CA2247665A1 - Fireplace with simulated flame effect - Google Patents
Fireplace with simulated flame effect Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2247665A1 CA2247665A1 CA002247665A CA2247665A CA2247665A1 CA 2247665 A1 CA2247665 A1 CA 2247665A1 CA 002247665 A CA002247665 A CA 002247665A CA 2247665 A CA2247665 A CA 2247665A CA 2247665 A1 CA2247665 A1 CA 2247665A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- flame
- generators
- electronic
- apparatus includes
- visible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F21—LIGHTING
- F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
- F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
- F21S10/04—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect simulating flames
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C3/00—Stoves or ranges for gaseous fuels
- F24C3/002—Stoves
- F24C3/006—Stoves simulating flames
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
- F24C7/002—Stoves
- F24C7/004—Stoves simulating flames
Abstract
The fireplace is mainly for visual effect, and comprises many electronic-flame-generators, arranged in such a manner that the electronic-flame-generators are visible in direct line of sight. The flame-generators are viewed through a slightly diffused cover, so that the glass envelope of the flame-generators cannot be perceived, but the flickering flame characteristics show through. The electronic-flame-generators are of the flickering-glow type, comprising a glass envelope containing a pair of plateelectrodes mounted in a narrowly-spaced-apart face-to-face relationship.
Description
CA 0224766~ 1998-09-17 Title: FIREPLACE WITH SIMULATED FLAME EFFECT
4 This invention relates to artificial fireplaces, of the kind that are intended for visual 5 effect rather than to provide heat. However, a heating means may be optionally added, 6 if desired.
g THE INVENTION IN RELATION TO THE PRIOR ART
l1 Previous designs of artificial or simulated fireplaces have included some means for 12 creating the required flickering effect that is needed to simulate real flames. The 13 flicker-creating means have generally been based on some kind of mechanically14 moving shield or mask, which allows light from a light-bulb to pass, or to be reflected, in 15 a changing manner. Another approach has been to install flicker-units in the power 16 supply to a light-bulb. The light-bulb itself, being of the conventional incandescent 17 type, has been shielded from direct, i.e line-of-sight, view.
19 A key problem with mechanically-induced flicker is that it becomes regular and cyclic.
20 The eye quickly perceives pattern, and having perceived it then cannot ignore it. Also, 21 the flicker rate of a real flame, in addition to being random, is rapid, and both these 22 qualities are not easy to simulate economically mechanically.
24 The present invention is aimed at providing an artificial fireplace in which the flickering 25 is achieved electronically, whereby the need for moving parts in the fireplace is reduced 26 or removed.
31 In the new design, incandescent light-bulbs are not used, Instead, the light sources are 32 provided in the form of electronic-flame-generators. The number N of electroniGflame-33 generators is large, and the designer arranges that the electronic-flame-generators can 34 be seen, in direct line-of-sight. The electronic-flame-generators are seen through a . . , CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 diffused-transparent cover, as will be explained.
37 Preferably, the number N of electronic-flame-generators is at least fifteen. Each 38 electronic-flame-generator creates light in a flickering manner, and because each of the 39 many electronic-flame-generators flickers independently of the others, the effect is of many separate and independent flames flickering randomly.
42 In the invention, each of the N electronic-flame-generators is of the flickering-glow type, 43 comprising a glass envelope containing a pair of plate electrodes mounted in a 44 narrowly-spaced-apart face-to-face relationship.
46 The fireplace apparatus includes a cover, having diffused-transparent areas; the many 47 separate electronic-flame-generators are disposed and arranged in amongst the 48 simulations of fuel items, in such manner as to have the appearance that the electronic-49 flame-generators appear each as a respective flickering flame emanating from the fuel items; at least 1/2 N of the electronic-flame-generators are so placed with respect to the 51 simulations of fuel items as to be visible directly by a person viewing the apparatus, in 52 direct line of sight through the diffused-transparent areas of the cover.
54 In the diffused-transparent areas of the cover, the character of the cover is such as to diffuse light emanating from the electronic-flame-generator to a degree that is sufficient 56 to render the glass envelope of the electronic-flame-generator imperceptible, but also 57 to such a small degree that the flickering flame characteristic of the electroniGflame-58 generator remains apparent when the electronic-flame-generator is viewed through the 59 diffused area.
61 The manner in which the diffused-transparent characteristic is created preferably 62 co",prises scratching or marking the cover at a pitch of about 1 or 2 per millimetre, the 63 surface being substantially translucent or opaque in the scratches, and being clear 64 therebetween.
66 Preferably, the diffused-transparent areas of the cover are so clear and non-diffuse that 67 no substantial aureole or corona of diffused light can be perceived around the 68 electroniGflame-generator, when viewed through the diffused-transparent area.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 69 Preferably, the apparatus includes a second diffuser, in addition to the diffused-transparent areas of the cover; in respect of the second diffuser, the diffusion71 characteristic thereof is such that light from some of the electronic-flame-generators in 72 passing therethrough is diffused enough to produce the effect of a general warm glow 73 over a generalised area It may be noted that the general warm glow is not the still or 74 unmoving glow associated with ordinary light-bulbs, but is an aggregation of many flickering electronic-flame-generators; therefore, the warm glow has a perceptible (but 76 not obtrusive) quality of light-in-motion, and this is very realistic.
78 Preferably, the many electronic-flame-generators are mains-powered, and have a low-79 wattage rating, and the apparatus includes means for supplying the many electronic-flame-generators, in parallel, with mains power.
82 Preferably, the apparatus includes spark-generators, in the form of optical fibres, 83 having splayed-out ends.
Preferably, the apparatus includes a means for playing recordings of sound, the means 86 being suitable for playing the recordings in an endlessly-repeating manner.
9l By way of further explanation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention 92 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
94 Fig 1 is a front view of a fireplace apparatus, which incorporates the invention;
Fig 2 is a cross-sectioned side elevation of the fireplace apparatus of Fig 1;
96 Fig 3 is a pictorial view of an electronic-flame-generator of the kind as used in the 97 apparatus of Fig 1;
98 Fig 3a is a side elevation of some of the components of same;
99 Fig 4 is a view on arrow A of Fig 2;
l00 Fig ~ is a cross-sectioned side elevation of some of the components of another fireplace;
02 Fig 6 is a cross-sectioned side elevation of some of the components of a further .. .. .
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 103 fireplace;
104 Fig 7 is a diagram showing a means for simulating a falling log in a fireplace apparatus.
106 The apparatuses shown in the accompanying drawings and described below are 107 examples which embody the invention. It should be noted that the scope of the 108 invention is defined by the accompanying claims, and not necessarily by specific los features of exemplary embodiments.
lll Fig 1 shows the fireplace apparatus 20 as viewed from the front, and Fig 2 shows it in 112 cross-section. The apparatus includes a cover 23, which has translucent (and almost 113 transparent) areas 24, and opaque areas 25. The areas 24 are termed the diffused-114 transparent areas. The opaque areas are painted to simulate logs. In this example, 115 the cover is made of moulded (e.g vacuum-moulded) plastic.
117 Behind the cover23 are located many electronic-flame-generators. Some of the118 electronic-flame-generators 26 are visible through the diffused-transparent areas 24, llg while others of the electroniGflame-generators 27 are located behind the opaque areas 120 25. The visible electronic-flame-generators 26 can be seen directly (i.e in direct line of 121 sight) by a person in front of the fireplace, through the material of the cover in the 122 diffused-transparent areas of the cover. The invisible electronic-flame-generators 27 123 are not visible directly, but can be seen by reflection. Preferably, at least half the 124 electronic-flame-generators should be directly visible. In the example as illustrated, 125 fifteen of the twenty-eight electronic-flame-generators are visible.
127 One of the electroniGflame-generators 26 is shown in Fig 3. The device comprises a 128 gas-filled glass envelope 30, and t~,vo electrodes 32,34 are positioned inside the glass 129 envelope. The electrodes are of considerable area, and are placed in a narrowly-130 spaced-apart face-to-face relationship, as shown. The gap between the electrodes is 131 uniform over the whole area of the electrodes, and has a dimension of about 0.3 mm 132 (Fig 3a). In the example shown, each electrode has an area of about 1/2 a square 133 centimetre. Such electronic-flame-generators are commercially available under the 134 trade mark Flicker Flame, for example.
136 When supplied with AC, a glow of light flickers around the electrodes. The device is CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 137 cold running, i.e the light emission does not depend on a heated filament that glows 138 incandescently. The flickering flame is flame-like in colour.
140 The electronic-flame-generator may be likened to a flickering light-emitting-diode (LED), 141 as regards its manner of pe, ror"~ance.
143 The visible electronic-flame-generators are seen through the diffused-transparent areas 144 24 of the cover. It may be noted that in a conventional imitation-fireplace structure, 145 which uses ordinary light-bulbs, one of the main aspects the designer must address lies 146 in concealing the light-bulb from direct view. The designer knows that if the viewer can 147 see the light-bulb, disguising the light-bulb as a flame becomes more or less 148 impossible. That is why conventional imitation fireplaces have masks and shields, etc, 149 to conceal the actual light-bulb from direct view, and mechanically moving mirrors and 150 other components to simulate the flickering appearance of flames. It is of course very 151 difficult to make a flame created by this means look realistic. The difficulty with the 152 conventional systems lies mainly in the simulation of randomness -- a quality that is not 153 easy to achieve economically when based on mechanical movement.
155 In the present design, by contrast, the electronic-flame-generators 26 are exposed to 156 direct view. It is recognised, in the present design, that the viewer can readily perceive 157 the electronic-flame-generator as a realistic-looking flame, upon directly viewing the 158 electroniGflame-generator (from in front of the fireplace 20).
160 It is recognised that, so long as he is prevented from perceiving the actual glass 161 envelope 30 of the electronic-flame-generator, the electronic-flame-generator provides 162 a very realistic-looking flame. The amount of diffusion needed to cause the eye not to 163 perceive the glass envelope is minimal, and easily achieved in the diffused-transparent 164 area 24, while still allowing the generated flame to be seen clearly.
166 The use of electronic-flame-generators in the present design may be compared with 167 their conventional use in such structures as chandeliers, candelabra, Christmas-tree 168 lights, etc. The electronic-flame-generator is designed to simulate an open flame (like a 169 candle), and from this standpoint, a electroniGflame-generator type of device is hugely 170 more realistic than a structure in which the flame is simulated by an incandescent bulb CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 171 Sl ~pp'.ed with rapid-on/off electricity.
173 But still, when the electronic-flame-generators are exposed to direct and non-diffused 174 view, the viewer can see the glass envelope. When that happens, the viewer cannot 175 help but see that the "flame" is inside a glass envelope. This is not so much of a 176 disadvantage in chandeliers etc, but it is critical in the case of a fireplace. A chandelier 177 in which the candle flames are enclosed in glass is one thing, but a fireplace in which 178 the flames are enclosed in glass is quite another. Therefore, in the present design, it is 179 arranged that the electroniGflame-generators are viewed through what are termed the 180 diffused-transparent areas of the cover. But it is stressed that, subject to the point that 181 the electronic-flame-generators should be viewed through the diffused-transparent 182 areas, nevertheless in the present design the electronic-flame-generators are viewed 183 directly, i.e in direct line-of-sight, and this should be understood as an important 184 difference compared with a conventional imitation fireplace.
186 The diffused transparent areas 24 are diffused enough to prevent the viewer from 187 perceiving the glass envelope 30, but are not so diffused as to prevent the electronic-188 flame-generator 26 from looking like a flame. Thus, the diffusing is not so great that it 189 would create a visible aureole or corona around the flame.
191 The required degree of diffusion may be achieved by making scratches on the surface 192 of what is otherwise transparent, or nearly transparent, plastic. The scratches can be 193 spaced apart say 1 or 2 per millimetre, the plain areas between the scratches being left 194 clear. For example, half of the surface of the plastic may be left clear, the other half 195 being translucent, as a result of being scratched. As an altemative to scratching, lines 196 may be painted or otherwise marked on the surface of the plastic. The designer 197 preferably should aim to provide just enough diffusion as will prevent the glass 198 envelope from being perceived, but no more than that.
200 A separate diffuser component may alternatively be provided, if scratching or marking 201 the cover is not practical. A sheet of almost-transparent polythene, or the like, could be 202 considered satisfactory.
204 It is i",po~lant that a simulated fireplace should include multiple flames. The present CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 20~ design simulates multiple flames by providing many of the electronic-flame-generators 206 2 6,2 7.
208 Again, the present design may be compared with a conventional imitation flame 209 structure, from the standpoint of the designers approach to producing many or multiple 210 flames. It theoretically would be possible, in the conventional system, for the designer 211 to provide many light-bulbs, and many mechanical flicker-inducers, i.e one light-bulb 212 and one flicker-inducer for each flame simulated. But practically, that is very much 213 contra-indicated in the conventional system. When the light-bulbs are not seen directly, 214 and when the flickering effect is created by mechanical movement, the choice between 215 providing just one or two light-bulbs (and just one or two mechanical flicker-inducers), 216 and providing many, so obviously favours just-one-or-two as to be hardly a choice at 217 all. It may be noted that because a physical structure has to be provided to conceal the 218 light-bulb from direct sight, the designer is led to use that same structure to break the 219 light image of the light-bulb up into many or multiple images, each of which can 220 simulate a separate flame.
222 But when the multiple flames come from multiple electronic-flame-generators, each of 223 which is to be separately visible in direct line-of-sight, it is recognised that there is little 224 merit in the notion of providing just one electronic-flame-generator, and of breaking its 225 light up into several images, to simulate multiple flames. When the electronic-flame-226 generators are to be viewed directly, it becomes important that the multiple flames 227 should rather be simulated by providing multiple separate, and independently-228 randomly-flickering, electroniGflame-generators.
230 In the conventional system, the separate flames were simulated from just one or two 231 light-bulbs. But that made sense because the light-bulb had to be concealed anyway, 232 and the mechanical flicker-inducer could be incorporated into the concealment 233 structure. in the present design, the separate flames are simulated by separate 234 electroniGflame-generators, and it is recognised that that makes sense in the present 235 design because the electroniGflame-generators are viewed as the flames themselves, 236 in direct line-of-sight, and because no mechanical flicker-inducers are required.
238 It is recognised that it would not make sense, in the new design, to provide only one or CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 239 two electronic-flame-generators, and seek to create the multiple flame effect by 240 mechanically dividing and reflecting the light image. One of the distinctive features of a 241 real flame is the randomness of its flickering, and if several of the "flames" all flicker at 242 the same rate, the eye very quickly perceives this, and it quickly destroys any sense in 243 which the flames are perceived as realistic.
245 The present design provides many electronic-flame-generators. It may be regarded 246 that there is a respective electronic-flame-generator in respect of each of the many 247 simulated flames. Creating multiple flames is important in a simulated fireplace; and 248 also, the many flames should be disposed over the whole area of the simulated fire.
249 Creating just one or two flames, or having large areas without flames (although that 250 might happen in a real fire) detracts very much from an artificial fire.
252 Realism would not achieved by a small number of electronic-flame-generators, even if 253 the light from those electronic-flame-generators were divided or reflected, to multiply 254 the apparent number of flames. The unison of flickering is very unnatural-looking, and 255 would quickly become apparent.
257 Another benefit that arises from providing a large number of electronic-flame-258 generators is that more than one mode of simulation can be conveniently provided. For 259 example, one simulation might be of a bright crackling fire, whereas another simulation 260 might be of cosily glowing embers. All that is needed to switch from bright-crackling to 261 cosy-glow would be to switch off some of the directly visible electronic-flame-generators 262 26, while leaving the not-directly-visible electronic-flame-generators 27 switched on.
263 The fact that the electroniGflame-generators are many in number makes it possible for 264 both conditions to be adequately lit.
266 Another point that arises from a consideration of "many" versus "just-one-or-two"
267 sources of flame is that the electroniGflame-generators are readily available in mains-268 powered low-wattage form, for example 3 W. Ordinary incandescent light-bulbs are 269 much more readily available in larger sizes and ratings, whereby more than one or two 270 of the light-bulbs would provide far too much illumination for a simulated fireplace.
272 It should be pointed out also that providing the large number of low-wattage electroniG
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 273 flame-generators in the present design still leaves the total wattage at a low 100 W, or 274 thereabouts, whereas providing the same light output from a large number of small 275 incandescent light-bulbs inevitably would lead to a total of several hundred W.
277 It is recognised that the above advantages that arise when the number of the 278 electronic-flame-generators can be char~-,lerised as "many" are substantially met when 279 the number is at least fifteen, of which at least half are visible.
281 In Fig 5, the simulated logs 37 are not moulded unitarilly into the plastic cover 38, but 282 rather the logs 37 are formed separately, and rest in recesses 39 in the cover. (In this 283 case, the logs might even be of real wood, in that the elect,on c flame-generators do 284 not generate heat.) It may be noted from Fig 5 that in this case the designer can 285 arrange for the electronic-flame-generators 40 to be placed actually in front of the logs, 286 whereby the flame appears to be coming directly out of the log.
288 It may also be noted in Fig 2 that a crack 60 in the one of the artificial logs can be 289 utilised very effectively. Positioning one of the electronic-flame-generators so that it 290 can be viewed in direct line-of-sight through the crack is effective in promoting a 291 realistic image of flames licking into the crack.
293 A real fire comprises both flickering flames and glowing embers. The simulated 294 fireplace similarly should include both. As shown in Fig 6, two diffusers can be 295 provided. The first is the diffused-transparent areas 24 of the cover 23, as previously 296 described, where the degree of diffusion is a minimum. The other is a separate diffuser 297 42 placed over some, preferably the not-directly-visible ones, of the electronic-flame-298 generators. The separate diffuser 42 is much more translucent and diffuse. The 299 purpose of the diffuser 42 is to produce a general warm glow over a large area of the 300 fire, rather than to display individual flames. As mentioned above, the warm glow 301 produced in this manner has a dynamic quality, which has been missing in other warm-302 glow-producing means 304 A mirror 43 may be provided above the fire area, and the back and side panels 45,46 305 may be of a reflective material, to enhance the warm overall glow effect.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 307 The appearance of sparks is simulated in the following manner. Lengths of optical fibre 308 47 are splayed out at their ends. A pea-type light-bulb or LED 49 is placed close to the 309 bottom end of the optical fibre, such that light therefrom is l,dns",illed to, and appears 310 at, the upper end 48 of the fibre. The bulb 49 is supplied with randomised pulses of 311 electricity, with the result that the upper end displays random pulses of light. If properly 312 engineered, these can look like sparks. The (low-power) pulses can be randomised by 313 suitable electronic circuitry, without the need for moving parts.
315 The apparatus also includes a means for generating sound. A cassette-tape player 50 316 is provided in the apparatus for this purpose. P,~ferably, the tape used contains a 317 recording of an actual crackling fire. The tape and the player should be of the 318 endlessly-reversing-without-a-break type. The system should be such as to prevent the 319 listener from perceiving a cyclic pattern or repeats to the sounds, because those, once 320 perceived, would greatly detract from the illusion of a real fire.
322 The sound generator can include a means for switching between two sounds; for 323 example, a sound recording of a real fire accompanies the bright-crackling fire mode, 324 whereas soft music accompanies the cosy-glowing-embers mode.
326 The electronic-flame-generators create virtually no heat; also, being low wattage, the 327 egfs can be supplied via relatively thin wire conductors. These points can lead to 328 certain advantages in the flame-simulation apparatus, as will now be described.
330 When incandescent bulbs were used, of course the main design problem was to get 331 the bulbs to flicker realistically, like flames. But also, with incandescent bulbs, it was 332 difficult for the designer to include more than a very small number of bulbs. And 333 including more bulbs was rather po.nlless anyway, given that incandescent bulbs, to 334 have any kind of realism at all, have to be viewed indirectly -- it was easier to arrange to 335 view several reflections of one bulb as it would have been to view one reflection each 336 of several bulbs. Also, even low wattage incandescent bulbs give off heat. It is 337 possible to conte",plale placing a number of incandescent bulbs in a spaced-apart 338 relationship, but the prudent designer would avoid placing many incandescent bulbs in 339 a packed-tightly-together relationship.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 341 The electronic-flame-generators, on the other hand, do not have that li,~)ilalion.
342 P~eca-lse they run cool, the electroniGflame-generators can indeed be placed in a 343 packed-tightly-together relationship. Thus, contrary to what can be done with 344 incandescent bulbs, it is recognised that it is possible to provide, in a unit that simulates 345 a conventionally-sized domestic fireplace, not just a few, but dozens of electronic-346 flame-generators. The practical upper limit would be around fifty. Up to that, it may be 347 stated that adding more electronic-flame-generators enhances the realism of the 348 simulated flickering flame effect.
350 The fact that a great many eleclron.c flame-generators can be provided in the fireplace 351 permits further realism-enhancing strategies.
353 The more electronic-flame-generators are included, the more the aggregate can be 354 programmed to give random effects. When many electronic-flame-generators are 355 provided, the designer can now arrange for some of them to be switched off. So long 356 as this is done on a randomised (i.e non-pattern-generating) basis, the realism-357 enhancement can be considerable. Instead of having all the electronic-flame-358 generators on at once, all the time, the electronic-flame-generators can be programmed 359 to switch in and out; this one can be on (and flickering) for five seconds, then off for 360 three seconds, then on for thirty seconds, in a random, constantly-changing, never-361 repeating, sequence. A program to generate such random sequences, for say fiKeen 362 of fiKy electronic-flame-generators, can readily be incorporated into a central controller 363 (coi"prised by a simple circuit board), for inclusion in the apparatus. Because the 364 wattage of the electronic-flame-generators is so low, the switching can be handled 365 directly on and by the control board, without the need for relays or the like.
367 Another point arising from the low wattage of the electronic-flame-generators should be 368 mentioned. This is the fact that only thin wires are needed to supply the electronic-369 flame-generators. Therefore, the fact that many of the electronic-flame-generators are 370 wired individually to the central control board is acceptable, because the many 371 individual wires are thin enough to be easily physically accommodated. Because the 372 wires are thin, the fact that there are so many electronic-flame-generators does not give 373 rise to a wiring problem; so much so, that, as mentioned, there is little difficulty in 374 arranging for many of the electronic-flame-generators to be wired individually to a CA 02247 66C, 1998-09-17 375 central controller.
377 Not all the electroniGflame-generators need to be individually wired to the central 378 controller, and a simple single wiring-ring can be looped around the majority of 379 electronic-flame-generators, which stay on all the time.
381 The electronic-flame-generators screw into ordinary light-bulb sockets, and the sockets 382 required in the fireplace apparatus are preferably built onto a single common socket-383 board, in the apparatus, which carries the sockets for all N (where N can be as many as 384 fifty) electronic-flame-generators. Alternatively, a small plurality of boards can be 385 provided. The sockets should be so positioned in the socket-board that the electronic-386 flame-generators are not regularly spaced, nor in regular rows, nor at all the same 387 height.
389 The nature of the electronic-flame-generators is such that the designer can provide 390 very many of them. As mentioned, in turn this means that it becomes worthwhile to 391 provide a control system to switch some of the electronic-flame-generators on and off 392 in a random sequence. Given that a control system is provided, it now becomes 393 worthwhile to co-ordinate the switching of (some of) the individual electronic-flame-394 generators with the sound effects.
396 Instead of (or in addition to) the endless-tape-recording, the sounds associated with a 397 fire can be generated ele~1,or, ~lly. It may be noted that crackles are more or less the 398 easiest sounds to generate electronically, and randomising the crackles is also very 399 simple. The designer can arrange for several electronic-flame-generators (and/or the 400 LED spark generators) to switch on together to coincide with a burst of crackling --401 which would then individually switch off, to simulate a flare-up which subsequently dies 402 away.
404 It is not necess~-y for all the electronic-flame-generators to be visible in the same 405 window. That is to say, the fireplace simulator effect can be achieved by an artistic 406 arrangement of logs, and the electronic-flame-generators are visible through windows 407 between the logs. The designer might arrange for the lower windows to be more 408 translucent, to give a general warm glow; and might arrange for the "flames" to be of CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 409 different colours, e.g reddish in the bottom windows, and yellowish in the top windows, 410 as distinct from the generally orange glow of the electronic-flame-generators.
412 Fig 7 illustrates a falling log, and shows how the same can be incorporated into the 413 apparatus. A slow-turning electric motor 70 operates a cam 72. A hinged log 73 414 gradually rises as the cam tums, until the log falls over the step in the cam. A micro-415 switch 74 signals the fall, and the signal can be sent to a central control board 75, 416 where it is used to trigger a shower of sparks and crackles, as mentioned. The gradual 417 rise of the log when in contact with the spiral portion of the cam is slow enough that it 418 takes place over a few minutes, and is imperceptible. A small plurality of falling logs 419 can be i"coi~,ordted into the apparatus, if desired. The start of each falling-log 420 sequence can be randomly initiated for extra realism.
422 It should be borne in mind by the designer that many people will gaze into a fire (even a 423 simulated fire) for quite considerable periods. It is important that the person not be able 424 to perceive patterns. Once the pattern is perceived, it is very hard to ignore, and that 425 takes away from the person's enjoyment of the fireplace. Thus, the flickering should 426 not be allowed to become cyclic, nor the sequencing to become regular. For this 427 reason, a random sound generator is prefe"èd to an endlessly repeating tape, 428 because, after a time, the person would be able to predict each particular crackle on a 429 tape. The randomness of generated crackles and on/off sequences is therefore of 430 particular benefit. Even so, of course, there is plenty of scope for the designer to use 431 artistry in making the simulations as realistic as possible, in terms of creating switching 432 sequences for simulating particular events, such as the falling log just described.
434 In addition to making it difficult for the person to perceive patterns in the flickering and 435 switching, and in the sounds, the designer should also seek to mask the visual 436 obtrusions of the electronic-flame-generators. As described, these units are housed in 437 glass envelopes, which can be all too noticeably apparent if the designer does not take 438 precautions. The diffuser screen placed in front of the electroniGflame-generators, and 439 through which the electronic-flame-generators are visible, should be given careful 440 preparation.
442 The screen should include a means for breaking up the outline of the glass envelopes CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 443 -- because once the person has perceived the envelope, it can be very difficult to 444 ignore it in future. Also, although this is less important, the screen should also include 445 a means for breaking up the outline of the electrodes within the envelopes.
447 A key way in which the outline of the envelopes can be broken up visually is by 448 providing very many electronic-flame-generators, and packing them tightly together. In 449 this context, the envelopes can be regarded as packed tightly if they are pitched less 450 than one envelope diameter apart, and preferably about half that. The flickering 451 reflections on each envelope of the neighbouring envelopes is then very effective at 452 preventing the outline from being perceived.
454 Another way in which the outlines can be broken up, as mentioned, is by making the 455 screen a little translucent; the difficulty here is to break up the outline of the envelope 456 without creating a halo around the flickering flame. One way of achieving this is to 457 place the slightly-translucent screen as close as possible to the electroniGflame-45g generators. Again, it is noted that because the electronic-flame-generators run cool, 459 there is no difficulty in positioning the screen close up against the electronic-flame-460 generators.
462 The screen is made from a sheet of transparent plastic, and the surface of the sheet 463 can be scratched or marked, to give rise to the required degree of diffusion.
464 Preferably, the surface should be marked with dark markings, as opposed to being 465 scralched; both scratches and dark markings can visually break up the outline of the 466 envelopes, but scratches cause more of an aureole or halo than dark markings.
468 Another way in which the outlines can be visually broken up is by providing a simulated 469 spark guard, in front of the fireplace. A spark guard (which is conventionally provided 470 in front of an open fire, not only to catch sparks shooting out, but also to prevent 471 children and pets from touching the flames) is not, of course, required with a flame 472 simulator of the type as described herein; however, the point is that a spark guard does 473 not appear out of place in a fireplace, and its presence is very effective in camouflaging 474 the glass envelopes. Typically, the spark guard comprises many thick wires, which 475 either hang down loosely or form a mesh. The spark guard is some distance in front of 476 the electronic-flame-generators, to the extent that if the diffuser screen were such a CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 477 long distance forward of the electronic-flame-generators, the resulting halos would be 478 obtrusive. But a flickering electronic-flame-generator, seen through the interstices of a 479 loose open mesh of wires, does not acquire a halo.
481 Providing glass doors, either alone or in conjunction with the spark guard, also is in 482 keeping with what is expected in a fireplace, and the (closed) glass doors can provide 483 some slight additional effects in misleading the eye away from perceiving the 484 envelopes.
486 It is contemplated that the apparatus as described herein may include a very small 487 number of masked or concealed incandescent bulbs (e.g just one), for general 488 background glow, superimposed on the flickering light from the electronic-flame-489 generators.
4 This invention relates to artificial fireplaces, of the kind that are intended for visual 5 effect rather than to provide heat. However, a heating means may be optionally added, 6 if desired.
g THE INVENTION IN RELATION TO THE PRIOR ART
l1 Previous designs of artificial or simulated fireplaces have included some means for 12 creating the required flickering effect that is needed to simulate real flames. The 13 flicker-creating means have generally been based on some kind of mechanically14 moving shield or mask, which allows light from a light-bulb to pass, or to be reflected, in 15 a changing manner. Another approach has been to install flicker-units in the power 16 supply to a light-bulb. The light-bulb itself, being of the conventional incandescent 17 type, has been shielded from direct, i.e line-of-sight, view.
19 A key problem with mechanically-induced flicker is that it becomes regular and cyclic.
20 The eye quickly perceives pattern, and having perceived it then cannot ignore it. Also, 21 the flicker rate of a real flame, in addition to being random, is rapid, and both these 22 qualities are not easy to simulate economically mechanically.
24 The present invention is aimed at providing an artificial fireplace in which the flickering 25 is achieved electronically, whereby the need for moving parts in the fireplace is reduced 26 or removed.
31 In the new design, incandescent light-bulbs are not used, Instead, the light sources are 32 provided in the form of electronic-flame-generators. The number N of electroniGflame-33 generators is large, and the designer arranges that the electronic-flame-generators can 34 be seen, in direct line-of-sight. The electronic-flame-generators are seen through a . . , CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 diffused-transparent cover, as will be explained.
37 Preferably, the number N of electronic-flame-generators is at least fifteen. Each 38 electronic-flame-generator creates light in a flickering manner, and because each of the 39 many electronic-flame-generators flickers independently of the others, the effect is of many separate and independent flames flickering randomly.
42 In the invention, each of the N electronic-flame-generators is of the flickering-glow type, 43 comprising a glass envelope containing a pair of plate electrodes mounted in a 44 narrowly-spaced-apart face-to-face relationship.
46 The fireplace apparatus includes a cover, having diffused-transparent areas; the many 47 separate electronic-flame-generators are disposed and arranged in amongst the 48 simulations of fuel items, in such manner as to have the appearance that the electronic-49 flame-generators appear each as a respective flickering flame emanating from the fuel items; at least 1/2 N of the electronic-flame-generators are so placed with respect to the 51 simulations of fuel items as to be visible directly by a person viewing the apparatus, in 52 direct line of sight through the diffused-transparent areas of the cover.
54 In the diffused-transparent areas of the cover, the character of the cover is such as to diffuse light emanating from the electronic-flame-generator to a degree that is sufficient 56 to render the glass envelope of the electronic-flame-generator imperceptible, but also 57 to such a small degree that the flickering flame characteristic of the electroniGflame-58 generator remains apparent when the electronic-flame-generator is viewed through the 59 diffused area.
61 The manner in which the diffused-transparent characteristic is created preferably 62 co",prises scratching or marking the cover at a pitch of about 1 or 2 per millimetre, the 63 surface being substantially translucent or opaque in the scratches, and being clear 64 therebetween.
66 Preferably, the diffused-transparent areas of the cover are so clear and non-diffuse that 67 no substantial aureole or corona of diffused light can be perceived around the 68 electroniGflame-generator, when viewed through the diffused-transparent area.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 69 Preferably, the apparatus includes a second diffuser, in addition to the diffused-transparent areas of the cover; in respect of the second diffuser, the diffusion71 characteristic thereof is such that light from some of the electronic-flame-generators in 72 passing therethrough is diffused enough to produce the effect of a general warm glow 73 over a generalised area It may be noted that the general warm glow is not the still or 74 unmoving glow associated with ordinary light-bulbs, but is an aggregation of many flickering electronic-flame-generators; therefore, the warm glow has a perceptible (but 76 not obtrusive) quality of light-in-motion, and this is very realistic.
78 Preferably, the many electronic-flame-generators are mains-powered, and have a low-79 wattage rating, and the apparatus includes means for supplying the many electronic-flame-generators, in parallel, with mains power.
82 Preferably, the apparatus includes spark-generators, in the form of optical fibres, 83 having splayed-out ends.
Preferably, the apparatus includes a means for playing recordings of sound, the means 86 being suitable for playing the recordings in an endlessly-repeating manner.
9l By way of further explanation of the invention, exemplary embodiments of the invention 92 will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
94 Fig 1 is a front view of a fireplace apparatus, which incorporates the invention;
Fig 2 is a cross-sectioned side elevation of the fireplace apparatus of Fig 1;
96 Fig 3 is a pictorial view of an electronic-flame-generator of the kind as used in the 97 apparatus of Fig 1;
98 Fig 3a is a side elevation of some of the components of same;
99 Fig 4 is a view on arrow A of Fig 2;
l00 Fig ~ is a cross-sectioned side elevation of some of the components of another fireplace;
02 Fig 6 is a cross-sectioned side elevation of some of the components of a further .. .. .
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 103 fireplace;
104 Fig 7 is a diagram showing a means for simulating a falling log in a fireplace apparatus.
106 The apparatuses shown in the accompanying drawings and described below are 107 examples which embody the invention. It should be noted that the scope of the 108 invention is defined by the accompanying claims, and not necessarily by specific los features of exemplary embodiments.
lll Fig 1 shows the fireplace apparatus 20 as viewed from the front, and Fig 2 shows it in 112 cross-section. The apparatus includes a cover 23, which has translucent (and almost 113 transparent) areas 24, and opaque areas 25. The areas 24 are termed the diffused-114 transparent areas. The opaque areas are painted to simulate logs. In this example, 115 the cover is made of moulded (e.g vacuum-moulded) plastic.
117 Behind the cover23 are located many electronic-flame-generators. Some of the118 electronic-flame-generators 26 are visible through the diffused-transparent areas 24, llg while others of the electroniGflame-generators 27 are located behind the opaque areas 120 25. The visible electronic-flame-generators 26 can be seen directly (i.e in direct line of 121 sight) by a person in front of the fireplace, through the material of the cover in the 122 diffused-transparent areas of the cover. The invisible electronic-flame-generators 27 123 are not visible directly, but can be seen by reflection. Preferably, at least half the 124 electronic-flame-generators should be directly visible. In the example as illustrated, 125 fifteen of the twenty-eight electronic-flame-generators are visible.
127 One of the electroniGflame-generators 26 is shown in Fig 3. The device comprises a 128 gas-filled glass envelope 30, and t~,vo electrodes 32,34 are positioned inside the glass 129 envelope. The electrodes are of considerable area, and are placed in a narrowly-130 spaced-apart face-to-face relationship, as shown. The gap between the electrodes is 131 uniform over the whole area of the electrodes, and has a dimension of about 0.3 mm 132 (Fig 3a). In the example shown, each electrode has an area of about 1/2 a square 133 centimetre. Such electronic-flame-generators are commercially available under the 134 trade mark Flicker Flame, for example.
136 When supplied with AC, a glow of light flickers around the electrodes. The device is CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 137 cold running, i.e the light emission does not depend on a heated filament that glows 138 incandescently. The flickering flame is flame-like in colour.
140 The electronic-flame-generator may be likened to a flickering light-emitting-diode (LED), 141 as regards its manner of pe, ror"~ance.
143 The visible electronic-flame-generators are seen through the diffused-transparent areas 144 24 of the cover. It may be noted that in a conventional imitation-fireplace structure, 145 which uses ordinary light-bulbs, one of the main aspects the designer must address lies 146 in concealing the light-bulb from direct view. The designer knows that if the viewer can 147 see the light-bulb, disguising the light-bulb as a flame becomes more or less 148 impossible. That is why conventional imitation fireplaces have masks and shields, etc, 149 to conceal the actual light-bulb from direct view, and mechanically moving mirrors and 150 other components to simulate the flickering appearance of flames. It is of course very 151 difficult to make a flame created by this means look realistic. The difficulty with the 152 conventional systems lies mainly in the simulation of randomness -- a quality that is not 153 easy to achieve economically when based on mechanical movement.
155 In the present design, by contrast, the electronic-flame-generators 26 are exposed to 156 direct view. It is recognised, in the present design, that the viewer can readily perceive 157 the electronic-flame-generator as a realistic-looking flame, upon directly viewing the 158 electroniGflame-generator (from in front of the fireplace 20).
160 It is recognised that, so long as he is prevented from perceiving the actual glass 161 envelope 30 of the electronic-flame-generator, the electronic-flame-generator provides 162 a very realistic-looking flame. The amount of diffusion needed to cause the eye not to 163 perceive the glass envelope is minimal, and easily achieved in the diffused-transparent 164 area 24, while still allowing the generated flame to be seen clearly.
166 The use of electronic-flame-generators in the present design may be compared with 167 their conventional use in such structures as chandeliers, candelabra, Christmas-tree 168 lights, etc. The electronic-flame-generator is designed to simulate an open flame (like a 169 candle), and from this standpoint, a electroniGflame-generator type of device is hugely 170 more realistic than a structure in which the flame is simulated by an incandescent bulb CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 171 Sl ~pp'.ed with rapid-on/off electricity.
173 But still, when the electronic-flame-generators are exposed to direct and non-diffused 174 view, the viewer can see the glass envelope. When that happens, the viewer cannot 175 help but see that the "flame" is inside a glass envelope. This is not so much of a 176 disadvantage in chandeliers etc, but it is critical in the case of a fireplace. A chandelier 177 in which the candle flames are enclosed in glass is one thing, but a fireplace in which 178 the flames are enclosed in glass is quite another. Therefore, in the present design, it is 179 arranged that the electroniGflame-generators are viewed through what are termed the 180 diffused-transparent areas of the cover. But it is stressed that, subject to the point that 181 the electronic-flame-generators should be viewed through the diffused-transparent 182 areas, nevertheless in the present design the electronic-flame-generators are viewed 183 directly, i.e in direct line-of-sight, and this should be understood as an important 184 difference compared with a conventional imitation fireplace.
186 The diffused transparent areas 24 are diffused enough to prevent the viewer from 187 perceiving the glass envelope 30, but are not so diffused as to prevent the electronic-188 flame-generator 26 from looking like a flame. Thus, the diffusing is not so great that it 189 would create a visible aureole or corona around the flame.
191 The required degree of diffusion may be achieved by making scratches on the surface 192 of what is otherwise transparent, or nearly transparent, plastic. The scratches can be 193 spaced apart say 1 or 2 per millimetre, the plain areas between the scratches being left 194 clear. For example, half of the surface of the plastic may be left clear, the other half 195 being translucent, as a result of being scratched. As an altemative to scratching, lines 196 may be painted or otherwise marked on the surface of the plastic. The designer 197 preferably should aim to provide just enough diffusion as will prevent the glass 198 envelope from being perceived, but no more than that.
200 A separate diffuser component may alternatively be provided, if scratching or marking 201 the cover is not practical. A sheet of almost-transparent polythene, or the like, could be 202 considered satisfactory.
204 It is i",po~lant that a simulated fireplace should include multiple flames. The present CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 20~ design simulates multiple flames by providing many of the electronic-flame-generators 206 2 6,2 7.
208 Again, the present design may be compared with a conventional imitation flame 209 structure, from the standpoint of the designers approach to producing many or multiple 210 flames. It theoretically would be possible, in the conventional system, for the designer 211 to provide many light-bulbs, and many mechanical flicker-inducers, i.e one light-bulb 212 and one flicker-inducer for each flame simulated. But practically, that is very much 213 contra-indicated in the conventional system. When the light-bulbs are not seen directly, 214 and when the flickering effect is created by mechanical movement, the choice between 215 providing just one or two light-bulbs (and just one or two mechanical flicker-inducers), 216 and providing many, so obviously favours just-one-or-two as to be hardly a choice at 217 all. It may be noted that because a physical structure has to be provided to conceal the 218 light-bulb from direct sight, the designer is led to use that same structure to break the 219 light image of the light-bulb up into many or multiple images, each of which can 220 simulate a separate flame.
222 But when the multiple flames come from multiple electronic-flame-generators, each of 223 which is to be separately visible in direct line-of-sight, it is recognised that there is little 224 merit in the notion of providing just one electronic-flame-generator, and of breaking its 225 light up into several images, to simulate multiple flames. When the electronic-flame-226 generators are to be viewed directly, it becomes important that the multiple flames 227 should rather be simulated by providing multiple separate, and independently-228 randomly-flickering, electroniGflame-generators.
230 In the conventional system, the separate flames were simulated from just one or two 231 light-bulbs. But that made sense because the light-bulb had to be concealed anyway, 232 and the mechanical flicker-inducer could be incorporated into the concealment 233 structure. in the present design, the separate flames are simulated by separate 234 electroniGflame-generators, and it is recognised that that makes sense in the present 235 design because the electroniGflame-generators are viewed as the flames themselves, 236 in direct line-of-sight, and because no mechanical flicker-inducers are required.
238 It is recognised that it would not make sense, in the new design, to provide only one or CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 239 two electronic-flame-generators, and seek to create the multiple flame effect by 240 mechanically dividing and reflecting the light image. One of the distinctive features of a 241 real flame is the randomness of its flickering, and if several of the "flames" all flicker at 242 the same rate, the eye very quickly perceives this, and it quickly destroys any sense in 243 which the flames are perceived as realistic.
245 The present design provides many electronic-flame-generators. It may be regarded 246 that there is a respective electronic-flame-generator in respect of each of the many 247 simulated flames. Creating multiple flames is important in a simulated fireplace; and 248 also, the many flames should be disposed over the whole area of the simulated fire.
249 Creating just one or two flames, or having large areas without flames (although that 250 might happen in a real fire) detracts very much from an artificial fire.
252 Realism would not achieved by a small number of electronic-flame-generators, even if 253 the light from those electronic-flame-generators were divided or reflected, to multiply 254 the apparent number of flames. The unison of flickering is very unnatural-looking, and 255 would quickly become apparent.
257 Another benefit that arises from providing a large number of electronic-flame-258 generators is that more than one mode of simulation can be conveniently provided. For 259 example, one simulation might be of a bright crackling fire, whereas another simulation 260 might be of cosily glowing embers. All that is needed to switch from bright-crackling to 261 cosy-glow would be to switch off some of the directly visible electronic-flame-generators 262 26, while leaving the not-directly-visible electronic-flame-generators 27 switched on.
263 The fact that the electroniGflame-generators are many in number makes it possible for 264 both conditions to be adequately lit.
266 Another point that arises from a consideration of "many" versus "just-one-or-two"
267 sources of flame is that the electroniGflame-generators are readily available in mains-268 powered low-wattage form, for example 3 W. Ordinary incandescent light-bulbs are 269 much more readily available in larger sizes and ratings, whereby more than one or two 270 of the light-bulbs would provide far too much illumination for a simulated fireplace.
272 It should be pointed out also that providing the large number of low-wattage electroniG
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 273 flame-generators in the present design still leaves the total wattage at a low 100 W, or 274 thereabouts, whereas providing the same light output from a large number of small 275 incandescent light-bulbs inevitably would lead to a total of several hundred W.
277 It is recognised that the above advantages that arise when the number of the 278 electronic-flame-generators can be char~-,lerised as "many" are substantially met when 279 the number is at least fifteen, of which at least half are visible.
281 In Fig 5, the simulated logs 37 are not moulded unitarilly into the plastic cover 38, but 282 rather the logs 37 are formed separately, and rest in recesses 39 in the cover. (In this 283 case, the logs might even be of real wood, in that the elect,on c flame-generators do 284 not generate heat.) It may be noted from Fig 5 that in this case the designer can 285 arrange for the electronic-flame-generators 40 to be placed actually in front of the logs, 286 whereby the flame appears to be coming directly out of the log.
288 It may also be noted in Fig 2 that a crack 60 in the one of the artificial logs can be 289 utilised very effectively. Positioning one of the electronic-flame-generators so that it 290 can be viewed in direct line-of-sight through the crack is effective in promoting a 291 realistic image of flames licking into the crack.
293 A real fire comprises both flickering flames and glowing embers. The simulated 294 fireplace similarly should include both. As shown in Fig 6, two diffusers can be 295 provided. The first is the diffused-transparent areas 24 of the cover 23, as previously 296 described, where the degree of diffusion is a minimum. The other is a separate diffuser 297 42 placed over some, preferably the not-directly-visible ones, of the electronic-flame-298 generators. The separate diffuser 42 is much more translucent and diffuse. The 299 purpose of the diffuser 42 is to produce a general warm glow over a large area of the 300 fire, rather than to display individual flames. As mentioned above, the warm glow 301 produced in this manner has a dynamic quality, which has been missing in other warm-302 glow-producing means 304 A mirror 43 may be provided above the fire area, and the back and side panels 45,46 305 may be of a reflective material, to enhance the warm overall glow effect.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 307 The appearance of sparks is simulated in the following manner. Lengths of optical fibre 308 47 are splayed out at their ends. A pea-type light-bulb or LED 49 is placed close to the 309 bottom end of the optical fibre, such that light therefrom is l,dns",illed to, and appears 310 at, the upper end 48 of the fibre. The bulb 49 is supplied with randomised pulses of 311 electricity, with the result that the upper end displays random pulses of light. If properly 312 engineered, these can look like sparks. The (low-power) pulses can be randomised by 313 suitable electronic circuitry, without the need for moving parts.
315 The apparatus also includes a means for generating sound. A cassette-tape player 50 316 is provided in the apparatus for this purpose. P,~ferably, the tape used contains a 317 recording of an actual crackling fire. The tape and the player should be of the 318 endlessly-reversing-without-a-break type. The system should be such as to prevent the 319 listener from perceiving a cyclic pattern or repeats to the sounds, because those, once 320 perceived, would greatly detract from the illusion of a real fire.
322 The sound generator can include a means for switching between two sounds; for 323 example, a sound recording of a real fire accompanies the bright-crackling fire mode, 324 whereas soft music accompanies the cosy-glowing-embers mode.
326 The electronic-flame-generators create virtually no heat; also, being low wattage, the 327 egfs can be supplied via relatively thin wire conductors. These points can lead to 328 certain advantages in the flame-simulation apparatus, as will now be described.
330 When incandescent bulbs were used, of course the main design problem was to get 331 the bulbs to flicker realistically, like flames. But also, with incandescent bulbs, it was 332 difficult for the designer to include more than a very small number of bulbs. And 333 including more bulbs was rather po.nlless anyway, given that incandescent bulbs, to 334 have any kind of realism at all, have to be viewed indirectly -- it was easier to arrange to 335 view several reflections of one bulb as it would have been to view one reflection each 336 of several bulbs. Also, even low wattage incandescent bulbs give off heat. It is 337 possible to conte",plale placing a number of incandescent bulbs in a spaced-apart 338 relationship, but the prudent designer would avoid placing many incandescent bulbs in 339 a packed-tightly-together relationship.
CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 341 The electronic-flame-generators, on the other hand, do not have that li,~)ilalion.
342 P~eca-lse they run cool, the electroniGflame-generators can indeed be placed in a 343 packed-tightly-together relationship. Thus, contrary to what can be done with 344 incandescent bulbs, it is recognised that it is possible to provide, in a unit that simulates 345 a conventionally-sized domestic fireplace, not just a few, but dozens of electronic-346 flame-generators. The practical upper limit would be around fifty. Up to that, it may be 347 stated that adding more electronic-flame-generators enhances the realism of the 348 simulated flickering flame effect.
350 The fact that a great many eleclron.c flame-generators can be provided in the fireplace 351 permits further realism-enhancing strategies.
353 The more electronic-flame-generators are included, the more the aggregate can be 354 programmed to give random effects. When many electronic-flame-generators are 355 provided, the designer can now arrange for some of them to be switched off. So long 356 as this is done on a randomised (i.e non-pattern-generating) basis, the realism-357 enhancement can be considerable. Instead of having all the electronic-flame-358 generators on at once, all the time, the electronic-flame-generators can be programmed 359 to switch in and out; this one can be on (and flickering) for five seconds, then off for 360 three seconds, then on for thirty seconds, in a random, constantly-changing, never-361 repeating, sequence. A program to generate such random sequences, for say fiKeen 362 of fiKy electronic-flame-generators, can readily be incorporated into a central controller 363 (coi"prised by a simple circuit board), for inclusion in the apparatus. Because the 364 wattage of the electronic-flame-generators is so low, the switching can be handled 365 directly on and by the control board, without the need for relays or the like.
367 Another point arising from the low wattage of the electronic-flame-generators should be 368 mentioned. This is the fact that only thin wires are needed to supply the electronic-369 flame-generators. Therefore, the fact that many of the electronic-flame-generators are 370 wired individually to the central control board is acceptable, because the many 371 individual wires are thin enough to be easily physically accommodated. Because the 372 wires are thin, the fact that there are so many electronic-flame-generators does not give 373 rise to a wiring problem; so much so, that, as mentioned, there is little difficulty in 374 arranging for many of the electronic-flame-generators to be wired individually to a CA 02247 66C, 1998-09-17 375 central controller.
377 Not all the electroniGflame-generators need to be individually wired to the central 378 controller, and a simple single wiring-ring can be looped around the majority of 379 electronic-flame-generators, which stay on all the time.
381 The electronic-flame-generators screw into ordinary light-bulb sockets, and the sockets 382 required in the fireplace apparatus are preferably built onto a single common socket-383 board, in the apparatus, which carries the sockets for all N (where N can be as many as 384 fifty) electronic-flame-generators. Alternatively, a small plurality of boards can be 385 provided. The sockets should be so positioned in the socket-board that the electronic-386 flame-generators are not regularly spaced, nor in regular rows, nor at all the same 387 height.
389 The nature of the electronic-flame-generators is such that the designer can provide 390 very many of them. As mentioned, in turn this means that it becomes worthwhile to 391 provide a control system to switch some of the electronic-flame-generators on and off 392 in a random sequence. Given that a control system is provided, it now becomes 393 worthwhile to co-ordinate the switching of (some of) the individual electronic-flame-394 generators with the sound effects.
396 Instead of (or in addition to) the endless-tape-recording, the sounds associated with a 397 fire can be generated ele~1,or, ~lly. It may be noted that crackles are more or less the 398 easiest sounds to generate electronically, and randomising the crackles is also very 399 simple. The designer can arrange for several electronic-flame-generators (and/or the 400 LED spark generators) to switch on together to coincide with a burst of crackling --401 which would then individually switch off, to simulate a flare-up which subsequently dies 402 away.
404 It is not necess~-y for all the electronic-flame-generators to be visible in the same 405 window. That is to say, the fireplace simulator effect can be achieved by an artistic 406 arrangement of logs, and the electronic-flame-generators are visible through windows 407 between the logs. The designer might arrange for the lower windows to be more 408 translucent, to give a general warm glow; and might arrange for the "flames" to be of CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 409 different colours, e.g reddish in the bottom windows, and yellowish in the top windows, 410 as distinct from the generally orange glow of the electronic-flame-generators.
412 Fig 7 illustrates a falling log, and shows how the same can be incorporated into the 413 apparatus. A slow-turning electric motor 70 operates a cam 72. A hinged log 73 414 gradually rises as the cam tums, until the log falls over the step in the cam. A micro-415 switch 74 signals the fall, and the signal can be sent to a central control board 75, 416 where it is used to trigger a shower of sparks and crackles, as mentioned. The gradual 417 rise of the log when in contact with the spiral portion of the cam is slow enough that it 418 takes place over a few minutes, and is imperceptible. A small plurality of falling logs 419 can be i"coi~,ordted into the apparatus, if desired. The start of each falling-log 420 sequence can be randomly initiated for extra realism.
422 It should be borne in mind by the designer that many people will gaze into a fire (even a 423 simulated fire) for quite considerable periods. It is important that the person not be able 424 to perceive patterns. Once the pattern is perceived, it is very hard to ignore, and that 425 takes away from the person's enjoyment of the fireplace. Thus, the flickering should 426 not be allowed to become cyclic, nor the sequencing to become regular. For this 427 reason, a random sound generator is prefe"èd to an endlessly repeating tape, 428 because, after a time, the person would be able to predict each particular crackle on a 429 tape. The randomness of generated crackles and on/off sequences is therefore of 430 particular benefit. Even so, of course, there is plenty of scope for the designer to use 431 artistry in making the simulations as realistic as possible, in terms of creating switching 432 sequences for simulating particular events, such as the falling log just described.
434 In addition to making it difficult for the person to perceive patterns in the flickering and 435 switching, and in the sounds, the designer should also seek to mask the visual 436 obtrusions of the electronic-flame-generators. As described, these units are housed in 437 glass envelopes, which can be all too noticeably apparent if the designer does not take 438 precautions. The diffuser screen placed in front of the electroniGflame-generators, and 439 through which the electronic-flame-generators are visible, should be given careful 440 preparation.
442 The screen should include a means for breaking up the outline of the glass envelopes CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 443 -- because once the person has perceived the envelope, it can be very difficult to 444 ignore it in future. Also, although this is less important, the screen should also include 445 a means for breaking up the outline of the electrodes within the envelopes.
447 A key way in which the outline of the envelopes can be broken up visually is by 448 providing very many electronic-flame-generators, and packing them tightly together. In 449 this context, the envelopes can be regarded as packed tightly if they are pitched less 450 than one envelope diameter apart, and preferably about half that. The flickering 451 reflections on each envelope of the neighbouring envelopes is then very effective at 452 preventing the outline from being perceived.
454 Another way in which the outlines can be broken up, as mentioned, is by making the 455 screen a little translucent; the difficulty here is to break up the outline of the envelope 456 without creating a halo around the flickering flame. One way of achieving this is to 457 place the slightly-translucent screen as close as possible to the electroniGflame-45g generators. Again, it is noted that because the electronic-flame-generators run cool, 459 there is no difficulty in positioning the screen close up against the electronic-flame-460 generators.
462 The screen is made from a sheet of transparent plastic, and the surface of the sheet 463 can be scratched or marked, to give rise to the required degree of diffusion.
464 Preferably, the surface should be marked with dark markings, as opposed to being 465 scralched; both scratches and dark markings can visually break up the outline of the 466 envelopes, but scratches cause more of an aureole or halo than dark markings.
468 Another way in which the outlines can be visually broken up is by providing a simulated 469 spark guard, in front of the fireplace. A spark guard (which is conventionally provided 470 in front of an open fire, not only to catch sparks shooting out, but also to prevent 471 children and pets from touching the flames) is not, of course, required with a flame 472 simulator of the type as described herein; however, the point is that a spark guard does 473 not appear out of place in a fireplace, and its presence is very effective in camouflaging 474 the glass envelopes. Typically, the spark guard comprises many thick wires, which 475 either hang down loosely or form a mesh. The spark guard is some distance in front of 476 the electronic-flame-generators, to the extent that if the diffuser screen were such a CA 02247 66~ 1998-09-17 477 long distance forward of the electronic-flame-generators, the resulting halos would be 478 obtrusive. But a flickering electronic-flame-generator, seen through the interstices of a 479 loose open mesh of wires, does not acquire a halo.
481 Providing glass doors, either alone or in conjunction with the spark guard, also is in 482 keeping with what is expected in a fireplace, and the (closed) glass doors can provide 483 some slight additional effects in misleading the eye away from perceiving the 484 envelopes.
486 It is contemplated that the apparatus as described herein may include a very small 487 number of masked or concealed incandescent bulbs (e.g just one), for general 488 background glow, superimposed on the flickering light from the electronic-flame-489 generators.
Claims (29)
- CLAIM 1. Fireplace apparatus, having a means for providing a realistic flickering flame effect, wherein:
the apparatus includes a number N of separate and independent electronic-flame-generators;
the number N is characterised as many;
each of the N electronic-flame-generators is of the flickering-glow type, comprising a glass envelope containing a pair of plate electrodes mounted in a narrowly-spaced-apart face-to-face relationship;
the apparatus includes a screen or cover, having a diffused-transparent area;
at least 1/2 N of the electronic-flame-generators, termed the visible electronic-flame-generators, are so placed with respect to the cover as to be visible directly by a person viewing the apparatus from in front, in direct line of sight through the diffused-transparent area of the cover;
in the diffused-transparent area of the cover, the character of the cover is such as to diffuse light emanating from the electronic-flame-generator to a degree that is sufficient to render the glass envelope of the electronic-flame-generator substantially imperceptible, but only to a degree such that the flickering flame characteristic of the electronic-flame-generator remains apparent when the electronic-flame-generator is viewed through the diffused area. - CLAIM 2. As in claim 1, wherein:
the cover includes simulations of fuel items, which comprise opaque areas;
the many separate electronic-flame-generators are disposed and arranged in amongst the simulations of fuel items, in such manner as to have the appearance that theelectronic-flame-generators appear each as a respective flickering flame emanating from the fuel items. - CLAIM 3. As in claim 1, wherein the number N is between ten and fifty.
- CLAIM 4. As in claim 1, wherein the surface of the cover, in the diffused-transparent areas thereof, is scratched at a pitch of about 1 or 2 per millimeter, the surface being substantially translucent, in the light-scattering sense, in the scratches, and being clear therebetween.
- CLAIM 5. As in claim 1, wherein the surface of the cover, in the diffused-transparent areas thereof, is marked at a pitch of about 1 or 2 per millimetre, the surface being substantially dark and opaque in the markings, and being clear therebetween.
- CLAIM 6. As in claim 1, wherein the diffused-transparent areas of the cover create such little diffusion that no substantial aureole or corona of diffused light can be perceived around the electronic-flame-generator, when viewed through the diffused-transparent area.
- CLAIM 7. As in claim 1, wherein:
the apparatus includes a second diffuser, in addition to the diffused-transparent areas of the cover;
in respect of the second diffuser, the diffusion characteristic thereof is such that light from some of the electronic-flame-generators in passing therethrough is diffusedenough to produce the effect of a general warm glow over a generalised area. - CLAIM 8. As in claim 1, wherein the diffusion-transparent area of the cover is effective to visually break up the visible outlines of the glass envelopes of the electronic-flame-generators.
- CLAIM 9. As in claim 1, wherein the diffusion-transparent area of the cover is effective to visually break up the visible outlines of the electrodes of the electronic-flame-generators.
- CLAIM 10. As in claim 1, wherein the electronic-flame-generators and the diffusion-transparent area of the cover are positioned relatively close together, in that the said area is located immediately in front of at least some of the visible electronic-flame-generators.
- CLAIM 11. As in claim 1, wherein the cover includes a plurality of visually-separated diffusion-transparent areas, through each of which electronic-flame-generators are visible.
- CLAIM 12. As in claim 1, wherein:
the apparatus includes a spark-screen, comprising a mesh of thick strands;
the spark-screen is located at the front of the apparatus, in such a location that the visible electronic-flame-generators are visible through the strands. - CLAIM 13. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a flat glass screen, which is located at the front of the apparatus, through which the visible electronic-flame-generators are visible.
- CLAIM 14. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a means for mounting the electronic-flame-generators;
the visible electronic-flame-generators are arranged thereon in a tightly-packed-together relationship, the electronic-flame-generators being pitched generally less than one diameter thereof apart. - CLAIM 15. As in claim 14, wherein the visible electronic-flame-generators are at staggered heights.
- CLAIM 16. As in claim 14, wherein the electronic-flame-generators are visible one behind another, but not in regular serried rows.
- CLAIM 17. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a central controller;
at least some of the N electronic-flame-generators, termed the operable electronic-flame-generators, are specially wired into the controller in such a manner that the operable electronic-flame-generators can be fed with electric power independently of a supply of electric power to others of the electronic-flame-generators;
the central controller is operable, and is effective, when operated, to control the supply of electric energy to the operable electronic-flame-generators;
and the controller is operable to a predetermined program, in which the operableelectronic-flame-generators are supplied with power in a manner that avoids giving rise to discernible patterns in the noises. - CLAIM 18. As in claim 17, wherein the controller is effective to supply the operable electronic-flame-generators with electric power in a randomly cyclic on/off operational sequence.
- CLAIM 19. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a unitary socket board, which includes many sockets for receiving the individual electronic-flame-generators, the arrangement of the sockets being such that the several electronic-flame-generators thus received lie in non-regular spacings, and at varied heights.
- CLAIM 20. As in claim 1, wherein the many electronic-flame-generators are mains-powered, and have a low-wattage rating, and the apparatus includes means for supplying the many electronic-flame-generators, in parallel, with mains power.
- CLAIM 21. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes spark-generators, in the form of optical fibres, having splayed-out ends.
- CLAIM 22. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a means for playing recordings of sound, the means being suitable for playing the recordings in an endlessly-repeating manner.
- CLAIM 23. As in claim 1, wherein:
the apparatus includes an operable sound-generator, which is effective, when operated, to generate audible fire-simulating noises, including crackles;
the controller is operable to a predetermined program, in which the noises are generated in a manner that avoids giving rise to discernible patterns in the noises. - CLAIM 24. As in claim 17, wherein:
the apparatus includes an operable sound-generator, which is effective, when operated, to generate audible fire-simulating noises, including crackles;
the controller is operable to a predetermined program, in which the noises are generated in a manner that avoids giving rise to discernible patterns in the noises;
and the apparatus includes a co-ordinating means, for co-ordinating the sound-generator with the controller. - CLAIM 25. As in claim 24, wherein the co-ordinating means is effective to co-ordinate a burst of crackles with a burst of light as several of the operable electronic-flame-generators are switched on simultaneously.
- CLAIM 26. As in claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes a motorised means for mechanically raising one of the fuel items slowly, and for then allowing same to fall.
- CLAIM 27. As in claim 24, wherein:
the apparatus includes a motorised means for mechanically raising one of the fuel items slowly, and for then allowing same to fall;
and the apparatus includes a sensor for sending an electric signal arising from the failing of the item, and the co-ordinating means is effective to coordinate a burst of sounds in response thereto. - CLAIM 28. As in claim 1, wherein:
the simulations of fuel items include one simulation in which a crack is depicted in the item;
and one of the electronic-flame-generators is so positioned that it can be viewed in direct line of site through the crack. - CLAIM 29. As in claim 1, wherein:
the apparatus includes a means for switching the apparatus between two conditions;
being a bright-crackling-fire condition, in which all the electronic-flame-generators are energised;
and a warm-cosy-glow condition, in which some of the directly-visible electronic-flame generators are not energised.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002247665A CA2247665A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 | 1998-09-17 | Fireplace with simulated flame effect |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2215769 CA2215769A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 | 1997-09-18 | Fireplace with simulated flame effect |
| CA2,215,769 | 1997-09-18 | ||
| CA002247665A CA2247665A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 | 1998-09-17 | Fireplace with simulated flame effect |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2247665A1 true CA2247665A1 (en) | 1999-03-18 |
Family
ID=29421089
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002247665A Abandoned CA2247665A1 (en) | 1997-09-18 | 1998-09-17 | Fireplace with simulated flame effect |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2247665A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104296329A (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-21 | 李明 | High-precision standard constant-temperature-and-humidity laboratory control system |
-
1998
- 1998-09-17 CA CA002247665A patent/CA2247665A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104296329A (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2015-01-21 | 李明 | High-precision standard constant-temperature-and-humidity laboratory control system |
| CN104296329B (en) * | 2013-07-18 | 2018-02-16 | 李明 | High-precision standard laboratory with constant temperature and constant humidity control system |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued |