EP4607088A1

EP4607088A1 - Fireplace configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets

Info

Publication number: EP4607088A1
Application number: EP25160178.7A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Daniele CARDONE; Luca CARDONE
Original assignee: Dielle SpA
Current assignee: Dielle SpA
Priority date: 2024-02-26
Filing date: 2025-02-26
Publication date: 2025-08-27
Also published as: IT202400003961A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fireplace configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets

The fireplace (10) comprises a combustion chamber (1) for burning an amount of wood, arranged between a first compartment (2) and a second compartment (3), a tank (21) for receiving an amount of pellets and a loading system (20) for loading an amount of pellets to be burned in a brazier (200) from below, and a flue (31).

The fireplace (10) comprises a first duct (41) and a second duct (42), and a smoke extractor (28) connected to a respective opening of each duct and a first diverter valve (32) movable between a first position to allow the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood to enter the flue (31) and prevent it from entering said ducts (41,42), when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by wood, and a second position to prevent the smoke generated from the combustion of said amount of pellets to enter the flue (31) and divert it into the first duct (41), when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by pellets. The smoke extractor (28), the tank (21) and the loading system (20) are arranged in the first compartment (2), and the first diverter valve (32) is arranged in the second compartment (3).

Description

The present invention relates to a fireplace configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets.
In particular, the present invention relates to the structure of a fireplace designed to allow the fireplace to function as a wood-burning fireplace, when fuelled by wood, and as a pellet fireplace, when fuelled by pellets, and to allow an operator to easily inspect the main components of the fireplace to be monitored over time.
For example, such components may be a smoke extractor for the smokes generated by the combustion of an amount of pellets, a tank containing an amount of pellets, and a loading system for loading an amount of pellets into a brazier.
It is preferable that the structure of said fireplace is designed to allow an operator to also inspect electrical or electromechanical components, such as for example a servo-actuator to move a smoke diverter valve between an open position and a closed position, and electronic components, such as for example a logic control unit to control said servo-actuator.
In the event of a fault or malfunction or a maintenance activity, the possibility of inspecting the components mentioned above easily is an important factor in allowing the intervention of an operator and reducing the time necessary for said intervention.
Advantageously, the fireplace comprises a combustion chamber for receiving an amount of wood to burn, as well as a first compartment, arranged below the combustion chamber, and a second compartment, arranged above the combustion chamber.
In other words, the combustion chamber is arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment.
The smoke extractor, the tank and the loading system and preferably said servo-actuator and said logic control unit are arranged in the first compartment.
The first compartment comprises an opening and a door for closing said opening.
Opening the door allows an operator to access the inside of the first compartment and inspect the component(s) of interest.
The second compartment at least partially comprises a flue to allow the smokes generated by the combustion of wood and pellets to exit outside the fireplace, and the smoke diverter valve mentioned above.
When the fireplace is fuelled by wood, the diverter valve allows the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood to enter directly into the flue and exit outside the fireplace. In this case, the diverter valve is open and allows the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood to enter the fireplace.
When the fireplace is fuelled by pellets, the diverter valve diverts the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of pellets into a first duct. In this case, the diverter valve is closed and prevents the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets from entering directly into the flue and exiting outside the fireplace. The first duct is connected to the smoke extractor and, through said smoke extractor, the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets is introduced into a second duct also connected to said smoke extractor.
The smoke that comes out of the second duct is dispersed in the second compartment and enters the flue to exit outside the fireplace.

Prior art

There are currently fireplaces of known type that can be fuelled by wood and pellets.
An example of a fireplace of known type comprises a combustion chamber in which an amount of wood or an amount of pellets is burned, a first compartment and a second compartment.
The combustion chamber is arranged between the first compartment, arranged below the combustion chamber, and the second compartment, arranged above the combustion chamber.
In order for the fireplace of known type to be fuelled by wood, it is sufficient to insert an amount of wood inside the combustion chamber.
In order for the fireplace of a known type to be fuelled by pellets, said fireplace of a known type is provided with a loading system for loading an amount of pellets into a brazier.
The loading system can be positioned behind or to the side of the combustion chamber.
In particular, a tank to contain an amount of pellets is arranged in the first compartment, while a smoke extractor for the smoke generated by the combustion of the pellets and a diverter valve to divert the smoke generated by the combustion of the pellets are arranged in the second compartment.
Furthermore, the second compartment at least partially comprises a flue to expel the smoke generated by the combustion of wood or pellets.
A disadvantage is due to the fact that an operator must access two different compartments to inspect the tank and the smoke extractor, with the resulting loss of time.

Aim of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to overcome this disadvantage, providing a fireplace configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets having a simple structure and a low construction cost, configured to reduce the inspection times of an operator in the event of failure or malfunction or maintenance.
Advantageously, most of the mechanical components and preferably most of the electrical and electronic components of the fireplace can be easily inspected by an operator since they are arranged within the same compartment.

Object of the invention

It is therefore object of the invention a fireplace according to claim 1.
Furthermore, preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

Figure list

The present invention will be now described, for illustrative, but not limitative purposes, according to its embodiment, making particular reference to the enclosed figures, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a fireplace that can be fuelled by wood and pellets, according to the invention, wherein a combustion chamber is arranged between a first compartment, arranged below the combustion chamber, and a second compartment, arranged above the combustion chamber;
Figure 2 is a view of the fireplace, from which some parts have been removed, to show the combustion chamber of the fireplace for burning an amount of wood and a brazier for burning an amount of pellets;
Figure 3 is a front perspective view of the fireplace in Figure 1, from which the door of the first compartment has been removed;
Figure 4 is a front perspective view of the fireplace of Figure 3, from which a side wall of the first compartment has been removed;
Figure 5 is a front perspective view of the fireplace of Figure 4, from which the tank for containing an amount of pellets has been removed;
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the fireplace of Figure 1;
Figure 7 is a view of an upper part of the fireplace, from which portions of the second compartment have been removed, to show a first diverter valve in a first position to allow the passage of the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood (present in the combustion chamber) in the flue of the fireplace;
Figure 8 is a view of a lower part of the fireplace, from which portions of the first compartment have been removed, to show a servo-actuator connected to a rod (partially visible) which is connected to the first diverter valve arranged in the second compartment, when the latter is in its first position;
Figure 9 is a view of an upper part of the fireplace, from which portions of the second compartment have been removed, to show the first diverter valve in a second position to divert the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of pellets into a first duct, external to the combustion chamber;
Figure 10 is a view of a lower part of the fireplace, from which portions of the first compartment have been removed, to show the servo-actuator connected to a rod (partially visible) which is connected to the first diverter valve arranged in the second compartment, when the latter is in its second position;
Figure 11 is a front view of the fireplace, from which the door of the first compartment has been removed, showing the position of a first auger, a second auger and a duct that connects them inside the first compartment, wherein the first auger, the second auger and the duct are part of a loading system for loading an amount of pellets into a brazier from below;
Figure 12 is a side view of the fireplace of figure 11, from which a side wall of the first compartment has been removed, showing the position of a first auger, a second auger and a duct that connects them inside the first compartment, in which the first auger, the second auger and the duct are part of a loading system for loading an amount of pellets into a brazier from below;
Figure 13 is a perspective view of the loading system coupled to a brazier;
Figure 14 shows a detail of the first compartment concerning the presence of a first tube and a second tube, each of which is connected to a box-shaped body having an inlet opening to receive air from the external environment, in which the first tube is directed to the combustion chamber, so that the air enters a cavity of the combustion chamber itself, and the second tube is directed to a connection element that connects the combustion chamber to the brazier, inside which a second diverter valve is arranged;
Figure 15 shows a detail concerning a cavity present in the combustion chamber which allows an amount of air coming from the first tube to exit near a glass portion of the combustion chamber door;
Figure 16 shows a detail of the first compartment concerning the presence of the connection element between the combustion chamber and the brazier and of a second diverter valve to divert an amount of air inside the combustion chamber, so that the air comes out from one or more holes arranged on a wall of the combustion chamber itself, or inside the brazier;
Figure 17 shows the second diverter valve in a first position to divert an amount of air towards the combustion chamber;
Figure 18 shows the second diverter valve in a second position to divert an amount of air towards the brazier;
Figure 19 shows a detail of the first compartment concerning the presence of a shaft which connects the servo-actuator to the first diverter valve and to the second diverter valve.

Detailed description of the invention

With particular reference to Figures, a fireplace 10 configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets is described.
In particular, the fireplace 10 can function as a wood-burning fireplace, when it is fuelled by wood, and as a pallet fireplace, when it is fuelled by pellets.
Consequently, the fireplace 10 cannot be fuelled with wood and pellets at the same time.
As shown in Figure 1, the fireplace 10 comprises a combustion chamber 1 to receive an amount of wood to burn, a first compartment 2, arranged below said combustion chamber 1, and a second compartment 3, arranged above said combustion chamber 1.
In other words, the combustion chamber 1 is arranged between said first compartment 2 and said second compartment 3.
As can be seen from figure 2, the combustion chamber 1 comprises a supporting surface 11 for the amount of wood to burn and said supporting surface 11 is provided with an opening 11A.
The combustion chamber 1 is provided with a door 12.
The door 12 of the combustion chamber 1 comprises at least one glass portion 12A.
Furthermore, the combustion chamber 1 is provided with one or more holes 13A arranged on a first wall 13 of the combustion chamber itself.
Said one or more holes 13A allow the passage of an amount of air inside the combustion chamber 1.
In the example that is described, the combustion chamber 1 is provided with a plurality of holes 13A and said first wall 13 is the rear wall of said combustion chamber 1.
The fireplace 10 further comprises:

a tank 21 for receiving an amount of pellets,
a loading system 20 for loading an amount of pellets to burn in a brazier 200 from below (with respect to said brazier 200),
a flue 31 to expel the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood or said amount of pellets,
a plurality of ducts, external to said combustion chamber 1, comprising:
- a first duct 41 of said plurality of ducts, wherein said first duct 41 has a first opening 41A and a second opening 41B, wherein the first opening 41A of said first duct 41 is at a first height with respect to said combustion chamber 1, and
- a second duct 42 of said plurality of ducts, wherein said second duct has a first opening 42A and a second opening 42B, wherein the first opening 42A of said second duct 42 is at a second height with respect to said combustion chamber 1, greater than said first height,
a first diverter valve 32, called smoke diverter valve, movable between:
- a first position, in which said first diverter valve 32 allows the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood to enter (directly) the flue 31 and prevents said smoke enters said first duct 41 and said second duct 42 mentioned above, when said fireplace 10 is fuelled by wood, and
- a second position, in which said first diverter valve 32 prevents the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets from entering (directly) the flue 31 and diverts said smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets into the first opening 41A of said first duct 41, when said fireplace 10 is fuelled by pellets,
a smoke extractor 28 connected to the second opening 41B of the first duct 41 and to the second opening 42B of said second duct 42, and configured to suck the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets diverted into said first duct 41 from said first diverter valve 32 and to inject it into said second duct 42 in such a way that said smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets comes out from the first opening 42A of said second duct 42 and enter the flue 31.

According to the invention, the smoke extractor 28, the tank 21 and the loading system 20 are arranged inside the first compartment 2, whereas the first diverter valve 32 is arranged inside the second compartment 3.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the smoke extractor 28 (partially visible), the tank 21 (partially visible), and the loading system 20 (partially visible) arranged inside the first compartment 2.
The first compartment 2 is provided with a door 2A to access its interior.
With reference to the brazier 200, said brazier is coupled with the loading system 20.
The brazier 200 can be coupled to the loading system 20 in a removable or removable manner.
In the example that is described, the brazier 200 has an opening 200A with an elliptical shape.
The elliptical shape of the opening 200A of the brazier 200 allows to obtain a flame with a greater width than the flame of a brazier with a circular shape.
The opening 200A of the brazier 200 is spaced from the opening 11A arranged on the supporting surface 11 of the combustion chamber 1.
In the example that is described, the center of the opening 11A of the support surface 11 and the center of the opening 200A of the brazier 200 are aligned, i.e. arranged along the same axis.
However, it is not necessary for the center of the opening 11A of the supporting surface 11 and the center of the opening 200A of the brazier 200 to be aligned.
With reference to the ducts 41,42, the second opening 41B of the first duct 41 and the second opening 42B of the second duct 42 are arranged in the first compartment 2, while the first opening 41A of the first duct 41 and the first opening 42A of the second duct 42 are arranged in the second compartment 3.
Furthermore, the first duct 41 and/or the second duct 42 may be provided with respective heat dissipation means for dissipating heat.
In the example that is described, as shown in Figure 6, the first duct 41 is provided with first dissipation means 411 and the second duct 42 is provided with second dissipation means 412.
Figure 7 shows the first diverter valve 32 in the first position.
With reference to the first diverter valve 32, said first diverter valve 32 comprises a first plate 321.
When said first diverter valve 32 is in the first position, the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 is arranged on a first reference plane perpendicular to the supporting plane 11 of the combustion chamber 1.
Figure 9 shows the first diverter valve 32 in the second position.
When the first diverter valve 32 is in the second position, the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 is arranged on a second reference plane perpendicular to said first reference plane, and therefore parallel to the supporting plane 11.
In other words, the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 rotates through an angle equal to 90° from the first position to the second position and vice versa.
In order to move the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32, said fireplace 10 can comprise:

a servo-actuator 250, preferably an electric or electromechanical servo-actuator, configured to move the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 between the first position and the second position, and
a logic control unit U configured to send a control signal to said servo-actuator 250 to move the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 between the first position and the second position, depending on whether the fireplace 10 is fuelled by wood or pellets.

In the example that is described, said servo-actuator 250 is an electric servo-actuator.
Furthermore, in the example that is described, said logic control unit U can be a processor or a microprocessor.
Advantageously, the servo-actuator 250 and the logic control unit U are arranged in the first compartment 2 so as to reduce the bulk and allow an operator to easily access the servo-actuator 250 and the logic control unit U, so as to check for any faults or malfunctions and carry out any maintenance activity.
In particular, the servo-actuator 250 and the control logic unit U can be arranged inside a container (not shown) positioned near or adjacent to a box-like body 220 mentioned below.
The servo-actuator 250 is connected to the first diverter valve 32 through first connecting means.
Said first connecting means comprise a rod 43, a first arm 44 and a pin 45, arranged externally to said combustion chamber 1.
The rod 43 comprises a first end portion connected to said servo-actuator 250 and a second end portion connected, through said first arm 44, to said pin 45 which is rotatably connected to the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32.
In particular, said first connecting means further comprise a shaft 47 connected to the servo-actuator 250 and the first end portion of the rod 43 is connected to said shaft 47 through a second arm 46 which is rotatably connected to said shaft 47.
The servo-actuator 250 (controlled by the logic control unit U) rotates the shaft 47 in a first direction and in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) and the rotation of the shaft 47 causes the lifting or lowering of the rod 43 based on the direction of rotation.
When the servo-actuator 250 rotates the shaft 47 in a first direction, the rotation of the shaft 47 causes the rod 43 to lift and the first diverter valve 32 moves from its second position to its first position.
When the servo-actuator 250 rotates the shaft 47 in a second direction (opposite to the first direction), the rotation of the shaft 47 causes the rod 43 to lower and the first diverter valve 32 moves from its first position to its second position.
The servo-actuator 250 moves the rod 43 in height between a first position or raised position, in which the second end portion is at a first height, and a second position or lowered position, in which said second end portion is at a second height lower than said first height.
When the rod 43 is in the raised position, the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 is in the first position, and, when the rod 43 is in the lowered position, the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 is in the second position.
In other words, the servo-actuator 250 raises the rod 43 to move the first diverter valve 32 from its second position to its first position and lowers the rod to move the first diverter valve 32 from its first position to its second position.
Figure 8 shows the second arm 46 raised by the servo-actuator 250.
Therefore, the rod 43 is in the raised position and the first diverter valve 32 is in its first position.
Figure 10 shows the second arm 46 lowered by the servo-actuator 250.
Therefore, the rod 43 is in the lowered position and the first diverter valve 32 is in its second position.
It is preferable that the servo actuator 250 is a servo actuator with a spring return.
Advantageously, when the servo-actuator 250 is not powered by an electric current, said servo-actuator 250 moves the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 from the second position to the first position, in case the first plate 321 is in its second position.
Advantageously, in the event of a breakdown or emergency, the smoke generated by the combustion of wood or pellets can enter directly into the flue 31 to exit outside the fireplace.
With reference to the tank 21, said tank can be provided with at least one opening 21A to connect a further tank to receive a further amount of pellets.
The opening 21A of the tank 21 can be closed by a cover 21B removably coupled to said opening 21A.
The opening 21A can be arranged on any wall of the tank 21.
Furthermore, the tank 21 and the loading system 20 can be part of a structure provided with moving means.
Advantageously, the tank 21 and the loading system 20 can be easily extracted from the first compartment 2 to be inspected by an operator (for example to be repaired or maintained) and positioned inside the first compartment 2 at the end of the operator's inspection.
In the example that is described, said moving means comprises a plurality of wheels 210.
As mentioned above, the loading system 20 is designed to load an amount of pellets into the brazier 200 from below and said loading system is arranged inside the first compartment 2.
In particular, said loading system 20 comprises:

first loading means,
second loading means,
a duct 203 connecting said first loading means to said second loading means and has an inlet 203A and an outlet 203B.

Said first loading means are configured to receive an amount of pellets from said tank 21 and to transport said amount of pellets to the inlet 203A of said duct 203, so that said amount of pellets falls by gravity into said duct 203.
Said second loading means are configured to receive the amount of pellets at the outlet 203B of said duct 203 and transport said amount of pellets toward to said brazier 200.
In the example that is described, said first loading means comprise a first auger 201, and said second loading means comprise a second auger 202.
Figures 11 and 12 show the position of the first auger 201, the second auger 202 and the duct 203 inside the first compartment 2.
As can be seen from Figures 11 and 12 and from Figure 13, said first loading means can extend along a first axis A1, arranged on a first plane, and said second loading means can extend along a second axis A2, different from said first axis A1, and arranged on a second plane, different from the first plane.
The duct 203 can extend along a third axis A3, different from the first axis A1 and the second axis A2 and arranged on a third plane, different from the first plane and the second plane.
In particular, the first plane and the second plane can be parallel to each other and the third plane can intersect said first plane and said second plane.
More specifically, in the example that is described, the third plane forms an angle between 0° and 90° with the first plane.
Advantageously, in addition to reducing the bulk of the loading system 20, the noise of the amount of pellets falling inside the duct 203 is reduced.
Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 13, said loading system 20 can comprise:

a first gear motor 2011 for moving said first loading means with a first speed, provided with a first encoder (not shown) for detecting said first speed of said first loading means,
a second gear motor 2012 for moving said second loading means with a second speed, provided with a second encoder (not shown) for detecting said second speed of said second loading means.

Furthermore, said fireplace 10 can comprise storage means SM.
Said storage means SM can comprise a memory.
The following data can be stored in said storage means SM:

a first reference speed for said first reference means,
a second reference speed for said second loading means, wherein said second reference speed is defined in percentage terms with respect to said first reference speed ed is greater than said first reference speed by a predetermined percentage.

Said logic control unit U is configured to:

∘ acquire said first speed of said first loading means detected by said first encoder,
∘ compare said first speed with said first reference speed,
∘ send a signal to said first gear motor 2011 to increase or decrease said first speed up to said first reference speed,
∘ acquire said second speed of said second loading means 202 detected by said second encoder,
∘ compare said second speed with said second reference speed,
∘ send a signal to said second gear motor 2012 to increase or decrease said second speed up to said second reference speed.

In other words, the logic control unit U is configured to regulate the first speed of the first gear motor 2011 and the second speed of the second gear motor 2012 independently of each other to prevent the duct 203 from filling with pellets.
For this reason, the speed of said second loading means must always be greater than the speed of said first loading means.
The fireplace 10 can comprise further valves arranged in the first compartment 2.
As can be seen from Figure 14, the first compartment 2 can comprise:

a box-like body 220 provided with an inlet opening 220A to allow the entry of an amount of air into said box-like body 220, as well as a first outlet opening 220B,
a first tube 221 connected to said first outlet opening 220B and to said combustion chamber 1, and
a control valve 222 arranged at said first outlet opening 220B to control the amount of air entering said combustion chamber 1.

The box-like body 220 comprises a first wall on which the inlet opening 220A is arranged.
In the example that is described, the first outlet opening 220B is arranged on a second wall, different from the first wall.
In particular, the second wall is perpendicular to the first wall.
The control valve 222 is movable between three positions comprising an open position, a partially open position, and a closed position.
It is preferable that the control valve 222 is a PWM electronic control valve.
The combustion chamber 1 can comprise a flame probe (not shown in the Figures) to measure the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1.
The logic control unit U can be configured to open (completely), partially open or close said control valve 222 based on the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1.
In other words, the control valve 222 can be opened completely, partially or closed by the logic control unit U based on the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1.
When the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1 tends to increase, the logic control unit U begins to close said control valve 222 and therefore the amount of air entering the combustion chamber 1 will be reduced compared to the amount of air that would enter when the control valve 222 is completely open.
When the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1 tends to decrease, the logic control unit U begins to open said control valve 222 and therefore the amount of air entering the combustion chamber 1 will increase compared to the amount of air that would enter when the control valve 222 is closed.
In particular, the logic control unit U is configured to open said control valve 222 when the internal temperature of the combustion chamber is lower than a first reference temperature, to close said control valve 222 when the internal temperature of the combustion chamber 1 is greater than a second reference temperature (greater than said first reference temperature), and to partially open said control valve 222 when the internal temperature of the combustion chamber is between the first reference temperature and the second reference temperature.
Furthermore, the combustion chamber 1 can be provided with a cavity 111 to allow the passage of said amount of air (i.e. the amount of air coming from said first tube 221) inside said combustion chamber 1.
In particular, said cavity 111 is a space between a septum 121 and at least one wall of the combustion chamber 1.
Said septum 121 comprises an end portion 121A in proximity of said glass portion 12A of said door 12 in such a way that said amount of air is directed towards said glass portion 12A.
In the example that is described, the end portion 121A of the septum 121 is curved and spaced from the glass portion 12A of the door 12 of the combustion chamber 1.
Furthermore, in the example that is described, said septum 121 comprises a first portion parallel to the first wall 13 (i.e. rear wall) and a second portion parallel to a second wall or upper wall of the combustion chamber 1.
Advantageously, the amount of air that enters, through the cavity 111, into the combustion chamber 1 also cleans the glass portion 12A of the door 12 of the combustion chamber itself.
Figure 15 partially shows said cavity 111 and said septum 121.
The box-like body 220 can further comprise a second outlet opening 220C.
In the example that is described, returning to Figure 14, the second outlet opening 220C is arranged on the same wall on which the first outlet opening 220B is arranged (i.e. the second wall of the box-like body 220).
The first compartment 2 can comprise inside:

a second tube 223 connected to the second outlet opening 220C of the box-like body 220,
a connecting element 232 connecting said combustion chamber 1 and said brazier 200 to said second tube 223, and
a second diverter valve 224, called air diverter valve, arranged in said connecting element 232.

With reference to the second tube 223, a first end is connected to the second outlet opening 220C of the box-shaped body 220 and a second end is connected to said connecting element 232.
Figure 16 shows the second tube 223 (partially visible), the connecting element 232 and the second diverter valve 224.
In particular, the second diverter valve 224 is movable between:

a first position, in which, when said fireplace 10 is fuelled by wood, the second diverter valve 224 diverts an amount of air that enters the inlet opening 220A of the box-like body 220 towards the combustion chamber 1, so that said amount of air comes out from the holes 13A of said combustion chamber 1 (mentioned above), and prevents said amount of air from reaching said brazier 200, and
a second position, in which, when said fireplace 10 is fuelled by pellets, the second diverter valve 224 diverts an amount of air that enters the inlet opening 220A of the box-like body 220 towards said brazier 200 and prevents said amount of air from reaching said combustion chamber 1.

With reference to the second diverter valve 224, said second diverter valve 224 comprises a second plate 2241.
When the second diverter valve 224 is in its first position, the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224 is arranged on a further reference plane perpendicular to the supporting plane 11 of said combustion chamber 1.
When the second diverter valve 224 is in its second position, the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224 is arranged on a further second reference plane perpendicular to said further first reference plane and therefore parallel to the supporting plane 11 of the combustion chamber 1.
In other words, the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224 rotates through an equal angle of 90° from the first position to the second position and vice versa.
The servo actuator 250, mentioned above, is also configured to move the second diverter valve 224 between its first position and its second position.
In particular, the servo-actuator 250 is configured to simultaneously move the first diverter valve 32 and the second diverter valve 224 from the respective first position to the respective second position and from the respective second position to the respective first position.
In other words, when the fireplace 10 is fuelled by wood, the first diverter valve 32 and the second diverter valve 224 are in their respective first position.
Consequently, said further first reference plane on which the second diverter valve 224 is arranged is parallel to the first reference plane on which the first diverter valve 32 is arranged.
When the fireplace 10 is fuelled by pellets, said further second reference plane on which the second diverter valve 224 is arranged is parallel to the second plane on which the first diverter valve 32 is arranged.
In particular, the servo-actuator 250 is connected through the shaft 47 mentioned above to the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224.
In particular, the shaft 47 is connected to the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224 through second connecting means.
In the example that is described, said second connecting means comprise a flange 225 rotatably connected to the second plate 2241 of the second diverter valve 224.
In this way, when the servo-actuator 250 rotates the shaft 47 in the first direction, the rotation of said shaft 47 causes not only the lifting of the rod 43 which moves the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 from its second position to its first position, but also the movement of the second plate of the second diverter valve 224 from its second position to its first position.
When the servo-actuator 250 rotates the shaft 47 in the second direction, the rotation of said shaft 47 causes not only the lowering of the rod 43 which moves the first plate 321 of the first diverter valve 32 from its first position to its second position, but also the movement of the second plate of the second diverter valve 224 from its first position to its second position.
The shaft 47 has a longitudinal axis and rotates around said longitudinal axis.
In other words, when the shaft 47 rotates in a first direction it simultaneously moves the first diverter valve 32 and the second diverter valve 224 from the respective second position to the respective first position.
When the shaft 47 rotates in a second direction it simultaneously moves the first diverter valve 32 and the second diverter valve 224 from the respective first position to the respective second position.
Figure 17 shows the second diverter valve 224 in the first position.
Figure 18 shows the second diverter valve 224 in the second position.
Figure 19 shows the shaft 47 which connects the servo-actuator 250 to the second diverter valve 224, as well as the second arm 46 which connects the rod 47 to said shaft 46 and consequently to the servo-actuator itself.
In a first variant, not shown in Figures, a heat exchanger can be arranged in the second compartment 3.
In particular, in said first variant, a plurality of tubes can be positioned in the second compartment 3 so that the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood or pellets is conveyed inside the tubes of said plurality of tubes and an amount of water present in said heat exchanger is heated by the heat released by the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood or pellets that passes through the tubes of said plurality of tubes.
Advantageously, the heated water can be used for sanitary or domestic purposes.
In a second variant (not shown), a plurality of accumulation stones can be arranged around the body of the flue 31 to accumulate the heat released by the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood or pellets that passes through the flue 31.
In a third variant, not shown in the Figures, the fireplace 10 can comprise an oven arranged between the combustion chamber 1 and the second compartment 3.
In particular, in said third variant, the combustion chamber 1 can comprise one or more openings arranged on at least one wall to allow the smoke generated by the combustion of an amount of wood or pellets to exit the combustion chamber and touch one or more walls of the oven, so that the food contained in the oven is heated.
The present invention has been described for illustrative, but not limitative purposes, according to its preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that variations and/or modifications can be carried out by a skilled in the art, without departing from the scope thereof, as defined according to enclosed claims.

Claims

Fireplace (10) configured to be fuelled by wood and pellets, said fireplace (10) comprising:
- a combustion chamber (1) to receive an amount of wood to burn, comprising a supporting surface (11) for said amount of wood, wherein said supporting surface (11) is provided with an opening (11A),

- a first compartment (2), arranged below said combustion chamber (1),

- a second compartment (3), arranged above said combustion chamber (1),

- a tank (21) for receiving an amount of pellets,

- a loading system (20) for loading an amount of pellets to be burned in a brazier (200) from below,

- a flue (31) to expel the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood or pellets,

- a plurality of ducts (41, 42), external to said combustion chamber (1), comprising:
a first duct (41) having a first opening (41A) and a second opening (41B),

the first opening (41A) of said first duct (41) being at a first height with respect to said combustion chamber (1),

a second duct (42) having a first opening (42A) and a second opening (42B), the first opening (42A) of said second duct (42) being at a second height with respect to said combustion chamber (1), greater than said first height,

- a first diverter valve (32) movable between:
a first position, in which said first diverter valve (32) allows the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of wood to enter the flue (31) and prevents it from entering said first duct (41) and said second duct (42), when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by wood, and

a second position, in which said first diverter valve (32) prevents the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets from entering the flue (31) and diverts it into the first opening (41A) of said first duct (41), when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by pellets,

- a smoke extractor (28) connected to the second opening (41B) of said first duct (41) and to the second opening (42B) of said second duct (42), and configured to suck the smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets diverted into said first duct (41) from said first diverter valve (32) and to inject it into said second duct (42) in such a way that said smoke generated by the combustion of said amount of pellets comes out from the first opening (42A) of said second duct (42) and enter the flue (31), wherein said smoke extractor (28), said tank (21) and said loading system (20) are arranged in said first compartment (2), and said first diverter valve (32) is arranged in said second compartment (3).
Fireplace (10) according to the previous claim, wherein
said first diverter valve (32) comprises a first plate (321),

wherein

when said first diverter valve (32) is in said first position, said first plate (321) is arranged on a first reference plane perpendicular to the supporting plane (11) of said combustion chamber (1), and

when said first diverter valve (32) is in said second position, said first plate (321) is arranged on a second reference plane perpendicular to said first reference plane.
Fireplace (10) according to the previous claim, wherein said fireplace (10) comprises:
- a servo-actuator (250) configured to move the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32) between said first position and said second position, and

- a logic control unit (U) configured to send a control signal to said servo-actuator (250) to move the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32) between said first position and said second position,
wherein
said servo-actuator (250) and said logic control unit (U) are arranged in said first compartment (2).
Fireplace (10) according to the previous claim, wherein
said servo-actuator (250) is connected to said first diverter valve (32) through first connecting means (43, 44, 45, 46, 47) comprising a rod (43) and a shaft (47), wherein said rod (43) comprises a first end portion connected to said servo-actuator (250) through said shaft (47) and a second end portion connected to the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32), in such a way that said servo-actuator (250) rotates said shaft (47) and moves said rod (43) in height between:
a raised position, in which said second end portion is at a first height, so that the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (31) is in said first position, and

a lowered position, in which said second end portion is at a second height lower than said first height, so that the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32) is in said second position.
Fireplace (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said loading system (20) comprises:
- first loading means (201),

- second loading means (202),

- a duct (203) connecting said first loading means (201) to said second loading means (202) and has an inlet (203A) and an outlet (203B),
wherein
said first loading means (201) are configured to receive an amount of pellets from said tank (21) and to transport said amount of pellets to the inlet (203A) of said duct (203), so that said amount of pellets falls by gravity into said duct (203), and

said second loading means (202) are configured to receive the amount of pellets at the outlet (203B) of said duct (203) and transport said amount of pellets toward to said brazier (200).
Fireplace (10) according to the previous claim, wherein
said first loading means (201) extend along a first axis (A1), arranged on a first plane,

said second loading means (202) extend along a second axis (A2), different from said first axis (A1) and arranged on a second plane,

said duct (203) extend along a third axis (A3), different from said first axis (A1) and said second axis (A2) and arranged on a third plane,

wherein

said first plane and said second plane are parallel and said third plane intersects said first plane and said second plane.
Fireplace (10) according to claim 5 or 6, when depending on claim 3, wherein
said loading system (20) comprises:
- a first gear motor (2011) for moving said first loading means (201) with a first speed, provided with a first encoder for detecting said first speed of said first loading means (201),

- a second gear motor (2012) for moving said second loading means (202) with a second speed, provided with a second encoder for detecting said second speed of said second loading means (202),

wherein

said fireplace (10) comprises:
- storage means (SM) in which the following data area stored:
a first reference speed for said first reference means (201),

a second reference speed for said second loading means (202) defined in percentage terms with respect to said first reference speed, said second reference speed being greater than said first reference speed by a predetermined percentage,

wherein

said logic control unit (U) is configured to:
∘ acquire said first speed of said first loading means (201) detected by said first encoder,

∘ compare said first speed with said first reference speed,

∘ send a signal to said first gear motor (2011) to increase or decrease said first speed up to said first reference speed,

∘ acquire said second speed of said second loading means (202) detected by said second encoder,

∘ compare said second speed with said second reference speed,

∘ send a signal to said second gear motor (2012) to increase or decrease said second speed up to said second reference speed.
Fireplace (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first compartment (2) comprises:
- a box-like body (220) provided with an inlet opening (220A) to allow the entry of an amount of air into said box-like body (220), as well as a first outlet opening (220B),

- a first tube (221) connected to said first outlet opening (220B) and to said combustion chamber (1), and

- a control valve (222) arranged at said first outlet opening (220B) to control the amount of air entering said combustion chamber (1), said control valve (222) being movable between three positions comprising an open position, a partially open position, and a closed position; said control valve (222) preferably being a PWM electronic control valve,
wherein
said combustion chamber (1) comprises a flame probe for measuring the internal temperature of said combustion chamber (1), and

wherein

said logic control unit (U) is configured to open, partially open and close said control valve (22) based on the internal temperature of said combustion chamber (1).
Fireplace (10) according to the previous claim, wherein
said combustion chamber (1) comprises:
- a door (12) for said combustion chamber (1), comprising a glass portion (12A),

wherein

said combustion chamber (1) is provided with a cavity (111) for the passage of said amount of air coming from said first tube (221) inside said combustion chamber (1), wherein said cavity (111) is a space between a septum (121) and at least one wall (13, 14) of said combustion chamber (1), wherein said septum (121) comprises an end portion (121A) positioned in proximity of said glass portion (12A) of said door (12) in such a way that said amount of air is directed towards said glass portion (12A).
Fireplace (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein
said combustion chamber (1) is provided with one or more holes (13A) arranged on a wall of said combustion chamber (1), and

said box-like body (220) comprises:
- a second outlet opening (220C),

wherein

said first compartment (2) comprises:
- a second tube (223) connected to said second outlet opening (220C),

- a connecting element (232) connecting said combustion chamber (1) and said brazier (200) to said second tube (223),

- a second diverter valve (224), arranged in said connecting element (223) and movable between:
a first position, in which, when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by wood, said second diverter valve (224) diverts an amount of air that enters the inlet opening (220A) of said box-like body (220) towards the combustion chamber (1), so that said amount of air comes out from said one or more holes (13A) of said combustion chamber (1), and prevents said amount of air from reaching said brazier (200), and

a second position, in which, when said fireplace (10) is fuelled by pellets, said second diverter valve (224) diverts an amount of air that enters the inlet opening (220A) of said box-like body (220) towards said brazier (200) and prevents said amount of air from reaching said combustion chamber (1).
Fireplace (1) according to the previous claim, wherein
said second diverter valve (224) comprises a second plate (2241), wherein

when said second diverter valve (224) is in first position, the second plate (2241) of said second diverter valve (224) is arranged on a further reference plane perpendicular to the supporting plane (11) of said combustion chamber (1), and

when said second diverter valve (224) is in second position, the second plate (2241) of said second diverter valve (224) is arranged on a further second reference plane perpendicular to said further first reference plane.
Fireplace (10) according to claim 11, when depending on claim 4, wherein
said servo-actuator (250) is connected to said second plate (2241) of said diverter valve (224) through said shaft (47), in such a way that:
when said shaft (47) rotates in a first direction, the rotation of said shaft (47) causes the movement of said rod (43) from the lowered position to the raised position, so that the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32) moves from the second position to the first position, and the movement of the second plate (2241) of said second diverter valve (224) from the second position to the first position, and

when said shaft (47) rotates in a second direction, the rotation of said shaft (47) causes the movement of said rod (43) from the raised position to the lowered position, so that the first plate (321) of said first diverter valve (32) moves from the first position to the second position, and the movement of the second plate (2241) of said second diverter valve (224) from the first position to the second position.
Fireplace (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first duct (41) is provided with first dissipation means (411) for dissipating heat and/or said second duct (42) is provided with second dissipation means (412) for dissipating heat.
Fireplace (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said tank (21) is provided with at least one opening (21A) for connecting a further tank for receiving a further amount of pellets, as well as a cover (21B) for closing said opening (21A), removably coupled to said opening (21A).
Fireplace (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said tank (21) and said loading system (20) are part of a structure provided with moving means (210), said moving means preferably comprising a plurality of wheels.