COMBUSTION DEVICE CAPABLE OF AVOIDING OVERHEAT

Abstract

 A combustion device includes a burner (20) and a shield (30; 30a). The burner includes a fuel container (21) having a top defining an opening (23; 23a). A wick (22) has a bottom end (24) and a top end (25). The bottom end (24) is inserted into the fuel container (21) via the opening (23; 23a), and the top end (25) protrudes outside the fuel container (21) and is at a first height (H1) in a vertical direction. The shield (30; 30a) defines a space (31; 31a), and the burner (20) is disposed within the space (31; 31a). The shield (30; 30a) has a first through-hole (34; 34a) extending therethrough and communicating the space (31; 31a) and the outside of the shield (30; 30a). The first through-hole (34; 34a) is at a second height (H2) in the vertical direction, and the second height (H2) is less than the first height (H1).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates to a combustion device and, more particularly, to a combustion device capable of avoiding overheat.

[0002] Taiwan Patent No. 1625493 shows a fire display device. The device includes an accommodation apparatus, a burning apparatus and a fixing apparatus. The accommodation apparatus includes a fuel container, a cover, and a heat insulating member. The fuel container includes an accommodation portion therein and is connected with the cover. A filling hole and a first positioning slot extend through the cover and communicate with the accommodation portion. The heat insulating member is connected with the cover and the heat insulating member and the accommodation portion are disposed at different ends of the cover. A second positioning slot extends through top and bottom sides of the heat insulating member and communicates with the first positioning slot. A second end of the combustion device is inserted into the accommodation portion through the second positioning slot and the first positioning slot. The fixing apparatus includes a first clamping surface and a second clamping surface corresponding to each other and sandwiching the combustion device.

[0003] The purpose of the fire display device is to produce a flame that is ornamental and has a stable flame pattern for achieving an expected viewing effect. It is, however, a problem to use the fire display device outdoors as there is no apparatus that can shield the combustion device and prevent the flame from flickering or blowing out in the wind. As a result, the pattern of the flame is not sustained, the flame does not have an expected viewing effect, and the fuel container is likely to be burned by the flame and gets hot.

[0004] The flame, especially, burned in a glass container can obtain an optimum viewing effect. The fuel container of the fire display device is made of glass material. Further, in order to obtain a better viewing effect, an ideal way is to increase the height of the fuel container to an extent that allows the glass fuel container to surround the flame. When the flame burns, air surrounding the flame is heated by the flame and flows upward, the loss of the air around the flame creates a low pressure region, the air near the wall of the fuel container flows toward the flame, the low pressure region is created adjacent to the fuel container due to the loss of the air, and only the air that is adjacent to the opening of the fuel container can replenished the fuel container. Nevertheless, the air at the opening of the fuel container has been heated by the flame. Further, the hot air will flow into the fuel container by convection and causes the fuel container to accumulate heat continuously such that the temperature of the fuel container rises and there is not only a risk that a user gets burned, but also a high risk of flash flame when fuel in the fuel container is heated and accumulated. Moreover, the backflow of hot air disturbs the air around the flame and causes excessive flame disturbance and reduces the visibility of the flame. In addition, although the low height of the glass of the fire display device is favorable for heat dissipation, the flame is less shielded from the current of the ambient airflow, and the shape of the flame is not effectively prevented from being affected by the airflow. Further, when the flame is deflected by the wind pressure of the airflow, the surrounding of the container is likely to be heated by the flame. However, if the height of the glass is increased to improve the windproof effect, the phenomenon of hot air recirculation occurs and the accumulation of heat becomes more serious. In particular, when the scale of combustion is increased, the fuel container and the fuel accumulate heat can easily burn a user and cause the fuel to exceed its flash point so that a flash flame risk occurs.

[0005] Moreover, there is a drawback for the existing design. If a user overfills fuel accidentally, overfilled fuel may cause risk during burning.

[0006] Thus, a need exists for a novel combustion device to mitigate and/or obviate the above disadvantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] This need and other problems in the field of combustion devices are solved by an combustion device including a burner and a shield. The burner includes a fuel container and a wick. The fuel container has a top defining an opening, and a bottom adapted to rest on a plane. The wick has a bottom end and a top end opposite to the bottom end. The bottom end is inserted into the fuel container via the opening. The top end protrudes outside the fuel container and is at a first height in a vertical direction from the bottom. The shield defines a space and the burner is disposed within the space. The shield has a first through-hole extending therethrough and communicating the space and the outside of the shield. The first through-hole is at a second height in the vertical direction from the bottom, and the second height is less than the first height.

[0008] The opening is at a third height in the vertical direction from the bottom, and the second height is less than the third height.

[0009] The shield has a bottom portion and a top portion opposite to the bottom portion in the vertical direction. The space extends from the bottom portion to the top portion.

[0010] The shield is formed as a monolithic structure having a side wall and a bottom wall. The side wall is shaped as a hollow cylinder and extends from the bottom portion to the top portion in the vertical direction. The bottom wall is connected to the side wall and inwardly extends from the bottom portion in a horizontal direction. The first through-hole penetrates through the bottom wall.

[0011] In an example, the shield has a plurality of second through-hole penetrating through the side wall and communicating the space and the outside of the shield. Any one of the plurality of second through-hole is at a fourth height in the vertical direction from the bottom, and the fourth height is less than the first height and the third height.

[0012] The shield has three support legs disposed at the bottom wall and equally spaced around the first through-hole.

[0013] The three support legs are adapted to stand on the plane. The fuel container passes through the first through-hole and is placed on the plane.

[0014] The shield may be transparent to light.

[0015] Further, the shield may be made of glass.

[0016] Illustrative embodiments will become clearer in light of the following detailed description described in connection with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to the accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combustion device of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded, perspective view of the combustion device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the combustion device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and illustrates the combustion device of FIG. 1 in use and producing a flame, as well as air circulating the combustion device to allow the combustion device to dissipate heat, with arrows indicating the air.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a combustion device of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the combustion device of FIG. 5 and illustrates the combustion device of FIG. 1 in use and producing a flame, as well as air circulating the combustion device to allow the combustion device to dissipate heat, with arrows indicating the air.

[0018] All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings only; the extensions of the figures with respect to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form the illustrative embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill of the art after the following teachings have been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the following teachings have been read and understood.

[0019] Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first", "second", "third", "fourth", "bottom", "side", "end", "portion", "section", "spacing", "length", "depth", "thickness", and similar terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate describing the illustrative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIGS. 1-4 show a combustion device of a first embodiment according to the present invention. The combustion device 10 includes a burner 20 and a shield 30.

[0021] The burner 20 includes a fuel container 21 and a wick 22. The fuel container 21 has a top defining an opening 23, and a bottom adapted to rest on a plane. The wick 22 has a bottom end 24 and a top end 25 opposite to the bottom end 24. The bottom end 24 is inserted into the fuel container 21 via the opening 23. The top end 25 protrudes outside the fuel container 21 and is at a first height H1 in a vertical direction from the bottom. The opening 23 is at a third height H3 in the vertical direction from the bottom.

[0022] The shield 30 defines a space 31 and the burner 20 is disposed within the space 31. The shield 30 has a bottom portion 32 and a top portion 33 opposite to the bottom portion 32 in the vertical direction. The space 31 extends from the bottom portion 32 to the top portion 33.

[0023] The shield 30 has a first through-hole 34 extending therethrough and communicating the space 31 and the outside of the shield 30. The first through-hole 34 is at a second height H2 in the vertical direction from the bottom, and the second height H2 is less than the first height H1 and the third height H3.

[0024] The shield 30 is transparent to light. Thus, the shield 30 may be made of glass to be formed as a monolithic structure having a side wall 35 and a bottom wall 36. The side wall 35 is shaped as a hollow cylinder and extends from the bottom portion 32 to the top portion 33 in the vertical direction.

[0025] The bottom wall 36 is connected to the side wall 35 and inwardly extends from the bottom portion 32 in a horizontal direction. The first through-hole 34 penetrates through the bottom wall 36.

[0026] The shield 30 has three support legs 37 disposed at the bottom wall 36 and equally spaced around the first through-hole 34. The three support legs 37 are adapted to stand on the plane, and the fuel container 21 passes through the first through-hole 34 and is placed on the plane.

[0027] FIG. 4 shows the combustion device 10 in use and producing a flame, as well as air circulating the combustion device 10 to allow the combustion device 10 to dissipate heat, with arrows indicating the air. The combustion device 10 achieves the effect of dissipating heat and stabilizing the flame through the above structure.

[0028] After the wick 22 is ignited, the high temperature air above the wick 22 rises to cause a low pressure area being formed around the wick 22. In order to balance the pressure, external air from the outside of the shield 30 will constantly pour towards the low pressure area in the space 31 via the first through-hole 34, so that the air convection. Thus, the high temperature air above the burner 20 is kept in a rising state and is not easily reflowed. The air convection between the bottom portion 32 and the top portion 33 maintains a stable flame shape and causes the combustion device 10 provided with a good visual effect.

[0029] Further, the high temperature air heated by the flame is not easily reflowed to cause the high-temperature air prevented from contacting the shield 30, so that the temperature of the shield 30 is not excessively high, thereby avoiding the user from being scalded by the shield 30.

[0030] Furthermore, the external air enters the space 31 via the first through-hole 34 arranged at a lower position of the burner 20 to cause the air introduced into the shield 30 contacting the burner 20 to provide continuous heat dissipation for the burner 20. Thus the fuel container 21 can also maintain in a lower temperature.

[0031] FIGS. 5-6 show a combustion device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, and the same numbers are used to correlate similar components of the first embodiment, but bearing a letter a. The second embodiment includes a plurality of second through-hole 38a penetrating through the side wall 35a and communicating the space 31a and the outside of the shield 30a to enhanced the air convection effect. Any one of the plurality of second through-hole 38a is at a fourth height H4 in the vertical direction from the bottom, and the fourth height H4 is less than the first height H1 and the third height H3.

[0032] The combination of the first through-hole 34a and the plurality of second through-holes 38a is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The through-holes 34a and 38a can be disposed on the side or the bottom wall of the shield 30a to achieve the same effect. Further, the through-holes 34a and 38a can also be designed to be different sizes or designed to different height positions, the shape of the through-holes 34a and 38a can also be changed to enhance the aesthetic effect.

[0033] Thus since the illustrative embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. The scope is to be indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A combustion device (10) comprising:

a burner (20) including a fuel container (21) and a wick (22), wherein the fuel container (21) has a top defining an opening (23; 23a), and a bottom adapted to rest on a plane, wherein the wick (22) has a bottom end (24) and a top end (25) opposite to the bottom end (24), wherein the bottom end (24) is inserted into the fuel container (21) via the opening (23; 23a), wherein the top end (25) protrudes outside the fuel container (21) and is at a first height (H1) in a vertical direction from the bottom; and

a shield (30; 30a) defining a space (31; 31a) and the burner (20) is disposed within the space (31; 31a), wherein the shield (30; 30a) has a first through-hole (34; 34a) extending therethrough and communicating the space (31; 31a) and the outside of the shield (30; 30a), wherein the first through-hole (34; 34a) is at a second height (H2) in the vertical direction from the bottom, and wherein the second height (H2) is less than the first height (H1).

2. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the opening (23; 23a) is at a third height (H3) in the vertical direction from the bottom; and wherein the second height (H2) is less than the third height (H3).

3. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the shield (30; 30a) has a bottom portion (32) and a top portion (33) opposite to the bottom portion (32) in the vertical direction, and wherein the space (31; 31a) extends from the bottom portion (32) to the top portion (33).

4. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the shield (30; 30a) is formed as a monolithic structure having a side wall (35; 35a) and a bottom wall (36), wherein the side wall (35; 35a) is shaped as a hollow cylinder and extends from the bottom portion (32) to the top portion (33) in the vertical direction, wherein the bottom wall (36) is connected to the side wall (35; 35a) and inwardly extends from the bottom portion (32) in a horizontal direction, and wherein the first through-hole (34; 34a) penetrates through the bottom wall (36).

5. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shield (30a) has a plurality of second through-hole (38a) penetrating through the side wall (35a) and communicating the space (31a) and the outside of the shield (30a), wherein any one of the plurality of second through-hole (38a) is at a fourth height (H4) in the vertical direction from the bottom, and wherein the fourth height (H4) is less than the first height (H1) and the third height (H3).

6. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the shield (30) has three support legs (37) disposed at the bottom wall (36) and equally spaced around the first through-hole (34).

7. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the three support legs (37) are adapted to stand on the plane, and wherein the fuel container (21) passes through the first through-hole (34) and is placed on the plane.

8. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the shield (30a) has three support legs (37) disposed at the bottom wall (36) and equally spaced around the first through-hole (34a).

9. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the three support legs (37) are adapted to stand on the plane, and wherein the fuel container (21) passes through the first through-hole (34a) and is placed on the plane.

10. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (30; 30a) is transparent to light.

11. The combustion device (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shield (30; 30a) is made of glass.

Drawing