LEISURE VEHICLE

DE102025113577B3Undetermined Publication Date: 2026-09-03BURSTNER GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025113577
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-04-07
Publication Date
2026-09-03
Estimated Expiration
2045-04-07

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Abstract

Recreational vehicle (1) with a sleeping area (10) and a seating area (30) as well as a bathroom area (20) which is arranged along a longitudinal direction (L) of the recreational vehicle (1) between the sleeping area (10) and the seating area (30), wherein in order to enlarge the sleeping area (10) the bathroom area (20) as such can be transferred from a first position to a second position along an offset direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (L).
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Description

The present invention relates to a recreational vehicle. Recreational vehicles, such as motorhomes or campervans, are well-known examples. Especially in campervans, whose length typically doesn't exceed 7 meters, the space-efficient arrangement of components within the living area is always a challenge. Ultimately, as many functionalities and uses as possible should be provided despite the very limited space. At the same time, no essential functionality should be sacrificed: the living space of the recreational vehicle should not only provide a kitchen, but also sufficient space for sleeping, a bathroom, and a bench seat for relaxing in the motorhome or campervan. German patent application DE 10 2017 113 587 B4 relates to a motorhome with a wet room located inside the vehicle, which can be closed in two positions and has a tensionable tarpaulin door for variable enlargement of the wet room interior while simultaneously accommodating a toilet and a living area in a space-saving manner. German patent application DE 10 2023 114 552 A1 relates to a device for a recreational vehicle, in particular for a motorhome, a caravan or a van designed as a recreational vehicle, with at least one body that is adjustable along a guide fixed in the interior of the recreational vehicle, as well as a recreational vehicle with such a device.The publication DE 10 2021 132 774 A1 concerns a self-creating space for a recreational vehicle, in particular for a motorhome and / or a caravan, with at least one deformable wall that can be rolled onto and off at least one shaft, as well as a recreational vehicle with such a self-creating space. Starting from this premise, the present invention aims to provide the most comfortable living space possible in a recreational vehicle, despite the limited space available in motorhomes and campervans. This problem is solved by the recreational vehicle according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments and features can be found in the dependent claims, the figures and the description. According to a first aspect, a recreational vehicle is provided with a sleeping area and a seating area as well as a bathing area, wherein the bathing area is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the recreational vehicle between the sleeping area and the seating area, wherein, in order to enlarge the sleeping area, the bathing area as such can be transferred from a first position to a second position along an offset direction parallel to the longitudinal direction. In contrast to the prior art, it is specifically designed that the bathroom area, either as a unit or as a whole, is relocatable, thereby advantageously creating more space for the sleeping area. This allows, in particular, a larger sleeping area to accommodate beds 1.50 to 2.50 meters long, or more specifically 1.80 to 2.2 meters long, along the length of the vehicle, while maintaining a short overall vehicle length. This significantly increases the comfort of the sleeping area. The recreational vehicle is preferably a motorhome or campervan whose overall length, particularly along a longitudinal dimension, does not exceed 7 meters, preferably not more than 6 meters. Preferably, the recreational vehicle, especially the campervan, has a length between 5.8 meters and 6.2 meters, more preferably between 5.9 meters and 6.1 meters.Preferably, the recreational vehicle, in particular the campervan, is a converted panel van. Relocation of the bathroom area as such or as a whole is understood to mean, in particular, that the bathroom area, including at least one side wall and at least one sanitary fixture located within it, is relocatable, preferably including a shower and / or a washbasin, and including all side walls. This allows the bathroom area to be used in both positions, which is very advantageous. Preferably, a toilet located within the bathroom area is also relocatable. Such campervans preferably include a side door to allow lateral access, especially for passengers. The side door is typically a sliding door to provide the most convenient access for passengers. Rear doors on the campervan allow for the loading of cargo from the rear and / or provide additional access to the cargo area, which is designed as a living space. In particular, such a recreational vehicle includes a driver's cab integrated into the vehicle. Such a recreational vehicle can be used both for transporting goods and passengers, as well as for use as a sleeping and living space. In particular, it is provided that the bathroom area can be reversibly moved between the first and second positions. Specifically, it is provided that the bathroom area can be moved between the first and second positions as needed. Preferably, it is provided that the bathroom area can be moved between the first and second positions by means of a rail system. It is preferably provided that the rail system, in particular a receiving rail of the rail system, is at least partially integrated into the floor of the recreational vehicle, and in particular integrated in such a way that it is flush with the top surface.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the rail system has rollers which are unrolled during the transfer between the first and second positions and / or which roll along the rail system to enable the smoothest and easiest possible guidance of the entire bath area. In particular, it is provided that the bath area can be transferred from the first position to the second position via a defined movement. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the bath area can be transferred from the first position to the second position without tools. In particular, the bathroom area is designed to include side walls for privacy. This spatial boundary ensures the privacy of the bathroom user. In particular, the sleeping area, bathroom area, and seating area are arranged directly adjacent to one another in a longitudinal direction. Specifically, the sleeping area, bathroom area, and seating area are located along one wall of the recreational vehicle. The bathroom area preferably occupies an area between 0.5 m² and 2 m², preferably between 0.8 m² and 1.5 m². It is preferably provided that the area occupied in the first position and the area occupied in the second position are at least substantially the same. Substantially the same means that the area does not change by more than 15%, preferably not by more than 10%, and most preferably not by more than 5%. Preferably, the sleeping area comprises a bed element that can be moved between a storage position and a usable position, and which can be extended in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis when moved into the usable position. It is conceivable that the bed element has a folding element that can be folded forward in the second position, i.e., towards the driver's cab. An extendable head or foot section is also conceivable to allow for a corresponding increase in the size of the bed element. It is also conceivable that, particularly for further use as storage space, the bed element is arranged on a base and / or folded up when not in use and, for example, attached to the vehicle wall. The bed element particularly comprises a bed frame that is extendable or foldable as described above.Additionally, a mattress is preferably provided, which is foldable or multi-part. In the usable position, the mattress is unfolded or the several parts are arranged side by side on the bed frame to provide a sleeping surface. Preferably, the bed element is designed for a sleeping position along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, although a sleeping position transverse to the longitudinal direction is also conceivable. According to the invention, the seating area is movable between a first position and a second position, with the seating area in the second position freeing up at least part of the second position for the bathroom area. In particular, it is provided that the seating area in the second position is smaller in the longitudinal direction, i.e., shorter, to free up corresponding installation space that can then be occupied by the bathroom area. Specifically, the bed element can assume its usable position when the seating area is in the second position and the bathroom area is also in the second position. Conversely, preferably, in the first position of the bathroom area, the seating area can be in its first position, in which it is fully usable, while the bed element is in its stowed position. Thus, the bathroom is always usable, and optionally, either the bed element or the seating area. Preferably, the seating area includes a folding table and / or a folding bench seat, particularly with a seatbelt system, wherein the folding table and / or the folding bench seat can be moved into a second position when folded. This advantageously allows the bench seat and table to be positioned so that they can be pushed together, thus freeing up space for the bathroom area in the second position. It is conceivable that the folding table includes a tabletop that can pivot relative to the table base. It is also conceivable that the table element is hinged to the vehicle wall and folded down when in use, i.e., particularly in the first position of the bathroom area. Preferably, one seat surface of the bench seat is folded upwards. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the bench seat can be reversibly and detachably mounted on the rail system.This allows the bench seat to be easily removed from the recreational vehicle if needed. Preferably, the bench seat includes one or two seatbelts. Ideally, the backrest of the bench seat is reinforced, for example, with a seatbelt frame, so that the seats can also be used while driving. It is also conceivable that the bench and / or the folding table could also use a rail system, preferably the same rail system as the bathroom area. In this case, the seating area would also include a rail embedded in the floor and / or rollers to facilitate transport. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the bathroom area is usable in both the first and second positions. This advantageously creates the possibility that the bathroom can be used in its entirety, regardless of the bathroom area's position. Preferably, there are exactly two fixed positions, i.e., a fixed first position and / or a fixed second position, into which the bathroom area can be converted. It is also conceivable that there are several second positions into which the bathroom area can be converted. Preferably, these are one or more discreetly adjustable second positions along the longitudinal direction, in order to allow for the most flexible possible creation of various sleeping room dimensions. This further increases flexibility and may, if necessary, permit the simultaneous use of an extended sleeping area and a shortened seating area.This increases the flexibility of using the recreational vehicle. Preferably, a drainage channel, in particular a drainage trough, is provided for the use of the bathing area, wherein the drain or the used greywater can be discharged into the drainage channel at different points depending on the position of the bathing area. This advantageously allows the drain water to be collected via a common drainage trough regardless of the position of the bathing area. However, depending on the position of the bathing area, the draining liquids are transferred into the drainage channel, in particular the drainage trough, at different points, so that the bathing area can be used in various positions. Preferably, for example, a corresponding outlet is provided at the drain of a hand basin, which is moved along the drainage channel when the bathing area is moved from one position to another. It is also conceivable that, for the usability of the bathroom area, it could include a deformable piping system, preferably with a cable carrier. This would allow, for example, pipes intended for water supply to be bent differently to ensure usability in both the first and second positions. Preferably, the bathroom area comprises at least one side wall, preferably at least two side walls, which define / delimit the bathroom area. For example, the at least one side wall can also include a type of door, in particular a hinged and / or sliding door, to ensure the most space-efficient access to the bathroom area. The bathroom area can, in particular, comprise three side walls, i.e., it does not have its own side wall separate from the side wall of the vehicle. In another embodiment, the bathroom area is completely enclosed by side walls, i.e., it has, in particular, four side walls. In some embodiments, the bathroom area includes a walkway that can be moved from the first to the second position and preferably extends to the side walls of the bathroom area. This allows the bathroom area to be made watertight at the bottom. In other embodiments, the bathroom area does not have its own walkway; instead, the side walls of the bathroom area slide along the walkway of the motorhome. Preferably, the bathroom area is open at the top. Preferably, the bathroom area should be lockable in both the first and second positions. This also advantageously allows for driving when the bathroom area is in the second position, provided no passengers are being carried. This, in turn, allows for flexible expansion of the transport or storage space in the rear of the recreational vehicle. Preferably, the bathroom area features a toilet that can be moved relative to the bathroom area and is positioned to allow it to be transferred from the bathroom area to the sleeping area in the first and / or second position. For this purpose, a storage compartment is integrated into the housing-like side wall of the bathroom area. This compartment projects outwards from the side wall into the sleeping area. Specifically, it is a box-like storage compartment. The toilet can be moved into this projecting storage compartment, particularly when not in use. This frees up more space in the bathroom when it is in use, allowing for more comfortable use of the bathroom. The toilet preferably includes a cassette and / or a self-sealing bag system for the proper disposal of waste.In particular, the disposal of waste from the toilet takes place via the interior of the recreational vehicle and not via an area accessible from the outside. Preferably, the recreational vehicle is a motorhome or campervan. In particular, the motorhome is characterized by its length, being up to 8 m, preferably up to 7 m, and most preferably up to 6 m, especially along a longitudinal direction L. The longitudinal direction L preferably runs along the direction of travel, in particular along which the recreational vehicle moves while driving. However, the recreational vehicle can also be a caravan. A recreational vehicle is understood to be, in particular, a road vehicle that has a sleeping area, living area, and / or cooking area. Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. These show: The following figures schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 Sectional view through a campervan with a bathroom area in the first position according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 Sectional view through a campervan with a bathroom area in the second position according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 Sectional view through the seating area, bathroom area and seating area for the preferred and exemplary embodiment of the present invention from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Figures 1 and 2 schematically show perspective sectional views through a recreational vehicle 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Such a recreational vehicle 1 is, in particular, a campervan that serves for transport and simultaneously provides a living area. In particular, such a campervan is characterized by the fact that, in addition to a driver's cab 4, it includes a seating area 30 in which further passengers can be transported. In addition to the seating area 30, a bathroom area 20 and a sleeping area 10 are integrated into the recreational vehicle 1, particularly in a rear cargo space of the campervan. Specifically, a campervan is a converted panel van in which the cargo space is modified to provide the bathroom area 20 and the sleeping area 10. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the sleeping area 10 comprises a substructure 18 on which a bed element 15, for example in the form of a mattress, is arranged. It is also conceivable that a folding bed element 15 is mounted on a vehicle wall of the campervan, which is folded down for sleeping or use. A campervan is characterized, in particular, by its length, being up to 8 m, preferably up to 7 m, and most preferably up to 6 m long, especially along a longitudinal direction L.The longitudinal direction L preferably runs along a direction of travel along which the recreational vehicle 1 is moved during travel, in particular during forward travel. Due to the very limited installation space available in such recreational vehicles 1, the sleeping area 10 in the prior art designs generally does not provide sufficient space to accommodate a sufficiently long bed, in particular a bed substantially 2 m long. "Substantially" is understood to mean, in particular, that the length of the bed may deviate by up to 15%. Therefore, it is specifically provided that the bathroom area 20 can be moved from a first position P1, shown in Fig. 1, to a second position P2, shown in Fig. 2. Specifically, the bathroom area 20 as a whole is moved to the second position. Thus, not just an individual component of the bathroom area 20, but the bathroom area 20 as a whole is moved in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, in particular forwards towards the driver's cab 4.The bathroom area 20 preferably comprises at least one side wall 22 and particularly preferably forms an enclosed space that preserves the user's privacy when using the bathroom area 20. For this purpose, the bathroom area 20 includes, for example, several side walls 22 that enclose the bathroom area 20 like a housing. Furthermore, the bathroom area 20 includes a door, in particular in the form of a sliding and / or hinged door, which allows access to the bathroom area 20. The side walls and / or the door are also components of the bathroom area 20 and are also transferred to the second position P2. The bathroom area 20 preferably includes a washbasin, a shower, and / or a toilet. In order to transfer the bathroom area 20 as a whole, or as such, to the second position P2, it is preferably provided that the seating area 30 can be shortened in its longitudinal dimension L of the recreational vehicle 1.This allows for the release of corresponding construction space, which can be used at least partially by bathroom area 20 in the second position P2. The seating area 30 includes, for example, a bench seat 34 that can be used by passengers. The seating area 30 also includes a table 32, which can be used, for example, by people in a situation where the recreational vehicle serves as living space. Preferably, the bench seat 34 and / or the table 32 are foldable to allow for movement between a first and a second position. This advantageously allows the bench seat 34 and / or the table 32 to be folded in the second position, enabling them to be compactly joined together and thus reducing the length of the seating area 30 along the longitudinal direction L. For this purpose, the bench seat 34 and / or table are pushed together in their folded state. The seating area 30 in the second position is shown by way of example in Fig.2 is shown, while the seating area 30 in Fig. 1 is illustrated in an exemplary first position. Once the seating area 30 has been shortened along the longitudinal direction L by folding down and preferably sliding together the bench seat 34 and / or table 32, the bathroom area 20 can be slid longitudinally L towards the driver's cab 4. Preferably, the bathroom area 20, the bench seat 34 and / or the table 21 are connected to a rail system 36, the rail system 36 allowing spatial displacement of the bathroom area 20, the bench seat 34 and / or the table 32. For this purpose, the rail system 36 preferably comprises a rail embedded in the floor panel and / or body of the recreational vehicle 1, which is flush, in particular at its upper end, so as not to pose a tripping hazard. Furthermore, the rail system 36 is provided to have rollers, which allow for particularly easy movement of the bathroom area 20, the bench seat 34, and / or the table 32. It is also conceivable that the bathroom area 20 and the seating area 30 share a rail system 36 or that they each have separate rail systems 36 that are independent of each other. If the bathroom area 20 is in the second position P2, it now frees up space for the sleeping area 10, which advantageously allows the bed element 15 to be enlarged in its longitudinal dimension L. For this purpose, the bed element 15 preferably comprises a folding element 16 that can be pivoted forward, i.e., towards the driver's cab 4. Preferably, in the second position P2 of the bathroom area 20, the folding element 16 rests on a box-shaped storage compartment 14, which is integrated into the side wall 22 of the bathroom area 20. The storage compartment 14 serves in particular to accommodate a toilet, which can, for example, perform additional relative movement with respect to the bathroom area 20. This makes it advantageously possible to insert or stow the toilet in this storage compartment 14 in order to increase the usable space in the bathroom area 20 when required. In particular, it is intended that the bathroom area 20 is usable in both the first position P1 and the second position P2, and especially that it is fully usable in both positions. "Fully usable" means that all functions of the bathroom area 20 can be used in both the first position P1 and the second position P2. Thus, toilet visits can be made possible in both the first position P1 and the second position P2, and the washbasin, for example, can be used. Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the bathroom area 20, the bench seat 34, and the table 32 are fixed with fixing elements in both the first position P1 and the second position P2 to prevent them from being moved. This advantageously allows the recreational vehicle 1 to be moved even when the bathroom area 20 is in the second position P2.This, in turn, allows for the transport of bulky goods by moving the bathroom area 20 to the second position P2. While no additional passengers can then be transported, a bulkier item that would otherwise not fit in the campervan's cargo space can be accommodated. This increases the campervan's flexibility. A bolt or pin, for example, can be used as a fixing element, engaging in a corresponding recess in the rail system 36 and thus fixing the bench seat 34, the table 32, and / or bathroom area 20 through a positive and / or force-fit interaction. Preferably, this is a locking mechanism that automatically engages or locks the rail system 36 and the bench seat 34, table 32, and / or bathroom area 30 at defined points. Figure 3 shows additional sectional views through the system consisting of a seating area 10, a bathroom area 20, and a seating area 30. In particular, it is provided that the sleeping area 10, the bathroom area 20, and the seating area 30 are arranged consecutively along the longitudinal direction L of the recreational vehicle 1. On the side opposite the bathroom area 20, for example, an entrance door or a side door of the campervan and / or a kitchenette may be provided. Reference symbol list: 1 Recreational vehicle 4 Driver's cab 10 Sleeping area 14 Storage area 15 Bed element 16 Folding element 18 Base 20 Bathroom area 22 Side wall 30 Seating area 32 Table 34 Bench seat 36 Rail system 37 Fixing element 38 Roller P1 First position P2 Second position L Longitudinal direction

Claims

Recreational vehicle (1) with a sleeping area (10) and a seating area (30) as well as a bathroom area (20) which is arranged along a longitudinal direction (L) of the recreational vehicle (1) between the sleeping area (10) and the seating area (30), wherein, in order to enlarge the sleeping area (10), the bathroom area (20) as such can be moved along an offset direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2), characterized in that the seating area (30) can be moved between a first position and a second position, wherein the seating area (30) in the second position releases at least a part of the second position for the bathroom area (20). Recreational vehicle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the bathing area (20) is movable between the first position and the second position by means of a rail system. Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeping area (10) comprises a bed element (15) which is preferably transferable between a storage position and a usable position, wherein the bed element is preferably extendable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction when being transferred to the usable position. Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the seating area (30) comprises a folding table (32) and / or a folding bench seat (34), in particular with a belt system, wherein the folding table and / or the folding bench seat (34) can be moved into the second position in a folded state. Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bathing area (20) is usable in the first position and in the second position. Recreational vehicle (1) according to claim 5, wherein for the usability of the bathing area (20) in the first position and the second position the bathing area (20) comprises a deformable piping system, preferably with a drag chain. Recreational vehicle (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a drainage channel, in particular a drainage trough, is provided for the usability of the bathing area (20), wherein a drainage fluid can be introduced into the drainage channel at different points depending on the position occupied by the bathing area (20). Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bathing area (20) comprises at least one side wall (22) that limits the bathing area (20). Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bathing area (20) can be fixed in the first position and the second position. Recreational vehicle (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bathroom area (20) has a toilet which is movable relative to the bathroom area and which is arranged to be transferred from the bathroom area to the sleeping area in the first position (P1) and / or the second position (P2). Recreational vehicle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, which is a motorhome or a campervan.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    DE102017113587B4

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