Retention lock mechanism for vehicle door and vehicle door opening and closing device having the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening and closing device having the same. The locking mechanism comprises: a clamping assembly configured to be mounted on a vehicle body, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members and a hook, the clamping members being configured to releasably clamp a vehicle door assembly, the hook being arranged on at least one of the clamping members; and a releasing assembly mounted on the vehicle door assembly, the releasing assembly comprising a releasing member configured to releasably engage with the hook.

Description

[0001] CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0160946, filed on December 5, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a retaining lock mechanism for a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening and closing device having the mechanism. Background Art

[0004] As is well known, vehicles have various door openings / openings for entry and exit of vehicle passengers, loading and unloading of luggage, replacement and repair of components, etc. The vehicle door is closed to block the door opening and opened to allow passengers to enter and exit.

[0005] There are various types of vehicle doors, such as side doors, tailgates, liftgates, and engine hoods. A striker may be mounted on the vehicle body, and a retention lock mechanism (or door latch mechanism) having a lock catch (or latch) may be mounted on the vehicle door. The striker may be releasably engaged with the retention lock mechanism so that the vehicle door may be releasably retained or locked in a predetermined position (open position or closed position).

[0006] In a conventional lock retention mechanism, when the striker engages with the catch (or latch) of the lock retention mechanism, the contact area between the striker and the catch is relatively narrow. In addition, a slight gap may be generated between the striker and the catch. Therefore, when the striker is engaged with the catch, the striker and the catch may move slightly. That is, when the door is held in a predetermined position by the lock retention mechanism, a slight movement between the striker and the catch may cause the door to shake or vibrate.

[0007] The above information described in this background technology section is provided to help understanding the background of the present invention concept and may include any technical concept that is not considered as prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0008] The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems arising in the prior art while completely maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0009] The present invention relates to a holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening and closing device having the same, and a specific embodiment relates to a holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening and closing device having the same, which can prevent the vehicle door from shaking or vibrating while holding the vehicle door at a predetermined position.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door and a vehicle door opening and closing device having the same, which can prevent the vehicle door from shaking or vibrating while holding the vehicle door at a predetermined position.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a retaining lock mechanism for a vehicle door, which releasably retains a door assembly mounted on the vehicle door at a predetermined position of the vehicle, may include: a clamping assembly, which is mounted on a vehicle body and includes a pair of clamping members, and a hook, wherein the clamping members releasably clamp the door assembly, and the hook is arranged on at least one of the pair of clamping members; and a release assembly, which is mounted on the door assembly and includes a release member releasably engaged with the hook.

[0012] At least one of the pair of clamping members is movable between a clamping position in which the clamping member clamps the door assembly and a releasing position in which the clamping member releases the door assembly.

[0013] The door assembly may have a recessed cavity, and the release member may be movably received in the recessed cavity. The hook may be movable between an advanced position in which the hook is received in the recessed cavity of the door assembly and a retracted position in which the hook is disengaged from the door assembly, and the hook may be biased toward the advanced position by a first biasing member.

[0014] The hook may have a first engaging surface extending vertically and a second engaging surface extending obliquely, the cavity may have a third engaging surface slidably contacting the first engaging surface, the release member may have a fourth engaging surface opposite to the third engaging surface, and the fourth engaging surface may slidably contact the second engaging surface.

[0015] The release member is movable between an engaged position where the release member engages with the hook moved to the advanced position and a released position where the release member moves the hook to the retracted position, and the release member may be biased toward the engaged position by a second biasing member.

[0016] The movement direction of the release member may be orthogonal to the movement direction of the hook.

[0017] The axis of the second biasing member may be orthogonal to the axis of the first biasing member.

[0018] The release member may be moved to a release position by a release lever.

[0019] The release lever may be pivotally mounted to the door assembly, and the release lever may be pivoted by a control cable assembly.

[0020] The release lever is movable between a locked position in which the release lever retains the release member in the engaged position and an unlocked position in which the release lever moves the release member to the released position.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door opening and closing device may include: a vehicle door; a track, which is mounted on a vehicle body; a roller unit, which is mounted on the vehicle door and moves along the track; and a retaining lock mechanism, which releasably retains the roller unit at a predetermined position of the vehicle, wherein the retaining lock mechanism may include: a clamping assembly, which is mounted on the vehicle body and includes a pair of clamping members, and a hook, the clamping member releasably clamping the roller unit, the hook being movably mounted on at least one of the pair of clamping members; and a releasing assembly, which is mounted on the roller unit and includes a releasing member releasably engaged with the hook.

[0022] The roller unit may allow the door to be opened and closed in one mode selected from a sliding mode in which the door slides along the track and a swing mode in which the door swings at a predetermined position of the track.

[0023] When the roller unit is held at a predetermined position of the track by the holding lock mechanism, the door may swing, and when the roller unit is released by the holding lock mechanism, the door may slide along the track.

[0024] The roller unit may include a roller bracket having rollers rolling along a track and a body connecting the roller bracket and the vehicle door, and the body may have a first end fixed to the roller bracket and a second end pivotably connected to the vehicle door.

[0025] A release assembly may be mounted on the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 A plan view showing a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 3 A state in which a door assembly is released from a clamp assembly in a retaining lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0030] Figure 4A state in which a vehicle door assembly is engaged with a clamp assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0031] Figure 5 A perspective view showing a clamping assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 6 A side view showing a state in which an upper clamping portion of an upper clamping member moves to a release position and a lower clamping portion of a lower clamping member moves to a release position of a clamping assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 7 A side view showing a state in which an upper clamping portion of an upper clamping member moves to a clamping position and a lower clamping portion of a lower clamping member moves to a clamping position of a clamping assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 8 A perspective view showing a release assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 9 Shows from Figure 8 A view viewed in the direction indicated by arrow A;

[0036] Fig.10 A state in which a release assembly is engaged with a hook of a clamp assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Fig.11 A state in which a release assembly releases a hook of a clamp assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Fig.12 An alternative example of a clamp assembly in a retention latch mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0039] Fig.13 Another alternative example of a clamp assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in a state where an upper clamping portion of an upper clamping member moves to a release position and a lower clamping portion of a lower clamping member moves to a release position;

[0040] Fig.14 Another alternative example of a clamp assembly in a retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in a state where an upper clamping portion of an upper clamping member moves to a clamping position and a lower clamping portion of a lower clamping member moves to a clamping position;

[0041] Fig.15 A vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted on a rear door of a vehicle is shown;

[0042] Fig.16 A selector, an actuator connected to the selector, and a retaining lock are shown adjacent an exterior handle of the vehicle;

[0043] Fig.17 Shows Fig.15 The door is opened in sliding mode;

[0044] Fig.18 Shows Fig.15 The door is opened in a swing mode;

[0045] Fig.19 1. A sliding mode of the door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the upper roller unit and the lower roller unit move along the upper rail and the lower rail;

[0046] Fig. 20 The operation of the upper roller unit and the lower roller unit in a swing mode to open and close the door is shown;

[0047] Fig.21 The main latch and main striker are shown mounted on the door;

[0048] Fig. 22 A perspective view showing a center track in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.23 A cross-sectional view of the swing rail of the center track is shown;

[0050] Fig.24 A cross-sectional view of the sliding guide of the center track is shown;

[0051] Fig.25 The structure showing the center roller unit being held in the swing rail of the center track;

[0052] Fig.26 The operation of releasing the center roller unit from the swing rail of the center track is shown;

[0053] Fig. 27 The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to the front door of a vehicle is shown in a state where the front door is opened in a sliding mode;

[0054] Fig.28 Shows Fig. 27 The front door is opened in a swing mode;

[0055] Fig.29 The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to the front door and the rear door of the vehicle is shown in a state where the front door and the rear door are opened in a sliding mode;

[0056] Fig.30 Shows Fig.29 The front and rear doors are opened in a swinging mode.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] 1: Body

[0059] 2: Front hole

[0060] 3: Back hole

[0061] 4: Front door

[0062] 5: Backdoor

[0063] 6: External handle

[0064] 11: On Track

[0065] 12: Lower track

[0066] 13: Center Track

[0067] 21: Upper roller unit

[0068] 22: Lower roller unit

[0069] 23: Center roller unit

[0070] 31: Open the lock

[0071] 33: Upper striker pin

[0072] 34: Lower striker pin

[0073] 40: Selector

[0074] 41: First switch

[0075] 42: Second switch

[0076] 80: Main latch

[0077] 81: Main striker pin

[0078] 91: Sliding rail

[0079] 92: Swinging guide rail

[0080] 200, 400, 500: Clamping assembly

[0081] 210, 410, 510: Upper clamping member

[0082] 220, 420, 520: Lower clamping member

[0083] 230, 430, 530: Mounting bracket

[0084] 240, 440, 540: Hook

[0085] 245, 445, 545: First biasing member

[0086] 300: Release component

[0087] 310: Release component

[0088] 320: Release lever

[0089] 330: Second biasing member

[0090] 350: Control cable assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to represent the same or equivalent elements. In addition, in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the main points of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted.

[0092] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the elements in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. These terms are only used to distinguish an element from other elements, and the essential characteristics, order or sequence of the corresponding elements, etc. are not limited by the terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this article, including technology or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. Those terms defined in commonly used dictionaries will be interpreted as having the meaning equivalent to the contextual meaning in the relevant field, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or too literal meaning, unless clearly defined as having such meaning in the application.

[0093] The holding lock mechanism 30 for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can releasably hold the door assembly 20 mounted on the vehicle door 5 at a predetermined position of the vehicle body 1. For example, the door assembly 20 may be a link mechanism, a roller unit (roller frame), and / or a striker mounted on the vehicle door 5.

[0094] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a retention lock mechanism 30 for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a clamping assembly 200 mounted on a vehicle body 1 and a releasing assembly 300 mounted on a door assembly 20 .

[0095] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The door assembly 20 shown in FIG. 5 may be a roller unit mounted on a door 5 (eg, a sliding door and a swing door). For example, the door assembly 20 may include an upper roller unit 21 and a lower roller unit 22 (see FIG. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 ), and the roller units 21 and 22 can be guided along the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 of the vehicle body 1.

[0096] The clamp assembly 200 may include an upper clamp member 210, a lower clamp member 220 facing the upper clamp member 210, and a mounting bracket 230, and the upper clamp member 210 and the lower clamp member 220 are mounted to the mounting bracket 230. The mounting bracket 230 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1, and at least one of the upper clamp member 210 and the lower clamp member 220 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 230.

[0097] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the upper clamping member 210 and the lower clamping member 220 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the door assembly 20. The upper clamping member 210 and the lower clamping member 220 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 230. The mounting bracket 230 may include an upper pivot lug 231 and a lower pivot lug 232, the upper clamping member 210 may be pivotally mounted to the upper pivot lug 231 via the upper hinge pin 215, and the lower clamping member 220 may be pivotally mounted to the lower pivot lug 232 via the lower hinge pin 225. The upper pivot lug 231 may extend horizontally from the top end of the mounting bracket 230, and the lower pivot lug 232 may extend horizontally from the bottom end of the mounting bracket 230.

[0098] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The upper clamping member 210 may be pivotally mounted to the upper pivot lug 231 of the mounting bracket 230 via the upper hinge pin 215. The upper clamping member 210 may include an upper clamping portion 211 extending toward the door assembly 20 and an upper arm 212 extending downward from the upper clamping portion 211.

[0099] The upper clamping portion 211 can clamp the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping portion 211 can include an upper clamping pad 213 attached to its bottom surface, and the upper clamping pad 213 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The upper clamping pad 213 can directly contact the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping pad 213 can have a clamping pattern 217 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the upper clamping portion 211 can be increased.

[0100] The upper arm 212 may have an upper contact portion 214 capable of contacting the side of the door assembly 20, and the upper contact portion 214 may have a shape corresponding to the side of the door assembly 20. For example, the upper arm 212 may extend orthogonally with respect to the upper clamping portion 211.

[0101] The upper clamping member 210 can move between a first clamping position G1 and a first release position L1. In the first clamping position G1, when the side of the door assembly 20 contacts the upper contact portion 214 of the upper arm 212, the upper clamping member 210 can pivot toward the top surface of the door assembly 20 so that the upper clamping portion 211 of the upper clamping member 210 can clamp the top surface of the door assembly 20. In the first release position L1, when the side of the door assembly 20 is separated from the upper contact portion 214 of the upper arm 212, the upper clamping portion 211 can move away from the top surface of the door assembly 20 so that the upper clamping portion 211 can release the top surface of the door assembly 20.

[0102] The upper hinge pin 215 may be located between the upper clamping portion 211 and the upper arm 212, and the upper clamping member 210 may be biased toward the first release position L1 by an upper biasing member 216 disposed around the upper hinge pin 215. The upper biasing member 216 may include a spring portion 216a disposed around the upper hinge pin 215, a first leg 216b fixed to the upper clamping member 210, and a second leg 216c fixed to the mounting bracket 230.

[0103] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The lower clamping member 220 may be pivotally mounted to the lower pivot lug 232 of the mounting bracket 230 via the lower hinge pin 225. The lower clamping member 220 may include a lower clamping portion 221 extending toward the door assembly 20 and a lower arm 222 extending upward from the lower clamping portion 221.

[0104] The lower clamping portion 221 can clamp the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping portion 221 can include a lower clamping pad 223 attached to its top surface, and the lower clamping pad 223 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The lower clamping pad 223 can directly contact the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping pad 223 can have a clamping pattern 227 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the lower clamping portion 221 can be increased.

[0105] The lower arm 222 may have a lower contact portion 224 capable of contacting the side of the door assembly 20, and the lower contact portion 224 may have a shape corresponding to the side of the door assembly 20. For example, the lower arm 222 may extend orthogonally with respect to the lower clamping portion 221.

[0106] The lower clamping member 220 can move between a second clamping position G2 and a second release position L2. In the second clamping position G2, when the side of the door assembly 20 contacts the lower contact portion 224 of the lower arm 222, the lower clamping member 220 can pivot toward the bottom surface of the door assembly 20 so that the lower clamping portion 221 of the lower clamping member 220 can clamp the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. In the second release position L2, when the side of the door assembly 20 is separated from the lower contact portion 224 of the lower arm 222, the lower clamping portion 221 can move away from the bottom surface of the door assembly 20 so that the lower clamping portion 221 can release the bottom surface of the door assembly 20.

[0107] The lower hinge pin 225 may be located between the lower clamping portion 221 and the lower arm 222, and the lower clamping member 220 may be biased toward the second release position L2 by a lower biasing member 226 disposed around the lower hinge pin 225. The lower biasing member 226 may include a spring portion 226a disposed around the lower hinge pin 225, a first leg 226b fixed to the lower clamping member 220, and a second leg 226c fixed to the mounting bracket 230.

[0108] The clamp assembly 200 may include a hook 240 mounted on at least one of the upper clamp member 210 and the lower clamp member 220. The door assembly 20 may have a cavity 305, and at least a portion of the hook 240 may be received in the cavity 305 so that the hook 240 may be engaged by the release assembly 300.

[0109] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figures 3 to 7 As shown, the hook 240 may be provided on the upper clamping member 210 .

[0110] The hook 240 may be movably mounted in the groove 218 of the upper clamping portion 211. The axis of the hook 240 may be orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 210, so the hook 240 may move in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 210. The hook 240 may be in the advanced position (see Fig.10 ) and retracted position (see Fig.11 )

[0111] Reference Fig.10 When the hook 240 is in the advanced position, the hook 240 can be received in the recess 305 of the door assembly 20 so that it can be engaged with the door assembly 20 by the release member 310 described below. Fig.11 When the hook 240 is in the retracted position, the hook 240 can be disengaged from the recess 305 of the door assembly 20 so that it can be released from the door assembly 20 by a release member 310 described below.

[0112] The hook 240 may be biased toward the advanced position by the first biasing member 245. The first biasing member 245 may be a coil spring that pushes the hook 240 within the groove 218. The axis of the first biasing member 245 may be parallel to the axis of the hook 240. When the biasing force (spring force) of the first biasing member 245 is greater than the external force, the first biasing member 245 may be extended, so that the hook 240 may move to the advanced position. When the biasing force (spring force) of the first biasing member 245 is less than the external force, the first biasing member 245 may be compressed, so that the hook 240 may move to the retracted position. That is, when the hook 240 is in the advanced position rather than the retracted position, the hook 240 may further protrude from the upper clamping member 210.

[0113] The hook 240 may have a first engaging surface 241 extending vertically and a second engaging surface 242 extending obliquely. The first engaging surface 241 and the second engaging surface 242 may be provided at a lower portion of the hook 240.

[0114] When the release assembly 300 is releasably engaged with the hook 240 , the release assembly 300 may releasably lock the upper clamping member 210 and the lower clamping member 220 that clamp the door assembly 20 .

[0115] Reference Figure 3 , 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , the release assembly 300 may include a release member 310 movably mounted in a recessed cavity 305 of the door assembly 20 .

[0116] Reference Figures 8 to 11 , the cavity 305 can accommodate the hook 240, and the top of the cavity 305 can be open. The cavity 305 can have a third engagement surface 301, and the third engagement surface 301 can extend vertically to correspond to the first engagement surface 241. The release member 310 can have a fourth engagement surface 302 opposite to the third engagement surface 301, and the fourth engagement surface 302 can extend obliquely to correspond to the second engagement surface 242. The release member 310 can be in the engagement position EP (see Fig.10 ) and release position RP (see Fig.11 ), in the engagement position EP, the release member 310 engages with the hook 240 moved to the advanced position, and in the release position RP, the release member 310 moves the hook 240 to the retracted position. The axis of the release member 310 may be orthogonal to the axis of the hook 240, and thus the moving direction of the release member 310 may be orthogonal to the moving direction of the hook 240.

[0117] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9, the release member 310 may be biased toward the engagement position EP by a second biasing member 330 (e.g., a coil spring). The release member 310 may have a stopper 315 protruding from a side thereof, and the second biasing member 330 may be a coil spring inserted between the stopper 315 of the release member 310 and the third engagement surface 301. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , a pair of stoppers 315 may be symmetrically arranged on both side surfaces of the release member 310 , and a pair of second biasing members 330 may be arranged on both sides of the release member 310 .

[0118] Reference Fig.10 When the release member 310 is in the engagement position EP, the first engagement surface 241 and the second engagement surface 242 of the hook 240 can maintain contact with the third engagement surface 301 of the cavity 305 and the fourth engagement surface 302 of the release member 310 through the biasing force of the first biasing member 245 and the biasing force of the second biasing member 330.

[0119] Reference Fig.11 , when the release member 310 moves toward the release position RP, the release member 310 can push the hook 240 to the retracted position. Here, the first engagement surface 241 of the hook 240 can slide upward along the third engagement surface 301 of the concave cavity 305, and the second engagement surface 242 of the hook 240 can slide upward obliquely along the fourth engagement surface 302 of the release member 310. That is, when the hook 240 moves to the retracted position, the hook 240 can compress the first biasing member 245, so that the hook 240 can be accommodated in the groove 218 of the upper clamping portion 211, and the hook 240 can be disengaged from the concave cavity 305 and the release member 310.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment, the axis of the second biasing member 330 may be orthogonal to the axis of the first biasing member 245, so the direction in which the biasing force of the second biasing member 330 is applied may be orthogonal to the direction in which the biasing force of the first biasing member 245 is applied, and the moving direction of the release member 310 may be orthogonal to the moving direction of the hook 240. In particular, the hook 240 may press the release member 310 by the biasing force of the first biasing member 245, so the second engagement surface 242 of the hook 240 and the fourth engagement surface 302 of the release member 310 may be wedged with each other.

[0121] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 The release member 310 may be moved to the release position RP by the release lever 320, and the release lever 320 may be pivotally mounted to the pivot bracket 340 by the pivot pin 325. The pivot bracket 340 may be fixed to the door assembly 20.

[0122] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the release lever 320 can be pivoted by the control cable assembly 350. The control cable assembly 350 may include a cable wire 351 movably arranged in a sheath. An end fitting 353 may be fixed to one end of the cable wire 351, and one end of the cable wire 351 may be connected to the release lever 320 by the end fitting 353, and the other end of the cable wire 351 may be connected to the actuator 43. The release lever 320 may have a first end 321 and a second end 322, the end fitting 353 of the cable wire 351 is engaged with the first end 321, and the release member 310 contacts the second end 322. Therefore, the release lever 320 can be pivoted about the pivot pin 325 by the movement of the cable wire 351.

[0123] The release lever 320 may be moved between a locking position LP and an unlocking position UP by controlling the cable assembly 350 .

[0124] In the locked position LP, the release lever 320 can hold the release member 310 in the engaged position EP. Fig.10 When the release lever 320 moves to the locking position, the second end 322 of the release lever 320 can support the rear end of the release member 310, so that the release member 310 can be maintained at the engagement position EP, and the release member 310 can engage with the hook 240 moved to the advanced position. In the unlocking position UP, the release lever 320 can move the release member 310 to the release position RP. Fig.11 When the release rod 320 moves to the unlocking position UP, the second end 322 of the release rod 320 can push the release member 310 a predetermined distance t1, so that the release member 310 can move to the release position RP, and the release member 310 can push the hook 240 upward to clamp the member 210 so that the hook 240 can be disengaged from the recessed cavity 305 of the door assembly 20.

[0125] Fig.12 A clamping assembly 400 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.12 , the clamping assembly 400 may include an upper clamping member 410, a lower clamping member 420 facing the upper clamping member 410, and a mounting bracket 430, and the upper clamping member 410 and the lower clamping member 420 are mounted to the mounting bracket 430. The mounting bracket 430 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1. The upper clamping member 410 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 430, and the lower clamping member 420 may be fixed to the mounting bracket 430.

[0126] The upper clamping member 410 and the lower clamping member 420 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the door assembly 20. The mounting bracket 430 may include an upper pivot lug 431 to which the upper clamping member 410 is pivotally mounted via an upper hinge pin 415. The upper clamping member 410 may be pivotally mounted to the upper pivot lug 431 of the mounting bracket 430 via an upper hinge pin 415. The upper clamping member 410 may include an upper clamping portion 411 extending toward the door assembly 20 and an upper arm 412 extending downward from the upper clamping portion 411.

[0127] The upper clamping portion 411 can clamp the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping portion 411 can include an upper clamping pad 413 attached to its bottom surface, and the upper clamping pad 413 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The upper clamping pad 413 can directly contact the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping pad 413 can have a clamping pattern 417 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the upper clamping portion 411 can be increased.

[0128] The upper arm 412 may have an upper contact portion 414 capable of contacting the side of the door assembly 20, and the upper contact portion 414 may have a shape corresponding to the side of the door assembly 20. For example, the upper arm 412 may extend orthogonally with respect to the upper clamping portion 411.

[0129] The upper hinge pin 415 may be located between the upper clamping portion 411 and the upper arm 412, and the upper biasing member 416 may be disposed around the upper hinge pin 415. The upper biasing member 416 may include a spring portion 416a disposed around the upper hinge pin 415, a first leg 416b fixed to the upper clamping member 410, and a second leg 416c fixed to the mounting bracket 430.

[0130] The lower clamping member 420 may include a lower clamping portion 421 horizontally extending from a bottom end of the mounting bracket 430 .

[0131] The lower clamping portion 421 can clamp the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping portion 421 can include a lower clamping pad 423 attached to the top surface thereof, and the lower clamping pad 423 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The lower clamping pad 423 can directly contact the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping pad 423 can have a clamping pattern 427 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the lower clamping portion 421 can be increased.

[0132] The clamping assembly 400 may include a hook 440 mounted on at least one of the upper clamping member 410 and the lower clamping member 420. The hook 440 may be disposed on the upper clamping member 410. The hook 440 may be movably mounted in the groove 418 of the upper clamping portion 411. The axis of the hook 440 may be orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 410, so that the moving direction of the hook 440 may be orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 410. The hook 440 may be movable between an advanced position and a retracted position. The hook 440 may be biased toward the advanced position by a first biasing member 445. The first biasing member 445 may be a coil spring that pushes the hook 440 in the groove 418. The axis of the first biasing member 445 may be parallel to the axis of the hook 440.

[0133] Fig.13 and Fig.14 A clamping assembly 500 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Fig.13 and Fig.14 The clamping assembly 500 may include an upper clamping member 510, a lower clamping member 520 facing the upper clamping member 510, and a mounting bracket 530, and the upper clamping member 510 and the lower clamping member 520 are mounted to the mounting bracket 530. The mounting bracket 530 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1.

[0134] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the upper clamping member 510 and the lower clamping member 520 may be symmetrically arranged with respect to the door assembly 20. The upper clamping member 510 and the lower clamping member 520 may be pivotally mounted to the mounting bracket 530. The mounting bracket 530 may include an upper pivot lug 531 and a lower pivot lug 532, the upper clamping member 510 may be pivotally mounted to the upper pivot lug 531 via an upper hinge pin 515, and the lower clamping member 520 may be pivotally mounted to the lower pivot lug 532 via a lower hinge pin 525. The upper pivot lug 531 may extend horizontally from the top end of the mounting bracket 530, and the lower pivot lug 532 may extend horizontally from the bottom end of the mounting bracket 530.

[0135] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 The upper clamping member 510 may be pivotally mounted to the upper pivot lug 531 of the mounting bracket 530 via the upper hinge pin 515. The upper clamping member 510 may include an upper clamping portion 511 extending toward the door assembly 20 and an upper arm 512 extending downward from the upper clamping portion 511.

[0136] The upper clamping member 510 is movable between a clamping position and a releasing position.

[0137] The upper clamping portion 511 can clamp the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping portion 511 can include an upper clamping pad 513 attached to its bottom surface, and the upper clamping pad 513 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The upper clamping pad 513 can directly contact the top surface of the door assembly 20. The upper clamping pad 513 can have a clamping pattern 517 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the upper clamping portion 511 can be increased.

[0138] The upper arm 512 may extend orthogonally relative to the upper clamping portion 511 .

[0139] The upper hinge pin 515 may be located between the upper clamping portion 511 and the upper arm 512, and the upper biasing member 516 may be disposed around the upper hinge pin 515. The upper biasing member 516 may include a spring portion 516a disposed around the upper hinge pin 515, a first leg 516b fixed to the upper clamping member 510, and a second leg 516c fixed to the mounting bracket 530.

[0140] The lower clamping member 520 may be pivotally mounted to the lower pivot lug 532 of the mounting bracket 530 via a lower hinge pin 525. The lower clamping member 520 may include a lower clamping portion 521 extending toward the door assembly 20 and a lower arm 522 extending upward from the lower clamping portion 521.

[0141] The lower clamping member 520 is movable between a clamping position and a releasing position.

[0142] The lower clamping portion 521 can clamp the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping portion 521 can include a lower clamping pad 523 attached to the top surface thereof, and the lower clamping pad 523 can be made of a friction material such as rubber. The lower clamping pad 523 can directly contact the bottom surface of the door assembly 20. The lower clamping pad 523 can have a clamping pattern 527 such as a toothed pattern, so that the clamping force of the lower clamping portion 521 can be increased.

[0143] The lower arm 522 may extend orthogonally relative to the lower clamping portion 521 .

[0144] The lower hinge pin 525 may be located between the lower clamping portion 521 and the lower arm 522, and the lower biasing member 526 may be disposed around the lower hinge pin 525. The lower biasing member 526 may include a spring portion 526a disposed around the lower hinge pin 525, a first leg 526b fixed to the lower clamping member 520, and a second leg 526c fixed to the mounting bracket 530.

[0145] The clamping assembly 500 may include a hook 540 mounted on at least one of the upper clamping member 510 and the lower clamping member 520. The hook 540 may be movably mounted in the groove 518 of the upper clamping portion 511. The axis of the hook 540 may be orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 510, and thus the moving direction of the hook 540 may be orthogonal to the axis of the upper clamping member 510. The hook 540 may move between an advanced position and a retracted position.

[0146] The hook 540 may be biased toward the advanced position by a first biasing member 545. The first biasing member 545 may be a coil spring that pushes the hook 540 within the groove 518. The axis of the first biasing member 545 may be parallel to the axis of the hook 540.

[0147] In addition, the clamping assembly 500 may further include a contact link 550, and the contact link 550 may include an upper link 551 and a lower link 552 pivotally connected to the upper link 551 through a hinge 553. The upper clamping member 510 may have an upper guide groove 519 formed in the upper clamping portion 511, and the lower clamping member 520 may have a lower guide groove 529 formed in the lower clamping portion 521. The upper link 551 and the lower link 552 may pivot with each other. The top end of the upper link 551 may be guided along the upper guide groove 519, and the bottom end of the lower link 552 may be guided along the lower guide groove 529. Fig.14 As shown, when the door assembly 20 pushes the hinge 553 of the contact link 550 toward the mounting bracket 530 of the clamp assembly 500, the top end of the upper link 551 can be guided along the upper guide groove 519, and the bottom end of the lower link 552 can be guided along the lower guide groove 529. Therefore, the upper clamping member 510 and the lower clamping member 520 can be moved to the clamping position.

[0148] According to the above exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the locking mechanism holds the door at a predetermined position of the vehicle, the clamping member of the clamping assembly 200, 400 or 500 can clamp the top and bottom surfaces of the door assembly 20, so that the contact area therebetween can be relatively increased compared to the prior art, and slight movement between the clamping member and the door assembly can be prevented. Therefore, when the door is held at a predetermined position, shaking or vibration of the door can be prevented.

[0149] The holding lock mechanism 30 for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be a closing holding lock that holds a vehicle sliding door in a closed state.

[0150] The holding lock mechanism 30 for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be an open holding lock that holds a vehicle sliding door in an open state.

[0151] The retaining lock mechanism 30 for a vehicle door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be applied to a variable type vehicle door opening and closing device, which allows the vehicle door to be selectively opened and closed in any one of a sliding mode and a swinging mode. The sliding mode allows the vehicle door to be opened and closed by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the swinging mode allows the vehicle door to be opened and closed by swinging inward and outward.

[0152] Figures 15 to 30 A vehicle door opening and closing device including the above-described holding lock mechanism 30 is shown.

[0153] Reference Fig.15 , the vehicle body 1 may have a plurality of door openings 2 and 3, and the plurality of door openings 2 and 3 may be divided into a front opening 2 and a rear opening 3. The plurality of vehicle doors 4 and 5 may include a front door 4 covering and exposing the front opening 2 and a rear door 5 covering and exposing the rear opening 3. When the front door 4 is open, the front door 4 may expose the front opening 2, and when the front door 4 is closed, the front door 4 may cover the front opening 2. When the rear door 5 is open, the rear door 5 may expose the rear opening 3, and when the rear door 5 is closed, the rear door 5 may cover the rear opening 3.

[0154] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied to the front door 4 , the rear door 5 , and the like. Figures 15 to 26 The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to the rear door 5. Hereinafter, the rear door 5 will be referred to as the vehicle door 5, and the rear hole 3 will be referred to as the door hole 3.

[0155] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include one or more rails 11 and 12 installed on the vehicle body 1, and the rails 11 and 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Fig.15 The upper rail 11 may be mounted on the upper edge of the vehicle body 1, and the lower rail 12 may be mounted on the lower edge of the vehicle body 1. The upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper rail 11 may be disposed on the upper edge of the door opening 3, and the lower rail 12 may be disposed on the lower edge of the door opening 3.

[0156] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include roller units 21 and 22 guided along the rails 11 and 12. The roller units 21 and 22 may allow the vehicle door 5 to be opened and closed in one mode selected from the sliding mode and the swinging mode. In particular, the roller units 21 and 22 may be releasably held at predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12 by the holding lock mechanisms 30a and 30b. In particular, when the roller units 21 and 22 are held at predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12 by the holding lock mechanisms 30a and 30b, the vehicle door 5 may be opened and closed in a swinging mode in which the vehicle door swings at predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12. When the roller units 21 and 22 are released by the holding lock mechanisms 30a and 30b, the vehicle door 5 may be opened and closed in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door slides along the rails 11 and 12.

[0157] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.17 The upper roller unit 21 may be installed at the upper end of the door 5 , and the upper roller unit 21 may slide along the upper track 11 . The lower roller unit 22 may be installed at the lower end of the door 5 , and the lower roller unit 22 may slide along the lower track 12 .

[0158] Reference Fig.16 , the door 5 may include an outside handle 6, and a selector 40 for selecting the slide mode and the swing mode may be close to the outside handle 6. The selector 40 may have a first switch 41 for selecting the slide mode and a second switch 42 for selecting the swing mode.

[0159] When the user presses the first switch 41 and selects the slide mode, when the user pushes the outside handle 6 toward the front of the vehicle or pulls the outside handle 6 toward the rear of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. Fig.17 As shown, the door 5 can slide along the upper track 11, the lower track 12 and the center track 13. In the sliding mode, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 and Fig.17 As shown, the door 5 can move between a first open position OP1 where the door 5 is fully opened and a first closed position CP1 where the door 5 is fully closed.

[0160] When the user presses the second switch 42 and selects the swing mode, when the user pushes the outside handle 6 toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle or pulls it toward the outside of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, the door 5 can swing. In the swing mode, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the door 5 can move between a second open position OP2 where the door 5 is fully opened and a second closed position CP2 where the door 5 is fully closed. In particular, when the door 5 is held at the first closed position CP1, it can be operated in a swing mode.

[0161] Reference Fig.15The door opening and closing device may include an upper holding lock mechanism 30a disposed at an upper portion of the vehicle body 1 near the first closing position CP1 and the upper roller unit 21 and a lower holding lock mechanism 30b disposed at a lower portion of the vehicle body 1 near the first closing position CP1 and the lower roller unit 22.

[0162] The upper retaining lock mechanism 30a and the lower retaining lock mechanism 30b may have Figures 1 to 14 The illustrated retention lock mechanism 30 is of substantially the same configuration.

[0163] The clamping assembly 200, 400 or 500 of the upper retaining lock mechanism 30a can be installed on the upper edge of the vehicle body 1 near the first closed position CP1, and the releasing assembly 300 of the upper retaining lock mechanism 30a can be installed on the upper roller unit 21 so that the upper retaining lock mechanism 30a can releasably retain the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1.

[0164] The clamping assembly 200, 400 or 500 of the lower holding lock mechanism 30b can be installed on the lower edge of the vehicle body 1 near the first closed position CP1, and the releasing assembly 300 of the lower holding lock mechanism 30b can be installed on the lower roller unit 22 so that the lower holding lock mechanism 30b can releasably hold the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1.

[0165] The vehicle door 5 can be releasably held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b, so the vehicle door 5 can be held in a closed state by the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b. That is, the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b can serve as a closed holding lock that holds the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1.

[0166] Reference Fig.17 , an upper opening holding lock 31 that holds the vehicle door 5 in the first opening position OP1 may be mounted on the upper roller unit 21, and an upper striker 33 may be mounted on an upper edge of the vehicle body 1 near the first opening position OP1. The upper opening holding lock 31 may releasably hold the upper striker 33 in the first opening position OP1. In addition, a lower opening holding lock 32 that holds the vehicle door 5 in the first opening position OP1 may be mounted on the lower roller unit 22, and a lower striker 34 may be mounted on a lower edge of the vehicle body 1 near the first opening position OP1. The lower opening holding lock 32 may releasably hold the lower striker 34 in the first opening position OP1. Therefore, the vehicle door 5 may be held in the first opening position OP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32.

[0167] Reference Fig.18 and Fig. 20, the upper roller unit 21 may have an upper rotation axis CX1, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate around the upper rotation axis CX1. When the upper roller unit 21 is firmly held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock mechanism 30a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate around the upper rotation axis CX1. The lower roller unit 22 may have a lower rotation axis CX2, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate around the lower rotation axis CX2. When the lower roller unit 22 is firmly held in the first closed position CP1 by the lower holding lock mechanism 30b, the vehicle door 5 may rotate around the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0168] like Fig.18 As shown, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be vertically aligned, and the door 5 may rotate about the vertically aligned upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0169] Reference Fig.16 , the selector 40 can be electrically connected to the actuator 43, and the actuator 43 can be configured to operate the upper open holding lock 31 and the lower open holding lock 32.

[0170] When the user selects the selector 40, the actuator 43 may be connected to the release assembly 300 of the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the release assembly 300 of the lower holding lock mechanism 30b. The actuator 43 may selectively perform a holding operation in which the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b hold the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22, and a releasing operation in which the upper holding lock mechanism 30a and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b release the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22.

[0171] When the user presses the first switch 41 of the selector 40 in a state where the door 5 is closed, the upper holding lock mechanism 30a may release the upper roller unit 21 and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b may simultaneously release the lower roller unit 22 through the release operation of the actuator 43. Therefore, the user can slide the door 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 1, so that the door 5 can be opened and closed in the sliding mode.

[0172] When the user presses the second switch 42 of the selector 40 in a state where the door 5 is closed, the upper holding lock mechanism 30a can hold the upper roller unit 21 and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b can simultaneously hold the lower roller unit 22 through the holding operation of the actuator 43, and the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 can be firmly held in the first closed position CP1. Therefore, the user can swing the door 5 toward the interior and exterior of the vehicle, so that the door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0173] According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig.16As shown, one actuator 43 can operate the upper retention lock mechanism 30a and the lower retention lock mechanism 30b at the same time.

[0174] According to another exemplary embodiment, an actuator that operates the upper retention lock mechanism 30 a and another actuator that operates the lower retention lock mechanism 30 b may each be connected to the selector 40 .

[0175] Reference Fig.19 , each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may be mounted to the vehicle body 1 by a mounting bracket 15, and the mounting bracket 15 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may have a first extension portion 51 extending straight in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a second extension portion 52 extending from the first extension portion 51 toward the interior space of the vehicle. The second extension portion 52 may be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the first extension portion 51.

[0176] Reference Fig. 20 Each of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 may include a roller bracket 64 having rollers 65 and 66 rolling along the rails 11 and 12 and a body 60 connecting the roller bracket 64 and the vehicle door 5 .

[0177] The roller support 64 may rotatably support the rollers 65 and 66, and the rollers 65 and 66 may roll along the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Fig. 20 As shown, the middle roller 65 and two side rollers 66 disposed on both sides of the middle roller 65 may be rotatably mounted on the roller support 64. The rotation axis of the middle roller 65 may be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side roller 66.

[0178] The body 60 may extend obliquely so as not to contact the first extension portion 51 and the second extension portion 52. The body 60 may have a first end portion 61 toward the inner side of the vehicle and a second end portion 62 toward the outer side of the vehicle.

[0179] The first end 61 of the body 60 may be fixed to the roller bracket 64, and the second end 62 of the body 60 may be pivotally connected to the door 5 via a pivot pin 68. Therefore, the door 5 may swing around the pivot pin 68 near the second end 62 of the body 60.

[0180] The roller bracket 64 may be directly fixed to the first end 61 of the body 60 by welding and / or using fasteners, and the second end 62 of the body 60 may be pivotally connected to the door 5 by a pivot pin 68. The door 5 may have a pivot lug 69 protruding toward the body 60, and the pivot lug 69 may be pivotally connected to the second end 62 of the body 60 by the pivot pin 68. The second end 62 of the body 60 may be shaped so as not to interfere with the door 5 when the door 5 swings. The upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be defined by the pivot pin 68. For example, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be virtual axes extending vertically along the center point of the pivot pin 68, and the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be vertically aligned so that the door 5 may swing around a vertical rotation axis virtually connecting the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0181] Reference Fig. 20 The release assembly 300 of the upper holding lock mechanism 30a may be mounted on the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21, and the clamping assembly 200 of the upper holding lock mechanism 30a may be mounted on the vehicle body near the upper rotation axis CX1. The release assembly 300 of the lower holding lock mechanism 30b may be mounted on the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22, and the clamping assembly 200 of the lower holding lock mechanism 30b may be mounted on the vehicle body near the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0182] When the holding operation of the actuator 43 causes the upper holding lock mechanism 30a to firmly hold the roller support 64 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1 and the lower holding lock mechanism 30b to firmly hold the roller support 64 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1, as shown in FIG. Fig. 20 As shown, the door 5 can swing around the upper rotation axis CX1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower rotation axis CX2 of the lower roller unit 22. Therefore, the door 5 can move between a second closed position CP2 where the door 5 is closed and a second open position OP2 where the door 5 is open. When the door 5 swings, another adjacent door 4 or other components can be spaced apart from the door 5 by a predetermined gap so as not to interfere with the door 4 or other components. For example, the door 5 can be a rear door, and the other adjacent door 4 can be a front door.

[0183] according to Fig. 20In the exemplary embodiment shown, since the pivot pin 68 is located between the second end 62 of the body 60 and the door 5, the rotation axes CX1 and CX2 of the door 5 can be relatively close to the door 5. The rotation radius R2 of the door 5 can be relatively shortened so that the gap S between the door 5 and another adjacent door 4 can be relatively reduced, thereby improving the exterior styling. Even if the rotation axes CX1 and CX2 of the door 5 are close to the door 5, the swing trajectory T of the door 5 is not reduced, and thus the open space created by the swing of the door 5 is not narrowed.

[0184] Reference Fig.21 , the main latch 80 may be mounted on the rear end of the vehicle door 5, and the main striker 81 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1. The main latch 80 may be releasably engaged with the main striker 81. When the vehicle door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 may be engaged with the main striker 81 by an engagement operation of the outside handle 6, so that the vehicle door 5 may be maintained in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2. When the vehicle door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 may release the main striker 81 by a release operation of the outside handle 6, thereby allowing the vehicle door 5 to move in the sliding mode or the swinging mode. When the vehicle door 5 is maintained in the first closed position CP1 and the main latch 80 releases the main striker 81, the center roller unit 23 may be disengaged from the center track 13, so that the vehicle door 5 may be opened and closed in the swinging mode.

[0185] The door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a center rail 13 installed at a center portion of the vehicle body 1 and a center roller unit 23 guided along the center rail 13 .

[0186] Reference Fig.15 and Fig.17 The central rail 13 may extend from the rear edge of the door opening 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and be disposed at the rear of the vehicle body 1. The central roller unit 23 may be installed at the central portion of the door 5. In particular, the central roller unit 23 may be installed at a position close to the rear end of the door 5. The central roller unit 23 may be guided along the central rail 13.

[0187] Reference Fig. 22 The center rail 13 may include a sliding rail 91 extending straight in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a swing rail 92 extending from the sliding rail 91 toward the inner side of the vehicle. The swing rail 92 may be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the sliding rail 91 by a bent portion 93, and the bent portion 93 may be bent at a predetermined radius.

[0188] Reference Figure 23 to Figure 25The central roller unit 23 may include a roller support 101 and rollers 105 and 106 rotatably mounted on the roller support 101. The roller support 101 may be fixed to the central portion of the vehicle door 5. The rollers 105 and 106 may roll along the central track 13. Fig.25 As shown, the middle roller 105 and two side rollers 106 disposed on both sides of the middle roller 105 may be rotatably mounted on the roller support 101. The rotation axis of the middle roller 105 may be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side roller 106.

[0189] In a case where the sliding mode is selected, the sliding guide rail 91 may guide the central roller unit 23 when the door 5 slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0190] Reference Fig. 22 and Fig.24 The sliding guide rail 91 may include a retaining wall 95 that prevents the central roller unit 23 from being disengaged from the sliding guide rail 91. The retaining wall 95 may extend along the length of the sliding guide rail 91 and the length of the curved portion 93. The retaining wall 95 may protrude vertically downward from the top of the sliding guide rail 91. Since the retaining wall 95 closes the upper area of ​​the sliding guide rail 91 and the upper area of ​​the curved portion 93, the central roller unit 23 may be prevented from being disengaged from the sliding guide rail 91 and moving to the outside of the vehicle (such as Fig.24 shown).

[0191] In a case where the swing mode is selected, the swing guide rail 92 may guide the center roller unit 23 to be disengaged from the center rail 13 when the door 5 is opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0192] The outer side of the swing rail 92 can be fully opened toward the outside space of the vehicle. The guide rail protrusion 94 can protrude upward from the bottom of the swing rail 92, and the guide rail protrusion 94 can extend along the length of the swing rail 92. When the vehicle door 5 swings from the second closed position CP2 to the second open position OP2 along the swing trajectory T1 or T2, the intermediate roller 105 (such as the intermediate roller 105 of the central roller unit 23) can be guided along the guide rail protrusion 94. Fig.23 shown).

[0193] The front end 95a of the retaining wall 95 of the sliding guide rail 91 and the rear end 94a of the guide rail protrusion 94 can be positioned so as not to interfere with the swinging trajectory of the vehicle door 5. Fig.26As shown, the axis X1 of the sliding guide rail 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide rail 92 may intersect at a predetermined angle a. In particular, the intersection angle a between the axis X1 of the sliding guide rail 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide rail 92 may be an obtuse angle so that the central roller unit 23 may be easily detached from the swing guide rail 92 of the central rail 13 or may be easily retained in the swing guide rail 92 of the central rail 13. The central rail 13 may include a space 98 that allows the central roller unit 23 to be detached from the central rail 13 or retained in the central rail 13 when the vehicle door 5 is swung in the swing mode. Since the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide rail protrusion 94 are spaced apart from each other, the space 98 may be defined between the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide rail protrusion 94. Therefore, when the central roller unit 23 is detached from the central rail 13 or retained in the central rail 13 in the swing mode, no interference occurs.

[0194] Figures 15 to 26 The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to the rear door 5. However, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied to various vehicle doors, such as a front door, in addition to the rear door.

[0195] Fig. 27 and Fig.28 A vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a front door 4 . Fig. 27 The front door 4 is shown in a state of being opened in a sliding mode. Fig.28 A state in which the front door 4 is opened in the swing mode is shown.

[0196] Fig.29 and Fig.30 The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to both the front door 4 and the rear door 5 . Fig.29 The front door 4 and the rear door 5 are shown in a state where they are opened in a sliding mode. Fig.30 A state in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in a swing mode is shown.

[0197] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the locking mechanism holds the vehicle door at a predetermined position of the vehicle, the clamping member of the clamping assembly can clamp the top and bottom surfaces of the vehicle door assembly, so that the contact area therebetween can be relatively increased compared to the prior art, and slight movement between the clamping member and the vehicle door assembly can be prevented. Therefore, when the vehicle door is held at a predetermined position, shaking or vibration of the vehicle door can be prevented.

[0198] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can perform the opening and closing operation of the vehicle door by selectively switching the sliding mode and the swinging mode, thereby meeting the needs of customers for convenience and diversity, etc. In addition, the opening and closing operation of the vehicle door can be selected in consideration of the customer's situation and environment, thereby improving convenience and quality.

[0199] In terms of vehicle specifications, the door opening and closing structures of various vehicles can be standardized regardless of the model. Therefore, the manufacturing cost and investment cost can be greatly reduced.

[0200] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, but various modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A retaining lock mechanism for a vehicle door, the retaining lock mechanism comprising: a clamping assembly configured to be mounted on a vehicle body, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members, and a hook, the clamping members being configured to releasably clamp the door assembly, the hook being disposed on at least one of the clamping members; as well as A release assembly is mounted on the vehicle door assembly, the release assembly including a release member configured to releasably engage with the hook.

2. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 1, wherein: At least one of the pair of clamping members is configured to move between a clamping position in which the clamping member clamps the door assembly and a releasing position in which the clamping member releases the door assembly.

3. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 1, wherein: The door assembly has a recessed cavity; a release member movably received in the cavity; The hook is configured to move between an advanced position in which the hook is received in a recess of the door assembly and a retracted position in which the hook is disengaged from the door assembly; The hook is biased toward the advanced position by a first biasing member.

4. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 3, wherein: The hook has a first engaging surface extending vertically and a second engaging surface extending obliquely; The concave cavity has a third engagement surface slidably contacting the first engagement surface; The release member has a fourth engagement surface opposite to the third engagement surface; The fourth joint surface is in slidable contact with the second joint surface.

5. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 3, wherein: a release member configured to move between an engagement position in which the release member engages with the hook moved to the advanced position and a release position in which the release member moves the hook to the retracted position; The release member is biased toward the engaged position by a second biasing member.

6. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 5, wherein: The moving direction of the releasing member is orthogonal to the moving direction of the hook.

7. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 5, wherein: The axis of the second biasing member is orthogonal to the axis of the first biasing member.

8. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 5, wherein: The release member is configured to be moved to a release position by the release lever.

9. The holding lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 8, wherein: A release lever is pivotally mounted to the door assembly; The release lever is configured to be pivoted by a control cable assembly.

10. The retention lock mechanism for a vehicle door according to claim 9, wherein: The release lever is configured to move between a locked position in which the release lever retains the release member in the engaged position and an unlocked position in which the release lever moves the release member to the released position.

11. A vehicle comprising: Car body; a vehicle door, which is attached to the vehicle body; Tracks, which are mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track; and a retaining lock mechanism configured to releasably retain the roller unit at a predetermined position of the vehicle, wherein the retaining lock mechanism comprises: a clamping assembly mounted on the vehicle body, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members configured to releasably clamp the roller unit, and a hook movably mounted on at least one of the clamping members; and A release assembly is mounted on the roller unit, the release assembly including a release member configured to releasably engage the hook.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The roller unit is configured to allow the door to be opened and closed in a sliding mode, in which the door slides along the track, and a swing mode, in which the door swings at a predetermined position of the track.

13. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: When the roller unit is held at a predetermined position on the track by the holding lock mechanism, the door is configured to swing; When the roller unit is released by the retaining lock mechanism, the door is configured to slide along the track.

14. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: The roller unit comprises a roller support having rollers configured to roll along a track and a body connecting the roller support and the vehicle door; The body has a first end secured to the roller bracket and a second end pivotably connected to the vehicle door.

15. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein: A release assembly is mounted on the main body.

16. A method for operating a vehicle door opening and closing device, the method comprising: Install the track onto the body; Mounting a roller unit on the vehicle door, wherein the roller unit is movable along the track; The roller unit is releasably held at a predetermined position of the vehicle by a holding lock mechanism, wherein the holding lock mechanism comprises: a clamping assembly mounted on the vehicle body, the clamping assembly comprising a pair of clamping members, the clamping members releasably clamping the roller unit, and a hook movably mounted on at least one of the clamping members; and A release assembly is mounted on the roller unit, the release assembly including a release member releasably engaged with the hook.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The roller unit allows the door to be opened and closed in a sliding mode, in which the door slides along the track, and a swing mode, in which the door swings at a predetermined position of the track.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein: When the roller unit is held at a predetermined position on the track by the holding lock mechanism, the door swings; When the roller unit is released by the holding lock mechanism, the door slides along the track.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein: The roller unit comprises a roller support and a main body, wherein the roller support has rollers rolling along a track, and the main body connects the roller support and the vehicle door; The body has a first end secured to the roller bracket and a second end pivotably connected to the vehicle door.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: A release assembly is mounted on the main body.

Images