Door opening and closing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. The vehicle comprises a vehicle body having a door frame defining a door opening, a door, a track mounted on the vehicle body, a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track to open and close the door in a sliding mode and a swing mode, an intermediate track extending from an edge of the door opening, and an intermediate roller unit comprising a roller configured to be guided along the intermediate track, a roller carrier having the roller mounted thereon, a roller-side hinge element connected to the roller carrier, and a door-side hinge element rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element, wherein the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element are releasably connected.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0164177, filed on December 10, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. Background Technology

[0004] The vehicle has doors for allowing passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment. Doors close to block the entrance, and doors open to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment through the doors. Doors are classified as swing doors and sliding doors. Swing doors open and close by swinging about a hinge (mounted between the swing door and the vehicle body). Sliding doors open and close by causing rollers (mounted on the sliding door) to slide along a track (mounted on the vehicle body).

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

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

[0007] According to relevant technologies, when car doors are operated using a single opening and closing method, it may be difficult to fully meet the needs of customers seeking ease of use, versatility, and novelty.

[0008] The above information described in this background section is provided to aid in understanding the background of the concepts of this invention, and may include any technical concepts that are not considered prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems that have occurred in the prior art, while fully retaining the advantages achieved by the prior art.

[0010] This invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. Specific embodiments relate to a vehicle door opening and closing device that allows a vehicle door to open and close in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swing mode. More specifically, this invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device in which the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element of the intermediate roller unit are selectively connected or released from each other according to the sliding mode and the swing mode.

[0011] The specific implementation provides a door opening and closing device that allows the door to open and close in a mode selected from sliding and swing modes. Specifically, the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element of the intermediate roller unit are selectively connected or released from each other according to the sliding and swing modes.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a vehicle door opening and closing device may include: a vehicle body, a vehicle door, a track, a roller unit, an intermediate track, and an intermediate roller unit, the vehicle body having a door frame defining a doorway; the track being mounted on the vehicle body; the roller unit being mounted on the door, moving along the track, and opening and closing the door in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swing mode; the intermediate track extending from the edge of the doorway; the intermediate roller unit including a roller, a roller bracket, a roller-side hinge element, and a door-side hinge element guiding the roller along the intermediate track, the roller bracket having a roller mounted thereon, the roller-side hinge element being connected to the roller bracket, and the door-side hinge element being rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element, wherein the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element can be releasably connected.

[0013] The roller-side hinge element can be releasably connected to the door frame via a clamping unit.

[0014] The roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element can be releasably connected by a sliding hinge. The roller-side hinge element may have a roller-side hinge hole, and the door-side hinge element may have a door-side hinge hole aligned with the roller-side hinge hole. The sliding hinge can move along the axis of the roller-side hinge hole and the axis of the door-side hinge hole.

[0015] The sliding hinge may include: a base, an extension, and a hinge pin, wherein the base is movable along the axis of the roller-side hinge hole and the axis of the door-side hinge hole; the extension extends from the base toward the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element; and the hinge pin extends from the extension toward the axis of the roller-side hinge hole and the axis of the door-side hinge hole.

[0016] The hinge pin can be releasably inserted into the roller-side hinge hole and the door-side hinge hole by moving the base.

[0017] The base can move between a connected position and a released position via a drive unit, in which the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are connected to each other, and in the released position, the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are released from each other.

[0018] The drive unit may include: a drive motor, a pinion and a rack, wherein the pinion is connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor; the rack meshes with the pinion and the rack may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the base.

[0019] The roller-side hinge element may have a hinge pin, and the door-side hinge element may have a first recess that accommodates a portion of the hinge pin. The door-side hinge element may include a hinge lug that moves circumferentially along the first recess. The hinge lug may have a second recess that accommodates a portion of the hinge pin, and the first and second recesses may selectively define a closed hinge hole or an open hinge hole by the movement of the hinge lug.

[0020] The hinge lug is movable between a holding position and a releasing position, in which the hinge lug holds the hinge pin and in the releasing position the hinge lug is able to release the hinge pin.

[0021] When the hinge lug is in the holding position, the first recess and the second recess can define a hinge hole that can retain the hinge pin in a closed position, and when the hinge lug is in the releasing position, the first recess and the second recess can define an open hinge hole that can release the hinge pin.

[0022] The clamping unit may include: a housing, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member, the housing being fixed to a door frame; the first clamping member being pivotally mounted on the housing; and the second clamping member being pivotally mounted on the housing. The first and second clamping members may be spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other.

[0023] The first clamping member can be biased toward the center of the housing by a first biasing element, and the second clamping member can be biased toward the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

[0024] The clamping unit may include: a housing, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member, wherein the housing is fixed to a door frame; the first clamping member is slidably mounted on the housing; and the second clamping member is slidably mounted on the housing. The first clamping member and the second clamping member may be spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other.

[0025] The first clamping member can be biased toward the center of the housing by a first biasing element, and the second clamping member can be biased toward the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

[0026] The clamping unit may include: a housing, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member, wherein the housing is fixed to a door frame; the first clamping member is fixedly mounted on the housing; and the second clamping member is fixedly mounted on the housing. The first and second clamping members may be spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other, and the first and second clamping members may resiliently press against the roller-side hinge element.

[0027] The first clamping member may have a first closed cavity therein, and the second clamping member may have a second closed cavity therein. Attached Figure Description

[0028] 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, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, installed on the rear door of a vehicle, is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 The selector located near the vehicle's outer door handle, the actuator connected to the selector, and the retaining lock are shown.

[0031] Figure 3 Showing Figure 1 The car door is open in sliding mode;

[0032] Figure 4 Showing Figure 1 The car door is open in a swing mode;

[0033] Figure 5 The following operation is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the upper roller unit and the lower roller unit move along the upper and lower tracks in the door opening and closing device;

[0034] Figure 6 An upper roller unit and a lower roller unit in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0035] Figure 7 The following operation is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is opened and closed in a swing mode via the upper roller unit and the lower roller unit of the door opening and closing device;

[0036] Figure 8 An upper roller unit and a lower roller unit are shown in a door opening and closing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9The following operation is shown according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the door is opened and closed in a swing mode via the upper roller unit and the lower roller unit of the door opening and closing device;

[0038] Figure 10A A 3D view of the upper retaining lock and the lower retaining lock is shown;

[0039] Figure 10B The status of the upper and lower retaining locks' corresponding striking pins is displayed;

[0040] Figure 10C The status of the upper and lower retaining locks being released is displayed, indicating the corresponding striker positions.

[0041] Figure 10D This shows the status of the upper and lower retaining locks, indicating that they can accommodate the corresponding striking pins.

[0042] Figure 11 The master latches installed on the door and the master striker are shown;

[0043] Figure 12 A perspective view of a central track in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the swing guide of the middle track is shown;

[0045] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the sliding guide of the middle track is shown;

[0046] Figure 15 The structure shows the intermediate roller unit held within the swing guide of the intermediate track;

[0047] Figure 16 The operation of the intermediate roller unit being released from the swing guide of the intermediate track is shown;

[0048] Figure 17 The diagram illustrates the structure of an intermediate roller unit arranged between a vehicle door and an intermediate track in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 18 The state of the intermediate roller unit in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are connected by a sliding hinge;

[0050] Figure 19 Shown in Figure 18 The state of movement of the sliding hinge in the intermediate roller unit relative to the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element;

[0051] Figure 20 Shown in Figure 19 The state in which the roller-side hinge element in the intermediate roller unit is released from the door-side hinge element;

[0052] Figure 21 A perspective view of a central track in a door opening and closing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0053] Figure 22 Shown in Figure 17 The state in which the door-side hinge element in the intermediate roller unit is released from the roller-side hinge element;

[0054] Figure 23 Shown in Figure 17 The door-side hinge element in the intermediate roller unit shown is connected to the roller-side hinge element, and the roller-side hinge element is released from the clamping unit.

[0055] Figure 24 Showing Figure 17 The clamping unit of the intermediate roller unit shown;

[0056] Figure 25 The state of the intermediate roller unit in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are connected by hinge lugs;

[0057] Figure 26 Shown in Figure 25 The state in which the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element in the intermediate roller unit are released through the hinge lugs;

[0058] Figure 27 The state of the intermediate roller unit in a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are connected by hinge lugs;

[0059] Figure 28 Shown in Figure 27 The state in which the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element in the intermediate roller unit are released through the hinge lugs;

[0060] Figure 29 A clamping unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 30 A clamping unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0062] Figure 31The invention illustrates a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, applied to the front door of a vehicle when the front door is opened in a sliding mode.

[0063] Figure 32 Showing Figure 31 The front door of the vehicle is open in a swing mode;

[0064] Figure 33 The illustration shows a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention applied to the front and rear doors of a vehicle when the front and rear doors are opened in a sliding mode; and

[0065] Figure 34 Showing Figure 33 The front and rear doors are open in a swing mode.

[0066] 1: Body

[0067] 2: Front car door

[0068] 3: Rear door

[0069] 4: Front door

[0070] 5: Rear door

[0071] 6: Outer 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: Intermediate roller unit

[0078] 31: Open the retaining lock

[0079] 33: Upper impact pin

[0080] 34: Lower impact pin

[0081] 40: Selector

[0082] 41: First Switch

[0083] 42: Second switch

[0084] 80: Main latch

[0085] 81: Main impact pin

[0086] 91: Sliding Guide

[0087] 92: Swing guide

[0088] 110: Door side hinge components

[0089] 111: First door side hinge arm

[0090] 112: Second door side hinge arm

[0091] 115: Base of the car door side

[0092] 118, 228: Hinge lugs

[0093] 120: Roller-side hinge element

[0094] 121: First roller side hinge arm

[0095] 122: Second roller side hinge arm

[0096] 125: Roller side base

[0097] 130: Sliding hinge

[0098] 133: First hinge pin

[0099] 134: Second hinge pin

[0100] 140: Clamping unit

[0101] 141: First clamping component

[0102] 142: Second clamping component. Detailed Implementation

[0103] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are always used to designate the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, a detailed description of known techniques related to the invention will be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention.

[0104] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used to describe elements in exemplary embodiments of the invention. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the inherent characteristics, order, or sequence of the respective elements are not limited by these terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in general dictionaries are interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and are not interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this invention.

[0105] A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention allows the door to be selectively opened and closed in either a sliding mode or a swing mode. In other words, a door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be a variable-form door opening and closing device. The sliding mode allows the door to be opened and closed by sliding along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the swing mode allows the door to be opened and closed by swinging inward and outward.

[0106] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle body 1 may have multiple doors 2 and 3, and these doors 2 and 3 may be divided into front doors 2 and rear doors 3. Multiple doors 4 and 5 may include: a front door 4 and a rear door 5, wherein the front door 4 covers and exposes the front door 2; and the rear door 5 covers and exposes the rear door 3. When the front door 4 is open, the front door 4 can expose the front door 2, and when the front door 4 is closed, the front door 4 can cover the front door 2. When the rear door 5 is open, the rear door 5 can expose the rear door 3, and when the rear door 5 is closed, the rear door 5 can cover the rear door 3.

[0107] The door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the front door 4, the rear door 5, etc. Figures 1 to 16 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a rear door 5. Hereinafter, the rear door 5 will be referred to as door 5, and the rear door opening 3 will be referred to as door opening 3.

[0108] A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include one or more tracks 11 and 12 mounted on the vehicle body 1, said tracks 11 and 12 extending along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. (See reference) Figure 1 The upper rail 11 can be installed on the upper edge of the vehicle body 1, while the lower rail 12 can be installed on 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 door 3, while the lower rail 12 can be arranged at the lower edge of the door 3.

[0109] A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include roller units 21 and 22, which are guided along tracks 11 and 12. Roller units 21 and 22 can open and close the door 5 in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swing mode. Specifically, roller units 21 and 22 can be releasably held in a predetermined position by retaining locks 31 and 32. Specifically, when roller units 21 and 22 are held in predetermined positions on tracks 11 and 12 by retaining locks 31 and 32, the door 5 can open and close in a swing mode (in which the door swings at the predetermined position on tracks 11 and 12). When roller units 21 and 22 are released by retaining locks 31 and 32, the door 5 can open and close in a sliding mode (in which the door slides along tracks 11 and 12).

[0110] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The upper roller unit 21 can be installed at the upper end of the door 5, and the upper roller unit 21 can slide along the upper track 11. The lower roller unit 22 can be installed at the lower end of the door 5, and the lower roller unit 22 can slide along the lower track 12.

[0111] refer to Figure 2 The door 5 may include an outer handle 6, and a selector 40 for selecting a sliding mode and a swing mode may be adjacent to the outer handle 6. The selector 40 may have a first switch 41 for selecting a sliding mode and a second switch 42 for selecting a swing mode.

[0112] When the user presses the first switch 41 and selects the sliding mode, the door 5 can slide along the outer handle 6 as the user pushes it forward or pulls it backward. Figure 3 The upper track 11, lower track 12, and middle track 13 shown can slide. In sliding mode, the door 5 can slide as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 3 The door 5 moves between the first open position OP1 and the first closed position CP1. The first open position OP1 refers to the position where the door 5 is fully open, while the first closed position CP1 refers to the position where the door 5 is fully closed.

[0113] When the user presses the second switch 42 and selects the swing mode, the door 5 can move as the user pushes the outer handle 6 towards the passenger compartment or pulls the outer handle 6 towards the outside of the vehicle. Figure 4 As shown, it swings. In swing mode, door 5 can swing as shown. Figure 7 and Figure 9The door 5 moves between the second open position OP2 (in which the door 5 is fully open) and the 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 operate in a swing mode.

[0114] The upper roller unit 21 may have an upper retaining lock 31, and the vehicle body 1 may have a first upper impact pin 31a and a second upper impact pin 31b protruding downward from the top of the vehicle body 1. The first upper impact pin 31a may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, while the second upper impact pin 31b may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0115] According to an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striking pin 31a in the first closed position CP1, and can releasably retain the second upper striking pin 31b in the first open position OP1. That is, one upper retaining lock 31 can selectively retain the first upper striking pin 31a and the second upper striking pin 31b. When the upper retaining lock 31 retains the first upper striking pin 31a, the upper roller unit 21 can be held in the first closed position CP1. When the upper retaining lock 31 retains the second upper striking pin 31b, the upper roller unit 21 can be held in the first open position OP1.

[0116] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striking pin 31a in the first closed position CP1, and a separate upper opening retaining lock (not shown) can releasably retain the second upper striking pin 31b in the first open position OP1. That is, the upper retaining lock 31 that releasably retains the first upper striking pin 31a in the first closed position CP1 and the upper opening retaining lock that releasably retains the second upper striking pin 31b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the upper roller unit 21.

[0117] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 The upper roller unit 21 may have an upper rotation axis CX1, and the door 5 may rotate about the upper rotation axis CX1. When the upper roller unit 21 is securely held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper retaining lock 31 and the first upper impact pin 31a, the door 5 may rotate about the upper rotation axis CX1.

[0118] The lower roller unit 22 may have a lower retaining lock 32, and the vehicle body 1 may have a first lower impact pin 32a and a second lower impact pin 32b protruding upward from the bottom of the vehicle body 1. The first lower impact pin 32a may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, while the second lower impact pin 32b may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0119] According to an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striking pin 32a in the first closed position CP1, and can releasably retain the second lower striking pin 32b in the first open position OP1. That is, a lower retaining lock 32 can selectively retain the first lower striking pin 32a and the second lower striking pin 32b. When the lower retaining lock 32 retains the first lower striking pin 32a, the lower roller unit 22 can be securely held in the first closed position CP1. When the lower retaining lock 32 retains the second lower striking pin 32b, the lower roller unit 22 can be securely held in the first open position OP1.

[0120] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striking pin 32a in the first closed position CP1, and a separate lower open retaining lock (not shown) can releasably retain the second lower striking pin 32b in the first open position OP1. That is, the lower retaining lock 32 that releasably retains the first lower striking pin 32a in the first closed position CP1 and the lower open retaining lock that releasably retains the second lower striking pin 32b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the lower roller unit 22.

[0121] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 9 The lower roller unit 22 may have a lower rotation axis CX2, and the door 5 may rotate about the lower rotation axis CX2. When the lower roller unit 22 is securely held in the first closed position CP1 by the lower retaining lock 32 and the first lower impact pin 32a, the door 5 may rotate about the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0122] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be vertically aligned, and the door 5 can rotate around the vertically aligned upper rotation axis CX1 and lower rotation axis CX2.

[0123] refer to Figure 2 Selector 40 can be electrically connected to actuator 43, and actuator 43 can be configured to operate upper retaining lock 31 and lower retaining lock 32.

[0124] When the user selects via selector 40, actuator 43 can selectively perform a holding operation and a releasing operation. In the holding operation, upper holding lock 31 holds the first upper striking pin 31a and lower holding lock 32 holds the first lower striking pin 32a. In the releasing operation, upper holding lock 31 releases the first upper striking pin 31a and lower holding lock 32 releases the first lower striking pin 32a.

[0125] When the user presses the first switch 41 of the selector 40 with the door 5 closed, the upper retaining lock 31 releases the first upper striking pin 31a through the release operation of the actuator 43, and at the same time, the lower retaining lock 32 releases the first lower striking pin 32a. Therefore, the user can slide the door 5 along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body 1, so that the door 5 can be opened and closed in a sliding mode.

[0126] When the user presses the second switch 42 of the selector 40 with the door 5 closed, the actuator 43 engages, causing the upper retaining lock 31 to hold the first upper striking pin 31a and the lower retaining lock 32 to hold the first lower striking pin 32a. The upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 are also securely held in the first closed position CP1. Therefore, the user can swing the door 5 towards the interior or exterior of the vehicle, allowing the door 5 to open and close in a swing mode.

[0127] According to an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, an actuator 43 can operate the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 simultaneously.

[0128] According to another exemplary embodiment, the actuator of the operably holding lock 31 and another actuator of the operably holding lock 32 can be separately connected to the selector 40.

[0129] Figures 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. (Reference) Figures 10A to 10D Each of the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 may include: a latching portion 71, a claw 72, and a control lever 73, wherein the claw 72 is releasably engaged with the latching portion 71; and the control lever 73 is operatively connected to the claw 72. The control lever 73 may be connected to an actuator 43 via a cable 75. When the cable 75 is retracted (pulled) by the actuator 43, the latching portion 71 may release the striking pins 31a and 32a. A portion of the latching portion 71, the claw 72, and the control lever 73 may be covered by a cover plate 76, and the cover plate 76 may be attached to a mounting plate 74. The striking pins 31a and 32a may be secured to the vehicle body 1 via a mounting plate 78.

[0130] refer to Figures 10A to 10D The upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striking pin 31a, and the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striking pin 32a.

[0131] The locking part 71 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a first pivot 71a. The locking part 71 may have a slot 71b for receiving the striking pins 31a and 32a, and the locking part 71 can engage or release the striking pins 31a and 32a. The locking part 71 can be in the engaged position (see...) Figure 10B ) and release position (see Figure 10C The movement between ( ). The engagement position refers to, for example, Figure 10B The shown snap-fit ​​portion 71 engages with the pins 31a and 32a, while the release position refers to... Figure 10C The locking part 71 is shown in the position where the locking pins 31a and 32a are released. When the locking part 71 is in the position as shown... Figure 10B When in the engagement position shown, the locking portion 71 can engage the striking pins 31a and 32a, allowing the locking portion 71 to retain the striking pins 31a and 32a. When the locking portion 71 is in the position shown... Figure 10C In the release position shown, the engaging portion 71 can release the striking pins 31a and 32a. Therefore, the striking pins 31a and 32a can be released from or received within the slot 71b of the engaging portion 71. The engaging portion 71 can be biased toward the release position by a first biasing element 71c (e.g., a torsion spring). The first biasing element 71c can be arranged about a first pivot 71a. The engaging portion 71 may have a locking shoulder 71d.

[0132] The chuck 72 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via the second pivot 72a, and the chuck 72 can be in the chuck locked position (see...). Figure 10B ) and the release position of the chuck (see 10C and Figure 10D The pawl lock position refers to the position where the pawl 72 engages with the latching part 71 and holds the latching part 71 in the engaged position, while the pawl release position refers to the position where the pawl 72 releases the latching part 71 and moves the latching part 71 from the engaged position to the released position. For example... Figure 10B As shown, when the pawl 72 is in the pawl locked position, the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71 can be restricted by the pawl 72, so that the engaging portion 71 can be held in the engaged position. Figure 10C and Figure 10D As shown, when the pawl 72 is in the pawl release position, the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71 is not restricted by the pawl 72, allowing the engaging portion 71 to move from the engaged position to the released position. The pawl 72 can be biased toward the pawl locking position by a second biasing element 72c (such as a torsion spring) (see...). Figure 10B The second bias element 72c can be arranged around the second pivot 72a.

[0133] The pawl 72 may have a locking protrusion 72d that locks to the locking shoulder 71d of the locking engagement portion 71. For example... Figure 10B As shown, when the pawl 72 moves to the pawl locking position via the second biasing element 72c, the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 can lock onto the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71 and restrict the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71, so that the engaging portion 71 can remain in the engaged position. Figure 10CAs shown, when the pawl 72 moves to the pawl release position via the control lever 73, the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 can be released from the locking shoulder 71d of the latching part 71, and the latching part 71 can be moved (rotated) so that the latching part 71 can be moved to the release position via the first biasing element 71c.

[0134] Control lever 73 is pivotally mounted on mounting plate 74 via third pivot 73a. Control lever 73 is connected to actuator 43 via cable 75. One end of cable 75 can be secured to control lever 73, and cable 75 can be advanced or retracted by actuator 43. When actuator 43 moves cable 75, control lever 73 can pivot about third pivot 73a. When cable 75 is retracted, control lever 73 can move pawl 72 to pawl release position (see...). Figure 10C ).

[0135] The control lever 73 is operably connected to the jaw 72 via a pin 72b and an opening 73b. The pin 72b may be disposed on the jaw 72, and the opening 73b may be disposed in the control lever 73. The pin 72b may be movably received in the opening 73b. As the control lever 73 pivots about a third pivot 73a, the pin 72b may move in the opening 73b, thereby allowing the jaw 72 to move.

[0136] like Figure 10B As shown, when the cable 75 is advanced by the actuator 43, the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 can lock onto the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71 and restrict the movement (rotation) of the engaging portion 71, so that the engaging portion 71 can be held in the engaged position. The striking pins 31a and 32a can be held in the slot 71b of the engaging portion 71. That is, the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 can hold the corresponding striking pins 31a and 32a.

[0137] For example 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 engagement portion 71, and the engagement portion 71 can be moved (rotated) so that the engagement portion 71 can be moved to the release position by the first biasing element 71c, and the striking pins 31a and 32a can be released from the slot 71b of the engagement portion 71. Therefore, the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 can release the corresponding striking pins 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.

[0138] like Figure 10DAs shown, even when the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is released from the locking shoulder 71d of the engaging portion 71 and the cable 75 is advanced by the actuator 43, 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 striking pins 31a and 32a can be accommodated in the slot 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 striking pins 31a and 32a can be accommodated in the slot 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. With the pins 31a and 32a accommodated in the slit 71b of the latching portion 71, the latching portion 71 can move to the engaged position 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. For example... Figure 10B As shown, when the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is locked to the locking shoulder 71d of the latching part 71, the latching part 71 can retain the pawl pins 31a and 32a.

[0139] Reference 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 extension portion 51 and a second extension portion 52, the first extension portion 51 extending straight along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; the second extension portion 52 extending from the first extension portion 51 toward the interior space of the vehicle. The second extension portion 52 can be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the first extension portion 51.

[0140] refer to Figure 6 Each of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 may include: a roller bracket 64 and a body 60, the roller bracket 64 having rollers 65 and 66 that roll along tracks 11 and 12; the body 60 connecting the roller bracket 64 and the door 5.

[0141] 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 door 5.

[0142] The roller bracket 64 can rotatably support rollers 65 and 66, and rollers 65 and 66 can roll along the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Figure 6As shown, the intermediate roller 65 and two side rollers 66 arranged on both sides of the intermediate roller 65 can be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 64. The rotation axis of the intermediate roller 65 can be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side rollers 66.

[0143] According to an exemplary implementation, such as Figure 6 As shown, the first end 61 of the body 60 is pivotally connected to the roller bracket 64 via a pivot pin 68, while the second end 62 of the body 60 can be fixed to the door 5. Therefore, the door 5 can swing about the pivot pin 68 adjacent to the roller bracket 64. The body 60 may have a pivot lug 63 projecting from the first end 61 toward the roller bracket 64, and the roller bracket 64 can be connected to the pivot lug 63 via the pivot pin 68. The roller bracket 64 can be configured not to interfere with the body 60 when the door 5 swings. The upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be defined by the pivot pin 68. 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 68, and the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be vertically aligned, allowing the door 5 to swing about a vertical rotation axis (which virtually connects the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2). The upper retaining lock 31 can be fixed to the roller bracket 64 of the upper roller unit 21, and the lower retaining lock 32 can be fixed to the roller bracket 64 of the lower roller unit 22.

[0144] When the actuator 43 engages to hold the upper retaining lock 31 securely in the first closed position CP1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower retaining lock 32 securely in the first closed position CP1 of the lower roller unit 22, the door 5 can be rotated as follows: Figure 7 The upper rotation axis CX1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower rotation axis CX2 of the lower roller unit 22 shown swing. 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 component can be separated from the door 5 by a predetermined gap S1 to prevent any interference with the door 4 or other component. For example, the door 5 can be a rear door, and the other adjacent door 4 can be a front door.

[0145] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment shown, since 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. Because the swing trajectory T1 and rotation radius R1 of the door 5 are relatively increased, the gap S1 between the door 5 and another adjacent door 4 can be relatively increased. If the gap S1 between the door 5 and another adjacent door 4 is reduced, the door 5 may interfere with the adjacent door 4 when it moves toward the second open position OP2, and because the swing trajectory T1 of the door 5 will be relatively reduced, the open space created by the swing of the door 5 may be relatively reduced.

[0146] According to another exemplary implementation, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first end 61 of the main body 60 can be fixed to the roller bracket 64, while the second end 62 of the main body 60 can be pivotally connected to the door 5 via a pivot pin 68a. Therefore, the door 5 can swing about the pivot pin 68a adjacent to the second end 62 of the main body 60.

[0147] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The roller bracket 64 can be fixed to the first end 61 of the body 60 by welding, fasteners, or other means, and the second end 62 of the body 60 can be pivotally connected to the door 5 via a pivot pin 68a. The door 5 can have a pivot lug 69 protruding toward the body 60, and the pivot lug 69 can be pivotally connected to the second end 62 of the body 60 via a pivot pin 68a. The second end 62 of the body 60 can be configured not to interfere with the door 5 when it 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 door 5 can swing about a vertical rotation axis (which virtually connects the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2). The upper retaining lock 31 can be fixed to the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21, and the lower retaining lock 32 can be fixed to the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22.

[0148] refer to Figure 9When the upper retaining lock 31 securely holds the roller bracket 64 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1, and the lower retaining lock 32 securely holds the roller bracket 64 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1, the 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 door 5 can move between the second closed position CP2 (where the door 5 is closed) and the second open position OP2 (where the door 5 is open).

[0149] 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 may 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 swing trajectory T2 of the door 5 is not reduced, thus not shrinking the open space formed by the swing of the door 5.

[0150] refer to Figure 11 The main latch 80 can be installed at the rear end of the door 5, and the main impact pin 81 can be fixed to the body 1. The main latch 80 can releasably engage the main impact pin 81. When the door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 can engage the main impact pin 81 through the engagement operation of the outer handle 6, so that the door 5 can be locked in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2. When the door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 can release the main impact pin 81 through the release operation of the outer handle 6, thereby allowing the door 5 to move in a sliding mode or a swing mode. When the door 5 is held in the first closed position CP1 and the main latch 80 releases the main impact pin 81, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be released from the intermediate rail 13, so that the door 5 can be opened and closed in a swing mode.

[0151] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the door opening and closing device may further include: a central rail 13 and a central roller unit 23, wherein the central rail 13 is mounted at the central portion of the vehicle body 1; and the central roller unit 23 is guided along the central rail 13.

[0152] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The intermediate track 13 can extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle from the rear edge of the door 3. The intermediate roller unit 23 can be pivotally mounted at the central portion of the door 5. Specifically, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be mounted adjacent to the rear end of the door 5. The intermediate roller unit 23 can be guided along the intermediate track 13.

[0153] refer to Figure 12 The intermediate track 13 may include a sliding guide 91 and a swing guide 92, wherein the sliding guide 91 extends straight along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and the swing guide 92 extends from the sliding guide 91 toward the inside of the vehicle. The swing guide 92 may be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the sliding guide 91 by a bending portion 93, and the bending portion 93 may be bent by a predetermined radius.

[0154] 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 door 5. Rollers 105 and 106 may roll along the intermediate track 13. Figure 15 As shown, the intermediate roller 105 and two side rollers 106 arranged on both sides of the intermediate roller 105 can be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101. The rotation axis of the intermediate roller 105 can be orthogonal to the rotation axis of the side rollers 106.

[0155] When the door 5 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in the selected sliding mode, the sliding guide 91 can guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23.

[0156] refer to Figure 12 and Figure 14 The sliding guide 91 may include a stop wall 95 that prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the sliding guide 91. The stop wall 95 may extend along the length of the sliding guide 91 and the length of the curved portion 93. The stop wall 95 may project vertically downward from the top of the sliding guide 91. Because the stop wall 95 is located near the upper region of the sliding guide 91 and the upper region of the curved portion 93, it prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from moving away from the sliding guide 91 toward the outside of the vehicle, such as... Figure 14 As shown.

[0157] When the door 5 is opened and closed in a swing mode in the selected swing mode, the swing guide 92 can guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 to be released from the intermediate track 13.

[0158] The outer side of the swing guide 92 can be fully open to the outside of the vehicle. A guide protrusion 94 can protrude upwards from the bottom of the swing guide 92 and can extend along the length of the swing guide 92. When the door 5 swings along the swing trajectory T1 or T2 from the second closed position CP2 to the second open position OP2, the intermediate roller 105 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be guided along the guide protrusion 94, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0159] The front end 95a of the stop wall 95 of the sliding guide 91 and the rear end 94a of the guide protrusion 94 can be located in a position that does not interfere with the swing trajectories T1 and T2 of the door 5. Additionally, as... Figure 16 As shown, the axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide 92 can intersect at a predetermined angle α. Specifically, the intersection angle α between the axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and the axis X2 of the swing guide 92 can be an obtuse angle, allowing the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 to be easily released from or easily accommodated within the swing guide 92 of the intermediate track 13. The intermediate track 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 within the intermediate track 13 when the door 5 swings in a 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 can be defined between the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide protrusion 94. Due to space 98, no interference occurs when the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 are released from or contained within the intermediate track 13 in the swing mode.

[0160] At the same time, according to Figures 12 to 16 In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the main latch 80 fails or the door 5 or the swing guide 92 is deformed due to an external impact occurring in the sliding mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be separated from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate track 13, so the door 5 cannot be easily opened and closed in the sliding mode.

[0161] To address this issue, the door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be configured such that the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 do not disengage from the swing guide 92 of the intermediate track 13 in either the sliding mode or the swing mode, and that the hinge elements 110 and 120 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be connected or released from each other when the sliding mode or the swing mode is selected. Therefore, the door opening and closing device can reliably open and close the door 5 in either the sliding mode or the swing mode.

[0162] refer to Figure 21 According to another exemplary embodiment, the swing guide 92 of the intermediate track 13 may have a stop wall 99 extending from the stop wall 95 of the sliding guide 91. The swing guide 92 may use the stop wall 99 to prevent the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 from separating from the intermediate track 13. Therefore, in either the swing mode or the sliding mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 will not separate from the intermediate track 13.

[0163] refer to Figures 17 to 20 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate roller unit 23 may include: a door-side hinge element 110, a roller-side hinge element 120, and a sliding hinge 130, wherein the door-side hinge element 110 is fixed to the door 5; the roller-side hinge element 120 is connected to the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23; and the sliding hinge 130 releasably connects the door-side hinge element 110 to the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0164] The door-side hinge element 110 may include: a door-side base 115 and a first door-side hinge arm 111 and a second door-side hinge arm 112. The door-side base 115 is fixed to the door 5 by means of fasteners, welding or the like. The first door-side hinge arm 111 and the second door-side hinge arm 112 extend from the door-side base 115.

[0165] The first door-side hinge arm 111 may have a first door-side hinge hole 113, and the second door-side hinge arm 112 may have a second door-side hinge hole 114. The first door-side hinge arm 111 and the second door-side hinge arm 112 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0166] The roller-side hinge element 120 can be integrally connected to the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23. In particular, the roller-side hinge element 120 can be integrally formed with the roller bracket 101, so that the roller-side hinge element 120 and the roller bracket 101 can be formed as an integral, one-piece structure.

[0167] The roller-side hinge element 120 may include a roller-side base 125, a first roller-side hinge arm 121, and a second roller-side hinge arm 122. The roller-side base 125 is integrally connected to the roller support 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23. The first roller-side hinge arm 121 and the second roller-side hinge arm 122 extend from the roller-side base 125. The first roller-side hinge arm 121 may have a first roller-side hinge hole 123, and the second roller-side hinge arm 122 may have a second roller-side hinge hole 124. The first roller-side hinge arm 121 and the second roller-side hinge arm 122 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0168] The first door-side hinge arm 111 of the door-side hinge element 110 may be adjacent to or in contact with the first roller-side hinge arm 121 of the roller-side hinge element 120, and the axis of the first door-side hinge hole 113 may be aligned with the axis of the first roller-side hinge hole 123. The second door-side hinge arm 112 of the door-side hinge element 110 may be adjacent to or in contact with the second roller-side hinge arm 122 of the roller-side hinge element 120, and the axis of the second door-side hinge hole 114 may be aligned with the axis of the second roller-side hinge hole 124. A virtual axis extending virtually along the axes of the first door-side hinge hole 113 and the first roller-side hinge hole 123 may be parallel to or aligned with a virtual axis extending virtually along the axes of the second door-side hinge hole 114 and the second roller-side hinge hole 124.

[0169] The sliding hinge 130 may include: a base 135, a first extension 131, a second extension 132, a first hinge pin 133, and a second hinge pin 134. The base 135 is movably mounted. The first extension 131 extends horizontally from the top of the base 135 toward the first door-side hinge arm 111 and the first roller-side hinge arm 121. The second extension 132 extends horizontally from the bottom of the base 135 toward the second door-side hinge arm 112 and the second roller-side hinge arm 122. The first hinge pin 133 extends vertically from the first extension 131. The second hinge pin 134 extends vertically from the second extension 132.

[0170] The first hinge pin 133 can be releasably inserted into the first door-side hinge hole 113 and the first roller-side hinge hole 123, and the second hinge pin 134 can be releasably inserted into the second door-side hinge hole 114 and the second roller-side hinge hole 124.

[0171] The base 135 can move linearly relative to the door-side hinge element 110 and the roller-side hinge element 120, and the base 135 can move linearly along its axis. Specifically, the axis of the base 135 can be parallel to the axis of the first door-side hinge hole 113, the axis of the second door-side hinge hole 114, the axis of the first roller-side hinge hole 123, and the axis of the second roller-side hinge hole 124, so that the movement path of the base 135 can be parallel to the axis of the first door-side hinge hole 113, the axis of the second door-side hinge hole 114, the axis of the first roller-side hinge hole 123, and the axis of the second roller-side hinge hole 124.

[0172] The base 135 can be moved by a drive unit 150, and the drive unit 150 may include a drive motor 151, a pinion 152, and a rack tooth 153. The pinion 152 is connected to the drive shaft of the drive motor 151; the rack tooth 153 meshes with the pinion 152. The rack tooth 153 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the base 135. When the drive motor 151 rotates, the rotation of the pinion 152 can be transmitted to the rack tooth 153, thereby allowing the base 135 to move linearly.

[0173] The sliding hinge 130 can be in the connection position (see Figure 18 ) and release location (see Figure 19 and Figure 20 The door-side hinge element 110 and the roller-side hinge element 120 move between each other, and in the connected position, the door-side hinge element 110 and the roller-side hinge element 120 are connected to each other. In the released position, the door-side hinge element 110 and the roller-side hinge element 120 are released from each other.

[0174] refer to Figure 18 When the sliding hinge 130 is in the connected position, the first hinge pin 133 of the sliding hinge 130 can be inserted into the first door-side hinge hole 113 of the door-side hinge element 110 and the first roller-side hinge hole 123 of the roller-side hinge element 120, and the second hinge pin 134 of the sliding hinge 130 can be inserted into the second door-side hinge hole 114 of the door-side hinge element 110 and the second roller-side hinge hole 124 of the roller-side hinge element 120. The roller-side hinge element 120 can be pivotally connected to the door-side hinge element 110 via the sliding hinge 130. The intermediate roller unit 23 can be configured such that the roller-side hinge element 120 can be pivotally connected to the door-side hinge element 110, thereby allowing the door 5 to be easily opened and closed in sliding mode.

[0175] refer to Figure 19 When the sliding hinge 130 is in the released position, the first hinge pin 133 of the sliding hinge 130 can be released from the first roller-side hinge hole 123 of the roller-side hinge element 120, and the second hinge pin 134 of the sliding hinge 130 can be released from the second roller-side hinge hole 124 of the roller-side hinge element 120. In this state, the roller-side hinge element 120 can be released from the door-side hinge element 110, as... Figure 20 As shown. The intermediate roller unit 23 can be configured such that the roller-side hinge element 120 can be released from the door-side hinge element 110, so that the door 5 can be easily opened and closed in a swing mode.

[0176] The vehicle body may have a door frame 3a that defines the doorway 3. An intermediate roller unit 23 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention may be releasably connected to the door frame 3a via a clamping unit 140.

[0177] The roller-side hinge element 120 can be releasably connected to the door frame 3a via the clamping unit 140.

[0178] refer to Figure 24 According to an exemplary embodiment, the clamping unit 140 may include: a housing 149, a first clamping member 141 and a second clamping member 142, wherein the housing 149 is fixed to the door frame 3a by welding, using fasteners or the like; the first clamping member 141 is pivotally mounted on the housing 149; and the second clamping member 142 is pivotally mounted on the housing 149.

[0179] The housing 149 may accommodate at least a portion of the roller-side base 125 and roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122 of the roller-side hinge element 120. The housing 149 may have a first sidewall 149a and a second sidewall 149b, and the first sidewall 149a and the second sidewall 149b may be spaced apart from each other to accommodate the roller-side base 125 and roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122 of the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0180] The first clamping member 141 and the second clamping member 142 may be arranged to face each other and spaced apart by a certain gap, which corresponds to the width of the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120.

[0181] The first clamping member 141 can be pivotally mounted on the first sidewall 149a of the housing 149 via the first pivot pin 143, and the first clamping member 141 can be biased toward the center of the housing 149 via the first biasing element 147. The first biasing element 147 can be spaced apart from the first pivot pin 143 in the longitudinal direction of the first sidewall 149a, and the first biasing element 147 can be a helical spring between the first sidewall 149a and the first clamping member 141.

[0182] The second clamping member 142 can be pivotally mounted on the second sidewall 149b of the housing 149 via the second pivot pin 144, and the second clamping member 142 can be biased toward the center of the housing 149 via the second biasing element 148. The second biasing element 148 can be spaced apart from the second pivot pin 144 in the longitudinal direction of the second sidewall 149b, and the second biasing element 148 can be a helical spring located between the second sidewall 149b and the second clamping member 142.

[0183] The first clamping member 141 and the second clamping member 142 can clamp the two opposite edges of the roller side base 125 by the biasing force of the first biasing element 147 and the biasing force of the second biasing element 148.

[0184] The first clamping member 141 may have a first engagement shoulder 145 that engages with a corresponding edge of the roller side base 125, and the second clamping member 142 may have a second engagement shoulder 146 that engages with a corresponding edge of the roller side base 125.

[0185] When the force applied by the user to the roller-side base 125 of the roller-side hinge element 120 is greater than the forces of the biasing elements 147 and 148, the roller-side base 125 of the roller-side hinge element 120 can be released from the first clamping member 141 and the second clamping member 142. That is, the clamping unit 140 can release the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0186] refer to Figure 17 The door-side hinge element 110 moves to the connection position via the sliding hinge 130 (see...) Figure 18 When connected to the roller-side hinge element 120, the roller-side hinge element 120 can be connected to the door frame 3a via the clamping unit 140, so that the door 5 can remain in the closed state.

[0187] refer to Figure 22 With the roller-side hinge element 120 connected to the door frame 3a via the clamping unit 140, the sliding hinge 130 moves to the release position (see...). Figure 20 When the door is opened, the door-side hinge element 110 can be released from the roller-side hinge element 120, allowing the door 5 to swing toward the external space of the vehicle. In other words, the door-side hinge element 110 can be released from the roller-side hinge element 120, allowing the door 5 to open and close in a swing mode.

[0188] refer to Figure 23 When the sliding hinge 130 moves to the connection position (see...) Figure 18 When the door-side hinge element 110 is connected to the roller-side hinge element 120, the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can move toward the sliding guide 91 of the intermediate track 13 when the user pushes the door 5 toward the rear of the vehicle. Here, when the force applied by the user to the roller-side hinge element 120 is greater than the force of the biasing elements 147 and 148, the roller-side base 125 of the roller-side hinge element 120 can be released from the pair of clamping members 141 and 142.

[0189] Figure 25 and Figure 26 The hinge structure of the intermediate roller unit 23 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 25 and Figure 26The hinge pin 230 can be installed between the roller side hinge arms 121 and 122 of the roller side hinge element 120, and the door side hinge element 110 can be releasably connected to the hinge pin 230 via a pair of hinge lugs 118.

[0190] The door-side hinge element 110 may have a first recess 113a that accommodates a portion of the hinge pin 230, and the first recess 113a may be provided in each of the door-side hinge arms 111 and 112. The radius of each first recess 113a may correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge pin 230. Specifically, the first recess 113a may have an arcuate shape capable of releasing the hinge pin 230. The door-side hinge arms 111 and 112 may have a first inclined surface 119 that extends obliquely from the first recess 113a.

[0191] Each hinge lug 118 may have an arcuate shape, and the hinge lug 118 may be movably arranged on each of the door-side hinge arms 111 and 112 of the door-side hinge element 110. Specifically, the hinge lug 118 may be mounted to move along a circular path defined by the circumference of the first recess 113a by a drive device (not shown) including a drive motor (not shown). The hinge lug 118 may have a second recess 118a that receives a portion of the hinge pin 230. The radius of the second recess 118a may correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge pin 230, and the second recess 118a may have an arcuate shape capable of releasing the hinge pin 230. The hinge lug 118 may have a first end face 118b and a second end face 118c.

[0192] Hinge lug 118 can be kept in position (see Figure 25 ) and release position (see Figure 26 The hinge lug 118 moves between the two positions, holding the hinge pin 230 in the holding position and releasing the hinge pin 230 in the releasing position.

[0193] For example Figure 25 As shown, when the hinge lug 118 is in the held position, the second recess 118a of the hinge lug 118 can be continuous in the circumferential direction relative to the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110, such that the first recess 113a and the second recess 118a can define a closed hinge hole. When the hinge pin 230 is held in the closed hinge hole defined by the first recess 113a and the second recess 118a, the door-side hinge element 110 can be pivotally connected to the roller-side hinge element 120 via the hinge pin 230. In this invention, a closed hinge hole refers to a hole completely surrounded by the first recess 113a and the second recess 118a.

[0194] like Figure 26As shown, when the hinge lug 118 is in the released position, the first end face 118b of the hinge lug 118 can be spaced apart from the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110, so that a space 291 is formed between the first end face 118b of the hinge lug 118 and the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110, allowing the hinge pin 230 to move. When the second recess 118a of the hinge lug 118 is discontinuous in the circumferential direction relative to the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110 and spaced apart from the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110, the first recess 113a and the second recess 118a can form an open hinge hole. When the hinge pin 230 is released through the space 291 of the open hinge hole, the door-side hinge element 110 can be released from the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0195] Figure 27 and Figure 28 The hinge structure of the intermediate roller unit 23 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 27 and Figure 28 The door-side hinge element 110 can be releasably connected to the hinge pin 230 of the roller-side hinge element 120 via a pair of hinge lugs 228.

[0196] Each hinge lug 228 may include: a first portion 228b and a second portion 228c, the first portion 228b being pivotally mounted on each of the door-side hinge arms 111 and 112 of the door-side hinge element 110 via a pivot pin 227; the second portion 228c having a second recess 228a that receives a portion of the hinge pin 230.

[0197] Each hinge lug 228 can be biased toward the door-side hinge element 110 via a biasing element 229. The biasing element 229 can be a torsion spring arranged around the pivot pin 227.

[0198] The radius of the second recess 228a may correspond to the outer diameter of the hinge pin 230, and the second recess 228a may have an arcuate shape that allows the hinge pin 230 to be released.

[0199] The hinge lug 228 may have a second inclined surface 228d opposite to the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110, and the second inclined surface 228d may extend obliquely at the free end of the second portion 228c. For example, as Figure 27 and Figure 28 As shown, the first inclined surface 119 and the second inclined surface 228d can be symmetrical to each other with respect to the hinge pin 230.

[0200] Hinge lug 228 can be held in position (see Figure 27 ) and release position (see Figure 28 The hinge lug 228 moves between the holding position and the release position, wherein the hinge lug 228 holds the hinge pin 230, and the hinge lug 228 is capable of releasing the hinge pin 230. The hinge lug 228 can be biased towards the holding position (see [see [link]) by the biasing element 229. Figure 27 The hinge lug 228 is biased. When the user opens the door 5 in swing mode, and the force applied to the door-side hinge element 110 is greater than the biasing force of the biasing element 229, the hinge lug 228 can move to the release position (see...). Figure 28 ).

[0201] like Figure 27 As shown, when the hinge lug 228 is in the holding position, the second recess 228a of the hinge lug 228 can be continuous in the circumferential direction relative to the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110, such that the first recess 113a and the second recess 228a can define a closed hinge hole. In this invention, a closed hinge hole refers to a hole completely surrounded by the first recess 113a and the second recess 228a. When the hinge pin 230 is held in the closed hinge hole defined by the first recess 113a and the second recess 228a, the door-side hinge element 110 can be pivotally connected to the roller-side hinge element 120 via the hinge pin 230.

[0202] like Figure 28 As shown, when the hinge lug 228 is in the released position, the second inclined surface 228d of the hinge lug 228 can be moved away from the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110, so that a space 292 is formed between the second inclined surface 228d of the hinge lug 228 and the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110, allowing the hinge pin 230 to move. When the second recess 228a of the hinge lug 228 is discontinuous in the circumferential direction relative to the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110 and is spaced apart from the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110, the first recess 113a and the second recess 228a can form an open hinge hole. In this invention, an open hinge hole refers to a C-shaped hole that is not completely surrounded by the first recess 113a and the second recess 228a. When the hinge pin 230 is released through the open hinge hole, the door-side hinge element 110 can be released from the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0203] When the user closes the door 5 in a swing mode with the door-side hinge element 110 released from the roller-side hinge element 120, and the force applied to the hinge lug 228 by the hinge pin 230 of the roller-side hinge element 120 is greater than the force of the biasing element 229, the hinge pin 230 can push the second inclined surface 228d of the hinge lug 228, and the second inclined surface 228d of the hinge lug 228 can move away from the first inclined surface 119 of the door-side hinge element 110. The hinge pin 230 can be inserted into the first recess 113a of the door-side hinge element 110 and the second recess 228a of the hinge lug 228, and then the hinge lug 228 can hold the hinge pin 230 of the roller-side hinge element 120 by the biasing element 229.

[0204] Figure 29 A clamping unit 240 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 29 The clamping unit 240 may include: a housing 249, a first clamping member 241 and a second clamping member 242. The housing 249 is fixed to the door frame 3a by welding, fasteners or other means. The first clamping member 241 is slidably mounted on the first side wall 249a of the housing 249. The second clamping member 242 is slidably mounted on the second side wall 249a of the housing 249.

[0205] The housing 249 may accommodate at least a portion of the roller-side base 125 of the roller-side hinge element 120 and the roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122. The housing 249 may have a first sidewall 249a and a second sidewall 249b, and the first sidewall 249a and the second sidewall 249b may be spaced apart from each other to accommodate the roller-side base 125 of the roller-side hinge element 120 and the roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122.

[0206] The first clamping member 241 and the second clamping member 242 may be arranged to face each other and spaced apart from each other by a gap corresponding to the width of the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120.

[0207] The first clamping member 241 may include a first roller 241a and a first roller support 241b supporting the first roller 241a. The first clamping member 241 may be biased toward the center of the housing 249 by a first biasing element 243. The first sidewall 249a of the housing 249 may have a recess in which the first biasing element 243 is mounted, and the first biasing element 243 may push the first clamping member 241 toward the center of the housing 249.

[0208] The second clamping member 242 may include a second roller 242a and a second roller support 242b supporting the second roller 242a. The second clamping member 242 may be biased toward the center of the housing 249 by a second biasing element 244. The second sidewall 249b of the housing 249 may have a recess in which the second biasing element 244 is mounted, and the second biasing element 244 may push the second clamping member 242 toward the center of the housing 249.

[0209] The first clamping member 241 and the second clamping member 242 can clamp the two opposite edges of the roller side base 125 by the biasing force of the first biasing element 243 and the biasing force of the second biasing element 244.

[0210] When the force applied to the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 is greater than the force of the biasing elements 243 and 244, the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 can be released from the first clamping member 241 and the second clamping member 242.

[0211] Figure 30 A clamping unit 340 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. (Reference) Figure 30 The clamping unit 340 may include: a housing 349, a first clamping member 341 and a second clamping member 342. The housing 349 is fixed to the door frame 3a by welding, fasteners or other means. The first clamping member 341 is fixedly installed on the first side wall 349a of the housing 349. The second clamping member 342 is fixedly installed on the second side wall 349b of the housing 349.

[0212] The housing 349 may accommodate at least a portion of the roller-side base 125 and roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122 of the roller-side hinge element 120. The housing 349 may have a first sidewall 349a and a second sidewall 349b, and the first sidewall 349a and the second sidewall 349b may be spaced apart from each other to accommodate the roller-side base 125 and roller-side hinge arms 121 and 122 of the roller-side hinge element 120.

[0213] The first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 342 may be arranged to face each other and spaced apart from each other by a gap corresponding to the width of the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120.

[0214] The first clamping member 341 may be made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM) and may have a first closed cavity 343 therein. The first clamping member 341 may elastically press the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 through the first closed cavity 343.

[0215] The second clamping member 342 may be made of a synthetic resin material such as polyacetal or polyoxymethylene (POM), and may have a second closed cavity 344 therein. The second clamping member 342 may elastically press the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 through the second closed cavity 344.

[0216] The first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 342 can clamp the two opposite edges of the roller side base 125 by their elasticity.

[0217] When the force applied to the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 is greater than the elastic force of the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 342, the roller side base 125 of the roller side hinge element 120 can be released from the first clamping member 341 and the second clamping member 342.

[0218] Figures 1 to 30 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown for use on the rear door 5. However, the door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be applied not only to the rear door, but also to other doors, such as the front door.

[0219] Figures 31 to 32 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to the front door 4. Figure 31 It shows the front door 4 open in sliding mode, while Figure 32 It shows that the front door 4 is open in a swing mode.

[0220] Figure 33 and Figure 34 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is applied to both the front door 4 and the rear door 5. Figure 33 It shows the front door 4 and rear door 5 open in sliding mode, while Figure 34 The front door 4 and rear door 5 are shown to be open in a swing mode.

[0221] As described above, the door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can perform door opening and closing operations by selectively switching between a sliding mode and a swing mode, thereby meeting consumer needs such as convenience and versatility. Furthermore, by considering the consumer's situation and environment, the door opening and closing operation can be selected, thereby improving convenience and quality.

[0222] Specifically, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the vehicle door is opened and closed in a swing mode, the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element of the intermediate roller unit can be released from each other, and when the vehicle door is opened and closed in a sliding mode, the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element of the intermediate roller unit can be connected to each other. Therefore, the vehicle door can be reliably opened and closed in either a swing mode or a sliding mode.

[0223] In terms of vehicle specifications, regardless of the vehicle model, the door opening and closing structure can be standardized. Therefore, manufacturing and investment costs can be significantly reduced.

[0224] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary forms and accompanying drawings, the invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and alterations can 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 comprising: a vehicle body having a door frame defining a door opening; a door; a track mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track to open and close the door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; an intermediate track extending from an edge of the door opening; and an intermediate roller unit comprising a roller configured to be guided along the intermediate track, a roller carrier having the roller mounted thereon, a roller-side hinge element connected to the roller carrier, and a door-side hinge element rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element, wherein the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element are releasably connected, wherein the roller-side hinge element is releasably connected to the door frame by a clamping unit, the roller-side hinge element being releasable when a force applied to the roller-side hinge element by a user is greater than a force of the clamping unit, the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element are releasably connected by a sliding hinge; the roller-side hinge element has a roller-side hinge hole; the door-side hinge element has a door-side hinge hole aligned with the roller-side hinge hole; the sliding hinge is configured to move along an axis of the roller-side hinge hole and an axis of the door-side hinge hole, wherein the sliding hinge comprises a base configured to move along the axis of the roller-side hinge hole and the axis of the door-side hinge hole, a first extension and a second extension extending from the base towards the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element, and a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin extending from the first extension and the second extension towards the axis of the roller-side hinge hole and the axis of the door-side hinge hole.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the clamping unit comprises a housing fixed to the door frame, a first clamping member pivotably mounted on the housing, and a second clamping member pivotably mounted on the housing; the first clamping member and the second clamping member are spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: the first clamping member is biased towards a center of the housing by a first biasing element; the second clamping member is biased towards the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: the clamping unit comprises a housing fixed to the door frame, a first clamping member slidably mounted on the housing, and a second clamping member slidably mounted on the housing; the first clamping member and the second clamping member are spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other.

5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein: the first clamping member is biased towards a center of the housing by a first biasing element; ​ The second clamping member is biased toward the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping unit includes a housing, a first clamping member, and a second clamping member, the housing is fixed to the door frame, the first clamping member is fixedly mounted on the housing, and the second clamping member is fixedly mounted on the housing; The first clamping member and the second clamping member are spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other; The first clamping member and the second clamping member elastically press the roller-side hinge element.

7. The vehicle according to claim 6, wherein: The first clamping member has a first closed cavity therein; The second clamping member has a second closed cavity therein.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The hinge pin is releasably inserted into the roller-side hinge hole and the door-side hinge hole by movement of the base.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein, The base is configured to move between a connection position, in which the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are connected to each other, and a release position, in which the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element are released from each other, by the drive unit.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The drive unit includes a drive motor, a pinion gear, and a rack gear, the pinion gear is coupled to a drive shaft of the drive motor, and the rack gear is configured to engage with the pinion gear; The rack gear is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the base.

11. A vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body having a door frame defining a door opening; a door; a track mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track to open and close the door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; an intermediate track extending from an edge of the door opening; and an intermediate roller unit including a roller configured to be guided along the intermediate track, a roller bracket having the roller mounted thereon, a roller-side hinge element connected to the roller bracket, and a door-side hinge element rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element, wherein the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element are releasably connected, wherein the roller-side hinge element is releasably connected to the door frame by a clamping unit, the roller-side hinge element is releasable when a force applied to the roller-side hinge element by a user is greater than a force of the clamping unit, the roller-side hinge element has a hinge pin; the door-side hinge element has a first recess configured to accommodate a first portion of the hinge pin; the door-side hinge element includes a hinge lug configured to move along a circumference of the first recess; the hinge lug has a second recess configured to accommodate a second portion of the hinge pin; the first recess and the second recess selectively define a closed hinge hole or an open hinge hole by movement of the hinge lug. the hinge lug is configured to move between a retaining position, in which the hinge lug retains the hinge pin, and a release position, in which the hinge lug is able to release the hinge pin.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, ​ 13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein: the first recess and the second recess define a closed hinge aperture capable of retaining the hinge pin when the hinge tab is in the retaining position; the first recess and the second recess define an open hinge aperture capable of releasing the hinge pin when the hinge tab is in the releasing position.

14. A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus comprising: a track configured to be mounted on a vehicle body having a door frame defining a door opening; a roller unit configured to be mounted on a vehicle door, to move along the track, and to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; an intermediate track configured to extend from an edge of the door opening; and an intermediate roller unit comprising a roller configured to be guided along the intermediate track and mounted on a roller bracket; a roller-side hinge element configured to be connected to the roller bracket, the roller-side hinge element having a roller-side hinge aperture; and a door-side hinge element configured to be rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element, the door-side hinge element having a door-side hinge aperture configured to be aligned with the roller-side hinge aperture; wherein the roller-side hinge element and the door-side hinge element are configured to be releasably connected by a sliding hinge; the sliding hinge is configured to move along an axis of the roller-side hinge aperture and an axis of the door-side hinge aperture, wherein the sliding hinge comprises a base configured to move along the axis of the roller-side hinge aperture and the axis of the door-side hinge aperture, a first extension and a second extension extending from the base towards the door-side hinge element and the roller-side hinge element, and a first hinge pin and a second hinge pin extending from the first extension and the second extension towards the axis of the roller-side hinge aperture and the axis of the door-side hinge aperture.

15. The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus of claim 14, wherein: the roller-side hinge element is releasably connected to the door frame by a clamping unit, the roller-side hinge element being releasable when a force applied to the roller-side hinge element by a user is greater than a force of the clamping unit.

16. The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the clamping unit comprises a housing configured to be fixed to the door frame, a first clamping member configured to be pivotably mounted on the housing, and a second clamping member configured to be pivotably mounted on the housing; the first clamping member and the second clamping member are configured to be spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other; the first clamping member is configured to be biased towards a center of the housing by a first biasing element; the second clamping member is configured to be biased towards the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

17. The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus of claim 15, wherein: ​ The clamping unit includes a housing configured to be fixed to the door frame, a first clamping member configured to be slidably installed on the housing, and a second clamping member configured to be slidably installed on the housing; The first clamping member and the second clamping member are configured to be spaced apart from each other and arranged to face each other; The first clamping member is configured to be biased toward the center of the housing by a first biasing element; The second clamping member is configured to be biased toward the center of the housing by a second biasing element.

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