Guide mechanisms for sliding doors

Abstract

A guide mechanism for a sliding door includes: a track configured to be mounted on the sliding door; a roller bracket configured to move along the track and include a roller bracket and a roller configured to be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket; a hinge arm configured to be pivotally connected to a vehicle body; a first shaft configured to pivotally connect the roller bracket to the hinge arm; and a second shaft configured to pivotally connect the hinge arm to the vehicle body.

Description

[0001] Citations of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0057396, filed on May 13, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a guide mechanism for a sliding door. Background Art

[0004] As is well known in the art, vehicles have door openings for passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment. The vehicle door closes to block the door opening and opens to allow passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment through the door opening. Vehicle doors are categorized as revolving doors and sliding doors. Revolving doors open and close by swinging around hinges mounted between the revolving door and the vehicle body. Sliding doors open and close by sliding roller brackets mounted on the sliding door along tracks mounted on the vehicle body.

[0005] In a conventional sliding door system, at least a portion of the track curves toward the interior of the vehicle, allowing the door to lie flush with the side of the vehicle body when closed. Specifically, the track includes a curved track portion that curves toward the interior of the vehicle and a straight track portion that extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A roller bracket includes a roller that rolls along the track and a roller bracket to which the roller is rotatably mounted. The sliding door opens and closes when the roller bracket is pivotally connected to the sliding door via a shaft and the roller rolls along the curved and straight track portions.

[0006] Because the sliding door system according to the related art occupies a relatively large installation space on the side of the vehicle body due to the curved rail portion of the rail, the cross-sectional area of ​​the side member and the top side are reduced, and thus the side rigidity of the vehicle body is relatively reduced.

[0007] In addition, due to the curved track portion of the track, it is difficult to ensure sufficient space for mounting the battery on the bottom of the vehicle body. Therefore, it is difficult to increase the driving range of the electric vehicle.

[0008] The above information described in this Background section is for helping 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 skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The embodiments of the present disclosure solve the problems encountered in the prior art while maintaining the advantages achieved by the prior art intact.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a guide mechanism for a sliding door. Detailed Description of the Invention The present disclosure relates to a guide mechanism for a sliding door having a track mounted on the sliding door and allowing a hinge arm to be pivotally connected to a vehicle body, thereby making the sliding door system compact.

[0011] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a guide mechanism for a sliding door having a roller bracket connected to a vehicle body through a hinge arm and having a track mounted on the sliding door, thereby making the sliding door system compact.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a guide mechanism for a sliding door may include a track mounted on the sliding door, a roller bracket that moves along the track and includes a roller bracket and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller bracket, a hinge arm pivotally connected to a vehicle body, a first axis pivotally connecting the roller bracket to the hinge arm, and a second axis pivotally connecting the hinge arm to the vehicle body.

[0013] The rail may be a straight rail extending straight in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0014] The hinge arm can pivot about the second axis to move between a first pivot position and a second pivot position. When the hinge arm is in the first pivot position, the sliding door can move to a fully closed position, and when the hinge arm is in the second pivot position, the sliding door can move to a fully open position.

[0015] The roller bracket and the hinge arm are freely rotatable relative to the first axis, and the hinge arm is freely rotatable relative to the second axis.

[0016] The hinge arm can pivot about the second axis via a motor module and a transmission. The motor module can be fixed to the roller bracket, and the first axis can be connected to the motor module. The transmission can include a first gear fixed to the first axis, a second gear disposed about the second axis, and a first belt connecting the first gear and the second gear. The second gear can be fixed to the hinge arm.

[0017] The first belt may include a plurality of first teeth meshing with the teeth of the first gear and the teeth of the second gear.

[0018] The guide mechanism may further include a posture maintaining mechanism operatively connected to the transmission device. The posture maintaining mechanism may include a third gear operatively connected to the first belt, a fourth gear fixed to the third gear, a fifth gear disposed around the first axis, and a second belt connecting the fourth gear and the fifth gear, and the fifth gear may be connected to the roller bracket via the motor module.

[0019] The motor module may have a cylindrical portion extending toward the fifth gear, the cylindrical portion may surround the first shaft, and the fifth gear may be fixed to the cylindrical portion.

[0020] The first belt may include a plurality of second teeth that mesh with the teeth of the third gear.

[0021] The hinge arm can pivot about the second axis via a gear train and a transmission, and the gear train can convert the linear motion of the sliding door into rotational motion about the first axis. The transmission can include a first gear rotatably mounted on the first axis, a second gear rotatably mounted on the second axis, and a first belt connecting the first and second gears. The first gear can be operatively connected to the gear train, and the second gear can be fixed to the hinge arm.

[0022] The gear train may include a driving gear in contact with the track, a first intermediate gear meshed with the driving gear, a second intermediate gear fixed to the first intermediate gear, and a driven gear meshed with the second intermediate gear. The driven gear may be fixed to the first gear.

[0023] The guide mechanism may further include a posture maintaining mechanism operatively connected to the transmission device. The posture maintaining mechanism may include a third gear operatively connected to the first belt, a fourth gear fixed to the third gear, a fifth gear fixed to the first shaft, and a second belt connecting the fourth gear and the fifth gear. The first shaft may be fixed to the roller bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a side view of a vehicle to which a sliding door system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is applied;

[0026] Figure 2A Shown with the sliding door fully closed Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line AA;

[0027] Figure 2B Shown with the sliding door partially open Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line AA;

[0028] Figure 2C Shown with the sliding door fully open Figure 1 A sectional view taken along line AA;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a guide mechanism for a sliding door according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3The structure of the guide mechanism for a sliding door is shown with the roller bracket and the top of the hinge arm removed from the guide mechanism;

[0031] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a guide mechanism for a sliding door is shown, wherein a hinge arm and a roller bracket are connected via a motor module and a first shaft;

[0032] Figure 6A Shown Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the first belt shown;

[0033] Figure 6B Shown Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of the second belt shown;

[0034] Figure 7 Shows the Figure 5 modifications to the implementation methods;

[0035] Figure 8 Shown Figure 5 and Figure 7 An alternative to the second transmission shown;

[0036] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a guide mechanism for a sliding door according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10 Shown Figure 9 The structure of the guide mechanism for a sliding door is shown with the top of the hinge arm removed from the guide mechanism;

[0038] Figure 11 Shown Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of a guide mechanism for a sliding door shown, wherein the hinge arm and the roller bracket are connected via a gear train and a first shaft; and

[0039] Figure 12 Shows the Figure 11 Modifications to the implementation methods. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For reference, and to facilitate understanding, the sizes of elements, line thicknesses, and the like shown in the accompanying drawings referred to in the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be exaggerated. The terms used to describe the present inventive concept are defined in consideration of the functions of the elements and may vary depending on the intention of the user or operator, in consideration of practical application, and the like. Therefore, these terms should be defined based on the entirety of this specification.

[0041] Terms such as first, second, A, B, (a) and (b) can be used to describe the elements in the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. 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 subject to terminology restrictions. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technology or scientific terms, have those identical meanings that are generally understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms as those defined in common dictionaries will be interpreted as having the same meaning as the contextual meaning of related art, and should not be interpreted as having ideal or excessive formal meaning, unless clearly defined as having such meaning in the present application.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 , a vehicle 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a door aperture 2 , and a sliding door 11 may slide in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle to cover and expose the door aperture 2 .

[0043] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2A 、 Figure 2B as well as Figure 2C , a sliding door system 10 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a sliding door 11 and one or more guide mechanisms 100 and 200 guiding movement of the sliding door 11 .

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the guide mechanisms 100 and 200 may include an upper guide mechanism 100 installed between the top side 6 of the vehicle body 5 and the upper portion of the sliding door 11 , and a lower guide mechanism 200 installed between a side sill 7 of the vehicle body 5 and the lower portion of the sliding door 11 .

[0045] Each of the guide mechanisms 100 and 200 may include a track 12 mounted on the sliding door 11, a roller bracket 13 moving along the track 12, a hinge arm 14 pivotally connected to the vehicle body 5, a first axis 21 pivotally connecting the roller bracket 13 to the hinge arm 14, and a second axis 22 pivotally connecting the hinge arm 14 to the vehicle body 5.

[0046] The rail 12 of the upper guide mechanism 100 may be an upper rail that is mounted on an upper portion of the sliding door 11 adjacent to the top side 6 of the vehicle body 5 using fasteners, welding, etc. The roller bracket 13 of the upper guide mechanism 100 may be an upper roller bracket that is movable along the upper rail. The hinge arm 14 of the upper guide mechanism 100 may be an upper hinge arm that is pivotally connected to a portion of the vehicle body 5 adjacent to the top side 6.

[0047] Likewise, the rail 12 of the lower guide mechanism 200 may be a lower rail mounted on the lower portion of the sliding door 11 using fasteners, welding, etc. The roller bracket 13 of the lower guide mechanism 200 may be a lower roller bracket movable along the lower rail. The hinge arm 14 of the lower guide mechanism 200 may be a lower hinge arm pivotally connected to a portion of the vehicle body 5 adjacent to the side member 7.

[0048] The rail 12 may be installed on an inner wall of the sliding door 11 , and the inner wall of the sliding door 11 may face the interior space of the vehicle.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the track 12 is mounted on the sliding door 11, the track 12 can be a straight track extending straight in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The axis of the track 12 can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. In other words, since the track 12 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is a straight track 12 without a curved portion, it can be easily manufactured and its manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to curved tracks according to the prior art. In addition, since the length of the straight track is relatively reduced compared to the curved tracks of the prior art, its weight can also be reduced.

[0050] In addition, the linear rail 12 of the same shape and size can be provided for the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200. Therefore, the linear rail 12 can be applied to the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200 in the same manner.

[0051] The roller bracket 13 may include a roller bracket 15 and a plurality of rollers 16 mounted on the roller bracket 15. When the rollers 16 roll along the track 12, the movement of the track 12 may be guided by the rollers, and the roller bracket 15 may move along the track 12.

[0052] The hinge arm 14 can be mounted on the outside of the vehicle body 5 and can include a first body 17 and a second body 18. The first body 17 can be longer than the second body 18, and the second body 18 can extend from the first body 17 toward the vehicle body 5. The second body 18 can be at a predetermined angle to the first body 17. In other words, the second body 18 can intersect the first body 17 at a predetermined angle. For example, the second body 18 can be substantially perpendicular to the first body 17. When the hinge arm 14 pivots about the second axis 22, interference with the vehicle body 5 can be prevented.

[0053] The first shaft 21 may pass through the roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 and the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 , so that the roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 may be pivotally connected to the hinge arm 14 through the first shaft 21 .

[0054] The second shaft 22 may be rotatably supported relative to the vehicle body 5 by the support bracket 19, and the support bracket 19 may be mounted on a portion of the vehicle body 5 adjacent to the top side 6 and the side member 7. The second shaft 22 may pass through the free end of the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 and the support bracket 19, so that the hinge arm 14 may be pivotally mounted on the support bracket 19 of the vehicle body 5 by the second shaft 22.

[0055] When the hinge arm 14 pivots about the second axis 22, the hinge arm 14 can be in the first pivot position P1 (see Figure 2A ) and the second pivot position P2 (see Figure 2C ) to move between.

[0056] refer to Figure 2A The first pivot position P1 refers to the position where the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 is close to the vehicle body 5. In the first pivot position P1, the axis of the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 is parallel to the side of the vehicle body 5 and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When the hinge arm 14 is in the first pivot position P1, the sliding door 11 can move to the fully closed position FCP. In other words, when the hinge arm 14 moves to the first pivot position P1 close to the vehicle body 5, the sliding door 11 can be fully closed.

[0057] refer to Figure 2C The second pivot position P2 is where the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 is farthest from the vehicle body 5. In this second pivot position P2, the axis of the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 can be tilted at a maximum angle relative to the side of the vehicle body 5 and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. When the hinge arm 14 moves to the second pivot position P2, the sliding door 11 can move to the fully open position FOP. In other words, when the hinge arm 14 moves away from the vehicle body 5 to the second pivot position P2, the sliding door 11 can be fully opened.

[0058] When the hinge arm 14 moves to the third pivot position P3 between the first pivot position P1 and the second pivot position P2, the sliding door 11 can move to the partially open position (POP). That is, when the hinge arm 14 moves to the third pivot position P3, the sliding door 11 can be partially opened.

[0059] The support bracket 19 may further include a stopper for adjusting the pivot angle of the hinge arm 14. Figures 2A to 2C The support bracket 19 may have a first stopper 23 and a second stopper 24 that adjust the position of the hinge arm 14 between the first pivot position P1 and the second pivot position P2. The first stopper 23 and the second stopper 24 may be spaced apart from each other in a manner corresponding to the pivot angle and pivot trajectory of the hinge arm 14.

[0060] like Figure 2AAs shown, when the hinge arm 14 moves to the first pivot position P1 , the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 may contact the first stopper 23 , so that the position of the hinge arm 14 may be adjusted relative to the first pivot position P1 .

[0061] like Figure 2C As shown, when the hinge arm 14 moves to the second pivot position P2, the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 may contact the first stopper 23 and the second stopper 24 so that the position of the hinge arm 14 may be adjusted relative to the second pivot position P2.

[0062] According to one exemplary embodiment, since the roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 and the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 are not fixed to the first shaft 21, the roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 and the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 can freely rotate (pivot) relative to the first shaft 21. The roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 can freely rotate (pivot) relative to the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 via the first shaft 21. The second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 can freely rotate (pivot) relative to the second shaft 22. Since the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 can freely rotate about the axis of the second shaft 22 and the roller bracket 15 of the roller bracket 13 can freely rotate about the axis of the first shaft 21, the sliding door 11 can be opened and closed.

[0063] In the sliding door system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge arm 14 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle body 5, and the track 12 can be fixed to the sliding door 11 so that the track 12 is not exposed to the interior and exterior of the vehicle when the sliding door 11 is opened, thereby improving the exterior style.

[0064] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 At least one of the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200 may further include: a motor module 40 that uses electrical energy to generate mechanical power, such as rotational force or torque; and a first transmission device 30 that transmits the mechanical power generated by the motor module 40 to the hinge arm 14. That is, the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second axis 22 via the motor module 40 and the first transmission device 30. In other words, when electrical energy is applied to the motor module 40, the first axis 21 can rotate due to the operation of the motor module 40, and the rotational force of the first axis 21 can be transmitted to the hinge arm 14 via the first transmission device 30, so that the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second axis 22.

[0065] The hinge arm 14 may have a space for accommodating the first transmission device 30 therein, and the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 may have an opening 17 a.

[0066] The motor module 40 may include a rotor 41a, a stator 41b, and a motor housing 41. The rotor 41a and the stator 41b may be accommodated in the motor housing 41. The motor module 40 may be a bidirectional motor in which the rotor 41a may rotate in both directions.

[0067] Since the first shaft 21 is directly connected to the motor module 40, the first shaft 21 can be rotated in both directions by the operation of the motor module 40. Specifically, the first shaft 21 can extend from the rotor 41a of the motor housing 41 toward the outside of the motor housing 41. Specifically, the first shaft 21 can be directly connected to the rotor 41a of the motor housing 41, and the first shaft 21 can be rotated in both directions by the operation of the motor module 40.

[0068] The motor housing 41 may be connected to the roller bracket 15 of the roller support 13. For example, the motor housing 41 may have two mounting legs 43a and 43b extending toward the roller bracket 15 of the roller support 13, and the mounting legs 43a and 43b may be engaged with the roller bracket 15 using fasteners, welding, etc., so that the motor housing 41 may be fixed to the roller bracket 15.

[0069] refer to Figure 3 The roller bracket 15 may have an upper plate 15a and a lower plate 15b spaced apart from each other, and the mounting legs 43a and 43b of the motor housing 41 may be coupled to the upper plate 15a of the roller bracket 15. The first shaft 21 may be rotatably supported to the lower plate 15b of the roller bracket 15 by a bushing, a bearing, or the like.

[0070] The first transmission device 30 can be installed in the hinge arm 14. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first transmission device 30 may include a first gear 31 fixed to the first shaft 21 , a second gear 32 disposed around the second shaft 22 , and a first belt 33 connecting the first gear 31 and the second gear 32 .

[0071] The first gear 31 may have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 31 may be fixed to the first shaft 21. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the first gear 31 may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 21 using a key joint, welding, etc. As another example, the first gear 31 may be constructed as a single piece with the first shaft 21.

[0072] The second gear 32 may have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and may be rotatably mounted on the second shaft 22 .

[0073] The second gear 32 can freely rotate relative to the second shaft 22. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the second gear 32 can be rotatably supported to the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 22 using a key joint, welding, etc. The bottom surface of the second gear 32 can be fixed to the bottom of the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 using fasteners, welding, etc., and the second gear 32 can rotate about the second shaft 22. Therefore, the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second shaft 22 by the rotation of the second gear 32.

[0074] The first belt 33 may have an inner surface facing the first gear 31 and the second gear 32, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. Figure 6A As shown, the first belt 33 may include a plurality of first teeth 51 spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its inner surface, and a plurality of second teeth 52 spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer surface. The plurality of first teeth 51 can mesh with the teeth of the first gear 31 and the teeth of the second gear 32. The plurality of second teeth 52 can mesh with the teeth of the third gear 36 of the posture maintaining mechanism 35, which will be described below. By changing the gear ratio between the first teeth 51 of the first belt 33, the teeth of the first gear 31, and the teeth of the second gear 32, the pivot range of the hinge arm 14 can be adjusted.

[0075] A plurality of guide rollers 33a and 33b may be disposed between the first gear 31 and the second gear 32, and the guide rollers 33a and 33b may be disposed around the posts 33c and 33d, respectively. For example, the guide rollers 33a and 33b may be rotatably mounted on the corresponding posts 33c and 33d. The first belt 33 can be tensioned and guided to the first gear 31 and the second gear 32 by the plurality of guide rollers 33a and 33b. In particular, the plurality of guide rollers 33a and 33b may be disposed in the portion of the hinge arm 14 where the first body 17 and the second body 18 meet, thereby ensuring a more stable tensioning and guidance of the first belt 33.

[0076] At least one of the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200 may further include a posture maintaining mechanism 35 for maintaining the sliding door 11 in a predetermined posture, and the posture maintaining mechanism 35 may be operatively connected to the first transmission device 30. When the sliding door 11 is opened and closed, the sliding door 11 may be maintained in a predetermined posture by the posture maintaining mechanism 35, so that the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 11 can be facilitated.

[0077] Preferably, the posture maintaining mechanism 35 may maintain the sliding door 11 in a posture parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or the side of the vehicle.

[0078] The posture maintaining mechanism 35 may include a third gear 36 operatively connected to the first belt 33 of the first transmission device 30, a fourth gear 37 fixed to the top surface of the third gear 36, a fifth gear 38 arranged around the first shaft 21, and a second belt 39 connecting the fourth gear 37 and the fifth gear 38.

[0079] The third gear 36 can be coaxially aligned with the fourth gear 37, and the third gear 36 and the fourth gear 37 can be rotatably mounted on the post 34. The post 34 can be located between the first shaft 21 and the second shaft 22. The post 34 can be mounted within the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14, and the axis of the post 34 can be parallel to the axis of the first shaft 21.

[0080] The inner circumferential surface of the third gear 36 can be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the column 34 via a bushing, a bearing, etc. The third gear 36 can have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the second teeth 52 of the first belt 33 of the first transmission device 30 can mesh with the teeth of the third gear 36. When the second teeth 52 of the first belt 33 mesh with the teeth of the third gear 36, the third gear 36 can be rotated by the movement of the first belt 33.

[0081] The fourth gear 37 may have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the fourth gear 37 may be fixed to the top surface of the third gear 36 using fasteners, welding, etc. The inner circumferential surface of the fourth gear 37 may be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the column 34 by a bushing, a bearing, etc. The third gear 36 and the fourth gear 37 may rotate together in the same direction around the column 34.

[0082] The fifth gear 38 can be rotatably disposed around the first shaft 21, and the fifth gear 38 can have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface. The fifth gear 38 can be connected to the roller carriage 15 through the motor module 40, and the motor module 40 can have a cylindrical portion 44 extending from the motor housing 41 toward the fifth gear 38, and the fifth gear 38 can be engaged to the motor housing 41 through the cylindrical portion 44. The cylindrical portion 44 can be integrally constructed with the motor housing 41, and the inner circumferential surface of the fifth gear 38 can be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 44 using a key joint, welding, etc. The fifth gear 38 and the cylindrical portion 44 can rotate around the axis of the first shaft 21 together with the motor housing 41. The cylindrical portion 44 can surround the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 21, and the first shaft 21 can be rotatably supported relative to the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 44 by a bushing, a bearing, etc. That is, when the first shaft 21 freely rotates relative to the cylindrical portion 44 , the first shaft 21 can freely rotate without being restricted by the motor housing 41 and the roller bracket 15 .

[0083] like Figure 6BAs shown, the second belt 39 may have a plurality of teeth 53 that mesh with the teeth of the fourth gear 37 and the teeth of the fifth gear 38. When the second belt 39 moves, the fourth gear 37 and the fifth gear 38 may rotate in the same direction.

[0084] refer to Figure 4 When the motor module 40 is operated to open the sliding door 11, the first shaft 21 rotates in the first rotational direction R1 due to the operation of the motor module 40. The first gear 31 rotates along with the first shaft 21 in the first rotational direction R1, and the first belt 33 moves in the first direction L1 due to the rotation of the first gear 31, thereby rotating the second gear 32 in the first rotational direction R1. When the second gear 32 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the hinge arm 14 pivots from the first pivot position P1 to the third pivot position P3 and / or the second pivot position P2. In other words, to open the sliding door 11, the hinge arm 14 pivots from the first pivot position P1 to the third pivot position P3 and / or the second pivot position P2 via the first transmission 30. When the first gear 31 rotates in the first rotational direction R1, the third gear 36, meshing with the second teeth 52 of the first belt 33, rotates in the third rotational direction R3, and the fourth gear 37 rotates along with the third gear 36 in the third rotational direction R3. The third rotational direction R3 may be opposite to the first rotational direction R1. When the fourth gear 37 rotates in the third rotational direction R3, the second belt 39 may move in the third direction L3, thereby rotating the fifth gear 38 in the third rotational direction R3. Furthermore, the motor housing 41 and the roller bracket 15 may rotate in the third rotational direction R3 along with the fifth gear 38. Since the third rotational direction R3 is opposite to the first rotational direction R1, the roller bracket 15, the rail 12, and the sliding door 11 may receive a rotational force in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the hinge arm 14. Therefore, when the sliding door 11 is opened, the sliding door 11 can maintain a posture parallel to the side of the vehicle body 5.

[0085] refer to Figure 4 When the motor module 40 is operated to close the sliding door 11, the first shaft 21 can be rotated in the second rotation direction R2 by the operation of the motor module 40. The first gear 31 can be rotated in the second rotation direction R2 together with the first shaft 21, and the first belt 33 can be moved in the second direction L2 by the rotation of the first gear 31, so that the second gear 32 can be rotated in the second rotation direction R2. When the second gear 32 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the hinge arm 14 can be moved from the second pivot position P2 (see FIG. Figure 2C ) pivots to the third pivot position P3 (see Figure 2B ) and / or the first pivot position P1 (see Figure 2AThat is, to close the sliding door 11, the hinge arm 14 can be pivoted from the second pivot position P2 to the third pivot position P3 and / or the first pivot position P1 via the first transmission device 30. When the first belt 33 moves in the second direction L2, the third gear 36 meshing with the second teeth 52 of the first belt 33 can rotate in the fourth rotational direction R4, and the fourth gear 37 can rotate together with the third gear 36 in the fourth rotational direction R4. The fourth rotational direction R4 can be opposite to the second rotational direction R2. When the fourth gear 37 rotates in the fourth rotational direction R4, the second belt 39 can move in the fourth direction L4, so that the fifth gear 38 can rotate in the fourth rotational direction R4, and the motor housing 41 and the roller bracket 15 can rotate together with the fifth gear 38 in the fourth rotational direction R4. Since the fourth rotation direction R4 is opposite to the second rotation direction R2, the roller bracket 15, the track 12 and the sliding door 11 can rotate in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the hinge arm 14, so that when the sliding door 11 is closed, the sliding door 11 can maintain a posture parallel to the side of the vehicle body 5.

[0086] Figure 7 Shows the Figure 5 A modification of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 7 In the modified embodiment, the posture holding mechanism operatively connected to the first transmission device 30 is removed. Figure 7 The first shaft 21 can freely rotate relative to the upper plate 15a and the lower plate 15b of the roller bracket 15. In other words, the first shaft 21 can be rotatably supported relative to the upper plate 15a and the lower plate 15b of the roller bracket 15 by bushings, bearings, etc. The first shaft 21 can be rotatably supported relative to the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 by bushings, bearings, etc.

[0087] according to Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment, the first shaft 21 can rotate freely relative to the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 and the roller bracket 15, and the posture holding mechanism can be removed. Figure 7 In the exemplary embodiment, the posture of the sliding door 11 may be maintained by an external structure for maintaining the posture.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 The guide mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a second transmission device 45 that transmits the mechanical power generated by the motor module 40 to the sliding door 11 .

[0089] The second transmission device 45 may include a cable 42 fixed to the sliding door 11 and a friction roller 46 that moves the cable 42 .

[0090] refer to Figure 3, both ends of the cable 42 may be fixed to the sliding door 11 by two fixing brackets 42 a and 42 b , so that the cable 42 may be tensioned and extended in the longitudinal direction of the sliding door 11 .

[0091] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the friction roller 46 may be fixed to the first shaft 21, and the friction roller 46 may be located within the motor housing 41. The outer circumferential surface of the friction roller 46 may directly contact the cable 42. For example, the friction roller 46 may have a high friction surface formed on its outer circumferential surface.

[0092] When the rotor 41a of the motor housing 41 rotates, the first shaft 21 and the friction roller 46 can rotate together in the same direction, and the cable 42 can be linearly moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle due to the friction between the cable 42 and the friction roller 46. When the friction roller 46 moves the cable 42 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the sliding door 11 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. That is, the sliding door 11 can slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle through the motor module 40 and the second transmission device 45. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The motor housing 41 may have a cable hole 41 c through which the cable 42 passes. When the cable 42 and the sliding door 11 move linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle via the motor module 40 and the second transmission 45 , the movement of the track 12 may be guided by the roller 16 .

[0093] Figure 8 A second transmission device 55 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which includes a rack 57 fixed to the sliding door 11 and a pinion 56 meshing with the rack 57 .

[0094] refer to Figure 8 , the rack 57 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the sliding door 11, and the rack 57 may be fixed to the sliding door 11 using fasteners, welding, or the like.

[0095] A pinion gear 56 may be fixed to the first shaft 21. Teeth of the pinion gear 56 may mesh with teeth of a rack gear 57, and the pinion gear 56 may be located within the motor housing 41. When the rotor 41a of the motor housing 41 rotates, the first shaft 21 and the pinion gear 56 may rotate in the same direction, and the rack gear 57 may move linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by the rotation of the pinion gear 56. When the rack gear 57 moves in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the sliding door 11 may slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. That is, the sliding door 11 may slide by the motor module 40 and the second transmission device 55. Reference Figure 8 , the motor housing 41 may have a hole 41d through which the rack 57 passes.

[0096] When mechanical power (rotational force) generated by the motor module 40 is transmitted to the sliding door 11 through the pinion 56 and the rack 57 , the sliding door 11 may linearly move in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0097] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 At least one of the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200 may further include: a gear train 70 that generates mechanical power, such as rotational force or torque, through the linear motion (sliding) of the sliding door 11; and a transmission device 60 that transmits the mechanical power generated by the gear train 70 to the hinge arm 14. That is, the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second axis 22 via the gear train 70 and the transmission device 60. When the sliding door 11 is linearly and manually moved by a user, the gear train 70 can convert the linear motion (sliding) of the sliding door 11 into rotational motion of the first axis 21. The first axis 21 can rotate through the operation of the gear train 70, and the rotational force of the first axis 21 can be transmitted to the hinge arm 14 through the transmission device 60, so that the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second axis 22.

[0098] The hinge arm 14 may have a space for accommodating the transmission device 60 therein, and the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 may have an opening 17 a.

[0099] The gear train 70 may include a driving gear 71 contacting the rail 12, a first intermediate gear 72 meshing with the driving gear 71, a second intermediate gear 73 fixed to the first intermediate gear 72, and a driven gear 74 meshing with the second intermediate gear 73. When the gear ratio of the gear train 70 is changed, the linear motion (sliding) of the sliding door 11 and the pivot range of the hinge arm 14 can be adjusted.

[0100] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 , the roller bracket 15 of the roller support 13 may have a plate 15 c , and the first column 75 and the second column 76 may be fixed to the plate 15 c of the roller bracket 15 .

[0101] When the drive gear 71 directly contacts the rail 12, the drive gear 71 can roll along the rail 12, and the drive gear 71 can be rotatably mounted on the first post 75. When a user grips the outside handle of the sliding door 11 and moves the sliding door 11 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the rail 12 can move linearly together with the sliding door 11, and the drive gear 71 can rotate around the first post 75. The drive gear 71 can have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on an outer circumferential surface thereof.

[0102] The first intermediate gear 72 may be coaxially aligned with the second intermediate gear 73 , and the first intermediate gear 72 and the second intermediate gear 73 may be rotatably mounted on the second post 76 .

[0103] The first intermediate gear 72 may have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the teeth of the drive gear 71 may mesh with the teeth of the first intermediate gear 72. The inner circumferential surface of the first intermediate gear 72 may be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the second column 76 by a bushing, a bearing, or the like.

[0104] The second intermediate gear 73 may have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the second intermediate gear 73 may be fixed to the top surface of the first intermediate gear 72 using fasteners, welding, etc. The inner circumferential surface of the second intermediate gear 73 may be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the second post 76 by a bushing, a bearing, etc. The first intermediate gear 72 and the second intermediate gear 73 may rotate together in the same direction around the second post 76.

[0105] The driven gear 74 can be rotatably mounted about the first shaft 21. Specifically, the driven gear 74 can be rotatably supported relative to the first shaft 21 by a bushing, a bearing, or the like, and the driven gear 74 can freely rotate relative to the first shaft 21. The driven gear 74 can have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the teeth of the second intermediate gear 73 can mesh with the teeth of the driven gear 74. The driven gear 74 can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the hinge arm 14 through the opening 17a of the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14.

[0106] The transmission device 60 can be installed in the receiving space of the hinge arm 14. Figure 10 and Figure 11 The transmission device 60 may include a first gear 61 rotatably mounted on the first shaft 21 , a second gear 62 rotatably mounted on the second shaft 22 , and a first belt 63 connecting the first gear 61 and the second gear 62 .

[0107] When the first gear 61 is fixed to the driven gear 74 of the gear train 70, the first gear 61 can be operatively connected to the gear train 70. The first gear 61 can be coaxially aligned with the driven gear 74, and the first gear 61 can be fixed to the driven gear 74 of the gear train 70. For example, the first gear 61 can be fixed to the bottom surface of the driven gear 74. As another example, the first gear 61 can be integrally constructed with the driven gear 74. The first gear 61 can rotate in the same direction as the driven gear 74. The first gear 61 and the driven gear 74 can be rotatably supported relative to the first shaft 21 by a bushing, a bearing, etc.

[0108] The second gear 62 may have teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on an outer circumferential surface thereof, and may be rotatably mounted on the second shaft 22 .

[0109] The second gear 62 can freely rotate relative to the second shaft 22. Specifically, the inner circumferential surface of the second gear 62 can be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the second shaft 22 by a bushing, a bearing, or the like. The bottom surface of the second gear 62 can be fixed to the bottom of the second body 18 of the hinge arm 14 using fasteners, welding, or the like. The second gear 62 can rotate about the second shaft 22, and the hinge arm 14 can pivot about the second shaft 22 by the rotation of the second gear 62.

[0110] The first belt 63 may have an inner surface facing the first gear 61 and the second gear 62, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. Figure 6A As shown, the first belt 63 may include a plurality of first teeth 51 spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its inner surface, and a plurality of second teeth 52 spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer surface. The plurality of first teeth 51 may mesh with the teeth of the first gear 61 and the teeth of the second gear 62. The plurality of second teeth 52 may mesh with the teeth of the third gear 66 of the posture maintaining mechanism 65, which will be described below.

[0111] A plurality of guide rollers 63a and 63b may be disposed between the first gear 61 and the second gear 62, and the guide rollers 63a and 63b may be disposed around the posts 63c and 63d, respectively. For example, the guide rollers 63a and 63b may be rotatably mounted on the corresponding posts 63c and 63d. The first belt 63 may be tensioned and guided to the first gear 61 and the second gear 62 by the plurality of guide rollers 63a and 63b. In particular, the plurality of guide rollers 63a and 63b may be disposed in the portion of the hinge arm 14 where the first body 17 and the second body 18 meet, thereby ensuring a more stable tensioning and guidance of the first belt 63.

[0112] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 At least one of the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200 may further include a posture maintaining mechanism 65 for maintaining the sliding door 11 in a predetermined posture, and the posture maintaining mechanism 65 may be operatively connected to the transmission device 60. When the sliding door 11 is opened and closed, the sliding door 11 can be maintained in a predetermined posture by the posture maintaining mechanism 65, so that the opening and closing operation of the sliding door 11 can be facilitated.

[0113] Preferably, the posture maintaining mechanism 65 can maintain the sliding door 11 in a posture parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle or the side of the vehicle.

[0114] The posture maintaining mechanism 65 may include a third gear 66 in contact with the first belt 63 of the transmission device 60, a fourth gear 67 fixed to the top surface of the third gear 66, a fifth gear 68 fixed to the first shaft 21, and a second belt 69 connecting the fourth gear 67 and the fifth gear 68.

[0115] The third gear 66 can be coaxially aligned with the fourth gear 67, and the third gear 66 and the fourth gear 67 can be rotatably mounted on the post 64. The post 64 can be located between the first shaft 21 and the second shaft 22. The post 64 can be mounted within the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14, and the axis of the post 64 can be parallel to the axis of the first shaft 21.

[0116] The inner circumferential surface of the third gear 66 may be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the column 64 via a bushing, a bearing, or the like. The third gear 66 may have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the second teeth 52 of the first belt 63 of the transmission device 60 may mesh with the teeth of the third gear 66. When the second teeth 52 of the first belt 63 mesh with the teeth of the third gear 66, the third gear 66 may be rotated by the movement of the first belt 63.

[0117] The fourth gear 67 may have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the fourth gear 67 may be fixed to the top surface of the third gear 66 using fasteners, welding, etc. The inner circumferential surface of the fourth gear 67 may be rotatably supported relative to the outer circumferential surface of the column 64 by a bushing, a bearing, etc. The third gear 66 and the fourth gear 67 may rotate together in the same direction around the column 64.

[0118] The fifth gear 68 may have a plurality of teeth spaced apart from each other at a predetermined pitch on its outer circumferential surface, and the fifth gear 68 may be fixed to the first shaft 21. The first shaft 21 may be fixed to the plate 15c of the roller carriage 15 using fasteners, welding, or the like. For example, the inner circumferential surface of the fifth gear 68 may be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the first shaft 21 using a key joint, welding, or the like. As another example, the fifth gear 68 may be integrally formed with the first shaft 21. The roller carriage 15 may rotate in the same direction as the fifth gear 68.

[0119] like Figure 6B As shown, the second belt 69 may have a plurality of teeth 53 that mesh with the teeth of the fourth gear 67 and the teeth of the fifth gear 68. When the second belt 69 moves, the fourth gear 67 and the fifth gear 68 may rotate in the same direction.

[0120] refer to Figure 10 When the sliding door 11 is manually opened by the user, the gear train 70 can convert the linear motion (sliding) of the sliding door 11 into a rotational motion, so that the driven gear 74 can rotate in the first rotation direction R1. When the first gear 61 rotates together with the driven gear 74 in the first rotation direction R1, the first belt 63 can move in the first direction L1, and the second gear 62 can rotate in the first rotation direction R1. When the second gear 62 rotates in the first rotation direction R1, the hinge arm 14 can be moved from the first pivot position P1 (see FIG. Figure 2A) pivots to the third pivot position P3 (see Figure 2B ) and / or the second pivot position P2 (see Figure 2C That is, to open the sliding door 11, the hinge arm 14 can be pivoted from the first pivot position P1 to the third pivot position P3 and / or the second pivot position P2 via the transmission device 60. When the first belt 63 moves in the first direction L1, the third gear 66, meshing with the second teeth of the first belt 63, can rotate in the third rotational direction R3, and the fourth gear 67 can rotate together with the third gear 66 in the third rotational direction R3. The third rotational direction R3 can be opposite to the first rotational direction R1. When the fourth gear 67 rotates in the third rotational direction R3, the second belt 69 can move in the third direction L3, so that the fifth gear 68 can rotate in the third rotational direction R3, and the first shaft 21 and the roller bracket 15 can rotate together with the fifth gear 68 in the third rotational direction R3. Since the third rotation direction R3 is opposite to the first rotation direction R1, the roller bracket 15, the track 12 and the sliding door 11 can receive a rotational force in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the hinge arm 14, so that when the sliding door 11 is opened, the sliding door 11 can maintain a posture parallel to the side of the vehicle body 5.

[0121] refer to Figure 10 When the sliding door 11 is manually closed by the user, the gear train 70 can convert the linear motion (sliding) of the sliding door 11 into a rotational motion, so that the driven gear 74 can rotate in the second rotation direction R2. When the first gear 61 rotates together with the driven gear 74 in the second rotation direction R2, the first belt 63 can move in the second direction L2, and the second gear 62 can rotate in the second rotation direction R2. When the second gear 62 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the hinge arm 14 can be moved from the second pivot position P2 (see FIG. Figure 2C ) pivots to the third pivot position P3 (see Figure 2B ) and / or the first pivot position P1 (see Figure 2AThat is, to close the sliding door 11, the hinged arm 14 can be pivoted from the second pivot position P2 to the third pivot position P3 and / or the first pivot position P1 via the transmission device 60. When the first belt 63 moves in the second direction L2, the third gear 66, meshing with the second teeth of the first belt 63, can rotate in the fourth rotational direction R4, and the fourth gear 67 can rotate together with the third gear 66 in the fourth rotational direction R4. The fourth rotational direction R4 can be opposite to the second rotational direction R2. When the fourth gear 67 rotates in the fourth rotational direction R4, the second belt 69 can move in the fourth direction L4, so that the fifth gear 68 can rotate in the fourth rotational direction R4, and the first shaft 21 and the roller carriage 15 can rotate together with the fifth gear 68 in the fourth rotational direction R4. Since the fourth rotation direction R4 is opposite to the second rotation direction R2, the roller bracket 15, the track 12 and the sliding door 11 can receive a rotational force in a direction opposite to the pivot direction of the hinge arm 14, so that when the sliding door 11 is closed, the sliding door 11 can maintain a posture parallel to the side of the vehicle body 5.

[0122] Figure 12 Shows the Figure 11 A modification of the exemplary embodiment of Figure 12 In the modified embodiment, the posture holding mechanism operatively connected to the transmission device 60 is removed. Figure 12 , the first shaft 21 can freely rotate relative to the plate 15c of the roller bracket 15. That is, the first shaft 21 can be rotatably supported relative to the plate 15c of the roller bracket 15 by a bushing, a bearing, etc. The first shaft 21 can be rotatably supported relative to the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 by a bushing, a bearing, etc.

[0123] according to Figure 12 In the exemplary embodiment, the first shaft 21 can rotate freely relative to the first body 17 of the hinge arm 14 and the roller bracket 15, and the posture holding mechanism can be removed. Figure 12 In the exemplary embodiment, the posture of the sliding door 11 may be maintained by an external structure for maintaining the posture.

[0124] According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor module 40, the first transmission device 30, and the second transmission device 45 or 55 may be applied to both the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200. Therefore, the sliding door 11 may be opened and closed electrically or automatically by the motor module 40.

[0125] According to another exemplary embodiment, the gear train 70 and the transmission 60 may be applied to both the upper guide mechanism 100 and the lower guide mechanism 200. Therefore, the sliding door 11 may be manually opened and closed by the gear train 70.

[0126] According to another exemplary embodiment, the motor module 40 , the first transmission 30 , and the second transmission 45 or 55 may be applied to the upper guide mechanism 100 , and the gear train 70 and the transmission 60 may be applied to the lower guide mechanism 200 .

[0127] According to another exemplary embodiment, the motor module 40 , the first transmission 30 , and the second transmission 45 or 55 may be applied to the lower guide mechanism 200 , and the gear train 70 and the transmission 60 may be applied to the upper guide mechanism 100 .

[0128] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the hinge arm 14 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle body 5, and the track 12 can be installed on the sliding door 11 so that the track 12 is not exposed to the interior and exterior of the vehicle when the sliding door 11 is opened, thereby improving the exterior style.

[0129] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the rail 12 is not mounted on the side of the vehicle body 5 but on the sliding door 11, the cross-sectional area of ​​the side structural members such as the side sills can be relatively increased. As a result, the battery protection space can be increased, and the lateral rigidity and side impact resistance of the vehicle body can be improved.

[0130] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the rail 12 is not installed on the side of the vehicle body 5 but on the sliding door 11, the battery installation space can be relatively increased. By increasing the capacity of the battery, the driving range of an environmentally friendly vehicle such as an electric vehicle can be increased.

[0131] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, when the sliding door is opened and closed, the sliding door 11 can be maintained in a predetermined posture by a posture maintaining mechanism, and two guide mechanisms (upper guide mechanism and lower guide mechanism) can constitute the sliding door system. While the sliding door system according to the prior art has three guide mechanisms (upper guide mechanism, lower guide mechanism, and center guide mechanism), the sliding door system 10 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure has two guide mechanisms 100 and 200, which reduces the number of required components and simplifies the assembly process, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and reducing weight.

[0132] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure 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 present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A guiding mechanism for a sliding door, the guiding mechanism comprising: a track configured to be mounted on the sliding door; a roller bracket configured to move along the track, the roller bracket comprising a roller bracket and a roller rotatably mounted on the roller bracket; a hinge arm configured to be pivotally connected to the vehicle body; a first shaft pivotally connecting the roller bracket to the hinge arm; as well as a second shaft configured to pivotally connect the hinge arm to the vehicle body, the hinge arm being configured to pivot about the second axis to move between a first pivot position and a second pivot position; When the hinge arm is in the first pivot position, the sliding door is in a fully closed position; and When the hinge arm is in the second pivot position, the sliding door is in a fully open position, The hinge arm is configured to pivot about the second axis via a motor module and a transmission device; The motor module is fixed to the roller bracket; The first shaft is connected to the motor module; The transmission includes a first gear fixed to the first shaft, a second gear disposed around the second shaft, and a first belt connecting the first gear and the second gear; and the second gear being fixed to the hinge arm, The guiding mechanism also includes a posture maintaining mechanism operatively connected to the transmission device, wherein the posture maintaining mechanism includes a third gear operatively connected to the first belt, a fourth gear fixed to the third gear, a fifth gear arranged around the first axis, and a second belt connecting the fourth gear and the fifth gear, and wherein the fifth gear is connected to the roller bracket through the motor module.

2. The guide mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The rail is a linear rail extending linearly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body.

3. The guiding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The roller bracket and the hinge arm are configured to freely rotate relative to the first axis, and the hinge arm is configured to freely rotate relative to the second axis.

4. The guiding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first belt includes a first plurality of teeth configured to mesh with the teeth of the first gear and the teeth of the second gear.

5. The guiding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The motor module has a cylindrical portion extending toward the fifth gear, the cylindrical portion surrounding the first shaft, and the fifth gear is fixed to the cylindrical portion. The guiding mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein: The first belt includes a second plurality of teeth configured to mesh with the teeth of the third gear.

7. The guide mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The hinge arm is configured to pivot about the second axis via a gear train and a transmission; the gear train being configured to convert linear motion of the sliding door into rotational motion of the first shaft; The transmission device includes a first gear rotatably mounted on the first shaft, a second gear rotatably mounted on the second shaft, and a first belt connecting the first gear and the second gear; The first gear is operatively connected to the gear train; and The second gear is fixed to the hinge arm.

8. The guiding mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: The gear train includes a driving gear in contact with the track; a first intermediate gear configured to mesh with the driving gear; a second intermediate gear fixed to the first intermediate gear; and a driven gear configured to mesh with the second intermediate gear, wherein the driven gear is fixed to the first gear.

9. The guide mechanism according to claim 7, further comprising a posture maintaining mechanism operatively connected to the transmission device, wherein: The posture maintaining mechanism includes a third gear operatively connected to the first belt, a fourth gear fixed to the third gear, a fifth gear fixed to the first shaft, and a second belt connecting the fourth gear and the fifth gear, wherein the first shaft is fixed to the roller bracket.

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