Sofa bed and caravan

Abstract

The invention relates to a sofa bed (134) which is configured to be converted, into a bed (132), wherein the sofa, bed (134) includes a seat part (140) and a backrest part (142) connected to the seat part (140) so as to form a sofa structure (135), wherein the sofa bed (134) further includes - vertical guides (136) configured to be attached to a vertical fixed structure (170), preferably to a wall (18), - support elements (172) connected to the first end (166) of the backrest part (142), wherein each support element (172) is configured to be movable on the vertical guides (136) and forms a pivot point between the backrest part (142) and the vertical guides (136), - an articulated adjustment joint (144) arranged between the second, end (168) of the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140) to allow the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140) to be pivoted, relative to each other into at least two positions, namely so as to be essentially aligned when the sofa bed (134) is used as a bed (132) and so as to be at an angle of 90° - 150° relative to each other when the sofa bed (134) is used as a sofa (133), - fixation means (174) for the articulated adjustment joint (144) for fixing a reciprocal position of the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140), - support means (176) for supporting the seat part (140) on a surface (15) The invention also relates to a caravan.

Description

[0001] SOFA BED AND CARAVAN

[0002] The invention relates to a sofa bed configured to be converted into a bed, wherein the sofa bed includes a seat part and a backrest part connected to the seat part, wherein the backrest part includes a first end and a second end.

[0003] The invention also relates to a caravan.

[0004] When designing compact living spaces, in particular living spaces intended for temporary accommodation, it is particularly important to make the most efficient use possible of the available floor surface area. Caravans or campers or interim living accommodations and the like can be cited as examples of such a living space. Ideally, a number of functions that are essential for living such as, for example, a bathroom / t oilet , a kitchen and sleeping spaces, are implemented in a small living space. In particular sleeping spaces take up a lot of floor surface area, of which a very limited amount is available in a caravan.

[0005] Moreover, the electrification of cars highlights the need, for example in the case of caravans, for compactness and lightness, so that a towing of the caravan does not limit the range of the vehicle to an excessive degree. This is achieved by making the living spaces of the caravan smaller while at the same time ideally retaining the same functionalities as in traditional caravans .

[0006] The applicant'' s own earlier publication FI 13431 U, which describes a compact and lightweight caravan that can be used as a caravan, is known from the prior art. This caravan has its own battery pack, which can be charged by means of solar panels and thus used for charging, for example, recreational equipment. An issue with the caravan of this publication is that the solutions it provides for a usage of the living space do not sufficiently enable an efficient, in terms of space usage, implementation of all functions essential for living.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a sofa bed which is more versatile and which is capable of fitting into a smaller storage space than the sofa beds of the prior art, and which is in particular suitable for use in multi-function spaces such as, for example, in caravans. The characteristic features of a sofa bed according to the invention are indicated in the attached patent claim 1. A further object of the invention is to provide a caravan which improves on the caravans of the prior art in terms of space usage, wherein the space required for the bed can also be utilized for lounging and storage, the bed being converted for the other intended use. The characteristic features of a caravan according to the invention are indicated in the attached patent claim 14.

[0008] The object of a sofa bed according to the invention is achieved with a sofa bed which is configured to be converted into a bed, wherein the sofa bed includes a seat part and a backrest part connected to the seat part, wherein the backrest part includes a first end and a second end. The sofa bed further includes vertical guides configured to be attached to a vertical fixed structure, preferably to a wall, a support element connected to the first end of the backrest part, wherein the support element is configured to be movable on the vertical guides and forms a pivot point between the backrest part and the vertical guides, and an articulated adjustment joint arranged between the second end of the backrest part and the seat part to allow the backrest part and the seat part to be pivoted relative to each other into at least two positions, namely so as to be essentially aligned when the sofa bed is used as a bed and so as to be at an angle of preferably 90° - 150° relative to each other when the sofa bed is used as a sofa. The sofa bed further includes fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint for fixing a reciprocal position of the backrest part and the seat part so as to form a bed or a sofa as well as support means for supporting the seat part on a surface. r

[0009] The sofa bed according to the invention allows the same sofa bed to be converted into a sofa or a bed according to the position of use by virtue of a very compact overall design. The vertical guides provide support for the sofa bed in the0 horizontal direction.

[0010] Preferably, the sofa bed can be arranged in a first storage position, in which both the backrest part and the seat part are essentially aligned in a vertical configuration, and in a5 second storage position, in which both the backrest part and the seat part are essentially aligned in a horizontal configuration and raised to the upper end of the vertical guides. The sofa bed according to the invention can thus have four different positions, which enable a very efficient use of space0 in the caravan in different use situations.

[0011] Preferably, the support element is configured to form a pivot point for the backrest part which can be moved vertically on the vertical guides and around which the backrest part can be5 pivoted.

[0012] Preferably, the support element is a slide arranged on the vertical guides, wherein the slide includes wheels with which the slide moves on the vertical guides, and the support element0 further includes a shaft running transversely to the backrest part, around which the backrest part is configured to pivot in order to change the position of the backrest part. The support element thus allows a continuous movement of the backrest part in the vertical direction and fixation of the same in the horizontal direction wh i 1 e simultaneously al lowing the backrest to be pivoted around the support element into differ-

[0013] Preferably, the support means is at least one leg arranged on the seat part. The leg allows a support point to be formed for the seat part, a second support point being formed via the support element of the backrest part on the vertical guides.

[0014] Preferably, said at least one leg is attached in an articulated manner to the seat part, which allows the leg to be folded essentially parallel to the seat part. This allows the seat part to be arranged as close as possible to the vertical guides in the first storage position, which frees up more space for other uses .

[0015] According to one embodiment, the sofa bed includes horizontal guides configured to be attached essentially horizontally to the surface, and the leg includes a second support element for supporting the seat part in a movable manner on the horizontal guides. The horizontal guides facilitate the sliding of the seat part horizontally between the different positions of use and simultaneously enable the use of different attachment elements in the caravan, for example for fastening wheels to the

[0016] 1 i v .1 n g s p a c e .

[0017] The second support element can be a sliding block. Alternatively, the second support element can be wheels.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint includes a brake rail and a brake caliper that can be fixed on the brake rail. The brake caliper and the brake rail are arranged so that one is arranged on the seat part and the other is arranged on the backrest part, so that it is possible to fix a position between the backrest part and the seat part over the articulated adjustment joint using the brake caliper.

[0019] Preferably, the brake caliper includes a frame, brake pads configured to press against the brake rail when fixed, a brake piston for pressing the brake pads against the brake rail, a spring for pressing the brake piston, and release means for compressing the spring to release the fixation. Such a structure can be very similar to the brake mechanism known from bicycles and is inexpensive to implement.

[0020] Preferably., besides the brake caliper and the brake rail, the sofa bed includes a gas spring for slowing down the movement between the seat part and the backrest part when the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint is released. The gas spring slows down the rate of change of the angle between the seat part and the backrest part, which is important in order to prevent an uncontrolled collapse of the position.

[0021] Alternatively, instead of the brake caliper and the brake rail, it is possible to use a lockable gas spring, which acts in this case both as the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint and as a decelerator of positional movement.

[0022] Alternatively, an electric motor can be used as the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint, so that an adjustment of the angle between the seat part and the backrest part, a fixation of the position and a movement deceleration can all be carried out by means of the same electric motor.

[0023] Preferably, the sofa bed includes position-fixation means configured in connection with the support element in order to fix the backrest part on the vertical guides at a selected point. The position-fixation means fixes the backrest part on the vertical guides so that it acts as one of the vertical torque supports of the sofa bed. Moreover, the support elements, when fixed at their uppermost point, also act as a pivot point around which the backrest part and the seat part, which are arranged to be aligned, can be pivoted from an essentially vertical position into a horizontal position. The positionfixation means enables the fixation of the sofa structure, with the seat part and the backrest part in alignment, in either the first or second storage position, in which the support elements are fixed essentially at the upper end of a position of use of the vertical guides.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the position-fixation means includes a solenoid lock that is arranged in a locking position when de-energized and in an open position when energized. The solenoid lock can push a physical solenoid pin underneath the support elements of the backrest part through the vertical guides, the solenoid lock being attached to the vertical guides or to a fixed object such as a wall.

[0025] Preferably, the sofa bed includes lightening means for facilitating the moving of the backrest part on the vertical guides, which lightening means is configured to create a force that is essentially opposite to the force of gravity.

[0026] Preferably, the lightening means includes transverse guides configured to be attached to a fixed structure, preferably to a wall, and said lightening means are arranged on said trans- ve r s e gu i de s .

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the lightening means includes a linear actuator, and the lightening means further includes a cable for transmitting the movement of the linear actuator to the support element. When implemented using a linear actuator, the lightening means is quite simple compared to, for example, designs implemented using various articulated mechanisms or links, which are alternative ways of implementing the lightening means.

[0028] Preferably, the lightening means includes a set of pulleys for- guiding the cable and augmenting a performed movement . By means of the pulleys, the magnitude of the movement provided by the linear actuator can be increased without increasing the size of the linear actuator.

[0029] The lightening means facilitates the conversion of the sofa bed between different positions, as the user does not have to support the entire weight of the sofa structure, but rather only gently assists in moving the sofa structure in the right direction .

[0030] Preferably, the lightening means is attached to the support element. By means of the generated, upward directed force acting on the support element, it becomes easier to move the sofa structure between different positions.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the sofa bed includes an auxiliary lifting means configured to pivot the backrest part into a horizontal position, which auxiliary lifting means is arranged between the support element and the backrest part. The auxiliary lifting means facilitates the arrangement of the sofa bed in the second storage position.

[0032] Preferably, the auxiliary lifting means a gas spring . A g d s spring is a reliable and inexpensive way to provide an ac iequate motive Preferably, the sofa bed includes hassocks that are detachable from the seat part, which hassocks are configured to form a part of the bed when lined up with the seat part and the b a c k r e s t p a r t .

[0033] According to one embodiment, the hassocks form support means of the sofa bed in order to support the seat part. In this case, a distinct insert corresponding to the width of the seat part can be designed at one edge of the hassocks, which allows the hassock to function as a support means while the main part of the upper surface of the hassock is aligned with the seat part .

[0034] Preferably, the hassocks are freely movable and hollow, so as to form a storage space within them. It is thus possible to utilize the space taken up by the hassocks in an efficient manner for the storage of belongings.

[0035] In cases where the sofa bed is to include the option of raising the sofa structure into an essentially horizontal position above the load space, the vertical guides can be 100 - 200 cm long, preferably 150 --- 200 cm long, which allows the sofa structure to be pivoted into a position that is essentially either parallel to the vertical guides or transverse to the vertical guides, the seat part and the backrest part being essentially aligned, in order to place the sofa bed in the first or second storage position.

[0036] The object of a caravan according to the invention is achieved with a caravan which includes a frame, wheels on both sides of the frame for supporting the caravan on a surface, and a tow bar configured as an extension of the frame and comprising a hitch element for attaching the caravan to a towing vehicle. The caravan further includes a living space formed on top of the frame, wherein the living space includes a roof / ceiling, floors and walls, which define an interior space between them, and a convertible sofa bed according to any one of the embodiments of the invention described in the foregoing, wherein the sofa bed includes a seat part and a backrest part connected to the seat part.

[0037] In the caravan according to the invention, the interior spaces can be converted for different uses in a particularly versatile manner thanks to the versatile sofa bed. The sofa bed enables a use of the same floor surface area for eating, lounging, sleeping and storage, as the structure of the sofa bed is very compact

[0038] Preferably, the vertical guides extend to a height 160 - 220 cm from the floor in order to move the sofa bed into a position essentially parallel to either the ceiling or the wall, and the ceiling of the living space includes suspension means for suspending the sofa bed in an essentially horizontal position at a height 100 - 250 cm, preferably 130 - 200 cm, from the floor. The sofa bed can thus be optionally stored either essentially vertically in a first storage position or essentially horizontally close to the ceiling in a second storage position, according to usage needs.

[0039] Preferably, one of the walls is an openable wall connected to the ceiling by means of hinges and the openable wall can be pivoted so as to be essentially aligned with the plane of the roof in order form a shelter outside of the living space. This allows the compact interior space of the caravan to be expanded by means of the shelter to outside spaces in good weather, so that the usable space of the caravan is significantly expanded. Preferably, the living space further includes an access door arranged in the wall opposite the openable wall. The openable wall thus does not have to be used as a passageway to the living space, which would be very inconvenient in particular in winter, as a large amount of heat would be lost all at once.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the edge of the openable wall on the side of the floor includes an awning for extending the shelter. The awning can be an integrated awning or a separate awning that is attachable to the roof. The perimeter of the compact living space can thereby be extended quickly and conveniently at the shelter.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the walls further include one openable end wall connected to the roof by means of second hinges., and the openable end wall can be pivoted so as to be essentially aligned with the plane of the roof in order to form a second shelter outside of the living space, and the edge of the openable end wall on the side of the floor includes a second awning for extending the second shelter. The second awning can also be an integrated awning or a separate awning that is attachable to the roof . It is thereby possible to create, at both openable walls, a large covered outdoor space which extends the living space. It is further possible to place canvas between the awnings as a roof in order to form a wide covered space.

[0042] The awning or the second awning or an extension of the two can include support legs and a provisional wall between the latter in order to delimit the outdoor space so as to form a partially e n c 1 o s e d space .

[0043] Preferably, the living space includes a fastening rack configured to be mounted on the horizontal guides of the sofa bed. The fastening rack can be used, for example, to support bicycles in the living space during transport when the sofa bed is suspended from the ceiling or arranged vertically against the rear wall.

[0044] Preferably, the caravan belongs to a size class capable of being towed by a passenger car. In other words, it is 1.5 - 2.6 m in width, 2 - 8 m in length and 1 - 4 m in height .

[0045] Preferably, the caravan is configured to be towable using a trailer hitch of a passenger car. The caravan is thus adapted to be moved by a passenger car.

[0046] The invention, which is not limited to the embodiments described in the following, is explained in more detail with reference to the attached figures, wherein

[0047] Figures la and lb show axonometric views of a living space according to the invention as part of a caravan according to the invention, show axonometric views of a sofa bed according to the invention in different positions of use , schematically show side views of different positions of the sofa bed according to the invention, shows one embodiment of the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint,

[0048] Figures 5a and 5b schematically show the lightening means of the sofa bed in different end positions, Figures 6a - 6e show axonometric views of different use configurations of a caravan according to t h e i n v e n t i o n ,

[0049] Figures 7 a -7 show a living space according to the invention with a partition in two different positions ,

[0050] Figure 7d shows a cross section of the partition,

[0051] Figure 8 shows a combined pull-out stove and sink of a kitchen of the living space.

[0052] In the figures, the different parts of the invention are indicated using the following reference numbers

[0053] 10 caravan 35 44 pi n 12 frame 46 return spring

[0054] 14 wheels 86 f i r s t s p a c e

[0055] 15 surface 87.1 shower

[0056] 16 body structure 87.2 toilet

[0057] 17 attachment mechanism 40 88 second space 18 walls 90 kitchen

[0058] 18.1 openable wall. 92 r ■ e f r i g e r a t o r

[0059] 18.2 opposite wa 11 94 countertop

[0060] 18.3 end wall 96 partition

[0061] 20 ceiling / roof 45 98 access door 24 living space 100 access opening

[0062] 26 tow bar 102 fixed part

[0063] 27 hitch element 104 movable part

[0064] 30 rocker lever 105 refrigerator door

[0065] 32 pivot shaft 50 106 first guides 34 c ab 1 e 108 second guides

[0066] 36 release 1 e v e r 110 opening

[0067] 38 pivot shaft 114 hinges

[0068] 40 cable 115 second hinges

[0069] 55 116 shelter 117 second shelter 17u fixed structure

[0070] 118 access door 172 support element

[0071] 120 ci w n i n cf 35 174 fixation means for ar¬

[0072] 121 second a w n i n g ticulated adjustment 122 stove joint

[0073] 124 sink 176 support means

[0074] 126 third guides 178 second support element

[0075] 128 s 1 i de 40 180 lightening means

[0076] 130 cover panel 182 gas spring 132 bed 184 brake rail

[0077] 134 sofa bed 186 brake caliper

[0078] 135 sofa structure 188 torque arm

[0079] 136 ve r t i c a 1 gu i des 45 190 frame

[0080] 138 horizontal guides 192 brake pads 140 seat part 194 brake piston

[0081] 141 leg 196 spring

[0082] 142 backrest part 198 re 1 e a s e means

[0083] 144 articulated adjustment 200 articulated joint joint 202 solenoid lock 146 hassocks 204 position-fixation means

[0084] 148 suspension means 206 actuator

[0085] 150 f a s t e n i ng r a c k 208 linear actuator

[0086] 152 provisional w all 210 cable

[0087] 154 table 212 auxiliary means 156 support legs 214 transverse guide

[0088] 160 support frame 216 set of pulleys

[0089] 162 s upp o r t rail s 218 folding pulley

[0090] 164 guide 60 220 p i v o t pull e y

[0091] 166 first end of the 221 shaft b a c k r e s t p a r t 222 first bar

[0092] 168 second end of the 224 backrest Dart anchoring int Figures la and lb show a caravan 10 according to the invention, which includes a sofa bed 134 according to the invention. The basic parts of the caravan 10 include a frame 12, wheels 14 on both sides of the frame 12 for supporting the caravan 10 on a surface 15, a tow bar 26 arranged as an extension of the frame 12 and comprising a hitch element 27 for attaching the caravan 10 to a towing vehicle, and a living space 24 formed on top of the frame 12. The walls 18, floor 19 and roof 20 belonging to the living space 24 form an enclosed space that can be used for living.

[0093] Although the sofa bed according to the invention is only shown in the examples in the context of caravans as part of a caravan, it is understood that the sofa bed according to the invention can also be implemented in, for example, different types of temporary accommodations, in ship cabins or train compartments, in aircraft and other similar applications for which space limitations are challenging. It is particularly advantageous, however, to use the sofa bed according to the invention in a caravan according to the invention.

[0094] With reference to Figures 2a - 2d, the sofa bed 134 according to the invention preferably has four different use modes, one of which is the transport mode shown in Figure 2a. In this embodiment, the basic parts of the sofa bed 134 preferably include vertical guides 136 formed on an end wall 18.3, a backrest part 142 and a seat part 140, shown in Figure 2c, an articulated adjustment joint 144 between the latter, a support element 172, shown in Figures 3a - 3d, which is connected to a first end 166 of the backrest part 142, fixation means 174 for the articulated adjustment joint 144 for fixing the reciprocal position of the backrest part 142 and the seat part 140 so as to form a bed 132 or a sofa 133, and support means 176 for supporting the seat part 140 on a surface. In Figures 2a - 2d, the reterence number 200 generally indicates an articulated j o i n t b e t ween p a r t s .

[0095] The sofa bed according to the invention has at least two different positions, namely the sofa position shown in Figure 2c and the bed position shown in Figure 2d. Preferably, the sofa bed additionally has a first storage position, shown in Figure 2a, in which it is suspended essentially horizontally in the form of a bed from the ceiling, and a second storage position, shown in Figure 2b, in which it is arranged essentially vertically against the wall.

[0096] In the first storage position of Figure 2a, the sofa bed 134 is suspended from the ceiling 20 of the living space 24 close to the ceiling 20 by means of suspension means 148, so that it is easy to take along recreational equipment or the like. As shown in Figure 2b, in the second storage position, the space normally occupied by the sofa bed is a transport space, in which the sofa bed 134 has been moved into an orientation parallel to the end wall 18.3, which leaves a large part of the living space 24 free for transport purposes, for example for the bicycles shown in the figures.

[0097] In Figure 2c, in the sofa position, the sofa bed 134 is used as a seat structure. In this case, the backrest part 142 is in an upright position, the seat part 140 is in a horizontal position and hassocks 146 can act as additional seats or footrests. Preferably, the hassocks 146 are hollow storage boxes that can be moved around freely as needed to find the optimum spatial solution for each use situation. Figure 2c also shows a table 154 that can be supported on the floor 19 in a detachable manner either directly or on designated guides. The seat part and the backrest part each comprise their own frame, which is preferably a frame structure made of aluminium. The frame structure ensures that both the seat part and the backrest part are sufficiently rigid to withstand the stresses acting on them in the different configurations of the sofa bed.

[0098] With reference to Figures 2a - 3d, the seat part 140 is preferably supported on horizontal guides 138 by means of a leg or legs 141 acting as support means 176, while the backrest part 142 is supported in a movable manner on vertical guides 136. Preferably, both the seat part 140 and the backrest part 142 can be fixed in place on rails by means of suitable fixation means. The support means 176 further includes a second support element 178, which can be, for example, a sliding block made of nylon, which slides on the horizontal guides 138. The structure of the leg 141 can consist of two bars, of which a first bar 22.2 is preferably attached in an articulated manner by means of an articulated joint 200 to the rear edge of the seat part and a second bar 224 is attached in an articulated manner to the first bar 222 by means of a second articulated joint 200 at the opposite end to the articulated joint 200. Preferably, a gas spring is provided between the first bar 22.2 and the second bar 224, which pulls in the bars so that these are essentially parallel to each other when the sofa bed is in the first or second storage position. The leg 141 shown in the figures is arranged relative to the seat 140 in such a manner that the sofa structure is essentially balanced when the user is seated on the sofa, while the largest load is directed to the horizontal guides via the leg 141. When in the form of a sofa, the seat part 140 and the backrest part 142 are at an angle a relative to each other, which is preferably 90° - 150° .

[0099] The support element 172, by which the backrest part 142 is attached to the vertical guides 136 horizontally, is preferably a slide arranged on the vertical guides, the slide including wheels with which the slide moves on the vertical guides. The slide is attached to the backrest part by a transverse shaft around which the backrest part can be pivoted in order to change the position of the backrest part.

[0100] An articulated adjustment joint 144 is preferably provided between the backrest part 142 and the seat part 140, which articulated adjustment joint 144 can be, for example, a fixable articulated joint of the type known from car backrests, which bears the torque between the backrest part 142 and the seat part 140. In other words, the backrest part 142 and the seat part 140 are not freely movable relative to each other, but rather a fixation means 174 for fixing the articulated adjustment joint 144 is provided between the latter, which fixation means 174 can be released when the position of the sofa bed is converted from a sofa into a bed 132. The bed 132 is shown in Figure 4d, which shows a fourth use mode of the living space. Preferably, the hassocks 146 form, as an extension of the seat part 140, part of the bed 132. Alternatively, the direction of use of the bed 132 without hassocks can be crosswise.

[0101] One embodiment of the fixation means 174 for the articulated adjustment joint 144 is shown in Figure 4. in this embodiment, the fixation means 174 is formed by a brake rail 184 and a brake caliper 186 which can clamp onto the same during fixation. The brake caliper 186 can function like a bicycle disc brake, with the difference that the brake disc is replaced by the brake rail 184, which is arranged between the brake pads 192 of the brake caliper 186. The brake rail 184 can be attached to the seat part 140 while the brake caliper 186 can be attached to the side of the backrest part 142 as shown in Figures 3a - 3d. The brake caliper 186 consists of a frame 190, the aforementioned brake pads 192, a brake piston 194 that moves the brake pads 192, a spring 196 for pressing the brake piston 194, and release means 198 for compressing the spring 196 in order to release the fixation. When implemented by means of such a fixation means 174 for the articulated adjustment joint 144, a fixation is obtained that does not slow down the movement of the articulated adjustment joint in any way following the release of the fixation. For this reason, it is a good idea to use a separate deceleration means in conjunction with the aforementioned fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint .

[0102] More specifically, the brake piston 194 is preferably a rotary cylinder that is released by the release means. The release means 198 preferably includes a rocker lever 30 which is articulated between the ends close to the brake caliper 186 by a pivot shaft 32 and connected at one end to the brake piston 194 by a cable 34. Release levers 36 are connected to the other end of the rocker lever 30 by means of cables 40, wherein the release levers 36 are also attached in an articulated manner by means of pivot shafts 38, for example to the seat part. The release levers 36 work against a return spring 46 of the rocker lever, which returns the brake piston 194 to a position in which the brake pads 192 are clamped against the brake rail 184. The rocker lever preferably also includes a latch 42, which is attached to the seat part. When the sofa bed is in the form of a bed, the latch 42 stays behind a pin 44, wherein the pin 44 moves together with the backrest part . The latch 42 and the pin 44 ensure that the sofa bed remains in the bed position.

[0103] The sofa bed preferably includes a deceleration means that slows down the movement of the seat part and the backrest part around the articulated adjustment joint. The deceleration means is preferably the gas spring 182 shown in Figures 3a - 3d, which is connected to a separate torque arm 188, which is attached as an extension of the seat part 140. The aim of the force generated by the gas spring is to slow down the movement between the seat part 140 and the backrest part 142, so that this movement is not uncontrolled around the articulated adjustment joint 144.

[0104] Alternat ively to the gas spring, it is possible to use the fixation means for the articulated adjustment joint implemented by means of the brake strip and the brake caliper as a deceleration means in order to achieve a slight braking effect, provided that the clamping force of the piston can be adjusted with precision. Other alternative embodiments of the deceleration means can be a ratchet mechanism of the articulated adjustment joint and, instead of a gas spring, a liquid cylinder in which the flow of hydraulic fluid is appropriately adjusted ro a c h i e ve u h e o e s i r e d o e c e .L e r a r. i o n .

[0105] Figures 5a and 5b show one embodiment of the lightening means 180 that is preferably employed as part of a sofa bed. Figure 5a shows an end position in which the backrest part 142 has been raised to the uppermost position. Figures 5a and 5b are not in proportion and the size of the support elements 172 has been exaggerated in the figures. The support elements 172 move on the vertical guides 136. The vertical guides 136 are preferably connected by a transverse guide 214. A linear actuator 208, which can be a gas spring or a linear motor, is preferably attached by one end of the same to the transverse guide 214. A shaft 221, on which folding pulleys 218 that can be moved parallel to the transverse guides 214 are arranged, is connected to the other end of the linear actuator. In addition, in line with the vertical guides 136, there are fixed pivot pulleys 220. The folding pulleys and the pivot pulleys form the set of pulleys 216 of the lightening means. Attached at one end to the support element 172 is a cable 210 or cord, which is in turn attached in a fixed manner to, for example, the transverse guide 214 or, for example, to the wall at an anchoring point 226. The fixed anchoring points are designated in Figures 5a and 5b by a star symbol. The cable 210 or cord is guided via the pivot pulleys 220 to the folding pulleys 218. When the linear actuator 208 moves the shaft 221 and the folding pulleys 218, the cable running via the folding pulleys 218 and the pivot pulleys 220 moves the support elements 172 on the vertical guides 136. Preferably, there is one support element 172 on each side of the backrest part 142 and two cables 210 and two pulleys 218 and 220 for each support element 172, for respectively creating a force in each direction of movement.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the ceiling of the living space can include separate connectors for a cot to be suspended from the ceiling. The cot can be suspended so as to hang over the bed formed by the sofa bed. Preferably, the suspendable cot can be mounted temporarily and stored elsewhere when the sofa bed in use as a bed.

[0107] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the living space can further include a fastening rack 150 arranged on the horizontal guides 138 by means of which, for example, bicycles or other recreational equipment can be held in place during transport.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the sofa bed 134 includes auxiliary lifting means 212, shown in Figure 3c, configured to pivot the backrest part 142 into a horizontal position, wherein the auxiliary lifting means 212 is arranged between the support element 172 and the backrest part 142. The auxiliary lifting means can be a gas spring that pushes an essentially vertical backrest part 142 and seat part 140 around the respective support means trom the first storage position into the essen- tially horizontal second storage position.

[0109] The living space 2.4 formed by the body structure is formed on top of the frame 12, wherein the living space 24 preferably includes, as shown in Figures 6a - 6e, at least one openable side wall 18.1, preferably two openable walls, of which one is said openable side wall 18.1 and the other is an openable end wall 18.3. Preferably, the openable side wall 18.1 includes an awning 120, shown in Figure 6a, which is formed as part of the edge of the openable side wall 18.1 on the side of the floor, i.e. as part of the lower edge of the side wall 18.1. The awning can be attached to rails belonging to the roof of the caravan. Alternatively, instead of an awning, canvas or the like can be attached to the rails. The awning 120 can further include support legs 156 for supporting the awning 120 of the openable side wall 18.1, which is rotated so as to form an essentially horizontal shelter 116, on a surface. Tn addition, a provisional wall 152, for example a foldable or rollable structure inserted between the awning 120 and the support legs 156, can be arranged between the support legs 156, a corresponding second awning 121. As shown in Figure 6c, in connection with the openable end wall 18.3 a corresponding second awning 121 can be included as well as support legs 156 connected to the second awning 121 and a provisional wall 152. The awning and the second awning can be commercially available structures such as, for example, the units manufactured by Thule Sweden

[0110] AB.

[0111] As shown in Figures 6c - 6e, the usable, covered and protected area of the caravan 10 according to the invention can be extended by means of the shelters 116, 117, awnings 120, 121 and provisional walls 152 so as to form a wide conjoined area outside the small caravan. The caravan preferably includes an electrically powered or fuel-powered heating device. The heating device is preferably gas-powered. The heating device can be used to heat the space formed inside the body structure of the caravan, for example for a use as temporary living quarters or to dry out recreational equipment.

[0112] The caravan can also include a separate loading ramp, which makes it easier to load bikes, for example, into the living

[0113] The living space can include a roof / ceiling, floors and walls, which define an interior space between them, wherein the interior space includes a first space for a shower or toilet or both, a second space for a kitchen, the kitchen comprising at least a refrigerator and a countertop, and a partition for separating the first space from the second space, wherein the partition includes an access door for forming an access opening between the first space and the second space. The partition includes a fixed part and a movable part, as well as first guides for moving the movable part relative to the fixed part, wherein the refrigerator is configured to be part of the movable part, the main part of the refrigerator being on the side of the first space and the door belonging to the refrigeratorbeing on the side of the second space, the refrigerator being arranged at a height that allows the refrigerator to be moved on the first guides over the countertop during use of the first space and so as to cover the access opening during use of the second space. A partition of the type described here can also be utilized separately from the caravan according to the invention as an independent invention. By means of the aforementioned partition, the refrigerator can be moved back and forth in such a manner that it occupies space alternatively on the side of the first space when the first space is not being used and on the side of the second space when the first space is being used. This makes it possible to form a larger countertop in the kitchen formed on the side of the second space during use of the kitchen while still using a standard-sized refrigerator. In addition, this allows the use of gas stoves in the interior spaces.

[0114] In this context, "toilet" optionally denotes a water-operated toilet, i.e. a flush toilet, or a chemical toilet, or a dry toilet or some other toilet solution.

[0115] Preferably, the access door is a sliding door and the partition further includes second guides for moving the access door so that it is parallel to the partition and covers the access opening during use of the first space. When implemented in this manner, the access door occupies very little space.

[0116] Alternatively, the access door may be a hinged door which swivels to the side of the first space, and which can be pivoted so as to be essentially parallel to the wall, the movable part of the partition covering the access opening.

[0117] Preferably, the sliding door comprises an opening for the refrigerator door for the use of the refrigerator, wherein the sliding door overlaps the refrigerator during use of the second

[0118] Preferably, the sliding door includes a cover for covering the opening when the sliding door is at the access opening during use of the first space. The opening formed in the sliding door for the refrigerator door can be covered by the cover during use of the first space. Otherwise, the opening in the sliding door allows the refrigerator to be used even when the sliding door is in front of the refrigerator.

[0119] Preferably, the first guides and the second guides are parallel and in different planes to each other, so that the sliding door can be arranged over the refrigerator, and the refrigerator and the sliding door can be moved independently of each other.

[0120] Preferably, the cover is a roller blind. A roller blind is a relatively inexpensive and simple way to implement the cover.

[0121] Alternatively, the cover can be some analogous structure that can cover the opening.

[0122] Alternatively, a stove and a sink are formed in the countertop, although the countertop additionally includes a hinged countertop surface, which can be pivoted so as to be essentially parallel to the partition during use of the stove and sink and parallel to the countertop during use of the countertop.

[0123] In the embodiment shown in Figures 7a - 7c, the aforementioned living space 24 is formed by a first space 86 and a second space 88, which are separated by a partition 96. The partition 96 preferably consists of two or more parts, namely a fixed part 102 and a movable part 104. The first space 86 includes a shower 87.1 or a toilet 87.2 or both, as shown in Figures 7a and 7c. In other words, the first space 86 is preferably a combination of a toilet and a bathroom. The second space 88 includes a kitchen 90 in which there is a refrigerator 92 and a countertop 94. The refrigerator 92 is arranged on the movable part 104 of the partition 96 while the countertop 94 is arranged on the fixed part 102 of the partition. The refrigerator 92 and the toilet 87.2 are fixtures that require a significant amount of space for use. For this reason, the refrigerator 92 is arranged on the movable part 104 in such a manner that the largest part of the refrigerator 92 extends to the side of the first space 86, although the refrigerator 92 is accessed through the door 105 of the refrigerator 92 from the side of the second space 88. Moreover, the refrigerator 92 is arranged at a height of the movable part 104 so that the refrigerator 92 can be arranged over the countertop 94. The refrigerator 92 thus does not take up space in the kitchen 90 of the second space 88 in the depth direction, but rather from the first space 86, which is used for briefer periods of time.

[0124] Tn the situation shown in Figures 7a and 7c, the access opening 100 between the first space 86 and the second space 88 is open, so that a user can pass from the first space 86 to the second space 88 and vice versa. In this case, the refrigerator 92 is moved together with the movable part 104 partially over the countertop 94 so as to cover a part of the countertop 94. Conversely, when the kitchen 90 is being used and the first space 86 is not in use, the refrigerator 92 can be moved together with the movable part 104 over to the access opening 100, which frees up the entire countertop 94 for use.

[0125] As shown in Figure 7d, the movable part 104 is preferably connected by means of the first guides 106 to both the floor 19 and the ceiling 20 of the living space 24, so that the first guides 106 prevent a movement of the movable part 104 in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the partition 96 while allowing a movement in the direction of the first guides 106. The first guides 106 can be U guides of the type known from sliding doors, and the movable part 104 can include either a sliding surface or support rollers on which the movable part 104 moves on the U guides. The refrigerator 92 can be supported from the ceiling 20 independently from the movable part 104 by means of a support frame 160 and support rails 162 attached to the ceiling 20. The movement of the support frame 160 can also be controlled by means of a guide 164.

[0126] The refrigerator 92 is preferably arranged on the movable part 104, which moves on the first guides 106. In addition, the partition 96 includes second guides 108, which are in a different plane than the first guides 106 and which are parallel to the first guides 106 and the plane of the partition 96. Preferably, a sliding door that functions as the access door- 98 is arranged on the second guides 108, wherein the sliding door 98 can be arranged so as to cover the access opening 100 during use of the first space. Disadvant ageously , the access door 98 also covers the access opening 100 when the movable part 104 and the refrigerator 92 belonging to it are in front of the access opening 100. Consequently, an opening- 110 is preferably / formed in the access door 98, through which opening 110 the door 105 of the refrigerator 92 can be opened. To cover the opening 110, the access door 98 can include a separate cover, for example a roller blind or the like, by means of which the opening 110 is covered during use of the first space. When the first space is being used, the movable part 104 and the refrigerator 92 are moved partially over the countertop

[0127] Preferably., the partition includes a pull-out combination of a stove 122 and a sink 124, formed underneath the countertop and shown in Figure 8, which combination includes third guides 126 that are essentially transverse to the plane formed by the partition, a slide 128 arranged on the third guides for the stove 122 and the sink 124, and a cover panel arranged on the face end of the slide. There is thus no need to sacrifice the countertop for the needs of the stove and the sink, but rather these can be pulled out as a drawer when the kitchen is in use.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A sofa bed (134) , which is configured to be converted into a bed (132) , wherein the sofa bed (134) includes a seat part (140) and a backrest part (142) connected to the seat part (140) so as to form a sofa structure (135) , and the backrest part (142) includes a first end (166) and a second end (168) , characterized in that the sofa bed (134) further includes-- vertical guides (136) configured to be attached to a vertical fixed structure (170) , preferably to a wall (18) ,- support elements (172) connected to the first end (166) of the backrest part (142) , wherein each support element (172) is configured to be movable on the vertical guides (136) and forms a pivot point between the backrest part (142) and the vertical guides (136) ,- an articulated adjustment joint (144) arranged between the second end (168) of the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140) to allow the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140) to be pivoted relative to each other into at least two positions, namely so as to be essentially aligned when the sofa bed (134) is used as a bed (132) and so as to be at an angle of preferably 90° --- 150° when the sofa bed (134) is used as a sofa (13.3) ,- fixation means (174) for the articulated adjustment joint (144) for fixing a reciprocal position of the backrest part (142) and the seat part (140) ,- support means (176) for supporting the seat part (140) on a surface (15) .

2. The sofa bed according to claim 1, characterized in that the support means (176) is at least one leg (141) arranged on the seat part (140) .

3. The sofa bed according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one leg (141) is attached in an articulated manner to the seat part (140) so as to allow the leg (141) to be folded essentially parallel to the seat part (140) .

4. The sofa bed according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that the sofa bed (134) includes horizontal guides (138) configured to be attached essentially horizontally to the floor (19) , and the legs (141) include a second support element (178) for supporting the seat part (140) in a movable manner on the horizontal guides (138) .

5. A sofa bed according to any one of claims 1 ~ 4, characterized in that the fixation means (174) for the articulated adjustment joint (144) includes a brake rail (184) and a brake caliper (186) fixable on the brake rail (184) .

6. The sofa bed according to claim 5, characterized in that the brake caliper (186) includes a frame (190) , brake pads (192) configured to press against the brake rail (184) when fixed, a brake piston (194) for pressing the brake pads (192) against the brake rail (184) , a spring (196) for pressing the brake piston (194) , and release means (198) for compressing the spring (196) to release the fixation.

7. The sofa bed according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the sofa bed (134) includes a deceleration means arranged between the seat part (140) and the backrest part (142) for slowing down movement between the seat part (140) and the backrest part (142) when the fixation means (174) for the articulated adjustment joint (144) is released, wherein the deceleration means is preferably a gas spring (182) .

8. The sofa bed according to any one of claims 1 - 7, charac- ter i 5. ed in that the sofa bed (134) includes t > o s i t i o n -fixatio n means (204) configured in connection with the support element(172) in order to fix the backrest part (142.) on the vertical guides (136) at a selected point8 , charac- in that the position-fixation means (204) includes a solenoid lock (202) that is arranged in a locking position when de-energized and in an open position when energized.

10. The sofa bed according to any one of claims 1 - 9, characterized in that the sofa bed (134) includes lightening means (180) for facilitating the moving of the backrest part (142) on the vertical guides (136) , which lightening means (180) is configured to generate a force that is essentially opposite to the force of gravity.

11. The sofa bed according to claim 10, characterized in that the lightening means (180) includes a linear actuator (208) , and the lightening means (180) further includes a cable (210) for transmitting the movement of the linear actuator (208) to the support element (172) .

12. The sofa bed according to claim 11, characterized in that the lightening means (180) includes a set of pulleys (216) for guiding the cable (210) and augmenting a performed movement.

13. The sofa bed according to any one of claims 1 - 12, characterized in that the sofa bed (134) includes suspension means (148) for supporting the sofa structure (135) on a part above the sofa structure while the seat part (140) and the backrest part (142) are essentially aligned.

14. A caravan (10) which includes- a frame ( 12 ) , wheels (14) on both sides of the frame (12) for supporting the caravan (10) on a surface (15) , and - a tow bar (26) configured as an extension of the frame(12) comprising a hitch element (27) for attaching the caravan (10) to a towing vehicle (58) , a living space (24) formed on top of the frame (12) , wherein the living space (24) includes a roof / ceiling (20) , floors (19) and walls (18) , which define an interior space between them, and a sofa bed (134) that is convertible into a bed (132) , wherein the sofa bed (134) includes a seat part (140) and a backrest part (142) connected to the seat part (140) , characterized in that the sofa bed (134) is a sofa bed (134) according to any one of claims 1 - 13.

15. The caravan according to claim 14, characterized in that the vertical guides (136) extend to a height 100 - 200 cm, preferably 150 - 200 cm, from the floor (19) in order to move the sofa bed (134) into an position essentially parallel to either the ceiling (20) or the wall (18) , and the ceiling (20) of the living space (24) includes suspension means (148) for suspending the sofa bed (134) in an essentially horizontal position at a height 100 - 250 cm, preferably 130 - 200 cm, from the floor (20) .

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