Kitchen module for vehicles

Abstract

Kitchen module (1) for use in a vehicle, comprising a housing (2) with fastening means (4) for fastening in the vehicle and a kitchen (3) which is arranged in the housing (2) in a transport state and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the housing (2), wherein the kitchen (3) has at least one cooking surface (5) and a water tap (6), wherein the kitchen module (1) further has a hot water system (7) via which the water tap (6) is supplied with hot water, characterized in that the hot water system (7) has a gas-operated instantaneous water heater (8) and the kitchen module (1) further has a gas supply (9) which supplies the gas-operated instantaneous water heater (8) with gas.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a kitchen module for use in a vehicle, in particular vans and minibuses.

[0002] Kitchens are generally available in various shapes and sizes and are primarily used in buildings, but also in vehicles such as motorhomes and caravans. However, vans and minibuses are increasingly being used for longer trips that require cooking facilities. Cooking facilities are often provided via kitchen modules installed in the vans or minibuses. These kitchen modules generally offer a well-equipped outdoor kitchen in versatile vehicles.

[0003] Like conventional indoor kitchens, outdoor kitchens typically have at least a faucet with a connected water supply and a means of heating or cooking food. However, hot water is often omitted for technical reasons or provided by an electrical supply. Kitchen modules with an electrical supply often have electric cooktops and hot water systems with high power requirements, thus significantly impacting the vehicle's battery life. If hot water is omitted, however, users of the kitchen modules must forgo the corresponding comfort.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a kitchen module for use in a vehicle which offers a flexible and convenient solution for the mobile use of a kitchen.

[0005] This object is achieved by a kitchen module for use in a vehicle, comprising a housing with fastening means for fastening in the vehicle and a kitchen which is arranged in the housing in a transport state and is mounted so as to be movable relative to the housing, wherein the kitchen has at least one hob and a water tap, wherein the kitchen module further has a hot water system via which the water tap is supplied with hot water, in that the hot water system has a gas-operated instantaneous water heater and the kitchen module further has a gas supply which supplies the gas-operated instantaneous water heater with gas.

[0006] The kitchen module is particularly intended for use in vehicles such as vans, minibuses, or similar vehicles. However, the invention also conceivably allows the kitchen module to be used in other vehicles or even mobile sales stands, etc. The housing of the kitchen module forms an indirect connection between the kitchen and the vehicle. In a transport state, which differs from a use state, the kitchen is arranged in the housing. For this purpose, the kitchen is movably mounted relative to the housing. Accordingly, the kitchen can be moved from the housing into a use state to allow access to the kitchen elements, such as the hob and a sink. At the same time, when the kitchen is retracted or in the transport state, the kitchen elements are protected and compactly housed within the housing. This is particularly advantageous given the limited space available.At the same time, fastening elements are provided on the housing to enable the housing to be attached to the vehicle. It is advantageous to design these specifically for use with airline rails, loading rails, or other rails in the vehicle. Airline rails and loading rails are versatile and robust fastening systems that are used for load securing in a wide variety of means of transport and enable the safe and stable attachment of a wide variety of loads. The fastening elements can take various forms, but suitable fittings are particularly preferred for use with airline rails or other rails. The hot water system supplies the tap with hot water. As is the case in conventional kitchens in stationary use, the tap can also be supplied with cold water at the same time. To provide hot water, the hot water system has a gas-powered instantaneous water heater.The water is heated as it flows through the instantaneous water heater using the heat generated by the combustion of gas. The kitchen module further comprises a gas supply which supplies the gas-powered instantaneous water heater with gas. For the purposes of the invention, a gas supply is understood to mean merely a means by which gas is made available to the kitchen module. The gas supply can, for example, comprise at least one gas cylinder and / or a gas line so that the kitchen module can be connected to an external gas source, for example that of a campsite. In such a case, the gas supply within the meaning of the invention merely comprises a gas line for conducting the gas from an external gas source into the components of the kitchen module to be supplied with gas.

[0007] In addition to the protection of the kitchen by the housing, the kitchen can also be equipped with a lid. This also serves to protect the kitchen elements and enables improved use of the available space. The covered kitchen can thus offer an enlarged work, storage, or seating area when the kitchen is not in use. According to the invention, the lid can have a locking device that enables it to be locked in an open position to allow unhindered access to the kitchen elements. The lid can also be made of various materials, for example metal, in particular aluminum, plastic, wood, or a combination thereof. In addition to the faucet and the at least one hob, the kitchen can also contain other elements such as a sink, in particular with a draining board, and a designated work surface.

[0008] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen be mounted so as to be linearly movable relative to the housing. This means that the kitchen can be pulled linearly out of the housing toward a use state or pushed into the housing into a transport state. This advantageously makes the kitchen module particularly simple and intuitive to use and enables stable and safe operation of the kitchen. Furthermore, a linear movement of the kitchen can contribute to the efficient use of the available space in the vehicle, as it allows the kitchen to be fully retracted into the housing when not in use and fully extended from the housing when in use.

[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen be connected to the housing by means of a pull-out device, which in particular has a locking system by means of which the kitchen can be locked, particularly preferably, in a fully retracted, fully extended, and middle position. A pull-out device is particularly preferably formed by rails or guides attached to the kitchen and / or the housing, such that the kitchen is suspended in the housing by means of these rails. Heavy-duty rails are particularly preferably provided, which enable safe operation of the kitchen, including all components, while also utilizing all storage spaces.The locking system can, for example, comprise mechanical locking elements such as catches, hooks, or bolts, which interact with corresponding counterparts on the kitchen unit or the housing, or can be integrated into the rails and interact with counterparts in the rails themselves. The locking system can hold the kitchen unit securely in place during use or transport. This prevents the kitchen unit or parts stored therein from accidentally slipping in or out during transport, ensuring safe transport of the kitchen unit. At the same time, the kitchen unit can be held securely in position during use, even under any load, which is essential when handling the hob and, in this context, hot kitchen utensils or food.Securing the kitchen module in a middle position can be particularly useful if only kitchen elements are needed in the front area of ​​the kitchen and / or, for example, if the kitchen module is used through the vehicle's tailgate, the tailgate is intended to serve as protection from the rain. In this case, the invention does not define a middle position as a position equidistant from the fully retracted and fully extended positions, but rather as any intermediate position, which can be determined in particular by the distribution of the kitchen elements on or in the kitchen.

[0010] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the at least one hob is gas-operated and, in particular, is supplied by the gas supply. A gas-operated hob has the advantage of offering high heat output and responding quickly to temperature changes. Furthermore, a gas-operated hob can be operated independently of an electrical power supply, which is particularly advantageous in vehicles where the availability of electrical power may be limited. Furthermore, the invention already provides a gas supply for the gas-operated instantaneous water heater, so that existing synergies can be utilized by using a gas-operated hob, and the gas supply can also supply the gas-operated hob with gas.

[0011] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen module comprise a fresh water tank and / or a grey water tank. The fresh water tank serves to store clean water that can be used for cooking, dishwashing, or other purposes. The grey water tank serves to collect wastewater that arises, for example, during dishwashing or cooking. Both tanks can be integrated into the housing and / or the kitchen or accommodated therein as separate containers. The tanks can be made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, or glass. They can also have various shapes and sizes, depending on the specific requirements of the respective application and the available space. Furthermore, it is intended that the tanks be equipped with suitable valves, pumps, and / or filters to enable efficient and safe water handling.Particularly preferably, the water for the hot water system is taken from the fresh water tank and, after use, is directed from the tap, for example by collecting the water flowing from the tap in a sink, into the greywater tank. This ensures that the water remains in the system and can be carried along in the kitchen module before use and properly disposed of after use. The invention also proposes a drain, for example in the form of a valve or a similar device, on the greywater tank, which enables the stored greywater to be drained in a simple and controlled manner. This is particularly advantageous when the tank is full and needs to be emptied, or when the stored water needs to be drained for further treatment or disposal.Such a drain also allows for easy and safe handling of greywater without requiring the user to come into direct contact with the contaminated water. In addition to the push-button drain, the greywater tank can also be equipped with other devices, such as pumps and / or filters, which allow the greywater to be pumped out of the greywater tank or filtered before draining.

[0012] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen module has at least one storage space, which in particular can be closed by means of a door and / or is designed as a drawer and / or has lamps for illumination. The storage space advantageously offers space for storing kitchen utensils, food, dishes, cleaning products or other items that are needed in the kitchen. The door or drawer allows easy access to the items stored in the storage space and at the same time protects them from dust, dirt and other potential contamination. A storage space in the form of a drawer is preferably also designed as a cutlery drawer, so that cutlery and other kitchen utensils can be stored in an sorted manner, just as in a stationary kitchen. For this purpose, it can have various compartments or sections.This not only makes it easier to find and remove the required cutlery, but also helps to extend the life of the cutlery by protecting it from scratches and other damage that can occur when different pieces of cutlery are thrown together. The drawer or the door that closes the storage space can also be made of various materials, such as metal, especially aluminum, plastic, wood, or a combination of these. Light sources make it easy to find and remove the items stored in the storage space. The light sources can take various forms, such as light bulbs, LED lights, or other suitable light sources. They can also be permanently installed in the storage space or designed as separate, removable units. They can also be automatically activated when the drawer or the door to the storage space is opened.

[0013] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen module have a power supply, in particular via an energy storage device and / or via a connection to a vehicle. As already explained with regard to the gas supply, a power supply within the meaning of the invention is understood merely to be a means by which power is provided to the kitchen module, so that even a simple cable connected to an external power source constitutes a power supply within the meaning of the invention. According to the invention, the power supply is provided in particular for supplying power to an ignition of the gas-powered instantaneous water heater, the hob (wherein the ignition can be electrically operated in the case of a gas-powered hob), the lighting means, a pump of the hot water system and / or other electrically operated components of the kitchen module.The energy storage unit can, for example, comprise a battery, an accumulator, or a capacitor and be accommodated in the housing and / or the kitchen. Connection to a vehicle is particularly preferably via a 12V cigarette lighter or a socket in the car. Such connections are particularly present in vans and minibuses, especially in the rear compartment, so that they do not have to be retrofitted or long cables laid. The power supply can also be connected exclusively or additionally to an external power source, for example to the power grid of a campsite. This allows for particularly flexible use of the kitchen module, so that the power can be supplied either via the vehicle or an energy storage unit, while the power supply is ensured via an external power source wherever possible, thus preserving the energy storage unit and the vehicle battery.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the kitchen module has a shower head which can be connected to the kitchen module in particular via a fresh water connection and / or has a magnetic holder. The shower head can be used in particular outdoors for cleaning or rinsing a wide variety of objects, but also for personal hygiene. The shower head can be permanently connected to the kitchen module or, in particular, detachably connected to it. For this purpose, a fresh water connection can be provided on the kitchen module, to which the shower head can be connected via a hose connection. The magnetic holder, which is particularly advantageous according to the invention, serves to temporarily attach the shower head to a suitable location on the kitchen module or the vehicle body, for example for storing the shower head when it is not in use.Equally advantageous is the magnetic holder for securing the shower head in a specific position when in use, for example, to free your hands for other tasks. The shower head can come in various shapes and sizes and can be equipped with various features, such as different spray types, temperature control, or flow control. The shower head can also be designed to be easily removable and replaceable for easy cleaning and maintenance, or to replace it with another shower head with different features or functions.

[0015] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that means for attaching further kitchen elements, in particular a worktop, be arranged on the kitchen. These attachment means can take various forms, for example screws, bolts, clamps, hooks or other suitable attachment means. They are particularly advantageously suitable for establishing a firm and secure connection between the kitchen elements and the kitchen in order to ensure stable and secure installation of the kitchen elements. Equally advantageously, the attachment means are designed to enable simple and quick assembly and disassembly of the kitchen elements in order to facilitate cleaning, maintenance or replacement of the kitchen elements.Furthermore, it is advantageous to design the fastening means in such a way that they allow the position or orientation of the kitchen elements to be adjusted in order to ensure optimal use of the available space and comfortable and ergonomic use of the kitchen. According to the invention, the fastening means can be permanently attached to the kitchen or designed as separate, removable units that can be attached to the kitchen as needed. The invention defines kitchen elements as various components of a standard kitchen, including, in particular but not exclusively, a worktop, additional storage space of any kind, kitchen appliances, and collecting containers.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the fastening means for fastening in the vehicle comprise adapter plates or eyelets. Such adapter plates and eyelets are particularly necessary if the fastening means for fastening the kitchen module in certain vehicle models are not suitable due to the specific conditions of the specific vehicle model. Accordingly, these can serve to create a stable and secure connection between the kitchen module and the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle model and the associated specific requirements, they can have various shapes and sizes. The adapter plates, like the eyelets, can be equipped with or used with various fastening elements, such as screws, bolts or clamps, or hooks, snap hooks or cords, to enable a firm and secure connection to the vehicle.The adapter plates also advantageously have various adjustment functions, such as adjustable holes or slots, to allow adjustment of the position or orientation of the kitchen module in the vehicle.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the housing and / or the kitchen be made essentially of aluminum. Aluminum, as a lightweight yet sturdy material, is particularly suitable for use in vehicles. Furthermore, it is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making it equally suitable for use in kitchen areas.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the housing and / or the kitchen have at least one connection selected from the group: socket, USB port, gas connection, grey water outlet, fresh water inlet, fresh water outlet. Such connections serve in particular to connect the kitchen module to various supply and disposal systems and / or to various external devices or accessories. For example, a socket can supply electrical devices, such as a mixer, a toaster, or a kettle, with power. A USB port, on the other hand, can be used to supply power or exchange data with electronic devices, such as smartphones or tablet computers. A gas connection can be used to connect the kitchen module to an external gas source.As already explained, the kitchen module can be supplied with gas from an external gas source indirectly via the kitchen module's integrated gas supply, or at least supplemented by it. A greywater outlet is used in particular to drain wastewater from the sink or other water-consuming appliances. A freshwater inlet can be used to connect the kitchen module to an external freshwater supply, for example, to refill the freshwater tank or to feed freshwater into the kitchen module's hot water system. A freshwater outlet, on the other hand, can be used to drain fresh water, especially hot water, from the kitchen module. This is advantageous because it can be used, for example, to fill an external water tank or to make water available for other purposes.According to the invention, the aforementioned connectors can be designed in various shapes and sizes, depending on the specific requirements of the respective application. Particularly advantageously, they are permanently installed in the housing or kitchen of the kitchen module. Furthermore, they can be equipped with various functions, such as a locking function, a sealing function, or a quick-coupling function, to ensure a safe and efficient connection to the corresponding supply and disposal systems or devices.

[0019] In one embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the housing and / or kitchen have at least one controller selected from the group: light switch, light regulator, power switch, shower fitting, thermostat for regulating the water temperature and flow rate. These controllers are generally used to regulate and control various functions of the kitchen module. For example, a light switch or light regulator can be used to switch the lighting in the kitchen or in the storage spaces on and off or to regulate the brightness of the lighting. A power switch can be used to switch electrically operated components of the kitchen module on and off. In particular, this can additionally be equipped with a safety function to prevent accidental activation of the power switch. A shower fitting can be used to control the water supply to a shower head or other water dispensing device.It can also be used to regulate the temperature and / or pressure of the water. A thermostat for regulating the water temperature and flow rate serves, in addition to or as an alternative to the shower faucet, to regulate the temperature and / or flow rate of the water delivered by the faucet or other water dispensing device. The same applies to the thermostat. According to the invention, the aforementioned controllers can be designed in various shapes and sizes, depending on the specific requirements of the respective application. They can be permanently installed in the casing or kitchen of the kitchen module or designed as separate, removable units. They can also each be equipped with different functions, such as a locking function, a sealing function, or a quick-coupling function, to enable safe and efficient operation of the various functions of the kitchen module.

[0020] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of a drawing. Identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Fig. 1: Inventive kitchen module in transport condition Fig. 2: Kitchen module according to the invention in the extended state of use Fig. 3: Inventive kitchen module in extended use state with hidden fresh water tank Fig. 4: Kitchen module according to the invention in the extended and unfolded state of use

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a kitchen module 1 according to the invention in the transport state in a particularly preferred embodiment. The kitchen module 1 according to the invention comprises a housing 2 and a kitchen 3 which is movably mounted relative thereto and, in the illustrated embodiment, is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable relative to the housing 2. For this purpose, the illustrated embodiment provides a pull-out device 10 which is attached to the housing 2 and to the kitchen 3. This pull-out device 10 can be locked in various positions by means of a locking system 11, which is designed here as a locking lever. In the transport state illustrated here, a locking mechanism thus secures the kitchen 3 from accidentally moving out of the housing 2 and thus avoids the resulting safety risks.In order to enable the kitchen 3 to be easily pulled out of the housing 2, the housing 2 can be connected to a vehicle by means of fastening means 4, for example by means of airline rails or loading rails, screw connections or lashing straps.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a kitchen module 1 according to the invention in the extended use state in a particularly preferred embodiment. In the extended use state of the kitchen module 1, the kitchen 3 is extended from the housing 2 and is secured, in particular, by the locking device 11 against the kitchen 3 being accidentally retracted into the housing 2. Various elements are accommodated in the kitchen 3, which enable a gas-powered hot water supply. For example, a hot water system 7 is accommodated, which has a gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8. This gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8 heats the water from the fresh water tank 12, which is also accommodated in the kitchen 3, and supplies the heated water to various end users, which are arranged in the kitchen 3 or are connected to the kitchen 3 as external end users via one of the connections 18.In the illustrated embodiment, this is, for example, a shower head 16, which can be connected to the kitchen 3 via a connection 18 and is supplied with hot water by the hot water system 7. Furthermore, in the preferred embodiment, the shower head 16 can be magnetically attached to the housing 2, the kitchen 3, or the vehicle in which the kitchen module 1 is arranged. In addition to a connection 18 for a shower head 16, the kitchen 3 in the preferred embodiment has further connections 18. Among these, a connection 18 for an external gas supply 9 is also provided, via which the gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8 is supplied with gas from an external gas source. Furthermore, a connection 18 can represent a power supply 15, in which an external power source is connected to the kitchen 3 and supplies the elements contained in the kitchen 3, such as the gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8 or lighting elements, with power.Likewise, a connection 18 can establish a data or power connection with external consumers, so that, for example, a kitchen appliance can be supplied with power via the kitchen 3. In addition to the connections 18, the kitchen 3 has at least one controller 19, via which, for example, the water flow in the shower head can be adjusted or the lighting within the kitchen module 1 can be controlled.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a kitchen module 1 according to the invention in the extended use state with the fresh water tank 12 hidden. The same embodiment is shown here as already in Fig. 2, where the Fig. 2, the fresh water tank 12 still shown is hidden in order to see the grey water tank 13 below it, which is also located in the kitchen 3. While the fresh water tank 12 holds fresh water, which is available for use in cold form or heated by the gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8, the grey water tank 13 holds the used fresh water as waste water. This allows the grey water to be stored temporarily and does not have to be used or disposed of directly. Particularly advantageous is the provision of a button at the connections 18 for draining the grey water contained in the grey water tank 13. A connection 18 can also be provided via which the grey water can be drained into an external container.

[0024] Fig. Figure 4 shows a kitchen module 1 according to the invention in the extended and unfolded state of use in a particularly preferred embodiment. Due to the unfolded and unfolded state of use, elements of the kitchen 3 are visible, which in the illustrations of Fig. 2 and Fig.3 were hidden under covers. These covers serve to protect the underlying elements, for example from dirt and from accidentally falling out. The kitchen 3 has, among other things, a sink with a faucet 6, which is supplied with hot water via the hot water system 7. The kitchen 3 also has a hob 5, on which meals can be prepared. The hob 5 is preferably also gas-powered, so that the gas supply can supply gas to the hob 5 in addition to the gas-powered instantaneous water heater 8. In addition, the kitchen 3 has several storage spaces 14. A first storage space 14' is designed as a drawer in the embodiment shown, while a second storage space 14" is designed as a simple recess in the lower part of the kitchen.In these storage spaces 14, a wide variety of kitchen utensils or even a gas cylinder required for the gas supply can be stowed in order to expand the space available in the vehicle, which is initially restricted by the kitchen module 1. In order to provide the kitchen 3 with additional surfaces, which are required, for example, for preparing food, the kitchen 3 has means for attaching additional kitchen elements 17, such as a work surface extension, as shown here. The attachment of other kitchen elements such as storage containers or holders for kitchen appliances is also conceivable. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 kitchen module 2 housings 3 Kitchen 4 fasteners 5 hob 6 faucet 7 Hot water system 8 Gas-powered instantaneous water heater 9 Gas supply 10 Pull-out device 11 Locking system 12 Fresh water tank 13 Grey water tank 14 storage space 15 Power supply 16 shower head 17 Means for attaching additional kitchen elements 18 connection 19 controllers

Claims

[1] Kitchen module (1) for use in a vehicle, comprising a housing (2) with fastening means (4) for fastening in the vehicle and a kitchen (3) arranged in the housing (2) in a transport state, which kitchen is mounted so as to be movable relative to the housing (2), wherein the kitchen (3) has at least one cooking hob (5) and a water tap (6), wherein the kitchen module (1) further has a hot water system (7) via which the water tap (6) is supplied with hot water, characterized by that the hot water system (7) has a gas-operated instantaneous water heater (8) and the kitchen module (1) further has a gas supply (9) which supplies the gas-operated instantaneous water heater (8) with gas. [2] Kitchen module (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the kitchen (3) is mounted so as to be linearly movable relative to the housing (2). [3] Kitchen module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the kitchen (3) is connected to the housing (2) by means of a pull-out device (10), which in particular has a locking system (11) by means of which the kitchen (3) can be locked, particularly preferably, in a fully retracted, fully extended and middle position. [4] Kitchen module (1) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized by that the at least one cooking hob (5) is gas-operated and in particular is supplied by the gas supply (9). [5] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has a fresh water tank and / or a grey water tank. [6] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least one storage space (14), which can be closed in particular by means of a door and / or is designed as a drawer and / or has lighting means for illumination. [7] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat it has a power supply (15), in particular via an energy store and / or via a connection to a vehicle. [8] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has a shower head which can be connected to the kitchen module in particular via a fresh water connection and / or has a magnetic holder. [9] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that means (17) for fastening further kitchen elements, in particular a worktop, are arranged on the kitchen (3). [10] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening means (4) for fastening in the vehicle have adapter plates or eyelets. [11] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (2) and / or the kitchen (3) are essentially made of aluminum. [12] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least one connection (18) on the housing (2) and / or on the kitchen (3) selected from the group: socket, USB connection, gas connection, grey water outlet, fresh water inlet, fresh water outlet. [13] Kitchen module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it has at least one controller (19) on the housing (2) and / or on the kitchen (3) selected from the group: light switch, light controller, power switch, shower fitting, thermostat for regulating the water temperature and quantity.

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