GB2523250A

GB2523250A - Simulated flame effect

Info

Publication number: GB2523250A
Application number: GB1500843.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Leslie Watts
Original assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Current assignee: Flamerite Fires Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-11
Filing date: 2015-01-19
Publication date: 2015-08-19
Also published as: GB201500843D0; GB201402359D0

Abstract

Apparatus 10 for creating a simulated flame effect, suitable for use in an electric fire with a heating element, comprising a light source 11, a rotatable light diffuser and magnifying means 12, wherein the actuator driving the light diffuser engages with it at one or more positions radially spaced from its rotation axis. The light diffuser is preferably not supported at said axis. There are preferably two light diffusers arranged in series with respect to the path of light. These may have the form of rotatable discs 13, 14, which are supported at their periphery by rollers 15a, 15b and 15c. At least one roller 15a is a driving roller transmitting a rotational force to one disc, 14, itself being driven by an electric motor 8. The second disc 13 may be driven either by the same motor or by the first disc, e.g. via a belt 19. Filters and mirrors may also be placed in the course of the light towards a projection screen, such as a filter with a flame pattern. Variation of colour may be effected via colour filters, reflective surfaces of differing colours and/or light sources of different colours or emitting multiple colours.

Description

Simulated Flame Effect This invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating a realistic simulated flame effect, for example in an electric fire.

There are many designs of electric fire on the market which include some form of flame effect picture, usually behind or in front of a fuel effect such as real or simulated coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect such as one comprising pebbles or glass spheres.

Unfortunately these flame effects often are not very realistic and can spoil the appearance of an otherwise good fire design.

In our UK patent GB 2418984Awe have described a method and apparatus for improving on hitherto known techniques for creating a moving flame effect.

In that patent specification we have described a method and apparatus in which a 3D like moving image is projected onto the front or back of a screen, with or without a fuel effect in front of it.

The present invention seeks to provide an apparatus and method which further improves on the realism of the simulated flame effect. Another aspect of the present invention seeks to provide an apparatus which is more compact than hitherto known for producing a simulated flame effect.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect and suitable for use in an electric fire comprises:-a light source: a light diffusing means: actuating means for rotating the light diffusing means, and at least one magnifying means, wherein, in use, light from the light source passes through the rotatable light diffusing means and then through the magnifying means, said light diffusing means being rotatable about an axis of rotation under the action of actuation means comprising control means which engages with and rotatably supports the light diffusing means at one or more positions radially spaced from said axis of rotation.

Thus the light diffusing means preferably is devoid of any bearing, axle or other form of support which engages with the light diffusing means at a position coincident of the position of said axis of rotation.

Accordingly, in contrast to a hitherto known form of apparatus in which a light diffusing disc is rotatably engaged and supported at a central axis of rotation, with the axis of rotation needing to be positioned to one side of the light source, the present invention facilitates positioning of the axis of rotation of the light diffusing means at a position which is in front of instead of to one side of the light source. In consequence a more compact apparatus may be provided.

Preferably the apparatus comprises two rotatable light diffusing means arranged such that light from the light source passes in series through the two light diffusing means.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect and suitable for use in an electric fire comprises:-a light source; at least two light diffusing means; actuating means for rotating said two light diffusing means, and at least one magnifying means, wherein light from the light source passes through the rotatable light diffusing means and then through the magnifying means.

Preferably the actuating means comprises control means which engages with and rotatably supports the light diffusing means in a manner which is in accordance with said first aspect of the present invention.

The provision of two or more light diffusing means is found to enable a more realistic simulated flame effect to be achieved as compared with that which may be achieved by an apparatus comprising only a single light diffusing means.

The axes of rotation of two or more light diffusing means preferably are spaced apart and, optionally, substantially parallel with one another.

Preferably an apparatus in accordance with either of the aspects of the present invention comprises at least one light diffusing means in the form of a

rotatable disc.

Preferably a rotatable light diffusing disc is rotatably supported by control elements which engage with an outer peripheral region of the disc, for example a radially outer edge of the disc.

At least one control element may be in the form of a roller, such as a rubber surfaced roller, which bears against the radially outer edge of the disc.

Preferably one or more control elements bear against the disc in a direction which is in the plane of the disc, with a reaction force being provided by one or more other control elements in contact with the disc. Alternatively or additionally, however, a control element may bear against one face of the disc, with a reaction force being provided by a control element which bears against the other face of the disc.

One suitable type of control element is a grooved roller which bears against the periphery of a disc.

One or more of a plurality of control elements provided to rotatably support a disc preferably is a drive element which transmits a rotational force to the disc.

The apparatus may comprise an electric motor which is operatively connected to the drive element for rotation of a disc or other form of rotatable light diffusing means.

The present invention further teaches for an apparatus comprising two or more light diffusing means, one motor provides drive to transmission means which causes rotation of each of the light diffusing means. The transmission means may comprise drive components which act to transmit drive in series from one light diffusing means to another light diffusing means and/or the transmission means may comprise drive components which each transmit drive from the motor to a respective one of the light diffusing means.

The transmission means may comprise one or more of a friction roller, a gear wheel or a drive belt such as a V belt or a toothed belt.

The actuation means may comprise transmission means which is arranged to rotate two light diffusing means in a same direction or in opposite directions.

Optionally an apparatus in accordance with the present invention may comprise filter means provided with a flame pattern. Said filter means may be positioned between the light source and light diffusing means, or between two light diffusing means or between the light diffusing means and the magnifying means.

A colour filter may be provided in the light path between the light source and the magnifying means, or between the magnifying means and a screen onto which light from the light source is projected. Additionally or alternatively a light diffusing means may comprise coloured elements, such as red, green and blue elements. Additionally or alternatively the apparatus may comprise a light source, such as an LED light source, which emits light of a combination of colours, for example red, green and blue.

The light source may be of a conventional form such as a low or high voltage spot lamp or an LED. Filter means, if provided, preferably is an opaque disc or panel (e.g. glass or metal) with a cutout panel to let some light through and thereby form the flame pattern. Alternatively the filter means may comprise a film negative or a flame pattern in which case preferably it is coated such that it can withstand the heat generated by the light source. In another variant the filter means may comprise a glass or plastics disc coated with a flame image.

The light diffusing means preferably is a rotatable disc of transparent! translucent material, such as a glass or plastics material having an uneven surface (e.g. dimpled roughened or obscured patterned) to diffuse the image and create a moving effect. Preferably a slow rotation of around 5 to 15 revolutions per minute is selected thereby to provide a slow repetition of image.

The actuation means may comprise a dc electric motor. A speed controller may be provided for adjusting the speed of the motor.

The apparatus may comprise a colour filter to provide colour to the flame pattern, the filter being selected according to the desired result. An example of a colourfilter is a dichroic filter which preferably is resistant to heat generated by the light source. If a coloured mirror is included in the apparatus it may not be necessary to provide a coloured filter. However, if a coloured filter is provided, it may, conveniently, be positioned anywhere within the apparatus. In the event that colour is provided by an RGD LED spot light the provision of a coloured filter may not be required.

The magnifying means preferably comprises one or more lenses, clear or coloured, which enlarge the flame pattern.

In use of the apparatus the flame effect image transmitted through the magnifying means preferably is directed onto a screen. It may be directed directly onto a screen or via a reflective surface such as that of a mirror.

Additionally or alternatively the flame effect image may be directed at least in part onto a fuel effect e.g. coal or wood, or a decorative fuel effect such as pebbles or glass spheres.

The flame effect image may be directed onto a screen of translucent or opaque or transparent plastics, glass or fabric. Wood or metal also may be employed. The screen may be flat or may be curved. A black dot effect may be used on the screen to give a graduated effect to the resultant simulated flame image.

If reflecting means is provided, it may comprise reflective surfaces of differing colours, said surfaces being provided by, for example, either a single mirror or a plurality of mirrors. The differently coloured reflective surfaces may be angled relative to one another to result in a longer throw of the image in a restricted space than in the case of a single mirror or a plurality of mirrors in the same plane.

The present invention further provides an electric fire assembly comprising apparatus in accordance with the present invention to provide a simulated flame effect, a casing for containing said apparatus and also for containing a heating element. The casing additionally may provide support for a screen onto which a flame effect image may be projected and/or a fuel effect onto which the flame effect image additionally or alternatively may be projected.

Although an electric fire in accordance with the present invention may be provided integrally with the apparatus of the present invention for providing a simulated flame effect image, optionally said apparatus may be removable for ease of servicing, for example for ease of replacement of the light source.

The present invention further provides an electric fire comprising two or more units each of which is an apparatus in accordance with the present invention for providing a simulated flame effect image.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: -Figure 1 is a plan view of apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view in the direction of the arrow X of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a view in the direction of the arrow Y of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a part-sectional view of part of an electric fire in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention and Figure 5 is a front view of part of an electric fire, part in section, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Apparatus 10 (See Figures 1 to 3) for creating a simulated flame effect comprises an LED light source 11 which directs a beam of light towards a magnifying lens 12.

In this embodiment the light source is an RGB (red, green and blue) LED spot light.

Two light diffusing discs 13,14 are rotatably mounted and positioned such that a part of each of these discs lies in the light path between the light source 11 and lens 12.

Each light diffusing disc is a disc of transparent glass or plastics and has an uneven, bumpy surface. In consequence the three coloured beams from the light source are diffused and thereby create the impression of movement in the beam of light emitting from the magnifying lens.

The two diffuser discs are mounted in series such that light from the source first passes through one disc 13 and then through the second disc 14.

Each disc is rotatably supported by edge rollers 15 such that, without the need for a central support spindle or the like, the disc can be rotated about an axis which is coincident with or close to the beam of light passing through the lens 12 from the light source. In this embodiment the discs are rotatable about axes 16,17 (see Figure 2) which lie within but close to the edges of the beam of light from the light source 11.

Each of the rollers 15 is of a V or U type of sectional profile such that it provides support for a disc both in the plane of the disc and in directions perpendicular to the plane of the disc. Three of more rollers are provided and positioned such that each disc is positively held in position. One of the rollers, 1 Sa is rotated by means of an electric motor 8 thereby to cause rotation of the disc 14. The rollers have rubber contact surfaces such that they each positively rotate in unison with a disc, without slippage.

One of the other rollers 15b which is in contact with the disc 14 has, to one side of the plane of the disc, a drive section shaft 18 which carries a flexible drive belt 19. The other end of the belt 19 extends around a corresponding drive section shaft 20 of a roller 1 Sc that rotatably engages and supports the other disc 13.

Accordingly the motor is able to transmit drive directly to the edge of the disc 14 via the edge roller 15a and then, acting in series, drive is transmitted from the disc 14 to the disc 13 via the drive belt 19. Depending on the positioning of the belt, for example whether it incorporates a crossover formation or merely two parallel sections, the disc 13 can be arranged to rotate in a direction the same as or opposite to that of the disc 14.

Optionally in the aforedescribed light path from the lamp 11 to the lens 12 there may be provided a pattern filter (not shown) in the form of an opaque panel with a pattern cut out to resemble flames. Any such pattern filter may be rotatably mounted or may be non-rotatable.

An electric fire 30 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown in part, schematically, in Figure 4. It comprises the aforedescribed apparatus 10 for producing a beam of light 31 which provides a simulated flame effect. The beam 31 is directed to a mirror 32 from which it is reflected onto a bed of coals 33 and also to a lower reflective surface 34 from which it is in turn directed upwards onto a screen area (not shown) provided above the bed of coals 33.

An electric fire 40 in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically in Figure 5. The aforedescribed apparatus provides, from the lens 12, a beam of light 47 directed onto a mirror 41 which reflects the beam upwards onto a screen 42. The simulated flame effect image projected onto the screen 42 is visible via an opening 43 in a front face of the electric fire casing 44.

Although the electric fires of Figures 4 and 5 have been described with reference to a single unit 10 being provided to create a simulated flame effect, particularly because of the more compact design of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention as compared with those prior known, it is possible more readily to provide two or more units within an electric fire each for producing a simulated flame effect image, and said images may be arranged for example, side by side on a screen or may be at least partially overlapping.

Claims

Claims 1. A simulated flame effect apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect and suitable for use in an electric fire comprises:-a light source: a light diffusing means: actuating means for rotating the light diffusing means, and at least one magnifying means, wherein, in use, light from the light source passes through the rotatable light diffusing means and then through the magnifying means, said light diffusing means being rotatable about an axis of rotation under the action of actuation means comprising control means which engages with and rotatably supports the light diffusing means at one or more positions radially spaced from said axis of rotation.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the light diffusing means is devoid of engagement by a support at a position coincident with that of said axis of rotation.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 and comprising two rotatable light diffusing means arranged in series whereby light from the light source passes in series through the two light diffusing means.
4. A simulated flame effect apparatus for creating a simulated flame effect and suitable for use in an electric fire comprises:-a light source; at least two light diffusing means; actuating means for rotating said two light diffusing means, and at least one magnifying means, wherein light from the light source passes through the rotatable light diffusing means and then through the magnifying means.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the actuating means comprises control means which engages with and rotatably supports each light diffusing means at one or more positions radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the light diffusing means which that control means supports.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the axes of rotation of said at least two light diffusing means are spaced apart.
7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the axes of rotation of said at least two light diffusing means are parallel with one another.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising at least one light diffusing means which is a rotatable disc.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the rotatable light diffusing disc is rotatably supported by control elements which engage with an outer peripheral region of the disc.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the control elements engage with a radially outer edge of the disc.
11. Apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein at least one of the control elements is a roller which bears against the radially outer edge of the disc.
12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 11 wherein a control element bears against the disc in a direction which is in the plane of the disc and a reaction force is provided by one or more other control elements in contact with the disc.
13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein a control element bears against one face of the disc and a reaction force is provided by a control element which bears against the other face of the disc.
14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein the control element comprises a grooved roller which bears against the periphery of the disc.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 8 to 14 wherein at least one control element for rotatably supporting a disc is a drive element which transmits a rotational force to the disc.
16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising two or more light diffusing means wherein one electric motor provides drive to transmission means which causes rotation of each of the light diffusing means.
17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the transmission means comprises drive components which transmit drive in series from one light diffusing means to another light diffusing means.
18. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the transmission means comprises drive components which each transmit drive from the motor to a respective one of the light diffusing means.
19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising filter means provided with a flame pattern.
20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said filter means is positioned between the light source and light diffusing means or between two light diffusing means or between the light diffusing means and the magnifying means.
21. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a colour filter in the light path between the light source and a screen onto which light from the light source may be projected.
22. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source comprises a plurality of coloured elements.
23. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the light source emits light of a combination of colours.
24. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a reflective surface onto which is directed light transmitted through the magnifying means.
25. Apparatus according to claim 24 and comprising reflective surfaces of differing colours.
26. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 4 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
27. An electric fire assembly comprising a simulated flame effect apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, a casing for containing said apparatus and also for containing a heating element.
28. An assembly according to claim 27 wherein the casing provides support for a screen onto which a flame effect image may be projected.
29. An assembly according to claim 27 or claim 28 and comprising a fuel effect onto which a flame effect image may be projected.
30. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 29 and comprising a screen onto which a flame effect image may be directed, said screen comprising a black dot effect thereby to give a graduated effect to the resultant simulated flame image.
31. An assembly according to any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the assembly comprises two or more units each of which is an apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 26 and each for providing a simulated flame effect image.
32. An electric fire assembly according to claim 27 and substantially as hereinbefore described.