Sauna stove and method for replacing an insert of such a sauna stove

Abstract

The invention relates to a sauna heater (2) comprising a housing (4) and an insert (8) for receiving heat storage medium. The housing (4) includes an opening through which the insert (8) can be inserted into and removed from the housing. The insert (8) is connected to at least one handle element (10). The invention further relates to a method for replacing an insert for receiving heat storage medium in such a sauna heater.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sauna heater comprising a housing and an insert for receiving heat storage media. The present invention further relates to a method for replacing an insert for receiving heat storage media in such a sauna heater.

[0002] Sauna heaters are known in various designs from the prior art. These typically feature an insert permanently attached to the heater, in which heat storage materials, such as lava stones, soapstone, or the like, can be arranged. To ensure proper functioning of the sauna heaters, the heat storage materials must be replaced after a defined period of use. In known sauna heaters, these materials must be individually removed from the insert to replace them.

[0003] Replacing the heat storage medium is therefore time-consuming and labor-intensive.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a sauna heater which allows for the easy replacement of heat storage media. Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for replacing an insert for holding heat storage media in such a sauna heater.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by the sauna stove with the features of claim 1 and the method with the features of claim 10.

[0006] According to the invention, a sauna heater is provided which comprises a housing and an insert for receiving heat storage materials such as sauna stones, lava stones, soapstone, or the like. The housing includes, in particular vertically at the top and / or horizontally at the sides, an opening for the insert, or is designed to be open. The insert can be inserted into and removed from the housing through this opening. The insert is connected to at least one handle. The handle facilitates easy insertion and removal of the insert from the housing.

[0007] The core idea of ​​the invention is therefore to provide an interchangeable insert that can be easily inserted into and removed from the housing. The heat storage elements arranged in the insert can thus be removed from the housing along with the insert in a short time. To ensure that the sauna heater can then be used again immediately, another insert containing further heat storage elements can be placed into the housing.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the sauna heater according to the invention, the insert rests on the housing, in particular on an upper edge of the housing.

[0009] For example, at least two opposing side walls or all side walls of the insert include a support area, projecting at a right angle, at their vertically oriented upper end. The insert rests on the housing at this support area, particularly when the insert is installed in the housing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the sauna heater according to the invention, a support element is provided which is secured in position relative to the housing, in particular fixed to the housing.

[0011] The insert can rest on the support element if the insert is arranged in the housing.

[0012] The insert is open at the top in a vertical direction, for example.

[0013] The insert can be basket-shaped.

[0014] For example, the insert has the shape of a rectangle whose top side in the vertical direction, i.e. its top, is open or which includes an opening at the top.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the sauna heater according to the invention, a base and / or at least one side wall of the insert (each) comprises at least one air passage opening.

[0016] The base of the insert and / or the side walls of the insert may be made of wire mesh.

[0017] The handle element, for example, is made of the same material as the insert.

[0018] The handle and / or basket may be made of steel or contain steel.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the sauna stove according to the invention, the at least one handle element is a bar.

[0020] The bracket can be connected to the insert at each end, in particular to two opposing side walls of the insert.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the sauna heater according to the invention, the at least one handle element is pivotably connected to the insert.

[0022] The pivot axis can extend in a horizontal or vertical direction.

[0023] If multiple handle elements are provided, the pivot axes of the handle elements extend parallel to each other, for example.

[0024] The at least one handle element can be translationally movable relative to its use, in particular by a defined distance.

[0025] For this purpose, the insert includes, for example, at least one recess in which the handle element can be at least partially arranged.

[0026] The defined distance corresponds to a longitudinal extent of the recess, in particular an extent of the recess in a vertical or horizontal direction.

[0027] The at least one handle element can therefore be extended and inserted from the insert, in particular from the at least one recess of the insert.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the sauna stove according to the invention, the insert can be moved together with the handle element during a translational movement of the handle element relative to the insert that extends beyond the defined distance.

[0029] For this purpose, a drive element is arranged at the end of a portion of the handle element that can be positioned in the recess. The drive element's transverse extension, particularly in the horizontal or vertical direction of the sauna heater, is greater than the transverse extension of the portion of the handle element that can be positioned in the recess. The drive element thus forms, for example, an end flange projecting outwards from the portion of the handle element that can be positioned in the recess, particularly radially.

[0030] The recess can include a counter-movement element, particularly at its upper or laterally outer end in the longitudinal direction.

[0031] The counter-movement element partially closes the recess, for example, vertically at the top or horizontally to the side.

[0032] If the handle element is shifted upwards vertically or outwards horizontally by the defined distance, the drive element, for example, rests against the counter-drive element. Further movement of the handle element in a vertical or horizontal direction thus causes, for example, a movement of the insert upwards vertically or horizontally, particularly out of the housing.

[0033] The sauna heater can have exactly two handle elements.

[0034] The two handle elements are spaced apart from each other, for example, particularly in a horizontal and / or a vertical direction.

[0035] The handle elements can be identical.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the sauna stove according to the invention, the at least one handle element is telescopic, particularly in the vertical direction.

[0037] The at least one handle element can be, especially if it is angular, inverted U-shaped.

[0038] Alternative forms of the handle element are also conceivable.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the sauna heater according to the invention, the legs of the U-shaped handle element, which extend particularly in a vertical direction when the insert is arranged in the housing, can be arranged completely in the recess of the insert and / or inserted so far into the recess that a transverse element connecting the legs rests on the insert, in particular on a top side of the insert.

[0040] In one exemplary embodiment, the sauna heater according to the invention includes a lid or cover. The insert opening can be closed by means of the lid.

[0041] The insert and at least one handle element can be completely recessed within the housing. This means they do not protrude vertically upwards from the housing when the insert is in place. This allows for easy placement of the lid on the housing.

[0042] For example, the cover, particularly on its side facing the housing, includes a locking element. This locking element corresponds to the housing or to a locking counterpart arranged on the housing in such a way that the cover, when placed on the housing, is fixed to the housing. The cover is thus immovable relative to the housing, or at least movable only in exactly one direction, particularly vertically upwards, relative to the housing.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the sauna heater according to the invention includes an electrical connector. The electrical connector has a plug element arranged on the heating device and a mating plug element. The mating plug element is provided in the housing.

[0044] The heating device can be inserted into the housing in such a way that the plug-in element automatically engages with the plug-in counterpart element when the heating device is inserted into the housing, especially when the heating device is completely arranged in the housing.

[0045] The heating device can be inserted into the housing, for example, through a heating device opening in the housing.

[0046] The heating device opening can correspond to the insert opening.

[0047] Alternatively, the heating device opening can be formed on a side wall of the housing.

[0048] The heating device opening can be closed with a cover.

[0049] The plug-in element, for example, can be removed from the housing together with the heating element through the heating element opening. The electrical connection is automatically disconnected when the heating element is removed from the housing.

[0050] Furthermore, a method for replacing an insert for holding heat storage media in a sauna heater, particularly as described above, is provided. The method comprises removing the insert from the housing of the sauna heater and subsequently inserting another insert into the housing.

[0051] For example, the insert is removed from the housing through an opening in the housing.

[0052] The remaining insert can be inserted into the housing through the insert opening.

[0053] For example, the further insert is placed in the housing in such a way that it is completely located inside the housing, i.e., it does not protrude from it, or is partially located inside the housing, in particular protruding from the top of the housing.

[0054] To remove the insert from the housing, a user, for example, grasps a handle element that is connected to the insert.

[0055] The further insert can be brought into the housing by translational movement in the upward direction or vertically downward direction until the further insert rests on an upper edge of the housing and / or on a support element that is fixed to the housing.

[0056] Before removing the insert from the housing, the handle element is moved, for example, from a storage position to a working position, in particular by pivoting the handle element relative to the insert, by translational movement relative to the insert and / or by telescopically extending the handle element, i.e., axially pulling the handle element apart, especially in a vertical direction.

[0057] After the further insert has been placed into the housing, the handle element can be moved from a working position to a storage position, in particular by pivoting the handle element relative to the insert, by translational movement relative to the insert and / or by telescopically pushing the handle element together, especially in a vertical direction.

[0058] In the operating position, the handle protrudes from the housing, for example, when the insert or further insert is placed inside. This makes the handle easily accessible to the user.

[0059] In the stowed position, when the insert or further insert is placed in the housing, the handle element is, for example, completely inside the housing, i.e., the handle element does not protrude from the housing.

[0060] For example, before removing the insert, a cover that closes the housing vertically at the top is removed.

[0061] After the further insert has been placed into the housing, the cover can be positioned on the housing, in particular placed on top of the housing.

[0062] For example, before removing the cover, a locking element is released which secures the cover to the housing.

[0063] After the cover is attached to the housing, the locking element can be moved into a locking position in which it releasably fixes the cover to the housing.

[0064] The process may further include inserting and / or removing a heating device into or from the housing.

[0065] The heating device is inserted into the housing, for example, through a heating device opening.

[0066] The heating device opening can be closed with a cover.

[0067] The heating device is, for example, inserted into the housing in such a way that a plug element of an electrical connector arranged on the heating device automatically engages with a mating plug element of the electrical connector, which is arranged in the housing in particular.

[0068] Removing the heating element from the housing automatically disconnects the electrical plug connection, for example.

[0069] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing. It shows: Figure 1 a perspective view of a sauna stove according to the invention in an assembled state; Figure 2 another perspective view of the sauna stove from Figure 1 in an unassembled state; Figure 3 another perspective view of the sauna stove from Figure 1 in an unassembled state, Figure 4 a perspective view of another sauna stove according to the invention in an assembled state Figure 5 another perspective view of the other sauna stove from Figure 4 in an unassembled state; and Figure 6 another perspective view of the other sauna stove from Figure 4in an unassembled state.

[0070] In the Figures 1 to 3 A sauna heater 2 according to the invention is shown. The sauna heater 2 comprises a housing 4, a replaceable heating device 6 and a replaceable insert 8.

[0071] During the Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment of the sauna heater 2, the housing 4 is open on one side, forming a heating element opening. The heating element 6 can be inserted into and removed from the interior of the housing 4, or into a cavity defined by the housing 4, through this opening. The heating element 6 can thus be easily replaced through the heating element opening 26, particularly without requiring the disassembly of other components of the sauna heater 2. The heating element opening 26 can be closed, for example, by means of a cover.

[0072] As from Figure 2As can be seen, the heating device 6 comprises a plurality of serpentine heating elements 34. The heating elements are connected to a connecting cable or power cable via an electrical plug connection. The connecting cable can in turn be connected to a power source.

[0073] The connector comprises a plug element 22 and a mating plug element 24. The plug element 22 is fixedly connected to the heating device 6. In particular, the plug element 22 is fixed to an underside of the heating device 6. The mating plug element 24 is fixedly connected to the housing 4, in particular its position relative to the housing 4 is secured. For example, the mating plug element 24 is fixed to a base plate 42 that closes the bottom of the housing vertically. The plug element 22 and the mating plug element 24 are aligned with each other such that the plug element 22 can be brought into engagement with the mating plug element 24 by a movement relative to the mating plug element 24 in a horizontal direction.

[0074] In an installation position of the heating device 6, which is in Figure 1 As shown, the plug-in element 22 is engaged with the plug-in counterpart element 24.

[0075] To ensure correct positioning of the heating device 6 relative to the housing 4 in the installation position, the housing 4 includes a positioning arrangement. The positioning arrangement comprises a positioning element that is fixedly connected to or forms part of the heating device 6 and a positioning counter-element. The positioning counter-element is secured in its position relative to the housing 4. In particular, the positioning counter-element is fixedly connected to or forms part of the housing 4.

[0076] The housing 4 is open at its top, i.e., in the vertical direction at the top, so that an insert opening 14 is formed. The insert 8 can be inserted into the housing 4 from above through the insert opening 14. Heat storage elements (not shown) can be arranged in the insert 8. The insert 8 can be inserted into the housing 4 until it rests on the heating device 6.

[0077] In contrast to the embodiment shown, it is also conceivable that the insert 8 can be inserted so far into the housing 4 that the insert 8 rests on a support element firmly connected to the housing 4.

[0078] When the insert 8 comes to rest against the heating device 6 or the support element, the insert 8 is completely enclosed within the housing 4. The insert 8 therefore does not protrude from the top of the housing 4.

[0079] In contrast to the embodiment shown, it is also conceivable that the insert comprises a lateral projection or flange which rests on the housing, in particular such that the insert is arranged at least largely, in particular the area of ​​the insert in which the heat storage means 12 are arranged, in the housing.

[0080] To facilitate insertion and removal of the insert 8 into and from the housing 4, the insert 8 is connected to two handle elements 10. Each handle element 10 has an angular, inverted U-shape. The handle elements 10 thus each comprise two legs 16 and a transverse element 18 connecting the legs 16 at their ends.

[0081] The legs 16 are each connected to the insert 8 in such a way that they can be displaced by a defined distance relative to the insert 8, particularly in the vertical direction. Thus, when the insert 8 is installed in the housing 4 in its intended functional position, the handle elements 10 can be arranged completely inside the housing 4; that is, the handle elements 10 do not protrude from the top of the housing 4.

[0082] In the Figures 4 to 6 Another sauna heater 20 according to the invention is shown. The further sauna heater 20 essentially corresponds to the one shown in the Figures 1 to 3The sauna heater shown in section 2. Therefore, only the distinguishing features will be explained below, while the above statements apply accordingly.

[0083] As can be seen particularly from the Figures 5 and 6 As can be seen, the other sauna heater 20 differs from the one in the Figures 1 to 3 The sauna heater 2 shown is distinguished by the fact that the heating element 6 can be inserted into the housing from above, i.e., not from the side as with sauna heater 2. The insertion opening 14 thus simultaneously forms an opening for the heating element.

[0084] While sauna heater 2 comprises the plug-in element 22 and the plug-in counterpart element 24, which can be engaged and detached from each other by a relative movement in a horizontal direction, the other sauna heater 20 comprises a plug-in element 26 and a plug-in counterpart element 28. The plug-in element 26 and the plug-in counterpart element 28 can be engaged and detached from each other by a relative movement in a vertical direction.

Claims

1. Sauna heater comprising a housing (4) and an insert (8) for receiving heat storage medium (12), thereby characterized that the housing (4) includes an insert opening (14) through which the insert (8) can be inserted into and removed from the housing (4), wherein the insert (8) is connected to at least one handle element (10).

2. Sauna heater according to claim 1, wherein characterized that the insert (8) rests on an upper edge of the housing (4) and / or a support element is provided which is secured in position relative to the housing (4), in particular fixed to the housing (4), on which the insert (8) rests.

3. Sauna heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein characterized that the insertion (8) is open at the top.

4. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein characterized that a base and / or at least one side wall of the insert (8) (each) includes at least one air passage opening.

5. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein characterized that the at least one handle element (10) is a handle bracket which is connected at its end to the insert (8), in particular to two opposing side walls of the insert (8), and / or that the at least one handle element (10) is pivotable or translationally movable relative to the insert (8), in particular translationally movable relative to the insert (8) by a defined distance, wherein the insert (8) is movable with the handle element (10) by means of a translational movement of the handle element (10) relative to the insert (8) beyond the defined distance.

6. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein characterized that at least one handle element (10) is telescopic and / or the insert (8) includes at least one recess in which the handle element (10) can be at least partially arranged.

7. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein characterized that the at least one handle element (10) is inverted U-shaped, wherein legs (16) of the U-shaped handle element (10) can in particular be arranged completely or partially in a relevant recess of the insert (8), in particular being inserted so far into the recesses that a transverse element (18) connecting the legs (16) rests on the insert (8).

8. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a lid (20) by means of which the insertion opening (14) can be closed.

9. Sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by a heating device (6) which is arranged in the housing (4) and an electrical plug connection with a plug element (22) arranged on the heating device (6) and a plug counterpart element (24), wherein the housing (4) comprises a heating device opening (26), throughwhich the heating device (6) can be inserted into the housing (4) in such a way that the plug-in element (22) engages with a plug-in counterpart element (24), wherein the electrical plug connection through The heating device (6) can be automatically removed from the housing (4).

10. Method for replacing an insert for receiving heat storage means of a sauna heater according to one of claims 1 to 9, comprising removing an insert (8) from a housing (4) of the sauna heater (2) and subsequently inserting a further insert (8) into the housing (4).

11. Method according to claim 10, wherein characterizedthat the insert (8) is removed from the housing (4) through an insert opening (14) of the housing (4) and / or the further insert (8) is inserted into the housing (4) through the insert opening (14), wherein the further insert (8) is in particular inserted into the housing (4) in such a way that it is arranged completely or partially inside the housing (4).

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein characterized that the further insert (8) is inserted into the housing (4) by translational movement in the upward direction downwards until the further insert (8) rests on an upper edge of the housing (4) and / or on a support element fixed to the housing (4).

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein characterizedthat a handle element (10) is moved from a storage position to a working position before the insert (8) is removed from the housing (4), in particular by pivoting the handle element (10) relative to the insert (8), by translational movement relative to the insert (8) and / or by telescopically extending the handle element (10); and / or that the handle element (10) is moved from the working position to a storage position after the further insert (8) has been placed into the housing (4), in particular by pivoting the handle element (10) relative to the insert (8), by translational movement relative to the insert (8) and / or by telescopically collapsing the handle element (10);wherein in the operating position the handle element (10) protrudes from the housing (4) when the insert (8) or the further insert (8) is inserted into the housing (4) and the handle element (10) is completely arranged inside the housing (4) in the storage position when the insert (8) or the further insert (8) is inserted into the housing (4).

14. Method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein characterized that before removing the insert (8) a cover (20) which closes the housing (4) in a vertical direction at the top is removed and / or after inserting the further insert (8) into the housing (4) the cover (20) is attached to the housing (4).

15. Method according to claim 14, wherein characterizedthat before the cover (20) is removed, a locking element is released which secures the cover (20) to the housing (4), and / or that after the cover (20) is attached to the housing (4), the locking element is moved into a locking position in which it releasably secures the cover (20) to the housing (4).

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