Door opening and closing devices

Abstract

A vehicle door opening and closing device includes a vehicle door, a track mounted on a vehicle body having a door opening, a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to move along the track and allow the vehicle door to be opened and closed in a sliding mode and a swinging mode, a sliding guide extending from a rear edge of the door opening of the vehicle body and extending straight in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body, a swinging guide bent from the sliding guide toward the interior of the vehicle body, a center roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and guided along the sliding guide and the swinging guide, and a variable stopper mechanism covering an outer side opening of the swinging guide in a sliding mode and exposing the outer side opening of the swinging guide in a swinging mode.

Description

[0001] Citations of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0121747 filed on September 21, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] Vehicles have a door opening for passengers to enter and exit the passenger compartment. The 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 swing doors and sliding doors. Swing doors open and close by swinging around 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 very 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 located in a narrow space, the swing trajectory of the door cannot be ensured, making the door opening and closing operation difficult.

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

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

[0008] The above information described in this Background section is for helping to understand the background of the present inventive concept and may include any technical concepts known to one skilled in the art that are not considered to be prior art. Summary of the Invention

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

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device that allows a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swinging mode. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device that prevents a center roller unit from being separated from a center track in the sliding mode and allows the center roller unit to be released from the center track in the swinging mode.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle door opening and closing device, which allows a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a swing mode and a sliding mode, thereby meeting customer needs, and is capable of preventing a center roller unit from being separated from a center track in the sliding mode and allowing the center roller unit to be released from the center track in the swing mode.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle door opening and closing device may include a vehicle door, a track mounted on a vehicle body, a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door, moving along the track and allowing the vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a swinging mode, a sliding guide extending from a rear edge of a door opening of the vehicle body and extending straight in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a swinging guide bent from the sliding guide toward the interior of the vehicle, a central roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and guided along the sliding guide and the swinging guide, and a variable stopper mechanism covering an outer opening of the swinging guide in the sliding mode and exposing the outer opening of the swinging guide in the swinging mode.

[0013] The variable stopper mechanism may include a first variable stopper moving along the swing guide, a second variable stopper moving along the first variable stopper, and a power transmission mechanism transmitting force to the first variable stopper and the second variable stopper.

[0014] The first variable stopper may include a contact wall with which the roller of the central roller unit comes into contact.

[0015] When the first variable stopper moves, the second variable stopper may move in the same direction as the first variable stopper through the power transmission mechanism.

[0016] The first variable stopper may have a first outer side wall and a first outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide, and the second variable stopper may have a second outer side wall and a second outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide and the first outer side opening.

[0017] The first variable stopper and the second variable stopper are movable between a covering position in which the second outer side wall covers the outer side opening of the swing guide and an exposing position in which the second outer side wall exposes the outer side opening of the swing guide.

[0018] The first and second variable stoppers may be biased to the exposed position by a biasing element.

[0019] The variable stopper mechanism may include a locking lever that locks the second variable stopper so that the second outer side wall of the second variable stopper may be maintained at the covering position.

[0020] The length of the second variable stopper may be smaller than the length of the first variable stopper.

[0021] The length of the first outer opening may be smaller than the length of the outer opening of the swing guide, and the length of the second outer opening may be smaller than the length of the first outer opening.

[0022] The first variable stopper may have a first rack, and the second variable stopper may have a second rack. The power transmission mechanism may include a first gear meshing with the first rack and a second gear meshing with the second rack, and the first gear and the second gear may form an integral one-piece structure.

[0023] The diameter of the first gear may be greater than the diameter of the second gear.

[0024] The length of the second rack may be smaller than the length of the first rack.

[0025] The gear ratio of the second gear to the first gear can be defined as a speed increasing ratio.

[0026] The first variable stopper and the second variable stopper may be bent to correspond to the sliding guide and the swing guide.

[0027] The sliding guide and the swing guide may form a central track. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] 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:

[0029] Figure 1 A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is mounted on a rear door of a vehicle;

[0030] Figure 2 A selector, an actuator connected to the selector, and a retaining lock are shown adjacent to an outside handle of the vehicle;

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

[0032] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 The door is open in swing mode;

[0033] Figure 5 shows a state in which an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit move along an upper rail and a lower rail when 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 disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6shows a state in which a vehicle door is pivoted by an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit when the 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 disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 shows 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 disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 A perspective view illustrating 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 disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9A shows a perspective view of an upper retention lock and a lower retention lock;

[0038] Figure 9B Shows the state where the upper holding lock and the lower holding lock hold the corresponding striker;

[0039] Figure 9C Shows the state where the upper holding lock and the lower holding lock release the corresponding striker;

[0040] Figure 9D Shows a state in which the upper and lower holding locks are allowed to receive corresponding strikers;

[0041] Figure 10 The primary latch and primary striker are shown mounted on the vehicle door;

[0042] Figure 11 A perspective view illustrating a middle rail in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view showing the swing guide of the center rail;

[0044] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view showing the sliding guide of the center rail;

[0045] Figure 14 The structure showing the center roller unit being held in the swing guide of the center track;

[0046] Figure 15 The operation of releasing the center roller unit from the swing guide of the center track is shown;

[0047] Figure 16 A perspective view showing a variable stopper mechanism in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which a first variable stopper and a second variable stopper are moved to an exposed position;

[0048] Figure 17A perspective view showing a variable stopper mechanism in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which a first variable stopper and a second variable stopper are moved to a covering position;

[0049] Figure 18 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 An exploded perspective view of a first variable stopper and a second variable stopper in the variable stopper mechanism shown;

[0050] Figure 19 yes Figure 16 and Figure 17 a perspective view of a first variable stop and a second variable stop in the variable stop mechanism shown;

[0051] Figure 20 Shown from Figure 19 The view is observed in the direction indicated by arrow A;

[0052] Figure 21 Shown Figure 16 and Figure 17 The power transmission mechanism of the variable stopper mechanism shown;

[0053] Figure 22 Shown Figure 21 The first gear and the second gear in the power transmission mechanism are shown in a state in which the first rack and the second rack are engaged;

[0054] Figure 23 A plan view showing a variable stopper mechanism in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which a first variable stopper and a second variable stopper are moved to an exposed position;

[0055] Figure 24 A plan view showing a variable stopper mechanism in a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a state in which a first variable stopper and a second variable stopper are moved to a covering position;

[0056] Figure 25 Shown along Figure 23 A sectional view taken along line BB;

[0057] Figure 26 shows a state in which a lock lever locks a second variable stopper in a variable stopper mechanism of a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 27 A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a state where the front door is opened in a sliding mode, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus being applied to a front door of a vehicle;

[0059] Figure 28 Shown Figure 27 The front door is open in swing mode;

[0060] Figure 29 shows a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure in a state where the front door and the rear door are opened in a sliding mode, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus being applied to the front door and the rear door of a vehicle; and

[0061] Figure 30 Shown Figure 29 The front and rear doors are open in swing mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to represent the same or equivalent elements. In addition, detailed descriptions of known technologies associated with the present disclosure will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the gist of the present disclosure.

[0063] 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. These terms, defined in commonly used 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 application.

[0064] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure 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 disclosure can be a switchable vehicle door opening and closing device. The sliding mode can open and close the vehicle door by sliding in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the swinging mode can open and close the vehicle door by swinging inward and outward.

[0065] refer to Figure 1, the vehicle body 1 may have a plurality of door openings 2 and 3, and the plurality of door openings 2 and 3 may be divided into a front opening 2 and a rear opening 3. The plurality of vehicle doors 4 and 5 may include a front door 4 that covers and exposes the front opening 2, and a rear door 5 that covers and exposes the rear opening 3. When the front door 4 is open, the front door 4 may expose the front opening 2, and when the front door 4 is closed, the front door 4 may cover the front opening 2. When the rear door 5 is open, the rear door 5 may expose the rear opening 3, and when the rear door 5 is closed, the rear door 5 may cover the rear opening 3.

[0066] The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to the front door 4 , the rear door 5 , and the like. Figures 1 to 4 The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is applied to the rear door 5. Hereinafter, the rear door 5 will be referred to as the vehicle door 5, and the rear hole 3 will be referred to as the door hole 3.

[0067] The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more rails 11 and 12 mounted on the vehicle body 1, and the rails 11 and 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Figure 1 The upper rail 11 can be installed on the upper edge of the vehicle body 1, and the lower rail 12 can be installed on the lower edge of the vehicle body 1. The upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper rail 11 can be set on the upper edge of the door hole 3, and the lower rail 12 can be set on the lower edge of the door hole 3.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle door opening and closing device may include roller units 21 and 22 guided along the rails 11 and 12. The roller units 21 and 22 can allow the vehicle door 5 to open and close in one mode selected from a sliding mode and a swinging mode. In particular, the roller units 21 and 22 can be releasably retained at predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12 by retaining locks 31 and 32. Specifically, when the roller units 21 and 22 are retained at predetermined positions of 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 at the predetermined position of 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.

[0069] 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 .

[0070] refer to Figure 2The door 5 may include an outside handle 6, and a selector 40 for selecting the sliding mode and the swing mode may be provided on the outside handle 6 or on the door 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.

[0071] 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 rail 11, the lower rail 12 and the center rail 13 shown slide. In the sliding mode, the door 5 can move between a first open position OP1 in which the door 5 is fully opened and a first closed position CP1 in which the door 5 is fully closed. Figure 1 and Figure 3 shown.

[0072] When the user presses the second switch 42 and selects the swing mode, the door 5 can swing as the user pushes or pulls the outside handle 6 toward the passenger compartment of the vehicle or toward the outside of the vehicle. Figure 4 In the swing mode, the door 5 can move between a second open position OP2 in which the door 5 is fully opened and a second closed position CP2 in which the door 5 is fully closed. Figure 6 In particular, when the vehicle door 5 is maintained in the first closed position CP1, it can be operated in the swing mode.

[0073] 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 extending 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.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 3 As 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. That is, a single upper retaining lock 31 can selectively retain both the first upper striker 31a and the second upper striker 31b. Since the upper retaining lock 31 retains the first upper striker 31a, the upper roller unit 21 can be securely retained in the first closed position CP1, thereby maintaining the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. Since the upper retaining lock 31 retains the second upper striker 31b, the upper roller unit 21 can be securely retained in the first open position OP1, thereby maintaining the vehicle door 5 in the first open position OP1.

[0075] According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper retaining lock 31 can releasably retain the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be retained in the first closed position CP1. That is, the upper retaining lock 31 can be an upper closing retaining lock that retains the closed state of the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. An upper opening retaining lock (not shown) can be mounted on the upper roller unit 21 and can releasably retain the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1. That is, the upper closing retaining lock that releasably retains the first upper striker 31a in the first closed position CP1 and the upper opening retaining lock that releasably retains the second upper striker 31b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the upper roller unit 21.

[0076] refer to Figure 4 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 securely held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the first upper striker 31a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the upper rotation axis CX1.

[0077] 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 extending 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.

[0078] 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. That is, a single lower retaining lock 32 can selectively retain both the first lower striker 32a and the second lower striker 32b. Since 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, thereby maintaining the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. Since 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, thereby maintaining the vehicle door 5 in the first open position OP1.

[0079] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower retaining lock 32 can releasably retain the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be retained in the first closed position CP1. That is, the lower retaining lock 32 can be a lower closed retaining lock that retains the closed state of the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. A lower open retaining lock (not shown) can be mounted on the lower roller unit 22 and can releasably retain the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1. That is, the lower closed retaining lock that releasably retains the first lower striker 32a in the first closed position CP1 and the lower open retaining lock that releasably retains the second lower striker 32b in the first open position OP1 can be separately mounted on the lower roller unit 22.

[0080] According to the exemplary embodiment, the vehicle door 5 can be releasably held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32. That is, the upper holding lock 31 and the lower holding lock 32 can serve as closing holding locks that hold the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1.

[0081] refer to Figure 4 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 securely held in the first closed position CP1 by the lower holding lock 32 and the first lower striker 32a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the lower rotation axis CX2.

[0082] 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 .

[0083] 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 .

[0084] When the user selects the selector 40, the actuator 43 can selectively perform a holding 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, and a releasing operation in which the upper holding lock 31 releases the first upper striker 31a and the lower holding lock 32 releases the first lower striker 32a.

[0085] When the user presses the first switch 41 of the selector 40 with the vehicle door 5 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 the sliding mode.

[0086] When the user presses the second switch 42 of the selector 40 in the state where the vehicle door 5 is closed, the upper holding lock 31 can hold the first upper striker 31a through the holding operation of the actuator 43, and the lower holding lock 32 can hold the first lower striker 32a, and the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 can be firmly held in the first closed position CP1. Therefore, the user can swing the vehicle door 5 toward the interior space and the exterior space of the vehicle, so that the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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 separately connected to the selector 40 .

[0089] 9A to 9D An upper retaining lock 31 and a lower retaining lock 32 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. 9A to 9D Each of the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 may include a buckle 71, a claw 72 that releasably engages the buckle 71, and a rod 73 operatively connected to the claw 72. The rod 73 may be connected to the actuator 43 via a cable 75. When the cable 75 is reversed (pulled) by the actuator 43, the buckle 71 may release the strikers 31a and 32a. A portion of the buckle 71, the claw 72, and the rod 73 may be covered by a cover plate 76, and the cover plate 76 may be attached to a mounting plate 74. The strikers 31a and 32a may be fixed to the vehicle body 1 via a mounting plate 78.

[0090] refer to 9A to 9D , the upper holding lock 31 can releasably hold the first upper striker 31 a , and the lower holding lock 32 can releasably hold the first lower striker 32 a .

[0091] The buckle 71 may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a first pivot shaft 71a. The buckle 71 may have a groove 71b for receiving the strikers 31a and 32a, and the buckle 71 may engage with or release the strikers 31a and 32a. The buckle 71 may be in an engaged position (see FIG. Figure 9B ) and release position (see Figure 9C). The joint position refers to the Figure 9B The position of the buckle 71 shown is engaged with the strikers 31a and 32a, and the release position is as shown in FIG. Figure 9C The buckle 71 shown releases the position of the strikers 31a and 32a. Figure 9B In the engagement position shown, the buckle 71 can engage with the strikers 31a and 32a so that the buckle 71 can hold the strikers 31a and 32a. Figure 9C In the release position shown, the buckle 71 can release the strikers 31a and 32a. Thus, the strikers 31a and 32a can be released from or received in the recess 71b of the buckle 71. The buckle 71 can be biased toward the release position by a first biasing element 71c, such as a torsion spring. The first biasing element 71c can be disposed about the first pivot axis 71a. The buckle 71 can have a locking shoulder 71d.

[0092] The claw 72 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a second pivot shaft 72a, and the claw 72 can be in a claw locking position (see FIG. Figure 9B ) and the claw release position (see Figure 9C and Figure 9D The claw locking position refers to the position where the claw 72 is engaged with the buckle 71 and the buckle 71 is maintained in the engaged position, and the claw releasing position refers to the position where the claw 72 releases the buckle 71 and allows the buckle 71 to move from the engaged position to the released position. Figure 9B As shown, when the claw 72 is in the claw locking position, the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 can be restricted by the claw 72 so that the buckle 71 can be maintained in the engaged position. Figure 9C and Figure 9D As shown, when the claw 72 is in the claw release position, the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 can be unrestricted by the claw 72, so that the buckle 71 can move from the engaged position to the released position. The claw 72 can be biased toward the claw locking position (see FIG. Figure 9B The second biasing element 72c may be disposed around the second pivot axis 72a.

[0093] The claw 72 may have a locking protrusion 72d that locks to the locking shoulder 71d of the buckle 71. Figure 9B 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 buckle 71, and the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 can be restricted so that the buckle 71 can be kept in the engaged position. Figure 9CAs shown, when the claw 72 is moved to the claw release position by the rod 73, the locking protrusion 72d of the claw 72 can be released from the locking shoulder 71d of the buckle 71, and the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 can be allowed, so that the buckle 71 can be moved to the release position by the first biasing element 71C.

[0094] The rod 73 may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 74 via a third pivot axis 73a. The rod 73 may be connected to the actuator 43 via a cable 75. The ends of the cable 75 may be fixed to the rod 73, and the cable 75 may be advanced or reversed by the actuator 43. When the actuator 43 moves the cable 75, the rod 73 may pivot about the third pivot axis 73a. When the cable 75 is reversed, the rod 73 may move the claw 72 to the claw release position (see FIG. Figure 9C ).

[0095] The 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 lever 73. The pin 72b can be movably received in the opening 73b. When the lever 73 pivots about the third pivot axis 73a, the pin 72b can move in the opening 73b, thereby allowing the claw 72 to move.

[0096] like Figure 9B As shown, when the actuator 43 advances the cable 75, the locking protrusion 72d of the claw 72 can be locked to the locking shoulder 71d of the buckle 71, thereby restricting the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 so that the buckle 71 can be maintained in the engaged position. The strikers 31a and 32a can be retained in the groove 71b of the buckle 71. In other words, the upper retaining lock 31 and the lower retaining lock 32 can retain the corresponding strikers 31a and 32a.

[0097] like Figure 9C As shown, when the actuator 43 retracts the cable 75, the rod 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 buckle 71, and the buckle 71 can be allowed to move (rotate), so that the buckle 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 groove 71b of the buckle 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.

[0098] like Figure 9DAs shown, even when the cable 75 is advanced by the actuator 43 while the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is released from the locking shoulder 71d of the buckle 71, the buckle 71 can be maintained in the released position by the first biasing element 71c, so that the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 can be allowed. In this state, the strikers 31a and 32a can be allowed to be received in the groove 71b of the buckle 71. That is, in a state in which the movement (rotation) of the buckle 71 is allowed when the locking protrusion 72d of the pawl 72 is released from the locking shoulder 71d of the buckle 71, the strikers 31a and 32a can be allowed to be received in the groove 71b of the buckle 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. When the force applied by the upper and lower retaining locks 31 and 32 in a state where the strikers 31a and 32a are received in the grooves 71b of the buckle 71 is greater than the spring force of the first biasing member 71c, the buckle 71 can be moved to the engaged position. Figure 9B As shown, when the locking protrusion 72 d of the pawl 72 is locked to the locking shoulder 71 d of the buckle 71 , the buckle 71 can hold the strikers 31 a and 32 a .

[0099] refer to Figure 5 Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can be mounted on the vehicle body 1 by a mounting bracket 15, and the mounting bracket 15 can have a shape corresponding to the shape of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 can have a first extending portion 51 extending straight in 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.

[0100] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Each of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 may include a roller bracket 64 having rollers 65 and 66 rolling along the rails 11 and 12 , and a body 60 connecting the roller bracket 64 and the vehicle door 5 .

[0101] 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 8 As shown, the middle roller 65 and two side rollers 66 provided 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.

[0102] The main body 60 may be bent 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 fixed to the roller bracket 64 by welding, using fasteners, etc., and the second end 62 of the main body 60 may be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 via a pivot pin 63. The vehicle door 5 may swing about the pivot pin 63 adjacent to the second end 62 of the main body 60.

[0103] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The roller bracket 64 can be directly connected to the first end 61 of the main body 60 by welding, using fasteners, etc., and the second end 62 of the main body 60 can be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 via a pivot pin 63. The first pivot bracket 68 can be fixed to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, etc., and the second pivot bracket 69 can be fixed to the second end 62 of the main body 60 by welding, using fasteners, etc. The first pivot bracket 68 can have a lug 68a, and the second pivot bracket 69 can have a recess 69a. The lug 68a of the first pivot bracket 68 can be inserted into the recess 69a of the second pivot bracket 69, and the pivot pin 63 can pass through the lug 68a of the first pivot bracket 68 and the second pivot bracket 69. The upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 can be defined by the pivot pin 63. 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 63, 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 that actually connects 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.

[0104] When the upper holding lock 31 securely holds the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1 and the lower holding lock 32 securely holds the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1, the door 5 can swing about the upper rotation axis CX1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower rotation axis CX2 of the lower roller unit 22. The door 5 can move between a second closed position CP2 in which the door 5 is closed and a second open position OP2 in which the door 5 is open.

[0105] refer to Figure 10The main latch 80 may be mounted on the rear end of the vehicle door 5, and the main striker 81 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1. The main latch 80 may releasably engage with the main striker 81. When the vehicle door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 may be engaged with the main striker 81 by the outside handle 6, thereby locking the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2. When the vehicle door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main latch 80 may be released from the main striker 81 by 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 center roller unit 23 is released from the center track 13, and the vehicle door 5 can thus be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus may further include a central rail 13 installed at a central portion of the vehicle body 1 , and a central roller unit 23 guided along the central rail 13 .

[0107] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The central rail 13 may extend from the rear edge of the door opening 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The central roller unit 23 may be pivotally mounted on the central portion of the vehicle door 5. In particular, the central roller unit 23 may be mounted at a position adjacent to the rear end of the vehicle door 5. The central roller unit 23 may be guided along the central rail 13.

[0108] refer to Figure 11 The center rail 13 may include a sliding guide 91 extending linearly in 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 by a bent portion 93, and the bent portion 93 may be bent at a predetermined radius.

[0109] refer to Figures 12 to 14 The central roller unit 23 may include a roller bracket 101 and rollers 105 and 106 rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101. The roller bracket 101 may be pivotally mounted on the central portion of the vehicle door 5. The rollers 105 and 106 may roll along the central track 13. Figure 14 As shown, a middle roller 105 and two side rollers 106 disposed on either side of the middle roller 105 may be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket 101. The rotation axis of the middle roller 105 may be perpendicular to the rotation axis of the side rollers 106. The rollers 105 and 106 of the central roller unit 23 may be located on an upper portion of the central rail 13.

[0110] When the door 5 slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the sliding mode is selected, the sliding guide 91 may guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 .

[0111] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 13 , the sliding guide 91 may include a stop wall 95 that prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 from separating from the sliding guide 91. The sliding guide 91 may have an opening to the outside of the vehicle, and the stop wall 95 may be located above the opening of the sliding guide 91. In particular, the stop wall 95 may be positioned to face the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 so that the stop wall 95 can guide the movement of the rollers 105 and 106. The stop wall 95 may extend along the length of the sliding guide 91 and the length of the curved portion 93. The stop wall 95 may extend vertically downward from the upper end of the sliding guide 91. Since the stop wall 95 encloses the upper portion of the sliding guide 91 and the upper portion of the curved portion 93, the center 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 13 shown.

[0112] When the door 5 is opened and closed in the swing mode, since the swing mode is selected, the swing guide 92 may guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 to be released from the center track 13 .

[0113] The outer side of the swing guide 92 can be fully opened toward the outside space of the vehicle. The guide protrusion 94 can extend 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, the middle roller 105 of the center roller unit 23 can be guided along the guide protrusion 94, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 shown.

[0114] The front end 95a of the stopper wall 95 of the slide guide 91 and the rear end 94a of the guide protrusion 94 can be positioned so as not to interfere with the swing trajectory T1 of the vehicle door 5. Figure 15 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 α. In particular, the intersection angle α 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 center roller unit 23 can be easily released from the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13, or can be easily received in the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13.

[0115] The center track 13 may include a space 98 that allows the rollers 105 and 106 of the intermediate roller unit 23 to be released from or received in the center track 13 when the vehicle door 5 is swung in the swing mode. When the front end 95a of the stopper 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 stopper wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide protrusion 94. Due to the space 98, there is no interference when the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 are released from the center track 13 or received in the center track 13 in the swing mode.

[0116] At the same time, according to Figures 11 to 15 In the exemplary embodiment shown, when the main latch 80 fails or the door 5 or the swing guide 92 is deformed due to an external impact in the sliding mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 may be separated from the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13, and the door 5 may not be easily opened and closed in the sliding mode. To solve this problem, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a variable stopper mechanism 110 that can prevent the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 from being separated from the center rail 13 in the sliding mode.

[0117] refer to Figure 25 The swing guide 92 may include a top wall 92a, an inner side wall 92b facing the interior space of the vehicle, a bottom wall 92c, an outer opening 92d open to the exterior space of the vehicle, and a cavity 92e. The cavity 92e may be defined by the top wall 92a, the inner side wall 92b, and the bottom wall 92c, and the cavity 92e may receive the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23.

[0118] refer to Figures 16 to 26 According to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the variable stopper mechanism 110 can cover a portion (upper portion) of the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the sliding mode, thereby preventing the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 from being separated from the center rail 13, and can expose the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92 in the swing mode, thereby allowing the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 to be released from the center rail 13.

[0119] refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The variable stop mechanism 110 may include a first variable stop 120 movably mounted on the swing guide 92 of the center rail 13, a second variable stop 130 movably mounted on the first variable stop 120, and a power transmission mechanism 150 that transmits the force applied to the first variable stop 120 to the second variable stop 130.

[0120] refer to Figures 18 to 20 The first variable stopper 120 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shapes of the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 adjacent to the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13. Therefore, the first variable stopper 120 may move along the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 adjacent to the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13. Specifically, the first variable stopper 120 may include a first top wall 121, a first outer side wall 123 facing the exterior space of the vehicle, a first outer side opening 125 open to the exterior space of the vehicle, and a first inner side wall 126 facing the interior space of the vehicle.

[0121] The first top wall 121 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shapes of the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 adjacent to the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13. In particular, the first top wall 121 may move along the top wall 92a of the swing guide 92.

[0122] The first outer side wall 123 may have a shape corresponding to that of the stopper wall 95 of the center rail 13 and may move along the stopper wall 95 of the sliding guide 91 and the outer side opening 92 d of the swing guide 92 .

[0123] The first outer opening 125 may be aligned with the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92. The length of the first outer opening 125 may be smaller than the length of the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 may be received in the swing guide 92 or released from the swing guide 92 through the first outer opening 125. The first outer opening 125 may be movable along the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92.

[0124] The first inner sidewall 126 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shapes of the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 near the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13. The first inner sidewall 126 may move along the inner sidewall 92b of the swing guide 92.

[0125] The first rack gear 127 may extend along a bottom edge of the first inner sidewall 126 and may have a curved shape. The first rack gear 127 may have a plurality of teeth.

[0126] The first variable stopper 120 may further include a contact wall 124 with which the side rollers 106 of the center roller unit 23 come into contact, and the contact wall 124 may extend downward from the first top wall 121. The contact wall 124 may have a flat surface perpendicular to the first top wall 121.

[0127] refer to Figures 18 to 20The second variable stopper 130 may overlap with the first variable stopper 120 and may move along the first variable stopper 120. The second variable stopper 130 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shapes of the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 of the curved portion 93 near the center rail 13.

[0128] When the first variable stopper 120 moves, the second variable stopper 130 can move in the same direction as the first variable stopper 120 through the power transmission mechanism 150. The length of the second variable stopper 130 can be smaller than the length of the first variable stopper 120. Specifically, the second variable stopper 130 may include a second top wall 131, a second outer side wall 133 facing the exterior space of the vehicle, a second outer side opening 135 open to the exterior space of the vehicle, and a second inner side wall 136 facing the interior space of the vehicle.

[0129] The second top wall 131 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shapes of the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 near the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13, and the second top wall 131 may be located on the first top wall 121. The length of the second top wall 131 may be shorter than the length of the first top wall 121. When the second variable stopper 130 moves along the sliding guide 91 and the swing guide 92 near the curved portion 93 of the center rail 13, the second top wall 131 may move along the first top wall 121.

[0130] The second outer sidewall 133 may have a shape corresponding to the shapes of the stopper wall 95 and the first outer sidewall 123 of the center rail 13, and the length of the second outer sidewall 133 may be less than the length of the first outer sidewall 123. The second outer sidewall 133 may be movable along the first outer sidewall 123 and the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92, so that the second outer sidewall 133 may cover or expose the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92. Specifically, the second outer sidewall 133 may be positioned to correspond to the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23, and the second outer sidewall 133 may cover or expose the upper portion of the outer side opening 92d.

[0131] The second outer opening 135 may be aligned with the first outer opening 125 and the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and the length of the second outer opening 135 may be less than the length of the first outer opening 125. The second outer opening 135 may be movable along the first outer opening 125 and the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92. Figure 16 and Figure 23As shown, when the second outer opening 135 is aligned with the first outer opening 125 and the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92, the outer opening 92d of the swing guide 92 can be exposed, so that the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 can be received in the swing guide 92 or released from the swing guide 92 through the second outer opening 135.

[0132] The second inner sidewall 136 may have a curved shape corresponding to the shape of the first inner sidewall 126, and the second inner sidewall 136 may be movable along the first inner sidewall 126. The second rack 137 may extend along the bottom edge of the second inner sidewall 136, and the second rack 137 may have a curved shape. The second rack 137 may have a plurality of teeth, and the length of the second rack 137 may be less than the length of the first rack 127.

[0133] refer to Figures 21 to 25 The power transmission mechanism 150 may include a first gear 151 and a second gear 152 coaxially connected to the first gear 151. The first gear 151 may mesh with the first rack 127 of the first variable stopper 120, and the second gear 152 may mesh with the second rack 137 of the second variable stopper 130. The first gear 151 and the second gear 152 may be rotatably mounted on a bracket 155 via a common shaft 154. Since the second gear 152 is integrally connected to the first gear 151, the first gear 151 and the second gear 152 may form an integral, one-piece structure. The first gear 151 may be rotatably supported by the bracket 155 via a bushing 153. The bracket 155 may be fixed to the vehicle body. The first gear 151 may be a driving gear, and the second gear 152 may be a driven gear. The diameter of the first gear 151 may be larger than the diameter of the second gear 152. The gear ratio of the second gear 152 to the first gear 151 may be defined as a speed-increasing ratio such as 1:2 or 1:3, so that the second gear 152 can rotate two or three times faster than the first gear 151. Therefore, when the first variable stopper 120 moves, the second variable stopper 130 can move two or three times faster than the first variable stopper 120.

[0134] When the door 5 is closed in the swing mode, the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 are received in the cavities 92e of the swing guide 92 (see FIG. Figure 16 The side roller 106 of the center roller unit 23 can push the contact wall 124 of the first variable stopper 120, and the first variable stopper 120 can move to the end of the swing guide 92 (see FIG. Figure 16As the first variable stopper 120 advances toward the end of the swing guide 92, the second variable stopper 130 can move toward the end of the swing guide 92 together with the first variable stopper 120 via the power transmission mechanism 150. Specifically, as the first variable stopper 120 advances toward the end of the swing guide 92, the first gear 151 meshing with the first rack 127 of the first variable stopper 120 can rotate, thereby allowing the second gear 152 to rotate in the same direction as the first gear 151. The second gear 152 can rotate two or three times faster than the first gear 151, thereby allowing the second variable stopper 130 to advance two or three times faster than the first variable stopper 120.

[0135] refer to Figure 17 When the second variable stopper 130 is fully advanced toward the end of the swing guide 92, the second outer side wall 133 of the second variable stopper 130 can cover the upper portion of the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92. That is, when the second variable stopper 130 covers the upper portion of the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92, the second variable stopper 130 can prevent the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 from separating from the swing guide 92. When the second variable stopper 130 covers the upper portion of the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92, the vehicle door 5 can be reliably opened and closed in the sliding mode, and the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 can be prevented from separating from the swing guide 92.

[0136] The second variable stopper 130 can be moved in the same direction as the first variable stopper 120 through the power transmission mechanism 150. In particular, the first variable stopper 120 and the second variable stopper 130 can be moved in the covering position (see FIG. Figure 17 and Figure 24 ) and exposure position (see Figure 16 and Figure 23 ) to move between. Figure 17 and Figure 24 , the covering position refers to the position where the second outer side wall 133 covers a portion (upper portion) of the outer side opening 92d of the swing guide 92, and refers to Figure 16 and Figure 23 The exposed position refers to a position where the second outer wall 133 is exposed to a portion (upper portion) of the outer opening 92 d of the swing guide 92 .

[0137] When the second variable stopper 130 is in the covering position, the central roller unit 23 can move in the sliding mode along the swing guide 92 and the sliding guide 91. When the second variable stopper 130 is in the exposing position, the central roller unit 23 can be released from the swing guide 92 or received in the swing guide 92 in the swing mode.

[0138] refer to Figure 23 , the first variable stopper 120 and the second variable stopper 130 may be biased toward the exposed position by a biasing element 170. For example, the biasing element 170 may be a coil spring connected to the first variable stopper 120. Figure 24 As shown, when the first variable stop 120 is fully advanced toward the end of the swing guide 92 and the second variable stop 130 is moved to the covering position, the biasing element 170 can be tensioned. Figure 23 As shown, the biasing element 170 may be compressed when the first variable stop 120 moves from the end of the swing guide 92 to the exposed position.

[0139] The variable stopper mechanism 110 may include a locking lever 160 that locks the second variable stopper 130 so that the second variable stopper 130 may be maintained in the covering position, and the locking lever 160 may be adjacent to an end of the swing guide 92 .

[0140] refer to Figure 26 The locking lever 160 may be pivotally mounted on a bracket 163, and the bracket 163 may be fixed to the vehicle body. The locking lever 160 may be connected to the outside handle 6 via a cable 165. The locking lever 160 may have a retaining barb 161 provided on its free end, and the second top wall 131 of the second variable stopper 130 may have a recess 138. When the retaining barb 161 of the locking lever 160 is inserted into the recess 138 of the second variable stopper 130, the second variable stopper 130 may be maintained in a covering position, in which it covers the outside opening 92d of the swing guide 92. When the user pulls the outside handle 6 in swing mode, the vehicle door 5 may swing outward, and the cable 165 may be pulled, causing the locking lever 160 to pivot upward. Therefore, the holding barb 161 of the locking lever 160 may be released from the recess 138 of the second variable stopper 130 , and the first and second variable stoppers 120 and 130 may be moved to the exposed position by the biasing force of the biasing element 170 .

[0141] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second variable stoppers 120 and 130 may be made of a flexible material. For example, the first and second variable stoppers 120 and 130 may be made of a synthetic resin material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Therefore, the first and second variable stoppers 120 and 130 can slide smoothly along the swing guide 92, the curved portion 93, and the sliding guide 91 of the center rail 13.

[0142] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first variable stopper 120 and the second variable stopper 130 may be made of a composite material in which a plurality of reinforcing materials such as steel wires are embedded in a matrix (synthetic resin material), thereby increasing the stiffness of the first variable stopper 120 and the second variable stopper 130 .

[0143] According to another exemplary embodiment, the first and second variable stoppers 120 and 130 may have a curved structure in a longitudinal direction thereof.

[0144] Figures 1 to 26 The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown applied to the rear door 5. However, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied to various vehicle doors, such as a front door, in addition to the rear door.

[0145] Figure 27 and Figure 28 The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown applied to the front door 4 . Figure 27 shows the state where the front door 4 is opened in the sliding mode, Figure 28 A state in which the front door 4 is opened in the swing mode is shown.

[0146] Figure 29 and Figure 30 The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown applied to the front door 4 and the rear door 5 . Figure 29 shows the state where the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in the sliding mode, Figure 30 A state is shown in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in the swing mode.

[0147] As described above, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can perform the door opening and closing operation by selectively switching between the sliding mode and the swinging mode, thereby meeting customer needs such as convenience and diversity. In addition, it can select the door opening and closing operation by considering the customer's situation and environment, thereby improving convenience and quality.

[0148] In particular, by preventing the center roller unit from being separated from the center track in the sliding mode and allowing the center roller unit to be released from the center track in the swing mode, the vehicle door can be reliably opened and closed in the swing mode or the sliding mode.

[0149] In terms of vehicle specifications, the door opening and closing structure can be standardized regardless of the vehicle model, thereby significantly reducing manufacturing costs and investment costs.

[0150] 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 may be variously modified and changed 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 vehicle door opening and closing device comprising: Car door; a track configured to be mounted on a vehicle body having a door opening; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track and allow the door to open and close in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a sliding guide extending from a rear edge of the door opening of the vehicle body and extending linearly in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a swing guide member bent from the sliding guide member toward the interior of the vehicle body; a central roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to be guided along the sliding guide and the swinging guide; as well as a variable stopper mechanism configured to cover the outer opening of the swing guide in the sliding mode and to expose the outer opening of the swing guide in the swing mode, Wherein, the variable stopper mechanism comprises: a first variable stop configured to move along the swing guide; a second variable stop configured to move along the first variable stop; and A power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit force to the first variable stopper and the second variable stopper.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The sliding guide and the swing guide form a central track.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The first variable stopper includes a contact wall, wherein the roller of the central roller unit is configured to contact the contact wall.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein When the first variable stopper moves, the second variable stopper is configured to move together with the first variable stopper in the same direction through the power transmission mechanism.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the first variable stop having a first outer side wall and a first outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide; as well as The second variable stopper has a second outer side wall and a second outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide and the first outer side opening.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein The first variable stopper and the second variable stopper are configured to move between a covering position in which the second outer side wall covers the outer side opening of the swing guide and an exposing position in which the second outer side wall exposes the outer side opening of the swing guide. 7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising a biasing element configured to bias the first and second variable stops to the exposed position.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The variable stop mechanism includes a locking lever configured to lock the second variable stop such that the second outer sidewall of the second variable stop remains in the covering position.

9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein: The length of the first outer opening is smaller than the length of the outer opening of the swing guide; and The length of the second outer opening is smaller than the length of the first outer opening.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The length of the second variable stopper is smaller than the length of the first variable stopper.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The first variable stopper and the second variable stopper are bent to correspond to the sliding guide and the swing guide.

12. A vehicle door opening and closing device comprising: Car door; a track configured to be mounted on a vehicle body having a door opening; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track and allow the door to open and close in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a sliding guide extending from a rear edge of the door opening of the vehicle body and extending linearly in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a swing guide member bent from the sliding guide member toward the interior of the vehicle body; a central roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to be guided along the sliding guide and the swinging guide; as well as a variable stopper mechanism configured to cover an outer opening of the swing guide in the sliding mode and to expose the outer opening of the swing guide in the swing mode, wherein the variable stopper mechanism comprises: a first variable stop having a first rack and configured to move along the swing guide; a second variable stop having a second rack and configured to move along the first variable stop; and a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit force to the first variable stopper and the second variable stopper, the power transmission mechanism comprising a first gear configured to mesh with the first rack and a second gear configured to mesh with the second rack; wherein the first gear and the second gear form an integral one-piece structure; and Wherein, when the first variable stopper moves, the second variable stopper is configured to move in the same direction as the first variable stopper through the power transmission mechanism.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein A diameter of the first gear is greater than a diameter of the second gear.

14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The length of the second rack is smaller than that of the first rack.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein The gear ratio of the second gear to the first gear is defined as a speed increasing ratio.

16. A vehicle comprising: bodywork, including door openings; a vehicle door coupled to the vehicle body and configured to cover and expose the door opening; a track mounted on the vehicle body; a roller unit mounted on the door and configured to move along the track and allow the door to open and close in a sliding mode and a swinging mode; a sliding guide extending from a rear edge of the door opening of the vehicle body and extending straight in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle; a swing guide bent from the sliding guide toward an interior of the vehicle; a central roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to be guided along the sliding guide and the swinging guide; as well as a variable stopper mechanism configured to cover the outer opening of the swing guide in the sliding mode and to expose the outer opening of the swing guide in the swing mode, Wherein, the variable stopper mechanism comprises: a first variable stopper configured to move along the swing guide, the first variable stopper including a contact wall; a second variable stop configured to move along the first variable stop; and A power transmission mechanism is configured to transmit force to the first variable stopper and the second variable stopper.

17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein: The sliding guide and the swing guide form a central track.

18. The vehicle according to claim 16, in, The roller of the central roller unit is configured to contact the contact wall of the first variable stopper; and Wherein, when the first variable stopper moves, the second variable stopper is configured to move in the same direction as the first variable stopper through the power transmission mechanism.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein: the first variable stop having a first outer side wall and a first outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide; as well as The second variable stopper has a second outer side wall and a second outer side opening aligned with the outer side opening of the swing guide and the first outer side opening.

Images