WO2022079356A1

WO2022079356A1 - A sauna heater and a method for heating sauna

Info

Publication number: WO2022079356A1
Application number: PCT/FI2021/050684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikael TOLONEN
Original assignee: FARZAN NEKOU, Daniel; Karjalainen, Tauno
Priority date: 2020-10-15
Filing date: 2021-10-14
Publication date: 2022-04-21
Also published as: FI20206015A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a sauna heater and to a method for heating sauna. The sauna heater comprises a heating chamber (1a) comprising a heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25), a heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and a heating chamber top (20) at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere, and an air supply arrangement (40) arranged to conduct new air into the heating chamber (1a) from the ambient atmosphere. The sauna heater comprises an air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater. The air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) is arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20).

Description

A SAUNA HEATER AND A METHOD FOR HEATING SAUNA

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sauna heater and more particularly to a sauna heater according to preamble of claim 1. The present invention further relates to a method for heating a sauna and more particularly to a method according to preamble of claim 18.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Prior art sauna heaters or sauna stoves for heating a sauna comprise a heating chamber which is usually filled with rocks. The sauna heater may be an electric sauna heater with one or more electric heating resistors or a sauna heater utilizing solid fuel such as wood for heating the heating chamber and the rocks. The prior art sauna heaters are designed to intake air from the sauna into the heating chamber and heat the air inside the heating chamber. Then the heated air flows from the sauna heater via the open top of the heating chamber. The flow of the heated air from the sauna heater is directed upwards and caused by natural convention. Accordingly, the heated air raises upwards and thus out of the sauna heater from the open top of the heating chamber.

One of the problems associated with the prior art is sauna heaters and method for heating a sauna is that the temperature distribution inside the sauna becomes uneven. Thus, different locations in the sauna have different temperatures and managing desired temperature in the sauna becomes difficult.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a sauna heater and a method for heating a sauna so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a sauna heater which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 1. The objects of the invention are further achieved by a method which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim 18.

The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a sauna heater for heating a sauna. The sauna heater comprises a heating chamber for heating air. The heating chamber comprising a heating chamber side walls, a heating chamber bottom and a heating chamber top. The heating chamber top is at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere for conducting heated air out of the sauna heater. The sauna heater further comprises an air supply arrangement arranged to conduct new air into the heating chamber from the ambient atmosphere.

The sauna heater further comprises an air discharge arrangement provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater. The air discharge arrangement is arranged between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The sauna heater is further provided with an air supply device generating an air flow in the sauna heater for discharging heated air out of the sauna heater via the air discharge arrangement.

Accordingly, in the present invention the sauna heater is arranged to discharge heated air from the top of the heating chamber and also through side walls of the heating chamber. The air supply device generates an air flow causing the heated air to be discharged from the sauna heater and from the heating chamber via the discharge arrangement. Therefore, heated air is discharged from the sauna heater in direction upwards from the top of the heating chamber and laterally transverse to the upwards direction. Thus, heated air is supplied from the sauna heater to the sauna not only towards the upper part or ceiling of the sauna, but also laterally or horizontally to lower parts of the sauna. The temperature distribution in the sauna will be more even and heated air is also provided to lower parts of the sauna.

It should be noted, that the sauna heater may comprise one or more air supply devices.

In one embodiment, the air supply device is provided to the air supply arrangement. The air supply device is arranged to generate air flow from the ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber via the air supply arrangement.

The air supply device is arranged to generate a pressure difference generating the air flow. The air supply device may be any kind of device capable to generating an air flow, such as a fan, air pump, suction device, compressor or the like.

In some embodiments, the air supply device is adjustable such that the flow rate or pressure provided to the heating chamber may be adjusted by adjusting the air supply device.

Accordingly, the air supply device is capable of generating the air flow into the heating chamber and thus an over pressure inside the heating chamber. The generated air flow and the over pressure facilitates discharging of heated air via the air discharge arrangement out of the heating chamber and the sauna heater.

In one embodiment, the sauna heater comprises a first air discharge arrangement provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater. The first air discharge arrangement is arranged between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The sauna heater further comprises a second air discharge arrangement provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater. The second air discharge arrangement is arranged between the heating chamber bottom and the first air discharge arrangement in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top.

The first and second air discharge arrangements enable discharging heated air from the sauna heater to the sauna at two different heights or levels in height direction of the sauna heater in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. This further facilitates generating an even temperature distribution inside the sauna.

In one embodiment, the heating chamber comprises an intermediate bottom provided between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The intermediate bottom is arranged to divide the heating chamber to an upper heating chamber space and lower heating chamber space in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top.

Accordingly, the upper heating chamber space is in some embodiment provided with rocks reserving heat. Accordingly, the heating chamber may comprise two different heating spaces with different heating properties.

In one other embodiment, the heating chamber comprises an intermediate bottom provided between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The intermediate bottom being arranged to divide the heating chamber to an upper heating chamber space and lower heating chamber space in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The intermediate bottom comprises one or more bottom openings extending between the upper heating chamber space and lower heating chamber space. The bottom openings allow air or heated air to pass from the lower heating chamber space to the upper heating chamber space through the bottom openings. Thus, the lower heating chamber space is arranged as a preheating chamber such that preheated air is assed to the upper heating chamber space through the bottom openings.

In one embodiment, the first air discharge arrangement is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space and arranged to discharge heated air from the upper heating chamber space and out of the sauna heater. Further, the second air discharge arrangement is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber and arranged to discharge heated air from the lower heating chamber and out of the sauna heater.

Accordingly, heated air may be discharged separately from the upper and lower heating chamber spaces. This enables even more even temperature distribution in the sauna. Further, two different lateral heated air flows may be supplied to the sauna.

In one embodiment, the air discharge arrangement comprises one or more air outlet openings arranged to discharge heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater.

In some embodiments, the first air discharge arrangement comprises one or more first air outlet openings arranged to discharge heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater. Further, the second air discharge arrangement comprises one or more second air outlet openings arranged to discharge heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater.

The outlet openings provide outlet flow out from the heating chamber and the sauna heater to the sauna.

In one embodiment, the air discharge arrangement comprises a flow controller for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater.

The flow controller may be used for adjusting the amount of heated air which is discharged out of the heating chamber through the air discharge arrangement.

In another embodiment, the air discharge arrangement comprises a flow controller arranged to adjust the one or more air outlet openings for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater.

In this embodiment, the flow controller is arranged to adjust the one or more outlet openings, for example adjusting size of the one or more outlet openings.

In a further embodiment, the first air discharge arrangement comprises a first flow controller for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater through the first air discharge opening. The second air discharge arrangement comprises a second flow controller for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater through the second air discharge opening.

This allows, separately adjusting the amount of heated air discharged laterally from the first and second air discharge arrangements. Thus, the temperature distribution in the sauna may be controlled in more detail.

In an alternative embodiment, the first air discharge arrangement comprises a first flow controller arranged to adjust the one or more first air outlet openings of the first air discharge arrangement for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater via the first air discharge arrangement. Further, the second air discharge arrangement comprises a second flow controller arranged to adjust the one or more second air outlet openings of the second air discharge arrangement for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber and out of the sauna heater via the second air discharge arrangement.

In this embodiment, the first and second flow controllers are arranged to adjust the first and second one or more outlet openings, for example by adjusting size of the one or more outlet openings.

The flow controller may be and adjustable air grating, an adjustable flow valve, adjustable air diffuser or the like.

The flow controller may be manually operable. Alternatively, the flow controller may be connected to a power source and be electrically adjustable.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises an air supply opening, or one or more air supply openings, provided to the heating chamber and arranged supplying the air into the heating chamber.

Accordingly, air enters the heating chamber through the air supply opening. The air supply opening or openings may be provided to the heating chamber side walls or to the heating chamber bottom.

In an alternative embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises an air supply opening provided to the heating chamber and arranged supplying the air flow generated by the air supply device into the heating chamber.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises a first air supply opening, or one or more first air supply openings, provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to supply into the heating chamber. The first air supply opening is arranged between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The air supply arrangement further comprises a second air supply opening, or one or more second air supply openings, provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to supply air into the heating chamber. The second air supply opening is arranged between the heating chamber bottom and first air supply opening in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top.

According to the above mentioned, there is air may be supplied into the heating chamber at two different heights or levels between the heating chamber bottom and top. These two air flows may be heated differently inside the heating chamber for providing different discharge flows of heated air from the heating chamber and the sauna heater.

In an alternative embodiment, the first air supply opening or openings are provided to the heating chamber side walls and the second air supply opening or openings are provided to the heating chamber bottom.

In one embodiment, the heating chamber comprises the upper heating chamber space and the lower heating chamber space. Further, the first air supply opening is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space and arranged to supply air into the upper heating chamber space, and the second air supply opening arrangement is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber and arranged to supply air into the lower heating chamber.

Accordingly, the air may be supplied separately to the upper heating chamber space and to the lower heating chamber space. This enables further controlling heating of the air inside the heating chamber.

In some embodiments, the upper heating chamber space comprises the first air discharge arrangement and the first air supply opening, and the lower heating chamber space comprises the second air discharge arrangement and the second air supply opening.

This allows detailed control of heating air and further detailed discharge of heated air separately from the first and second air discharge arrangements.

In one embodiment, the air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The supply distance being substantially same as the discharge distance.

This allows efficient discharge of heated air from the heating chamber as the air supplied at the same height as it discharged.

In an alternative embodiment, the air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls opposite the air supply opening at a discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The supply distance being substantially same as the discharge distance.

This allows further enhanced efficiency for discharging of heated air from the heating chamber as the air supplied at the same height as it discharged and the air supply is directed from the supply opening towards the opposite air discharge arrangement.

In one embodiment, the first air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a first supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the second air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a second supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. Further, the first air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a first discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the second air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a second discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The first supply distance being substantially same as the first discharge distance, and the second supply distance being substantially same as the second discharge distance.

This allows efficient discharge of heated air from the upper and lower heating chamber spaces as the air supplied at the same height as it discharged from both of the upper and lower heating chamber spaces.

In an alternative embodiment, the first air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a first supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the second air supply opening is provided to the heating chamber side walls at a second supply distance from the heating chamber bottom in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The first air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls opposite the first air supply opening and at a first discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top, and the second air discharge arrangement is provided to the heating chamber side walls opposite the second air supply opening and at a second discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. Further, the first supply distance being substantially same as the first discharge distance, and the second supply distance being substantially same as the second discharge distance.

This allows further enhanced efficiency for discharging of heated air from the first and second heating chamber spaces as the air supplied at the same height as it discharged and the air supply is directed from the respective supply opening towards the opposite respective air discharge arrangement.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises an air intake opening open to the ambient atmosphere and an air supply channel between air inlet opening and the air supply opening. The air intake opening is provided below the air discharge arrangement in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top.

This allows taking new air into the heating chamber at lower height in the sauna than the heated air is discharged from the heating chamber via the air discharge arrangement. Thus, cooler air may be taken into the heating chamber.

In one embodiment, the sauna heater comprises an installation casing for installing the sauna heater to a support structure. The installation casing being provided on one outer side wall of the heating chamber outside the heating chamber, or on one outer side wall of outer casing of the sauna heater. The air supply arrangement is provided to the installation casing.

Thus, the installation casing and the air supply arrangement separates the heating chamber, or the outer casing, of the sauna heater from the support structure. Thus, a thermal insulation is provided preventing the support structure from heating excessively.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises an air supply channel extending between the air inlet opening and the air supply opening. The air supply channel may be provided to the installation casing such that it extends in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. Thus, the air flowing in the air supply channel further enhances thermal insulation.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises a supply flow controller for adjusting intake flow of air into the heating chamber and the sauna heater.

The supply flow controller may be used for adjusting the amount of air which is supplied to the heating chamber through the air supply arrangement.

In another embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises a supply flow controller arranged to adjust the one or more air inlet openings for adjusting intake flow of air to the heating chamber and the sauna heater.

In this embodiment, the supply flow controller is arranged to adjust the one or more inlet openings, for example adjusting size of the one or more inlet openings.

The supply flow controller may be and adjustable air grating, an adjustable flow valve, adjustable air diffuser or the like.

The supply flow controller may be manually operable. Alternatively, the flow controller may be connected to a power source and be electrically adjustable.

In one embodiment, the air supply arrangement comprises air supply channel arranged into the heating chamber space, the air supply channel comprising one or more air supply openings arranged to conduct air from the ambient atmosphere into the air supply channel.

In one embodiment, the air supply channel is connected to the air discharge arrangement for discharging heated air from the sauna heater.

In some embodiments, the air supply channel comprises at least partly open channel upper end arranged to supply air to the air supply channel from ambient atmosphere, or one or more channel openings provided to the channel side walls and open to the heating chamber space arranged to supply heated air to the air supply channel from the heating chamber space.

In an alternative embodiment, at least partly open channel upper end arranged to supply air to the air supply channel from ambient atmosphere, and one or more channel openings provided to the channel side walls and open to the heating chamber space arranged to supply heated air to the air supply channel from the heating chamber space.

In one embodiment, the air supply device is arranged in connection with the air supply channel.

Alternatively, the air supply device is arranged in connection with the air discharge arrangement or air discharge duct.

Further alternatively, the air supply device is arranged between the air supply channel and the air discharge arrangement or air discharge duct.

The present invention further relates to a method for heating a sauna with a sauna heater. The method comprises: heating a heating chamber of the sauna heater, the heating chamber comprising a heating chamber side walls, a heating chamber bottom and a heating chamber top, the heating chamber top being at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere; taking air into a heating chamber of the sauna heater via an air supply arrangement; heating the intake air inside the heating chamber; and discharging the heated air from the heating chamber via the heating chamber top.

According to the present invention, the method further comprises discharging heated air from the heating chamber through the heating chamber side walls between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in a direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top with an air discharge arrangement provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top in the direction between the heating chamber bottom and the heating chamber top. The method further comprises generating an air flow in the sauna heater with an air supply device for discharging heated air out of the sauna heater via the air discharge arrangement.

In one embodiment, the step of generating an air flow in the sauna heater with an air supply device comprises generating a supply air flow from ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber via the air supply arrangement with an air supply device provided to the air supply arrangement.

The method is preferably carried out with a sauna heater as described above. It should be noted, that the sauna heater of the present invention may be an electric sauna heater with one or more electric heating resistors provided to the heating chamber. Alternatively, the sauna heater may be a sauna heater utilizing solid fuel such as wood for heating the heating chamber and the rocks. In the latter case, the sauna heater may comprise a separate burning chamber in connection with the heating chamber for heating the heating chamber.

An advantage of the invention is that the heated air are may be discharged from the sauna heater in lateral direction to lower heights of the sauna. Thus, the lower parts of the sauna will be provided heated air such that the even temperature distribution in the will be enhanced. Further, by utilizing the air supply device, air circulation in the sauna will be enhanced which further provides more even temperature distribution in the sauna.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in detail by means of specific embodiments with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which

Figures 1 to 3 show schematically one embodiment of a sauna heater according to the present invention;

Figures 4 to 11 show schematically different embodiments of a sauna heater according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a sauna heater which is an electric sauna heater. The sauna heater comprises an outer casing 1 having outer casing side walls 12, 13, 14, 15, a bottom 11 and on at least partly open top 10, as shown in figures 1, 2 and 3. The sauna heater further comprises a control unit 27, which is an electric control unit and arranged to control heating and operation of the sauna heater. The control unit 27 is connected to a power source (not shown) for supply power to the sauna heater.

The sauna heater further comprises heating chamber la for heating air. The heating chamber la is arranged or provided inside the outer casing 1. The heating chamber la comprises a heating chamber side walls, a heating chamber bottom 7 and a heating chamber top 20. The heating chamber top 20 is at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere for conducting heated air out of the sauna heater.

It should be noted, that in some embodiments the outer casing may also be arranged to form the heating chamber la and the separate heating chamber la inside the outer casing may be omitted.

The outer casing top 10 and the heating chamber top 20 are align with each other.

The outer casing side walls 12, 13, 14, 15 arranged to extend in a direction upwards.

Further, the heating chamber side walls are preferably arranged to extend in a direction upwards. In some embodiments, the heating chamber side walls extend vertically or substantially vertically upwards.

The heating chamber la is provided with heating elements 8. The heating elements 8 are for example electric heating resistors. The heating elements 8 are connected to the control unit 27 for controlling the power and/or heating of the heating elements 8.

According to the above mentioned, the heating chamber la means a chamber in which air is heated in the sauna heater for heating the sauna.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the heating chamber la comprises an intermediate bottom 6 provided between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. Thus, the intermediate bottom 6 is arranged to divide the heating chamber la to an upper heating chamber space 25a and lower heating chamber space 25b in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. The lower heating chamber space 25b is arranged between the bottom 7 of the heating chamber and the intermediate bottom 6. The upper heating chamber space 25a is provided between the intermediate bottom 6 and the heating chamber top 20.

The upper heating chamber space 25a is further provided with sauna rocks 5 for reserving heat.

The intermediate bottom 6 comprises one or more bottom openings 6' extending between the upper heating chamber space 25a and lower heating chamber space 25b, and through the intermediate bottom 6.

The bottom openings 6' enable air flow from the lower heating chamber space 25b to the upper heating chamber space 25a.

Further, the heating elements 8 are arranged to protrude from the heating chamber bottom 7 upwards in the lower heating chamber space 25b, and through the bottom openings 6' into the upper heating chamber space 25a.

The heating chamber bottom 7 is further provided with one or more liquid opening 9 for conducting water or other liquid accumulated to the bottom of the heating chamber 7.

One of the outer casing side walls 13, is provided with an installation casing 2 for attaching the sauna heater to a support structure, such as a wall of the sauna. Preferably the installation casing is provided to back wall 13 of the sauna heater. However, the installation casing may also be provided to any other side wall of the sauna heater.

The installation casing 2 is provided a closed casing. The installation casing 2 is further arranged to form an air supply arrangement 40 arranged to conduct new air into the heating chamber la from the ambient atmosphere.

The installation casing 2 and the air supply arrangement 40 comprises an air intake opening 44 open to the ambient atmosphere. The air supply arrangement further comprises air supply openings 43a, 43b for supplying the new air into the heating chamber la. The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises an air supply channel 42 between the air intake opening 44 and the air supply openings 43a, 43b for conducting air from the air intake opening 44 to the air supply openings 43a, 43b.

In the embodiment of figure 3, the air supply channel is arranged to extend along the side wall or back wall 13 of the outer casing 1. There is further, a flow guide 2a arranged to form a bent air supply channel 42 having an upwards extending portion 45 from the air intake opening 44 and downwards extending portion 46 towards the air supply openings 43a, 43b.

The air supply channel 42, 45, 46 provide an insulation between the side wall 13 of the outer casing 1 and the support structure, as the installation casing 2 and the air supply arrangement 40 are provided between the support structure and the outer casing, and the heating chamber la.

As shown in figure 3, the air supply arrangement 40 comprises a first air supply opening 43a provided to the heating chamber side wall(s) and arranged to supply air into the heating chamber la. The first air supply opening 43a is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space 25a and arranged to supply air into the upper heating chamber space 25a. Thus, the first air supply opening 43a is provided between the heating chamber top 20 and the intermediate bottom 6 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. The first air supply opening 43a is provided between the heating chamber la and the air supply channel 42, 45, 46.

The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises a second air supply opening 43b provided to the heating chamber side wall(s) and arranged to supply air into the heating chamber la. The second air supply opening arrangement 43b is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber 25b and arranged to supply air into the lower heating chamber 25b. Thus, the second air supply opening 43b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the intermediate bottom 6 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. Further, the second air supply opening 43b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and first air supply opening 43a in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20.

The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises an air supply device 4 provided to the air supply arrangement 40. The air supply device 4 is arranged to generate an air flow from the ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber la via the air supply arrangement 40.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the air supply device 4 is arranged in connection with the air intake opening 44. The air supply device 4 is arranged to generate an air flow into the heating chamber from the air intake opening 44 to air supply openings 43a, 43b, as shown with arrow A in figure 3.

However, the air supply device 4 may be arranged also in another manner to the air supply arrangement. In one embodiment, the air supply device 4 is arranged to the air supply channel 42 between the air intake opening 44 and the air supply openings 43a, 43b.

In the present invention and in all embodiments of the present invention, the air supply device 4 is provided as an integral component of the sauna heater.

In the present invention and in all embodiments of the present invention, the air supply device 4 is preferably arranged within the outer casing 1 of the sauna heater.

Alternatively, the air supply device 4 is preferably arranged within the installation casing 2, or to or in connection with the air intake opening 44.

Further, the installation casing 2 may also be provided within the outer casing 1 such that the air supply device 4 is preferably arranged within the outer casing 1.

The sauna heater further comprises an air discharge arrangement 3a, 3b provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater, as shown in figures 1 to 3.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the sauna heater comprises a first air discharge arrangement 3a provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater and from the heating chamber la. The first air discharge arrangement 3a is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space 25a and arranged to discharge heated air from the upper heating chamber space 25a and out of the sauna heater, as shown with arrow C in figure 3. Further, the first air discharge arrangement 3a is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7and the heating chamber top 20 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. The first air discharge arrangement 3a is arranged between the intermediate bottom 6 the heating chamber top 20 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20.

The sauna heater further comprises a second air discharge arrangement 3b provided to the heating chamber side walls and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater and from the heating chamber la. The second air discharge arrangement 3b is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber 25b and arranged to discharge heated air from the lower heating chamber 25b and out of the sauna heater, as shown with arrow D in figure 3. The second air discharge arrangement 3b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the intermediate bottom 6 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7and the heating chamber top 20. Thus, the second air discharge arrangement 3b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the first air discharge arrangement 3a in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7and the heating chamber top 20.

Accordingly, new air is supplied into the lower heating chamber space 25b via the second air supply opening 43b and to the upper heating chamber space 25a via the first air supply opening 43a. Heated air is discharged from the lower heating chamber space 25b via the second air discharge arrangement 3b in the direction of arrow D. Further, heated air is discharged from the upper heating chamber space 25a via the first air discharge arrangement 3a in the direction of arrow C. Additionally, heated air will flow from the lower heating chamber space 25b to the upper heating chamber space 25a via the bottom openings 6' of the intermediate bottom 6 due to natural convection. Further, heated air escapes the heating chamber la and the upper heating chamber space 25a through the open top 20 of the heating chamber la and the outer casing 1 due to natural convection in a direction of arrow B of figure 3.

The air intake opening 44 is arranged below the first and second air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b in the direction from the heating chamber bottom 7 towards the heating chamber top 20. Thus, cooler air may be taken in the sauna heater.

The first air discharge arrangement 3a comprises one or more first air outlet openings 31a arranged to discharge heated air out of the upper heating chamber space 25a and out of the sauna heater. The first air outlet opening 31a is provided to the heating chamber side wall(s) and arranged to discharge air from upper heating chamber space 25a of the heating chamber la. The first air outlet opening 31a is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space 25a and arranged to discharge air from the upper heating chamber space 25a. Thus, the first air outlet opening 31a is provided between the heating chamber top 20 and the intermediate bottom 6 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20.

The second air outlet opening 31b provided to the heating chamber side wall(s) and arranged to discharge air from the lower heating chamber space 25b of the heating chamber la. The second air outlet opening 31b is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber 25b and arranged to discharge air from the lower heating chamber 25b. Thus, the second air outlet opening 31b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the intermediate bottom 6 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20. Further, the second air outlet opening 31b is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 7 and first air outlet opening 31a in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20.

The first and/or second air discharge arrangement 3a, 3b further comprises a flow guide 35 extending from the first and/or second air discharge arrangement 3a, 3b, or the air outlet opening 31, 3b thereof, to the heating chamber la, or the upper heating chamber space 25a, and/or lower heating chamber space 25b, respectively. The flow guide 35 is arranged to guide heated air to the air discharge arrangement 3a, 3b and out of the heating chamber la.

The air supply openings 43a, 43b are arranged opposite the air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b, respectively, such that air flow is efficiently towards the air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b, and out of the heating chamber la.

The first air discharge arrangement 3a comprises a first flow controller 32a for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber la and out of the sauna heater through the first air discharge opening 3a, as shown in figure 2. The second air discharge arrangement 3b comprises a second flow controller 32b for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber la and out of the sauna heater through the second air discharge opening 3b.

In the embodiment of figures 1 to 3, the first air discharge arrangement 3a comprises the first flow controller 32a arranged to adjust the one or more first air outlet openings 3qa of the first air discharge arrangement 3a for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber la and out of the sauna heater via the first air discharge arrangement 3 a. Further, the second air discharge arrangement 3b comprises a second flow controller 32b arranged to adjust the one or more second air outlet openings 31b of the second air discharge arrangement 3b for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber la and out of the sauna heater via the second air discharge arrangement 3b.

The first and second flow controllers 32a, 32b are provided as adjustable air gratings.

Figures 4 to 8 show further different embodiments of the sauna heater. The similar structural components and elements are denoted with same reference numerals as in the figures 1 to 3. Further, it should be noted that similar parts are not described in detail in connection with every embodiment. For example, discharge arrangements 3, 3a, 3b, air supply openings 43, 43a, 43b heating elements 8, air intake openings 44, 44a, 44b, air supply device 4, outer casing 1 and the heating chamber la in general manner corresponding in different embodiments, but the configurations of the components may vary.

Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the sauna heater in which the heating chamber la is formed as one space. The heating chamber la comprises at least partly open heating chamber top 20, heating chamber bottom 21 and heating chamber side walls 22, 23 extending between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. Thus, a heating chamber space 25 is provided.

The heating chamber space 25 is provided with sauna rocks and with the heating elements 8.

The air discharge connection 3, having an air outlet opening 31 is provided to the first side wall 22 of the heating chamber la.

Further, the air supply arrangement 40 is provided in connection with the bottom 11 of the outer casing 1 of the sauna heater. Further, the air supply arrangement 40 is provided in connection with the heating chamber bottom 21

Accordingly, the air intake opening 44 is provided to the bottom 11 of the outer casing 1 and is open to the ambient atmosphere. The air supply opening 43 is arranged to the heating chamber bottom 21 and is open to the heating chamber space 25. The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises an air supply channel 42 extending between the air intake opening 44 and the air supply opening 43 for conducting air from the ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber la.

The air supply arrangement is further provided with the air supply device 4. The air supply device 4 is provided in connection with the air intake opening 44.

Alternatively, the air supply device 4 may be arranged in connection with the air supply channel 42or the air supply opening 43.

Accordingly, in the embodiment of figure 4, new air is supplied through the bottom of the heating chamber la and discharged from the side wall 22 of the heating chamber la as well as from the heating chamber top 20.

Figure 5 shows a modification of the embodiment of figure 4. In this embodiment, the heating chamber la is provided with two air discharge arrangements 3a and 3b. The air supply arrangement 40 is similar with the embodiment of figure 4.

The first air discharge arrangement 3a is provided to the heating chamber side walls 22 and arranged to discharge heated air out of heating chamber la and the sauna heater to the sauna. The first air discharge arrangement 3a is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 20.

The second air discharge arrangement 3b is provided to the heating chamber side walls 22 and arranged to discharge heated air out of the heating chamber la and the sauna heater to the sauna. The second air discharge arrangement 3a is arranged between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the first air discharge arrangement 3a in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20.

Accordingly, heated air maybe discharged from the heating chamber la at two heights through the side walls of the heating chamber la. Heated air is also discharged via the heating chamber top 20.

The first and second air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b are further provided with flow controllers for adjusting separately the air flow through each of the air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b.

The air inlet opening 44 of the air supply arrangement is arranged below the air discharge arrangements 3a, 3b and the air outlet openings 31a, 31b thereof. Figure 6 shows another modification of the sauna heater of figure 4. In this embodiment, the air supply arrangement 40 is arranged to supply new air into the heating chamber la through the side wall 23 of the heating chamber la. Thus, the air supply arrangement 40 is provided in connection with the side wall 23, or back side wall of the heating chamber la.

The air intake opening 44 of the air supply arrangement 40 is open to the ambient atmosphere. The air supply opening 43 is arranged to the heating side wall 23, or back wall 23, and is open to the heating chamber space 25. The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises an air supply channel 42 extending between the air intake opening 44 and the air supply opening 43 for conducting air from the ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber la.

In the embodiment of figure 6, the air supply channel 42 is provided outside the outer casing 1 of the sauna heater. However, in an alternative embodiment, the air supply channel 42 may be provided inside the outer casing 1 of the sauna heater.

The air discharge arrangement 3, and the air outlet opening 31 thereof, is provided to the side wall 22, or the front wall 22, of the heating chamber la.

As shown in figure 6, the air supply opening 43 is arranged opposite the air outlet opening 31.

Further, the air supply opening 43 and the air outlet opening 31 are arranged to opposite side walls 23, 22 of the heating chamber la.

In some embodiments, the air supply opening 43 and the air outlet opening 31 are arranged along same axis X and opposite to each other, as shown in figure 6.

Accordingly, the air supply opening 43 is provided to the heating chamber side wall 23 at supply distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. The air discharge arrangement 3, or the air outlet opening 31, is provided to the heating chamber side walls 22 opposite the air supply opening 43 at a discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. The supply distance being substantially same as the discharge distance.

Alternatively, the air supply device 4 may be arranged in connection with the air supply channel 42 or the air supply opening 43.

Figure 7 shows an embodiment which is a modification of the embodiment of figures 1 to 3.

In this embodiment, the heating chamber la is divided to the upper heating chamber space 25a and the lower heating chamber space 25b with the intermediate bottom 6.

The intermediate bottom 6 may comprise bottom openings 6'.

In this embodiment, the air supply arrangement 40 is arranged to supply new air into the heating chamber la through the side wall 23, or back side wall 23, of the heating chamber la. Thus, the air supply arrangement 40 is provided in connection with the side wall 23, or back side wall, of the heating chamber la.

The air supply arrangement comprises a first air intake opening 44a open to the ambient atmosphere and a first air supply opening 43a provided to the side wall 23 and open to the upper heating chamber space 25a. The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises a first air supply channel 42a extending between the first air intake opening 44a and the first air supply opening 43a for conducting air from the ambient atmosphere into upper heating chamber space 25a of the heating chamber la. Thus, the first air supply opening 43a is provided to the heating chamber la similarly as in figures 1 to 3.

The air supply arrangement 40 is further provided with a first air supply device 4a. The first air supply device 4a is provided in connection with the first air intake opening 44a.

The air supply arrangement further comprises a second air intake opening 44b open to the ambient atmosphere and a second air supply opening 43b provided to the side wall 23 and open to the lower heating chamber space 25b. The air supply arrangement 40 further comprises a second air supply channel 42b extending between the second air intake opening 44b and the second air supply opening 43b for conducting air from the ambient atmosphere into lower heating chamber space 25b of the heating chamber la. Thus, the second air supply opening 43b is provided to the heating chamber la similarly as in figures 1 to 3.

The air supply arrangement 40 is further provided with a second air supply device 4b. The second air supply device 4b is provided in connection with the second air intake opening 44a.

Accordingly, new air may be supplied separately to the upper and lower heating chamber spaces 25a, 25b.

Furthermore as seen in figure 7, the first air supply opening 43a is arranged opposite the first discharge arrangement 3a or the first outlet opening 31a thereof in the upper heating chamber space 25a. Similarly, the second air supply opening 43b is arranged opposite the second discharge arrangement 3b or the second outlet opening 31b thereof in the lower heating chamber space 25b.

Accordingly, the first air supply opening 43a is provided to the heating chamber side wall 23 at a first supply distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. The second air supply opening 43b is provided to the heating chamber side wall 23 at a second supply distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. Further, the first air discharge arrangement 3a, or the first outlet opening 31a thereof, is provided to the heating chamber side wall 22 opposite the first air supply opening 43a and at a first discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in a direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. The second air discharge arrangement 3b, the second outlet opening 31b thereof, is provided to the heating chamber side wall 22 opposite the second air supply opening 43b and at a second discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom 21 in a direction between the heating chamber bottom 21 and the heating chamber top 20. The first supply distance being substantially same as the first discharge distance, and the second supply distance being substantially same as the second discharge distance.

Further, the first and second air supply openings 43a, 43b and the first and second air outlet openings 31a, 31b are arranged to opposite side walls 23, 22 of the heating chamber la.

In some embodiments, the first air supply opening 43a and the first outlet opening 31a are arranged along same axis Xa and opposite to each other, as shown in figure 7. Similarly, the second air supply opening 43b and the second outlet opening 31b are arranged along same axis Xb and opposite to each other.

Figure 8 shows a modification of embodiment of figure 7. In this embodiment, the air supply arrangement 40 comprises only one air inlet opening 44 and one air supply device 4. The air supply channel 42 is divided to a first air supply channel 42 extending between the air intake opening 44 and the first air supply opening 43a, and to a first air supply channel 42 extending between the air intake opening 44 and the first air supply opening 43a. Thus, the same air supply device 4 is arranged to supply new air separately to the first and second air supply openings 43a, 43b. In the above embodiments, the air discharge arrangements 3, 3a, 3b and the air supply openings 43, 43a, 43b are provided opposite to each other or on opposite side walls of the heating chamber la, for example the front side wall 22 and the back side wall 23 of the heating chamber la.

It should be noted that the heating chamber la may also have round or circular cross sectional form such that there is only one side wall.

Furthermore, the air discharge arrangements 3, 3a, 3b and the air supply openings 43, 43a, 43b may also be provided on adjacent side walls of the heating chamber la.

The air discharge arrangements 3, 3a, 3b and the air supply openings 43, 43a, 43b are preferably provided at same height from the heating chamber bottom 7, 21, respectively, but they may also be arranged at different heights.

Figures 9 to 11 show an alternative embodiment in which an air supply arrangement 50 is arranged inside the heating chamber la and the heating chamber space 25. Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional side view, figure 10 shows a top view and figure 11 shows front view of the sauna heater.

In this embodiment, the heating chamber la is arranged to form the outer casing of the sauna heater. Outer casing comprises the outer casing side walls 12, 13, the bottom 11 and the at least partly open top 10. The outer casing top or heating chamber top 10, 20 is at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere for conducting heated air out of the sauna heater as shown with arrows B in figure 9.

The heating chamber la is provided with the heating elements 8. The heating elements 8 are for example electric heating resistors.

The heating chamber la comprises heating chamber bottom 7 or the outer casing bottom 11.

The heating chamber space 25 is further provided with sauna rocks 5 for reserving heat.

Further, the heating elements 8 are arranged to extend upwards in the heating chamber space 25.

The sauna heater further comprises the air supply arrangement 50 arranged to the heating chamber la. The air supply arrangement 50 comprises an air supply channel 57 arranged into the heating chamber la. The air supply channel 57 comprises an at least partly open channel upper end 52 and a channel lower end 54 between which a channel space 51 extends. The upper channel end 52 is open upwards such air my be flow according to arrow A into the air supply channel 52 from ambient atmosphere via the at least partly open heating chamber top 10, 20.

The air supply channel 57 extends in a direction between the heating chamber top 10, 20 and the heating chamber bottom 7.

As shown in figure 9, the air supply channel 57 is provided with one or more channel openings 53 between the channel upper end 52 and the channel lower end 54. The channel openings 53 are provided to the side walls or casing of the air supply channel 57. The channel openings 53 are arranged to provide flow openings between the heating chamber space 25 and the channel space 51. Thus, the channel openings 53 are open to the heating chamber space 25 such that heated air is arranged to flow from the heating chamber space 25 into air supply channel 57, as shown with arrows G in figure 9.

The air supply channel 57 is arranged in the middle of the heating chamber space 25 such that it is space apart from the heating chamber walls. Thus, the air entering the air supply channel 57 is heated as it receives heat energy from the surrounding heating chamber space 25.

The at least partly open channel top 52 and/or the channel openings 53 form the air supply openings.

The air supply arrangement 50 is further provided with the air supply device 4. The air supply device 4 is arranged to generate an air flow into the air supply channel 57 from the ambient atmosphere, as shown with arrow A, and from the heating chamber space 25, as shown with arrow G.

The air supply device 4 is arranged in connection with the air supply channel 57.

The air supply device 4 is arranged to the channel lower end 54 or in connection with the channel lower end 54.

The sauna heater further comprises the air discharge arrangement 55, 56, 31, 3. The air discharge arrangement is arranged to discharge heated air from the sauna heater, as shown with arrow C in figure 9.

The air discharge arranged comprises a discharge duct 55 arranged to define a duct space 56. The discharge duct 55 is connected or provided in connection or flow connection with the air supply channel 57 for discharging heated air from the air supply channel 57 out of the sauna heater.

The air discharge arrangement comprises the air outlet openings 31 arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater. The air outlet opening 31 is provided to the sauna heater and arranged to discharge air from the sauna heater. The air outlet opening 31 is provided to the side walls 12, 13 of the heating chamber or the outer casing and between the heating chamber top 10, 20 and the heating chamber bottom 7 of the sauna heater bottom or outer casing bottom 11 in the direction between the heating chamber bottom 7 and the heating chamber top 10, 20, as shown in figure 11.

The air outlet opening 31 is provided with a flow controller 3c for controlling air flow out of air discharge arrangement and out of the heating chamber la.

The discharge duct 55 extends between the air supply device 4 and the air outlet opening 31.

The air supply device 4 is arranged between the air supply channel 57 and the discharge duct 55.

However, the air supply device 4 may be arranged also in another manner to the air supply arrangement 50 or to the air supply channel 57.

Alternatively, the air supply device may be provided in connection with the discharge duct 55.

The air supply device 4 is arranged to provide suction to the air supply channel 57 from the heating chamber 25 via the channel opening 53 and/or at least partly open channel top 52.

As shown in figure 11, the outer casing or the heating chamber side walls comprises side openings 17 arranged to provide flow path between the surrounding atmosphere and inside the heating chamber space 25 for providing new air into the heating chamber space 25 to be heated.

The bottom 7, 21 may also comprise openings for new air into the heating chamber 25. The openings in the bottom 7, 21 may be addition to the side openings or they may be provided instead of the side openings 17.

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

25 CLAIMS

1. A sauna heater for heating a sauna, the sauna heater comprising:

- a heating chamber (la) for heating air, the heating chamber (la) comprising a heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25), a heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and a heating chamber top (20), the heating chamber top (20) being at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere for conducting heated air out of the sauna heater; and

- an air supply arrangement (40, 50) arranged to conduct new air into the heating chamber (la) from the ambient atmosphere, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sauna heater further comprises:

- an air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b, 55, 56, 31) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater, the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b, 55, 56, 31) being arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20); and

- an air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) arranged generate an air flow in the sauna heater for discharging heated air out of the sauna heater via the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b, 55, 56, 31).

2. A sauna heater according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) is provided to the air supply arrangement (40), the air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) being arranged to generate air flow from the ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber (la) via the air supply arrangement (40).

3. A sauna heater according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sauna heater comprises:

- a first air discharge arrangement (3 a) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater, the first air discharge arrangement (3 a) being arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20); and

- a second air discharge arrangement (3b) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to discharge heated air out of the sauna heater, the second air discharge arrangement (3b) being arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the first air discharge arrangement (3a) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20).

4. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the heating chamber (la) comprises an intermediate bottom (6) provided between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), the intermediate bottom (6) being arranged to divide the heating chamber (la) to an upper heating chamber space (25a) and lower heating chamber space (25b) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20); or

- the heating chamber (la) comprises an intermediate bottom (6) provided between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), the intermediate bottom (6) being arranged to divide the heating chamber (la) to an upper heating chamber space (25a) and lower heating chamber space (25b) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the intermediate bottom (6) comprises one or more bottom openings (6') extending between the upper heating chamber space (25a) and lower heating chamber space (25b).

5. A sauna heater according to claim 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the first air discharge arrangement (3a) is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space (25a) and arranged to discharge heated air from the upper heating chamber space (25a) and out of the sauna heater; and

- the second air discharge arrangement (3b) is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber (25b) and arranged to discharge heated air from the lower heating chamber (25b) and out of the sauna heater.

6. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) comprises a flow controller (32a, 32b) for adjusting discharge flow of heated air out of the heating chamber (la) and out of the sauna heater.

7. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that:

- the air supply arrangement (40) comprises an air supply opening (43, 43a, 43b) provided to the heating chamber (la) and arranged supplying the air into the heating chamber (la); or

- the air supply arrangement (40) comprises an air supply opening (43, 43a, 43b) provided to the heating chamber (la) and arranged supplying the air flow generated by the air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) into the heating chamber (la).

8. A sauna heater according to claim 7, characterized in that the air supply arrangement (40) comprises:

- a first air supply opening (43a) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to supply into the heating chamber (la), the first air supply opening (43a) being arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20); and

- a second air supply opening (43b) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged to supply air into the heating chamber (la), the second air supply opening (43b) being arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and first air supply opening (43a) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20).

9. A sauna heater according to claim 8, characterized in that:

- the first air supply opening (43a) is provided in connection with the upper heating chamber space (25a) and arranged to supply air into the upper heating chamber space (25a); and

- the second air supply opening arrangement (43b) is provided in connection with the lower heating chamber (25b) and arranged to supply air into the lower heating chamber (25b).

10. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that:

- the air supply opening (43) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) is provided to the 28 heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), the supply distance being substantially same as the discharge distance; or

- the air supply opening (43) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) opposite the air supply opening (43) at a discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), the supply distance being substantially same as the discharge distance.

11. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 7 to 10, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the first air supply opening (43a) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a first supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the second air supply opening (43b) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a second supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20),

- the first air discharge arrangement (3a) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a first discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the second air discharge arrangement (3b) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a second discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and

- the first supply distance being substantially same as the first discharge distance, and the second supply distance being substantially same as the second discharge distance; or

- the first air supply opening (43a) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a first supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the second air supply opening (43b) is provided 29 to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) at a second supply distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20),

- the first air discharge arrangement (3a) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) opposite the first air supply opening (43a) and at a first discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and the second air discharge arrangement (3b) is provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) opposite the second air supply opening (43b) and at a second discharge distance from the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20), and

- the first supply distance being substantially same as the first discharge distance, and the second supply distance being substantially same as the second discharge distance.

12. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 7 to 11, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air supply arrangement (40) comprises an air intake opening (44, 44a, 44b) open to the ambient atmosphere and an air supply channel (42, 42a, 42b) between air inlet opening (44, 44a, 44b) and the air supply opening (43, 43a, 43b), the air intake opening is provided below the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20).

13. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 1 to 12, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the sauna heater comprises an installation casing (2) for installing the sauna heater to a support structure, the installation casing (2) being provided on one side wall (23) of the heating chamber (la) outside the heating chamber (la), the air supply arrangement being provided to the installation casing (2).

14. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air supply arrangement comprises air supply channel (57) arranged into the heating chamber space (25), the air supply channel (57) comprising one or more air supply openings (52, 53) arranged to conduct air from the ambient atmosphere into the air supply channel (57). 30

15. A sauna heater according to claims 14, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air supply channel (57) is connected to the air discharge arrangement (55, 56, 31, 3) for discharging heated air from the sauna heater.

16. A sauna heater according to claims 14 or 15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the air supply channel (57) comprises:

- at least partly open channel upper end (52) arranged to supply air to the air supply channel (57) from ambient atmosphere; or

- one or more channel openings (53) provided to the channel side walls and open to the heating chamber space (25) arranged to supply heated air to the air supply channel (57) from the heating chamber space (25); or

- at least partly open channel upper end (52) arranged to supply air to the air supply channel (57) from ambient atmosphere; and

- one or more channel openings (53) provided to the channel side walls and open to the heating chamber space (25) arranged to supply heated air to the air supply channel (57) from the heating chamber space (25).

17. A sauna heater according to any one of claims 14 to 15, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that:

- the air supply device (4) is arranged in connection with the air supply channel (57); or

- the air supply device (4) is arranged in connection with the air discharge arrangement or air discharge duct (55); or

- the air supply device (4) is arranged between the air supply channel (57) and the air discharge arrangement or air discharge duct (55).

18. A method for heating a sauna with a sauna heater, the method comprises:

- heating a heating chamber (la) of the sauna heater, the heating chamber (la) comprising a heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25), a heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and a heating chamber top (20), the heating chamber top (20) being at least partly open to the ambient atmosphere;

- taking air into a heating chamber (la) of the sauna heater via an air supply arrangement (40, 50);

- heating the intake air inside the heating chamber (la); and

- discharging the heated air from the heating chamber (la) via the heating chamber top (20), 31 c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method further comprises:

- discharging heated air from the heating chamber through the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in a direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) with an air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b, 55, 56, 31) provided to the heating chamber side walls (22, 23, 24, 25) and arranged between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20) in the direction between the heating chamber bottom (7, 21) and the heating chamber top (20); and

- generating an air flow in the sauna heater with an air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) for discharging heated air out of the sauna heater via the air discharge arrangement (3, 3a, 3b, 55, 56, 31).

19. A method according to claim 18, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that step of generating the air flow in the sauna heater with an air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) comprises generating a supply air flow from ambient atmosphere into the heating chamber (la) via the air supply arrangement (40) with an air supply device (4, 4a, 4b) provided to the air supply arrangement (40).

20. A method according to claim 18 or 19, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the method comprises carrying out the method with a sauna heater according to the any of claim 1 to 17.