FURNITURE MODULE OF A RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

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DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a recreational vehicles such as camper, roulotte, motorhome, van etc. and more in particular it relates to a forniture module arranged in an accommodation unit of such vehicles.

With "forniture module" means a kitchen, a bed, a bath, etc, as for example a prefabricated-type, which composes the equipment of the accommodation unit.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to an accommodation unit of a recreational vehicle that comprises said forniture module.

State of the art

As known, the equipment of a recreational vehicle comprises furniture module such as a kitchen, bed, bath etc. - normally a prefabricated-type - that is adapted to be installed and functionally connected in the accommodation unit of the vehicle. In addition to these other furniture elements such as tables, seats, etc are provided.

More in particular, each forniture module is configured as a block integrally connected to the ground or the side walls of the accommodation unit, in a predetermined position. The different furniture modules define the equipment and the space of the accommodation unit.

In many cases, mainly for reasons of space and abitability, furniture modules with modular or transformable solutions are provided.

For example, bed modules conformed to moving from an open configuration of use to a closed foldable configuration in which the space in the accommodation unit is reduced are known. Document DE202011103588 describe, for example, a modular bed configured in ordero to be foldable to wall.

In this and other solutions however, the forniture module keeps always the same position in the accommodation unit, i.e. is stably connected in a predetermined zone of the floor and the space cannot change conformation. The modularity, in fact, is defined by portions, for example book-like shaped or other type, which allow a reduction of the size between the open configuration and the foldable configuration, but not the movement of the complete forniture module. Normally, furthermore, in the foldable configuration the user cannot use the furniture module.

Another example is shown by furniture elements as a table. Know integrated-type table in the floor of the accommodation unit or in a side wall of the same, or modular-type table that allow changing the orientation or the arrangement of the plane support. An example of such a solution is disclosed in document DE 4200476.

In other solutions, the accommodation unit comprises division walls, also of movable type, which are arranged in order to divide the space of the accommodation unit in compartments insulated and independent. Such for obtain, for example, a living area divided by sleeping area or, still, a kitchen and a bath zone insulated from each other.

Even in other solutions, the accommodation unit comprises movable walls or additional portions, which allow increasing the inner space of it. However these solutions are the inconvenience that can be used only when the vehicle is stopped.

To the light of above is felt the need to provide a forniture module that is adapted to changing the equipment and the spaces inner of the accommodation unit easily and functional, and that in the meantime allows being always operatively usufruible by the user.

Further technical solutions of furniture module or elements modular-type shaped are described in DE 10140922 and US2011/0254304.

Sommario of the invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a forniture module of a recreational vehicle, which is adapted to allow changing of the equipment and the spaces of the accommodation unit and, at the same time, which it can to be always used by the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a forniture module of a recreational vehicle that is structurally easy and not expensive to make, and moreover conformed to be arranged as a retrofit.

It is still an object of the present invention to provide a forniture module that has a higher practicality and functionality to use with respect to the proior art solutions.

It is also a feature of the present invention to provide an accommodation unit of a recreational vehicle comprising said forniture module that achieves the same objects.

These and other objects are achieved by a forniture module of a recreational vehicle according to claim 1.

In particular, the forniture module is arranged in an accommodation unit of the recreational vehicle; the accommodation unit comprises a floor wall, a ceiling wall opposite to the floor wall and side walls arranged between the floor wall and the ceiling wall. The floor wall, the ceiling wall and the side walls defining a living space in the accommodation unit.

More in particular, the forniture module comprises a support frame substantially box-like shaped arranged on the floor wall of the accommodation unit. With the expressure "forniture module" is intended a kitchen, a bed, a bath, etc, as for example a prefabricated-type, that composes the equipment of the accommodation unit.

The support frame is associated to guide means coupled functionally with the floor wall that allow to actuating selectively the forniture module between a first use position and a second use position different from each other in the plane of the floor wall. In particular, the forniture module can be usufruible and visible by the user in the living space in both the use positions.

Such a forniture module can allow easy to adjust and change the equipment of the accommodation unit without making any wall division or division of the same accommodation unit.

The mobility function of the forniture module, according to the present invention, allows in particular to change the inner space and the living area adatting them to various needs. For example, the need of displace the forniture module for its use during the day or the night, or the need of displace the forniture module for a higher abitability in the plane of the floor wall of the accommodation unit, or still, the need of increasing the load space in the accommodation unit.

Preferably said guide means comprises: an housing arranged on the floor wall of the accommodation unit,

an upright guiding functionally coupled in the housing, to allow a rotation and/or translation of the forniture module between the first and the second use position.

In a first exemplary embodiment the housing, preferably integrated in the floor wall, is a cylinder guiding.

The upright guiding extends orthogonally with respect to the cylinder guiding for a predetermined height. In an advantageous way the upright guiding extends for a height at least identical at the height of the forniture module.

In the cylinder guiding is arranged at least one bearing or bush functionally coupled with the upright guiding that allow a rotation of the upright guiding about an own rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the floor wall.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the housing is conformed as a groove rail or guiding profile. In the groove rail is arranged at least a slider functionally coupled with the upright guiding to allow a translation of the upright guiding along the groove rail or guiding profile.

In particular, the slider comprises in turn a bearing or bush that allows the rotation of the upright guiding with respect to the slider guiding. This way, the upright guiding can translate along the groove rail, and in the meantime rotate with respect to the slider about its own axis of rotation.

In particular, the groove rail or guiding profile is conformed to linear portions, curvilinear or a combination thereof .

In a preferred exemplary embodiment an actuator housed within the housing guiding functionally associated with the upright guiding is provided, which allows transmitting the rotation and/or translating movement to the forniture module. In particular, the actuator is operated through a control unit.

Preferably said upright guiding and said housing are conformed for defining a channel apapted to housing for cables and/or ducts, for example electric cables and/or feeding and/or unloading ducts of the integrated devices of the forniture module .

In this way, the cables and/or the ducts housed in the upright guiding rotate and/or translate both concordantly to the forniture module thus allowing its free handling between the first and the second use position. The channel allows therefore providing functional connections even with remote or external devices to the accommodation unit.

Preferably said upright guiding is associated amovably to said support frame. Alternatively, said upright guiding is an element of said support frame.

The support frame comprises preferably a plurality of girder elements connected to each other.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment are provided first guide means functionally coupled to the floor wall and second guide means functionally coupled to the ceiling wall. Said first and second guide means being specularly opposite to each other .

In particular, the first and second guide means comprises : a first housing, which are arranged on the floor wall of the accommodation unit,

a second housing, which are arranged on the ceiling wall of the accommodation unit specularly opposite to said first housing; an upright guiding that extends between the floor wall and the ceiling wall. The upright guiding being functionally coupled in the first and in the second housing, to allow a rotation and/or translation of said forniture module between the first and the second use position.

In particular, the upright guiding comprises a first tubular portion functionally coupled within the first housing, and a second tubular portion which is connected to the first tubular portion and in turn coupled with the second housing.

Preferably the first and the second tubular portion are connected telescopically to each other.

Furthermore, they are provided lock means that is associated with the first and/or second tubular portion; the lock means comprise, for example, a hole obtained on the first tubular portion, or in both the tubular portions, and a pin or lock screwing engaged in said hole. The screw or bolt engaged in the through hole allows intercepting the surface of the second tubular portion coupled to the first tubular portion, or intercepting the corresponding hole of the second tubular portion, in order to block the relative movement between them.

In this way, the upright guiding configured in two spaced tubular portions allowing an easy and quickly assembly. In particular, it is enough to couple the first tubular portion in the first housing; put the second tubular portion in the first portion with the lock means in a disengaged configuration. So slide relatively the two tubular portions, in order to put the end of the second portion into the the second housing. At this point, it is possible to adjust the height overall of the upright guiding by the lock means.

The upright guiding is preferably arranged at a first end edge of the support frame. At the first end edge of the forniture module has shaped as a curved or rounded portion. The curved or rounded portion allowing to reduces the encumbrance space of the forniture module, in particular in the rotation between the first and the second use position.

Preferably, at a second end edge of the support frame, diagonally opposite to the first end edge, a means sliding is provided adapted to guide the rotation and/or translation of the forniture module in the plane of the floor wall . The sliding means are, for example, a carriage slidingly arranged in contact with the floor wall.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment the forniture module is conformed for receiving at least one device such as a cooking device, an oven, freezer or other type, or still a lavello with tap of feeding water.

Preferably said forniture module is a modular portion cucina that comprises a plane cooking and/or a kitchen sink with tap integrated in an upper plate of the same.

According to another aspect of the invention an accommodation unit of a recreational vehicle is described. The accommodation unit comprises a floor wall, a ceiling wall opposite to said floor wall, and side walls arranged peripherally between the floor wall and the ceiling wall that define a living space.

In said living space is arranged at least one forniture module according to claims from 1 to 4.

In particular, the accommodation unit comprises an opening pass arranged on the side wall and it have a door, preferably a slidingly door adapted to open and close selectively the opening pass. In a configuration preferred the forniture module in the first use positionis oriented longitudinally along the side wall of the accommodation unit. Preferably the upright guiding faces towards the opening pass and it is located substantially in a central position of the opening pass. In the first use position the forniture module is arranged a first half the opening pass, maintaining instead free a second half the opening pass allowing an inlet and/or the outlet of an user.

In the second use position the forniture module could rotate with respect to the upright guiding of an angle substantially of 90°, in order to orienting transversally with respect to said side wall. In the second use position the forniture module occupies the second half the opening pass and keeps free the first half of the opening pass allowing ever an inlet and/or the outlet of an user.

In both the configurations the forniture module is usufruible by the user. In the second use position the forniture module allow increasing the space in the longitudinal direction of the accommodation unit.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment the accommodation unit comprises, furthermore, a single or double-hinged door on the side bottom wall.

In this conformation it is possible to approach the accommodation unit by the hinged door. The forniture module in the second use position increases the load volume in longitudinal direction thus allowing the use of the accommodation unit as a recess adapted to transport load, for example, of a two wheel vehicle or of another load.

Description of figures of the invention

Further characteristic and advantages of the invention are better shown by examinating the following detailed description of more preferred embodiment, but not exclusive, shown for example and not limitative, with the support of the attached drawings, wherein:

- Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a forniture module arranged, in a first use position, in a accommodation unit of a recreational vehicle;

- Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the forniture module of Fig. 1 arranged in a second use position in the accommodation unit of the recreational vehicle;

- Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the forniture module in a first exemplary embodiment of the guide means that allow it' s handling between the first and second position of Fig. 1 and 2;

- Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the forniture module in a second exemplary embodiment of the guide means; Fig. 4A shows a cross sectional detailed view of the second exemplary embodiment of the guide means;

- Fig. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the forniture module of Fig. 3;

- Fig. 5A shows an enlarged view of an upright guiding arranged allowing a rotation of the forniture module;

- Fig. 5B shows a diagrammatical view of sliding means arranged on the forniture module that assist the rotation and/or the translation of it;

- Fig. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the forniture module that comprises first and second guide means;

- finally, Fig. 7 shows an enlarged view of the upright guiding arranged in Fig. 6. Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Fig. 1, is shown a forniture module 10 of a recreational vehicle 100 according to the present invention. In particular, the forniture module 10 is arranged in a accommodation unit 51 of the recreational vehicle 100; the accommodation unit 51 is defined mainly by a floor wall or floor 52, a ceiling wall 53 opposite to the floor 52, and side walls 55 arranged peripherally between the floor 52 and the soffitto 53 that define a living space inner 50.

In particular, the forniture module 10 according to the present invention comprises a support frame 15 (Fig. 3 and 4) substantially box-like shaped arranged on the floor 52 of the accommodation unit 51.

The support frame 15 is associated to guide means 20 in turn functionally coupled at least to the floor wall 52.

More in particular, the guide means 20 allow to move selectively the forniture module from a first use position A to a second use position B different from each other in the plane of the floor wall 52. The forniture module 10 is operatively usufruible by a user in the living space 50 in both the use positions A and B.

This solution is different by the prior art since it allows to easily change and adjust the equipment of the accommodation unit 51 maintaining the forniture module 10 always accessible and functionally arranged of a user. The movement of the forniture module 10 does not create any wall division or division in the accommodation unit 51 but remains always visible in the living space 50, but in turn allows adjusting the spaces and the overall or partial equipment of the accommodation unit 51, for example to increase the habitability of it or to define a load space, as described below in detail.

More in particular, as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 the guide means 20 comprise mainly a housing 21 , 21 ' , 21a arranged on the floor wall 52 of the accommodation unit 51 , and an upright guiding 22 functionally coupled in the housing 21 , 21 ' , 21a to allow a rotation and/or a translation of the forniture module 10 between the first A to and the second B use position.

In a first exemplary embodiment, diagrammatically shown in Fig. 3, the housing, preferably integrated in the floor wall 52 , is a cylinder guiding 21 . The upright guiding 22 extends orthogonally with respect to the cylinder guiding 21 for a predetermined height identical at least at the height of the forniture module 10 .

In particular, in the cylinder guiding 21 is housed a bearing 23 that couples functionally with the upright guiding 22 . The upright guiding 22 rotates about an own rotation axis z perpendicular to the floor 52 .

In an alternative exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4 and 4A, the housing is conformed as a groove rail or guiding profile 21a , also this preferably integrated in the floor wall 52 . The upright guiding 22 , in an exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3, is mounted orthogonally with respect to the groove rail 21a .

In the groove rail guiding 21a is arranged at least one slider 24 arranged at one end of the upright guiding 22 , which allows a translation of the upright guiding 22 in both the directions along the groove rail guide 21a .

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4A, the slider 24 comprises - in turn - a bearing or bush 23 that allows the rotation of the upright guiding 22 with respect to the same slider 24 . The upright guiding 22 is adapted to move along the groove rail guiding 21a and in the meantime to rotate relatively with respect to the slider 24 about its own rotation axis z . Structurally the groove rail or guiding profile 21a can be conformed in a way desired, for example, can provide linear portions 21a ' , curvilinear portion 21a" or a combination thereof .

In particular, in a way not shown, the exemplary embodiments above described can furthermore provide an actuator housed within the housing guiding 21 , 21 ' , 21a and functionally associated with the upright guiding 22 , which allows transmitting the rotation and/or translation movement of the forniture module 10 . In particular, the actuator is operated through a control unit.

As shown in Fig. 5 the upright guiding 22 is integrated whith the support frame 15 , i.e. is a girders element 16 that compone the structure of the support frame 15 . On the support frame are amovably-arranged panels 17 .

More in particular, to provide the handling function of the forniture module the upright guiding 22 has tubular shaped and comprises, as shown in Fig. 5A, a channel 25 and a housing for cables 13 , 13 ' , for example, electric clables-type or feeding and/or unloading ducts 13 ' necessary for operating devices 11 , 12 integrated in the forniture module 10 . In this way, the cables and/or the ducts 13 , 13 ' can rotate and/or translate concordantly to the forniture module 10 thus allowing its free handling.

The channel 25 allows therefore providing functional connections even with remote and external devices to the accommodation unit 51 .

From a structural viewpoint the upright guiding 22 is arranged at a first end edge SI of the support frame 15. Always at the edge SI the forniture module 10 can be conformed, in a way not shown, as a curved or rounded portion. The curved portion reduces the encumbrance space of the forniture module 10, in particular during the rotation between the first to and the second B use position.

Furthermore, at a second end edge S2, diagonally opposite to the first end edge SI, the support frame 15 comprises sliding means, diagrammatically shown in Fig. 5B, which is adapted to support the frame and in addition assisting the rotation and/or translation of the forniture module 10 in the plane of the floor wall 52. The sliding means 14 are for example a carriage having wheels .

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the forniture module 10 two respective guide means 20, 20' respectively for floor wall 52 the ceiling wall 53 are provided.

More in particular, a first housing 21 arranged floor 52 and a second housing 21' arranged on the ceiling wall 53 of the accommodation unit 51 are provided. The upright guiding 22 in this case extends between the floor wall 52 and the ceiling wall 53.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6 the upright guiding 22 is pivotally connected in the first 21 and second 21' housing by respective bearings 23, 23' . Alternatively, can be provided respective groove rails guiding and slider in the exemplary embodiment described with reference to Figs. 4 and 4A.

Structurally in the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6, the upright guiding 22 comprises a first tubular portion 22a functionally coupled within the first housing 21 and a second tubular portion 22b, coupled in the first tubular portion 22a. The second tubular portion 22b is in turn coupled in the second housing 21 ' .

In particular, the first 22a and the second 22b tubular portion are connected telescopically to each other to adjust in height the upright guiding, as described below.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6, are, furthermore, provided lock means 30 better shown in Fig. 7, and associated with the first 22a and/or second tubular portion 22b . The latter comprise a trought hole 31 obtained on the first tubular portion 22a and a locking screw or bolt 32 adapted to be engaged in the hole 31 . The screw 32 engages the hole 31 and allows blocking the second tubular portion 22b inserted in the first portion.

Furthermore, the tubular portions 22a , 22b allow an easy and quick assembly. In particular, it is enough to couple the first tubular portion 22a in the first housing 21 ; put the second tubular portion 22b telescopically in the first tubular portion 22a , maintaining not fastened the screw 32 . So slide the two tubular portions with respect to each other in order to regulate the height, and in order to put the end of the second tubular portion 22b in the second housing 21 ' . At this point, adjusting the height of the upright guiding 22 for a correct and steady matching in the respective housing. At that point fixing the screw 32 in order to block the relative movement between the two tubular portions.

With reference to figures from 1 to 6, the forniture module

10 according to the invention is preferably a modular kitchen portion conformed for receiving at least one device 11 , 12 such as a cooking device 11 , coolant or other type, or still a kitchen sink 12 with tap 12a of feeding water.

Always according to the present invention an accommodation unit 51 of a recreational vehicle 100 in which it is arranged at least one forniture module 10 , as above described, is provided. In an exemplary embodiment the accommodation unit 51 comprises more furniture modules 10 each with the feature that it comprises the guide means 20 , in order to be moved to the plane of the floor 52 .

In a preferred exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and 2, the accommodation unit 51 comprises an opening pass 60 obtained on the side wall 55 , and a door 65 , preferably slidingly or hinged door, which opens and close selectively the opening pass 60 .

Furthermore, the accommodation unit 51 comprises a single or double hinged door 56 obtained on the side bottom wall 55 ' .

The forniture module 10 is arranged, in the first use position A, longitudinally along the side wall 55 of the accommodation unit 51 . In particular, the upright guiding 22 faces towards the opening pass 60 and it is located at the centre of the opening pass 60 . In the first use position the forniture module 10 is arranged therefore in a first half 61 of the opening pass 60 , maintaining instead free a second half 62 of the opening to allow the inlet and/or the outlet of a user.

In the second use position B , instead, the forniture module 10 can be moved with respect to the upright guiding 22 of an angle substantially of 90°, in order that is oriented transversally with respect to the side wall 55 . In the use position B the forniture module 10 therefore is inverted and takes the second half 62 maintaining instead free the first half 61 of the opening pass 60 . In both the positions the forniture module 10 is usufruible by the user. In the second use position B the forniture module 10 is apapted to increase the abitability space of the accommodation unit 51 in the longitudinal direction, in particular increasing the space in longitudinal direction between a length L and a length Li . In the use position B it is possible to use the accommodation unit 51 as a load recess, for example, of a two wheels vehicle 150. The latter can be loaded in the accommodation unit through the hinged door 56.