Extendable sauna cabin with heating system

The retractable sauna cabin design addresses the challenge of safely routing supply lines by using a supply channel and control unit, ensuring protection, safety, and aesthetic appeal while optimizing energy efficiency.

DE102015008373B4Active Publication Date: 2026-01-22KLAFS GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102015008373
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2015-06-29
Publication Date
2026-01-22
Estimated Expiration
2035-06-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional extendable sauna cabins face challenges in safely and efficiently routing power and air supply lines for the sauna heater due to the complexity of connecting moving cabin elements, which can lead to damage, safety risks, and an unsightly appearance.

Method used

A retractable sauna cabin design with a supply channel between fixed and movable cabin elements, incorporating a heat exchanger and control unit to manage supply lines, ensuring protection and concealment, and allowing for compact retraction and aesthetic appeal.

Benefits of technology

The solution protects supply lines from damage and user access, enhances safety, and maintains an aesthetically pleasing appearance while optimizing energy efficiency and operational simplicity.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

Extendable sauna cabin (1) comprising a heating system, wherein the sauna cabin (1) has at least a first cabin element (2) and a second cabin element (3), wherein the second cabin element (3) is movable relative to the first cabin element (2) between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the heating system comprises a sauna heater (9) arranged on the second cabin element (3), wherein a storage space (6) with at least one opening (7) is formed on the first cabin element (2), wherein the sauna heater (9) is movable through the opening (7), is not arranged in the storage space (6) in the extended position and is at least partially arranged in the storage space (6) in the retracted position, characterized in that an extendable supply channel (8) for supply lines is formed between the first cabin element (2) and the sauna heater (9) arranged on the second cabin element (3).
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Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a retractable sauna cabin according to the preamble of claim 1. Accordingly, a sauna cabin of this type comprises a heating system, wherein the sauna cabin has at least a first cabin element and a second cabin element, wherein the second cabin element is movable relative to the first cabin element between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the heating system comprises a sauna heater which is arranged on the second cabin element, wherein a storage space with at least one opening is formed on the first cabin element, wherein the sauna heater is movable through the opening, is not arranged in the storage space in the extended position and is at least partially arranged in the storage space in the retracted position.

[0002] In conventional extendable sauna cabins, one cabin element is usually fixed, as this allows for easy connection of the sauna cabin to the power supply and any other external connections. If the sauna heater is attached to a moving cabin element, the heater's power cable must be routed to the main connection point of the sauna cabin on the fixed cabin element in a more complex manner.

[0003] A retractable sauna cabin of the type mentioned above is known, for example, from DE 35 30 463 A1. This sauna cabin consists of two cabin elements, the first of which is fixed in place and the second of which slides onto the first on rails. A sauna heater is integrated into the sliding cabin element. Burners with telescopic tubes are known from DE 27 14 824 A1 and DE 916 446 B. A telescopic tube is also shown in DE 468 235 A, but here in connection with a device for cooling rooms.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a retractable sauna cabin which has a simple construction and can be operated safely.

[0005] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Accordingly, in the case of a retractable sauna cabin of the type mentioned at the outset, a solution to the problem according to the invention exists if a retractable supply channel for supply lines is formed between the first cabin element and the sauna heater arranged on the second cabin element.

[0006] The invention offers the advantage that supply lines running in the supply duct to the sauna heater are protected from damage during the extension or retraction of the sauna cabin in a particularly simple manner. They cannot become caught between moving parts during movement and are always protected from extremely hot components, especially contact with the sauna heater. Furthermore, the supply lines are concealed from sauna users. They therefore pose no safety risk, and the overall appearance is aesthetically pleasing. The supply lines can be either electrical or air lines. The supply lines are preferably designed as spiral cables to adapt to the changing lengths within the supply duct.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least two cabin elements are telescopically movable relative to each other. The cabin elements are designed such that they can be at least partially nested within one another and are movable in a straight line relative to each other. However, other embodiments are also conceivable. The first cabin element is preferably fixed. Particularly preferably, the sauna cabin comprises three cabin elements, wherein the second cabin element and a middle cabin element are telescopically movable relative to the first cabin element between the retracted and extended positions. In this embodiment, the sauna cabin can be retracted extremely compactly. In the retracted position, the depth is sometimes only 60 cm.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the present invention, additional components of the heating system or the sauna cabin are also arranged in the storage space and / or in a second storage space located next to the storage space. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the power unit of the sauna cabin is arranged in a storage space.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sauna cabin comprises a sauna bench with a seat, wherein the storage space is located below the seat. Preferably, a panel extends downwards from the seat, wherein the aforementioned components of the heating system or the sauna cabin can be arranged at least partially behind the panel.

[0010] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the heating system further comprises a heat exchanger arranged on the first cabin element, which serves to heat fresh air from the environment using warm exhaust air from the sauna cabin. The heat exchanger is connected to the sauna heater via the supply duct, so that the fresh air heated by the heat exchanger can be supplied to the sauna heater via the supply duct. In this embodiment, the energy consumption of the sauna cabin is particularly low. The heat exchanger is preferably arranged inside the sauna cabin. More preferably, the heat exchanger is arranged below the aforementioned seating area, resulting in a space-saving design. The heat exchanger can be arranged either in the storage compartment or in a second storage compartment located next to it.In the second case, it is advantageous if the heat exchanger is covered by the previously mentioned cover, so that it is neither visible nor accessible to the user of the sauna cabin. This minimizes the risk of injury. Furthermore, the heat exchanger and the cover are preferably designed and arranged in such a way that space remains below the heat exchanger for a stool, which can be stored beneath the seat and heat exchanger when the sauna cabin is in its retracted position.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment, the supply channel runs through the storage space and extends through the opening. In this embodiment, the sauna heater can be easily connected to any other components of the heating system that may be located in the storage space. Furthermore, this results in a particularly aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment, a cover is formed at the opening, which covers the opening at least in the extended position. In this embodiment, the storage space is closed, at least in the extended position. This prevents sauna users from accessing any other components of the heating system that may be located in the storage space, thereby increasing operational safety and creating a particularly aesthetically pleasing overall impression.

[0014] In another embodiment, the cover is permanently connected to the supply channel. This results in a particularly simple construction of the sauna cabin.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the cover is designed as a door, with the door being rotatably mounted on the opening. This allows the cover's functionality to be implemented in a particularly simple manner. It can also be a sliding door.

[0016] In another embodiment, a mechanical coupling exists between the door and at least one cabin element, which causes the door to move between an open and a closed position when the second cabin element is moved between the retracted and extended positions. This makes the door particularly easy to operate. Alternatively, it is also possible, for example, for the door to be moved between the open and closed positions by means of a drive connected to the door.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the sauna heater is completely enclosed within the storage space when retracted. In this embodiment, the sauna heater is protected from damage when retracted.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, at least one ventilation opening is provided above the sauna heater in the storage compartment when the storage compartment is in the retracted position, allowing air heated by the sauna heater to flow out of the storage compartment. In this embodiment, the sauna cabin can theoretically be heated even in the retracted position. Furthermore, this facilitates the cooling of the sauna heater after use, as heated air does not accumulate in the storage compartment but can flow out through the ventilation opening.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, a heat-resistant material is at least partially attached to at least one wall or ceiling of the storage space. In this embodiment, the sauna heater, which has not yet completely cooled down, can be placed in the storage space particularly quickly after use, since the heat-resistant material protects the storage space from damage. This allows the sauna cabin to be moved into its retracted position more quickly after use. However, to increase safety, a control system ensures that the sauna cabin can only be retracted once the temperature of the sauna heater has dropped below 40 °C.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the heating system also includes a control unit, wherein the control unit is connected to the sauna heater via a first interface, and the operating parameters of the sauna heater can be adjusted by means of the control unit depending on the position of the second cabin element. In this embodiment, the sauna cabin can be operated particularly easily, and safety is increased, since the control unit can, on the one hand, control the operating parameters according to the sauna user's specifications – for example, via a control unit integrated into the sauna cabin – and, on the other hand, can take the cabin volume defined by the position of the cabin elements into account as a parameter in order to prevent hazards during operation of the sauna cabin.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment, setting the operating parameters of the sauna heater includes permanently switching off the heater. This embodiment prevents, for example, the sauna heater from being switched on in the retracted position. This increases the safety of the sauna cabin, as switching on the heater in the retracted state quickly leads to overheating of the cabin.

[0022] In another particularly preferred embodiment, setting the operating parameters of the sauna heater includes setting a maximum heating output. In this embodiment, the maximum heating output of the sauna heater is limited. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to cycle the sauna heater on and off after the desired sauna cabin temperature has been reached.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the heat exchanger is connected to the control unit via a second interface, wherein the operating parameters of the heat exchanger can be adjusted by the control unit depending on the position of the second cabin element. In this embodiment, the sauna cabin can be operated particularly efficiently by preheating the fresh air drawn in from the surroundings by the heat exchanger with the warm air drawn out of the sauna cabin by the heat exchanger for release into the surroundings. Furthermore, the amount of fresh air drawn in can be adjusted by the control unit to the cabin volume defined by the position of the cabin elements.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the heating system further comprises a sensor connected to the control unit, wherein the position of the second cabin element can be determined by the control unit using the sensor. This allows the operating parameters of the sauna heater and any heat exchanger to be automatically adjusted. This makes the sauna cabin particularly easy and safe to operate.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment of the present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show: Fig. 1: A schematic representation of a sauna cabin according to the invention in the extended position in a sectional top view, Fig. 2: The sauna cabin of the Fig. 1 in the retracted position, Fig. 3: A cross-section through the sauna cabin along the in Fig. 1. Drawing section line A, Fig. 4: A cross-section through the sauna cabin along the in Fig. 2 drawn section line B, Fig. 5: A cross-section through the sauna cabin along the in Fig. 1. Drawing section line C, Fig. 6: A schematic representation of a sauna cabin according to the invention in the extended position in a sectional top view according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 7: A cross-section through the sauna cabin along the in Fig. 6. Section line D is shown.

[0026] In the following explanations, identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals. If a drawing contains reference numerals that are not further explained in the corresponding figure description, reference is made to preceding or subsequent figure descriptions.

[0027] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sauna cabin 1 according to the invention, which consists of a first cabin element 2 and a second cabin element 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the two cabin elements 2, 3 can be moved telescopically relative to each other in a straight line. However, alternative embodiments with more than two cabin elements or a different configuration of the cabin elements are also conceivable. It should be noted that there is a door (not shown) in the wall of the second cabin element (3) through which a user can enter the sauna cabin. However, the door of the sauna cabin is irrelevant to the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows the sauna cabin 1 in the extended position. The first cabin element 2 is fixed, with a seat 4 extending across its entire width. For illustrative purposes, the seat is shown partially cut away. A panel 5 is formed below the seat 4, creating a storage compartment 6 in the sauna cabin 1 below the seat 4. An opening 7 is formed in the panel 5. The supply channel 8 extends through this opening 7, starting from the first cabin element 2, along the floor of the sauna cabin, through the opening 7, and up to the sauna heater 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the supply channel 8 is telescopically extendable and has five sections. However, other configurations of the supply channel 8 are also conceivable.

[0028] The sauna heater is attached to the second cabin element 3. To allow the two cabin elements 2 and 3 to be slid together, the sauna heater 9 is attached to the long side of the second cabin element 3. The supply channel 8 opens onto the sauna heater 9. A cover 10 is arranged in the opening 7. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover is designed as a door 10, which is rotatably mounted on the opening 7 and, in its closed position as shown, covers the opening 7.

[0029] Supply lines, shown schematically in the figures and designated by reference numeral 13, run through the supply duct 8. An electrical supply line connects the sauna heater to the control unit 11 located in the storage compartment 6. In addition to the control unit 11, a heat exchanger 12 is also located in the storage compartment 6. The heat exchanger serves to heat fresh air from the environment using warm exhaust air from the sauna cabin. The heat exchanger is connected to the sauna heater via the supply duct, so that the fresh air heated by the heat exchanger is supplied to the sauna heater through the supply duct. The supply line required for this is not shown in detail. The control unit 11 is connected to a sensor (not shown in detail) with which the control unit can determine the position of the second cabin element 3.

[0030] The control unit 11 is connected to the sauna heater 9 via a first interface and to the heat exchanger 12 via a second interface. The operating parameters of the sauna heater 9 and the heat exchanger 11 can be adjusted by means of the control unit 11 depending on the position of the second cabin element 3.

[0031] The Fig. Figure 2 shows sauna cabin 1 of the Fig. 1 in the retracted position. The sauna heater 9 moved through the opening 7 into the storage space 6 during the transition to the retracted position. In the retracted position, the sauna heater 9 is completely within the cavity 6. The door 10 has a mechanical coupling (not shown) for moving the cabin elements 2, 3 and was moved into its position when the cabin elements 2, 3 were moved into the retracted position. Fig. The open position shown in section 2 has been transferred. The supply channel 8 is fully retracted and is completely located within storage space 6.

[0032] The Fig. 3 shows the sauna cabin of the Fig. 1 along the in Fig. 1. Drawing of section line A. Fig. 4 shows sauna cabin 2 along the in Fig. 2 section line B shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 4 consists of several slats arranged side by side. Accordingly, several ventilation openings 14 are formed in the area of ​​the sauna heater 9 above the sauna heater 9, through which air heated by the sauna heater 9 within the storage space 6 can flow out of the storage space 6.

[0033] Fig. 5 shows the sauna cabin of the Fig. 1 along the section line C. The cover 5 conceals the storage space 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the door 10 has a recess through which the supply channel 8 runs. However, it is also alternatively possible that the door extends only to the upper edge of the supply channel 8.

[0034] The Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a sauna cabin 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional top view, which corresponds to the view from Fig. 1 corresponds to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows one of the Fig. 3 corresponding cut of the sauna cabin Fig. 6 along the in Fig. 6. Section line D shown. In contrast to the embodiment from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. The sauna cabin 1 comprises a total of three cabin elements. In addition to the fixed first cabin element 2 and the second cabin element 3, a middle cabin element 15 is provided. The sauna cabin according to the second embodiment can therefore be extended further than the sauna cabin according to the first embodiment. The seating area 4 is in Fig. Figure 6 is shown only schematically. It can be seen that the storage space 6 for the sauna heater 9 is located below the seat 4. In the Fig. 6 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the storage compartment 6 is separated from the volume to its right below the seat by a partition 17. To the right of the partition, below the seat 4, are the heat exchanger 12 and the control unit or power unit 11. As shown in Figure 7, the storage compartment 6 is separated from the volume to its right below the seat by a partition 17. To the right of the partition, below the seat 4, are the heat exchanger 12 and the control unit or power unit 11. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the heat exchanger 12 is located directly below the seat 4, leaving sufficient space below the heat exchanger to accommodate a stool 16 or an additional seat. The stool 16 can be pulled out from under the seat 4 as needed, as shown in Figure 7. Fig. Figure 6 is shown. Fig. Figure 7 shows the stool 16 in its stowed position below the seat 4. Fig. Figure 7 also shows that the aperture 5, unlike in the embodiment, is formed from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 to Fig. 5, does not extend to the floor of the sauna cabin but merely covers the heat exchanger 12 located directly under the seat 4. Reference symbol list 1 sauna cabin 2 first cabin element 3 second cabin element 4 seats 5 aperture 6 Cavity / Storage space 7 Opening 8 cable duct 9 Sauna heater 10 Cover 11 Control unit 12 heat exchangers 13 Supply line 14 ventilation openings A section line B Intersection line C section line

Claims

[1] Extendable sauna cabin (1) comprising a heating system, wherein the sauna cabin (1) has at least a first cabin element (2) and a second cabin element (3), wherein the second cabin element (3) is movable relative to the first cabin element (2) between an extended position and a retracted position, wherein the heating system comprises a sauna heater (9) arranged on the second cabin element (3), wherein a storage space (6) with at least one opening (7) is formed on the first cabin element (2), wherein the sauna heater (9) is movable through the opening (7), is not arranged in the storage space (6) in the extended position and is at least partially arranged in the storage space (6) in the retracted position, characterized by , that between the first cabin element (2) and the sauna heater (9) arranged on the second cabin element (3) a retractable supply channel (8) is formed for supply lines. [2] Sauna cabin (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the heating system further comprises a heat exchanger (12) arranged on the first cabin element (2), which serves to heat fresh air from the environment by means of warm exhaust air from the sauna cabin (1), wherein the heat exchanger (12) is connected to the sauna heater (9) via the supply duct, so that the fresh air heated by the heat exchanger (12) can be supplied to the sauna heater (9) via the supply duct (13). [3] Sauna cabin according to claim 2, characterized by , that the sauna cabin (1) has a seat (4) which is arranged on the first cabin element (2), wherein both the storage space (6) and the heat exchanger (12) are arranged below the seat (4). [4] Sauna cabin (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the supply channel (8) runs through the storage space (6) and extends through the opening (7). [5] Sauna cabin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a cover (10) is formed at the opening (7) which covers the opening (7) at least in the extended position. [6] Sauna cabin (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the cover (10) is designed as a door, wherein the door (10) is rotatably mounted on the opening (7). [7] Sauna cabin (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that between the door (10) and at least one cabin element (2, 3) there is a mechanical coupling which causes the door (10) to be moved between an open position and a closed position by moving the second cabin element (3) between the retracted position and the extended position. [8] Sauna cabin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sauna heater (9) is completely located in the storage space (6) in the retracted position. [9] Sauna cabin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the retracted position above the sauna heater (9) at least one ventilation opening (14) is formed on the storage space (6) through which air heated by the sauna heater (9) can flow out of the storage space (6). [10] Sauna cabin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one wall or ceiling of the storage space (6) has at least some heat-resistant material attached. [11] Sauna cabin (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the heating system further comprises a control unit (11), wherein the control unit (11) is connected to the sauna heater (9) via a first interface, and the operating parameters of the sauna heater (9) can be adjusted by means of the control unit (11) depending on the position of the second cabin element (3). [12] Sauna cabin (1) according to claim 11, characterized by, that the heat exchanger (12) is connected to the control unit (11) via a second interface, and the operating parameters of the heat exchanger (12) can be adjusted by means of the control unit (11) depending on the position of the second cabin element (3). [13] Sauna cabin (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized by , that the heating system further includes a sensor, the sensor is connected to the control unit (11), and the position of the second cabin element (3) can be determined by the control unit (11) using the sensor.

Citation Information

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