Wood-burning stove including storage means for storing fuel in the form of logs

Abstract

The invention relates to a wood-burning stove comprising at least one removable log storage cassette, preferably self-contained for continuous heating. The wood-burning stove (2) includes a cassette (18) for storing fuel in the form of logs. The wood-burning stove also includes means for guiding fuel from the cassette (18) to a combustion chamber (4). Remarkably, the cassette (18) is removable from the combustion chamber (4). Thus, advantageously, when a cassette (18) is empty, the wood-burning stove can alert the user, for example, to a limited heating time remaining. The user can then easily replace the empty cassette with a full one and thus ensure continuous heating.Furthermore, and advantageously, thanks to automatic wood feeding and self-regulating ventilation, combustion is optimal, preferably maintaining the user-set temperature. This will be illustrated in Figure 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Wood-burning stove comprising storage means for storing fuel in the form of logs. Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to a domestic heating system and, more particularly, a wood stove. Technological background

[0002] A domestic heating system provides heat inside a house or building to maintain a comfortable temperature for its occupants. The heat generated by the heating system can be produced from various energy sources, such as electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or wood.

[0003] Wood stands out among the various energy sources thanks to its numerous advantages. As a renewable resource, it can be harvested locally, which significantly reduces transportation costs to the consumer. Consequently, its carbon footprint is smaller than that of the other energy sources mentioned previously. Another advantage of wood is its generally lower cost compared to other energy sources, which can reduce heating expenses for households. Thus, wood heating is recognized as one of the most environmentally friendly and economical heating methods.

[0004] Wood can be used in various forms to fuel a heating system. The two most common forms are logs and pellets. Pellets are compressed wood granules made from sawdust and wood shavings. Pellets are valued for their very low moisture content, which allows them to produce consistent and even heat. They are also easier to store and transport than logs. Pellets therefore offer many advantages in terms of practicality and energy efficiency. However, they have the disadvantage of burning unevenly, which can result in a less vibrant and less aesthetically pleasing flame than that produced by logs.

[0005] For an authentic and convivial heating experience, wood-burning stoves are often preferred because they allow you to observe, through a glass window, the burning of the logs in the firebox, offering a spectacle of flames whose color and density vary depending on the type and quality of the wood. The rate at which the logs burn depends on these parameters as well as the stove's draft. Therefore, the quantity and frequency of logs to be added to the firebox vary greatly depending on these factors. Continuous attention is thus necessary to ensure the stove is adequately supplied with logs.

[0006] To overcome this drawback, wood-burning stoves have been proposed that incorporate a log hopper and a system for automatically feeding the stove's firebox with the logs in the hopper. This solution significantly simplifies the use of a wood-burning stove by allowing the firebox to be maintained without requiring human intervention.

[0007] However, when the log hopper is empty, it needs to be refilled. This operation, which consists of inserting the logs one by one into the hopper, can be tedious and time-consuming. Furthermore, for safety reasons, the stove's automated log-feeding system is deactivated while the hopper is being refilled. Therefore, the wood stove's firebox is no longer fed during this operation, which can lead to a decrease in the heat produced by the stove, or even the fire going out. Object of the invention

[0008] To solve the technical problem mentioned above, the invention aims to solve this problem by proposing a wood stove comprising a log storage system, which can be reloaded more quickly and easily.

[0009] The invention proposes a wood stove comprising a combustion chamber, storage means for storing fuel in the form of logs, and guidance means for guiding said fuel from said storage means to said combustion chamber.

[0010] The invention is remarkable in that said storage means comprise at least one container, also called a "cassette", having an envelope which defines a storage volume, intended to contain several logs, and which is provided with an exit opening, adapted for the passage of said logs, and which cassette is removable from said combustion chamber, to allow its handling between two configurations:

[0011] - an assembled configuration, in which said output opening is in communication with said combustion chamber, via said guiding means, and

[0012] - a disassembled configuration, in which said cassette is dissociated from said combustion chamber, adapted in particular for the transport of said cassette.

[0013] In other words, the invention provides a wood-burning stove whose distinguishing feature is that it includes at least one container for storing logs, called a "cassette," which can be attached to or detached from the stove. Advantageously, when the cassette is empty, it can be detached from the wood-burning stove to allow its replacement with another cassette filled with logs.

[0014] Therefore, when the storage means no longer contain logs, the wood stove can be quickly and easily refilled with logs, by carrying out a simple operation of replacing an empty cassette with a cassette filled with logs.

[0015] The invention therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the time required to replenish the wood stove with logs. The firebox of the wood stove can thus be fed more regularly, particularly when refilling it with logs. The invention therefore allows for better operation of the wood stove.

[0016] The invention can also allow for continuous heating: when one cassette is empty, the other cassette takes over and empties in turn. The empty cassette can then be refilled independently of the stove, the firebox remaining supplied by the other cassette.

[0017] According to another advantage, refilling the wood stove with logs is done without having to handle the logs one by one. In fact, refilling the wood stove is done by replacing an empty compartment with one pre-filled with logs. The invention thus eliminates the need for tedious refilling of the wood stove's storage compartments, log by log. Reloading the stove with logs is also cleaner, since the logs are not handled near the wood stove.

[0018] According to another advantage, the use of a cassette according to the invention makes it possible to reduce or even prevent the dispersion of residues from the logs around the wood stove, since the logs are confined within the cassette. The invention therefore makes it possible to maintain a cleaner environment around the wood stove.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, at least one cassette comprises conveying means adapted for conveying logs within said storage volume, up to said exit opening, and said wood stove comprises drive means for driving said conveying means. In other words, the cassette comprises automated means for moving the logs within the cassette up to its exit opening. This embodiment allows for the automation of the movement of logs within the cassette, without the intervention of a third party. Supplying the wood stove with logs is thereby simplified.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the conveying means comprise a conveyor including a continuous transmission element, for example an endless belt or at least one chain, which has several support members distributed successively along its length and intended to carry said logs in a horizontal arrangement; each support member is preferably intended to carry at least one log in a horizontal arrangement; preferably, said storage volume is defined between the conveyor and said enclosure. According to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the conveyor is provided with a number of support members ranging from 3 to 10, preferably from 4 to 6.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the conveyor is capable of moving each support member up to the level of the cassette's exit opening, so as to allow the transfer of one or more logs from a support member to said exit opening.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the conveyor comprises a continuous transmission element with an oblong cross-section, with two parallel, for example vertical, strands connected by two junction portions. According to a preferred embodiment, the continuous transmission element defines an elliptical or substantially elliptical shape, suitable for being driven in rotation by guide rollers.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the conveyor comprises at least one roller chain, capable of being moved by one or more sprockets.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the invention, the support members each take the form of a tray having a free, crenellated edge, for example, composed of first scrapers and / or first rods, spaced apart, and the outlet opening comprises a ramp having a complementary free, crenellated edge, for example, composed of second scrapers and / or second rods, spaced apart, and complementary to said first scrapers and / or first rods. This embodiment facilitates a more controlled transfer of a log, present on a tray, to the outlet opening of the cassette. The transfer is then carried out progressively and therefore more smoothly, which notably makes it possible to significantly reduce the noise that may be generated by the log during its transfer from a tray to the outlet opening of the cassette.

[0025] Optionally, the second squeegees and / or second rods may be removable or retractable to facilitate their replacement in case of damage.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the support members are each in the form of a pallet or a plate.

[0027] According to an alternative embodiment, the pallet or the plate is crenellated at the level of at least one of its free edges, preferably at the level of an edge opposite to the conveyor.

[0028] The conveyor can optionally be adapted to tilt each support member, when passing through the cassette outlet opening, so as to allow at least one log present on the support member to be tilted to the said outlet opening.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wood stove comprises a base structured to receive at least one cassette in an assembled configuration, which base is preferably structured to receive at least two cassettes in an assembled configuration, placed side by side. "Structured" means, in particular, that the base is configured to support at least one cassette, so that the cassette outlet opening is opposite the wood stove guide means to allow the movement of a log from the cassette to the stove's combustion chamber.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the base comprises said drive means which are adapted to cooperate removably, by means of mechanical coupling means, with the conveying means of said at least one cassette attached to the base. In other words, the means enabling the movement of the cassette conveying means are not located in the cassette, but in the base associated with the wood stove. This embodiment advantageously reduces the weight of the cassettes, while also reducing their manufacturing cost.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the motor means mentioned above, enabling the movement of the conveying means present in a cassette, may be present in the wood stove, preferably under the combustion chamber.

[0032] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cassette casing delimits a closed or at least partially closed storage volume, so as to prevent the dispersal into the environment of log residues contained in the cassette. Preferably, when a cassette is in its assembled configuration, the cassette has a single opening, the outlet opening adapted for the passage of logs.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, in order to facilitate the loading of the cassette with logs, the cassette includes at least one access hatch. Preferably, at least one access hatch is located on one side of the cassette, so as to facilitate the positioning of a log on at least one support element of the conveying means.

[0034] According to a particular embodiment, the access hatch(es) are positioned so as to be opposite one short side of a support member. This embodiment facilitates the positioning of a log on a support member in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the log. The logs on the support members thus have one of their ends opposite the access hatches. This positioning of the logs on the support members advantageously prevents the logs from passing through the access hatches when the logs pivot or roll on said support members. In other words, positioning the access hatches opposite one short side of a support member allows for better containment of the logs within the cassette.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the cassette comprises several access hatches. Preferably, an access hatch is provided opposite each support member when said support members are in an initial position referred to as the loading position.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the access hatch(es) are circular or substantially circular in shape. Advantageously, the dimensions of the access hatches are chosen to allow the insertion of calibrated logs into the cassette.

[0037] According to another embodiment of the invention, the combustion chamber is surrounded by a set of walls comprising a front wall with a glazed surface, and a rear wall. Optionally, the rear wall may be opposite or extended by the base mentioned above.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, the rear wall of the stove may include a ramp extending from said wall. The ramp is positioned and oriented so as to allow its insertion into an outlet opening of a cassette positioned opposite or against the rear wall of the wood stove. The ramp is configured to allow logs to slide from the cassette to the wood stove.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ramp can be composed of second scrapers and / or second rods, spaced apart, and complementary to the first scrapers and / or first rods forming the support members mentioned above.

[0040] According to another embodiment, the second squeegees and / or the second rods may be removable or retractable, so as to allow their replacement in case of damage.

[0041] According to another embodiment of the invention, the guiding means comprise a guiding conduit including:

[0042] - a proximal end directed towards said combustion chamber; and

[0043] - a distal end directed outwards from said combustion chamber, which distal end is intended to open at the level of said outlet opening carried by said at least one cassette, in assembled configuration, preferably at the level of a rear wall of said combustion chamber.

[0044] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wood stove comprises:

[0045] - at least one temperature probe selected from:

[0046] — a first temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of said combustion chamber;

[0047] — a second temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of a room of the dwelling in which the said wood stove is located;

[0048] - at least one controllable element selected from:

[0049] — means for controlling an airflow passing through at least one duct ventilation system connecting the combustion chamber to the environment;

[0050] — said means of conveyance, and

[0051] - control means, configured to control said at least one controllable element based on at least one temperature setpoint value and at least one temperature value collected by said at least one temperature probe.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, the means for controlling the airflow are selected from:

[0053] - at least one motorized hatch, with variable opening, capable of modulating the airflow through said ventilation duct; and

[0054] - a fan, capable of controlling the flow rate of an airflow through said ventilation duct.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control means comprise a calculation unit and a storage unit, and said calculation unit is capable of implementing a wood stove control module, stored by the storage unit, which control module is configured to control the operation of said at least one controllable element so as to increase combustion in said combustion chamber, when the temperature collected by the first temperature probe is equal to or less than a minimum setpoint value and / or the temperature measured by the second temperature probe is equal to or less than a minimum setpoint value.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the invention, said computing unit is capable of implementing a safety module, stored by the storage unit, which safety module is configured to control the operation of said at least one controllable element so as to reduce or stop combustion in said combustion chamber, when the temperature collected by the first temperature probe is equal to or greater than a maximum setpoint value and / or the temperature measured by the second temperature probe is equal to or greater than a maximum setpoint value.

[0057] According to another embodiment of the invention, the computing unit is capable of implementing a monitoring module, stored by the storage unit, which monitoring module is configured to implement a method for monitoring the fuel level present in said at least one cassette, implementing the following steps:

[0058] - a first recording step by means of a level of memorization fuel, entered by a user, for example via means of communication; then

[0059] - a second step of measuring the quantity of fuel exiting said cassette; then

[0060] - a third step of calculating the quantity of fuel remaining in said cassette, depending on said first step and said second step; then

[0061] - a fourth step of communicating to a user the quantity of remaining fuel.

[0062] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wood stove includes communication means, in particular adapted to allow a user to modify at least one setpoint value stored by control means.

[0063] Of course, the different features, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0064] The invention also relates to a container for storing wood. The container, called "the cassette", is remarkable in that it comprises an envelope that defines a storage volume, intended to hold several logs, and which is provided with an outlet opening, adapted for the passage of said logs, and which cassette is removable relative to a combustion chamber of a wood stove, to allow its handling between two configurations:

[0065] - an assembled configuration, in which said output opening is in communication with a combustion chamber of said wood stove, via guiding means; and

[0066] - a disassembled configuration, in which said cassette is dissociated from said combustion chamber, adapted in particular for the transport of said cassette. Description of the figures

[0067] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, which presents several non-limiting embodiments of the invention, illustrated by the following figures:

[0068] [Fig-1] illustrates a first perspective view of one side of a wood stove according to the invention;

[0069] [Fig.2] illustrates a second perspective view oriented from the side of a rear wall of the wood stove represented by [Fig. 1];

[0070] [Fig.3] illustrates a third perspective view oriented from the side of a front wall of the wood stove represented by [Fig.1];

[0071] [Fig.4] illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a wood stove according to the invention;

[0072] [Fig.5] illustrates a perspective view of a cassette intended to allow a log supply to a wood stove illustrated in [Fig.4]. Detailed description of the invention

[0073] As a reminder, the invention proposes a wood stove comprising log storage means which have the particular advantage of offering optimized reloading.

[0074] Figures 1 to 3 illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a wood stove 2 according to the invention. The wood stove 2 is equipped with a combustion chamber 4.

[0075] The combustion chamber 4 is advantageously surrounded by a set of walls, in particular:

[0076] - a front wall 6, comprising an opening 8;

[0077] - a rear wall 10, opposite said front wall 6;

[0078] - two side walls 12.

[0079] Preferably, the opening 8 is closed by a glass pane so that the combustion chamber is a closed firebox.

[0080] One of the walls advantageously includes at least one inlet opening 14 for feeding logs. In this case, the inlet opening 14, visible in [Fig. 2], is formed through the rear wall 10 of the wood stove. The shape and dimensions of the inlet opening 14 are adapted to allow the passage of a calibrated log from a cassette described later.

[0081] The wall may include:

[0082] - a single inlet opening 14 (in the presence of one or more cassettes) cassette), or

[0083] - several inlet openings 14 (for example, an inlet opening 14 per cassette).

[0084] The volume of the combustion chamber 4 is advantageously adapted to accommodate several logs (not shown) simultaneously. Preferably, the logs placed in the combustion chamber are calibrated. By "calibrated" is meant logs of similar or substantially similar shapes and dimensions. By way of non-limiting example, a calibrated log may have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape, a length equal to or less than 60 cm, preferably from 25 cm to 55 cm, and a diameter equal to or less than 20 cm.

[0085] The wood stove 2 also includes storage means 16 for storing fuel in the form of logs. The storage means include a container 18, hereinafter referred to as the "cassette". In Figure 2, and without limitation, the cassette 18 is intended to be positioned opposite the rear wall 10 of the wood stove.

[0086] Generally, according to the present invention, the cassette 18 is removable relative to the combustion chamber 4, to allow its manipulation between two configurations:

[0087] - an assembled configuration, in which this cassette 18 is in communication with said combustion chamber 4, for its fuel supply; and

[0088] - a disassembled configuration, in which this same cassette 18 is dissociated from the combustion chamber 4, adapted in particular for the transport of said cassette 18 for the purpose of its reloading.

[0089] According to the present example, the cassette 18 has a storage volume 20 defined by an envelope 22, for example, parallelepiped-shaped or substantially parallelepiped-shaped. The storage volume 20 is adapted to hold several logs. According to the present example, the cassette is configured to hold at least five logs. The invention is not limited to this embodiment, so the cassette can be adapted to hold a greater or lesser number of logs, for example, from five to ten logs.

[0090] This envelope 22 advantageously comprises a set of walls:

[0091] - a front wall 24, advantageously designed to face the rear wall 10 of the wood stove 2;

[0092] - a rear wall 26, opposite the front wall 24;

[0093] - two side walls 28;

[0094] - an upper wall 30; and

[0095] - a lower wall 32.

[0096] Without being limiting, this cassette 18 has the following dimensions:

[0097] - a height dimension ranging from 50 cm to 180 cm, preferably between 80 cm and 120 cm cm;

[0098] - a width dimension ranging from 30 cm to 70 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm; and

[0099] - a thickness dimension ranging from 30 cm to 70 cm, preferably between 40 cm and 60 cm.

[0100] The casing 22 can be made of the same material as the walls of the wood stove or of a different material. Preferably, the casing is made from a metallic alloy such as aluminum or steel.

[0101] The front wall 24 of the cassette 18, visible in [Fig. 3], has an exit opening 34. The exit opening 34 is shaped and sized to allow the passage of a log. This exit opening 34 is advantageously sized to allow the passage of a log whose longitudinal axis is oriented parallel to the general plane of this front wall 24.

[0102] According to the present example, the outlet opening 34 forms a rectangular passage through the front wall 24 of the cassette 18. The outlet opening 34 extends along a first horizontal or substantially horizontal direction. The length of the outlet opening 34, measured along the first direction, is equal to or less than 70 cm, preferably from 30 cm to 60 cm. The height of the outlet opening is equal to or less than 25 cm, preferably from 20 cm to 25 cm.

[0103] The cassette 18 preferably includes conveying means, visible in particular in [Fig. 1]. The conveying means are configured to allow the storage as well as the movement of calibrated logs in the cassette. They are also suitable for conveying logs within the storage volume 20, up to the aforementioned exit opening 34.

[0104] To this end, the conveying means advantageously comprise a continuous transmission element 36, for example a belt or a chain, which has several support members 38, distributed successively along its length and intended to carry logs in a horizontal arrangement. In this embodiment, said storage volume 20 is advantageously defined between said central continuous transmission element 36 and said peripheral enclosure 22. Preferably, the logs are distributed along this storage volume, or over a portion of its circumference, around the continuous transmission element 36.

[0105] The continuous transmission element 36, advantageously held under tension by gears (not shown), is arranged to form an oblong section, with two parallel strands 40. The strands 40 are connected by curved portions of the continuous transmission element 36, also called connecting portions. The curved portions are shorter than the strands 40.

[0106] Preferably, the strands 40 extend opposite the front walls 24 and rear walls 26; the curved portions extend opposite the upper wall 30 and the lower wall 32.

[0107] The continuous transmission element 36 may have a length equal to or less than 200 cm, preferably ranging from 200 cm to 150 cm. The continuous transmission element 36 may have a width equal to or less than 60 cm, preferably ranging from 25 cm to 55 cm.

[0108] The gears mentioned above include at least one motorized gear, enabling the drive of the continuous transmission element 36 as well as the control of the speed of scrolling of said continuous transmission element along the gears.

[0109] The continuous transmission element 36 is arranged in the cassette so that its strands 40 are parallel or substantially parallel to the front wall 24 of the cassette 18, advantageously vertically. A sufficient distance is maintained between the continuous transmission element 36 and the casing 22 of the cassette, so as to allow the storage of logs parallel to one another.

[0110] The support members 38 are distributed along the continuous transmission element 36. The support members have the role of serving as support for the logs, present between the continuous transmission element 36 and the casing 22 of the cassette.

[0111] For example, each support member 38 is in the form of a plate having a crenellated free edge, advantageously discontinuous or continuous with a sinuous free edge.

[0112] According to the present example, each support member 38 is in the form of several spaced first wipers 42, forming a discontinuous crenellated free edge. Each first wiper 42 is held to the continuous transmission element 36 by one of its ends, so as to extend advantageously perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the continuous transmission element 36.

[0113] The first wipers 42, forming a single support member 38, are aligned or substantially aligned in a plane normal or substantially normal to the direction of movement of the continuous transmission element 36. At the level of the output opening 34, the support members are parallel or substantially parallel to the first direction mentioned above.

[0114] The number of the first squeegees 42 and their arrangement are chosen so that the support member forms a platform strong enough to support and move one or more logs. According to the present example, the first squeegees 42 are made from a metal alloy such as aluminum, steel, or any other material.

[0115] According to the present example, a scraper is formed by a rectangular or substantially rectangular blade. Optionally, to allow for better retention of a log on a scraper, the scraper may include a bearing surface comprising means that promote the adhesion of a log to said surface. By way of non-limiting example, the bearing surface may be formed from a material having a significant coefficient of friction, such as an elastomer.

[0116] The cassette 18 also includes, at the outlet opening 34, a ramp 44 having a serrated free edge, for example discontinuous with several first squeegees or continuous with a sinuous free edge. This ramp 44 is optionally retractable.

[0117] The ramp 44 advantageously comprises second scrapers 46, spaced apart and complementary to the aforementioned first scrapers 42. These second scrapers may be of the same type as the first scrapers 42.

[0118] The second squeegees 46 extend from the front wall 24 of the cassette, towards the continuous transmission element 36.

[0119] In particular, these second squeegees 46 are advantageously attached under the outlet opening 34 and they move progressively away from the front wall 24 (towards the upper wall 30).

[0120] According to the present example, the second squeegees 46 are straight or substantially straight. Preferably, the second squeegees are of the same dimensions or substantially the same dimensions as the first squeegees 42 and made from the same materials.

[0121] The second squeegees 46 are spaced so as to fit between the first squeegees 42 forming the support members, when the said support members pass in front of the outlet opening 34.

[0122] The second scrapers 46 have the particularity of being inclined relative to the front wall 24 of the cassette 18. The angle of inclination of the second scrapers 46 is chosen to allow the sliding of a log, from a support member to the exit opening 34 of the cassette, when the second scrapers 46 pass between the first scrapers 42. In other words, when the second scrapers pass between the first scrapers 42 of a support member, the second scrapers form a ramp 44 guiding the logs from the support member to the exit opening 34 of the cassette.

[0123] According to the present example, at the front wall 24 of the cassette, the second squeegees 46 form an angle whose value is between 40° and 60°.

[0124] To contribute to the "removable" character of the cassette 18, the wood stove 2 according to the invention advantageously includes a base 48 which is structured to receive said at least one cassette 18 in assembled configuration.

[0125] In this case, the base 48 advantageously receives the lower wall 32 of the cassette 18 or the front wall 24 of the cassette 18. The front wall 24 of the cassette 18 is in relation to the rear wall 10 of the wood stove.

[0126] The base 48 is specifically dimensioned so that the outlet opening 34 of the cassette (resting on said base) is opposite (in communication with) the inlet opening 14 of the wood stove.

[0127] The base 48 incorporates motor means 50, for example an electric motor, to maneuver the conveying means present in the cassette 18. According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the motor means 50 are located under the combustion chamber 4.

[0128] The motor means 50 advantageously include mechanical coupling means (not visible) for transmitting the driving force generated by the motor means 50 to the conveying means present in the cassette 18.

[0129] According to the present example, the mechanical coupling means are configured to transmit the driving force generated by the driving means to at least one motorized guide roller and / or to at least one motorized pinion, so as to be able to drive the movement of the continuous transmission element 36.

[0130] According to a particular feature of the invention, the mechanical coupling means are removable. By "removable," we mean that they can be easily and quickly separated. The cassette 18 can thus be separated from the base 48, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], in order to be in a so-called "disassembled" configuration. In the disassembled configuration, the cassette is no longer connected to the base 48.

[0131] Conversely, when the mechanical coupling means cooperate with the cassette, for the drive of the motor means 50, said cassette is in the so-called "assembled" configuration.

[0132] The invention therefore makes it possible to significantly reduce the time required to replenish the wood stove with calibrated logs. The combustion chamber 4 of the wood stove can thus be fed more regularly, since the time required to replenish the wood stove's storage means with logs is significantly reduced. The invention thus allows for a more regular supply of fuel to the combustion chamber, and therefore improved operation of the wood stove.

[0133] As illustrated in [Fig. 2], according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the base 48 is structured to simultaneously receive two cassettes 18 according to the invention. In this case, the two cassettes can advantageously be juxtaposed, at the level of their lateral walls 28.

[0134] The height of the base 48 is adapted so that the outlet opening of each cassette present on the base is opposite the inlet opening 14 of the wood stove.

[0135] According to this example, the base 48 includes mechanical coupling means for independently controlling the conveying means of each cassette in the assembled configuration. This embodiment advantageously allows for a rapid and easy increase in the wood-burning stove's log storage capacity.

[0136] In general terms, the logs passing through the inlet opening 14 are subsequently conveyed to the combustion chamber 4 by guiding means (visible through the inlet opening 14 in [Fig.2]).

[0137] The guiding means include a guide conduit 70 (visible in [Fig.4]), the dimensions of which are sufficient to allow the passage of a log.

[0138] The guide conduit 70 comprises:

[0139] - a distal end 71, communicating with the inlet opening 14; and

[0140] - a proximal end 72 opening into the combustion chamber 4 of the stove wood.

[0141] This guide conduit 70 advantageously forms a ramp, descending in the direction of distal end to proximal end, for the passage of logs by sliding.

[0142] Thus, in practice and generally speaking, when a cassette is in its assembled configuration and no longer contains any logs, the cassette can be moved to its disassembled configuration. The empty cassette can then be replaced with a new cassette containing calibrated logs.

[0143] The new full cassette can then supply the wood stove with logs, which are delivered successively (also called in series).

[0144] With two cassettes, the combustion chamber 4 can be fed successively by these two cassettes. In other words, a first cassette can be used to feed the combustion chamber 4. When this first cassette is empty, the second cassette can take over feeding the combustion chamber 4. At the same time, the first empty cassette can be refilled with logs in order to replace the second cassette when the time comes.

[0145] Figures 4 and 5 represent another embodiment of a wood stove according to the invention.

[0146] According to this variant of the embodiment illustrated in [Fig.4], the motor means mentioned above, enabling the movement of the conveying means present in a cassette, may be present in the wood stove, preferably under the combustion chamber 4.

[0147] The base 48 is thus also housed under the combustion chamber 4 ([Fig.4]). The cassette 18 then cooperates with the base 48, via its front wall 24.

[0148] In particular, [Fig. 5] presents another embodiment of a cassette 18 according to the invention. The cassette 18 differs from the cassette 18 described above in that it comprises support members 38 distributed over a portion of the length of the continuous transmission element 36.

[0149] In an initial loading position, the support members 38 are distributed along a rear strand 40 (for example 3 to 5 support members 38) and on an upper end of a front strand 40 (for example one or two support members 38).

[0150] The support members 38 are thus intended to travel on only a part of the circumference of the continuous transmission element 36, between an initial loading position and a final unloading position (the support members 38 pass from the rear strand 40 to the front strand 40).

[0151] Furthermore, this cassette 18 advantageously includes several access hatches 52 provided at the level of a side wall 28 of said cassette.

[0152] The access hatches are positioned so as to be opposite a short side of a support member 38 present in the cassette 18. More specifically, an access hatch is provided opposite each support member 38, when said support members are in the initial loading position, as illustrated by [Fig.5].

[0153] According to the present example, there are five access hatches, and each access hatch 52 defines a circular opening through the side wall 28. Preferably, each opening has a diameter suitable for inserting a calibrated log into the cassette, in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the log. By way of non-limiting example, the diameter of an access hatch is a maximum of 30 cm, preferably 20 cm.

[0154] The positioning of the access hatches 52 as described above advantageously prevents logs from passing through the access hatches when the logs pivot on themselves or roll on the support members 38. In other words, the positioning of the access hatches opposite a small side of a support member allows better confinement of the logs in the cassette.

[0155] According to one possible embodiment, the wood stove 2 can operate automatically.

[0156] In this regard, in one embodiment of the invention, the wood stove may include a first temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of the combustion chamber 4 of the wood stove. Preferably, the temperature probe is positioned in the combustion chamber of the wood stove.

[0157] The wood stove may include a second temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of a room in which the wood stove is located. The second temperature probe is, for example, intended to be placed near the wood stove in order to obtain the real-time temperature of the room in which the wood stove is located.

[0158] The wood stove may further include means for controlling an airflow passing through at least one ventilation duct connecting the combustion chamber to the environment (outside the wood stove).

[0159] By way of non-limiting example, means for controlling an airflow include at least one motorized damper with variable opening, capable of modulating the passage of air through said ventilation duct. The control means may also include a fan capable of controlling the flow rate of an airflow through said ventilation duct.

[0160] The means for controlling an airflow and the conveying means mentioned above (forming controllable elements) can be connected to control means.

[0161] The control means are configured to control the airflow control means and the conveying means mentioned above, according to at least one temperature setpoint value and / or at least one temperature value collected by the first and / or the second temperature probe.

[0162] According to another embodiment of the invention, the control means comprise a computing unit and a storage unit, for example in the form of a programmable logic controller associated with a computer program.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the calculation unit is capable of implementing a wood stove regulation module, stored by the storage unit.

[0164] The control module is designed for ambient temperature control. This control module is advantageously configured to control the operation of a controllable element described above, so as to increase combustion in the combustion chamber, when:

[0165] - the temperature collected by the first temperature probe is equal to or less than a minimum setpoint value; and / or

[0166] - the temperature measured by the second temperature probe is equal to or lower than a minimum setpoint value.

[0167] In this case, when one of the above temperature conditions is met, the control module activates the control means to increase the intensity of combustion in the combustion chamber.

[0168] This increase in temperature can be achieved, for example:

[0169] - by feeding the combustion chamber with a log, via the means of transport,

[0170] - by adjusting the airflow via the airflow control means.

[0171] The module can thus gradually adjust the intensity of combustion, according to the difference between the measured temperature and the setpoint value, in order to avoid excessively abrupt temperature fluctuations.

[0172] According to another embodiment of the invention, the computing unit is capable of implementing a safety module, aimed at stopping combustion in the event of a temperature overrun.

[0173] The safety module is advantageously stored by the storage unit and configured to control the operation of at least one controllable element described above, so as to reduce or stop combustion in the combustion chamber, when the temperature collected by the first temperature probe is equal to or greater than a maximum setpoint value and / or the temperature measured by the second temperature probe is equal to or greater than a maximum setpoint value.

[0174] For example, this regulatory process may include at least one specific action to ensure a rapid reduction in temperature:

[0175] - the conveying means can be stopped, thus reducing the quantity of fuel available for combustion;

[0176] - the means for controlling the airflow can be adjusted to reduce the air supply necessary for combustion, which slows down the combustion reaction and helps to lower the temperature;

[0177] - if the temperature continues to rise despite these measures, the safety module can bring combustion to a complete stop by cutting off the fuel supply and stopping the airflow control means.

[0178] According to another embodiment of the invention, the computing unit is capable of implementing a monitoring module, stored by the storage unit, useful for monitoring log consumption and for predicting reloading.

[0179] The monitoring module is advantageously configured to implement a method for monitoring the level of fuel present in said at least one cassette, implementing the following steps:

[0180] - a first recording step by means of a memorization fuel level, entered by a user, for example via communication means, such as a mobile phone with a dedicated program (application) or detected automatically by the cassette and its conveying means; then

[0181] - a second step of measuring the quantity of fuel exiting said cassette; then

[0182] - a third step of calculating the quantity of fuel remaining in said cassette, depending on said first step and said second step; then

[0183] - a fourth step of communicating to a user the quantity of remaining fuel and possibly remaining heating time.

[0184] In the first step, the user enters the quantity of fuel present in the cassette at the start, which provides a reference basis for subsequent calculations.

[0185] In the second stage, the monitoring module measures in real time the quantity of fuel consumed and exiting the cassette. This is achieved by tracking the movement of the conveying means. The sensors integrated into the system track the movements of the conveying means that transport the fuel from the cassette to the combustion chamber. By recording these movements, the system can accurately determine the quantity of fuel used over a given period.

[0186] During the third step, using the data collected during the first and second steps, the monitoring module performs a precise calculation of the amount of fuel remaining in the cassette. This calculation is carried out by subtracting the amount of fuel consumed (measured in the second step) from the initial level recorded (in the first step). This calculation provides a reliable estimate of the available fuel reserve, taking into account all recorded consumption.

[0187] During the fourth step, the user receives regular updates on the remaining fuel level, enabling them to plan ahead for refueling and avoid any unforeseen interruption of combustion due to a fuel shortage.

[0188] According to another embodiment of the invention, a wood stove described above may include communication means, in particular adapted to allow a user to modify at least one setpoint value stored by control means.

[0189] These means of communication consist, for example, of means of telecommunication, for example of the Bluetooth or Wifi type.

Claims

Demands

1. A wood-burning stove (2), comprising: - a combustion chamber (4), - storage means (16) for storing fuel in the form of logs, and - guiding means for guiding said fuel from said storage means to said combustion chamber (4), characterized in that said storage means (16) comprise at least one container, also referred to as a "cassette (18)", having an outer casing (22) that defines a storage volume (20) intended to hold several logs, and which is provided with an outlet opening (34) adapted for the passage of said logs, and which cassette (18) is removable from said combustion chamber (4) to allow its handling between two configurations: - an assembled configuration, in which said outlet opening (34) is in communication with said combustion chamber (4) via said guiding means, and - a disassembled configuration,in which said cassette (18) is separated from said combustion chamber (4), adapted in particular for the transport of said cassette (18).

2. Wood stove (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one cassette (18) comprises conveying means (36; 38) adapted for conveying logs within said storage volume (20), up to said exit opening (34), and in that said wood stove (2) comprises drive means (50), for driving said conveying means.

3. Wood stove according to claim 2, characterized in that the conveying means comprise a conveyor including a continuous transmission element, for example an endless belt (36) or at least a chain, which has several support members (38) distributed successively along its length and intended to carry said logs in a horizontal arrangement.

4. Wood-burning stove (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that said support members (38) are each in the form of a plate having a free-scalloped edge, and in that the exit opening includes a ramp (44) having an additional crenellated free edge.

5. Wood stove (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises a base (48) which is structured to receive at least one cassette (18) in assembled configuration, which base (48) is preferably structured to receive at least two cassettes in assembled configuration, juxtaposed with respect to each other.

6. Wood stove (2) according to claim 5, in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the base (48) comprises said motor means (50) which are adapted to cooperate removably, by means of mechanical coupling means, with the conveying means of said at least one cassette (18) attached to the base (48).

7. Wood stove (2) according to any one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the combustion chamber (4) is surrounded by a set of walls comprising a front wall (6) provided with a glazed surface, and a rear wall (10), opposite, facing or extended by said base (48).

8. Wood stove (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the guiding means comprise a guide conduit (70) having: - a proximal end (72) directed towards said combustion chamber (4), and - a distal end (71) directed towards the outside of said combustion chamber (4), which distal end is intended to open at the level of said outlet opening (34) carried by said at least one cassette (18), in assembled configuration, preferably at the level of a rear wall (10) of said combustion chamber (4).

9. Wood stove (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in combination with claim 2, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one temperature probe selected from: — a first temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of said combustion chamber (4); — a second temperature probe adapted to collect the temperature of a dwelling room in which said wood stove (2) is installed, - at least one controllable element chosen from: — means for controlling an airflow through at least one ventilation duct connecting the combustion chamber (4) to the environment, — said conveying means; and - control means, configured to control said at least one controllable element as a function of at least one temperature setpoint value and at least one temperature value collected by said at least one temperature probe.

10. A container for storing wood, characterized in that said container, referred to as "the cassette (18)", comprises an envelope (22) which defines a storage volume (20), intended to contain several logs, and which is provided with an exit opening (34), adapted for the passage of said logs, and which cassette (18) is removable from a combustion chamber (4) of a wood stove (2), to allow its handling between two configurations: - an assembled configuration, in which said exit opening (34) is in communication with a combustion chamber (4) of said wood stove (2), via guiding means; and - a disassembled configuration, in which said cassette (18) is separated from said combustion chamber (4), adapted in particular for the transport of said cassette (18).

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