CPC Definition - Subclass F24H

Last Updated Version: 2022.01
FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL (steam generation F22)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Self-contained heaters comprising heat generating means for heating fluids:

  • Water heaters having heat generating means
  • Air heaters having heat generating means
  • Fluid heaters using a heat pump
  • Combined water and air heaters
  • Storage heaters in which energy is stored as heat in masses staying in the heater
  • Fluid heaters having means specially adapted for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation
  • Details thereof, including constructional details and control means for fluid heaters.
  • Control of fluid heaters
Relationships with other classification places

Subclass F24H covers heater as such, i.e. the arrangements where the heat is generated.

Heaters integrated in a heating system adapted for domestic- or space-heating application, in which the heat is transmitted by a circuit to a consumer, are classified in F24D.

Self-contained heaters of the type stoves or ranges are classified in F24B and F24C.

Subclass F24H concerns to the function of heating in general. Heaters adapted for special applications are classified both in F24H and in the relevant subclass for the application:

  • application in vehicles B60H or B60S;
  • apparatus for making beverages A47J.

The components of a heater are also classified in the relevant subclasses:

  • burners in F23B;
  • electric heating means in H05B;
  • heat pumps in F25B;
  • solar collector or geothermal systems in F24S, F24T;
  • heat exchangers in F28;
  • valves in F16K;
  • control of temperature in G05D 23/00.
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Steam generation

F22

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Arrangement or adaptation of heating devices specially for passenger or goods spaces of vehicles, the heat being derived otherwise than from the propulsion plant

B60H 1/22

Air-heating in railway vehicles

B61D 27/00

Air-heating in ships or other waterborne vessels

B63J 2/12

Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, the air being heated

B64D 13/08

Domestic- or space-heating systems; Domestic hot-water supply systems

F24D

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Protecting plants by heating in gardens, orchards or forests

A01G 13/06

Baking ovens and apparatus for baking

A21B

Apparatus for making beverages

A47J

Forge furnaces

B21J

Heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials

C09K 5/00

Tube furnaces for thermal non-catalytic cracking

C10G 9/20

Devices, e.g. valves, for venting and aerating enclosures

F16K 24/00

Steam traps or like apparatus

F16T

Combustion apparatus

F23

Heat source: Burners

F23B

Domestic stoves or ranges

F24B, F24C

Heat source: Solar and geothermal heating means

F24S, F24T

Heat source: Heat pumps

F25B

Driers for solid material

F26B

Furnaces, kilns, ovens, retorts

F27

Heat exchangers

F28

Storage tanks

F28D 20/00

Controlling temperature

G05D 23/00

Electric heating elements and arrangements

H05B

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

Water includes other liquids;air includes other gases or gas mixtures

"water" and "air" always mean respectively, the liquid and gas to be heated

Furnace tubes

means tubes inside the heater wherein combustion is performed

Fire tubes

means tubes inside the heater wherein combustion is performed

Water tubes

means the tubes inside the heater through which water to be heated flows

Heater

means apparatus including both heat generating means and means for transferring the generated heat to water or air

Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters (steam boilers F22B)
Definition statement

This place covers:

Water heaters having generating means of the following kind:

  • With reduced pressure or of the vacuum steam type;
  • Electrically heated;
  • Using fluid fuel;
  • Immersion haters for open containers of ponds;
  • Using solid fuel;
  • Special heating applications, i.e. heated bath tubs, vehicles;
  • portable or mobile heaters;
  • packaged or self-contained boilers comprising water heaters with control devices and pump in a single unit;
  • Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, said heater arranged either with water separated form the heating medium or with direct contact of the water with the heating medium;
  • Water storage heaters;
  • Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters, e.g. water-heaters for central heating;
  • Water heaters having plural combustion chambers;
  • Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water.
Relationships with other classification places

The group heaters of the reduced pressure of vacuum steam type (F24H 1/0009) is rarely used. Steam boilers as such are covered by F22B.

The group heaters using solid fuel (F24H 1/0063) is rarely used. Domestic stoves or ranges with additional provisions for heating water are covered by F24B 9/00, F24C 13/00.

In the group water storage heaters (F24H 1/18) the water muss be able to flow outside the storage tank for being used. If the storage mass, which can be water, stays in the tank and there is a further intermediate medium for conveying the heat, this arrangement is only classified in F24H 7/00.

Water heaters with a heating pump as heat source are classified in F24H 4/00.

Water heaters extracting latent heat from flue gases (condensing boilers) are classified in F24H 8/00.

The group F24H 1/48 covers water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water, i.e. the heaters (tank, heat exchanger) for domestic water have to be within the boiler. If the domestic water heaters are located outside of the boiler, the invention is classified in F24D 3/08.

Heat exchangers which are exclusively used in boilers are classified in this group. Heat exchangers being able to be used in a boiler and elsewhere are classified both in this group and in the relevant subclass in F28.

Arrangement or mountings of control or safety device for water heaters are covered by F24H 9/20.

References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Steam boilers

F22B

Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Domestic stoves or ranges with additional provisions for heating water

F24B 9/00, F24C 13/00

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps

F24H 4/02

Liquid storage heaters using heat pumps

F24H 4/04

Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release

F24H 7/00

Fluid heaters characterised by means for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensate

F24H 8/00

Details of fluid heaters

F24H 9/00

Solid fuel fired boiler

F24H 2230/00

Cooking vessels

A47J 27/00

Apparatus for making beverages

A47J 31/54

Apparatus for making beverages

A47J 31/542

Bathing devices for therapeutic purposes

A61H 33/00

Windscreen washers comprising a water heater

B60S 1/487

Details concerning the thermal insulation of a container

B65D 81/38

Details of washing machines

D06F 39/00

Plumbing installations for fresh water having heating or cooling apparatus

E03C 1/044

Systems for heating the water content of swimming pools

E04H 4/129

Heating or cooling pipes or pipe systems

F16L 53/00

Details of baffles or deflectors within the combustion chamber

F23M 9/00

Hot-water central heating systems in combination with systems for domestic hot-water supply

F24D 3/08

Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses

F24D 11/00

Solar heating of swimming pools

F24S 20/02

Storing heat collected by solar heat collectors

F24S 60/30

Storing geothermal heat

F24T 10/30

Tubular heat-exchangers

F28D 7/00

Tubular elements, Assemblies of tubular elements

F28F 1/00

Ohmic-resistance heating

H05B 3/00

Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters for central heating incorporating heat exchangers for domestic water

F24H 1/52

Water-storage heaters
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water tanks

F24H 1/50

{Construction of the tank}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Containers or tanks in general, e.g. metal containers

B65D, B65D 7/00

{Insulation}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Containers with thermal insulation in general

B65D 81/38

{Inner linings}
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Linings for containers in general

B65D 25/14, B65D 90/04

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water-storage heaters, e.g. water heaters for central heating
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water

F24H 1/48

with water mantle surrounding the combustion chamber or chambers
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water chamber arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/34

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water contained in separate elements

F24H 1/38

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water tube or tubes

F24H 1/40

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with combinations of two or more of said water heaters

F24H 1/44

with water chamber arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber or chambers, e.g. above or at side
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water mantle surrounding the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/24

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water contained in separate elements

F24H 1/38

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water tube or tubes

F24H 1/40

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with combinations of two or more of said water heaters

F24H 1/44

with water contained in separate elements, e.g. radiator-type element
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water mantle surrounding the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/24

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water chamber arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/34

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water tube or tubes

F24H 1/40

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with combinations of two or more of said water heaters

F24H 1/44

with water tube or tubes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water mantle surrounding the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/24

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water chamber arranged adjacent to the combustion chamber or chambers

F24H 1/34

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with water contained in separate elements

F24H 1/38

Water heaters other than continuous-flow or water storage heaters with combinations of two or more of said water heaters

F24H 1/44

Water heaters for central heating incorporating heaters for domestic water
References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Central heating systems

F24D

Air heaters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Air heaters sorted by the type of heat source, e.g. using electric energy supply or using fluid combustible or using solid combustibles.

Air heaters with forced circulation of air.

Air heaters with a main heat source and additional heating arrangements.

Air heaters where the air is heated at the same location where the heat is generated.

Relationships with other classification places

Central heating radiators are not considered as an air heater as covered in this group. The central heating radiators as such are covered by F28D 1/00. Central heating radiators comprising additional heating means located within the radiator are covered by F24D 13/04.

Hot-air central heating systems are covered by F24D 5/00.

Ventilation systems which can be heated and cooled are covered by F24F.

Air heaters adapted for special applications are classified both in F24H 3/00 and in the relevant subclass for the application:

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Arrangement or adaptation of heating devices specially for passenger or goods spaces of vehicles, the heat being derived otherwise than from the propulsion plant

B60H 1/22

Interaction of the air heater with the vehicle (mounting a heater within a vehicle)

B60H 1/2215

Hot air central heating system

F24D 5/00

Central heating radiators for heating air comprising an additional electric heating means

F24D 13/04

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps

F24H 4/06

Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release

F24H 7/00

Fluid heaters characterised by means for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation

F24H 8/00

Hair dryers

A45D 20/00

Towel racks, Towel rails, Towel rods, Towel rolls

A47K 10/00

Welding wherein the heat is provided by a hot air stream

B23K

Domestic stoves or ranges with additional provisions for convection heating of air

F24B, F24C

Air conditioning devices which provide heated and cooled air

F24F

Lighting fixture and air heating means

F24F 13/078

Central heating radiators as such

F28D 1/00

Glossary of terms

In this place, the following terms or expressions are used with the meaning indicated:

For air heaters using electric energy supply, the term

Heating medium

means the resistive element, PTC/NTC element, induction element, microwave generator, Peltier element or lamp

Direct contact

means that the resistive element, electrodes and fins are bond together without additional elements (e.g. tubes or plates) in between

with forced circulation
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Air heaters with additional heating arrangements

F24H 3/12

Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
Definition statement

This place covers:

Liquid or gas heaters using heat pumps as heat source.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Other domestic or non-central space-heating system, consisting of self-contained heating units

F24D 15/02

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Combined water and air heaters

F24H 6/00

Air conditioning devices using heat pumps which provide heated and cooled air

F24F

Heat pump systems in general

F25B

Heat pumps (heat of condenser is used for a specific purpose, e.g. heating tap water)

F25B 30/00

Heat storage plants or apparatus in general

F28D 20/00

Combined water and air heaters
Definition statement

This place covers:

Combined water and air heaters.

References
Application-oriented references

Examples of places where the subject matter of this place is covered when specially adapted, used for a particular purpose, or incorporated in a larger system:

Hot-air central heating systems

F24D 5/00

Hot-air central heating systems using heat pumps

F24D 5/12

Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
Definition statement

This place covers:

Storage heaters ranked by the kind of the heat source, in which the heat storing material stays in the heater and wherein the released heat is either conveyed to a transfer fluid, e.g. air or water, or the released heat is radiated.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Water storage heaters

F24H 1/18

Storage materials

C09K 5/00

Material undergoing a change of physical state when being used

C09K 5/02

Domestic stoves or ranges with additional heat storage masses

F24B 1/24, F24C 15/34

Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses

F24D 11/00

Electric heating systems with resistances incorporated in construction elements, e.g. panels

F24D 13/022

Air-conditioning systems or apparatus not covered by F24F 1/00 or F24F 3/00 e.g. using solar heat, combined with household units such as an oven or water heater

F24F

Heat storage plants or apparatus

F28D 20/00

Fluid heaters characterised by means for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation
Definition statement

This place covers:

Fluid heaters arranged in a self-contained manner:

  • having heat-generating means specially adapted for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation located within the heater
  • having means for moistening the combustion air with condensate from the combustion gases
  • having means for removing condensate from the heater.
Relationships with other classification places

This group covers the arrangements of condensing boilers where the condensing heat exchanger is located inside the boiler.

The arrangements where the condensing heat exchanger is located outside the boiler (e.g. economizer) are covered by F24D 12/02 combined with F24D 2200/18.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Arrangements for treating smokes in the chimneys, in particular coolers

F23J 15/06

Fumes purifications: water draining devices associated with fumes

F23J 2900/13004

Flue gas condenser

F28D 21/00

Details
Definition statement

This place covers:

Details of liquid/water heaters and gas/air heaters.

Casings; Cover lids; Ornamental panels therefore (not for central heating radiators).

Arrangement of mountings or supports therefore (not for central heating radiators).

Connecting heaters to circulation pipes.

Connecting different sections within water-heaters.

Arrangements for water drainage.

Arrangement or mounting of grates, burners, or heating elements within the heater.

Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices.

Combustion air preheating arrangements.

Fluid heaters having electric generators.

Details about the kind of electrical heat generating means.

Relationships with other classification places

This group covers details concerning the device generating the heat.

Details concerning central heating radiators are covered by F24D.

Valves which are exclusively used in boilers are classified in this group. Valves being able to be used elsewhere are classified in the relevant subclass in F16K.

Pipe joints which are exclusively used in boilers are classified in this group. Pipe joints being able to be used elsewhere are classified in the relevant subclass in F16L.

Details concerning the control of a boiler are covered in F24H 9/20. Arrangements for control of temperature and algorithm therefore are also covered in G05D 23/00. In the particular case of electric heating means, the controls/automatic switching for the electric heater are also covered by H05B 1/02.

References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control valves

F16K

Safety devices for burners

F23D

Constructional details of combustion chambers, not otherwise provided for

F23M

Regulating or controlling combustion

F23N

Connecting central heating radiator to circulation pipes

F24D 19/0002

Arrangements for mountings or supports for central heating radiators

F24D 19/02

Casings, cover lids or ornamental panels for central heating radiators

F24D 19/06

Arrangements for drainage, venting or aerating in domestic- or space-heating systems

F24D 19/08

Casings, Header boxes, Auxiliary supports for elements, Auxiliary members within casings

F28F 9/00

Arrangements for connecting different sections of heat exchange elements, e.g. of radiators

F28F 9/26

Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Pipe joints in general

F16L

Arrangements for connecting different sections, e.g. in water heaters  (arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes F24H 9/12)
References
Limiting references

This place does not cover:

Arrangements for connecting heaters to circulation pipes

F24H 9/12

Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

In radiators

F28F 9/26

Arrangements for water drainage 
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Valves for drainage

F16K, F16K 21/00

Arrangements for water drainage in pipes or pipe systems in general

F16L 55/00

Arrangements for water drainage in domestic-or space-heating systems

F24D 19/08

Arrangement or mounting of grates or heating means
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Burners

F23D

Grates

F23H

Electric heating elements

H05B

Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Control valves

F16K

Safety devices for burners

F23D 3/26, F23D 5/16, F23D 14/72

Combustion control devices

F23N

Automatic switching for electric heating apparatus

H05B 1/02

Temperature of the air before heating
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Room temperature

F24H 15/254

Outdoor temperature

F24H 15/258

using telephone networks or Internet communication
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Remote controls using telephone networks for air conditioning devices

F24F 11/57

Remote controls using Internet communication for air conditioning devices

F24F 11/58

Information and communication technology specially adapted for the Internet of Things [IoT]

G16Y

Fluid heaters having electrical generators
References
Informative references

Attention is drawn to the following places, which may be of interest for search:

Small-scale combined heat and power [CHP] generation systems specially adapted for domestic heating, space heating or domestic hot-water supply

F24D 18/00