WO2000057109A1 - Appareil permettant de simuler une flamme et procede correspondant - Google Patents

Appareil permettant de simuler une flamme et procede correspondant Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000057109A1
WO2000057109A1 PCT/GB2000/001110 GB0001110W WO0057109A1 WO 2000057109 A1 WO2000057109 A1 WO 2000057109A1 GB 0001110 W GB0001110 W GB 0001110W WO 0057109 A1 WO0057109 A1 WO 0057109A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
flame
light source
controller
simulating
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2000/001110
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew Peter Daniel
Original Assignee
Aarrow Fires Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9906508.8A external-priority patent/GB9906508D0/en
Application filed by Aarrow Fires Limited filed Critical Aarrow Fires Limited
Priority to EP00912782A priority Critical patent/EP1163476A1/fr
Priority to AU34429/00A priority patent/AU3442900A/en
Publication of WO2000057109A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000057109A1/fr

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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S10/00—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect
    • F21S10/04—Lighting devices or systems producing a varying lighting effect simulating flames
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V7/00—Reflectors for light sources
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2115/00—Light-generating elements of semiconductor light sources
    • F21Y2115/10—Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the simulation of a flame.
  • the present invention provides apparatus for simulating a flame, the apparatus comprising a light source, reflection means for directing the light from the light source towards a viewer, and a viewing means through which a viewer may, in use, view the reflection means.
  • the reflection means may comprise a reflection member for scattering light.
  • the reflection member may be arranged to reflect light in a pattern which may be a curved or linear pattern.
  • the reflection means preferably comprises at least one multi-facet mirror and/or one wavelength selective mirror and/or at least one prism and/or at least one holographic element.
  • the holographic element may consist of holographic paper.
  • the light source may comprise a plurality of light elements of different colours.
  • the different colours may include red, yellow, orange and blue.
  • the light elements may consist predominantly of the colours yellow and orange to simulate a wood flame.
  • the light elements may consist predominantly of the colours yellow and red for simulating a coal flame.
  • the colours may include blue when simulating a gas flame.
  • the light elements of a first colour may be arranged in a first arrangement and the light elements of a second colour may ⁇ be arranged in a second arrangement.
  • the first arrangement may be perpendicular to the second arrangement.
  • the light elements may be arranged in lines, in groups or in an irregular pattern.
  • the light elements are preferably LEDs.
  • the viewing means consist of a diffuser.
  • the diffuser may consist of a screen.
  • the diffuser may be opaque and/or semi-transparent and/or transparent.
  • the diffuser may be substantially vertical to simulate the window of a conventional fire.
  • the apparatus may also comprise a controller for controlling the light source.
  • the controller may also control the output of the light elements, either individually or in groups.
  • the controller is arranged to control the light source to simulate all or part of a life cycle of a flame, from initial kindling to full burning and then dying away to small flames or embers.
  • the controller is an electronic controller.
  • the controller may be programmable.
  • the light source may be movably arranged.
  • the viewing means may also be movably arranged.
  • the reflection means are preferably movably arranged.
  • the controller may control the movement of the light source and the reflection means relative to one another.
  • the controller may also control the movement of the viewing means.
  • the invention further relates to a fireplace having an apparatus for simulating a flame as described in previous paragraphs.
  • the invention still further relates to a method of simulating a flame, in which light is produced by a light source as described in any of the previous paragraphs, the light is directed from the light source towards a viewer by reflection means as described in any of the previous paragaphs, and the reflection means are subsequently viewed through viewing means as described in any of the previous paragraphs.
  • Fig. 1 shows a vertical section through a fireplace incorporating apparatus according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 diagrammatically shows the face of the light source, indicating the arrangement of the light elements
  • Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the controller for controlling light elements
  • Fig. 4 shows a reflecting means comprising a holographic mirror.
  • Fig. 1 shows a fireplace 1 which consists of a housing 2 into which the flame simulating apparatus (indicated generally at 3) is built.
  • the flame apparatus 3 includes a light source 4 comprising various light elements 5, which are preferably light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These light elements 5 may alternatively consist of conventional light bulbs or other light sources.
  • the apparatus 3 further comprises a reflective element 6 and a diffuser screen 7 through which a viewer may view an image of the light elements 5, thrown against the diffuser screen 7 by the reflective element 6.
  • the apparatus 3 also incorporates a controller 9 for controlling the light source 4, as will be described. It is useful to describe briefly the manner in which the apparatus operates to create a flame effect, before describing the apparatus in more detail.
  • the light source 4 creates a changing pattern of light which is projected onto the mirror 6.
  • the mirror 6 then directs the light towards the diffuser screen 7 through which the viewer 8 views the image in the mirror 6.
  • the viewer therefore sees a flame effect behind a panel which, in this example, is substantially vertical, thereby simulating the vertical glass window present in many designs of real coal and gas fires. This aids the quality of the simulation.
  • Fig. 2 shows the layout of the various LEDs 5 which make up the light source 4.
  • the position of red LEDs is indicated by 5A
  • the posiiton of yellow LEDs is indicated by 5B.
  • a central line of red LEDs 5A is crossed by generally perpendicular lines of yellow LEDs 5B.
  • the central line will, in use, be arranged substantially horizontally across the source 4, with the yellow LEDs 5B running in lines up the source 4.
  • the controller 9 which is operable to turn the LEDs 5A, 5B on and off in various patterns and at various speeds.
  • the red LEDs will remain permanently illuminated (to simulate glowing embers), while yellow LEDs will be sequentially activated along their lines in various patterns, to simulate flames rising, falling and flickering.
  • Other flames can be simulated by changing the layout of the LEDs, their colours, and the patterns of their illumination. For instance, it is found that a coal fire is best simulated by the use, predominantly, of red and yellow LEDs, while a wood fire is best simulated by the use, predominantly, of yellow and orange LEDs. A gas fire is best simulated by the addition of some blue LEDs.
  • Fig. 3 shows the arrangement of the controller 9.
  • the controller 9 consists of a micro-controller for switching the LEDs 5 individually or in groups, a driver circuit 11 which acts as an interface between a micro-controller 10 and the light elements, and current limiting resistors 12.
  • the micro-controller 10 can be a microprocessor based programmable device or a simple timer.
  • the driver circuit 11 can consist of an amplifier based, for instance, on transistors or operational amplifiers. Very many designs of circuit suitable for driving an LED from a microprocessor, timer or similar device are well known to the skilled reader.
  • Fig. 4 shows the reflective member 6 which consists of a support member (not shown in Fig. 4) which may be flat, concave or convex, and on which a holographic mirror 13 is supported. It is found that a holographic mirror based on the Harry Basken's principle produces good results.
  • a holographic mirror 13 of appropriate form can be purchased as holographic gift paper, such as is produced by the company Hype Associates Ltd., of Upton Wirral, Merseyside, United Kingdom.
  • the holographic mirror 13 is provided with a pattern 14.
  • the pattern 14 is of a set of wavy lines. In the arrangement as shown in Figs. 1 to 4 the wavy lines extend in the generally vertical direction up the mirror.
  • the screen 7 may be a sheet of any suitable semi-opaque material, such as acid-etched or obscured glass, or a synthetic plastics material.
  • the red LEDs 5A are maintained illuminated to simulate the embers of the fire.
  • the lines of yellow LEDs 5B are illuminated in various changing patterns. The patterns can be made to change unpredictably, or randomly, with sufficient sophistication of the controller 9.
  • An image of the source 4 is viewed through the screen 7, which blurs the image, and through the holographic mirror 6, which further distorts the image. The result is a soft image highly pronounced of a real fire.
  • the simulation can be further enhanced by programming the controller 9 to vary the simulation over a lengthy period, such as several hours. Initially, small flames of a newly kindled fire would be simulated. The flames would then be increased in size as the simulated fire grows. Finally, the flames would dwindle, as the fire dies down.
  • an additional light source may be fitted for simulating the wood and/or coal.
  • Many types of reflector could be used, including plain or obscure-glass mirrors, multi-faceted mirrors, and prismatic or other wavelength selective mirrors.
  • the apparent flame height will depend on the relative angles of the mirror, light source and diffuser, so that a further improved simulation can be achieved by providing for the angle of one or more of these components to be adjustable or to be continuously varied, preferably under the control of the controller 9.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

Un foyer de cheminée (1) est constitué d'une enceinte (2) dans laquelle est intégré un appareil de simulation de flammes. Ce foyer de cheminée comporte une source lumineuse (4) qui peut être vue à travers un écran de diffusion (7) par l'intermédiaire d'un élément réflecteur (6). L'invention se rapporte à divers agencements alternatifs de l'écran de diffusion (7), de l'élément réflecteur (6) et des éléments lumineux (5) qui permettent d'obtenir une simulation efficace des flammes d'un feu de bois, des flammes d'un feu au gaz et des flammes d'un feu alimenté au charbon.
PCT/GB2000/001110 1999-03-23 2000-03-23 Appareil permettant de simuler une flamme et procede correspondant WO2000057109A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00912782A EP1163476A1 (fr) 1999-03-23 2000-03-23 Appareil permettant de simuler une flamme et procede correspondant
AU34429/00A AU3442900A (en) 1999-03-23 2000-03-23 Apparatus for simulating a flame and method for simulating flame

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9906508.8 1999-03-23
GBGB9906508.8A GB9906508D0 (en) 1999-03-23 1999-03-23 Led-light display flame
GB9919888.9 1999-08-24
GB9919888A GB2350670A (en) 1999-03-23 1999-08-24 Apparatus and method of simulating a flame

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000057109A1 true WO2000057109A1 (fr) 2000-09-28

Family

ID=26315316

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2000/001110 WO2000057109A1 (fr) 1999-03-23 2000-03-23 Appareil permettant de simuler une flamme et procede correspondant

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1163476A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU3442900A (fr)
WO (1) WO2000057109A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1016991C2 (nl) * 2000-12-27 2002-06-28 Kal Fire B V Vlam- en vuursimulatie-inrichting.
GB2371854A (en) * 2000-12-02 2002-08-07 Aarrow Fires Ltd Simulated solid fuel bed for an electric fireplace.
WO2007020455A1 (fr) * 2005-08-17 2007-02-22 Andrew Mcpherson Appareil d’éclairage
GB2444073A (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-05-28 Basic Holdings Simulated fire with a beam shaper or lens modifying light from an LED
GB2444075B (en) * 2006-11-24 2010-06-23 Basic Holdings Simulated electric fire incorporating LEDs
CN109099376A (zh) * 2017-06-20 2018-12-28 生活方式（英属维尔京群岛）有限公司 一种用于提供火焰图像的火焰模拟组件

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2151772A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-07-24 Valor Heating Ltd Domestic heating appliance
GB2264555A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Kenholme Appliances Flame effect display
GB2290865A (en) * 1994-06-22 1996-01-10 Ea Tech Ltd Electric fire with simulated flame effect
GB2298073A (en) * 1995-02-14 1996-08-21 Bitech Eng Apparatus for simulating flames
GB2302730A (en) * 1995-06-28 1997-01-29 Willey Robinson Ltd An electric heating apparatus including means for simulating flames
GB2325733A (en) * 1997-05-31 1998-12-02 Burley Appliances Ltd Apparatus for simulating flames

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2151772A (en) * 1983-12-02 1985-07-24 Valor Heating Ltd Domestic heating appliance
GB2264555A (en) * 1992-02-28 1993-09-01 Kenholme Appliances Flame effect display
GB2290865A (en) * 1994-06-22 1996-01-10 Ea Tech Ltd Electric fire with simulated flame effect
GB2298073A (en) * 1995-02-14 1996-08-21 Bitech Eng Apparatus for simulating flames
GB2302730A (en) * 1995-06-28 1997-01-29 Willey Robinson Ltd An electric heating apparatus including means for simulating flames
GB2325733A (en) * 1997-05-31 1998-12-02 Burley Appliances Ltd Apparatus for simulating flames

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2371854A (en) * 2000-12-02 2002-08-07 Aarrow Fires Ltd Simulated solid fuel bed for an electric fireplace.
NL1016991C2 (nl) * 2000-12-27 2002-06-28 Kal Fire B V Vlam- en vuursimulatie-inrichting.
EP1225389A1 (fr) * 2000-12-27 2002-07-24 Kal-Fire B.V. Appareil pour simuler des flammes
WO2007020455A1 (fr) * 2005-08-17 2007-02-22 Andrew Mcpherson Appareil d’éclairage
GB2444073A (en) * 2006-11-24 2008-05-28 Basic Holdings Simulated fire with a beam shaper or lens modifying light from an LED
GB2444073B (en) * 2006-11-24 2009-09-02 Basic Holdings Simulated electric fire incorporating LEDs
GB2444075B (en) * 2006-11-24 2010-06-23 Basic Holdings Simulated electric fire incorporating LEDs
CN109099376A (zh) * 2017-06-20 2018-12-28 生活方式（英属维尔京群岛）有限公司 一种用于提供火焰图像的火焰模拟组件

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1163476A1 (fr) 2001-12-19
AU3442900A (en) 2000-10-09

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