EP4649268A1

EP4649268A1 - A burner apparatus for a gas appliance, a gas appliance and a manufacturing method

Info

Publication number: EP4649268A1
Application number: EP24700759.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas FORSSTRÖM; Markus KÄLD; Benny ÅKERLUND; Stefan FORSSTRÖM; Anders ÅKERLUND; Bo-Erik Åkerlund
Original assignee: Finsteam Oy AB
Current assignee: Finsteam Oy AB
Priority date: 2023-01-13
Filing date: 2024-01-12
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: WO2024149871A1; SE2350026A1; SE546033C2; MX2025007877A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a burner apparatus (1) for a gas appliance (100; 110) and a method of manufacturing the burner apparatus (1). Further, it relates to a gas appliance (100; 110) comprising the burner apparatus (1). The burner apparatus (1) comprises a burner head (2) comprising a gas outlet (3) for provisioning a flame (20a) of a flammable gas when ignited. The burner apparatus (1) further comprises a gas conduit (4) arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply (41) and the burner head (2), and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head (2). The burner apparatus further comprises a pilot burner unit (5) configured at least for providing a pilot flame (20c) for igniting the flammable gas, wherein the pilot burner unit comprises an igniter unit (5a) configured to ignite the flammable gas, and an oxygen depletion-sensing unit (5b). Further, the burner apparatus (1) comprises an elongated perforated gas passage (6) having one or more perforations (7) extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage. The elongated gas passage is arranged to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head (2) such that the pilot burner unit is arranged at a distal end portion (6a) of the elongated perforated gas passage (6) with respect to the burner head (2).

Description

Title

A burner apparatus for a gas appliance, a gas appliance and a manufacturing method

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for a gas appliance. Aspects and embodiments of the present technology relate more specifically to a burner apparatus for a gas appliance, and a gas appliance comprising the burner apparatus and a method of manufacturing thereof.

BACKGROUND

Combustion heaters and burners have long been utilized in various applications such as heating, cooking, etc. due to their efficiency, versatility, and user-friendliness.

Usually, combustion burner or heater devices are coupled to gas supplies such as gas canisters providing the fuel for the gas burners. In addition, pilot units, safety valves and gas control devices may be found in the conventional burners. Upon operating the gas burner, a gas valve may open to allow gaseous fuel to flow to the burner where it is ignited by a pilot light. Ignition and combustion of the gas results in heat and outlet gases to be generated. The generated heat from the gas burner can be transferred to an associated appliance configured for providing a specific purpose such as heating water, cooking food, heating a surrounding environment of the appliance and so forth.

One of the main concerns when it comes to using combustion heaters and burners however, is the safety aspect of these devices.

The heater/burner devices are meticulously manufactured with appropriate materials and procedures to ensure the resistance of these devices to the high operation temperatures, as well as safe and proper operation regarding the fuel intake, combustion process, ventilation requirements, etc.

An authorised control body may usually perform tests and verification procedures for issuing safety certificates, ensuring safety and proper functionality of gas appliances before reaching the hands of end users.

Since an atmospheric burner apparatus draws air from the environment such as a room at which it is installed, both the air inlets for combustion and the exhaust outlet of the combustion substances shall be examined and verified. In addition, the environment at which the appliance is installed shall be monitored for sufficient ventilation and clearance of combustion substances. This is particularly imperative when the gas appliance and the burner apparatus are installed indoors and in a closed space. To this end, ventilation openings may be installed in the room to ensure proper inflow of fresh air and evacuate of the stale air and substances generated during the combustion process.

The related safety standards with which the burner and heater devices should comply are continuously updated. Therefore, there is a need for improvements in the field of design and operation of heater and burner devices for gas appliances to deliver safety, and compliance with prevailing standards while providing comfort, efficiency and versatility to the users.

SUMMARY

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to improve the current state of the art and to mitigate at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the burner appliances found in prior art.

These and other objects are achieved by providing a burner apparatus for a gas appliance, a gas appliance comprising such a burner apparatus and a method of manufacturing such a burner apparatus as defined in the appended independent claims. The term exemplary is in the present context to be understood as serving as an instance, example or illustration.

According to a first aspect of the presented technology, there is provided a burner apparatus for a gas appliance. The burner apparatus comprises a burner head comprising a gas outlet for provisioning a flame of a flammable gas when ignited. The burner apparatus further comprises a gas conduit arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply and the burner head, and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head. The burner apparatus further comprises a pilot burner unit configured at least for providing a pilot flame for igniting the flammable gas, wherein the pilot burner unit comprises an igniter unit configured to ignite the flammable gas, and an oxygen depletion-sensing (ODS) unit. Further, the burner apparatus comprises an elongated perforated gas passage having one or more perforations extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage. The elongated gas passage is arranged to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head such that the pilot burner unit is arranged at a distal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage with respect to the burner head.

According to some aspects and embodiments, the burner head may be arranged in between and connectable to a proximal end portion of the gas conduit, via a first gas inlet, and a proximal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage, via a gas passage outlet. Accordingly, the burner head may be arranged in between the proximal end portion of the gas conduit and the proximal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage. A part of the flammable gas from the gas conduit may be enabled to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage via the gas passage outlet of the burner head.

In several embodiments, the elongated perforated gas passage may be arranged at a first angle with respect to an extension of the gas conduit extending from the gas supply to the burner head.

In several embodiments, the burner apparatus may further comprise a housing having a main body comprising one or more walls forming an inner space of the housing such that the burner head may at least partly be surrounded by the one or more walls except at a first side. The housing may further comprise a support platform for supporting the burner head. The housing may further comprise a first opening for receiving the gas conduit extending between the gas supply and the burner head, and a second opening for receiving the elongated perforated gas passage extending between the pilot burner unit and the burner head.

According to several embodiments, the second opening of the housing may be arranged on a first portion of the one or more walls of the housing, such that the elongated perforated gas passage may be arranged to extend through the second opening. The second opening may further be configured for regulating an air flow into the inner space of the housing of the burner apparatus.

In several embodiments, the pilot burner unit may be arranged at the distal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage extending out of the second opening of the housing of the burner apparatus.

In several embodiments, the housing may further comprise a first protective cover arranged to at least partly cover the gas conduit and a second protective cover arranged to cover the pilot burner unit. The second protective cover may comprise a first opening being arranged corresponding to the second opening of the housing and at least partly overlapping the second opening of the housing. The first opening of the second protective cover may be configured for regulating the air flow into the inner space of the housing via the second opening of the housing.

In several embodiments, the housing may further comprise a third opening formed by the one or more walls of the main body of the housing coinciding the first side of the burner head, the third opening being configured for conveying the flame of the gas outlet of the burner head to a gas appliance. The gas appliance may in several embodiments comprise any one of a sauna heater apparatus comprising a furnace unit or a cooking appliance comprising a cooking unit configured for cooking food. The gas appliance may be removably connectable to the housing of the burner apparatus. More specifically in several embodiments, the furnace unit or the cooking unit may be removably connectable to the burner apparatus and more specifically to the housing of the burner apparatus.

In several embodiments, a first side of the furnace unit or the cooking unit may be arrangable to overlay the third opening of the housing. The furnace unit may be configured for heating a surrounding environment of the furnace unit. The cooking unit may comprise any one of a barbeque grill apparatus or a cook plate configured for cooking food.

In several embodiments, the removably connectable furnace unit or the removably connectable cooking unit are removably connectable to the housing by fastening means comprising any one of a clamp, and a brace, and a bolt and nut arrangement.

In several embodiments, the housing may further comprise a ridge portion comprised in or abutting the one or more walls of the housing and formed adjacent the third opening of the housing. The ridge portion may extend inward the inner space of the housing and may be configured for supporting the removably connectable furnace unit or the removably connectable cooking unit when mounted on the housing of the burner apparatus.

The present inventors have realized that in order to comply with the prevailing safety and ventilation standards, the ODS unit is to be installed on the burner apparatus. Consequently, the present inventors have devised and installed the elongated perforated gas passage connectable to the main burner head such that the ODS unit and the pilot burner unit are arranged at a distal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage with respect to the burner head.

It should be appreciated that the materials, angles, configurations and geometry of different features of the burner apparatus according to several aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are carefully designed to facilitate safety of operation, end user convenience and compliance with the prevailing safety standards. Further, the burner apparatus is designed to be compatible with several accessories and gas appliances such as sauna room heaters, water heater tanks, and cooking appliances to name a few.

According to a second aspect of the presented technology, there is provided a gas appliance comprising a burner apparatus according to any one of embodiments of the first aspect. The gas appliance may comprise any one of a sauna heater apparatus comprising a furnace unit configured for providing heating to a surrounding environment of the furnace unit or a cooking appliance comprising a cooking unit configured for cooking food.

According to a third aspect of the presented technology, there is provided a method for manufacturing a burner apparatus for a gas appliance. The method comprises providing a burner head comprising a gas outlet for provisioning a flame of a flammable gas when ignited. The method further comprises providing a gas conduit arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply and the burner head, and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head. Further, the method comprises providing a pilot burner unit configured at least for providing a pilot flame for igniting the flammable gas. The method further comprises providing an elongated perforated gas passage having one or more perforations extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage. The method further comprises arranging the elongated gas passage to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head. Further, the method comprises arranging the pilot burner unit at a distal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage with respect to the burner head.

In several embodiments, the method may further comprise arranging the burner head in between and connectable to a proximal end portion of the gas conduit, via a first gas inlet, and a proximal end portion of the elongated perforated gas passage, via a gas passage outlet. The method may further comprise causing a part of the flammable gas from the gas conduit to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage via the gas passage outlet of the burner head.

The disclosed aspects and preferred embodiments may be suitably combined with each other in any manner apparent to anyone of ordinary skill in the art, such that one or more features or embodiments disclosed in relation to one aspect may also be considered to be disclosed in relation to another aspect or embodiment of another aspect.

It is to be noted that all the embodiments, elements, features and advantages associated with the first aspect also analogously apply to the second, and the third aspects of the present disclosure.

Further embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. It should be emphasized that the term "comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components. It does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will in the following be further clarified with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above aspects, features and advantages of the disclosed technology, will be fully appreciated by reference to the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale. Figs, la and lb show perspective views of a burner apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. lc shows a perspective top view of the burner apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2a shows a perspective view of the burner apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2b shows a perspective view of a burner head in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2c shows a perspective view of a pilot burner unit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2d shows a perspective view of the burner apparatus in accordance with several embodiments of the present disclosure.

Figs. 3a and 3b show perspective views of gas appliances in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic flowchart of a method in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, unless anything else is specifically indicated. Even though in the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known constructions or functions are not described in detail, so as not to obscure the present invention.

The following description may use terms such as "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "side", "edge", "ridge", "distal", "proximal", "front", "back" etc. These terms generally refer to the views and orientations as shown in the drawings. The terms are used for the reader's convenience only and shall not be construed as limiting. In the context of the present disclosure the directions and orientations such as vertical, horizontal, longitudinal, lateral, parallel and transverse directions and extensions are to be interpreted broadly, generally referring to the geometrical extensions of objects in a coordinate system such as a three- dimensional Cartesian coordinate system or the like. The longitudinal extension of an element e.g. the longitudinal extension of the gas conduit or the elongated perforated gas passage may be interpreted as the direction coinciding with the longest extension of that element. Lateral or transverse extension of an element may be interpreted as the direction coinciding with the extension being substantially transverse the longitudinal extension of the element.

Figs, la and lb show schematic perspective views of a burner apparatus 1 for a gas appliance 100; 110 according to various aspects and embodiments. A corresponding schematic top view of the burner apparatus 1 is illustrated in Fig. lc.

The burner apparatus 1 comprises a burner head 2 as shown in Fig. lc, which is explained in more detail with reference to Figs. 2a and 2b. The burner head 2 comprises a gas outlet 3 for provisioning a flame 20a of a flammable gas when ignited as shown in Fig. 2d.

The gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2 may comprise perforations 3a arranged at least partly on the body of the burner head 2 for provisioning the flammable gas and accordingly the flame 20a when the gas ignites.

The burner apparatus 1 further comprises a gas conduit 4 arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply 41 and the burner head 2. The gas conduit 4 is configured for provisioning the flammable gas to the burner head 2. The gas supply 41 may comprise the fuel to be used by the burner apparatus 1 which, e.g., may be liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) PROPANE or BUTANE, etc.

Further, the burner apparatus 1 comprises a pilot burner unit 5 as shown and explained with reference to Figs. 2b - 2d. The pilot burner unit 5 is configured at least for providing a pilot flame 20c for igniting the flammable gas and provisioning of the flame 20a to the burner head 2.

The burner apparatus 1 further comprises an elongated perforated gas passage 6 having one or more perforations 7, extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage 6.

Any suitable materials such as brass or steel may be used to manufacture the burner apparatus 1, and various components of the burner apparatus 1 such as the burner head 2, or the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In several embodiments and examples as shown in Fig. 2b, the burner head 2 may be arranged connectable to a proximal end portion 4a of the gas conduit 4, via a first gas inlet 2a. The burner head 2 may also be arranged connectable to a proximal end portion 6b of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 via the gas passage outlet 2b. In several embodiments, the burner head 2 may be arranged in between the proximal end portion 4a of the gas conduit 4 and the proximal end portion 6b of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In several embodiments, a part of the flammable gas from the gas supply 41 and via the gas conduit 4 is enabled to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage 6 via the gas passage outlet 2b of the burner head 2.

The elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be a hollow pipe configured for passage of the flammable gas provided by the gas supply 41. It may be open in only one end i.e. a proximal end portion 6b leading to and coupled to the gas passage outlet 2b of the burner head 2. The distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be closed.

In several embodiments, the longitudinal extension of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be arranged at a first angle 0 with respect to a longitudinal extension of the gas conduit 4p which extends from the gas supply 41 to the burner head 2. In other words, the first angle 0 may be formed between the longitudinal extension of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 and a reference plane 2p of the burner head 2 parallel to the longitudinal extension 4p of the gas conduit 4 as shown in Figs, lc and 2b. The first angle 0 may be understood as the connection angle defining the relative connection orientations of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 and the gas conduit 4 when they are coupled to the burner head 2.

In some embodiment, the longitudinal extension of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be arranged substantially transverse i.e. at 90 degrees with respect to the reference plane 2p of the burner head 2 and the longitudinal extension of the gas conduit 4 as in the example of the Fig. lc and Fig. 2a. In some embodiments, alternatively, the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be arranged at any suitable angle e.g. at 120 degrees, 150 degrees etc. with respect to the reference plane 2p of the burner head 2 and the gas conduit 4. The selection and implementation of the connection angle between the elongated perforated gas passage 6 and the gas conduit 4 are merely a design aspect and the skilled person appreciates that other connection angles than the above- mentioned examples may be conceivable.

Moving on, by perforations in the present context it is to be construed an opening 3a, 7 that allows for passage of gas such as the flammable gas. The openings 3a, 7 may assume many different shapes and geometries such as circular, rectangular, etc. In some embodiments, the perforation 7 of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be in the form of an elongated slot such as slits 7a or 7b in Fig. 2b. In some embodiments, the perforations 7 of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 or the perforations 3a of the gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2 may be in the form of holes such as the one or more circular holes 7c or 3a respectively as shown in Fig. 2b. In some embodiments, the perforations may have rectangular, triangular, or circular geometries and cross sections. In some embodiments, the perforations may be a combination of slits, holes or perforations having different geometries. In some embodiments the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged to extend along at least a part of the length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. For instance as shown in Fig. 2b, the perforations 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged only on one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 such as on the side 6c. However, additionally or alternatively, the perforations 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged on more than one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 such as on the side 6c and the side 6d. In some embodiments the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged on other sides (not shown) than the depicted sides 6c, 6d of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. Additionally or alternatively, the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged on all sides of the perforated gas passage 6.

In some embodiments, the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c may extend along at least a part of the length of the at least one portion 6c, 6d of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. For instance, the perforations 7a are in the form of slits that extend only along a part of the length of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In another example, the perforations 7b are in the form of slits that extend along the entire length of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In yet another example, the perforations 7c are in the form of circular holes 7c that extend along the entire length of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. It should be appreciated that in veracious embodiments, any combination of the above-mentioned examples and arrangements of the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c may be arranged on the elongated perforated gas passage 6. For example, one side 6c of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be provided with slit-shaped perforations 7a, 7b and another side or portion 6d may be provided with holes 7c such as circular holes 7c and so on.

In various embodiments and examples, the perforations 3a of the burner head 2 may extend along the entire or a part of the body of the burner head 2 and the gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2.

In various embodiments and aspects, the elongated gas passage 6 may be arranged to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit 5 and the burner head 2 such that the pilot burner unit 5 is arranged at a distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 with respect to the burner head 2. As shown in Figs. 2a, 2b and 2d, the pilot burner unit 5 of Fig. 2c is arranged at the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In some examples and embodiments, the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may have a longitudinal extension of approximately 90 mm or 95 mm or 100 mm or 110 mm, 200 mm, etc. extending between the proximal end portion 6b and the distal end portion 6a. It should be appreciated that the longitudinal extension of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may also be any value other than the above- mentioned examples, suitable for and adjusted in relation to the desired dimensions of the burner apparatus 1.

The pilot burner unit 5 is configured at least for providing the pilot flame 20c for igniting the flammable gas.

In some embodiments, the pilot burner unit 5 may be physically connected to a portion of the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. Alternatively, the pilot burner unit 5 may be arranged on a support portion 5e mounted on a wall portion 9a of a housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1 without any physical contact with the distal end portion 6a. The pilot burner unit 5 may thus be arranged at the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 in a close vicinity of the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. The pilot burner unit 5 may be arranged in the close vicinity of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 such that the pilot flame 20c is enabled to reach and ignite the escaping gas from the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. In several aspects and embodiment, the pilot burner unit 5 may be arranged for provisioning a bridge flame 20b extending over the elongated perforated gas passage 6, from the pilot flame 20c to the main flame 20a of the burner head 2.

As shown in Fig. 2d, the escaping gas from the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 is accordingly exposed to the pilot flame 20c to provide the bridge flame 20b. The bridge flame 20b is provided for igniting the flammable gas and provisioning the flame 20a to the burner head 2 in a controlled manner.

In several embodiments, the pilot burner unit 5 may comprise an igniter unit 5a configured to ignite the flammable gas for provisioning the pilot flame 20c. The pilot flame 20c in turn provides the bridge flame 20b to the escaping gas from the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. The pilot burner unit 5 may further comprise a pilot flame head 5c configured for providing the pilot flame 20c. The pilot flame head 5c may be coupled to the gas supply 41 by means of a connection pipe 51 for provisioning the flammable gas to the pilot flame head 5.

The burner apparatus 1 may be manually ignited with a piezoelectric spark system (not shown) in connection with the igniter 5a. The burner apparatus 1 may comprise manual power regulation and safety valves (not shown). The spark generation system, e.g., by manual actuation of the piezoelectric, generates a small voltage feeding the igniter unit 5a e.g. a spark plug 5a installed on the pilot burner unit 5 for igniting the gas-air mixture at the pilot flame head 5c. The presented gas appliances and the burner apparatus 1 to be utilized with the gas appliances herein may be subjected to safety and regulatory standards for classification of appliances using gaseous fuels and combustion products. These appliances take the combustion air from the environment at which they are installed, so the burner apparatus 1 and the environment should follow proper ventilation, construction and safety requirements. When a gas appliance is operated for a period of time in an indoor environment such as in a closed room, oxygen is depleted and carbon dioxide and water are produced as a part of combustion substances. Oxygen concentration in closed spaces at levels around less than 16% to 17%, Volume per Volume concentration, (V/V), may be considered unsafe. When the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide reaches 4% or higher in closed spaces, it may even cause carbon dioxide poisoning.

Accordingly, the burner apparatus is provided with a flame-monitoring device 5b which may in some embodiments comprise a thermocouple. The flame-monitoring device may be designed in such a way that, in the event of failure of any components essential to safe operation of the burner apparatus 1, the gas supply to the burner apparatus 1 is automatically interrupted. In several embodiments and aspects, the pilot burner unit 5 may thus comprise an oxygen depletion-sensing (ODS) unit 5b configured for flame monitoring and ensuring safe operation of the burner apparatus 1. In several embodiments the ODS unit 5b may comprise an ODS bulb 5b' and a thermocouple and safety valve unit 5d. The ODS unit 5b may be arranged such that the pilot flame 20c, when ignited, will be in contact with the ODS unit 5b, and in particular with the ODS bulb 5b'. The ODS unit 5b may be arranged in order to ensure sufficient ventilation requirements of the environment in which the burner apparatus 1 will be installed.

The ODS unit 5b of the burner apparatus 1 may be designed such that atmospheric concentration levels of carbon dioxide outside the allowable range e.g. due to stale combustion air in the room, cause an interruption or at least a partial extinction in the pilot flame 20c being in contact with the ODS bulb 5b'. The flame interruption, which may also be referred to as a release of the pilot flame 20c, in turn will cause the pilot valve cut-off system 5d to intervene, automatically cutting off the gas supply to both the pilot flame burner unit 5 and the main burner head 2. Therefore, when the atmospheric concentrations of oxygen approaches an unsafe range, e.g., a (V/V) atmospheric concentration around 18.5% to 19.5%, or when the carbon dioxide content reaches, e.g., a (V/V) atmospheric concentration around 0.8% to 1.5%, the ODS unit 5b will cut off the gas supply and stop the operation of the burner apparatus 1 to ensure safety.

Even though conventionally such an ODS system may be installed in the surrounding environment of the gas appliances e.g. in the room in which the appliance is installed, the present inventors have realized that in order to comply with the prevailing safety and ventilation standards, the ODS 5b unit is to be installed on the burner apparatus 1. This also holds even if an ODS system already is arranged in the room in which the appliance is installed or even if arranged somewhere else on the body of gas appliance itself. The present inventors has also realized that arranging the ODS unit in a direct vicinity of and in contact with the flame 20a of the main burner head 2 such that the ODS unit 5b is exposed to the flame 20a of the burner head 2 will lead to anomalies in the expected operation of the ODS unit 5b. This in turn may jeopardize the safety of the gas appliance. The present inventors have performed extensive experimentations and realized that arranging the pilot burner unit 5 and the ODS unit 5b in the vicinity of the flame 20a of the burner head 2 may subject the ODS bulb 5b' to temperatures which may interfere with the proper operation of the ODS unit 5b. Accordingly, the present inventors have realized that by moving the pilot burner unit 5 and installing the ODS unit 5b at an optimized distance from the burner head 2, a desired and reliable flame control functionality is achieved while fulfilling the flame ignition functionality of the pilot burner unit 5. Consequently, the present inventors have devised and installed the elongated perforated gas passage 6 connectable to the main burner head 2 at one end 2b, extending toward the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1.

Further, the pilot burner unit 5 and the ODS unit 5b are arranged to be located in the close vicinity of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. More specifically, with the coupled elongated perforated gas passage 6 to the main burner 2, the pilot burner unit 5 and the ODS unit 5b are arranged at the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. This way efficient and safe flame control and reliable ODS operation are achieved, and compliance with the prevailing operational safety standards can be provided.

This way, the ODS unit 5b is protected from the interfering high temperatures of the main flame 20a of the burner head 2, the pilot flame 20c is provisioned for igniting the main flame 20a by means of the bridge flame 20b, and the advantageous flame and ventilation monitoring are achieved by the ODS unit 5b at the same time.

As mentioned earlier, in several embodiments, the burner apparatus 1 may further comprise a housing 8 having a main body comprising one or more walls 9 forming an inner space 10 of the housing 8 such that the burner head 2 is at least partly surrounded by the one or more walls 9 except at a first side. The one or more walls may have any shapes or geometries, for instance the wall 9 of the burner apparatus 1 shown in Figs, la - 3b has a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section. It is clear to the skilled person however, that the one or more walls may e.g. comprise walls having rectangular shapes and cross sections. The shape of the one or more walls 9 is a design aspect and may be implemented according to the design requirements. The first side of the burner head 2 is the side which may be referred to as the top side or upper side of the burner head 2 comprising the gas outlet 3, from which the flame 20a is provisioned through the gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2 as shown in Fig. 2d. The housing 8 may comprise a third opening 8c formed by the one or more walls 9 of the main body of the housing 8. The third opening 8c coincides with the first side of the burner head 2. The third opening 8c may be configured for conveying the flame 20a of the gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2 toward an outer space outside of a top side or upper side of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. In several embodiments, the burner apparatus 1 may also comprise a base la configured for supporting the housing 8 and the burner apparatus 1 e.g. when arranged on a floor surface of a room. The base la may be an integral part of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1 or may be a separate portion abutting a bottom side or lower side of the housing. The bottom or lower side of the housing 8 and the burner apparatus 1 is to be construed as the side, which is arranged opposite to the top side or upper side of the housing 8 comprising the third opening 8c for provisioning of the flame 20a to the space outside of the housing 8.

In several embodiments, the housing 8 may further comprise a support platform 11 for supporting the burner head 2. The support platform 11 may accordingly be arranged beneath the burner head 2 i.e. at a second side, also referred to as the bottom or lower side of the burner head 2. The bottom side or lower side of the burner head 2 is to be construed that side of the burner head 2 opposite to the top side of the burner head 2 which comprises the gas outlet 3 facing the third opening 8c.

The support platform 11 may thus be configured for providing mechanical stability to the burner head 2. The burner head 2 may be mounted on the support platform 11 by any suitable attachment means such as screws, bolts, plugs, etc. (not shown) In some embodiments, the support platform 11 may be an integral part of the housing 8, e.g., an integral part of the one or more walls 9. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the support platform 11 may be a separate entity abutting the housing 8 at one or more portions (not shown) of the walls 9 of the housing 8. The support platform 11 may be mounted onto the housing 8 by any suitable attachment means e.g. by means of bolts, screws, plugs, etc. (not shown)

In several embodiments, the housing 8 may further comprise a first opening 8a for receiving the gas conduit 4 extending between the gas supply 41 and the burner head 2. Furthermore, in several embodiments, the housing 8 may comprise a second opening 8b for receiving the elongated perforated gas passage 6 extending between the pilot burner unit 5 and the burner head 2.

In several embodiments, the second opening 8b of the housing 8 may be arranged on a first portion 9a of the one or more walls 9 of the housing, such that the elongated perforated gas passage 6 will be arranged to extend through the second opening 8b. The second opening 8b may further be configured for regulating an airflow into the inner space 10 of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. This way, the elongated perforated gas passage 6 may be arranged to extend through the second opening 8b of the housing 8, enabling the pilot burner unit 5 and the ODS unit 5b to be arranged at the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6. Additionally, this configuration provides an advantage of optimal oxygen regulation and air intake in the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. This way, a further advantage is provided in addition to reliable operation of the ODS unit 5b, such that optimal airflow adjustments into the inner space 10 and the burner head 2 can be achieved ensuring improved efficiency in the operation of the burner apparatus 1.

The size and shape of the second opening 8b may be modified according to design requirements and intended applications. For instance, the second opening 8b is shown to be a circular opening in the example of Figs. 2a and 2d. However, it is apparent to the skilled person that the opening 8b may have any other shape such as rectangular, triangular etc. In some embodiments, the size of the second opening 8b may be adjustable by using an adjustment means (not shown) to regulate the airflow into the inner space 10 of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1.

In several embodiments, the housing 8 may further comprise a first protective cover 12 arranged to at least partly cover the gas conduit 4 extending between the gas supply 41 and the burner head 2 and entering the housing 8 via the first opening 8a. In several embodiments, the housing 8 may further comprise a second protective cover 13 arranged to cover the pilot burner unit 5. The second protective cover 13 may accordingly be configured to cover and protect the pilot flame 20a provisioned by the pilot burner unit 5 as well as the ODS unit 5b. The second protective cover 13 may also be configured to at least partly cover and protect the distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 extending from the second opening 8b. The second protective cover 13 may further be configured to at least partly cover and protect the provisioned bridge flame 20b provisioned from the perforations 7, 7a, 7b, 7c when the gas is ignited by the pilot flame 20a.

In several embodiments, the first protective cover 12 and the second protective cover 13 may be mountable on the body of the housing 8, e.g., onto an exterior part 91 of the one or more walls 9 of the housing by means of suitable attachment means 81 such as screws, bolts, plugs, etc. By the exterior part of the walls 9 it is to be understood the portions and surfaces 91 of the one or more walls 9 facing an outer space in the surroundings of the housing 8 as opposed to the interior portions and surfaces of an interior part 92 of the one or more walls 9 facing and forming the inner space 10 of the housing 8. For instance, the first protective cover 12 may be mounted onto the exterior portion 9c of the exterior part 91 of the wall 9 of the housing 8 as shown in Fig. la. Similarly, for example, the second protective cover 13 may be mounted onto the exterior portion 9a of the exterior part 91 of the wall 9 of the housing 8 as shown in Fig. la.

In several embodiments, second protective cover 13 may comprises a first opening 13a being arranged corresponding to the second opening 8b of the housing 8. The first opening 13a of the second protective cover 13 may at least partly overlap the second opening 8b of the housing 8. In several embodiments, the first opening 13a of the second protective cover 13 may be configured for regulating the airflow into the inner space 10 of the housing 8 via the second opening 8b of the housing 8.

The size and shape of the first opening 13a may be modified according to design requirements and intended applications. For instance, the first opening 13a is shown to be a circular opening in the example of Figs, la and lb. However, it is apparent to the skilled person that the first opening 13a may have any other shape such as rectangular, triangular etc. In some embodiments, the size of the first opening 13a may be adjustable by using an adjustment means (not shown) to regulate the airflow and oxygen intake into the inner space 10 of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1 via the corresponding second opening 8b of the housing 8.

In some embodiments and examples, the second protective cover 13 may further comprise one or more openings 13b e.g. in the form of parallel gratings 13b for preventing access and protecting the pilot burner unit 5 and the ODS unit 5b while providing further ventilation functionality.

In several aspects and embodiments, the third opening 8c of the housing 8 formed by the one or more walls 9 of the main body of the housing 8 coinciding the first side of the burner head 2 may be configured for conveying the flame 20a of the gas outlet 3 to a gas appliance 100; 110. This way the heat generated by the combustion process in the burner apparatus 1 is provided to the associated gas appliance 100; 110.

The gas appliance 100; 110 may comprise any one of a sauna heater apparatus 100 comprising a furnace unit 14 or a cooking appliance 110 comprising a cooking unit 15 for cooking food. The furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 are configured to be removably connectable to the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. By removably connectable or attachable in the present context it is to be understood that various elements or components may be coupled and decoupled repeatedly without negatively affecting the functionality of the elements or components. The removably attachable elements and components may also be exchanged with other removably attachable elements and components providing different functionalities such as the furnace unit of the sauna heater used for heating sauna rooms or the cooking unit used for cooking food. In several embodiments and aspects, a first side of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 may be arrangable to overlay the third opening 8c of the housing 8. The first side of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 may be referred to as a bottom surface or side of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15. For non-limiting illustration and explanation purposes only, the bottom side of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 has been shown in the example of Fig. la in form of a plate 17 arranged at the top side of the burner apparatus 1 and the burner head 2. The bottom surface or side 17 of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 may be arranged to overlay the top side of the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. The third opening 8c may be accordingly be configured for conveying the flame 20a of the gas outlet 3 of the burner head 2 toward the first side 17 of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15, thus providing the combustion heat generated by the burner apparatus 1.

In some embodiments and examples, the plate 17 may be a protective plate 17 comprised in the housing 8 arranged to at least partly or substantially cover the opening 8c and the flame 20a, such that the flame 20a is enabled to heat the plate 17. Accordingly, the first side of the furnace unit 14 or the cooking unit 15 may be arranged onto the plate 17 of the housing 8, overlaying the plate 17. The furnace unit 14 may be configured for heating a surrounding environment of the furnace unit 14. In several embodiments and aspects, the furnace unit 14 may be comprised in the sauna heater 100 as shown in Fig. 3a configured to be installed in and provide heating to sauna rooms (not shown).

A sauna heater apparatus 100 as shown in Fig. 3a comprises the burner apparatus 1 and the furnace unit 14 configured for providing heating to the surrounding environment of the furnace unit 14. The sauna heater apparatus 100 may accordingly form an assembly for heating the sauna rooms. The assembly comprises the burner apparatus 1 located at the base of the appliance 100 that may be configured to heat refractory material (not shown) located in the upper part i.e. the furnace unit 14 of the appliance 100. When the material is heated, it may emit heat by radiation towards the sauna room in which the sauna heater apparatus 100 is installed. At the same time, convection heating may be generated by the air taken in by the appliance 100 through its side grille 141. In some embodiments, a water tank such as the cylindrical water tank 142 in Fig. 3a may be comprised in the furnace unit 14. In some examples, the water tank 142 may have a capacity of at least 2 litres or at most 2 litres, where the user can add water in order to cause evaporation during the heating process and therefore increase the humidity level of the sauna room.

In some exemplary embodiments, the burner apparatus 1 may provide an output power of around 7 KW suitable for heating sauna rooms having spaces up to around 7 - 8 m³. In some other examples, the burner apparatus 1 may provide an output power suitable for heating sauna rooms with larger spaces such as 14, 16, 32, 40 m³ and so forth. It should be appreciated that the burner apparatus 1 herein can readily be designed based on the desired space and output power requirements accordingly.

In several embodiments and aspects, the cooking unit 15 may comprise any one of a barbeque grill apparatus, a stove, a cooktop or a cook plate, e.g. a wok pan 15 as shown in Fig. 3b.

In several embodiments, the removably connectable furnace unit 14 or the removably connectable cooking unit 15 may be removably connectable to the housing 8 by fastening means 16 as shown in Fig. la, Figs. 3a and 3b. In some embodiments, the fastening means may comprise any one of a clamp, and a brace, and a bolt and nut arrangement, etc.

In several embodiments, the housing 8 may further comprise a ridge portion 9b, 9b' comprised in or abutting the one or more walls 9 of the housing 8. In some embodiments, the ridge portion 9b, 9b' may be a flange formed adjacent the third opening 8c of the housing 8 and protrude inward the inner space 10 of the housing 8. The ridge portion 9b, 9b' may be configured for supporting the removably connectable furnace unit 14 or the removably connectable cooking unit 15 when mounted on the housing 8 of the burner apparatus 1. In some embodiments, the portion 9b may extend along the entire circumference of the one or more walls 9 of the housing 8, as e.g. shown in Figs, la, lb and 2a, wherein a circular ridge 9b extends along the entire boundary of the cylindrical wall 9 of the housing 8. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the portion 9b' may be one or more protrusions abutting the wall 9 e.g. the protrusions 9b' abutting the interior part 92 if the wall 9 and extending inward the inner space 10 of the housing 8 as shown in Figs, la and 2d. In some embodiments, the plate 17 may be arranged to be mounted on the ridge portion 9b, 9b'. In some embodiments, the ridge portion 9b, 9b' may be configured such that the removably connectable furnace unit 14 or the removably connectable cooking unit 15 may be directly mounted onto the ridge portion 9b, 9b'.

Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a burner apparatus 1 according to an aspect and several embodiments of the present disclosure.

The method comprises providing 401 a burner head 2 comprising a gas outlet 3 for provisioning a flame 20a of a flammable gas when ignited. The method further comprises providing 403 a gas conduit 4 arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply 41 and the burner head, and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head. Further, the method comprises providing 405 a pilot burner unit 5 configured at least for providing a pilot flame 20c for igniting the flammable gas. The method further comprises providing 407 an elongated perforated gas passage 6 having one or more perforations 7 extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage. Even further, the method comprises arranging 409 the elongated gas passage to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head. The method further comprises arranging 411 the pilot burner unit at a distal end portion 6a of the elongated perforated gas passage 6 with respect to the burner head.

In several embodiments, the method may further comprise arranging 413 the burner head in between and connectable to a proximal end portion 4a of the gas conduit, via a first gas inlet 2a, and to a proximal end portion 6b of the elongated perforated gas passage, via a gas passage outlet 2b. The method may further comprise causing a part of the flammable gas from the gas conduit to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage via the gas passage outlet 2b of the burner head 2.

It should be noted that all the embodiments, elements, features, examples and advantages described earlier with reference to the burner apparatus 1, the pilot burner unit 5, the ODS unit 5, the elongated perforated gas passage 6 or the gas appliances 100; 110 comprising the burner apparatus 1 in Figs, la - 3b, analogously and equally apply to various embodiments of the methods described herein with reference to Fig. 4.

It is clearly understood by the skilled person that the elements and components such as the housing or the openings of the housing or protective covers need not have the depicted circular or cylindrical shapes, geometries and appearances and may be fabricated in various shapes and geometries such as rectangular, triangular, circular, square, etc. suitable to the desired application and designs, while seamlessly delivering the above-explained technical effects and advantages.

The invention has now been described with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting to the claim.

Although the figures may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. In addition, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. All such variations are within the scope of the invention. The above mentioned and described embodiments are only given as examples and should not be limiting to the present invention. Other solutions, uses, objectives, and functions within the scope of the invention as claimed in the below described patent claims should be apparent for the person skilled in the art. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in the claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. A burner apparatus (1) for a gas appliance, the burner apparatus comprising: a burner head (2) comprising a gas outlet (3) for provisioning a flame (20a) of a flammable gas when ignited; a gas conduit (4) arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply (41) and the burner head, and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head; a pilot burner unit (5) configured at least for providing a pilot flame (20c) for igniting the flammable gas, wherein the pilot burner unit comprises an igniter unit (5a) configured to ignite the flammable gas, and an oxygen depletion-sensing unit (5b); an elongated perforated gas passage (6) having one or more perforations (7) extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage; wherein the elongated gas passage is arranged to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head such that the pilot burner unit is arranged at a distal end portion (6a) of the elongated perforated gas passage (6) with respect to the burner head.

2. The burner apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the burner head is arranged in between and connectable to a proximal end portion (4a) of the gas conduit, via a first gas inlet (2a), and to a proximal end portion (6b) of the elongated perforated gas passage, via a gas passage outlet (2b); and wherein a part of the flammable gas from the gas conduit is enabled to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage via the gas passage outlet (2b) of the burner head (2).

3. The burner apparatus according to any one claims 1 or 2, wherein the elongated perforated gas passage is arranged at a first angle (0) with respect to an extension of the gas conduit (4p) extending from the gas supply (41) to the burner head (2).

4. The burner apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the burner apparatus further comprises: a housing (8) having a main body comprising one or more walls (9) forming an inner space (10) of the housing such that the burner head is at least partly surrounded by the one or more walls except at a first side; the housing further comprising a support platform (11) for supporting the burner head; and wherein the housing further comprises a first opening (8a) for receiving the gas conduit extending between the gas supply and the burner head, and a second opening (8b) for receiving the elongated perforated gas passage extending between the pilot burner unit and the burner head.

5. The burner apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second opening of the housing is arranged on a first portion (9a) of the one or more walls of the housing, such that the elongated perforated gas passage is arranged to extend through the second opening; wherein the second opening is further configured for regulating an air flow into the inner space of the housing of the burner apparatus.

6. The burner apparatus according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the pilot burner unit (5) is arranged at the distal end portion (6a) of the elongated perforated gas passage extending out of the second opening (8b) of the housing of the burner apparatus.

7. The burner apparatus according to any one of claims 4 - 6, wherein the housing further comprises a first protective cover (12) arranged to at least partly cover the gas conduit and a second protective cover (13) arranged to cover the pilot burner unit; wherein the second protective cover comprises a first opening (13a) being arranged corresponding to the second opening (8b) of the housing and at least partly overlapping the second opening of the housing, wherein the first opening of the second protective cover is configured for regulating the air flow into the inner space of the housing via the second opening (8b) of the housing.

8. The burner apparatus according to any one of claims 4 - 7, wherein the housing further comprises a third opening (8c) formed by the one or more walls of the main body of the housing coinciding the first side of the burner head, the third opening being configured for conveying the flame (20a) of the gas outlet (3) of the burner head (2) to a gas appliance (100; 110) comprising any one of a sauna heater apparatus (100) comprising a furnace unit (14) or a cooking appliance (110) comprising a cooking unit (15) configured for cooking food, removably connectable to the housing of the burner apparatus (1).

9. The burner apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a first side of the furnace unit (14) or the cooking unit (15) is arrangable to overlay the third opening (8c) of the housing (8); wherein the furnace unit is configured for heating a surrounding environment of the furnace unit; and wherein the cooking unit (15) comprises any one of a barbeque grill apparatus or a cook plate.

10. The burner apparatus according to any one of the claims 8 or 9, wherein the removably connectable furnace unit (14) or the removably connectable cooking unit (15) are removably connectable to the housing (8) by fastening means (16) comprising any one of a clamp, and a brace, and a bolt and nut arrangement.

11. The burner apparatus according to any one of claims 8 - 10, wherein the housing further comprises a ridge portion (9b, 9b') comprised in or abutting the one or more walls (9) of the housing and formed adjacent the third opening (8c) of the housing and extending inward the inner space of the housing, wherein the ridge portion is configured for supporting the removably connectable furnace unit (14) or the removably connectable cooking unit (15) when mounted on the housing (8) of the burner apparatus (1).

12. A gas appliance (100; 110) comprising: a burner apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1 - 8; wherein the gas appliance comprises any one of a sauna heater apparatus (100) comprising a furnace unit (14) configured for providing heating to a surrounding environment of the furnace unit; or a cooking appliance (110) comprising a cooking unit (15) configured for cooking food.

13. A method for manufacturing a burner apparatus (1) for a gas appliance, the method comprising: providing (401) a burner head (2) comprising a gas outlet (3) for provisioning a flame (20a) of a flammable gas when ignited; providing (403) a gas conduit (4) arranged to be connectable to and extend between a gas supply (41) and the burner head, and configured for provisioning the flammable gas from the gas supply to the burner head; providing (405) a pilot burner unit (5) configured at least for providing a pilot flame (20c) for igniting the flammable gas, wherein the pilot burner unit comprises an igniter unit (5a) configured to ignite the flammable gas, and an oxygen depletion-sensing unit (5b); providing (407) an elongated perforated gas passage (6) having one or more perforations (7) extending along at least a part of a length of at least one portion of the elongated perforated gas passage; arranging (409) the elongated gas passage to be connectable to and extend between the pilot burner unit and the burner head; arranging (411) the pilot burner unit at a distal end portion (6a) of the elongated perforated gas passage (6) with respect to the burner head.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: arranging (413) the burner head in between and connectable to a proximal end portion (4a) of the gas conduit, via a first gas inlet (2a), and to a proximal end portion (6b) of the elongated perforated gas passage, via a gas passage outlet (2b); causing a part of the flammable gas from the gas conduit to be conveyed to the elongated perforated gas passage via the gas passage outlet (2b) of the burner head (2).