WO2005028962A1

WO2005028962A1 - Apparatus for simulating flames

Info

Publication number: WO2005028962A1
Application number: PCT/GB2004/004042
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Mcnish; Douglas Fowlie; Robin Kinniburgh
Original assignee: Focal Point Manufacturing Company Limited
Priority date: 2003-09-23
Filing date: 2004-09-23
Publication date: 2005-03-31
Also published as: GB2422427A; GB0606049D0; GB2422427B

Abstract

Apparatus for producing a non-repeat or random flame effect comprising a light source (2) from which emitted light beams can be viewed in use through a dif f user screen (5), wherein a first flame template (3) and a second randomly moveable f lame template (4) are disposed between the light source and the diffuser screen. The first flame template is stationary having transparent and opaque sections wherein the sections show a drawing or photograph of a flame. The second flame template has flexible elongate members (13) which flutter in an air current. A flame effect fire is also described wherein the flame simulating apparatus is associated with a first light source and the fuel bed (9) is associated with an independently operated second light source (8).

Description

APPARATUS FOR SIMULATING FLAMES

This invention relates to electric fireplaces, and in particular those that incorporate flame simulation apparatus .

For several years now, electric heaters have been designed and manufactured typically for use in domestic environments, and which incorporate apparatus for simulating the appearance of an open log or coal fire. In this endeavour, it is desirable to provide a visually pleasing and aesthetic appearance, with a flame effect that is natural and mimics that of a true flame.

Flame simulating electric fires generally require a reflective means suited to reflect light omitted from an electric light source onto a projected surface, which in most fires of this type is visible through a front plate diffuser, or in some cases, is the diffuser plate itself. The diffuser typically lies between an artificial fuel bed of coal, rock or the like which may also be illuminated by light from the light source. It is recognised in the present invention that the type and location of the light source within the apparatus may be compromised by its requirement to both illuminate the flame effect while also being required to illuminate the artificial fuel bed. It is further recognised that there may be times when a user wishes only to illuminate thefuel bed, for example, without the flame simulation to be present.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in order to simulate natural flames, there must be a constantly changing image of the flames as the flames appear to "flicker" and vary in size and shape. In the past, attempts to achieve this visual effect have been pursued in various ways. For example, European Patent Application No EP 1,225,389 in the name of Kal-Fire teaches of a transparent plate located between a light source and projecting surface. The transparent plate has been rolled into the form of a drum and is provided with a pattern of protrusions that are used to reflect emitted light onto the projecting surface. The transparent plate is rotated about a shaft between the light source and the projecting surface.

While such a design allows for a variance in the shape, size and even intensity of the simulated flame, it inevitably leads to a repetition of the visual pattern. It will be understood that as the drum rotates, the projected image is repeated every 360° of rotation.

Thus, in order to provide a more natural and realistic flame appearance, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-repeating or random series of images for the said flame simulation.

A known method for producing the randomly sized and shaped flames incorporates the use of ribbons or the like. These ribbons are acted upon by a fan which causes them to flutter in a similar manner to a flickering flame in a natural fire . Such ribbons are taught in various prior published documents, including European Patent No. EP 0897514B in the name Dimplex North America Limited.

In all of the prior art, the ribbons are made of a generally reflective material and are adapted to reflect the emitted light such that the ribbons themselves are presented as the simulated flames to a viewer. However, Dne disadvantage of this design is that frequently it is possible to determine the outline or perimeter of such ribbons. Therefore, the illumination of the ribbons for subsequent reflection to a viewer serves only to increase the visibility of their true identity and thus detracts from the natural and authentic appearance of the fire.

according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for producing a non-repeat or random flame effect comprising a light source emitting light beams and a diffuser screen through which the light beams are viewed, wherein a first flame template and a second randomly moveable flame template are disposed between the light source and the diffuser screen.

The first flame template may be a generally planar sheet material comprising of opaque portions and transparent portions. Alternatively, it may be cylindrical or hexagonal .

Typically, the first flame template will be stationary.

The transparent portions of the first flame template may be made of a Perspex or other transparent material. Alternatively, there may be cut out portions in the otherwise opaque first flame template.

Preferably, the transparent portions of the first flame template is a still photograph of a flame .

Optionally, the first flame template is a drawing of a flame .

Preferably, the picture or drawing of the flame is coloured. Any colour or combination of colours can be used.

The transparent portions are designed or shaped to represent the appearance of flames .

The second moveable flame template may comprise of one or more moveable members visible through the diffuser screen.

The apparatus may further include means for moving the moveable members. Typically, the means for moving the moveable members will be a fan adapted to induce a current of air. The one or more moveable members are preferably flexible and otherwise adapted to flutter in the current of air induced by the fan.

The second moveable flame template preferably comprises of opaque, elongate moveable members which are adapted to flutter under the influence of a fan induced current of air.

The apparatus may be associated with heating means, such as a fan heater.

The light source may be a fluorescent light. Alternatively, other light sources may be used, including LEDs and halogen lights .

Preferably, the diffuser screen is provided with a first etched surface facing the second randomly moveable screen.

Preferably, the second face of the diffuser is reflective.

More preferably, the second face is provided with a printed surface.

Preferably, the printed surface has a dark colour printed on or near a first end thereof and a light colour printed on or near a second end thereof .

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a flame effect fire comprising flame simulation apparatus according to the first aspect and a fuel bed, wherein the flame simulation apparatus is associated with a first light source and the fuel bed is associated with a second light source.

Preferably, the first and second light sources are independently operable from each other.

The first light source may be one or more fluorescent lamps. The second light source may be light emitting diodes or a halogen lamp. Either of the light sources may be coloured.

Preferably, each light source is associated with ventilation and/or cooling means .

Preferably, the flame simulating templates, in use, are so disposed as to not receive direct light from said second light source. For example, preferably a barrier is provided which shields the flame simulation apparatus from light emitted by the second light source, in use.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flame effect fire comprising flame simulation apparatus associated with a first light source, and a fuel bed associated with a second light source.

The first light source may be one or more fluorescent lamps . The second light source may be light emitting diodes or a halogen lamp. Either of the light sources may be coloured.

The flame simulation apparatus may include flame effect templates or reflectors adapted to reflect, refract or diffuse light from the first light source.

In order to provide a better understanding of the invention, an embodiment will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying Figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation of an electric fire in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a pictorial view of a first flame template;

Figure 3 is a pictorial view of a second moveable flame template as may be incorporated in the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional side elevation of a second embodiment of an electric fire in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 5 is a pictorial view of a first flame template in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 6A is side view of the diffuser screen. Figure 6B is the front view of the same diffuser screen as used in the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now in more detail to the embodiment of Figure 1, an electric fire is generally depicted as 1. The fire 1 incorporates a flame simulating means which itself comprises a light source 2 adapted to project light through various flame templates to a diffuser screen 5.

As the light source 2 is located rearwardly of the electric fire, it is preferred that the light source be of a long lasting and durable type, such as a fluorescent lamp.

The diffuser screen 5 comprises of a glass or Perspex plate as are common and well known in the art . The diffusion capability of the screen 5 may vary across its surface such that, for example, the flame image apparent on the diffuser screen is more intense toward the lower edge of the screen 5.

As mentioned above, the flame simulating apparatus in the embodiment shown includes flame templates 3 , 4. In the example embodiment flame template 3 comprises of a planer sheet of a rigid transparent material, such as Perspex. The first flame template 3 does however comprise of opaque portions which may be rendered opaque by the application of a paint or other coating to the Perspex material .

It will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the combination of opaque and transparent portions on the first flame template may be achieved by the use of cut out portions within an otherwise opaque sheet . In such an example, the sheets may be made of a metallic material .

Indeed, in various other example embodiments the first flame template 3 may be made of a plastics material of varying transparency and/or translucency, incorporating varying colour and/or tinting across its surface. By this, a diverse range of visual images with various flame shapes, sizes and colours can be achieved using a single white light source.

The flame simulating apparatus further comprises a second flame template 4 which is adapted to move, in operation, in a random and non-repetitive manner. As shown in Figure 3 , the second moveable flame template 4 may comprise of several elongate strips of flexible material, such as ribbon or other cloth or textile. These elongate flexible members are vertically disposed in parallel alignment being anchored at each end by rods 14a, 14b.

In operation, the elongate members are acted upon by a fan 6 adapted to induce a current of air. Air blown by the fan 6 onto the elongate members 13 cause the members 13 to flutter so as to simulate the flickering of a natural flame .

In the present invention, the elongate members 13 or other second moveable flame template 4 are opaque or near opaque and thus adapted to block or shield the diffuser screen 5 from light emitted by the light source 2 through the first flame template 3. Thus, unlike previously known flame simulating apparatus, the elongate members are adapted to shadow or blackout constantly varying shape portions of the simulated flames, rather than represent the flames themselves . Accordingly, as the second moveable flame template represents a dark or shadowed appearance, a viewer's vision is not directed towards the second flame template and particularly its perimeters. It will be understood by the reader that this adds to the realism of the visual appearance .

Thus, a non-repetitive and random visual image simulating a series of flames such as might be produced by a natural fire may be seen projected onto the diffuser screen 5.

With electric fires of this type, it has been found commercially desirable to also include an artificial fuel bed. The example embodiment of Figure 1 illustrates a fuel bed which is depicted by reference numeral 9. The fuel bed 9 may comprise of various known artificial elements, including various composite or plastic materials that are shaped and coloured so as to represent coal, logs or other natural combustible materials. In accordance with the present invention, a second light source 8 is associated with the fuel bed 9. The second light source 8 may comprise of LEDs which may flicker or be programmed to emit light of varying intensity over time. Alternatively, the light source may comprise of halogen lamps or any other known light source.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art the second light source 8 is disposed in a location whereby it is adapted to illuminate the fuel bed 9 such that the fuel bed appears to glow representing the appearance of heat.

An advantage of the provision of this second light source is that the fuel bed may be illuminated independently of the illumination associated with the flame simulation means. Indeed, there need not be any flame simulation while the fuel bed is illuminated, thus allowing for a mode of operation that does not require the need for the fan 6 to be activated or for the appearance of heat being emitted by the flame simulating apparatus.

The second light source 8 may be housed such that light emitted therefrom may freely reach the fuel bed 9, but yet not directly reach the flame simulating apparatus, including the flame templates 3, 4. This may be achieved, in one embodiment, by the provision of an opaque barrier 11 between the second light source 8 and the flame simulating apparatus. A transparent plate 10 may be used to support the uel bed 9.

Various vents 7 may be provided to allow for the escape of heat which accumulates from the use of the light sources 2 and 8. Although a barrier 11 may be provided between the light source 8 and the flame simulating apparatus, it should be noted that it is still possible to allow for the free flow of air between the first light source 2 and the second light source 8 and various light vents 7 associated with the housing for each light source.

A second fan 15 may be employed to assist in the convection of heat emitted from the heating element 12 into the surrounding environment for the primary purpose of heating that environment . In an alternative embodiment, the second fan 15 may also be used to induce a current of air for randomly moving the second flame template 4. Yet further, the second fan 15 may be used to assist in the ventilation of heat resulting from the use of the light-,sources 2 and 8.

Figure 2 provides an example embodiment of the first flame template 3 as shown in Figure 1. It should be appreciated that many different designs of template may be used and such templates need not be limited to planar designs. Yet further, a series of such templates may be employed whether moveable on a motor or rotating shaft or stationary, or indeed a combination of both.

Figures 4, 5, 6A and 6B relate to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 shows an electric fire 100 in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. The features of this second embodiment of the present invention are substantially similar to those of the first embodiment of the present invention except for modifications to the first flame template 103 and to the diffuser screen 105.

In this embodiment of the present invention the first diffuser screen 103, as described in more detail in Figure 5, comprises a screen made of a printable medium 125 in which the picture, drawing or other representation 127 is printed onto the screen. The parts of the printable medium 125 onto which the flame representation 127 has been printed or otherwise embedded are translucent and are coloured to represent a flame. The background of the medium onto which no flame pattern or representation has been printed or etched is substantially opaque, and may be white or another suitable colour. The printable medium could be cloth, -paper-or other -suitable material. The~screen can also be_„ . reinforced with a more rigid backing material .

The colour of the flame effect is typically orange or red but can also be blue, yellow or any other pre-selected colour.

In addition, the screen 105 is provided with an etched surface 117 (Figure 6A and 6B) which acts to diffuse light transmitted through the diffuser screen from light source 102. Whilst this surface has been etched in this example, other means of diffusing the light through the diffuser screen can be used, for example by the use of a translucent diffusing tape or the like.

The diffusing screen 105 is also provided with a reflecting surface 119 (Figure 6A and 6B) that faces outwards from the body of the fire 100 and which is intended to reflect light outwards incident on the front face of the fire. In this embodiment of the present invention, the diffuser screen 105 is also provided with a screen printed surface which can be provided in a range of colours . In this example the surf ce is printed with a light colour or no colour towards the position of the fuel effect 109, this allows a greater amount of light to be reflected from behind the fuel effect 109 to provide greater authenticity. The printed screen is darkened towards the top of the screen so that less light is reflected from the surface of the diffuser towards the top, this also enhances the flame effect produced by the screens. This feature is illustrated in Figure 6B in which the position of the lighter colours or planes reflective coating is shown by reference numeral 121 and the—position- of the- dark printed- colour by reference numeral 123.

Further modifications and improvements may be incorporated herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus for producing a non-repeat or random flame effect comprising a light source emitting light beams and a diffuser screen through which the light beams are viewed, wherein a first flame template and a second randomly moveable flame template are disposed between the light source and the diffuser screen.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the first flame template is stationary with respect to the light source.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the first flame template is a generally planar sheet material comprising of opaque portions and transparent portions^.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the first flame template is a generally planar sheet material comprising of an opaque material with cutout portions.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the first flame template is arranged to provide the appearance of flames .

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the transparent portions is a still photograph of a flame .

7. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the second randomly moveable flame template comprises one or more moveable members visible through the diffuser screen.

8. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the one or more moveable members are flexible.

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein the one or more moveable members are opaque and elongate .

10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 7 to 9 wherein the apparatus further includes means for moving the moveable members .

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 wherein the means for moving the moveable members is a fan adapted to _induce._a_current__of„ air.-_s.o_ as to ..cause the moveable_ members to flutter.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the apparatus is associated with heating means.

13. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the heating means is a fan heater.

14. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the light source is a fluorescent light.

15. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the diffuser screen includes a first etched surface facing the second randomly moveable flame template.

16. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 15 wherein a second face of the diffuser screen, opposite the first face, is reflective.

17. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 wherein the second face is provided with a printed surface.

18. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 17 wherein the printed surface has a dark colour printed on or near a first end thereof and a light colour printed on or near a second end thereof.

19. A flame effect fire comprising flame simulation apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 18 and a fuel bed, wherein the flame simulation apparatus is associated with a first light source and the fuel bed is associated with a second liσht source.

20. A flame effect fire as claimed in Claim 19 wherein the first and second light sources are independently operable from each other.

21. A flame effect fire as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein the second light source is one or more light emitting diodes.

22. A flame effect fire as claimed in Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein the second light source is a halogen lamp.

23. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 22 wherein each light source is associated with cooling means.

2 . A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 19 to 23 wherein the fire further comprises a barrier arranged to shield the flame simulation apparatus from light emitted by the second light source.

25. A flame effect fire comprising flame simulation apparatus associated with a first light source, and a fuel bed associated with a second light source.

26. A flame effect fire as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the first and second light sources are independently operable from each other.

27. A flame effect fire as claimed in Claim 25 or Claim 26 wherein the first light source is one or more fluorescent lamps .

28. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 27 wherein the second light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.

29. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Cla± s 25 to 27 wherein the second light source comprises a halogen lamp.

30. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 29 wherein either of the light sources is coloured.

31. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 30 wherein each light source is associated with cooling means. _lf-

32. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 31 wherein the flame simulation apparatus includes flame effect templates adapted to reflect, refract or diffuse light from the first light source.

33. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 32 wherein the flame simulation apparatus includes reflectors adapted to reflect, refract or diffuse light from the first light source.

34. A flame effect fire as claimed in any one of Claims 25 to 33 wherein the fire further comprises a barrier arranged to shield the flame simulation apparatus from light emitted by the second light source.