EP1328761A2 - Flame simulation apparatus - Google Patents
Flame simulation apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- EP1328761A2 EP1328761A2 EP01972256A EP01972256A EP1328761A2 EP 1328761 A2 EP1328761 A2 EP 1328761A2 EP 01972256 A EP01972256 A EP 01972256A EP 01972256 A EP01972256 A EP 01972256A EP 1328761 A2 EP1328761 A2 EP 1328761A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- ribbons
- ribbon
- leds
- flame
- light
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- 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
Definitions
- This invention relates to an apparatus in which flame simulation is effected.
- Apparatus in which flame simulation is effected typically may be an electric fire, or a flame effect fire not for heating, but simply for providing a focal point of a room.
- Another apparatus in which flame is simulated may be a decorative imitation flame torch.
- the use of flame simulation provides a cheaper, cleaner, safer and more environmentally friendly method of heating and lighting, whilst maintaining the aesthetic appeal that a natural flame provides.
- the first of the two categories includes fires having a simulated coal or wood bed, typically made of fibreglass or plastic, beneath which a red light bulb is positioned with a spinning diffusion plate above it.
- the second of the two categories include fires having a plurality of ribbons suspended within the appliance, which are moved by air circulation means or mechanical means. The movement of the ribbons is back projected onto a screen in the form of a semi- transparent plate at the front of the appliance, to provide the appearance to a viewer of flickering natural flames.
- a combination of the abovementioned features are used to create a simulated natural flame appearance.
- the invention provides two independent aspects providing for more realism in simulating flames.
- Thee two aspects and a third aspect of the invention can be used together.
- an apparatus for simulating at least one natural flame including means for creating an air stream, at least one flexible ribbon or the like supported so that it can be caused to flutter or flicker under the action of the air stream, and light source means which emits light of different colours to fall onto different parts of the ribbon as it flickers or flutters to simulate a multi coloured natural flame.
- the light source means comprises light emitting diodes (LEDs), each for emitting light of a different colour.
- LEDs light emitting diodes
- the LEDs flash on and off repeatedly at a predetermined frequency.
- the LEDs flash at a frequency of approximately 50Hz.
- the activation, deactivation and/or flashing frequency of each individual LED is variable and can be controlled by a user.
- the activation, brightness, deactivation and/or flashing frequency of each LED, a group of LEDs and/or all the LEDs of the apparatus can be programmed at pre-determined time intervals, set by the user or manufacturer.
- the light sources means may comprise in the alternative, conventional, small sized, electric bulbs
- an apparatus for simulating at least one natural flame including means for creating an air stream, at least one flexible ribbon or the like which is supported so that it can be raised from a lowered position in which it is loosely draped, and caused to flutter or flicker under the action of the air stream, and when the air stream is stopped, it falls back to the lowered position.
- the ribbon be supported at a bottom end, and the other end is free to lift under the action of the air stream.
- the at least one flexible ribbon is an elongate member provided in a shape at least approximating a natural flame, and for example, the upper end of the ribbon may be tapered and/or the edges of the ribbon may be wavy.
- the apparatus is preferably such that the light falling on the ribbon/ribbons is reflected from the ribbon/ribbons directly through a screen or plate through which the flame effect is viewed, such screen in one embodiment being semi transparent, and in particular semi frosted.
- the means for creating an air stream is a fan, which may be of the tangential or axial type.
- the apparatus includes a base and the base is provided with one or more apertures on an upper surface thereof.
- the fan may be located in an internal cavity defined by walls of the base to circulate air upwardly through the apertures .
- the fan is located adjacent the base and circulates air through the base and/or upwardly through the apparatus.
- the LEDs are located in the cavity of the base and the light emitted from the LEDs is directed upwardly through the apertures of the upper surface of the base and onto the ribbons.
- the ribbons are attached to an internal surface of the base and/or the walls defining the one or more apertures of the base.
- the ribbons are provided in planes arranged in a zigzag arrangement on the upper surface of the base, such planes typically being angled at 90° to one another.
- a reflective surface is provided behind the ribbons to form a part or whole of a back and angled sides of the apparatus. Further preferably the reflective surface is provided with one or more ribs thereon.
- the apparatus forms part of an electric fire and the base is a simulated fuel bed.
- the apparatus forms part of a simulated flame torch for lighting purposes.
- An advantage of the first aspect of present invention is that the light of different colours emitted from the light source means can be directed to fall onto different parts of the ribbon corresponding to the colour(s) typically associated with different parts of a natural flame.
- a natural flame is typically blue at or adjacent the bottom of the flame and is orange and/or yellow at or adjacent the top of the flame.
- This light arrangement in combination with the flickering or fluttering of the ribbons, provides the simulated flames with a more realistic natural flame appearance than conventional simulated flames, due to the fact that they appear to emit light as a natural flame does.
- a further advantage of the present invention is that the ribbons are being viewed directly by a user to give a three dimensional appearance, thereby providing increased realism to the simulated flames. This is in contrast to many conventional flame simulation appliances where the flame images are back projected onto a screen, and it is the projected image which is viewed by a user, thereby providing a less realistic two-dimensional appearance.
- Figure 1 is an example of the flame simulating part of an electric fire (actual or simulated) according to the present invention.
- Figure 2 is a plan view of the part shown in Figure 1.
- the flame simulating part 2 of an electric fire comprising a base 4, a fan 6, ribbons 8 and a reflective surface 10.
- the ribbons are shaped to at least approximate natural flames, with the top portion of the ribbons being tapered and pointed and the edges of the ribbons being wavy.
- the ribbons are made of a synthetic silk material, with anti-static properties, being laser cut to prevent fraying.
- the base 4 is a rectangular box and has sidewalls 12, a bottom 14, and a front 15.
- the rear is open and registers with the outlet of the fan 6, whilst the top 16 comprises a margin 16A surrounding a letter-box aperture 18.
- the box 4 may be for example of dimensions "w” of approximately 50 cm, "h” of approximately 8 cm, and “d” of approximately 10 cm, although these dimensions could be any suitable.
- the ribbons 8 are of delicate light silk, so that when the blower 6 is operative, it provides a gentle air flow, indicated by arrows 21 , which passes through the box 4, out of the letter box aperture 18 and then rises vertically, and in so doing, lifts the ribbons as shown in Figure 1, making them at the same time flicker and flutter like real flames. Because the ribbons are unsupported at the top, when the fan is turned off, which happens when the fire is turned off, the ribbons fall back into the box 4 and this also adds to the realism of the apparatus.
- the ribbons 8, which may be of a length in the order of 10 cm, because they are of light fabric, have no difficulty in lifting to the position shown in Figure 1 , when the fan again is turned on.
- the ribbons may be loosely supported above the bottoms, as long as they still rise as described above, when the air flow is on.
- the ribbons are illuminated by a plurality of LEDs 22 located in the box 4 at any convenient location and in any desired number. Respective ones of the LEDs emit light of different colours and are positioned such that the light falls onto different parts of the ribbons 8 corresponding to the colour or colours typically associated with an equivalent part of a natural flame.
- LEDs can be provided to emit blue light to fall onto bottom portions of ribbons 8
- further LEDs can be provided to emit orange light to fall onto middle portions of ribbons 8
- yet further LEDs can be provided to emit yellow light to fall onto top portions of the ribbons.
- the visual effect provided by the coloured lights falling onto the ribbons, together with the flickering movement of the ribbons as a result of the circulation of air in the apparatus, increases the realism of the simulated flames.
- Any particular colour can be produced by an LED emitting a single light colour.
- a particular colour can be produced by two or more LEDs emitting light of different colours, the combination of emitted light when directed onto the same part of the ribbon producing a single colour.
- green and yellow LEDs can be directed onto the bottom portion of a flame member to produce a blue colouration effect.
- the LEDs are typically high brightness LEDs and flash at a predetermined frequency such that the flashing is not obviously detected by a human eye, but which in combination with ribbon movement, provides a flickering effect associated with natural flames.
- a typical frequency which can be used to simulate the flickering of a natural flame is 50Hz.
- the illumination effected by the simulated flames is increased by the provision of reflective surface 10 behind the ribbons.
- the reflective surface can be joined to the base 4 with conventional attachment means such as screws, nuts and bolts, clips, adhesive and/or the like.
- the reflective surface 10 can be provided with a number of ribs 24 to further increase the realism of the members 8.
- the reflector preferably has sides 10A which are bent at approximately 45° to enhance the 3D effect.
- a semi-transparent plate (not shown) can be provided in front of the base or ribbons through which the ribbons are viewed directly (as opposed to back projection as used in the prior art) by a user.
- the semi-transparent plate is typically made from frosted glass and softens the edges of the ribbons 8 to increase their realism as natural flames.
- This plate can have a semi- reflective finish, so that the inside of the apparatus cannot be seen, when the appliance is switched off.
- the apparatus may also be provided with a suitable casing to house the components, but in other cases the apparatus will be fitted into an existing hearth, when such a casing may not be needed.
- the ribbons Since the angled ribbons are being viewed directly and lie at an angle to the viewer, and are not projected onto a screen, as is typically the case with some conventional flame simulation appliances, the ribbons provide a three dimensional natural flame effect and increase the realism of the simulated flames.
- control means 26 may be provided control means 26 to switch the fire on/off, to adjust the heat setting of the fire and provide other functions as indicated below.
- the control means 26 can also allow the user to control the flashing frequency of each LED individually, a group of LEDs and/or all the LEDs.
- the flashing frequency can be programmed to change at time intervals determined by the user or manufacturer.
- the activation and deactivation of each LED individually or a group of LEDs can be controlled and/or programmed. For example, different coloured LEDs can be programmed to be activated at different times to represent different heat settings of the fire or changes in the heat given off by the fire (when the apparatus functions as such).
- the ribbons 8 are typically made from a light flexible material having anti-static properties such as silk, polyester, satin, plastic and/or the like.
- the apparatus can be provided with an actual or simulated coal or wood pile, and when simulated, can be made from a plastics material or fibreglass.
- the present invention provides flame simulation apparatus in which the realism of the appearance of the flame or flames is increased, thereby increasing the aesthetic appeal of the apparatus to customers.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0026417 | 2000-10-28 | ||
GB0026417A GB0026417D0 (en) | 2000-10-28 | 2000-10-28 | Flame stimulation apparatus |
PCT/GB2001/004359 WO2002035153A2 (en) | 2000-10-28 | 2001-10-02 | Flame simulation apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1328761A2 true EP1328761A2 (en) | 2003-07-23 |
Family
ID=9902142
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01972256A Withdrawn EP1328761A2 (en) | 2000-10-28 | 2001-10-02 | Flame simulation apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1328761A2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1227483C (en) |
AU (1) | AU2001292036A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB0026417D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2002035153A2 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9068706B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2015-06-30 | Winvic Sales Inc. | Electronic luminary device with simulated flame |
US10352517B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2019-07-16 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2846562B1 (en) * | 2002-11-05 | 2005-12-09 | Universal Effects | FIRE SIMULATION DEVICE AND PERSONAL TRAINING DEVICE COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE |
NL2000180C2 (en) * | 2005-08-13 | 2009-09-02 | Vicaroth N V | Simulated glow bed with simulated fire. |
GB2434441A (en) * | 2006-01-06 | 2007-07-25 | Gazco Ltd | Flame simulation apparatus and means for connection to a fire frame |
US8234803B2 (en) | 2010-06-08 | 2012-08-07 | Heat Surge, Llc | Reflective device for an electric fireplace and an electric fireplace incorporating the same |
CN109712458B (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2022-06-03 | 北京神州恒安科技有限公司 | Flame simulation system, device and training equipment |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1088577A (en) * | 1964-11-27 | 1967-10-25 | Thermair Domestic Appliances L | Improvements relating to space heating apparatus having a simulated flame effect |
GB9204362D0 (en) * | 1992-02-28 | 1992-04-08 | Kenholme Appliances Electrical | Fuel and/or flame effect |
GB2302172A (en) * | 1995-06-09 | 1997-01-08 | Crosslee Plc | Flame simulation apparatus |
GB2322188A (en) * | 1997-02-13 | 1998-08-19 | Electro Waerme Technik | Flame effect simulation |
GB2323159B (en) * | 1997-02-21 | 1999-12-29 | Paul Alan Harrison | Simulated flame device |
-
2000
- 2000-10-28 GB GB0026417A patent/GB0026417D0/en not_active Ceased
-
2001
- 2001-10-02 AU AU2001292036A patent/AU2001292036A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2001-10-02 EP EP01972256A patent/EP1328761A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2001-10-02 CN CN 01805695 patent/CN1227483C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-10-02 WO PCT/GB2001/004359 patent/WO2002035153A2/en active Application Filing
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
---|
See references of WO0235153A3 * |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9068706B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2015-06-30 | Winvic Sales Inc. | Electronic luminary device with simulated flame |
US9447937B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2016-09-20 | Nii Northern International Inc. | Electronic luminary device with simulated flame |
US10024507B2 (en) | 2012-03-07 | 2018-07-17 | Sterno Home Inc. | Electronic luminary device with simulated flame |
US10352517B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2019-07-16 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
US10578264B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2020-03-03 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
US10788179B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2020-09-29 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
US10808899B2 (en) | 2017-09-07 | 2020-10-20 | Sterno Home Inc. | Artificial candle with moveable projection screen position |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2002035153A3 (en) | 2002-08-01 |
CN1416518A (en) | 2003-05-07 |
AU2001292036A1 (en) | 2002-05-06 |
GB0026417D0 (en) | 2000-12-13 |
CN1227483C (en) | 2005-11-16 |
WO2002035153A2 (en) | 2002-05-02 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
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17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20030410 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL LT LV MK RO SI |
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17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20041018 |
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RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: MORPHY RICHARDS LIMITED |
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REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: HK Ref legal event code: WD Ref document number: 1053861 Country of ref document: HK |
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STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN |
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18D | Application deemed to be withdrawn |
Effective date: 20110503 |