Vehicle door system and method of operating a vehicle door system

Abstract

A vehicle door system includes a door structure movably disposed relative to a vehicle body structure between a door closed position and a door open position. The door structure is connected to the vehicle body structure by first and second arms disposed at a lower end of the door structure. The first arm includes a first inner end pivotably connected to the vehicle body structure and a first outer end pivotably connected to the door structure. The second arm includes a second inner end pivotably connected to the vehicle body structure and a second outer end pivotably connected to the door structure. The first arm includes an inner arm section and an outer arm section pivotably connected by an intermediate pivot point, the inner arm section and the outer arm section being configured to pivotally move relative to each other by the intermediate pivot point when the door structure is moved between the door closed position and the door open position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a door system. The door system includes a door structure that is movably arranged relative to a vehicle body structure between a door closed position and a door open position. The door structure is connected to the vehicle body structure by a first arm and a second arm. The present disclosure also relates to a method of operating the door system. Background Art

[0002] A door system is used to cover an opening in a vehicle body structure that leads to the interior passenger compartment of the vehicle. The door system typically includes a displacement mechanism that is configured to move the door structure relative to the opening between a door closed position and various door open positions.

[0003] Traditionally, hinged door structures have been used, where the door structure is connected to the vehicle body structure by hinges or similar devices and moves relative to the vehicle body structure between an open position and a closed position by a swinging motion. Traditional hinged door systems have a simple structure, but require relatively large space outside the vehicle when fully opened.

[0004] Sliding door structures are becoming increasingly popular and are mounted to the vehicle body structure or suspended relative to the vehicle body structure by a track system or a combined track and hinge system. The sliding door structure moves relative to the vehicle body structure between an open position and a closed position by a horizontal sliding motion along the vehicle body structure. Compared with the hinged door solution, the advantage of the sliding door system and other alternative door systems is that less space is required for the door to open and close. Current sliding door system solutions typically use a mechanism in the sill area, which increases the height of the sill, making the step height into the interior passenger compartment higher than that of traditional hinged door systems. There is also a problem with sliding doors, that is, the sliding motion of the door is restricted by the mechanism.

[0005] A door structure connected to the vehicle body structure by an arm can be used as an alternative to a sliding door, where the arm moves relative to the door structure and the vehicle body structure when the door moves between a door closed position and a door open position. When using a movable arm, there may be problems with the effective opening and closing of the door structure, especially when the door structure is arranged to be directly connected to another door structure. If the vehicle is arranged to have a large opening without a supporting B-pillar, such an arrangement can be used. In some cases, due to the overlapping configuration of the doors, the front door needs to be opened first to open the rear door. Such an overlap may be required due to collision requirements. Therefore, there is a need for an improved door system with a movable arm, where the door structure can be effectively opened and closed, and the door structure can be arranged to be connected to another door structure with an improved opening geometry and kinematics, where both door structures can be independently opened and closed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a door system, a vehicle including the door system, and a method of operating the door system, which can avoid the problems mentioned above. This object can be achieved at least in part by the features of the independent claims. The dependent claims include further improvements to the door system.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a door system, which includes a door structure movably arranged between a door closed position and a door open position relative to a body structure. The door structure is connected to the body structure by a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are arranged at the lower end of the door structure. The first arm includes a first inner end pivotally connected to the body structure and a first outer end pivotally connected to the door structure. The second arm includes a second inner end pivotally connected to the body structure and a second outer end pivotally connected to the door structure. The first arm includes an inner arm section and an outer arm section, and the inner arm section and the outer arm section are pivotally connected to each other through an intermediate pivot point. The inner arm section and the outer arm section are configured to pivot relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point when the door structure moves between the door closed position and the door open position.

[0008] The advantages of these features are that, compared with traditional door solutions, the door system allows the door structure to open and close relative to the body structure with less space. The pivotal arrangement of the first arm having an inner arm section and an outer arm section achieves an efficient door opening and closing geometry. Through the arrangement of the first arm having an inner arm section and an outer arm section and the two being pivotally connected to each other through an intermediate pivot point, the solution can achieve an independent door opening and closing ability when two door structures are connected and arranged. The pivotal connection is used for the compact movement of the door structure with an improved geometry, wherein the door structure can be effectively opened and closed. The door structure is suitable for use in connection with another door structure, and through the design of the first arm having an intermediate pivot point, both door structures can be independently opened and closed.

[0009] In one embodiment, in the door closed position, the inner arm section and the outer arm section are in an extended position relative to each other. In the door open position, the inner arm section and the outer arm section are in an angled position relative to each other. The inner arm section and the outer arm section are configured to pivot around the intermediate pivot point when moving between the extended position and the angled position. When opening the door structure from the door closed position, the inner arm section and the outer arm section pivot relative to each other from the extended position to the angled position around the intermediate pivot point. When closing the door structure, the inner arm section and the outer arm section pivot from the angled position to the extended position around the intermediate pivot point. This achieves an efficient door opening and closing geometry.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the extended state, the angular relationship between the inner arm section and the outer arm section is greater than the angular relationship between the inner arm section and the outer arm section in the angled state. The angular relationship can be defined as the relative angle measured between the inner arm section and the outer arm section.

[0011] In one embodiment, the intermediate pivot point is arranged as a spring-loaded pivot point including a spring member. The spring member is for the efficient operation of the first arm, wherein when the door structure moves between the door closed position and the door open position, the inner arm segment and the outer arm segment are pivotally movable relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the door structure moves from the door closed position to the door open position, the outer arm segment is configured to fold inwardly towards the inner arm segment about the intermediate pivot point by the spring action of the spring member. When the door structure moves from the door open position to the door closed position, the outer arm segment is configured to fold away from the inner arm segment about the intermediate pivot point.

[0013] In one embodiment, the spring preload of the spring member is greater at the door closed position than at the door open position. When the door structure moves from the door closed position to the door open position, the spring preload causes the outer arm segment to move in a folded manner towards the inner arm segment about the intermediate pivot point by the spring action of the spring member. When the door structure moves from the door open position to the door closed position, the spring preload of the spring member gradually increases with the movement of the door structure, when the first arm extends to the extended position. In this way, through the pivotal movement of the outer arm segment and the inner arm segment relative to each other about the intermediate pivot point, the spring preload of the spring member gradually increases to be greater at the door closed position than at the door open position.

[0014] In one embodiment, the inner arm segment extends from a first inner end to the intermediate pivot point, and the outer arm segment extends from the intermediate pivot point to a first outer end.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first inner end is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure through a first inner pivot point, and the first outer end is pivotally connected to the door structure through a first outer pivot point. The first arm is configured to pivot about the first inner pivot point and the first outer pivot point when the door structure moves between the door closed position and the door open position. The second inner end is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure through a second inner pivot point, and the second outer end is pivotally connected to the door structure through a second outer pivot point. The second arm is configured to pivot about the second inner pivot point and the second outer pivot point when the door structure moves between the door closed position and the door open position. The first inner pivot point and the first outer pivot point may be arranged as an axle or a shaft structure, and when the door structure moves relative to the vehicle body structure, the first arm is allowed to pivot about the axle or the shaft structure. The second inner pivot point and the second outer pivot point may be arranged as an axle or a shaft structure, and when the door structure moves relative to the vehicle body structure, the second arm is allowed to pivot about the axle or the shaft structure. The axle or the shaft structure is appropriately arranged in a retaining structure or a similar device respectively attached to the vehicle body structure and the door structure.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first inner pivot point and the second inner pivot point are arranged non-slidingly relative to the vehicle body structure, and the first outer pivot point and the second outer pivot point are arranged non-slidingly relative to the door structure. In this way, the door structure effectively moves relative to the vehicle body structure only by pivoting movement.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first inner end and the second inner end are pivotally connected to a side beam structure forming part of the vehicle body structure.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first arm is arranged in front of the second arm, or the first arm is arranged behind the second arm. When the door structure is arranged as a rear door, the first arm is suitably arranged in front of the second arm to achieve an efficient opening and closing geometry of the door structure. In other door configurations, the first arm may be arranged behind the second arm.

[0019] In one embodiment, the lower end of the door structure further includes a lower pivot pin connected to the first arm. The lower pivot pin is configured to engage a lower slot arranged in the vehicle body structure during an initial movement of the door structure from the door closed position to the door open position and during a final movement of the door structure from the door open position to the door closed position. When opening the door structure, the lower pivot pin guides the initial opening movement of the door structure when moving from the door closed position. In this way, the movement of the door structure is controlled by the interaction between the lower pivot pin and the lower slot. Depending on the design and construction of the door system, the slot may have a straight or curved configuration. The lower pivot pin and the lower slot interact to control the initial movement when opening the door structure and the final movement when closing the door structure to ensure alignment between the door structure and the vehicle body structure. Thus, the lower pivot pin and the lower slot are used for the controlled movement of the door structure and, together with the pivoting movement of the inner arm segment and the outer arm segment about the intermediate pivot point, effectively guide the movement of the door structure. The lower pivot pin and the lower slot can also be used to effectively lock the door structure to the vehicle body structure in the door closed position, and suitable locking means can be provided to achieve an effective locking operation.

[0020] In one embodiment, the upper end of the door structure further includes an upper pivot pin. The upper pivot pin is configured to engage an upper slot disposed in the body structure during an initial movement of the door structure from a door closed position to a door open position and during a final movement of the door structure from a door open position to a door closed position. When opening the door structure, the upper pivot pin guides the initial opening movement of the door structure as it moves from the door closed position. In this way, the movement of the door structure is controlled by the interaction between the upper pivot pin and the upper slot. Depending on the design and construction of the door system, the slot may have a straight or curved configuration. The upper pivot pin and the upper slot interact to control the initial movement when opening the door structure and the final movement when closing the door structure to ensure alignment between the door structure and the body structure. Thus, the upper pivot pin and the upper slot are used for the controlled movement of the door structure and, together with the pivotal movement of the inner arm segment and the outer arm segment about the intermediate pivot point, effectively guide the movement of the door structure. The upper pivot pin and the upper slot can also be used to effectively lock the door structure to the body structure in the door closed position, and a suitable locking device can be provided to achieve an effective locking operation.

[0021] The present disclosure also relates to a vehicle including the door system as described above.

[0022] The present disclosure also relates to a method for operating a door system including a door structure movably disposed relative to a body structure between a door closed position and a door open position. The door structure is connected to the body structure by a first arm and a second arm. The first arm and the second arm are disposed at the lower end of the door structure. The first arm includes a first inner end pivotally connected to the body structure and a first outer end pivotally connected to the door structure. The second arm includes a second inner end pivotally connected to the body structure and a second outer end pivotally connected to the door structure. The first arm includes an inner arm segment and an outer arm segment, the inner arm segment and the outer arm segment being pivotally connected to each other by an intermediate pivot point. The method includes the step of pivotally moving the inner arm segment and the outer arm segment relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point when the door structure moves between the door closed position and the door open position.

[0023] The advantage of the method is that, compared to conventional door solutions, the door system allows the door structure to open and close relative to the body structure in a smaller space. The pivotal arrangement of the first arm having an inner arm segment and an outer arm segment achieves an efficient door opening and closing geometry. The pivotal connection is used for the compact movement of the door structure with an improved geometry, where the door structure can be effectively opened and closed. The door structure is suitable for use in connection with another door structure, where both door structures can be independently opened and closed by the first arm having an intermediate pivot point. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The present disclosure will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1a-1b A vehicle with a door system is schematically shown in a side view, and the door system has a door structure in a door-closed position and a door-open position.

[0026] Figure 2a-2c The door system is schematically shown in an inner side view, where the door structure is in a door-closed position and a door-open position.

[0027] Figure 3a-3c The door system is schematically shown in a top view, where the door structure is in a door-closed position and a door-open position.

[0028] Figure 4a-4c The first arm of the door structure is schematically shown in a top view in a door-closed position and a door-open position, and the first arm has an inner arm section and an outer arm section. Detailed Description

[0029] Aspects of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to illustrate rather than limit the present disclosure, where the same reference signs denote the same elements, and variations of the described aspects are not limited to the specifically shown embodiments but apply to other variations of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1a-1b A vehicle V including a door system S is schematically shown. The door system S includes a door structure 1 movably arranged relative to the body structure B of the vehicle V. As shown, the door system S will be described in connection with the door structure 1 being arranged as a rear side door of the vehicle V. However, it should be understood that the configuration of the door structure 1 can be applied to other door structures of the vehicle V, such as the door structure 1 arranged as a front side door.

[0031] In Figure 1a , the door structure 1 is in the door-closed position P C , and in Figure 1b , the door structure 1 is in the door-open position P O . The door structure 1 is movably arranged relative to the body structure B between the door-closed position P C and the door-open position P O . Any position where the door structure 1 is displaced from the door-closed position P C can be regarded as the door-open position P O , such as a partially opened door position or a fully opened door position. The door-closed position P C of the door structure 1 is schematically shown in Figure 2a and 3a , the partially opened door position P OP is schematically shown in Figure 2b and 3b , and the fully opened door position P OF is schematically shown in Figure 2c and 3c .

[0032] As shown Figure 2a-2c in FIGS. 3a - 3c, the door structure 1 is connected to the vehicle body structure B by a first arm 2 and a second arm 4. The first arm 2 and the second arm 4 are arranged at the lower end 1a of the door structure 1. When the door structure 1 moves between the door closed position P C and each door open position P O , the first arm 2 and the second arm 4 move relative to the door structure 1 and the vehicle body structure B. The movable first arm 2 and second arm 4 provide an efficient opening and closing function for the door structure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the door structure 1 is provided as a rear door structure directly connected to the front door structure, and as Figure 1b shown, the vehicle V is configured with a large - sized door opening without a supporting B - pillar.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the door structure 1 is provided as a rear door, and at this time the first arm 2 is arranged in front of the second arm 4. In other embodiments not shown, the first arm 2 may instead be arranged behind the second arm 4.

[0034] As Figure 2a-2c shown in FIGS. 3a - 3c, the first arm 2 includes a first inner end 3a pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure B and a first outer end 3b pivotally connected to the door structure 1. As shown by the arrows in Figure 2b and 3b , the first arm 2 is pivotally arranged relative to the door structure 1 and the vehicle body structure B in this way. The first inner end 3a is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure B through a first inner pivot point 7a, and the first outer end 3b is pivotally connected to the door structure 1 through a first outer pivot point 7b. Appropriately, the first inner end 3a is pivotally connected to a side sill structure 9 forming part of the vehicle body structure B. When the door structure 1 moves between the door closed position P C and each door open position P O , the first arm 2 is configured to pivot about the first inner pivot point 7a and the first outer pivot point 7b. The first inner pivot point 7a and the first outer pivot point 7b are appropriately provided as a shaft or axle structure, and when the door structure 1 moves relative to the vehicle body structure B, the first arm 2 is allowed to pivot about these shafts or axle structures. These shaft or axle structures are appropriately arranged in retaining structures or similar devices respectively attached to the vehicle body structure B and the door structure 1.

[0035] The second arm 4 includes a second inner end 5a pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure B and a second outer end 5b pivotally connected to the door structure 1, as Figure 2a-2c shown in FIGS. 3a - 3c. Thus, the second arm 4 is pivotally arranged relative to both the door structure 1 and the vehicle body structure B, as Figure 2b shown in 3bas indicated by the arrow in. The second inner end 5a is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure B through a second inner pivot point 8a, and the second outer end 5b is pivotally connected to the door structure 1 through a second outer pivot point 8b. Appropriately, the second inner end 5a is pivotally connected to the side beam structure 9 that forms part of the vehicle body structure B. The second arm 4 is configured to pivot about the second inner pivot point 8a and the second outer pivot point 8b when the door structure 1 moves between the door closed position P C and each door open position P O . The second inner pivot point 8a and the second outer pivot point 8b are suitably arranged as an axis or a shaft structure, and when the door structure 1 moves relative to the vehicle body structure B, the second arm 4 is allowed to pivot about the axis or shaft structure. The axis or shaft structure is suitably arranged in a holding structure or a similar device attached to the vehicle body structure B and the door structure 1 respectively.

[0036] As Figure 2a-2c , 3a - 3c and 4a - 4c show, the first arm 2 includes an inner arm segment 2a and an outer arm segment 2b, and the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are pivotally connected to each other through an intermediate pivot point 2c. Therefore, the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are configured to pivot relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point 2c when the door structure 1 moves between the door closed position P C and each door open position P O . The intermediate pivot point 2c is suitably arranged as an axis or a shaft structure. As will be further described below, when the door structure 1 moves, the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are allowed to pivot relative to each other about the axis or shaft structure. The first arm 2 achieves an efficient door opening and closing geometry through the pivot arrangement of the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b, where the door structure 1 can move independently relative to the vehicle body structure B without interfering with adjacent door structures or other components during opening and closing. This pivot arrangement also ensures that the door structure can be opened without requiring a large space outside the door structure 1 during opening and closing operations.

[0037] The first arm 2 is shown in more detail in Figure 4a-4c . The inner arm segment 2a extends from the first inner end 3a to the intermediate pivot point 2c, and the outer arm segment 2b extends from the intermediate pivot point 2c to the first outer end 3b. The outer end portion 3c of the inner arm segment 2a is pivotally connected to the inner end portion 3d of the outer arm segment 2b at the intermediate pivot point 2c. The pivot function of the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b relative to each other about the intermediate pivot point 2c is schematically shown by arrows in Figure 4b . In addition, the pivot configuration of the inner arm segment 2a about the first inner pivot point 7a relative to the vehicle body structure B and the pivot configuration of the outer arm segment 2b about the first outer pivot point 7b relative to the door structure 1 are schematically shown by arrows in Figure 4b . Therefore, the first arm 2 is configured to pivot about the first inner pivot point 7a relative to the vehicle body structure B and the first outer pivot point 7b relative to the door structure 1 when the door structure 1 moves between the door closed position P C and each door open position PO When moving between them, they pivot around the first inner pivot point 7a and the first outer pivot point 7b respectively, and the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are configured such that when the door structure 1 is at the door closed position P C and each door open position P O When moving between them, they pivot relative to each other around the intermediate pivot point 2c.

[0038] As Figure 2a and 3a shown for the door closed position P C . It can be seen from the figure that at the door closed position P C , the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are arranged in an extended state S E relatively. When the door structure 1 is opened from the door closed position P C , the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b pivot relative to each other from the extended state S E around the intermediate pivot point 2c to an angled state S A , as Figure 2b-2c and 3b - 3c shown. Therefore, at each door open position P O , the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are arranged in an angled state S A relatively, and the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are configured to pivot around the intermediate pivot point 2c when moving between the extended state S E and the angled state S A .

[0039] The angular relationship of the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b around the intermediate pivot point 2c at different positions is schematically shown in Figure 4a-4c . The inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b are relatively positioned at a certain angular relationship, where, as Figure 4a-4c shown, the relative angle α between the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b is measured on the inner side S I of the first arm 2. The inner side S I is defined as the inward side of the first arm 2 at the door closed position P C , as Figure 4a shown. In the extended state S E , the angular relationship between the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b is greater than the angular relationship between the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b in the angled state S A . Therefore, as shown in the figure, the relative angle α between the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b measured in the extended state S E is greater than the relative angle α in the angled state S A . This angular configuration enables the door structure 1 to move efficiently and compactly relative to the vehicle body structure B. In this way, the extended position S E can be defined as the state in which the relative angle α has its maximum value during the door opening and closing operations.

[0040] As Figure 4a-4c shown, compared with the door partial opening position P Figure 4b shown and the door fully open position P OP and Figure 4c shown, the relative angle α between the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b measured in the door closed position shown in OF is larger. Therefore, when the door structure 1 moves from the door closed position P Figure 4a through the door partial opening position P C to the door fully open position P OP , the outer arm segment 2b is configured to fold around the intermediate pivot point 2c from the extended state S OF towards the inner arm segment 2a. When the door structure 1 moves from the door fully open position P E through the door partial opening position P OF to the door closed position P OP , the outer arm segment 2b is configured to fold around the intermediate pivot point 2c away from the inner arm segment 2a to the extended state S C . E .

[0041] In order to support the folding movement of the outer arm segment 2b and the inner arm segment 2a around the intermediate pivot point 2c towards each other when the door structure 1 moves from the door closed position P C to each door open position P O , as Figure 4a-4c shown, the intermediate pivot point 2c is arranged to include a spring-loaded pivot point of the spring member 6. Therefore, the spring member 6 is used to establish the pivoting movement of the outer arm segment 2b and the inner arm segment 2a around the intermediate pivot point 2c towards each other during the door opening process. When the door structure 1 moves from the door closed position P C to each door open position P O , the outer arm segment 2b folds around the intermediate pivot point 2c towards the inner arm segment 2a by the spring action from the spring member 6. This spring action is achieved by the spring preload force T of the spring member 6, and the spring preload force T is greater at the door closed position P C than at the door open position P O .

[0042] When the door structure 1 moves from each door open position P O to the door closed position P C , the outer arm segment 2b is configured to fold around the intermediate pivot point 2c away from the inner arm portion 2a, as Figure 4a-4c shown. During the door closing operation, the spring preload force T of the spring member 6 gradually increases with the movement of the door structure 1. When the first arm 2 extends to the extended state S EAt this time. In this way, by means of the stretching pivot movement of the outer arm section 2b relative to the inner arm section 2a about the intermediate pivot point 2c, the spring preload force T of the spring member 6 gradually increases at the door closed position P C to be greater than at the door open position P O .

[0043] It should be understood that the first inner pivot point 7a and the second inner pivot point 8a are arranged in a non-sliding manner relative to the vehicle body structure B. The first outer pivot point 7b and the second outer pivot point 8b are arranged in a non-sliding manner relative to the door structure 1.

[0044] As Figure 2a-2c shown in FIGS. 3a - 3c, the lower end 1a of the door structure 1 further includes a lower pivot pin 10a connected to the first arm 2. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower pivot pin 10a is arranged in the lower front region of the door structure 1. When the door structure 1 moves from the closed position P C to each open position P O , and when the door structure 1 moves from each open position P O to the closed position P C , the lower pivot pin 10a engages with a lower slot 11a provided in the vehicle body structure B. The lower slot 11a is appropriately arranged in the side beam structure 9 forming part of the vehicle body structure B.

[0045] As can be understood from Figure 2b-2c , after the initial displacement of opening the door structure 1, as the door structure 1 is further opened, the lower pivot pin 10a will leave the lower slot 11a. In Figure 2b , the lower pivot pin 10a has reached the outer end of the lower slot 11a. When the door moves from the fully open position P OF towards the door closed position P C , the lower pivot pin 10a will be located outside the lower slot 11a until the final movement of the door structure 1. When the door structure 1 is in the position shown in Figure 2b , the lower pivot pin 10a engages with the lower slot 11a. As the door structure 1 further moves towards the door closed position P C , the lower pivot pin 10a will be guided in the lower slot 11a.

[0046] As Figure 2a-2c shown, the upper end 1b of the door structure 1 further includes an upper pivot pin 10b. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper pivot pin 10b is thus arranged in the upper front region of the door structure 1. The upper pivot pin 10b is configured to be at the initial movement of the door structure 1 from the door closed position P C to the open position P O , and from the door open position P O to the closed position P CUpon its final movement, it engages with the upper slot 11b disposed in the vehicle body structure B. The upper slot 11b is appropriately disposed in the upper roof beam structure or similar structural components of the vehicle body structure B.

[0047] As Figure 2b-2c shown, after the initial movement of opening the door structure 1, as the door structure 1 is further opened, the upper steering pin 10b will leave the upper slot 11b. At Figure 2b this point, the upper steering pin 10b has reached the outer end of the upper slot 11b. When the door structure 1 moves from the fully open door position P OF towards the door closed position P C , the upper steering pin 10b is outside the upper slot 11b before the door structure 1 makes its final movement. When closing the door structure 1, at the position of the door structure 1 shown in Figure 2b , the upper steering pin 10b engages with the upper slot 11b. As the door structure 1 further moves towards the door closed position P C , the upper steering pin 10b will be guided within the upper slot 11b.

[0048] When opening the door structure 1, the lower steering pin 10a and the upper steering pin 10b guide its initial opening movement when the door structure 1 moves from the door closed position P C . In this way, the movement of the door structure is controlled by the interaction between the lower steering pin 10a and the lower slot 11a, and the interaction between the upper steering pin 10b and the upper slot 11b. Depending on the design and construction of the door system, each slot can have a straight or curved configuration. The steering pins appropriately extend outward from the door structure 1 to effectively engage with the corresponding slots.

[0049] The steering pins and slots are used to control the initial movement when opening the door structure 1 and the final movement when closing the door structure to ensure alignment between the door structure 1 and the vehicle body structure B. Therefore, the steering pins and slots are used to achieve the controlled movement of the door structure 1 and, in conjunction with the pivoting movement of the inner arm segment 2a and the outer arm segment 2b around the intermediate pivot point 2c, effectively guide the movement of the door structure 1.

[0050] At the door closed position P C , the steering pins and slots can also be used to efficiently lock the door structure 1 to the vehicle body structure B, and appropriate locking devices can be provided to achieve an efficient locking operation. By locking the door structure 1 with the steering pins, the number of traditional latches used for locking the door structure can be reduced.

[0051] It should be understood that the above description is only exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or its use. Although specific examples are described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that various changes can be made and equivalent elements can be substituted for the elements therein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. In addition, modifications can be made to adapt to specific situations or materials without departing from the essence of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples shown in the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode currently contemplated for implementing the teachings of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiment falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. The reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the content protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make the claims easier to understand.

[0052] Reference Sign

[0053] 1: Door Structure

[0054] 1a: Lower End

[0055] 1b: Upper End

[0056] 2: First Arm

[0057] 2a: Inner Arm Segment

[0058] 2b: Outer Arm Segment

[0059] 2c: Intermediate Pivot Point

[0060] 3a: First Inner End

[0061] 3b: First Outer End

[0062] 3c: Outer End Portion

[0063] 3d: Inner End Portion

[0064] 4: Second Arm

[0065] 5a: Second Inner End

[0066] 5b: Second Outer End

[0067] 6: Spring Member

[0068] 7a: First Inner Pivot Point

[0069] 7b: First Outer Pivot Point

[0070] 8a: Second Inner Pivot Point

[0071] 8b: Second Outer Pivot Point

[0072] 9: Side Beam Structure

[0073] 10a: Lower Steering Pin

[0074] 10b: Upper steering pin

[0075] 11a: Lower groove

[0076] 11b: Upper groove

[0077] B: Body structure

[0078] S: Door system

[0079] P C : Door closed position

[0080] P O : Door open position

[0081] S A : Angled state

[0082] S E : Extended state

[0083] T: Spring preload

[0084] V: Vehicle

Claims

1. A vehicle door system (S) comprising a door structure (1) movably arranged between a door closed position (P C ) and a door open position (P O ) relative to a vehicle body structure (B), Among them, The door structure (1) is connected to the vehicle body structure (B) by a first arm (2) and a second arm (4), and the first arm (2) and the second arm (4) are arranged at the lower end (1a) of the door structure (1). Wherein, the first arm (2) includes a first inner end (3a) pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) and a first outer end (3b) pivotally connected to the door structure (1). Wherein, the second arm (4) includes a second inner end (5a) pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) and a second outer end (5b) pivotally connected to the door structure (1). Wherein, the first arm (2) includes an inner arm segment (2a) and an outer arm segment (2b) pivotally connected to each other through an intermediate pivot point (2c), and the inner arm segment (2a) and the outer arm segment (2b) are configured to pivot relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point (2c) when the door structure (1) moves between the door closed position (P C ) and the door open position (P O ).

2. The door system (S) according to claim 1, wherein, In the door closed position (P C ), the inner arm section (2a) and the outer arm section (2b) are in an extended state (S E ) relative to each other; in the door open position (P O ), the inner arm section (2a) and the outer arm section (2b) are in an angled state (S A ), and the inner arm section (2a) and the outer arm section (2b) are configured to pivot about the intermediate pivot point (2c) when moving between the extended state (S E ) and the angled state (S A ).

3. The vehicle door system (S) according to claim 2, wherein, In the extended state (S E ), the angular relationship between the inner arm segment (2a) and the outer arm segment (2b) is greater than the angular relationship between the inner arm segment (2a) and the outer arm segment (2b) in the angled state (S A ).

4. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The intermediate pivot point (2c) is arranged as a spring-loaded pivot point including a spring member (6).

5. The door system (S) according to claim 4, wherein, When the door structure (1) moves from the door closed position (P C ) to the door open position (P O ), the outer arm segment (2b) is configured to fold around the intermediate pivot point (2c) towards the inner arm segment (2a) under the elastic force of the spring member (6); when the door structure (1) moves from the door open position (P O ) to the door closed position (P C ), the outer arm segment (2b) is configured to fold around the intermediate pivot point (2c) away from the inner arm segment (2a).

6. The door system (S) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The spring preload force (T) of the spring member (6) is greater at the door closed position (P C ) than at the door open position (P O ).

7. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The inner arm section (2a) extends from the first inner end (3a) to the intermediate pivot point (2c), and the outer arm section (2b) extends from the intermediate pivot point (2c) to the first outer end (3b).

8. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first inner end (3a) is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) via a first inner pivot point (7a), and the first outer end (3b) is pivotally connected to the door structure (1) via a first outer pivot point (7b). The first arm (2) is configured to pivot about the first inner pivot point (7a) and the first outer pivot point (7b) when the door structure (1) moves between the door closed position (P C ) and the door open position (P O ); Wherein, the second inner end (5a) is pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) through a second inner pivot point (8a), the second outer end (5b) is pivotally connected to the door structure (1) through a second outer pivot point (8b), and the second arm (4) is configured to pivot about the second inner pivot point (8a) and the second outer pivot point (8b) when the door structure (1) moves between the door closed position (P C ) and the door open position (P O ).

9. The door system (S) according to claim 8, wherein, The first inner pivot point (7a) and the second inner pivot point (8a) are arranged non-slidingly relative to the vehicle body structure (B), and the first outer pivot point (7b) and the second outer pivot point (8b) are arranged non-slidingly relative to the door structure (1).

10. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first inner end (3a) and the second inner end (5a) are pivotally connected to a side beam structure (9) forming part of the vehicle body structure (B).

11. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first arm (2) is arranged in front of the second arm (4), or the first arm (2) is arranged behind the second arm (4).

12. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The lower end (1a) of the door structure (1) further includes a lower swivel pin (10a) connected to the first arm (2), and the lower swivel pin (10a) is configured to engage with a lower slot (11a) disposed in the vehicle body structure (B) during an initial movement of the door structure (1) from the door closed position (P C ) to the door open position (P O ), and during a final movement from the door open position (P O ) to the door closed position (P C ).

13. The door system (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The upper end (1b) of the door structure (1) further includes an upper pivot pin (10b), which is configured to engage with an upper groove (11b) arranged in the vehicle body structure (B) during an initial movement of the door structure (1) from the door closed position (P C ) to the door open position (P O ), and during a final movement from the door open position (P O ) to the door closed position (P C ).

14. A vehicle (V) comprising a door system (S) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method of operating a door system (S), the door system comprising a door structure (1) movably arranged relative to a vehicle body structure (B) between a door closed position (P C ) and a door open position (P O ) Among them, The door structure (1) is connected to the vehicle body structure (B) by a first arm (2) and a second arm (4), and the first arm (2) and the second arm (4) are arranged at the lower end (1a) of the door structure (1). Wherein, the first arm (2) includes a first inner end (3a) pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) and a first outer end (3b) pivotally connected to the door structure (1). Wherein, the second arm (4) includes a second inner end (5a) pivotally connected to the vehicle body structure (B) and a second outer end (5b) pivotally connected to the door structure (1). Wherein, the first arm (2) includes an inner arm segment (2a) and an outer arm segment (2b) pivotally connected to each other through an intermediate pivot point (2c), and the method includes the following steps: when the door structure (1) moves between the door closed position (P C ) and the door open position (P O ), the inner arm segment (2a) and the outer arm segment (2b) are pivotally movable relative to each other through the intermediate pivot point (2c).

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