The present invention relates to a fireplace which provides for low emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

Fireplaces such as small heating systems, also termed as small combustion systems, heating systems for single rooms such as wood-burning stoves, tile stoves, cookers and opened fireplaces which are operated with solid fuel such as wood or wood pellets may often be found in private households. Typical emissions of such fireplaces may amount up to approximately 60 mg/Nm ³ for particulate matter and approximately up to 1 ,500 mg /Nm ³ for carbon monoxide. However, governmental regulations may require reduced emissions. E.g., respective regulations of the Federal Republic of Germany specify for heating systems for single rooms an emission of carbon monoxide below 1250 mg/Nm ³ and for particulate matter below 40 mg/Nm ³ (1. BlmSchV II).

DE 10 2006 032497 relates to a fireplace comprising a fuel support plate fitted in the bottom area which is impervious to gas and which supports a guide plate pointing upwards at a slant on one side. Above the guide plate there is a primary air feed with a primary air channel that runs along the guide plate and which has an air inlet opening linked to outside space and air outlet openings distributed over the whole length of the primary air channel and pointing towards the fuel support plate. A secondary air feed with a secondary air channel is arranged above the primary air feed and carries a fire screen. The sec- ondary air channel is spaced apart from the sidewall of the fireplace and has air outlet openings distributed over the whole length of the secondary air channel and pointing to the side wall. One object to be solved by the present invention is the provision of a fireplace allowing for reduced emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter. Preferably, said fireplace should be usable in a private household. This problem is solved with a fireplace as defined in the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are specified in claims depending thereon.

Accordingly, the invention relates to a fireplace, at least comprising:

a housing enclosing a combustion chamber, wherein said housing at least comprises: a front wall, which at least partially is construed as door;

one or more side wall/walls;

a rear wall;

at least one outlet for smoke gas, preferably wherein said outlet is located in the rear wall of the housing;

said combustion chamber comprising at least two different means for aerating the combustion chamber,

wherein one of said at least two different means for aerating is construed such that it extends from an opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing into the interior of said combustion chamber, wherein said means comprises a multitude of openings through which combustion air may flow into said combustion chamber, and

wherein one of said at least two different means for aerating is construed as at least one opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing, wherein combustion air may flow through said at least one opening into the combus- tion chamber.

As a matter of course, the housing may also comprise a top wall and a bottom wall.

More specifically, the invention relates to a fireplace, at least comprising:

a housing enclosing a combustion chamber, wherein said housing at least comprises: a front wall, which at least partially is construed as door through which said combustion chamber may be supplied with combustible, respectively through which ashes may be removed from the combustion chamber; one or more side wall/walls;

a rear wall;

at least one outlet for smoke gas that is formed when operating the fireplace while burning a combustible in said combustion chamber, preferably wherein said outlet is located in the rear wall of the housing;

said combustion chamber comprising at least two different means for aerating the combustion chamber in order to support the burning of combustible,

wherein one of said at least two different means for aerating is construed such that it extends from an opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing into the interior of said combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said means for aerating, wherein said means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber, and

wherein one of said at least two different means for aerating is construed as at least one opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing, wherein combustion air may flow through said at least one opening into the combustion chamber.

The fireplace according to the invention allows reducing the emission of carbon monox- ide and particulate matter to values below 1250 mg/Nm ³ carbon monoxide and 40 mg/Nm ³ particulate matter.

The invention is explained in more detail in the following. The terms in quotation marks are defined in the meaning of the invention.

The term "Nm ³ " encompasses the term "dry standard cubic meter", which term is synonymously used to the terms "normal cubic meter" or "standard cubic meter".

The term "particulate matter" is synonymously used to the term "dusf or "fine dusf. This particulate matter is generated when combustible in a fireplace is not completely combusted to gaseous products. The term "fireplace" encompasses an architectural structure designed to contain fire. In the broadest meaning, the term encompasses any heating system which may be operated by means of burning a combustible. Accordingly, the term "fireplace" encompasses terms such as "oven", "furnace" or "stove". In a preferred embodiment, said fireplace en- compasses a heating system that is used in a private household, preferably a small heating system. In a preferred embodiment, said heating system provides for a power of from 5 to 15 kW, preferably of from 5 to 10 kW, more preferably 6 to 8 kW. In a further embodiment, said fireplace may provide for a power up to 50 kW. The term "housing" encompasses a hard or stable casing or mantle which encloses a combustion chamber.

The term "combustion chamber" encompasses the location in which the combustible is combusted or burnt.

Said housing of the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least a front wall, which at least partially is construed as door through which said combustion chamber may be supplied with combustible, respectively through which ashes may be removed from the combustion chamber.

The term "door" in connection with the fireplace according to the invention encompasses the term "furnace door" or "fireplace door".

The housing of the fireplace according to the invention further comprises a rear wall.

Said housing further comprises one or more side wall/walls. The term "one or more side wall/walls" encompasses all parts of the housing which are different from the front wall and the rear wall. In a preferred embodiment, said front wall, said one or more side wall/walls and said rear wall form the combustion chamber. Preferably, said walls forming the combustion chamber are made from cast iron or from steel. Said door of said front wall may also consist of or may comprise cast iron or steel. In a preferred embodiment, said door of said front wall may be construed in the form of glass such that the combustion of said combustible may be monitored. In a further preferred embodiment, said combustion chamber is not provided with refractory material such as chamotte or vermiculite. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, embers formed from burning combustible may contact the cast iron or steel from which the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and the rear wall are made from. Said embers then contact the cast iron or steel from which the bottom wall may be made from, too.

However, in another preferred embodiment, said combustion chamber is provided with any refractory material. Preferably, said refractory material is selected from chamotte or vermiculite.

The term "combustible" encompasses any solid fuel such as wood, wood pellets, or carbon such as coal or brown coal. In a preferred embodiment, the combustible is a solid fuel comprising wood or is wood such as wood billets or wood pellets. The fireplace according to the invention also comprises an outlet for smoke gas which is generated when combustible is combusted in the combustion chamber.

The term "outlet encompasses the portion of the fireplace through which said smoke gas may exit said fireplace. Preferably, said outlet is positioned in the rear wall of said hous- ing. Preferably, said outlet may be connected to a chimney.

The term "smoke gas" is synonymously used to terms such as "flue" or "exhaust or "ex- haust gas". The fireplace according to the invention comprises at least two different means for aerating. The term "means for aerating" encompasses any conceivable means or device or equipment by means of which the combustion chamber may be aerated in order to support the combusting of the combustible. By means of said aerating, air is fed into or flows into the combustion chamber. Said air may also be termed "combustion air".

One of said at least two different means for aerating is construed such that it extends from an opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing into the interior of said combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said means for aerating, wherein said means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber. The fireplace according to the invention may be provided with one or more of said means for aerating.

The other one of said at least two different means for aerating is construed as at least one opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing, wherein combustion air may flow through said at least one opening into the combustion chamber. The fireplace according to the invention may be provided with one or more of said means for aerating. The term "opening" encompasses a hole such as a borehole. In one embodiment, if one of said means for aerating is construed as an opening in the front wall, the one or more side wall/walls and/or the rear wall of the housing, said opening may also be provided in the form of a pipe through which combustion air may be aspirated from the environment of the fireplace.

In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one first means for aerating which is construed such that it extends from an opening in the rear wall of the housing into the interior of the combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said first means for aer- ating, wherein said first means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber. Preferably, the openings of the first means for aerating are circular. However, other forms are conceivable, too, such as elliptic or rectangular forms. The openings may also be provided in the form of one slit or more slits. In a further preferred embodiment, when operating the fireplace, said at least one first means for aerating is at least partially covered by embers which are formed when burning the combustible.

The term "embers" encompasses the terms "burning ash" or "blaze" or "gloW.

Thus, before operating the fireplace according to the invention, said first means for aerating is preferably totally covered with combustible. During the combustion of said combustible, said first means for aerating preferably remains at least partially covered by embers. Accordingly, the first means for aerating preferably is positioned at the lowest por- tion or at a low portion of the combustion chamber such as the bottom of the combustion chamber.

In one embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises one first means for aerating.

In another embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises more than one first means for aerating such as two or three or more first means for aerating.

In a second preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one second means for aerating which is construed such that it extends from an opening in the rear wall of the housing into the interior of the combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said second means for aerating, wherein said second means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber.

Preferably, when operating the fireplace according to the invention, said second means for aerating is not covered or at least is only partially covered by embers which are formed when burning the combustible. Preferably, said second means is not covered by embers. Accordingly, the second means for aerating preferably is positioned in the combustion chamber above the first means for aerating, and further preferably is positioned close to the at least one side wall or is positioned at one side wall. Preferably, the openings of the first means for aerating are circular. However, other forms are conceivable, too, such as elliptic or rectangular forms. The openings may also be provided in the form of one slit or more slits.

Further preferably, the fireplace according to the invention comprises more than one second means for aerating, e.g. two or three or more second means for aerating.

The at least one first means for aerating or the at least one second means for aerating or the at least one first means for aerating and the at least one second means for aerating comprise a multitude of openings, respectively.

The term "multitude" encompasses at least two or three or four or five or six or seven or eight or nine or ten or more openings. Said openings may be arranged randomly or may be arranged in a regular manner on or in said at least one first means for aerating or said at least one second means for aerating.

In one embodiment, said openings are arranged in a regular manner, preferably in a row or in several rows.

In a third preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one third means for aerating which is construed as at least one opening in the rear wall of the housing. Preferably, said at least one third means comprises more than two openings in the rear wall, preferably three or four of five or six or seven or ten or more openings. In one embodiment, the rear wall of the fireplace according to the invention bears another wall that insulates the fireplace towards the environment. Preferably, said rear wall and said another wall are spaced apart from one another. In a fourth preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one fourth means for aerating which is construed as at least one opening in the front wall of the housing. In one embodiment, said at least one opening may be positioned in the door of the front wall. In another embodiment, said opening may be posi- tioned in a part of the front wall not forming the door of the fireplace. In one embodiment, said at least one fourth means comprises more than one opening in the front wall, preferably two or three or four of five or six or seven or ten or more openings.

In a sixth preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one fifth means for aerating which is construed as at least one opening in the one or more side wall/walls. In one embodiment, said at least one fifth means for aerating comprises more than two openings in the front wall, preferably three or four of five or six or seven or ten or more openings. In one embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one of said first means for aerating and at least one of said at least one third means for aerating, one of said at least one fourth means for aerating and/or one of said at least one fifth means for aerating. In another embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one of said second means for aerating and at least one of said third means for aerating, one of said at least one fourth means for aerating and/or one of said at least one fifth means for aerating. Preferably, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one of said first means for aerating and at least one of said second means for aerating in combination with at least one of said third means for aerating, one of said at least one fourth means for aerating and/or one of said at least one fifth means for aerating. In a further preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one of said first means for aerating and at least one of said second means for aerating in combination with at least one of said third means for aerating and at least one of said fourth means for aerating. Accordingly, in one embodiment, combustible in the combustion chamber is aerated from at least two sides, further preferred from at least three sides, further preferred from at least four sides, further preferred from at least five sides or even from six sides. In a seventh preferred embodiment, the at least one first means for aerating or the at least one second means for aerating or the at least one first means for aerating and the at least one second means for aerating are construed as a pipe, respectively.

The term "pipe" encompasses a pipe having a circular cross section, an oval cross sec- tion, a triangular cross section or a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment, the cross section may have any conceivable shape.

In an eighth preferred embodiment, the first means for aerating is arranged in said combustion chamber such that combustion air may exit the openings of said first means sub- stantially vertically upwards when flowing into the combustion chamber.

The term "substantially vertically upwards" means that said combustion air may exit said openings in an angle of from 0 to 45 ° measured against the vertical. In a ninth preferred embodiment, the openings in the first means for aerating are arranged in two parallel rows along the length of said first means for aerating, preferably wherein said first means for aerating is construed as a pipe. Preferably, in a cross section, the two rows form with the center of the first means for aerating, preferably a pipe, an angle of 90 °.

In a tenth preferred embodiment, the second means for aerating is arranged in said combustion chamber such that combustion air may exit said openings of said second means substantially horizontally when flowing into the combustion chamber. The term "substantially horizontally" means that said combustion air may exit said openings in an angle of from 0 to 45 ° measured against the horizontal. In another embodiment, wherein the at least one second means for aerating is attached at the top of the combustion chamber, the openings of said second means for aerating are arranged such that combustion air may exit said openings substantially downwards when flowing into the combustion chamber.

The term "substantially downwards" means that said combustion air may exit the openings in an angle of from 0 to 45 ° measured against the vertical.

In one embodiment, the openings of the second means for aerating are arranged in a row when the second means for aerating is construed as a pipe.

In an eleventh preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least two second means for aerating. Preferably, said at least two second means for aerating are arranged such in the combustion chamber that the openings of one of said at least two second means face the openings of the other second means for aerating, i.e. said at least two second means for aerating are positioned in the combustion chamber such that they face each other.

In one embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least three second means for aerating. Preferably, at least two second means for aerating are arranged such in the combustion chamber that the openings of the said at least two second means face each other, wherein combustion air may exit said openings substantially horizontally. Thus, said at least two second means for aerating are positioned in the combustion chamber such that they face each other, wherein each of said second means for aerating is positioned close to the at least one side wall or is positioned at one side wall. The third second means for aerating preferably is positioned at the top of the combustion chamber, wherein the openings of said third second means for aerating are arranged such that combustion air may exit said openings substantially downwards into the combustion chamber.

In a twelfth preferred embodiment, the fireplace according to the invention is construed such that it comprises one or more pipes in which air from the environment of said fireplace may be or is heated up by thermal convection when operating the fireplace. The term "thermal convection" encompasses a mechanism of heat transfer due to the motion of air. In a thirteenth preferred embodiment, the one or more side wall/walls of the housing comprises/comprises one or more pipes which is/are construed such that the one or more pipes is/are heated up when operating said fireplace, wherein through a lower opening of the pipe/pipes air may be aspirated from the environment of the fireplace, wherein the aspirated air may exit the pipe/pipes through an upper opening of the pipe/pipes.

In one embodiment, the one or more pipes of said one or more side walls are construed such to form the one or more side walls in the form of a double wall. Accordingly, within said double wall, air from the environment of said fireplace may be heated up by thermal convection.

In a fourteenth preferred embodiment, the one or more side wall/walls form a horizontal cylindrical body such that also the combustion chamber is construed as a horizontal cylindrical body, wherein the one or more side wall/walls comprises/comprise one or more curved pipes which is/are construed such that the one or more curved pipe/pipes is/are heated up when operating said fireplace, wherein through a lower opening of the pipe/pipes air may be aspirated from the environment of the fireplace, wherein the aspirated air may exit the pipe/pipes through an upper opening of the pipe/pipes. In a preferred embodiment, the one or more curved pipes of the one or more side walls at least partially form the combustion chamber of the fireplace according to the invention. Preferably, said one or more curved pipes are made from cast iron or steel.

In turn, in one embodiment, the one or more pipes of said one or more side walls are construed such to form the one or more side walls in the form of a double wall. Accordingly, within said double wall, air from the environment of said fireplace may be heated up by thermal convection. In a fifteenth preferred embodiment of the invention, the combustion chamber of the fireplace according to the invention comprises at least one cleaning device for smoke gas.

The term "cleaning device" encompasses any conceivable device which is suitable for at least partially lowering the amount of carbon monoxide or particulate matter in the smoke gas formed when combusting combustible in the combustion chamber.

In case of solid emissions, said cleaning device may be construed such to act as a filter, and/or to catalytically convert same. In case of gaseous emissions, said cleaning device may be construed such to absorb or adsorb said gaseous emissions, and/or to catalytically convert same.

Preferably, said cleaning device is arranged in the combustion chamber such that formed smoke gas at least partially flows through said cleaning device before said smoke gas at least partially exits the combustion chamber through said outlet.

Preferably, said combustion chamber comprises a plate that is positioned such that it is suitable for guiding smoke gas at least partially to said cleaning device. Said plate may also be termed as a baffle plate.

Preferably, said cleaning device comprises a plate or baffle plate that is fixed to said cleaning device such that it is suitable for guiding smoke gas at least partially to said cleaning device. Preferably, said cleaning device is selected from the group consisting of: a filter device or a catalytic device. Preferably, the catalytic device at least partially may oxidize generated carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide when operating said fireplace according to the invention. A suitable catalytic device is e.g. described in EP 2 418 425 B1.

Accordingly, said catalytic device comprises a catalytically active material, wherein the catalytically active material is a ceramic by means of which an oxidation of exhaust com- pounds is catalyzable and wherein the catalytic device comprises a plurality of apertures through which smoke gas may flow. Preferably, the catalytic device further comprises a supporting device for supporting the catalytic device, wherein the catalytic device comprises a fixed bed, wherein the supporting device comprises a frame and an upper and lower grid-like plate, wherein said catalytic device comprising said fixed bed is arranged between the grid-like plates and the frame. Thus, said catalytic device may be provided in the form of a cassette which accommodates said catalytically active material preferably in the form of a fixed bed. In one embodiment, said fixed bed comprises said catalytically active material, or said fixed bed comprises said catalytically active material, wherein the solid particles of the fixed bed have one or more predetermined external shapes, which are preferably selected from the group of shapes comprising or consisting of: rings, cylinders, cones, saddles, spheres, ellipsoids, cuboids, cubes, polyeders, plates, rods, or other shapes or cuts, or combinations of these shapes.

In a further embodiment said ceramic is a technical ceramic and comprises one or more of the following: titanium oxide(s), tungsten oxide(s), molybdenum oxide(s), cordierite, corundum, in particular Ti0 ₂ , W0 ₃ , Mo0 ₃ , Zr0 ₂ , Ce0 ₂ , and/or Al ₂ 0 ₃ .

In still a further embodiment, said catalytically active material comprises platinum and palladium, or platinum or palladium; or the catalytically active material comprises Ti0 ₂ and V ₂ 0 ₅ ; or that the catalytically active material comprises Ti0 ₂ and V ₂ 0 ₅ , wherein the catalytically active material comprises a disordered anatase where less than 3.2 % or less than 2 % Ti ⁴⁺ is replaced by V ⁵⁺ ; or the catalytically active material comprises gold.

Cleaning devices preferably in the form of cassettes which accommodate materials such as chamotte, volcanic ash, pumice stone, clinker, expanded clay or a mixture thereof may also be used. Suitable materials are e.g. described in EP 2 306 087.

In one embodiment, one filter device is used for cleaning generated smoke gas. ln another embodiment, more than one filter devices are combined for cleaning generated smoke gas: Preferably, said filter devices bear different filter materials, preferably in the form of layers. It is also possible to use in the layers the same filter material.

In one embodiment, one catalytic device is used for cleaning generated smoke gas.

In another embodiment, more than one catalytic device are combined for cleaning generated smoke gas. Preferably, said catalytic devices bear different catalytically active materials.

In another embodiment, one filter device or several filter devices is/are used in combination with one catalytic device or several catalytic devices for cleaning generated smoke gas.

The combination of means for aerating and cleaning device, preferably means for aerating in combination with a catalytic device, is particularly effective for reducing emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter formed in the combustion chamber of the fireplace according to the invention.

In one embodiment, said combustion chamber is provided with a plate or baffle plate that is suitable for guiding smoke gas at least partially to the outlet.

In one embodiment, said combustion chamber is provided with a plate or baffle plate that is suitable for guiding smoke gas at least partially to the outlet, wherein said combustion chamber does not comprise a cleaning device.

In still another embodiment, said combustion chamber comprises a cleaning device but no plate or baffle plate that is suitable for guiding smoke gas to the outlet.

In one embodiment, said combustion chamber neither comprises said baffle plate nor said cleaning device. ln a sixteenth preferred embodiment, the plate or baffle plate of the fireplace is construed such to enclose a cavity. Said baffle enclosing a cavity is connected to the outlet and extends into the combustion chamber. Said baffle enclosing a cavity comprises one or a multitude of openings through which smoke gas may flow or has to flow into said cavity of said baffle to reach the exhaust nozzle when operating the fireplace. Subsequently, said smoke gas is guided to the outlet where it exits the fireplace. Thus, said baffle enclosing a cavity serves for guiding smoke gas to the outlet. Smoke gas exiting the outlet may be further guided to a chimney.

It has been discovered that the provision of such baffle enclosing a cavity in the combustion chamber may further support the reduction of emission of carbon monoxide and particulate matter.

The form of the cavity may be any conceivable form as long as said form is suitable for guiding smoke gas to the outlet. Thus, said baffle is hollow in order to allow smoke gas to flow through said baffle to the outlet when operating the fireplace. Accordingly, the term "baffle enclosing a cavity" is synonymously used with the term "hollow baffle".

In one embodiment, the baffle enclosing a cavity is in the form of a tubular baffle. The term "tubular baffle" encompasses a baffle plate in the form of a pipe having a circular cross section, an oval cross section, a triangular cross section or a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment, the cross section may have any conceivable shape.

Preferably, said baffle enclosing a cavity, preferably a tubular baffle, extends in a direc- tion that runs in parallel to the one or more side wall/walls.

The length of said baffle enclosing a cavity, preferably a tubular baffle, may correspond to the shortest distance of the front wall from the rear wall. In one embodiment, the length of the baffle corresponds to 100 % or less than 100 % or less than 99 % or less than 98 % or less than 97 % or less than 96 % or less than 95 % of the distance of the front wall from the rear wall, and from more than 1 % or more than 10 % or more than 20 % or more than 30 % or more than 40 % or more than 50 % of the distance of the front wall from the rear wall.

Preferably, said opening/s of said baffle are arranged at least on a portion of said baffle such that smoke gas may enter said openings in a direction which is oriented substantially downwards. The term "substantially downwards" means that said smoke gas may en- ter the baffle through said openings in an angle of from 0 to 45 ° measured against the vertical.

In another embodiment, said opening/s of said baffle are arranged at least on a portion of said baffle such that smoke gas may enter said openings in a direction which is oriented substantially upwards. The term "substantially upwards" means that said smoke gas may enter the baffle through said openings in an angle of from 0 to 45 ° measured against the vertical.

In one embodiment, the openings of the said baffle are arranged in a row.

In one embodiment, said openings are construed such to form one or more slits.

Preferably, said baffle enclosing a cavity, preferably a tubular baffle, has or comprises a lid by means of which said baffle may be opened such that e.g. a cleaning device for cleaning smoke gas may be inserted into said tubular baffle.

In a preferred embodiment, said baffle enclosing a cavity, preferably a tubular baffle, has or comprises in the interior of said baffle at least one cleaning device for cleaning said smoke gas which is formed when burning combustible, and when said smoke gas enters said tubular baffle. ln another preferred embodiment, said baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle comprises in the interior of said baffle at least one plate or baffle plate which is arranged such in said baffle that it is suitable for guiding formed smoke gas to the outlet. In one embodiment, said baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle comprises a cleaning device for cleaning smoke gas and a plate or baffle plate for guiding smoke gas to said cleaning device or to the outlet.

In a further embodiment, said baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle comprises a cleaning device for cleaning smoke gas or a plate or baffle plate for guiding smoke gas to said cleaning device or to the outlet.

In a further embodiment, the baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle neither comprises a cleaning device for cleaning smoke gas nor a plate or baffle plate for guiding smoke gas to said cleaning device or to the outlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a fireplace, at least comprising:

a housing enclosing a combustion chamber, wherein said housing at least comprises: a front wall, which at least partially is construed as door through which said combustion chamber may be supplied with combustible, respectively through which ashes may be removed from the combustion chamber;

one or more side wall/walls;

a rear wall;

at least one outlet for smoke gas that is formed when operating the fireplace while burn- ing a combustible in said combustion chamber, preferably wherein said outlet is located in the rear wall of the housing;

said combustion chamber comprising at least four different means for aerating the combustion chamber in order to support the burning of combustible,

wherein at least one first means for aerating is construed such that it extends from an opening in the rear wall of the housing into the interior of the combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said first means for aerating, wherein said first means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber, wherein when oper- ating the fireplace said at least one first means for aerating at least partially is covered by embers which are formed when burning the combustible; and

wherein at least one second means for aerating is construed such that it extends from an opening in the rear wall of the housing into the interior of the combustion chamber, wherein combustion air may flow through said opening into said second means for aerating, wherein said second means for aerating comprises a multitude of openings through which said combustion air may further flow into said combustion chamber, wherein when operating the fireplace said second means for aerating is not covered by embers which are formed when burning the combustible; and

wherein at least one third means for aerating is construed as at least one an opening in the rear wall of the housing; and

wherein at least one fourth means for aerating is construed as at least one opening in the front wall of the housing. In one embodiment, said fireplace additionally comprises at least one fifth means for aerating which is construed as at least one opening in the one or more side wall/walls.

In one embodiment, said fireplace comprises a baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle which extends from the outlet into the interior of the combustion chamber.

In another aspect, the invention relates to a fireplace at least comprising:

a housing enclosing a combustion chamber, wherein said housing at least comprises: a front wall,

one or more side wall/walls;

a rear wall;

a top wall;

a bottom wall;

wherein at least one of said front wall or said one or more side walls is at least partially construed as door through which said combustion chamber may be supplied with com- bustible, respectively through which ashes may be removed from the combustion chamber; at least one outlet for smoke gas that is formed when operating the fireplace while burning a combustible in said combustion chamber, wherein said outlet is located in the rear wall or top wall or in a side wall of the housing;

characterized in that

said outlet is connected to a baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle or preferably a tubular baffle which extends into said combustion chamber, wherein said baffle comprises openings through which smoke gas may flow or has to flow into said baffle when operating the fireplace. Said baffle then guides the smoke gas to the outlet.

In one embodiment, said one or more side wall/walls, said top wall and said bottom wall form a horizontal cylindrical body such that also the combustion chamber has a cylindrical shape.

In another embodiment, said combustion chamber has a cuboid shape.

In other embodiments, said combustion chamber may have any conceivable shape. Preferably, said baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle extends in a direction that runs in parallel to the bottom wall or the top wall or the one or more side wall/walls.

Preferably, said fireplace comprises at least one means for aerating the combustion chamber in order to support the burning of combustible.

The means for aerating may be selected from the first, the second, the third, the fourth, and the fifth means for aerating as defined above, or any combination thereof.

In the figures show

Fig. 1 a front view of a preferred fireplace according to the invention. Fig. 2 a side view of a fireplace according to the invention, preferably the fireplace according to Fig.1.

Fig. 3 a front view of a cross section of a fireplace according to the invention, prefera- bly the fireplace according to Fig.1.

Fig. 4 a perspective view of a part of cross section of a fireplace according to the invention, accordingly the fireplace according to Fig.1. Fig. 5 a top view on the first means for aerating in the form of a pipe which is used in a fireplace according to the invention, preferably the fireplace according to Fig. 1 , wherein said first means has two parallel rows of openings.

Fig. 6 a side view of a combustion chamber of a fireplace according to the invention, preferably the fireplace according to Fig. 1 , comprising a cleaning device.

Fig. 7 a cross section of a further preferred fireplace according to the invention, preferably the fireplace according to Fig. 1. Fig. 8 a perspective view of a further preferred fireplace according to the invention.

Fig. 9 a perspective view of a baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of a tubular baffle.

Fig. 10 a perspective view of a fireplace comprising a cuboid combustion chamber comprising a baffle enclosing a cavity such in the form of a tubular baffle.

Fig. 11 a perspective view of a fireplace comprising a cylindrical combustion chamber comprising a baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of a tubular baffle. Fig. 1 shows a front view of a preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. Fireplace 10 comprises curved pipes 20 made from cast iron or steel which form the one or more side wall/walls 16 of fireplace 10. Side wall 16, front wall 1 1 and rear wall 15 (not shown) form a cylindrical combustion chamber 30 (not shown). Most of the surface of pipes 20 is arranged in the combustion chamber 30. Thus, a maximum of heat exchange is ensured. During operation of fireplace 10, air from the environment being contained in curved pipes 20 is heated up very fastly. Heated air ascends and exits pipes 20 at the upper opening thereof. Cold air is aspirated at the lower open- ing of pipes 20 and is thus heated up. Thus, heat transfer from the fireplace to the environment is effected by thermal convection.

Front wall 1 1 is partially construed as door 12. Combustion chamber 30 of fireplace 10 may be monitored through a glass plate 13. Front wall 11 may have a handle for closing combustion chamber 30. The handle or the front wall 11 may bear one or more openings (fourth means for aerating 4 (not shown)) through which combustion air may enter combustion chamber 30 in order to support the combustion of combustible, preferably wood.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. Curved pipes 20 form said cylindrical combustion chamber 30 (not shown). Smoke gas being formed when combusting combustible may exit outlet 40 which is located in the rear wall 15 of fireplace 10.

Fig. 3 shows a front view of a cross section along rear wall 15 of the preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. Rear wall 15 has openings which represent third means for aerating 3. From further openings in rear wall 15 first means for aerating 1 and second means for aerating 2 extend into the interior of combustion chamber 30.

Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a part of a cross section of the preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. The view represents a part of combustion chamber 30 which is formed by side wall 16 and rear wall 15. First means for aerating 1 and second means for aerating 2 are positioned in combustion chamber 30 in the form of pipes extending from openings in rear wall 15, respectively. First means for aerating 1 bears two rows of parallel openings through which combustion air enters combustion chamber 30 substan- tially vertically upwards. Both second means for aerating 2 bear one row of openings through which combustion air may enter combustion chamber 30 substantially horizontally. Both second means for aerating 2 face each other. Rear wall 15 bears third means for aerating 3. Front wall 1 1 bears at least one fourth means for aerating 4 (front wall 11 and fourth means for aerating 4 not shown).

The openings of the first means for aerating 1 and second means for aerating 2 prefera- bly have a diameter of from 1 to 10 mm, more preferred 2 to 7 mm, respectively.

Means for aerating 3 and means for aerating 4 preferably have a diameter of from 1 to 15 mm, more preferred of from 5 to 10 mm, respectively. Preferably, the length of first means for aerating 1 and second means for aerating 2 approximately equals the distance between rear wall 15 and front wall 1 1 , respectively.

Fig. 5 shows a top view on the first means for aerating 1. Said means is provided in the form of a pipe bearing two parallel rows of openings. In a cross section, the two rows form together with the center of the pipe an angle of 90 °. This allows combustion air to enter combustion chamber 30 substantially vertically.

Fig. 6 shows a side view of a combustion chamber 30 having a cleaning device 50, preferably in the form of a cassette. Cleaning device 50 may be fitted with a plate or baf- fie plate 17 in order to guide formed smoke gas to outlet 40 (dashed line). Said cassette may be arranged relative to outlet 40 such that a longitudinal axis of the cassette is perpendicular to the outlet area as shown in Fig. 6. In another embodiment, it is also possible to arrange said cassette such that a longitudinal axis of the cassette is parallel to the outlet area.

Fig. 7 shows a cross section of a further preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. Combustion chamber 30 is provided with first means for aerating 1 , and three second means for aerating 2. In the two lateral second means for aerating 2, combustion air exits the openings of said second means for aerating substantially horizontally. In the third second means for aerating 2 which is arranged at the top of combustion chamber 30, combustion air may exit said openings substantially downwards. First means for aerating 1 is shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Third means for aerating 3 in front wall 11 and fourth means for aerating 4 in rear wall 15 are not shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a further preferred fireplace 10 according to the invention. Fireplace 10 comprises a front wall 1 1 , one or more side walls 16, and a rear wall 15 which form a cylindrical combustion chamber 30. Front wall 11 is opened. Said front wall has a glass plate 13 for monitoring the interior of the combustion chamber. Combustion chamber 30 is provided with first means for aerating 1 and second means for aerating 2. Third means for aerating 3 are provided in the rear wall and fourth means for aerating 4 in the front wall. Outlet 40 is connected to a baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of a tubular baffle 60 which extends into said combustion chamber 30. Tubular baffle 60 comprises openings through which smoke gas may flow into said tubular baffle 60 when operating fireplace 10, and then is forced to further flow to outlet 40. Outlet 40 may be connected to a chimney (not shown).

Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a tubular baffle 60 which is connected to outlet 40. Tubular baffle 60 comprises a lid 61 by means of which tubular baffle may be opened. After opening, a cleaning device 50 (not shown) may be inserted into said tubular baffle 60. Subsequent to the insertion, tubular baffle 60 is re-closed by means of lid 61. Said openings 62 of tubular baffle 62 are arranged at least on a portion of said tubular baffle 60 such that smoke gas may enter said openings in a direction which is oriented substantially downwards (indicated by the arrow).

Instead with a cleaning device 50, the baffle enclosing a cavity such as a tubular baffle 60 may be provided in the interior of said tubular baffle 60 with at least one baffle plate 17 (not shown) for guiding smoke gas to outlet 40. In one embodiment, tubular baffle 60 neither has a cleaning device 50 nor a baffle plate 17 incorporated therein.

In the embodiment of Fig. 9, the baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of a tubular baffle 60 has a circular diameter. The diameter of said tubular baffle is not particularly restrict- ed. In one embodiment, the diameter may be in the range of from 2 to 20 cm or 5 to 15 cm. The openings preferably have a diameter of from 1 to 20 mm, more preferred 2 to 10 mm. Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a further preferred fireplace 100 according to the invention. Fireplace 100 comprises a front wall 11 , one or more side walls 16, a rear wall 15 and a bottom wall 19 which form a combustion chamber 30. Outlet 40 is connected to a baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of tubular baffle 60 which extends into said com- bustion chamber 30, wherein said tubular baffle comprises holes through which smoke gas may flow into said tubular baffle when operating the fireplace. In this embodiment, the combustion chamber 30 of fireplace 100 has a cuboid shape. The combustion chamber may comprise one or more means for aerating 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 (not shown). Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a further preferred fireplace 100 according to the invention. Fireplace 100 and combustion chamber 30 of said fireplace are in the form of a horizontal cylindrical body, i.e. front wall 1 1 , one or more side walls 16, rear wall 15 and bottom wall 19 form said cylindrical body. Outlet 40 is connected to a baffle enclosing a cavity in the form of tubular baffle 60 which extends into said combustion chamber 30, wherein said tubular baffle comprises holes through which smoke gas may flow into said tubular baffle when operating the fireplace. The combustion chamber may comprise one or more means for aerating 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5 (not shown).

Reference numerals

10, 100 fireplace

20 curved pipe

30 combustion chamber

40 outlet

50 cleaning device

60 baffle enclosing a cavity (hollow baffle) such as a tubular baffle

61 lid

62 opening

11 front wall

12 door

13 glass plate

14 top wall

15 rear wall

16 side wall

17 plate or baffle plate

19 bottom wall

1 first means for aerating

2 second means for aerating

3 third means for aerating

4 fourth means for aerating

5 fifth means for aerating