Flame simulation assembly with reflector elements

Abstract

A flame effect assembly including a reflector element is provided. The reflector element includes a plurality of facets that are rotatable about an axis. Rotation about the axis causes sequential facets to move into optical alignment with at least one light source, thereby generating a moving flame pattern on the surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to flame simulation components, and more particularly to flame-reflecting elements and light sources, wherein rotation of the flame-reflecting elements about an axis operably provides the generation of flame effects. The invention also relates to an electric furnace comprising such a flame simulation component and a method for providing flame effects within the electric furnace. Background Technology

[0002] Electric stoves are known in the art. Such stoves typically include heating elements, such as fan heaters or the like, and are operatively designed to generate heat. Such stoves have traditionally been provided as alternatives to real combustion stoves. As part of this alternative to real stoves, flame simulation components are known to be provided for electric stoves, which can be used to generate flame effects inside the stove, giving the user the visual impression of fire burning within it. Such flame simulation components are typically combined with a fuel bed that provides simulation of the combustible materials used within the electric stove.

[0003] With the development of central heating in residential environments, electric stoves are known to provide focal points in their respective rooms, and the necessity of a heating element in the stove is no longer as prevalent. Therefore, it is known that electric stoves can be provided without a heating element, and in the context of this invention, the term electric stove is used to describe stoves that include or omit a heating element.

[0004] There are many ways to provide flame effects within a furnace. One example is EP3367002, which uses a flashing element comprising multiple paddle elements and an elongated rod defined by its axis about which it can rotate. The effect provided by this arrangement is impressive, but there remains a need for improved flame simulation components. Summary of the Invention

[0005] These and other problems are solved by the flame simulation components provided according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0006] Such a component includes at least one light source; a surface on which a flame pattern can be generated; at least one reflector comprising a plurality of facets having at least partially reflective surfaces, the facets being arranged around the periphery of the reflector, individual facets 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 positioned relative to the at least one light source such that rotation about the axis causes light from the at least one light source to be reflected from the facets of the plurality of facets in sequence to generate a flame pattern on the surface.

[0007] The flame simulation assembly may also include a housing that provides support for a surface on which a flame pattern can be generated. Furthermore, a mask may be provided to define the flame pattern generated on the surface, the mask being configured such that selected portions of the surface will be illuminated more than other portions. The mask is preferably positioned in the optical path between the facets of the at least one reflector and the surface. The mask preferably has a flame pattern template disposed therein, such that light passing through the mask and reaching the surface will adopt the pattern of the template.

[0008] The flame simulation component may also include a fuel bed located in front of the flame surface. The surface may include at least a partially reflective screen, allowing the fuel bed to be mirrored, thereby giving the impression that the flame pattern displayed on the surface originates from the center of the fuel bed.

[0009] Therefore, a flame simulation device as defined in claim 1 is provided. Advantageous features are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] These and other features of the invention will be better understood with reference to the following drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1A It is a cross-section of a furnace provided according to the teachings of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A detailed cross-section of a portion of the furnace.

[0014] Figure 2A A rod with multiple reflectors mounted thereon is shown according to a first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B A rod with multiple reflectors mounted thereon is shown according to another embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of a reflector that can be used in the context of this teaching.

[0017] Figure 3B This is another perspective view of a reflector that can be used in the context of this teaching.

[0018] Figure 3C This is yet another perspective view of a reflector that can be used in the context of this teaching.

[0019] Figure 3D yes Figure 3C Front view of the reflector.

[0020] Figure 4This is a view along the longitudinal axis, showing the arrangement according to... Figure 3A Multiple reflectors in an embodiment.

[0021] Figure 5 The cross-section of a furnace provided according to the teachings of the present invention shows a flame pattern at a first height.

[0022] Figure 6 The cross-section of a furnace provided according to the teachings of the present invention shows a flame pattern at a second height.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a front view of the stove in Figure 1.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a front perspective view of the stove in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of a furnace according to the present teachings. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The following description will illustrate exemplary arrangements of stoves provided according to the teachings of the present invention to aid in understanding the advantages of the invention. Such stoves will be understood as examples of stove types that may be provided and are not intended to limit the invention to any particular arrangement, as modifications may be made to the contents described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. If an aspect or feature is referenced in any figure, and subsequently in another figure, it should be understood that the same reference numerals may be used.

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, the flame effect assembly 100 includes a housing 105 defining an internal volume 110. The housing has a front portion 105a and a rear portion 105b. A surface 115 is supported within the internal volume onto which a flame pattern can be operatively provided. This surface can be considered as a flame pattern surface and, in some embodiments, can be formed by a screen. In the arrangement of Figure 1, the surface is a screen and is generally planar. In other embodiments, such as those described below... Figure 9 As illustrated by the example, the surface may include one or more perturbations 600 to achieve a non-planar profile. Such a non-planar surface can advantageously contribute to generating the impression of a three-dimensional flame pattern.

[0028] Regardless of the nature of the surface on which the flame pattern is projected, a user positioned in front of the stove will see the flame pattern on that surface when it is generated. In this arrangement, the flame pattern surface 115 is typically located in the central region and may be generally parallel to the rear wall 120 of the housing 105, or offset forward from the rear wall 120 as shown in FIG. 1. Although not strictly necessary, a screen 121 that is at least partially transparent may be provided at the front 105a of the housing 105. An observer located at the front 105a of the housing will be able to see through the front screen 121 to see the flame pattern generated on the flame pattern surface 115.

[0029] A fuel bed 125 may be positioned facing the front 105a of the furnace, at a level substantially coinciding with the bottom of surface 115. In this exemplary arrangement, the fuel bed includes both logs 125a and ember bed components 125b. However, it should be understood that a physical fuel bed is not necessarily required for the flame effect, and in fact, no fuel bed is required at all.

[0030] A light source 130 is disposed in the 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 disposed at the rear 105b and below the fuel bed 125. The light source is advantageously provided as an array of individual light elements.

[0031] The assembly further includes a flame reflector element 150. In this exemplary arrangement, the flame reflector element 150 and the light source 130 are disposed within the flame housing 160, which allows the flame reflector element 150 and the light source 130 to be mounted relative to each other before the flame housing is installed into the furnace housing 105 itself. This facilitates proper orientation of both relative to each other. The flame reflector element 150 of FIG1 includes three individual reflectors offset relative to each other along a longitudinal axis. Further discussion of its details will be given below with reference to other figures.

[0032] For example, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in more detail, the flame-reflecting element (which comprises multiple individual reflectors 210) is typically rotatable about axis 220. Such rotation is facilitated by mounting the individual reflectors 210 onto a rod 200, which is capable of rotation to cause the individual reflectors to rotate accordingly. The individual optical elements in the array are advantageously each associated with a separate reflector, such that light from one optical element is primarily incident on a single reflector.

[0033] like Figure 2A and Figure 2BAs shown, an elongated rod 200 is positioned along a rotation axis 220. At least one reflector 210 (having a cam-like geometry in this exemplary configuration) is located on the rod 200. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other methods exist for fixing and rotating the at least one reflector 210. Figure 2A In the example, 10 individual reflectors 210 are provided, which are distributed longitudinally along the length of the rod. It is evident that the spacing between the individual reflectors separates them from each other along the rod. The first reflector is not adjacent to the second reflector. Exposed portions of the rod are visible between adjacent reflectors. When assembled within the housing 105, the individual reflectors 210 that together form the flame-reflecting element 150 can be individually identified and distinguished from each other.

[0034] exist Figure 2A In this arrangement, the reflector 210 and the rod 200 are provided separately, allowing the reflector to be individually mounted on the rod. To facilitate offsetting adjacent reflectors from each other, a first mounting opening or hole 230 and a second mounting opening or hole 235 are provided on each reflector. By judiciously selecting the appropriate hole, the reflector can be positioned on the rod in a predetermined orientation.

[0035] from Figure 2A It is also obvious, and from Figure 4 (This is a view along the axis of rotation of rod 200) It can be seen more clearly that, ideally, each reflector has an axis of rotation, and they are arranged on the rod such that the axis of rotation of the first reflector is offset relative to the axis of rotation of the second reflector. This can be achieved by providing a first mounting hole 410 and a second mounting hole 415 on each reflector. Figure 4 The hole and Figure 3B and Figure 2A The holes in the first and second holes differ in that they have a circular geometry, and then alternating reflectors are operably threaded onto the first and second holes in turn. In this way, the first reflector will be offset relative to the second reflector (from the opposite edge). Figure 2A and Figure 4 (This is clearly visible in the examination of the respective longitudinal axes). This offset can also be viewed as a change in the radial distance between the first reflector and the second reflector.

[0036] Furthermore, when the rod has a non-circular shape (e.g.) Figure 2A and Figure 3BIn the case of the hexagonal example, this shape matches the contour of the mounting hole for the reflector that will receive the rod, ensuring that when the first reflector is mounted on the rod, it can be indexed relative to the second reflector. In this way, multiple facets on the first reflector can be offset at an angle relative to multiple facets on the second reflector. The hexagonal construction is shown in these exemplary configurations, and it should be understood that if the rod has a similar construction, this provides additional degrees of freedom in how individual reflectors can be mounted on the rod (either choosing which holes 230, 235 to use, or enabling indexing of the reflector after mounting).

[0037] Figure 2B An alternative arrangement of the flame-reflecting elements is shown. It also includes multiple identifiable reflectors 210, which are rotatable about axis 220. However, in this configuration, the reflectors are integrally formed on the rotatable rod 200 (they can be machined from a single piece, or extruded using materials such as plastic). Adjacent reflectors are not offset from each other, but the rotation about the axis will be similar to... Figure 2A This helps to generate a flame pattern on the flame pattern surface 115.

[0038] Regardless of how the reflector is mounted on the rotatable rod (or whether an actual rod is provided), according to this teaching, each reflector 210 has a non-linear cam profile. (See Figure 3 and...) Figure 4 As shown in more detail, the non-linear cam profile is provided by a plurality of facets 215 arranged around the periphery 316 of the reflector. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the example, multiple facets are expected to be arranged in groups, with the first group 325 longitudinally offset relative to the second group 320. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the arrangement (and similarly) Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown), three groups 320, 325, and 330 are provided, and arranged such that the second group 320 and the third group 330 are positioned on either side of the first group 325. The radial distance between the facets of the first group is greater than the radial distance between the facets of the second group.

[0039] It is also evident that the facets of the first group are preferably offset at an angle relative to the facets of the second group. In this arrangement, light incident simultaneously on both the first and second groups will be reflected differently due to the difference in the angular offset of the facets relative to each other. Furthermore, since the dimensions of the facets in the first group are different from those in the second group, the height of any flame pattern element reflected from the first group 325 will be different from the height of any flame pattern element reflected from the second group 320. Additionally, the number of facets in the first group can be different from the number of facets in the second group, so that the flame pattern element reflected from the first group 325 will have a different perceived speed than the flame pattern element reflected from the second group 320.

[0040] Facets 215 can be formed in several different ways, depending on the method of manufacturing the reflector. For example, if the reflector is machined from metal, the facets can be formed by grinding or otherwise shaping the outer surface of the original metal part. If the reflector is formed from plastic, the facets will be formed by molding the plastic part to define individual facets within the molded part. If the reflector is formed using an extrusion process, the facets will be formed in the extrusion tool. If the reflector is formed by 3D printing, the printing process will obviously define the final geometry of the final product.

[0041] Regardless of the mechanism by which the reflector is formed, each individual facet is angularly offset from its adjacent facets, such that rotation of the reflector on the rod effectively rotates the facets about the same axis. The surface of the reflector provided by the facets will at least partially reflect light and can be polished, coated, painted, plated, or mirrored. It is also possible to provide speckled or textured surfaces, so that any flame pattern will also appear textured. Some embodiments may provide individual textures for certain facets—or effectively provide variations in texture to adjacent facets of the same reflective element.

[0042] An examination of these figures will reveal that there are defined angles between individual facets (sharp transitions between adjacent facets within the same group). It should be understood that such sharp transitions provide a noticeable effect. Further effects can be achieved by creating more rounded or chamfered transitions between individual facets; the more rounded the transition, the more continuous the reflection will be (thus the resulting flame pattern will appear smoother).

[0043] As described above, some embodiments may incorporate textured surfaces. Figure 3C and Figure 3DAn example of such a textured surface on a single facet 215 is shown. In this embodiment, only a single set of facets 215 is provided, but an embossed pattern 340 is formed on the surface of the facets. In this example, the pattern 340 includes multiple individual embossed portions 345, each protruding from the surface 350 of the reflector. The portions extend in a tortuous path around the periphery of the reflector 210. It should be understood that light reflected from the reflector onto the surface will have contributing effects from the surface 350 of the reflector, the top surface 346 of the portions, and the side surfaces 347 of the embossed portions 345. The end result can be a more complex flame pattern than can be achieved in other ways. It should be noted that this selective texture can be achieved by strategic masking, adhesive reflectors, machining, embedding tools, or any other means that can achieve a similar effect.

[0044] As shown in Figure 3, each facet has a width and a length. The width is defined relative to and parallel to the rotation axis 220 of the rod 200. The length is orthogonal to the axis, such that rotation of the reflector will operable to cause the facet to enter and exit optical alignment with the light element provided as part of the light source 130 (see Figure 3). Figure 5 and Figure 6 The choice of facet width and length will substantially affect the final geometry of the resulting flame pattern. Each facet's surface or facet can be planar, but is preferably shaped to define a generally concave, generally convex, or complex surface, depending on the desired shape. Figure 4 As can be seen during examination. Such a non-planar surface on each facet ensures that the flame pattern generated by light reflected from that facet onto the surface includes caustics.

[0045] It should be understood that adjacent facets do not necessarily have the same profile. Using Figure 3 as an example, the facets of the first group 320 and the facets of the third group 330 are typically identical, but unlike the facets of the middle group 325, they share commonalities. However, it should be understood that if the facets of adjacent groups are not offset from each other, it is preferable to have different profiles so that flame patterns originating from the first group can be distinguished from flame patterns originating from the second group. If the groups are offset from each other, identical profiles are permissible because the offset itself provides differentiation.

[0046] Typically, the number of facet groups for each individual reflector is the same, and the number of facets within each group is also the same. However, it should be understood that having different numbers of facets can alter the perceived speed of each reflector, allowing for advantageous variations in these parameters for specific flame patterns.

[0047] like Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the flame-reflecting element is positioned relative to at least one light source such that rotation about an axis provides light from at least one light source that is reflected by individual facets among a plurality of facets to generate a flame pattern on flame-patterned surface 115.

[0048] The height of the flame pattern can depend on the length of the facet from which the reflected light originates. The height can also be varied by the angle at which the light element is positioned relative to the individual facets. If the array of individual light elements comprises a first source and a second source, for example, arranged in two distinct LED strips that are also vertically spaced, then rotation of the reflector will sequentially align the individual light elements in the vertically arranged array with the facets optically. This can also affect the perceived change in height. Figure 5 In the example, the height H of the generated flame will be higher than Figure 6 The corresponding height H is due to the difference in the actual reflection of the light source from the facet at that point in time.

[0049] The housing may further include a mask defined in surface 500 of the flame housing 160. Figure 7 Front view and Figure 8 More clearly in the perspective view, the mask 700 has a flame pattern template disposed therein, such that light passing through the mask and reaching the surface will adopt the pattern of the template. The mask is configured such that selected portions of the surface will be illuminated more than other portions. The mask is positioned in the light path between the facet of the at least one reflector and the screen by positioning the mask in the surface 500 of the flame housing 160 between the reflector and the flame pattern surface 115.

[0050] The pattern of the mask can be achieved by providing cutouts in a metal sheet or the like, or by providing areas of varying transparency in a series of elements, such that light passing through the area of ​​greater transparency will have higher intensity on the screen. By providing such a mask, the incident position of light on the screen can be restricted, thereby defining an appropriate flame pattern. The incident light will flicker as the facets of each cam move into light originating from at least one light source, causing the reflection of that light to pass through the mask and reach the screen.

[0051] The flame pattern surface is intended to be at least partially reflective (when viewed from the front of the furnace), such that the flame pattern generated on the rear surface of the flame pattern surface 115 is visible through the flame pattern surface 115, and the fuel bed is also partially mirrored, so that the generated flame pattern appears to originate from the center of the fuel bed to a person located in front of the furnace, thereby enhancing the optical effect of the generated flame effect.

[0052] The at least one light source includes a plurality of light-emitting elements whose output color can be varied to enable selective coloring of individual flames in a single generated flame.

[0053] Typically, the at least one light source comprises an LED array arranged along a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated rod. As mentioned above, it may also be desirable to have more than one row of LEDs to provide flame patterns at different heights as the light from the LED array is reflected from the facets of at least one reflector, passes through the mask in surface 500, and reaches the flame pattern surface 115. By providing different LEDs of different colors among these LEDs, it is also possible to change the final perceived color of the generated flame pattern.

[0054] As mentioned above, the surface on which the flame pattern is generated can be planar in nature. Alternatively, it can include one or more perturbations. For example, it can include at least one curve. Figures 6 to 9 In the example, multiple different curved regions 600 can be provided. Each of these curved regions 600 is desired to be aligned with a segment of the mask such that light passing through the mask will be incident on the curved surface portion. This can contribute to the perceived three-dimensional nature of the generated flame pattern.

[0055] In the described arrangement, a flame effect generator is provided, comprising a reflector capable of replicating cam geometry. The reflector includes a plurality of facets rotatable about an axis, typically achieved by mounting the reflector on a rotatable rod. Rotation of the rod causes sequential facets of these facets to move into optical alignment with at least one light source, thereby generating a moving flame pattern on the surface. While the invention has been described with reference to preferred arrangements and embodiments, it should be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the teachings of the invention.

[0056] When used in this specification, the term "including / comprises" is used to specify the presence of the said feature, integer, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.

Claims

1. A flame simulation component, comprising: At least one light source; Flame pattern surface, on which the flame pattern can be generated; Multiple individual reflectors, each of which is longitudinally spaced from each other along an elongated rod passing through each of the reflectors and having an axis of rotation, each of the reflectors including multiple sets of facets, a first set of facets of a first reflector being longitudinally offset relative to a second set of the same reflectors, each facet in each set having a surface that is at least partially reflective, the facets being arranged around the periphery of the reflector, and individual facets of the multiple facets being angularly offset from adjacent facets; and Each of the plurality of reflectors is positioned relative to the at least one light source such that rotation of the reflector about the axis of rotation causes light from the at least one light source to be reflected from individual facets of the plurality of facets to generate the flame pattern on the flame pattern surface.

2. The flame simulation assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the reflectors has a mounting hole configured to receive the elongated rod, and wherein the mounting hole of the first reflector is located differently from the mounting hole of the second reflector, such that when each of the first reflector and the second reflector is mounted onto the elongated rod, the facet of the first reflector is radially offset relative to the facet of the second reflector.

3. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the radial distance of the first reflector is different from the radial distance of the second reflector.

4. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein adjacent reflectors of the plurality of reflectors are offset from each other relative to the axis of rotation.

5. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of facets are arranged circumferentially around the periphery of their respective reflectors.

6. The flame simulation assembly of claim 5, wherein the radial distance between the plurality of facets of the first group is greater than the radial distance between the plurality of facets of the second group.

7. The flame simulation assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the plurality of facets of the first group are offset at an angle relative to the plurality of facets of the second group.

8. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the number of facets in the first group is different from the number of facets in the second group.

9. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dimensions of the facets of the first group are different from the dimensions of the facets of the second group.

10. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a third set of facets, wherein the facets of the first set and the facets of the third set are arranged on both sides of the facets of the second set, the facets of the first set and the facets of the third set each having a common size and orientation.

11. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reflector includes an embossed pattern disposed on the outer surface of the facet, the pattern comprising a plurality of individual embossed portions, each embossed portion protruding from the outer surface.

12. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the length of the first facet is different from the length of the second facet.

13. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the facets defines a concave surface.

14. The flame simulation assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the facets defines a convex surface.

15. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the facets are configured to provide caustics in the generated flame pattern.

16. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of reflectors, wherein the number of facets of the first reflector is the same as the number of facets of the second reflector.

17. The flame simulation 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 offset at an angle relative to the plurality of facets on the second reflector.

18. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least partially reflective surface is textured.

19. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least partially reflective surface is a mirrored surface.

20. The flame simulation component according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the surface on which the flame pattern is generated includes at least one non-planar portion.

21. The flame simulation 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 corresponding reflector.

22. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source comprises an array of LEDs, wherein individual LEDs are optically aligned with corresponding reflectors.

23. The flame simulation assembly of claim 22, wherein the light source comprises a first LED array and a second LED array, each of the first LED array and the second LED array being vertically offset from each other.

24. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a housing configured to provide support for the surface on which the flame pattern can be generated.

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

26. The flame simulation assembly of claim 25, wherein the mask is disposed in the optical path between the facet and the surface of the at least one reflector.

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

28. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising a fuel bed located within the housing in front of the surface.

29. The flame simulation assembly of claim 28, wherein the surface is at least partially reflective such that an image of the fuel bed is mirrored on a screen and the generated flame pattern appears to originate from the center of the fuel bed.

30. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, the output color of the light-emitting elements being variable to enable selective coloring of individual generated flames.

31. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting elements, the output color of the light-emitting elements being variable to enable mixed coloring of individually generated flames.

32. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one light source comprises an LED array arranged along a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the reflector.

33. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one reflector is located above the at least one light source.

34. The flame simulation assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a motor coupled to the at least one reflector, the motor being configured to rotate about the axis of rotation to sequentially optically align individual facets of the plurality of facets with the at least one light source, thereby generating a moving flame pattern on the screen.

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