DE202013012047U1 - LED candle with flickering flame - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric candle with a flame part (1), which contains a flame element (3) and a base (2), wherein the flame part (1) comprises at least one light-emitting diode (4, 4 ') which is arranged in such a way that it illuminates the flame element (3). 3), the light emitting diode (4, 4 ') being configured to illuminate the flame element (3) such that the flame element (3) appears to flicker, characterized in that the flame element (3) is relative to the flame part (1) and / or the base (2) is immovable, wherein the flame element (3) is planar, wherein the light-emitting diode (4, 4 ') is arranged on the base (2), wherein the light-emitting diode (4, 4') is inclined in the direction of the flame element (3), preferably at an angle (α) between 15 ° and 25 °, in particular at an angle (α) of 20 °.

Description

The present innovation relates to an electric candle having a flame part, which contains a flame element and a base, wherein the flame part comprises at least one light-emitting diode, which is arranged such that it illuminates the flame element.

Such electric candles are well known in the art. While conventional candles made from artificial or natural waxes are adversely affected by air currents, because flames are dangerous and must be replaced as they consume, electric candles do not consume, are safe to use and only require electrical power to function. Therefore, in many public places, such as hospitals, only electric candles are permitted.

For aesthetic reasons, it is desirable to provide electric candles that are as close as possible to conventional candles. One of the tasks is, for example, to imitate the flickering impression of a real candle flame. From the prior art it is known to move flame-shaped elements by means of fans or electromagnets arranged in the candle. However, these devices use moving parts and are therefore unreliable, require expensive maintenance and replacement parts and cause noise. Further, the moving flame elements of electric candles known in the art often follow certain patterns of movement and, for this reason, do not look particularly realistic.

It was therefore the object of the present innovation to provide an electric candle without the use of moving parts and with a realistic flickering effect.

This object is achieved by an electric candle with a flame part, which contains a flame element and a base, wherein the flame part comprises at least one light emitting diode (LED), which is arranged so that it illuminates the flame element, wherein the LED is configured, the To illuminate the flame element such that the flame element appears to flicker, wherein the flame element is immovable with respect to the flame part and / or the base, wherein the flame element has a main plane of extension, wherein the light emitting diode is arranged on the base, wherein the light emitting diode in the direction of Flame element is inclined towards.

The disclosure made in view of the present embodiment of the present invention is applicable to other embodiments, and vice versa.

The present invention relates to an electric candle having a flame part containing a flame element and a base, the flame part including at least one LED arranged to illuminate the flame element. LEDs are advantageous as they take up little space and provide low power consumption. It is thus advantageously possible to realize even small candles, the LEDs are barely visible, which improves the realistic impression of the electric candle according to the present innovation.

Preferably, the flame part is integrated in a candle, in particular in a coated with a wax and / or covered housing. More preferably, the wax is a natural wax, such as beeswax, as this allows a high quality impression of the candle. Most preferably, the electric candle further comprises a bottom base, in particular at a predetermined distance below the base. Even more preferably, the bottom base comprises another LED.

Alternatively or additionally, other waxes may be used, such as paraffin or stearin. These waxes are usually less expensive, which lowers the manufacturing cost of such an electric candle according to the present invention.

Preferably, the waxes are scented, providing a realistic fragrance in addition to the realistic flickering appearance.

The flame element is preferably similar in shape to a candle flame. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of different shapes may be used. Preferably, the flame element has a teardrop-like shape with one or more flame tips.

Preferably, the flame element is connected to the base, in particular detachably connected thereto. Particularly preferably, the flame element is connected to the base by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. It is thus advantageously possible to remove and / or replace the flame element. This is for example advantageous for the transport of the electric candle. Furthermore, the flame element can be replaced if another shape and / or color is desired.

Alternatively, the flame part is formed in one piece, in particular the flame element is formed integrally with the base, for example by means of injection molding or deep drawing. It is thus advantageously possible to provide an electric candle according to the present invention at a particularly low cost.

According to the present invention, the flame element is immovable with respect to the flame part and / or the base, in particular when connected to the base. Thus, when the flame element is firmly connected to the base, more preferably while still removable, the flame element is stably fixed and can not cause noise by movement. It is thus advantageously possible to achieve the realistic flicker effect only by the illumination.

Alternatively, however, the flame may, for example, be movable, in particular driven, provided. Thus, the flickering effect can be further improved.

According to the present innovation, the LED is arranged on the base, preferably in or under the base, in particular in openings.

Preferably, the flame element comprises a curved surface. For example, the main plane of extension of the flame element may be curved, thus advantageously realizing a more realistic three-dimensional impression.

Preferably, at least two LEDs are arranged on the base, in particular symmetrically with respect to the flame element. Thus, the flame element can be illuminated from several sides, whereby the realistic flickering effect is advantageously improved. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, if the flame element is not perfectly symmetrical, the at least two LEDs may, for example, be substantially symmetrical and / or at least equidistant from a central axis of the base. Most preferably, at least two LEDs are arranged on the base so as to illuminate the flame element in a substantially similar manner from different sides, for example from the front side and the rear side.

Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of LEDs can be controlled asynchronously, whereby the flickering impression is advantageously further improved.

According to the present innovation, the at least one LED is inclined in the direction of the flame element, preferably at an angle between 15 ° and 25 °, in particular at an angle of 20 °.

Preferably, the electric candle further comprises a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to control the LED and / or the further LED, wherein in particular the control circuit is arranged in or under the base and / or in or on the ground base. Particularly preferably, the control circuit comprises a microcontroller unit (MCU - microcontroller unit). Most preferably, the control circuit comprises at least one resistor and / or at least one capacitor. Alternatively, the electric candle includes separate control circuits for separately controlling each LED.

Preferably, the electric candle further comprises a remote control configured to control the control circuit, in particular by means of infrared rays and / or a wireless connection. Thus, the lighting and thus the flickering effect can be controlled remotely. Particularly preferably, the remote control can be integrated into another device. For example, a smartphone may be used to control the control circuitry via a wireless connection such as a BLUETOOTH or WLAN connection.

The electric candle, in particular the control circuit, preferably comprises a time switching function. For example, the electric candle may include a 4-hour and / or 8-hour timer function. It is thus advantageously possible to control the electric candle so that it is switched off after a predetermined period of time.

Preferably, at least one LED is a color LED, preferably a full-color LED, in particular a red-green-blue (RGB) full color color LED. Alternatively or additionally, at least one LED is a single-color LED, in particular a white-light LED. Particularly preferably, an LED arranged on the base is a warm white light and / or a pastel yellow light LED. Most preferably, at least one warm white light and / or pastel yellow light LED is arranged on the base to directly illuminate the flame element, and at least one color LED is disposed below the base, particularly at the bottom base such that it is the flame element and / or the electric candle is illuminated indirectly. It is thus advantageously possible to provide an electric candle that can be illuminated in different colors. Even more preferably, the color of a full color LED is controllable, especially remotely.

Preferably, the electric candle further comprises a pressure sensor, in particular a microphone, which is coupled to the LED and / or the control circuit for controlling the LED in response to a pressure change, in particular a change in the air pressure. It is thus advantageously possible to further improve the realistic impression of the candle, for example by controlling the flickering effect as a function of air puffs. Further, for example, the candle may be turned off when a user blows it.

Most preferably, the electric candle may be configured to be activated by voice and / or controlled by voice. For example, the microphone may detect a user command to turn off and / or toggle the color of the LED and execute the command accordingly.

Preferably, another LED, in particular a full-color LED, is arranged inside the base and / or the electric candle in order that the electric candle appears to shine with a special color.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of simulating a flickering candle flame with an electric candle according to the present invention, comprising the steps of repeatedly varying the light intensity of the LED and / or the further LED, in particular by turning the LED on and off and / or the further LED, preferably irregular, comprises. Alternatively, the LED and / or the further LED is dimmed repeatedly.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that varying the light intensity of an LED may be achieved by, for example, decreasing and / or increasing the voltage applied to the LED. In particular, by irregularly increasing and decreasing the light intensity or the light output of the LED, the flickering effect is advantageously improved.

Additionally or alternatively, the flickering effect may be achieved, for example, by providing a continuously varying current and or by configuring the control circuit to regulate the voltage provided to the LED according to a random noise and / or a predetermined pattern. Additionally or alternatively, the voltage is modulated.

When multiple LEDs are used, preferably the LEDs, in particular their light intensities, are varied simultaneously or at different times.

The present innovation is now based on the 1 to 8th explained. These statements do not limit the scope of protection. The explanations equally refer to all embodiments.

1 shows a side view of a flame part according to an exemplary embodiment of the present innovation.

2 shows a top perspective view of a flame part according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

3 shows a side view of a floor base according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

4 shows a perspective view of a flame element according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

5 shows a top perspective view of a base according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

6 shows a plan view of a remote control according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

7 FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a control circuit of an electric candle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

8th shows a bottom view of a floor base according to an embodiment of the present innovation.

1 shows a side view of a flame part 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A flame element 3 , which is shaped like a candle flame, is on a base 2 arranged. Here is the flame element 3 removable with the base 2 However, it can also be fixed to the base 2 connected, for example, in one piece with the base 2 be educated.

The base 2 can be mounted on a housing, which is coated with wax, for example, whereby a realistic impression of a candle is achieved.

The base 2 may have a substantially circular shape, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape as shown here, but may alternatively have other shapes, such as a rod-like shape.

The flame part 1 is preferably made of plastic. The base 2 may be the same color as a surrounding wax. The flame element 3 can be any color, for example white or a yellow and / or orange color. The flame element 3 For example, it may be painted like a real flame, with a bluish light core and an adjacent color transition from orange to light yellow.

On the outer peripheral wall of the base 2 is a microphone 7 arranged. In addition, additional microphones can be found in other parts of the flame part 1 be arranged.

The microphone 7 may detect pressure changes, in particular changes in air pressure, such as those caused by air currents and / or caused by a user blowing on the candle. Additionally or alternatively, the microphone 7 detect spoken user commands for controlling the electric candle.

The electric candle may further comprise, for example, a device for distributing fragrances, thus advantageously realizing an electric scented candle.

2 shows a perspective top view of a flame part 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flame element 3 includes a slightly curved surface, giving a three-dimensional appearance. Also shown are two openings for light emitting diodes (LEDs) 4 . 4 ' , The built-in LEDs 4 . 4 ' can white LEDs 4 . 4 ' and / or full color LEDs 4 . 4 ' be. For example, an LED 4 white and another LED 4 ' a full color LED 4 ' be.

To realize a flickering effect, the LEDs 4 . 4 ' be dimmed, either independently or together. By repeatedly decreasing and increasing its light intensity, the flame element appears 3 to flicker. This can also be achieved by such control of the LEDs 4 . 4 ' in that their light intensity is varied irregularly. The pressure changes detected by the microphone are used, for example, to influence the flicker. Thus, for example, a breeze may cause the flicker frequency to increase, thus providing a more realistic flicker.

To focus the flickering effect on the flame element 3 are the LEDs 4 . 4 ' further in the direction of the flame element 3 inclined, for example, at an angle α between 15 ° and 25 °. As in 2 can be seen further, are the LEDs 4 . 4 ' at the base 2 symmetrical with respect to the flame element 3 arranged. In particular, they are respectively on a front side and a back side of the flame element 3 and symmetrical with respect to a central axis of the base 2 arranged.

Here are the LEDs 4 . 4 ' at least partially in the base 2 arranged so that they are not completely off the main extension plane of the base 2 protrude.

3 shows a side view of a floor base 2 ' according to an embodiment of the present invention. The soil base 2 ' For example, it can essentially be the base 2 correspond. The ledge on the top of the floor base 2 ' is, for example, a cable channel for connecting the LEDs 4 . 4 ' and the microphone 7 with a control circuit, for example, below the base 2 and / or in the soil base 2 ' is arranged. The control circuit is configured to at least the electric candle and in particular the LEDs 4 . 4 ' to control.

Additionally or alternatively, a still further LED 4 '' for example, on the top of the floor base 2 ' be mounted, whereby the candle is illuminated from the inside out. It is for example conceivable that a full color LED 4 '' on the ground base 2 ' is mounted while at the base 2 arranged LEDs 4 . 4 ' Warm white or pastel yellow light LEDs 4 . 4 ' are. In this case, for example, the control circuit is within the ground base 2 ' mounted, using flexible wire connections and / or substantially rigid pipe connections with the full-color LED 4 '' and the LEDs 4 . 4 ' connected is.

Here includes the soil base 2 ' a battery compartment 8th where a battery is in the battery compartment 8th can be used with the control circuit, the full-color LED 4 '' and / or the LEDs 4 . 4 ' electrically connected.

By using electrical wire connections and separation of the ground base 2 ' from the base 2 the electric candle can easily by means of the same parts, ie the same flame part 1 and the bottom base 2 ' , manufactured in different heights.

The battery compartment is, for example, from below the floor base 2 ' accessible.

The soil base 2 ' may also include a switch in addition or as an alternative to a remote control 6 for controlling the control circuit.

4 shows a perspective view of a flame element 3 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The flame element 3 includes a main extension plane and has a substantially teardrop-like shape. At the bottom includes the flame element 3 a structure for connecting the flame element 3 with the base 2 , for example by means of a positive connection with an opening 5 , When the flame element 3 on the base 2 is mounted, it is thus immovable and the flicker effect is preferably only by means of the illumination by the LEDs 4 . 4 ' realized.

In addition, the bottom part of the flame element 3 further locking means for realizing a solid connection to the base 2 include.

According to an alternative embodiment, the flame element comprises 3 Optical fiber means, allowing light from within the base into the flame element 3 can be passed, giving the impression of a glowing flame element 3 is obtained.

5 shows a perspective top view of a base 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. You can see the opening 5 through which the flame element 3 stuck with the base 2 can be connected. The base 2 , preferably with the openings for the LEDs 4 . 4 ' is produced, for example, in one piece by means of an injection molding process.

6 shows a top view of a remote control 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Such a remote control 6 can be used for remote control of the electric candle, in particular by controlling the control circuit, which is arranged inside the electric candle. The remote control 6 10 is merely shown schematically and may include fewer or more buttons and additionally or alternatively include other controls, such as dimming knobs, ON / OFF switches for fragrance distribution devices, or the like.

The remote control 6 As shown here, for example, includes an ON button 61 for switching on the electric candle, ie for switching on the LEDs 4 . 4 ' , a STOP button 62 to turn off the electric candle, a HOLD button 63 to stop an LED 4 for a particular color, for example if a full color LED 4 is configured to continuously change colors, a 4-hour timer button 64 to cause the electric candle to turn off after a period of 4 hours after the button is pressed, an 8-hour timer button 65 which is essentially the same as the 4-hour timer button 54 is an AUTO button only with an OFF time of 8 hours 66 to cause an LED 4 continuously changes color, a color button surface 67 that have different buttons for causing an LED 4 in different colors, includes a COLOR SWITCH button 68 that has at least one LED 4 caused to switch from a white light to colors, and a COLOR SWITCH button 69 holding the action of the COLOR button 68 reverses.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other controls may be implemented and many other alternative configurations for the above-mentioned buttons are possible without departing from the present invention.

For example, the functions of the corresponding ON and OFF buttons may be implemented in a single button, such as an ON / OFF button.

The remote control 6 uses, for example, infrared rays for connection to the control circuit.

Additionally or alternatively, the color button surface 67 a control panel that is touch-sensitive include.

According to an alternative embodiment, the functionality of the remote control 6 implemented in another device, such as a user's smartphone. For this purpose, an application for the smartphone may be available which, for example, simulates the buttons discussed above and is connected to the control circuit wirelessly, for example by means of BLUETOOTH and / or WLAN.

7 FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a control circuit of an electric candle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The control circuit comprises, for example, a microcontroller unit (MCU) connected to the LEDs 4 . 4 ' connected to batteries to operate the control circuit and the LEDs 4 . 4 ' to provide a voltage, a receiver for receiving signals from the remote control 6 , where the remote control 6 is configured to control the control circuit.

An RGB color space full color anode LED 4 . 4 ' may include, for example, three LED integrated circuits (IC), one for each color red, green and blue, each circuit connected to a pin 2, a pin 3 and a pin 4 of the MCU, respectively, and the LED 4 . 4 ' is further connected to the anode of a battery. The anode and cathode of the battery are also connected to a pin VDD and a pin GND to ground the MCU. The battery may be, for example, a standard AA battery, in particular a rechargeable battery.

The control circuit further comprises three resistors R1, R2, R3, which are connected in series between the LED ICs and the pin 2, the pin 3 and the pin 4 of the MCU. Furthermore, the control circuit according to 7 a resistor R4, which is between the LED 4 ' and the anode of the battery is connected in series.

The control circuit may further include, for example, capacitors C1, C2 connected in parallel with the battery.

For example, the voltage provided by the battery is between 2V and 5V. Exemplary values for the resistors are: R1 is 220 ohms, R2 is 120 ohms, R3 is 120 ohms, R4 is 50 ohms. The capacitor C1 is, for example, a filter with 100 μF / 10 V, capacitor C2 has a capacity of, for example, 0.1 μF.

8th shows a schematic bottom view of a floor base 2 ' according to an embodiment of the present invention. As already related to 1 to 7 mentioned, the flame part can 1 for example, mounted on a housing, in particular a plastic housing covered and / or coated with a wax, such as a paraffin and / or a hardened and / or refined animal and / or vegetable fat, and also a floor base 2 ' includes, at a predetermined distance below the base 2 is arranged.

Such a floor base 2 ' is shown here schematically. The soil base 2 ' includes a battery compartment 8th ,

Alternatively or in addition to the remote control 6 Can the electric candle and especially the bottom base 2 ' the housing, a control for switching on and / or off the electric candle and / or controls for activating a timer function, as with respect to 6 described include.

Here includes the soil base 2 ' a three way switch 71 alternatively, to an ON position 61 whose functionality is essentially that of the ON button 61 on the remote 6 corresponds to an OFF position 62 whose functionality is essentially that of the OFF button 62 on the remote 6 or a 5-hour timer position 70 whose functionality is essentially that of the 4-hour timer button 64 and the 8-hour timer button 65 on the remote 6 with a duration of 5 hours, can be switched.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the actual duration of time may be programmable and / or any amount of time, such as 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours or up to 24 hours or even longer, or any time period between the above can be mentioned.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

flame piece

2

Base

2 '

bottom base

3

flame element

4, 4 ', 4' '

LED (LED)

5

opening

6

remote control

7

microphone

8th

battery

61

QUICK ON button / ON position

62

POWER OFF Button / OFF position

63

HOLD button

64

4-hour timer knob

65

8-hour timer knob

66

AUTO button

67

Color button area

68

FARBEINSCHALT button

69

FARBAUSSCHALT button

70

5-hour time switch position

71

Three-way switch

α

angle

Claims (13)

Electric candle with a flame part ( 1 ), which is a flame element ( 3 ) and a base ( 2 ), wherein the flame part ( 1 ) at least one light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) arranged to receive the flame element ( 3 ), wherein the light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) is configured to control the flame element ( 3 ) in such a way that the flame element ( 3 ) seems to flicker, characterized in that the flame element ( 3 ) with respect to the flame part ( 1 ) and / or the base ( 2 ) is immobile, the flame element ( 3 ) is flat, wherein the light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) at the base ( 2 ) is arranged, wherein the light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) in the direction of the flame element ( 3 ) is inclined, preferably at an angle (α) between 15 ° and 25 °, in particular at an angle (α) of 20 °. Electric candle according to claim 1, characterized in that the light-emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) in or below the base ( 2 ), in particular in an opening, is arranged. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it has a base ( 2 ' ), preferably at a predetermined distance below the base ( 2 ), wherein in particular the bottom base ( 2 ' ) another LED ( 4 '' ). Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flame element ( 3 ) with the base ( 2 ), in particular detachably connected. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flame element ( 3 ) by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection with the base ( 2 ) connected is. Electric candle according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the flame part ( 1 ) is integrally formed, in particular that the flame element ( 3 ) in one piece with the base ( 2 ) is trained. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flame element ( 3 ) comprises a curved surface. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to connect the light-emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) and / or the further light-emitting diode ( 4 '' ), the control circuit in particular at or below the base ( 2 ) or in the soil base ( 2 ' ) is arranged. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it comprises a remote control, which is configured to control the control circuit, in particular by means of infrared rays and / or a wireless connection. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric candle, in particular the control circuit, comprises a timer function. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one light-emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' . 4 '' ) a color light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' . 4 '' ), preferably a full color LED ( 4 . 4 ' . 4 '' ), in particular a red-green-blue, RGB, full color gamut LED ( 4 . 4 ' . 4 '' ). Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a pressure sensor, in particular a microphone, which is connected to the light-emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) and / or the further light emitting diode ( 4 '' ) and / or the control circuit for controlling the light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' ) and / or the further light emitting diode ( 4 '' ) depending on a pressure change, preferably of air pressure. Electric candle according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electric candle separate control circuits for separately controlling each light emitting diode ( 4 . 4 ' . 4 '' ).

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