FLEXIBLE ANTI-BACKFLOW DAMPER FOR A FIREPLACE SYSTEM

Abstract

A vent damper for a fireplace system includes a support framework couplable with a flue pipe, and a flexible damper layer disposed on the support framework. The flexible damper layer assumes an open configuration in a presence of fluid flow from the flue pipe and a closed configuration in an absence of the airflow from the flue pipe. The damper layer is high temperature resistant.

Claims

1. A vent damper comprising: a support framework couplable with a flue pipe; and a flexible damper layer disposed on the support framework and configured to assume an open configuration in a presence of fluid flow from the flue pipe and a closed configuration in an absence of the airflow from the flue pipe, wherein the damper layer is resistant to temperature of at least 100 degrees Celsius ( C.).

2. The damper of claim 1, wherein the damper layer is attached to the support framework at one or more edge portions of the damper layer.

3. The damper of claim 1, wherein the damper layer is attached to the support framework at or near a center portion of the damper layer.

4. The damper of claim 1, wherein in the closed configuration, the damper layer is configured to prevent backflow of air or gas into the flue pipe.

5. The damper of claim 1, wherein the damper layer is made of one or more of: high temperature resistant rubber, fiberglass fabric, aluminized fabric, aramid fiber fabric, ceramic fiber fabric, silica-based fabric, silicone-based fabric, and/or vermiculite-coated fabric.

6. The damper of claim 1, wherein the support framework includes a gridwork with a plurality of openings.

7. The damper of claim 1, wherein the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure increase in the flue pipe.

8. The damper of claim 1, wherein the support framework is couplable with a power vent, and the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure decrease at the power vent when the power vent is activated.

9. The damper of claim 8, wherein the pressure decrease causes a suction pressure at the power vent to draw out air from the flue pipe to release the air into an external environment.

10. A fireplace system comprising: a fireplace; a flue pipe coupled with the fireplace; a power vent fluidly coupled with the flue pipe; and a vent damper disposed between the flue pipe and the power vent, the vent damper comprising: a support framework couplable with the flue pipe; and a flexible damper layer disposed on the support framework and configured to assume an open configuration in a presence of airflow from the flue pipe and a closed configuration in an absence of the airflow from the flue pipe, wherein the damper layer is resistant to temperature of at least 100 degrees Celsius ( C.), wherein the support framework is couplable with the power vent, and the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure decrease at the power vent when the power vent is activated.

11. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the damper layer is attached to the support framework at one or more edge portions of the damper layer.

12. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the damper layer is attached to the support framework at or near a center portion of the damper layer.

13. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein in the closed configuration, the damper layer is configured to prevent backflow of air or gas into the flue pipe.

14. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the damper layer is made of one or more of: high temperature resistant rubber, fiberglass fabric, aluminized fabric, aramid fiber fabric, ceramic fiber fabric, silica-based fabric, silicone-based fabric, and/or vermiculite-coated fabric.

15. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the support framework includes a gridwork with a plurality of openings.

16. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure increase in the flue pipe.

17. The fireplace system of claim 10, wherein the pressure decrease causes a suction pressure at the power vent to draw out air from the flue pipe to release the air into an external environment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the components of a fireplace system according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a damper in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a damper in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0028] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the damper of FIG. 3A in a closed configuration.

[0029] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a damper in a closed configuration according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0030] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the damper of FIG. 3A in a closed configuration.

[0031] FIG. 4C shows an enlarged view of a portion of the damper of FIG. 4B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure is generally directed to a fireplace or fireplace system which includes a vent damper. The vent damper includes a support framework couplable with a flue pipe, and a flexible damper layer disposed on the support framework. The flexible damper layer is configured to assume an open configuration in a presence of fluid flow (e.g., gas flow and/or airflow) from the flue pipe and a closed configuration in an absence of the airflow from the flue pipe. The damper layer is high temperature resistant.

[0033] In some examples, the damper layer is attached to the support framework at one or more edge portions of the damper layer. In some examples, the damper layer is attached to the support framework at or near a center portion of the damper layer.

[0034] In some examples, in the closed configuration, the damper layer is configured to prevent backflow of air or gas into the flue pipe. In some examples, the damper layer may be made of a polymeric material, such as rubber, or a fabric material, such as a woven fabric or a textile material. For example, the material may include one or more of: high temperature resistant rubber, fiberglass fabric, aluminized fabric, aramid fiber fabric, ceramic fiber fabric, silica-based fabric, silicone-based fabric, and/or vermiculite-coated fabric.

[0035] In some examples, the support framework includes a gridwork with a plurality of openings. In some examples, the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure increase in the flue pipe.

[0036] In some examples, the support framework is couplable with a power vent, and the damper layer is configured to assume the open configuration in response to a pressure decrease at the power vent when the power vent is activated. In some examples, the pressure decrease causes a suction pressure at the power vent to draw out air from the flue pipe to release the air into an external environment.

[0037] A fireplace system may include a fireplace; a flue pipe coupled with the fireplace; a power vent fluidly coupled with the flue pipe; and the damper disposed between the flue pipe and the power vent.

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a fireplace system 100 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The system 100 includes a fireplace 102 (which includes a firebox containing therein a flame), a flue pipe 104 which directs the flow of waste gas 106 (shown using dotted lines) toward a power vent 108 and released into the external environment. A vent damper 110 is disposed on and fluidly coupled with the flue pipe 104, and an insulation pad 112 is disposed between the damper 110 and the power vent 108. The power vent 108 includes a vent cap 114 to protect the power vent 108 from damage caused by the elements. The power vent 108 includes an electrically powered fan or blower 116 that, when activated, causes a suction pressure (or a pressure difference between the two ends of the flue pipe) to pull the waste gas 106 (as well as any other gas present in the fireplace 102) into the fan or blower 116, or draw out the gas from the flue pipe 104, and release the gas to the external environment in the direction shown by the dotted arrows.

[0039] The damper 110 includes a rigid support 118, such as a supportive gridwork or support framework, on which a damper layer 120 rests or is disposed. The damper 110 may be disposed at an outflow portion 122 (or an exit) of the flue pipe 104 that is proximal to the vent 108, on an inflow portion 124 (or an entrance) of the flue pipe 104 that is proximal to the fireplace 102, or any suitable location between the inflow and outflow portions of the flue pipe 104. The damper 110 is attached in such a way that the damper layer 120 may flex (or be partially raised) toward the outflow portion 122 or exit of the flue pipe 104 when there is an air pressure difference, thus forming a fluid opening through the damper (see, for example, FIGS. 3A and 4A). In the absence of such air pressure difference, the damper layer 120 may be allowed to fall back down onto the support 118, thus forming a fluid seal through the damper (see, for example, FIGS. 3B and 4B). The damper layer 120 may assume any suitable shape or configuration, including but not limited to a circle, a rectangle, or a polygon, for example. In some examples, there may be a plurality of damper layers (e.g., two or more layers) that are used in conjunction with each other to facilitate the operation of the damper.

[0040] In some examples, the fireplace system 100 may include any suitable electronic components as disclosed herein. For example, a vent control 126 may be implemented to control the operation of the power vent 108, such as the operation of the fan or blower 116. A flame switch 128 and a light switch 130 may be provided to control the operation of the fireplace 102 and the lights that are coupled therewith. The flame switch 128 may cause a burner 132 to activate in order to light the fireplace 102, such as by receiving gas as fuel and lighting the fuel to create a flame. A main control 134 may be provided, such as a controller including but not limited to a local or remote computing device, to distribute control signals to the different electronic components. The damper 110 may include a motor 136 for operating the damper 110 and a sensor 138 for detecting certain conditions or taking certain measurements. The sensor 138 may be used for detecting the amount of harmful gas that may be in the flue pipe 104. The sensor 138 may be used for detecting the temperature, flow rate, and/or flow volume of the gas 106 passing through the flue pipe 104. The main control 134 may be electrically coupled with the burner 132 via a low voltage cable 140, with the motor 136 and/or sensor 138 via one or more low voltage lines 142, and with the power vent 108 via one or more high voltage lines 144. The main control 134 may also be electrically coupled with the flame switch 128 and the light switch 130, as well as with a power supply 146 such as a power grid or one or more batteries, to receive electricity to distribute to the other electronic components.

[0041] In some examples, the high voltage line(s) 144 may facilitate transfer of electricity in 120 VAC (volts alternating current) or 240 VAC or any other suitable value. The power supply 146 may be 120 VAC, 240 VAC, or any other suitable value therebetween. In some examples, the low voltage line(s) 142 may facilitate transfer of electricity in any suitable value lower than the high voltage line(s) 144. In some examples, the low voltage line(s) 142 may transfer electricity in DC (direct current) such as 5 V, 10 V, 15 V, 20 V, or any other suitable value therebetween or any range of values thereof.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a damper 110 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The damper 110 includes a support 118 and a damper layer 120 positioned along a portion of the support 118. The support 118 also includes an interface 200 for an insulation pad 112 which is shown with a dotted line (see, for example, FIG. 1) to be positioned with respect to the damper 110. The insulation pad 112 may rest on a surface of the interface 200 and cover a majority (or an entirety) of the top portion of the support 118.

[0043] The damper layer 120 may be supported by the support 118 along the edge or middle portion of the support, as suitable. The support 118 may include a support gridwork or framework 202. A gridwork may define a crisscross pattern of solid material with a plurality of openings 204 that allow air and gas to pass through. The damper layer 120 may be made of any suitable flexible and heat-resistant or high-temperature-resistant material such as one or more of: high temperature resistant rubber, fiberglass fabric, aluminized fabric, aramid fiber fabric, ceramic fiber fabric, silica-based fabric, silicone-based fabric, and/or vermiculite-coated fabric, for example. The temperature range to which the damper layer 120 is resistant may be from 100 degrees C. (Celsius) to 150 degrees C., from 150 degrees C. to 200 degrees C., from 200 degrees C. to 250 degrees C., from 250 degrees C. to 300 degrees C., from 300 degrees C. to 350 degrees C., from 350 degrees C. to 400 degrees C., or any other suitable value therebetween or combination of ranges thereof.

[0044] FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a damper 110 according to embodiments disclosed herein when there is a flow of gas 106 through the damper 110. The damper layer 120 is attached or affixed to the support 118 at or near one or more edge portions 302 of the damper layer 120, for example using any suitable attachment 300 such as a screw or adhesive. The damper 110 assumes an open configuration in a presence of a flow of fluid such as gas 106 and/or airflow from the flue pipe 104 fluidly coupled therewith. For example, when the power vent 108 is activated, the suction pressure created by the power vent 108 causes the damper layer 120 to be at least partially lifted up toward the power vent 108, and also allows gas 106 (such as smoke, waste gas, air, and/or any other byproducts) to exit the combustion chamber or firebox in the fireplace 102 and enter the flue pipe 104. The gas 106 is then passed through the damper 110 in the direction shown by the broad white arrow. The gas 106 may pass through the openings 204 of the support gridwork or framework 202. This suction may be measured with a pressure switch or the pressure sensor 138 coupled with the damper 110 to further prove that the flow is present and sufficient. In some examples, the damper layer 120 assumes the open configuration in response to a pressure increase in the flue pipe 104 (e.g., caused by the activation of the power vent 108). In some examples, the damper layer 120 assumes the open configuration in response to a pressure decrease at or near the power vent 108 when the power vent 108 is activated.

[0045] FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of the damper 110 when no flow of gas 106 is facilitated through the damper 110. The damper 110 assumes a closed configuration in an absence of the airflow from the flue pipe 104. In the closed configuration, the damper forms a seal to prevent backflow of air or gas 106 back into the flue pipe 104 from an external environment. For example, upon shutting down the appliance (such as the fireplace 102 or the gas supply to the burner 132 operable coupled with the fireplace 102), gravity may pull the damper layer 120 down on top of the support 118, forming a fluid seal. If negative pressure or wind tries to induce outside air 304 (or gas) into the building in the direction as shown by the broad white arrow, the damper layer 120 of the damper 110 is disposed on the support (such as on the support gridwork or framework 202, thereby sealing all the openings 204 formed in the support gridwork or framework 202) so as to form a tight seal on the support 118 and stop the flow of any gas or air into the building. In some examples, portions of the damper layer 120 may at least partially overlap to form an overlapped portion 306 that provides the seal, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some examples, edges of the damper layer 120 may face or meet each other in forming the seal, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0046] FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of a damper 110 according to embodiments disclosed herein when there is a flow of gas 106 through the damper. The damper layer 120 is attached or affixed to the support at or near a center portion 400 of the damper layer 120, for example using any suitable attachment 300 such as a screw or adhesive. The damper 110 assumes an open configuration in a presence of a flow of fluid such as gas 106 and/or airflow from the flue pipe 104, in which case the edge portions 302 (or the outer periphery) of the damper layer 120 are lifted with respect to the support 118 to facilitate the passage of gas 106 in the direction shown by the broad white arrow.

[0047] FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the damper 110 when there is no flow of gas through the damper 110. The damper 110 assumes a closed configuration in an absence of the flow of gas 106 and/or airflow from the flue pipe 104, in which case the edge portions of the damper layer 120 are allowed to fall back onto the support 118 (such as onto the support gridwork or framework 202, thereby sealing all the openings 204 formed in the support gridwork or framework 202) to form a seal to prevent backflow of air 304 (or gas) back into the flue pipe 104 from an external environment in the direction shown by the broad white arrow.

[0048] FIG. 4C shows a magnified image of a portion of FIG. 4B, specifically near the center portion 400 where the attachment 300 is located. In some examples, the attachment 300 may be shaped like a bobbin with one end portion 300A affixed to the damper layer 120 and another end portion 300B affixed to the support 118, such as to the gridwork or framework 202 of the support 118. An intermediate portion 300C extending between the end portions 300A and 300B causes the end portions 300A and 300B, and by extension the damper layer 120 and the support 118, to be attached or fastened to each other. The bobbin-shaped attachment 300 may be formed using, for example, a nut and a bolt, or a pre-formed component with flanges protruding radially outwardly from a base component such that the flanges represent the end portions 300A and 300B and the base component represents the intermediate portion 300C.

[0049] Advantageously, the use of damper layer in the damper allows for a simpler design that does not require the use of a motor and a sensor to operate the opening and closing of the damper. Furthermore, the damper layer allows for a tighter seal than can be offered by a steel damper, as well as a quieter operation (quietly opening and quietly closing) that does not cause undesirable noise during operation, such as the noise of the metallic components contacting each other. The simple design reduces the risk of malfunction as compared to a motor-operated damper, and also reduces the uncertainty of whether the damper is open or closed, because in the absence of any suction or pressure difference, gravity causes the damper to close, ensuring a tight fluid seal without the need for sensors to confirm the seal.

[0050] Numerous characteristics and advantages have been set forth in the preceding description, including various alternatives together with details of the structure and function of the devices and/or methods. Moreover, the scope of the various concepts addressed in this disclosure has been described both generically and with regard to specific examples. The disclosure is intended as illustrative only and as such is not intended to be exhaustive. It will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made, especially in matters of structure, materials, elements, components, shape, size, and arrangement of parts including combinations within the principles of the disclosure, to the full extent indicated by the broad, general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. To the extent that these various modifications do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are intended to be encompassed therein.