COMBUSTION AND HEATING DEVICE

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a combustion and heating device, in particular a device for burning organic fuel such as wood; more particularly but not exclusively a device for burning wood and producing charcoal.

BACKGROUND

In many societies across the world there is an increasing interest in fuel efficiency in many fields, as well as a more natural and low impact on the world and its resources.

Charcoal making involves burning wood whilst controlling the amount of oxygen present. Very little oxygen is allowed in, and the slow burn results in a product (charcoal) that burns at very high temperatures, but produces very little (if any) smoke.

This process is called pyrolysis and it produces carbon that in turn is charcoal, which may be burnt for cooking purposes or similar. This is a process that requires planning and correct and large equipment typically.

PRIOR ART

AT 525 531 (KEINRATH) discloses a furnace for pyrolysis of a solid fuel.

US 2017 0 363 297 (ALVARADO) discloses a burner for a heat utilizing appliance.

US 2017 0 347 832 (LIN) discloses a portable biomass stove.

CN110608434 (UNIV XIAN SCI & TECHNOLOGY discloses a temperature difference power generation furnace for liquid fuel.

CN110657590 (PLA CHINA 32181 ARMY) discloses temperature difference power generation furnace.

CN102798153 (ANHUI XIN MINE HYDRAULIC MACHINERY CO LTD) discloses an updraught-type oven core.

CN202868751 (GUIZHOU ANSHUN HUIFENG ENERGY SAVING FURNACE AND FURNACE ACCESSORIES CO LTD) discloses an updraft type furnace core.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a combustion and heating device comprising: a crucible with a plurality of apertures and a sleeve; wherein the crucible is received by the sleeve; an upper cap secures onto a first end of the sleeve and a lower cap secures onto a second end of the sleeve, wherein at least one of the caps has a vent with a displaceable bung.

In this way the device of the present invention provides a portable device that can be used for combustion of fuel for example organic matter such as wood. The caps may be connected onto both ends of the sleeve to provide an enclosed chamber to create pyrolysis conditions, for example to form charcoal from organic material.

The upper cap and lower caps are connected onto the sleeve to close the sleeve that contains the crucible.

One or both of the upper cap and lower cap may be disconnected from the sleeve so that airflow passes through the sleeve and thereby through the apertures in the crucible and burns combustible fuel within the crucible.

In a preferred embodiment primary apertures are provided in the base of the crucible so that airflow passes through the base of crucible that holds the fuel. Ideally secondary apertures may also be provided on side walls of the crucible that extend above the base, typically at, or close, to an upper edge of the crucible to optimise performance and to allow gasification. In some embodiments the secondary apertures may be provided on a lip of the crucible.

Additionally or alternatively when the caps are connected to the sleeve at least one vent on at least one of the caps may allow for a reduced air inflow so as to permit a lower amount of oxygen into the crucible than if a cap was removed. The ability to control the airflow and in particular to reduce the airflow allows slower burning and may for example enable the formation of charcoal when burning organic matter such as wood. The resulting charcoal which burns at high temperatures, may be stored within the device and used for burning as desired.

At least one of the caps has a vent closed by a displaceable bung so that a user can selectively control airflow.

In some preferred embodiments of the device the upper cap comprises at least one vent with a displaceable bung to close the vent.

The displaceable bung for the one or more vents allows control over exit and/or entry of airflow to or from the internal volume defined by the sleeve and the caps.

In a preferred embodiment the bung may be tethered to ensure it remains available and connected to avoid loss.

The sleeve is cylindrical and receives the crucible therein.

In some preferred embodiments of the device the caps connect to the cylindrical sleeve by means of a screw thread on the cap and a corresponding screw thread on each cap. Preferably the caps are received over the ends of the cylindrical sleeve.

A screw thread connection allows easy and secure control of airflow through the sleeve.

In some embodiments of the device the sleeve has a reduced diameter lower section, so as to fit into the lower cap so that the cap can receive this part of the sleeve and the remainder of the sleeve extends upwards from the cap. Preferably the lower cap has an outer diameter the same as the outer diameter of the sleeve that is not a reduced diameter so that when the parts are connected the outer surface is continuous.

In some embodiments of the device the reduced diameter lower section has a plurality of openings, which enable airflow into the sleeve through the lower section.

Ideally the crucible is sized and dimensioned to be located in the section of the sleeve that is not of a reduced diameter, so that the section with a reduced diameter is below the base of the crucible. In this way the sleeve allows the crucible to be elevated and airflow directed to it from below. This is advantageous when using the device as a stove. The device may be used without the lower cap being connected so that the reduced diameter end of the sleeve rests on the ground.

In preferred embodiments the reduced diameter lower section has a screw thread that engages with a corresponding screw thread on the lower cap so that the cap can be connected to the lower end of the sleeve.

In this way the lower section of the sleeve may be screwed onto and then into the cap. Firstly the cap is connected on to a distal end of the reduced diameter lower section of the sleeve to space the cap from the upper part of the sleeve so that the openings in the wall of the reduced diameter lower section of the sleeve remain exposed. The device is thereby support on the lower cap that is placed on a surface and the sleeve extends therefrom. This configuration allows airflow through the openings.

If the lower cap is continued to be screwed onto the sleeve, the distal end of the sleeve is received further into the cap closing the cap further over the sleeve end so that the reduced diameter lower section is within the cap and the openings are within the cap. The lower cap has a depth corresponding to at least the reduced diameter lower section of the sleeve with the openings so that the lower cap can be fitted to fully cover the openings. This configuration is more compact and prevents airflow through the openings which provides for pyrolytic conditions.

In some embodiments the device has a mount for providing a stove top for receiving a pot, pan or tray.

In some embodiments the mount may be hinged to the top of the sleeve or to the crucible.

The mount may be formed from a plurality of mount parts arranged around the rim of the sleeve and/or crucible to provide a stable platform for a cooking container or plate.

In some embodiments the device includes a cover over an outer surface of some of the parts. For example an outer surface of the caps may have a silicone cover and an outer surface of the sleeve that is not received by the caps may have a silicone cover. The covers may assist with grip when handling the parts and may make the parts easier to handle when hot.

In a preferred embodiment the device has dimensions of 135 mm diameter and 200 mm length when the caps are fitted to both ends of the sleeve. Further embodiments may be envisaged to have different dimensions, being suited for different quantities of fuel, and/or personal or group usage.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the Figures in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention, with sleeve displaced in the lower cap and the upper cap removed;

FIG. 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1, with caps in place;

FIG. 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7A shows a detailed section view of the lower part of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4; and

FIG. 7B shows a detailed section view of an upper part of the embodiment of the device shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

With reference to the figures there is shown an embodiment of a combustion and heating device 99 comprising: a crucible 5 and a sleeve 6. The crucible 5 is received into the sleeve 6. An upper cap 4 secures onto a first end of the sleeve 6 and a lower cap 3 secures onto a second end of the sleeve 6.

The crucible 5 comprises a plurality of apertures 52,53 arranged across the base of the crucible.

The pictured embodiment has a cylindrical sleeve 6. The sleeve 6 has two open ends. The upper end has a bayonet-style limited screw thread 62 for receiving the corresponding screw thread 43 of the upper cap 4.

The lower end of the sleeve 6 has a reduced diameter section with a plurality of openings 61 in a wall of the sleeve 6. The openings 61 are oblong and are spaced around a reduced diameter section.

The lower end of the sleeve 6 has two screw threads 63A, 63B. A first distal screw thread 63A on the reduced diameter section and a second screw thread 63B above the openings 61.

The two screw threads 63A, 63B enable the screw thread 71 of the lower cap 3 to engage at two points. This allows the lower cap 3 to be connected at only the first screw thread 63A so that the openings 61 are exposed to allow airflow, or to engage with both screw heads 63A and 63B so that the openings 61 are enclosed by the cap and no airflow is permitted.

It is also appreciated that as the cap 3 is screwed further onto the first screw thread 63A the openings 61 become gradually closed and the degree to which the cap 3 is screwed on to the first screw thread 63A can be used to adjust airflow as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the openings 61 are partially exposed.

It may be envisaged that the mid body of the sleeve (region between the two ends that is not covered by the caps 3, 4) may be provided with a coating or covering 33 (see FIG. 5), so as to reduce heat transfer and increase comfort, grip, and aesthetics.

The whole sleeve 6 is preferably made from stainless steel or may be made of titanium.

As shown in FIG. 1, the crucible 5 is placed into the internal space of the sleeve 6, wherein a lip 51 of the crucible extends radially wider than the sleeve, so as to allow the crucible 5 to sit and hang in the sleeve 6. The crucible 5 has a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the sleeve 6, so that the crucible 5 is received into the sleeve 6 and so as to space the two apart. The crucible 5 is a cylindrical stainless steel, or titanium, form with a closed base and open end.

The crucible 5 comprises a plurality of apertures 52,53 in its closed base. The base has two shaped apertures circular apertures 52 and swirl-holes 53, which encourage swirling airflow into or through the crucible 5.

The lower cap 3 has an insert 7 with a matching (corresponding) screw thread 71. The insert 7 has a closed end 73 and is received into a cover 30. The insert 7 and cover 30 together form the cap 3. The cover 30 has a central circular hole 31 in the centre of the closed end in use, providing a more effective face for uneven surfaces. The cover 30 also reduces heat transfer and/or provide aesthetic or comfort improvements.

It is appreciated that in a preferred embodiment each cap 3, 4 may be formed as a single part with an outer cover 30, 40 so that the screw thread is integrated with the cap.

In some embodiments the cover 30 may not have a hole 31.

As shown in FIG. 1, the screw threads 63A, 63B of the reduced diameter section of the sleeve 6 enable the sleeve to be screwed into and out of the lower cap 3.

In this way, as shown in FIG. 1, the openings 61 may be elevated by the cap 3 and exposed, so as to allow airflow into the sleeve's 8 internal space. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7A the cap 3 may be fully screwed over the reduced diameter section of the sleeve 6 with the openings 61 so as to prevent any airflow into the sleeve 6 and thereby to the crucible 5.

The upper cap 4 is similar to the lower cap 3. The upper cap has a body 44 with closed end 47 and an open end, and a cover 40 with a central circular hole 46. The body 44 and cover 40 together form the cap 4. The cover is insulative to reduce heat transfer and to aid with handling.

In some embodiments the cover 40 may not have a hole 46.

The upper cap 4 further comprises a central vent 41 in the centre of the closed end 47.

This vent 41 has a bung 45, formed in silicone which extends from the end of a silicone tether 42, tethered in use to the cover 40.

Internally the upper cap 4 includes a screw thread 43, which is arranged to screw onto and over a screw thread on an external face of the sleeve, so as to securely and easily close the top end of the sleeve 6.

An internal face of the sleeve 6 has a ridge 6A on which the lip 51 of the crucible 5 is supported.

The pictured embodiment further comprises a mount 1 formed by three separate mount parts 1, which are hinged to the internal surface of the crucible 5 so that the mount parts 1 can fold inwards into the crucible 5 when not in use and fold outwards from the crucible 5 for receiving a put or pan when in use as a stove.

The three mount parts 1 each comprise a base 12 secured to the internal surface of the crucible, the bases 12 having hinges 12A which hingeably attach the stove top parts 12B. Each stove top part 12B has an indentation 13) for receipt onto the top edge of the crucible and sleeve when folded outwards for use as a stove top and a serrated top edge 11 (when unfolded) for receipt of the cookware such as pots or pans.

In this way it may be envisaged that the device 99 may be used as a solid fuel stove with airflow through the openings 61 in the wall of the sleeve 6 controlled by screwing the sleeve 6 into and out of the lower cap 3. The device can also be configured to fully restrict airflow to create pyrolytic conditions for production of charcoal where the caps 3, 4 are screwed onto the sleeve 6 and the vent 41 allows control of a limited amount of air.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims.