Door opening and closing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. The vehicle door opening and closing device includes a rail, a roller unit, an intermediate rail, an intermediate roller unit, and a baffle mechanism. The rail is configured to be mounted on a vehicle body; the roller unit is configured to be mounted on the vehicle door, move along the rail, and enable the vehicle door to be opened and closed in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; the intermediate rail is configured to extend from a rear edge of the vehicle door opening of the vehicle body; the intermediate roller unit is configured to be guided along the intermediate rail; and the baffle mechanism is configured to prevent the intermediate roller unit from separating from the intermediate rail in the sliding mode and to release the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate rail in the swinging mode.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0160947 filed on December 5, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. Background Art

[0004] Vehicles have doorways for allowing vehicle occupants to enter and exit the passenger compartment. The door closes to block the doorway, and opens to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment through the doorway. Vehicle doors are categorized as swing doors and sliding doors. Swing doors open and close by swinging about hinges mounted between the swing door and the vehicle body. Sliding doors open and close by sliding rollers mounted on the sliding door along tracks mounted on the vehicle body.

[0005] Swing doors are easy to open and close, allowing passengers to enter and exit quickly. However, when the swing door is open, the space for entry and exit is relatively small. When the vehicle is in a narrow space, the swing trajectory of the door cannot be ensured, making it difficult to open and close.

[0006] Sliding doors are very easy to open and close, even when the vehicle is in a confined space. When the sliding door is open, the space for entry and exit is relatively large. However, sliding doors require relatively more force and time to open and close, which hinders passengers from getting in and out quickly.

[0007] According to the related art, when a vehicle door is operated by a single opening and closing method, it may be difficult to fully meet the needs of customers who seek ease of use, variety, and novelty.

[0008] The above information described in this Background Art section is provided to help understanding the background of the present inventive concept and may include any technical concepts that are not considered to be prior art known to one of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention solves the problems in the prior art while completely retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0010] The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. A specific embodiment relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device that enables a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a swing mode and a slide mode. A further embodiment relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device that prevents an intermediate roller unit from separating from an intermediate rail in a slide mode and releases the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate rail in a swing mode.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle door opening and closing device that enables a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a swing mode and a sliding mode, thereby meeting customer needs, and is capable of preventing the intermediate roller unit from being separated from the intermediate track in the sliding mode and releasing the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate track in the swing mode.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door opening and closing device may include: a vehicle door, a track, a roller unit, an intermediate track, an intermediate roller unit and a baffle mechanism, wherein the track is mounted on a vehicle body; the roller unit is mounted on the vehicle door, moves along the track, and enables the vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swinging mode; the intermediate track extends from the rear edge of the vehicle door opening of the vehicle body; the intermediate roller unit is guided along the intermediate track; in the sliding mode, the baffle mechanism prevents the intermediate roller unit from being separated from the intermediate track, and releases the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate track in the swinging mode.

[0013] The baffle mechanism may include a baffle rotatably mounted on the middle rail and a locking lever releasably engaged with the baffle.

[0014] The locking lever is movable between an engaged position, in which the locking lever engages the barrier, and a released position, in which the locking lever releases the barrier.

[0015] The locking lever can be moved to a released position by a release lever.

[0016] The release lever is movable between a locked position, in which the release lever holds the locking lever in the engaged position, and an unlocked position, in which the release lever moves the locking lever to the released position.

[0017] The shutter may include a first shutter portion and a second shutter portion orthogonal to the first shutter portion, and the first shutter portion may have a first free end releasably engageable with the locking lever.

[0018] The baffle may further include: a first extension portion, a second extension portion, a first protrusion and a second protrusion, wherein the first extension portion extends from the first baffle portion; the second extension portion extends from the second baffle portion; the first protrusion protrudes from an end portion of the first extension portion; and the second protrusion protrudes from an end portion of the second extension portion.

[0019] The shutter mechanism may further include a stopper having a recess that releasably receives one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

[0020] The stopper may be mounted on the middle rail.

[0021] The locking lever may include a locking recess and a release shoulder, the locking recess accommodating at least a portion of the baffle; the release shoulder is located below the locking recess, and the release lever may have a tip that presses the release shoulder.

[0022] The baffle mechanism may include: a baffle and a driving motor, wherein the baffle is rotatably mounted on the middle rail; and the driving motor rotates the baffle.

[0023] The baffle mechanism may include: a baffle and a driving motor, wherein the baffle can move linearly on the middle track; and the driving motor drives the baffle.

[0024] The baffle may include a first baffle portion and a second baffle portion pivotally connected to the first baffle portion, and the first baffle portion may be rotated by the driving motor.

[0025] The baffle may include a baffle portion and a guide connected to the baffle portion, and the guide may be linearly moved by the driving motor.

[0026] The guide may have rack teeth, and a pinion gear meshing with the rack teeth may be connected to the drive motor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention mounted on a rear door of a vehicle;

[0029] Figure 2 A selector, an actuator connected to the selector, and a retaining lock are shown adjacent to an outside handle of the vehicle;

[0030] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The door is opened in sliding mode;

[0031] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The door is opened in a swing mode;

[0032] Figure 5 The following operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit move along an upper track and a lower track in a door opening and closing device;

[0033] Figure 6 An upper roller unit and a lower roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0034] Figure 7 The following operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a door is opened and closed in a swing mode by an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit of a door opening and closing apparatus;

[0035] Figure 8 An upper roller unit and a lower roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0036] Figure 9 The following operation according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a door is opened and closed in a swing mode by an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit of a door opening and closing apparatus;

[0037] Figure 10A A perspective view of the upper and lower retaining locks is shown;

[0038] Figure 10B The upper and lower retaining locks are shown holding the corresponding strikers;

[0039] Figure 10C Shows the state of the upper and lower holding locks releasing the corresponding strikers;

[0040] Figure 10D The upper and lower retaining locks are shown in a state where they can accommodate corresponding strikers;

[0041] Figure 11 The main latch mounted on the door and the main striker are shown;

[0042] Figure 12 A perspective view showing a middle rail in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the swing guide of the intermediate track;

[0044] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view showing the sliding guide of the intermediate track;

[0045] Figure 15 The structure showing the intermediate roller unit being held in the swing guide of the intermediate track;

[0046] Figure 16 The operation of releasing the intermediate roller unit from the swing guide of the intermediate track is shown;

[0047] Figure 17 is a baffle mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 18 Shows Figure 17 A perspective view of the baffle shown rotatably mounted on a swing guide;

[0049] Figure 19 Shows Figure 17 a perspective view of the release lever in the shutter mechanism shown;

[0050] Figure 20 Shows Figure 17 The flap mechanism is shown in a state where the flap closes the swing guide;

[0051] Figure 21 Shows Figure 17 The flapper of the flapper mechanism shown is in a state where the flapper can freely rotate on the swing guide;

[0052] Figure 22 Shown in Figure 17 The shutter mechanism shown is a state in which the intermediate roller unit is accommodated in the swing guide when the shutter closes the swing guide;

[0053] Figure 23 Shown in Figure 17 The shutter mechanism shown is in a state where the shutter can freely rotate on the swing guide and the intermediate roller unit can be released from the swing guide;

[0054] Figure 24 shows a baffle mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 25 Shown in Figure 24 The shutter mechanism shown is a state in which the intermediate roller unit is accommodated in the swing guide when the shutter closes the swing guide;

[0056] Figure 26 Shown in Figure 24 The shutter mechanism shown shows a state in which the intermediate roller unit is released from the swing guide when the shutter opens the swing guide;

[0057] Figure 27 shows a shutter mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention in a state where the intermediate roller unit is accommodated in the swing guide when the shutter closes the swing guide;

[0058] Figure 28 Shown in Figure 27 When the shutter of the shutter mechanism is shown to open the swing guide, the intermediate roller unit can be released from the swing guide;

[0059] Figure 29 shows a baffle mechanism according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 30 Shown in Figure 29 The shutter mechanism shown shows a state in which the intermediate roller unit is released from the swing guide when the shutter opens the swing guide;

[0061] Figure 31 shows a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to a front door of a vehicle in a state where the front door is opened in a sliding mode;

[0062] Figure 32 Shows Figure 31 The front door is opened in a swing mode;

[0063] Figure 33 shows a door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to front and rear doors of a vehicle in a state where the front and rear doors are opened in a sliding mode; and

[0064] Figure 34 Shows Figure 33 The front and rear doors are opened in a swing-out manner.

[0065] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0066] 1: Car body

[0067] 2: Front door

[0068] 3: Rear door

[0069] 4: Front door

[0070] 5: Rear door

[0071] 6: External handle

[0072] 11: On track

[0073] 12: Lower track

[0074] 13: Middle track

[0075] 21: Upper roller unit

[0076] 22: Lower roller unit

[0077] 23: Middle roller unit

[0078] 31: Open the lock

[0079] 33: Upper striker pin

[0080] 34: Lower striker pin

[0081] 40: Selector

[0082] 41: First switch

[0083] 42: Second switch

[0084] 80: Main latch

[0085] 81: Main striker

[0086] 91: Sliding guide

[0087] 92: Swing guide

[0088] 110, 210, 310, 410: baffle mechanism

[0089] 120, 220, 320, 420: baffle

[0090] 130: Locking lever

[0091] 131: Locking recess

[0092] 132: Release the Shoulders

[0093] 140: Release lever

[0094] 150: Stopper. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0095] 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 are used to designate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, the detailed description of the known technologies related to the present invention will be omitted to avoid unnecessary obscurity of the subject matter of the present invention.

[0096] 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 another element, and the inherent characteristics, order or sequence of corresponding elements etc. are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical terms or scientific terms) have the same meaning as the meaning generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The terms defined in general dictionaries are interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning in the relevant technical field, and are not interpreted as having ideal or too formal meanings, unless explicitly defined as having such meanings in the present invention.

[0097] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can selectively open and close a vehicle door in either a sliding mode or a swinging mode. In other words, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be a variable-mode vehicle door opening and closing device. The sliding mode can open and close the vehicle door by sliding along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the swinging mode can open and close the vehicle door by swinging inward and outward.

[0098] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle body 1 may have multiple door openings 2 and 3, and the multiple door openings 2 and 3 may be divided into a front door opening 2 and a rear door opening 3. The multiple doors 4 and 5 may include a front door 4 that covers and exposes the front door opening 2, and a rear door 5 that covers and exposes the rear door opening 3. When the front door 4 is open, the front door 4 can expose the front door opening 2, and when the front door 4 is closed, the front door 4 can cover the front door opening 2. When the rear door 5 is open, the rear door 5 can expose the rear door opening 3, and when the rear door 5 is closed, the rear door 5 can cover the rear door opening 3.

[0099] The door opening and closing apparatus 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 1 to 16 The 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 door 5, and the rear door opening 3 will be referred to as the door opening 3.

[0100] The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include one or more rails 11 and 12 mounted on a vehicle body 1, and the rails 11 and 12 may extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 The upper rail 11 can be installed at the upper edge of the vehicle body 1, and the lower rail 12 can be installed at the lower edge of the vehicle body 1. The upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper rail 11 can be arranged at the upper edge of the vehicle door 3, and the lower rail 12 can be arranged at the lower edge of the vehicle door 3.

[0101] A vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include roller units 21 and 22 guided along rails 11 and 12. The roller units 21 and 22 can open and close the vehicle door 5 in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swinging mode. Specifically, the roller units 21 and 22 can be releasably retained in a predetermined position by retaining locks 31 and 32. Specifically, when the roller units 21 and 22 are retained in a predetermined position on the rails 11 and 12 by the retaining locks 31 and 32, the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in a swinging mode (in which the vehicle door swings in the predetermined position on the rails 11 and 12). When the roller units 21 and 22 are released by the retaining locks 31 and 32, the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in a sliding mode (in which the vehicle door slides along the rails 11 and 12).

[0102] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3, an upper roller unit 21 may be mounted on the upper end of the vehicle door 5 , and the upper roller unit 21 may slide along the upper track 11 . A lower roller unit 22 may be mounted on the lower end of the vehicle door 5 , and the lower roller unit 22 may slide along the lower track 12 .

[0103] refer to Figure 2 The vehicle door 5 may include an outside handle 6, and a selector 40 for selecting the sliding mode and the swing mode may be adjacent to the outside handle 6. The selector 40 may have a first switch 41 for selecting the sliding mode and a second switch 42 for selecting the swing mode.

[0104] When the user presses the first switch 41 and selects the sliding mode, as 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, the door 5 can move along the Figure 3 The upper track 11, the lower track 12 and the middle track 13 shown slide. In the sliding mode, the door 5 can be Figure 1 and Figure 3 The vehicle door 5 moves between a first open position OP1 and a first closed position CP1 . The first open position OP1 refers to a position where the vehicle door 5 is fully open, while the first closed position CP1 refers to a position where the vehicle door 5 is fully closed.

[0105] When the user presses the second switch 42 and selects the swing mode, the door 5 can swing as the user pushes the outside handle 6 toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle or pulls the outside handle 6 toward the outside of the vehicle. Figure 4 In the swing mode, the door 5 can swing as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 9 The door 5 is shown to move between a second open position OP2 in which the door 5 is fully open and a second closed position CP2 in which the door 5 is fully closed. In particular, when the door 5 is held in the first closed position CP1, the door 5 can be operated in a swing mode.

[0106] The upper roller unit 21 may have an upper retaining lock 31, and the vehicle body 1 may have a first upper striker 31a and a second upper striker 31b protruding downward from the top of the vehicle body 1. The first upper striker 31a may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second upper striker 31b may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0107] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1 and releasably retain the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1. In other words, a single upper retaining lock 31 can selectively retain both the first upper striker 31a and the second upper striker 31b. When the upper retaining lock 31 retains the first upper striker 31a, the upper roller unit 21 can be securely retained in the first closed position CP1, allowing the vehicle door 5 to remain in the first closed position CP1. When the upper retaining lock 31 retains the second upper striker 31b, the upper roller unit 21 can be securely retained in the first open position OP1, allowing the vehicle door 5 to remain in the first open position OP1.

[0108] According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1, thereby retaining the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. In other words, the upper retaining lock 31 can be an upper closing retaining lock that retains the vehicle door 5 in the closed state in the first closed position CP1. An upper opening retaining lock (not shown) can be mounted on the upper roller unit 21 and can releasably retain the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1. In other words, the upper closing retaining lock that releasably retains the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1 and the upper opening retaining lock that releasably retains the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the upper roller unit 21.

[0109] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 The upper roller unit 21 may have an upper rotation axis CX1, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the upper rotation axis CX1. When the upper roller unit 21 is firmly held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper retaining lock 31 and the first upper striker 31a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the upper rotation axis CX1.

[0110] The lower roller unit 22 may have a lower retaining lock 32, and the vehicle body 1 may have a first lower striker 32a and a second lower striker 32b protruding upward from the bottom of the vehicle body 1. The first lower striker 32a may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second lower striker 32b may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1 and releasably retain the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1. In other words, the lower retaining lock 32 can selectively retain both the first lower striker 32a and the second lower striker 32b. When the lower retaining lock 32 retains the first lower striker 32a, the lower roller unit 22 can be securely retained in the first closed position CP1, allowing the vehicle door 5 to remain in the first closed position CP1. When the lower retaining lock 32 retains the second lower striker 32b, the lower roller unit 22 can be securely retained in the first open position OP1, allowing the vehicle door 5 to remain in the first open position OP1.

[0112] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1, thereby retaining the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. In other words, the lower retaining lock 32 can be a lower closing retaining lock that retains the vehicle door 5 in the closed state in the first closed position CP1. A lower opening retaining lock (not shown) can be mounted on the lower roller unit 22 and can releasably retain the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1. In other words, the lower closing retaining lock that releasably retains the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1 and the lower opening retaining lock that releasably retains the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the lower roller unit 22.

[0113] According to the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle door 5 can be releasably held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32. That is, the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32 can function as closing holding locks that hold the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1.

[0114] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 The lower roller unit 22 may have a lower rotation axis CX2, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the lower rotation axis CX2. When the lower roller unit 22 is firmly held in the first closed position CP1 by the lower retaining lock 32 and the first lower striker 32a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0115] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be vertically aligned, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the vertically aligned upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 .

[0116] refer to Figure 2, the selector 40 may be electrically connected to the actuator 43 , and the actuator 43 may be configured to operate the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 .

[0117] When the user selects through the selector 40, the actuator 43 can selectively perform a holding operation and a release operation, in which the upper holding lock 31 holds the first upper striker 31a and the lower holding lock 32 holds the first lower striker 32a; in the release operation, the upper holding lock 31 releases the first upper striker 31a and the lower holding lock 32 releases the first lower striker 32a.

[0118] When the user presses the first switch 41 of the selector 40 while the vehicle door 5 is closed, the upper retaining lock 31 releases the first upper striker 31a and the lower retaining lock 32 releases the first lower striker 32a through the release operation of the actuator 43. Therefore, the user can slide the vehicle door 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in a sliding mode.

[0119] When the user presses the second switch 42 of the selector 40 in the state where the vehicle door 5 is closed, the upper holding lock 31 can hold the first upper striker 31a through the holding operation of the actuator 43, and the lower holding lock 32 can hold the first lower striker 32a, 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 vehicle door 5 toward the interior space and the exterior space of the vehicle, so that the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0120] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 As shown, one actuator 43 can operate the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 at the same time.

[0121] According to another exemplary embodiment, an actuator that operates the upper holding lock 31 and another actuator that operates the lower holding lock 32 may be individually connected to the selector 40 .

[0122] 10A to 10D An upper retaining lock 31 and a lower retaining lock 32 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown. 10A to 10D , each of the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 may include: a clamping portion 71, a claw 72 and a control rod 73, wherein the claw 72 is releasably engaged with the clamping portion 71; and the control rod 73 is operably connected to the claw 72. The control rod 73 can be connected to the actuator 43 via a cable 75. When the cable 75 is retracted (pulled) by the actuator 43, the clamping portion 71 can release the striker 31a and 32a. The clamping portion 71, the claw 72 and a portion of the control rod 73 can be covered by a cover plate 76, and the cover plate 76 can be attached to the mounting plate 74. The striker 31a and 32a can be fixed to the vehicle body 1 via a mounting plate 78.

[0123] refer to 10A to 10D , the upper retaining lock 31 may releasably retain the first upper striker 31 a , and the lower retaining lock 32 may releasably retain the first lower striker 32 a .

[0124] The clamping portion 71 may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a first pivot shaft 71a. The clamping portion 71 may have a slot 71b for receiving the striker pins 31a and 32a, and the clamping portion 71 may engage with or release the striker pins 31a and 32a. The clamping portion 71 may be in an engaged position (see FIG. Figure 10B ) and release position (see Figure 10C ). The joint position refers to the Figure 10B The position of the catch 71 shown engaging the striker pins 31a and 32a, while the release position refers to the position of the catch 71 engaging the striker pins 31a and 32a. Figure 10C The clamping portion 71 shown in FIG. 1 releases the position of the striker pins 31a and 32a. Figure 10B In the engaged position shown, the latch 71 can engage the strikers 31a and 32a so that the latch 71 can hold the strikers 31a and 32a. Figure 10C In the released position shown, the latch 71 can release the strikers 31a and 32a. Consequently, the strikers 31a and 32a can be released from or retained in the slots 71b of the latch 71. The latch 71 can be biased toward the released position by a first biasing element 71c, such as a torsion spring. The first biasing element 71c can be disposed about the first pivot 71a. The latch 71 can include a locking shoulder 71d.

[0125] The claw 72 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a second pivot 72a, and the claw 72 can be in a claw locking position (see FIG. Figure 10B ) and the claw release position (see Figure 10C and Figure 10D The claw locking position refers to the position where the claw 72 engages with the engaging portion 71 and keeps the engaging portion 71 in the engaged position, while the claw releasing position refers to the position where the claw 72 releases the engaging portion 71 and moves the engaging portion 71 from the engaged position to the released position. Figure 10B As shown, when the claw 72 is in the claw locking position, the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71 can be restricted by the claw 72 so that the engaging portion 71 can be maintained in the engaged position. Figure 10C and Figure 10DAs shown in FIG. 1 , when the claw 72 is in the claw release position, the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71 is not restricted by the claw 72, so that the engaging portion 71 can move from the engagement position to the release position. The claw 72 can be biased toward the claw locking position by a second biasing element 72c (such as a torsion spring) (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 10B ). The second biasing element 72c may be arranged around the second pivot 72a.

[0126] The claw 72 may have a locking protrusion 72d that is locked to the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71. Figure 10B As shown, when the claw 72 is moved to the claw locking position by the second biasing element 72c, the locking protrusion 72d of the claw 72 can be locked to the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71 and can restrict the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71, so that the engaging portion 71 can be maintained in the engaged position. Figure 10C As shown, when the claw 72 is moved to the claw release position by the control rod 73, the locking protrusion 72d of the claw 72 can be released from the locking shoulder 71d of the latching portion 71, and the latching portion 71 can be allowed to move (rotate), so that the latching portion 71 can be moved to the release position by the first biasing element 71c.

[0127] The control lever 73 is pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a third pivot 73a. The control lever 73 may be connected to the actuator 43 via a cable 75. One end of the cable 75 may be fixed to the control lever 73, and the cable 75 may be advanced or retracted by the actuator 43. When the actuator 43 moves the cable 75, the control lever 73 may pivot around the third pivot 73a. The control lever 73 may move the claw 72 to the claw release position (see FIG. 1 ) by retracting the cable 75. Figure 10C ).

[0128] The control lever 73 can be operably connected to the claw 72 via a pin 72b and an opening 73b. The pin 72b can be provided on the claw 72, and the opening 73b can be provided in the control lever 73. The pin 72b can be movably received in the opening 73b. As the control lever 73 pivots about the third pivot 73a, the pin 72b can move in the opening 73b, thereby allowing the claw 72 to move.

[0129] like Figure 10B As shown, when the cable 75 is pushed by the actuator 43, the locking protrusion 72d of the claw 72 can be locked to the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71 and can restrict the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71, so that the engaging portion 71 can be maintained in the engaged position. The strikers 31a and 32a can be retained in the slots 71b of the engaging portion 71. In other words, the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 can retain the corresponding strikers 31a and 32a.

[0130] like Figure 10C As shown, when the cable 75 is retracted by the actuator 43, the control lever 73 can move the pawl 72 to the pawl release position. The locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 can be released from the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71, and the engaging portion 71 can be allowed to move (rotate), so that the engaging portion 71 can be moved to the release position by the first biasing element 71c, and the strikers 31a and 32a can be released from the slots 71b of the engaging portion 71. Therefore, the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 can release the corresponding strikers 31a and 32a, and the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 can slide along the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12.

[0131] like Figure 10D As shown, even when the cable 75 is pushed by the actuator 43 while the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is released from the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71, the engaging portion 71 can still be held in the released position by the first biasing element 71c, thereby allowing the engaging portion 71 to move (rotate). In this state, the strikers 31a and 32a can be accommodated in the slots 71b of the engaging portion 71. That is, when the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is released from the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71, thereby allowing the engaging portion 71 to move (rotate), the strikers 31a and 32a can be accommodated in the slots 71b of the engaging portion 71 when the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 slide between the first closed position CP1 and the first open position OP1. In a state where the striker pins 31a and 32a are accommodated in the slots 71b of the engaging portion 71, when the force applied by the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 is greater than the spring force of the first biasing element 71c, the engaging portion 71 can be moved to the engaging position. Figure 10B As shown, when the locking protrusion 72 d of the pawl 72 is locked to the locking shoulder 71 d of the engaging portion 71 , the engaging portion 71 can hold the strikers 31 a and 32 a .

[0132] refer to Figure 5 Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can be mounted on the vehicle body 1 via a mounting bracket 15, and the shape of the mounting bracket 15 can correspond to the shape of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can have a first extending portion 51 extending straight along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a second extending portion 52 extending from the first extending portion 51 toward the interior space of the vehicle. The second extending portion 52 can be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the first extending portion 51.

[0133] refer to Figure 6Each of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 may include: a roller bracket 64 and a body 60 , wherein the roller bracket 64 has rollers 65 and 66 that roll along the rails 11 and 12 ; and the body 60 connects the roller bracket 64 and the vehicle door 5 .

[0134] The main body 60 may extend obliquely so as not to contact the first extension portion 51 and the second extension portion 52. The main body 60 may have a first end 61 facing the inside of the vehicle and a second end 62 facing the outside of the vehicle. The first end 61 of the main body 60 may be attached to the roller bracket 64, while the second end 62 of the main body 60 may be attached to the vehicle door 5.

[0135] The roller bracket 64 can rotatably support the rollers 65 and 66, and the rollers 65 and 66 can roll along the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Figure 6 As shown, the middle roller 65 and two side rollers 66 arranged on both sides of the middle roller 65 can be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 64. The rotation axis of the middle roller 65 can be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side rollers 66.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 6 As shown, the first end 61 of the main body 60 may be pivotally connected to the roller bracket 64 via a pivot pin 68, while the second end 62 of the main body 60 may be fixed to the vehicle door 5. Thus, the vehicle door 5 can swing about the pivot pin 68 adjacent to the roller bracket 64. The main body 60 may have a pivot tab 63 protruding from the first end 61 toward the roller bracket 64, and the roller bracket 64 may be connected to the pivot tab 63 via the pivot pin 68. The roller bracket 64 may be formed so as not to interfere with the main body 60 when the vehicle 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 vehicle door 5 can swing about a vertical rotation axis (the rotation axis virtually connecting the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2). The upper retaining lock 31 may be fixed to the roller bracket 64 of the upper roller unit 21 , and the lower retaining lock 32 may be fixed to the roller bracket 64 of the lower roller unit 22 .

[0137] When the upper holding lock 31 firmly holds the roller bracket 64 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1 and the lower holding lock 32 firmly holds the roller bracket 64 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1 by the holding operation of the actuator 43, the vehicle door 5 can be moved around Figure 7The upper rotation axis CX1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower rotation axis CX2 of the lower roller unit 22 are shown to swing. The vehicle door 5 can move between a second closed position CP2 (in which the vehicle door 5 is closed) and a second open position OP2 (in which the vehicle door 5 is open). When the vehicle door 5 swings, another adjacent vehicle door 4 or other component can be separated from the vehicle door 5 by a predetermined gap S1 to prevent interference with the adjacent vehicle door 4 or other component. For example, the vehicle door 5 can be a rear door, and the other adjacent vehicle door 4 can be a front door.

[0138] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment shown, because the pivot pin 68 is located between the roller bracket 64 and the first end 61 of the body 60, the rotation axes CX1 and CX2 of the door 5 may be relatively far from the door 5. Since the swing trajectory T1 and the rotation radius R1 of the door 5 are relatively increased, the gap S1 between the door 5 and the adjacent door 4 can be relatively increased. If the gap S1 between the door 5 and the adjacent door 4 is reduced, the door 5 may interfere with the adjacent door 4 when moving toward the second open position OP2. Furthermore, since the swing trajectory T1 of the door 5 is relatively reduced, the open space created by the swinging of the door 5 may be relatively reduced.

[0139] According to another exemplary embodiment, Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first end 61 of the body 60 can be fixed to the roller bracket 64, and the second end 62 of the body 60 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 by the pivot pin 68a. Therefore, the vehicle door 5 can swing around the pivot pin 68a adjacent to the second end 62 of the body 60.

[0140] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9The roller bracket 64 can be fixed to the first end 61 of the main body 60 by welding, using fasteners, or the like, and the second end 62 of the main body 60 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 via a pivot pin 68a. The vehicle door 5 can have a pivot lug 69 protruding toward the main body 60, and the pivot lug 69 can be pivotally connected to the second end 62 of the main body 60 via the pivot pin 68a. The second end 62 of the main body 60 can be formed so as not to interfere with the vehicle door 5 when the vehicle door 5 swings. The upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be defined by the pivot pin 68a. For example, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be virtual axes extending vertically along the center point of the pivot pin 68a, and the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be vertically aligned, so that the vehicle door 5 can swing about a vertical rotation axis (the rotation axis virtually connecting the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2). The upper retaining lock 31 may be fixed to the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21 , and the lower retaining lock 32 may be fixed to the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22 .

[0141] refer to Figure 9 When the upper holding lock 31 firmly holds the roller bracket 64 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1, and the lower holding lock 32 firmly holds the roller bracket 64 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1, the vehicle door 5 can swing about 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 vehicle door 5 can move between a second closed position CP2 (at which the vehicle door 5 is closed) and a second open position OP2 (at which the vehicle door 5 is open).

[0142] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the pivot pin 68a 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. Since the rotation radius R2 of the door 5 is relatively shortened, the gap S2 between the door 5 and another adjacent door 4 can be relatively reduced, thereby improving the appearance. Even though the rotation axes CX1 and CX2 of the door 5 are close to the door 5, the swinging trajectory T2 of the door 5 is not shortened, and the open space formed by the swinging of the door 5 is not reduced.

[0143] refer to Figure 11The main latch 80 may be mounted at 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 releasably engage 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, thereby locking the vehicle door 5 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 be released by a release operation of the outside handle 6 to release the main striker 81, thereby allowing the vehicle door 5 to move in the sliding mode or the swing mode. When the vehicle door 5 remains in the first closed position CP1 and the main latch 80 releases the main striker 81, the intermediate roller unit 23 is released from the intermediate track 13, allowing the vehicle door 5 to open and close in the swing mode.

[0144] The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a middle rail 13 installed at a central portion of the vehicle body 1 and a middle roller unit 23 guided along the middle rail 13 .

[0145] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The middle rail 13 may extend from the rear edge of the door 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The middle roller unit 23 may be pivotally mounted at the center portion of the door 5. Specifically, the middle roller unit 23 may be mounted adjacent to the rear end of the door 5. The middle roller unit 23 may be guided along the middle rail 13.

[0146] refer to Figure 12 The middle rail 13 may include a sliding guide 91 extending straight along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a swing guide 92 extending from the sliding guide 91 toward the inner side of the vehicle. The swing guide 92 may be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the sliding guide 91 via a bent portion 93, and the bent portion 93 may be bent at a predetermined radius.

[0147] refer to Figures 13 to 15 The intermediate roller unit 23 may include a roller bracket 101 and rollers 105 and 106, which are rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101. The roller bracket 101 may be pivotally mounted at the central portion of the vehicle door 5. The rollers 105 and 106 may roll along the intermediate track 13. Figure 15 As shown, the middle roller 105 and two side rollers 106 arranged on opposite sides of the middle roller 105 can be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101. The rotation axis of the middle roller 105 can be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side rollers 106.

[0148] The sliding guide 91 may guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 when the door 5 is slid in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in a selected sliding mode.

[0149] refer to Figures 12 to 14 , the sliding guide 91 may include a stopper wall 95 that prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the sliding guide 91. The stopper wall 95 may extend along the length of the sliding guide 91 and the length of the curved portion 93. The stopper wall 95 may protrude vertically downward from the top of the sliding guide 91. Since the stopper wall 95 is close to the upper area of ​​the sliding guide 91 and the upper area of ​​the curved portion 93, the intermediate roller unit 23 may be prevented from moving away from the sliding guide 91 toward the outside of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. Figure 14 shown.

[0150] When the swing mode is selected and the vehicle door 5 is opened and closed in the swing mode, the swing guide 92 may guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 to be released from the intermediate rail 13 .

[0151] The outer side of the swing guide 92 can be completely open to the outside space of the vehicle. The guide protrusion 94 can protrude upward from the bottom of the swing guide 92, and the guide protrusion 94 can extend along the length of the swing guide 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 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be guided along the guide protrusion 94, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 shown.

[0152] The front end 95a of the stopper wall 95 of the slide guide 91 and the rear end 94a of the guide protrusion 94 may be located at positions that do not interfere with the swinging trajectories T1 and T2 of the door 5. Figure 16As shown, the axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide 92 may intersect at a predetermined angle a. Specifically, the intersection angle a between the axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide 92 may be an obtuse angle, so that the intermediate roller unit 23 can be easily released from or easily accommodated in the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13. The intermediate rail 13 may include a space 98 that allows the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 to be released from or accommodated in the intermediate rail 13 when the vehicle door 5 swings in the swing mode. Since the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide 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 protrusion 94. Due to the space 98 , no interference occurs when the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 are released from the intermediate rail 13 or are accommodated in the intermediate rail 13 in the swing mode.

[0153] Meanwhile, if the main latch 80 fails in the sliding mode or the vehicle door 5 or the swing guide 92 is deformed due to an external impact, the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 may separate from the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13, so that the vehicle door 5 cannot be easily opened and closed in the sliding mode. To address this problem, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a baffle mechanism 110 that prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the center rail in the sliding mode. Specifically, the baffle mechanism 110 may be mounted on the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13, thereby preventing the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13 in the sliding mode.

[0154] refer to Figures 17 to 23 The baffle mechanism 110 according to the exemplary embodiment can release the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from the swing guide 92 or be accommodated in the swing guide 92 in the swing mode, and prevent the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from being separated from the swing guide 92 in the sliding mode.

[0155] The baffle mechanism 110 may include a baffle 120 rotatably mounted on the swing guide 92 of the middle rail 13 and a locking lever 130 releasably engaged with the baffle 120 .

[0156] The swing guide 92 may include a top wall 92a, an inner side wall 92b facing the interior of the vehicle, a bottom wall 92c, an opening 92d open to the exterior of the vehicle, and a cavity 92e. The cavity 92e may be defined by the top wall 92a, the inner side wall 92b, and the bottom wall 92c, and may accommodate the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23.

[0157] refer to Figure 17 The barrier 120 can block or close at least a portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, particularly the upper portion of the swing guide 92 facing the sliding roller 106 mounted on the roller bracket 101. The barrier 120 can be rotatably mounted on the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92 via a hinge pin 129. The barrier 120 can include a first barrier portion 121 and a second barrier portion 122 that is orthogonal to the first barrier portion 121. The first barrier portion 121 can have a first free end 127, and the first free end 127 of the first barrier portion 121 can be releasably engaged with the locking lever 130. The axis of the second barrier portion 122 can be orthogonal to the axis of the first barrier portion 121, and the second barrier portion 122 can have a second free end 128. In addition, the baffle 120 may include a first extension portion 123 that is bent at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the first baffle portion 121, a first protrusion 125 that protrudes from the end of the first extension portion 123, a second extension portion 124 that is bent at a predetermined angle relative to the axis of the second baffle portion 122, and a second protrusion 126 that protrudes from the end of the second extension portion 124. The first baffle portion 121 and the second baffle portion 122 may have an area sufficient to cover the upper portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0158] When the first baffle portion 121 engages with the locking rod 130, the second baffle portion 122 can block at least a portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 to keep that portion of the opening 92d in a closed state, thereby preventing the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the swing guide 92.

[0159] When the first flap portion 121 is released from the locking lever 130 , the flap 120 may freely rotate, and thus the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 may be released from the swing guide 92 or may be accommodated in the cavity 92 e of the swing guide 92 .

[0160] refer to Figure 18The swing guide 92 may have a hinge lug 195 protruding from the top wall 92a toward the baffle 120, and the baffle 120 may have an opening 120a for receiving the hinge lug 195. The opening 120a may be formed in the first extension portion 123 and the second extension portion 124. Therefore, the baffle 120 can be rotatably mounted relative to the hinge lug 195 of the swing guide 92 by the hinge pin 129.

[0161] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 The locking lever 130 may be rotatably mounted on the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92 via a first hinge pin 133. The locking lever 130 may have a locking recess 131 in which the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121 of the baffle 120 is received.

[0162] The locking lever 130 can be in the engaged position (see Figure 20 solid line in the middle) and the release position (see Figure 20 , and moves between the dotted lines in the figure), wherein the locking lever 130 engages with the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121 in the engaged position and releases the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121 in the released position.

[0163] The locking lever 130 may be biased toward the engaged position by a first biasing element 134. For example, the first biasing element 134 may be a torsion spring disposed around the first hinge pin 133.

[0164] In addition, the locking lever 130 may include a release shoulder 132 located below the locking recess 131. When the release lever 140 pushes the release shoulder 132, the locking lever 130 may be moved to the release position (see FIG. Figure 20 dashed line in the middle).

[0165] An inclined surface 135 may be formed between the locking recess 131 and the release shoulder 132 , and the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121 of the baffle 120 may be easily inserted into the locking recess 131 by moving on the inclined surface 135 .

[0166] refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 , the baffle mechanism 110 may further include a stopper 150 that limits the position of the baffle 120. The stopper 150 may be attached to the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92 of the middle rail 13, and the stopper 150 may have a recess 151 in which one of the first protrusion 125 and the second protrusion 126 is releasably received.

[0167] like Figure 20 and Figure 22As shown, when the locking rod 130 engages with the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121, the second protrusion 126 of the second baffle portion 122 can be accommodated in the recess 151 of the stop member 150, and the first free end 127 of the first baffle portion 121 can be accommodated in the locking recess 131 of the locking rod 130, so that the baffle 120 can keep at least a portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in a closed state.

[0168] like Figure 21 As shown, when locking lever 130 releases first free end 127 of first flap portion 121, first free end 127 of first flap portion 121 can be released from locking recess 131 of locking lever 130, while first protrusion 125 of first flap portion 121 can be accommodated in recess 151 of stopper 150, so that first free end 127 of first flap portion 121 or second free end 128 of second flap portion 122 can remain released from locking lever 130. When intermediate roller unit 23 moves toward the interior or exterior of the vehicle, intermediate roller unit 23 can push flap 120 toward the interior or exterior of the vehicle, allowing flap 120 to rotate freely. In other words, rollers 105 and 106 of intermediate roller unit 23 can push first flap portion 121 or second flap portion 122 of flap 120 toward the interior or exterior of the vehicle, allowing intermediate roller unit 23 to be released from or accommodated in swing guide 92.

[0169] The locking lever 130 can be moved toward the release position by the release lever 140. Figure 23 Reference Figure 17 and Figure 19 The locking lever 140 may be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23 via a second hinge pin 143. The release lever 140 may include a first end 141 operatively connected to the locking lever 130 and a second end 142 connected to a cable 148.

[0170] First end 141 can push release shoulder 132 of locking lever 130, allowing locking lever 130 to move to the released position. Specifically, release lever 140 may include a tip 145 extending from first end 141 toward locking lever 130, and tip 145 can press release shoulder 132 of locking lever 130, allowing locking lever 130 to move to the released position. Cable 148 can be secured to second end 142 via end fitting 149, and cable 148 can be mechanically connected to outside handle 6. When outside handle 6 is pulled, the cable can be pulled, causing release lever 140 to rotate.

[0171] The release lever 140 can be in the locked position (see Figure 22 and Figure 23 solid line in the middle) and unlocked position (see Figure 23 The locked position refers to a position in which the release lever 140 holds the locking lever 130 in the engaged position, while the unlocked position refers to a position in which the release lever 140 moves the locking lever 130 to the released position. Specifically, the release lever 140 can be biased toward the locked position by a second biasing element 144, which can be a torsion spring arranged around the second hinge pin 143.

[0172] refer to Figure 22 , the locking lever 130 can engage with the first flap portion 121 of the flap 120, so that the second flap portion 122 can keep a portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in a closed state. Therefore, in the sliding mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can not be separated from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13, and the intermediate roller unit 23 can move along the intermediate rail 13.

[0173] refer to Figure 23 , the locking lever 130 can release the first barrier portion 121 of the barrier 120 so that the first barrier portion 121 of the barrier 120 can be maintained in a state released from the locking lever 130. Therefore, the barrier 120 can freely rotate on the swing guide 92, and in the swing mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be released from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13 or accommodated in the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13.

[0174] Figures 24 to 26 A shutter mechanism 210 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0175] refer to Figures 24 to 26 A baffle mechanism 210 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a baffle 220 installed to open and close the opening 92 d of the swing guide 92 , and a driving motor 250 that rotates the baffle 220 .

[0176] refer to Figure 24 The swing guide 92 may have a hinge lug 295 protruding from the top wall 92a, and the baffle 220 may have a pair of hinge lugs 221 and 222. The pair of hinge lugs 221 and 222 may be connected to the hinge lug 295 of the swing guide 92 via a hinge pin, so that the baffle 220 can be rotatably mounted on the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92. The baffle portion 220 may have an area sufficient to cover the upper portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0177] The driving motor 250 may be mounted on the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92, and the shaft 251 of the driving motor 250 may be connected to one of the pair of hinge lugs 221 and 222. By rotating the driving motor 250, the shutter 220 may open and close at least a portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0178] The drive motor 250 may be electrically connected to the selector 40 of the outside handle 6, and the operation of the drive motor 250 may be switched when the slide mode or the swing mode is selected by the selector 40. For example, when the slide mode is selected by the first switch 41, the drive motor 250 may operate the flap 220 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and when the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42, the drive motor 250 may operate the flap 220 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0179] refer to Figure 25 The driving motor 250 can be operated to cause the shutter 220 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the shutter 220 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the closed state. Therefore, in the sliding mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can not be separated from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13, and the intermediate roller unit 23 can move along the intermediate rail 13.

[0180] refer to Figure 26 The driving motor 250 can be operated to cause the shutter 220 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the shutter 220 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the open state. Therefore, in the swing mode, the middle roller unit 23 can be released from the swing guide 92 of the middle rail 13 or accommodated in the swing guide 92 of the middle rail 13.

[0181] Figure 27 and Figure 28 A shutter mechanism 310 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0182] refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28 According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a baffle mechanism 310 may include a baffle 320 that is movable to open and close the opening 92 d of the swing guide 92 , and a driving motor 350 that drives the baffle 320 .

[0183] The baffle 320 may include a first baffle portion 321 and a second baffle portion 322 rotatably connected to the first baffle portion 321, and the first baffle portion 321 may be rotated by a drive motor 350. A shaft 351 of the drive motor 350 may be connected to a first end portion of the first baffle portion 321, such that the first baffle portion 321 may be rotated by the drive motor 350. A first end portion of the second baffle portion 322 may be rotatably connected to a second end portion of the first baffle portion 321 via a hinge pin 324. The second baffle portion 322 may have an area sufficient to cover an upper portion of the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0184] The drive motor 350 may be mounted on the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92, and the shaft 351 of the drive motor 350 may be connected to the first flap portion 321 so that the first flap portion 321 can rotate. When the first flap portion 321 rotates, the second flap portion 322 may move upward and downward, so that the second flap portion 322 can open and close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0185] The drive motor 350 may be electrically connected to the selector 40 of the outside handle 6, and may switch the operation of the drive motor 350 when the slide mode or the swing mode is selected by the selector 40. For example, when the slide mode is selected by the first switch 41, the drive motor 350 may operate the flap 320 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and when the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42, the drive motor 350 may operate the flap 320 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0186] refer to Figure 27 The driving motor 250 can be operated to cause the second barrier portion 322 of the barrier 320 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the barrier 320 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the closed state. Therefore, in the sliding mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be kept from separating from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13, and the intermediate roller unit 23 can move along the intermediate rail 13.

[0187] refer to Figure 28 The driving motor 250 can be operated to cause the second flap portion 322 of the flap 320 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the flap 320 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in an open state. Therefore, in the swing mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be released from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13 or accommodated in the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13.

[0188] Figure 29 and Figure 30A shutter mechanism 410 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0189] refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a baffle mechanism 410 may include a baffle 420 that is linearly movable to open and close the opening 92 d of the swing guide 92 , and a driving motor 450 that drives the baffle 420 .

[0190] The baffle 420 may include: a baffle portion 421, an extension portion 422 and a guide member 423, wherein the baffle portion 421 can be linearly moved to open and close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92; the extension portion 422 extends from the top end of the baffle portion 421 toward the inner side wall 92b of the swing guide 92; and the guide member 423 extends from the extension portion 422 toward the bottom wall 92c of the swing guide 92.

[0191] The guide member 423 may be connected to the drive motor 450 via a rack and pinion. The guide member 423 may have rack teeth 462, and a pinion 461 meshing with the rack teeth 462 may be connected to the shaft of the drive motor 450. Since the rotational force of the drive motor 450 can be transmitted to the guide member 423 via the pinion 461 and the rack teeth 462, the shutter portion 421 can move linearly to open and close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0192] The drive motor 450 may be electrically connected to the selector 40 of the outside handle 6, and the operation of the drive motor 450 may be switched when the slide mode or the swing mode is selected by the selector 40. For example, when the slide mode is selected by the first switch 41, the drive motor 450 may operate the flap 420 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and when the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42, the drive motor 450 may operate the flap 420 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0193] refer to Figure 29 The driving motor 450 can be operated to cause the barrier portion 421 of the barrier 420 to close the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the barrier 420 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the closed state. Therefore, in the sliding mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can not be separated from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13, and the intermediate roller unit 23 can move along the intermediate rail 13.

[0194] refer to Figure 30The driving motor 450 can be operated to cause the barrier portion 421 of the barrier 420 to open the opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the barrier 420 can maintain the opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the open state. Therefore, in the swing mode, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be released from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13 or accommodated in the swing guide 92 of the intermediate rail 13.

[0195] Figures 1 to 30 The door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to the rear door 5. However, the door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may be applied to different doors such as front doors in addition to the rear door.

[0196] Figures 31 to 32 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a front door 4 . Figure 31 The front door 4 is shown in a state of being opened in a sliding mode, and Figure 32 A state in which the front door 4 is opened in the swing mode is shown.

[0197] Figure 33 and Figure 34 The door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to both the front door 4 and the rear door 5 . Figure 33 The front door 4 and the rear door 5 are shown in a state where they are opened in a sliding mode. Figure 34 A state in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in a swing mode is shown.

[0198] As described above, 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 between the sliding mode and the swinging mode, thereby meeting the needs of consumers such as convenience and diversity. In addition, the opening and closing operation of the vehicle door can be selected by considering the situation and environment of the consumer, thereby improving convenience and quality.

[0199] Specifically, this can prevent the middle roller unit from being separated from the middle rail in the sliding mode and release the middle roller unit from the middle rail in the swing mode, so that the vehicle door can be reliably opened and closed in the sliding mode or the swing mode.

[0200] In terms of vehicle specifications, the door opening and closing structure can be standardized regardless of the vehicle model. Therefore, manufacturing costs and investment costs can be significantly reduced.

[0201] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary forms and 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 the invention as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle door opening and closing device, comprising: a track configured to be mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit configured to be mounted on the vehicle door, move along the track, and enable the vehicle door to be opened and closed in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a middle rail configured to extend from a rear edge of a door opening of the vehicle body, the middle rail including a sliding guide extending straight along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a swinging guide extending from the sliding guide toward an inner side of the vehicle and having an opening open to an exterior space of the vehicle; an intermediate roller unit configured to be guided along the intermediate track; and A baffle mechanism is configured to keep at least a portion of the opening of the swing guide in a closed state in a sliding mode, thereby preventing the intermediate roller unit from separating from the intermediate track, and to open at least a portion of the opening of the swing guide in a swing mode, thereby releasing the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate track.

2. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein The baffle mechanism includes a baffle and a locking lever. The baffle is configured to be rotatably mounted on the middle rail; the locking lever is configured to releasably engage with the baffle.

3. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein: The locking lever is configured to move between an engaged position, in which the locking lever engages the barrier, and a released position, in which the locking lever releases the barrier.

4. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 3, wherein: The locking lever is movable to the release position by a release lever.

5. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 4, wherein The release lever is configured to move between a locked position in which the release lever retains the locking lever in the engaged position and an unlocked position in which the release lever moves the locking lever to the released position.

6. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 5, wherein: the locking lever including a locking recess configured to receive at least a portion of the baffle and a release shoulder positioned below the locking recess; The release lever has a tip configured to depress the release shoulder.

7. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 2, wherein: The baffle includes a first baffle portion and a second baffle portion orthogonal to the first baffle portion; The first flap portion has a first free end configured to releasably engage the locking lever.

8. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 7, wherein: The baffle further includes: a first extension portion, a second extension portion, a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first extension portion extending from the first baffle portion; the second extension portion extending from the second baffle portion; the first protrusion protruding from an end portion of the first extension portion; and the second protrusion protruding from an end portion of the second extension portion.

9. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 8, wherein The shutter mechanism further includes a stopper having a recess that releasably receives one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion.

10. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 9, wherein The stopper is configured to be mounted on the middle rail.

11. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein The baffle mechanism includes a baffle and a drive motor, wherein the baffle is configured to be rotatably mounted on the middle rail; The drive motor is configured to rotate the baffle.

12. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 1, wherein The baffle mechanism includes a baffle and a driving motor. The baffle is configured to be able to move linearly on the middle rail; and the driving motor is configured to drive the baffle.

13. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 11, wherein: The baffle includes a first baffle portion and a second baffle portion pivotally connected to the first baffle portion; The first baffle portion is configured to be rotatable by the driving motor.

14. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 12, wherein: The baffle includes a baffle portion and a guide connected to the baffle portion; The guide is configured to be linearly movable by the driving motor.

15. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 14, wherein: The guide member has rack teeth; A pinion gear meshing with the rack teeth is connected to the drive motor.

16. A vehicle comprising: body; a vehicle door connected to the vehicle body; a rail mounted on the vehicle body along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door, wherein the roller unit is configured to move along the track and enable the vehicle door to be opened and closed in two modes: a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a middle rail extending from a rear edge of a door opening of the vehicle body, the middle rail including a sliding guide extending straight in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and a swinging guide extending from the sliding guide toward an inner side of the vehicle and having an opening open to an exterior space of the vehicle; an intermediate roller unit configured to be guided along the intermediate track; and A baffle mechanism is configured to keep at least a portion of the opening of the swing guide in a closed state in a sliding mode, thereby preventing the intermediate roller unit from separating from the intermediate track, and is configured to open at least a portion of the opening of the swing guide in a swinging mode, thereby releasing the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate track.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The baffle mechanism includes a baffle and a locking lever. The baffle is rotatably mounted on the middle rail; the locking lever is releasably engaged with the baffle.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: the locking lever being configured to move between an engaged position, in which the locking lever is engaged with the barrier, and a released position, in which the locking lever is released from the barrier; The locking lever can be moved to the release position by a release lever; The release lever is configured to move between a locked position in which the release lever retains the locking lever in the engaged position and an unlocked position in which the release lever moves the locking lever to the released position.

19. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The baffle comprises: a first baffle portion; a second baffle portion, which is orthogonal to the first baffle portion; a first extension portion extending from the first baffle portion; a second extension portion extending from the second baffle portion; a first protrusion protruding from an end of the first extending portion; and a second protrusion protruding from an end of the second extending portion; a stopper mounted on the intermediate rail, the stopper having a recess for releasably receiving one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion; The first flap portion has a first free end that is releasably engageable with the locking lever.

20. A vehicle comprising: body; a vehicle door connected to the vehicle body; a rail mounted on the vehicle body along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door, wherein the roller unit is configured to move along the track and enable the vehicle door to be opened and closed in two modes: a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a center rail extending from the rear edge of the door opening of the vehicle body; an intermediate roller unit configured to be guided along the intermediate track; and a baffle mechanism configured to prevent the intermediate roller unit from separating from the intermediate track in the sliding mode and to release the intermediate roller unit from the intermediate track in the swinging mode, the baffle mechanism comprising: a baffle configured to be rotatably movable on the intermediate track, the baffle comprising a first baffle portion and a second baffle portion pivotally connected to the first baffle portion; and A driving motor is configured to drive the baffle, wherein the first baffle portion is configured to be rotatable by the driving motor.

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