NL2024537B1

NL2024537B1 - Gas hearth.

Info

Publication number: NL2024537B1
Application number: NL2024537A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Hendrikus Jozef Maria Hegemann Louis; Martijn Eli Van Melick Beijko
Original assignee: Kal Fire Beheer B V
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2021-09-02
Also published as: WO2021125960A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a gas heart at least comprising a combustion chamber, gas/air supply means for supplying a combustible gas/air mixture into the combustion chamber to firebed-simulating means positioned in the combustion chamber, ignition means for igniting the combustible gas/air mixture in the combustion chamber and a flue-gas discharge duct connected to the combustion chamber for discharging combustion flue gases from the combustion chamber, as well as control means for controlling the gas/air supply means and the ignition means, wherein a front side of the combustion chamber is shielded by means of an at least partially transparent plate.

Description

Title: Gas hearth.

DESCRIPTION The invention relates to a gas heart at least comprising a combustion chamber, gas/air supply means for supplying a combustible gas/air mixture into the combustion chamber to firebed-simulating means positioned in the combustion chamber, ignition means for igniting the combustible gas/air mixture in the combustion chamber and a flue-gas discharge duct connected to the combustion chamber for discharging combustion flue gases from the combustion chamber, as well as control means for controlling the gas/air supply means and the ignition means, wherein a front side of the combustion chamber is shielded by means of an at least partially transparent plate.

Various types of hearths, in particular decorative hearths, are known, many of these hearths can be used as built-in hearths or as hearth stoves. Such decorative hearths are suitable for burning gas, wood or other natural fuels. Such a decorative gas hearth is known from, for example, NL2013190B1, having imitation logs placed in the combustion chamber on top or near the gas outlets of the gas/air supply means, thus creating a real fire bed upon ignition of the gas/air mixture exiting the gas outlets. This configuration gives the impression that the imitation logs are actually burning, said fire impression being visible through the at least partially transparent plate shielding the combustion chamber.

The problem with such gas fires, however, is the manner of operation. There is a tendency to equip gas hearths according to the introduction above with remote control devices allowing the gas hearth to be controlled similar as with a television set. However this is considered burdensome as it requires an additional device next to the many other remote control devices already present in the living room where the gas hearth is to be installed.

An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a gas heart as mentioned above, which can be controlled in a more simple, yet safe and accurate fashion.

Hereto the control means comprise at least one proximity sensor device being positioned inside the combustion chamber. The use of a proximity sensor device for controlling the gas hearth by means of hand gestures (waving, etc.) of a user, provides a gas hearth with an improved, yet simple, safe and accurate control, which better appeals to the wishes and desires of the consumer. Furthermore by mounting the at least one proximity sensor device inside the combustion chamber the outer appearance of the gas hearth is not adversely affected.

In view of the above, the at least one proximity sensor device is positioned behind the at least partially transparent wall at the front side of the combustion chamber, thus maintaining a straight undisturbed outer appearance of the gas hearth as well as guaranteeing a proper, simple, safe and accurate control of the gas hearth by a user.

In a further example, the at least one proximity sensor device is positioned next to one of the firebed-simulating means. This guarantees that the user, when controlling the gas hearth by means of hand gestures, will directly notice the effects of the hand gestures on the operation of the gas hearth, sec the burning of the firebed- simulating means.

In order to avoid disturbances in the operation of the gas hearth for example due to an incorrect sensing (sec: interpreting) of hand gestures by means of the proximity sensor device, the at least one proximity sensor device is provided with a heat resistant housing.

In addition to that the heat resistant housing is provided with at least one opening directed towards the at least partially transparent wall at the front side of the combustion chamber. The at least one opening serves as the ‘detection eye’ for sensing and correctly interpreting hand gestures performed by the user by means of the proximity sensor device.

In particular the housing is provided with two openings directed towards the at least partially transparent plate at the front side of the combustion chamber, which allows for so-called 2D detection of hand gestures and thus further improving the sensing and interpreting capabilities of the proximity sensor device.

In an example thereof, the control means comprise a printed circuit board being positioned outside the combustion chamber and below the at least one proximity sensor device, and wherein the at least one proximity sensor device comprises at least one proximity sensor element mounted to the printed circuit board.

In particular the at least one proximity sensor device comprises at least one optical wave guide interconnecting the at least one proximity sensor element with the at least one opening in the housing. The above embodiment further improves the sensing and interpreting capabilities of the proximity sensor device and allows for quicker response time of the control means as a reaction to hand gestures detected or sensed and interpreted by the proximity sensor device.

As a further improvement for the sensing and interpreting capabilities of the proximity sensor device the at least one optical wave guide comprises a mirror element. The mirror element assures that any hand gestures of a user being captured by the optical wave guide are properly redirected and focussed towards the proximity sensor elements for further interpreting and conversion into control signals by the control means.

In a further example of the gas hearth the control means further comprises indication means for indicating a status of the gas hearth. In particular the indication means comprise an array of LED elements provided on the at least one proximity sensor device, wherein the array of LED elements is provided on the housing around the at least one opening. Herewith a visible feedback is provided to the user based on his control gestures, next to the actual effects of the hand gestures on the operation of the gas hearth, sec the burning of the firebed-simulating means.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing, in which successively: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a gas hearth according to the prior art; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of a gas hearth according to the invention; Figures 3-6 show details of the embodiment of Figure 2.

For a better understanding of the invention, the similar components shown in the various figures are denoted by identical reference numerals in the following description of the figures.

Figure 1 diagrammatically shows an embodiment of a gas hearth according to the prior art. In particular, the burner system of a hearth is shown in the way in which it is arranged in the combustion chamber of the gas hearth.

In general, a decorative hearth is composed of a housing comprising side walls, a bottom wall 10a (see Figures 3-6}, a front wall 10’ (see Figures 3 and 4) and a rear wall. The front wall/plate 10’ is often (at least in part) transparent and can also be rotated away or slid away for maintenance. The front, bottom, rear and side walls enclose a combustion chamber 10 in which the firebed-simulating means, denoted here, for example, by reference numerals 12a-12d, are accommodated. The firebed-simulating means 12a-12d are configured to simulate a fire image and all respective components are fitted to a bottom panel which forms part of the bottom wall 10a of the combustion chamber 10.

As is illustrated in Figure 1, the hearth 1 is provided with gas supply means (gas supply line) 13 which are connected to a main supply line (not shown). The gas supply line 13 branches off into branch lines 13a-13d, each of which extend into the combustion chamber 10 via gas outlets 13a’-13d’, and which gas outlets 13a’-13d’, in particular, each end at the location of the firebed-simulating means 12a-12d. In the branch lines 13a-13d the gas supply is mixed with air that is supplied from outside the combustion chamber or the gas hearth via air inlets 13a”-13d”. A control valve 14 is incorporated in the gas supply line 13 which can be controlled by suitable control means 20 via the control line 15 and can be closed off in order to close off the gas supply into the combustion chamber 10.

The firebed-simulating means 12a-12d may be configured, for example, as imitation logs, which may, for example, be made of a fireproof ceramic material. Such imitation logs are often also porous, so that the gas/air mixture supplied via the respective branch line 13a-13d may flow through or leak into the porous imitation logs and can be made to ignite locally on the surface using suitable, gas ignition means 16a. Usually one ignition means 16a is present in the combustion chamber for igniting all firebed-simulating means 12a-12d at once, alternatively for safety purposes multiple gas ignition means 16a- 16d, one for each porous imitation logs 12a-12d, can be implemented in the combustion chamber. Each gas ignition means 18a-16d can be controlled by the control means 20 via a corresponding control line 16a’ (or 16b’-16d’). In this way, a fire image may be simulated which is similar to that of a conventional fire of burning wooden logs. The combustion flue gases can be discharged from the combustion chamber 10 via the flue- gas discharge duct 11.

As the primary objective of a decorative hearth is to produce a realistic fire image and is not intended — unlike conventional hearths — to emit heat to the surroundings, it is desirable for a decorative hearth to produce as realistic a fire image as soon as possible from the time of starting up while using a minimal amount of gas.

In Figures 2-6 several views and embodiments 1° of the gas heart according to the invention.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a proximity sensor device which is part of the control means 20. The at least one proximity sensor device 30 is positioned inside the combustion chamber 10 and preferably behind the at least partial transparent wall 10° at the front side of the combustion chamber 10. This is clearly depicted in Figure 3 showing the at least partially transparent front plate or front wall 10" which closes the front side of the combustion chamber 10.

The at least one proximity sensor device 30 is mechanically and electronically connected with or mounted to the control means 20, which functionality is depicted in Figure 2 by means of the figurative, dashed line 31. This mechanical and 5 electronical connection 31 will be explained in further detail with reference to the Figures 3-6.

The at least one proximity sensor device 30 is capable of sensing or detecting hand gestures performed by a user being positioned in front of the gas hearth 1’, which hand gestures being sensed are transferred via the mechanical and electronical connection 31 to the control means 20, and converted in suitable control signals by the control means 20 based on which control signals the gas hearth 1’ is operated.

Suitable hand gestures to be performed by a user in front of the at least partial transparent front wall 10’ of the combustion chamber 10, can be: - a hand gesture consisting of moving one hand towards the proximity sensor device, which is to or can be interpreted as desire of the user to increase gas supplied via the gas branch lines 13a-13b towards the firebed-simulating means 12a-12d and thus increasing the flame/fire impression in the combustion chamber; - a hand gesture consisting of moving one hand away the proximity sensor device which is to or can be interpreted as desire of the user to decrease gas supplied via the gas branch lines 13a-13b towards the firebed-simulating means 12a-12d and thus decreasing the flame/fire impression in the combustion chamber; - a hand gesture consisting of moving two hands towards each other (clapping movement) in front of the proximity sensor device which is to or can be interpreted as desire of the user to completely shut off the gas heart (the flame/fire impression in the combustion chamber).

It is to be noted, that other gestures can be detected or interpreted by the proximity sensor device 30 and converted in other suitable control signals by the control means 20 for a further different operation of the gas hearth.

Hereto the control means 20 comprise a printed circuit board 21 which is provided with suitable electronic components including memory components and central processing components for converting hand gestures being detected by the proximity sensor device 30. A suitable memory chip component is mounted to the printed circuit board 21 and can be programmed for an optimal functioning of the control means 20. In particular the memory chip component can be programmed with suitable control signals which are linked to certain hand gestures to be detected by the proximity sensor device

30. Three hand gestures and their corresponding control actions to be programmed in the memory chip component are outlined above.

The positioning of the proximity sensor device 30 inside the combustion chamber and preferably at the front side of the combustion chamber 10, but behind the at least partially transparent front wall 10’, allows not only for an improved, yet simple, safe and accurate control of the gas hearth 1° which better appeals to the wishes and desire of the consumer, but furthermore said location of the at least one proximity sensor device 30 inside the combustion chamber 10 does not adversely affect the outer appearance of the gas hearth 1’. The location of the at least one proximity sensor device 30 behind the at least partially transparent front wall 10° at the front side of the combustion chamber 10 maintains a straight and undisturbed outer appearance of the gas hearth.

In particular, as depicted in Figure 2 as well as in Figure 3, the at least one proximity sensor device 30 is provided or positioned next to one of the firebed-simulating means 12a-12d. Herewith it is guaranteed that the user, when controlling the gas hearth by means of hand gestures, will directly notice the effect of its hand control gestures on the operation of the gas hearth 1°. In particular, the user will notice the effect of its hand gestures on the burning status of the firebed-simulating means. This further appeals to the desires and the user experience of the gas hearth by the user.

The at least one proximity sensor device 30 is provided with a heat resistant housing 32 being made of a heat resistant material, such as Bakelite, steel or aluminium. Herewith any disturbances in the operation of the gas hearth due to the burning of the fire-simulating means 12a-12d and the resulting increase in temperature in the combustion chamber as well as the presence of combustion flue gases will not adversely affect a proper control, sec a proper sensing and interpreting of hand gestures of a user.

The heat resistant housing 32 is predominantly positioned in the combustion chamber 10 with a part 32’ extending towards the outside of the combustion chamber 10 and preferably below the combustion chamber. The extended part 32’ of the heat resistant housing 32 towards the section of the gas hearth 1’ directly below the combustion chamber 10 provides additional protection of the sensitive components of the proximity sensor device 30 and the control means 20 against higher operating temperatures occurring in the combustion chamber as well as combustion flue gases, which might adversely affect the electronic components of the printed circuit board 21 and/or adversely influence the sensing and interpreting capabilities of the proximity sensor device 30. The mechanical and electronical connection 31 to correctly transfer hand gestures being sensed/interpreted by the proximity sensor device 30 to the control means 20 is being formed of at least one opening 31 provided in the housing 32. Preferably two openings 31a-31b present, which opening or openings are directed towards the at least partially transparent front wall 10’ at the front side of the combustion chamber 10. As such, the openings 31 of the proximity sensor device 30 are facing a user in front of the at least transparent front wall 10° of the gas hearth 1’, herewith improving the sensing and interpreting capabilities of the proximity sensor device and excluding any disturbances from within the combustion chamber, such as temperature influences and combustion flue gases which might affect the detection capabilities of the proximity sensor device 30.

By using two openings 31 combined with two proximity sensor elements 36a-36b, a two-dimensional interpretation of hand gestures is possible.

As depicted in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, the control means 20 comprise a printed circuit board 21 which is positioned outside the combustion chamber 10. Herewith a further adverse influence on the operation by means of high temperatures in the combustion chamber as well as combustion flue gases is avoided, and thus guarantees a stable, error-free operation of the gas hearth 1’.

For insuring an improved sensing and interpreting of hand gestures by means of the proximity sensor device 30, the mechanical and electronical connection between the proximity sensor device 30 and the control means 20 further consists of at least one optical wave guide 33a-33b, which is placed inside the housing 32 of the proximity sensor device 30. Each optical wave guide 33a-33b interconnects with one of the proximity sensor elements 38a-38b being mounted on the printed circuit board 21 of the control means 20, as well as with the openings 31a-31b in the housing 32.

The configuration of the optical wave guides 33a-33b is clearly depicted in Figures 5 and 6. The optical wave guides 33a-33b are preferably made of a transparent yet heat resistant material, such as silicate glass, which protrudes with an end part 34a- 34b outside the opening 31 present in the housing 32. The protruding end part 34a-34b of the optical wave guide 33a-33b serves as a “detection eye”, as it is pointed or directed towards the at least partial transparent front wall 10° at the front side of the combustion chamber 10. The protruding end parts 34a-34b thus face a user in front of the gas hearth 1’ for an improved sensing hand gestures performed by the user. Any influences from within the combustion chamber, like temperature fluctuations and combustion flue gases are avoided. The optical wave guide 33a-33b is provided with a bent 33a’-33b’ inside (the housing 32 of) the proximity sensor device 30. At the bent 33a’-33b’ a mirror element 35a-35b is provided for reflecting any hand signal or gestures being sensed via the “detection eye” end parts 34a-34b towards the other end part 34a’-34b’ of the optical wave guides 33a-33b. The other end parts 34a’-34b’ are positioned near or on the one or two proximity sensor element 36a-36b mounted on the printed circuit board 21 of the control means 20.

The whole construction of the optical wave guide 33a-33b for sensing and interpreting hand gestures in front of the gas hearth 1° and directing these signals towards the proximity sensor elements 36a-36b for further processing within the control means 20, ensures that no disturbances from within the combustion chamber 10 due to temperature fluctuations and or combustion flue gases can occur.

The proximity sensor elements 36a-36b are preferably two-dimensional infrared sensor elements for properly sensing and interpreting hand gestures from a user positioned in front of the gas hearth 1°.

Reference numeral 38 denotes indication means being part of the control means 20, which indication means 38 are arranged for indicating the status of the gas hearth. Preferably, the indication means 38 are provided as a light guide 38b which is provided along the outer circumference of the housing 32. Furthermore, the printed circuit board 21 of the control means 20 is provided with multiple LED elements 38a, which are mounted in an array on the printed circuit board 21. The array of LED elements serves to provide an indication to the user about the status of the gas hearth.

Several status indicators can be provided, such as the number of burning LED element 38a conform to the amount of gas being provided to the fire-simulating means 12a-12d and provide an indication as to the intensity of the flame/fire impressing in the combustion chamber 10. A LED element 38a emitting red light (in a continuous or blinking manner) can indicate an error or warning, for example when an malfunction in the control means 20 has been observed / detected. A LED element 38a emitting white or blue light (in a continuous or blinking manner) represents an indication top the user as to the changing of the operational status of the hearth.

For example, once the user places his hand before the optical wave guide 33a-33b in front of the gas hearth 1’ this hand gesture is sensing and interpreted by the control means as an indication for changing the operational mode. In the event that the hand gesture is interrupted within a pre-determined threshold time interval the control means will interpret the interruption as a cancellation of the desire for changing the operational mode. After the cancellation of the change of operation mode the gas hearth 1 will return to its previous operational mode.

In the event that the hand gesture is continued for a longer period than the pre-determined threshold time interval the control means will interpret this as continuation of the desire for changing the operational mode. This is shown to the user as an increase in light intensity of the respective LED or in illuminating the multiple LED elements 38a in a sequential order until all LED elements 38a are emitting light. After that the control means will set the gas heart 1’ in another operational mode.

Preferable the LED emitting elements 38a are designed as RGB LED elements.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 1 gas heart 1 gas hearth according to the invention combustion chamber

10a bottom wall of combustion chamber 10° front wall/plate of combustion chamber 11 flue-gas discharge duct 12a-12d firebed-simulating means

10 13 gas supply line 13a-13d gas branch lines 13a’-13d’ gas outlets 13a"-13d” air inlets 14 control valve

15 control line 16a-16d gas ignition means 16a’-16d’ control line for gas ignition means control means 21 printed circuit board

20 30 proximity sensor device 31 opening in housing 32 heat resistant housing of proximity sensor device 32’ part of housing outside combustion chamber 33a-33b optical wave guide

33a-33p’ bent in optical wave guide 34a-34b entrance side (‘detection eye’) of optical wave guide 34a’-34b’ mounting side of optical wave guide to proximity sensor element 35a-35b mirror element 36a-36b 2D proximity sensor element (IR cell)

38 indication means 38a array of LED elements 38b LED light guide

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

A gas fireplace comprising at least one combustion chamber, gas/air supply means for supplying a combustible gas/air mixture in the combustion chamber to fuel bed simulation means placed in the combustion chamber, ignition means for igniting the combustible gas/air mixture in the combustion chamber and a flue gas discharge duct connected with the combustion chamber for discharging combustion flue gases from the combustion chamber, as well as control means for controlling the gas/air supply means and the ignition means, wherein a front side of the combustion chamber is shielded by means of an at least partially transparent wall and wherein the control means at least include one proximity sensor device located within the combustion chamber.

The gas fireplace of claim 1, wherein the at least one proximity sensor device is located behind the at least partially transparent wall and in front of the combustion chamber.

The gas fireplace of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one proximity sensor device is located adjacent to one of the fire bed simulation means.

A gas fireplace according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one proximity sensor device comprises a heat-resistant housing.

Gas fireplace according to claim 4, wherein the housing is provided with at least one opening directed towards the at least partially transparent wall at the front of the combustion chamber.

Gas fireplace according to claim 5, wherein the housing is provided with two openings directed towards the at least partially transparent plate at the front of the combustion chamber.

A gas fireplace according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the control means comprises a printed circuit board placed outside the combustion chamber and below the at least one proximity sensor device, and wherein the at least one proximity sensor device comprises at least one proximity sensor element, i.e. mounted on the printed circuit board.

The gas fireplace of claim 7, wherein the at least one proximity sensor device comprises at least one optical waveguide connecting the at least one proximity sensor element to the at least one opening in the housing.

The gas fireplace of claim 8, wherein the at least one optical waveguide comprises a mirror element.

10. Gas fireplace according to one or more of the claims 1-9, wherein the control means further comprise indication means for indicating a status of the gas stove.

A gas fireplace according to claim 10, wherein the indicating means comprises an array of LED elements provided on the at least one proximity sensor device.

A gas fireplace according to claim 11, wherein the series of LED elements are arranged on the housing around the at least one opening.