Air module for controlling the air supply in an oven

Abstract

Oven comprising a combustion chamber which is delimited by side walls, wherein the combustion chamber has a first air opening in at least one wall in order to allow air to flow into the combustion chamber for combustion, further comprising an air module for completely or partially closing the first air opening, wherein the air module comprises a first regulating disc (218) which is movable in front of the first air opening in order to completely or partially close it, characterized in that the first regulating disc (218) is pressed by a spring (212) in the direction of the first air opening in order to achieve a tight closure of the first air opening.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a furnace comprising a combustion chamber which is delimited by side walls, wherein the combustion chamber has a first air opening in at least one wall to allow air to flow into the combustion chamber for combustion, further comprising an air module for completely or partially closing the first air opening Background of the invention:

[0002] Stoves or stove inserts, referred to below as stoves, have a primary air supply, which is usually located below the wood and supplies the air for combustion through a grate below the wood. The purpose of the secondary air is to supply the wood gases produced during combustion with oxygen. This secondary air is often introduced at the top edge of the stove window, i.e. a window flush. The secondary air and primary air are usually controlled by a lever or motor that regulates the overall air supply. This opens a flap in the lower area of ​​the stove, often on the underside of the stove, from which the air moves into the stove or combustion chamber to then be used as primary air or secondary air. This flap is often hinged like a windshield wiper and is moved by the lever so that an opening is closed or opened.Preferably, the edges of the flap or opening are provided with seals to prevent external air from entering when the flap is closed. However, these seals wear out or the hinge fails, causing the flap to allow uncontrolled air flow, making control difficult. Overview of the invention

[0003] This problem is solved by an invention according to the claims.

[0004] The invention comprises an air module that uses spring-based compression to ensure an extremely tight seal that remains intact over time. In one possible embodiment, this air module comprises two discs, of which the lower control disc controls the total volume of combustion air, allowing both the secondary air (disk purge) and the primary air (ash grate) to be precisely regulated. In one possible embodiment, a second upper control disc controls the primary air.

[0005] The design of the air module allows the primary air to be completely shut off when the air supply lever is reduced to approximately 20 percent. This means that at this point, secondary air serves exclusively as the combustion air source. This means that, with this setting, approximately 20% of the air is still allowed through the first opening with the first disc, and no air at all through the second opening with the second disc. If the air supply lever is opened further, the openings open in parallel. The 20% is an empirical value; this can, of course, vary between 5 and 50%.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention offers the possibility of integrating an electrical combustion control system, which allows the installation of a motor on the air module. This motor will then precisely control the position of the interconnected discs of the air module according to the specifications of the combustion control system to ensure optimal combustion performance. Since the discs are interconnected, the drive of one disc can be used to drive both discs.

[0007] In detail, it is a stove comprising a combustion chamber that is defined by side walls. The combustion chamber may also comprise a combustion chamber arranged as a lower chamber within the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber is usually a metal box that has an air inlet and an exhaust gas outlet. It also usually has a door through which wood is introduced. The air is usually introduced into the combustion chamber at the bottom. Above this is the combustion chamber, which contains the wood and in which the actual combustion takes place. The air is usually supplied to the combustion chamber from below, e.g. via the ash pan, as primary air. Another part of the air is supplied as secondary air, preferably via the window cleaning system or via the side walls of the combustion chamber, further up into the combustion chamber. Ultimately, this secondary air also enters the combustion chamber via the air supply and then into the combustion chamber.In the invention, the combustion chamber comprises a first air opening in at least one wall to allow air to flow into the combustion chamber for combustion. The invention further comprises an air module for completely or partially closing the first air opening. This first air opening is generally used to supply both primary air and secondary air, but is not limited to this. The air module comprises a first control disc that can be moved in front of the first air opening to completely or partially close it. Preferably, these are circular discs that rotate about a central axis and have circular segment-shaped control disc openings that can be rotated over the corresponding air openings to close them. Depending on the angular position of the control disc, the openings then overlap completely, partially, or not at all.It is also conceivable to have a plurality of openings, both as air openings and as control disc openings, which are then arranged accordingly to be opened and closed in parallel. To ensure a good seal, the first control disc is pressed toward the first air opening by a spring to achieve a tight closure of the first air opening. In the preferred embodiment, the spring is arranged centrally in the region of the axis.

[0008] In one possible embodiment, a flat first sealing disc is arranged between the first control disc and the wall with the first air opening, so that the first air opening is sealed with the help of the flat first sealing disc and the first control disc which can be moved above it and is preferably rotatable. Due to the flat design, a large-area seal is ensured. The edges of the openings are rounded so that they do not damage the seal during rotation. The spring is designed and arranged such that the wall, the first sealing disc and the first control disc are pressed against one another. The sealing disc is arranged between the control disc and the wall. The sealing disc usually has the same shape as the control disc and has recesses in the area of ​​the openings, whereby the openings correspond either to the openings in the wall or to the openings in the control disc.Preferably, the sealing disc is firmly connected to the wall; in this case, the openings in the sealing disc correspond to those in the wall, and the control disc is moved over the fixed sealing disc. In this configuration, the sealing disc preferably has projections that extend outside the area of ​​the control disc so that this area does not collide with the control disc during rotation. The sealing disc is attached to these projections on the wall, e.g. by screws or rivets, so that the sealing disc does not rotate. In an alternative embodiment, the sealing disc is firmly connected to the control disc and rotates with it. The openings in the seal then correspond to those in the control disc, and these are arranged one above the other.

[0009] In one possible embodiment, the first sealing disc is arranged around the first air opening and the first sealing disc has a recess in the region of the first air openings, wherein the first regulating disc is pressed onto the first sealing disc by the spring pressure, preferably in the closed state, in order to completely or partially close the first air opening. It is conceivable that the regulating disc is lifted slightly by the rotational movement, which can be achieved e.g. by a thread or a ramp in the region of the axis, and only rests on the seal when completely closed. This can reduce the friction between the components. The rotation moves the regulating disc away from the seal and thus reduces friction.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first control disc comprises an axis around which it rotates. The first control disc comprises at least one, preferably two or more openings (preferably in the shape of a circular segment), which can be aligned with openings in the first sealing disc and the wall by rotation. Rotation can expose the opening for air supply, or rotation can move the first control disc over the second sealing disc so that the openings are completely or partially covered by the first control disc to reduce the air supply.

[0011] In one possible embodiment, the first control disc rotates around a central axis, and the spring is arranged on the axis, preferably on the side of the wall, to press the first control disc against the first sealing disc and the wall. The control disc and the first sealing disc are essentially circular. The spring is arranged on the outside of the wall, preferably outside the combustion chamber, and is thus protected from excessive heat.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the air module is located at the bottom of the combustion chamber, thus below the combustion chamber. The wall of the combustion chamber is usually the floor wall on which the air module is located. Often, a pipe is connected to the opening in the wall to allow for external air supply.

[0013] In one possible embodiment, the first control disc can be driven, and preferably rotated, by a mechanical means via the central axis or via engagement means, preferably a gear ring, on the outside of the first control disc. This is a linkage or a gear set that can be driven via mechanical means. Typically, the linkage is provided at the front with a handle for the user in the area of ​​the door, so that the user can move, preferably rotate, the control disc using the handle. Additional joints or gears can be used to convert the movement of the handle into a movement of the control disc.

[0014] Another option for the mechanical means is an electric actuator and / or a manually driven lever system, which preferably access the gear ring and set the first control disc in rotation and / or act on the central axis to set the first control disc in rotation. The actuator can also be used in parallel to the lever system. The actuator can be a stepper motor, which is arranged on the underside of the wall outside the combustion chamber. Its drive shaft extends through a hole into the combustion chamber. At the end of the drive shaft there is a gear, which engages with the outer teeth of the control disc and drives it. Because the actuator is arranged outside the combustion chamber, it can also be protected from heat.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the furnace comprises a stopper that limits the rotation range of the control disc.

[0016] In a first embodiment, this is attached to the first control disc and extends into the air opening, allowing it to move only within the area of ​​the air opening. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to have corresponding projections on the outside of the control disc or the shaft that limit rotation by engaging one or more stoppers. Additionally, the stoppers or projections could be rubberized to prevent the stop from being metallic and hard.

[0017] In one possible embodiment, the combustion chamber comprises a primary air supply and a secondary air supply. It should be noted that, as described above, the primary air and secondary air introduce air into the combustion chamber at different points. The primary air serves to fan the embers and enable better ignition, and the secondary air serves to optimally burn the resulting wood gas. In this configuration, the air module is designed such that the secondary air supply occurs through the first control disc and that a second air opening is formed to control the primary air supply through a second control disc. The two control discs are driven by mechanical means. As a rule, the combustion chamber is located within the combustion chamber of the stove, which thus surrounds the combustion chamber.Primary air is supplied from below or in the lower area of ​​the combustion chamber, often via the ash pan, to supply the embers with oxygen. Secondary air is usually introduced higher up into the combustion chamber to support the combustion of the wood gas and thereby achieve clean and efficient combustion. The air flows within the combustion chamber to the upper air inlets of the combustion chamber. In addition, the secondary air, which is introduced as a window purge, prevents the stove window from becoming sooty.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second control discs are driven simultaneously by the mechanical means because they are physically connected to one another. In a further preferred embodiment, the mechanical means is configured such that, during the closing movement, the second control disc closes the second air opening earlier to reduce the primary air supply than the first control disc, which closes the first air opening to ensure the secondary air supply while the primary air supply is closed. This is always useful when the wood has already essentially burned through.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, the second control disc is designed with a spring and a second sealing disc corresponding to the first sealing disc, in order to close the second air opening through rotation. The spring can be the same spring as for the first control disc, whose pressure presses both control discs.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the second control disc is arranged on an intermediate floor in the combustion chamber, preferably below the ash pan, and the first control disc is arranged below the second control disc in a floor of the combustion chamber. The intermediate floor usually separates the combustion chamber from the combustion chamber. The ash pan is arranged on the floor within the combustion chamber and has one or more openings in at least one of its side walls through which the primary air can enter the embers from below through the ash pan. A grate is usually arranged on the ash pan through which the ash can fall into the box and which prevents the wood from falling into the ash pan. The wood to be burned is usually arranged on the grate.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, both control discs are arranged on an axis that preferably extends vertically from bottom to top through the combustion chamber, and the two control discs are arranged to rotate about this axis. This axis can be formed by a shaft or by components connected to one another to form a shaft-shaped assembly.

[0022] In one possible embodiment, the two control discs and / or their openings are arranged offset on the axis so that they close at different positions during rotation. It is also conceivable for the openings to have different sizes, thus closing earlier or later. This ensures that the primary air is closed first.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the mechanical means are at least partially arranged in a space between the first and second regulating disks in order to act on the axis, such that a rotational movement can be carried out by the mechanical means. In this case, a space is formed between the intermediate floor and the floor wall of the combustion chamber, in which space parts of the mechanical means are arranged. The shaft, which is hinged to the floor wall and the intermediate wall, also extends into this space. The spring, which then presses the first regulating disk downwards and the second upwards, can also be arranged on this shaft. The spring is arranged on the axis between the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber, such that pressure is exerted on the first and second regulating disks at the same time.

[0024] In this case, the first control disc and the second control disc are preferably hinged to the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber via bolts or a shaft, so that a rotational movement around the bolts takes place between the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber. Figures Description:

[0025] The following describes the figures in which Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a lower part of an air module with the first control disc, the first sealing disc and the bottom wall of the combustion chamber; Fig. 2 shows an exploded view of the lower part and the upper part of the air module Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the air module below an ash pan. Fig. Figure 4 shows a section through a furnace in which the air module is arranged at the bottom in the air box. Detailed description of the invention:

[0026] The following figures show only the air module. The furnace, combustion chamber, and combustion chamber are not part of the illustration. Fig. 1 shows a mounting plate 17, which can be designed as the base plate of the combustion chamber. Two circular segment-shaped openings are arranged in the base plate 17, representing the first opening according to the claims. A first sealing disc 2 is arranged on the mounting plate 17. The first regulating disc 18 is arranged above the first sealing disc 2. These components are arranged around a sleeve 11 formed in the axis. A compression spring 12 is compressed by a screw and corresponding nut 14, which are guided through the sleeve, thereby generating a contact pressure on the discs.

[0027] The control disc has teeth along its outer circumference. These teeth are operatively connected to a stepper motor 19, which is screwed to the mounting plate 17 from below. Its shaft penetrates a cover plate 15 or seal 15 located between the mounting plate and the motor 19. The motor, cover plate, and mounting plate components are connected to each other by screws 9.

[0028] The sealing disc has one or more projections on its outer circumference which extend over the circumference. These projections can have bores with which the sealing disc 2 is fastened to the mounting plate so that the latter does not rotate. Like the mounting plate and the regulating disc, the sealing disc has first openings which are preferably designed in the shape of circular segments. The circular segments are large enough that a closure is achieved through rotation. This means that the circular segments are smaller or no larger than circular segments which are closed and which lie between the open circular segments. In this way, a corresponding closure can be achieved through rotation. It is also conceivable to select a large number of smaller circular segments, as this would reduce the overall rotation. The circumference of the rotation generally corresponds to the size of the circular segments.Adjacent to each circular segment there should be a segment in the mounting plate that is larger than the opening of the circular segment to allow closure by rotation.

[0029] Furthermore, the control disc features a projection on its outer circumference that serves to limit rotation. This projection moves between two stop elements 7 that extend upward from the mounting plate 17. These stop elements typically have a stop buffer 7 to better dampen the energy with which the control disc 18 is rotated.

[0030] The stoppers are arranged so that the openings can be slid over one another, or the opening can be moved to close it. The stoppers' arrangement is therefore determined by the size of the circular segments. Typically, the stoppers are spaced twice the size of the circular opening segments.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows an extended embodiment of the Fig. 1. In addition to the first control / sealing discs, second control / sealing discs are integrated into the air module. These are responsible for controlling the primary air supply to the combustion chamber. The first control disc is connected to the second control disc along an axis via corresponding joint elements. The second control disc is a primary air control disc 28, which is responsible for the primary air supply. As already explained above, the primary air supply is responsible for supplying the embers with oxygen.

[0032] Above the second regulating disc 18 there is a sealing disc 10 which, like the regulating disc 18, also has circular segment-shaped recesses or holes.

[0033] This sealing disc also has corresponding projections that extend beyond the circumference, with which the second sealing disc 20 can be fastened using washers and screws. The fastening takes place on an intermediate floor as shown in the Fig. 3 is shown.

[0034] The first control disc is connected to the second control disc 20 at a distance by a driver 217. The driver 217 enables the two control discs to be arranged at a distance from one another and connected to one another. The control discs are arranged parallel one above the other. The driver 217 is preferably formed on the axis or around the axis. The driver is pressed from below by a spring 213 and thus simultaneously generates pressure on the first and second control discs. The driver is arranged at a variable height on two pins. The pins are formed on the first control disc. A flange of the driver with two bores slides over the two pins. This creates an operative connection between the driver and the first control disc, which is variable with respect to the spring. The second control disc has a square receptacle in the center along the axis.The driver has a corresponding square cross-section and extends into this mount. As a result, the rotation of the driver drives both the first and second control pulleys. The coupling rod is attached to the first control pulley via a bolt. This is usually done via the flange and the corresponding holes. One end of the coupling rod 28 can also be slid over the corresponding pins in the first control pulley and secured to them with appropriate screws, nuts 215, and washers 26.

[0035] The coupling rod is then connected to a coupling rod 28 via a driver lever 25. The coupling rod 28, in turn, extends upwards and is then connected to an air control lever 216. By slightly rotating or lever moving the air control lever 216, a rotary movement is then exerted on the first and second control discs via the corresponding components described above, so that they close and open the openings. The air control lever 216 is connected to the coupling rod 28 via a collar bushing 21 and a hexagon nut 27. The coupling rod 28 is connected to the driver lever 25 with a screw at its end of a collar bushing 23. The coupling rod 28 is articulated to the driver lever 25 via a screw 29. The driver lever 25 is connected to the driver 217 with a hexagon nut 215.

[0036] Fig. 3 now shows the embodiment of the Fig. 2 in conjunction with an ash pan holder, on the underside of which the second control disc for the primary air regulation is arranged. The lower plate 31 of the ash pan holder thus represents a partition wall within the meaning of the claims. Alternatively, the partition wall within the meaning of the claims is the upper plate of the primary air supply 33. These are generally box-shaped and arranged within the combustion chamber. They represent the underside of the combustion chamber. An ash pan holder 33 with primary air openings is arranged above this upper plate. The primary air openings are located in the side walls of the ash pan holder.

[0037] The primary air then enters the ash pan (not shown) via the side walls of the ash pan holder, which is located inside the ash pan holder. The ash pan itself has openings in the upper area through which air can enter and then enters the combustion chamber via a grate. The lower plate of the ash pan, containing the primary air supply, is located above the lower part of the ash pan holder 32. Typically, the lower part of the ash pan holder is firmly connected to the lower plate of the ash pan holder, but has openings in the walls for air entry.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the furnace 41 in section, with a combustion chamber 42, which is usually closed at the front with a pane. The air module 43 is located in the air box 47 below the combustion chamber. The lower control disc 45 with a metering device is driven by the motor and opens the air supply to the air module from the air box 47. The second control disc for the primary air is located at the upper end of the shaft 44 for the air control lever and regulates the air supply to the combustion chamber, which is located inside the combustion chamber. List of reference symbols

[0039] Fig. 1 1 slotted collar bushing 3 flange bushing 4 Shaft air control lever 5 driver lever 7 Hexagon nut 8 coupling rod 9 Screw 10 sealing washer 12 hexagon screw 13 compression spring 14 Screw 15 hexagon nut 16 air control levers 17 Primary air driver 18 Primary air control disc Fig. 2 22 Sealing disc 27 Rubber stop buffer 29 hexagon socket dove 211 sleeve 212 compression spring 214 hexagon nut 215 locking plate 217 Mounting plate supply air control 218 Regulating wheel with teeth 219 Stepper motor 220 gear Fig. 3 31 Ash box base plate with primary air supply 32 Lower part of ash box holder with primary air openings 33 Top plate primary air supply 34 Screw Fig. 4 41 Oven 42 combustion chamber 43 Air module 44 Shaft air control lever 45 Regulating wheel with teeth 46 Primary air control disc 47 Air box

Claims

[1] A furnace (41) comprising a combustion chamber (42) delimited by side walls, the combustion chamber having a first air opening in at least one wall to allow air to flow into the combustion chamber for combustion, further comprising an air module (43) for completely or partially closing the first air opening, the air module comprising a first control disc (218) which is movable in front of the first air opening by mechanical means in order to completely or partially close it, characterized by that the first control disc (218) is pressed by a spring (212) in the direction of the first air opening in order to achieve a tight closure of the first air opening. [2] A furnace comprising a combustion chamber defined by side walls, the combustion chamber having a first air opening in at least one wall for allowing air to flow into the combustion chamber for combustion, further comprising an air module for completely or partially closing the first air opening, the air module comprising a first control disc (218) movable in front of the first air opening by a mechanical means for completely or partially closing it, characterized by that the first air opening directs both primary air and secondary air into the combustion chamber, and wherein a second opening is provided within the combustion chamber which is responsible for a primary air supply, wherein the first and the second control discs are driven simultaneously by the mechanical means. [3] The furnace of claim 2, wherein the first control disc (218) is urged by a spring (212) toward the first air opening to achieve a tight closure of the first air opening. [4] The furnace according to one of the preceding claims 1 and 3, wherein a flat first sealing disc (22) is arranged between the first regulating disc (218) and the wall with the first air opening, so that the first air opening is sealed by means of the flat first sealing disc (22) and the first regulating disc (218) which is movable above it and is preferably rotatable, in that the spring is designed and arranged such that the spring presses the wall, the first sealing disc (22) and the first regulating disc (218) against one another. [5] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein the first sealing disc is arranged around the first air opening and the first sealing disc has a recess in the region of the first air openings and the first regulating disc (218) is pressed by the spring pressure onto the first sealing disc, preferably in the closed state, in order to completely or partially close the first air opening. [6] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control disc has an axis about which it is rotatable, the first control disc has at least one, preferably two openings which can be brought into alignment with openings in the first sealing disc and the wall by rotation in order to expose the opening for an air supply, or to move the first control disc over the first sealing disc by rotation so that the openings are completely or partially covered by the first control disc in order to reduce the air supply. [7] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the first control disc rotates about a central axis, and the spring (212) is arranged on the axis, preferably on the side of the wall, to press the first control disc against the first sealing disc and wall. [8] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 7, wherein the first sealing disc is either fixed to the wall or fixed to the first control disc for rotation therewith. [9] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air module is arranged at the bottom of the combustion chamber. [10] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first control disc is drivable and preferably rotatable by a mechanical means via the central axis or via engagement means, preferably a gear ring, on the outside of the first control disc. [11] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein the mechanical means is an electric actuator and / or a manually driven lever system, which preferably access the gear ring and cause the first control disc to rotate and / or act on the central axis to cause the first control disc to rotate. [12] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a stopper attached to the first control disc and moving within the first air opening to limit the movement of the control disc [13] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 12, wherein the mechanical means is designed such that during the closing movement the second control disc closes the second air opening earlier in order to reduce the primary air supply than the first control disc closes the first air opening in order to still ensure the secondary air supply while the primary air supply is closed. [14] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein the second control disc is formed with a spring and a second sealing disc corresponding to the first sealing disc to close the second air opening by rotation. [15] The furnace according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 14, wherein the second control disc is arranged on an intermediate floor in the combustion chamber, preferably below the ash box, and the first control disc is arranged below the second control disc in a floor of the combustion chamber. [16] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein both control discs are arranged on an axis which preferably extends vertically from bottom to top through the combustion chamber, and the control discs are arranged to be rotatable about this axis. [17] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein the control discs and / or the openings are arranged offset on the axis so that they close at different positions during rotation. [18] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the mechanical means acts on the axis in a space between the first and second control discs so that a rotational movement can be carried out. [19] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 18, wherein the first control disc and the second control disc are hinged to the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber via bolts, so that a rotational movement about the bolts takes place between the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber. [20] The furnace according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring is arranged on the axis between the intermediate floor and the floor of the combustion chamber so as to exert pressure on the first and second control discs simultaneously. [21] The furnace according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a servo motor is arranged below the floor of the combustion chamber, and whose drive shaft extends through a bore in the floor of the combustion chamber to drive a gear in the combustion chamber on the shaft to act on the teeth of the first control disc.

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