[0001] The present invention relates in general to a flue-gas discharge system, intended
to be attached to a substantially vertically oriented outlet pipe for flue gases,
which flue-gas discharge system comprises an annular windshield which, in the mounted
state, extends around the free end of a flue-gas discharge duct and may furthermore
be provided with a protective cap which extends transversely across the free outlet
opening of the outlet duct.
[0002] It is known that the combustion air from a combustion unit, such as a central heating
boiler, is discharged to the outside via an outlet duct which comprises in particular
an outlet pipe which extends substantially vertically through a roof. It is known
to fit a flue-gas discharge system at the top end of a gas outlet pipe. Such flue-gas
discharge systems may be provided with a protective cap which extends transversely
over the free outlet opening of the outlet duct, in order to prevent the direct ingression
of rain water. Nevertheless, in practice it may happen that moisture precipitates
on the inner wall of the annular windshield, for example as a result of rain which
is blown inwards and/or condensation. Moisture can also precipitate on the bottom
surface of the protective cap. The accumulating moisture has to be discharged, and
the way in which this happens depends on the situation of use. With regard to efficiency,
central heating boilers can be subdivided into three types: "standard efficiency",
"improved efficiency", and "high efficiency", with respective efficiencies of <83%,
83-90%, and >90%. The requirements which outlet designs have to satisfy differ for
the three said types of central heating boilers. In the case of a high-efficiency
boiler, the flue gas contains very large amounts of moisture, with the result that
in freezing conditions it is possible for large amounts of ice to be formed on the
system; to counteract this, it is desirable that the drainage takes place inwards,
in which case it is permitted that water, such as rainwater, reaches the boiler via
the outlet pipe.
However, in the case of an improved-efficiency boiler or a standard-efficiency boiler,
this is not permitted and the drainage has to take place towards the outside.
[0003] To satisfy these requirements, special flue-gas discharge systems of the improved-efficiency
type have been developed, and flue-gas discharge systems of the high-efficiency type
have also been developed, these types respectively satisfying the requirements imposed
for improved-efficiency boilers (and standard-efficiency boilers) and the requirements
imposed for high-efficiency boilers. The known flue-gas discharge systems are either
of the improved-efficiency type or of the high-efficiency type, and these two types
differ considerably. For a manufacturer, this means that he has to produce two different
types, which has the effect of increasing costs.
[0004] The present invention aims to achieve a cost reduction by reducing the number of
components. More particularly, the present invention aims to provide a flue-gas discharge
system which comprises a few components which can be connected to one another, a flue-gas
discharge system of the high-efficiency type being assembled using exactly the same
components as a flue-gas discharge system of the improved-efficiency type, but with
the difference between the high-efficiency version and the improved-efficiency version
being expressed in the mounting orientation of at least one of the said components.
[0005] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention
will be explained in more detail by the following description of a preferred embodiment
of a flue-gas discharge system according to the invention with reference to the drawing,
in which identical reference numerals indicate identical or similar components, and
in which:
figure 1A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of a windshield assembly;
figure 1B shows a view on an enlarged scale of a coupling arm of the windshield assembly
100 from figure 1A;
figure 2A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of a protective cap;
figure 2B shows a plan view of the protective cap from figure 2A;
figure 3 shows a cross section of an annular collecting element;
figure 4A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of an assembled flue-gas
discharge system according to the present invention in a configuration suitable for
improved-efficiency boilers;
and figure 4B shows a view, similar to figure 4A, of the assembled flue-gas discharge
system according to the present invention in a configuration suitable for high-efficiency
boilers.
[0006] Figure 1A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of a windshield assembly
100 which comprises a first, substantially annular windshield 110. In the exemplary
embodiment illustrated, the first windshield ring 110 has a substantially circular-cylindrical
contour. A centre axis of the windshield ring 110 is indicated by 111. The windshield
ring 110 has a top edge 112 and a bottom edge 113. A number of coupling arms 120 extend
upwards from the top edge 112, for coupling to a protective cap 200 which is to be
discussed in more detail. The number of these coupling arms is not critical, and in
the example shown is four. The coupling arms 120 are distributed at regular intervals
along the circumference of the windshield ring 110. At their free top ends, the coupling
arms 120 are advantageously configured to allow simple click-together coupling to
the said protective cap 200. In the embodiment shown, each coupling arm 120 for this
purpose comprises, at its free top end, two substantially axially oriented coupling
fingers 121, which are defined by a gap 122 which extends downwards from the free
top end of the coupling arm 120, each coupling finger 121 being designed in the shape
of an arrow at its end, with an inclined run-in surface 123 and a hook 124 and, at
a short axial distance therefrom, a support platform 125.
[0007] Figure 2A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of a protective cap 200
which is suitable for mounting on the windshield assembly 100. The protective cap
200 is designed in general as a flat, round disc with a circumferential edge 201 which
in the example shown is thickened. In the disc, coupling holes 210 are arranged at
regular intervals around the centre of the protective cap 200, as can also be seen
clearly from the plan view of figure 2B. Each coupling hole 210 is substantially rectangular.
The positions of the coupling holes 210 correspond to the positions of the coupling
arms 120 of the windshield ring 110 of system 100, and the dimensions of the coupling
holes 210 correspond to the dimensions of the said coupling arms 120, more particularly
the dimensions of the coupling fingers 121, as will be clear to a person skilled in
the art.
[0008] It is particularly easy to arrange the protective cap 200 on the windshield assembly
100. One places the protective cap 200 on top of the windshield assembly 100, the
coupling holes 210 of the protective cap 200 being aligned with the coupling arms
120 of the windshield assembly 100. Then, one presses the protective cap 200 downwards.
In the process, the edges of the coupling holes 210 press onto the inclined run-in
surfaces 123 of the coupling fingers 121, with the result that the coupling fingers
121 are pressed towards one another and can penetrate into the coupling holes 210.
This movement ends when the edges of the coupling holes 210 reach the support platforms
125 of the coupling arms 120. Further movement is then prevented. Since the axial
distance (i.e. the vertical distance in the figure) between the hooks 124 and the
corresponding support platform 125 of each coupling arm 120 corresponds to the thickness
of the protective cap 200, in this situation the coupling fingers 121 can move apart
again, with the result that the hook sections 124 of the coupling fingers 121 engage
behind the upperside of the edges of the coupling holes 210. The protective cap 200
can then no longer be removed from the windshield assembly 100 except by manually
pinching the coupling fingers 121 towards each other.
[0009] The support platforms 125 of the coupling arms 120 are situated at an axial distance
from the top edge 112 of the windshield ring 110, which axial distance also defines
the axial distance between the protective cap 200 and the windshield ring 110. This
distance has been selected in order to define between the windshield ring 110 and
the protective cap 200 a suitable passage opening 2 for flue gases. The size of this
passage opening, and therefore the said vertical distance between the top edge 112
of the windshield ring 110 and the support platforms 125 of the coupling arms 120,
is not in itself critical and can be selected by the person skilled in the art according
to his own opinion, taking into account applicable approval specifications.
[0010] In the example shown, the coupling holes 210 in the protective cap 200 are of substantially
rectangular contour, and their longitudinal dimension oriented substantially tangentially,
corresponding to an embodiment of the coupling arms 120 in which the coupling fingers
121 are arranged tangentially next to one another. However, it will be clear to those
skilled in the art that in a modified embodiment the coupling fingers 121 of the coupling
arms 120 may also be arranged next to one another in the radial direction, in which
case the longitudinal dimension of the coupling holes 210 will also be radially oriented.
Of course, it will also be possible that the dimension of the coupling fingers 121
is such that the coupling holes 210 in the protective cap 200 have a square contour.
Obviously, other suitable contours are also possible.
[0011] As can be seen clearly from the side view in figure 2A, the protective cap 200 is
designed in general as a disc-shaped body which, at least at a central section 220,
is shaped in such a manner that the disc-like protective cap 200 is concave on one
side and convex on the other side. More particularly, the central section 220 of the
disc-like protective cap 200 is of substantially conical design, the vertex 221 of
the said conical central part 220 being located substantially centrally.
[0012] The protective cap 200 can be attached to the windshield assembly 100 in two orientations,
namely a first mounting orientation in which the vertex 221 of the conical central
part 220 is directed upwards, and therefore the convex side of the protective cap
200 faces upwards, and a second mounting orientation, in which the vertex 221 of the
conical central part 220 is directed downwards and therefore the concave side faces
upwards. In both mounting orientations, the coupling fingers 121 of the coupling arms
120 of the windshield assembly 100 fit into the coupling holes 210 in the protective
cap 200, and the protective cap can thus be fixed to the windshield assembly 100 by
means of a click-fit connection.
[0013] Figure 4A shows a side view, partially in cross section, of an assembled flue-gas
discharge system 1, in which the protective cap 200 is mounted on the windshield assembly
100 in the first possible mounting orientation, and figure 4B shows a similar side
view, with the protective cap 200 mounted in the second possible mounting orientation.
The first possible mounting orientation as illustrated in figure 4A is intended for
application with gas boilers of the improved-efficiency type, while the second mounting
orientation as illustrated in figure 4B is intended for application in gas boilers
of the high-efficiency type. In the improved-efficiency mounting version of figure
4A, moisture on the top surface of the protective cap 200, such as rain or condensation,
will collect along the outer edge of the protective cap 200, while in the high-efficiency
mounting version of figure 4B, such moisture will collect in the centre of the concave
top surface of the protective cap. Furthermore, in the improved-efficiency mounting
version of figure 4A, moisture on the bottom surface of the protective cap 200 will
collect along the circumferential edge 201 of the protective cap 200 and will ultimately
drip down off it, while in the high-efficiency mounting version of figure 4B, such
moisture will collect at the vertex 221 of the central section 220 and will ultimately
drop down off it.
[0014] Incidentally, it is noted that when used in high-efficiency gas boilers, the protective
cap may if desired be omitted, since protection against direct ingression of rain
is then not necessary per se.
[0015] As also shown in figures 4A and 4B, the flue-gas discharge system 1 has a substantially
cylindrical first gas-guiding collar 130, which forms part of the windshield assembly
100 and, in the position in which it has been fitted on a flue-gas outlet pipe, extends
substantially in line with such outlet pipe, while the top edge 131 of this cylindrical
first gas-guiding collar 130 defines the outlet end of the flue-gas discharge duct.
The bottom edge 113 of the windshield ring 110 is situated at a lower axial level
than the free top edge 131 of this cylindrical first gas-guiding collar 130.
[0016] On the outer circumference of the first gas-guiding collar 130, a first substantially
annular moisture-discharge flange 140 is mounted which, as seen from the inside outwards
in the radial direction, is directed downwards, i.e. its outer edge 141 is situated
at an axially lower level than its inner edge 142. The first moisture-discharge flange
140 is attached to the bottom edge 113 of the windshield ring 110 by means of substantially
axially oriented coupling limbs 150. In this way, a moisture-discharge opening 143
is defined between the bottom edge 113 of the windshield ring 110 and the outer edge
141 of the moisture-discharge collar 140.
[0017] Although the first gas-guiding collar 130, the first moisture-discharge flange 140
and the windshield ring 110 may in principle be designed as separate components which
are subsequently fitted together, these components are preferably, and as shown, produced
as an integral unit.
[0018] Although not necessary for the flue-gas discharge system 1 to function correctly,
the coupling limbs 150 between the windshield ring 110 and the first moisture-discharge
flange 140 are substantially aligned with the coupling arms 120 between the windshield
ring 110 and the protective cap 200. If desired, the coupling arms 120 and the coupling
limbs 150 aligned therewith may, for the sake of sturdy and stable mounting, be designed
as a single, continuous coupling bar of a thickness which is greater than the thickness
of the windshield ring 110.
[0019] During use, in practice it is possible that moisture precipitates on the protective
cap 200 and on the windshield ring 110, both as a result of condensation and as a
result of rain, and this moisture can occur both on an inner surface and on an outer
surface. Horizontally directed wind may also cause drops of rain to be blown inward
through the flue-gas discharge opening 2.
[0020] In the high-efficiency mounting orientation of figure 4B, moisture which is deposited
on the convex bottom surface of the protective cap 200 will, under the force of gravity,
collect at the downwardly directed vertex 221 of the conical central part 220 of the
protective cap 200 and will ultimately fall down in the form of drops into the flue-gas
discharge duct, where it will be discharged or evaporated at a location closer to
the boiler. In the improved-efficiency mounting orientation of figure 4A, moisture
on the concave bottom surface of the protective cap 200 will move radially outwards
under the force of gravity, where it will either fall downwards outside the windshield
ring 110 or will drip downwards along the inner surface or outer surface of the windshield
ring 110.
[0021] Both in the high-efficiency mounting orientation and in the improved-efficiency mounting
orientation, moisture on the outside of the first gas-guiding collar 130 will be discharged
on the top surface of the first moisture-discharge flange 140, towards the outer edge
141 thereof. Moisture which drips downwards from the inner surface of the windshield
ring 110 will likewise reach the top surface of the first moisture-discharge flange
140 directed obliquely downwards, and will reach the outer edge 141 of this flange.
Ultimately, the moisture will drip downwards off the outer edge 141 of the first moisture-discharge
flange 140.
[0022] In figures 4A and 4B is shown that a flue-gas discharge system 1 is provided on its
bottom side with a protective skirt 400 which will extend over a gas inlet, not shown
for the sake of simplicity. Moisture which reaches the outer surface of this protective
skirt 400, for example rainwater, will drip downwards along the said outer surface
and will thus reach the roof covering.
[0023] For use in improved-efficiency boilers, it is desirable that as much moisture as
possible is discharged to the outside of the flue-gas discharge system, in order thus
to reach the outer surface of the said skirt 400. Even moisture which, despite the
protection provided by the windshield ring 110, reaches the inner surface of the first
gas-guiding collar 130, for example because of drops of rain being blown upward by
horizontal wind onto the outer surface of the first gas-guiding collar 130, is preferably
as much as possible discharged outwards. For use in improved-efficiency boilers, the
flue-gas discharge system is therefore provided, beneath the first gas-guiding collar
130, with an annular collection element of a design which is such that moisture from
the inner surface of the first gas-guiding collar 130 is collected and discharged
radially outwards. On the other hand, when used for high-efficiency boilers, it is
in fact desirable that the moisture is discharged inwards as much as possible, towards
the interior of the discharge pipe. For use in high-efficiency boilers, therefore,
the flue-gas discharge system is provided, beneath the first moisture-discharge flange,
with an annular collection element of a design which is such that moisture which drops
downwards from the outer edge of the moisture-discharge flange is collected and is
discharged towards the interior of the system, towards the interior of the outlet
pipe.
[0024] According to an important aspect of the present invention, an annular collection
element 300 is provided, with a design which is such that it can be mounted in two
possible orientations between the windshield assembly 100 and the skirt 400, this
collection element 300, in a first mounting orientation as shown in figure 4A, satisfying
the requirements imposed for use in improved-efficiency boilers, i.e. that moisture
be discharged from the inside outwards, and in the second mounting orientation as
shown in figure 4B satisfying the requirements imposed for use in high-efficiency
boilers, i.e. that moisture be discharged from the outside inwards. An embodiment
of this annular collection element 300 will now be discussed in more detail with reference
to Figure 3.
[0025] The annular collection element 300 has in general a circular contour, and comprises
a second annular moisture-discharge flange 310 with an inner edge 311 and an outer
edge 312, which flange 310 has an oblique orientation with respect to the centre axis
301, as can be seen clearly from the cross section of figure 3. Although the exact
contour of this second moisture-discharge flange 310 is not critical, it is advantageous
if this flange 310 is flat, therefore being shaped according to part of a conical
surface. At its inner edge 311, the second moisture-discharge flange 310 is provided
with a second substantially cylindrical gas-guiding collar 320, the diameter of which
substantially corresponds to that of the first cylindrical gas-guiding collar 130
of the windshield assembly 100. The second gas-guiding collar 320 has a first axial
edge 323 and a second axial edge 324.
[0026] In figure 4A, the annular collection element 300 is shown in an orientation in which
the inner edge 311 of the second moisture-discharge flange 310 is situated at an axially
higher level than the outer edge 312 of the second moisture-discharge flange 310.
In this orientation, the top surface of the moisture-discharge flange 310 will be
referred to hereinafter by the term first surface 313 while the bottom surface of
the second moisture-discharge flange 310 in this orientation will be referred to hereinafter
by the term second surface 314.
[0027] For attachment to the windshield assembly 100, the annular collection element 300
is provided with substantially axially oriented first coupling members 330, which
are able to interact with corresponding second coupling members 160 of the windshield
assembly 100. In principle, any suitable coupling members can be used for this purpose,
but preferably these coupling members are suitable for producing a click-fit connection,
such as the preferred embodiment which is to be discussed below by way of example.
[0028] The first coupling members 330 of the annular collection element 300 are positioned
at a radial distance with respect to the second gas-guiding collar 320, so that there
is a radial space 321 for accommodating the free end of a gas outlet pipe (not shown)
between the said second gas-guiding collar 320 and the first coupling members 330.
The first coupling members 330 extend in the axial direction from the first surface
313 of the second moisture-discharge flange 310. The first coupling members 330 are
arranged at regular angular intervals. The number of these coupling members 330 is
not critical and may, for example, as in the example illustrated, be three. The positions
of the corresponding second coupling members 160 of the windshield assembly 100 are
adapted accordingly, as will be clear to a person skilled in the art. In the embodiment
shown, the radial distance between the centre axis 111 and the second coupling members
160 of the windshield assembly 100 is greater than the radial distance between the
centre axis 301 and the first coupling members 330 of the annular receiving element
300, in such a manner that during assembly the first coupling members 330 bear against
these second coupling members 160, the first coupling members 330 being situated inside
the second coupling members 160, as seen in the radial direction. At their inner surface,
the second coupling members of the windshield assembly 100 are provided with a click-fit
opening 161 for receiving a barb 331 which is formed on the outer surface of the first
coupling members 330. The precise contour of such a barb is not critical, as will
be clear to a person skilled in the art.
[0029] Axially oriented coupling members are also arranged on the second surface 314 of
the second moisture-discharge flange 310, which members will be referred to hereinafter
by the term third coupling members 340. The third coupling members 340 preferably
have a design identical to the design of the first coupling members 330, although
this is not essential. In figure 3A is shown that the third coupling members 340 are
provided with a barb 341, similar to the barb 331 of the first coupling members 330,
and that there is a radial space 322 for receiving the free end of a gas outlet pipe
(not shown) between the second gas-guiding collar 320 and the third coupling members
340. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first coupling members 330 and the third
coupling members 340 are aligned with one another, but this too is not essential.
[0030] For reasons which will be explained in more detail later, the diameter of the outer
edge 312 of the second water-discharge flange 310 is greater than the diameter of
the outer edge 141 of the first water-discharge flange 140 of the windshield assembly
100. Furthermore, the diameter of the outer edge 312 of the second water-discharge
flange 310 is greater than that of the top end of the said protective skirt 400.
[0031] The first gas-guiding collar 130 has a bottom edge 132, the diameter of which is
slightly greater than the diameter of the second gas-guiding collar 320. Preferably,
the dimensions of the various components are such that, when the annular element 300
is clicked securely beneath the windshield assembly 100 in the improved-efficiency
orientation (figure 4A), i.e. with the first axial edge 323 of the second gas-guiding
collar 320 directed upwards, the outermost bottom edge 132 of the first gas-guiding
collar 130 is situated at a slightly lower level than the outermost top edge 323 of
the second gas-guiding collar 320.
[0032] A first annular gap 351 is defined between the bottom edge 132 of the first gas-guiding
collar 130 of the windshield assembly 100 and the top edge 323 of the second gas-guiding
collar 320 of the annular element 300. Moisture which drips downwards along the inner
surface of the first gas-guiding collar 130, falls off the bottom edge 132 of the
first gas-guiding collar 130 outside the second gas-guiding collar 320 and passes
onto the first surface 313, which runs obliquely downwards towards the outside, of
the second water-discharge flange 310, with the result that this moisture is also
discharged radially outwards and falls downwards off the outer edge 312 of the second
moisture-discharge flange 310, onto the outer surface of the said skirt 400.
[0033] To prevent moisture which is situated on top of the first surface 313 of the second
moisture-discharge flange 310 of the annular element 300 being forced upwards and
inwards by horizontal wind and, in the process, being pushed through the said gap
351 between the bottom edge 132 of the first gas-guiding collar 130 and the top edge
323 of the second gas-guiding collar 320, towards the interior of the gas-discharge
system, and thus being able to reach the interior of a gas-discharge pipe, a second,
substantially cylindrical windshield ring 360 is preferably, and as shown, positioned
on the first surface 313 of the second water-discharge flange 310, the vertical or
axial dimension of which second windshield ring 360 is such that the free top edge
361 of this second windshield ring 360 is situated at substantially the same axial
position as the outer edge 141 of the first water-discharge flange 140. In the example
shown, the second windshield ring 360 is substantially axially oriented, although
this is not necessary. To allow moisture which, coming from the interior of the first
gas-guiding collar 130, reaches the first surface 313 of the second water-discharge
flange 310, to pass through to the outside, said second windshield ring 360 is provided
at its bottom with at least one, and preferably a plurality of passage openings 362.
Preferably, such passage openings 362 are aligned in the tangential direction with
the said first and second coupling members 330, 160, so that those coupling members
330, 160 also function as a windbreak for wind which nevertheless blows inwards via
said passage holes 362.
[0034] It: is also possible that the vertical or axial dimension of the second windshield
ring 360 is such that the free top edge 361 thereof adjoins the outer edge 141 of
the first water-discharge flange 140 or the bottom surface of the first water-discharge
flange 140. In such a case, moisture which flows downwards on the first water-discharge
flange 140 would drip downwards along the outer wall of the second windshield ring
360. It is therefore not essential that the second windshield ring 360 has a greater
diameter than the diameter of the outer circumference of the first water-discharge
flange 140.
[0035] Moreover, the annular element 300 may also, by means of the third coupling members
340, be clicked securely in an inverted position onto the windshield assembly 100,
in which case it functions to discharge moisture to the interior of the flue-gas discharge
system 1, towards the interior of a gas outlet pipe. This aspect of the present invention
will now be explained in more detail with reference to figure 4B.
[0036] The second water-discharge flange 310 is provided with a third windshield ring 370
which extends axially from the second surface 314 of the second water-discharge flange
310, i.e. vertically upwards in the high-efficiency orientation shown in figure 4B.
In the exemplary embodiment shown, the third windshield ring 370 adjoins the outer
edge 312 of the second water-discharge flange 310. In the example shown, the third
windshield ring 370 is substantially axially oriented, but this is not necessary.
The free edge 371 of the third windshield ring 370, that is to say the top edge in
the high-efficiency orientation shown in figure 4B, is situated radially outside the
circumferential edge 141 of the first water-discharge flange 140 and may be situated
at virtually the same vertical level or higher, when viewed in the axial direction.
Moisture which drips downwards from the outer edge 141 of the first water-discharge
flange 140 then reaches the second surface 314 of the second water-discharge flange
310, the inclination of which is such that this moisture is conveyed inwards, towards
the inner edge 311 of the second water-discharge flange 310 and thus towards the second
gas-guiding collar 320. Moisture which drips downwards along the inner surface of
the first gas-guiding collar 130 and falls down off the bottom edge 132 of this first
gas-guiding collar 130 will likewise reach the second surface 314 of the second water-discharge
flange 310.
[0037] In the high-efficiency orientation shown in figure 4B, the first axial end edge of
the second gas-guiding collar 320 is directed downwards, and the second axial end
edge 324 is directed upwards. The second gas-guiding collar 320 is provided with a
few passage openings 325, in the example shown in the form of V-shaped cutouts. Said
openings 325 are situated in that part of the second gas-guiding collar 320 which
extends between the second axial end edge 324 and the inner edge 311 of the second
water-discharge flange 310, and preferably adjoin the second surface 314 of the second
water-discharge flange 310. The number of these passage openings 325 is not critical,
and in the example shown is six. They are preferably arranged at regular intervals
in the second gas-guiding collar 320. The moisture which is collected on the second
surface 314 of the second water-discharge flange 310 and, on this surface, has flowed
towards the inner edge 311 of the second water-discharge flange 310, will be discharged
via these passage openings 325 towards the inner wall of the second gas-guiding collar
320 and thus towards the interior of a gas outlet pipe.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment shown, the third coupling members 340 are designed to
create a connection between the annular element 300 and the protective skirt 400 in
the first mounting orientation (improved-efficiency; figure 4A), and the first coupling
members 330 are designed to create a connection between the annular element 300 and
the protective skirt 400 in the second mounting orientation (high-efficiency; figure
4B). Figures 4A and 4B illustrate that the protective skirt 400 is provided with a
support ring 403 which is directed inwards from the top edge 402 and has an inner
edge 404, the diameter of which corresponds to the outer surface of the first and
third coupling members 330, 340 of the annular element 300.
[0039] In the first mounting orientation, the barbs 341 of the third coupling members 340
engage beneath this inner edge 404, in order thus to create a click-fit connection.
For this case, the annular element 300 is provided, on its second surface 314, with
first support ribs 380 which rest on the top surface of the support ring 403 of the
protective skirt 400.
[0040] In the second mounting orientation, the barbs 331 of the first coupling members 330
engage beneath this inner edge 404, in order thus to create a click-fit connection.
For this case, the annular element 300 is provided, on its first surface 313, with
second support ribs 390 which rest on the top surface of the support ring 403 of the
protective skirt 400.
[0041] Thus, the present invention provides a flue-gas discharge system 1 which comprises
three components, namely the windshield assembly 100, the annular element 300 and
the protective cap 200. The annular element 300 can be attached in two axial orientations
to the underside of the windshield assembly 100, preferably in each case by means
of a click-fit connection. In a first mounting orientation, the annular element 300
makes the flue-gas discharge system suitable for improved-efficiency specifications,
since moisture is discharged from the interior of the flue-gas discharge system towards
the outside. In the second axial mounting orientation, the annular element 300 makes
the flue-gas discharge system suitable for high-efficiency specifications, since moisture
is discharged from the outside of the flue-gas discharge system towards the interior.
[0042] The protective cap 200 can likewise be attached to the top side of the windshield
assembly 100 in two axial orientations, likewise preferably by means of a click-fit
connection. In a first mounting orientation, the protective cap 200 is concave on
its underside, so that the protective cap allows the flue-gas discharge system to
satisfy improved-efficiency specifications, while in the second mounting orientation
the protective cap is convex on its underside and allows the flue-gas discharge system
to satisfy high-efficiency specifications.
[0043] It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention
is not restricted to the examples discussed above, but rather various amendments and
modifications thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention
as defined in the appended claims.
1. Flue-gas discharge system (1), intended for attachment to the free end of a gas outlet
pipe, comprising:
a windshield assembly (100) having a first gas-guiding collar (130), a first windshield
ring (110) which extends around the top end (131) of the first gas-guiding collar
(130), and a first
moisture-discharge flange (140) which extends obliquely downwards from the outer surface
of the first gas-guiding collar (130)
an annular element (300) having a second moisture-discharge flange (310) designed
to radially transport moisture situated thereon;
the annular element (300) being provided with first coupling members (330) for attaching
the annular element (300) beneath the windshield assembly (100) in a first mounting
orientation (improved efficiency; figure 4A) in which a first upper surface (313)
of the second moisture-discharge flange (310) is directed obliquely downwards, as
seen from the inside outwards in the radial direction;
and the annular element (300) being provided with third coupling members (340) for
attaching the annular element (300) beneath the windshield assembly (100) in a second
mounting orientation (high efficiency; figure 4B) in which a second upper surface
(314) of the second moisture-discharge flange (310) is directed obliquely upwards,
as seen from the inside outwards in the radial direction.
2. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 1, wherein said first and third coupling
members (330; 340) are designed to form a click-fit connection in cooperation with
second coupling members (160) of the windshield assembly (100).
3. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a second gas-guiding
collar (320) is formed on an inner edge (311) of the second moisture-discharge flange
(310), which collar extends axially in two directions from the said inner edge (311),
with a first axial end edge (323) located on the side of the first surface (313) of
the second moisture-discharge flange (310) and a second axial end edge (324) located
on the side of the second surface (314) of the second moisture-discharge flange (310);
and wherein passage openings (325) are formed in that section of the second gas-guiding
collar (320) which is situated between the inner edge (311) of the second moisture-discharge
flange (310) and the second axial end edge (324).
4. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 3, wherein the diameter of the first
axial end edge (323) of the second gas-guiding collar (320) is smaller than the diameter
of the bottom edge (132) of the first gas-guiding collar (130).
5. Flue-gas discharge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
second moisture-discharge flange (310) is provided with a second windshield ring (360),
which extends from the first surface (313), is preferably cylindrical and is provided
with passage openings (362) which are preferably aligned with the first coupling members
(331).
6. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 5, wherein the second windshield ring
(360), in the position in which it has been mounted in the first mounting orientation,
adjoins the outer edge (141) of the first moisture-discharge flange (140).
7. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a protective
skirt (400), wherein the second windshield ring (360) has a diameter which is slightly
greater than the diameter of the top end of this protective skirt (400).
8. Flue-gas discharge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
second moisture-discharge flange (310) is provided with a third windshield ring (370)
which extends from the second surface (314) and is preferably cylindrical.
9. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 8, wherein the third windshield ring
(370) has a diameter which is sufficiently larger than the diameter of the outer edge
(141) of the first moisture-discharge flange (140) to collect drips which fall down
off this outer edge (141).
10. Flue-gas discharge system preferably according to any one of the preceding claims,
comprising a protective cap (200) with a concave side and a convex side;
coupling members (120; 210) for attaching the protective cap (200) to the windshield
assembly (100) in a first mounting orientation (improved efficiency; figure 4A) in
which the concave side is directed towards the windshield assembly (100);
and coupling members (120; 210) for attaching the protective cap (200) to the windshield
assembly (100) in a second mounting orientation (high efficiency; figure 4B) in which
the convex side is directed towards the windshield assembly (100).
11. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 10, wherein the protective cap (200)
is substantially in the form of a disc and has a central section (220) which is of
substantially conical design.
12. Flue-gas discharge system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the said coupling members
(120; 210) are designed to provide a click-fit connection.
13. Flue-gas discharge system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the
protective cap (200) is provided with coupling holes (210), and wherein the windshield
assembly (100) is provided with coupling arms (120), which extend upwards from the
top edge (112) of the first windshield ring (110) and, at their free top ends, are
preferably provided with arrow-shaped coupling fingers (121).