Motion control of telescopic multi-panel doors

Abstract

This invention relates to motion control of a telescopic multi-panel door. A door assembly for a vehicle includes: a first door panel movable at least partially across a door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening; and a second door panel spaced apart from the first door panel and movable at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side. A first magnetic element is located at the first door panel, and a second magnetic element is located at the second door panel. The second magnetic element interacts with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door panel across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] introduction

[0002] This subject matter relates to vehicle doors, and particularly to multi-panel sliding door systems for vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] Some vehicles (such as trucks with enclosed cargo compartments) have a wall separating the passenger compartment from the cargo compartment. This partition wall often includes a door to allow the vehicle driver access to the cargo compartment. In some such vehicles, the door is hinged, while in others it is a sliding or pocket door configuration. It is expected that the driver or other user can operate the door with minimal effort to move it between the closed and open positions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment, a door assembly of a vehicle includes: a first door panel movable at least partially across a door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening; and a second door panel spaced apart from the first door panel and movable at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side. A first magnetic element is located at the first door panel, and a second magnetic element is located at the second door panel. The second magnetic element interacts with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door panel across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first guide groove receives the first door panel, and the second guide groove receives the second door panel.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, a rigid stop is located in a second guide groove to prevent movement of the second door panel when the door assembly is moved from the open position toward the closed position.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the rigid stop breaks the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel, allowing the first door panel to move independently of the second door panel.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have polarities oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

[0009] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element is located at the bottom portion of the first door panel, and the second magnetic element is located at the bottom portion of the second door panel.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element are located at the side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

[0012] In another embodiment, a vehicle includes: a first compartment; a second compartment; and a partition wall separating the first and second compartments. A door assembly is located at a door opening in the partition wall. The door assembly includes: a first door panel movable at least partially across the door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening; and a second door panel spaced apart from the first door panel and movable at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side. A first magnetic element is located at the first door panel, and a second magnetic element is located at the second door panel. The second magnetic element interacts with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door panel across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first guide groove receives the first door panel, and the second guide groove receives the second door panel.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, a rigid stop is located in a second guide groove to prevent movement of the second door panel when the door assembly is moved from the open position toward the closed position.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the rigid stop overcomes the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel, allowing the first door panel to move independently of the second door panel.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have polarities oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element is located at the bottom portion of the first door panel, and the second magnetic element is located at the bottom portion of the second door panel.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the first compartment is a passenger compartment and the second compartment is a cargo compartment.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second compartment is an enclosed cargo compartment.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, one or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element are located at the side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

[0022] Option 1. A door assembly for a vehicle, the door assembly comprising:

[0023] A first door panel, the first door panel being movable at least partially across a door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening;

[0024] A second door panel, spaced apart from the first door panel and capable of moving at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side;

[0025] A first magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element is disposed at the first door panel; and

[0026] A second magnetic element is disposed at the second door panel. The second magnetic element interacts with the first magnetic element, such that the movement of the first door across the door opening causes the second door panel to move across the door opening.

[0027] Option 2. The door assembly according to Option 1, wherein the door assembly further comprises:

[0028] A first guide groove, which receives the first door panel; and

[0029] The second guide groove receives the second door panel.

[0030] Option 3. The door assembly according to Option 2, the door assembly further includes a rigid stop disposed in the second guide groove to prevent movement of the second door panel when the door assembly is moved from the open position toward the closed position.

[0031] Option 4. The door assembly according to Option 3, wherein the rigid stop breaks the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel, enabling the first door panel to move independently of the second door panel.

[0032] Option 5. The door assembly according to Option 1, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have polarities oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

[0033] Option 6. The door assembly according to Option 1, wherein:

[0034] The first magnetic element is disposed at the bottom portion of the first door panel; and

[0035] The second magnetic element is disposed at the bottom portion of the second door panel.

[0036] Option 7. The door assembly according to Option 1, wherein the first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

[0037] Option 8. The door assembly according to Option 1, wherein one or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element are disposed at the side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

[0038] Option 9. A vehicle, said vehicle comprising:

[0039] First cabin;

[0040] Second cabin;

[0041] A partition wall that separates the first compartment and the second compartment;

[0042] A door assembly, disposed at a door opening in the partition wall, the door assembly comprising:

[0043] A first door panel, the first door panel being movable at least partially across the door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening;

[0044] A second door panel, spaced apart from the first door panel and capable of moving at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side;

[0045] A first magnetic element, wherein the first magnetic element is disposed at the first door panel; and

[0046] A second magnetic element is disposed at the second door panel, the second magnetic element interacting with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening.

[0047] Option 10. The vehicle according to Option 9, wherein the vehicle further comprises:

[0048] A first guide groove, the first guide groove receiving the first door panel; and

[0049] The second guide groove receives the second door panel.

[0050] Option 11. The vehicle according to Option 10, the vehicle further comprising a rigid stop disposed in the second guide recess to prevent movement of the second door panel when the door assembly is moved from an open position toward a closed position.

[0051] Option 12. The vehicle according to Option 11, wherein the rigid stop breaks the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel, so that the first door panel can move independently of the second door panel.

[0052] Option 13. The vehicle according to Option 9, wherein the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have polarities oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

[0053] Option 14. The vehicle according to Option 9, wherein:

[0054] The first magnetic element is disposed at the bottom portion of the first door panel; and

[0055] The second magnetic element is disposed at the bottom portion of the second door panel.

[0056] Option 15. The vehicle according to Option 8, wherein the first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

[0057] Option 16. The vehicle according to Option 9, wherein the first compartment is a passenger compartment and the second compartment is a cargo compartment.

[0058] Option 17. The vehicle according to Option 16, wherein the second compartment is an enclosed cargo compartment.

[0059] Option 18. The vehicle according to Option 9, wherein one or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element are disposed at the side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

[0060] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will readily become apparent from the following detailed description when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Other features, advantages, and details appear by way of example only in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0062] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle;

[0063] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle portion, including a door assembly in the closed position;

[0064] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of the vehicle portion, which includes a door assembly in the open position;

[0065] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide groove for a door assembly;

[0066] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly in the open position, moving toward the closed position;

[0067] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly in a partially open position;

[0068] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly in motion toward the closed position, wherein the rear door abuts against a stop;

[0069] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly that is in the closed position and moving toward the open position;

[0070] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly that is in the partially closed position and moving toward the open position;

[0071] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a door assembly in the open position; and

[0072] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of another embodiment of the door component. Detailed Implementation

[0073] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a vehicle 10. Vehicle 10 includes a passenger compartment 12 from which a user drives the vehicle 10. Further, vehicle 10 includes a cargo compartment 14, which in some embodiments is an enclosed cargo compartment 14 having side walls 16 and a roof 18. (Reference) Figure 2 The vehicle 10 includes a partition wall 20 between a passenger compartment 12 and a cargo compartment 14. To allow the user easy movement between the passenger compartment 12 and the cargo compartment 14 without leaving the vehicle 10, a door assembly 22 is positioned within the partition wall 20. The door assembly 22 is a multi-panel sliding door assembly 22 having two or more door panels 24. The door panels 24 are movable between a first side 26 and a second side 28 of a door opening 30, and relative to... Figure 2 The closed position of the door opening 30 shown in the figure is as follows: Figure 3 Move between the open positions shown in the diagram.

[0075] Now for reference Figure 4In some embodiments, the bottom end 32 of each door panel 24 is located in a guide recess 34 of the vehicle. A first door panel 24a is located in a first guide recess 34a, while a second door panel 24b is located in a second guide recess 34b, which is spaced apart from the first guide recess 34a. The guide recesses 34a and 34b facilitate positioning the door panels 24a, 24b and are used to guide the door panels 24a, 24b between an open position and a closed position. Each of the door panels 24a, 24b includes a magnetic element 36, which, as described in more detail below, is used to control the movement of the door panel when it is moved between the open and closed positions. While in some embodiments the magnetic element 36 is a permanent magnet, in other embodiments it is an electromagnet that is selectively or automatically activated when the door panels 24a, 24b are moved between the open and closed positions. Furthermore, although in some embodiments the magnetic element 36 is located at or near the first and second width directions of the door panel 24, additional magnetic elements 36 may be arranged in an array along the width of the door panel 24, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram.

[0076] refer to Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The illustration shows the operation of door assembly 22 from the open position to the closed position. Figure 5 In the diagram, door assembly 22 is shown in the open position. A first magnetic element 36a of the first door panel 24a is aligned with a second magnetic element 36b of the second door panel 24b, and they have opposite polarities such that the second magnetic element 36b is attracted to the first magnetic element 36a. Magnetic elements 36a and 36b are positioned and sized to provide a desired level of magnetic force between them. Further, although magnetic elements 36a and 36b are described as attractive in this description, in other embodiments, magnetic elements 36a and 36b are oriented to have a repulsive force between them. Further, in examples such as... Figure 4 In one embodiment, additional magnetic elements 36 are arranged in an array along the width of the door panel 24. Magnetic elements 36a and 36b can be oriented as a mixture or combination of attractive and repulsive forces between them to achieve the desired movement of the door panels 24a and 24b. To move the door assembly 22 from an open position to a closed position, the user moves the first door panel 24a (also referred to as the front door panel 24a) along the first guide groove 34a toward the closed position. Due to the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic element 36b and the first magnetic element 36a, when the front door panel 24a is moved, the second door panel 24b (also referred to as the rear door panel 24b) moves together with the front door panel 24a along the second guide groove 34b toward the closed position.

[0077] refer to Figure 6The front door panel 24a and the rear door panel 24b move together until the rear door panel 24b engages, for example, a hard stop feature 38 disposed in the second guide groove 34b to stop the movement of the rear door panel 24b. The user continues to move the front door panel 24a toward the closed position, and due to the engagement of the hard stop feature 38 with the rear door panel 24b, the magnetic interaction between the second magnetic element 36b and the first magnetic element 36a is overcome. Therefore, as... Figure 7 As shown in the diagram, the front door panel 24a continues to move to the closed position.

[0078] like Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the operation is essentially reversed to move the door assembly 22 from the closed position to the open position. The front door panel 24a moves toward the open position until the first magnetic element 36a and the second magnetic element 36b interact sufficiently, causing the rear door panel 24b to move together with the front door panel 24a until both the front door panel 24a and the rear door panel 24b are in the open position.

[0079] While in some embodiments the magnetic element 36 is located at or near the bottom end 32 of the door panel 24, in other embodiments, the magnetic element 36 is positioned at other locations on the door panel 24. For example, such as Figure 11 As illustrated, the magnetic element 36 may be located at the door side edge 40 of the door panel 24. Furthermore, on one or more of the door panels 24, the magnetic element 36 may be replaced by a steel insert embedded in or attached to the door panel 24. The configuration described herein allows for improved operability of the door assembly 22 in the vehicle 10.

[0080] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt particular situations or materials to the teachings of this disclosure without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A door assembly of a vehicle, the door assembly comprising: a first door panel movable at least partially across a door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening; a second door panel spaced apart from the first door panel and movable at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side; a first magnetic element disposed at the first door panel; a second magnetic element disposed at the second door panel, the second magnetic element interacting with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening, a first guide groove receiving the first door panel; and a second guide groove receiving the second door panel; wherein the door assembly further comprises a hard stop disposed in the second guide groove to arrest movement of the second door panel when moving the door assembly from an open position toward a closed position. The hard stop breaks the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel such that the first door panel can move independently of the second door panel.

2. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein, The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have a polarity oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

3. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein, 4. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first magnetic element is disposed at a bottom portion of the first door panel; and the second magnetic element is disposed at a bottom portion of the second door panel. The first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

5. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein, One or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element is disposed at a side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

6. The door assembly of claim 1, wherein, 7. A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a first compartment; a second compartment; a dividing wall separating the first compartment and the second compartment; a door assembly disposed at a door opening in the dividing wall, the door assembly comprising: a first door panel movable at least partially across the door opening from a first side of the door opening toward a second side of the door opening; a second door panel spaced apart from the first door panel and movable at least partially across the door opening from the first side toward the second side; a first magnetic element disposed at the first door panel; and a second magnetic element disposed at the second door panel, the second magnetic element interacting with the first magnetic element such that movement of the first door across the door opening causes movement of the second door panel across the door opening; wherein the vehicle further comprises: a first guide groove receiving the first door panel; a second guide groove receiving the second door panel; and a hard stop disposed in the second guide groove to arrest movement of the second door panel when moving the door assembly from an open position toward a closed position. ​ 8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The hard stop breaks the magnetic interaction between the first door panel and the second door panel, enabling the first door panel to move independently of the second door panel.

9. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The first magnetic element and the second magnetic element have a polarity oriented to attract the second door panel to the first door panel.

10. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein: The first magnetic element is disposed at a bottom portion of the first door panel; and The second magnetic element is disposed at a bottom portion of the second door panel.

11. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The first magnetic element is a steel insert attached to the first door panel.

12. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, The first compartment is a passenger compartment and the second compartment is a cargo compartment.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, The second compartment is an enclosed cargo compartment.

14. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, One or more of the first magnetic element or the second magnetic element are disposed at a side edge of the respective first door panel or second door panel.

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