FR2952419A1 - BORE FEEDING DEVICE FOR IMPROVED WOOD AND CHIMNEY HEATING FACILITIES FOR USE WITH SAID DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for supplying logs to a wood-burning installation and a log of improved type for use with said device. The device according to the invention is intended for a wood heating installation, of the type comprising a receiving zone for the fuel (3), a combustion chamber (4), a calorie recuperator (5), an evacuation for the gas and fumes (6), a receptacle for the recovery of coals (7) arranged under the receiving zone (3), an external air intake (8) and ignition means (9), the receiving (3) consisting of a support plate (10) of which at least a portion is cut, said plate being engaged on a central axis (11) and having in its solid part a passing orifice (10 ') positioned substantially equidistantly the center of the plate and its peripheral border, the diameter of the orifice (10 ') being defined to correspond to the diameter of the mouth of the air intake (8). The improved log according to the invention comprises a hollow internal structure made by a bore (2) defining a path through the log (1) from one side to the other along its longitudinal axis and open at its two opposite ends (2 ', 2 "). .

Description

BORE FEEDING DEVICE FOR IMPROVED WOOD AND CHIMNEY HEATING FACILITIES FOR USE WITH SAID DEVICE.

The present invention relates to the field of heating installations, such as fireplaces, stoves, boilers or inserts, powered by wood logs. It relates more particularly to a device designed to ensure the supply of logs of such a facility. It also relates to a log of improved type for use with said device.

Both for reasons of conviviality and energy saving in a period when the cost of fossil fuels has greatly increased, the installations for the heating of living quarters fueled by wood have experienced a significant success.

In addition to a lower operating cost, these facilities have indeed greater efficiency in terms of heating provided that the 20 premises and equipped are properly insulated and ventilated.

Among the main disadvantages of this type of installation include the need to store pieces of wood or logs of appropriate size, and ensure a regular supply of wood. Another disadvantage of size results from the dissipation, sometimes important, of the calories during the combustion, according to the type of wood used. Too fast or uncontrolled combustion results in lower performance and higher fuel consumption. To overcome these difficulties, various solutions have been proposed. First there are synthetic logs which are made from reconstituted wood or compacted materials, such as paper or wood chips and which are configured in different ways to both facilitate their handling and improve combustion, sometimes by means of additives.

An example of this type is described in document US 4 120 666. These modalities are not entirely satisfactory, since on the one hand the manufacturing costs are high and on the other hand the burning time remains insufficient. in terms of thermal efficiency. Also, the use of non-natural material or additives is not always desirable and is also a cost-increasing factor.

There are also devices for feeding several logs without having to recharge the installation too frequently. An example of such devices is described in US Patent 5,462,046.

According to this device of the prior art, a fireplace is separated from the wall structure against which it is positioned by a space that meets and communicates with the outside from above the fireplace. The opening which is so defined makes it possible to introduce pieces of wood or logs which are stacked on top of each other in the rear part of the hearth, a mechanism then making it possible to supply the hearth from below at regular intervals.

This solution is certainly ingenious but it remains heavy in terms of structure and occupies a large volume.

The invention therefore proposes to remedy the various disadvantages indicated above by proposing an improved log having combustion characteristics greater than normal, as well as a device allowing the supply of logs of this type on any type of combustion. heating system running on wood.

More particularly, the log according to the invention comprises a central bore designed to communicate with an air intake, the logs being placed on a support having separating means and means for recovering the combustion residues.

The invention will be better understood from the following description of an embodiment given by way of nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a plan view an improved log according to the invention,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a feeding device according to the invention inside a fireplace hearth; FIG. 3 is a view from above of the hearth and the device represented in FIG. 2; , and

- Figure 4 illustrates an alternative application of the device according to the invention 10 which is here connected to a water heating circuit.

With reference to the accompanying drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, the improved log according to the invention, which is designated under the reference numeral 1, is composed of a piece of wood selected from species having good combustion qualities. as an example, but not exclusively, of fir.

In the example illustrated in the figure, the improved log according to the invention has a substantially cylindrical and regular shape. This is not a feature of the invention, and different or less regular shapes can be envisioned. Preferably, at least one of the bases of the log will be shaped to present a flat surface without asperities.

The log (1) is characterized in that it has a hollow internal structure. This hollow internal structure is made by a bore (2) made along the longitudinal axis (X-X) of the log, in its central part. The bore (2) defines a path traversing the log (1) from one side to the other along its longitudinal axis (XX), and open at its two ends (2 ', 2 ") opposite to the bore (2). without modification of the external structure of the log and without introduction of additives or other compounds.

The improved log (1) according to the invention thus configured is then suitably arranged on the feed device according to the invention, as will be described in more detail below. The internal path defined by the bore (2) inside the log (1) allows after ignition to ensure a flow of air that will regularly provide the oxidizer necessary for the combustion of wood, which will develop so from the inside and no longer from the outside. This aeraulic circuit promotes slow combustion with a minimum loss of calories, while channeling fumes and flue gases to evacuate.

This has the advantage of providing optimized heat performance, and secondly, to save fuel.

According to the measurements which were made from fir wood pieces, substantially cylindrical, of a height of about 50 cm for a diameter of 25 cm and having a central bore diameter of about 80 mm, was measured a burning time of about three and a half hours before collapse of the log. A log of conventional type having the same dimensional characteristics has a burning time of less than one hour. It has also been observed that with the improved log according to the invention, the volume of residual ash after combustion was much lower than that obtained using a piece of wood of conventional type, which demonstrates a more efficient combustion.

Figures 2 and 3 show the device for feeding a wood fireplace with improved logs according to the invention.

The device is implanted in a firebox which has a receiving zone for the fuel (3), a combustion chamber (4), a calorie recuperator (5), an evacuation for gases and fumes (6), a receptacle for recovering ashes (7) arranged under the receiving zone (3), and an external air inlet (8). Also in known manner, the hearth is associated with ignition means (9), for example an electrical resistance, appropriately arranged downstream of the air supply circuit, and further comprises a glazed surface on its part. before.

The feeding device according to the invention is designed to receive one or more logs (1) which will be one after the other and sequentially moved to a combustion position.

More precisely, the feed device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a combustion cycle, in which an improved new log is brought opposite the air intake and the ignition means of the furnace to initiate its combustion as soon as possible. that the previous improved log is completely consumed, with evacuation at the same time of the ash resulting from the combustion of said previous log.

In the example shown in the figures, an operating cycle of the feed device according to the invention comprises the successive combustion of three improved logs (1a, 1b, 1c).

In theory, this figure may be lower, which however would be of little interest, unless it corresponds to a desired predetermined heating time. Likewise, this figure may be higher, the limit being in this case imposed by the dimensions of the device and the fireplace.

The improved log feed device according to the invention is composed of a support plate (10) for the logs (1), which may advantageously have a circular shape, and of which at least a portion is cut. The support plate (10) defining the receiving zone (3) for the fuel, is engaged on a central axis (11) vertical, and comprises at least one separation element (12) arranged in rotation around the central axis (11) so as to define on the upper surface of the support plate at least two receiving areas for the logs, of substantially equivalent size, one of which substantially covers the cut-off portion of the support plate (10) and the other is full. One of the reception zones thus delimited on the solid part of the support plate (10) comprises a passing orifice (10 ') positioned substantially equidistant from its center and its peripheral edges. In the case of a plurality of receiving zones, the orifice (10 ') will be formed in one of the zones adjacent to the cut-out portion of the support plate (10). The diameter of the through orifice (10 ') is defined to correspond to the diameter of the mouth of the air intake (8).

The displacement of the separating elements (12) is controlled by mechanical transmission means, for example a chain transmission associated with an electric motor (15).

In the example of Figure 3, the support plate (10) has two separating elements (12) which are here positioned at right angles along the central axis (11). The separating elements (12) are rotatable about the central axis (11), the support plate (10) being fixed. The separating elements (12) define on the support plate (10) four zones (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d) of substantially equivalent dimensions, the passing orifice (10 ') being here provided in the receiving zone (13a). .

Before igniting the hearth, the support plate (10) is organized in such a way that three of the reception areas previously defined on the solid part of the plate (10), respectively (13a, 13b 13c), are each provided with a log improved according to the invention, respectively (la, lb, 1 c). Optionally, locking means may be provided for holding the logs in position, for example abutments, claws or pins on the surface of the support plate.

The fourth receiving zone (13d), which corresponds to the cut-out portion of the support plate (10), is placed in correspondence of the upper opening (7 ') of the ash recovery receptacle (7) which is disposed under the support plate (10). The receptacle (7) has a shutter (7 ") provided to cover the opening (7 ') once the embers recovered.

By admitting a direction of rotation anti-clockwise (the opposite being perfectly possible), the improved log (la) of the receiving zone (13a) immediately preceding the zone (13d) with respect to the opening (7 ') for recovering ashes and coals, is arranged such that the lower opening (2 ') of its central bore (2) is in correspondence of the inlet of the external air inlet (8), through the passing orifice (10 ') of the receiving zone (13a).

According to a preferred embodiment, the air is supplied by the lower opening (2 ') at the end of the internal bore (2) of the log (1), the evacuation of the gaseous residues being done through the opening opposite (2 ") in the upper part of the log (1).

Although it is perfectly possible to provide a flow in the opposite direction, with the addition of oxidizer from above, it appeared to the use that the performances were optimized with a configuration of this type.

By actuating the ignition means (9), it causes the ignition of the first improved log (la) through its central bore (2). The combustion is provided along the inner wall of said log by the circulation of air between the lower openings (2 ') and upper (2 ") which provides the necessary oxidizer.

The upper part of the improved log (1a) is extended by the gas and smoke evacuation device (6), which is arranged at a sufficient distance from said log to define a combustion zone which constitutes the combustion chamber ( 4).

At the end of the combustion, the first improved log (la) having burned from the inside, will collapse on itself. At this stage, a first rotation of the separating elements (12) of the support plate (10), which is done in the example chosen, a quarter turn in the counterclockwise direction. This first rotation moves the embers from the first improved log (1a) that has just burned on the first receiving zone (13a) towards the zone (13d) for opening and recovering the ashes. The support plate (10) being fixed, the displacement of the separating elements (12) causes the embers to the cut portion of the plate. The shutter (7 ") of the receptacle (7) is then opened and the embers are recovered by gravity.The flap (7") is then closed to prevent dissipation of the heat released by the embers.

This first rotation of the separating elements (12) of the support plate (10) also has the effect of moving the improved second log (1b) from its initial receiving zone (13b) to the receiving zone (13a). previously occupied the first improved log (1a) that has just been consumed. The improved third log (1c) which initially occupied the reception zone (13c) is moved to the reception zone (13b) previously occupied by the improved second log (1b) now in the combustion position, and the reception zone (1c) is empty.

The second improved log (lb) is then lit and consumed in the same way as the previous one. At the end of the combustion of the improved second log (1b), a second rotation of the separating elements (12) of the support plate (10) is made around the central axis (11).

This second rotation moves the combustion residues of the improved second log (1b) from the receiving zone (13a) to the zone (13d) defined by the cut-out portion of the support plate (10), and positioned in correspondence with the receptacle ( 7). Embers are collected as before. At the same time, the improved third log (1c) is moved from its receiving zone (13b) to the receiving zone (13a) previously occupied by the second improved log (1b) which has just been consumed. At this point, the receiving areas (13b and 13c) are empty.

The third log (1c) is then lit and the cycle continues in the same manner as before. Once the third improved log (1c) completely consumed, a third rotation of the separating elements (12) of the support plate (10) to recover the embers again. At this point, the three solid areas (13a, 13b, 13c) of the plate (10) are unoccupied.

According to different embodiments, the cut portion of the support plate (10) can be fully open, or performed by adding the material in the corresponding area. It is also possible to provide a grid covering the cut off portion of the support plate (10).

In the embodiment described above, a combustion cycle uses three logs one after the other without the need to intervene to recharge the fireplace, which represents a continuous heating period and regular above 10 hours.

Likewise, the invention is not limited to the embodiment having a single receiving surface, as described above by way of example.

If a large heating power is required, it is perfectly possible to use several support plates (10) receiving logs that will be mounted in parallel, with a simultaneous ignition phase logs, to thereby increase the heat output of the installation.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the supply device can be coupled to a complementary recharging device (20), to ensure a continuous supply, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

When a charging device (20) is associated with the supply device, each rotation of the separating elements (12) of the support plate (10) has the particular consequence of releasing one of the receiving zones (13a, 13b, 13c). since the log that is placed on the receiving zone (13a) located just before the ash recovery zone (13d) has been burned completely. In fact, in the embodiment shown, it is the receiving zone (13c) located immediately after the ash recovery zone (13d) which will be released first. The recharging device will be arranged so as to feed the zone (13c) by means of a new improved log (1) as soon as said zone is released.

In the example shown, the complementary recharging device (20) is formed of a box inside which several improved logs according to the invention are deposited.

The open part of the box located in correspondence of the hearth comprises closure means (not shown), for example a flap, the opening or closure of which can be controlled according to the successive combustion cycles.

FIG. 4 represents an extrapolation of the device according to the invention, which is here applied to a central water heating system. The water circuit is positioned so as to surround the combustion zone and the embers receiving zone, and thus ensure optimum heating of the water.

The improved log feed device according to the present invention thus makes it possible to ensure combustion cycles of a duration greater than about ten hours, which allows, even when this device is not coupled to a complementary device charging, to cover a much longer period than with devices of known type. In addition, the use of several logs of improved type ensures a regular combustion and thus to avoid any variation in the heat that is dissipated and thus ensure uniform and regular heating of the room in which the installation is implanted.

Also, the regularity of combustion makes it possible to avoid irregular and sometimes important smoke releases and thus to better regulate the discharges. The optimization of the combustion greatly reduces the volume of residues and ashes that are recovered. By preventing the accumulation of combustion residues, which are therefore recovered continuously, it prevents premature clogging of the fireplace and its components.

Finally, by recovering ashes and combustion residues in a receptacle that can be closed, it avoids a dissipation of calories and increases the autonomy of the device. By measuring the additional heating time obtained by means of the heat released by the ashes and embers recovered, and reinjected into the heating circuit, it is possible to shift in time the lighting of the next improved log.

According to a preferred embodiment, the operating cycle of the improved log feed device according to the invention can be automated according to predefined parameters corresponding to the type of wood used and / or the size of the improved logs.

In this case, the device according to the invention will advantageously be coupled to automated regulation, such as for example an electronic control, associated with temperature probes.

Also, it is possible to envisage a mechanical regulation of the air supply, for example by associating the device according to the invention with a blower.

Claims (1)

REVENDICATIONS1. Log fueling device for wood heating systems, of the type comprising a fuel receiving zone (3), a combustion chamber (4), a calorifier (5), an evacuation for the gases and fumes (6), a receptacle for the recovery of embers (7) arranged under the receiving zone (3), an external air intake (8) and ignition means (9), characterized in that the zone receiving device (3) for the fuel consists of a support plate (10) of which at least part is cut, said plate being engaged on a central axis (11) and having in its solid part a passing orifice (10 ') positioned substantially equidistant from the center of the plate and its peripheral edge, the diameter of the orifice passing (10 ') being defined to correspond to the diameter of the mouth of the air intake (8). Log fueling device for wood heating systems according to claim 1, characterized in that the support plate (10) is substantially circular. Log feeder for wood heating systems according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the support plate (10) has at least one separating element (12) arranged in rotation around the housing. central axis (11) so as to define on the support plate (10) at least two reception areas of substantially equivalent dimensions, one of which substantially covers the cut portion of the support plate (10). Wood log fueling device according to claim 3, characterized in that the passing orifice (10 ') is formed in one of the areas adjacent to the cut-out portion of the support plate ( 10). 5. Wood supply device for wood heating systems according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cut portion of the support plate (10) is covered with a grid. 116. Wood log fueling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is coupled to a supplementary charging device (20) to ensure the continuous production of several combustion cycles. . 7. Log feeding device for wood heating systems according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is coupled to an automated control. 8. An improved log for the implementation of the log feed device for wood heating systems according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises a hollow internal structure made by a bore (2). ) defining a path traversing the log (1) from side to side along its longitudinal axis and open at its two ends (2 ', 2 ") opposite 9. Log according to claim 8, characterized in that the bore ( 2) is produced without modification of the external structure of the log and without introduction of additives or other compounds 10. Method for the implementation of the log feed device for wood heating systems according to one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises the sequential displacement of the logs towards their combustion position 11. A method for the implementation of the log feed device for heating systems with selo wood n one of claims 1 to 7 or claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a phase of simultaneous ignition of several logs arranged on support plates (10) connected in parallel to increase the heating power of the installation. 20 35