Flame simulating assembly with reflector element

Abstract

A flame effect assembly comprising a reflector element is provided. The reflector element comprises a plurality of facets which are rotatable about an axis. Rotation about the axis effects movement of sequential ones of the facets into optical alignment with at least one light source so as to effect generation of a moving flame pattern on a surface.

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flame simulating assembly, and in particular to a reflective flame element, and a light source, wherein rotation of the reflective flame element about an axis operably provides for a generation of flame effects. The invention also relates to an electric fire that includes such a flame simulating assembly and a method of providing flame effects within an electric fire. Background Electric fires are well known in the art. Such fires typically include a heating element in for example the form of a fan heater or the like and operably provide for the generation of heat. Such fires have traditionally been provided to replace real combustion fires. As part of this replacement of the real fire it is known to provide electric fires with a flame simulating assembly which can be used to generate flame effects within an interior of the electric fire such that a user gets the visual impression of a fire burning within the fire. Such flame simulating assemblies are typically combined with a fuel bed which provides for a simulation of the combustible material that is employed within the electric fire. With the development of central heating within a domestic environment it is known that the electric fire provides a focal point within the room where it is located and the necessity for the heating element of the fire is not as prevalent. It is therefore known that electric fires can be provided without heating elements and within the context of the present invention the term electric fire is used to describe those fires that both include and omit heating elements. There are many ways to provide flame effects within a fire. One example is EP3367002 which uses a flicker element that includes a number of paddle elements and an elongate rod defined by an axis thereof about which the rod is rotatable. The effect provided by this arrangement is impressive but there continues to be a need for improved flame simulating assemblies. Summary These and other problems are addressed by a flame simulating assembly provided in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. Such an assembly includes at least one light source; a surface on which a flame pattern may be generated; at least one reflector comprising a plurality of facets having at least partially reflective surfaces disposed about the perimeter of the reflector, individual ones of the plurality of facets being angularly offset from adjacent facets; the at least one reflector being rotatable about an axis, and wherein the at least one reflector is located relative to the at least one light source such that rotation about the axis provides a reflection of light from the at least one light source off sequential ones of the plurality of facets to generate the flame pattern on the surface. The flame simulating assembly may also include a housing providing support for the surface on which the flame pattern may be generated. In addition, a mask for defining the flame pattern generated on the surface may be provided, the mask being configured such that selective portions of the surface will be illuminated greater than other portions. The mask is desirably provided in a light path between the facets of the at least one reflector and the surface. The mask desirably has a flame pattern template provided therein, such that light passing through the mask and onto the surface will adopt the pattern of the template. The flame simulating assembly may also include a fuel bed located forwardly of the flame surface. The surface may comprise an at least partially reflective screen, such that it is possible to mirror the fuel bed so as to give the impression that the flame pattern displayed on the surface originates from a mid portion of the fuel bed. Accordingly there is provided a flame simulating apparatus as defined in claim 1. Advantageous features are in the dependent claims. These and other features of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings. Brief Description Of The Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1A is a section through a fire provided in accordance with the teaching of the present invention. Figure 1B is an exploded section through a portion of the fire detailed in Figure 1A. Figure 2A is shows a rod with a plurality of reflectors mounted thereon according to a first embodiment. Figure 2B is shows a rod with a plurality of reflectors mounted thereon according to another embodiment. Figure 3A is a perspective view of one type of reflector that can be used in the context of the present teaching. Figure 3B is a perspective view of another type of reflector that can be used in the context of the present teaching. Figure 3C is a perspective view of another type of reflector that can be used in the context of the present teaching. Figure 3D is a front view of the reflector of Figure 3C. Figure 4 is a view along a longitudinal axis showing a plurality of reflectors per the embodiment of Figure 3A. Figure 5 is a section through a fire provided in accordance with the teaching of the present invention showing a flame pattern of a first height. Figure 6 is a section through a fire provided in accordance with the teaching of the present invention showing a flame pattern of a second height. Figure 7 is a front view of the fire of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a perspective view from the front of the fire of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of another embodiment of a fire in accordance with the present teaching. Detailed Description Of The Drawings Exemplary arrangements of a fire provided in accordance with the teaching of the present invention will be described hereinafter to assist with an understanding of the benefits of the present invention. Such a fire will be understood as being exemplary of the type of fire that could be provided and is not intended to limit the present invention to any one specific arrangement as modifications could be made to that described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. Where aspects or features are referenced in any one Figure, and those aspects or features are then referenced in another Figure, it will be understood that the same reference numerals may be used. As shown in Figure 1 a flame effect assembly 100 includes a housing 105 which defines an interior volume 110. The housing has a front portion 105a and a rear portion 105b. Within the interior volume is supported a surface 115 onto which a flame pattern may be operably provided. This surface may be considered a flame pattern surface, and can in certain embodiments be formed from a screen. In the arrangement of Figure 1, this surface is a screen and is substantially planar. In other embodiments, such as will be described with reference to Figure 9 for example, the surface may include one or more perturbations 600 so as to adopt a non-planar profile. Such a non-planar surface may advantageously assist in creating the impression of a threedimensional flame pattern. Irrespective of the nature of the surface onto which the flame pattern is projected, on generation of a flame pattern a user of the fire located to the front of the fire will see the flame pattern on the surface. The flame pattern surface 115 is, in this arrangement, typically located in a mid- region and may be substantially parallel with, or as shown in Figure 1, offset forwardly of a rear wall 120 of the housing 105. Whilst not essential, an at least partially transparent screen 121 may be provided to the front 105a of the housing 105. A viewer located to the front 105a of the housing will be able to see through the front screen 121 to see the flame pattern that is generated on the flame pattern surface 115. Located towards the front 105a of the fire at a level substantially coincident with the bottom of the surface 115 can be provided a fuel bed 125. In this exemplary arrangement the fuel bed includes both logs 125a and an ember bed 125b component. It will be understood however that a flame effect does not necessarily require a physical fuel bed, nor indeed the presentation of any fuel bed at all. A light source 130 is provided in a lower or bottom region 135 of the housing. The light source typically comprises one or more light emitting diodes, LEDs. In this exemplary arrangement, the light source is provided to the rear 105b and below the fuel bed 125. The light source is advantageously provided in the form of an array of individual light elements. The assembly further comprises a reflective flame element 150. In this exemplary arrangement the reflective flame element 150 and the light source 130 are provided within a flame housing 160, which allows for a mounting of the reflective flame element 150 and light source 130 relative to one another prior to the installation of the flame housing within the fire housing 105 itself. This eases the correct orientation of the two relative to one another. The reflective flame element 150 of Figure 1 comprises three individual reflectors which are off set relative to one another along a longitudinal axis. Further discussion on the details of these follows below with reference to other drawings. For example, as shown in more detail in Figures 2A and 2B, typically the reflective flame element, which includes a plurality of individual reflectors 210 is rotatable about an axis 220. Such a rotation may be facilitated by mounting the individual reflectors 210 on a rod 200, the rod being rotatable to cause a consequential rotation of the individual reflectors. The individual light elements of the array are advantageously each associated with an individual one of the reflectors such that light from one light element is primarily incident on one reflector. As is shown in each of Figures 2A and 2B, the elongated rod 200 is located along the rotational axis 220. At least one reflector 210, which in this exemplary configuration has a geometry similar to a cam is located on the rod 200. Those skilled in the art will recognize there are other ways in which the at least one reflector 210 can be fixed and rotated. In the example of Figure 2A, 10 individual reflectors 210 are provided and are distributed longitudinally along the length of the rod. It is evident that the spacing of the individual reflectors is such that they are separated from one another along the rod. A first reflector does not abut against a second reflector. Exposed portions of the rod are visible between neighbouring reflectors. When assembled within the housing 105, the individual reflectors 210 which collectively form the reflective flame element 150 are individually identifiable and distinguishable from one another. In the arrangement of Figure 2A, the reflectors 210 and rod 200 are provided separately such that the reflectors are individually mounted onto the rod. To facilitate an off set of adjacent reflectors to one another- first and second mounting apertures or bores 230, 235 are provided on each reflector. Judicious selection of an appropriate one of the apertures allows the positioning of the reflector at a predetermined orientation on the rod. As is also evident from Figure 2A, and more clearly from Figure 4 which is a view along the rotational axis of the rod 200, desirably, each of the reflectors have an axis of rotation, and are arranged on the rod such that an axis of rotation of a first reflector is offset relative to an axis of rotation of a second reflector. This can be enabled by providing first 410 and second 415 mounting bores on each reflector (the bores of Figure 4 differ from those of Figure 3B and 2A in that they are circular in geometry), and then operatively threading alternating reflectors on the alternative ones of the first and second bores. In this way, a first reflector will be offset relative to a second reflector - evident from inspection along the longitudinal axis illustrated in each of Figures 2A and 4. This offset can also be considered a variation in the radial distance of a first reflector to a radial distance of a second reflector. Furthermore in the event that the rod has a non-circular shape per the hex example of Figure 2A and Figure 3B, which is matched to the profile of the mounting bore of the reflector to which the rod will be presented, it is possible to ensure that when a first reflector is mounted on the rod that it can be indexed relative to the second reflector. In this way the plurality of facets on the first reflector can be angularly offset relative to the plurality of facets on the second reflector. In these exemplary configurations a hex configuration is shown, and it will be understood that if the rod has a similar configuration, then this provides an additional freedom in how the individual reflectors can be mounted onto the rod- both the choice of which bore 230, 235 but also an indexing of the reflector once mounted can be achieved. Figure 2B shows an alternative arrangement for the reflective flame element. Again, this comprises a plurality of identifiable reflectors 210 which are rotatable about an axis 220. In this configuration however, the reflectors are integrally formed on a rotatable rod 200- they could for example be machine tooled from a single piece, or extruded using plastic or the like. The neighbouring reflectors are not offset from one another- but rotation about the axis will, similarly to Figure 2A facilitate the generation of a flame pattern on the flame pattern surface 115. Irrespective of the manner in which the reflectors are provided on a rotatable rod- or indeed whether an actual rod is provided- per the present teaching each reflector 210 has a non-linear cam profile. As shown in more detail in Figure 3 and 4, this non-linear cam profile is provided by a plurality of facets 215 disposed about the perimeter 316 of the reflector. Per the examples of Figures 3A and 3B, the plurality of facets are desirably arranged in sets, a first set 325 being longitudinally offset relative to a second set 320. In the arrangement of Figure 3A and 3B (and equally as shown in Figures 2A and 2B), three sets 320, 325, and 330 are provided and are arranged such that the second 320 and third 330 set are provided on either side of the first set 325. A radial distance of the plurality of facets of the first set is greater than a radial distance of the plurality of facets of the second set. As is also evident, preferably the plurality of facets of the first set are angularly offset relative to the plurality of facets of the second set. In this arrangement, light concurrently incident on each of the first and second sets will be reflected differently due to the difference in angular offset of the facets relative to one another. Furthermore, as the dimensions of the facets of the first set are different to the dimensions of the facets of the second set the height of any flame pattern element that originates from reflection off the first set 325 will be different to that of the second set 320. In addition, the number of facets of the first set can be different to that of the second set, so that the flame pattern element that originates from reflection off the first set 325 will have a different perceived speed to that of the second set 320. The facets 215 can be formed in a plurality of different ways, depending on the method of manufacture of the reflector. For example, if the reflector is machined from a metal, then the facets can be formed by grinding or otherwise shaping an outer surface of the originating metal piece. If the reflector is formed from a plastic, then the facets will be formed by molding the plastic part to define the individual facets in the formed part. If the reflector is formed using an extrusion process, then the facets will be formed in the extrusion tool. In the event that the reflector is formed from 3-D printing then evidently the printing process will define the ultimate geometrical forms of the final product. Irrespective of the mechanism by which the reflectors are formed, the individual ones of the plurality of facets are angularly offset from adjacent facets such that a rotation of the reflector on the rod will effectively rotate the facets about the same axis. The surface of the reflector provided by the faces of the facets will be at least partially reflective and can be polished, coated, painted, plated or mirrored. It is also possible to provide a speckled or textured surface such that any flame pattern will also adopt a textured form. Certain embodiments may provide for an individual texturing of specific ones of the facets- or indeed a variation in the texturing provided to neighbouring facets of the same reflective element. It will be appreciated from inspection of these Figures that there is a defined angle between the individual facets- a sharp transition between neighbouring facets of the same set. It will be understood that such a sharp transition will provide a distinct effect. Other effects can be provided by having a more rounded or chamfered transitions between individual facets, the more rounded the transition will have a more continuous reflection- so the resultant flame pattern will appear smoother. As referenced above, certain embodiments may incorporate a textured surface. An example of such a textured surface on the individual facets 215 is shown in Figures 3C and 3D. In this embodiment only a single set of facets 215 is provided, but an embossed pattern 340 is provided on the surface of the facets. The pattern 340, in this example, comprises a plurality of individual embossed portions 345 that each project proud of the surface 350 of the reflector. The portions extend in tortuous path about the perimeter of the reflector 210. It will be appreciated that light reflecting off the reflector and onto a surface will have contribution effects from the surface 350 of the reflector, a top surface 346 of the portions, and side surfaces 347 of the embossed portions 345. The net result can be a more complex flame pattern than could otherwise be achieved. It should be noted that this selective texture can be achieved with strategically masked plating, an adhesive reflector, machining, embedded in tooling, or any other means that would achieve a similar effect. As shown in Figure 3, each facet has a width and a length. The width is defined relative to the axis of rotation 220 of the rod 200 and is parallel with that axis. The length is orthogonal to that axis, such that rotation of the reflector will operatively cause the facet to come into and out of optical alignment with a light element provided as part of the light source 130- see Figures 5 and 6. The choice of width and length of the facets will have a material effect on the ultimate geometric form of the generated flame pattern. The surface, or face,of each facet can be planar, but preferably is shaped to define either a substantially concave, substantially convex, or a complex surface, evident from inspection of Figure 4. Such a non-planar surface for each facet ensures that the generated flame pattern resultant form the reflection of light off the facet onto the surface includes caustics. It will be appreciated that neighbouring facets do not have to share the same profile. Using the example of Figure 3, typically the facets of the first set 320 will be the same as that of the third set 330, but different to that of the middle set 325, they have commonality with one another. It will be understood however that if the facets of the neighbouring sets are not offset from one another that there is a preference for them to have a different profile such that the flame pattern that originates from a first set can be distinguished from a flame pattern that originates from a second set. Having the sets offset from one another can allow for the profiles to be the same, as the offset itself provides the ability to distinguish. Typically each of the individual reflectors are identical in the number of sets of facets, and the number of facets in each set are also identical. It will be appreciated however that having a different number of facets can change the perceived speed of each reflector such that specific flame patterns may advantageously require these parameters to vary. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the reflective flame element is located relative to the at least one light source such that rotation about the axis provides a reflection of light from the at least one light source off the individual ones of the plurality of facets to generate the flame pattern on the flame pattern surface 115. The height of the flame pattern can be dependent on the length of the facet on which the reflected light originates. The height can also be varied by the angle of presentation of the light element to the individual facet. If the array of individual light elements includes first and second sources, provided for example in two different strips of LEDs that are also vertically spaced apart, rotation of a reflector will sequentially bring the individual ones of the vertically arranged light elements into optical alignment with the facet. This can also effect a perceived variation in height. In the example of Figure 5, the height H of the generated flame will be higher than the corresponding height H in Figure 6, resultant from the difference in which light source of the array has actually reflected off the facet at that point in time. The housing may further include a mask which is defined in a surface 500 of the flame housing 160. As is more evident from the front view of Figure 7, and the perspective view of Figure 8, the mask 700 has a flame pattern template provided therein, such that light passing through the mask and onto the surface will adopt the pattern of the template. The mask is configured such that selective portions of the surface will be illuminated greater than other portions. By having the mask located in the surface 500 of the flame housing 160 between the reflectors and the flame pattern surface 115, the mask is provided in a light path between the facets of the at least one reflector and the screen. The pattern of the mask may be effected by providing a cut out in a metal sheet or the like or by providing regions of different transparency in a continuous element, such that light passing through the regions of greater transparency will be of higher intensity on the screen. By providing such a mask it is possible to constrain where on the screen light will be incident and those define appropriate flame patterns. The light that is incident will flicker as a result of the movement of facets of each of the cams into light originating from the at least one light source so as to cause a reflection of that light through the mask and onto the screen. The flame pattern surface is desirably at least partially reflective - when viewed from the front of the fire- such that the flame pattern generated on the rear surface of the flame pattern surface 115 is visible through the flame pattern surface 115, but also that the fuel bed is also partially mirrored such that the generated flame pattern will appear to a person located to the front of the fire to originate from a mid-portion of the fuel bed, thereby enhancing the optical effect of the flame effect generated. The at least one light source includes a plurality of lighting elements whose output colour may be varied as to enable a selective colouring of individual ones of the individual generated flames. Typically, the at least one light source includes an LED array, the LED array being arranged along a longitudinal axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated rod. As referenced above, it may also be desirable to have more than one row of LEDs to provide a flame pattern of different heights when the light from the LED array is reflected off the facets of the at least one reflector, through the mask in the surface 500, onto the flame pattern surface 115. By providing different ones of the LEDs of different colours it is also possible to vary the ultimate perceived colouring of the generated flame pattern. As discussed above, the surface on which the flame pattern is generated may be planar in nature. Alternatively, may include one or more perturbations. For example, it may include at least one curve. In the example of Figure 6 to 9, a plurality of distinct curved regions 600 may be provided. Each of these are desirably aligned with a section of the mask such that light passing through the mask will be incident on a curved surface portion. This may assist in the perceived 3D nature of the generated flame pattern. 5 In the arrangements described, a flame effect generator comprising a reflector that may replicate the geometric form of a cam is provided. The reflector comprises a plurality of facets which are rotatable about an axis, typically by providing the reflectors on a rotatable rod. Rotation of the rod effects movement of sequential ones of the facets into optical alignment with at least one light 10 source so as to effect generation of a moving flame pattern on a surface. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred arrangements and embodiments it will be appreciated that modifications can be made without departing from the teaching of the present invention. 15 The words comprises / comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A flame simulating assembly comprising:at least one light source;a flame pattern surface on which a flame pattern may be generated;a plurality of individual reflectors, each of the reflectors being spaced apart longitudinally relative to one another along an elongated rod, the rod passing through each of the reflectors and having a rotational axis, each of the reflectors comprising a plurality of sets of facets, a first set of a first reflector being longitudinally offset relative to a second set of the same reflector, each of the facets of each of the sets having at least partially reflective surfaces, the facets being disposed about the perimeter of the reflector, individual ones of the plurality of facets being angularly offset from adjacent facets; andwherein each of the plurality of reflectors are located relative to the at least one light source such that rotation of the reflectors about the rotational axis provides a reflection of light from the at least one light source off the individual ones of the plurality of facets to generate the flame pattern on the flame pattern surface.

2. The flame simulating assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the reflectors have a mounting bore configured to receive the elongated rod, and wherein the location of the mounting bore of a first reflector is different to the location of the mounting bore of a second reflector such that on mounting each of the first and second reflectors onto the elongated rod, the facets of the first reflector are radially offset relative to the facets of the second reflector.

3. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein a radial distance of a first reflector is different to a radial distance of a second reflector.

4. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein neighbouring reflectors of the plurality of reflectors are offset from one another relative to the axis of rotation.

5. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the plurality of facets are arranged circumferentially about a perimeter of their respective reflector.

6. The flame simulating assembly of claim 5 wherein a radial distance of the plurality of facets of the first set is greater than a radial distance of the plurality of facets of the second set.

7. The flame simulating assembly of claim 5 or 6 wherein the plurality of facets of the first set are angularly offset relative to the plurality of facets of the second set.

8. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the number of facets of the first set is different to the number of facets of the second set.

9. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the dimensions of the facets of the first set are different to the dimensions of the facets of the second set.

10. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim comprising a third set of facets, and wherein the first set of facets and the third set of facets are arranged on either side of second set of facets, each of the first and third set of facets having common dimensions and orientation.

11. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least one reflector comprises an embossed pattern provided on an outer surface of the facets, the pattern comprising a plurality of individual embossed portions that each project proud of the outer surface.

12. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein a length of a first facet is different to a length of a second facet.

13. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the facets defines a concave surface.

14. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein at least one of the facets defines a convex surface.

15. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the facets are configured to provide caustics in the generated flame pattern.

16. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim comprising a plurality of reflectors, and wherein the number of facets of a first reflector is the same as the number of facets of a second reflector.17 The flame simulating assembly of claim 16, wherein the first reflector is indexed relative to the second reflector such that the plurality of facets on the first reflector are angularly offset relative to the plurality of facets on the second reflector.

18. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least partially reflective surfaces are textured.

19. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least partially reflective surfaces are mirrored surfaces.

20. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the surface on which the flame pattern is generated comprises at least one non-planar portion.

21. The flame simulating assembly of claim 20 wherein the surface comprises a plurality of non-planar portions, each of the plurality of non-planar portions being optically aligned with a respective reflector.

22. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the light source comprises an array of LEDS, individual ones of the LEDs being optically aligned with a respective reflector.

23. The flame simulating assembly of claim 22 wherein the light source comprises a first and second array of LEDs, each of the first and second arrays being vertically offset from one another.

24. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a housing, the housing being configured to provide support for the surface on which the flame pattern may be generated.

25. The flame simulating assembly of claim 24 further comprising a mask for defining the flame pattern generated on the surface, the mask being configured such that selective portions of the surface will be illuminated greater than other portions.

26. The flame simulating assembly of claim 25 wherein the mask is provided in a light path between the facets of the at least one reflector and the surface.

27. The flame simulating assembly of claim 25 or 26 wherein the mask has a flame pattern template provided therein, such that light passing through the mask and onto the screen will adopt the pattern of the template.

28. The flame simulating assembly of any one of claims 24 to 27 further comprising a fuel bed located within the housing forwardly of the surface.

29. The flame simulating assembly of claim 28 wherein the surface is at least partially reflective such that an image of fuel bed is mirrored off the screen and the generated flame pattern appears to originate from a mid-portion of the fuel bed.

30. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of lighting elements whose output colour may be varied as to enable a selective colouring of individual ones of the individual generated flames.

31. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of lighting elements whose output colour may be varied as to enable a mixed colouring of the individual generated flames.

32. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least one light source includes an LED array, the LED array being arranged along a longitudinal axis parallel to the rotational axis of the reflectors.33 The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim wherein the at least one reflector is located above the at least one light source.

34. The flame simulating assembly of any preceding claim further comprising a motor coupled to the at least one reflector, the motor being configured to effect a rotation of the about the rotational axis so as to sequentially bring individual ones of the plurality of facets into optical alignment with the at least one light source so as to effect generation of a moving flame pattern on the screen.

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