JPH03105120A - Trial device of flame and heating system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To obtain an apparatus generating a simulated flame by disposing a screen means between a simulated flame effect means and a simulated fuel means such that the screen means transmits a light beam reflected by the simulated flame effect means while diffusing. CONSTITUTION: A screen 12 extends upward from a simulated fuel bed toward the upper part of a casing 2. The screen 12 may be one or a plurality of panel each having a partial reflective face and a diffusing face. Preferably, the screen 12 is a thin plate of transparent material, e.g. glass, acryl resin or perspecs, having a surface subjected to thin silver plating on the front side facing a front panel 7 and a surface provided with a plurality of lines at a fine interval on the rear side. Means for simulating flame effect is disposed in the rear of the screen 12 while being suspended with a thread 15 fixed to an anchor point 15a by means of a series of ribbons 14. Bottom of each ribbon 14 is fixed to each pin 16 secured to the rear panel of the casing 2.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for simulating flames. The device may be part of, or may be implemented in, a heating device that uses, for example, electric or gas thermal power to produce the impression of a flame due to the combustion of fuel.

Many attempts have been made in the past to simulate the fuel being burned. Although prior art devices often included some means intended to represent flickering flames, they lacked realism. Moreover, if you look at a device that has such an effect over a period of time, you will gradually become less aware of the passage of time. Also, in many prior art devices, dust accumulates on various surfaces, thus destroying any initial pleasing effect and thereby diminishing any realism. The presented embodiments of the present invention are intended to solve at least these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is an apparatus for simulating a flame, comprising a light source, a simulating flame effect means for reflecting said rays so as to simulate a flame, and a simulating flame effect means for simulating a bed of burning fuel. a simulated fuel means, and a screen means on which an image of a simulated flame can be viewed; the screen means is disposed between the simulated flame effect means and the simulated fuel means; It is possible to diffuse and transmit the reflected light rays and to reflect the light rays from said simulated fuel means, so that a simulated flame is formed on said simulated fuel means and said screen means. Provide what appears to occur between the reflected image of the simulated fuel means.

Preferably, the flame simulating rig is installed within a casing having a transparent front panel through which the simulating fuel and screen can be seen. This helps prevent dust from entering. Preferably, the flame simulating means is sealed to prevent the ingress of dust.

Preferably, said simulated flame effect means comprises a plurality of pieces of forest material supported to move in response to an air flow provided, for example, by a small fan.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of ribbons of said material extend between mutually spaced supports, and the ribbons are supported in such a manner that their movement is facilitated by air movement. be done. These ribbons are silk,
It is formed from sash or other similar fabric that reflects light and moves in an undulating manner within the airflow, thereby providing an ever-changing reflective surface similar to the appearance of a fire. Such ribbons are preferably suspended or secured in a substantially vertical orientation. They may be suspended or secured with the edges substantially oriented relative to said screen means, or they may be suspended or secured, for example, with the lower portion of each ribbon oriented edgewise relative to said screen means, while the upper portion thereof It can be twisted parallel to the screen means. Also, the ribbon is shaped to improve the realism of the effect. For example, they can be triangular, trapezoidal or other shapes that mimic the shape of a flame and/or serve to increase their mobility, for example by providing notched or/curled edges. Furthermore, they may have multiple slits or holes to enhance their effectiveness. Also, the ribbons can be coated with materials that improve their reflective properties.

Preferably, said screening means may comprise one or more panels. For example, partially transmitting a ray,
A single panel made partially reflective and diffuse can be used. More specifically, a single panel may have a front surface partially or lightly silvered to reflect light, and its back surface treated to diffuse light. In any case, the partial reflection property is such that the simulated flame reflects the light rays from the simulated fuel bed in such a way that it appears to emanate from a location between the simulated fuel and its reflection at the screen. This increases the realism of the simulated flame considerably and is surprisingly effective. The diffusive action of the screen prevents ribbons (or their equivalents) from being too clearly visible through the screen, while at the same time ensuring that enough light rays are reflected from the ribbon to create a simulated flame effect. Selected to allow passage.

This type of diffusion can be provided by a surface having a plurality of closely spaced lines, and such a surface can also be part of a single partially reflective panel. Alternatively, it can be part of a separate panel. Such diffusion effects also serve to produce magnified images by refraction. The plurality of lines are spaced apart from each other by about i ooo lines every α, and they may be horizontal or crosshatched (when 11 is considered).

One alternative screen means includes a clear or transparent panel (eg, made of glass) mounted in close proximity to a diffuser panel (eg, made of heat-resistant brass).

Preferably, the diffusion panel has a matte finish 43 on the side directly opposite the transparent panel. Preferably, the diffuser panel is made from a material that usually has two polished or glossy sides, one side of which is given a matte finish, for example by polishing. A preferred panel is made from polycarbonate (available under the trade name "Lexan"). When such screens are used,
Preferably, said transparent panel is silver-plated either directly from said simulated fuel means or partially silver plated to enhance reflection from said simulated fuel means after at least one reflection from said transparent front panel. It serves in part as a reflector for the optically received light rays. The transparent panel directly transmits the light rays received from the flame effect means and the diffusion effect blurs the edges of the ribbon image.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, said flame effect means is arranged closely adjacent to, but not in contact with, said screen means. More generally, the flame effect means is located at a distance from the screen means (on one side) not exceeding the distance that the simulated fuel bed is separated from the screen means (on the other side). is preferred.

If a front panel is provided to enclose the casing housing the device, the front panel may be colored so that the means for simulating flames and burning fuel cannot be seen when the light source is turned off. However, clear sheets can be used when this effect is not needed. In either case, the front panel is such that it is reflective and transparent so that the simulated fuel bed (due to the dual front-to-back reflection between the screen means and the front panel facing I1) The simulated flame may be partially or lightly silver plated to make it appear to extend deeper behind the fuel bed and to make the simulated flame appear to originate from different areas in the extending fuel bed.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The practical example heating system I11 has a casing 2 having a main upper compartment 3 and a main lower compartment 4 divided by a positive wall 5. The main lower compartment 4 has any suitable means for providing heat output, such as a high-intensity air convection unit 6, typically having an electric heating element and a fan for passing air flow above it. Such heating means are known to those skilled in the art and need not be described in further detail.

The main upper chamber 3 has a closed chamber 3a and is closed at the front by a transparent and preferably tinted front panel 7. This front panel 7 can be made of glass (for example so-called smoked glass) or of plastic, for example acrylic or Versbex. The main upper chamber 3 has means 8 simulating a fuel bed. Such simulating means preferably consist of a plurality of pieces of tinted glass supported on a diffusion screen 9, for example a plate of matte lath or anti-transparent glass. A pivotally mounted light fan or flicker wheel 10 is arranged below the diffuser screen 9 and above the electric light 11 fixed to the casing 2. The light fan 10 is a generally circular main thread containing reflective vanes which are driven by the heat flow rising therefrom when the lamp 11 is turned on. Such IlsII
4 is generally known to those skilled in the art as producing a flickering effect, thereby allowing intermittent light beams to be cast onto the colored glass piece or simulated fuel bed 8 at various angles of incidence. There is. As a result, the simulated fuel bed 8 is made to have an appearance resembling incandescent, glowing coal.

A screen 12 extends upwardly from the simulated fuel bed 8 towards the upper portion of the casing 2 . Screen 12 may be one or more panels having a partially reflective surface and a diffuser surface. Preferably, the screen 12 is a thin sheet of transparent material such as glass, acrylic or Versbex having a thin silver plated surface on its front side (i.e. the side facing front panel 7) and a thin plated surface on its rear side. It is formed from a surface in which a plurality of closely spaced lines are engraved or otherwise formed.

For example, these lines can be arranged on the rear surface by photographic processing. These lines may be horizontal or diagonal or cross-parallel to provide a suitable diffusion effect. The screen 12 is preferably connected to a wall 13,
The screen 12 can thereby be sealed to the housing 2, for example in an airtight manner, to prevent the ingress of dust.

Behind the screen 12 there are installed means for simulating the flame effect. Such means include a series of ribbons 14, each suspended from a thread 15 attached to an anchor point 15a. The bottom of each ribbon 14 is attached to a respective bin 16 fixed to the rear panel of the casing 2. The ribbons 14 depend in a substantially perpendicular relationship to each other, as best seen in the plan view of FIG. These ribbons 14 are not taut and are somewhat slack, so that they cover most of the lower part of the sealed chamber 3a, which is located below their ends and which is otherwise substantially airtight. A small cross-current flow extending across the ? In the air flow provided by the airflow unit 17, it exhibits a tendency to ripple or undulate. As already mentioned, 113 hermetically connects the upper part of the screen 12 to the casing 2. Additionally, a transparent wall 1 is provided adjacent to the lamp housing to hermetically seal the chamber 3a.
8 will be installed. Thereby, the space in which the ribbon 14 and the cross-flow fan unit 17 are arranged is completely sealed against the intrusion of dust, which makes the reflective surface of the ribbon 14 good so that the simulated flame effect does not deteriorate rapidly with use and aging. Helps keep it in good condition.

Ribbons 14 are preferably made of silk or a silk-like composite material and/or they have a "hang" similar to silk and enhance their reflective properties, if desired. can be coded for this purpose. The ribbons can each be shaped to be tapered at their lower ends [attached to pins 16], or can be folded into the shape shown in Figures 3a or 3b. The nail-like shape serves to improve the appearance of the flame in two respects: its shape and its mobility. The elongated fissure 20 shown in FIG.
It helps to promote the twisting and rippling motion in the airflow generated by the airflow, thereby improving the visual effect. In practice, the ribbons 14 appear to twist and create a rippling motion along their edges, giving the appearance that the flame soars behind the fire (i.e. as if it were passing towards a chimney). The split 20 separates the sections of the ribbon 14 to simulate a branched flame, which has a tendency to twist, flash and dissipate due to the jets of gas produced by the burning coal.

Although the cross-flow fan unit 17 is completely sealed within the sealed chamber 3a, there are a plurality of small gaps on the side of the outermost flap 14 into which the air flow flows. After passing upward through the center of the aligned group of the strongest air flow beams 14 and colliding with the earth wall of the casing 2, the air flows into the casing 2.
(adjacent to the outermost ribbon) on each side of the ribbon, and then returns to the inlet of the cross-flow fan unit 17. Since the airflow is strongest in the center of the array of ribbons 14, the center ribbons 14 cause a greater ripple than the outer ribbons 14, thereby causing
It tends to more realistically simulate the actual bed of burning fuel.

As a first-generation method for using the closed I3fl chamber 3a as shown in FIG. , the air from the galvanic fan unit 17 first passes upward along the entire length of the ribbon 14, then impinges on the top of the casing 2, and then passes over the top of the partition plate and descends along its back surface. and the galvanic fan can be returned to the 1 nit inlet. However, the closed chamber described above provides a very realistic effect without the need to use partitions to provide air circulation.

At the same time the electric light 11 is switched "on", the screen 12 for the simulated fuel bed is illuminated and the partially reflective surface of the screen 12 provides an image of the simulated fuel bed. The galvanometric fan unit 17 causes a wave-like movement of the ribbon 14, so that the light rays from the electric lamp 11 are randomly reflected onto the back side of the screen 12, thereby creating a simulated appearance of a flickering flame. This flickering image is seen between the actual simulated fuel bed 8 and the screen 12 image, so that the flame appears to emanate from some location in the middle of the extending fuel bed.

Flame effect means, i.e. ribbon 14 and crossflow fin unit 1
7 is preferably completely sealed in the rear part of the main upper chamber 3 to prevent dust from entering, but a ventilation hole (not shown) is provided between the galvanic fan unit 17 and the uppermost part of the casing 2. located adjacent to the wall [e.g., wall 13.18], thereby providing a single flow of air.

Various modifications may be made to the heating device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, known power control means (such as those used in dimmer switches) are connected to the lamp 11 in such a way that the power supply to it can be varied, thereby
It may be made to cause a change in its temperature and thus in the rotational speed of the blinking wheel 10. A similar means is used to connect the power supply to the crossflow fan unit 17 by υJmL.
, thereby can be arranged to change its velocity and therefore the air flow field relative to the ribbon 14.

Such υ1111 means can be arranged independently or in an integrated manner and in both cases are connected to a III all knob that can be adjusted by the user. Such lIJlg means may also be connected to known means for controlling the heat output of a heating device, for example a forced air convection unit 6 shown in FIG. The mechanism is designed such that the simulated flame effect simulates the heat sink consumed by the heating device as if the (simulated) fuel were burning at a relatively fast or relatively slow rate. Thus, the lamp 11 is made brighter and the ribbon is made to wave faster to represent a higher combustion corresponding to a higher heat output.

4, 5 and 6 show a different embodiment with the following modifications. Each ribbon 14 has a single twist such that the lower portion of each ribbon 14 is substantially perpendicular to the screen 12 and the upper portion is substantially perpendicular to the screen 12.
substantially parallel to. Additionally, the edges of each ribbon 14 are sharply edged or scored to create a curled shape, and are provided with confectionery-shaped cutouts 20, which cooperate with each other to promote the flame effect. ribbon 14
is suspended or secured between the upper bracket 1-15c fixed to the casing 2 and the lower bracket 16 fixed to the re-twisting 2, whereby the twist of each ribbon 14 can be suitably maintained. .

In this embodiment, as can be seen more clearly in the side view of FIG. 5, the screen 12 has a front transparent glass panel 12a located in close proximity to, eg, in contact with, the rear expansion panel 12b. . Back 1 wide spring nore 1
2b is heat-resistant plastic such as polycarbonate 'C
It is shaped to have an opalescent tone so as to diffuse the light rays passing through it. Sheets made of such materials usually have a glossy major surface, and one of these is preferably polished to provide a matte finish. The matte finish side of the rear expanding panel 12b is placed in contact with the transparent panel 12a. The transparent panel 12a transmits the light rays from the rear diffuser panel 12b, but also transmits the light rays received from the simulated fuel bed 8, either directly or after fouling from the partially silvered rear surface of the front panel 7. It also acts as a reflective plate for the purpose. In Figure 4,
The cross-flow fan unit 6 is illustrated as being similar to that shown in FIG. Side wings 17a may be provided to improve the simulation of flickering flames. FIG. 6 shows a light source for illuminating the simulated fuel bed 8, but in this case,
The light beam is provided by three tinted light bulbs with or without a pivoted light fan or flickering boiler for producing a luminous flux. Ru.

Although the mechanism shown in Figure 4 produces a more predictable undulating motion of the ribbon 14, the improved form shown in Figure 7 can be used to obtain a more random flame effect. can be done.

In FIG. 7, the propeller plane 7b is rotated by the air flow. Air is blown axially into the optical cylinder 21, which is mounted at an angle (not shown). The light cylinder 21 has a number of non-geometric holes 22, for example various round-shaped holes, so as to divert the airflow from the blower fan 6b and thereby rotate the light cylinder 21 about its axis. The porosity is defined or partially defined by a plurality of tabs formed in the pores. Furthermore, a semi-circular mask 23 is installed, so that the air from the blower fin 7b does not proceed only radially outwardly and evenly, but rather through holes that are not partially blinded by the mask 23. I was trapped trying to escape. This serves to guide the air upward in the direction of the ribbon 14, in addition to serving to promote the rotation of the light cylinder 21. Both the propeller fan 7 b and the strong υ1 air convection unit 6 can draw air from an inlet grill located on the lower surface of the housing in which the heating device is installed. Alternatively, a closed circulation system of suitable form may be
It can be used to reduce the effect of dust and thereby keep the simulated flame effect in good condition for several periods in the heating VC station.

Many other modifications or improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a heating device using the device according to the invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of the heating device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG.
Figures a and 3b are side views of ribbons of different shapes, Figures 4, 5 and 6 are examples of different types of ribbons, and Figure 7 is a perspective view of a modified form of Figure 6. be. On the drawing, 1. Heating device, 2. Casing, 6. Forced air convection unit, 7. Front panel, 8. Simulated fuel bed, 9. Diffusion screen, 10. Blinking wheel, 11. Electric light, 12...Screen, 14...Ribbon, 17...Cross current fu? unit, 20◆・cleft.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) A device for simulating a flame, which device includes a light source, a simulating flame effect means for reflecting light rays to simulate a flame, and a simulating fuel for simulating a bed of burning fuel. means, and screen means on which an image of the simulated flame is viewed, said screen means being disposed between said simulated flame effect means and said simulated fuel means, said screen means being reflected by said simulated flame effect means. capable of transmitting a light beam diffusely and reflecting a light beam from said simulated fuel means, thereby
Apparatus for simulating a flame that appears to occur between the simulated fuel means and an image of the simulated fuel means reflected by the sleen means. (2) An apparatus for simulating a flame according to claim 1, wherein said simulated flame effect means comprises a plurality of movably supported pieces of material and means for causing said motion. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the material is a plurality of ribbons extending between spaced supports. (4) An apparatus according to claim 3, which simulates a flame in which each of the ribbons is twisted. (5) An apparatus for simulating a flame as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the means for causing motion generates an air flow. (6) The device according to claim 5, wherein the means for producing the movement comprises an electric fan and a cylinder mounted to be rotated by the air flow generated by the fan. and wherein said cylinder is provided with air deflection means for imparting more random motion to said ribbon to improve said simulated flame effect. (7) A device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, in which the ribbons are shaped to resemble the shape of flames and/or to increase their movement. A device that simulates a flame that is exposed to fire. (8) A device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the screen means comprises one or more translucent or transparent panels having a reflective surface and a diffusive surface. A device that simulates flame. (9) A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the screen means is provided with a lightly reflective front surface and a number of closely spaced lines. A device for simulating a flame that is a single panel with a rear surface. (10) The apparatus according to claim 7, which simulates a flame in which the lines are horizontal, inclined, or parallel and diagonal. (11) An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the screen means simulates a flame having a transparent panel located closely adjacent to a diffusion panel. Device. (12) An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is installed in a casing having a transparent front panel through which the simulated fuel and the lean means can be seen. , or a device that simulates a flame forming part of the casing. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the transparent front panel is colored such that the simulated fuel and screen means are substantially obscured when the light source is turned off. A device that simulates a flame that is attached to a flame. 14. The apparatus of claim 12 or 13, wherein said front panel is transparent and reflective, thereby providing multiple front-to-back views of said simulated fuel means. Apparatus for simulating a flame in which the simulated flame appears to be generated from a variety of different areas of a fuel bed that is heated and extends. (15) An apparatus for simulating flames, the apparatus comprising: (a) a light source; (b) a plurality of ribbons for simulating flames; and means for supporting the ribbons in substantially vertically spaced relationship. (c) a screen having a partially reflective surface and a diffusing surface; (c) a screen having a partially reflective surface and a diffusive surface; means with said ribbon extending adjacent the interior thereof, whereby light rays reflected from said ribbon produce an image simulating a moving flame on said screen means; and (d) said screen means. a simulated fuel means located adjacent to the outside and arranged to simulate a bed of burning fuel, the outside of said screen means having a partially reflective surface so that the simulated fuel means Apparatus for simulating a flame having what is visible on the means so that a simulated flame appears to occur between said simulated fuel means and its image on the screen means. (16) In the device according to claim 15,
The flame effect means is sealed in a room to prevent the ingress of dust, and the means for providing air flow is a fan having an outlet extending across the main area of the ribbons, so that the air is directed upwardly through the ribbons. apparatus for simulating a flame such that the flame advances downwardly adjacent to the outermost ribbon and then returns to said fan. 11. A device according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the screen means has a partially reflective front surface and a rear surface provided with a number of closely spaced lines. A device that simulates flame, which is a panel. 18. An apparatus for simulating a flame according to claim 15 or 16, wherein said screen means comprises a transparent panel closely adjacent a diffusion panel. (19) The device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the means for providing the air flow comprises a baffle plate and/or Apparatus for simulating a flame having air guiding means for exerting a substantially random effect on the movement of the ribbon. (20) A heating device incorporating the device described in any one of claims 1 to 19.