Fireplace with a suspended hearth

The fireplace includes a hearth suspended on a support. The hearth is defined laterally by a peripheral wall that is equipped with at least one combustion air inlet. There is a discharge pipe for discharging the combustion gases, that includes a bottom portion secured to a top part of the hearth, and a top portion opposite the bottom portion. The fireplace also includes at least one combustible fluid burner that is arranged in the hearth opposite at least one air inlet and a combustible fluid supply column that extends between a first end connected to a combustible fluid source and a second end connected to at least one burner. The supply column passed down through the discharge pipe from its top portion to its bottom portion and opens in the hearth in order to convey the combustible fluid from the combustible fluid source to at least one burner.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention belongs to the field of fireplaces, and more specifically to the field of decorative fireplaces.

In particular, the present invention relates to a fireplace comprising a suspended hearth, combustion of which is affected by means of a combustible fluid.

As is recognized scientifically, a fireplace with an open hearth has various drawbacks, firstly, it offers a low thermal energy generation efficiency of between 15% and 20%, and in addition an open hearth produces incomplete combustion of wood, which leads to significant emissions of fine particle pollutants. The open hearth assists the emission of these particles both in the dwelling and in the atmosphere via the discharge pipe. These fine particles constitute a significant health and environmental risk. Moreover, fireplaces with open hearths increase the risk of fire in the room in which they are installed.

These drawbacks have led to legislative changes particularly in Europe which aim to restrict or even prohibit the use of fireplaces with open hearths.

Decorative iconic fireplaces with suspended hearths exist at present. This type of fireplace is made up, on the one hand, of an open hearth which has an elegant esthetic shape, and on the other hand, of a discharge pipe for the combustion gases connected to a top portion of the open hearth. The discharge pipe also acts as a suspension element for the hearth relative to a support which is usually formed by a ceiling.

Some of these decorative iconic fireplace models have a hearth of a particular shape, such as an oblate shape. Moreover, these hearths usually comprise an opening that matches their shape and therefore complicates the installation of a window in order to transform such a hearth into a closed or inserted hearth.

Having regard to these problems, the applicant has developed a technical solution that allows the production or use of decorative iconic fireplaces to continue while overcoming the drawbacks of fireplaces with open wood-burning hearths.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a fireplace comprising:a hearth suspended on a support, the hearth being delimited laterally by a peripheral wall that is equipped with at least one combustion air inlet, anda discharge pipe for discharging the combustion gases, the discharge pipe being secured to a support and comprising a bottom portion secured to a top part of the hearth, and a top portion opposite the bottom portion.

The fireplace according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises:at least one combustible fluid burner that is arranged in the hearth opposite at least one air inlet, anda combustible fluid supply column that extends between a first end connected to a combustible fluid source and a second end connected to at least one burner, the supply column passing down through the discharge pipe from its top portion to its bottom portion and opening in the hearth in order to convey the combustible fluid from the combustible fluid source to at least one burner.

The use of a combustible fluid burner does not produce fine particles due to the incomplete combustion of a combustible solid. In this respect, converting a wood-burning fireplace into a fireplace that uses a combustible fluid allows the health and energy drawbacks of an open wood-burning hearth to be overcome. Moreover, to preserve the esthetic qualities of iconic models, the combustible fluid supply column is at least partly incorporated in the discharge pipe. In addition, according to the invention, the discharge pipe preferably constitutes the only suspension element for the hearth.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, the supply column comprises a supply pipe and insulation means, the insulation means encircling the supply pipe between each end of the supply column. The insulation means allow the supply column to be maintained at a temperature below a given threshold. Above this threshold, the combustible fluid could be liable to catch fire in the supply pipe.

In particular, the insulation means comprise at least one heat exchanger which encircles the supply pipe, the heat exchanger extends at least between each end of the supply column. Preferably, the insulation means comprise at least two heat exchangers, a first heat exchanger encircling the supply pipe, whilst a second heat exchanger encircles the first heat exchanger, and each heat exchanger extends at least between each end of the supply column.

According to the invention, the two heat exchangers are arranged concentrically. This configuration allows the first heat exchanger to be homogeneously insulated.

Moreover, the insulation means comprise at least one air intake arranged in the region of the hearth, the intake supplying at least one heat exchanger from outside the hearth and generating a rising flow of air within the heat exchanger.

The heat exchangers are preferably air heat exchangers. This configuration therefore generates a rising dual flow of air which helps maintain the supply pipe at a temperature below a given threshold.

According to a second characteristic of the invention, the fireplace comprises, on the one hand, an attachment plate securing the supply pipe to a support, and on the other hand, a sleeve secured to the attachment plate, the sleeve encircling the discharge pipe over a given distance and diffusing the warmed air.

According to a third characteristic of the invention, the hearth is mounted rotating relative to the discharge pipe and/or to the supply column which extends to a base of the hearth, the base of the hearth delimiting the bottom of the hearth. Accordingly, the fireplace comprises a plate arranged in the base of the hearth, the plate pivoting relative to the base of the hearth and the supply column is mounted secured to this pivot plate. The pivot plate and the base are advantageously perforated to allow an intake of air towards the supply column.

According to a fourth characteristic of the invention, the discharge pipe is secured to the support through its top portion, the discharge pipe thus acting as a suspension element for the hearth relative to the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As illustrated inFIGS.1to6, the present invention relates to a fireplace1which comprises a hearth2suspended from a support3. In general, the support3may be formed by a wall, a partition, a ceiling, a floor, a ceiling fixture, etc. In the case of a ceiling, a floor or a ceiling fixture, such a fireplace1may be positioned close to a wall or in front of a glass wall, or alternatively in the middle of a room. Thus, this type of fireplace1has a decorative esthetic appearance and also allows heating to be provided to the room in which it is installed.

To fulfil a decorative function, the hearth2may have a particular shape. In the example inFIGS.1,3and6, the hearth2is oblate in shape. However, the hearth2may take all sorts of three-dimensional geometric forms such as a quadrangular, spherical, pyramidal or cylindrical form, etc.

In the example shown inFIG.1, the hearth2is formed by an enclosure20. The enclosure20comprises a peripheral wall21which laterally delimits the hearth2. The enclosure20also comprises a base22which delimits the bottom of the hearth2. As the fireplace1is suspended, the base22of the hearth2is at a given distance from the floor. Preferably, the base22never touches the floor of the room. Finally, the enclosure20comprises a top wall23which delimits the top of the hearth2. The top wall23belongs to a top portion of the hearth2. Meanwhile, the base22belongs to a bottom portion of the hearth2.

The peripheral wall21is equipped with at least one air inlet24. The air A coming from the air inlet serves as an oxidizer for the combustion process. In this example, the air inlet is formed by an opening24arranged in the peripheral wall21. This opening24defines the front face of the hearth2. In this case, the opening24is wide open. However, according to a variant of the invention that has not been illustrated, it is possible to provide means for complete or partial closure in the region of this opening24in order to restrict access to the hearth2. The closure means can preferably be opened and re-closed. As an indication, the closure means may for example be formed by a window or a grating.

The fireplace1also comprises a discharge pipe4. In this example, the discharge pipe4is cylindrical. Preferably, the discharge pipe4is made of a non-ductile material that has heat conduction properties. As an indication, it is possible to produce the discharge pipe4in a metal or metal alloy such as steel, cast iron, etc.

The discharge pipe4ensures in particular the discharge of the combustion gases B to the outside of the room. Accordingly, the discharge pipe4comprises a bottom portion40secured to the top portion of the hearth2. Of course, the discharge pipe4comprises an opening41which communicates with the enclosure20in the region of the junction between the discharge pipe4and the hearth2. The combustion gases B escape from the hearth in a rising flow (illustrated inFIGS.1and3).

Moreover, the discharge pipe4comprises a top portion42. The top portion42is opposite the bottom portion40. The top portion42is secured to the support3. In this example, the top portion42is secured to the support through an attachment plate43. In the example illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the attachment plate43is annular in shape. In practice, the attachment plate43may be secured mechanically or by welding to the discharge pipe4.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the fireplace1also comprises a sleeve44secured to the attachment plate43. The sleeve44encircles the discharge pipe4. In this case, the sleeve44extends over a given distance from the plate43in the direction of the bottom portion40of the discharge pipe4. Preferably, the sleeve44comprises a hollow body which extends annularly between the peripheral wall of the discharge pipe4and the outer wall of the sleeve44.

In the example described inFIGS.1to6, the discharge pipe4acts as a suspension element for the hearth2relative to the support3. The discharge pipe4therefore extends down from the support3to the hearth2. Preferably, the discharge pipe4extends longitudinally between the support3and the hearth2. However, depending on the model of fireplace1and/or the type of installation, it is possible for the discharge pipe4not to extend in a rectilinear fashion.

Moreover in order to discharge the combustion gases B outside the room and/or the building, the discharge pipe4is extended by an exhaust pipe to the outside of the room and/or building.

The fireplace1comprises at least one combustible fluid burner5. Preferably, the burner5is configured to burn combustible fluid C such as town gas, propane, butane, etc. However, it is also possible to use a burner configured to burn ethanol or bioethanol. In this example, the burner5is arranged in the hearth2. In particular, the burner5is arranged opposite the opening24. Thus, the burner5uses the air A coming from the opening24as an oxidizer. Moreover, this configuration allows the blazing of the flames produced by the burner5to be diffused through the opening24within the room where the fireplace1is installed.

In the example inFIG.6, the fireplace1comprises a curved burner5. In this case, the curvature of the burner5follows the curvature of the enclosure20and of the opening24.

The use of a burner5for a combustible fluid C allows the fine particle emissions that are linked to the incomplete combustion of wood to be reduced. In this respect, the burner5for combustible fluid C helps overcome the drawbacks of the wood-burning fireplace described in the introduction to this document.

As illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the fireplace1comprises a supply column6. The supply column6is in particular configured to supply the burner5with combustible fluid. Accordingly, the supply column6extends between a first end60connected to a combustible fluid source and a second end61connected to at least one burner5. In this case, the source of combustible fluid C is situated upstream of the support3. The combustible source may consist of a local storage tank such as a gas cylinder. However, preferably, the source of combustible fluid C is a public supply network, for example a network supplying town gas.

In this example, the supply column6is arranged passing down through the discharge pipe4. More precisely, the supply column6extends at least in part within the opening41of the discharge pipe4. As illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the supply column6extends along an axis that is radially offset relative to the central axis of the discharge pipe4. In this case, the supply column6extends initially within the sleeve44. The supply column6then extends longitudinally from the top portion42to the bottom portion40of the discharge pipe4. Preferably, the supply column6extends beyond the bottom portion40and opens in the hearth2. Finally, the supply column6extends to a plate25arranged in the region of the base22of the hearth2. In the region of this plate,25, the supply column6is connected to at least one burner5.

Advantageously, the fact that the supply column6extends within the discharge pipe4helps provide a compact and esthetic technical solution for supplying the burner5with combustible fluid.

In the example illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the supply column6comprises a supply pipe62which extends from the combustible fluid source to at least one burner5. In particular, the supply pipe62passes successively through the attachment plate43, the sleeve44and the supply column6to the plate25. In the region of the plate25, the supply pipe62is extended by a flexible supply coupling63which is connected to at least one burner5. Thus, the combustible fluid passes through the supply column6in a downward flow C to the burner5. Moreover, the flexible supply coupling63is connected, on the one hand, to the supply pipe62and, on the other hand, to at least one burner5through a sealed mechanical connection. For example, this sealed mechanical connection may be produced by gland nuts which maintain the fittings in position during the rotation of the hearth2.

The supply pipe62may be formed by a cylindrical pipe made of a non-ductile material covered with an insulating polymer material. For example, the supply pipe62is made of a metal material such as stainless steel or aluminum. The supply pipe62may convey combustible gas such as town gas, propane, butane, etc.

Advantageously, the supply column6comprises insulation means7. In this case, the insulation means7encircle the supply pipe62between each end60,61of the supply column6. In this respect, the insulation means7allow the supply pipe62to be insulated from the combustion gases B which circulate in the discharge pipe4in an upward flow. This is because the combustion gases B can generally reach temperatures of between 150° C. and 300° C.

However, at such a temperature, the combustible fluid is likely to catch fire through a simple transfer of the thermal energy of the rising combustion gases B. However, the insulation means7allow the transfer of thermal energy to be reduced. This is because the insulation means7maintain the supply pipe62at a temperature below a given threshold temperature. More precisely, the insulation means7maintain the supply pipe62at a temperature of less than 60° C. Preferably, the insulation means7allow the supply pipe62to be kept at a temperature of less than 50° C.

With this in mind, the insulation means7comprise at least one heat exchanger70. The heat exchanger70encircles the supply pipe62. Thus, the heat exchanger70insulates the supply pipe62from the combustion gases B. In this example, the heat exchanger70extends at least between each end60,61of the supply column6. In practice, the heat exchanger70extends from the plate25positioned in the hearth2to the sleeve44. In fact, the heat exchanger70passes successively through the hearth2and the discharge pipe4.

Preferably, as illustrated inFIGS.1to3, the insulation means7comprise at least two heat exchangers70,70a,70b. In this advantageous configuration, a first heat exchanger70aencircles the supply pipe62. At the same time, a second heat exchanger70bencircles the first heat exchanger70a. It should be noted that the peripheral wall of the second heat exchanger70blaterally delimits the supply column6within the hearth2but also within the discharge pipe4.

The heat exchangers70,70a,70bare fitted inside each other. Moreover, the supply pipe62is fitted in the first heat exchanger70a. This configuration allows the insulation of the supply pipe62to be optimized.

In addition, in the example illustrated inFIG.2, the two heat exchangers70,70a,70bare arranged concentrically. Advantageously, the second heat exchanger70ballows the first heat exchanger70ato be cooled. The supply pipe62can therefore come in contact with the walls of the first heat exchanger70awithout danger. In this example, the supply pipe62consists of a flexible, semi-rigid pipe. The concentric arrangement of the heat exchangers ensures homogeneous insulation of the peripheral wall which radially delimits the first heat exchanger70a.

In this example, each heat exchanger70,70a,70bis formed by a pipe. This pipe is made preferably of a non-ductile material such as a metal material. For example, the pipe may be made of stainless steel, aluminum, etc. Moreover, each pipe may be covered with a high-temperature resistant insulating coating. For example, it is possible to use a material such as ceramic cloth, glass fiber, microtherm, elastomer, etc.

As an example, the first heat exchanger70amay have a cross section measuring at least 1.5 times more than the cross section of the supply pipe62. At the same time, the second heat exchanger70bmay have a cross section measuring at least 1.3 times more than the cross section of the first heat exchanger70a.

In the example shown inFIGS.1to3, each heat exchanger70,70a,70bis an air heat exchanger. In this context, the insulation means7comprise at least one air intake. In this example, the air intake is arranged in the region of the hearth2. More precisely, this air intake is arranged in the region of the plate25. Accordingly, the platform25is perforated.

Similarly, the base22also comprises at least one air intake26which is advantageously arranged on the same axis as the air intake(s) of the insulation means7. These air intakes26supply at least one heat exchanger70,70a,70bfrom outside the hearth2. These characteristics help generate a rising flow of air D, E within at least one heat exchanger70,70a,70b. This rising flow of air is referred to as cool air as it comes directly from outside the hearth2. In practice, each heat exchanger70,70a,70bhas an air intake in the region of the plate25. This configuration generates a dual flow of cool air D, E within the supply column6. The dual flow of cool air D, E helps ensure optimal insulation of the supply pipe62.

Table 1 below compares the temperature of the supply pipe62measured at a plurality of heights for, on the one hand, a first embodiment of the invention known as a single-flow configuration in which the supply column6is equipped with a single heat exchanger70,70a,70band, on the other hand, a second embodiment known as a dual-flow configuration, in which the supply column6comprises two heat exchangers70,70a,70b.

According to these results, in a single-flow configuration, the temperature of the supply pipe62may vary between 41° C. and 72° C. whereas the dual-flow configuration allows the variation in temperature of the supply pipe62to be limited to between 21° C. and 24° C.

Thus, the dual-flow configuration allows the temperature of the supply pipe62to be maintained at more than 30° C. below the threshold of 60° C. Because of this, the dual-flow configuration allows the risk of the combustible fluid C catching fire through a thermal energy transfer from the combustion gases B to be reduced, or even eliminated.

As illustrated inFIG.3, at least one heat exchanger70,70a,70bcomprises an exhaust outlet71. This exhaust outlet71is open in the discharge pipe4. In particular, the exhaust outlet71is arranged close to the first end60of the discharge column4. In this example, it is the second heat exchanger70bthat comprises an exhaust outlet71open in the top portion of the opening41of the discharge pipe4. Thus, the cool air E enters into the second heat exchanger70bvia the air intake, passes up through the supply column6to the exhaust outlet71. In the region of the exhaust outlet71, the rising air E is mixed with the combustion gases B and is then discharged to the outside by the discharge pipe.

According to the invention, each heat exchanger70,70a,70bextends at least between each end60,61of the supply column6. More precisely, the first heat exchanger70aextends from the plate25to the sleeve44. The second heat exchanger70bon the other hand extends from the plate25to the junction between the supply column6and the sleeve44.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and3, the first heat exchanger70aopens in the sleeve44. The sleeve44which comprises openings arranged in its peripheral wall. Thus, the sleeve44diffuses the warmed air which has previously passed through the first heat exchanger70afrom the platform25. Advantageously, this creates a natural air circulation within the first heat exchanger70a. The cool air D which enters into the first heat exchanger70ain the region of the air intake. When entering in the region of the air intake, the cool air D is at ambient temperature. While passing through the first heat exchanger70a, the cool air D is warmed to be discharged from the sleeve44to the room at a temperature of between 35° C. and 40° C. By diffusing warmed air in the region of the ceiling of the room, this helps diffuse the temperature produced by the combustion homogeneously. This characteristic improves the thermal comfort of the room in which the fireplace1is installed.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the hearth2is mounted rotating relative to the discharge pipe4. To this end, the hearth2is connected to the discharge pipe by a rotating mechanical connection such as a cylinder/cylinder pivot linkage. Moreover, the hearth2may also be mounted rotating relative to the supply column6. Accordingly, the plate25is mounted pivoting relative to the base22of the hearth2. To do this, the plate25may be engaged in a rotating mechanical linkage. For example, the rotating mechanical linkage may be formed by a revolving plate with ball bearings, or a disc cooperating in a friction bearing, etc.