Automated heating apparatus and central heating system comprising same

Abstract

Automated heating appliance and central heating system comprising same The invention relates to an automated heating appliance (1) comprising a combustion chamber (3), a storage space (4) configured to store at least one stack of solid fuels (5) and an automatic loading system (6) configured to automatically load the combustion chamber (3) with solid fuels (5), the automatic loading system (6) comprising a stack lifting device (7), a solid fuel gripping device (8), a solid fuel moving device (9) and a solid fuel dropping device (12), the automatic loading system (6) being controlled by a control unit to automatically supply the combustion chamber (3) with solid fuels (5). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Heating apparatus with automated operation, and central heating system comprising it

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of combustion heating appliances, and in particular relates to an automated combustion heating appliance and to a central heating system comprising it.

[0002] Usually, the loading of a combustion heating appliance, for example a wood-burning stove, is carried out manually by a person present at the home in which the heating appliance is installed, by inserting solid fuels such as wood logs into the combustion chamber of the heating appliance via its front access door. However, when this person is absent, for example during a working day or when this person is sleeping, the fire in the combustion heating appliance dies out. This results in a cold home in the evening when returning from work, as well as in the morning when waking up.

[0003] Some existing wood-burning stoves, such as that described in European patent application EP2597371A1, have a hopper on the rear or side of the stove so as to allow a stack of logs to be introduced into the stove, said stack of logs arriving directly into the combustion chamber by gravity so that, once the stove is lit, the logs burn one after the other until they are exhausted. This results in continuous and unregulated heating, which can cause a high temperature in the home and involve significant fuel consumption, which is neither economical nor ecological.

[0004] Some other existing wood-burning stoves, such as that described in European patent application EP2489941A1, have a reserve of standardized compressed logs which can be brought gradually into the combustion chamber via an automated log movement system. The disadvantage of this type of stove is that the automated log movement system is only suitable for standardized compressed logs with a constant cross-section which are expensive to purchase compared to traditional wooden logs of any cross-section.

[0005] There are also industrial wood-fired boilers on the market, such as that described in European patent application EP2105665A2, which allow a combustion chamber to be automatically loaded with logs and lit. However, the quantity of logs introduced per loading cycle is random and varies depending on the shape of the logs, ranging from one log to four logs or more, and the length of the logs must be half a meter. In addition, the heating power of these boilers, Their size, as well as the height of the noise-generating logs, are not suitable for a house and more specifically for a living room.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a heating appliance with automated operation comprising a combustion hearth and an automatic loading system configured to automatically load the combustion hearth with solid fuels of the log or briquette type with any cross-section. The automatic loading system of the heating appliance according to the present invention thus makes it possible to use any type of solid fuels in the form of logs or briquettes of substantially the same length, with any cross-section, unlike existing automated wood-burning stoves in which the logs must have a standardized circular cross-section.

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to an automated heating appliance comprising a combustion hearth, a storage space configured to store at least one stack of solid fuels in the form of logs or briquettes and isolated from the combustion hearth, and an automatic loading system configured to automatically load the combustion hearth with solid fuels coming from the storage space, characterized in that the automatic loading system comprises a stack lifting device arranged in the storage space, a solid fuel gripping device arranged in the upper part of the storage space and mounted on a solid fuel moving device,the automatic loading system being configured to raise the at least one solid fuel stack so that at least one solid fuel of the at least one solid fuel stack is raised by the stack raising device to the solid fuel gripping device, gripped by the solid fuel gripping device, and moved by the solid fuel moving device through a conveying airlock, isolating the combustion hearth from the storage space, formed between the upper part of the storage space and a solid fuel inlet provided in the upper part of the combustion hearth,the automatic loading system further comprising a solid fuel dropping device configured to detach the at least one solid fuel from the solid fuel gripping device so that the at least one solid fuel falls into the combustion chamber via its solid fuel inlet, the automatic loading system being controlled by a control unit to automatically supply the combustion chamber with solid fuel.

[0008] A solid fuel pile is understood to mean a pile of solid fuels, in the form of logs or briquettes, stacked on top of each other.

[0009] The automatic loading system is thus configured to grip at least one solid fuel located on top of the stack of solid fuels stored in the storage space, then to move in translation the at least one suspended solid fuel towards the combustion hearth via the conveying airlock, said conveying airlock making it possible to isolate the stack of solid fuels from the heat of the combustion hearth.

[0010] The control unit makes it possible to control the automatic loading system in order to regulate the fire inside the combustion chamber, allowing time for the embers to burn in the combustion chamber before adding one or more new solid fuels if necessary. The heating appliance according to the invention thus makes it possible to have a much longer heating time, and a moderate heating power when the embers are consumed. The control unit can also allow the fire to die in the combustion chamber in the event that the desired temperature is reached.

[0011] The solid fuels (e.g., wood logs or briquettes) stored in the storage space preferably have the same length to within a few centimeters, but their cross-sections can be of any shape (e.g., square, trapezoidal, round, half-round, triangular, rectangular, etc.). However, the cross-section of the different logs or briquettes preferably have the same order of magnitude so that they can be easily stacked on top of each other in the storage space. The user can thus load the storage space (via an opening or access door to the storage space) by simply stacking the logs or briquettes on the lifting device, the heating appliance then operating autonomously.

[0012] Depending on the desired length of the logs or briquettes, the heating appliance may have a greater or lesser depth. For example, the heating appliance may be suitable for the use of small logs of 20 to 30 cm in length, so as to have moderate heating, and so as to have a moderately bulky size since it is intended to be installed in a house and more generally in a living room in the case of a wood stove. However, log sizes greater than 30 cm are possible.

[0013] It should be noted that the solid fuel inlet in the upper part of the combustion hearth is preferably provided on the top of the combustion hearth, but could also be provided on the side of the combustion hearth, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0014] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the stack lifting device comprises at least one stack support arranged in the storage space, each stack support being configured to receive thereon a fuel stack. solids, the at least one stack support being fixed on at least one carriage mounted to slide on at least one linear guide rail, the stack lifting device further comprising at least one motorized translational drive device connected to the at least one carriage, controlled by the control unit and configured to drive the at least one carriage in translation along the at least one linear guide rail so as to raise or lower the at least one stack support in the storage space, the at least one motorized translational drive device preferably being one of at least one motorized trapezoidal thread screw device, at least one motorized chain or belt or transmission cable device, at least one motorized rack device, at least one motorized ball screw device, at least one motorized winch device and at least one motorized jack device.

[0015] Thus, the stack raising device makes it possible to raise the stack of solid fuels in the storage space so as to bring the solid fuel(s) at the top of the stack towards the gripping device. The stack raising device then makes it possible to lower the stack into the storage space once the solid fuel(s) at the top of the stack are gripped by the gripping device.

[0016] Advantageously, sensors are arranged in the storage space and connected to the control unit in order to enable the latter to know the position of the stack support and / or the top of the solid fuel stack in the storage space.

[0017] The linear guidance of the pile lifting device formed by the at least one carriage and the at least one linear guide rail may be one of: at least one roller carriage slidably mounted on at least one linear guide rail, at least one carriage slidably mounted on at least one profiled rail, and at least one plain or ball sleeve bearing slidably mounted on at least one shaft.

[0018] Advantageously, the stack support supporting the solid fuel stack may be spring-loaded so as to allow the stack support to tilt slightly if necessary in order to compensate for a difference in height between the two sides of the solid fuel stack which do not necessarily have the same height.

[0019] For example, the stack support may be a shelf on which the fuel stack may rest. The shelf may rest on two arms attached to the carriage, the shelf serving to provide a flat surface on which the solid fuel stack may rest. However, the solid fuel stack could also rest directly on the two arms or on a single, wider arm, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0020] Advantageously, both arms of the shelf are attached to the same carriage. However, each of the two arms could also be attached to a separate carriage with a separate linear guide, so as to be able to handle a difference in stack thickness between the two arms in order to correctly press the upper part of the stack against the gripping device, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0021] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the solid fuel gripping device comprises a support under which is provided at least one of:

[0022] - teeth or points configured to dig into the at least one fuel solid on top of the at least one solid fuel stack when the latter is pressed by the stack elevating device against the solid fuel gripping device; and

[0023] - at least one clamp configured to grip the at least one solid fuel on the above the at least one solid fuel stack when the latter is raised by the stack lifting device to the solid fuel gripping device.

[0024] Alternatively, the gripping device could also consist of a tray provided with at least one motorized screw configured to screw into the solid fuel when the latter is pressed against the gripping device and also configured to release the solid fuel in the event of unscrewing, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0025] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the at least one clamp is at least one of:

[0026] - at least one motorized clamp controlled by the control unit;

[0027] - at least one mechanical clamp, the two branches of which are each mounted pi voting on the support, at least one return spring being mounted either between the two branches or between the support and each of the two branches, said two branches being configured, when the at least one solid fuel stack is pressed by the stack lifting device against the solid fuel gripping device, to pivot apart from each other upon introduction of the at least one solid fuel therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel therebetween;

[0028] - at least one mechanical clamp, the two branches of which are each formed from a spring steel sheet, said two branches being configured, when the at least one solid fuel stack is pressed by the stack elevating device against the solid fuel gripping device, to deform upon introduction of the at least one solid fuel therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel therebetween; and

[0029] - at least one mechanical clamp, the two branches of which are each mounted neck smoothing on the support, at least one return spring being mounted either between the two branches, or between the support and each of the two branches, said two branches being configured, when the at least one solid fuel cell is pressed by the pile lifting device against the solid fuel gripping device, to move away from each other by sliding when introducing the at least one solid fuel therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel therebetween.

[0030] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the solid fuel displacement device comprises:

[0031] - a trolley on which the solid fuel gripping device is fixed;

[0032] - at least one linear guide rail extending from the upper part of the storage space up to the part of the conveyance airlock opposite the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth, the carriage being slidably mounted on the at least one linear guide rail, the at least one linear guide rail being one of rectilinear and curved towards the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth; and

[0033] - a motorized translation drive device connected to the carriage, controlled by the control unit and configured to drive the carriage in translation along the at least one linear guide rail, the motorized translation drive device preferably being one of a motorized trapezoidal thread screw device, a motorized chain or belt or transmission cable device, a motorized rack device, a motorized ball screw device, a motorized winch device and a motorized jack device.

[0034] The linear guidance of the solid fuel moving device formed by the at least one carriage and the at least one linear guide rail may be one of: at least one roller carriage slidably mounted on at least one linear guide rail, at least one carriage slidably mounted on at least one profiled rail, and at least one plain or ball sleeve bearing slidably mounted on at least one shaft.

[0035] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the solid fuel moving device further comprises guide fingers fixed under the carriage of the solid fuel moving device on either side of the solid fuel gripping device, said guide fingers being configured to guide the at least one solid fuel on top of the at least one stack of solid fuels towards the solid fuel gripping device when the at least one stack of solid fuels is raised by the stack raising device, said guide fingers being further configured to push and guide the at least one solid fuel towards the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber in the event of release, by the solid fuel release device, of the at least one solid fuel into the conveying airlock upstream of said solid fuel inlet.

[0036] Thus, the guide fingers allow, when plating the at least one fuel solid at the top of the pile against the gripping device, to guide laterally the at least one solid fuel, in particular in the case of a cylindrical log which would tend to roll if placed on another inclined log, and also allow, in the event of the solid fuel becoming detached from the gripping device in the conveying airlock, to slide the detached solid fuel towards the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber.

[0037] Advantageously, sensors arranged in the storage space and / or the conveyance airlock and connected to the control unit allow the latter to know the position of the carriage of the movement device.

[0038] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the solid fuel release device is arranged in the conveying airlock above the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber, and is one of:

[0039] - at least one stop with a straight or curved bevel or chamfer, the bevel / chamfer of which is configured, when the solid fuel moving device moves the solid fuel gripping device to the at least one stop, to insert itself between the solid fuel gripping device and the at least one gripped solid fuel so as to release the at least one solid fuel;

[0040] - at least one motorized finger controlled by the control unit and configured, when the solid fuel moving device moves the solid fuel gripping device to the at least one motorized finger, to push the at least one gripped solid fuel out of the solid fuel gripping device so as to release the at least one solid fuel.

[0041] The at least one beveled or chamfered stop may for example be made of several flats side by side with an inclined part acting as a wedge to eject the solid fuel from the gripping device, so that as the carriage of the moving device advances on the releasing device, the solid fuel gradually detaches.

[0042] When the solid fuel is ejected from the gripping device, it either falls directly onto the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber, or it ends up on the lower part of the conveying airlock and slides (for example, being pushed by the guide fingers) until it ends up on the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber.

[0043] According to a variant of the invention, the at least one clamp of the solid fuel gripping device is at least one mechanical clamp, and the solid fuel release device is one of a mechanical mechanism and a motorized mechanism controlled by the control unit, said mechanism comprising a first part arranged in the conveying airlock above the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth and a second part arranged on the solid fuel gripping device. solid fuel and configured to cause the opening of the at least one mechanical clamp when the second part is actuated by the first part of the mechanism.

[0044] Thus, in this variant, the release device serves as an unlocking system acting on the at least one mechanical clamp in order to open it. In this case, the release device acts directly on the clamp in order to open it, and not on the solid fuel.

[0045] The mechanical mechanism may for example comprise at least one beveled stop arranged in the conveying airlock and at least one roller which is fixed on the branches of the clamp and which is configured to open the clamp when the at least one roller passes over the at least one beveled stop.

[0046] The mechanical mechanism could also comprise at least one stop arranged in the conveyance airlock and two translationally movable parts arranged on the clamp / carriage and respectively arranged in contact with the two branches of the clamp, such that, when the carriage advances in the conveyance airlock towards the at least one stop, the latter comes into contact with the two translationally movable parts and pushes these two parts in translation, which causes the clamp to open. The two translationally movable parts thus serve both as stops for the two clamp branches in the rest position, and as pushers for the two clamp branches so as to allow the clamp to open.

[0047] According to another variant of the invention, the solid fuel release device consists of at least one motorized clamp serving both as a solid fuel gripping device when tightening the at least one motorized clamp and as a solid fuel release device when loosening the at least one motorized clamp.

[0048] Thus, in this other variant, the control unit is configured to cause the at least one motorized clamp to grip the at least one solid fuel at the top of the stack in the storage space, then to release the at least one solid fuel into the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth.

[0049] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the heating apparatus further comprises an airlock inlet door configured to open / close the inlet of the conveying airlock from the storage space, and an airlock outlet door arranged in the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth and configured to open only if the inlet of the conveying airlock is closed by the airlock inlet door, so as to isolate the storage space from the combustion hearth,

[0050] said airlock entrance door being one of: - a motorized airlock entrance door arranged in the entrance of the conveying airlock and controlled by the unit of control; - a swinging airlock entrance door with a mechanical return system arranged in the entrance of the conveying airlock; and - at least one airlock entrance closing wall connected to the solid fuel moving device and configured to close the entrance of the conveying airlock as soon as the solid fuel gripping device is moved inside the conveying airlock by the solid fuel moving device,

[0051] said airlock exit door being one of: - a motorized airlock exit door controlled by the control unit; and - a swinging airlock exit door with a mechanical return system.

[0052] The airlock entry door isolates, when closed, the storage space from the conveyance airlock, and the airlock exit door isolates, when closed, the conveyance airlock from the combustion chamber. Thus, the two doors of the conveyance airlock are never open simultaneously, which makes it possible to make the conveyance airlock sealed or almost sealed so as to isolate the solid fuel stack from the heat of the combustion chamber.

[0053] Advantageously, the heating appliance comprises sensors allowing the control unit to know the state of the two doors, namely open or closed.

[0054] Each motorized door can be one of tilting type, guillotine type and curtain type.

[0055] For each swing door, the mechanical return system may for example be at least one return spring.

[0056] Each of the two airlock doors may be either airtight when closed or nearly airtight when closed (i.e., allowing slight air circulation).

[0057] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the airlock exit door is a motorized swing door or one with a mechanical return system, and the heating appliance further comprises a fall delay means configured, after release, to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel into the combustion chamber, said fall delay means being at least one of:

[0058] - at least one stop provided on the free end on the conveyance airlock side of the swing door and configured to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel when the airlock exit door is opened, so as to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel into the combustion chamber;

[0059] - the swing door having one of a bowl shape, a bucket shape and a concave shape, so as to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel when the airlock exit door is opened to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel into the combustion chamber; and

[0060] - at least one deflector member which is arranged inside the combustion chamber, fixed on the side of the solid fuel inlet of the combustion chamber which is opposite that on which the swing door is hinged, and configured to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel when the airlock outlet door is opened so as to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel into the combustion chamber.

[0061] Thus, the fall of the solid fuel into the combustion chamber is delayed so as to limit its fall height into the combustion chamber.

[0062] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the heating apparatus further comprises a hearth grate arranged inside the combustion hearth and configured to support one or more solid fuels loaded into the combustion hearth by the automatic loading system, said hearth grate having an inclined portion rising towards the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth so as to limit the height of fall of the at least one solid fuel from the solid fuel inlet and to guide the at least one solid fuel towards the bottom of the combustion hearth.

[0063] Thus, the inclined part of the hearth grate makes it possible to limit the height of fall of solid fuels when they are introduced into the combustion hearth, by being as close as possible to the solid fuel inlet of the combustion hearth, which makes it possible to limit the noise linked to the fall. The inclination of the hearth grate also allows the solid fuels to slide down the combustion hearth.

[0064] The fire grate may be either cradle-shaped or planar and forming a cradle with one of the side walls of a grate receptacle in which the fire grate is installed.

[0065] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the combustion hearth has an automatic ignition device controlled by the control unit and configured to automatically light a fire from one or more solid fuels present on the hearth grate.

[0066] Thus, once one or more solid fuels have been loaded into the combustion chamber by the automatic loading system, the automatic ignition device makes it possible to automatically light a fire in the combustion chamber so as to start the combustion of the solid fuel(s) in the combustion chamber.

[0067] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the automatic ignition device is one of:

[0068] - at least one electrical heating resistor preferably integrated into the grid of hearth; and

[0069] - a gas burner preferably integrated into the fire grate.

[0070] Thus, the at least one electric heating resistor or the gas burner (connected to a gas supply such as a gas cylinder) allows the combustion of solid fuels in the combustion chamber to be automatically started.

[0071] It should be noted that the ignition could also consist of injecting wood granules / pellets into the combustion chamber, and using the at least one electric heating resistor to light a pellet fire which will then cause the combustion of the solid fuels present in the combustion chamber.

[0072] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the combustion hearth further comprises a grate support configured to support the hearth grate in the combustion hearth, the heating apparatus further comprising at least one of:

[0073] - a weighing device arranged under the grid support, connected to the control unit and configured to determine the weight of the solid fuel(s) present on the fire grate;

[0074] - a grate shaking device connected to the fire grate, optionally by via the grate support, controlled by the control unit and configured to shake the fire grate so as to cause ash present on the fire grate to fall through grooves formed in the fire grate towards at least one ash pan arranged under the fire grate, at least one damper being optionally arranged under the grate shaking device; and

[0075] - at least one shock absorber arranged under the grid support and / or between the grid support grate and the fire grate and configured to dampen vibrations of the fire grate.

[0076] Thus, the control unit can use the weight measured by the weighing device to determine whether or not to cause the automatic loading system to reload the combustion chamber with solid fuels.

[0077] The grate support may be either an upright whose upper end is fixed under a cradle-shaped fire grate, or legs on which is fixed a grate receptacle in which a flat or cradle-shaped fire grate is installed.

[0078] The grate shaking device may be a vibrator or a vibrator or an agitator, which makes it possible to drop the ashes through the fire grate but also to vibrate the fire grate in order to slide the solid fuel(s) dropped to the bottom of the fire grate.

[0079] The at least one ashtray either rests directly on the grate support below the fire grate (which implies that the weight of the ashes is taken into account by the weighing device), or is arranged below the fire grate but is independent of the grate support (for example, connected to the frame of the heating appliance) so that its weight is not taken into account by the weighing device.

[0080] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the heating apparatus further comprises a solid fuel presence sensor disposed in the upper part of the inclined part of the fire grate and connected to the control unit, the control unit being configured to detect a full combustion hearth state when the solid fuel presence sensor detects the presence of solid fuel in the upper part of the inclined part of the fire grate.

[0081] Thus, the solid fuel presence sensor makes it possible to detect the presence of solid fuel in the upper part of the fire grate to ensure that there is sufficient space in the combustion chamber to reload new solid fuel into it. In the case where this sensor detects the presence of solid fuel, then the control unit prevents the loading of new solid fuel into the combustion chamber.

[0082] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the combustion hearth further comprises a motorized air inlet valve and a smoke outlet, the heating appliance further comprising at least one first temperature sensor arranged in the combustion hearth and connected to the control unit, and at least one second temperature sensor connected to the control unit and configured to measure the ambient temperature outside the heating appliance, the control unit being configured to adjust the power of the fire in the combustion hearth, by controlling the motorized air inlet valve and the automatic loading system, as a function of the temperatures measured by the at least one first temperature sensor and the at least one second temperature sensor.

[0083] The motorized air inlet valve (for example, a motorized butterfly valve) thus makes it possible to adjust the power of the fire in the combustion chamber, as a function of the flame temperature measured by the at least one first temperature sensor in the combustion chamber and as a function of the ambient temperature measured by the at least one second temperature sensor (of the thermostat type) in the room to be heated.

[0084] The smoke outlet allows the evacuation of smoke from combustion into the combustion chamber.

[0085] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the heating appliance further comprises an access door to the combustion hearth configured to allow manual loading of one or more solid fuels into the combustion hearth.

[0086] Thus, the heater can be recharged manually if necessary, for example in the event of a power cut.

[0087] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the storage space has an air inlet, preferably with a non-return valve, configured to create air circulation in the storage space and the conveyance airlock for the purpose of cooling them. dissement.

[0088] In this case, the two airlock doors are almost airtight to allow a slight circulation of air to continuously cool the storage space and the conveyance airlock, the air inlet allowing fresh air to enter the storage space from the room where the heating appliance is installed.

[0089] In the case of a non-return valve, fresh air can then enter from the bottom of the storage space in the event of a vacuum, but will not be able to escape in the event of removal.

[0090] Optionally, there may be a small air connection between the airlock and the flue gas tubing (smoke outlet) or the combustion chamber, so as to put the airlock under slight depression.

[0091] According to a particular characteristic of the invention, the heating appliance is one of a stove, a boiler, a fireplace insert and an oven.

[0092] The present invention also relates to a central heating system comprising at least one heating appliance as described above.

[0093] A hot air recovery unit could also be grafted onto the heating appliance according to the present invention in order to recover the heat from the heating appliance and diffuse it inside the home. Alternatively, a radiator with heat transfer fluid could also be grafted onto the heating appliance and connected to the central heating system of the home.

[0094] To better illustrate the object of the present invention, preferred embodiments will be described below, by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0095] In these drawings:

[0096] [Fig.l] is a schematic sectional view of a heating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0097] [Fig.2] is a front view of a heating appliance according to a second mode of embodiment of the present invention;

[0098] [Fig.3a] is a front view of the gripping device of the heating appliance according to the first embodiment;

[0099] [Fig.3b] is a side view of the gripping device of [Fig.3a];

[0100] [Fig.4] is a side view of a gripping device according to a third mode of embodiment of the invention, gripping a solid fuel of the log type;

[0101] [Fig.5] is a side view of a gripping device according to a fourth mode of embodiment of the invention, gripping a solid fuel of the log type;

[0102] [Fig.6] is a side view of the device for moving the heating appliance according to the first embodiment;

[0103] [Fig.7] is a schematic sectional view of a heating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the invention;

[0104] [Fig.8] is a front view and a sectional view of the firebox grate of the heating appliance according to the first embodiment;

[0105] [Fig.9] represents a sectional view of the upper part of the heating appliance according to a variant of the first embodiment;

[0106] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the automatic loading device of a heating appliance according to a sixth embodiment;

[0107] [Fig. 11] is a sectional view of the automatic loading device of [Fig. 10]

[0108] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of the gripping device - device assembly of moving the automatic loading device of [Fig. 10];

[0109] [Fig. 13a] is a sectional view of the gripping device - moving device assembly of [Fig. 12];

[0110] [Fig. 13b] is a sectional view of the gripping device - moving device assembly according to a variant of the sixth embodiment; [YES] [Fig.14] is a sectional view of the automatic loading device of [Fig.10], at its release device, when the gripping device is moved by the moving device to the release device;

[0112] [Fig. 15] is a perspective view of a combustion hearth of a heating apparatus according to the sixth embodiment;

[0113] [Fig. 16] is a sectional view of the combustion hearth of [Fig. 15];

[0114] [Fig. 17] is a schematic sectional view of the combustion chamber according to the sixth embodiment;

[0115] [Fig. 18] is a perspective view of the upper part of the combustion hearth according to a first variant of the sixth embodiment;

[0116] [Fig. 19] is a perspective view of the upper part of the combustion hearth according to a second variant of the sixth embodiment;

[0117] [Fig.20] is a schematic sectional view of the combustion chamber according to a third variant of the sixth embodiment;

[0118] [Fig.21] is a schematic sectional view of the combustion chamber according to a fourth variant of the sixth embodiment;

[0119] [Fig.22] is a perspective view of the heating apparatus according to another alternative arrangement of the invention; and

[0120] [Fig.23] is a perspective view of a release device according to another particular embodiment of the invention.

[0121] Referring to [Fig. 1], it can be seen that there is shown an automated operating heating apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] The heating appliance 1 shown in [Fig.l] is in the form of a wood stove, but could also be in the form of a boiler, a fireplace insert or an oven, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0123] Although not shown, a hot air recovery unit or a heat recovery unit using a radiator with heat transfer fluid could also be grafted onto the heating appliance 1, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0124] Furthermore, particularly in the case of a heating appliance 1 in the form of a boiler, the heating appliance 1 could also be integrated into a central heating system.

[0125] The automated heating appliance 1 comprises a frame 2 in which a combustion hearth 3 is arranged, a storage space 4 isolated from the combustion hearth 3 and configured to store a pile of solid fuels 5 in the form of logs or briquettes, and an automatic loading system 6 configured to automatically load the combustion hearth 3 with solid fuels 5 from the storage space 4.

[0126] The solid fuels 5 are here traditional wooden logs of any cross-section, but could also be compacted wooden logs of circular cross-section, wooden briquettes, or logs or briquettes of any other combustible material.

[0127] The automatic loading system 6 comprises a pile lifting device 7 arranged in the storage space 4, a solid fuel gripping device 8 arranged in the upper part of the storage space 4 and mounted on a solid fuel moving device 9.

[0128] The automatic loading system 6 is controlled by a control unit (not shown in [Fig.l]) to elevate the solid fuel stack 5 so that the solid fuel 5 at the top of the solid fuel stack 5 is raised by the stack elevating device 7 to the solid fuel gripping device 8, gripped by the solid fuel gripping device 8, and moved by the solid fuel moving device 9 through a conveying airlock 10, isolating the combustion hearth 3 from the storage space 4, formed between the upper part of the storage space 4 and a solid fuel inlet 11 provided in the upper part of the combustion hearth 3.

[0129] It should be noted that depending on the cross-sectional size of the solid fuels 5, several solid fuels 5 at the top of the stack could also be gripped simultaneously and then moved by the automatic loading system 6, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0130] The solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3 is provided on the top of the combustion hearth 3, but could also be provided on the side of the combustion hearth 3, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0131] The automatic loading system 6 further comprises a solid fuel release device 12 configured to detach the solid fuel 5 gripped with respect to the solid fuel gripping device 8 so that the solid fuel 5 falls into the combustion chamber 3 via the solid fuel inlet 11.

[0132] The control unit thus makes it possible to control the automatic loading system 6 in order to regulate the fire inside the combustion hearth 3, allowing time for the embers to burn in the combustion hearth 3 before bringing in one or more new solid fuels 5 if necessary. The user thus only has to load the storage space 4 (via an opening or access door to the storage space 4) by simply stacking the logs or briquettes on the lifting device 7, the heating appliance 1 then operating autonomously.

[0133] Advantageously, the control unit has a human-machine interface, for example of the touch screen type, so as to allow the user to control the power of the fire, the loading of the hearth 3 and the lighting of the fire in the hearth 3. The control unit also makes it possible to program the heating times during the day, as well as the conditions.

[0134] A heat shield 13 is present between the heating part consisting of the combustion hearth 3 and the loading part consisting of the storage space 4 and the conveyance airlock 10, which makes it possible to thermally insulate the stock of solid fuels 5 from the heat coming from the combustion hearth 3. The heat shield 13 is composed of thin sheets side by side, capable of creating natural convection, and possibly a non-flammable insulator such as mineral wool (rock wool or glass wool), or vermiculite if necessary.

[0135] The stack lifting device 7 comprises a stack support in the form of a horizontal shelf 14 on which the solid fuel stack 5 rests, said stack support in the form of a shelf 14 being fixed to a four-roller carriage 15 by means of two horizontal arms 16, said carriage 15 being slidably mounted between two vertical linear guide rails 17.

[0136] The rollers of the roller carriage 15 are preferably combination rollers, where each combination roller consists of a main roller which is configured to roll on the flanges of the associated rail 17 and a smaller secondary roller which is configured to roll on the web of the associated rail 17.

[0137] It should be noted that the carriage 15 could also be a carriage mounted to slide on at least one profiled rail, or at least one plain or ball sleeve bearing mounted to slide on at least one shaft, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0138] The stack lifting device 7 further comprises a motorized translational drive device 18 connected to the carriage 15, controlled by the control unit and configured to drive the carriage 15 in translation along the two vertical linear guide rails 17 so as to raise or lower the stack support 14 in the storage space 4.

[0139] The motorized translation drive device 18 is a motorized device with a trapezoidal thread screw, but could also be a motorized device with a chain or belt or transmission cable, a motorized rack device, a motorized ball screw device, a motorized winch device or a motorized jack device, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0140] Sensors (not shown in [Fig.l]) are arranged in the storage space 4 and connected to the control unit in order to enable the latter to know the position of the stack support 14 and / or the top of the solid fuel stack 5 in the storage space 4.

[0141] The shelf-shaped stack support 14 could also be spring-mounted so as to allow it to tilt slightly if necessary in order to compensate for a difference in height between the two sides of the solid fuel stack 5 which do not necessarily have the same height.

[0142] It should be noted that the solid fuel cell 5 could also rest directly on the two arms 16 or on a single wider arm, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the two arms 16 or the single wider arm then playing the role of cell support.

[0143] Although, in [Fig.l], the two arms 16 are fixed to the same carriage 15, alternatively, each of the two arms 16 could also be fixed to a separate carriage 15 with a separate linear guide, so as to be able to manage a difference in stack thickness between the two arms 16 in order to correctly press the upper part of the stack against the gripping device 8.

[0144] In the storage space 4, a sheet 19 is installed between the solid fuel stack 5 and the motorized translation drive device 18 so as not to soil the latter and to guide the solid fuels 5 into the storage space 4.

[0145] This sheet 19 is grooved in order to allow the two arms 16 of the carriage 15 to pass through. However, in the case where the two arms 16 are quite spaced apart, the sheet 19 could also simply be arranged between the two arms 16, without being grooved.

[0146] The solid fuel gripping device 8 is a support under which teeth or points are provided configured to sink into the solid fuel 5 on top of the pile when the latter is pressed by the pile lifting device 7 against the solid fuel gripping device 8.

[0147] It should be noted that the gripping device 8 could also be a clamp mechanical or motorized device configured to grip the solid fuel 5 on top of the pile when the latter is raised by the pile lifting device 7 to the solid fuel gripping device 8, or the combination of a support with teeth or points and a mechanical or motorized clamp, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0148] Alternatively, the gripping device 8 could also consist of a plate provided with at least one motorized screw configured to screw into the solid fuel 5 at the top of the stack when the latter is pressed against the gripping device 8.

[0149] The solid fuel moving device 9 comprises a four-roller carriage 20 under which the solid fuel gripping device 8 is fixed, and two rectilinear horizontal linear guide rails 21 extending from the upper part of the storage space 4 to the part of the conveying airlock 10 opposite the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3, the carriage 20 being mounted to slide between the two linear guide rails 21.

[0150] The rollers of the roller carriage 20 are preferably combination rollers.

[0151] It should be noted that the carriage 20 could also be a carriage mounted to slide on at least one profiled rail, or at least one plain or ball sleeve bearing mounted to slide on at least one shaft, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0152] The solid fuel moving device 9 further comprises a motorized translational drive device 22 connected to the carriage 20, controlled by the control unit and configured to drive the carriage 20 in translation along the two linear guide rails 21.

[0153] The motorized translation drive device 22 is a motorized device with a trapezoidal thread screw, but could also be a motorized device with a chain or belt or transmission cable, a motorized rack device, a motorized ball screw device, a motorized winch device or a motorized jack device, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0154] Sensors (not shown in [Fig.l]) are arranged in the storage space 4 and / or in the conveying airlock 10 and are connected to the control unit so as to enable the latter to know the position of the carriage 20 of the moving device 9.

[0155] The solid fuel release device 12, arranged in the conveying airlock 20 above the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion chamber 3, is a beveled stop whose bevel is configured, when the solid fuel moving device 9 moves the solid fuel gripping device 8 to the stop, to be inserted between the solid fuel gripping device 8 and the gripped solid fuel 5 so as to release the com- solid fuel 5.

[0156] The release device in the form of a stop 12 could also have a straight or curved bevel or chamfer, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0157] Alternatively, the release device 12 could also take the form of at least one motorized finger controlled by the control unit and configured, when the solid fuel moving device 9 moves the solid fuel gripping device 8 to the at least one motorized finger, to push the gripped solid fuel 5 out of the solid fuel gripping device 8 so as to release the solid fuel 5.

[0158] According to another variant of the invention, the same motorized clamp could also serve both as a solid fuel gripping device 8 when tightening the motorized clamp and as a solid fuel release device 12 when loosening the motorized clamp.

[0159] The solid fuel moving device 9 further comprises vertical guide fingers 23 fixed under the carriage 20 on either side of the solid fuel gripping device 8, said guide fingers 23 being configured to guide the solid fuel 5 on top of the stack towards the solid fuel gripping device 8 when the solid fuel stack 5 is raised by the stack raising device 7, said guide fingers 23 being further configured to push and guide the solid fuel 5 towards the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3 in the event of release, by the solid fuel release device 12, of the solid fuel 5 into the conveying airlock 10 upstream of said solid fuel inlet 11.

[0160] The heating apparatus 1 further comprises an airlock inlet door 24 configured to open / close the inlet of the conveying airlock 10 from the storage space 4, and an airlock outlet door 25 disposed in the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3 and configured to open only if the inlet of the conveying airlock 10 is closed by the airlock inlet door 24, so as to isolate the storage space 4 from the combustion hearth 3.

[0161] It should be noted that, in [Fig.l], the two open and closed positions have been represented by each of the two airlock doors 24 and 25.

[0162] The airlock entrance door 24 is a motorized door disposed in the entrance of the conveyance airlock 10 and controlled by the control unit, but could also be a spring-loaded swing door disposed in the entrance of the conveyance airlock 10, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0163] The airlock exit door 25 is a motorized door controlled by the control unit, but could also be a spring-loaded swing door, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0164] The heating appliance 1 also comprises sensors (not shown in [Fig.l]) allowing the control unit to know the state of the two airlock doors 24 and 25.

[0165] The two motorized airlock doors 24 and 25 are of the tilting type, but could also be of the guillotine type or curtain type, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0166] Each of the two airlock doors 24 and 25 may be either airtight when closed or nearly airtight when closed (i.e., allowing slight air circulation).

[0167] A heat shield could also be installed inside the combustion chamber 3, between the fire and the airlock exit door 25, so as to limit the thermal radiation on the latter. This heat shield could possibly be a hinged sheet metal, or a fiberglass veil for example, without being limiting.

[0168] The heating appliance 1 further comprises a hearth grate 26 arranged inside the combustion hearth 3 and configured to support the solid fuel(s) 5 loaded into the combustion hearth 3 by the automatic loading system 6.

[0169] The fire grate 26 has a bucket shape and has an inclined portion 26a rising towards the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3 so as to limit the height of fall of the solid fuel 5 from the solid fuel inlet 11 and so as to guide the dropped solid fuel 5 towards the bottom of the fire grate 26.

[0170] The combustion hearth 3 also has an automatic ignition device (not visible in [Fig.l]) controlled by the control unit and configured to automatically light a fire from the solid fuel(s) 5 present on the hearth grate 26.

[0171] The combustion hearth 3 further comprises a grate support 27 in the form of an upright supporting the fire grate 26 in the combustion hearth 3.

[0172] Optionally, the grate support 27 may be mounted in a linear guide system 32 allowing slight vertical movement of the fire grate 26 in the combustion chamber 3.

[0173] The combustion chamber 3 further comprises a motorized air inlet valve 28 (such as a motorized butterfly valve), a flue outlet 29, a first flue gas temperature sensor 30 arranged in the combustion chamber 3 and connected to the control unit, and a second temperature sensor 31 (of the thermostat type) connected to the control unit and configured to measure the ambient temperature outside the heating appliance 1.

[0174] The smoke outlet 29 allows the evacuation of smoke from the combustion of the solid fuels 5 in the combustion chamber 3.

[0175] The first flue gas temperature sensor 30 allows the control unit to know the temperature within the combustion chamber 3 and therefore the state of the fire (for example, dead fire, nascent fire, low power fire, optimal power fire or dying fire).

[0176] The second temperature sensor 31 allows the control unit to know the ambient temperature in the room to be heated and to compare it to a set temperature of the thermostat.

[0177] The motorized air inlet valve 28 makes it possible to control the supply of fresh air to the combustion chamber 3 and therefore the power of the fire according to the desired heating power. Ideally, this air inlet valve 28 will seek outside air, but could also use inside air.

[0178] The control unit is thus configured to adjust the power of the fire in the combustion chamber 3, by controlling the motorized air inlet valve 28 and the automatic loading system 6, as a function of the temperatures measured by the first temperature sensor 30 and the second temperature sensor 31.

[0179] The heating appliance 1 further comprises a weighing device 33 arranged under the grate support 27, connected to the control unit and configured to determine the weight of the solid fuel(s) 5 present on the fire grate 26.

[0180] The weighing device 33 allows the control unit to know whether a new solid fuel has arrived after the loading cycle has been launched and also allows the weight of the fuels 5 in the combustion chamber 3 to be known. Indeed, depending on the type of wood used (fir, hornbeam, oak, etc.), the wood does not burn at the same speed and it is therefore essential to know the weight of the fuels 5 present in the combustion chamber 3 before launching a loading process.

[0181] The heating apparatus 1 further comprises a grate shaking device 34 connected to the grate support 27, controlled by the control unit and configured to shake the fire grate 26 (via the grate support 27) so as to cause the ashes present on the fire grate 26 to fall through grooves formed in the fire grate 26 towards ash pans 35 arranged under the fire grate 26.

[0182] The shaking device 34 is a vibrator or a vibrator or an agitator which allows the fire grate 26 to vibrate in order to slide the solid fuels 5 to the lowest part of the fire grate 26, and it further allows the ashes to fall into the ash pans 35 in order to maximize the embers in the combustion chamber 3. This also allows the ashes to fall as much as possible into the ash pans 35 before an automatic ignition process in order to have as much coal as possible from an old heating.

[0183] The ashtrays 35 rest on a plate 37 fixed to the frame 2 of the heating appliance 1, so that the weight of the ashes is not taken into account by the weighing device 33.

[0184] The heating appliance 1 further comprises dampers 36 arranged under the weighing device 33, to absorb part of the energy coming from the fall of the solid fuels 5 in order to limit the noise, and to create a decoupling between the hearth support 27 and the frame 2 of the heating appliance 1 in order not to transmit the vibrations coming from the shaking device 34.

[0185] The storage space 4 may optionally comprise an air inlet (not shown in [Fig.l]) in the lower part, preferably with a non-return valve, to create air circulation in the storage space 4 and the conveyance airlock 10 for the purpose of cooling them. The two airlock doors 24 and 25 must then be almost airtight to allow a slight circulation of air in order to permanently cool the storage space 4 and the conveyance airlock 10, the air inlet allowing fresh air to enter the storage space 4 from the room where the heating appliance 1 is installed. In the case of a non-return valve, fresh air will then be able to enter from the bottom of the storage space 4 in the event of a vacuum, but will not be able to exit in the event of removal.There may also optionally be a small air connection between the airlock 10 and the smoke outlet pipe 29 or the combustion chamber 3, so as to put the airlock 10 under slight depression.

[0186] An exemplary loading cycle by the automatic loading system 6 may be as follows:

[0187] - 1st step: at the start of the cycle, the gripping device 8 is located at the right of the solid fuel stack 5, and the lifting device 7 raises the solid fuel stack 5 until the solid fuel 5 located at the top of the stack is pressed against the gripping device 8;

[0188] - 2nd step: the lifting device 7 lowers the solid fuel stack 5, it there then remains a solid fuel 5 gripped by the gripping device 8;

[0189] - 3rd step: the entrance door of airlock 24 opens;

[0190] - 4th step: the moving device 9 on which the device is located gripping device 8 moves towards the release device 12, and once it has reached the end of its travel, the gripped solid fuel 5 is released and then either falls directly onto the airlock exit door 25, or falls into the conveying airlock 10 and is then pushed by the guide fingers 23 to the airlock exit door 25;

[0191] - 5th step: the entrance door of airlock 24 closes;

[0192] - 6th step: the exit door of airlock 25 opens as soon as the door is confirmed airlock inlet 24 is closed, and the released solid fuel 5 then falls onto the grid from hearth 26 into combustion hearth 3;

[0193] - 7th step: the exit door of airlock 25 closes;

[0194] - 8th step: the entrance door of airlock 24 opens upon confirmation that the door of exit of airlock 25 is closed;

[0195] - 9th step: the moving device 9 on which the device is located gripping 8 returns to the storage space 4 to the right of the solid fuel cell 5; and

[0196] - 10th step: the entrance door of airlock 24 closes, and a new cycle of loading can then begin if necessary.

[0197] Referring to [Fig.2], it can be seen that there is shown an automated operating heating apparatus 38 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] The heating appliance 38 comprises an access door 39 to the combustion chamber 3 so as to allow manual loading of one or more solid fuels 5 into the combustion chamber 3, for example in the event of a power outage or in the event that the user wishes to insert into the combustion chamber 3 a deformed piece of wood not suitable for the automatic loading system 6. It should be noted that in the event of a power outage, the automatic loading system 6 and the motorized air inlet valve 28 will no longer be able to operate, the air inlet valve 28 can still be manually manipulated by the user in order to allow its adjustment.

[0199] The access door 39 is glazed so as to allow users to observe the combustion of the solid fuels 5 in the combustion chamber 3.

[0200] The heating apparatus 38 according to the second embodiment is identical to the heating apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, except that its storage space 4 can contain not one but two solid fuel cells 5, which makes it possible to increase the autonomy of the heating apparatus 38.

[0201] The heating apparatus 38 comprises two separate lifting devices 7 for the two solid fuel stacks 5, and a single gripping device 8 - moving device 9 assembly for the two solid fuel stacks 5, the moving device 9 being elongated accordingly so as to be able to position the gripping device 8 in line with one or other of the two solid fuel stacks 5.

[0202] It should be noted that the heating apparatus 38 could also comprise a single lifting device 7 capable of raising / lowering the two solid fuel stacks 5 simultaneously, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0203] Furthermore, the heating apparatus 38 could also comprise a gripping device 8 - moving device 9 assembly for each stack of com- solid fuels 5, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0204] The solid fuel stacks 5 in the storage space 4 are visible from the outside through transparent or smoked glass doors 40 (the doors 40 allowing the storage space 4 to be loaded with solid fuels 5 by the user), which allows users to see the stock of solid fuels 5 in the storage space 4. This also allows users to see the rise of the stack and then the arrival of the solid fuel 5 in the combustion chamber 3. The glazing of the doors 40 may possibly be replaced by a steel sheet or another fire-resistant material. The glazed part could also be enlarged so as to see the mechanism depending on the desired aesthetics.

[0205] If we refer to Figures 3a and 3b, we can see that the gripping device 8 according to the first embodiment is shown there.

[0206] The gripping device 8 according to the first embodiment is a jaw system composed of a steel sheet 8a folded into an inverted U shape in which pointed teeth 8b have been cut.

[0207] The lifting device 7 makes it possible to press the solid fuel 5 at the top of the pile against the gripping device 8 with a force sufficiently great for the teeth 8b to enter the solid fuel 5, the latter thus remaining fixed to the gripping device 8 when the pile descends.

[0208] The steel sheet 8a is fixed to the carriage 20 of the moving device 9 by means of bolts 8c.

[0209] Springs 8d are placed on the bolts 8c above the steel sheet 8a so as to "swivel" the gripping device 8 and allow it to tilt and adapt to the irregular shapes of the solid fuels 5.

[0210] The gripping device 8 could also be made up of several toothed sheets, or of a sheet into which points would be screwed, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0211] If we refer to [Fig.4], we can see that there is shown a gripping device 41 according to a third embodiment of the invention, gripping a solid fuel 5 of the log type.

[0212] The gripping device 41 according to the third embodiment is a mechanical clamp whose two branches 41a are each formed from a spring steel sheet, said two branches 41a being configured, when the solid fuel cell 5 is pressed by the lifting device 7 against the gripping device 41, to deform upon introduction of a solid fuel 5 therebetween so as to clamp said solid fuel 5 therebetween.

[0213] The two branches 41a are fixed to the carriage 20 of the displacement device 9 by means of bolts 41b.

[0214] The spring steel sheets forming the two branches 41a are folded in the shape of a drain, such that, when the solid fuel 5 comes into contact with the branches 41a, the branches 41a move apart as the solid fuel 5 rises and pinch the solid fuel (in the direction of its length) to hold it in position. Knurling 41c on the branches 41a can be made at the contact zone with the solid fuel 5 in order to increase adhesion.

[0215] If we refer to [Fig.5], we can see that there is shown a gripping device 42 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, gripping a solid fuel 5 of the log type.

[0216] The gripping device 42 according to the fourth embodiment is a mechanical clamp whose two branches 42a are each slidably mounted on a support 42b fixed to the carriage 20 of the displacement device 9 by means of bolts 42c.

[0217] Specifically, horizontal rods 42d are secured beneath the support 42b, and vertical arms 42e extend upwardly from the branches 42a and are slidably mounted on the horizontal rods 42d.

[0218] A return spring 42f is mounted between the upper parts of the two branches 42a.

[0219] The two branches 42a are configured, when the solid fuel cell 5 is pressed by the lifting device 7 against the gripping device 42, to slide apart from each other upon introduction of a solid fuel 5 therebetween so as to clamp the solid fuel 5 between them.

[0220] Each branch 42a has in its lower part an inclined shape of the swallow type, such that, when the solid fuel 5 comes into contact with the branches 42a, the swallow guides the solid fuel 5 between the two branches 42a, and as the solid fuel 5 rises, the branches 42a move apart by sliding to adapt to the length of the solid fuel 5 and the tension of the return spring 42f increases progressively, which makes it possible to maintain the solid fuel 5 (in the direction of its length) in the clamp.

[0221] A knurling 42g on the branches 42a can be carried out at the level of the contact zone with the solid fuel 5 in order to increase the adhesion.

[0222] If we refer to [Fig.6], we can see that the gripping device 8 according to the first embodiment is shown there, fixed under the carriage 20 of the moving device 9.

[0223] The rollers 20a of the carriage 20 are designed to roll in the two rails 21 when the moving device 9 is moved by the control unit.

[0224] The guide fingers 23 extend vertically downward from the carriage 20.

[0225] It should be noted that the number of guide fingers 23 shown in [Fig.6] is not limiting.

[0226] When the solid fuel 5 is ejected from the gripping device 8 by the releasing device 12, it either falls directly onto the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3, or it ends up on the lower part of the conveying airlock 10 and slides (being pushed by the guide fingers 23) until it ends up on the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 3.

[0227] If we refer to [Fig.7], we can see that there is shown a heating apparatus 43 according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0228] The heating appliance 43 according to this fifth embodiment is identical to the heating appliance 1 according to the first embodiment, except for the fact that the two guide rails 21 of the movement device 9 are no longer rectilinear but curved, so as to allow the gripped solid fuel 5 to descend as close as possible to the fire grate 26 which is flat and horizontal in this fifth embodiment.

[0229] However, in this fifth embodiment, the fire grate 26 could also be similar to that shown in [Fig.l], or even flat and inclined, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0230] If we refer to [Fig.8], we can see that the fire grate 26 is shown there in the form of a bucket according to the first embodiment.

[0231] The automatic ignition device of the combustion chamber 3 consists of at least one electric heating resistor 44 (preferably arranged in a zigzag or serpentine pattern) which is integrated into the combustion chamber grate 26 and which makes it possible to automatically start the combustion of the solid fuels 5 in the combustion chamber 3.

[0232] Grooves 45 are formed in the fire grate 26, these grooves 45 are rectilinear in the direction of fall so as not to cause an obstacle, and these grooves 45 are V-shaped so as to facilitate the fall of the ashes into the ashtrays 35.

[0233] Depending on the fragility of the resistor 44, the resistor 44 may be integrated into the grooves 45 to be protected from shocks. In the case of a shock-resistant shielded resistor 44, it may also be placed free from the fire grate 26 to be as close as possible to the fuel and thus light the fire more easily.

[0234] It should be noted that the automatic ignition device could also be a gas burner, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0235] The ignition process could also consist of injecting wood pellets / granules into the combustion chamber 3, and using the electric heating resistor 44 to ignite a pellet fire which will then cause the combustion of the solid fuels 5 present in the combustion chamber 3.

[0236] If we refer to [Fig.9], we can see that the upper part of the heating apparatus 1 is shown there according to a variant of the first embodiment.

[0237] In this variant, the airlock entrance door 24 is not a motorized tilting door but an airlock entrance closing wall or partition fixed to the rear of the carriage 20 of the moving device 9 and configured to close / block the entrance to the conveying airlock 10 as soon as the gripping device 8 is moved inside the conveying airlock 10 by the moving device 9.

[0238] Referring to Figures 10 and 11, it can be seen that there is shown an automatic loading device 46 according to a sixth embodiment.

[0239] It should be noted that the airlock doors 24 and 25 and the motorized translation drive devices 18 and 22 have not been shown in Figures 10 and 11.

[0240] The automatic loading device 46 according to this sixth embodiment is identical to the automatic loading device 6 according to the first embodiment, except that its gripping device 48 (shown in detail in Figures 12 and 13a) is no longer a toothed sheet, but rather a mechanical clamp whose two branches 48a are each pivotally mounted on the carriage 20 of the moving device 9.

[0241] Two pairs of guide fingers 23 are fixed under the carriage 20 using bolts 48b.

[0242] Specifically, each of the two branches 48a is attached to three parallel plates 49, the central plate among the three plates 49 being connected to one of the two ends of a return spring 50, and the other two plates among the three plates 49 being pivotally connected to the carriage 20 via a transverse axis 51.

[0243] For each of the two branches 48a, the other end of the associated return spring 50 is fixed to a bracket 52 itself fixed to the carriage 20 by means of a bolt 52a passing through a slot 53 provided in the carriage 20.

[0244] The two branches 48a are configured, when the solid fuel cell 5 is pressed by the lifting device 7 against the gripping device 48, to pivot apart from each other upon introduction of a solid fuel 5 therebetween so as to clamp the solid fuel 5 between them.

[0245] Each of the two branches 48a comprises an outwardly inclined zone 53 in the lower part having the function of preventing the solid fuel 5 from catching / hooking the clamp, a vertical middle zone 54 (in the rest position) having a guiding role, and an internal boss zone 55 in the upper part having the function of spreading the branches 48a when introducing the solid fuel 5 (which tensions the return springs 50) and of clamping the solid fuel 5 between the two branches 48a (the two internal boss zones 55 then being in contact with the two opposite lateral sides of the solid fuel 5).

[0246] It should be noted that the tension of the return spring 50 in the rest position can be adjusted by moving the fixing position of the corresponding bracket 52 in the corresponding light 53.

[0247] If we refer to [Fig. 13b], we can see that there is shown a gripping device 48' according to a variant of the sixth embodiment.

[0248] The gripping device 48' according to this variant is identical to the gripping device 48 shown in Figures 12 and 13a, except that the two brackets 52 are not directly fixed to the carriage 20 but are connected to each other by means of a connecting rod 56, the adjustment of the tension of the return springs 50 then being done by adjusting the fixing positions of the brackets 52 on the connecting rod 56.

[0249] It should be noted that the two brackets 52 could also be connected together solely by means of at least one return spring 50, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0250] Furthermore, the two brackets 52 and the connecting rod 56 could also be replaced by a turnbuckle mounted directly between the two return springs 50 and allowing the tension to be adjusted, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0251] Referring to [Fig. 14], it can be seen that the automatic loading device 46 according to the sixth embodiment is shown there when the gripping device 48 is moved by the moving device 9 to the releasing device 12.

[0252] The release device 12, consisting of two beveled plates arranged side by side as shown in [Fig. 10], acts as a wedge to eject the gripped solid fuel 5 from the gripping device 48, such that as the carriage 20 of the moving device 9 advances on the release device 12, the beveled parts of the release device 12 are inserted between the carriage 20 and the gripped solid fuel 5, which allows the solid fuel 5 to be gradually detached from the gripping device 48.

[0253] If we refer to Figures 15 to 17, we can see that a combustion hearth 57 is shown there according to the sixth embodiment.

[0254] The combustion hearth 57 according to the sixth embodiment is identical to the combustion hearth 3 according to the first embodiment, except that the hearth grate 26 is planar and arranged in a box-shaped grate receptacle 58 so as to be inclined towards the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion hearth 57.

[0255] Specifically, the lower portion of the fire grate 26 rests in the bottom of the grate receptacle 58 at one of its edges, and the upper portion of the fire grate 26 rests on a stop 59 formed in the upper portion of the opposite inner wall of the grate receptacle 58.

[0256] The hearth grate 26 has longitudinal grooves 45, and the bottom of the receptacle grate 58 also has grooves 58a to allow the passage of ashes to the ash pan 35 disposed under the grate receptacle 58. However, the bottom of the grate receptacle 58 could also not be grooved, the ashtray 35 then being installed directly under the fire grate 26, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0257] A plate made of non-flammable shock-absorbing material 60 is fixed to the lower part of the internal wall of the grid receptacle 58 which is opposite that carrying the stop 59, and makes it possible to absorb shocks when the solid fuel 5 dropped into the bottom of the grid receptacle 58 stops.

[0258] In this sixth embodiment, the grid support 27 is in the form of feet on which the grid receptacle 58 is fixed and under which the weighing device 33 is arranged, itself arranged on the dampers 36, the shaking device 34 being fixed between two of the four support feet.

[0259] The ashtray 35 is removable and rests on two crosspieces 61 fixed to the support feet, so that the weight of the ashtray 35 rests on the weighing device 33.

[0260] It should be noted that the ashtray 35 could also be independent of the grate support 27 (so as not to take into account the weight of the ashtray 35) and be for example directly fixed to the frame of the heating appliance (there will then be play between the ashtray 35 and the grate receptacle 58 to allow movement of the grate receptacle 58), without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0261] A stop 62 is provided, as a fall delay means, on the free end on the conveying airlock side of the airlock exit swing door 25 and configured to temporarily retain the solid fuel 5 released when the airlock exit door 25 is opened, so as to delay the fall of the solid fuel 5 into the combustion hearth 57 in order to limit its fall height onto the hearth grate 26.

[0262] It should be noted that, instead of the stop 62, the fall delay means could also be constituted by the airlock exit swing door 25 itself having one of a bowl shape, a bucket shape and a concave shape, so as to temporarily retain the solid fuel 5 when the airlock exit door 25 is opened to delay the fall of the solid fuel 5 into the combustion chamber 57.

[0263] Certain elements of the combustion hearth 57 may also be covered with damping and / or soundproofing material (and resistant to high temperatures) for shocks, vibrations and noise, in particular on the walls of the grate receptacle 58 and around, and under the support points of the hearth grate 26, in order to limit the noise of the fuels 5 falling, as well as the vibrations caused by the shaking device 34. This damping material may, for example, be fiberglass. ceramic, rock wool, glass wool, vermiculite or any other high temperature resistant cushioning material.

[0264] Furthermore, to limit the noise linked to the fall of the fuel 5 into the conveyance airlock 10, it will also be possible to provide the presence of a damping and / or soundproofing material in the conveyance airlock 10, in particular on its lower part. For example, the lower sheet of the conveyance airlock 10 may be placed on a layer of rock wool to absorb shocks and noise.

[0265] In addition, in order to limit the transmission of noise and vibrations, damping elements may also be provided at the various assemblies. Flexible elements, such as fiber washers for example, may also be provided at certain assemblies to avoid expansion noises when two rigid steel parts are assembled.

[0266] The grate receptacle 58 has an opening 58b in the front so as to allow the user to access the interior of the grate receptacle 58 of the combustion hearth 57 via an access door 39 provided in the frame 2.

[0267] Concerning the particular shape of this opening 58b in the grid receptacle 58:

[0268] - the upper left part of the front of the grid receptacle 58 is retained in order to protect the glass access door 39 from the fall of fuel 5,

[0269] - on the right side, the sheet metal of the front of the grid receptacle 58 is cut out in order to allow manual loading of the combustion chamber 57 via its access door 39, and

[0270] - also in the right part, a predefined height of sheet metal is kept above of the fire grate 26 in order to guide the fuels 5 but also to keep the embers in the grate receptacle 58 when the access door 39 is open.

[0271] If we refer to [Fig.18], we can see that the upper part of the combustion hearth 57 is represented there according to a first variant of the sixth embodiment.

[0272] In this first variant, the fall delay means is a deflector member 63 which is arranged inside the combustion hearth 57, fixed on the side of the solid fuel inlet 11 which is opposite to that on which the airlock outlet swing door 25 is hinged, and configured to temporarily retain the solid fuel 5 when the airlock outlet door 25 is opened so as to delay the fall of the solid fuel 5 onto the hearth grate 26.

[0273] The deflector member 63 is a folded sheet metal, but could also be made up of several plates forming a comb.

[0274] When the airlock exit door 25 opens, the released solid fuel 5 gradually descends, sliding over the airlock exit door 25 (consisting of a plate 25a fixed to two arms 25b pivotally mounted on an axis 25c) until it comes to a stop against the deflector member 63. The solid fuel 5 then slides over the deflector member 63 as the airlock outlet door 25 continues to open, until it falls onto the fire grate 26.

[0275] If we refer to [Fig. 19], we can see that the upper part of the combustion hearth 57 is represented there according to a second variant of the sixth embodiment.

[0276] Compared to the first variant, in this second variant, the two arms 25b of the airlock exit door 25 are extended, and cutouts 63a are formed in the deflector member 63 to allow the extensions of the arms 25b to pass through.

[0277] Thus, once the solid fuel 5 has fallen onto the fire grate 26 and the airlock outlet door 25 begins to close and rise, the extended arms 25b of the airlock outlet door 25 allow the solid fuel 5 to be pushed down the fire grate 26.

[0278] The extensions of the arms 25b could also be spring blades to prevent blocking in the event of a full fireplace, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0279] If we refer to [Fig.20], we can see that the combustion hearth 57 is represented there according to a third variant of the sixth embodiment.

[0280] In this third variant, the shaking device 34 is independent of the grid support 27, and is only connected to the upper part of the hearth grid 26 by means of an arm 64, the lower part of the hearth grid 26 being connected to the bottom of the grid receptacle 58 by means of a rotation axis 65.

[0281] Advantageously, a shock absorber (not shown in [Fig.20]) is arranged under the shaking device 34. It should be noted that the shaking device 34 could possibly be fixed to the grid support 27.

[0282] If we refer to [Fig.21], we can see that the combustion hearth 57 is represented there according to a fourth variant of the sixth embodiment.

[0283] In this fourth variant, the combustion hearth 57 further comprises a solid fuel presence sensor 66 connected to the control unit, the control unit being configured to detect a full combustion hearth state when the solid fuel presence sensor 66 detects the prolonged presence of a solid fuel 5 in the upper part of the hearth grate 26.

[0284] The solid fuel presence sensor 66 comprises a slightly pivoting thin sheet 66a disposed above the upper part of the fire grate 26, and mounted on a spring 66b.

[0285] Spring 66b is preferably a leaf spring, but could also be a traditional (e.g., tension) spring installed on pin / rod 66c so as to be remote from the fire, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0286] The solid fuel presence sensor 66 further comprises a rod / pin 66c connected in the upper part to the pivoting sheet and extending towards a contact or proximity sensor 66d fixed on one of the support feet 27.

[0287] When no solid fuel 5 is present on the pivoting plate 66a, the pivoting plate 66a is slightly raised due to the spring 66b, so that the lower end of the rod / pin 66c is not in contact with the contact sensor 66d (or is not near the proximity sensor 66d). New solid fuel 5 can therefore be loaded.

[0288] On the contrary, when a solid fuel 5 is present in the upper part of the fire grate 26, the pivoting sheet 66a is pressed against the fire grate 26, such that the lower end of the rod / pin 66c comes into contact with the contact sensor 66d (or comes close to the proximity sensor 66d), which means that a new solid fuel 5 must not be loaded into the combustion hearth 57 as long as the rod / pin 66c is in contact with the contact sensor 66d (or is close to the proximity sensor 66d).

[0289] It should be noted that the third and fourth variants shown in Figures 20 and 21 may also be combined, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0290] If we refer to [Fig.22], we can see that there is shown a heating apparatus 67 according to another alternative arrangement of the invention, where the heating apparatus 67 is broken down into two separate boxes, namely a box 67a for the heating part and another box 67b for the loading part, which makes it possible to limit the heat exchanges between the heating part and the loading part in order to thermally decouple them as much as possible.

[0291] Furthermore, the length of the conveyance airlock 10 is reduced so as to arrange the smoke outlet duct 29 on the left side of the conveyance airlock 10, and no longer on the rear of the heating appliance.

[0292] In addition, the deflector member 63' is made up of a first flat and vertical guide sheet 63'a (extending from the solid fuel inlet 11) then a second curved guide sheet 63'b (like a slide) extending towards the fire grate 26, such that the deflector member 63' makes it possible to guide the solid fuel 5 as much as possible during its descent from the fuel inlet 11 to the fire grate 26. The first guide sheet 63'a of the deflector member 63' acts as a fall retarder, in a similar manner to the deflector member 63.

[0293] The first and second guide plates 63'a and 63'b of the deflector member 63' each have two lateral edges (like a slide) so as to prevent the released solid fuel 5 from becoming skewed during its descent / fall.

[0294] It should be noted that the weighing device 33, the shock absorbers 36, the device of shaker 34 and the motorized air inlet valve 28 of the heater 67 have not been shown in [Fig.22].

[0295] If we refer to [Fig.23], we can see that there is shown a release device 68 according to another particular embodiment of the invention in which the gripping device 48' is a mechanical clamp similar to that shown in [Fig.13b],

[0296] It should be noted that the turnbuckle arranged between the two return springs 50 of the gripping device 48' has not been shown in [Fig.23].

[0297] The release device 68 is a mechanical mechanism comprising a first part 68a arranged in the conveying airlock 10 above the solid fuel inlet 11 of the combustion chamber 3 and a second part 68b arranged on the gripping device 48' and configured to cause the mechanical clamp to open when the second part 68b is actuated by the first part 68a of the mechanism. The release device 68 thus serves as an unlocking system acting directly on the mechanical clamp in order to open it.

[0298] It should be noted that the mechanism of the release device 68 could also be a motorized mechanism controlled by the control unit, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0299] Specifically, the first part 68a of the mechanical mechanism consists of a tapered stop disposed in the conveying airlock 10, and the second part 68b of the mechanical mechanism consists of two elongated parts movable in translation respectively arranged in contact with the two branches 48a of the mechanical clamp, such that, when the carriage 20 advances in the conveying airlock 10 towards the first part 68a of the tapered stop type, the latter comes into contact with the two elongated parts of the second part 68b and pushes in translation these two parts which in turn push the two branches 48a of the mechanical clamp, such that the two branches 48a pivot, which causes the mechanical clamp to open.The two parts which can be moved in translation of the second part 68b thus serve as stops for the two branches 48a in the rest position, but also as pushers for the two branches 48a to allow the mechanical clamp to be opened.

[0300] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given for informational and non-limiting purposes, and that modifications may be made without departing from the present invention.

Claims

Claims

1. An automated heating appliance (1; 38; 67) comprising a combustion hearth (3; 57), a storage space (4) configured to store at least one stack of solid fuels (5) in the form of logs or briquettes and isolated from the combustion hearth (3; 57), and an automatic loading system (6; 46) configured to automatically load the combustion hearth (3; 57) with solid fuels (5) from the storage space (4), characterized in that the automatic loading system (6; 46) comprises a stack-raising device (7) arranged in the storage space (4), a solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') arranged in the upper part of the storage space (4) and mounted on a solid fuel moving device (9), the automatic loading system (6;46) being configured to raise the at least one solid fuel stack (5) so that at least one solid fuel (5) of the at least one solid fuel stack (5) is raised by the stack raising device (7) to the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48'), gripped by the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48'), and moved by the solid fuel moving device (9) through a conveying airlock (10), isolating the combustion hearth (3; 57) from the storage space (4), formed between the upper part of the storage space (4) and a solid fuel inlet (11) arranged in the upper part of the combustion hearth (3; 57), the automatic loading system (6; 46) further comprising a solid fuel dropping device (12; 68) configured to detach the at least one solid fuel (5) from the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48;48') so that the at least one solid fuel (5) falls into the combustion hearth (3; 57) via its solid fuel inlet (11), the automatic loading system (6; 46) being controlled by a control unit to automatically supply the combustion hearth (3; 57) with solid fuels (5).;

2. Heating apparatus (1; 38; 67) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stack lifting device (7) comprises at least one stack support (14) arranged in the storage space (4), each stack support (14) being configured to receive thereon a stack of

3.

4. solid fuels (5), the at least one pile support (14) being fixed on at least one lifting carriage (15) slidably mounted on at least one linear lifting guide rail (17), the pile lifting device (7) further comprising at least one motorized lifting translation drive device (18) connected to the at least one lifting carriage (15), controlled by the control unit and configured to drive the at least one lifting carriage (15) in translation along the at least one linear lifting guide rail (17) so as to raise or lower the at least one pile support (14) into the storage space (4), the at least one motorized lifting translation drive device (18) preferably being one of at least one motorized trapezoidal thread screw device, at least one motorized chain or belt or transmission cable device, at least one motorized rack device, at least one motorized ball screw device,at least one motorized winch device and at least one motorized jack device., Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') comprises a support under which is provided at least one of: - teeth or spikes (8b) configured to dig into the at least one solid fuel (5) on top of the at least one solid fuel stack (5) when the latter is pressed by the stack elevating device (7) against the solid fuel gripping device (8); and - at least one gripper (41; 42; 48; 48') configured to grip the at least one solid fuel (5) on top of the at least one solid fuel stack (5) when the latter is raised by the stack lifting device (7) to the solid fuel gripping device (41; 42; 48; 48'). Heating apparatus (1; 38; 67) according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one clamp is at least one of: - at least one motorized clamp controlled by the control unit; - at least one mechanical clamp (48; 48') whose two branches (48a) are each pivotally mounted on the support, at least one return spring (50) being mounted either between the two branches (48a), or between the support and each of the two branches (48a), said two branches (48a) being configured, when the at least one fuel cell

5. solid fuels (5) are pressed by the pile lifting device (7) against the solid fuel gripping device (48; 48'), to pivot apart from each other when the at least one solid fuel (5) is introduced therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel (5) therebetween; - at least one mechanical clamp (41) whose two branches (41a) are each formed from a spring steel sheet, said two branches (41a) being configured, when the at least one solid fuel cell (5) is pressed by the cell lifting device (7) against the solid fuel gripping device (41), to deform upon introduction of the at least one solid fuel (5) therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel (5) therebetween; and - at least one mechanical clamp (42) whose two branches (42a) are each slidably mounted on the support, at least one return spring (42f) being mounted either between the two branches (42a) or between the support and each of the two branches (42a), said two branches (42a) being configured, when the at least one solid fuel cell (5) is pressed by the cell lifting device (7) against the solid fuel gripping device (42), to move away from each other by sliding when the at least one solid fuel (5) is introduced therebetween so as to clamp the at least one solid fuel (5) therebetween. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the solid fuel displacement device (9) comprises: - a moving carriage (20) on which the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') is fixed; - at least one linear displacement guide rail (21) extending from the upper part of the storage space (4) to the part of the conveying airlock (10) opposite the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57), the displacement carriage (20) being slidably mounted on the at least one linear displacement guide rail (21), the at least one linear displacement guide rail (21) being one of rectilinear and curved towards the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57); and - a motorized translational movement drive device (22) connected to the movement carriage (20), controlled by the unit of

6.

7. control and configured to drive the displacement carriage (20) in translation along the at least one linear displacement guide rail (21), the motorized translational displacement drive device (22) preferably being one of a motorized trapezoidal thread screw device, a motorized chain or belt or transmission cable device, a motorized rack device, a motorized ball screw device, a motorized winch device and a motorized jack device. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 5, characterized in that the solid fuel moving device (9) further comprises guide fingers (23) fixed under the moving carriage (20) of the solid fuel moving device (9) on either side of the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48'), said guide fingers (23) being configured to guide the at least one solid fuel (5) on top of the at least one solid fuel stack (5) towards the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') during the lifting of the at least one solid fuel stack (5) by the stack lifting device (7), said guide fingers (23) being further configured to push and guide the at least one solid fuel (5) towards the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3;57) in the event of release, by the solid fuel release device (12; 68), of the at least one solid fuel (5) into the conveying airlock (10) upstream of said solid fuel inlet (11).; Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the solid fuel release device (12) is arranged in the conveying airlock (10) above the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57), and is one of: - at least one stop with a straight or curved bevel or chamfer, the bevel / chamfer of which is configured, when the solid fuel moving device (9) moves the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') to the at least one stop, to be inserted between the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') and the at least one gripped solid fuel (5) so as to release the at least one solid fuel (5); - at least one motorized finger controlled by the control unit and configured, when the solid fuel moving device (9) moves the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') to the at least one motorized finger, to push the at least one gripped solid fuel (5) out of the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') so as to release the at least one solid fuel (5).

8. Heating apparatus (1; 38; 67) according to claim 4 or one of claims 5 and 6 dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the at least one clamp of the solid fuel gripping device (41; 42; 48; 48') is at least one mechanical clamp, and the solid fuel release device (68) is one of a mechanical mechanism and a motorized mechanism controlled by the control unit, said mechanism comprising a first part (68a) arranged in the conveying airlock (10) above the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57) and a second part (68b) arranged on the solid fuel gripping device (41; 42; 48; 48') and configured to cause the opening of the at least one mechanical clamp when the second part (68b) is actuated by the first part (68a) of the mechanism.

9. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 4 or one of claims 5 and 6 dependent on claim 4, characterized in that the solid fuel release device (12) is constituted by at least one motorized clamp serving both as a solid fuel gripping device (41; 42; 48; 48') when tightening the at least one motorized clamp and as a solid fuel release device (12) when loosening the at least one motorized clamp.

10. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it further comprises an airlock inlet door (24) configured to open / close the inlet of the conveying airlock (10) from the storage space (4), and an airlock outlet door (25) arranged in the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57) and configured to open only if the inlet of the conveying airlock (10) is closed by the airlock inlet door (24), so as to isolate the storage space (4) from the combustion hearth (3; 57), said airlock inlet door (24) being one of: - a motorized airlock inlet door arranged in the inlet of the conveying airlock (10) and controlled by the control unit ; - a swing entrance door of airlock with mechanical return system arranged in the entrance of the conveying airlock (10); and - at least one airlock entrance closing wall connected to the solid fuel moving device (9) and configured to close the entrance of the conveying airlock (10) as soon as the solid fuel gripping device (8; 41; 42; 48; 48') is moved inside the conveying airlock (10) by the solid fuel moving device (9), said airlock exit door (25) being one of: - a motorized airlock exit door controlled by the control unit; and - an airlock exit swing door with mechanical return system.

11. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 10, characterized in that the airlock exit door (25) is a motorized swing door or a mechanical return system, and the heating appliance (1; 38; 67) further comprises a fall delay means configured, after release, to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel (5) into the combustion chamber (57), said fall delay means being at least one of: - at least one stop (62) provided on the free end on the conveyance airlock side of the swing door (25) and configured to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel (5) when the airlock exit door (5) is opened, so as to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel (5) into the combustion chamber (57); - the swing door (25) having one of a bowl shape, a bucket shape and a concave shape, so as to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel (5) when the airlock exit door (25) is opened to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel (5) into the combustion chamber (57); and - at least one deflector member (63) which is arranged inside the combustion hearth (57), fixed on the side of the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (57) which is opposite to that on which the swing door (25) is hinged, and configured to temporarily retain the at least one solid fuel (5) when the airlock outlet door (25) is opened so as to delay the fall of the at least one solid fuel (5) into the combustion hearth (57).

12. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it further comprises a hearth grate (26) arranged inside the combustion hearth (3; 57) and configured to support one or more solid fuels (5) loaded into the combustion hearth (3; 57) by the automatic loading system (6; 46), said hearth grate (26) having an inclined portion (26a) rising towards the solid fuel inlet (11) of the combustion hearth (3; 57) so as to limit the height of fall of the at least one solid fuel (5) from the solid fuel inlet (11) and to guide the at least one solid fuel (5) towards the bottom of the combustion hearth (3; 57).

13. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 12, characterized in that the combustion hearth (3; 57) has an automatic ignition device controlled by the control unit and configured to automatically light a fire from one or more solid fuels (5) present on the fire grate (26).

14. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to claim 13, characterized in that the automatic ignition device is one of: - at least one electric heating resistor (44) preferably integrated in the fire grate (26); and - a gas burner preferably integrated in the fire grate (26).

15. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the combustion hearth (3; 57) further comprises a grate support (27) configured to support the hearth grate (26) in the combustion hearth (3; 57), the heating appliance (1; 38; 67) further comprising at least one of: - a weighing device (33) arranged under the grate support (27), connected to the control unit and configured to determine the weight of the solid fuel(s) (5) present on the hearth grate (26);- a grate shaking device (34) connected to the fire grate (26), optionally via the grate support (27), controlled by the control unit and configured to shake the fire grate (26) so as to cause ash present on the fire grate (26) to fall through grooves (45) formed in the fire grate (26) to at least one ash pan (35) arranged under the fire grate (26), at least one damper being optionally arranged under the grate shaking device (34); and - at least one damper (36) arranged under the grate support (27) and / or between the grate support (27) and the fire grate (26) and configured to dampen vibrations of the fire grate (26).;

16. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a presence sensor of solid fuel (66) arranged in the upper part of the inclined part (26a) of the fire grate (26) and connected to the control unit, the control unit being configured to detect a full combustion hearth state when the solid fuel presence sensor (66) detects the presence of a solid fuel (5) in the upper part of the inclined part (26a) of the fire grate (26).

17. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the combustion hearth (3; 57) further comprises a motorized air inlet valve (28) and a smoke outlet (29), the heating appliance (1; 38; 67) further comprising at least a first temperature sensor (30) arranged in the combustion hearth (3; 57) and connected to the control unit, and at least a second temperature sensor (31) connected to the control unit and configured to measure the ambient temperature outside the heating appliance (1; 38; 67), the control unit being configured to adjust the power of the fire in the combustion hearth (3; 57), by controlling the motorized air inlet valve (28) and the automatic loading system (6; 46), as a function of the temperatures measured by the at least one temperature sensor (30). a first temperature sensor (30) and the at least one second temperature sensor (31).

18. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that it further comprises an access door (39) to the combustion hearth (3; 57) configured to allow manual loading of one or more solid fuels (5) into the combustion hearth (3; 57).

19. Heating apparatus (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the storage space (4) has an air inlet, preferably with a non-return valve, configured to create an air circulation in the storage space (4) and the conveying airlock (10) for the purpose of cooling them.

20. Heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the heating appliance (1; 38; 67) is one of a stove, a boiler, a fireplace insert and an oven.

21. Central heating system comprising at least one heating appliance (1; 38; 67) according to one of claims 1 to 20.

Images