Camping vehicle with digital busbar

Abstract

Camping vehicle (100), in particular caravan, motorhome, campervan or the like, comprising a living space (2) forming a vehicle interior (1), several technical components (3) for providing different functions outside and inside the vehicle interior (1); a digital busbar (9) to which the several technical components (3) are electrically connected, a digital display (10) which is connected to the digital busbar (9) and via which the several technical components (3) can each be individually controlled.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a camping vehicle, in particular a caravan, a mobile home, a camper van or the like, with a vehicle interior which comprises a living section.

[0002] Such camping vehicles are well-known from the state of the art. Camping vehicles are often equipped with a variety of technical components that significantly increase comfort and functionality while on the road. These components include lighting systems, electric awnings, water pumps, heating and cooling systems, as well as various sensors, for example, for monitoring battery status, water tanks, or temperature. Traditionally, all of these devices and systems are controlled via analog circuits, with each individual device directly connected to switches, relays, and fuses.

[0003] The disadvantage of this analog wiring is evident in several areas. Firstly, it requires considerable space, as each function and device requires its own cables, switches, and relays. In a camper van, where space is limited, this often results in unnecessarily large space requirements that could be used more efficiently. Secondly, the multitude of cables and connections creates a high cabling effort, which makes installation and subsequent maintenance time-consuming and complex. Each additional component or new function requires its own cable, which further complicates the wiring and makes it difficult to keep track of everything.

[0004] Another significant disadvantage of analog control is its limited controllability and flexibility. In a purely analog circuit, each function is controlled separately and manually via individual switches or knobs. This makes centralized control and the ability to combine different functions or use programmable sequences impossible.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of providing a camping vehicle that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of known camping vehicles. In particular, the invention is based on the object of providing a camping vehicle that enables central control of technical components and the possibility of combining various functions or using programmable sequences.

[0006] Accordingly, a camping vehicle, in particular a caravan, a motorhome, a camper van, or the like, is proposed. The camping vehicle comprises a vehicle interior forming a living space, a plurality of technical components for providing various functions outside and inside the vehicle interior; a digital busbar to which the plurality of technical components are electrically connected; and a digital display connected to the digital busbar and via which the plurality of technical components can each be individually controlled.

[0007] The multiple technical components are preferably connected to the digital busbar via bus connectors. The display can be a touchscreen display. The display can preferably be mounted in a holder in the living space. The display can also be removable from the holder, particularly in the manner of a tablet.

[0008] The digital bus, also known as a digital bus, is preferably a communication system that connects various electronic components and enables them to exchange data efficiently. Unlike conventional analog systems, where each device must be connected separately and directly via its own cables, the digital bus offers the possibility of connecting multiple devices via a central communication line. This significantly reduces cabling and simplifies the control of the various components. The digital bus can include a bus system such as a CAN bus or a LIN bus.

[0009] The digital busbar preferably operates by transmitting data serially, meaning all technical components or devices can communicate with each other via a common line. This applies to various components such as sensors, actuators, or even displays that exchange information over the network. Each device sends and / or receives data via the busbar, enabling centralized and structured control.

[0010] The digital display, connected to a digital busbar, can thus receive information from other devices and display it visually. For example, the display could show sensor data such as water level, temperature, or battery status. It is also possible to visualize status information from actuators, such as the position of a step or the operating status of a water pump, in real time.

[0011] To connect a display to a digital bus, it is preferable that both components use the same communication protocol, such as a CAN bus protocol. A microcontroller or a corresponding interface preferably ensures that the display correctly processes the received data and displays it clearly. The display preferably receives data regularly from the other connected devices via the bus, which it then presents in a user-friendly manner.

[0012] Furthermore, the digital display, which is connected to the digital busbar, can function as a central control unit. It's possible for the user to not only read information on the display but also issue commands to multiple components or devices. For example, the lighting, pump, or other vehicle functions could be controlled directly from the display.

[0013] Connecting a digital display to a digital busbar offers several advantages. Firstly, cabling is significantly reduced, as all devices are connected via a common network. Secondly, the digital display enables centralized display and processing of information from the entire vehicle. Furthermore, the user's control options are expanded, as various devices and systems can be easily and centrally operated via the display.

[0014] The camper van, especially the digital busbar, enables centralized control of technical components. Furthermore, the ability to combine various functions and / or use programmable sequences is now possible. This improves user-friendliness. Furthermore, several functions in the camper van can be automated. This increases the recreational value of using the camper van.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. The scope of the invention includes all combinations of at least two features disclosed in the description, the claims, and / or the figures. It is understood that customary linguistic transformations and / or analogous replacements of respective terms within the scope of common linguistic practice, in particular the use of synonyms supported by generally accepted linguistic literature, are encompassed by the present disclosure content without being explicitly mentioned in their respective formulation.

[0016] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the plurality of technical components comprise lighting devices, in particular spotlights and / or light strips, and / or devices for entertainment and / or power supply, in particular a TV and / or a sound system and / or USB ports, and / or sensors for monitoring parameters such as water level, gas supply and / or flap positions of flaps of loading compartments of the camping vehicle, and / or actuators for controlling mechanical functions, in particular water pumps and / or motors and / or steps, and / or bus connections for the communication and / or control of central systems of the camping vehicle, in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system.

[0017] The plurality of technical components may include components that have a 12-volt supply voltage. The plurality of technical components may include a toilet flush pump. The plurality of technical components may include a piezo actuator and / or a defrosting device and / or a gas warning system and / or a fill level indicator and / or a fresh water and / or waste water indicator and / or a fecal container device and / or a drain slide device and / or a gas fill level indicator. The plurality of technical components may include a satellite dish. The plurality of technical components may also include an air conditioning system and / or a heater and / or a temperature measurement display and / or a front roller blind device and / or a fold-down bed device and / or an awning device and / or a step device. The plurality of technical components may also include a central locking system.

[0018] These components enable comprehensive control and monitoring of all relevant functions of the camper van. Other components are also conceivable, so the above list should not be considered limiting.

[0019] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display enables centralized control of the multiple technical components via an operating menu.

[0020] A digital display that enables centralized control of multiple technical components via an operating menu has the following advantages. Firstly, it enables intuitive and user-friendly operation, as all functions can be clearly and centrally controlled in one location. This makes it easier for the user to adjust the various systems and settings quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, the operating menu ensures clear visualization of the options, allowing the user to see at a glance which settings can be adjusted and which status messages are available. Another advantage is flexibility: updates or adjustments to the software can be integrated quickly, improving usability and keeping the display always up to date. Likewise, the space required for physical switches and buttons is reduced, making the design of modern devices sleeker and more attractive.

[0021] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display is connected to the digital busbar via a wireless communication interface and is thus movable at least within the vehicle interior and / or in a periphery of the camping vehicle.

[0022] A digital display connected to the digital busbar via a wireless communication interface, making it portable within the vehicle interior or within a recreational vehicle's periphery, offers several advantages. The wireless connection allows for a high degree of flexibility in the placement and use of the display. Users can use the display at various locations inside or outside the vehicle without being restricted by cables. This increases convenience and mobility, as important information and control functions are always at hand, virtually no matter where the user is. Furthermore, the elimination of cables reduces installation effort, simplifying handling and contributing to a clean, modern appearance.This solution also offers advantages in terms of functionality, as it expands access to central controls and information in various usage scenarios, e.g. when staying outside the camping vehicle.

[0023] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display is communicatively coupled and / or synchronized with another digital display for system control of systems of the camping vehicle, in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system, or wherein the digital display is further configured for system control of the systems of the camping vehicle.

[0024] A digital display that is communicatively linked or synchronized with another digital display for controlling the system of the camper van, such as the battery, heater, air conditioning, or navigation system, offers further advantages. This link enables centralized and synchronized control of all the camper van's key systems, increasing user convenience. This allows the user to monitor and control all systems efficiently without switching between different interfaces. By synchronizing the displays, changes and status updates are shown in real time on both displays, improving clarity and control. Furthermore, the option of centralized system control increases the efficiency of the camper van's operation by simplifying access to all essential functions. This leads to an improved user experience and contributes to more convenient system management.

[0025] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital busbar and / or the digital display is / are configured to communicate via WLAN and / or NRF and / or Bluetooth, in particular bidirectionally and / or multidirectionally.

[0026] The digital busbar and / or digital display configured for communication via Wi-Fi, NRF (Near Field Radio), or Bluetooth, especially bidirectional and / or multidirectional, offer further advantages. These wireless technologies enable fast and flexible connections between different devices and / or systems without physical cables. Bidirectional communication means that information can be sent and received in both directions, significantly improving interactivity and efficiency when controlling different systems. Multidirectional communication extends this functionality by allowing simultaneous interaction with multiple components / devices and / or systems, which is particularly useful in environments such as a recreational vehicle.In addition, the use of Wi-Fi, NRF, or Bluetooth ensures simple and universal connectivity, as these technologies are widespread and compatible with numerous devices. This increases usability and allows users to control different systems flexibly and from different locations.

[0027] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display has a plurality of touch buttons (touch buttons), by means of which the plurality of technical components can each be individually controlled, wherein the digital display enables user navigation in a plurality of menu levels, wherein the plurality of touch buttons in the plurality of menu levels each have different assignments, wherein preferably the plurality of menu levels have a division of the camping vehicle and / or the vehicle interior into a plurality of living sections.

[0028] The touch buttons enable intuitive and direct interaction with the various functions of the camping vehicle, as the user can quickly and precisely adjust the desired settings by touch. Navigation through multiple menu levels ensures clear and structured operation, although the assignments of the touch buttons can vary depending on the menu level. This increases flexibility and user-friendliness, as the user always has the relevant functions at hand, depending on the area of the camping vehicle they are currently in or the area they want to control. The division of the menu levels according to different living areas or areas of the vehicle interior is particularly advantageous, as this allows targeted control of certain areas such as the kitchen, sleeping area, or outdoor area.This makes the controls clearer and more efficient, which significantly improves the comfort and operating experience in the camper van.

[0029] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display is configurable by means of a switch-based coding, in particular via DIP switches, and / or wherein at least some of the touch buttons are deactivated, in particular automatically via the configuration, and / or are controllable and / or configurable by means of voice control, in particular in several languages.

[0030] Switch-based coding allows specific display settings or functions to be manually and precisely configured, which is particularly useful in technically demanding environments. This can also be done in a password-protected area. A further advantage is that individual touch buttons can be automatically deactivated during configuration, allowing targeted adaptation to the user's current needs and keeping the user interface clear. Furthermore, the digital display can be controlled and configured via voice control, particularly in multiple languages, which significantly increases ease of use. The ability to control the system via voice command simplifies operation, especially in situations where the user does not have their hands free, and increases accessibility for different user groups.For example, German, English (US, UK, AUS), Dutch, French, Italian, Spanish, Swedish, and Danish can be available as languages. This combination of switch-based configuration, touch-button control, and voice control offers high flexibility, efficiency, and user-friendliness.

[0031] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the camping vehicle has a vehicle key formed with a plurality of buttons for opening and / or closing the camping vehicle and / or for starting an engine of the camping vehicle, wherein the plurality of buttons can be at least partially assigned functions of the plurality of technical components, and wherein the digital busbar is configured, in particular by radio, to receive control commands upon actuation of at least one of the plurality of buttons, and to activate and / or deactivate a function of a corresponding one of the plurality of technical components.

[0032] This makes it possible, in particular, to make central functions of key technical components directly operable via the vehicle key. The buttons can also be assigned user-specific functions. For example, the function can only be activated / deactivated when the user holds the corresponding button for a predetermined time and / or exerts a predetermined pressure on the button.

[0033] In a further aspect, it is proposed that the digital display can be synchronized and / or operated with a smartphone and / or a tablet and / or a laptop, in particular via WLAN.

[0034] Synchronization allows users to conveniently control and monitor the campervan's systems via their mobile devices, without having to be directly at the display. This enables remote control and easier operation from anywhere inside or outside the vehicle. Wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi ensures fast and reliable communication between devices, further increasing convenience. Furthermore, operation via smartphone, tablet, or laptop offers greater versatility, as users can use their preferred devices to access and control the systems. This functionality greatly simplifies control and improves efficiency when managing various campervan systems.

[0035] The digital busbar can basically be located anywhere in the camping vehicle and can be designed for different purposes.

[0036] It is understood that the embodiments and examples mentioned above and those to be explained below can be implemented not only individually, but also in any combination with one another without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also understood that the embodiments and examples mentioned above and those to be explained below relate in an equivalent or at least similar manner to all embodiments of the invention, without each being mentioned separately.

[0037] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings and the subclaims. The individual features may be implemented individually or in combination with one another.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a camping vehicle.

[0039] In this case, identical or functionally equivalent elements are identified by the same reference symbols.

[0040] In Fig. 1 shows a camping vehicle 100, in particular a caravan, motorhome, camper van, or the like. The camping vehicle 100 comprises a vehicle interior 1, through which a living space 2 is formed, at least in part.

[0041] The camping vehicle 100 further comprises a plurality of technical components 3 for providing different functions outside and inside the vehicle interior 1. The plurality of technical components 3 can include lighting devices 4, in particular spotlights and / or light strips, and / or devices for entertainment and / or power supply, in particular a TV and / or a sound system and / or USB ports, and / or sensors 5 for monitoring parameters such as water level, gas supply and / or flap positions of flaps of cargo spaces of the camping vehicle 100, and / or actuators for controlling mechanical functions, in particular water pumps and / or motors and / or steps 6 and / or an awning 7, and / or bus connections for the communication and / or control of central systems of the camping vehicle 100, in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system 8.

[0042] Furthermore, the camping vehicle 100 has a digital busbar 9, to which the plurality of technical components 3 are each electrically connected and communicatively coupled at least bidirectionally.

[0043] Furthermore, the camping vehicle 100 has a digital display 10, which is communicatively connected to the digital busbar 9 and via which the plurality of technical components 3 can each be individually controlled. The digital display 10 is connected to the digital busbar 9 via a wireless communication interface and is thus movable at least within the vehicle interior 1 and / or in a periphery of the camping vehicle 100. The digital busbar 9 and / or the digital display 10 is / are configured to communicate via WLAN and / or NRF and / or Bluetooth, in particular bidirectionally and / or multidirectionally.

[0044] The digital display 10 is communicatively and bidirectionally coupled and / or synchronized with another digital display 11 for system control of systems of the camping vehicle 100, in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system. Alternatively, the digital display 10 can also be configured for system control of the systems of the camping vehicle 100.

[0045] The digital display 10 has a plurality of touch buttons 12, by means of which the plurality of technical components 3 can each be individually controlled. The digital display 10 enables user navigation across multiple menu levels, with the plurality of touch buttons 12 each having different assignments within the multiple menu levels. The multiple menu levels divide the camping vehicle 100 and / or the vehicle interior 1 into multiple living areas.

[0046] The digital display 10 is configurable using switch-based coding, in particular via DIP switches. At least some of the touch buttons 12 can be deactivated, in particular automatically via the configuration, and / or controlled and / or configured using voice control, in particular in multiple languages.

[0047] The camping vehicle 100 further comprises a vehicle key 14 configured with a plurality of buttons 13 for opening and / or closing the camping vehicle 100 and / or for starting an engine of the camping vehicle 100. The plurality of buttons 13 can be at least partially assigned functions of the plurality of technical components 3. The digital busbar 9 is configured, in particular via radio F, to receive control commands upon actuation of at least one of the plurality of buttons 13 and to activate and / or deactivate a function of a corresponding one of the plurality of technical components 3.

[0048] The digital display 10 can also be synchronized and / or operated with a smartphone 15 and / or a tablet and / or a laptop, in particular via WLAN.

Claims

[1] Camping vehicle (100), in particular a caravan, mobile home, camper van or the like, comprising a vehicle interior (1) forming a living space (2), a plurality of technical components (3) for providing different functions outside and inside the vehicle interior (1); a digital busbar (9) to which the plurality of technical components (3) are electrically connected, a digital display (10) which is connected to the digital busbar (9) and via which the plurality of technical components (3) can each be individually controlled. [2] Camping vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of technical components comprise lighting devices, in particular spots and / or light strips, and / or devices for entertainment and / or power supply, in particular a TV and / or a sound system and / or USB ports, and / or sensors for monitoring parameters such as water level, gas supply and / or flap positions of flaps of loading compartments of the camping vehicle (100), and / or actuators for controlling mechanical functions, in particular water pumps and / or motors and / or steps, and / or bus connections for the communication and / or control of central systems of the camping vehicle (100), in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system. [3] Camping vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the digital display (10) enables centralized control of the plurality of technical components (3) via an operating menu. [4] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital display (10) is connected to the digital busbar (9) via a wireless communication interface and is thereby movable at least within the vehicle interior (1) and / or in a periphery of the camping vehicle (100). [5] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital display (10) is communicatively coupled and / or synchronized with a further digital display for system control of systems of the camping vehicle (100), in particular a battery and / or a heater and / or an air conditioning system and / or a navigation system, or wherein the digital display (10) is further configured for system control of the systems of the camping vehicle (100). [6] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital busbar (9) and / or the digital display (10) is / are configured to communicate via WLAN and / or NRF and / or Bluetooth, in particular bidirectionally and / or multidirectionally. [7] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital display (10) has a plurality of touch buttons (12) by means of which the plurality of technical components (3) can each be individually controlled, wherein the digital display (10) enables user navigation in a plurality of menu levels, wherein the plurality of touch buttons (12) in the plurality of menu levels each have different assignments, wherein preferably the plurality of menu levels have a division of the camping vehicle (100) and / or the vehicle interior (1) into a plurality of living sections. [8] Camping vehicle (100) according to claim 7, wherein the digital display (10) is configurable by means of a switch-based coding, in particular via DIP switches, and / or wherein at least some of the touch buttons are deactivated, in particular automatically via the configuration, and / or are controllable and / or configurable by means of a voice control, in particular in several languages. [9] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the camping vehicle (100) has a vehicle key (14) formed with a plurality of buttons (13) for opening and / or closing the camping vehicle (100) and / or for starting an engine of the camping vehicle (100), wherein the plurality of buttons (13) can be at least partially assigned functions of the plurality of technical components (3), and wherein the digital busbar (9) is configured, in particular by radio, to receive control commands upon actuation of at least one of the plurality of buttons (13), and to activate and / or deactivate a function of a corresponding one of the plurality of technical components (3). [10] Camping vehicle (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital display (10) can be synchronized and / or operated with a smartphone and / or a tablet and / or a laptop, in particular via WLAN.

Images