oil lamp

Abstract

We offer an extremely small oil lamp with a flame that continues to flicker beautifully without going out. [Solution] The oil lamp comprises a bottomed cylindrical base member 2 that houses a fuel tank 3, and a translucent cover 5 that surrounds the wick 4a. The base member 2 has a first recess 2a that houses the fuel tank 3, and a second recess 2b above it that is enlarged in diameter via a step 2c. The translucent cover 5 is placed on and supported by the step 2c. Air flows into the interior through the gap formed between the inner surface of the second recess 2b and the outer surface of the translucent cover 5, and this air creates an airflow inside the translucent cover 5 that causes the flame to flicker without going out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a small oil lamp.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, oil lamps have been used not only as simple lighting but also as an interior decoration expecting a relaxation effect due to the flickering of the flame. As an oil lamp that intentionally flickers the flame or produces a unique floating feeling, for example, there is known a structure in which water is filled in a liquid storage part such as a glass container and the lamp body is floated on the water surface (see Patent Document 1). In such a configuration, the lamp itself moves along with the movement of the water surface, and as a result, an effect that the flame flickers fantastically can be obtained.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the configuration as in Patent Document 1 above, there is a problem that it is necessary to fill the container with water every time it is used, and the preparation and cleaning up are troublesome. Further, since water is used, there is a risk of flooding the surroundings if it is accidentally knocked over, and there are also inconveniences such as the installation location being limited and careful handling being required. On the other hand, if one tries to flicker the flame without using water, external factors such as blowing wind are required. However, in a small oil lamp, if the wind is too strong, there is a high risk that the flame will go out, and it has been difficult to achieve both appropriate flickering and maintaining combustion.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an extremely small oil lamp that can simply be placed without taking the trouble of using water or the like, and the flame can continue to flicker beautifully (dancing effect) without going out. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This invention relates to an oil lamp comprising a fuel tank for storing fuel, a nozzle attached to the top of the fuel tank and having a wick for drawing fuel from the fuel tank, a bottomed cylindrical base member for housing the fuel tank, and a translucent cover positioned on top of the base member and surrounding the wick.

[0007] The base member has a first recess that opens in the center of its upper surface and accommodates a fuel tank, and a second recess that expands radially outward from the opening edge of the first recess via a step. The translucent cover is resting on and supported by the step.

[0008] Furthermore, air flows into the interior of the translucent cover through the gap formed between the inner surface of the second recess and the outer surface of the translucent cover, and this incoming air creates an airflow that causes the flame lit in the wick inside the translucent cover to flicker without being extinguished. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this invention, by allowing air to flow in through the gap formed between the base member and the second recess, a unique airflow is generated inside the cover.

[0010] This airflow, created by the interplay of rising air from combustion and incoming air through gaps within a confined space, generates a moderately unstable state without extinguishing the flame. As a result, without the need for special preparations or devices such as using water or blowing air from the outside, simply placing the flame down provides a visually soothing effect as it gently sways (dances). [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is an overall perspective view of an oil lamp according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a disassembled perspective view of an oil lamp. [Figure 3]These are side views, top views, and cross-sectional views showing the dimensions of the base member. [Figure 4] These are side and top views showing the dimensions of the translucent cover. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the assembled state of an oil lamp 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view thereof. Figure 3 is a dimensional drawing of the base member 2, and Figure 4 is a dimensional drawing of the translucent cover 5.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the oil lamp 1 of this embodiment comprises a base member 2 that serves as the mounting surface, a fuel tank 3 housed in the base member 2, a nozzle 4 attached to the top of the fuel tank 3, and a translucent cover 5 erected on the base member 2 to cover these components. Details of each part will be described below.

[0014] The base member 2 is a bottomed cylindrical member formed from a metal material such as brass. As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the widest part of the base member 2 is set to 50 mm, and the overall height is set to 29 mm. The thickness of the side wall of the base member 2 is set to 5 mm.

[0015] Two recesses of different depths and diameters are formed concentrically on the upper surface of the base member 2. Specifically, a first recess 2a for housing the fuel tank 3 is formed in the center. The inner diameter of this first recess 2a is 40.2 mm, the depth is 21.5 mm, and a bottom wall with a thickness of 5 mm is formed at the bottom.

[0016] Furthermore, a second recess 2b, which has a larger diameter than the first recess 2a, is formed on the opening side (upper side) of the first recess 2a via a step 2c. The inner diameter of this second recess 2b (the opening diameter at the upper end of the base member 2) is set to 46 mm. In addition, the outer circumference of the upper end of the base member 2 is chamfered (tapered shape) with a height of 2.5 mm and a width of 2 mm, and the height of this chamfered portion corresponds to the depth of the second recess 2b. In other words, the upper part of the base member 2, with the second recess 2b having an inner diameter of 46 mm and the step 2c that forms its bottom surface, forms a guide structure for receiving the translucent cover 5.

[0017] The fuel tank 3 is a translucent container for storing liquid fuel such as paraffin oil, and its outer diameter is formed to a size (for example, about 40 mm in diameter) that allows it to be detachably and securely housed in the first recess 2a (inner diameter 40.2 mm) of the base member 2 without any gaps.

[0018] The nozzle 4 is attached to the upper opening of the fuel tank 3 and is a component that holds a string-like wick 4a for drawing up fuel. In detail, the nozzle 4 consists of a base 4c fixed to the fuel tank 3 and an adjustment part 4b that is rotatably held relative to the base 4c. A screw thread is integrally formed on the outer circumference of the base 4c, and the adjustment part 4b is attached by fitting (screwing) into this screw thread. This adjustment part 4b is for adjusting the fixed state of the wick 4a, and by loosening the adjustment part 4b, it is possible to adjust the length of the wick 4a by moving it directly with a finger or the like.

[0019] The wick 4a is inserted through the center of the adjustment part 4b and is firmly held in place by being sandwiched from the surroundings when the adjustment part 4b is tightened. This configuration makes it possible to fix the height (exposure amount) of the wick 4a at any position. As shown in Figure 1, when the fuel tank 3 is completely housed in the first recess 2a of the base member 2, only the nozzle 4 (base part 4c and adjustment part 4b) and the tip of the wick 4a are configured to protrude upward from the upper surface of the base member 2.

[0020] The light-transmitting cover 5 is a cylindrical member (glass shade) made of heat-resistant glass or the like. This light-transmitting cover 5 is inserted into the second recess 2b of the base member 2 and supported by being placed on the step 2c.

[0021] At the time of assembly, the wick 4a enters into the light-transmitting cover 5. Specifically, the tip of the wick 4a is disposed at a position 26 mm above from the lower end (contact surface with the step 2c) of the light-transmitting cover 5. Also, when the height of the light-transmitting cover 5 is 56 mm, the distance from the tip of the wick 4a to the upper end of the light-transmitting cover 5 is 30 mm, and when the height is 80 mm, the distance is 54 mm. That is, the tip of the wick 4a is disposed at a position separated from the upper end of the light-transmitting cover 5 by a distance of at least 30 mm or more downward. Thereby, while preventing the flame from being exposed from the upper end of the light-transmitting cover 5, it is possible to secure an internal convection space necessary for combustion.

[0022] Also, the vertical length (height) of the light-transmitting cover 5 is not limited to the above-described specification of 56 mm. For example, a specification with a height of 80 mm may be used. Even when the height is extended to about 80 mm, the interference action between the above-described "air inflow from the gap" and the "draft effect inside" functions effectively, and the flickering of the flame (dancing effect) can be sufficiently obtained. That is, as long as the fitting relationship (gap) with the base member 2 is maintained, the light-transmitting cover 5 of the present invention can be changed in height dimension within a range of about 56 mm to 80 mm, preferably 56 mm or 80 mm.

[0023] In the oil lamp 1 of the present embodiment, an oil mainly composed of high-purity normal paraffin (paraffin-based hydrocarbon) is used as fuel. Specifically, a high-purity paraffin oil having a purity of 98% or more and a flash point of about 98 ° C (for example, "Rainbow Oil" manufactured by Nippon Oil Industry Co., Ltd.) is suitable.

[0024] By selecting a fuel with such a high flash point (corresponding to Class 4, Group 3 petroleum hazardous materials), the safety for indoor use is extremely high compared to highly volatile fuels such as gasoline and alcohol. Furthermore, because it contains few impurities and is almost odorless, even with a structure in which the translucent cover 5 is small and close to the flame, as in this invention, it prevents soot from adhering to the inner surface of the cover and causing clouding, making it possible to maintain a beautiful and clear "flame flicker" for a long period of time.

[0025] (The effect of airflow) In particular, the setting of the translucent cover 5 to a specific small size of 45 mm in outer diameter and 56 mm in height in this invention is the decisive factor that creates this unique fluctuation. The internal space defined by these specific dimensions maintains an exquisite balance in which the rising airflow (draft) due to combustion does not become so strong and stable that the flame stands upright, nor does it go out due to lack of oxygen. The slight amount of outside air flowing in through the gap interferes with this "delicate rising airflow due to the specific size," causing the internal airflow to not remain stable in a constant state, but to repeatedly undergo irregular changes.

[0026] This turbulence in airflow directly affects the flame, causing it to constantly flicker subtly (dance) rather than stand upright. In other words, this invention not only blocks the wind, but by combining its specific size (outer diameter 45mm, height 56mm) with the intake structure, it intentionally creates flame fluctuations.

[0027] Furthermore, the internal space enclosed by the inner diameter (46 mm) of the second recess 2b of the base member 2 and the translucent cover 5 has an extremely small volume. When the wick 4a is ignited, an upward airflow (draft) due to combustion is generated in this narrow space, but at the same time, a small amount of air flows into the interior through the gap between the second recess 2b and the translucent cover 5 (or a minute gap provided nearby).

[0028] The interaction between the slight inflow of air from below and the upward airflow due to the confined space causes the internal airflow to fluctuate irregularly rather than remain stable. This turbulence in the airflow directly affects the flame, causing it to constantly flicker (dance) rather than stand upright. In other words, this invention not only blocks wind but also intentionally utilizes the intake structure at the boundary between the base member 2 and the translucent cover 5 to create flame fluctuations.

[0029] (Specific examples of air intake structures) In order to reliably generate and control the aforementioned "slight air inflow," the following specific configurations can be adopted between the base member 2 (especially near the step 2c) and the translucent cover 5. These may be used individually or in combination as appropriate.

[0030] (1) Construction due to surface irregularities (rough finish) The seating surface (step 2c) of the base member 2 is intentionally finished with a rough surface that has fine irregularities, rather than a smooth, mirror-like finish. Specific processing methods include hairline finishing, textured finishing (sandblasting, etc.), or cast surface finishing. With this configuration, the fine "peaks" on the surface of the base member 2 support the translucent cover 5, while the "valleys" form irregular micro-gaps (clearances). The random inflow of air through these uneven gaps gives the flame an unpredictable "1 / f fluctuation" effect, similar to natural wind.

[0031] (2) Construction by fine grooves (slits) In the base member 2, multiple fine grooves (slits) are formed in the seating surface portion (i.e., step 2c) that the lower end surface of the translucent cover 5 abuts against, extending radially from the center outward. For example, 3 to 8 grooves with a depth of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and a width of 0.5 mm are provided at equal intervals around the circumference. These grooves remain open even when the translucent cover 5 is placed on top, and function as ventilation passages that connect the external and internal spaces. By adjusting the depth and number of these grooves, it is possible to control the amount of air flowing in and adjust the intensity of flame flickering.

[0032] (3) Construction by knurling The outer surface or seating surface of the base member 2 is knurled (cross pattern, flat pattern, etc.). The regular pattern of bumps and diagonals formed by the knurling has a decorative effect that enhances the texture of the metal, and at the same time, the recesses function as air intake paths. In particular, by applying knurling to the upper corner of the base member 2 (the inner wall of the second recess 2b, etc.), numerous tiny vents are secured at the contact interface with the translucent cover 5, achieving a high level of both design and functionality.

[0033] (4) Construction by discontinuous chamfering Normally, the upper opening of the base member 2 is given a uniform chamfer (C-chamfer or R-chamfer) all around, but in this example, this chamfer is formed discontinuously (intermittently) in the circumferential direction. That is, areas with deep chamfers and areas with shallow (or no) chamfers are arranged alternately. When the translucent cover 5 is placed on top, the shallow areas support the cover, and the deeply cut areas create a gap between them and the lower end of the cover, which becomes an air intake.

[0034] (5) Configuration with a point support structure Three or more minute protrusions (bosses) are provided at equal intervals on the seating surface (step 2c) of the base member 2. Alternatively, multiple minute notches are provided on the lower end surface of the translucent cover 5. With this configuration, the base member 2 and the translucent cover 5 make point contact (or partial contact) rather than surface contact, and a slit-like gap with a clearly defined height (e.g., about 0.5 mm) is formed around the entire circumference or partially between them. This has the advantage of making it easier to ensure a stable airflow.

[0035] (6) Composition by combining irregular shapes The lower end shape of the translucent cover 5 (usually circular) is modified by forming the seating surface shape of the base member 2 or the shape of the second recess 2b into a non-circular shape such as a polygon (hexagon, octagon, etc.) or a wave-shaped form. By combining different geometric shapes, such as a circle and a polygon, gaps are inevitably created where the two shapes do not coincide (for example, at the corners or the center of the sides of a polygon). This method allows for the securing of an air intake path by designing only the basic shape of the part, without the need for fine machining, thus contributing to a reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0036] (7) Configuration with the interposition of a breathable spacer A separate, breathable component (spacer) is interposed between the base member 2 and the translucent cover 5. Examples of spacers include metal mesh, breathable foamed metal, or rubber or resin gaskets with ventilation grooves. This spacer not only ensures an air intake path but also functions as a cushioning material to prevent damage caused by direct contact between the glass translucent cover 5 and the metal base member 2.

[0037] The configurations described in (1) to (7) above complement the "airflow control by miniaturization" of this invention and provide concrete means for achieving more reliable and attractive flame flickering.

[0038] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments only represent a part of the application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0039] In this specification and the claims for utility model registration, all numerical values ​​used to express dimensions, angles, quantities, or other physical properties should be interpreted as “approximate” numbers that allow for manufacturing tolerances, measurement errors, or minor variations within the scope of achieving the purpose of the present invention, unless otherwise specified. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 oil lamp 2 Base member 2a First recess 2b Second recess 2c step 3 Fuel tank 4 nozzles 4a core 4b Adjustment part 4c base 5. Translucent cover

Claims

1. A fuel tank for storing fuel, It has a wick that draws fuel from the fuel tank, and a nozzle that is attached to the top of the fuel tank, A bottomed cylindrical base member that houses the aforementioned fuel tank, A translucent cover is placed on top of the base member and surrounds the core, An oil lamp equipped with, The base member has a first recess that opens in the center of its upper surface and accommodates the fuel tank, and a second recess that expands in diameter radially outward from the opening edge of the first recess via a step. The light-transmitting cover is placed on and supported by the step, An oil lamp characterized in that air flows into the interior of the translucent cover from a gap formed between the inner surface of the second recess and the outer surface of the translucent cover, and the incoming air creates an airflow within the translucent cover that causes the flame lit on the wick to flicker without being extinguished.

2. The light-transmitting cover has an outer diameter of approximately 45 mm and a height of approximately 56 mm, as described in claim 1.

3. The light-transmitting cover has an outer diameter of approximately 45 mm and a height of approximately 80 mm, as described in claim 1.

4. The oil lamp according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the tip of the wick is positioned approximately 26 mm from the lower end of the translucent cover in the height direction of the translucent cover.

5. The oil lamp according to claim 1, wherein the outer diameter of the translucent cover is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second recess.

6. The oil lamp according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the step in the base member or the lower end surface of the translucent cover is provided with a fine ventilation structure for circulating air at the contact interface between the two.

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