Recreational vehicle, in particular motorhome or caravan, and panel connection, in particular corner connection

Abstract

A panel joint (1), in particular a corner joint, for a recreational vehicle (2), especially a motorhome or caravan, comprising a first lightweight panel (3) and at least a second lightweight panel (4), wherein at least one connecting element (5) is provided which connects the first lightweight panel (3) and the second lightweight panel (4) to each other in a connection area (6), and wherein the connecting element (5) is at least positively connected to at least the first lightweight panel (3). It is proposed that the connecting element (5) has an opening (7) which extends from an end (8) of the connecting element (5) at least partially along a longitudinal axis (9) of the connecting element (5), and that the opening (7) serves to receive a fastening element (15). Furthermore, a recreational vehicle (2), in particular a motorhome or caravan, with at least one such panel joint is specified.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a recreational vehicle, in particular a mobile home or caravan, as well as a panel connection for such a recreational vehicle. Specifically, the invention relates to a frameless corner connection. In particular, a floor and a side wall can be connected via such a corner connection. Hybrid joining is possible.

[0002] A conventional corner connection technique can be based on a conventional frame sandwich construction, in which a spanned frame-and-strut structure determines the strength of the panel. The frame can define the middle layer and is bonded to the upper and lower cover layers. Screw connections can be created over these wooden or polyurethane strips, which are dimensioned so that they fulfill a load-bearing function purely due to the screw connection.

[0003] Conventional corner connection technology has several disadvantages. Cutting, assembling, and stapling the strips is a significant time-consuming process. Furthermore, handling strips of, for example, 5 m in length is laborious, resulting in high storage and handling costs. Furthermore, the sandwich panel is heavy, as the frame accounts for at least 10% of the weight. PU or wooden strips are relatively expensive. Furthermore, the required materials can result in a complex logistics chain spanning several countries. Another issue concerns surface quality. For example, frame marks can appear on the side wall elements. Furthermore, assembly is difficult due to structural tolerances, necessitating, for example, mounting dowels.

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of providing a panel connection, in particular a corner connection, for a recreational vehicle, in particular a mobile home or caravan, and a recreational vehicle, which is designed in an improved manner. Specifically, weather resistance and / or a lightweight construction and / or an improved design of a floor or side wall can be achieved. In particular, high connection strength can be achieved with a lightweight construction.

[0005] This object is achieved by a plate connection having the features of independent patent claim 1 and by a recreational vehicle having the features of patent claim 10.

[0006] The object is achieved by a panel connection, in particular a corner connection, for a recreational vehicle, in particular a mobile home or a caravan, with a first lightweight panel and at least one second lightweight panel, wherein at least one connecting element is provided which connects the first lightweight panel and the second lightweight panel to one another in a connecting region, wherein the connecting element is connected at least positively to at least the first lightweight panel, wherein the connecting element has an opening which extends from one end of the connecting element at least in sections along a longitudinal axis of the connecting element, and wherein the opening serves to receive a fastening element.

[0007] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a recreational vehicle, in particular a mobile home or caravan, with at least one such plate connection.

[0008] It is advantageous for the opening of the connecting element to be designed such that, in the assembled state in which the fastening element is inserted into the opening, the connecting element is spread open. This can, in particular, achieve a frictional connection that improves the connection. Furthermore, the fastening element can be designed independently of the connecting element within certain limits, so that, for example, an additional functional function can be realized. In a preferred embodiment, an add-on element can be connected in this way.

[0009] It is therefore also advantageous that, in the assembled state, an add-on element is attached to the first lightweight panel and the second lightweight panel using the fastening element. This allows for additional connection points to be created.

[0010] It is advantageous for the connecting element to have an external thread that, in the assembled state, is screwed into at least the first lightweight panel, and / or for the connecting element to have an external thread that, in the assembled state, is screwed into the first lightweight panel and the second lightweight panel. This allows for a high connection strength to be achieved.

[0011] It is advantageous that the first lightweight panel, in the assembled state, forms at least part of a lightweight floor, in particular a running floor, of the recreational vehicle, and / or that the second lightweight panel, in the assembled state, forms at least part of a wall, in particular a side wall, of the recreational vehicle. This advantageously allows a vehicle body to be realized.

[0012] It is advantageous that the first lightweight panel has a sandwich structure with a core, and that the core of the first lightweight panel is formed at least partially from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene, more particularly an expanded polystyrene. Thus, a lightweight construction can be realized.

[0013] It is advantageous that the second lightweight panel has a sandwich structure with a core, and that the core of the second lightweight panel is formed at least partially from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene, more particularly an expanded polystyrene. Thus, a lightweight construction can be realized.

[0014] It is advantageous that a recess is provided in the first lightweight panel and / or a recess in the second lightweight panel on a butt side of the first lightweight panel, where the first lightweight panel rests against the second lightweight panel in the connection area, and that the recess in the first lightweight panel or the recess in the second lightweight panel is at least substantially filled with an adhesive, in particular a two-component adhesive. This can further improve the bond strength.

[0015] It is advantageous that the adhesive provided in the recess of the first lightweight panel or in the recess of the second lightweight panel, when assembled, bonds at least one connecting element at least laterally and preferably encloses it circumferentially. This can further improve the connection strength. This ensures that the connection is protected against loss.

[0016] It is advantageous for the first lightweight panel to be at least substantially wood-free and / or for the second lightweight panel to be at least substantially wood-free. This allows for a particularly lightweight design.

[0017] Depending on the design, one or more of the following features and advantages can be realized. A new connection technology can be implemented that is tailored to the respective lightweight floor.

[0018] Panels can be made from extruded polystyrene (XPS), for example. However, other plastics are also conceivable. A reduction to a standard length for XPS panels can be facilitated during purchasing. This reduces storage and handling costs throughout the supply and production chain. A base assembly (AVF) is possible, which improves handling, particularly at the core layer installation site. Wood cutting can be eliminated. The production of a wood-free base panel is possible. Weight reduction is possible, which simplifies and improves the logistics chain.

[0019] A dowel function can be implemented on the connecting element for the fastening element, which particularly facilitates the attachment of aprons. XPS foams can be used for the lightweight panels. In particular, a foam that serves as an insulating material can thus be used for the lightweight panels. The connecting element can be partially designed like an insulation screw. In addition, the connecting element can also have a dowel function.

[0020] Integration into existing manufacturing technologies can potentially be achieved without major investments. Material costs can be reduced. Weight can be reduced.

[0021] Specifically, a frameless corner connection can be created between the floor and side wall. This allows for the attachment of other components using the dowel function.

[0022] Further advantages and details of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the schematic figures. Herein: Fig. 1 shows a panel connection designed as a corner connection for a recreational vehicle according to an embodiment with a first lightweight panel and a second lightweight panel in a partial, schematic sectional view, wherein a state during assembly is shown; Fig. 2 which in Fig. 1 shows a plate connection in a modified embodiment during assembly, wherein a connecting element is shown during assembly; Fig. 3 which in Fig. 1 shows a panel connection according to the embodiment, wherein the connecting element is mounted and wherein an attachment element and a fastening element are shown during assembly; Fig. 4 a connecting element in a schematic representation according to a possible embodiment; Fig. 5 an excerpted, schematic, spatial representation of a Fig. 1 shown panel connection during assembly and Fig. 6 a recreational vehicle in a schematic representation.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows a panel connection 1 designed as a corner connection 1 for a recreational vehicle 2 ( Fig. 6) according to an exemplary embodiment. This shows a state during assembly. The recreational vehicle can be designed, in particular, as a mobile home or caravan. The panel connection 1 is particularly suitable for such recreational vehicles 2.

[0024] The panel connection 1, in particular corner connection 1, comprises a first lightweight panel 3 and at least one second lightweight panel 4. Furthermore, connecting elements 5 are provided, of which only one connecting element 5 is shown to simplify the illustration. The connecting element 5 connects the first lightweight panel 3 and the second lightweight panel 4 to one another in a connecting region 6. The connecting element 5 is at least positively connected to the first lightweight panel 3 and, in this exemplary embodiment, also to the second lightweight panel 3. The positive connection can be further supplemented.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows the Fig. 1 shows the plate connection 1 in a modified embodiment during assembly, wherein the connecting element 5 is shown during assembly. Fig. 3 shows the Fig. 1 shows the panel connection 1 according to the exemplary embodiment, wherein the connecting element 5 is mounted. The connecting element 5 has an opening 7 extending from one end 8 of the connecting element 5 along a longitudinal axis 9 of the connecting element 5. The opening 7 serves to receive a fastening element 15.

[0026] The first lightweight panel 3 has a butt side 10. With the butt side 10, the first lightweight panel 3 rests against the second lightweight panel 4 in the connection area 6.

[0027] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, a recess 11 is provided in the second lightweight panel 3. The recess 11 in the second lightweight panel 4 is at least substantially filled with an adhesive 12. The adhesive 12 provided in the recess 11 surrounds the connecting element 5, thus improving the strength and preventing loss of the connecting element 5. The adhesive 12 is preferably designed as a two-component adhesive.

[0028] In a corresponding manner, in a modified embodiment, such a recess 11 can additionally or alternatively be provided in the first lightweight panel 4. Furthermore, the connecting element 5 does not necessarily extend entirely, i.e., with its entire cross-section, through at least one such recess 11, but can also only be in contact with the adhesive 12 laterally.

[0029] Fig. Figure 4 shows a connecting element 5 in a schematic representation according to a possible embodiment. Fig. 5 an excerpted, schematic, spatial representation of a Fig. 1 shown plate connection 1 during assembly. Fig. 6 shows the recreational vehicle 2 in a schematic representation.

[0030] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the opening 7 serves to receive a fastening element 15. The fastening element 15 can spread the connecting element 5, thereby improving the connection. In addition, an attachment element 16 can be fastened to the first lightweight panel 3 and the second lightweight panel 4, which is held by the fastening element 15. In this case, the fastening element 15 can be screwed into the connecting element 5 so far that a collar 21 of the fastening element 15 rests against an outer side 17 of the attachment element 16.

[0031] As in Fig. 4, the connecting element 5 has an external thread 20. In this exemplary embodiment, the connecting element 5 is screwed with its external thread 20 into both the first lightweight panel 3 and the second lightweight panel 4. The external thread 20 extends over a threaded area 22. Depending on the length of the threaded area 22 along the longitudinal axis 9, the external thread 20 also engages in the second lightweight panel 4. The opening 7 or the dowel function can be provided in an area 33 along the longitudinal axis 9. The dowel function can serve to connect the second lightweight panel 3 and / or the attachment element 16. The threaded area 22 and the area 33 for the dowel function or the opening 7 can also overlap.

[0032] The first lightweight panel 3 can at least partially form a lightweight floor 33 of the recreational vehicle 2. In particular, the lightweight floor 33 can serve as a walking floor 33. The second lightweight panel 4 can at least partially form a wall 34, 35 of the recreational vehicle 2. In particular, the wall 34, 35 can be designed as a side wall 34, 35 of the recreational vehicle. The term "side wall" is to be understood generally and also includes a rear wall of the recreational vehicle. The term "wall" is to be understood generally and also includes interior walls of the recreational vehicle 2.

[0033] The first lightweight panel 3 has a sandwich structure 40 with a core 41 and cover layers 42, 43. The core 41 of the first lightweight panel 3 is formed from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene. The second lightweight panel 4 has a sandwich structure 45 with a core 46 and cover layers 47, 48. The core 46 of the second lightweight panel 4 is formed from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene. In a preferred embodiment, the cores 41, 45 are each formed from expanded polystyrene. Specifically, the first lightweight panel 3 and the second lightweight panel 4 are designed to be wood-free.

[0034] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Claims

[1] Panel connection (1), in particular corner connection, for a recreational vehicle (2), in particular a mobile home or a caravan, with a first lightweight panel (3) and at least one second lightweight panel (4), wherein at least one connecting element (5) is provided which connects the first lightweight panel (3) and the second lightweight panel (4) to one another in a connecting region (6), and wherein the connecting element (5) is connected at least positively to at least the first lightweight panel (3), characterized by that the connecting element (5) has an opening (7) which extends from one end (8) of the connecting element (5) at least in sections along a longitudinal axis (9) of the connecting element (5), and that the opening (7) serves to receive a fastening element (15). [2] Plate connection according to claim 1, characterized bythat the opening (7) of the connecting element (5) is designed such that in the assembled state in which the fastening element (15) is inserted into the opening (7), the connecting element (5) is spread open. [3] Plate connection according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that in the assembled state, an attachment element (16) is fastened to the first lightweight panel (3) and the second lightweight panel (4) by means of the fastening element (15). [4] Plate connection according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the connecting element (5) has an external thread (20) which, in the assembled state, is screwed at least into the first lightweight panel (3), and / or that the connecting element (5) has an external thread (20) which, in the assembled state, is screwed into the first lightweight panel (3) and into the second lightweight panel (4). [5] Plate connection according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the first lightweight panel (3) in the assembled state forms at least part of a lightweight floor (33), in particular a running floor, of the recreational vehicle and / or that the second lightweight panel (4) in the assembled state forms at least part of a wall (34, 35), in particular a side wall, of the recreational vehicle. [6] Plate connection according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , a) that the first lightweight panel (3) has a sandwich structure (40) with a core (41) and that the core (41) of the first lightweight panel (3) is formed at least partially from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene, further in particular an expanded polystyrene, and / or b) that the second lightweight panel (4) has a sandwich structure (45) with a core (46) and that the core (46) of the second lightweight panel (4) is formed at least partially from a foamed plastic, in particular a polystyrene, further in particular an expanded polystyrene. [7] Plate connection according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that on a butt side (10) of the first lightweight panel (3), on which the first lightweight panel (3) rests against the second lightweight panel (4) in the connecting region (6), a recess (11) is provided in the first lightweight panel (3) and / or a recess (11) in the second lightweight panel (4), and that the recess (11) in the first lightweight panel (3) or the recess (11) in the second lightweight panel (4) is at least substantially filled with an adhesive (12), in particular a two-component adhesive. [8] Plate connection according to claim 7, characterized bythat the adhesive (12) provided in the recess (11) of the first lightweight panel (3) or in the recess (11) of the second lightweight panel (3) binds at least one connecting element (5) at least laterally and preferably encloses it circumferentially in the assembled state. [9] Plate connection according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the first lightweight panel (3) is at least substantially wood-free and / or that the second lightweight panel (4) is at least substantially wood-free. [10] Recreational vehicle (2), in particular a mobile home or caravan, with at least one panel connection according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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