door of a recreational vehicle

Abstract

Door (1) of a recreational vehicle, comprising: - a frame (2) that can be attached to a wall (P) of the recreational vehicle; - a movable panel (3) that is hinged to the frame (2) at its own first vertical side surface (31) and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation (X) formed near the first vertical side surface (31) between an open design and a closed design, wherein the movable panel (3) has an inner groove (30) formed near a second vertical side surface (32) on a portion opposite the first vertical side surface (31); - means (4) for clamping the movable panel (3) to the frame (2); - a structural reinforcing tube (5) arranged in the inner groove (30) of the movable panel, wherein this reinforcing tube has a curvature towards the interior of the recreational vehicle.

Description

This invention relates to a door of a recreational vehicle. In particular, this invention relates to a door of a recreational vehicle of the type mounted on a wall of the vehicle. A recreational vehicle is any vehicle whose main function is to provide temporary accommodation for travel, entertainment or camping purposes. Some examples of recreational vehicles are campervans, caravans, motorhomes, or campervans. These vehicles are designed for outdoor use, where they are exposed to significant and sudden fluctuations in temperature and humidity, as well as mechanical stresses, while driving. In the prior art, doors for recreational vehicles are known which have a movable panel which generally has a "sandwich" structure, i.e. is made up of three layers. In general, such state-of-the-art panels have two outer layers and an intermediate layer of insulating and lightweight material to ensure a good compromise between lightness and robust design. The movable panel is usually surrounded by a perimeter profile made of a metal material, the purpose of which is to protect the edges of the movable panel, to provide a stop surface for the seals and in some cases to contribute to the overall stiffness of the panel. The unit formed by the movable panel and the circumferential profile is hinged to a fixed frame, which is generally also made of metal, with this frame being attached to the vehicle wall. For reasons of aerodynamics or design, such a wall may not always be perfectly flat, but may have a curvature or a change in inclination. The unevenness of the wall can sometimes also be due to certain construction tolerances. Typically, the wall has a first section that is essentially vertical from the ground level, and a second upper section that is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical. The door frame must therefore be able to adapt to this non-planar geometry to ensure proper installation, which often requires complex frame profiles or special seals to compensate for changes in flatness. State-of-the-art doors for recreational vehicles therefore represent a good solution, but are certainly not without disadvantages. A primary disadvantage is that state-of-the-art doors lack sufficient structural strength to remain stable in the long term. As previously mentioned, such doors are constantly exposed to external environmental influences, which causes the various materials within them to react differently due to the varying coefficients of thermal expansion of the panel's composite materials (e.g., metal, plastic, insulating foam, etc.). In the long term, this leads to a loss of structural strength, which manifests itself in a kind of "warping" or deformation of the door, which tends to curve increasingly relative to the vertical, especially on the non-hinged side, thus impairing the alignment with the frame. This leads to a loss of adhesion between the components as well as the formation of disruptive cracks and non-adhering areas that impair air and water tightness. This leads to drafts, possible ingress of rain and reduced efficiency of the heat and sound insulation of the vehicle's living space, resulting in reduced comfort for the occupants and increased energy consumption for heating and air conditioning. Secondly, the deformation often makes it difficult to close / open the door. Another disadvantage of state-of-the-art doors is therefore that they are not always easy and practical to use. The object of this invention is therefore to provide a door for a recreational vehicle that is able to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Another objective of this invention is to provide a door for a recreational vehicle that ensures a safe and reliable solution while maintaining its performance in terms of operation and durability over the long term. Another objective of this invention is to provide a door for a recreational vehicle that guarantees a solid and permanently stable structure, is resistant to environmental influences and minimizes the effects of temperature fluctuations and mechanical stresses. Another objective of this invention is to provide a door for a recreational vehicle that guarantees simple and practical use with smooth operation and a secure closure. Another objective of this invention is to provide a door for a recreational vehicle that is easy and inexpensive to manufacture. According to the invention, these and other tasks are fulfilled by a door of a recreational vehicle which includes the technical features described in the attached patent claims. The technical features of the invention within the scope of this problem are clearly described in the attached patent claims, and its advantages become evident from the detailed description below with reference to the attached drawings, which represent purely exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention. The drawings show: - Fig. 1 a schematic front view of a door of a recreational vehicle mounted on a vehicle wall; - Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a detail of the door from Fig. 1; and - Fig. 3 a cross-section of a door section of a recreational vehicle. With reference to Fig. 1, the reference numeral 1 designates a door of a recreational vehicle according to the invention, which for the sake of simplicity is also referred to below as “door 1”. The door 1 includes a frame 2 which can be attached to a wall P of the recreational vehicle. Advantageously, frame 2 is made of a metal material, for example aluminum. Aluminium offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, outstanding workability for the production of complex profiles, and high corrosion resistance, which is crucial for outdoor use. Door 1 includes a movable panel 3. The movable panel 3 is hinged to the frame 2 at its own first vertical side surface 31 and is designed to rotate about a rotational axis X. This axis of rotation X is formed near the first vertical side surface 31. Panel 3 can be moved between an open and a closed configuration by rotating it around the X-axis. Advantageously, the door 1 includes at least one pivot point 71, 72, which is formed on the first vertical side surface 31 of the movable panel 3. According to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the door 1 comprises two pivot points 71 and 72. By advantageously using two (or more) pivot points, the load of the movable panel 3 is distributed evenly along the X-axis, which prevents the panel 3 from sagging or twisting and ensures increased stability and durability of the system. Advantageously, the movable panel 3 comprises a first layer 33 and a second layer 34, which define the respective inner and outer surfaces of the movable panel, and an intermediate layer 35, which is arranged between the first layer 33 and the second layer 34. This "sandwich" design is optimal for combining structural stiffness with lightness and insulation. Advantageously, the first layer 33 and the second layer 34 are made of GRP. Alternatively, the first 33 and the second 34 layers consist of aluminum or plastic composites. GRP guarantees high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, impact resistance, easy cleaning, and the possibility of obtaining visually appealing and UV-resistant surfaces with appropriate treatment. Advantageously, the intermediate layer 35 also consists of foam such as sintered expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS) or polyurethane foam (PU), which are known for their excellent thermal and sound insulation properties and their lightness. Manufacturing the movable panel 3 from such materials makes it possible to combine lightness and structure and to ensure optimal heat and sound insulation. The movable panel 3 has an internal groove 30 formed near a second vertical side surface 32, i.e. the side of the panel opposite the hinged side, usually the locking side where the lock is located. This second vertical side surface 32 is arranged on a section of the movable panel 3 that is opposite the first vertical side surface 31. Advantageously, the inner groove 30 is formed in the intermediate layer 35 of the movable panel 3. This placement protects the reinforcement tube from external influences, structurally integrates it into the insulating core of the panel without interrupting the continuity of the outer layers, and allows the outer surfaces of the panel to remain smooth and uniform. The door 1 according to the invention comprises a structural reinforcing tube 5 which is arranged in the inner groove 30 of the movable panel 3. The reinforcement tube 5 is curved towards the interior of the recreational vehicle. This pre-curvature (i.e., a curvature obtained before installation in the door 1) is a crucial technical aspect: it was designed to actively counteract the tendency of panel 3 to deform outwards due to thermal expansion or pressure differences. The curvature can be calculated to create a slight restoring force in the direction of the frame, thus improving the tightness of the seals. Such a reinforcing tube 5 makes it possible to optimize the structural strength of the door and to ensure solid and effective support of the movable panel 3. The curvature towards the vehicle interior allows the structure defined by the panel 3 and the frame 2 to follow the tube 5 and avoid outward deformation of the door 1 and the panel 3. In practice, tube 5 defines a stable geometry to which the rest of the panel is constrained, maintaining the desired flatness or a controlled curvature that adapts to the frame 2. Advantageously, the reinforcing tube 5 is made of aluminum. Alternative embodiments for the tube could include other light metals or high-strength pultruded composite materials, provided these offer similar or superior mechanical and durability performance. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the door 1 according to the invention comprises means 4 for clamping the movable panel 3 to the frame 2. Advantageously, the clamping means comprise a single point 4 for clamping the movable panel 3 to the frame 2. The reinforcing tube 5, which gives the edge of the panel 3 high rigidity, essentially enables the effective use of a single clamping point 4. This simplifies the construction and use of the door 1, reduces the number of mechanisms and potential points of failure, and facilitates quick and safe closing. According to a further embodiment, the clamping means comprise two or more clamping points 4. Advantageously, the tube 5 has a substantially vertical course near the clamping point 4, as well as respective points of maximum deflection with respect to the vertical near a respective upper 51 and lower 52 end of the reinforcing tube 5. Advantageously, the tube 5 occupies a thickness section of the movable panel 3 as shown in Fig. 3. The groove 30, in which the tube 5 is housed and stabilized, is essentially not formed on the inner thickness of the movable panel 3, but on a section thereof. The remaining thickness section is therefore occupied by the intermediate layer 35, which advantageously consists of foam. The door 1 according to the invention comprises an inner metal profile which is firmly attached to the circumference of the movable panel 3. This circumferential profile 6 not only provides a receptacle for the robust and distributed fastening of the reinforcement tube 5, but also helps to seal the edges of the movable panel 3, thereby protecting the foam core 35 from moisture and mechanical damage and giving the entirety of the panel 3 additional rigidity. The reinforcing tube 5 is advantageously screwed to the inner metal profile. This metal profile is preferably made of aluminum. The points of maximum deflection of the tube 5, i.e. the upper and lower ends 51 and 52, essentially together with the two pivot points 71 and 72 and the clamping point 4, ensure a stable hold of the panel and prevent its undesirable expansions and deformations. The door according to the invention for a recreational vehicle makes it possible to eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve important advantages. A first advantage of the door according to the invention is that it guarantees a durable structure. This is ensured by the reinforcing tube and, in particular, its curved shape. A further advantage of the door according to the invention is that it is simple and practical to manufacture. Another advantage of the door according to the invention is that it combines optimized structural strength with optimal lightness. Door (1) of a recreational vehicle, comprising: a frame (2) that can be attached to a wall (P) of the recreational vehicle; a movable panel (3) that is hinged to the frame (2) between an open and a closed design, the movable panel (3) having an inner groove (30) formed near a second vertical side surface (32) on a portion opposite the first vertical side surface (31); a structural reinforcing tube (5) arranged in the inner groove (30) of the movable panel.

Claims

Door (1) of a recreational vehicle, comprising: - a frame (2) that can be attached to a wall (P) of the recreational vehicle; - a movable panel (3) that is hinged to the frame (2) at its own first vertical side surface (31) and designed to rotate about an axis of rotation (X) formed near the first vertical side surface (31) between an open design and a closed design, wherein the movable panel (3) has an inner groove (30) formed near a second vertical side surface (32) on a portion opposite the first vertical side surface (31); - means (4) for clamping the movable panel (3) to the frame (2); - a structural reinforcing tube (5) arranged in the inner groove (30) of the movable panel, wherein this reinforcing tube has a curvature towards the interior of the recreational vehicle. Door (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping means have a single point (4) for clamping the movable panel (3) to the frame (2). Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the reinforcing tube (5) has a substantially vertical course in the vicinity of the clamping point (4) as well as respective points of maximum deflection with respect to a vertical in the vicinity of a respective upper (51) and lower (52) end of the reinforcing tube (5). Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reinforcing tube (5) is made of aluminium. Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movable panel (3) comprises a first (33) and a second (34) layer, which define the respective inner and outer surfaces of the movable panel, as well as an intermediate layer (35). Door (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first (33) and the second (34) layer consist of GRP. Door (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the intermediate layer (35) consists of foam. Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tube (5) occupies a thickness section of the movable panel (3). Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an inner metal profile (6) which is fixedly attached to a circumferential section of the movable panel (3), wherein the reinforcing tube (5) is screwed onto the inner metal profile (6). Door (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one pivot point (71, 72) which is formed on the first vertical side surface (31) of the movable panel (3).

Images