RU144155U1 - DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC FIREPLACE WITH SIMULATION OF OPEN FIRE - Google Patents

Abstract

1. A device for an electric fireplace with an imitation of open fire, including: a fake of fuel elements; at least one light source that creates a flame effect; a liquid container; a set of electrodes lowered into a liquid container and intended for its evaporation; liquid level sensor. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of electrodes contains at least two electrodes. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source generating the flame effect is a liquid crystal display. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the surface of the liquid crystal display has a curvature. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains an additional light source for illuminating the fake fuel cells. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains an additional light source designed to illuminate the generated vapor. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a steam condenser connected by a channel to a liquid container. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the liquid container is additionally closed by a lid that has openings for the exit of steam. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that the cover is a fake fuel cell, which contains a domed cavity. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that local models of light are installed on the dummy of the fuel cells to simulate sparks. 11. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains at least one container for aromatic substance. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for generating an air flow over

Description

This utility model relates to electrical household heating appliances, in particular electric fireplaces, with imitation of an open flame.

In this technical field there are many devices designed to simulate the combustion of solid fuels (WO 02/099338, WO 97/41393). Usually, they use models of firewood or coal made of plastic, and illuminated from below by a variable intensity light source of red or orange. The design may include simulating a smoldering substrate also made of plastic, a metal grill, etc. To enhance the effect of fire, a display with a dynamic image of flames on a dark background can be placed behind the structure. To create a visual effect of flame tongues, strips of red cloth, oscillating in the flow of ascending air from the fan, are also used. The optical effect of a flame can be created by projecting light onto a matte screen through current streams of colored liquid (EP 1703211) or through mutually moving optical elements (GB 2484734). Volumetric flames are also simulated by highlighting in red the jets of steam from the steam generator (GB 2498329, GB 2502077). Steam can be directed through different channels and highlighted in different colors (US20100299980).

An additional sign of open fire is the presence of smoke, which in electric fireplaces is modeled using water vapor (GB 2391933, GB 2402206, GB 2460259, WO 03063664, US 20080028648). A container with water containing an ultrasonic evaporator is located in a niche behind the fake fuel. The resulting vapor is directed up and highlighted, thus simulating smoke from burning fuel.

The closest analogue of this utility model is the patent of the Russian Federation No. 2434181 "Electric hearth". The invention claimed in this patent relates to a hearth simulating the effect of a flame. The device includes: a substrate with holes; a light source that creates a flame effect; a steam generator comprising a container with a liquid, an ultrasonic transducer and a vapor exit channel; means for generating an air flow above the surface of the liquid directing it to the outlet channel; means for generating an upward flow of air from the substrate with holes. Since in the process of ultrasonic crushing of water “cold” steam is formed, additional means are required to control its flows, which complicates the overall design of the device. Also limited are the possibilities in controlling the modes of vaporization and its intensity.

The technical result from the use of this utility model is to simplify the design of an open fire simulator using vaporization, while increasing its productivity and the additional effect of disinfecting indoor air. An additional result from the use of this utility model is the expansion of the range of effects on the senses with the goal of the most complete simulation of the focus with open fire.

One of the important distinguishing features of this utility model is the use of a steam generator with immersed electrodes in an electric fireplace device with simulated open fire. This makes it possible to create point sources of steam of different intensities by placing pairs of electrodes, which makes the simulation of smoke more reliable. The use of such a steam generator makes it possible in some cases to refuse additional fans, convection sources (devices for additional heating of steam), etc., since heated (up to 60-80 ° C) steam in the steam generator itself creates natural draft. In addition, hot steam can be used to additionally disinfect the air in the room. A steam generator with immersed electrodes provides high vaporization performance, which allows you to create a reliable simulation of fire in large foci. Additionally, it is possible to effectively use various flavorings due to the additional heating by steam.

The claimed technical result is achieved in that the device for an electric fireplace with simulated open fire includes: a fake of fuel cells; at least one light source that creates a flame effect; container for liquid; a set of electrodes lowered into a container for liquid and intended for its evaporation; fluid level sensor.

Typically, multiple light sources are used to create an open flame effect. One or more pulsating red or orange light sources illuminate the fake fuel cells, simulating hot coals. Various optical effects can be used to simulate flames: for example, a flame image is formed on the display screen (which in this case will be a light source); in another case, they create an image of the flames on the screen by means of a projection system or illuminate the screen through optical elements having an optical density that varies in time and space (strobe lights, rotating reflectors and light filters, tubes with the current colored liquid, etc.). In this case, the resulting vapor simulates smoke rising from the fuel cells. The screen is located on the back of the device, behind the fuel cells.

For volumetric imitation of flames, multi-colored illumination of steam jets can be used. Usually used yellow, red, blue light to denote different parts of the tongue of the flame. Smoke may be depicted as scattered steam or less intense than the “flames” of steam leaving elsewhere. A combination of volumetric simulation can also be used by highlighting the steam jets and a flat screen image.

The light sources used can be synchronized so that the increase in the brightness of the backlight of the fuel cells corresponds to a change in the image of the languages of the flame on the screen or the brightness of the backlight of the outgoing steam jets. The surface of the screen may have some curvature to enhance the illusion of volumetric flame. In addition, various optical elements that distort the image, such as raster panels, can be placed in front of the screen.

The operation of a steam generator with immersed electrodes is based on the principle that domestic water is weakly mineralized and has some electrical conductivity. With the passage of electric current between two immersed electrodes, water is heated to the temperature of vaporization. The amount of steam generated is proportional to the magnitude of the current, which allows you to simply control the intensity of vaporization. Since water has low thermal conductivity, boiling occurs only in the zone of the electrodes; the temperature of the remaining water in the tank does not exceed 40-60 ° C. The heated steam convectively rises, saturating as it cools (visually creating a thickening effect of smoke). Evaporation of the liquid can be carried out by separate pairs of electrodes immersed in a common container, or evaporation cylinders can be installed, each of which has a pair of electrodes and an nozzle for directing the vapor. All electrodes usually have silicone insulation and a mineral control system.

If necessary, additional means can be used to create a directed flow of steam, in particular fans. For a more complete simulation of smoke, steam is usually additionally highlighted. The light source may be white light or various shades of yellow. Typically, the light source has a pulsed mode of operation. For these purposes, a strobe can be used, made, for example, in the form of a rotating reflective surface with an irregular structure. The liquid tank can be closed on top with a lid with openings for the exit of steam. At least one container with an aromatic substance can also be located on the lid to simulate the faint smell of smoke, burning wood, etc.

The liquid level in the tank is regulated using a level sensor. Typically, the device contains an additional reservoir, the liquid from which enters the tank as it is consumed for vaporization. Additionally, additional devices for collecting the evaporated liquid (steam trap) can be installed in the upper part of the device. Usually it is a concave screen connected by means of pipes to a capacitor. A fan is located above the screen to create a more intense airflow. Any other design of a steam trap can also be used to ensure efficient steam collection. The condenser provides a phase transition of steam into a liquid, which then enters an additional tank or directly into a liquid tank. Condenser cooling can be liquid or air.

The steam generator can be located behind the dummy of the fuel elements, then the steam rises along the back wall, simulating smoke, or directly under the dummy, in this case, the steam escapes between the cracks and holes in the dummy, creating an imitation of flames and smoke at appropriate illumination. Also, the steam generator can be located behind the dummy, and nozzles directing the steam stream into the corresponding holes are displayed under the dummy. The holes in the model preferably have a spiral shape, providing a vortex-like outflow of steam, which when illuminated gives the greatest resemblance to the tongues of flame.

A model of fuel cells depicts a masonry or a log of wood, a pile of coal or other types of solid fuel. Typically, the dummy is made of plastic, the appropriate color and texture. Some sections of the dummy can be made translucent, which when illuminated from below gives the impression of hot coals. Additionally, local, pulsating light sources (for example, LEDs) can be placed on the model to simulate flashing sparks. In the case where the container with the evaporating liquid is located under the dummy, it is preferable to make it hollow inside. In this case, the internal cavity usually has a domed shape, which makes it possible to create an intense vapor flow through slots and openings. The cavity may also have several domes, which serve to collect it, at the locations of the outlet openings. The release of steam (smoke imitation) through the cracks in the dummy logs and between them gives additional credibility to the created illusion. Additional containers with aromatic substances in this case can be installed (masked) directly on the model, usually in the area where the steam comes out. The high temperature of the steam contributes to the intensification of aromas.

Additionally, the device may contain heating elements and can be used for space heating. Also, as an addition, the device may contain an acoustic system that reproduces both the natural sounds of the fire burning in the hearth (cracking firewood, the buzz of air in the chimney), and music and / or natural sounds (wind noise, murmuring of a stream, birds singing, etc. .).

In this case, it is preferable to equip the device with a processor that controls all the blocks: visual (simulating hot coals, sparks, flames, smoke); thermal (creating heat fluxes or heating the walls of an electric fireplace); acoustic (transmitting various sounds and music); aromatic (by heating the aromatic substance), etc. Sounds associated with the burning of fire are preferably synchronized with other special effects: the brightness of the fuel cell illumination, the image of the flame on the display screen, the brightness of the LEDs that simulate sparks, the intensity of vaporization, the intensity of heating, etc. The processor can also control the selected combustion modes, providing a transition from one of them to another at a certain time. For example: lighting a fire, burning a flame, a big fire, embers, etc. In this configuration, the inventive utility model creates the complete illusion of a hearth with open fire due to the effect on all human senses.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by the following figures:

In FIG. 1 shows a general diagram of a device for an electric fireplace with simulated open fire;

In FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a device with a flame projector;

In FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a device with an LCD display;

In FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a steam generator;

In FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a device with a vapor trap;

In FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of a device.

A device for an electric fireplace with simulated open fire (Fig. 1), includes: a fake 1 fuel cell; light source 2 for illuminating the dummy from below and creating the effect of hot coals; a steam generator 3 with immersed electrodes; a light source 4 for simulating a flame and an optical element 5 located in front of it; 6 white light source (or shades of yellow) to illuminate the vapor to simulate rising smoke. The light from the source 6, passing through the steam, can additionally create a game of glare on the back surface 7. All of the listed elements of the device are located in the housing 8, which can be made open from the side of the observer or closed by a transparent window.

The steam generator (steam generator) 3 is made according to the scheme with immersed electrodes and includes a liquid container 9, at least one pair of electrodes 10, lowered into the liquid container and intended for its evaporation; liquid level sensor (not shown in the Figure). Typically, the device contains an additional tank 11, the liquid from which enters the tank 9 as it is spent on vaporization. The intensity of its receipt is regulated by an automatic valve 12 by a signal from a level sensor. Steam from the steam generator is directed through the nozzle 14 into the cavity formed in the model 1 of the fuel elements, and then through the slots in the model comes out in separate jets. Filling the vapor cavity and the device entering the operating mode usually takes time from 10 to 40 seconds. If necessary, additional means 15 can be used to create a directed flow of steam exiting through the cracks in the dummy (for example, a fan).

To simulate flames, a light source 4 is used. Usually a white light source is used and before it, optical filters of shades of red, yellow and blue are placed as an optical element 5. In this case, the light source 4 is pulsating or use the rotation of the filters. To enhance the effect of impulsiveness of the flame, the optical element 5 can also be supplemented with a rotating strobe. The optical illumination system works in such a way that the steam stream exiting through the slit at the base is highlighted in bright yellow, red in the middle and bluish above, creating the illusion of a flame tongue with areas of different temperatures.

At the top of the device, the scattered vapor can be highlighted from source 6 in white or yellow, creating the illusion of smoke.

The rear surface 7 may have curvature or individual irregularities, which creates an additional play of light and gives volume to the image.

In FIG. 2 shows another device diagram made in accordance with the present utility model. Simulation of the flame language is carried out by projecting the corresponding images on the screen. A dummy 1 with a backlight 2 and a vaporization system, including a liquid container 9 with electrodes 10, an additional reservoir 11, a liquid level sensor (not shown in the Figure), an automatic valve 12 are made similar to the device described above. The device further comprises a projector 16 transmitting the image of the flame to the screen 17. The viewer observes this image through a stream of steam simulating smoke.

The image of the flame can also be formed on the screen 18 of the liquid crystal display (Fig. 3). Additionally, local, pulsating light sources 19 (for example, LEDs) can be placed on the model to simulate flashing sparks. A container with an aromatic substance (not shown in the Figures) may be located on the cover of the para-generator or on the mule of fuel cells in the places where the steam exits, to simulate a slight smell of smoke, burning wood, etc.

In accordance with this utility model, the steam generator can have a different design: the electrodes can be mounted on the lid and immersed in a common container or located inside individual replaceable cartridges, any other steam generator circuit with immersed electrodes can also be used. In FIG. 4 presents one of such schemes. The tank 20 is filled with a suitable liquid, usually it is water with weak mineralization. The electrodes 21 are mounted in the cover 22 of the steam generator and, when installed, are immersed in a liquid. The liquid level is monitored by a sensor 23, electrically connected to an automatic valve 24, which ensures the flow of fluid from the additional tank 11 as it is flowing. At the time of application of voltage between the electrodes in pairs, an electric current occurs, and the water is heated to boiling point. The resulting steam through the nozzle 25 enters the outside. The intensity of vaporization is proportional to the magnitude of the electric current and is easily adjustable.

In FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a device that further comprises a vapor trap for collecting the vaporized liquid. Usually it is a concave screen 26 connected by means of pipes to a condenser 27. A fan 28 is arranged above the screen 26 to create a more intense air flow. The condenser 27 provides a phase transition of steam into a liquid, which then enters the additional tank 11 or directly into the liquid tank 9. The cooling of the condenser can be liquid or air.

One of the technical results from the creation of this useful model is the formation of the most complete imitation of the focus with open fire, through exposure to various senses: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory. To do this, use modules (devices) that provide one or another impact. There are modules that provide visual impact associated with the concept of open fire: reproducing the appearance of hot coals, flaming sparks, flames, smoke; modules providing acoustic effects: crackling firewood, humming air in the chimney, etc .; heating devices; modules that affect the sense of smell: transmitting the aroma of smoke, tar, the smell of scorched wood, etc. All of these modules (parts) are controlled by the processor and it is preferable that they have positive feedback. Thus, an increase in the brightness of coals leads to an intensification of vaporization (the growth of flames and an increase in the amount of smoke), an increase in the cod of firewood and the volume of the humming of a chimney, etc. At the request of the user, any option can be disabled or reconfigured. For example, the effect of smoke or smell, some of the sounds, etc. can be removed. In addition, the presence of these modules allows you to use this real utility model as a combined household appliance, for example, a heater during sleep with the visual and sound effects turned off, or as a humidifier. Also on the speaker system of the device it will be possible to play music, natural sounds, etc. The device’s control system also allows it to work in several modes, for example: burning up a hearth, uniform burning, attenuation. The transition from one mode to another can be performed smoothly and can be initially set by the user. In FIG. 6 shows a functional block diagram of such a device in its entirety and the principle of its control.

EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

Example 1

The device for an electric fireplace (hearth) has dimensions of 710 × 530 × 340 mm and a curved front glass. Dummy - firewood, with low backlight. The flame effect is created by illuminating the vapor with a pulsed light source through a three-color optical filter. 160 W steam generator with immersed electrodes. The tank capacity is 6.1 liters. The total operating time after filling the tank is 23 hours. Additionally, there is a cell for placement of aromatic substances. The device is equipped with an exhaust system. Two heating elements of 800 W each were installed. Power supply - 220 V, 50 Hz. The total power of the device is 2.2 kW. Example 2

An electric fireplace of the Exter type with overall dimensions of 1200 × 1100 × 460 mm, a frontal portal, lined with MDF plates made in white stone, and shelves in bog oak. Equipped with a device (hearth) made in accordance with this utility model and having dimensions of 660 × 470 × 230 mm. The rear panel has a 32 ″ LCD. Dummy - firewood with low backlight. The front glass is curved. Thermocouples are paired, there is a thermostat and a blocking device from overheating. Additionally installed 20 W fan. Installed SONY speaker system, which has an audio player and a pair of built-in speakers of 300 watts. For remote control of the system provides a portable remote control. Power supply - 220 V, 50 Hz. Total power up to 2 kW.

Claims (16)

1. Device for an electric fireplace with simulated open fire, including: fake fuel cells; at least one light source that creates a flame effect; container for liquid; a set of electrodes lowered into a container for liquid and intended for its evaporation; fluid level sensor. 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the set of electrodes contains at least two electrodes. 3. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the light source creating the flame effect is a liquid crystal display. 4. The device according to p. 3, characterized in that the surface of the liquid crystal display has a curvature. 5. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains an additional light source designed to illuminate the fake fuel cells. 6. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it contains an additional light source designed to illuminate the generated steam. 7. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a steam condenser connected by a channel to a liquid tank. 8. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the container with the liquid is additionally closed by a lid that has openings for the exit of steam. 9. The device according to p. 8, characterized in that the cover is a dummy of fuel cells, which contains a domed cavity. 10. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that local models of light are installed on the dummy of the fuel cells to simulate sparks. 11. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it contains at least one container for aromatic substance. 12. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it further comprises means for generating an air flow above the surface of the liquid in the tank. 13. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it contains means for sound reproduction. 14. The device according to p. 13, characterized in that the means of sound reproduction is synchronized with a light source that creates a flame effect. 15. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the brightness of the light source creating the flame effect is synchronized with the steam supply speed. 16. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that it further comprises a heating element.