. Fire column according to one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the outer casing (4) rests at its lower end face on radially aligned pins (5).
5. Fire column according to claim 4, characterized in that the pins (5) are attached to a base part (2) which surrounds an interior of the fuel container (2a).
6. Fire column according to claim 5, characterized in that the base part (2) comprises a stand plate (2b), preferably of metal, in particular detachably connected.
7. Fire column according to claim 5, characterized in that the base part (2) is mounted on an elevated holder or support (2c).
8. Fire column according to one of the claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the pins (5) are molded or attached to the respective lower end of the guide elements (3).
9. Fire column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (3) are integrally molded to the base part (2), in particular as a casting with three guide elements (3) offset by 120°.
10. Fire column according to one of the claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the pins (5) are adjustable in their height position, in particular are designed as eccentrics (5').
11. Fire column according to one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer casing (4) is formed as a one-piece glass cylinder, in particular as a refractory tube, or is made of metal with apertures, in particular as a mesh.
12. Fire column according to claim 11, characterized in that the lower inner edge (4') of the outer casing (4) is conically ground and/or fused on.
13. Fire column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lower region of the fuel container (2a) a perforated plate (7) is inserted, under which supply air openings (8) are provided.
14. Fire column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel container (2a) has a partial cover (9) which is open in the center and is in particular shaped like a roof or a truncated cone.
15. Fire column according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that further supply air openings (8') are provided in the upper region of the fuel container (2a), wherein the fuel container (2a) is preferably of double-walled construction at its circumference.

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