Recreational vehicle, sliding door and spring element for sliding doors of recreational vehicles

Abstract

Spring element (3) for sliding doors (2) of recreational vehicles (1), in particular motorhomes or caravans, comprising a base body (5) on which a strip (6) and a spring arm (7) are formed, wherein the spring arm (7) is adjustable at least approximately about a fixed position relative to the strip (6) of the axis of rotation (8). A sliding door (2) and a recreational vehicle (1) are also specified.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a recreational vehicle, in particular a motorhome or caravan, as well as a spring element for a sliding door of a recreational vehicle and a sliding door itself. Specifically, the invention relates to a spring element designed as a plastic spring for removable sliding doors.

[0002] Recreational vehicles typically have an interior layout. Hinged doors can be used in this interior. However, sliding doors offer significant advantages. For example, sliding doors can be permanently attached to a track system made of aluminum or similar materials. Plastic tracks are also a possibility, in which the sliding doors are permanently mounted.

[0003] With a conventional design, at least one of the following disadvantages can arise. These include disadvantages related to weight, the variety of parts required, and inflexible adaptation to different vehicle chassis. Furthermore, the complexity for the installer can be high, resulting in extensive training requirements. Finally, high costs can result. This is especially true for swing doors.

[0004] Furthermore, damage to hinges and locks can occur, causing the doors to appear crooked. In some cases, the doors may no longer close properly. Repairs may require significant installation work. Panels may need to be replaced or reinforced.

[0005] Furthermore, the serviceability may be poor.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a spring element for sliding doors of recreational vehicles, a sliding door for a recreational vehicle and a recreational vehicle that enable an improved design and function.

[0007] The problem is solved by a spring element with the features of independent claim 1, a sliding door with the features of claim 10, and a recreational vehicle with the features of claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0008] The solution to the problem is given by a spring element for sliding doors of recreational vehicles, in particular motorhomes or caravans, wherein a base body is provided on which a strip and a spring arm are designed, and wherein the spring arm is adjustable at least approximately about an axis of rotation that is fixed relative to the strip.

[0009] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a sliding door for a recreational vehicle, in particular a motorhome or caravan, comprising a door leaf and at least one such spring element connected to the door leaf. The problem is further solved by a recreational vehicle, in particular a motorhome or caravan, comprising at least one such sliding door.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the base body can have at least one slot arranged between the spring arm and the axis of rotation, whereby elastic deformation of the base body occurs at the slot when the spring arm is actuated. The slot allows the position at which the spring yields to be predetermined. This enables advantageous adjustment.

[0011] It is advantageous that a flank is formed on the strip and that the slot is designed along the flank between the flank and the spring arm. The flank prevents the spring arm from bending upwards when under tension.

[0012] It is advantageous that at least the strip and the spring arm of the base body are formed in one piece. In particular, the entire base body can be formed, at least substantially, in one piece. This allows for a advantageous design.

[0013] One advantage is that the basic body is made primarily of plastic. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing.

[0014] It is advantageous that the spring arm is designed to be elastically deformable along its longitudinal extent. The force distribution, in particular the rate of increase, can be predetermined by the design of the spring arm, for example, through a specific material distribution.

[0015] It is advantageous that the spring arm is designed to exhibit a force curve that increases progressively with deformation. This can be achieved through a material growth rate along the spring arm. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the force required increases from approximately 5 N to approximately 15 N. This prevents or at least makes it more difficult for the sliding door to bounce.

[0016] It is advantageous that at least one insertion element, in particular a Christmas tree-shaped insertion element, is provided on the strip of the base body, which can be inserted into a recess, in particular a bore, of a sliding door. Such a Christmas tree-shaped insertion element (insertable Christmas tree) can serve for easy mounting on the hinge. In particular, this allows for removal and / or replacement at any time.

[0017] Depending on the design, one or more of the following features and advantages may be realized.

[0018] A plastic spring system for sliding doors can be implemented. This system allows for the use of a new, thin, and lightweight panel material. Furthermore, subsequent replacement or thorough cleaning can be easily carried out.

[0019] Specifically, the sliding doors can be easily removed and reinstalled after the furniture assembly. Damage can be repaired without high costs.

[0020] The spring element ensures that the sliding door remains securely in the track, even during operation. Furthermore, the spring element prevents stick-slip and ensures smooth and effortless sliding of the door. The spring element, along with the glider on the underside of the panel, can be made of abrasion-resistant plastic.

[0021] The length of the spring arm can be adjusted so that the appropriate length, according to a tolerance study for the sliding doors and profiles, fits within the theoretical minimum and maximum.

[0022] A reinforced flank prevents the spring arm from bending upwards when under tension.

[0023] The increasing material thickness of the spring arm can ensure a progressive force curve. This makes it more difficult for the sliding door to bounce, as the force of each individual spring arm increases. Preferably, the force curve can increase from 5 N to 15 N.

[0024] A slot (material slot) allows for precise definition of the spring arm's compression position, ensuring a horizontal state even under maximum compression. This is particularly important when removing the sliding door. A spring element can be mounted at the top using pre-drilled holes on the end face. Opposite this, gliders can be mounted at the bottom using pre-drilled holes on the end face of the sliding door. To reattach the sliding door, the spring can be briefly compressed to its maximum extent, a limitation imposed by the reinforced flank to prevent breakage.

[0025] Sliding door gliders can be inserted into the bottom of the panel (door leaf) and secured with, for example, a small screw to prevent them from falling out. Gliders can limit the panel's movement to prevent rattling during operation. This limitation can be achieved along the thickness of the door leaf. Furthermore, this limitation allows for the use of thinner panels. A suitable profile system can feature a raised section along the glider to reduce friction and trap a certain amount of dirt without causing the sliding door to scratch or scrape.

[0026] Sliding doors can be retrofitted thanks to their spring mechanism and do not obstruct the assembly process. They can be reliably pre-assembled in a decentralized manner. Sliding doors can be removed at any time for servicing.

[0027] Sliding doors can be removed at any time for cleaning. Panel material can be easily varied, particularly in terms of material and thickness. Replacing individual parts is simple and cost-effective; in the worst-case scenario, an entire sliding door can be replaced, which can be done without significant installation effort. A spring mechanism prevents the panel from jumping and thus prevents the lock from disengaging during operation. The spring mechanism ensures smooth gliding of the sliding door in the tracks.

[0028] Specifically, the following applications can be implemented: A permanently installed furniture unit without a separation between the kitchen and the tall cabinet. A permanently installed tall cabinet with a removable kitchen module. A half-height design where the furniture unit is at a continuous height, without a tall cabinet. Furthermore, a box system can serve as an application.

[0029] A profile located beneath the sliding door can provide a space for dirt to accumulate. It can be easily removed by pushing upwards. The spring element can be manufactured as an injection-molded part. The sliding doors can also be retrofitted during production. Assembly and disassembly are possible without tools. The spring arm can provide upper guidance. The laterally oriented flank can define the maximum possible deformation of the spring arm.

[0030] 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 a spring element in a schematic, spatial representation according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 a sliding door according to the embodiment in a schematic, spatial representation in an exploded view; Fig. 3 a recreational vehicle with a piece of furniture having at least one sliding door according to the embodiment shown during assembly; Fig. 4 that in Fig. 3 pieces of furniture shown with the sliding door installed; Fig. 5 a profile with a slider to illustrate the embodiment and Fig. 6 the in Fig. 5 profiles shown with a sliding door.

[0031] Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show a recreational vehicle 1 with a sliding door 2 and several spring elements 3 according to an exemplary embodiment. The recreational vehicle 1 can be designed, in particular, as a motorhome or caravan. Here, in Fig. 3 a running floor 4 of the recreational vehicle 1 shown.

[0032] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the spring element 3 has a base body 5 to which a bar 6 and a spring arm 7 are attached. The spring arm 7 is adjustable about a rotational axis 8. The rotational axis 8 can be fixed relative to the bar 6. When adjusting the spring arm 7, it may be possible to bend the spring arm 7. Additionally or alternatively, it may also be possible to rotate the spring arm 7.

[0033] The base body 5 has a slot 10. The slot 10 is located between the axis of rotation 8 and the spring arm 7. When the spring arm 7 is actuated, the base body 5 undergoes elastic deformation at the slot 10. The spring force can be adjusted via the slot 10. In particular, a defined spring force can be specified in relation to a certain deformation. The material thickness 9 can change along the longitudinal extent of the spring arm 7 at a certain rate of increase. This allows for the adjustment of the force profile of the spring arm 7 in relation to a deformation. Specifically, a force profile that increases progressively with the deformation can be provided. The force profile can, for example, increase from approximately 5 N to approximately 15 N.

[0034] In this embodiment, a flank 11 is formed on the strip 6. The slot 10 extends along the flank 11 between the flank 11 and the spring arm 7. The flank 11 is designed as a reinforced flank 11. The reinforced flank 11 prevents the spring arm 7 from bending upwards when under tension. The axis of rotation 8 can define a specific rotation point for the spring arm 7.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, at least the strip 6 and the spring arm 7 of the base body 5 are formed in one piece. Preferably, the base body 5 is made of plastic. The plastic is preferably selected such that the spring arm 7 is elastically deformable along its longitudinal extent. A combination of plastics is also conceivable.

[0036] The strip 6 of the base body 5 has insertion elements 15, 16 which in this embodiment are designed as insertion fir trees.

[0037] As exemplified in Fig. As indicated in Figure 2, the insertable fir trees 15, 16 can be inserted into recesses 17, 18 in the sliding door 2, which are designed as bores 17, 18. In this embodiment, the bores 17, 18 are located on an upper end face 19 of a door leaf 12. This allows furniture 13 to be advantageously equipped with sliding doors 2. In particular, assembly is simple. Similarly, disassembly is also simple.

[0038] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a profile 20 to illustrate the function of a slider 21. Such sliders 21 can also have insertion elements 22, 23, which can be designed in particular as fir-tree-shaped insertion elements 22, 23, i.e., insertion fir trees 22, 23. Similarly, the sliders 21 can be inserted into recesses, in particular bores, on a lower end face 25 of the door leaf 12, as described with reference to the spring elements 3.

[0039] The gliders 21 can be guided in the profile 20 in such a way that, particularly in a transverse direction 26, i.e., along the thickness 24 of the door leaf 12 of the sliding door 2, at least largely free of play or with limited play is achieved. This prevents rattling during operation. Furthermore, the limitation in the transverse direction 26 allows the use of thinner panels.

[0040] A handle 30 can also be mounted on the door leaf 12.

[0041] As it is in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, during assembly, the sliding door 2 can be inserted from below into the guide of the furniture 13 in a first step (A). In a second step (B), the sliding door 2 is then swung into position so that the gliders 21 can be inserted into the profile 20. This ensures reliable and easy assembly.

[0042] The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Claims

[1] Spring element (3) for sliding doors (2) of recreational vehicles (1), in particular mobile homes or caravans, with a base body (5) on which a bar (6) and a spring arm (7) are designed, wherein the spring arm (7) is at least approximately adjustable about a rotation axis (8) which is fixed relative to the bar (6). [2] Spring element according to claim 1, characterized by that the base body (5) has at least one slot (10) which is arranged between the spring arm (7) and the rotation axis (8), and that upon actuation of the spring arm (7) an elastic deformation of the base body (5) at the slot (10) takes place. [3] Spring element according to claim 2, characterized by that a flank (11) is formed on the strip (6) and that the slot (10) is formed along the flank (11) between the flank (11) and the spring arm (7). [4] Spring element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat at least the bar (6) and the spring arm (7) of the base body (5) are formed in one piece. [5] Spring element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that the base body (5) is formed at least substantially from a plastic. [6] Spring element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the spring arm (7) is designed to be elastically deformable along its longitudinal extent. [7] Spring element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the spring arm (7) is designed in such a way that it has a force curve that progressively increases with deformation. [8] Spring element according to claim 7, characterized by that the force curve increases from about 5 N to about 15 N. [9] Spring element according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat at least one insertion element (15, 16), in particular a fir-tree-shaped insertion element (15, 16), is provided on the strip (6) of the base body (5), which can be inserted into a recess (17, 18), in particular a bore, of a sliding door (2). [10] Sliding door (2) for recreational vehicles (1), in particular mobile homes or caravans, with at least one door leaf (12) and at least one spring element (3) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is connected to the door leaf (12). [11] Recreational vehicle (1), in particular a mobile home or caravan, with at least one sliding door (2) according to claim 10.

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