Air supply device for a heating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an air supply device (65) for a room heater (1) comprising an air inlet duct (70) configured to open outside the room, the air inlet duct comprising a radial wall (75) defining an inlet volume (80), and an axial wall (85) extending between the radial wall and closing the inlet volume, and a direct air duct (95) configured to supply air to a fireplace, the direct air duct passing through the axial wall and opening into the air inlet duct. The axial wall has at least one opening (90) configured to supply air to the room. A damper (105) is mounted around the direct air duct and is movable between a closed position, in which the damper closes at least one opening, and an open position, in which air can flow through at least one opening.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an air intake device for a heating appliance.

[0002] Biomass heating appliances require a combustion air supply that varies depending on their power output. This combustion air can be supplied to the appliance directly or indirectly. Air is supplied directly when it is brought in through a connection on the appliance that opens directly to the outside of the room to be heated or into the crawl space.

[0003] US7665457B is known to require an air supply system comprising an air inlet opening outside the room and a direct air duct connected to the air inlet to supply air to the firebox. The air supply system also includes an exhaust duct connecting the outside to the firebox to vent the gases and fumes generated by combustion.

[0004] Air is supplied indirectly, via a grille opening to the outside of the room and a suitable air intake area on the heater as recommended by the manufacturer. More precisely, indirect air is drawn directly from the air inside the room through this intake area. This is due to a negative pressure created inside the heater by combustion, which necessitates the renewal of the air inside the room with outside air via the grille. This indirect air intake brings in fresh air and therefore creates a feeling of discomfort when the heater is not in use. Furthermore, the heater's proper operation requires two separate air intakes and therefore two connections to the outside.

[0005] It is also known from WO 2014 / 032652 A1 to use an air supply device comprising two concentric ducts opening into a single branch and a bypass system. However, this device does not allow for the simultaneous supply of direct air to the combustion chamber and indirect air to the room. Indeed, the device includes a set of movable flaps designed to allow only indirect airflow to the room or direct airflow into the combustion chamber. In other words, if the heating appliance is not of the sealed type, i.e., capable of drawing all of its combustion air from outside the room via the prior art device, the prior art device cannot supply both the combustion chamber and the room to prevent negative pressure in the room during combustion in the heating appliance. Thus, this device does not allow for optimal operation of the heating appliance.

[0006] The aim of the invention is therefore to propose an air supply device which allows the use of a single air inlet without degrading the performance of the heating appliance and which minimizes the discomfort generated by indirect air supply.

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to an air intake device for a heating appliance in a room comprising: an air inlet duct centered around a main axis and configured to open outside the room, the air inlet duct comprising: ∘ a radial wall defining an inlet volume, and ∘ an axial wall extending between the radial wall and closing the inlet volume, a direct air duct configured to supply air to a heating appliance furnace, the direct air duct being centered around the main axis and passing through the axial wall so as to open into the air inlet duct, the air intake device in which: the axial wall has at least one opening configured to supply air to the room, and A valve is mounted around the direct air duct and is movable between a closed position, in which the valve blocks at least one opening, and an open position, in which air can flow through at least one opening.

[0008] Thanks to the invention, and in particular thanks to at least one opening through the axial wall, the air supply device offers both indirect air intake and direct air intake with a single connection. Indeed, outside air drawn in via the air intake duct can flow into the room through at least one opening and can also flow into the fireplace via the direct air duct. Furthermore, the presence of the damper allows at least one opening to be closed during periods when the heating appliance is not in use, preventing the introduction of fresh air into the room and thus avoiding discomfort.

[0009] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the air inlet device comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically possible combination: The valve is movable in translation, parallel to the main axis relative to the axial wall, between the closed and open positions. The air inlet device includes at least one translational guide element for the valve, between its closed and open positions. This guide element extends parallel to the main axis. The guide element and the valve have complementary shapes. A first element, including the guide element and the valve, has a guide groove extending parallel to the main axis, and a second element, including the guide element and the valve, the second element being different from the first element, includes a protrusion configured to be inserted into the guide groove. The valve includes at least one adjusting tab extending parallel to the main axis in the opposite direction to the axial wall.The adjustment tab being configured to be manipulated by a user to move the damper between its closed and open positions, the damper is movable in rotation around the main axis, between the closed position and the open position, the damper passing, preferably, from one position to the other by a rotation of a quarter turn around the main axis, the movement of the damper being carried out automatically, according to a temperature of the air inlet device, the air inlet device includes a temperature sensor and an electromechanical actuator configured to move the damper according to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor,The air inlet device includes a return element configured to move the damper from its closed position to its open position when the temperature of the air inlet device is above a first threshold and to move the damper from its open position to its closed position when the temperature of the air inlet device is below a second threshold,

[0010] The invention also relates to a heating device for a room comprising a fireplace and an air supply device as described above, the air supply device supplying air to the fireplace.

[0011] According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the heating appliance comprises one or more of the following features, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations: The fireplace includes a combustion chamber and an ash pan positioned below the combustion chamber, with the direct air duct opening into the ash pan.

[0012] The invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective view of a heating appliance according to a first embodiment; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a section in plane II of the figure 1 ; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a perspective view of an air intake device for the heating appliance, with one of the device's flaps in an open position; Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a perspective view from another angle of the device of the figure 3 ; Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 3 , the device's valve being in a closed position; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a perspective view of an air inlet device of a heating appliance according to a second embodiment, a valve of the device being in an open position; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 6 , the device's valve being in a closed position; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a perspective view of an air inlet device of a heating appliance according to a third embodiment, a valve of the device being in an open position; [ Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a perspective view from another angle of the device of the figure 8 , [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is a perspective view of the device of the figure 9 , the device's valve being in a closed position; [ Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 is seen in perspective from another angle of view of the device of the figure 9 .

[0013] A heating appliance 1 according to a first embodiment is shown on the figure 1 The heating unit 1 is placed in a room and is configured to heat that room.

[0014] The heating appliance includes a firebox 5. The firebox includes a combustion chamber 10. The combustion chamber 10 includes a side wall 15, a bottom wall 20, and a top wall 25, together defining a combustion volume 30. The combustion volume 30 is configured to receive fuel so that combustion takes place within the combustion volume 30 to heat the room. The side wall 15 is retractable. It is shown in the diagram. figure 1 In its retracted position, the user can access the combustion chamber for cleaning or adding fuel such as logs. In the active position, the side wall 15 isolates the firebox 5 from the outside. The side wall 15 moves from its retracted position to its active position by a downward vertical movement.

[0015] The firebox 5 also includes an ash pan 35 extending from a grate 50 in a direction opposite to the upper wall 25 and defining an ash pan volume, not shown. The ash pan 35 is housed in an ash pan recess 40 formed in the bottom wall 20 and opening into the combustion chamber 30 such that the ash pan volume opens into the combustion chamber 30 through the bottom wall 20. The ash pan 35 is removable from the ash pan recess 40. The grate 50 is removable and configured to partially close the ash pan volume. When the heating appliance 1 is in use, the oxidizer is positioned on the grate 50 so that ash generated by the combustion of the oxidizer falls into the ash pan 35.

[0016] The heating appliance 1 includes a flue system 55. The flue system 55 includes a flue nozzle 60. The flue nozzle 60 is fluidly connected to the combustion chamber 30 and is connected to a flue duct, not shown, which opens outside the room. The flue system 55 includes a smoke chamber, not shown, fluidly connected to the flue duct 60 and to the combustion chamber 30. The smoke chamber is configured to conduct the gases and fumes from the combustion chamber 30 to the flue duct 60. The flue system 55 is configured to vent the gases and fumes generated by combustion outside the room.

[0017] The heating unit 1 includes an air inlet device 65. The air inlet device 65 includes an air inlet duct 70. The air inlet duct 70 has an elongated shape centered around a principal axis X. In this example, the air inlet duct 70 is cylindrical. More precisely, the air inlet duct 70 includes a radial wall 75 defining an inlet volume 80.

[0018] The air inlet duct 70 also includes an axial wall 85. The axial wall 85 extends perpendicularly to the main axis X from the radial wall 75 in the direction of the main axis X. In other words, the axial wall 85 extends between the radial wall 75 and closes the inlet volume 80.

[0019] The axial wall 85 has at least one opening 90 configured to supply air to the room. More precisely, at least one opening 90 passes completely through the axial wall 85, fluidly connecting the interior of the room and the inlet volume 80. In this example, the axial wall 85 has four openings 90. The four openings 90 are identical. The openings 90 are centered and evenly distributed around the principal axis X. In this example, the openings 90 have an arc-shaped form.

[0020] The air supply device 65 includes a direct air duct 95, configured to supply air to the combustion chamber 5 of the heating appliance 1. The direct air duct 95 has an elongated shape and is centered around the main axis X. In this example, the direct air duct 95 has a cylindrical shape and defines a direct air volume 100. The direct air duct 95 passes through the axial wall 85 so as to open into the air inlet duct 70. In other words, the direct air volume 100 and the inlet volume 80 are fluidly connected.

[0021] The openings 90 are provided on the axial wall 85 around the direct air duct 95, so that the openings 90 do not open into the direct air volume 100.

[0022] In this example, the air inlet duct 70 and the direct air duct 95 are made from a single piece, for example by metal fabrication.

[0023] The air inlet device 65 includes a damper 105 which includes a sealing wall 110. The sealing wall 110 is flat and includes a mounting opening 115. The mounting opening 115 passes completely through the sealing wall 110. The mounting opening 115 has a shape complementary to the shape of the direct air duct 95. In this example, the mounting opening 115 is circular.

[0024] The damper 105 is mounted around the direct air duct 95, the mounting opening 115 being coaxial with the main axis X and the direct air duct 95 passing through the mounting opening 115. The damper 105 is translationally movable, parallel to the main axis X, relative to the axial wall 85, between a closed and an open position. In the closed position, the damper 105 blocks the openings 90; in other words, the sealing wall 110 is pressed against the axial wall 85 as shown in the figure. figure 5 The air inlet device 65 includes seals, not shown, so that when the damper 105 is in the closed position, the contact between the axial wall 85 and the sealing wall 110 is airtight. In other words, when the damper 105 is in the closed position, the inlet volume 80 is not fluidically connected to the interior of the room. In the open position, air can flow through the openings 90. In other words, the sealing wall 110 is not pressed against the axial wall 85 as shown in the diagrams. figures 3 And 4 .

[0025] Advantageously, the damper 105 includes at least one adjusting lug 120. In this example, the damper 105 includes two adjusting lugs 120 that are symmetrical about the principal axis X. Each of the adjusting lugs 120 extends parallel to the principal axis X from the sealing wall 110 in a direction opposite to the axial wall 85. The adjusting lugs 120 are configured to be manipulated by a user to move the damper 105 between its closed and open positions. The damper 105 includes, for example, a handle 125 connecting the two adjusting lugs 120 in such a way as to allow the user to manipulate the adjusting lugs 120 identically, with the movements of the adjusting lugs 120 being interdependent.

[0026] Advantageously, the air inlet device 65 includes at least one guide element 130. In this example, the air inlet device 65 includes two guide elements 130 that are symmetrical with respect to the main axis X. Each guide element 130 extends parallel to the main axis X from the axial wall 85 towards the sealing wall 110. In this example, the guide elements 130 are integral with the axial wall 85. The guide elements 130 are configured to guide the valve 105 in translation between the closed and open positions.

[0027] Advantageously, the guide elements 130 and the valve 105 have complementary shapes so as to facilitate the translational guidance of the valve 105.

[0028] Advantageously, one of the elements among the guide elements 130 and the valve 105 has a guide groove 135. In this example, each of the guide elements 130 includes a guide groove 135 that extends parallel to the principal axis X. A second element, among the guide elements 130 and the valve 105, includes at least one protrusion 140. The second element is different from the first element, and in this example, the second element is formed by the valve 105, which includes four protrusions 140. More precisely, each of the adjustment tabs 120 has two protrusions 145 that project from the respective adjustment tab 120 in a direction opposite to the principal axis X. Each of the protrusions 140 cooperates, respectively, with a guide groove 135.More specifically, each of the protrusions 140 is, respectively, inserted into the guide groove 135 so as to be moved in the guide groove 135 during the translation of the valve 105 between the open and closed positions.

[0029] The air inlet device 65 also includes a support 145. The support 145 includes a support wall 150. The support wall 150 is flat and includes a mounting opening 155. The mounting opening 155 passes completely through the support wall 150. The mounting opening 155 has a shape complementary to the shape of the direct air duct 95. In this example, the mounting opening 155 is circular.

[0030] The support 145 is fixedly mounted around the direct air duct 95 via the support wall 150, the mounting opening 155 being coaxial with the main X axis and the direct air duct 95 passing through the mounting opening 155. The support wall 150 includes two slots 152 configured to allow the passage of the adjustment tabs 120 through the support wall 150.

[0031] The support 145 includes two support lugs 160 which extend parallel to the main axis and which are configured to be, respectively, fixedly attached to the adjustment lugs 120 so as to stiffen the adjustment lugs 120 and prevent deformation of the adjustment lugs 120 during the translation of the valve 105.

[0032] The air inlet device 65 is positioned at the ash pan 35. More precisely, the support wall 150 is in contact with and fixed against a wall 47 of the ash pan housing 40. The wall 47 has an opening 165 so that the direct air duct 95 opens into the ash pan 35. In other words, the ash pan housing 40 is fluidly connected to the direct air volume 100. The adjustment tabs 120 also extend into the ash pan housing 40. In other words, the guide tabs are accessible from the ash pan 35. The heating unit 1 includes a seal, not shown, positioned between the support wall 150 and the wall 47 so that the fluid connection between the ash pan housing 40 and the direct air volume 100 is airtight.

[0033] When the heater 1 is in use, the air supply device 65 provides all the air required for combustion through a single air duct and therefore a single connection to the outside of the room. This is because the air supply device 65 directly feeds combustion air under the grate 50 via the direct air duct 95, which opens into the ash pan 35. When the damper 105 is in the open position, the air supply device 65 also supplies the room with indirect air to replenish the air drawn in by the heater 1 due to the negative pressure generated by combustion. More specifically, when the damper 105 is in the open position, outside air circulating in the air channel and then in the air inlet duct 70 simultaneously supplies air to the interior of the room, via the openings 90, and to the fireplace, via the direct air duct 95.Thus, the air intake device 65 allows for optimal operation of the heater 1, which requires only one connection to the outside of the room and therefore only one drilling in a wall or floor. Another advantage of the invention is the ability to close the damper 105. When the heater 1 is not in use, the user moves the damper 105, using the adjustment tabs 120 accessible from the ash pan housing 40, to its closed position, preventing outside air from entering the room and creating unwanted cold drafts.

[0034] When the damper 105 is in the closed position, the fireplace 5 is always supplied with outside air via the direct air duct 95. Thus, if the user forgets to move the damper 105 from its closed position to its open position before using the heater 1, the heater 1 still works, albeit in degraded mode, i.e. with an air supply lower than the operating requirements.

[0035] A diameter d95 of the direct air duct 95, measured perpendicular to the main axis X, a diameter d70 of the air inlet duct, measured perpendicular to the main axis X, are sized for each heating appliance according to their power, and their air consumption.

[0036] Alternatively, not shown, the guide grooves 135 are provided on the adjustment lugs 120 and the protrusions 140, inserted into the guide grooves 135, are projecting from the guide elements 130.

[0037] In an alternative not shown, the sections of the air inlet duct 70 and the direct air duct 95 are rectangular or square in shape.

[0038] In an alternative not shown, the movement of the damper 105 is performed automatically based on the temperature of the air inlet device 65 and / or the temperature of the flue gases generated during combustion. Indeed, the temperature of the air inlet device and / or the flue gas temperature varies according to the combustion rate. Thus, the temperature of the air inlet device 65 and / or the flue gas temperature varies according to the air requirements of the heating appliance 1. Advantageously, the air inlet device 65 includes a temperature sensor and an electromechanical actuator connected to the temperature sensor and configured to move the damper 105 based on the temperature of the air inlet device 65 and / or the flue gas temperature measured by the temperature sensor. The heating appliance 1 also includes an oxygen probe configured to measure the oxygen level in the heating appliance 1.The electromechanical actuator is connected to the oxygen sensor and also moves the valve 105 according to the oxygen level in the heater 1. Indeed, a measurement of oxygen depletion indicates a lack of air and necessitates moving the valve 105 to the open position to allow indirect air supply to the room and increase the overall air supply. Thus, the position of the valve 105 is optimized according to the needs of the heater 1.

[0039] In an alternative configuration not shown, the air inlet device 65 includes a return mechanism configured to move the damper 105 from its closed position to its open position when the temperature of the air inlet device is above a first threshold, and to move the damper 105 from its open position to its closed position when the temperature of the air inlet device is below a second threshold. Thus, the damper 105 is automatically moved according to the air requirements of the heating appliance 1.

[0040] In an alternative configuration not shown, the air supply device 65 comprises several separate direct air ducts. Each of the direct air ducts opens into the inlet volume. Thus, the air supply device 65 allows for the supply of several separate direct air circuits to the heating appliance 1.

[0041] In an alternative configuration not shown, the direct air duct 95 is connected to a flexible hose and no longer opens directly into the combustion chamber 5. The flexible hose provides a smooth connection between the direct air duct 95 and the combustion chamber. This alternative is particularly useful for built-in heating appliances 1 or for existing heating appliances to which the user wishes to add an air intake device as described above.

[0042] THE figures 6 And 7illustrate a heating appliance 1001 according to a second embodiment of the invention, the heating appliance 1001 being identical to the heating appliance 1 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. The reference numerals of the heating appliance 1001 correspond to those of the heating appliance when the referenced element is unchanged. The reference numerals are increased by 1000 when they designate similar but modified elements in the heating appliance. If a reference is mentioned later in the description but is not shown in the figures, the reference numerals are not shown in the figures. figures 6 And 7 , or represented on the figures 6 And 7 without being mentioned in the description, it refers to the element bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0043] The direct air duct 95 is offset from the main axis X. The axial wall 1085 has two openings 90 positioned below the direct air duct 95. The air supply device 1065 allows a large quantity of air to be supplied inside the room.

[0044] There figures 8 à 11 illustrate a heating appliance 2001 according to a third embodiment of the invention, the heating appliance 2001 being identical to the heating appliance 1 of the first embodiment except for the features described below. The reference numerals of the heating appliance 2001 correspond to those of the heating appliance when the referenced element is unchanged. The reference numerals are augmented by 2000 when they designate similar but modified elements in the heating appliance. If a reference is mentioned later in the description but is not shown in the figures 8 à 11 , or represented on the figures 8 à 11without being mentioned in the description, it refers to the element bearing the same reference in the first embodiment.

[0045] The axial wall 2085 comprises two diametrically opposed openings 90.

[0046] The damper 2105 includes a rod 2200 which extends coaxially to the main axis X in the direction of the support wall 150. The damper 2105 is movable in rotation about the main axis X relative to the direct air duct 95 between its closed position and its open position.

[0047] The guide element 2130 extends from the support wall 145 and partially blocks the direct air volume 100. The guide element 2130 includes a circular opening 2205 through which the rod 2200 passes so as to hold the rod 2200 in position and guide the rotation of the valve 2105 around the main axis X.

[0048] The obturator wall 2110 has two openings 2210 identical to the openings 90. The openings 2210 are provided in the obturator wall 2110 so that the openings 2210 can be simultaneously opposite a respective opening 90.

[0049] The damper 2105 is in its open position when the openings 2210 are aligned with the openings 90, such that the air inlet volume 80 communicates fluidly with the interior of the room. The damper 2105 is in its closed position when the openings 2210 are not aligned with the openings 90; in other words, when the openings 90 are aligned with the obstruction wall 2110, blocking the fluid communication between the air inlet volume 80 and the interior of the room. Advantageously, the damper 2105 transitions from the open position to the closed position by a quarter-turn rotation around the main axis X.

[0050] Any feature described above for one embodiment or variant is applicable to the other embodiments and variants described above, insofar as this is technically possible.

Claims

1. Air supply device (65; 1065; 2065) for a heating appliance (1; 1001; 2001) of a room comprising: - an air inlet duct (70; 1070) centered around a principal axis (X) and configured to open outside the room, the air inlet duct (70; 1070) comprising: ∘ a radial wall (75) defining an inlet volume (80), and ∘ an axial wall (85; 1085) extending between the radial wall (75) and closing the inlet volume (80), - a direct air duct (95) configured to supply air to a combustion chamber (5) of the heating appliance (1; 1001; 2001), the direct air duct (95) being centered around the principal axis (X) and passing through the axial wall (85; 1085) so as to open into the air inlet duct (70), the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) being characterized in that- the axial wall (85; 1085) has at least one opening (90) configured to supply air to the room, and - a damper (105; 2105) is mounted around the direct air duct (95) and is movable, between a closed position, in which the damper (105; 2105) blocks at least one opening (90), and an open position, in which air can flow through at least one opening (90).

2. Air inlet device (65; 1065) according to claim 1, wherein the valve (105) is movable in translation, parallel to the main axis (X) with respect to the axial wall (85), between the closed position and the open position.

3. Air inlet device (65; 1065) according to claim 2, wherein the air inlet device (65; 1065) comprises at least one translational guide element (130) of the valve (105), between its closed and open positions, the at least one guide element (130) extending parallel to the main axis (X).

4. Air inlet device (65; 1065) according to claim 3, wherein at least one guide element (130) and the valve (105) have complementary shapes.

5. Air inlet device (65; 1065) according to claim 4, wherein a first element among the at least one guide element (130) and the valve (105) has a guide groove (135) which extends parallel to the main axis (X) and a second element among the at least one guide element (130) and the valve (105), the second element being different from the first element, comprises a protrusion (140) configured to be inserted into the guide groove (135).

6. Air inlet device (65; 1065) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (105) comprises at least one adjusting tab (120) which extends parallel to the main axis (X) in the opposite direction to the axial wall (85; 1085), the adjusting tab (120) being configured to be manipulated by a user to move the valve (105) between its closed and open positions.

7. Air inlet device (2065) according to claim 1, wherein the valve (2105) is rotationally movable about the main axis (X), between the closed position and the open position, the valve (2105) preferably passing from one position to the other by a rotation of a quarter turn about the main axis (X) 8. Air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the movement of the valve (105; 2105) is carried out automatically, as a function of a temperature of the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065).

9. Air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) according to claim 8, wherein the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) comprises a temperature sensor and an electromechanical actuator configured to move the valve (105; 2105) according to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

10. Air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) according to claim 8, wherein the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) comprises a return member configured to move the valve (105; 2105) from its closed position to its open position when the temperature of the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) is above a first threshold and to move the valve (105; 2105) from its open position to its closed position when the temperature of the air inlet device (65; 1065; 2065) is below a second threshold.

11. Heating appliance (1; 1001; 2001) for a room comprising a fireplace (5) and an air supply device (65; 1065; 2065) according to any one of the preceding claims, the air supply device (65; 1065; 2065) supplying air to the fireplace (5).

12. Heating appliance (1; 1001; 2001) according to claim 11, in which the firebox (5) comprises a combustion chamber (10) and an ash pan (35) positioned below the combustion chamber (10), the direct air duct (95) opening into the ash pan (35).

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