This patent document claims priority to the Chinese patent application no. CN201610259646.0 filed on Apr. 22, 2016. The entire contents of the before mentioned patent application is incorporated by reference in this patent document.
The subject matter of this patent document relates to an electric fireplace, particularly to an electric fireplace simulating realistic smoke and lighting effects.
A conventional fireplace is a structure designed to contain a fire. The fireplace is usually made of brick, stone or metal. The fireplace includes a firebox or firepit for containing the wood-burning or gas-burning fire and a chimney or flue allowing exhaust to escape. Historically a fireplace can be used for heating a dwelling, cooking, heating water, and/or decoration. A wood-burning fireplace requires periodic cleaning and maintenance. Studies show that the smoke generated by the fireplace can pose a significant health risk. Installing a fireplace can also require extensive construction and expense.
There are some electric devices with red light bulbs and artificial logs that are made to mimic a fireplace. The red light bulbs are placed under the artificial logs to simulate burning logs. However, the simulated burning logs are not realistic and not aesthetically appealing.
The present inventors recognized the need to realistically simulate visual and audio effects of a wood burning fireplace. Further, the present inventors recognized the need for an electric fireplace that simulates flickering fire, burning wood logs, and the smoke emitted from the burning logs.
Various implementations of the subject matter described herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. In one or more implementations, the technique and devices or systems described herein can simulate visual and audio effects of the burning logs without real smoke from burning real wood logs. The operation of the device or system takes less energy than the actual wood-burning fireplace because the device or system only uses electric energy for emitting light, sound and water mist and does not induce actual fire or burning. The device or system is environmentally friendly since the only material being emitted is a water mist.
The device or system simulates realistically the visual effect of flickering fire burning wood logs because the mist surrounding the artificial logs are constantly moving and changing shape. Furthermore, the density of the mist is not uniform and the light reflected by different portion of the mist has different directions and different intensities. The moving and non-uniformly lightened mist creates a realistic simulation of the flickering fire.
In some implementations, an electric fireplace device described herein can include artificial logs positioned on a hearth area to mimic appearance of wood logs; a mist generator positioned below the hearth area and coupled to a mist vent to generate mist and to direct the generate mist to surrounding areas of the artificial logs; at least one light source positioned below the hearth area to project light beams onto the mist in the surrounding areas of the artificial logs to simulate a flickering fire that burns the artificial logs; and a speaker to play crackling wood burning sound, a volume of the crackling wood burning sound being synchronized with a light intensity of the light engine.
In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a base box enclosing the mist generator, the light source and the speaker, a top panel of the base box serving as the hearth area supporting the artificial logs, the base box including at least one mist vent for the mist to travel from the mist generator to the hearth area. In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a water cartridge to supply water to the mist generator, the water cartridge positioned at least in part within the base box and being detachable from the mist generator for replenishing water. In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a light engine driver circuit coupled to the light source to control one or more light emitting components of the light source. In some related implementations, the light engine driver circuit includes a microprocessor that allows generation of control signals, pulses or waveforms for driving the light source.
In some related implementations, the light source includes multiple light-emitting diode (LED) modules that project light beams of different colors onto the mist at different angles. In some related implementations, the light source includes multiple light emitting elements that turn on at different times, and an on-time duration of at least one of the multiple light emitting elements partially overlaps with the on-time duration of another one of the light emitting elements.
In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include at least one mist guiding channel positioned in vicinity of the mist vent to guide the mist travelling from the mist generator to the hearth area containing the artificial logs. In some related implementations, the mist guiding channel adjusts a direction or a level of the mist travelling through the mist guiding channel for a realistic simulation of a wood burning fireplace.
In some related implementations, the artificial logs include material that allows the light emitted from the light source to be reflected from the artificial logs to simulate visual effects of burning woods. In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include artificial charcoals positioned on the hearth area, the artificial charcoals including material that allows the light emitted from the light source to be reflected from the artificial charcoals to simulate visual effects of burning charcoals.
In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a control dial positioned at a user-accessible location on the electric fireplace device to control a volume, intensity or density of the mist generated by the mist generator; a power switch to turn on and off the electric fireplace device; and a remove controller to control the operation of the electric fireplace device. In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a control dial positioned at a user-accessible location on the electric fireplace device to control a volume of crackling wood burning sound played by the speaker.
In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include a water level detector positioned below the hearth area to monitor a water level and to generate an alarm signal when the water level is below a predetermined level. In some related implementations, the electric fireplace device can further include an electric fan positioned below the hearth area to blow the mist to the hearth area of the electric fireplace device.
In some implementations, a method for simulating a wood burning fireplace disclosed herein can include steps of supplying water to a mist generator of an electric fireplace; converting, by the mist generator, the water into a mist including water droplet; guiding the mist to a hearth area containing artificial logs; supplying light, by multiple light sources, to the hearth area to lighten the mist surrounding the artificial logs to simulate a flickering fire that arises from the artificial logs; and playing a crackling wood burning sound on a speaker of the electric fireplace in synchronization with light supplied by the multiple light sources to complement a visual effect of the flickering fire, wherein a volume of the crackling wood burning sound is changed in synchronization with a light intensity of the light sources.
In some related implementations, the method can further include a step of emitting at least part of the mist above the artificial logs to simulate smoke emitted from burning logs. In some related implementations, the method can further include a step of directing the light to at least partially illuminate the artificial logs, wherein the artificial logs include material that reflects part of the light that is incident on the artificial logs.
In some related implementations, the method can further include a step of automatically turning off the electric fireplace and generating an alarm, in response to a detection that a water level of the water inside of the electric fireplace is below a predetermine level. In some related implementations, the method can further include a step of receiving a control signal from remote controller for turning the electric fireplace on or off either instantly or a time period later. In some related implementations, the method can further include a step of adjusting a volume, level or density of the mist generated by the mist generator, in response to a control signal indicative of a requested change in a mist characteristic.
In some implementations, a device for simulating burning logs disclosed herein can include artificial logs; a detachable cartridge configured to be removable attached and to supply a liquid to the device; an ultrasonic mist generator including a vibrating member that is coupled to the detachable cartridge to induce a movement in the liquid at an ultrasonic frequency to generate mist; a mist guide positioned in vicinity of the ultrasonic mist generator to capture at least part of the generated mist and to route the captured mist to an area close to the artificial logs; at least one light source including a light-emitting diode (LED) positioned to illuminate the mist close to the artificial logs to simulate flickering fire that burns the artificial logs; and a speaker driven by an electric signal that causes the speaker to play crackling wood burning sound.
These general and specific techniques can be implemented using a device, a method, a system, or any combination of devices, methods or systems, methods, and systems. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Further features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.
In the following description, the word “exemplary” is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner.
In some implementations, the light sources 150 can move so that the moving position of light sources cause a flickering effect on the light projected on the mist to mimic a flickering burning fire. Alternatively, the light sources 150 can have light reflectors that can change their shapes. The changing shapes of the light reflectors can also cause a flickering effect on the light projected on the mist to mimic a flickering burning fire. The light sources 150 can include light sources that emit light of different colors. For example, the light sources 150 can include both yellow and red light sources in order to mimic the yellow and red portions of log-burning flames.
The electric fireplace device can further include a speaker 170 for playing crackling burning wood sounds. In some implementations, the sound played by the speaker 170 can be synchronized with the light intensity of the light sources 150 of the electronic fireplace device 100. For example, when the light intensity of the light sources 150 increases, the speaker 170 can simultaneously increase the sound volume. Similarly, when the light intensity decreases, the sound volume can decrease in a synchronized manner as well.
Because the mist constantly moves and changes shape, the lightened mist around the artificial logs 120 realistically simulates the effect of the flickering burning fire. In some implementations, the electric fireplace device 100 can include a fan 167 for driving the mist toward the area of the artificial logs 120. In some other implementations, the electric fireplace device 100 can continuously generate mist so that mist is pushed toward the area of the artificial logs 120 by mist pressure difference. The crackling burning wood sounds played by the speaker 170 further complements the flickering burning fire appearance to provide a more realistic implementation that mimics a conventional wood burning fireplace.
The electric fireplace device can include a water level detector 166 for detecting the water level of the water container 165. When the water container runs out of water, the electric fireplace device 100 can shut off the mist generator 160 automatically and release an alarming sound (e.g., via the speaker 170). The electric fireplace device 100 can include a mist volume controlling component 162 (e.g., a dial or a button) to adjust output of the mist generator 160, in order to control the volume of the mist around the artificial logs 120 and hearth area 110.
In some implementations, the electric fireplace device 100 can include a mist sensor 164 for detecting the density of the mist. For example, the mist sensor 164 can be a vapor detector for detecting the level or density of the mist. The electric fireplace device can use the mist density information to automatically control the volume of the mist generated. For example, when the mist density level reaches a threshold value, the mist generator 160 of the electric fireplace device 100 can automatically reduce or stop generating the mist. When the mist density level drops below the threshold value, the electric fireplace device 100 can automatically resume or increase generating the mist.
The electric fireplace device 100 can include a power switch 180 to turn on and off the device 100. The electric fireplace device can further include a remote receiver 185 and a remote controller 187. A user can use the remote controller 187 to turn on and off the electric fireplace device 100. The user can further use the remote controller 187 to schedule the operation of the device 100. For example, the user can instruct the device via the remote controller 187 to turn off the device 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours later. Similarly, the user can instruct the device via a remote controller 187 to turn on the device 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours later.
In some implementations, the electric fireplace device 100 can operate at the mean AC voltage between 110V and 220V. The electricity needed for operation of the electric fireplace device 100 can be supplied using batteries or supplied from an electric outlet. The operating temperature can be from 0 Celsius degree to 40 Celsius degrees. A fully filled water container can supply enough water for the electric fireplace device to continuously operate for at least 24 hours.
In some implementations, the electronic components of the electric fireplace device 100 (e.g., light sources 150, mist generator 160, speaker 170, etc.) can be controlled by a control board 190. The control board 190 can provide the required electric voltages and currents to the various electronic components and control the operation of the electronic components. In some alternative implementations, the electronic components of the electric fireplace device 100 can have separate control boards for each electronic component. Those control boards can be electrically coupled to each other for relaying status and control signals and providing operating voltages and currents.
In some implementations, the water container 165 (also referred to as water cartridge) is placed inside the electric fireplace device. The water container 165 can be released (e.g., detached) from the electric fireplace device for replenishing water. The releasing of the water container can be guided by sliding rails.
According to the disclosed embodiments, one or more evaporative or ultrasonic techniques, or combinations thereof, can be used to generate the mist. In some implementations, the mist generator 160 uses a piezoelectric transducer to induce a mechanical oscillation within the water contained in the water container to generate mist particles. In one exemplary implementation, the piezoelectric transducer is coupled to a metal diaphragm, causing the metal diaphragm to vibrate at an ultrasonic frequency in the water and to create tiny water droplets. The tiny water droplets exit the generator silently in a mist form. In some implementations, the electric fireplace device 100 can include an electric fan for blowing air that causes the mist to move in the vicinity of the artificial logs. In some other implementations, the electric fireplace device includes a heating component to heat the water, in order to cause or accelerate vaporization of the water into tiny water droplets that form the mist. In some other implementations, the mist generator 160 can use a wick, or wick filter, made of a porous material to absorb water and evaporate the water from the wick into mist. Alternatively, the mist generator 160 can include a heater component to heat the water and release steam and moisture into the air.
Impurities (such as minerals from hard water) and pathogens can accumulate in the mist generator. In some implementations, the mist generator can be detached from the electric fireplace device for cleaning purpose. Alternatively, the mist generator can include a disposable demineralization cartridge for minimizing the accumulation of the minerals.
The base box 130 of the electric fireplace device 100 can be broken down into multiple base modules.
In some implementations, the base box includes a bottom panel and supporting panels on sides of the base box to support one or more sliding rails. A right panel and a left panel are attached to the bottom panel. A Mist volume control dial and one or more switches can be installed on one of the panels to allow the user to set the desired level or density of the mist. A light engine driver assembly, including, for example, a top case, a cover, a light engine driver and a bottom, is fastened on the left panel. A speaker component is installed on, for example, the back panel. The back panel is attached to the bottom panel, as the back cover of the base box.
In some implementations, a front panel and a sliding panel are attached together as a supporting structure for a removable assembly. The removable assembly is designed such that a user can remove the removable assembly from the base box for replenishing water or for cleaning. The removable assembly includes a mist generator component for converting the water into tiny water drops in a mist form, and a water container and a mist guiding channel. The removable assembly can easily slide out from the electric fireplace device from the front panel. A user can remove the assembly by sliding it out, and clean the assembly if there is any buildup of hard water deposits or minerals. Then the user can replenish water and slide the assembly back into the electric fireplace device.
In some exemplary embodiments, a top panel serves as the top cover of the base box. The top side of the top panel serves as the hearth area for supporting the artificial logs. The top panel has a mist vent for guiding the mist into the hearth area. In this exemplary embodiment, the mist vent is configured as a narrow rectangular slit that is formed on the top panel and positioned closer to one end of the top panel. The mist vent allows the mist generated by mist generator module 212 (see
The top panel includes multiple opening at the LED locations so that the LED modules can generate light beams that travel through the openings to the top side of the top panel 84. The top side of the top panel 84 serves as the hearth area for supporting the artificial logs. The top panel 84 further includes a mist vent 88 for supplying the mist to the hearth area. In some embodiments, the same opening or openings in the top panel provide both the mist and the light that illuminates the mist to the hearth area. The illumination of the mist can be controlled by controlling the intensity, color, direction angle and/or projection solid angle of the light produced by the light sources (e.g., LEDs). In some implementations, by controlling the on-off times of the light beams, the sequence of projected light beams and/or the overlap area of the projected light beams, improved simulations of artificial flames, the associated smoke and/or burning logs are achieved.
In some implementations, the artificial logs can include materials that can reflect at least some of the light emitted from the light sources (e.g., LED modules, etc.), to simulate the visual effects of burning woods. The artificial logs can, for example, include translucent or reflective material. In some embodiments, the artificial logs themselves can include one or more light sources contained with the artificial logs. In such implementations, the artificial logs include material that allows at least a portion of the light from within the logs to be transmitted through the log material (e.g., in a diffused manner). Alternatively, or additionally, one or more additional light sources can be place in the volume above the top panel 84 of the electric fireplace device to provide illumination for the logs and/or the mist that is being dispensed to the hearth area. The artificial logs The hearth area can further contain artificial charcoals. Similarly, the artificial charcoals can also include translucent materials that absorb and reflect some of the light emitted from the light sources (e.g., LED modules, fluorescent lamps, high-intensity discharge lamps, incandescent lamps, etc.), to similar the visual effects of burning charcoals, surrounded by the artificial fire simulated by the mist lightened by the LED modules.
An electric fan of the electric fireplace blows (at 3315) air towards the mist to mobilize the mist. A mist guiding channel of the electric fireplace guides (3320) the mist to a hearth area containing artificial logs.
The electric fireplace includes at least one light source. The light source can include, e.g., an LED module. The light source supplies (at 3325) light to the hearth area to lighten the mist surrounding the artificial logs to simulate a flickering fire that arises from the artificial logs. Translucent materials of the artificial logs further reflect (at 3330) a portion of the light generated by the light engine, to simulate a visual effect of burning logs.
A speaker of the electric fireplace plays (at 3340) a crackling wood burning sound to complement a visual effect of burning the artificial logs.
The electric fireplace can determine (at 3345) whether a control signal is received from e.g., a remote controller or an input panel for turning on or off the electric fireplace. The signal can instruct the electric fireplace to turn on or off either instantly or a time period later. In response to the control signal, the electric fireplace turns on or off (at 3350) the electric fireplace.
The electric fireplace can further determine (at 3355) whether a signal is received indicating that a volume dial of a mist generator is dialed. In response to the signal, the electric fireplace adjusts (3360) the volume, level, or density of the mist generated by the mist generator.
The electric fireplace monitors (at 3365) a water level of the water contained inside of the electric fireplace. If the electric fireplace determines (at 3370) that a water level of the water inside of the electric fireplace is below a predetermined level, the electric fireplace automatically turns off the electric fireplace and generates an alarm (at 3375). The electric fireplace can further detach (at 3380) an assembly including the mist generator and a water cartridge from the electric fireplace for replenishing water or for cleaning.
A number of implementations have been disclosed herein. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claim.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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201610259646.0 | Apr 2016 | CN | national |