TRANSPARENT FLAME IMITATION DEVICE

Abstract

A transparent flame imitation device comprises a housing, a control device, a light emitting device, a flickering device, a flame imitation board, and at least one projection board. The housing includes a receiving chamber and two transparent panels respectively mounted on two sides of the receiving chamber. The light emitting device includes a lamp base disposed in the receiving chamber and light emitting elements disposed on the lamp base and electrically connected to the control device. The flickering device is disposed in the receiving chamber to reflect light rays emitted by the light emitting elements. The flame imitation board is disposed below the receiving chamber and includes through holes allowing the passage of light rays reflected by the flickering device.The at least one projection board is disposed in the receiving chamber and includes a translucent projection section at a lower portion thereof and a transparent section above the projection section.

Description

Title of the invention: TRANSPARENT FLAME IMITATION DEVICE

[0001] CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a transparent flame imitation device and, more particularly, to a transparent device allowing the observation of simulated flames in two directions while providing a transparent effect.

[0003] To enhance the visual effect of heat indoors, a currently available electrical type device can generate simulated flames in which lamps generate flame-like light to provide a visual effect similar to burning flames. For example, U.S. Patent No. 9,739,433 discloses a flame simulation assembly including a housing having a front end for display and a closed rear end. A light source for producing light, a rotatable flickering element, a flame effect element, and a screen are disposed in the housing. The flame effect element includes at least one orifice, such that light emitted by the light source can be reflected by the flickering element to pass through the at least one orifice and then projected onto the screen. Thus, flickering flame images are generated on the screen.

[0004] However, the above flame simulation assembly only allows observation of the flickering flame images from the front side. The flickering flame images cannot be observed from the rear side, which provides limited viewing angles.

[0005] Document CN210801000 discloses an electric fireplace including two screens on its front and rear sides respectively, a flame imitation plate and a light source. The light rays emitted by the light source pass through the holes of the flame imitation plate and are projected onto the two screens, so that the imitation flames can be seen from both the front and rear sides of the electric fireplace. Therefore, the electric fireplace is suitable for installation in a central part of a wall, and the simulated flames can be seen from two opposite sides of the wall, thereby increasing the visual effect.

[0006] However, an observer at the front end of the electric fireplace cannot see through the electric fireplace and, thus, cannot see the scene behind the electric fireplace.

[0007] To overcome the drawback of the above patent, document CN101608803 discloses an electric fireplace including front and rear imaging mechanisms disposed respectively on the front and rear sides of a housing for presenting flames simulated. A transparent window is provided on one upper end of the housing. Thus, when the electric fireplace is installed in a wall, simulated flames can be seen from both the front and back of the wall, and an observer can see the scene in front of or behind the wall through the transparent window.

[0008] However, the volume of the electric fireplace needs to be increased to match the transparent window, and the wall needs to have a larger hole for installing the electric fireplace with a larger volume, which is inconvenient for installation and expensive.

[0009] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An objective of the present invention is to provide a transparent flame imitation device allowing observation of simulated flames from two directions while providing a transparent effect.

[0011] A transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention comprises a housing, a control device, a light emitting device, a flickering device, a flame imitation board, and at least one projection board. The housing includes an accommodating chamber at a central portion thereof and two opening sections respectively on the front and rear sides of the housing. Two transparent panels are respectively mounted in the two opening sections. The light emitting device includes a lamp base and a plurality of light emitting elements. The lamp base is disposed in the accommodating chamber. The plurality of light emitting elements are disposed on the lamp base and electrically connected to the control device.The scintillating device is disposed in the receiving chamber and is configured to reflect light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements. The flame imitation board is disposed below the receiving chamber and includes a plurality of through holes through which light rays reflected by the scintillating device can pass. The at least one projection board is disposed in a central area of ​​the receiving chamber and includes a projection section at a lower portion thereof and a transparent section above the projection section. The projection section is substantially translucent. The transparent section is approximately transparent.

[0012] In one example, the projection section of the at least one projection board is gradient and has increasing transparency from bottom to top.

[0013] In one example, the at least one projection board has a main body made of a transparent material. A film having a color is formed on the lower portion of the at least one projection board by spraying, bonding, or coating.

[0014] In one example, a thickness of the film at a lower end of the projection section is greater than a film thickness at an upper end of the projection section, forming a gradient thickness.

[0015] In one example, the at least one projection board includes a bottom board and a top board stacked above the bottom board in a height direction. The bottom board is translucent and corresponds to the projection section. The top board is substantially transparent and corresponds to the transparent section.

[0016] In one example, another lower board is stacked on the lower board in a thickness direction perpendicular to the height direction. The lower board and the other lower board have different transparencies, so that the projection section has increasing transparency from bottom to top.

[0017] In one example, the at least one projection board includes at least one first board that is substantially transparent and at least one second board that is translucent and that is stacked on a lower portion of the at least one first board in a thickness direction, thereby forming the projection section and the transparent section above the projection section.

[0018] In one example, a reflective board is disposed in the receiving chamber of the housing. A portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements passes through a portion of the plurality of through-holes of the flame imitation board and is projected onto one side of the at least one projection board. Another portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements passes through another portion of the plurality of through-holes of the flame imitation board and is reflected by the reflective board to project onto another side of the at least one projection board.

[0019] In one example, a plurality of light concentrating shields are disposed on the lamp base and define a space and an aperture. The plurality of light emitting elements are disposed in the space defined by the plurality of light concentrating shields and are configured to emit the light rays toward the aperture.

[0020] In one example, the scintillating device includes a motor, a shaft, and a plurality of reflective plates. The motor is electrically connected to the controller. The shaft is rotatably received in the receiving chamber and is configured to be rotated by the motor. The plurality of reflective plates is disposed on the shaft and is configured to reflect light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements.

[0021] The transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention can be mounted in a wall. An observer located on the front side of the wall can see the scene behind the wall via the transparent section above the projection section, and a An observer located on the rear side of the wall can view the scene in front of the wall through the transparent section above the projection section, thus providing the convenience of a window.

[0022] When operating the transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention, the control device is operated to activate the plurality of light-emitting elements of the light-emitting device to emit light and to activate the motor of the scintillating device to operate. The light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements are concentrated by the plurality of light-concentrating shields to be incident toward the plurality of reflective plates which reflect the light rays to pass through the plurality of through-holes of the flame imitation board, and then project onto the projection section at the lower portion of the projection board, thereby generating simulated flames.In addition, since the transparency of the projection section is a gradient design (transparency increases from bottom to top), the projection brightness at the lower end of the projection section is higher than that at the upper end of the projection area. This makes it possible to generate a simulated flame pattern whose lower part has larger flames, thereby providing a vivid visual effect. In addition, since the projection section is translucent, the simulated flames can be observed from the front side or the rear side of the projection section. The transparent imitation flame device according to the present invention enables the observation of the simulated flames from both the front side and the rear side of the wall.

[0023] The present invention will become more clear in light of the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention described in connection with the drawings.

[0024] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Fig-1] is a partial perspective view of a transparent flame imitation device of a first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0026] [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the imitation device of transparent flames of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0027] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the transparent flame imitation device of the first embodiment according to the present invention.

[0028] [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of the flame imitation device transparent of the first embodiment according to the present invention after assembly.

[0029] [Fig.5] is a schematic view of the transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention mounted in a wall, illustrating the generation of flames simulated.

[0030] [Fig.6] is a schematic front view of the transparent flame imitation device of the first embodiment according to the present invention, illustrating the generation of simulated flames.

[0031] [Fig.7] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projection board of a transparent flame imitation device of a second embodiment according to the present invention.

[0032] [Fig.7A] is a schematic view of another example of the projection board of the transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention.

[0033] [Fig.8] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a projection board of a transparent flame imitation device of a third embodiment according to the present invention.

[0034] [Fig.9] is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transparent flame imitation device of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, illustrating the generation of simulated flames.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 showing a perspective view of a part of a transparent flame imitation device of a first embodiment according to the present invention, an exploded view of a part of the transparent flame imitation device, a perspective view of the transparent flame imitation device after assembly, and a cross-sectional view of the transparent flame imitation device after assembly. The transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention comprises a housing 1, a control device 2, a light-emitting device 3, a scintillating device 4, a flame imitation board 5, and a projection board 6. The housing 1 includes an annular frame 11 and a receiving chamber 12 at a central portion thereof.Two opening sections 13 and 14 are respectively provided on the front and rear sides of the housing 1 and are spaced apart from each other in a thickness direction. Two vertically extending transparent panels 131 and 141 are respectively mounted in the two opening sections 13 and 14. An insertion groove 15 is provided in the central portion of the outer frame 1 and is configured to couple to a perimeter of the projection board 6. In addition, the control device 2 is disposed in the receiving chamber 12.

[0037] The light-emitting device 3 includes a lamp base 31 and a plurality of light-emitting elements 32. The lamp base 31 is disposed in a lower portion of the receiving chamber 12. A plurality of light-concentrating shields 311 are disposed on the lamp base 31 and define a space and an opening 312. The plurality of light-emitting elements 32 may be light-emitting diodes. nescent and is arranged in the space defined by the plurality of light-concentrating shields 311. The plurality of electroluminescent elements 32 is electrically connected to the control element 2 and is configured to emit the light rays towards the opening 312.

[0038] The scintillating device 4 is disposed in the receiving chamber 12 and includes a motor 41, a shaft 42, and a plurality of reflective plates 43. The motor 41 is electrically connected to the control device 2. The shaft 42 is rotatably received in the receiving chamber 12 and is configured to be rotated by the motor 4L. The plurality of reflective plates 43 is disposed on the shaft 42 and is configured to reflect the light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements 32.

[0039] The flame imitation board 5 is disposed below the receiving chamber 12 and includes a plurality of through holes 51 each of which has the shape of a flame. The light rays reflected by the scintillating device 4 can pass through the plurality of through holes 51.

[0040] The projection board 6 is a planar board and is arranged vertically in a central area of ​​the receiving chamber 12. The perimeter of the projection board 16 is clamped in the insertion groove 15. The projection board 6 includes a projection section 61 at a lower portion thereof and a transparent section 62 above the projection section 61. The projection section 61 is substantially translucent and may be gradient, so that the transparency of the projection section 61 increases from bottom to top. The transparent section 62 may be approximately transparent.

[0041] The projection board 6 has a main body made of a transparent material, such as transparent glass, transparent plastic, or any other transparent board. In addition, a film having a color may be formed on the lower portion of the projection board 6 by spraying, bonding, or coating. In addition, the thickness of the film at a lower end of the projection section 61 may be greater than the thickness of the film at an upper end of the projection section 61, thereby forming a gradient thickness.

[0042] In this embodiment, an auxiliary lighting lamp base 7 is disposed in the receiving chamber 12. An auxiliary lighting lamp 71 is disposed on the auxiliary lighting lamp base 7 and is electrically connected to the control device 2. The auxiliary lighting lamp 71 can emit light toward a center of the receiving chamber 12.

[0043] Figures 5 and 6 illustrate the generation of simulated flames by the transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention. The transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention may be mounted in a wall 8. As indicated by the arrow in the upper part of [Fig.5], an observer located on the front side of wall 8 can see the scene behind wall 8 via transparent section 62 above projection section 61, and an observer located on the rear side of wall 8 can see the scene in front of wall 8 via transparent section 62 above projection section 61, thus providing the convenience of a window.

[0044] When operating the transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention, the control device 2 is operated to activate the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 of the light-emitting device 3 to emit light and to activate the motor 41 of the scintillating device 4 to operate. The light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 are concentrated by the plurality of light-concentrating shields 311 to be incident toward the plurality of reflective plates 43 which reflect the light rays to pass through the plurality of through-holes 51 of the flame imitation board 5 and then project onto the projection section 61 at the lower portion of the projection board 6, thereby generating simulated flames 9.In addition, since the transparency of the projection section 61 is a gradient design (the transparency increases from bottom to top), the projection brightness at the lower end of the projection section 61 is higher than that at the upper end of the projection area 61. This makes it possible to generate a simulated flame pattern whose lower portion has larger flames, thereby providing a vivid visual effect. In addition, since the projection section 61 is translucent, the simulated flames 9 can be observed from the front side or the rear side of the projection section 61. In addition, by providing a light-emitting device 3 and a flickering device 4, the transparent imitation flame device according to the present invention enables the observation of the simulated flames 9 from both the front side and the rear side of the wall 8, thereby reducing component costs.In addition, the scene on the other side of wall 8 can be seen through the transparent section 62, the aesthetics of the outline can be improved.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the control device 2 can be used to activate the auxiliary lighting lamp 71, which provides improved brightness in the receiving chamber 12 and which enhances the atmosphere provided by the flame simulation device.

[0046] Referring to [Fig.7] showing a transparent flame imitation device of a second embodiment according to the present invention, the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the differences are that the projection board 6 includes a lower board 6B and an upper board 6A stacked above the lower board 6B in a height direction perpendicular to the thickness direction. The lower board 6B is translucent and corresponds to the projection section 61. The upper board 6A is substantially transparent and corresponds to the transparent section 62. In addition, the area of ​​the lower board 6B is smaller than that of the projection board 6 made of a single board, allowing easier processing and manufacturing. In addition, as shown in [Fig.7A], another lower board 6C can be stacked on the lower board 6B in the thickness direction perpendicular to the height direction. The lower board 6B and the other lower board 6C have different transparencies, so that the projection section 61 has increasing transparency from bottom to top.

[0047] Referring to [Fig.8] showing a transparent flame imitation device of a third embodiment according to the present invention, the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the differences are that the projection board 6 includes at least one first board 6D which is substantially transparent and at least one second board 6E which is translucent and which is stacked on a lower portion of the at least one first board 6D in the thickness direction, thereby forming the projection section 61 and the transparent section 62 above the projection section 61. In addition, the at least one second translucent board 6E having a smaller area is easier to process and manufacture.

[0048] Referring to [Fig. 9] showing a transparent flame imitation device of a fourth embodiment according to the present invention, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the differences are that a reflective board 16 is provided in the receiving chamber 12 of the housing 1. A portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 passes through a portion of the through holes 51 of the flame imitation board 5 and is projected onto one side of the projection board 6. Another portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements 32 passes through another portion of the through holes 51 of the flame imitation board 5 and is reflected by the reflective board 16 to project onto another side of the projection board 6. Thus, better simulated flames are provided.

[0049] The transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention may include a light-emitting device 3, a scintillating device 4, and a flame imitation board 5 on each of the front side and the rear side of the receiving chamber 12 of the housing 1, and light rays may be emitted toward the front side and / or the rear side of the projection board 6. In addition, the simulated flames on the front side may be different from the simulated flames on the rear side under control.

[0050] The transparent flame imitation device according to the present invention is applicable to an electric fireplace or other products providing simulated flames. and can provide the effect of bi-directional, gradient simulated bright flames and a transparent effect allowing an observer to see the scene on the other side of the wall 8.

[0051] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications and variations are still possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is limited by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A transparent flame imitation device comprising: a housing including a receiving chamber at a central portion thereof and two opening sections respectively on the front and rear sides of the housing, and in which two transparent panels are respectively mounted in the two opening sections; a control device; a light-emitting device including a lamp base and a plurality of light-emitting elements, wherein the lamp base is disposed in the receiving chamber, wherein the plurality of light-emitting elements are disposed on the lamp base and electrically connected to the control device; a scintillating device disposed in the receiving chamber and configured to reflect light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements;a flame imitation board disposed below the receiving chamber and including a plurality of through holes through which light rays reflected by the scintillating device can pass; and at least one projection board disposed in a central area of ​​the receiving chamber and including a projection section at a lower portion thereof and a transparent section above the projection section, wherein the projection section is substantially translucent, and wherein the transparent section is approximately transparent.;

2. A transparent flame imitation device according to claim 1, wherein the projection section of the at least one projection board is gradient and has increasing transparency from bottom to top.

3. A transparent flame imitation device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one projection board has a main body made of a transparent material, and wherein a film having a color is formed on the lower portion of the at least one projection board by spraying, gluing or coating.

4. A transparent flame imitation device according to claim 3, wherein a thickness of the film at a lower end of the projection section is greater than a thickness of the film at an upper end of the projection section, forming a gradient thickness.

5. The transparent flame imitation device of claim 1, wherein the at least one projection board includes a lower board and an upper board stacked above the lower board in a height direction, wherein the lower board is translucent and corresponds to the projection section, and wherein the upper board is substantially transparent and corresponds to the transparent section.

6. The transparent flame imitation device according to claim 5, further comprising another lower board stacked on the lower board in a thickness direction perpendicular to the height direction, wherein the lower board and the other lower board have different transparencies, so that the projection section has increasing transparency from bottom to top.

7. The transparent flame imitation device of claim 1, wherein the at least one projection board includes at least one first board that is substantially transparent and at least one second board that is translucent and that is stacked on a lower portion of the at least one first board in a thickness direction, thereby forming the projection section and the transparent section above the projection section.

8. The transparent flame imitation device of claim 1, further comprising a reflective board disposed in the receiving chamber of the housing, wherein a portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements pass through a portion of the plurality of through holes of the flame imitation board and are projected onto one side of the at least one projection board, and wherein another portion of the light rays emitted by the plurality of light emitting elements pass through another portion of the plurality of through holes of the flame imitation board and are reflected by the reflective board to project onto another side of the at least one projection board.

9. A transparent flame imitation device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of light concentrating shields are disposed on the lamp base and define a space and an opening, and wherein the plurality of light emitting elements are disposed in the space defined by the plurality of light concentrating shields and is configured to emit the light rays toward the aperture.

10. The transparent flame imitation device of claim 1, wherein the flickering device includes a motor, a shaft, and a plurality of reflective plates, wherein the motor is electrically connected to the control device, wherein the shaft is rotatably received in the receiving chamber and is configured to be rotated by the motor, and wherein the plurality of reflective plates is disposed on the shaft and is configured to reflect light rays emitted by the plurality of light-emitting elements.

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