Device for forming a vortex flame, fuel tank and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for forming a vortex flame, comprising a base (6) for setting up the device (1) and an air vortex generator, by means of which a flame can be set in rotation. The base (6) and the air vortex generator are units in order to be easy to manufacture. The invention further relates to a fuel tank (7) for the device and to a method for filling the fuel tank (7).

Description

[0001] Device for forming a vortex flame, fuel container and method

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device for generating a vortex flame. Such a device is known, for example, from German patent application DE 20 2019 005 839 U1 under the designation "fire column". The fire column comprises an outer shell that can surround a flame of the fire column. Guiding elements are arranged at a base of the fire column. The outer shell is fitted over the guiding elements with some play. Channels are formed by the outer shell, the guiding elements, and the base, through which air can flow. The air flowing through the channels can, after exiting them, set a flame into rotation and thus generate a vortex flame.

[0004] The invention also relates to a fuel container of the device and a method for filling the fuel container.

[0005] The object of the invention is to further develop a device for generating a vortex flame. In particular, the manufacturing effort should be reduced and / or safety improved.

[0006] The object of the invention can be achieved by a device having the features of the first claim. The dependent claim relates to a part of the device. A further dependent claim relates to a method.

[0007] To solve the problem, a device for generating a vortex flame is provided. The device may include a base for setting up and / or suspending the device. The device may include an air vortex generator with which an air vortex can be generated. The device may be configured such that the generated air vortex can set a flame produced by the device into rotation.

[0008] The base and the air vortex generator can be independent units. By "unit," we mean that all parts of the unit are connected to each other by a material bond, force bond, and / or form bond. The air vortex generator is therefore a unit if all its parts are connected to each other by a material bond, force bond, and / or form bond. The base can also be a unit in this sense, meaning it can consist of more than one part that is connected to each other by a material bond, force bond, and / or form bond. In principle, the base can be connected to the air vortex generator by a material bond, force bond, and / or form bond. In principle, the base can also be detachably connected to the air vortex generator. The base can then be detached from the air vortex generator non-destructively without the use of tools.

[0009] A positive-locking connection is a mechanical connection in which two components are joined together by their matching geometric shape. Force transmission occurs through the engagement of these shapes.

[0010] Parts that are only loosely fitted together are not positively connected. Therefore, when one part is pulled out of the other, no force is necessarily transferred from one part to the other.

[0011] It is possible to couple the base and the air vortex generator in such a way that, once connected, they can only be tilted together if a lateral force is applied to the upper end of the device. The air vortex generator, coupled to the base, cannot then detach from the base due to this lateral force. This improves the safety of the device.

[0012] It is possible that the base and the air vortex generator can be separated again after coupling without the need for tools. For example, the air vortex generator may be able to be detached from the base by pulling the base and air vortex generator apart.

[0013] The base and the air vortex generator can be connected by a press fit, i.e., a force-fit connection. The base can then be detached from the air vortex generator by pulling them apart. Alternatively, a snap-fit ​​connection may be present, allowing the base and air vortex generator to be connected and thus coupled. This snap-fit ​​connection can be releasable, meaning it can be released non-destructively. This non-destructive release may require the activation of a release mechanism to disengage the connection. Alternatively, it may simply require the application of a suitable force to release the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0014] The locking mechanism can also be designed in such a way that, once connected, non-destructive disconnection is no longer possible or extremely difficult. This is less desirable, however, as it prevents parts from being replaced, for example. It can also complicate handling, such as when inserting a fuel container.

[0015] A snap-fit ​​connection is a connection in which two parts are joined together by a snap-in motion. This type of connection typically requires no additional tools or aids and allows for convenient assembly and disassembly of the parts. A snap-fit ​​connection comprises a flexible, movable part that can create a snap-fit ​​connection by moving it. The movable part is essentially moved from one position to another and back to the original position to establish the snap-fit ​​connection.

[0016] There may be a plug connection that allows the base and the air vortex generator to be coupled. The air vortex generator can then be partially inserted into the base, or conversely, the base can be partially inserted into the air vortex generator. The insertion can be loose, tight, or friction-fit. If there is play, the air vortex generator can be detached from the base without having to overcome frictional forces. If a friction-fit connection has been established, then frictional forces must be overcome to detach the air vortex generator from the base.

[0017] A plug connection is a connection system used to connect or disconnect two or more parts. It is a mechanical connection where the parts can be connected or disconnected by simply inserting and removing them.

[0018] It's possible that the plug connection only prevents the base of the air vortex generator from being separated by lateral forces. Therefore, it's possible that the air vortex generator could be easily detached from the base by simply lifting it.

[0019] It is possible that the base and air vortex generator are a single unit that can only be separated with tools or by destruction. The base and air vortex generator may have been manufactured as a single piece, for example, by injection molding.

[0020] The device may include a central section. The base, the central section, and / or the air vortex generator may be independent units. A unit may be composed of several solid parts. If a unit consists of several solid parts, the parts of the unit are connected to each other by material bonding, force bonding, and / or form bonding. While it may be possible to separate parts of a unit without tools, this is neither intended nor practical in the context of use.

[0021] It is possible that the central section extends into both the base and the air vortex generator when the three units are assembled into the operational device. This may provide at least supplementary security for the air vortex generator against lateral slippage relative to the base. This can improve the reliable operation of the device.

[0022] To minimize manufacturing costs, the air vortex generator can be made of two parts. One part of the air vortex generator can be integrally connected to the base. The base can, for example, include permanently attached struts that help to set the air in rotation. The base could be a container that can be placed on a surface or suspended. Air guide elements can be permanently attached to the outside of the container, for example, by bonding or welding. Alternatively, the air guide elements can be attached to the outside of the container as a single unit. The container and the attached air guide elements can then be manufactured in a single step, for example, by injection molding. The air vortex generator can also have an outer shell as a second part. This outer shell can, for example, be frictionally connected to the air guide elements.

[0023] It can be advantageous if the air vortex generator is made of a different material or materials than the base. For example, for safety reasons, it can be beneficial if the base is made of metal, concrete, or stone, for instance, for stability and / or to provide (double) safety to prevent liquid fuel leakage. Since such safety considerations are irrelevant for the air vortex generator, it can be advantageous for manufacturing reasons to produce the air vortex generator from other materials, such as entirely from plastic or from plastic and glass. In this case, no part of the air vortex generator is integrally connected to the base. However, the air vortex generator or a part of it can be connected to the base. Therefore, the air vortex generator or a part of it can be manufactured independently of the base.Subsequently, the air vortex generator or a part thereof may have been connected to the base by a material bond, a force bond, and / or a form-fit connection. The base or a part thereof may have been manufactured first. Subsequently, the air vortex generator or a part thereof may have been injection-molded onto the base or a part thereof, for example. Thus, the air vortex generator and the base may be material-bonded. Alternatively, the air vortex generator or a part thereof may have been manufactured first. Subsequently, the base or a part thereof may have been injection-molded onto the air vortex generator or a part thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the air vortex generator or a part thereof may have been connected to the base or a part thereof by a form-fit and / or force bond.Such a device can be manufactured and handled with minimal technical effort. It may suffice to provide only two or three units. These can then be coupled together in such a way that the device can be stably set up and / or suspended. The two or three units can also usually be easily separated from one another. Units can then be easily exchanged. In particular, the device is designed so that a lateral force at the upper end of the device does not cause the units to detach from one another.

[0024] A device for generating a vortex flame should be designed to ensure the safest possible operation. Safety requirements apply particularly to the device components that may be directly exposed to a vortex flame. Therefore, it is advantageous to divide the device into units that can be easily separated. The safety requirements can differ for each unit. For example, a specific material can be selected for the construction of a unit, depending on the particular safety requirement.

[0025] A unit can consist of different materials. However, a unit can also consist of only one material.

[0026] A base primarily serves to support and / or suspend the device. There is generally no direct contact with the flame. Therefore, it is practical to manufacture the base as a separate unit, allowing for its production from materials such as metal, glass, stone, ceramic, and / or concrete with minimal technical effort. However, it is also possible to manufacture the base from plastic, provided there are no safety concerns. In particular, the base can then be partially or entirely produced using plastic injection molding, a particularly simple process. This is especially feasible if a gap exists between the base and a fuel container inserted into the base, preventing, for example, excessive heating of the base. Such a heat-protective gap is wider than a very small gap that is only necessary due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0027] If the base is made of plastic, sufficient stability can be ensured by using a suitably large base on which it can be placed. If no liquid fuel is used, then leak-proofness is not a concern. If the plastic is selected so that it cannot be damaged by leaking fuel, then the base can still protect against fuel leakage despite being made of plastic.

[0028] The base can be made of plastic or other materials such as glass, metal, wood, and / or ceramic. A base can also be partially made of plastic, for example, with a metal plate on the underside to ensure stability. Alternatively, the outer surface of a base can be made of wood or ceramic, while the inner surface can be made of a different material, such as a low-flammability material like metal, to provide enhanced safety. A base can therefore consist of several parts. These parts can be joined together using material-bonded, force-fit, and / or form-fit connections.

[0029] The base can be a container or comprise a container with a bottom and surrounding side walls. For safety reasons, the container can be liquid-tight, for example, to contain liquid fuel. The container, and thus the base, can be designed as a fuel reservoir. During operation, fuel is then contained in the base and burned to generate a flame. If the base is designed as a fuel reservoir, then, for safety reasons, at least the inner surface of the base is preferably made of a heat-resistant, durable material such as metal, stone, glass, or ceramic. Such a material is particularly resistant to common liquid fuels.

[0030] The base can be a fuel container. The base can be inserted into a safety container. The safety container can catch any fuel that unexpectedly leaks from the base. The base can have a circular cross-section. The base can have a rectangular cross-section, such as a square. The base can have cross-sections of various shapes. For example, the base can have a threaded end to allow a threaded rod to be screwed into it. The device can then be erected using the rod. Instead of a thread, another type of attachment for the rod can be provided. The rod can also be bonded to the base, for example, by a material connection. The base can be connected to a bracket to allow the device to be suspended.

[0031] If the base and the air vortex generator are to be connected very firmly yet detachably, it is advantageous to manufacture the base, or part of the base, from a metal such as stainless steel, and a part of the air vortex generator inserted into the base from plastic. A plastic part of the air vortex generator can be firmly bonded to the metal part of the base, for example, by a metallurgical bond. In such an embodiment, it is advantageous for safety reasons that at least part of the outer surface of the air vortex generator can detach independently of the rest of the device in the event of an impact. This prevents unplanned fuel leakage.

[0032] For example, the base can have laterally projecting protrusions or a laterally projecting annular projection on its upper side to allow the device to be inserted into a hole and thus suspended. The diameter, width, and depth of the hole are then slightly larger than the maximum diameter, width, and depth of the base. When the device is inserted into the hole, the protrusions or the laterally projecting annular projection rest on the edge of the hole. The device can thus be suspended. The protrusions or the annular projection therefore extend beyond the edge of the hole.

[0033] This design offers the advantage that the device for creating a vortex flame can be inserted into pre-drilled holes in furniture such as tables. The device can also be inserted into decorative elements with holes or recesses in walls. The low center of gravity, measured from the base (i.e., from the one or more laterally projecting protrusions), provides exceptionally reliable protection against tipping. In particular, it is virtually impossible for the base to tip over, which could lead to fuel leakage. Furthermore, this design allows for highly flexible use of the device. It can be recessed into a piece of furniture, a wall, or a decorative element, thus protecting it from external influences.

[0034] If the base is connected to the air vortex generator, for example by frictional connection and / or positive locking, then the laterally projecting protrusions or the laterally projecting ring-like protrusion can also be part of the air vortex generator. This allows the center of gravity to be advantageously located even lower when the device is suspended in the manner described above.

[0035] A separate invention is therefore also a device for forming a flame with a base, wherein the device is suspended, or can be suspended, by means of lateral projections or a laterally projecting ring-like projection in a hole in a piece of furniture, a recess in a wall, or a hole in a decorative element, such that the base is recessed, or can be recessed, to achieve a low center of gravity. The base can be configured as described. The device can otherwise be configured as described.

[0036] The base may be manufactured in one piece, i.e., in a single operation, for example by plastic injection molding. This allows for a technically simple manufacturing process. The base and surrounding wall may be a single piece. Separate studs may have been attached to the underside of the base to improve stability.

[0037] The central part can be a component of the device that may be at least partially directly exposed to a flame or adjacent to a flame. The central part then preferably consists at least partially of a heat-resistant material capable of withstanding the temperature of a flame. Preferably, the central part consists at least partially, for example predominantly, of a non-combustible material. The central part can, for example, consist entirely or partially of metal and / or ceramic and / or concrete and / or stone and / or glass. The central part can be a liquid-tight container for collecting fuel. The container can have one or more openings on and / or near its top, for example, to allow the combustion of fuel. One or more openings on and / or near the top can be provided for venting purposes.One or more openings on and / or near the top may be provided for refilling the container with fuel. The central section can therefore be a fuel container. In this case, the central section is a container that essentially holds fuel for operating a flame. Fuel can then be supplied to the flame through this central section. In this case, the central section is typically made of metal to withstand the temperature of a flame. However, the fuel container can also be made of another heat-resistant and / or at least flame-retardant material, such as stone, ceramic, or glass.

[0038] The fuel container can be open at its top. The fuel container can be at least predominantly or completely closed at its top. The fuel container can be liquid-tight. This means that the base and a liquid-tight wall surrounding the base are liquid-tight. A fuel container open at the top is therefore liquid-tight within the meaning of the invention if no liquid can escape from the fuel container when properly installed. The fuel container can include at least one wick through which a flame can be ignited. The wick can be made of a flame-resistant material such as cotton, glass, or metal.

[0039] The fuel can be liquid, solid, or gaseous. It can be a fuel paste or a flammable gel. The fuel can be ethanol or bioethanol.

[0040] If the central section is solely for coupling a base to an air vortex generator, then the central section must be present to ensure the device can be set up without problems. The central section cannot, or at least very rarely, be accidentally omitted. This ensures that the part or component required for safe operation is not forgotten, for example, or that the base is not carelessly misused.

[0041] The middle section can, for example, be inserted into the base to form the device. The middle section can extend into the air vortex generator to form the device. The base and / or the air vortex generator can then reliably hold the middle section. The middle section can also be easily replaced if necessary.

[0042] The base may include a circumferential wall. The middle section may include a circumferential wall. The air vortex generator may include a circumferential wall. The circumferential wall of the middle section may be located, at least partially, within the circumferential wall of the base and / or within the circumferential wall of the air vortex generator when the three units are assembled to form the device.

[0043] A gap may be present between the middle section and the base during operation of the device to protect the base from overheating and / or to allow the base to act as a safety container to collect any fuel escaping from the middle section. This gap may be circumferential. To provide heat protection, the gap between the middle section and the base may be at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm wide. To minimize the required installation space, the gap between the middle section and the base may be no more than 5 mm, 4 mm, or 3 mm wide. Alternatively, the gap between the middle section and the base may be no more than 20 mm or 10 mm wide.

[0044] The base may have a recess into which the middle section can be inserted. Preferably, there is a small gap between the recess and the middle section to secure the position of the middle section relative to the base and / or to allow the middle section to be inserted into the recess easily. A circumferential gap may be present above the recess.

[0045] The base may have a raised section onto which the middle section can be placed. This raised section creates a space between the base of the middle section and the base of the middle section. If the middle section is a fuel container, liquid fuel can flow into this space should it leak unexpectedly. This ensures the safe operation of the device. The raised section may be partially circular to allow the middle section to be securely placed. Using a partial circle instead of a full circle has the advantage that any liquid fuel that leaks unexpectedly can easily flow into the space within the partial circle. The partial circle can be three-quarters of a circle or larger. It may also consist of several segments of a circle as the raised section. A perfectly circular shape is not necessary.Alternatively, a rectangular shape as a raised area with one or more breaks would also be possible, for example. The raised areas can be designed to allow fluid to flow between them, thus utilizing the space between them.

[0046] If a circumferential gap exists between the central part and the base when the device is in operation, the width of this gap can be wider than the distance between the side wall of the recess and the central part. The width of the circumferential gap can be at least twice or at least three times wider than the distance between the side wall of the recess and the central part. This calculation assumes that the central part is located exactly in the center of the recess.

[0047] The middle section can taper downwards to allow for easy insertion into the recess. Alternatively or additionally, the recess can widen upwards to allow for easy insertion of the middle section.

[0048] A gap may be present between the central section and the air vortex generator during operation of the device to protect the air vortex generator from overheating. This gap may be at least 0.5 mm, 1 mm, or 2 mm wide to provide heat protection. To minimize the required installation space, the gap may be no wider than 5 mm, 4 mm, or 3 mm. The gap may be circumferential.

[0049] The air vortex generator can have a guide for the central section. The guide can be an opening that surrounds the central section with minimal play during operation. The guide can be formed from webs attached to an inner wall of the air vortex generator. If, during operation, there is a gap, for example, circumferential, between the central section and the air vortex generator, the width of this gap is wider than the distance between the guide and the central section. The width of this gap can be at least twice or at least three times wider than the distance between the guide and the central section. This calculation assumes that the central section is located exactly in the center of the guide.

[0050] The gap between the central section and the air vortex generator may be located below the guide. Gaps between the central section and the air vortex generator may also be present due to the guide's webs.

[0051] The air vortex generator can include vanes that can be rotated by a drive mechanism to generate an air vortex. The air vortex generator can include air guide elements that direct air in such a way as to create an air vortex. The air vortex generator can include inclined, particularly helical, channels to generate air vortices. The air vortex generator can include an inner shell, an outer shell, and / or webs between the inner and outer shells to form the channels. The inner shell can be one of the aforementioned circumferential walls of the air vortex generator. The central section can extend into the inner shell if it connects the base to the air vortex generator.

[0052] The baffles of the air vortex generator can be connected to the inner and / or outer shell, for example, in an airtight manner. Connecting the baffles to the shells advantageously results in a unit that is easy to handle. An airtight connection also prevents unintended air leakage from a duct, for example, through a slot.

[0053] Each strut can at least partially rest against a shell of the air vortex generator, thus forming a force-fit connection with that shell. The struts and / or the shell can be made of a readily deformable, elastic material such as an elastomer or a soft, pliable plastic to achieve a particularly suitable force-fit connection with minimal manufacturing effort.

[0054] The webs can have a protruding lip on the sides that are in frictional contact with the casing of the air vortex generator, in order to connect the casing to the webs with minimal force. A protruding lip is thinner than the rest of the web.

[0055] The webs can be made of two different materials with varying degrees of deformation. The more easily deformable material can be used adjacent to one of the shells to allow for a force-fit connection between the shell and the webs without requiring significant force. Alternatively, for stability reasons, the webs can be made of the less deformable material. It's possible that only the lips are made of the more easily deformable material, while the rest of the webs are made of the less deformable material. A material can always be elastically deformed. It's also possible that the less deformable material is virtually undeformable. This could, for example, be a rigid plastic material.

[0056] The helical shape of the webs can taper upwards to allow for a force-fit connection between the shell and the webs without requiring excessive force. The diameter of the helical shape then decreases towards the top. As a result, each web may only partially make force-fit contact with the shell. Therefore, the upper portion of the webs may have a small gap to the shell.

[0057] The struts can be bonded to the other shell of the air vortex generator by a material bond. The struts may have been manufactured as a single piece with the other shell to minimize manufacturing costs. However, it is also possible that the struts are bonded to the other shell of the air vortex generator by a force-fit connection. In other words, the struts may rest against the other shell in a pressed state and thus be bonded to it.

[0058] The outer casing of the air vortex generator can be made of glass to ensure the vortex flame is clearly visible and to prevent damage to the outer casing. The outer casing can be cylindrical. If struts are frictionally attached to the inside of the outer casing, these struts are preferably made partially or entirely of a more elastically compliant material than glass.

[0059] If the outer shell is transparent or has holes through which a flame can be seen, then it is advantageous for the height of the outer shell to be several times greater than the height of the inner shell. The height of the outer shell can be adjusted to the height of the flame that can be generated by the device in order to provide protection from a flame.

[0060] The outer casing of the air vortex generator can be made entirely of plastic to minimize manufacturing costs. In this case, the height of the outer casing cannot be several times the height of the inner casing to prevent damage from a flame. The outer and inner casings can then be the same height.

[0061] The outer casing of the air vortex generator can be partially made of plastic. A lower section of the outer casing can be made entirely of plastic, while an upper section is made of a fire-resistant material such as glass. The struts can be positively connected only to the inner wall of the outer casing, which is made of plastic. In this case, a precise fit of the glass portion of the casing is not required, which can reduce manufacturing costs. The height of the outer casing can then be several times greater than the height of the inner casing. The height of the outer casing can be adjusted to match the height of the flame that the device can generate to provide flame protection.

[0062] If the outer casing is formed by two parts, then the first part can be easily detachable from the second. The connection can be such that an unplanned impact on the upper part can separate the two parts. This additionally ensures that the device will generally not tip over, even in the event of an impact, allowing fuel to escape. The upper part can be a glass cylinder.

[0063] If the outer shell is formed by two parts, one part of the air vortex generator can include laterally projecting protrusions or a laterally projecting ring onto which the second part can be placed. The first part can be made of plastic. The second part can be made of glass. The first part can have outwardly projecting, spring-loaded tabs. Once the second part is in place, the tabs can rest against the inside of the second part in a pre-tensioned state, thus ensuring a bond between the first and second parts.

[0064] The inner shell of the air vortex generator can be a cylinder or encompass a cylinder. The cylinder of the inner shell can be integrally connected to the webs, i.e., manufactured in a single step, for example, by injection molding. This minimizes manufacturing effort. The inner shell of the air vortex generator can be integrally connected to the laterally projecting protrusions or the laterally projecting ring, which are designed and suitable for suspending the device in a hole. Laterally projecting protrusions or the laterally projecting ring can also serve as a stop for inserting the air vortex generator into the base. When the air vortex generator is inserted into the base, the insertion movement can be limited, for example, by the laterally projecting protrusions or the laterally projecting ring resting on an upper edge of the base.

[0065] Bridges can be integrated with the outer shell as a single unit.

[0066] The inner casing of the air vortex generator can be made of plastic. This is especially true if the inner casing is protected from excessive heat by the central section. This keeps manufacturing costs to a minimum. The air vortex generator can consist of exactly two parts, which are joined together after their respective manufacturing processes. Joining is particularly easy if the two parts are connected by friction after assembly. The air vortex generator can also consist of exactly three parts, which are joined together after their respective manufacturing processes. The three parts can, for example, be connected by friction.

[0067] The air vortex generator can be a component of the device that may be at least partially directly exposed to or adjacent to a flame. Preferably, the air vortex generator consists partially, for example predominantly, of a non-combustible material. The air vortex generator can, for example, consist entirely or partially of metal and / or ceramic and / or concrete and / or stone and / or glass.

[0068] A device for generating a vortex flame, which solves the problem of the invention, can alternatively or additionally include an air vortex generator, wherein the air vortex generator comprises at least one channel. The at least one channel runs helically such that air flowing through the channel can set a generated flame into rotation. An inner cylinder, an outer cylinder, and webs can form the walls of the channel. The webs are airtightly connected to the walls so that the at least one channel is airtight. An inlet opening leading into the channel and an outlet opening leading out of the channel are excluded from this airtightness.

[0069] A device for generating a flame may, alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned features, include a fuel container or be a fuel container with an access point for refilling. The fuel container can be filled with fuel through this access point. In particular, the fuel container is closed by its base, walls, and cover in such a way that fuel can only be filled into the fuel container at high speed through this access point. While there may be openings through which the fuel container could theoretically be filled with fuel, these are such that the flow rate is insufficient for practical purposes. The access point may comprise an opening in an upper cover of the fuel container. Alternatively, the access point may comprise a tubular sleeve through which fuel can flow into the fuel container.

[0070] The device may include a closure with which the access intended for refilling can be closed in such a way that, after extinguishing a planned flame, no flame can burn unplanned due to the access and limited to the area of ​​the access.

[0071] The fastener may have a handle. The handle may be rod-shaped or encompass a rod. The handle may have a knob at a free upper end. The handle may be shaped like a bail, a U, or a V.

[0072] The handle can be positioned so that it is heated by the flame during operation. The handle can be positioned so that it is heated by the flame to at least 40°C or at least 50°C during operation. This heating ensures that the handle must cool down after the end of a firing process before it can be gripped to open the access point.

[0073] The handle can be positioned within the device's combustion zone if access is blocked by the closure. The handle will then be surrounded by a flame if the flame is burning as intended. The handle will then be heated intensely by the flame.

[0074] The handle can be positioned directly adjacent to the combustion zone of the device when the opening is closed by the clasp. The handle is then located directly next to a flame when a flame is burning as intended. The handle is then heated intensely by the flame.

[0075] The closure with the handle may be designed in such a way that the handle must be grasped to open the refilling opening. It is therefore not possible to grasp the closure at any other, less heat-sensitive point. This necessitates waiting for the handle, and consequently the entire device, to cool down before access can be gained by grasping the handle with bare hands.

[0076] The closure can be designed to close itself automatically by gravity, thus preventing refilling. For this automatic closure by gravity, the closure can include a weight located inside the fuel container. This weight can contribute at least 40%, preferably at least 50%, to the total weight of the closure. The weight can be connected via a cord, thread, or wire to a closure device such as a cap or plug and / or to the aforementioned handle of the closure. This offers the advantage that the handle can be easily moved away from the access opening, making it readily accessible.

[0077] The closure can be securely attached to the fuel container. For example, the weight inside the fuel container can be dimensioned so that it cannot be pulled out through the access opening.

[0078] The handle and / or a locking device may be designed so that the handle and / or the locking device cannot fall into the interior of the fuel container, in order to ensure that the handle remains easily accessible at all times.

[0079] The fuel container with the closure constitutes an independent invention. Therefore, an independent invention is a fuel container with a closure that can be inserted into the base of the device. Furthermore, the fuel container can be designed as described.

[0080] A procedure for operating and / or refilling the fuel tank may include one or more of the following steps:

[0081] The device generates a flame. This heats the handle to a temperature of at least 40°C or at least 50°C.

[0082] After the flame has gone out, wait until the handle has cooled down enough to be gripped with bare hands without risk of burns. This usually requires the handle to cool to a temperature of less than 50°C or less than 40°C, at least if it is made of a highly thermally conductive material such as metal.

[0083] If the handle is sufficiently cool, it is moved upwards to open the aforementioned access point. The handle can also be moved to the side so that the now-open access point is not blocked by the handle itself.

[0084] The tip of a fuel container is inserted into the access point provided for refilling, for example, into a passage leading into an opening of the fuel container. The tip may be inserted in such a way that it clamps the aforementioned rope, thread, or wire of the closure.

[0085] For example, by applying pressure to the bottle, fuel can be forced through the nozzle into the fuel container. The nozzle thus forms an opening for the bottle, through which fuel can flow out. After filling, the nozzle is withdrawn from the opening.

[0086] If the closure is designed in such a way that it can close the access point for refilling solely by gravity, then this access point will close automatically after being pulled out.

[0087] The invention is explained in more detail below using figures.

[0088] Figure 1 shows a table fire.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a section through a fuel tank.

[0090] Figure 3 shows a section through the fuel tank from Figure 2 in a view rotated by 90°.

[0091] Figure 4 shows a top view of the fuel tank from Figure 2.

[0092] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts of the fuel container from Figure 2.

[0093] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel container from Figure 2.

[0094] Figure 7 shows a section through the table fire from Figure 1.

[0095] Figure 8 shows a section through a device for generating a vortex flame.

[0096] Figure 9 shows a view of a device for generating a vortex flame.

[0097] Figure 10 shows a section through a device for generating a vortex flame.

[0098] Figure 11 shows the underside of a base.

[0099] Figure 12 shows enlarged cross-sectional parts of the device from Figure 11.

[0100] Figure 13 shows enlarged cross-sectional views of parts of a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0101] Figure 14 shows enlarged cross-sectional views of parts of a device for generating a vortex flame. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional embodiment of a device for generating a vortex flame.

[0102] Figure 16 shows enlarged cross-sectional views of parts of a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0103] Figure 17 shows a section through a device for generating a vortex flame with an extinguishing lid.

[0104] Figure 18 shows a section through a device with access for refilling a fuel container, which is closed by a closure.

[0105] Figure 19 shows a section through the device from Figure 17 with an access for refilling the fuel container that is not closed by the closure.

[0106] Figure 20 illustrates the refilling of a fuel container.

[0107] Figure 21 shows a fuel container with a lockable opening for refilling.

[0108] Figure 22 shows a device with a reducing ring.

[0109] Figure 23 shows a device for forming a flame with a closure for an opening for refilling.

[0110] Figure 24 shows another embodiment of a device for forming a

[0111] Vortex flame.

[0112] Figure 25 shows another embodiment of a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0113] Figure 26 shows another embodiment of a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0114] Figure 27 shows another embodiment of a device for forming a

[0115] Vortex flame.

[0116] Figure 28 shows a detailed view of a device for forming a flame with

[0117] Closure for an opening for refilling.

[0118] Figure 29 shows a section through a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0119] Figure 30 shows a top view of a device for forming a vortex flame.

[0120] Figure 31 shows a cross-section of a device for generating a vortex flame. Figure 32 shows a cross-section of a device for generating a vortex flame.

[0121] Figure 1 shows a device for generating a vortex flame, namely a table fire 1, i.e., a device designed and suitable for being placed on a table. The table fire 1 can comprise an outer shell 2. The table fire 1 can comprise an inner shell 3. The outer shell 2 and / or the inner shell 3 can be made of two or more parts that were subsequently joined together. The outer shell 2 can be manufactured in one piece and thus consist of a single unit. The inner shell 3 can also be manufactured in one piece and thus consist of a single unit.

[0122] The outer shell 2 can be a cylinder. The outer shell 2 can be made of glass and / or metal. The outer shell 2 can have openings in its circumferential surface through which a swirling flame is visible. The outer shell 2 can be closed, i.e., it can have no openings in its circumferential surface.

[0123] The inner shell 3 can be cylindrical or have a cylindrical wall. The inner shell 3 can be made of metal and / or plastic.

[0124] The inner shell 3 can be designed to accommodate a fuel container 7. Struts 4 can be attached to the outer surface of the inner shell 3. The struts 4 can be arranged helically around the outer surface of the inner shell 3 to create a vortex flame. The struts 4 can form an angle with the horizontal of less than 60° or less than 45°. The struts 4 can form an angle with the horizontal of greater than 5° or greater than 10°. There can be exactly three or exactly four struts 4. The struts 4 can be ribbon-shaped. The struts 4 can be manufactured by cutting, for example, from sheet metal. The struts 4 can be attached to the outer surface of the inner shell 3 and / or to the inner surface of the outer shell 2, for example, by soldering, welding, or gluing, or by frictional connection.The webs 4 can be manufactured as a single unit with the inner liner 3 and / or the outer liner 2. The inner liner 3 and webs 4 can, for example, be a single casting. The inner liner 3 and webs 4 can, for example, be made of plastic. The outer liner 2 and the webs 4 can be manufactured in a single operation, for example, from glass. The outer liner 2 can consist of two parts. A lower part of the outer liner 2 can be manufactured as a single unit with the webs 4. Below the webs 4, projections 5, for example, in the form of pins 5, can be attached to the inner liner 3, which can serve as a support for the outer liner. The outer liner 2 can thus be placed on or rest on the projections 5. Air can, for example, flow into the outer liner 2 from below. The outer liner 2 can be detachably placed on or attached to the projections 5. A three-point support for the outer liner 2 is preferred.There are then exactly three projections 5 or exactly three supports. The projections 5 can be integrally connected to the inner shell 3, i.e., manufactured in a single step. Alternatively, the projections 5 can be manufactured separately from the inner shell 3 and subsequently connected to it. The projections 5 can be attached to the inner shell 3, for example, by gluing, welding, soldering, riveting, or screwing. The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and webs 4 can form channels such that a flame generated by the device is rotated as soon as air flows from bottom to top through the channels. The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and webs 4 can therefore constitute an air vortex generator.

[0125] The inner shell 3 can be placed on a base 6 with its underside facing down. The base 6 can be a plate and serve as a stand. The fuel container 7 can extend into a recess or opening in the base 6. This allows the fuel container 7 to connect the base 6 to the vortex flame generating device formed from the outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and struts 4, such that the air vortex generator 2, 3, 4 is secured against lateral slippage relative to the base 6.

[0126] The inner shell 3 and / or the base 6 and / or the projections 5 can, for example, be made of metal and / or stone and / or plastic and / or ceramic and / or cement and / or concrete and / or glass. The fuel container 7 is then a central part of the device.

[0127] The outer shell 2 may have holes or recesses on its underside through which air can flow into the outer shell 2. In particular, the holes or recesses are then arranged below the webs 4. The outer shell 2 may be detachably attached to the base 6.

[0128] Figure 2 shows a fuel container 7 comprising a base 8 and a surrounding side wall 9. The base 8 forms the bottom of the fuel container 7. The base 8 and the surrounding side wall 9 form a liquid-tight container. The base 8 and / or the side wall 9 can be made of, for example, metal, glass, stone, cement, concrete, or plastic. The base 8 and / or the side wall 9 can be manufactured from a single piece to avoid leakage problems. The base 8 and / or the side wall 9 can be manufactured from several pieces that have subsequently been joined together.

[0129] A sponge 15 may be present at the upper end of the fuel container 7. One or more wicks 10 may be attached to the underside of the sponge 15. The one or more wicks 10 may extend towards the bottom of the fuel container 7, i.e., towards the base 8. The wicks 10 may touch the base 8 of the fuel container 7 to also draw fuel from the base towards the sponge.

[0130] to be able to transport 15.

[0131] The upper end 11 of each wick 10 can extend into the sponge 15 and thereby locally compress the sponge 15. A weight can be attached to the lower end of each wick 10. The weight can be a sleeve 12 that surrounds the wick 10.

[0132] The top of the fuel container 7 can be largely closed by a cover 13. The cover 13 can be liquid-tightly connected to the side wall 9 of the fuel container 7. The cover 13 can be recessed to prevent unplanned spillage of liquid fuel, for example, during refueling. In this case, the cover 13 has a gap to the upper edge of the side wall 9. This gap can be at least 1 mm or at least 2 mm. This gap can be no more than 10 mm or no more than 5 mm. The cover can have a circumferential upward bend 14. This circumferential bend can be bonded to the inner wall of the side wall 9, for example, by soldering, welding, or gluing.

[0133] The cover 13 can include a trough-shaped receptacle 16 for the sponge 15. The sponge 15 can be inserted into the receptacle 16 and held in place therein. The shape and dimensions of the receptacle 16 can be adapted to the shape and dimensions of the sponge 15. The sponge 15 then abuts the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The sponge 15 can rest on the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle 16.

[0134] The height of the sponge 15 can be less than the height of the trough-shaped intake.

[0135] The cover 13 can be stepped from the outside to the inside to provide a trough-shaped recess 16. This recess 16 is positioned so that the sponge 15 and the fuel it contains can be held particularly reliably within the trough-shaped recess 16. This also facilitates refilling the fuel container with liquid fuel.

[0136] A flat, liquid-permeable component can be inserted above the sponge 16 to hold the sponge 15 within the trough-shaped receptacle 16. This liquid-permeable component can include a sieve 17. The sponge 16 can then be held within the trough-shaped receptacle 16 by the sieve 17.

[0137] One or more elastically deformable tabs 18 can be attached to the edge of the sieve 17. The one or more tabs 18 can project obliquely outwards from the edge of the sieve 17.

[0138] The cover 13 can include an opening 19 with a diameter or dimensions slightly smaller than the diameter or dimensions of the rim of the sieve 17. The sieve 17 can then be inserted into the opening 19. The one or more tabs 18 will first be bent elastically inwards to finally snap into place behind the rim of the opening 19. Afterward, the sieve 17 can only be removed from the trough-shaped receptacle 16 by destruction or with the aid of the tool. The sieve 17 can thus be inserted into the trough-shaped receptacle and thereby snapped into place. The one or more tabs 18 can then be engaged behind the rim of the opening 19.

[0139] The trough-shaped receptacle 16 can, as shown in Figure 2, be made from exactly two parts in order to produce an opening 19 with the aforementioned rim with minimal technical effort.

[0140] The cover 13 can have an opening 24 for each wick 10. A wick 10 can extend through each opening 24. Each opening 24 can be located in the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The diameter or cross-section of the opening 24 can be adapted to the diameter or cross-section of the associated wick 10. A wick 10 can have a diameter of more than 1 mm, more than 2 mm, or more than 3 mm. A wick 10 can have a maximum diameter of 20 mm, 15 mm, or 10 mm. The openings 24 then have a diameter similar in size to the wicks 10. Exactly three or exactly four wicks 10 can be provided. The wicks 10 can be spaced equally apart. A wick 10 can be provided with a holder on its upper side, by which a wick 10 can be held against the cover 13. The holder can be a sleeve 20 with an annular widening 21.The ring-shaped widening 21 can rest on the upper side of the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16 in order to hold the wick 10.

[0141] Each sleeve 12, 20 can widen at one end in a funnel shape, i.e. open into a funnel 22, in order to reliably and easily push a wick 10 into the sleeve 12, 20 and finally to pull it through sufficiently far.

[0142] The trough-shaped receptacle 16 comprises a base and a surrounding side wall. One or more refill openings 23 for refilling the fuel container 7 with liquid fuel can be provided in the base and / or the side wall. Figure 2 shows refill openings 23 located in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16. The one or more refill openings 23 can be elongated holes. For safety reasons, the one or more refill openings are preferably covered only by the sponge 15. Furthermore, the refill openings 23 are then not closed or covered by wicks 10 or other elements.

[0143] Refill openings 23 in the side wall allow for particularly quick refilling. Refill openings 23 in the base, i.e., in the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, ensure that fuel seeping through the sponge 15 can continue to flow into the fuel container 7.

[0144] Figure 3 shows a section through the fuel container 7 from Figure 2 in a view rotated by 90°. It can be seen that one or more refill openings 23 may also be present in the base of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, i.e., in the bottom.

[0145] Figure 4 shows a top view of the fuel container from Figure 2. The sieve 17 may include a "MAX" marking to indicate the maximum fuel fill level. The cover 13 may have vent holes 25, which are very small to prevent liquid fuel from escaping. The vent holes 25 may have a diameter of less than 3 mm or less than 2 mm. The vent holes 25 may have a diameter of at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm. To prevent flame flashback into the can (ignitable ethanol / air mixture), the diameter was set at less than 1 mm. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the individual parts that can be assembled by positive locking to form the fuel container 7 shown in Figure 2.Figure 5 shows that the refill openings 23, which are present in the side wall of the trough-shaped receptacle 16, may be limited to the lower half of the side wall for safety reasons. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the fuel container, in which the individual parts from Figure 5 have been assembled.

[0146] Figure 7 shows a section through the table fire 1 from Figure 1. Channels 26 can be formed by the outer shell 2, the inner shell 3, and the struts 4. The fuel container 7 can extend into a recess 27 in the base 6. Figure 7 illustrates that the outer shell 2 can be fitted over the struts 4 with some play. The outer shell 2 can then be easily removed. The fuel container 7 can, for example, be lifted out, perhaps to be replaced with a new fuel container 7.

[0147] The table fire 1 shown in section in Figure 8 differs from the table fire 1 shown in Figures 7 and 1. The struts 4 are connected to both the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. The struts 4 can be bonded to the inner shell 3 by a material bond. The struts 4 and the inner shell 3 can be manufactured in one piece in a single operation, such as injection molding. The struts 4 can be bonded to the outer shell 2 by a force-fit connection. In this case, supports for the outer shell 2, such as projections 5, can be omitted. The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and struts 4 can thus form a single unit. The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and struts 4 can therefore be permanently connected to one another.The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and webs 4 can be connected in such a way that a single component—i.e., outer shell 2, inner shell 3, or webs 4—cannot be detached without damage, or at least only by applying a sufficiently large force and / or using tools. A sufficiently large force is greater than the force exerted by gravity on each individual component 2, 3, or 4. This advantageously prevents air from passing from one channel 26 to an adjacent channel 26, thus improving the generation of a vortex flame.

[0148] Figure 9 shows a side view of another embodiment of the device 1 for generating a vortex flame 1. The base 6 of the device 1 can taper conically upwards, as shown. Viewed from above, the base 6 can be circular, i.e., have a circular cross-section. Nubs 28 can be attached to the underside of the base 6 to ensure stability. Exactly three nubs 28 can be present to create a three-point support. A ring can be provided instead of nubs.

[0149] The base 6 is coupled to an air vortex generator. The air vortex generator comprises an outer shell 2, an inner shell 3, and webs 4. The webs 4 extend helically. The outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 overlap within an overlap region 29. The webs 4 can be located within the overlap region 29. The webs 4 can be connected to both the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3. As shown in Figure 9, the webs 4 can extend downwards and thus also be located below the outer shell 2. Therefore, the webs 4 need not be limited to the overlap region 29.

[0150] In particular, to keep the height of the overlap area 29, and thus the overall height of the device 1, low, a plurality of struts 4 can be provided. At least five, at least six, at least seven, or at least eight struts 4 can be provided. The struts 4 can be equidistant from one another. The struts 4 can be arranged at the same height. The struts 4 can be of the same length. The struts 4 can run parallel to one another. The struts 4 can form a constant angle with the horizontal. The angle that a strut 4 forms with the horizontal in the erected state of the device 1 can be less than 60°, less than 50°, or less than 45° to ensure a sufficiently strong air vortex that can swirl a flame clearly. The number of struts 4 can be less than 20 or less than 15 to ensure good airflow cross-sections.This keeps flow pressure losses to a minimum.

[0151] The height of the overlap area 29 can be small compared to the length or height of the outer shell 2 and / or the inner shell 3.

[0152] The height of the overlap area 29 can be many times smaller than the height of the outer shell 2, for example, at least by a factor of 5, at least by a factor of 10, or at least by a factor of 20. If, for example, the overlap area 29 is 1 cm high and its height is 10 times smaller than the height of the outer shell 2, then the height or length of the outer shell is 10 cm. For stability reasons, the height of the overlap area 29 cannot be less than 40 times, or less than 30 times, the length or height of the outer shell 2. The height of the overlap area 29 can, for example, be at least by a factor of

[0153] 2. be smaller or at least by a factor of 3 smaller than the height of the inner liner. 3. For stability reasons, the height of the overlap area 29 cannot be less than 10 times or less than 5 times the length or height of the inner liner.

[0154] 3 be.

[0155] The height of the overlap area 29 can be small and, for example, less than 5 cm, less than 4 cm, or less than 3 cm. For stability reasons, the height of the overlap area 29 can be at least 1 cm or at least 2 cm.

[0156] If the air vortex generator is connected to the base 6, an opening 30 remains between the underside of the outer shell 2 of the air vortex generator and the top of the base 6. Air can flow into the air vortex generator through this opening 30 and subsequently be swirled by the air vortex generator. The opening 30 can be annular.

[0157] The height of the opening 30 can be small, for example less than 5 cm, less than 4 cm, or less than 3 cm. The height of the opening 30 can be at least 1 cm or at least 2 cm to allow air to flow easily into the air vortex generator. The height of the opening 30 can be similar to the height of the overlap area 29, as shown in Figure 9. The height of the opening 30 can be slightly greater than the height of the overlap area 29, as shown in Figure 9. The height of the opening 30 cannot be more than twice the height of the overlap area 29, as shown in Figure 9.

[0158] The webs 4 can be clamped between the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3, for example, on the side of the outer shell 2 within the overlap area 29. The webs 4 can be integrally connected to the inner shell 3. The webs 4 can therefore be manufactured together with the inner shell 3 in a single step, for example, by injection molding. Subsequently, the outer shell 2 can be fitted over the webs 4 until the desired height of the overlap area 29 is reached and then held in place by friction. In this way, the air vortex generator can be produced, forming a single unit.

[0159] The inner shell 3 of the air vortex generator can extend into the base 6, thus coupling the base 6 to the air vortex generator. The underside of the ribs 4 can serve as a stop to limit the extension of the inner shell 3 into the base 6. The ribs 4 then rest on the top surface of the base 6. If a lateral force F is now applied to the top surface of the device 1, the air vortex generator does not detach from the base 6. Instead, the entire device 1 tips over.

[0160] The outer circumference of the webs 4 can correspond to the outer circumference of the top surface of the base 6. For safety reasons, the webs 4 do not protrude, particularly from the top surface of the base 6. The outer circumference of the outer shell 2 can be the same size or at least similar in size to the outer circumference of the top surface of the base 6. The device 1 can have its largest diameter at the underside of the base 6. In this way, a device 1 can be created that can also be operated safely indoors.

[0161] Base 6 may have been manufactured in one piece in a single operation. For example, base 6 may have been manufactured by plastic injection molding. However, studs 28 may also have been manufactured independently of the rest of base 6 and attached to the underside of the rest of base 6. In this case, base 6, with the exception of studs 28, was manufactured in one operation.

[0162] Overall, such a device 1 for generating a vortex flame can be manufactured with minimal effort. Since the number of units is small, handling is also particularly simple.

[0163] Figure 10 shows a section through a device 1. This could be a section through the device 1 shown in Figure 9. A central part 7, namely a fuel container, is inserted into the base 6. The central part 7 extends into the air vortex generator. The upper surface of the central part 7 is enclosed by the inner shell 3 of the air vortex generator.

[0164] The central section 7 is inserted into a recess 27 of the base 6. Adjacent to the top surface of the base 6, the central section 7 comprises bolts 32 or a circumferential ring. The bolts 32 or the circumferential ring may be located at the level of a conical expansion 33 on the top surface of the base 6. The inner sleeve 3 or tabs connected to the inner sleeve 3 may, for example, extend into this conical expansion 33. The bolts 32 or the circumferential ring may abut the inner surface of the inner sleeve 3 or the tabs with minimal clearance, such that the distance between the central section 7 and the base 6 is also fixed at the top surface. Bolts 32 are preferred to minimize heat transfer.

[0165] Furthermore, a gap 31 remains between the inside of the base 6 and the outside of the middle section 7. This prevents heat from the middle section 7, generated by a flame on its top surface, from transferring to the base 6. Therefore, it is possible to manufacture the base 6 from a material with low heat resistance, such as plastic, without having to worry about heat damage.

[0166] Figure 11 shows the underside of a base 6. It can be seen that the base, viewed from this top, can be circular. A preferred arrangement of studs 28 is also shown. There are exactly three studs 28. These are arranged at the edge and are equidistant from each other.

[0167] Figure 12 shows enlarged cross-sectional sections of parts of the device from Figure 11. The webs 4 have lips 32 on their outer surface. The thickness of the lips 34 is less than the thickness of the rest of the webs 4. The thickness of the lips 34 can be less than half the thickness of the rest of the webs 4, as can be seen in Figure 12. The lips 34 can only be present in an upper region of the webs 4, limited to the transition area 39. On the underside of the transition area 39, the webs 4 can have a step 35 on which the outer shell 2 can rest. The step 35 can thus form a stop for the outer shell 2. The diameter of the webs 4, viewed from above, can be [missing information] below the step.

[0168] The outer diameter of the shell 2 must match the outer diameter of the outer shell 35. This ensures that the outer shell 2 can sit securely on the step 35.

[0169] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the base 6 can coincide with the outer diameter of the shell 2. In this case, there are no parts projecting laterally above the base 6 relative to its top surface, which is preferable for safety reasons.

[0170] The outer shell 2 can be a cylinder, as shown in Figures 9 and 10. In contrast, the inner shell 3 can have a step 36 on its underside and a downwardly projecting ring or tabs 37 to allow coupling into the conical expansion 33 of the base 6. The step

[0171] 36 can be provided to suitably modify radii. Step 6 can therefore, for example, be directed outwards to increase the outer radius downwards. The outer surface of the ring or the tabs 37 can taper downwards to allow for easy insertion into the conical expansion 33 and secure retention by the conical expansion 33.

[0172] The inner contour of the flare 33 can be adapted to the outer contour of the ring or the tabs 37 to ensure a secure hold. The conical flare 33 can merge into a much steeper slope 38 to further improve the hold. The conical flare 33 can merge into a cylindrical inner wall 38, i.e., a vertical slope, when the device is set up as intended. If the outer contour of the ring or the tabs 37 is also adapted to the inner wall 38, as shown in Figure 12, a particularly reliable hold is possible.

[0173] The widening 33 does not need to be exactly conical. An approximately conical shape is sufficient.

[0174] The underside of the base 6 can have recesses 38 into which the studs 28 are inserted. The inserted studs 28 protrude from the recesses 38 to allow the base to be placed on a surface. The studs 28 can be made of an elastomeric material. The base 6 itself can be made of a plastic material.

[0175] Figure 13 shows that a widening 33 with an ideal conical profile can be sufficient for retention. The outer surface of the ring or the tabs 37 can, as shown in Figure 13, be adapted to this ideal conical profile for suitable retention.

[0176] Figure 13 shows another embodiment of the webs 4. The webs 4 again have a step 35 for fitting the outer shell 2 onto it. Above the step 35, however, only the diameter of the webs 4, as seen from above, decreases—that is, the diameter of the helical shape formed by the webs—in order to allow the outer shell 2 to be fitted over the webs up to the step 35. Furthermore, the outer surface of the webs 2 can be inclined above the step 2, so that the maximum diameter of the webs 4 above the step 35 forms a linear edge. This facilitates a force-fit connection between the outer shell 2 and the webs 4 above the step 35. As shown in Figure 13, the inclination 40 can slope outwards from the top of a web 4 to further facilitate fitting the outer shell 2 over the webs. The linear edge that achieves the force-fit connection is then located on the underside of the webs 4.If a force-fit connection has been made, then at least this linear edge rests against the inside of the outer shell 2 under pressure.

[0177] The diameter of the webs 4 above the step 3 may decrease progressively upwards to facilitate the easy fitting of an outer shell 2. Figure 14 shows a snap-fit ​​connection 41, 42 that connects the base to the air vortex generator. The snap-fit ​​connection may include a lug 41 that can engage in a groove 42 for connection. Each groove 41 may be located at a lower free end of a tab 37 that is connected to the inner shell 3. The tab 37 can be deflected elastically. The groove 42 may extend around the inner circumference of the container-shaped base 6, eliminating the need for alignment during connection.

[0178] Figure 15 shows another embodiment of a device 1 for generating a vortex flame. In this embodiment, there is a gap 43 between the inner shell 3 of the air vortex generator and the central part 7. This prevents heat from being transferred from the central part 7 to the inner shell 3. Particularly in this embodiment, the inner shell 3 can be made of plastic without being damaged by heat. The inner shell 3, together with the tab or the circumferential ring 37 and the webs 4, can be made from a single piece that does not include any positive or non-positive connections.

[0179] A ring-shaped guide 44, for example, can be provided on the upper surface of the inner sleeve 3, which rests with very little clearance against the outer edge 45 of the upper surface of the middle section 7. The middle section 7 can also be guided by means of bolts 32 or a circumferential ring. This guide can also be omitted.

[0180] The central section 7 can serve as an additional safety device to prevent the air vortex generator from detaching unexpectedly from the base 6. Essentially, the central section 7 is a fuel container, enabling the device 1 to generate a flame.

[0181] Figure 16 shows another embodiment of a snap-fit ​​connection for connecting the base 6 to the air vortex generator. An outwardly projecting lug 41 can snap into a step 46 that projects inwardly inside the base 6. The step 46 can be circumferential, thus eliminating the need to pay attention to alignment during connection.

[0182] Figure 17 shows a device 1 for generating a vortex flame, in which a flame is extinguished using a lid 47. The lid 47 is made of a sufficiently heat-resistant material, such as metal. The lid 47 can be connected to a handle 49 by a cord or rope 48. The cord or rope 48 is long enough that the handle 49 can always remain outside the outer casing 2. Using the handle, the lid 47 is lowered into the outer casing 2 to extinguish a fire or flame. The cord or rope 48 can also be made of a sufficiently heat-resistant material, such as metal or cotton.

[0183] A device for generating a flame, in particular for generating a swirling flame, may, alternatively or additionally to the aforementioned features, comprise a fuel container 7 as shown in Figure 18. The fuel container may include an opening 50 for refilling the fuel container 7 with fuel. A closure may be provided by which the refilling opening 50 can be closed directly or indirectly, as shown in section in Figure 18. The refilling opening 50 can be an access point, or part of an access point, through which the fuel container can be filled with fuel at a relatively high rate.

[0184] To refill the fuel container 7 of the device with fuel, the closure is moved away from the refilling opening 50, for example upwards, so that refilling is possible. Providing the closure increases safety. In particular, it prevents a small, barely visible flame from burning unintentionally through the refilling opening 50, which might have been overlooked, for example, after extinguishing a flame that was burning as intended.

[0185] The refilling opening 50 can be located on or near the top of the device. The refilling opening 50 can be located within the combustion zone of the device. The combustion zone is the area designed and configured for the generation of a flame. The top of the fuel container 7 can be, for example, largely closed by a cover 13. The cover 13 can include the refilling opening 50. The cover 13 can include a trough-shaped receptacle 15 for a sponge 16. The sponge 16 can partially or completely form the combustion zone, or at least partially or completely belong to it. The refilling opening 50 can be located at the bottom of the trough-shaped receptacle 15 to enable particularly quick and reliable refilling.The refilling opening 50 can be located in the center of the cover 13 so that it always maintains a large safety distance from the edge of the fuel container 7. This further improves safety. A sponge 16 can be inserted into the trough-shaped receptacle 15. The sponge 16 can have a passage 51 that opens into the refilling opening 50 when the sponge 16 is inserted into the receptacle 15. Passage 51 and opening 50 can form an access point for refilling.

[0186] The closure for the refilling access 50, 51 can include a handle 52. The handle 52 can be positioned near the combustion zone so that it heats up when a flame is present. The handle 52 of the closure can extend from a closure means through the access 50, 51 in such a way that the handle 52 can be grasped above the access 50, 51.

[0187] For stability reasons, the passage can be a sleeve 51, to which the sponge 16 can, for example, directly abut. The sleeve 51 can be made of metal or glass, for example. However, the passage 51 can also simply be a hole passing through the sponge 16.

[0188] The handle 52 can also be positioned at a distance from the inner wall of the passage 50, 51 when the passage is closed, in order to minimize frictional forces. This advantageously minimizes the forces required for closing.

[0189] The handle 52 can be grasped above the sponge 16 to move the closure away from the access point 50, 51. For example, the closure can be designed so that lifting the handle 52 opens the opening 50 for refilling.

[0190] The closure can comprise a cap or plug 53 with which the refilling access 50, 51 can be closed. The cap or plug 53 can be made of metal or glass, for example. Viewed from above, the cap or plug 53 can have a larger maximum diameter than the maximum diameter of the handle 52. The cap can, for example, rest loosely on the top of the refilling access 50 to at least partially or completely close it. The cap can, for example, completely cover the refilling access 50 to completely close it. In this case, the cap can be larger than the refilling access 50. The outer diameter of the plug 53 can be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the passage 51 through the sponge 16.Access. Passage 51 or access can thus lead to plug 53.

[0191] The diameter of the plug 53 can be larger than its height to further reduce friction during closing. The plug 53 can be circular in cross-section. The opening 51 can be adapted to this and therefore also be circular in cross-section. In this case, the plug 53 does not need to be aligned for closing.

[0192] However, other shapes are also possible. For example, the plug 53 can have a square cross-section. The opening 51 can then also have a square cross-section. It is preferable that the cross-section of the plug matches the cross-section of the opening 51 in order to seal it in such a way that a barely visible flame at the access points 50, 51 is avoided.

[0193] The handle 52 can extend vertically from the cap or plug 53 of the closure. By lifting the handle 52, the cap or plug 53 can be moved away from the opening 50 and / or the passage 51, for example, to allow refilling of the fuel container 7 with fuel. Advantageously, the cap or plug can be completely removed from the access 50, 51.

[0194] Handle 52 can be shaped like a rod or encompass a rod. Handle 52 can be made of metal or glass, for example.

[0195] Above the sponge 16, a flat, liquid-permeable component can be present to hold the sponge 16 within the trough-shaped receptacle. This liquid-permeable component can include a sieve 17. The sponge 16 can then be held within the trough-shaped receptacle 15 by the flat, liquid-permeable component. The flat, liquid-permeable component can include an opening 54 for the handle 52 of the closure 53. The opening 54 can then form part of the access point. The handle 52 can be passed through this opening 54 of the flat, liquid-permeable component to allow the handle 52 to be grasped above the flat, liquid-permeable component, for example, above the sieve 17.

[0196] The sieve 17 can be the combustion zone above which a flame can be generated. The closure can be held securely in place. In this case, the closure cannot be completely detached from the device. The closure can, for example, be held securely in place by the sponge 16. The sponge 16 prevents the closure from being detached from the device. This can be achieved, for example, by having the sponge 16 partially rest on a locking element of the closure, such as a cap. This can be achieved, for example, by having a movable sleeve 51, which forms the passage through the sponge 16, rest on the top of the cap.

[0197] A sealing element of the closure can, for example, rest on the refilling opening 50 due to gravity, thus ensuring that the refilling opening 50 is generally closed. Only when the sealing element is lifted by an external force is the refilling opening 50 accessible and open enough to refill the fuel container 7 with fuel.

[0198] The closure can include a weight 55. The weight 55 can be located inside the fuel container 7. The weight 55 improves the reliability of closing access 50, 51, 54 solely by gravity.

[0199] The weight 55 can be heavier than a cap or a plug 53 of the closure. The weight 55 can be heavier than a handle 52 of the closure. The weight 55 can be heavier than the weight of handle 52 and cap, or than the weight of handle 52 and plug 53 of the closure. The weight 55 can be at least twice as heavy as the weight of handle 52 and / or cap, or the weight of handle 52 and / or plug 53, in order to ensure that the opening 50 closes automatically.

[0200] The weight 55 can be made of metal, glass, stone, or concrete. The weight 55 can be attached to the cap or stopper 53 and / or the handle 52 by a cord, thread, or wire 56. The cord, thread, or wire 56 can be made of metal. The cord or thread can be made of a textile material such as cotton. Alternatively, the weight 55 can be attached to the handle 52 by a rod, but this would make refilling more difficult and is therefore not preferable. The weight can be shaped like a cup 55. When assembled, the opening of the cup can be at the bottom. The cord, thread, or wire 56 can then be passed through the bottom of the cup 55. A thickening can be present to prevent the cord, thread, or wire from being pulled out.

[0201] 56 can be drawn through the bottom of the cup 55.

[0202] The weight can be a solid object, meaning it has no interior or cavity. The weight can be shaped like a cylinder. The weight can be shaped like a cuboid.

[0203] The maximum diameter of the weight 55 can be larger than the maximum diameter of the access points 50, 51, 54 available for refilling. The weight 55 then prevents the weight from being pulled out of the fuel container 7. This ensures the closure is securely held in place.

[0204] Figure 18 shows the closed state of the refilling access 50, 51, 54. The weight 55 can then be located above the bottom of the fuel container 7. There is thus a gap between the weight 55 and the bottom of the fuel container 7. This improves the assurance that the closure can automatically close the refilling access 50, 51, 54.

[0205] Figure 19 shows an open state of the access 50, 51, 54 available for refilling.

[0206] Figure 20 illustrates a preferred way in which the fuel container 7 can be filled with fuel. The handle 52 is moved upwards to expose the access points 50, 51, 54. The handle 52 is then moved sideways to insert the tip 58 of a bottle 57 filled with liquid fuel into the access points 50, 51, 54. In one embodiment, this allows the rope, thread, or wire 56 to be held in place, preferably by clamping. For example, by applying pressure to the bottle.

[0207] The fuel container 7 can now be filled with fuel at high speed through the tip 58. The bottle 57 can therefore be made of a flexible material, in particular a flexible plastic material.

[0208] Once the fuel container 7 has been sufficiently filled with fuel, the tip 58 is pulled out of the access 50, 51, 54. Due to the weight 55, the access 50, 51, 54, which is available for refilling, is automatically closed again by the closure, for example by the plug 53, so that no barely visible flame can burn unintentionally at the access 50, 51, 54.

[0209] If there is no passage 51, then the tip 58 can instead be inserted into the opening 50 of the fuel container for refilling.

[0210] An outer shell 2 may be present, which can enclose a flame during burning and thus protect it from the flame.

[0211] The fuel can be, for example, ethanol.

[0212] Without the closure, it's possible that even after a flame has been extinguished as intended, a barely visible flame might still be overlooked at access points 50, 51, and 54. It would then go undetected that a flame has not been completely extinguished. This problem can be avoided with the closure.

[0213] The handle 52 of the closure is preferably located within the combustion zone or is surrounded by the combustion zone. The handle 52 can therefore become very hot during operation. This prevents attempts to fill the fuel container with fuel while the handle 52, and thus the device, is hot, which could lead to a flash fire.

[0214] If the device shown in Figures 18 to 20 is only intended to produce a flame, i.e., not a swirling flame, then the struts 4 can be omitted.

[0215] A base 6 may be provided for installation. Alternatively, the fuel container 7 may, for example, be connected to a ground spike at its underside or via coupling devices that can be inserted or drilled into the ground for installation. It is also possible to place the fuel container 7 directly onto a surface, in which case a base 6 or ground spike is not required.

[0216] Alternatively or additionally to the sponge 16, one or more wicks 10 may be present to convey fuel from the fuel container 7 to the combustion zone.

[0217] Figure 21 shows a three-dimensional representation of a fuel container 7, which can be part of the device shown in Figures 18 to 20. The handle 52, which leads into the passage 51, is visible. The passage 51 can widen at its upper side in a funnel-like shape to facilitate the insertion of a closure device when an associated closure device, such as a plug 53, has been removed. Figure 21 shows an example of a device for generating a flame. From this, a device for generating a vortex flame can be derived, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The device shown in Figure 1 then includes the fuel container 7 shown in Figure 21.

[0218] Figure 22 shows a device for generating a flame, in particular a swirling flame, with an inserted fuel container as shown in Figure 1. Additionally, a reducing ring 59 is inserted, which reduces the height of the flame. The reducing ring 59 reduces the opening provided for flame formation. The reducing ring 59 can be loosely placed on a designated support. The support can be located on the inside of an inner shell 3 of the device. The support can, for example, be ring-shaped or formed from bolts that project inwards from the inside of the inner shell in a ring-shaped arrangement. The reducing ring 59 can also be loosely placed on the top of the fuel container 7, which then forms the support.

[0219] The reducing ring 59 can have a gap to a grid 17, a sponge 16 and / or a wick 10 of the fuel container 7 in order to efficiently reduce the flame. It is important that there is a gap between the point of flame initiation, i.e., the combustion zone, and the reducing ring in order to efficiently regulate the flame height.

[0220] Figure 23 shows another example of a device for generating a flame, for example, using one or more wicks 10, which may extend through an upper cover of a fuel container 7. A closure for an opening 50 may include a weight 55, which may be, for example, conical and / or a solid body. The weight 55 is located inside the fuel container 7. The weight 55 may be connected to a closure 53 by a cord or thread. The closure 53 may rest on the opening 50 and thus close it. A handle 52 may be attached to the top of the closure. The handle 52 may, for example, be U-shaped.

[0221] A guide 51 may be provided for the closure means 53, which leads to the opening 50.

[0222] Figure 24 shows another example of a table fire 1 in a sectional view, which can be placed on a table. The table fire 1 can also be suspended within a decorative element 60. Such a table fire 1 can comprise an outer shell 2. The table fire 1 can comprise an inner shell 3. The outer shell 2 and / or the inner shell 3 can be made of two or more parts that have subsequently been joined together. The outer shell 2 can be manufactured in one piece and thus consist of a single unit. The inner shell 3 can also be manufactured in one piece and thus consist of a single unit. The outer shell 2 and / or the inner shell 3 can be made of a heat-resistant plastic such as polyamide, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), thermoplastic polyimides (TPI), polysulfone (PSU), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylenesulfone (PPSU), or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).These plastics exhibit high strength properties above 150°C. Preferably, the heat-resistant plastic is reinforced with glass fibers.

[0223] The outer shell 2 can taper upwards, at least in sections, in a conical shape, as can be seen in Figure 24. The degree of taper can be small. The underside of the outer shell 2 can have at least one outwardly projecting step 61. The step 61 can be a circumferential step, i.e., it runs in a ring shape when viewed from above. A cylinder can be placed on the step 61. The cylinder can then be a third part of the air vortex generator. The underside of the outer shell 2 can have a plurality of outwardly projecting steps 61, which, for example, have equal spacing between them.

[0224] The underside of the decorative element 60 can be formed by a ring 68, which, for slip resistance, may be made of silicone. The outer shell 2 may have a step 69, which can serve as a stop for inserting the inner shell 3 to ensure the correct positioning of the shells relative to each other.

[0225] The outer shell 2 may be made of plastic. This is especially true if the outer shell 2 ends at the level of the fuel tank 7. The outer shell 2 may be closed, i.e., it may have no openings in its surrounding surface.

[0226] For manufacturing, assembly, and / or functional reasons, the inner shell 3 may taper upwards, at least partially, in a conical shape, as shown in Figure 24. The degree of taper may be slight. The inner shell 3 may be made of plastic. Alternatively or additionally, the outer shell 2 may widen downwards, at least partially, in a conical shape, for manufacturing, assembly, and / or functional reasons. The inner shell 3 may be designed to accommodate a fuel container 7, preferably with some clearance. Struts 4 may be attached to the outer surface of the inner shell 3. Alternatively, struts 4 may be attached to the inner surface of the outer shell 2. The struts 4 may extend helically around the outer surface of the inner shell 3 or the inner surface of the outer shell to create a swirling flame.The ribs 4 can form an angle with the horizontal that is less than 60° or less than 45°. The ribs 4 can form an angle with the horizontal that is greater than 5° or greater than 10°. There can be more than five, more than seven, or more than eight ribs 4 to ensure a sufficiently strong air vortex despite the ribs' low profile. There can be fewer than fifteen or fewer than ten ribs 4 to avoid excessively high air resistance. The ribs 4 can be ribbon-shaped. The ribs 4 can be attached to the outside of the inner hull 3 and / or the inside of the outer hull 2, for example, by soldering, welding, or gluing. The ribs 4 can be attached to the outside of the inner hull 3 and / or the inside of the outer hull 2 ​​by frictional bonding.The webs 4 may have been manufactured as a single piece with the inner liner 3 and / or the outer liner 2. The inner liner 3 and webs 4 may, for example, be a single casting. The inner liner 3 and webs 4 may, for example, be made of plastic. The outer liner 2 and the webs 4 may have been manufactured in a single operation, for example, from plastic. The webs 4 may have been welded to the inner liner 3 and / or the outer liner 2, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0227] The outer shell 2 can consist of two parts. A lower part of the outer shell 2 can be manufactured in one piece with webs 4. Air can, for example, flow into the lower part of the outer shell 2 from below. The other part of the outer shell can be the aforementioned cylinder, which can be placed on the step 61. The cylinder can be loosely clamped to the lower part of the outer shell 2.

[0228] The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and webs 4 can form channels such that a flame generated by the device is rotated as soon as air flows from bottom to top through the channels. The outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and webs 4, as shown in Figure 24, can therefore also act as an air vortex generator without requiring an additional cylinder. The webs 4 can be airtightly connected to the outer shell 2 and the inner shell 3 to create airtight channels. Air can then be efficiently set into rotation. The inner shell 3 can include at least one laterally projecting projection 62 to allow the table fire 1 to be inserted into a hole 63 of the decorative element 60 and thus suspended. The table fire 1 can be inserted into the decorative element 60 with some play. The outwardly projecting projection 62 can be circumferential, i.e., ring-shaped when viewed from above.Alternatively, several projections 62 can be present at the same height, spaced equally apart from each other. The projection can taper upwards. In cross-section, the projection 62 can then be triangular, as shown in Figure 24. This minimizes obstruction of the airflow into the air vortex generator. Furthermore, a sufficiently large surface area is available on the underside to allow for secure suspension.

[0229] The decorative element 60 shown in Figure 24 can increase the footprint and thus improve stability. For stability reasons, the decorative element 60 can widen towards the underside. The decorative element 60 can be open at the bottom, i.e., it can lack a closed base, in order to minimize material usage.

[0230] The base 6 can be a container. The base 6 can be made of metal, for example, stainless steel. The fuel container 7 can extend into the opening of the container-shaped base 6. This allows the fuel container 7 to additionally secure the base 6, with its air vortex generator formed from the outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and struts 4, against lateral slippage. The base 6 can also ensure that no fuel can leak out. Therefore, the base 6 can serve as a safety container for fuel.

[0231] The height ha of the outer shell 2 can be less than the height hi of the inner shell 3 to allow the air vortex generator to be properly connected to the base 6. The inner shell 3 can then be, for example, force-fitted to the base 6. It is advantageous for ha to be greater than 5 hi and / or ha to be less than % hi to ensure sufficient air turbulence and to allow the air vortex generator to be connected to the base 6 with minimal material.

[0232] The height hb of the base can be greater than the height hi of the inner shell to provide a large volume for fuel. It is advantageous for hb to be > 2 hi and / or hi < % hb.

[0233] The inner shell 3 can be connected to the base 6 by a clamping action, thus creating a force-fit connection. This force-fit connection can be so strong that lifting the vortex flame-generating device, formed from the outer shell 2, inner shell 3, and struts 4, will also lift the base 6 along with the fuel container 7. The table fire 1 can then be easily removed from the decorative element 60 and placed on a table.

[0234] The base 6 may have a projection 64 upon which the fuel container 7 may be placed. The projection 64 of the base 6 may extend into a projection 65 of the fuel container 7. The outer surface of the projection 64 of the base 6 may abut laterally against the projection 65 of the fuel container to position the fuel container 7, as shown in Figure 24. The outer surface of the projection 64 of the base 6 may taper upwards and be inclined inwards accordingly to facilitate positioning. The inner surface of the projection 65 of the base 6 may also taper upwards and be inclined inwards accordingly to facilitate positioning.

[0235] The raised section 64 of the base 6 creates a free space below the fuel container 7 for receiving fuel, should fuel unexpectedly leak from the fuel container 7, for example, due to a defect. The raised section 64 of the base 6 can be semicircular, allowing fuel to flow through the opening 66 of the semicircle. Fuel can then also flow into the semicircle. Multiple raised sections 64 of the base 6 can be present, which may be point-like. Fuel can then flow between two point-like raised sections 64. Such point-like raised sections 64 can be arranged along a ring shape.

[0236] Figure 25 shows a device for generating a vortex flame with a two-part outer shell 2a, 2b. The outer shell 2a, 2b can comprise a glass cylinder 2a and otherwise be configured as shown in Figure 24. Additionally, the lower part 2b of the outer shell may have one or more outwardly projecting, resilient tabs 67 that bear against the inner wall of the glass cylinder 2a in the prestressed state. The resilient tabs 67 preferably bear against a glass bead that may be located on the underside of the glass cylinder 2a. The glass bead may project inwards. This creates a particularly suitable connection.The glass cylinder 2a of the two-part outer casing 2a, 2b can be connected to the lower part 2b of the outer casing in such a way that an unintentional impact against the upper end of the glass cylinder 2a will cause only the glass cylinder 2a to tip over, but not the rest of the device. This further improves the prevention of unplanned fuel leakage. The device 1 shown in Figure 25 with the two-part outer casing 2a, 2b has the advantage that manufacturing tolerances of the glass are not critical for the proper functioning of the device 1. Since the lower part 2b can taper slightly conically upwards, the glass cylinder 2a can be easily placed onto the step 61. The one or more tabs 67 ensure that the two parts of the two-part outer casing 2a, 2b are held together.The upwardly tapered shape also contributes to the fact that, in the event of an impact, the cylinder 2a can tilt independently of the rest of the device 1.

[0237] The device 1 can generally be designed such that only a part of the air vortex generator tips over when the upper end of the device 1 is struck, for example, the aforementioned glass cylinder 2a. This prevents fuel from leaking due to such an impact. Alternatively, the device 1 can be designed such that only the air vortex generator tips over when the upper end of the device 1 is struck. This again prevents fuel from leaking due to such an impact.

[0238] Figure 26 shows a side view of another embodiment of a device for generating a vortex flame. Outwardly projecting, spring-loaded tabs 67 can be wedge-shaped or triangular to allow connection to a glass cylinder 2a as described with reference to Figure 25. The tabs 67 can be pivoted around a vertical axis to facilitate placement of the glass cylinder. The tabs can slope downwards towards their free ends to facilitate placement of the glass cylinder. The tabs 67 are spaced from the step 61 so that a glass bead of a glass cylinder 2a can snap into place below the tabs 67.

[0239] Figure 27 shows an embodiment in which the base 6 also serves as a fuel container. For stability reasons, the diameter, width, and depth of the base 6 can be larger than the maximum diameter of the outer shell 2a, 2b at the bottom. The top of the base 6 can extend into the air vortex generator. The base 6 can be detachably connected to the air vortex generator, for example, by a positive-locking and / or friction-locking connection. Detachable means that the base 6 can be removed from the air vortex generator without tools and without damage. A safety container 70 can be provided into which the base 6 is inserted or may already be inserted. The safety container 70 can collect any fuel that escapes from the base 6 unexpectedly. The base 6 can be loosely inserted into the safety container 70.Simply lifting the base 6 is sufficient to remove it from the safety container 70.

[0240] Figure 28 shows a detailed view of a flame-generating device with a closure for an opening 50 for refilling. The opening 50 is covered by a net or grid 71. The weight 55 of the closure for the opening 50 tapers upwards, for example in a hemispherical shape, so that even when the upper surface of the weight 55 is in contact with the net or grid 51, the opening 50 cannot be closed by the weight 55 when it is pulled upwards. This ensures particularly reliable and trouble-free refilling.

[0241] Figure 29 shows a section through a device 1 for generating a vortex flame. The base 6 of the device 1 can be a safety container into which a fuel container 7 can be inserted. The safety container can be a container part

[0242] 72, which may be made of metal. Container part 72 with a cover

[0243] The cover 73 may be connected to the container part 72. The cover 73 may be provided to increase weight and improve stability. The cover 73 may be made of metal, wood, ceramic, stone, and / or glass. The cover 73 may be connected to the container part 72 by frictional, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting means. The cover 73 may have a wall 74 that is thicker than the wall of the container part 72. A thick wall 74 allows the cover 73 to be particularly heavy, thus ensuring stability. The material of the cover 73 may be heavier than the material of the container part 72 for stability reasons. The cover 73 may widen towards the bottom, for example, in a conical shape, for stability reasons. The wall 74 of the cover 73 may terminate at the top in a ring 75 or in a differently designed platform.The cover 73 may be open at the bottom, i.e., it may not have a base. The vortex generator, for example the projection 62 of the air vortex generator, may rest on the ring 75 or another differently designed ring.

[0244] The safety container can, for example, have a ring 76 on the underside of the container part 72. The ring 76 can be connected to the cover 73 by frictional, form-fitting, and / or material-fitting means. The ring 76 can be a single piece. The ring 76 can be made of an elastomeric material to enable the cover 73 to be connected to the container part 72 by frictional fitting. One or more projections 77 can extend inwards and / or outwards from the ring 76. The one or more projections 77 can be pre-tensioned against the cover 73 and / or the container part 72. One or more projections 77 can be circumferential. The container part 72 and the cover 73 can thus be connected to each other by frictional fitting. The ring 73 can project downwards. A projection 78 can extend outwards from the underside of the ring 73. The projection 78 can be circumferential. Cover 73 can be placed on the ledge 78.If the ring 76 is made of an elastomeric material or another type of plastic, then the device 1 can be placed on a surface with particular care. This reliably prevents scratching of the surface.

[0245] The base 6 can be positively connected to the air vortex generator via positive locking elements 79 and 80. This connection can be permanent, meaning it can only be broken by destruction. Alternatively, the connection can be detachable. One positive locking element 79 can be, for example, a circumferential projection. The other positive locking element 80 can be, for example, a circumferential groove 80. The container part 72 can encompass the positive locking element 79, which can then be an inwardly projecting projection or encompass an inwardly projecting projection. The air vortex generator can then encompass the other positive locking element 80. The other positive locking element 80 can be located below the projection 62. The other positive locking element 80 can be present on the outside of the inner wall 3 of the air vortex generator.At least the inner wall 3 can be made of plastic in order to connect the air vortex generator to the base 6 by inserting it.

[0246] One or more webs 81 can project inwards from the inner wall 3 of the air vortex generator. The webs 81 can form a guide for inserting a fuel container 7. The webs 81, and thus the guide, can ensure that one or more gaps 82 thermally decouple the fuel container 7 from the air vortex generator in such a way that the inner wall 3 can be made of plastic without any problems. The webs 81 can be arranged evenly spaced. The webs 81 can run parallel to each other. In the intended state of the device 1, the webs 81 can run vertically.

[0247] At least one gap 83 can be present between the fuel container 7 and the safety container 72. The air vortex generator can be supplemented by a cylinder that can be placed on the stage 61. The cylinder can be held in place by one or more tabs 67. The cylinder can be made of glass. An impact to the top of the cylinder can cause only the cylinder to tip over. This helps to ensure that the diameter of the base can have a maximum diameter that is not much larger than the diameter of the cylinder, without compromising the stability of the base 6 with the inserted fuel container 7. The maximum diameter of the base 6 can therefore be no more than 20% or no more than 10% larger than the diameter of the cylinder, which can be made of glass.

[0248] Figure 30 shows a top view of a device 1, as shown in Figure 29, for forming a vortex flame.

[0249] Figure 31 shows a cross-section of a device for generating a vortex flame. Figure 31 illustrates that the maximum diameter of the fuel container 7 can be larger than the maximum diameter of the outer casing 2, 2a, 2b. This allows for a fuel container 7 with a large filling volume and a low center of gravity. The large filling volume enables a long burning time without the need for refueling. The low center of gravity ensures high stability.

[0250] The fuel container 7 may have a lower section 7a. The side wall of the lower section 7a may be vertical or at least substantially vertical to optimize the filling volume. The side wall of the lower section 7a may be cylindrical.

[0251] Section 7b of the fuel container 7 may taper upwards to match diameters. Section 7b may be conical. The angle formed by section 7b with the ground may be expediently less than 60°, less than 50°, less than 45°, or less than 40° to avoid excessive height. The angle formed by section 7b with the ground may be expediently greater than 20°, greater than 30°, or greater than 35° to avoid excessively large footprint. Section 7b may be a central section of the fuel container 7. Section 7b may connect directly to the lower section 7a. Section 7b may provide a support for the base 6 on the fuel container 7.

[0252] A section of the fuel tank 7 can form a flat platform 7c.

[0253] For example, the air vortex generator can be placed on platform 7c. Alternatively or additionally, base 6 can be supported on platform 7c. Platform 7c can be ring-shaped. Platform 7c can have the shape of a perforated disc. The inner and / or outer edge of platform 7c can be circular.

[0254] The fuel container 7 can have an upper section 7d. The side wall of the upper section 7a can be vertical or at least substantially vertical in order to extend appropriately into the air vortex generator. The side wall of the upper section 7d can be cylindrical. The upper section 7d can help to stabilize the air vortex generator.

[0255] To achieve a large contact area, the base 6 can taper upwards in the same manner as section 7b. The base 6 can have at least one similarly tapered section 6b. Below the tapered section, there can be a section 6a with a vertical or substantially vertical wall. Section 6a can be cylindrical. For reasons of stability, among others, the maximum diameter of the base 6 at its bottom can be at least 10% (i.e., at least 1.1 times larger), at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% larger than the maximum diameter of the fuel container 7. For reasons of compactness, among others, the maximum diameter of the base 6 at its bottom can be no more than 100%, no more than 80%, or no more than 65% larger than the maximum diameter of the fuel container 7.

[0256] The lower edge of the base 6 may be flanged for stability reasons and / or to avoid sharp edges, i.e., it may have a semicircular cross-section, as can be seen in Figure 31.

[0257] The underside of base 6 may be open for assembly reasons. Therefore, base 6 may not have a bottom.

[0258] The fuel container 6 can be, or may be, inserted into a safety container 72. The diameter of the opening of the safety container 72 can be at least slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the opening of the safety container 72.

[0259] To provide a large contact surface, for example for the base 6, the safety container 72 can taper upwards in the same manner as the base 6 or a section 6b of the base 6. The safety container 72 can have at least one similarly tapered section 72b. Below the tapered section 72b, there can be a section 72a with a vertical or substantially vertical wall. The section 72a can be cylindrical. The maximum diameter of the safety container 72 at its base can be at least 10% (i.e., at least 1.1 times larger), at least 20%, at least 30%, or at least 40% larger than the maximum diameter of the fuel container 7, for reasons of stability and / or to provide clearance for unplanned fuel leakage.For reasons of compactness, the maximum diameter of the safety container 72 at its base cannot be 100%, 80%, or 65% larger than the maximum diameter of the fuel container 7. The maximum diameter of the safety container 72 at its base can be smaller than the diameter of the base 6 at its base, so that the base 6 can shield the safety container 72 as completely as possible. Thus, the safety container 72 can be protected by the base 6.

[0260] The upper edge of the safety container 72 may be flanged for stability reasons and / or to avoid sharp edges, as can be seen in Figure 31. The upper edge of the safety container may be at the level of the lower section 7a of the fuel container 7, as can be seen in Figure 31.

[0261] The safety container 72 may be standing on the ground. The base 6 may be resting on the safety container 72. The fuel container 7 may be inserted into the safety container 72.

[0262] Figure 32 shows a cross-section of a device for generating a vortex flame. Figure 32 illustrates that a fuel container 7 can simultaneously serve as a base 6. Otherwise, the device can be configured as explained with reference to Figure 31. The part that forms the base 6 in Figure 31 can therefore be omitted to reduce the number of parts. To minimize contamination, the outer surfaces of the fuel container 7 and an adjoining outer surface of the fuel generator can form a common slope, as can be seen in Figure 32. Thus, there is no platform on the outer surface on which contaminants can accumulate. The fuel container 7 can be loosely inserted into a safety container 72. A glass cylinder 2a can have a diameter of at least 70 mm, at least 80 mm, or at least 90 mm.A glass cylinder 2a may have a diameter of no more than 180 mm, 170 mm, or 160 mm. The height of the glass cylinder may be at least twice or three times its diameter. The height of the glass cylinder may not exceed four or five times its diameter.

[0263] The diameter at the bottom of the device can be at least twice as large as the diameter of the glass cylinder 2a, particularly in the case of Figures 31 and 32.

[0264] The diameter at the bottom of the device, particularly in the case of Figures 31 and 32, cannot be more than four or three times the diameter of the glass cylinder 2a.

[0265] Particularly in the embodiments shown in Figures 31 and 32, the overall height of the device cannot exceed 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, or 1.2 times the height of the glass cylinder 2a. Nevertheless, long burning times of, for example, more than 1 hour or more than 2 hours are possible with only one filling of a fuel container.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1 ) for forming a vortex flame with an air vortex generator with which a flame of the device (1 ) can be set in rotation, wherein the air vortex generator comprises at least one helical channel, characterized in that all parts of the air vortex generator are connected to each other by material bonding, force bonding and / or form bonding.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a base (6) for setting up and / or suspending the device is provided, which is connected to the air vortex generator materially, force-fit and / or form-fit.

3. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a fuel container (7) is provided which can be inserted into the base (6) and, when inserted, extends into the air vortex generator.

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (6) comprises a circumferential wall, the fuel container (7) comprises a circumferential wall and the air vortex generator comprises a circumferential wall, wherein the circumferential wall of the fuel container (7) is located within the circumferential wall of the base (6) and the circumferential wall of the air vortex generator.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air vortex generator comprises helically extending channels for generating air vortices, wherein the air vortex generator comprises an inner shell (3), an outer shell (2) and webs (4) between the inner shell (3) and the outer shell (2) for forming the channels.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the webs (4) are airtightly connected to the inner shell (3) and to the outer shell (2).

7. Device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that a lower part (2b) of the outer shell of the air vortex generator has one or more outwardly projecting, spring-loaded tabs (67) which are pre-tensioned against the inner wall of a glass cylinder (2a).

8. Device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the webs (4) are frictionally connected to a shell (2) and are thereby connected to this shell (2) and are materially connected and / or integrally connected to the other shell (3).

9. Device (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the inner shell (3) and / or the outer shell (2) of the air vortex generator comprises a cylinder made of plastic or a cone made of plastic.

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one glass cylinder (2a) of the device can detach itself upon impact independently of the rest of the device, so that only the glass cylinder (2a) can tip over, but not the rest of the device.

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding dependent claims, characterized in that the base (6) is a container comprising a bottom and a circumferential wall.

12. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the circumferential wall and / or the base of the base (6) are made of stainless steel.

13. Device (1) according to any of the preceding dependent claims 3 to 12, characterized in that a gap (31 , 43) is provided between the fuel container (7) and the base (6) and / or between the fuel container (7) and the air vortex generator.

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fuel container (7) has an opening (50) provided for refilling, which can be closed by a closure, wherein the closure has a handle (52) which is arranged within the combustion zone of the device and which must be grasped to open the opening (50) provided for refilling.

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air vortex generator has laterally projecting protrusions or a laterally projecting annular protrusion (62) with which the device (1) can be suspended in a hole (63).

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air vortex generator is made of plastic and glass.

17. Device (1) according to any of the preceding dependent claims, characterized in that the base is made of metal, ceramic and / or wood. Device (1) according to any of the preceding claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the fuel container (7) comprises an opening (50) provided for refilling, which can be closed by a closure, the closure having a handle (52) which is arranged within the combustion zone of the fuel container (7) and which must be grasped to open the opening (50) provided for refilling.

18. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closure comprises a weight (55) which is arranged inside the fuel container (7), wherein the weight (55) is connected to the handle (52) via a cord, thread or wire.

19. Fuel container (7) for a device according to one of the preceding claims with an opening (50) provided for refilling, which can be closed by a closure, wherein the closure has a handle (52) which is arranged within the combustion zone of the fuel container (7) and which must be grasped to open the opening (50) provided for refilling.

20. Method for refilling the fuel container (7) according to any one of the preceding claims 17 to 19, comprising the steps: • the handle (52) of the fuel container (7) is moved upwards to reveal an access (50, 51, 54), • the handle (52) is moved to the side to insert the tip (58) of a bottle (57) filled with liquid fuel into the access (50, 51, 54), • By pressing on the bottle (57) the fuel container (7) is filled with fuel through the tip (58).

Images