Door opening and closing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door, a track, a roller unit, an intermediate track, an intermediate roller unit, a door-side docking unit, and a frame-side docking unit. The vehicle body has a door frame defining a vehicle door opening. The track is mounted on the vehicle body. The roller unit is mounted on the vehicle door and is configured to move along the track to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode. The intermediate track extends from an edge of the vehicle door opening. The intermediate roller unit includes a roller, a roller bracket, a roller-side hinge element, and a door-side hinge element. The roller is configured to be guided along the intermediate track. The roller bracket has a roller mounted thereon. The roller-side hinge element is connected to the roller bracket. The door-side hinge element is rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element via a hinge pin. The door-side docking unit releasably connects the door-side hinge element to the vehicle door. The frame-side docking unit releasably connects the roller-side hinge element to the door frame.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0164178 filed on December 10, 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] A vehicle has a doorway for allowing passengers 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 or 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 embodiments of the present invention solve the problems arising 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 sliding mode. More specifically, the present invention relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device that reliably opens and closes the vehicle door in the swing mode or the sliding mode by releasably connecting an intermediate roller unit to the vehicle door and a door frame of the vehicle body when the swing mode or the sliding mode is selected.

[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 swinging mode and a sliding mode. More specifically, when the swinging mode or the sliding mode is selected, an intermediate roller unit is releasably connected to the vehicle door and the door frame of the vehicle body, thereby reliably opening and closing the vehicle door in the swinging mode or the sliding mode.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door opening and closing device may include: a vehicle body, a vehicle door, a track, a roller unit, an intermediate track, an intermediate roller unit, a vehicle door side docking unit and a frame side docking unit, wherein the vehicle body has a vehicle door frame defining a vehicle door opening; the track is mounted on the 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 edge of the vehicle door opening; the intermediate roller unit includes a roller, a roller bracket, a roller side hinge element and a vehicle door side hinge element, guiding the roller along the intermediate track, the roller bracket having a roller mounted thereon, the roller side hinge element connected to the roller bracket, and the vehicle door side hinge element being rotatably connected to the roller side hinge element via a hinge pin; the vehicle door side docking unit releasably connects the vehicle door side hinge element to the vehicle door; the frame side docking unit releasably connects the roller side hinge element to the vehicle door frame.

[0013] The door side docking unit may include: a door side bracket, a first door side clamping member and a second door side clamping member, wherein the door side bracket is fixed to the door; the first door side clamping member is slidably mounted on the door side bracket; the second door side clamping member is opposite to the first door side clamping member and is slidably mounted on the door side bracket.

[0014] The first and second door-side clamping members may be movable in directions approaching or moving away from the door-side bracket.

[0015] The first door side clamping member may have a first door side clamping portion extending toward the second door side clamping member, and the second door side clamping member may have a second door side clamping portion extending toward the first door side clamping member.

[0016] The door side bracket may have a door side cavity, the first door side clamping member may have a first door side rack portion movably accommodated in the door side cavity, the second door side clamping member may have a second door side rack portion movably accommodated in the door side cavity, and the first and second door side rack portions may be moved by a door side pinion.

[0017] The door side pinion can be arranged between the first door side rack portion and the second door side rack portion, the first door side rack portion can have first door side rack teeth meshing with the door side pinion, and the second door side rack portion can have second door side rack teeth meshing with the door side pinion.

[0018] The frame side docking unit may include: a frame side bracket, a first frame side clamping member and a second frame side clamping member, the frame side bracket is fixed to the vehicle door frame; the first frame side clamping member is slidably mounted on the frame side bracket; the second frame side clamping member is opposite to the first frame side clamping member and is slidably mounted on the frame side bracket.

[0019] The first and second frame-side clamping members may be movable in a direction approaching or moving away from the frame-side bracket.

[0020] The first frame-side clamping member may have a first frame-side clamping portion extending toward the second frame-side clamping member, and the second frame-side clamping member may have a second frame-side clamping portion extending toward the first frame-side clamping member.

[0021] The frame side bracket may have a frame side cavity, the first frame side clamping member may have a first frame side rack portion movably accommodated in the frame side cavity, the second frame side clamping member may have a second frame side rack portion movably accommodated in the frame side cavity, and the first and second frame side rack portions may be moved by a frame side pinion.

[0022] The frame side pinion can be arranged between the first frame side rack portion and the second frame side rack portion, the first frame side rack portion can have first frame side rack teeth meshing with the frame side pinion, and the second frame side rack portion can have second frame side rack teeth meshing with the frame side pinion.

[0023] The frame-side docking unit may have a guide protrusion, and the roller-side hinge element may have a guide hole into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

[0024] The door side docking unit may include: a door side bracket, a first door side clamping member and a second door side clamping member, wherein the door side bracket is fixed to the door; the first door side clamping member is pivotally mounted on the door side bracket; the second door side clamping member is opposite to the first door side clamping member and is pivotally mounted on the door side bracket.

[0025] The frame side docking unit may include: a frame side bracket, a first frame side clamping member and a second frame side clamping member, the frame side bracket is fixed to the vehicle door frame; the first frame side clamping member is pivotally mounted on the frame side bracket; the second frame side clamping member is opposite to the first frame side clamping member and is pivotally mounted on the frame side bracket.

[0026] The door side docking unit may include: a door side bracket, a first door side clamping member and a second door side clamping member, the door side bracket is fixed to the door; the first door side clamping member is installed on the door side bracket in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket through a first door side biasing element; the second door side clamping member is installed on the door side bracket in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket through a second door side biasing element.

[0027] The frame side docking unit may include: a frame side bracket, a first frame side clamping member and a second frame side clamping member, wherein the first frame side clamping member is installed on the frame side bracket in a manner biased toward the center of the frame side bracket through a first frame side biasing element; the second frame side clamping member is installed on the frame side bracket in a manner biased toward the center of the frame side bracket through a second frame side biasing element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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:

[0029] 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;

[0030] Figure 2 Shown is a selector adjacent to an outside handle of the vehicle, an actuator and motor connected to the selector, and a holding lock;

[0031] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 The door is opened in sliding mode;

[0032] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The door is opened in a swing mode;

[0033] 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;

[0034] 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;

[0035] 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;

[0036] 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;

[0037] 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;

[0038] Figure 10A A perspective view of the upper and lower retaining locks is shown;

[0039] Figure 10B The upper and lower retaining locks are shown holding the corresponding strikers;

[0040] Figure 10C Shows the state of the upper and lower holding locks releasing the corresponding strikers;

[0041] Figure 10D The upper and lower retaining locks are shown in a state where they can accommodate corresponding strikers;

[0042] Figure 11 The main latch mounted on the door and the main striker are shown;

[0043] 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;

[0044] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the swing guide of the intermediate track;

[0045] Figure 14 A cross-sectional view showing the sliding guide of the intermediate track;

[0046] Figure 15 The structure showing the intermediate roller unit being held in the swing guide of the intermediate track;

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

[0048] Figure 17 An intermediate roller unit, a door-side docking unit, and a frame-side docking unit in a door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0049] Figure 18 shows a state in which a door-side hinge element of an intermediate roller unit in a door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a door-side docking unit;

[0050] Figure 19 shows a state in which a door-side hinge member of an intermediate roller unit in a door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is released from a door-side docking unit;

[0051] Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a door-side docking unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 21 shows a state in which a roller-side hinge element of an intermediate roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a frame-side docking unit;

[0053] Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a frame-side docking unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 23 shows a state in which an intermediate roller unit in the door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a door-side docking unit and a frame-side docking unit;

[0055] Figure 24 shows a state in which an intermediate roller unit in the door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a door-side docking unit and the intermediate roller unit is released from a frame-side docking unit;

[0056] Figure 25 shows a state in which a vehicle door is opened and closed in a sliding mode in the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 26 shows a state in which an intermediate roller unit in the door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is connected to a frame-side docking unit and the intermediate roller unit is released from the door-side docking unit;

[0058] Figure 27shows a state in which a vehicle door is opened and closed in a swing mode in the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 28 shows a door-side docking unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 29 shows a frame side docking unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 30 shows a door-side docking unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 31 shows a frame side docking unit according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 32 A perspective view showing a middle rail in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 33 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;

[0065] Figure 34 Shows Figure 33 The front door is opened in a swinging mode;

[0066] Figure 35 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

[0067] Figure 36 Shows Figure 35 The front and rear doors are opened in a swing-out manner.

[0068] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0069] 1: Car body

[0070] 2: Front door

[0071] 3: Rear door

[0072] 4: Front door

[0073] 5: Rear door

[0074] 6: External handle

[0075] 11: On track

[0076] 12: Lower track

[0077] 13: Middle track

[0078] 21: Upper roller unit

[0079] 22: Lower roller unit

[0080] 23: Middle roller unit

[0081] 31: Open the lock

[0082] 33: Upper striker pin

[0083] 34: Lower striker pin

[0084] 40: Selector

[0085] 41: First switch

[0086] 42: Second switch

[0087] 80: Main latch

[0088] 81: Main striker

[0089] 91: Sliding guide

[0090] 92: Swing guide

[0091] 110: Roller side hinge element

[0092] 111: Roller side hinge arm

[0093] 115: Roller side base

[0094] 120: Door side hinge element

[0095] 121: Door side hinge arm

[0096] 125: Door side base

[0097] 130: Door side docking unit

[0098] 131: First door side clamping member

[0099] 132: Second door side clamping member

[0100] 133: First door side clamping part

[0101] 134: Second door side clamping part

[0102] 135: Door side bracket

[0103] 137: First door side rack part

[0104] 138: Second door side rack part

[0105] 140: Frame side docking unit

[0106] 141: First frame side clamping member

[0107] 142: Second frame side clamping member

[0108] 143: First frame side clamping part

[0109] 144: Second frame side clamping part

[0110] 145: Frame side bracket

[0111] 147: First frame side rack part

[0112] 148: Second frame side rack part

[0113] 150: Hinge pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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.

[0117] refer to Figure 1The 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] 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.

[0120] 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).

[0121] 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 .

[0122] 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.

[0123] 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.

[0124] 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 be swung as shown. 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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, the 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 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 remain in the first open position OP1.

[0127] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1, and a separate upper opening retaining lock (not shown) can releasably retain the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1. That is, the upper retaining lock 31 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 installed on the upper roller unit 21.

[0128] 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.

[0129] 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.

[0130] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As 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. 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.

[0131] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower holding lock 32 can releasably hold the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1, and a separate lower opening holding lock (not shown) can releasably hold the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1. That is, the lower holding lock 32 that releasably holds the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1 and the lower opening holding lock that releasably holds the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1 can be separately installed on the lower roller unit 22.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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 .

[0134] 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 .

[0135] 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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 or the exterior space of the vehicle, so that the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in a swing mode.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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 .

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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 .

[0142] 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 10BIn 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.

[0143] 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 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 10D As 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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 about the third pivot 73a. When the cable 75 is retracted, the control lever 73 may move the claw 72 to the claw release position (see FIG. Figure 10C ).

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] like Figure 10DAs 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 is still 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 are allowed to be accommodated in the slits 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 are allowed to be accommodated in the slits 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 strikers 31a and 32a are accommodated in the slits 71b of the engaging portion 71, when the force applied by the upper and lower retaining locks 31 and 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 .

[0150] 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.

[0151] 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 , 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 .

[0152] 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.

[0153] 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 6As 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 perpendicular to the rotation axis of the side rollers 66.

[0154] 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 .

[0155] 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 7 The 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 any interference with the 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.

[0156] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment shown, because the pivot pin 68 is located between the roller bracket 64 and the first end 61 of the main body 60, the rotation axes CX1 and CX2 of the vehicle door 5 may be relatively far from the vehicle door 5. Since the swing trajectory T1 and the rotation radius R1 of the vehicle door 5 are relatively increased, the gap S1 between the vehicle door 5 and another adjacent vehicle door 4 can be relatively increased. If the gap S1 between the vehicle door 5 and the other adjacent vehicle door 4 is reduced, when the vehicle door 5 moves toward the second open position OP2, the vehicle door 5 may interfere with the adjacent vehicle door 4. Moreover, since the swing trajectory T1 of the vehicle door 5 is relatively reduced, the open space created by the swinging of the vehicle door 5 may be relatively reduced.

[0157] 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.

[0158] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The 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 .

[0159] refer to Figure 9When 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).

[0160] 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.

[0161] refer to Figure 11 The 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 engage the main striker 81 by engaging 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 release the main striker 81 by releasing the outside handle 6, 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.

[0162] 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 .

[0163] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] 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 both 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 perpendicular to the rotation axis of the side rollers 106.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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 rollers 105 and 106 of 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.

[0168] 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 .

[0169] The outer side of the swing guide 92 can be completely open to the outside 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.

[0170] 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 16 As 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 rollers 105 and 106 of 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.

[0171] At the same time, according to Figures 12 to 16 In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the main latch 80 fails or the vehicle 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 may be separated from the intermediate track 13, so that the vehicle door 5 cannot be easily opened and closed in the sliding mode.

[0172] In order to solve this problem, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include: a vehicle door side docking unit 130 and a frame side docking unit 140, wherein the vehicle door side docking unit 130 releasably connects the intermediate roller unit 23 to the vehicle door 5; and the frame side docking unit 140 releasably connects the intermediate roller unit 23 to the vehicle door frame 3a of the vehicle body. Figure 17As shown. Accordingly, in either the swing mode or the sliding mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 do not separate from the intermediate rail 13, and when the swing mode or the sliding mode is selected, the intermediate roller unit 23 can be releasably connected to the vehicle door 5 and the door frame 3a of the vehicle body, so that the vehicle door opening and closing device can reliably open and close the vehicle door 5 in either the swing mode or the sliding mode. Here, the vehicle door frame 3a refers to the frame area of ​​the vehicle body that defines the vehicle door opening 3.

[0173] refer to Figure 32 According to another exemplary embodiment, the swing guide 92 of the middle rail 13 may have a stopper wall 99 extending from the stopper wall 95 of the sliding guide 91, and the swing guide 92 may use the stopper wall 99 to prevent the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle roller unit 23 from being separated from the middle rail 13. Therefore, in any of the swing mode and the sliding mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle roller unit 23 will not be separated from the middle rail 13.

[0174] The intermediate roller unit 23 may include: a roller-side hinge element 110 connected to the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23 and a door-side hinge element 120 rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element 110 via a hinge pin 150 .

[0175] The roller-side hinge element 110 can be integrally connected to the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23. In particular, the roller-side hinge element 110 can be integrally formed with the roller bracket 101, so that the roller-side hinge element 110 and the roller bracket 101 can form a single, integrated structure. The roller-side hinge element 110 can include a roller-side base 115 integrally connected to the roller bracket 101 of the intermediate roller unit 23 and a pair of roller-side hinge arms 111 extending from the roller-side base 115. The roller-side hinge element 110 can be releasably connected to the door frame 3a via the frame-side docking unit 140.

[0176] The door-side hinge element 120 may include a door-side base 125 and a pair of door-side hinge arms 121 extending from the door-side base 125. The door-side hinge arms 121 may be rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge arms 111 via hinge pins 150. The door-side hinge element 120 may be releasably connected to the vehicle door 5 via a door-side docking unit 130.

[0177] refer to Figures 18 to 20According to an exemplary embodiment, the door-side docking unit 130 may include a door-side bracket 135 and first and second door-side clamping members 131 and 132 that are movable in directions approaching or moving away from the door-side bracket 135. The first and second door-side clamping members 131 and 132 are movable relative to each other with respect to the door-side bracket 135 so that they can symmetrically clamp or release both edges of the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120.

[0178] The door-side bracket 135 may be fixed to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, etc. The door-side bracket 135 may have a door-side cavity 135a.

[0179] The first door-side clamping member 131 may be slidably mounted on the door-side bracket 135. The first door-side clamping member 131 may include a first door-side clamping portion 133 and a first door-side extending portion 133a extending toward the second door-side clamping member 132. The first door-side clamping portion 133 and the first door-side extending portion 133a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0180] The first door-side clamping portion 133 can releasably clamp the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120. Specifically, the shape of the first door-side clamping portion 133 can correspond to the shape of one edge of the door-side base 125. One surface of the door-side bracket 135 can be fixed to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, or other means. The first door-side clamping portion 133 can be spaced apart from the other surface of the door-side bracket 135 by a predetermined gap t1. The gap t1 between the other surface of the door-side bracket 135 and the surface of the first door-side clamping portion 133 facing the door-side bracket 135 can correspond to the thickness of the door-side base 125, thereby allowing the door-side base 125 to be securely clamped by the door-side bracket 135 and the first door-side clamping portion 133.

[0181] The first door-side extension portion 133a may be movably received in the door-side cavity 135a of the door-side bracket 135. The first door-side rack portion 137 may extend from the first door-side extension portion 133a toward the second door-side clamping member 132, and the first door-side rack portion 137 may have first door-side rack teeth 137a arranged along a longitudinal direction of the first door-side rack portion 137.

[0182] like Figure 18 As shown, when the first door-side clamping member 131 moves to approach the door-side bracket 135, the first door-side clamping portion 133 can clamp one edge of the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120. Figure 19 As shown, when the first door-side clamping member 131 moves away from the door-side bracket 135 , the first door-side clamping portion 133 may release one edge of the door-side base portion 125 of the door-side hinge element 120 .

[0183] The second door-side clamping member 132 may be slidably mounted on the door-side bracket 135. The second door-side clamping member 132 may include a second door-side clamping portion 134 and a second door-side extending portion 134a extending toward the first door-side clamping member 131. The second door-side clamping portion 134 and the second door-side extending portion 134a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0184] The second door-side clamping portion 134 can releasably clamp the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120. Specifically, the shape of the second door-side clamping portion 134 can correspond to the shape of the other edge of the door-side base 125. The second door-side clamping portion 134 can be spaced apart from the other surface of the door-side bracket 135 by a predetermined gap t1. The gap t1 between the other surface of the door-side bracket 135 and the surface of the second door-side clamping portion 134 facing the door-side bracket 135 can correspond to the thickness of the door-side base 125, thereby allowing the door-side base 125 to be securely clamped by the door-side bracket 135 and the second door-side clamping portion 134.

[0185] The second door-side extension portion 134a may be movably received in the door-side cavity 135a of the door-side bracket 135. A second door-side rack portion 138 may extend from the second door-side extension portion 134a toward the first door-side clamping member 131. The second door-side rack portion 138 may have second door-side rack teeth 138a arranged along a longitudinal direction of the second door-side rack portion 138.

[0186] The door-side pinion 139 may be disposed between the first door-side rack portion 137 and the second door-side rack portion 138. The door-side pinion 139 may mesh with the first door-side rack teeth 137a and the second door-side rack teeth 138a.

[0187] The door side pinion 139 may be engaged with a driving shaft of the first driving motor 151 , and the first driving motor 151 may be a bidirectional motor rotatable in both directions.

[0188] refer to Figure 2, the first drive motor 151 may be electrically connected to the selector 40. When the slide mode or the swing mode is selected by the first switch 41 or the second switch 42 of the selector 40, the first drive motor 151 may change its rotation direction so that the first door-side clamping member 131 and the second door-side clamping member 132 may clamp or release the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120.

[0189] When the sliding mode is selected by the first switch 41 of the selector 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown, the first door side clamping member 131 and the second door side clamping member 132 can be moved toward the door side bracket 135 by the forward rotation (clockwise rotation) of the first drive motor 151, so that the first door side clamping part 133 of the first door side clamping member 131 and the second door side clamping part 134 of the second door side clamping member 132 can clamp the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120.

[0190] When the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42 of the selector 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 19 As shown, the first door side clamping member 131 and the second door side clamping member 132 can be moved away from the door side bracket 135 by the reverse rotation (counterclockwise rotation) of the first drive motor 151, so that the first door side clamping part 133 of the first door side clamping member 131 and the second door side clamping part 134 of the second door side clamping member 132 can release the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120.

[0191] refer to Figures 21 to 22 According to an exemplary embodiment, the frame-side docking unit 140 may include a frame-side bracket 145 and first and second frame-side clamping members 141 and 142, which are movable in directions approaching or moving away from the frame-side bracket 145. The first and second frame-side clamping members 141 and 142 are movable relative to each other with respect to the frame-side bracket 145 so that they can symmetrically clamp or release both edges of the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110.

[0192] The frame-side bracket 145 may be fixed to the door frame 3 a by welding, using fasteners, etc. The frame-side bracket 145 may have a first frame-side cavity 145 a.

[0193] The first frame-side clamping member 141 may include a first frame-side clamping portion 143 and a first frame-side extending portion 143a extending toward the second frame-side clamping member 142. The first frame-side clamping portion 143 and the first frame-side extending portion 143a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0194] The first frame-side clamping portion 143 can releasably clamp the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110. Specifically, the shape of the first frame-side clamping portion 143 can correspond to the shape of one edge of the roller-side base 115. One surface of the frame-side bracket 145 can be fixed to the door frame 3a by welding, using fasteners, or the like. The first frame-side clamping portion 143 can be spaced apart from the other surface of the frame-side bracket 145 by a predetermined gap t2. The gap t2 between the other surface of the frame-side bracket 145 and the surface of the first frame-side clamping portion 143 facing the frame-side bracket 145 can correspond to the thickness of the roller-side base 115, thereby allowing the frame-side bracket 145 and the first frame-side clamping portion 143 to securely clamp one edge of the roller-side base 115.

[0195] The first frame-side extension portion 143a may be movably received in the frame-side cavity 145a of the frame-side bracket 145. The first frame-side rack portion 147 may extend from the first frame-side extension portion 143a toward the second frame-side clamping member 142, and the first frame-side rack portion 147 may have first frame-side rack teeth 147a arranged along a longitudinal direction of the first frame-side rack portion 147.

[0196] When the first frame-side clamping member 141 moves closer to the frame-side bracket 145, the first frame-side clamping portion 143 can clamp one edge of the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110. When the first frame-side clamping member 141 moves away from the frame-side bracket 145, the first frame-side clamping portion 143 can release one edge of the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110.

[0197] The second frame-side clamping member 142 may include a second frame-side clamping portion 144 and a second frame-side extending portion 144a extending toward the first frame-side clamping member 141. The second frame-side clamping portion 144 and the first frame-side extending portion 144a may be spaced apart from each other.

[0198] The second frame-side clamping portion 144 can releasably clamp the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110. In particular, the shape of the second frame-side clamping portion 144 can correspond to the shape of the other edge of the roller-side base 115.

[0199] The second frame-side clamping portion 144 may be spaced apart from the other surface of the frame-side bracket 145 by a predetermined gap t2. The gap t2 between the other surface of the frame-side bracket 145 and the surface of the second frame-side clamping portion 144 facing the frame-side bracket 145 may correspond to the thickness of the roller-side base 115, so that the other edge of the roller-side base 115 can be firmly clamped by the frame-side bracket 145 and the second frame-side clamping portion 144.

[0200] The second frame-side extension portion 144a may be movably received in the frame-side cavity 145a of the frame-side bracket 145. The second frame-side rack portion 148 may extend from the second frame-side extension portion 144a toward the first frame-side clamping member 141, and the second frame-side rack portion 148 may have second frame-side rack teeth 148a arranged along a longitudinal direction of the second frame-side rack portion 148.

[0201] The frame side pinion 149 may be disposed between the first frame side rack portion 147 and the second frame side rack portion 148. The frame side pinion 149 may mesh with the first frame side rack teeth 147a of the first frame side rack portion 147 and the second frame side rack teeth 148a of the second frame side rack portion 148.

[0202] The frame side pinion 149 may be engaged with a driving shaft of the second driving motor 152 , and the second driving motor 152 may be a bidirectional motor rotatable in both directions.

[0203] refer to Figure 2 , the second drive motor 152 may be electrically connected to the selector 40. When the slide mode or the swing mode is selected by the first switch 41 or the second switch 42 of the selector 40, the second drive motor 152 may change its rotation direction so that the first frame-side clamping member 141 and the second frame-side clamping member 142 may clamp or release the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110.

[0204] When the sliding mode is selected by the first switch 41 of the selector 40, as shown in FIG. Figure 21 As shown, the first frame side clamping member 141 and the second frame side clamping member 142 can be moved toward the frame side bracket 145 by the positive rotation (clockwise rotation) of the second drive motor 152, so that the first frame side clamping part 143 of the first frame side clamping member 141 and the second frame side clamping part 144 of the second frame side clamping member 142 can clamp the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110.

[0205] When the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42 of the selector 40, the first frame side clamping member 141 and the second frame side clamping member 142 can be moved away from the frame side bracket 145 by the reverse rotation (counterclockwise rotation) of the second drive motor 152, so that the first frame side clamping part 143 of the first frame side clamping member 141 and the second frame side clamping part 144 of the second frame side clamping member 142 can release the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110.

[0206] refer to Figure 21 , the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110 may have a guide hole 115a, and the frame-side bracket 145 of the frame-side docking unit 140 may have a guide protrusion 145b. When the roller-side hinge element 110 is clamped to the frame-side docking unit 140, the guide protrusion 145b of the frame-side bracket 145 can be inserted into the guide hole 115a of the roller-side base 115, so that the roller-side hinge element 110 can not only be aligned with the frame-side bracket 145 of the frame-side docking unit 140, but also be clamped to the frame-side bracket 145 of the frame-side docking unit 140 more firmly.

[0207] refer to Figure 23 When the vehicle door 5 is closed, the door-side hinge element 120 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be connected to the vehicle door 5 through the door-side docking unit 130, and the roller-side hinge element 110 of the intermediate roller unit 23 can be connected to the door frame 3a through the frame-side docking unit 140, so that the vehicle door 5 can be maintained in a closed state.

[0208] When the sliding mode is selected by the first switch 41 of the selector 40, the first frame side clamping member 141 and the second frame side clamping member 142 of the frame side docking unit 140 can release the roller side hinge element 110 of the intermediate roller unit 23, and the first door side clamping member 131 and the second door side clamping member 132 of the door side docking unit 130 can clamp the door side hinge element 120 of the intermediate roller unit 23, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 Then, the door 5 can be opened and closed in a sliding mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 25 shown.

[0209] When the swing mode is selected by the second switch 42 of the selector 40, the first door-side clamping member 131 and the second door-side clamping member 132 of the door-side docking unit 130 can release the door-side hinge element 120 of the intermediate roller unit 23, and the first frame-side clamping member 141 and the second frame-side clamping member 142 of the frame-side docking unit 140 can clamp the roller-side hinge element 110 of the intermediate roller unit 23, as shown in FIG. Figure 26 Then, the door 5 can be opened and closed in a swinging mode, as shown in FIG. Figure 26 shown.

[0210] Figure 28 A door-side docking unit 230 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0211] refer to Figure 28 The door side docking unit 230 may include: a door side bracket 235, a first door side clamping member 231 and a second door side clamping member 232, wherein the first door side clamping member 231 is pivotally mounted on one side of the door side bracket 235 through a first door side pivot pin 233; the second door side clamping member 232 is pivotally mounted on the other side of the door side bracket 235 through a second door side pivot pin 234.

[0212] The door-side bracket 235 may be fixed to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, etc. The door-side bracket 235 may have a seat surface 236 that supports the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120 .

[0213] The first door-side clamping member 231 and the second door-side clamping member 232 are movable relative to each other with respect to the door-side bracket 235 .

[0214] The first door-side clamping member 231 may have a first door-side clamping surface 237. When the first door-side clamping member 231 pivots toward the door-side bracket 235, the first door-side clamping surface 237 may clamp one edge of the door-side base 125. The second door-side clamping member 232 may have a second door-side clamping surface 238. When the second door-side clamping member 232 pivots toward the door-side bracket 235, the second door-side clamping surface 238 may clamp the other edge of the door-side base 125.

[0215] like Figure 28 As shown by the solid lines in , when the first door side clamping member 231 and the second door side clamping member 232 pivot toward the door side bracket 235 , the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120 can be clamped by the first door side clamping member 231 and the second door side clamping member 232 .

[0216] like Figure 28 As shown by the dotted lines in , the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120 can be released from the first door-side clamping member 231 and the second door-side clamping member 232 when the first door-side clamping member 231 and the second door-side clamping member 232 pivot away from the door-side bracket 235 .

[0217] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first door side holding member 231 may be rotated by the first driving motor 251 , and the second door side holding member 232 may be rotated by the second driving motor 252 .

[0218] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second door-side clamping members 231 and 232 can be rotated by a single drive motor. For example, the first and second door-side pivot pins 233 and 234 can be connected to the single drive motor via a transmission mechanism such as a belt drive or a pinion gear set. The transmission mechanism can be configured to transmit the force of the single drive motor to the first and second door-side pivot pins 233 and 234 of the first and second door-side clamping members 231 and 232, respectively.

[0219] Since other configurations and operations in these exemplary embodiments are similar to or the same as those in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0220] Figure 29 A frame-side docking unit 240 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0221] refer to Figure 29 The frame side docking unit 240 may include: a frame side bracket 245, a first frame side clamping member 241 and a second frame side clamping member 242, wherein the first frame side clamping member 241 is pivotally mounted on one side of the frame side bracket 245 through a first frame side pivot pin 243; the second frame side clamping member 242 is pivotally mounted on the other side of the frame side bracket 245 through a second frame side pivot pin 244.

[0222] The frame-side bracket 245 may be fixed to the door frame 3 a by welding, using fasteners, etc. The frame-side bracket 245 may have a seat surface 246 that supports the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110 .

[0223] The first frame-side clamping member 241 and the second frame-side clamping member 242 are movable relative to each other with respect to the frame-side bracket 245 .

[0224] The first frame-side clamping member 241 may have a first frame-side clamping surface 247. When the first frame-side clamping member 241 is pivoted toward the frame-side bracket 245, the first frame-side clamping surface 247 can clamp one edge of the roller-side base 115. The second frame-side clamping member 242 may have a second frame-side clamping surface 248. When the second frame-side clamping member 242 is pivoted toward the frame-side bracket 245, the second frame-side clamping surface 248 can clamp the other edge of the roller-side base 115.

[0225] like Figure 29 As shown by the solid lines in , when the first frame side clamping member 241 and the second frame side clamping member 242 pivot toward the frame side bracket 245 , the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110 can be clamped by the first frame side clamping member 241 and the second frame side clamping member 242 .

[0226] like Figure 29 As shown by the dotted lines in , when the first frame side clamping member 241 and the second frame side clamping member 242 pivot away from the frame side bracket 245 , the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110 can be released from the first frame side clamping member 241 and the second frame side clamping member 242 .

[0227] According to the exemplary embodiment, the first frame-side holding member 241 may be rotated by the third driving motor 261 , and the second door-side holding member 242 may be rotated by the fourth driving motor 262 .

[0228] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first frame-side clamping member 241 and the second frame-side clamping member 242 can be rotated by a single drive motor. For example, the first frame-side pivot pin 243 and the second frame-side pivot pin 244 can be connected to the single drive motor via a transmission mechanism such as a belt drive or a pinion gear set. The transmission mechanism can be configured to transmit the force of the single drive motor to the first frame-side pivot pin 243 of the first frame-side clamping member 241 and the second frame-side pivot pin 244 of the second frame-side clamping member 242, respectively.

[0229] Since other configurations and operations in these exemplary embodiments are similar to or the same as those in the aforementioned exemplary embodiments, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0230] refer to Figure 30 According to another exemplary embodiment, the door side docking unit 330 may include: a door side bracket 335, a first door side clamping member 331 and a second door side clamping member 332, wherein the first door side clamping member 331 is installed on one side of the door side bracket 335 in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket 335 through a first door side biasing element 333; the second door side clamping member 332 is installed on the other side of the door side bracket 335 in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket 335 through a second door side biasing element 334.

[0231] The door-side bracket 335 can be fixed to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, or the like. The door-side bracket 335 may have a first door-side sidewall 351 and a second door-side sidewall 352 that are spaced apart from each other, and the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120 may be received between the first door-side sidewall 351 and the second door-side sidewall 352. The first door-side sidewall 351 may have a first door-side guide recess 353 that receives the first door-side biasing element 333 and guides movement of the first door-side clamping member 331. The second door-side sidewall 352 may have a second door-side guide recess 354 that receives the second door-side biasing element 334 and guides movement of the second door-side clamping member 332.

[0232] The first door-side clamping member 331 may have a first door-side clamping surface 337. When the first door-side clamping member 331 moves over the surface of the door-side base 125 that will come into contact with the first door-side clamping surface 337, the first door-side clamping surface 337 may releasably clamp one edge of the door-side base 125. The second door-side clamping member 332 may have a second door-side clamping surface 338. When the second door-side clamping member 332 moves over the surface of the door-side base 125 that will come into contact with the second door-side clamping surface 338, the second door-side clamping surface 338 may releasably clamp the other edge of the door-side base 125.

[0233] When the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping member 332 move toward the center of the door side bracket 335, the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping member 332 can press the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120, so that the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120 can be pressed by the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping member 332.

[0234] When the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping member 332 are moved away from the door side bracket 335, the first door side clamping surface 337 of the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping surface 338 of the second door side clamping member 332 can be spaced apart from the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120, so that the door side base 125 of the door side hinge element 120 can be released from the first door side clamping member 331 and the second door side clamping member 332.

[0235] The first door-side clamping member 331 can be moved by a driving device so that it can be accommodated in the first door-side guide recess 353, and the second door-side clamping member 332 can be moved by a driving device so that it can be accommodated in the second door-side guide recess 354. For example, the first door-side clamping member 331 can be moved toward the first door-side sidewall 351 by a driving device such as a linear motor, and the second door-side clamping member 332 can be moved toward the second door-side sidewall 352 by a driving device such as a linear motor. When the first door-side clamping member 331 overcomes the force of the first door-side biasing element 333 and is accommodated in the first door-side guide recess 353, and the second door-side clamping member 332 overcomes the force of the second door-side biasing element 334 and is accommodated in the second door-side guide recess 354, the door-side base 125 of the door-side hinge element 120 can be released from the first door-side clamping member 331 and the second door-side clamping member 332.

[0236] Since other configurations and operations in this exemplary embodiment are similar to or the same as those in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0237] refer to Figure 31 According to another exemplary embodiment, the frame side docking unit 340 may include: a frame side bracket 345, a first frame side clamping member 341 and a second frame side clamping member 342, wherein the first frame side clamping member 341 is installed on one side of the frame side bracket 345 in a manner biased toward the center of the frame side bracket 345 through a first frame side biasing element 343; the second frame side clamping member 342 is installed on the other side of the frame side bracket 345 in a manner biased toward the center of the frame side bracket 345 through a second frame side biasing element 344.

[0238] The frame-side bracket 345 can be fixed to the door frame 3a by welding, using fasteners, or the like. The frame-side bracket 345 may have a first frame-side sidewall 361 and a second frame-side sidewall 362 that are spaced apart from each other, and the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110 may be accommodated between the first frame-side sidewall 361 and the second frame-side sidewall 362. The first frame-side sidewall 361 may have a first frame-side guide recess 363 that accommodates the first frame-side biasing element 343 and guides movement of the first frame-side clamping member 341. The second frame-side sidewall 362 may have a second frame-side guide recess 364 that accommodates the second frame-side biasing element 344 and guides movement of the second frame-side clamping member 342.

[0239] The first frame-side clamping member 341 may have a first frame-side clamping surface 347. When the first frame-side clamping member 341 moves over the surface of the roller-side base 115 that will come into contact with the first frame-side clamping surface 347, the first frame-side clamping surface 347 may releasably clamp one edge of the roller-side base 115. The second frame-side clamping member 342 may have a second frame-side clamping surface 348. When the second frame-side clamping member 342 moves over the surface of the roller-side base 115 that will come into contact with the second frame-side clamping surface 348, the second frame-side clamping surface 348 may releasably clamp the other edge of the roller-side base 115.

[0240] When the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping member 342 move toward the center of the frame side bracket 345, the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping member 342 can press the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110, so that the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110 can be clamped by the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping member 342.

[0241] When the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping member 342 are moved away from the frame side bracket 345, the first frame side clamping surface 347 of the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping surface 348 of the second frame side clamping member 342 can be spaced apart from the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110, so that the roller side base 115 of the roller side hinge element 110 can be released from the first frame side clamping member 341 and the second frame side clamping member 342.

[0242] The first frame-side clamping member 341 can be moved by a driving device so that it can be accommodated in the first frame-side guide recess 363, and the second frame-side clamping member 342 can be moved by a driving device so that it can be accommodated in the second frame-side guide recess 364. For example, the first frame-side clamping member 341 can be moved toward the first frame-side sidewall 361 by a driving device such as a linear motor, and the second frame-side clamping member 342 can be moved toward the second frame-side sidewall 362 by a driving device such as a linear motor. When the first frame-side clamping member 341 overcomes the force of the first frame-side biasing element 343 and is accommodated in the first frame-side guide recess 363, and the second frame-side clamping member 342 overcomes the force of the second frame-side biasing element 344 and is accommodated in the second frame-side guide recess 364, the roller-side base 115 of the roller-side hinge element 110 can be released from the first frame-side clamping member 341 and the second frame-side clamping member 342.

[0243] Since other configurations and operations in this exemplary embodiment are similar to or the same as those in the aforementioned exemplary embodiment, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0244] Figures 1 to 32 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.

[0245] Figures 33 to 34 A door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown applied to a front door 4 . Figure 33 The front door 4 is shown in a state of being opened in a sliding mode, and Figure 34 A state in which the front door 4 is opened in the swing mode is shown.

[0246] Figure 35 and Figure 36 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 35 The front door 4 and the rear door 5 are shown in a state where they are opened in a sliding mode. Figure 36 A state in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in a swing mode is shown.

[0247] 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.

[0248] Specifically, when the swing mode or the sliding mode is selected, the door opening and closing device can releasably connect the intermediate roller unit to the door and the door frame of the vehicle body, thereby reliably opening and closing the door in the swing mode or the sliding mode.

[0249] 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.

[0250] 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 comprising: a vehicle body having a door frame defining a vehicle door opening; Car door; a track mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to move along the track to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a center rail, which extends from the edge of the doorway; an intermediate roller unit comprising a roller configured to be guided along the intermediate rail, 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 via a hinge pin; a door-side docking unit that releasably connects the door-side hinge element to the vehicle door; as well as a frame-side docking unit which releasably connects the roller-side hinge element to the door frame, Wherein, the door side docking unit includes: a door side bracket, which is fixed to the vehicle door; a first door-side clamping member movably mounted on the door-side bracket; and The second door-side clamping member is opposite to the first door-side clamping member and is movably mounted on the door-side bracket.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The first door-side clamping member is slidably mounted on the door-side bracket, and the second door-side clamping member is slidably mounted on the door-side bracket.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The first door-side clamping member and the second door-side clamping member are configured to be movable in a direction approaching or moving away from a door-side bracket.

4. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein: The first door-side clamping member has a first door-side clamping portion extending toward the second door-side clamping member; The second door-side clamping member has a second door-side clamping portion extending toward the first door-side clamping member.

5. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein: The door side bracket has a door side cavity; The first door-side clamping member has a first door-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the door-side cavity; The second door-side clamping member has a second door-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the door-side cavity; The first door-side rack portion and the second door-side rack portion are configured to be moved by a door-side pinion gear.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, wherein: The door side pinion is arranged between the first door side rack portion and the second door side rack portion; the first door-side rack portion having first door-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the door-side pinion; The second door-side rack portion has second door-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the door-side pinion gear.

7. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The frame side docking unit includes: a frame side bracket fixed to the door frame; a first frame-side clamping member slidably mounted on the frame-side bracket; and The second frame-side clamping member is opposite to the first frame-side clamping member and is slidably mounted on the frame-side bracket.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The first frame-side clamping member and the second frame-side clamping member are configured to be movable in a direction approaching or moving away from the frame-side bracket.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein: the first frame-side clamping member having a first frame-side clamping portion extending toward the second frame-side clamping member; The second frame-side clamping member has a second frame-side clamping portion extending toward the first frame-side clamping member.

10. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein: The frame side bracket has a frame side cavity; the first frame-side clamping member having a first frame-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the frame-side cavity; the second frame-side clamping member having a second frame-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the frame-side cavity; The first frame side rack portion and the second frame side rack portion are configured to be moved by a frame side pinion gear.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein: the frame-side pinion gear being arranged between the first frame-side rack portion and the second frame-side rack portion; the first frame-side rack portion having first frame-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the frame-side pinion; The second frame-side rack portion has second frame-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the frame-side pinion gear.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein: The frame-side docking unit has a guide protrusion; The roller-side hinge element has a guide hole into which the guide protrusion is inserted.

13. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The first door-side clamping member is pivotally mounted on the door-side bracket, and the second door-side clamping member is pivotally mounted on the door-side bracket.

14. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The frame side docking unit includes: a frame side bracket fixed to the door frame; a first frame-side clamping member pivotally mounted on the frame-side bracket; and A second frame-side clamping member is opposite to the first frame-side clamping member and is pivotally mounted on the frame-side bracket.

15. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The first door side clamping member is mounted on the door side bracket in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket via a first door side biasing element, and the second door side clamping member is mounted on the door side bracket in a manner offset toward the center of the door side bracket via a second door side biasing element.

16. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The frame side docking unit includes: a frame side bracket fixed to the door frame; a first frame-side clamping member mounted on the frame-side bracket in a manner biased toward a center of the frame-side bracket by a first frame-side biasing element; and The second frame-side clamping member is mounted on the frame-side bracket in a manner biased toward the center of the frame-side bracket by a second frame-side biasing element.

17. A vehicle door opening and closing device, 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 the vehicle door and configured to move along the track to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a center rail configured to extend from an edge of the vehicle doorway; The intermediate roller unit comprises 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; and a door-side hinge element configured to be rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element via a hinge pin; a door-side docking unit configured to releasably connect the door-side hinge element to the vehicle door; and a frame-side docking unit configured to releasably connect the roller-side hinge element to the door frame, Wherein, the door side docking unit includes: a door side bracket, which is fixed to the vehicle door; a first door-side clamping member movably mounted on the door-side bracket; and The second door-side clamping member is opposite to the first door-side clamping member and is movably mounted on the door-side bracket.

18. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 17, wherein The first door-side clamping member is configured to be slidably mounted on the door-side bracket, and the second door-side clamping member is configured to be slidably mounted on the door-side bracket; The first door-side clamping member and the second door-side clamping member are configured to be movable in a direction approaching or moving away from the door-side bracket; The first door-side clamping member has a first door-side clamping portion extending toward the second door-side clamping member, and the second door-side clamping member has a second door-side clamping portion extending toward the first door-side clamping member.

19. The vehicle door opening and closing device according to claim 18, wherein: The door side bracket has a door side cavity; The first door-side clamping member has a first door-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the door-side cavity; The second door-side clamping member has a second door-side rack portion configured to be movably received in the door-side cavity; the first door-side rack portion and the second door-side rack portion being configured to be moved by a door-side pinion; The door side pinion is arranged between the first door side rack portion and the second door side rack portion; the first door-side rack portion having first door-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the door-side pinion; The second door-side rack portion has second door-side rack teeth configured to mesh with the door-side pinion gear.

20. A vehicle door opening and closing device, 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 the vehicle door and configured to move along the track to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a center rail configured to extend from an edge of the vehicle doorway; The intermediate roller unit comprises 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; and a door-side hinge element configured to be rotatably connected to the roller-side hinge element via a hinge pin; a door-side docking unit configured to releasably connect the door-side hinge element to the vehicle door; as well as A frame-side docking unit configured to releasably connect the roller-side hinge element to the door frame, the frame-side docking unit comprising: a frame side bracket configured to be secured to a door frame; a first frame-side clamping member configured to be slidably mounted on the frame-side bracket; and a second frame-side clamping member disposed opposite to the first frame-side clamping member and configured to be slidably mounted on the frame-side bracket; wherein the first frame side clamping member and the second frame side clamping member are configured to be movable in a direction approaching or away from the frame side bracket; The first frame-side clamping member has a first frame-side clamping portion configured to extend toward the second frame-side clamping member, and the second frame-side clamping member has a second frame-side clamping portion configured to extend toward the first frame-side clamping member.

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