Fireplace apparatus having remote automatic control function

Abstract

Disclosed is a fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function. The fireplace apparatus is capable of automatically controlling opening and closing of an air supply passage mounted below a combustion chamber corresponding to a detected temperature of the fireplace, displaying information related to an ignition state, a key selection state, a heating power setting state and key buttons for key selection, preventing foreign materials from being adhered to an electric heating member by a cover, and enabling a user to carry out remote ignition control, air amount control and temperature setting at a remote location. Accordingly, initial ignition can be stably achieved and the air supply amount is automatically controlled corresponding to the temperature of the combustion chamber. A user can achieve remote ignition or ignition reservation, and ignition and combustion are carried out at an optimum time according to the indoor temperature and time for returning home.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function including a smoke flue ( 8 ) provided at a top of a main body ( 4 ) and communicating with a combustion chamber ( 10 ), a door unit ( 20 ) provided at a front portion of the main body ( 4 ), and an ashpan ( 14 ) provided below the combustion chamber ( 10 ), the fireplace apparatus comprising:
 a communication module ( 42 ) configured to receive an automatic ignition signal, an ignition reservation signal, an air amount control signal or a temperature setting signal from a user terminal ( 100 ) located at a remote location;   a data storage unit ( 72 ) configured to store information related to the automatic ignition signal, the ignition reservation signal, the air amount control signal or the temperature setting signal transmitted from the communication module ( 42 );   a control unit ( 74 ) configured to apply control signals to respective corresponding components according to the automatic ignition signal, the ignition reservation signal, the air amount control signal or the temperature setting signal transmitted from the communication module ( 42 );   an air supply amount control motor ( 52 ) mounted below the combustion chamber ( 10 ) to control the air supply amount by being changed in speed according to a driving control signal transmitted from the control unit ( 74 );   an automatic control valve ( 60 ) mounted on an air supply passage to control an opening degree by being opened or closed according to the driving control signal transmitted from the control unit ( 74 );   an electric heating member ( 64 ) configured to generate heat for ignition of a solid fuel according to an ignition control signal transmitted from the control unit ( 74 ); and   a switching unit ( 70 ) to switch a power supply path connected to the electric heating member ( 64 ) according to a switching control signal transmitted from the control unit ( 74 ).   
     
     
         2 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a fireplace temperature sensor ( 44 ) attached to an outer wall of the combustion chamber ( 10 ) to detect a temperature of the combustion chamber ( 10 ).   
     
     
         3 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , wherein, when receiving an ignition signal, the control unit ( 74 ) performs control processes such that the automatic control valve ( 60 ) is opened to the maximum, the air supply amount control motor ( 52 ) is increased in rotating speed to the maximum, and the electric heating member ( 64 ) generates heat. 
     
     
         4 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , wherein, when a temperature of the combustion chamber ( 10 ) after ignition is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature, the control unit ( 74 ) performs control processes such that the automatic control valve ( 60 ) is closed and the air supply amount control motor ( 52 ) is stopped. 
     
     
         5 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit ( 74 ) controls the switching unit ( 70 ) to automatically cut off power supplied to the electric heating member ( 64 ) after ignition. 
     
     
         6 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , wherein the control unit ( 74 ) controls the automatic control valve ( 60 ) and the air supply amount control motor ( 52 ) according to a heating power control signal input by a user after ignition, and stores the corresponding control data in the data storage unit ( 72 ). 
     
     
         7 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a display unit ( 56 ) to display an ignition state, a key selection state, a temperature setting state, a heating power setting state, and key buttons for key selection; and   a display driving unit ( 58 ) to drive the display unit ( 56 ).   
     
     
         8 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an indoor temperature sensor ( 46 ) to detect an indoor temperature so that the control unit ( 74 ) achieves automatic ignition and temperature control according to the indoor temperature.   
     
     
         9 . The fireplace apparatus having a remote automatic control function according to  claim 1 , wherein the electric heating member ( 64 ) is covered with a ceramic cover ( 68 ).