Fireplace equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a fireplace device (1) comprising: at least one basic fire unit (2) with at least one fuel reservoir (21) and a combustion chamber (23) for receiving fuel to generate a flame; and at least one baffle unit (3) for regulating the flame with a plurality of planar baffle elements (301) which can extend at least partially over an opening (24) of the combustion chamber (23). The baffle elements (301) are movably mounted relative to the opening (24) and all baffle elements (301) are arranged side by side and are movable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fireplace device comprising a base fire unit with a fuel reservoir and a combustion chamber for generating a flame and a baffle unit for regulating the flame.

[0002] Fireplaces, including portable fires such as table fires, allow users to create a pleasant atmosphere and the warmth of a flame, whether outdoors or indoors, and especially indoors. Often, fuel is placed in an open-topped container, which is then ignited. Heat output, light intensity, and flame height can be regulated by a screen. The screen elements are heated intensely by the flame, resulting in significant temperature changes. Thermal expansion must be accounted for in the design.

[0003] For small fireplaces, the only known flame control options so far are extinguishing lids, which serve to smother the flame, and ring lids with a reduced diameter to reduce the flame. With this solution, a lid can only be adjusted to one additional size, and, as mentioned, an additional, completely closed lid is required for extinguishing. Flame control poses safety risks for the user, as loose parts can become hot, requiring additional storage space for the parts, and the parts can become lost.

[0004] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a fireplace device with a cover unit which can also be used for fireplace devices with a small diameter and which allows the user increased operating comfort.

[0005] This object is achieved by a fireplace device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. Further advantages and features will become apparent from the general description and the description of the exemplary embodiments.

[0006] The fireplace device according to the invention comprises: - at least one basic fire unit with at least one fuel reservoir and at least one combustion chamber for receiving a fuel to generate a flame; and - at least one aperture unit for regulating the flame with a plurality of flat aperture elements which can extend at least partially over an opening of the combustion chamber;

[0007] The panel elements are mounted so that they can move relative to the opening and, in particular, are arranged next to one another and are movable.

[0008] In particular, the aperture elements are all located substantially along a plane which extends substantially transversely to the flame during operation, and in particular to an axis of the fireplace device.

[0009] In particular, the panel element has a cover region. Preferably, the cover regions of adjacent panel elements are arranged adjacent to one another. In particular, the cover regions do not lie on top of one another and / or do not overlap one another.

[0010] The invention has many advantages. A significant advantage of the invention is that the control elements are movably mounted, attached and / or held relative to the opening of the combustion chamber, so that the control elements no longer have to be manually positioned over the opening. This significantly increases operating comfort for the user. The risk of burns is reduced. Furthermore, because the control elements are completely adjacent to one another, the control unit is particularly compact along the central axis or in the direction of the flame and is therefore also suitable for small fireplaces, which in particular have a small diameter and a small overall height. A particularly advantageous feature is that the control elements can move and slide against each other when heated, so that mobility is possible even at high operating temperatures and the control elements do not jam against each other.Advantageously, the baffle elements do not rub against each other, which could cause the baffle elements to wear out more quickly, for example, due to dirt between the baffle elements. Another advantage, unlike the prior art, is that the burning flame can be safely regulated, as the user can operate the movable baffle elements from the outside, eliminating the need for direct access to the particularly hot area of ​​the flame. Furthermore, fuel consumption can be regulated along with the size of the flame.

[0011] In particular, the edges of two directly adjacent diaphragm elements are directly opposite one another at least along a substantial portion, preferably at a short distance, in particular at least in a closed position and preferably also in an open position of the diaphragm unit. Preferably, the diaphragm elements have edge regions with surfaces that are in particular substantially congruent with surfaces of an adjacent diaphragm element and are opposite one another at least over a substantial portion, in particular at least in a closed state and preferably also in an open state. Preferably, edges and / or edge regions of the adjacent diaphragm elements can touch one another, in particular at least in a closed position of the diaphragm unit.

[0012] Preferably, the cover area is formed by those surfaces of the diaphragm elements which can at least partially project beyond the combustion chamber and which cannot be assigned to the edge area.

[0013] Advantageously, the aperture elements have a slight amount of play between them, even when heated, so that the aperture elements do not interfere with each other's movement. Furthermore, mutual guidance of adjacent aperture elements is also possible.

[0014] Preferably, baffle elements extend over the combustion chamber of the basic fire unit at least when the baffle unit is in a closed position. Preferably, the baffle unit covers the opening of the combustion chamber of the basic fire unit in a closed position such that the oxygen supply can be reduced to such an extent that the flame is extinguished. Preferably, the baffle unit covers at least up to 70% or 80% or 90% or at least 93%, 95% or 98% of an access area of ​​the fuel reservoir. Advantageously, the flame is thereby effectively extinguished even in small fireplaces. In particular, air can also be supplied to the combustion chamber via lateral openings in the baffle unit, which preferably cannot be concealed by the baffle unit.

[0015] Preferably, the edge region of the panel element is at least partially straight and / or stepped and / or inclined. A straight edge region is preferably particularly cost-effective to manufacture. Preferably, the edge regions of a stepped and / or inclined edge region are particularly tightly sealed. Furthermore, the edge regions of adjacent panel elements can guide each other.

[0016] In particular, the aperture unit comprises at least one adjustment mechanism for moving the aperture elements. Advantageously, the adjustment mechanism allows several aperture elements to be moved simultaneously and preferably synchronously.

[0017] In particular, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one guide unit with guide elements, by means of which the diaphragm elements are mounted for linear displacement in a plane transverse to a central axis and / or to the flame direction. In particular, at least a pair of guide elements is present for each diaphragm element. The guide elements are preferably designed as grooves and as webs. In an advantageous embodiment, one guide element is designed as a groove into which a guide element of the diaphragm element, designed as a web, can engage. In particular, the guide unit comprises a guide ring which surrounds the opening of the fuel reservoir. Preferably, at least the guide ring is firmly mounted on the base firing unit.

[0018] In particular, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one, in particular movable, adjustment unit for adjusting a position of the aperture elements. In particular, the adjustment unit is annular and encloses the opening of the combustion chamber. Adjustment elements are preferably formed on the adjustment unit, on which the aperture elements are movably received. Adjustment of a position of the aperture elements is preferably possible by the adjustment unit.

[0019] In particular, at least one operating element for adjusting the position of the movable diaphragm elements is included. The operating element preferably extends in a ring around the opening of the fuel reservoir. Advantageously, the operating element has at least one axial extension, allowing the position of the diaphragm unit to be adjusted by a user moving the adjusting element. Advantageously, the annular operating element provides a sufficient gripping surface for adjusting the diaphragm unit, even in fireplaces with a small diameter.

[0020] The adjustment mechanism is preferably designed as a central shutter, in particular an iris shutter. Advantageously, the aperture elements are arranged centrally around a central axis. Preferably, all aperture elements are movable synchronously with the central axis. Advantageously, a central shutter enables a central opening of the aperture elements, which can increase radially outward. The aperture elements preferably form a polygonal or round opening contour.

[0021] The aperture unit preferably comprises a plurality of aperture elements, in particular up to fifty or one hundred aperture elements, or even more. In particular, the aperture unit comprises between two and twenty aperture elements, in particular between four and ten aperture elements, and preferably eight aperture elements. Tests have shown that an aperture unit with eight aperture elements offers an optimal ratio between the number of moving components and the opening diameter for flame regulation in small fireplaces. In particular, the aperture unit can be used without problems even with temperature-related thermal expansion.

[0022] The cover elements preferably have at least one acute-angled region. The acute-angled region preferably extends at least partially over the opening. Advantageously, the acute-angled design of the cover elements enables a precise fit of the adjacent cover elements in a small installation space, particularly along the central axis.

[0023] In particular, at least the aperture elements are made of a metal, a metal alloy, or a ceramic. Advantageously, at least the fuel reservoir, the guide unit, and the adjustment unit are also made of a metal or a metal alloy. Metals are advantageously fireproof and corrosion-resistant and, for example, made of a stainless steel, such as stainless steel. Advantageously, only small sheet thicknesses are required.

[0024] Preferably, the ratio between a maximum diameter of the aperture unit and a diameter of an opening of the aperture unit in a fully open state is less than 3, preferably less than 2.5, and particularly preferably less than 2. In particular, even smaller ratios are possible. Advantageously, the opening occupies at least a significant portion of the outer diameter of the aperture unit, making it particularly suitable for small fireplaces.

[0025] Preferably, the maximum outer diameter of the fireplace device is less than 2000 mm, 1500 mm, or 1000 mm. In particular, the diameter is less than 750 mm, 500 mm, or 250 mm, preferably less than 250 mm, and particularly preferably less than 150 mm or 100 mm. Advantageously, a maximum outer diameter of 50 mm or less is possible.

[0026] Advantageously, the fireplace is designed as a mobile fireplace. In particular, the mobile fireplace is designed as a tabletop fireplace, which can be positioned, for example, on a dining table or garden table.

[0027] Preferably, the fuel reservoir contains at least one, in particular liquid, fuel, such as ethanol or the like.

[0028] In particular, the fireplace device comprises at least one protective element, which at least partially encloses the flame during operation, in particular made of glass. The protective element is preferably mounted on the operating element. This slim design is particularly suitable for fireplace devices with a small outer diameter.

[0029] Preferably, at least the base fire unit and / or at least the cover unit have a cylindrical, and in particular circular, outer contour. This advantageously makes the base fire unit and the cover unit particularly easy to transport. Furthermore, a cylindrical outer contour is also particularly suitable for small fireplaces.

[0030] The fireplace device preferably comprises at least partially concrete. In particular, the concrete serves as a weight near the ground to ensure good stability at a given construction height. Concrete can also advantageously store the heat generated by the flame and release it into the environment even after the flame has been extinguished. Furthermore, a fireplace device that at least partially comprises concrete can also be used, for example, as a hand warmer. In particular, at least one base of the base fire unit and / or the rotating ring element are made of concrete. Alternatively or additionally, the fireplace device can also at least partially comprise materials that can be cast, such as plaster or clay.

[0031] A cover unit for at least one fireplace device comprises at least a plurality of movable cover elements. The cover elements are all movably mounted and arranged next to one another in a plane. Advantageous further developments of the cover unit are apparent from the entire application.

[0032] In a method for regulating a flame of a previously described fireplace device, all the diaphragm elements are moved next to one another, and in particular, are displaced linearly along the plane. Advantageous further developments of the method are apparent from the entire application.

[0033] Further features and advantages of embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts and for parts with identical or similar functions. They show: Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a fireplace device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a sectional view of the fireplace device; Fig. 3 a detailed view of an acute-angled area of ​​a diaphragm element with a straight edge area; Fig. 4 a side view of the panel element with straight edge area; Fig. 5 a plan view of the fireplace device in the closed state; Fig. 6 a plan view of the fireplace device in the open state; Fig. 7 a detailed view of an acute-angled region of a diaphragm element according to a further embodiment with a stepped edge region; Fig. 8 a side view of the panel element according to the further embodiment with a stepped edge region; Fig. 9 a plan view of the fireplace device in the closed state with the cover element according to the further embodiment; Fig. 10 is a plan view of the fireplace device in the open state according to the further embodiment; Fig. 11 a detailed view of an acute-angled region of a diaphragm element according to another further embodiment with a slanted edge region; Fig. 12 a side view of the panel element according to the other further embodiment with a beveled edge region; Fig. 13 a plan view of the fireplace device in the closed state with the screen element according to the other further embodiment; and Fig. 14 a plan view of the fireplace device in the open state according to the other further embodiment.

[0034] It is not necessary for a device according to the invention to have all of the features described below. It is also possible for a device according to the invention to have only individual features of the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a fireplace device 1 according to the invention. The fireplace device 1 comprises a basic fire unit 2, a cover unit 3 and a protective element 4 made of glass.

[0036] The basic combustion unit 2 comprises a fuel reservoir 21 and a combustion chamber 23, which in this case has a concrete base 22. The fuel reservoir 21 contains ethanol as fuel.

[0037] The aperture unit 3 here comprises eight movably mounted aperture elements 301. The aperture elements 301 can be moved linearly in a plane by an adjustment mechanism 30, so that an opening 24 of the combustion chamber 23 of the basic firing unit 2 is exposed or covered. The adjustment mechanism 30 is designed here as a central shutter or iris shutter, in which all aperture elements 301 move synchronously towards a center point. The aperture elements 301 are all arranged next to one another in a plane, so that the edges 3011 and edge regions 3012 of the aperture elements 301 could touch. This makes the aperture unit 3 particularly compact along a central axis A and therefore also usable for small firing devices 1.

[0038] The aperture unit 3 here comprises a guide unit 31. The guide unit 31 is attached to the base 22 of the basic firing unit 2. The guide unit 31 has a guide element 311 for each aperture element 301. The guide element 311 is designed here as a groove 311. Webs 311 are formed on the aperture element 301 as complementary guide elements 311, which are received in the groove 311.

[0039] There is an adjustment unit 32 with adjustment elements 321. The aperture elements 301 are received on the adjustment elements 321. The adjustment unit 32 extends in a ring shape above the opening 24 of the combustion chamber 23. The adjustment unit 32 is movable relative to the guide unit 31 and is designed to be rotatable about the central axis A. The adjustment unit 32 is fixed along the central axis A by three screw elements which enclose the ring-shaped adjustment unit 32. An operating element 33 is received on the adjustment unit 32. The operating element 33 extends in a ring shape around the opening 24 of the combustion chamber and the opening 303 of the aperture unit 3 and is made of concrete here. It allows the user to adjust the aperture unit 3 by rotating it. The protective element 4 made of glass is received on the operating element 33.

[0040] The aperture elements 301 can be moved by linear displacement in a plane along the guide elements 311 between a closed position G and an open position O. Intermediate positions are also possible.

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the fireplace device 1. The panel elements 301 of the panel unit 3 are all arranged in one plane and completely next to one another. This minimizes the required axial installation space. This makes the panel unit 3 also suitable for mobile fireplace devices 1 with small diameters, e.g., those designed as table fires.

[0042] The basic firing unit 2, the aperture unit 3 and the protective element 4 all have a circular cylindrical outer contour. Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of an acute-angled region 3014 of a diaphragm element 301. Edge regions 3012 are formed here as straight 3015. The edge regions 3012 are formed here by the surfaces of the diaphragm element 301, which, in the closed state G of the diaphragm unit 3, face surfaces of an adjacent diaphragm element 301.

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the aperture element 301. The cover region 3013 is formed by surfaces of the aperture element 301 which at least partially project beyond an opening 303 of the aperture unit 3 and which do not belong to the edge region 3012.

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of the fireplace device 1 in the closed state G of the cover unit 3. The edges 3011 and the edge regions 3012 of the cover elements 301 touch each other.

[0045] The aperture elements 301 each have an acute-angled region 3014, which extends over the opening 303 of the aperture unit 3. The aperture elements 301 have edge surfaces 3012, which extend transversely to a cover surface 3013 of the aperture elements 301, which extends over the opening 303 of the combustion chamber 23. The edge regions 3012 touch each other, so that the aperture unit 3 tightly seals the fuel reservoir 21.

[0046] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the fireplace device 1 in an open state O. The cover elements 301 are displaced along the grooves 311 of the guide unit 31, see arrow. The edges 3011 and edge regions 3012 of the cover elements 301 are at least partially opposite each other in the open O and closed G states.

[0047] A ratio of the maximum diameter 305 of the aperture unit 3 and a diameter 304 of the opening 303 of the aperture unit 2 is approximately 2.

[0048] The eight existing baffle elements 301 are arranged side by side in a plane and extend above the opening 24 of the combustion chamber 23. The baffle elements 301 are arranged in a movable manner. By adjusting the position of the baffle elements 301, the air supply to the fuel reservoir 21 can be adjusted, so that heat dissipation, the height of a flame, and the light intensity can be conveniently regulated.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of an acute-angled region 3014 of a panel element 301 according to another embodiment. Here, the edge region 3012 is stepped. In the closed state, the surfaces of the edge regions 3012 face each other, with the cover regions 3013 not overlapping.

[0050] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the aperture element 301 according to the further embodiment with the stepped 3016 edge area 3012.

[0051] Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view of the fireplace device 1 in the closed state G with the cover element 301 according to the further embodiment. In the closed state G, small gaps exist between the cover elements 301. This ensures the mobility of the cover elements 301 among each other, even at high temperatures.

[0052] Fig. Figure 10 shows a plan view of the fireplace device 1 in the open state O according to the further embodiment. The stepped edge region 3012 3016 enables mutual guidance of the panel elements 301.

[0053] Fig. Figure 11 shows a detailed view of an acute-angled region 3014 of a panel element 301 according to another embodiment. Here, the edge region 3012 is formed at an angle 3017.

[0054] Fig. 8 shows a side view of the aperture element 301 according to the other further embodiment with the oblique 3017 edge region 3012.

[0055] Fig. 9 shows a plan view of the fireplace device 1 in the closed state G with the cover element 301 according to the other further embodiment.

[0056] Fig. Figure 10 shows a plan view of the fireplace device 1 in the open state O according to the other embodiment. The inclined edge regions 3012 guide each other here. Here, too, small gaps exist between the cover elements 301 in the closed state, allowing the cover elements 301 to move even at high temperatures. List of reference symbols: 1 fireplace facility 2 basic fire units 21 Fuel reservoir 22 Concrete base 23 Combustion chamber 24 Opening of the combustion chamber 3 aperture unit 30 adjustment mechanism 303 Opening 304 Diameter of the opening 305 maximum diameter of the aperture unit 301 aperture element 3011 Edge of the panel element 3012 Edge area of ​​the aperture element 3013 Coverage area of ​​the panel element 3014 acute-angled area of ​​the aperture element 3015 straight edge area 3016 stepped edge area 3017 slanted edge area 31 management unit 311 guide element 32 adjustment unit 321 Adjustment element 33 Control element, especially made of concrete 4 protective element, glass cylinder A Central axis O Fully open state G closed state

Claims

[1] Fireplace device (1) comprising: - at least one basic fire unit (2) with at least one fuel reservoir (21) and a combustion chamber (23) for receiving a fuel and for generating a flame; and - at least one diaphragm unit (3) for regulating the flame with a plurality of flat diaphragm elements (301) which can extend at least partially over an opening (24) of the combustion chamber (23); characterized by that the diaphragm elements (301) are mounted so as to be movable relative to the opening (24) and all diaphragm elements (301) are arranged next to one another and are movable. [2] Fireplace device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cover element (301) has a cover area (3013), and wherein the cover areas (3013) of adjacent cover elements (301) are arranged next to one another. [3] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an edge region (3012) of the panel element (301) is at least partially straight (3015) and / or step-shaped (3016) and / or oblique (3017). [4] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the panel unit (3) comprises at least one adjustment mechanism (30) for moving the panel elements (301). [5] Fireplace device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the adjustment mechanism (3) comprises at least one guide unit (31) with guide elements (311) on which the panel elements (301) are mounted so as to be linearly displaceable within a plane. [6] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the adjusting mechanism (30) comprises at least one adjusting unit (32) for adjusting a position of the panel elements (301). [7] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, comprising at least one operating element (33) for adjusting a position of the movable panel elements (301), wherein the operating element (33) extends in a ring shape around the opening (24). [8] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the four preceding claims, wherein the adjusting mechanism (30) is designed as a central closure, in particular as an iris closure. [9] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm unit (3) comprises between two and twenty diaphragm elements (301), in particular between four and ten diaphragm elements (301) and preferably eight diaphragm elements (301). [10] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diaphragm elements (301) have at least one acute-angled region (3014) which extends at least partially over the opening (24). [11] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the diaphragm elements (301) are formed from a metal or a metal alloy. [12] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a ratio between a maximum diameter (305) of the aperture unit (3) and a diameter (304) of an opening (303) of the aperture unit (3) in a fully opened state (O) is less than 3, preferably less than 2.5 and particularly preferably less than 2. [13] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a maximum outer diameter (306) is less than 250 mm, preferably less than 150 mm and particularly preferably less than 100 mm. [14] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, designed as a mobile fireplace device (1). [15] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fuel reservoir (21) at least partially contains a fuel, such as ethanol. [16] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one protective element (4) which at least partially encloses the flame during operation, in particular made of glass. [17] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the basic fire unit (2) and / or the at least one aperture unit (3) have a circular-cylindrical outer contour. [18] Fireplace device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, at least partially comprising concrete.

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