System, sauna stove, and method for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for detecting water dispensed into a stone space (14) of a sauna stove (10), wherein the system includes a sauna stove (10) arranged in a sauna room (8), which sauna stove (10) includes a stone space (14) that includes a heating mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space (14). The system includes a sensor (50) for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space (14). The invention also relates to a corresponding sauna stove and to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] SYSTEM, SAUNA STOVE, AND METHOD FOR DETECTING WATER DISPENSED

[0002] INTO A STONE SPACE OF X SAUNA STOVE

[0003] The invention relates to a system for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove, wherein the system includes a sauna stove arranged a sauna room, which sauna stove includes a stone space that includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space. The invention also relates to a ladle, to a sauna stove and to a method for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove.

[0004] A sauna stove in what is known as a Finnish sauna includes a stone space that is filled with heat-retaining stones or some other heat-retaining mass, such as a ceramic material . The mass in the stone space is typically heated to a temperature of around 200-700 °C in operation. When the sauna is in operation, liquid water is dispensed intermittently into the hot stone space, i .e. water is thrown into the hot stone space to create steam. The throwing of water into the stone space to create steam can be performed, for example, manually with a ladle or automatically through the control of a valve. Water dispensed into the stone space of the ssaauunnaa stove in operation thus evaporates quickly and forms vapour, oorr steam, which rises upwards out of the stone space and spreads into the room. The hot ssttoonnee space of the ssaauunnaa ssttoovvee simultaneously also contributes to the heating of the air in the sauna room, the air typically being heated to a temperature of around 60-120 °C.

[0005] Automated systems that can detect and identify instances of water being dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove and that can utilize information regarding an instance of water dispensed into the stone space for a selected application are unknown in the prior art .

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a system, a sauna stove and a method for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove . The characteristic features of a system according to the invention are set out in the attached patent claim 1 , the characteristic features of a sauna stove according to the invention are set out in the attached patent claim 15, and the characteristic features of a method according to the invention are set out in the attached patent claim 16.

[0007] A system according to the invention for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove includes a sauna stove arranged in a sauna room, wherein the sauna stove includes a stone space that includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 o C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space . The system includes a sensor for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space .

[0008] In other words, the system is configured to detect water in a liquid state that is dispensed into the stone space before the water evaporates . It is thus already possible to detect an instance of water being thrown into the stone space of the sauna stove before the formation of steam in the stone space .

[0009] Any sensor according to the prior art capable of detecting a dispensing of liquid water can be used as the sensor . The selected sensor can be configured to monitor the sauna room for the complete duration of a sauna session . Data relating to the dispensing of water and thus to instances of water being thrown into the stone space detected by the system can be utilized for a selected application, such as for controlling functions of the sauna stove, or for a lifestyle application by providing the user of the sauna with data relating to the sauna session . As the dispensing of water into the stone space is detected already before the water turns into steam in the hot stone space, this information can be used, for example, to control functions of the sauna stove, for example to adjust a heating power of the stone space or an air flow through the stone space, which can influence a steam intensity experienced by the user .

[0010] Preferably, the system includes software means for identifying dispensed water . Using the software means, it is possible to identify a change caused by the dispensing of water in the measurement signal generated by a selected sensor . Software means is broadly defined here as any computer program that includes software code means configured to identify a change in the measurement signal of a selected sensor caused by an instance of the dispensing of water when the computer program is executed on a computer . The software means can be arranged, for example, in a control unit of the sauna stove or in a separate computer . In general, the characteristic profile that results in the signal measured by the sensor due to the dispensing of water can be either learned or defined deterministically .

[0011] Preferably, the software means include artificial intelligence

[0012] (Al ) for identifying a change in the measurement signal of a sensor caused by the dispensing of water . In this case, training material for the artificial intelligence of the software means can take the form of a signal measured by a sensor in a selected sauna room, and the system can learn using Al to identify a change in the signal of the selected sensor that is caused by the dispensing of water in that particular sauna .

[0013] Instead of artificial intelligence, it is also possible to use a software algorithm with corresponding features . The sauna stove used in the system can be any sauna stove according to the prior art . The stone space of the sauna stove can be configured to be heated by resistors or by burning wood or gas or a combustible liquid, such as oil, or by friction generated by an electrically operated turbine . It is thus possible to produce the required temperature in the stone space .

[0014] The sensor can be arranged in the sauna stove . This makes it possible to design the sauna stove as a structural unit that is capable of detecting water dispensed into the stone space .

[0015] Alternatively, the sensor can be a stand-alone component separate from the sauna stove, in which case the system can be implemented in connection with any existing sauna and sauna stove .

[0016] Preferably, the system is configured to detect liquid water dispensed into the stone space before the water comes into contact with the thermal mass located in the stone space . This makes it possible to control functions of the sauna stove before the water evaporates .

[0017] The system can be configured to modify a function of the sauna stove for 5-120 seconds, preferably for 10-60 seconds, as of a detected instance of water being thrown into the stone space, in such a manner that the system is configured to modify a steam intensity in a selected manner . The system is thus able to influence the conditions in the sauna room with the precision of a single instance of water being thrown into the stone space .

[0018] Preferably, the sauna stove is a sauna stove based on natural convection . In other words, the sauna stove does not include a fan to produce a forced convection, but rather heat is transferred from the stone space to the sauna room mainly by natural convection . The structure of the sauna stove is thus simple .

[0019] Preferably, the system is configured to adjust a flow of air flowing through the stone space of the sauna stove momentarily based on a detected instance of water being thrown into the stone space . It is thus possible to momentarily increase the heat transfer from the sauna stove to the sauna room, whereby it is possible to influence the intensity of the sauna steam experienced by the user . This is particularly useful in sauna stoves based on natural convection in which the flow through the sauna stove is typically poor .

[0020] In one embodiment, the sensor can be a mechanical sensor . The sensor can thus be configured to operate under the action of the force of gravity acting on the dispensed water . In other words, the sensor can include an element that is configured to be movable under the action of the force of gravity acting on the dispensed water in such a manner that a movement produced in the sensor by the dispensed water causes a signal that can be detected by the sensor, which makes it possible to identify a dispensing of water .

[0021] The system can include an element arranged over the stone space, preferably a grid-like element, which is configured to move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed onto the element . In other words, the element arranged over the stone space can act as a sensor or as part of a sensor .

[0022] It is thus possible, for example, for the element to be mechanically connected to a switch, so that a dispensing of water is detected based on a movement of the element and thus of the switch . The system can include a vessel for dispensing water into the stone space, which vessel is configured to move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel, and from which vessel water is configured to flow into the stone space. In other words, the vessel can act as a sensor or as part of a sensor. In other words, the vessel can be configured to tilt or otherwise move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel when the user dispenses water that is intended to be conveyed into the stone space into the vessel, in such a manner that, when the vessel tilts oorr moves, the position of the vessel changes and the water flows from the vessel into the stone space. Instead of tilting, it is also possible for the vessel to be, for example, spring-loaded and configured to move vertically under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel . For example, the vessel can be mechanically connected to a switch, whereby a dispensing of water is detected based on a movement of the vessel and thus of the switch.

[0023] In a second embodiment, the sensor can be an optical sensor. In this case, the sensor can, for example, monitor a selected wavelength range over the stone space, so that the system can be configured to detect an optical footprint characteristic of water being dispensed into the stone space. It is also possible to use machine vision in connection with an optical sensor.

[0024] In a third embodiment, the sensor can be a temperature sensor which is preferably arranged in an upper part of the stone space. For example, the sensor can be configured to be heated to the temperature of the stone space or at least so as to be hotter than the heat of the air in the room, so that the sensor cools when water cooler than the sensor is dispensed onto the measuring head of the sensor, so that the sensor detects an instance of the dispensing of water based on a change in temperature .

[0025] One or more sensors can be provided. A single sensor is advantageous in terms of its costs, while a plurality of sensors can detect a dispensing of water more reliably . It is possible to use any of the sensors described here together or separately .

[0026] In a fourth embodiment, the system includes a water tank, a valve for dispensing water from the water tank into the stone space, and an actuator for controlling the valve, and the system is configured to identify an activation of the actuator . In other words, the system can include an automated steam dispenser with which water can be dispensed into the stone space by activating the actuator . The actuator can be, for example, a button arranged in the sauna room, wherein the user can dispense water into the stone space by pressing the button . The actuator can also be fully automated for a control unit of the sauna stove .

[0027] In a fifth embodiment , the system includes a ladle, and a sensor is arranged in the ladle, which sensor is preferably an acceleration sensor . The system can thus be configured to identify an instance of water leaving the ladle as the result of which water is conveyed into the stone space of the sauna stove . Using the acceleration sensor, the system can learn, for example, to identify a movement of the ladle with which water is typically thrown into the stone space of a sauna stove .

[0028] Instead of an acceleration sensor, it is possible to use, for example, a scale or an optical sensor that can detect an instance of water leaving the ladle .

[0029] The sauna stove can include a flow channel that includes a valve, wherein the valve is configured to open when the system detects an instance of water being dispensed into the stone space, which enables an increased air flow in the flow channel .

[0030] The flow of air through the stone space of the sauna stove can thus initially be kept low, which facilitates the storage of a temperature in the stone space that is significantly higher than that of the sauna room. When the system detects an instance of the dispensing of water in the form of water being thrown into the stone space, the valve and flow channel can be opened to increase the air flow through the stone space . This increases the heat transfer from the stone space to the air in the sauna room, which increases the steam intensity and thus the sauna steam effect experienced by the user .

[0031] The valve can be configured to close within 5-120 seconds, preferably within 10-60 seconds, of opening . This allows the flow through the sauna stove to only be affected for the time it takes the liquid water dispensed into the stone space to evaporate in the stone space and to travel to the skin of the user, thus creating the sauna steam effect . The valve can consequently be closed between instances of water being thrown into the stone space, which allows a much higher temperature to be stored in the stone space than in the sauna room.

[0032] The system can include memory means and the software means can be configured to store an instance of the dispensing of water detected by the sensor and identified by the software means in a memory on the memory means together with a time corresponding to the detected instance of the dispensing of water, and the system includes display means for displaying an instance and time of the dispensing of water stored on the memory means . It is thus possible, for example, to generate measured data for the user regarding instances of water being thrown into the stone space and to display this data visually to the user, for example in connection with other health benefits of the sauna session .

[0033] It is possible to use a ladle for dispensing water into the stone space of the sauna stove in connection with the system or independently of the rest of the system, which ladle includes a sensor for detecting water leaving the ladle and software means for identifying water leaving the ladle . By monitoring the ladle with a sensor in this manner, it is possible to detect and identify water leaving the ladle and thus water dispensed into the stone space of the sauna stove . The sensor can be any sensor according to the prior art that is capable of producing a detectable and identifiable signal due to the action of water leaving the ladle .

[0034] The sensor in the ladle can be an acceleration sensor, so that the ladle can, for example, be taught to identify a movement of the user acting on the ladle with which water is typically thrown from the ladle into the stone space of a sauna stove .

[0035] Instead of an acceleration sensor, it is also possible to use, for example, a scale or an optical sensor that can detect an instance of water leaving the ladle . One or more sensors can be provided .

[0036] The selected sensor can be configured to monitor movements or other attributes of the ladle for the complete duration of a sauna session . In this case, the system must include software means for identifying a change produced in the continuously generated measurement signal of the sensor by an instance of water being thrown into the stone space . Software means is broadly defined here as any computer program that includes software code means configured to identify a change in the measurement signal of the sensor caused by an instance of water being thrown into the stone space when the computer program is executed on a computer . The software means can be arranged, for example, in a microprocessor incorporated in the ladle . Data relating to instances of water being thrown into the stone space detected by the ladle can be utilized for a selected application, such as for controlling functions of the sauna stove, or for a lifestyle application by providing the user of the sauna with data relating to the sauna session . In general, the characteristic profile that results in the signal measured by the sensor due to the dispensing of water can be either learned or defined deterministically .

[0037] Preferably, the software means of the ladle include artificial intelligence (Al ) for identifying a change caused in the measurement signal of the sensor by the dispensing of water .

[0038] In this case, training material for the artificial intelligence of the software means can take the form of a signal measured by a sensor on a selected ladle, and the ladle can learn using

[0039] Al to identify a change in the signal of the selected sensor in that particular ladle that is produced by the dispensing of water . For example, if the sensor is an acceleration sensor, the artificial intelligence of the software means can learn to identify an acceleration produced in the ladle by a selected user in connection with a dispensing of water . The ladle can thus learn to distinguish between a dispensing of water and other movements of the ladle, so that, for example, if a child is playing with the ladle, the ladle does not identify the movement as a dispensing of water .

[0040] The sauna stove according to the invention includes a stone space which includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space . The sauna stove includes a sensor for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space . The system described above can thus be integrated into the sauna stove, in which case it is not necessary to install a separate sensor and control means in the sauna room . The preferred embodiments of the system described in the foregoing can be integrated into the sauna stove via the necessary modifications .

[0041] Preferably, the sauna stove includes software means for identifying water dispensed into the stone space . Using the software means, it is possible to identify a change caused by the dispensing of water in the measurement signal generated continuously by a selected sensor . Software means is broadly defined here as any computer program that includes software code means configured to identify a change in the measurement signal of a selected sensor caused by an instance of the dispensing of water when the computer program is executed on a computer . The software means can be arranged, for example, in a control unit of the sauna stove or in a separate computer .

[0042] In general, the characteristic profile that results in the signal measured by the sensor due to the dispensing of water can be either learned or defined deterministically .

[0043] The sauna stove can be any sauna stove according to the prior art . The stone space of the sauna stove can be configured to be heated by resistors or by burning wood or gas or a combustible liquid, such as oil, or by friction generated by an electrically operated turbine . It is thus possible to produce the required temperature in the stone space .

[0044] In a method according to the invention for detecting water dispensed into a stone space of a sauna stove, a sauna stove is arranged in a sauna room, wherein the sauna stove includes a stone space, which includes a thermal mass that is heated to a temperature of 200-700 o C and into which water is dispensed in order to be evaporated. Liquid water dispensed into the stone space is detected by a sensor . In other words, the water is detected in a liquid state before it evaporates and preferably before it comes into contact with the thermal mass in the stone space . An instance of the dispensing of water into the stone space can thus be detected in an automated manner and this information can be used for a selected application .

[0045] Preferably, a function of the sauna stove is modified for 5-

[0046] 120 seconds, preferably 10-60 seconds, as of a detected instance of the dispensing of water, in such a manner that a steam intensity is modified in a selected manner . It is thus possible in the method to influence the conditions in the sauna room with the precision of a single instance of water being thrown into the stone space .

[0047] Preferably, the flow of air flowing through the stone space of the sauna stove is adjusted momentarily based on a detected instance of the dispensing of water . It is thus possible to momentarily increase the heat transfer from the sauna stove to the sauna room, whereby it is possible to influence the intensity of the sauna steam experienced by the user .

[0048] Preferably, an instance of the dispensing of water is detected by the sensor and identified by the software means, and a valve in the sauna stove is opened simultaneously, said valve opening a flow channel in the sauna stove through which air is conveyed through the stone space of the sauna stove . This allows the air flow through the stone space to be momentarily increased, whereby the heat transfer from the stone space to the air in the sauna room can be increased. The control means of the system can be configured to carry out an adjustment of the opening state of the valve in the flow channel automatically . Preferably, a heating power of the sauna stove is increased when an instance of the dispensing of water is detected by the sensor . The stone space can thus be heated at a lower power when the sauna is not in use and / or when water is not being thrown into the stone space . When an instance of water being thrown into the stone space is detected, it can be inferred that the user wants more heat in the sauna room, so that the heating of the stone space can be increased. The control means of the system can be configured to adjust the heating power automatically .

[0049] Preferably, an instance of the dispensing of water into the stone space detected by the sensor and identified by the software means is stored in a memory on memory means together with a time corresponding to the detected instance of the dispensing of water, and a stored instance and time of the dispensing of water are displayed by display means .

[0050] Preferably, artificial intelligence (Al ) is used in the software means, wherein the artificial intelligence is trained to identify a signal generated in a sensor by an instance of the dispensing of water in a selected sauna room. The method can thus be reliably adapted to different, individual sauna rooms in which the signal measured by the sensor and the momentary change in the signal caused by water being thrown into the stone space can be unique .

[0051] The invention is described in detail in the following with reference to the attached drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein

[0052] Figure 1 shows a system according to the invention which includes an optical sensor for detecting water dispensed into the stone space of a sauna stove, Figure 2 shows a second system according to the invention which includes a mechanical sensor for detecting water dispensed into the stone space of a sauna stove,

[0053] Figure 3 shows a third system according to the invention which includes a temperature sensor for detecting water dispensed into the stone space of a sauna stove,

[0054] Photos 4a-4b show a fourth system according to the invention which includes another mechanical sensor for detecting water dispensed into the stone space of a sauna stove,

[0055] Figure 5 shows a fifth system according to the invention which includes an automated steam dispenser to which a sensor for detecting water dispensed into the stone space of the sauna stove is connected,

[0056] Figure 6 shows a ladle with which it is possible to detect water leaving the ladle .

[0057] Figure 1 illustrates a system according to the invention for detecting water dispensed into a stone space 14 of a sauna stove 10 , wherein the system includes a sauna stove 10 arranged in a sauna room 8 , which sauna stove 10 includes a stone space

[0058] 14 that includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 o C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space 14 . The system includes a sensor 50 for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space 14 . The stone space 14 is configured to be heated by resistors 16. The invention does not depend on the manner in which the stone space 14 is heated so that the invention can be adapted to any sauna stove according to the prior art . The stone space 14 here includes heat-retaining stones 15 arranged inside the frame 12 of the sauna stove 10 as the thermal mass . In this embodiment, the sensor 50 is an optical sensor that is attached to the frame 12 of the sauna stove 10 and configured to monitor an upper part of the stone space 14 . In other words, the sensor 50 is integrated into the sauna stove 10 here, so that Figure 1 also shows an embodiment of a sauna stove 10 according to the invention .

[0059] The sensor 50 can, for example, be configured to monitor a selected wavelength range over the stone space 14 , such as infrared, so that the system can be configured to detect an optical footprint characteristic of water being dispensed into the stone space 14 .

[0060] The sensor 50 is connected to a control unit 60 of the sauna stove 10 , which control unit 60 includes a microprocessor and software means by means of which a change in the signal of the sensor 50 caused by an instance of the dispensing of water can be identified from the signal detected by the sensor 50 . The control unit 60 can be integrated into the sauna stove 10 or arranged, for example, on a wall of the sauna room and connected to the sauna stove 10 in a wired or wireless manner . The algorithm used by the software means is adapted to the measurement signal of the selected sensor 50 used in the system .

[0061] The measurement signal can also be unique to each sauna room

[0062] 8 , so that the system can be calibrated so as to be tailored to a particular sauna room 8 .

[0063] Preferably, the software means in the system includes artificial intelligence for identifying a physical phenomenon caused by water evaporating in the stone space 14 . In this case, the system uses a signal measured in each sauna room 8 to train the software means of the system, so that the system can be readily and reliably calibrated so as to be tailored to each sauna room 8 .

[0064] Figure 2 shows a second system according to the invention which includes a mechanical sensor 50 for detecting water dispensed into the stone space 14 of a sauna stove 10 . The sensor 50 here is a grid-like element 55 arranged over the stone space 14 . The grid-like element 55 can be, for example, spring-loaded in such a manner that the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed onto the element 55 causes the element 55 to move vertically downward. The movement of the element 55 can be detected by, for example, a mechanical switch, so that a vertical movement of the element 55 can be interpreted as an instance of the dispensing of water into the stone space 14 . The switch can be configured to transmit information regarding an instance of the dispensing of water to the software means . Alternatively, the switch can be configured to control a function of the sauna stove 10 mechanically .

[0065] Figure 3 shows a third system according to the invention in which the sensor 50 is a temperature sensor . The sensor 50 is arranged in an upper part of the stone space 14 so as to be heated to the temperature of the stones 15 of the stone space

[0066] 14 or at least so as to be hotter than the temperature of the air in the sauna room, so that the sensor 50 cools when water cooler than the sensor 50 is dispensed onto the measuring head of the sensor 50 . The sensor 50 consequently detects an instance of the dispensing of water based on a change in temperature measured by the sensor 50 .

[0067] Figures 4a and 4b show the operation of a fourth system according to the invention in steps . The system here includes a vessel 70 for dispensing water into the stone space 14 , which vessel 70 is configured to move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel 70 , and from which vessel 70 water is configured to flow into the stone space 14 . The vessel 70 is mechanically connected by a wire 71 to a switch 72 , so that a tilting of the vessel 70 under the action of the dispensed water is transmitted as a movement via the wire 71 to the switch 72 . The vessel 70 is weighted in such a manner that the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel 70 produces a change in the balance of the vessel 70 with respect to a pivot point 73 in such a manner that the vessel 70 pivots with respect to the pivot point 73 from the situation shown in Figure 4a to the situation shown in Figure 4b as a result of a dispensing of water . As it tilts, water flows from the vessel 70 into the stone space 14 as shown in Figure 4b, so that the vessel 70 returns to the position shown in Figure 4a once the water has been dispensed. The switch 72 can be configured to transmit information regarding the dispensing of water to the software means . Alternatively, the switch 72 can be configured to control the operation of the sauna stove 10 mechanically .

[0068] Figure 5 illustrates a fifth system according to the invention, which includes a water tank 80 , a valve 81 for dispensing water from the water tank 80 into the stone space 14 , and an actuator

[0069] 82 for controlling the valve 81 . The system is configured to identify an activation of the actuator 82 so that, in other words, the actuator 82 acts as the sensor 50 . The actuator 82 here is a push button arranged in the sauna room 8 above the benches 6. In other words, the actuator 82 is configured to control the opening state of the valve 81 , and the actuator 82 is electronically connected to the control unit 60 of the sauna stove 10 .

[0070] The monitoring of the dispensing of water is used here to control a function of the sauna stove 10 . The sauna stove 10 includes a flow channel 20 , which runs through the frame 12, and a valve 30 , which is configured to open momentarily when an instance of the dispensing of water into the stone space 14 is detected by the system. The opening of the valve 30 allows air to flow from the flow channel 20 into the stone space 14 and onwards through the stone space 14 . As it travels through the stone space 14 , the air from outside the stone space 14 heats up and, as it leaves the stone space 14 , mixes with the water vapour or sauna steam leaving the stone space 14 . This renders the heat transfer from the stone space 14 to the air in the sauna room 8 more effective and increases the intensity of the steam. The valve 30 is configured to close within 5-120 seconds, preferably 10-60 seconds, of opening .

[0071] The stone space 14 is configured here to be heated by resistors

[0072] 16. The stone space 14 here is partially enclosed in such a manner that the frame 12 of the sauna stove 10 covers more than

[0073] 50% of the stone space 14 . The stone space 14 here contains stones 15 as the heat-storing mass . The cross section of the sauna stove 10 shown in Figure 5 is illustrative and the frame

[0074] 12 does not have to be continuous around the stone space 14, but rather the frame 12 can include, in addition to the flow channel 20 , other openings via which air can flow through the stone space 14 . The sauna stove 10 can also be what is known as a caged sauna stove, in which the frame of the sauna stove consists at least partially of a metal mesh .

[0075] In the system shown in Figure 5, the position of the valve 30 is controlled by a motor 34 . A motor 34 is used here as a general designation for any electronic or mechanical actuator that can modify the opening state of the valve 30 . The motor

[0076] 34 can be, for example, an electric motor, such as a servo motor, or it is possible to use a solenoid valve . The motor 34 and the valve 30 are connected to the control means of the system, which are arranged in the control unit 60 . When the system detects and identifies an instance of water being thrown into the stone space, the control system is configured to open the valve 30 by means of the motor 34 and thereby open the flow channel 20 . The valve 30 can be programmed to remain open for a selected period of time, typically a few seconds, after which the valve 30 is closed. When the valve 30 is closed, the air in the stone space 14 heats up and, when the valve 30 is reopened, cooler air flowing from the flow channel 20 pushes this warm air out of the stone space 14 , while the air flowing from the flow channel 20 into the stone space 14 is simultaneously heated. The warm air flowing out of the stone space 14 mixes with the water vapour or steam leaving the stone space 14 and thus enhances the sauna steam effect .

[0077] Alternatively, any of the sensors 50 described in the other embodiments can be used in the system shown in Figure 5. For example, when a mechanical sensor 50 is used, as in Figure 2 or Figures 4a and 4b, control means and thus a control unit 60 for controlling the sauna stove 10 are not essential . The mechanical sensor 50 can be configured to control the opening state of the valve 30 mechanically . For example, the wire 71 of Figures 4a and 4b can be mechanically connected so as to operate the valve 30 in such a manner that the valve 30 is configured to open when the vessel 70 tilts .

[0078] Instead of or in addition to the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the system according to the invention can also be adapted to control other functions of the sauna stove 10 . For example, the heating power of the sauna stove 10 can be increased when an instance of the dispensing of water is detected by the sensor

[0079] 50 . This can be implemented, for example, by controlling the electrical power conducted to the resistors 16. Alternatively, the measurement data of the sensor 50 can be used, for example, to control a supply of combustible material in the sauna stove

[0080] 10 or to control the amount of air supplied to a combustion event or to limit the flow of flue gases exiting a combustion event , either mechanically or electronically by means of the control unit 60 .

[0081] In one embodiment, the system includes memory means, and said software means are configured to store an instance of the dispensing of water detected by the sensor 50 and identified by the software means in a memory on the memory means together with a time corresponding to the detected instance of the dispensing of water, and the system includes display means for displaying an instance and time of the dispensing of water stored on the memory means . The system can thus be adapted, for example, for a lifestyle application, and the number and times of single instances of the dispensing of water can be visually displayed to the user .

[0082] Figure 6 shows a ladle 90 for dispensing water into the stone space 14 of a sauna stove 10 , which ladle 90 includes a sensor

[0083] 50 for detecting water leaving the ladle 90 and software means for identifying water leaving the ladle 90 . The ladle 90 can be part of a system according to the invention or an independent device by means of which the number and times of instances of the dispensing of water, i . e . of water being thrown into the stone space, are documented. The sensor 50 here is an acceleration sensor . The ladle 90 additionally includes a microprocessor 92 that includes software means by means of which it is possible to identify a signal caused by an instance of the dispensing of water from the measurement signal of the sensor 50 . The ladle 90 can further include data transmission means 94 , such as, for example, data transmission means that use a personal-area-network connection, such as Bluetooth, by means of which the ladle 90 can be configured to transmit a detected instance of the dispensing of water to separate software means or, for example, to the control unit 60 of the sauna stove 10 . The software means of the ladle 90 can include the necessary training algorithm by means of which the software means can be configured to identify a movement, and thus the acceleration, that is exerted on the ladle 90 by a selected user in connection with the dispensing of water . The microprocessor 92 of the ladle 90 can include artificial intelligence with which an instance of the dispensing of water is identified from the signal measured by the sensor 50 .

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for detecting water dispensed into a stone space (14) of a sauna stove (10) , wherein the system includes a sauna stove (10) arranged a sauna room (8) , which sauna stove(10) includes a stone space (14) that includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space (14) , characterized in that the system includes a sensor (50) for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space (14) .

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the system includes software means for identifying dispensed liquid water.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the system is configured to detect liquid water dispensed into the stone space (14) before the water comes into contact with the thermal mass in the stone space (14) .

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 3, characterized in that the system is configured to modify a function of the sauna stove (10) for 5 - 120 seconds, preferably10 - 60 seconds, as of a detected instance of water being thrown into the stone space (14) , in such a manner that the system is configured to modify a steam intensity in a selected manner.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 4, characterized in that the sauna stove (10) is a sauna stove based on natural convection.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 5, characterized in that the system is configured to adjust a flow of air through the stone space (14) of the sauna stove (10)momentarily based on a detected instance of water being thrown into the stone space (14) .

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that the system includes an element (55) arranged over the stone space (14) , preferably a grid-like element, which is configured to move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed onto the element(55) .

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that the system includes a vessel (70) for dispensing water into the stone space (14) , which vessel (70) is configured to move under the action of the force of gravity acting on the water dispensed into the vessel (70) , and from which vessel (70) water is configured to flow into the stone space (14) .

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that said sensor (50) is an optical sensor.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that said sensor (50) is a temperature sensor which is preferably arranged in an upper part of the stone space (14) .

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 6, characterized in that the system includes a water tank (80) , a valve (81) for dispensing water from the water tank (80) into the stone space (14) , and an actuator (82) for controlling the valve (81) , and the system is configured to identify an activation of the actuator (82) .

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 11, characterized in that the sauna stove (10) includes a flow channel (20) that includes a valve (30) , wherein the valve (30) is configured to open when the system detects an instance of water being dispensed into the stone space (14) , which enables an increased air flow in the flow channel (20) .

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that said valve (30) is configured to close within 5-120 seconds, preferably within 10-60 seconds, of opening.

14. The system according to any one of claims 2 13, characterized in that the system includes memory means and said software means are configured to store an instance of the dispensing of water detected by the sensor (50) and identified by the software means in a memory on the memory means together with a time corresponding to the detected instance of the dispensing of water, and the system includes display means for displaying an instance and time of the dispensing of water stored on the memory means.

15. A sauna stove (10) , which includes a stone space (14) that includes a thermal mass capable of being heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and of evaporating water dispensed into the stone space (14) , characterized in that the sauna stove (10) includes a sensor (50) for detecting liquid water dispensed into the stone space (14) .

16. A method for detecting water dispensed into a stone space (14) of a sauna stove (10) , in which method a sauna stove(10) is arranged in a sauna room (8) , wherein the sauna stove(10) includes a stone space (14) , which includes a thermal mass that is heated to a temperature of 200-700 °C and into which water is dispensed in order to be evaporated, characterized inthat liquid water dispensed into the stone space (14) is detected by a sensor (50) .

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that a function of the sauna stove (10) is modified for 5-120 seconds, preferably 10-60 seconds, as of a detected instance of the dispensing of water, in such a manner that a steam intensity is modified in a selected manner.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that a flow of air flowing through the stone space (14) of the sauna stove (10) is adjusted momentarily based on a detected instance of the dispensing of water.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 18, characterized in that an instance of the dispensing of water is detected by the sensor (50) and identified by the software means, and a valve (30) in the sauna stove (10) is opened simultaneously, said valve (30) opening a flow channel (20) in the sauna stove (10) through which air is conveyed through the stone space (14) of the sauna stove (10) .

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 19, characterized in that a heating power of the sauna stove (10) is increased when an instance of the dispensing of water is detected by the sensor (50) .

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