Patent Description:
The stoves powered by solid fuels, in particular pellets but also wood chips, cereals, and plant discards in general, comprise a stove body, which houses a burner.

In addition, fuel storage space is provided for, which can be situated outside or within the same stove body: the fuel, picked up from the aforesaid space usually by a screw conveyor, or the like, is gradually fed inside the burner.

The burner of the stove comprises a fuel collection tray, more commonly known as brazier, provided with a perforated bottom, through which the comburent air enters into the combustion chamber.

The brazier usually has square, rectangular or cylindrical shape, and is equipped with vertical walls that delimit the brazier, and serve for containing the ashes.

In a burner solution proposed by the same applicant, and described in the European patent application No. <CIT>, the brazier comprises a substantially rectangular body provided, at the center line, with a portion distinguished by a concavity that is directed upward during use.

Such portion is equipped with through holes at the entire extension thereof, through which the primary air flows that is necessary for the combustion.

The aforesaid substantially rectangular body is normally attained by means of a casting of cast iron, and has a rather complex shape: indeed, it is provided with all the necessary perforations and channels for the passage of the combustion air, as well as with lateral edges and abutments shaped for the correct installation within the stove body.

In addition, the brazier described in this document comprises lateral elements, arranged at the sides of the concave portion, and made of metal sheet; such lateral elements are substantially V-shaped, with apex directed upward, and are fixed to the substantially rectangular body by means of screws.

Such lateral elements are provided with holes at the face thereof directed towards the concave portion, and in turn they surmount the lateral portions of the substantially rectangular body, affected with further through holes.

In practice, such V-shaped lateral elements act as lateral distributor elements for the secondary air, necessary for the combustion process.

As can be comprised, therefore, this brazier of known type is rather structurally complex and expensive, since it requires various components for the assembly thereof.

This structural complexity also involves a certain difficulty and diligence in executing the operations of cleaning and maintenance.

In addition, it is underlined that the brazier described in the aforesaid document <CIT> comprises a motorized spatula, actuated to carry out an oscillating movement, which has the function of keeping free the holes of the central concave portion of the brazier.

The aforesaid spatula, which has a substantially double elbow shape, comprises two opposite terminal pins, which are rotatably supported at suitable seats, provided along two lateral walls of the substantially rectangular body of the brazier.

The spatula is then blocked in the operating position by further walls (these also made, for example, of cast iron), which surmount the substantially rectangular element.

As a consequence thereof, the spatula is not normally removable, except by disassembly of the entire brazier, with clear waste of time: indeed, the substitution of the spatula requires the disassembly of the stud bolts that fix the assembly consisting of burner, spatula and support heads.

Document <CIT> describes a solid fuel burning stove according to state of the prior art.

Document <CIT> describes a pellet stove according to the state of the prior art.

Document <CIT> describes a wood fired stove according to the state of the prior art.

Document <CIT> describes a burner particularly suitable for stoves fired by pellets, woodchips, cereals and vegetable waste, according to the state of the prior art.

The technical task of the present invention is therefore that of improving the state of the art in the field of stoves powered by solid fuel.

In the scope of such technical task, one object of the present invention is to overcome the previously lamented drawbacks.

Another object of the present invention is to implement a brazier for stoves powered by solid fuel, structurally simpler than the braziers of known type.

Still another object of the present invention is to attain a brazier for stoves powered by solid fuel, structurally less expensive than the braziers of known type.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a brazier for stoves powered by solid fuel, more practical and functional from the standpoint of the use.

Another object of the present invention is to implement a brazier for stoves powered by solid fuel, more practical and functional also from the standpoint of maintenance and cleaning.

This task and these objects are achieved by the brazier for stoves powered by solid fuel, according to the enclosed claim <NUM>.

The brazier comprises a container configured to contain the fuel, provided with a bottom portion that is substantially concave and affected with a distribution of through holes. According to the invention, the brazier also comprises a support, configured to house the container.

The container and the support both consisting of respective portions made of metal sheet, suitably cut and/or bent, or alternatively stamped, mutually connected in a permanent manner by welding.

This solution is particularly simple and inexpensive from the structural standpoint.

In a further alternative (not illustrated), the container and the support both consist of respective portions made of metal sheet, suitably stamped (e.g. drawn).

The solution is also more practical, functional, light and manageable with regard to the cleaning and maintenance, also with particular reference to the possible substitution of the spatula, which can be directly carried out by the user without the specialized intervention of technicians of the field.

Such task and such objects are also achieved by the method for manufacturing a brazier for stoves with solid fuel according to that provided in the enclosed claim <NUM>.

The characteristics of the invention will be better understood by each man skilled in the art from the following description and from the enclosed drawing tables, given as a nonlimiting example, in which:.

With reference to the enclosed <FIG>, S overall indicates a stove powered by solid fuel, comprising a brazier according to the present invention, the latter indicated overall with <NUM>.

The stove S comprises a stove body <NUM>; the stove body <NUM> defines, at its own interior, a combustion chamber <NUM> which houses the brazier <NUM>.

The brazier <NUM> is associated with a drawer <NUM> for collecting the ashes.

The stove S also comprises means <NUM> for transferring the pellet from a storage space in which it is collected (not represented in the figures, for the sake of simplicity) towards the brazier <NUM>.

The transfer means <NUM> can comprise, for example, an Archimedes' screw <NUM>, or the like. The transfer means <NUM> communicate with an opening <NUM> for discharging the pellet within the combustion chamber <NUM>, and hence within the brazier <NUM>.

At the base of the stove body <NUM>, ventilation means <NUM> are additionally provided for.

The ventilation means <NUM> provide to send the comburent air within the combustion chamber <NUM>, through feed pipes.

The stove S also comprises ignition means <NUM>, for triggering the combustion; the ignition means <NUM> can comprise, for example, a glow plug, or the like, placed in communication with the combustion chamber <NUM> (in particular, at the brazier <NUM>, as better described hereinbelow).

According to one aspect of the invention, the brazier <NUM> comprises a container <NUM>, configured to contain the fuel.

In addition, the brazier <NUM> comprises a support <NUM>.

The support <NUM> is configured to house the aforesaid container <NUM>.

According to the invention, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> both consist of respective portions made of metal sheet, suitably cut and/or bent, or alternatively stamped, and mutually connected in a permanent manner by welding.

According to a further alternative embodiment, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> both consist of respective portions made of metal sheet, suitably stamped (e.g. drawn).

As will be more evident hereinbelow, these solutions are structurally simpler and less expensive than the state of the art.

In the course of the description, each reference to connotations such as front, rear, lateral etc., used for defining specific parts, are entirely conventional, and refer to the positioning of the brazier <NUM> within the stove S; for this reason, there are not to be intended in a limiting sense.

The support <NUM> has substantially box-like shape (open at the side that is the upper side during use), so as to contain the container <NUM>.

According to one version of the invention, the support <NUM> in turn comprises a first portion <NUM> of bent metal sheet and a second portion <NUM> of bent metal sheet, mutually connected in a permanent manner by means of welding.

The first portion <NUM> is substantially U-shaped; this comprises, more particularly, a bottom <NUM>, a front wall <NUM> and a rear wall <NUM> (opposite the front wall <NUM>).

The rear wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> comprises, along the respective lateral edges and at the top, two opposite first teeth <NUM>.

In addition, the rear wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> comprises a first window <NUM>; the first window <NUM> is circular, or substantially circular.

The rear wall <NUM> also comprises a second window <NUM>; the second window <NUM> is rectangular, or substantially rectangular.

The second window <NUM> is situated below the first window <NUM>, with reference to the use position of the brazier <NUM>.

The first window <NUM> and the second window <NUM> can be used for conveying air into the brazier <NUM>, and/or for placing the ignition means <NUM> in communication with the brazier <NUM>.

The front wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> comprises, along the upper edge thereof, a strip <NUM>; the strip <NUM> has width greater than that of the front wall <NUM>; in addition, the strip <NUM> lies on a plane tilted by a certain angle with respect to that on which the aforesaid front wall <NUM> lies.

The second portion <NUM> is also substantially U-shaped; the second portion <NUM> comprises a front wall <NUM>, and two lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Each of the lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> comprises, along the upper edge <NUM> thereof, a second tooth <NUM> and a third tooth <NUM> (<FIG>).

The second tooth <NUM> and the third tooth <NUM> are provided at the ends of the upper edge <NUM> of each lateral wall <NUM>, <NUM>.

In particular, the third tooth <NUM> has greater width than the second tooth <NUM>, and comprises a recess <NUM>.

In assembled configuration, the first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> - as shown, for example, in <FIG> - are oriented according to respective planes that are perpendicular to each other (i.e. with reference to the use position, the first portion <NUM> is an upright "U", while the second portion <NUM> is a laid-down "U").

More in detail, the first teeth <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> are engaged within the respective recesses <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the second portion <NUM>; in addition, the ends of the strip <NUM> are engaged between the second teeth <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> and the front wall <NUM>, which projects above the lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

This mode of permanent joining between the two portions <NUM>, <NUM> allows obtaining the abovementioned shape of a box that is open on the upper part.

The first portion <NUM> and the second portion <NUM> of the support <NUM> are both attained starting from portions, or sheets, of metal sheet (e.g. of stainless steel) that is bent and cut (e.g. by means of laser cutting, or even by means of stamping or cutting).

The permanent joining of the first portion <NUM> with the second portion <NUM> is obtained by means of welding.

The container <NUM> comprises a bottom portion <NUM>, a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>, mutually connected so as to achieve a cradle-like conformation, suitable for containing the solid fuel.

The bottom portion <NUM> is curved; more in detail, when observed in section (see for example <FIG>) this is substantially curved according to a circumference arc.

During use, the concavity of the bottom portion <NUM> is directed upward.

In addition, the bottom portion <NUM> has smaller width at the center line, and greater width at the opposite ends thereof.

In order to obtain this result, the lateral edges <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> are cut according to respective circumference arcs, with opposite curvature (<FIG>).

The bottom portion <NUM> is affected with a distribution of through holes <NUM>.

For example, the through holes <NUM> can be distributed in a regular manner, along parallel rows, and mainly in the central zone of the bottom portion <NUM>.

The bottom portion <NUM> also comprises, along the lateral edges <NUM> thereof, reliefs <NUM>.

The reliefs <NUM> are arranged mirrored along the two lateral edges <NUM>; for example, each lateral edge <NUM> comprises three respective reliefs <NUM>, two-by-two opposite.

The front portion <NUM> is substantially shaped with circular segment.

The front portion <NUM> comprises a first lower edge <NUM>, with circumference arc.

The front portion <NUM> comprises, along the aforesaid first lower edge <NUM>, first notches <NUM> (e.g. three first notches <NUM>).

The front portion <NUM> comprises a respective plurality of further through front holes 29a; the front holes 29a facilitate the circulation of air within the brazier <NUM>.

In particular, the air circulates through the front holes 29a, moving into the interspace defined between the container <NUM> and the support <NUM>, which thus constitutes a duct for the front holes 29a themselves.

The number and the dimensions of the front holes 29a (and also their specific positions) can be varied in relation to the requested combustion power.

In one version of the invention, the front holes 29a can be selectively closed/plugged in order to modify the circulating air flow.

The rear portion <NUM> is also shaped substantially as a circular segment, with shape similar to that of the front portion <NUM>.

The rear portion <NUM> comprises a second lower edge <NUM>, shaped with circumference arc.

The rear portion <NUM> comprises, along the aforesaid second lower edge <NUM>, second notches <NUM> (e.g. three second notches <NUM>).

In particular, the second notch <NUM> provided centrally is widened, towards the interior of the aforesaid rear portion <NUM>, shaping a kind of circular opening 37a.

In addition, the upper contour <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM> shapes a central flap <NUM>; the flap <NUM> has a through seat <NUM> thereon.

The contour of the through seat <NUM> consists of joining a first contour <NUM> and a second contour <NUM>, both shaped with circumference arc, in which the first contour <NUM> has diameter smaller than that of the second contour <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>).

In assembled configuration of the container <NUM>, the reliefs <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> are engaged, respectively, in the first notches <NUM> of the front portion <NUM> and in the second notches of the rear portion <NUM>.

Also the rear portion <NUM> could be provided with respective air circulation holes (not illustrated).

Also in this, the interspace defined between the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> constitutes a duct for the holes of the rear portion <NUM> (if they are provided).

The bottom portion <NUM>, the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> are made starting from portions, or sheets, of metal sheet (e.g. of stainless steel) that are cut and bent (in this case, only the bottom portion <NUM> is bent), or, alternatively, stamped.

The permanent joining of the bottom portion <NUM> with the front portion <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> is obtained by means of welding.

As clearly illustrated in <FIG> or in <FIG>, the container <NUM> - observed on the side - has a shape that is flared and tapered upward (with reference to the placement and use configuration).

This shape allows the easy insertion of the container <NUM> within the support <NUM>.

More particularly - observing the brazier <NUM> on the side - the top of the container <NUM> is wider than the top of the support <NUM>, such that the container <NUM> is abutted against the edge of the opening of the support <NUM> without completely penetrating therein, also facilitated by the tilt of the strip <NUM>; in other words, the container <NUM> is situated at a certain distance from the bottom <NUM> of the support <NUM>, so as to define and delimit an internal space <NUM> between the support <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

Such internal space <NUM> can have the function of facilitating the circulation of the comburent air below the container <NUM>, on which the fuel is fed and deposited.

In addition, the reliefs <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> act as abutments, respectively, against the front wall <NUM> and the rear wall <NUM> of the support <NUM>, so as to obtain a stable coupling between the support <NUM> and the container <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the invention, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> are mutually connected in a permanent manner, by means of welding.

In another embodiment of the invention, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> are not constrained in a permanent manner, but rather are mutually associated in a removable manner, with the container <NUM> simply abutted against the support <NUM>.

The latter solution can be more advantageous from the standpoint of cleaning the brazier <NUM>.

According to another aspect of the invention, the brazier <NUM> comprises a spatula <NUM>.

The spatula <NUM> has the function of keeping clean the through holes <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

As shown, for example, in <FIG>, the spatula <NUM> is substantially S-shaped, according to a broken line consisting of three straight segments.

More in detail, the spatula <NUM> comprises a first segment <NUM>, adapted to be connected to actuation means <NUM> provided in the stove S (for example a crank gear, or a mechanism of another type).

In addition, the spatula comprises a second connection segment <NUM>, and a third segment <NUM>, adapted to brush the surface of the bottom portion <NUM> in order to clean the through holes <NUM>.

Also the spatula <NUM> can be made of steel sheet.

At the joining zone between the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM>, the spatula <NUM> comprises an indentation <NUM>, for coupling with the seat <NUM> of the rear portion <NUM>.

More in detail, in use configuration, the first contour <NUM> of the seat <NUM> is engaged in the indentation <NUM> of the spatula <NUM>.

The spatula <NUM> is thus rotatably supported in its rotation, necessary for the cleaning of the surface of the bottom portion <NUM>.

At the same time, the spatula <NUM> can be easily extracted from the seat <NUM>, and hence completely removed from the brazier <NUM>, for cleaning and/or maintenance reasons, without having to disassemble parts of the stove S for this purpose.

More in detail, the spatula <NUM> can be easily extracted and removed, and possibly substituted, in an easy manner, by removing from the stove S the group comprising the support <NUM> and the container <NUM> (which for this reason can be disassembled from the stove S).

In one embodiment of the invention, the through holes <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> are attained with greater diameter at the front zone, front during use, of the container <NUM>, since in such zone a greater quantity of fuel is deposited.

In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the detail of <FIG>, also the rear wall <NUM> of the first portion <NUM> comprises a bent upper edge <NUM>, i.e. tilted with respect to the plane of the same rear wall <NUM>.

In this manner, therefore, the upper opening of the support <NUM> has flared shape both at the front and back, so as to facilitate the abutment of the container <NUM>.

In still another embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the section of <FIG>, the bottom portion <NUM> of the container <NUM> has the respective ends <NUM> bent, both with opposite curvature with respect to the concavity of the aforesaid bottom portion <NUM>.

Such bent ends <NUM> thus define the respective grooves <NUM>.

It is thus possible to constrain, via coupling, the container <NUM> to the support <NUM>: in particular, the upper edges <NUM> of the lateral walls <NUM>, <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> are engaged within the grooves <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM>.

This is therefore an alternative version which proposes a different solution of abutment of the container <NUM> on the support <NUM>, especially if it is intended to associate the two parts in a removable manner.

In an alternative version of the invention, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> both consist of respective portions made of metal sheet, suitably stamped.

More in detail, the container <NUM> and the support <NUM> can both consist of a single suitably stamped metal sheet portion, or each of these can consist of multiple portions of metal sheet that are stamped and then assembled, preferably - but not exclusively - by means of welding.

Another embodiment of the brazier <NUM> according to the invention is illustrated in <FIG>. This embodiment differs from the preceding due to the shape of the spatula <NUM>.

More in detail, in this embodiment the spatula <NUM> is substantially U-shaped.

As in the preceding versions, the spatula <NUM> comprises a first segment <NUM>, adapted to be connected to actuation means <NUM> provided in the stove S (e.g. a crank gear, or a mechanism of another type).

Different from the preceding version, the spatula <NUM> also comprises a fourth connection segment <NUM>, and a fifth segment <NUM>, aligned with the first segment <NUM> rotatably supported by the front portion <NUM> (for example at a loop made in the latter).

The segments <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> thus follow each other according to a broken line that is substantially U-shaped.

This version of the invention provides an improved support for the rotary movement of the spatula <NUM>, while preserving the advantages of the simple easy removal for the purposes of cleaning/maintenance/substitution.

The mode of use of the brazier <NUM> according to the invention is, in light of that described above, entirely intuitive.

The fuel is fed so as to be deposited on the bottom portion <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

Once the ignition is carried out through the first window <NUM>, the comburent air is fed so as to cross the support <NUM>, and to brush the fuel deposited on the bottom portion <NUM>.

If necessary, the spatula <NUM> is actuated so as to clean the through holes <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM>.

Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a brazier <NUM> for stoves powered by solid fuel.

The method according to the invention comprises a step of providing a plurality of portions made of metal sheet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, suitably cut and/or bent.

The method also comprises a step of assembling several of the aforesaid portions made of metal sheet <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, so as to obtain a container <NUM> configured to contain the fuel, provided with a bottom portion <NUM> that is substantially concave and affected with a distribution of through holes <NUM>.

The method also comprises a step of assembling other portions made of metal sheet <NUM>, <NUM> so as to obtain a support <NUM>, configured to house the aforesaid container <NUM>.

The method also comprises a step of connecting the aforesaid portions made of metal sheet <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, in a permanent manner, by means of welding, in order to respectively obtain the container <NUM> and the support <NUM>.

In one embodiment of the invention of particular practical interest, the brazier <NUM> manufactured with the method according to the invention possess the previously-described characteristics.

The invention, thus conceived, allows obtaining important technical advantages.

The structural solution of the brazier <NUM> according to the present invention considerably simplifies the manufacturing process, since it is no longer necessary to resort to arduous castings in cast iron.

In addition, the proposed structural solution renders the process for manufacturing the brazier <NUM> less expensive.

The object obtained due to the solution proposed in the present invention is simpler to assemble and to install within the stove S; in addition, it is simpler and more manageable to clean.

Another important adventure regards the fact that the proposed structural solution allows attaining the brazier with limited sizes with respect to the known solutions, in which it is made of cast iron.

Indeed, the manufacturing by means of cast iron casting does not allow obtaining through holes with diameter smaller than a certain value.

Holes with small diameter could be obtained with subsequent perforation processing, which would however render the manufacturing process excessively costly and arduous. With the solution proposed according to the present invention, however, the brazier <NUM> can be attained with considerably smaller sizes, and with a manufacturing process (which consists of processing parts of metal sheet) that is faster and less expensive overall.

It is thus seen that the finding achieves the proposed objects.

Claim 1:
Brazier (<NUM>) for stoves powered by solid fuel, comprising a container (<NUM>) configured to contain the fuel, provided with a substantially concave bottom portion (<NUM>), and affected by a distribution of through holes (<NUM>), said brazier (<NUM>) further comprising a spatula (<NUM>) adapted to keep said through holes (<NUM>) of said bottom portion (<NUM>) clean, said brazier (<NUM>) further comprising a support (<NUM>) configured to house said container (<NUM>), said container (<NUM>) and said support (<NUM>) both consisting of respective portions in metal sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), suitably cut and/or folded, or stamped, and permanently connected to each other by welding, wherein said container (<NUM>) comprises said bottom portion (<NUM>), a front portion (<NUM>) and a rear portion (<NUM>), mutually connected so as to achieve a cradle-like conformation, suitable for containing solid fuel, said bottom portion (<NUM>) being substantially curved according to a circumference arc, with concavity, in use, facing upwards, said bottom portion (<NUM>) further comprising respective lateral edges (<NUM>) cut according to respective circumference arcs, with opposite curvatures, wherein said front portion (<NUM>) of said container (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of front through holes (29a), the number, dimensions and positioning of which depend on the combustion power of the stove (S), wherein said rear portion (<NUM>) of said container (<NUM>) comprises a through seat (<NUM>) adapted to rotatably support said spatula (<NUM>), and also to allow its easy removal for cleaning and/or maintenance reasons after the disassembly of said support (<NUM>) and of said container (<NUM>) from the stove (S), the contour of said seat (<NUM>) being constituted by the union of a first contour (<NUM>) and of a second contour (<NUM>), both shaped like an circumference arc, and wherein said first contour (<NUM>), able to rotatably support said spatula (<NUM>), has a smaller diameter than that of said second contour (<NUM>).