RECREATIONAL VEHICLE WITH AN ADJUSTABLE SEATING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a recreational vehicle, which is designed in particular as a motorhome.

[0002] A motorhome is known from DE 94 13 168 U1. This motorhome features a three-seater bench seat located in the living area, which can be converted into a bed and / or moved, and is equipped with seat belts. Kitchen cabinets or similar storage are located behind the backrest of the bench seat. The three-seater bench seat is equipped with a three-point seat belt for each seat.

[0003] The motorhome known from DE 94 13 168 U1 has the disadvantage that no special safety precautions are provided for a side impact.

[0004] In a conventional recreational vehicle (motorhome), passengers typically sit in fixed seats facing forward, directly against the side wall. A three-point seatbelt is installed as a restraint system for frontal collisions. No safety features are provided for side impacts. The body construction of both the vehicle floor and the side walls cannot guarantee sufficient energy absorption in the event of a collision without the passenger compartment deforming to such an extent that the necessary safety zone is compromised. Only the driver and front passenger area is adequately protected in the original vehicle, which is manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer, i.e., the chassis manufacturer. This applies at least to campervans and semi-integrated motorhomes. A recreational vehicle of this type is known from US 2020 / 298900.

[0005] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a recreational vehicle, in particular designed as a motorhome or campervan, which is designed in an improved manner and in which, in particular, a higher level of safety for passengers is ensured.

[0006] This problem is solved by a recreational vehicle with the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The problem is solved according to the invention by a recreational vehicle, in particular a motorhome or campervan, according to claim 1.

[0008] One or more seating arrangements can be designed as individual seats (passenger seats).

[0009] The passenger seats can be fixed in different positions within the vehicle. For residential use, for example, they can be positioned close to the side wall to maximize distances to other components and the available space for movement. Ergonomic considerations can also be taken into account when determining the seat placement, based on the activities performed at that location.

[0010] Before the vehicle can be started, the positions of any passengers must preferably be changed. Both the occupancy of a seat and its position are preferably detected and checked using suitable sensors.

[0011] The seating positions are preferably chosen so that, in the event of an accident, particularly a side impact, the passengers remain within the prescribed safety zone despite the resulting deformation of the passenger compartment, thus preventing injury. To minimize deformation of the passenger compartment, the area between the outer edge of the floor or side wall and a load-bearing element of the vehicle chassis, especially a longitudinal beam made of steel profiles, is preferably equipped with a highly energy-absorbing element. This element dampens the impact and reduces the resulting forces on the passengers.

[0012] The space created between the side wall and the passenger can be further equipped with an airbag to increase safety in the event of an accident. These two measures can then ensure that the passengers survive the accident unharmed. The different seat positions can be achieved in various ways. Simple plug-in solutions are conceivable, where corresponding devices are provided for easily inserting the seats at the various locations. In this case, the stability of the sleeping berths, i.e., the mounting in the initial position, can be reduced if the occupancy is checked before departure. However, the driving berths, i.e., the mounting in the driving position, must withstand the prescribed forces. Swivel, roller, or sliding solutions can also be used.However, it is important that the seats are securely anchored in the driving position.

[0013] Checking these secure positions, i.e., the seats being fastened in the driving positions, in conjunction with checking whether a passenger is in the corresponding seat, may be a prerequisite for starting the vehicle and thus for moving the vehicle.

[0014] However, a design with at least one seating arrangement with at least two seats is also possible, which offers corresponding advantages.

[0015] According to the invention, at least one impact cushion system is provided, and the safety distance is such that at least one impact cushion of the system can be deployed between the side wall and a person seated in the seat. The impact cushion system (airbag system) can comprise one or more impact cushions (airbags) which are deployed in the event of an accident, particularly a side impact, to protect the person seated in the seating system. The safety distance enables the deployment of the impact cushion. This makes the arrangement of a correspondingly effective impact cushion system possible.

[0016] It is advantageous that at least one energy-absorbing element is provided, positioned on the running surface in the area of ​​the side wall. This enables significant energy absorption. A side wall of a conventional recreational vehicle is generally not designed for high energy absorption, as there were no legal requirements to that effect. The energy-absorbing element can potentially absorb a substantial portion of the impact energy and transfer it to longitudinal members or similar components of the vehicle chassis. This reduces the design requirements for the side wall in question. Therefore, it is also particularly advantageous in this context that the energy-absorbing element is connected to a vehicle chassis, especially to a longitudinal member of the chassis.

[0017] It is advantageous that the energy-absorbing element extends along a direction of travel, at least over the length of the seat. This ensures that passenger protection is guaranteed even in a locally concentrated impact, such as a pole collision.

[0018] It is advantageous that at least one occupancy sensor is provided for the seat in the seating system that is located against the side wall in its initial position, and that if the seating system is in its initial position and the occupancy sensor detects that the seat is occupied, the drive system is prevented from starting. This prevents the seating system from being left in its original position out of convenience or negligence. At the same time, it also allows the seat to be used even if it is not needed. This means the recreational vehicle can be used, for example, for short trips to the shops or similar destinations without requiring a complete reconfiguration for every journey.

[0019] A key advantage is that the seating arrangement can be adjusted relative to the floor from its initial position to the driving position, particularly by swiveling, rolling, or sliding it. This allows for particularly easy reconfiguration. Larger seating arrangements with multiple seats can also be adjusted in this way.

[0020] It is advantageous that the seating unit can be connected to the running board in the starting position via at least one plug connection, and that the seating unit can be connected to the running board in the driving position via at least one further plug connection. This allows for cost-effective and simple manufacturing.

[0021] It is advantageous that the safety distance is specified such that the seating position in the driving position lies within a safety zone for a side-impact collision. For example, the safety zone can be regulated by law. In such cases, a minimum safety distance can be specified in relation to a required safety test, particularly an impact test.

[0022] It is advantageous that at least one additional seat is arranged next to the main seat in its initial position (viewed in the direction of travel) to form a bench seat; that this additional seat can be arranged in a driving position; and that the main seat can be moved from its initial position into its driving position when the additional seat is in its driving position. Specifically, this allows the seats to be designed as individual seats. However, it also enables the combination of an individual seat with a two-seat unit.

[0023] This allows for the integration of an energy-absorbing impact element into the body design of a recreational vehicle in the living area, i.e., the area behind the driver and passenger. Airbag integration is also possible.

[0024] Specifically, depending on the design, one or more of the following advantages can be realized: Advantageous energy absorption can be achieved through a body design optimized for side impacts. Maintaining the safety zone after a side impact can be ensured. Positioning passengers within the protected area is possible by arranging the seating in the driving position. Ensuring compliance with any future mandatory passenger protection measures can be incorporated into the design. It is possible to query the position of all passengers and, based on this, authorize the vehicle to start.

[0025] In particular, the maintenance of the safety zone after a side impact can be ensured, as the relevant seating arrangement can be moved from the starting position to the driving position.

[0026] Furthermore, a body design for energy absorption in the event of a side impact or accident, the positioning of the passenger seats in the safety zone, the integration of airbags and the start-up interruption for the recreational vehicle can be implemented.

[0027] This allows compliance with the prescribed standard tests for a side-impact collision. Energy absorption by the motorhome body in the floor and side wall areas can be achieved. Airbag integration in the passenger compartment is possible. And different seat positions for various applications are feasible.

[0028] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the schematic figures. These show: Fig. 1 shows a recreational vehicle designed as a motorhome in an excerpted, schematic representation according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein seating arrangements are shown in initial positions; Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the seating arrangements are depicted in driving positions and, in addition, a schematic state after an impact accident or an impact test is shown to illustrate the invention; Fig. 3 Fig. 1 The recreational vehicle shown, according to the exemplary embodiment, is depicted in a schematic top view, with the seating arrangements shown in their initial positions; Fig. 4, which is shown in Fig. 3 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein a seating arrangement with one seat located on a side wall is shown in a starting position and another seating arrangement is shown in a driving position; and Fig. 5, which is shown in Fig. 3 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the seating arrangements are shown in driving positions and accordingly Fig. 2 Furthermore, a schematic state after an impact accident or an impact test is shown to illustrate the invention.

[0029] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a recreational vehicle 1 in a partial, schematic representation according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the recreational vehicle 1 is designed as a motorhome. However, in a modified embodiment, the recreational vehicle 1 can also be designed, for example, as a campervan.

[0030] The recreational vehicle 1 comprises seating units 2 and 3, which are connected to a walkway 4. The seating units 2 and 3 are arranged in a living area 5. Seat 6 of seating unit 2 is positioned against a side wall 8 in the illustrated initial position. Seat 7 of seating unit 3 is positioned away from side wall 8 and also away from another side wall 9.

[0031] Seat 6 of seating unit 2 can be adjusted from its initial position to a driving position. Similarly, seat 7 of seating unit 3 can be adjusted from its initial position to a driving position.

[0032] Fig. 2 This shows in Fig. 1 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the seating arrangements 2, 3 each consist of the one shown in Fig. 1 The starting positions shown have been changed into their respective driving positions.

[0033] In one possible embodiment, the seating units 2, 3 can be adjusted relative to the running surface 4 from the starting position to the driving position, which is possible, for example, by swiveling, rolling or sliding the seating units 2, 3.

[0034] In another possible embodiment, the seating arrangements 2, 3 are connected to the running surface 4 by plug connections on the one hand in the starting position and on the other hand by a further plug connection to the running surface 4 in the driving position.

[0035] In Fig. 2 The seating arrangements 2, 3, and thus seats 6, 7, are shown in their driving positions. Furthermore, a schematic representation of the state after a crash or impact test is also shown to illustrate the invention. A position 10 of the side wall 8 before the crash or impact test is illustrated by a dashed line 10. For the sake of simplicity, the side wall 8 is shown in a simplified, indented manner, with the side wall 8 curved inwards towards the seating arrangements 2, 3.

[0036] In particular, seat 6, in its driving position, is positioned at a predetermined safety distance 20 from the side wall 8 prior to impact, as illustrated by the dashed line 10. This prevents the side wall 8 from being forced into the person 25 upon impact. It is further specified that at least one impact cushion system 21 is provided and that the safety distance 20 is such that at least one impact cushion 22 of the impact cushion system 21 can be deployed between the side wall 8 and a person 25 seated in seat 6.

[0037] Furthermore, an energy-absorbing element 27 is provided, which absorbs a significant portion of the impact energy. The element 27 is arranged on the running surface 4 in the area of ​​the side wall 8. The element 27 also transfers energy to the vehicle chassis 28. For this purpose, the element 27 is connected to a longitudinal member 29 of the vehicle chassis 28. The vehicle chassis 28 also includes other components, in particular another longitudinal member 30.

[0038] Persons 25 and 26, for example, can travel in direction 31 ( Fig. 3 ) oriented sit. The in Fig. 1 und 2 The wheels 32 and 33 shown are for illustrative purposes only. In particular, the wheels 32 and 33 are positioned at a suitable location along the direction of travel 31 and, when viewed in the direction of travel 31, are not necessarily located in the area of ​​the seating assemblies 2 and 3. Therefore, the impact energy, especially in the case of a pole collision, cannot be absorbed by the wheel 32 or the corresponding axle.

[0039] Fig. 3 This shows in Fig. 1 The recreational vehicle shown, according to the exemplary embodiment, is depicted in a schematic top view, with the seating arrangements 2, 3 shown in their initial positions. The initial position, which is also shown in Fig. 1 As depicted, this layout is suitable for residential use or for spending time in living area 5 while the recreational vehicle 1 is parked. This provides more space in the living area, particularly in the center.

[0040] The energy-absorbing element 27 is designed such that, when viewed along the direction of travel 31, it extends at least over the length 35 of the seats 6, 7 of the seating arrangements 2, 3.

[0041] In Fig. 3 Seat 6 of seating arrangement 2 is located in its initial position against side wall 8. Furthermore, seat 7 of seating arrangement 2 is located directly next to seat 6 of seating arrangement 2.

[0042] Fig. 4 This shows in Fig. 3 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the seating arrangement 2 with seat 6 is as shown in Fig. 3 The seat unit 3 is located on the side wall 8. However, the seat unit 3 is already adjusted, so that it is in the driving position. The seat unit 2 can now be adjusted from its initial position to its driving position.

[0043] Fig. 5 This shows in Fig. 3 The recreational vehicle shown corresponds to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the two seating arrangements 2, 3 are shown in their driving positions.

[0044] The in Fig. 3 bis 5 The illustrated modification is required before a journey because a person (6) is sitting in seat 6. An occupancy sensor (35) is provided for this purpose, which is located in the Fig. 2 und 3 The illustrated situations, i.e., in a case where the seating unit 2 is in its initial position and a person 6 occupies seat 6 of the seating unit 2, detect this occupancy. Since the occupancy sensor 35 detects the occupancy of seat 6 of the seating unit 2 in its initial position on the side wall 8, starting the drive of the recreational vehicle 1 is then prevented. Therefore, driving with seat 6 occupied is only possible with the [missing information - likely a specific device or method]. Fig. 2 und 5 The illustrated driving positions of seats 6 and 7 are possible.

[0045] The safety distance 20 ( Fig. 2 ) is positioned such that seat 6 of seating arrangement 2 is in the driving position within a safety zone 40 ( Fig. 5 ) is arranged for a side-impact collision. Seat 7 of seating arrangement 3 is also located within safety zone 40.

[0046] Accordingly Fig. 2 is also in Fig. 5 To illustrate the invention, a schematic diagram shows the state after an impact accident or an impact test. It shows that the side wall 8 is pushed in from position 10.

[0047] Since the seating units 2, 3 are arranged directly next to each other in their initial position, a bench seat 41 is formed, which is particularly advantageous when using the recreational vehicle for living purposes. In this embodiment, the seating units 2, 3 also form the bench seat 41 in their driving positions.

Claims

1. Recreational vehicle (1), in particular a motorhome or campervan, having at least one seating arrangement (2) which is connected at least indirectly to a floor (4) and is disposed in a living area (5), and wherein the seat (6) of the seating arrangement (2) can be adjusted from a starting position to a traveling position, characterized in that in a starting position, the seat (6) of the seating arrangement (2) is disposed at least substantially at a side wall (8), in that, in the traveling position, the seat (6) is disposed at a predetermined safety distance (20) from the side wall (8), and in that at least one impact cushion system (21) is provided and that the safety distance (20) is predetermined in such a way that between the side wall (8) and a person (25) sitting on the seat (6), at least one impact cushion (22) of the impact cushion system (21) is deployable.

2. Recreational vehicle according to any of claim 1, characterized in that at least one energy-absorbing element (27) is provided, which is disposed at the floor (4) in the area of the side wall (8).

3. Recreational vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the energy-absorbing element (27) is connected to a vehicle chassis (28), in particular to a longitudinal beam (29) of the vehicle chassis (28).

4. Recreational vehicle according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the energy-absorbing element (27) extends at least over a length (35) of the seat (6) or the seating arrangement (2) in a direction of travel (31).

5. Recreational vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one occupancy sensor (35) is provided for at least the seat (6) of the seating arrangement (2), which in the starting position is disposed at the side wall (8), and that, in case that the seating arrangement (2) is in the starting position and the occupancy sensor (35) detects an occupancy of the seat (6) of the seating arrangement (2), which in the starting position is disposed at the side wall (8), starting of a drive is prevented.

6. Recreational vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the seating arrangement (2) is adjustable, in particular pivotable, rollable or slidable, relative to the floor (4) from the starting position into the traveling position.

7. Recreational vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in the starting position, the seating arrangement (2) is connectable to the floor (4) by means of at least one plug-in connection, and in that, in the traveling position, the seating arrangement (2) is connectable to the floor (4) by means of a further plug-in connection.

8. Recreational vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the safety distance (20) is predetermined in such a way that the seat (6) of the seating arrangement (2) in the traveling position is disposed within a safety zone (40) for a side-on collision.

9. Recreational vehicle according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that in a starting position, at least one further seating arrangement (3) is disposed next to the seating arrangement (2) as viewed in the direction of travel in order to form a bench seat (41), in that the further seating arrangement (3) can be disposed in a traveling position, and in that the seating arrangement (2) can be disposed from its starting position to its traveling position when the further seating arrangement (3) is disposed in its traveling position.