VEHICLE DOOR OPENING AND CLOSING DEVICE

Abstract

A vehicle door opening and closing device, comprising: a vehicle door (4, 5), a rail (11, 12) adapted to be attached to a vehicle body, a roller unit (21, 22) mounted on the vehicle door (4, 5) and configured to open and close the vehicle door (4, 5) in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to be displaceable along the rail (11, 12), and in a pivoting mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to pivot in a predetermined position of the rail (11, 12), and a locking device (31, 32) which releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in an open position or releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in a closed position when the vehicle door (4, 5) is opened or closed in the sliding mode, wherein the locking device (31, 32) has a first catch (101) configured to releasably engage a first bracket (31a, 32a) configured to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the closed position, and a second catch (201) configured to releasably engage a second bracket (31b, 32b) configured to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the open position, and wherein: the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) partially overlap each other, the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) form a uniform one-piece structure and the device further comprises a first articulated shaft (131) and the first catch (101) and the second catch (201) are pivotable by means of the first articulated shaft (131).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles have door openings for passenger entry and exit into and out of a passenger compartment. A vehicle door is closed to block the door opening and is opened to allow passenger entry and exit into and out of the passenger compartment through the door opening. Vehicle doors are divided into swing doors and sliding doors. The swing door opens and closes by pivoting about a hinge mounted between the swing door and the vehicle body. The sliding door opens and closes by sliding a roller attached to the sliding door along a track attached to the vehicle body.

[0003] The swing door opens and closes very easily, allowing passengers to board and disembark quickly. However, when the swing door is opened, the space for entry and exit is relatively small. If the vehicle is in a narrow space, the swinging movement of the door is not sufficiently ensured, making it difficult to open and close.

[0004] The sliding door opens and closes very easily, even in tight spaces. When the sliding door is open, there's a relatively large amount of space for entry and exit. However, the sliding door requires a relatively large amount of force and time to open and close, which hinders quick entry and exit for passengers.

[0005] According to related art, since a vehicle door is operated by a single operation of opening and closing, it may be difficult to adequately meet the needs of customers who desire ease of operation, variety, and novelty.

[0006] The vehicle includes an open latch that releasably holds the vehicle door in an open position, and a closed latch that releasably holds the vehicle door in a closed position. An open latch bracket may be attached to the vehicle body, and the open latch bracket may be positioned to correspond to the open position of the vehicle door. A pawl of the open latch may be releasably engaged with the open latch. The vehicle door may be releasably held by the open latch and the open latch bracket. A closed latch bracket may be attached to the vehicle body, and the closed latch bracket may be positioned to correspond to the closed position of the vehicle door. A pawl of the closed latch may be releasably engaged with the closed latch. The vehicle door may be releasably held by the closed latch and the closed latch bracket.

[0007] However, since the vehicle door of the related technology has two locks (the open lock and the closed lock) that releasably hold different brackets, it has a complex structure, requires a relatively large number of components, increases the assembly effort, offers poor actuation quality of the vehicle door and increases costs and weight.

[0008] The information described in this background section is provided for understanding the background of the inventive concept and may include any technical concept that is not part of the prior art that is already known to those skilled in the art.

[0009] For example, from DE 10 2020 211 201 A1 a vehicle door opening and closing device and a vehicle with such a device are known, the device comprising: a vehicle door, a rail configured to be attached to a vehicle body, a roller unit mounted on the vehicle door and configured to open and close the vehicle door in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door is configured to be displaceable along the rail, and in a pivoting mode in which the vehicle door is configured to pivot in a predetermined position of the rail, and a lock that releasably holds the vehicle door in an open position or releasably holds the vehicle door in a closed position when the vehicle door is opened or closed in the sliding mode. SHORT DESCRIPTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure can solve problems encountered in the related art while retaining the advantages achieved by the related art.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle door opening and closing device (i.e., a device for opening and closing a vehicle door, e.g., of a motor vehicle). Particular embodiments relate to a vehicle door opening and closing device that enables a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a sliding mode and a pivoting mode.

[0012] An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vehicle door opening and closing device that enables a vehicle door to be opened and closed in a mode selected from a swing mode and a slide mode, thereby meeting customer needs.

[0013] According to the invention, a vehicle door opening and closing device having the features according to claim 1, a vehicle door opening and closing device having the features according to claim 6, and a vehicle having the features according to claim 13 are provided. Further embodiments are described in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] That is, a vehicle door opening and closing device includes a vehicle door, a rail attached to a vehicle body, and a roller unit attached to the vehicle door, and allows the vehicle door to open and close in a mode selected from a sliding mode in which the vehicle door is slidable along the rail and a swing mode in which the vehicle door swings in a predetermined position of the rail, and includes a lock that releasably holds the vehicle door in an open position and releasably holds the vehicle door in a closed position when the vehicle door is opened and closed in the sliding mode.

[0015] The locking device has a first detent (e.g. a catch, locking or detent plate; hereinafter referred to as a detent) which releasably engages a first bracket / bolt or with a first bracket / bolt (e.g. a locking or striking bracket or locking or locking bolt; hereinafter referred to as a bracket) which is attached to the vehicle body and positioned to correspond to the closed position, and a second detent (e.g. a catch, locking or detent plate; hereinafter referred to as a detent) which releasably engages a second bracket / bolt or with a second bracket / bolt (e.g. a locking or striking bracket or locking or locking bolt; hereinafter referred to as a bracket) which is attached to the vehicle body and positioned to correspond to the open position.

[0016] The lock may include a first pawl cooperatively connected to the first detent (e.g., operative to selectively lock or release it) and a second pawl cooperatively connected to the second detent (e.g., operative to selectively lock or release it).

[0017] The first detent and the second detent partially overlap each other, the first detent and the second detent form a unitary one-piece structure, and the device has a first pivot shaft, wherein the first detent and the second detent pivot through or around the first pivot shaft.

[0018] The first notch may have a first main slot that receives the first bracket, and the second notch may have a second main slot that receives the second bracket.

[0019] The first detent can move between a first engaged position and a first released position, wherein the first engaged position can refer to a position in which the first detent is engaged with the first yoke, and the first released position can refer to a position in which the first detent releases the first yoke. The second detent can move between a second engaged position and a second released position, wherein the second engaged position can refer to a position in which the second detent is engaged with the second yoke, and the second released position can refer to a position in which the second detent releases the second yoke.

[0020] The first detent and the second detent may be biased into the first release position and the second release position by a first biasing element.

[0021] The first pawl and the second pawl can pivot by means of a second drive shaft.

[0022] The first detent and the second detent may form a unitary one-piece structure, the first pawl may be aligned with the second detent, the second pawl may be aligned with the first detent, the first detent may have a first locking shoulder releasably engageable with the second pawl, and the second detent may have a second locking shoulder releasably engageable with the first pawl.

[0023] The first pawl is movable between a first pawl locking position and a first pawl release position, wherein the first pawl locking position may refer to a position in which the first pawl is locked to the second locking shoulder, and the first pawl release position may refer to a position in which the first pawl is released from the second locking shoulder. The second pawl is movable between a second pawl locking position and a second pawl release position, wherein the second pawl locking position may refer to a position in which the second pawl is locked to the first locking shoulder, and the second pawl release position may refer to a position in which the second pawl is released from the first locking shoulder.

[0024] The first pawl and the second pawl may be biased into the first pawl locking position and the second pawl locking position by a second biasing member.

[0025] The lock may further include a first release lever cooperatively connected to the first pawl and a second release lever cooperatively connected to the second pawl, and the first pawl, the second pawl, the first release lever, and the second release lever may pivot through a second pivot shaft.

[0026] The lock may further include a first release lever pivoting with the first pawl and a second release lever pivoting with the second pawl. The first release lever and the second release lever may be connected by a cable (e.g., a cable pull). When the cable is pulled, the first release lever may be configured to allow the first detent to release the first shackle, and when the cable is pulled, the second release lever may be configured to allow the second detent to release the second shackle.

[0027] The lock may further include a first pull lever cooperatively connected to the first pawl and a second pull lever cooperatively connected to the second pawl. The first pull lever and the second pull lever may be connected to a cable (e.g., a cable pull). When the cable is pulled, the first pull lever may be configured such that the first notch releases the first yoke, and when the cable is pulled, the second pull lever may be configured such that the second notch releases the second yoke.

[0028] The first notch and the second notch may be connected by a connecting portion, and the first notch may be spaced from the second notch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other objects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, mounted on a rear door of a vehicle, Fig. 2 shows a selector next to an external handle of a vehicle, an actuator connected to the selector and detents, Fig. 3 shows a state in which the door of Fig. 1 is / will be opened in a sliding mode, Fig. 4 shows a state in which the door of Fig. 1 is / will be opened in a swing mode, Fig. 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 a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 6 shows 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 pivoting mode in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 7 shows an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of an upper roller unit and a lower roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 9 shows a state in which a lock is attached to a body of a roller unit in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a lock in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 11 a side view of the Fig. 10 shows the locking mechanism, Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the first and second detents, the first and second pawls and the first and second release levers in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 13 is a plan view of the first and second detents, the first and second pawls and the first and second release levers in the Fig. 10 shows the locking mechanism, Fig. 14 the first and second notch in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 15 a side view of the Fig. 14 shows the first and second notches, Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a first pawl in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a second pawl in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a first release lever in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a second release lever in the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism, Fig. 20 a perspective view of a mounting plate for the Fig. 10 shown locking mechanism shows, Fig. 21 shows a state in which a first notch of the Fig. 10 shown locking device is in a first release position, Fig. 22 shows a condition in which a first catch begins to engage a first upper bracket and a first lower bracket as a vehicle door approaches a first closed position, Fig. 23 shows a state in which a first catch fully engages a first upper bracket and a first lower bracket when a vehicle door is fully moved to a first closed position, Fig. 24 shows a state in which a second notch of the Fig. 10 shown locking device is in a second release position, Fig. 25 shows a condition in which a second catch begins to engage a second upper bracket and a second lower bracket as a vehicle door approaches a first open position, Fig. 26 shows a condition in which a second catch fully engages a second upper bracket and a second lower bracket when a vehicle door is fully moved to a first open position, Fig. 27 shows a state in which first and second release levers pivot in a moving direction of first and second pull levers when the first and second pull levers are pulled by a cable, Fig. 28 shows a state in which the first and second pawls move to the first and second pawl release positions when the first and second release levers pivot, Fig. 29 shows a state in which the first and second pawls move to the first and second release positions when the first and second pawls move to the first and second pawl release positions, Fig. 30 shows a main lock and a main bar attached to a vehicle door, Fig. 31 shows a perspective view of a center rail in a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 32 a cross-sectional view of a swivel guide of the Fig. 31 shown center rail, Fig. 33 a cross-sectional view of a sliding guide of the Fig. 31 shown center rail, Fig. 34 shows a perspective view of a central roller unit accommodated in a pivot guide of a central rail, Fig. 35 shows a process in which a central roller unit is released from a pivot guide of a central rail, Fig. 36 shows a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a front door of a vehicle, in a state where the front door is opened in a sliding mode, Fig. 37 shows a state in which the front door of Fig. 36 is opened in a swivel mode, Fig. 38 shows a vehicle door opening and closing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, which is applied to a front door and a rear door of a vehicle, in a state where the front door and the rear door are opened in a sliding mode, and Fig. 39 shows a state in which the front door and the rear door of Fig. 38 are / will be opened in a swivel mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. Furthermore, a detailed description of known techniques related to the present disclosure will be omitted in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0031] Terms such as "first...", "second...", "A", "B", "(a)", and "(b)" may be used to describe the elements in exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and the intrinsic characteristics, order or arrangement, and the like of the respective elements are not limited by the terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.Such terms, as defined in a commonly used dictionary, are to be interpreted to have meanings that correspond to contextual meanings in the relevant field of technology and are not to be interpreted to have ideal or overly formal meanings unless they are clearly defined as such in the present application.

[0032] A vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may enable selective opening and closing of a vehicle door in any of a sliding mode and a pivoting mode. In other words, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be a transforming mode type door opening and closing device. The sliding mode may enable opening and closing of the vehicle door by sliding in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and the pivoting mode may enable opening and closing of the vehicle door by pivoting inward and outward.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1, a 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. A plurality of vehicle doors 4 and 5 may include a front door 4 that covers / closes and exposes the front opening 2, and a rear door 5 that covers / closes and exposes the rear opening 3. When the front door 4 is opened, 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 opened, 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.

[0034] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be used on the front door 4, the rear door 5, and the like. Fig. 1 to 4 show a vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which is mounted on the rear door 5. Hereinafter, the rear door 5 is referred to as the vehicle door 5, and the rear opening 3 is referred to as the door opening 3.

[0035] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more rails 11 and 12 attached to the vehicle body 1, and the rails 11 and 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Referring to Fig. 1, an upper rail 11 may be attached to an upper edge of the vehicle body 1, and a lower rail 12 may be attached to a lower edge of the vehicle body 1. The upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper rail 11 may be arranged at an upper edge of the door opening 3, and the lower rail 12 may be arranged at a lower edge of the door opening 3.

[0036] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include roller units 21 and 22 guided along the rails 11 and 12. The roller units 21 and 22 can enable opening and closing of the vehicle door 5 in a mode selected from the sliding mode and the swing mode. Specifically, the roller units 21 and 22 can be releasably held in predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12 by locks 31 and 32. Specifically, when the roller units 21 and 22 are held in the predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12 by the locks 31 and 32, the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode in which the vehicle door swings in the predetermined positions of the rails 11 and 12.When the roller units 21 and 22 are released by the locks 31 and 32, the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in sliding mode by sliding the vehicle door along the rails 11 and 12.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, an upper roller unit 21 may be mounted at an upper end of the vehicle door 5, and the upper roller unit 21 may be slidable along the upper rail 11. A lower roller unit 22 may be mounted at a lower end of the vehicle door 5, and the lower roller unit 22 may be slidable along the lower rail 12.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 2, the vehicle door 5 may include an exterior handle 6, and a selector 40 for selecting the sliding and pivoting modes may be arranged on the exterior handle 6 or the vehicle door adjacent to the exterior handle 6. The selector 40 may include a first switch 41 for selecting the sliding mode and a second switch 42 for selecting the pivoting mode.

[0039] When a user presses the first switch 41 and the sliding mode is selected, the vehicle door 5 can be slid along the upper rail 11, the lower rail 12 and a middle rail 13, as shown in Fig. 3 when the user pushes the exterior handle 6 toward the front of the vehicle or pulls the exterior handle 6 toward the rear of the vehicle. In sliding mode, the vehicle door 5 can move between a first open position OP1, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully opened, and a first closed position CP1, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully closed, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 shown.

[0040] When the user presses the second switch 42 and the swivel mode is selected, the vehicle door 5 can be opened as shown in Fig. 4 when the user pushes or pulls the exterior handle 6 toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle or toward the outside of the vehicle. In pivot mode, the vehicle door 5 can move between a second open position OP2, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully opened, and a second closed position CP2, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully closed, as shown in Fig. 6. In particular, the vehicle door 5, when held in the first closed position CP1, can be operated in the pivoting mode.

[0041] The upper roller unit 21 may include an upper lock 31, and the vehicle body 1 may include a first upper bracket 31a and a second upper bracket 31b projecting downward from a roof of the vehicle body 1. The first upper bracket 31a may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second upper bracket 31b may be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the upper lock 31 can releasably hold the first upper bracket 31a in the first closed position CP1 and releasably hold the second upper bracket 31b in the first open position OP1. With reference to Fig. 9 to 29, the upper lock 31 can selectively hold the first upper bracket 31a and the second upper bracket 31b. Since the upper lock 31 holds the first upper bracket 31a, the upper roller unit 21 can be firmly held in the first closed position CP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1. Since the upper lock 31 holds the second upper bracket 31b, the upper roller unit 21 can be firmly held in the first open position OP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first open position OP1.

[0043] According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper lock 31 may releasably hold the first upper bracket 31a in the first closed position CP1 so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1. That is, the upper lock 31 may be an upper closed lock that maintains the closed state of the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. An upper open lock (not shown) may be attached to the upper roller unit 21 and may releasably hold the second upper bracket 31b in the first open position OP1. That is, the upper closed lock that releasably holds the first upper bracket 31a in the first closed position CP1 and the upper open lock that releasably holds the second upper bracket 31b in the first open position OP1 may be individually attached to the upper roller unit 21.

[0044] Referring to Fig. 4, the upper roller unit 21 may have an upper pivot axis CX1, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate / pivot about the upper pivot axis CX1. When the upper roller unit 21 is firmly held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper lock 31 and the first upper bracket 31a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the upper pivot axis CX1.

[0045] The lower roller unit 22 may include a lower lock 32, and the vehicle body 1 may include a first lower bracket 32a and a second lower bracket 32b projecting upward from a bottom of the vehicle body 1. The first lower bracket 32a may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second lower bracket 32b may be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the lower lock 32 can releasably hold the first lower bracket 32a in the first closed position CP1 and releasably hold the second lower bracket 32b in the first open position OP1. With reference to Fig. 9 to 29, the lower lock 32 can selectively hold the first lower bracket 32a and the second lower bracket 32b. Since the lower lock 32 holds the first lower bracket 32a, the lower roller unit 22 can be firmly held in the first closed position CP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1. Since the lower lock 32 holds the second lower bracket 32b, the lower roller unit 22 can be firmly held in the first open position OP1, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first open position OP1.

[0047] According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower lock 32 may releasably hold the first lower bracket 32a in the first closed position CP1 so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1. That is, the lower lock 32 may be a lower closed lock that maintains the closed state of the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1. A lower open lock (not shown) may be attached to the lower roller unit 22 and may releasably hold the second lower bracket 32b in the first open position OP1. That is, the lower closed lock that releasably holds the first lower bracket 32a in the first closed position CP1 and the lower open lock that releasably holds the second lower bracket 32b in the first open position OP1 may be individually attached to the lower roller unit 22.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle door 5 can be releasably held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper lock 31 and the lower lock 32, so that the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1 by the upper lock 31 and the lower lock 32. That is, the upper lock 31 and the lower lock 32 can function as the closed lock that holds the vehicle door 5 in the first closed position CP1.

[0049] Referring to Fig. 4, the lower roller unit 22 may have a lower pivot axis CX2, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate / pivot about the lower pivot axis CX2. When the lower roller unit 22 is held firmly in the first closed position CP1 by the lower lock 32 and the first lower bracket 32a, the vehicle door 5 may rotate about the lower pivot axis CX2.

[0050] As in Fig. 4, the upper rotation axis CX1 and the lower rotation axis CX2 may be vertically aligned, for example, and the vehicle door 5 may rotate / pivot about the vertically aligned upper and lower rotation axes CX1 and CX2.

[0051] Referring to Fig. 2, the selector 40 may be electrically connected to an actuator 43, and the actuator 43 may be configured to actuate the upper detent 31 and the lower detent 32.

[0052] When the user uses the selector 40, the actuator 43 can selectively perform a holding operation in which the upper lock 31 holds the first upper bracket 31a and the lower lock 32 holds the first lower bracket 32a, and a releasing operation in which the upper lock 31 releases the first upper bracket 31a and the lower lock 32 releases the first lower bracket 32a.

[0053] When the user presses the first switch 41 of the selector 40 in a state where the vehicle door 5 is closed, the upper lock 31 can release the first upper bracket 31a through the release operation of the actuator 43, and the lower lock 32 can release the first lower bracket 32a simultaneously. Thus, 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 sliding mode.

[0054] When the user presses the second switch 42 of the selector 40 in a state where the vehicle door 5 is closed, the upper lock 31 can hold the first upper bracket 31a and the lower lock 32 can hold the first lower bracket 32a simultaneously through the holding operation of the actuator 43, and the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 can be fixedly held in the first closed position CP1. Thus, the user can swing the vehicle door 5 toward an interior and an exterior of the vehicle, so that the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, an actuator 43 can actuate the upper locking device 31 and the lower locking device 32 simultaneously.

[0056] According to another exemplary embodiment, one actuator that actuates the upper lock 31 and another actuator that actuates the lower lock 32 may be individually connected to the selector 40.

[0057] Referring to Fig. 5, each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may be attached to the vehicle body 1 through a mounting bracket 15, and the mounting bracket 15 may have a shape corresponding to the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12. Each of the upper rail 11 and the lower rail 12 may 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 of the vehicle. The second extending portion 52 may be bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the first extending portion 51.

[0058] Referring to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, each of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 may include a roller support 64 having rollers 65 and 66 rolling along the rails 11 and 12, and a body 60 connecting the roller support 64 and the vehicle door 5.

[0059] The roller support 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. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, a central roller 65 and two side rollers 66 disposed on either side of the central roller 65 may be rotatably mounted on the roller support 64. A rotation axis of the central roller 65 may be perpendicular to a rotation axis of the side roller 66.

[0060] The body 60 may be curved so that it does not collide with the first extension portion 51 and the second extension portion 52. The body 60 may have a first end portion 61 facing the interior of the vehicle and a second end portion 62 facing the exterior of the vehicle. The first end portion 61 of the body 60 may be attached to the roller support 64 by welding, fasteners, and / or the like, and the second end portion 62 of the body 60 may be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 via a pivot pin 63. The vehicle door 5 can pivot about the pivot pin 63 adjacent to the second end portion 62 of the housing 60.

[0061] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the roller carrier 64 may be directly connected to the first end portion 61 of the body 60 by welding, using fasteners, and / or the like, and the second end portion 62 of the body 60 may be pivotally connected to the vehicle door 5 via the pivot pin 63. A first pivot bracket 68 may be attached to the vehicle door 5 by welding, using fasteners, and / or the like, and a second pivot bracket 69 may be attached to the second end portion 62 of the body 60 by welding, using fasteners, and / or the like. The first pivot bracket 68 may have a tab 68a, and the second pivot bracket 69 may have a recess 69a.The nose 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 nose 68a of the first pivot bracket 68 and the second pivot bracket 69. The upper pivot axis CX1 and the lower pivot axis CX2 can be defined by the pivot pin 63. For example, the upper pivot axis CX1 and the lower pivot axis CX2 can be a virtual axis extending vertically along a center point of the pivot pin 63, and the upper pivot axis CX1 and the lower pivot axis CX2 can be vertically aligned so that the vehicle door 5 can pivot about the vertical pivot axis virtually connecting the upper pivot axis CX1 and the lower pivot axis CX2. The upper lock 31 can be attached to the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21, and the lower lock 32 can be attached to the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22.

[0062] When the upper lock 31 firmly holds the body 60 of the upper roller unit 21 in the first closed position CP1 and the lower lock 32 firmly holds the body 60 of the lower roller unit 22 in the first closed position CP1, the vehicle door 5 can pivot about the upper pivot axis CX1 of the upper roller unit 21 and the lower pivot axis CX2 of the lower roller unit 22. The vehicle door 5 can move between the second closed position CP2, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully closed, and the second opened position OP2, in which the vehicle door 5 is fully opened.

[0063] According to an exemplary embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9 to 29, the upper lock 31 can selectively hold the first upper bracket 31a and the second upper bracket 31b, and the lower lock 32 can selectively hold the first lower bracket 32a and the second lower bracket 32b.

[0064] With reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, each of the upper locking device 31 and the lower locking device 32 may comprise a first detent 101 releasably engaged with the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, a first pawl 102 cooperatively connected with the first detent 101, a first release lever 103 cooperatively connected with the first pawl 102, a first pull lever 104 cooperatively connected with the first release lever 103, a second detent 201 releasably engaged with the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, a second pawl 202 cooperatively connected with the second detent 201, a second release lever 203 cooperatively connected with the second pawl 202, and a second pull lever 204. which is cooperatively connected to the second release lever 203.

[0065] The first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a may be aligned with or adjacent to the first closed position CP1, and the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b may be aligned with or adjacent to the first open position OP1. Thus, the first upper bracket 31a may be opposite the second upper bracket 31b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and the first lower bracket 32a may be opposite the second lower bracket 32b in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 11 to 14, the first notch 101 and the second notch 201 may be vertically spaced from each other, and the first notch 101 and the second notch 201 may partially overlap each other. In particular, the first notch 101 may be arranged below the second notch 201. As shown in Fig. 15, the first latch 101 and the second latch 201 may be integrally connected by a connecting portion 150 so that the first latch 101 and the second latch 201 may form a unitary, one-piece structure. A hinge hole 111 may extend through the first latch 101, the connecting portion 150, and the second latch 201. Since a first hinge shaft 131 extends through the hinge hole 111, the first hinge shaft 131 can pass through the first latch 101, the connecting portion 150, and the second latch 201. The first latch 101 and the second latch 201 may be pivotably / rotatably attached to a mounting plate 120 by the first hinge shaft 131 so that the first latch 101 and the second latch 201 can pivot / rotate together.

[0067] The first detent 101 may have a first main slot 113 that receives the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, and the first detent 101 may have a first locking shoulder 115. The second detent 201 may have a second main slot 213 that receives the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, and the second detent 201 may have a second locking shoulder 215. The first detent 101 may have a first sub-slot 114 aligned with the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201, and the second detent 201 may have a second sub-slot 214 aligned with the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101.

[0068] The first catch 101 can engage or disengage the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a. The first catch 101 can move between a first engagement position (see Fig. 23) and a first release position (see Fig. 21). The first engagement position refers to a position in which the first catch 101 is engaged with the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a in the first closed position CP1, as shown in Fig. 23, and the first release position refers to a position in which the first catch 101 releases the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, as shown in Fig. 21. If the first notch 101 is in the position shown in Fig. 23, the first catch 101 can engage with the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, so that the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 of the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1. When the first catch 101 is in the first release position, as shown in Fig. 21, the first detent 101 can release the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a such that the first upper bracket 31a can be released from the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101 of the upper lock 31 or received in the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101 of the upper lock 31 and the first lower bracket 32a can be released from the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101 of the lower lock 32 or received in the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101 of the lower lock 32.

[0069] The second detent 201 can engage or disengage the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b. The second detent 201 can move between a second engagement position (see Fig. 26) and a second release position (see Fig. 24). The second engagement position refers to a position in which the second catch 201 engages with the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b in the first open position OP1, as shown in Fig. 26, and the second release position refers to a position in which the second catch 201 releases the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, as shown in Fig. 24. The second release position (see Fig. 24) can be essentially the same as the first release position (see Fig. 21). When the second detent 201 is in the second engagement position, as shown in Fig. 26, the second catch 201 can engage with the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, so that the upper roller unit 21 and the lower roller unit 22 of the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first open position OP1. When the second catch 201 is in the second release position, as shown in Fig. 24, the second detent 201 can release the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b such that the second upper bracket 31b can be released from the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201 of the upper lock 31 or received in the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201 of the upper lock 31, and the second lower bracket 32b can be released from the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201 of the lower lock 32 or received in the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201 of the lower lock 32.

[0070] The first detent 101 and the second detent 201 can be biased into the first and second release positions by a first biasing element 301, such as a torsion spring. The first biasing element 301 can be arranged around the first joint shaft 131.

[0071] The first pawl 102 and the second pawl 202 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 120 via a second pivot shaft 132. The first pawl 102 can be arranged above the second pawl 202. The first pawl 102 can be aligned with or to the second notch 201, and the second pawl 202 can be aligned with or to the first notch 101. According to Fig. 16, the first pawl 102 may have a hinge hole 102a into which the second hinge shaft 132 is inserted, and a first locking projection 112 that is releasably lockable with the second locking shoulder 215 of the second catch 201. Referring to Fig. 17, the second pawl 202 may have a hinge hole 202a into which the second hinge shaft 132 is inserted, and a second locking projection 212 which is releasably lockable with the first locking shoulder 115 of the first catch 101.

[0072] The first pawl 102 can move between a first pawl locking position (see Fig. 23) and a first pawl release position (see Fig. 21). As in Fig. 23, the first pawl locking position refers to a position in which the first locking projection 112 of the first pawl 102 is locked with the second locking shoulder 215 of the second detent 201. As shown in Fig. 21, the first pawl release position refers to a position in which the first locking projection 112 of the first pawl 102 is released from the second locking shoulder 215 of the second detent 201. As shown in Fig. 23, when the first pawl 102 is in the first pawl locking position, the first locking projection 112 of the first pawl 102 can be locked with the second locking shoulder 215 of the second detent 201, so that the movement (rotation) of the first detent 101 and the second detent 201, which form the unitary one-piece structure, can be restricted by the first pawl 102, and thus the first detent 101 can be held in the first engaged position. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, when the first pawl 102 is in the first pawl release position, the movement (rotation) of the first detent 101 and the second detent 201 may not be restricted by the first pawl 102, and thus the first detent 101 may move from the first engaged position to the first release position. The first pawl 102 may be aligned with the second detent 201. Since the first locking projection 112 of the first pawl 102 is locked with the second locking shoulder 215 of the second detent 201, the first detent 101 may not interfere with the first pawl 102.

[0073] The second pawl 202 can move between a second pawl locking position (see Fig. 26) and a second pawl release position (see Fig. 24). As in Fig. 26, the second pawl locking position refers to a position in which the second locking projection 212 of the second pawl 202 is locked to the first locking shoulder 115 of the first detent 101. As shown in Fig. 24, the second pawl release position refers to a position in which the second locking projection 212 of the second pawl 202 is released from the first locking shoulder 115 of the first detent 101. As shown in Fig. 26, when the second pawl 202 is in the second pawl locking position, the second locking projection 212 of the second pawl 202 can be locked with the first locking shoulder 115 of the first detent 101, so that the movement (rotation) of the first detent 101 and the second detent 201, which form the unitary one-piece structure, can be restricted by the second pawl 202, and thus the second detent 201 can be held in the second engaged position. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, when the second pawl 202 is in the second pawl release position, the movement (rotation) of the first detent 101 and the second detent 201 may not be restricted by the second pawl 202, and thus the second detent 201 may move from the second engaged position to the second release position. The second pawl 202 may be aligned with the first detent 101. Since the second locking projection 212 of the second pawl 202 is locked with the first locking shoulder 115 of the first detent 101, the second detent 201 may not interfere with the second pawl 202.

[0074] The first pawl 102 and the second pawl 202 can be biased by a second biasing element 302, such as a torsion spring, into the first pawl locking position (see Fig. 23) or the second pawl locking position (see Fig. 26). The second biasing element 302 may be arranged around the second propeller shaft 132, and the second biasing element 302 may have a first elastic leg 302a supported on the first pawl 102 and a second elastic leg 302b supported on the second pawl 202.

[0075] The first release lever 103 and the second release lever 203 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 120 via the second joint shaft 132. That is, the first pawl 102, the second pawl 202, the first release lever 103, and the second release lever 203 can be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate 120 via the second joint shaft 132. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the first release lever 103 may have a hinge hole 103a into which the second hinge shaft 132 is inserted, and a hinge hole 103c to which the first pull lever 104 is pivotally connected. Referring to Fig. 16, the first pawl 102 may have a nose 102b that projects toward the first release lever 103. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 18, the first release lever 103 may have a slot 103b into which the nose 102b of the first pawl 102 is inserted. This allows the first release lever 103 to pivot in the same direction as the first pawl 102. Referring to Fig. 19, the second release lever 203 may have a hinge hole 203a into which the second hinge shaft 132 is inserted, and a hinge hole 203c to which the second pull lever 204 is pivotally connected. Referring to Fig. 17, the second pawl 202 may have a nose 202b that projects toward the second release lever 203. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 19, the second release lever 203 may have a slot 203b into which the lug 202b of the second pawl 202 is inserted. Thus, the second release lever 203 can pivot in the same direction as the second pawl 202.

[0076] The first pull lever 104 may be pivotally connected to the first release lever 103, and the second pull lever 204 may be pivotally connected to the second release lever 203. The first pull lever 104 and the second pull lever 204 may be connected by a cable 75, and the cable 75 may be connected to the actuator 43 or the outer handle 6. When the cable 75 is pulled by the actuator 43 or the outer handle 6, the first notch 101 of the upper lock 31 and the first notch 101 of the lower lock 32 may release the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, and the second notch 201 of the upper lock 31 and the second notch 201 of the lower lock 32 may release the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 20, the mounting plate 120 may have a first through hole 121 to which the first propeller shaft 131 is attached, and a second through hole 122 to which the second propeller shaft 132 is attached.

[0078] When the vehicle door 5 is closed in sliding mode (ie the vehicle door 5 is moved to the first closed position CP1), as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 21, the bodies 60 of the roller units 21 and 22 may move toward the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, and the first main slot 113 of the first detent 101 and the second sub-slot 214 of the second detent 201 may be open to the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a. The first detent 101 may be in the first release position, and the first pawl 102 may be in the first pawl release position.

[0079] When the vehicle door 5 approaches the first closed position CP1, as shown in Fig. 22, the bodies 60 of the roller units 21 and 22 can move close to the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a, and accordingly, the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a can start to be received in the first main slot 113 of the first notch 101 and the second sub-slot 214 of the second notch 201, and the first notch 101 and the second notch 201 can rotate about the first pivot shaft 131 in a counterclockwise direction (see arrow R1 in Fig. 22).

[0080] Thereafter, when the vehicle door 5 is moved completely to the first closed position CP1, as shown in Fig. 23, the first detent 101 and the second detent 201 can fully rotate around the first pivot shaft 131, and the first pawl 102 can be biased into the first pawl locking position by the second biasing member 302, and accordingly, the first locking projection 112 of the first pawl 102 can be locked with the second locking shoulder 215 of the second detent 201. Since the first detent 101 is fully engaged with the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a by a biasing force of the second biasing member 302, the roller units 21 and 22 of the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first closed position CP1.

[0081] In a state where the roller units 21 and 22 of the vehicle door 5 are held in the first closed position CP1, the user can open and close the vehicle door 5 in the swing mode. After the vehicle door 5 is closed in the swing mode, the user can select the first switch 41 of the selector 40 to open and close the vehicle door 5 in the slide mode. When the cable 75 is pulled by the release operation of the actuator 43, the first pull lever 104 and the second pull lever 204 can move away from the first notch 101 and the second notch 201, and accordingly, the first pawl 102 can move to the first pawl release position, and the second pawl 202 can move to the second pawl release position.The first latch 101 and the second latch 201 can move to the first release position and the second release position by a biasing force of the first biasing member 301, and the first latch 101 can release the first upper bracket 31a and the first lower bracket 32a.

[0082] When the vehicle door 5 is opened in sliding mode (ie the vehicle door 5 is moved to the first open position OP1), as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 24, the bodies 60 of the roller units 21 and 22 may move toward the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, and the second main slot 213 of the second detent 201 and the first sub-slot 114 of the first detent 101 may be open to the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b. The second detent 201 may be in the second release position, and the second pawl 202 may be in the second pawl release position.

[0083] As in Fig. 25, when the bodies 60 of the roller units 21 and 22 move close to the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b, the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b can begin to be received in the second main slot 213 of the second notch 201 and the first sub-slot 114 of the first notch 101, and the second notch 201 and the first notch 101 can rotate about the first pivot shaft 131 in the clockwise direction (see arrow R3 in Fig. 25).

[0084] Thereafter, when the vehicle door 5 is moved completely to the first open position OP1, as in Fig. 26, the second detent 201 and the first detent 101 can fully rotate around the first pivot shaft 131, and the second pawl 202 can be biased into the second pawl locking position by the second biasing member 302, and accordingly, the second locking projection 212 of the second pawl 202 can be locked with the first locking shoulder 115 of the first detent 101. Since the second detent 201 is fully engaged with the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b by a biasing force of the second biasing member 302, the roller units 21 and 22 of the vehicle door 5 can be held in the first open position OP1.

[0085] In order for the second catch 201 to release the second upper bracket 31b and the second lower bracket 32b in a state in which the vehicle door 5 is fully opened in the sliding mode and the roller units 21 and 22 of the vehicle door 5 are held in the first open position OP1, the cable 75 can be pulled when the outside handle 6 is pulled by the release actuation of the actuator 43. The first pull lever 104 can be moved away from the first catch 101 (see arrow P2 in Fig. 27) in a pulling direction P1 of the cable 75 and the second pulling lever 204 can move away from the second catch 201 (see arrow P3 in Fig. 27) in the pulling direction P1 of the cable 75. The first release lever 103 can be moved clockwise (see arrow R6 in Fig. 27) in the direction of movement (see arrow P2) of the first pull lever 104, and the second release lever 203 can be rotated counterclockwise (see arrow R7 in Fig. 27) in the direction of movement (see arrow P3) of the second pull lever 204.

[0086] Referring to Fig. 28, the first pawl 102 can be moved clockwise (see arrow R8 in Fig. 28) in the same way as the first release lever 103 and can pivot the second pawl 202 counterclockwise (see arrow R9 in Fig. 28) in the same way as the second release lever 203. As shown in Fig. 29, the first pawl 102 can move to the first pawl release position and the second pawl 202 can move to the second pawl release position when the second biasing member 302 is compressed. The first detent 101 and the second detent 201 can be moved to the first release position and the second release position by the first biasing member 301 (see arrow R10 in Fig. 29).

[0087] Referring to Fig. 30, a main lock 80 may be attached to a rear end of the vehicle door 5, and a main bracket 81 may be fixed to the vehicle body 1. The main lock 80 may releasably engage the main bracket 81. When the vehicle door 5 is in the first closed position CP1 or the second closed position CP2, the main lock 80 may engage the main bracket 81 through an engagement operation of the outside handle 6, so that the vehicle door 5 can be locked 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 lock 80 may release the main bracket 81 through a release operation of the outside handle 6, so that the vehicle door 5 can be moved into the sliding or swinging mode.When the vehicle door 5 is held in the first closed position CP1 and the main lock 80 releases the main bracket 81, a center roller unit 23 can be released from the center rail 13, and thus the vehicle door 5 can be opened and closed in the swing mode.

[0088] The vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may further include the center rail 13 attached to a central portion of the vehicle body 1 and the center roller unit 23 guided along the center rail 13.

[0089] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the center rail 13 may extend from a rear edge of the door opening 3 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The center roller unit 23 may be pivotally mounted on a central portion of the vehicle door 5. In particular, the center roller unit 23 may be mounted in a position adjacent to the rear end of the vehicle door 5. The center roller unit 23 may be guided along the center rail 13.

[0090] Fig. 31 shows that the center rail 13 may include a sliding guide 91 extending straight in the vehicle's longitudinal direction and a pivoting guide 92 extending from the sliding guide 91 toward the inside of the vehicle. The pivoting guide 92 may be bent at a predetermined angle relative to the sliding guide 91 by a bending portion 93, and the bending portion 93 may be bent at a predetermined radius.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 32 to 34, the central roller unit 23 may comprise a roller support 108 and rollers 105 and 106 rotatably mounted on the roller support 108. The roller support 108 may be pivotally mounted on a central portion of the vehicle door 5. The rollers 105 and 106 may roll along the center rail 13. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, a center roller 105 and two side rollers 106 disposed on both sides of the center roller 105 may be rotatably mounted on the roller support 108. A rotation axis of the center roller 105 may be perpendicular to a rotation axis of the side roller 106. The rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 may be disposed at an upper portion of the center rail 13.

[0092] When the vehicle door 5 is slid in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle when the sliding mode is selected, the sliding guide 91 can guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle roller unit 23.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 31 and Fig. 33, the sliding guide 91 may have a stop wall 95 that prevents the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle roller unit 23 from being separated from the sliding guide 91. The sliding guide 91 may have an opening open to the outside of the vehicle, and the stop wall 95 may be arranged above the opening of the sliding guide 91. In particular, the stop wall 95 may be arranged to oppose the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle 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 a length of the sliding guide 91 and a length of the bending portion 93. The stop wall 95 may protrude vertically downward from an upper end of the sliding guide 91.Since the stopper wall 95 closes the upper portion of the slide guide 91 and an upper portion of the bending portion 93, the center roller unit 23 can be prevented from moving from the slide guide 91 toward the outside of the vehicle, as shown in FIG. Fig. 23 shown.

[0094] When the vehicle door 5 is opened and closed in the swing mode, the swing guide 92 can guide the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 so that they are released from the center rail 13.

[0095] An outer side of the pivot guide 92 may be completely open to the exterior of the vehicle. A guide projection 94 may protrude upward from the underside of the pivot guide 92, and the guide projection 94 may extend along a length of the pivot guide 92. When the vehicle door 5 pivots from the second closed position CP2 to the second open position OP2 along a pivot path T1, the center roller 105 of the center roller unit 23 may be guided along the guide projection 94, as shown in Fig. 32 shown.

[0096] A front end 95a of the stop wall 95 of the sliding guide 91 and a rear end 94a of the guide projection 94 can be arranged so that they do not obstruct the pivoting path T1 of the vehicle door 5. In addition, as shown in Fig. 35, an axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and an axis X2 of the pivoting guide 92 intersect at a predetermined angle a. In particular, the intersection angle a between the axis X1 of the sliding guide 91 and the axis X2 of the pivoting guide 92 may be an obtuse angle, so that the rollers 105 and 106 of the middle roller unit 23 can easily detach from the pivoting guide 92 of the center rail 13 or can easily be received in the pivoting guide 92 of the center rail 13.

[0097] The center rail 13 may include a space 98 that allows the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 to be detached from the center rail 13 or received into the center rail 13 when the vehicle door 5 pivots in the pivot mode. The space 98 may be defined between the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide projection 94, since the front end 95a of the stop wall 95 and the rear end 94a of the guide projection 94 are spaced apart from each other. Due to the space 98, there is no interference when the rollers 105 and 106 of the center roller unit 23 are detached from the center rail 13 or received into the center rail 13 in the pivot mode.

[0098] Fig. 1 to 35 show the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure applied to the rear door 5. However, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be used not only on rear doors but also on other vehicle doors, for example, on front doors.

[0099] Fig. 36 and Fig. 37 show the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure at the front door 4. Fig. 36 shows a state in which the front door 4 is opened in the sliding mode, and Fig. 37 shows a state in which the front door 4 is opened in the swing mode.

[0100] Fig. 38 and Fig. 39 show the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which is applied to both the front door 4 and the rear door 5. Fig. 38 shows a state in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in the sliding mode, and Fig. 39 shows a state in which the front door 4 and the rear door 5 are opened in the swing mode.

[0101] As stated above, the vehicle door opening and closing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can perform the opening and closing operations of the vehicle door by selectively switching between the sliding and swing modes, thereby meeting customer needs such as convenience and versatility. Furthermore, it can select the opening and closing operations of the vehicle door in consideration of the customer's situation and environment, thereby improving convenience and quality.

[0102] In particular, when the vehicle door is opened and closed in sliding mode, a lock can releasably hold the vehicle door in the open position and releasably hold the vehicle door in the closed position, thereby simplifying the holding mechanism of the vehicle door, reducing the number of components and assembly work, improving the operating quality of the vehicle door, and reducing cost and weight.

[0103] In terms of vehicle specifications, the opening and closing structure of the vehicle door can be standardized regardless of vehicle models. This can significantly reduce manufacturing and investment costs. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 body 2 front opening 3 rear opening 4 front door 5 rear door 6 Outside handle 11 upper rail 12 lower rail 13 middle rail 21 upper roller unit 22 lower roller unit 23 middle roller unit 31 upper lock 31a first, upper bracket 31b second, upper bracket 32 lower lock 32a first, lower bracket 32b second, lower bracket 40 selectors 41 first switch 42 second switch 75 cables 80 Main locking 81 Main bar 91 Sliding guide 92 Swivel guide 101 first notch 102 first pawl 103 first release lever 104 first pull lever 111 joint hole 113 first main slot 115 first locking shoulder 131 first drive shaft 132 second drive shaft 150 connecting section 201 second notch 202 second pawl 203 second release lever 204 second pull lever 213 second main slot 215 second locking shoulder 301 first prestressing element 302 second prestressing element

Claims

[1] A vehicle door opening and closing device, comprising: a vehicle door (4, 5), a rail (11, 12) adapted to be attached to a vehicle body, a roller unit (21, 22) mounted on the vehicle door (4, 5) and configured to open and close the vehicle door (4, 5) in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to be displaceable along the rail (11, 12), and in a pivoting mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to pivot in a predetermined position of the rail (11, 12), and a locking device (31, 32) which releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in an open position or releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in a closed position when the vehicle door (4, 5) is opened or closed in the sliding mode, wherein the locking device (31, 32) has a first catch (101) configured to releasably engage a first bracket (31a, 32a) configured to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the closed position, and a second catch (201) configured to releasably engage a second bracket (31b, 32b) configured to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the open position, and wherein: the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) partially overlap each other, the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) form a uniform one-piece structure and the device further comprises a first articulated shaft (131) and the first catch (101) and the second catch (201) are pivotable by means of the first articulated shaft (131). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein: the first catch (101) has a first main slot (113) adapted to receive the first bracket (31a, 32a), and the second catch (201) has a second main slot (213) adapted to receive the second bracket (31b, 32b). [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first detent (101) is arranged to move between a first engagement position and a first release position, the first catch (101) is engaged with the first bracket (31a, 32a) in the first engagement position, the first bracket (31a, 32a) is released from the first catch (101) in the first release position, the second detent (201) is arranged to move between a second engagement position and a second release position, the second catch (201) is engaged with the second bracket (31b, 32b) in the second engagement position and the second catch (201) is released from the second bracket (31b, 32b) in the second release position. [4] The device according to claim 3, wherein the first detent (101) and the second detent (201) are arranged to be biased into the first release position and the second release position by a first biasing element (301). [5] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first catch (101) and the second catch (201) are connected by a connecting section (150) and the first notch (101) is spaced from the second notch (201). [6] A vehicle door opening and closing device, comprising: a vehicle door (4, 5), a rail (11, 12) adapted to be attached to a vehicle body (1), a roller unit (21, 22) mounted on the vehicle door (4, 5) and configured to open and close the vehicle door (4, 5) in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to be displaceable along the rail (11, 12), and in a pivoting mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to pivot in a predetermined position of the rail (11, 12), and a locking device (31, 32) which releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in an open position or releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in a closed position when the vehicle door (4, 5) is opened or closed in sliding mode, the locking device (31, 32) comprising a first catch (101) adapted to releasably engage a first bracket (31a, 32a) adapted to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the closed position, a second catch (201) adapted to releasably engage a second bracket (31b, 32b) adapted to be attached to the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the open position, a first pawl (102) which is cooperatively connected to the first catch (101), and a second pawl (202) which is cooperatively connected to the second catch (201), wherein the device further comprises a second articulated shaft (132) and the first pawl (102) and the second pawl (202) are pivotable by means of the second articulated shaft (132). [7] Device according to claim 6, wherein: the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) form a uniform one-piece structure, the first pawl (102) is aligned with the second notch (201), the second pawl (202) is aligned with the first notch (101), the first catch (101) has a first locking shoulder (115) adapted to releasably engage the second pawl (202), and the second detent (201) has a second locking shoulder (215) adapted to releasably engage the first pawl (102). [8] Device according to claim 7, wherein: the first pawl (102) is configured to move between a first pawl locking position and a first pawl release position, the first pawl (102) is locked in the first pawl locking position on the second locking shoulder (215), the first pawl (102) is released from the second locking shoulder (215) in the first pawl release position, the second pawl (202) is configured to move between a second pawl locking position and a second pawl release position, the second pawl (202) is locked in the second pawl locking position on the first locking shoulder (115) and the second pawl (202) is released from the first locking shoulder (115) in the second pawl release position. [9] The device according to claim 8, wherein the first pawl (102) and the second pawl (202) are configured to be biased by a second biasing member (302) into the first pawl locking position and the second pawl locking position. [10] Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the locking device (31, 32) further comprises a first release lever (103) which is cooperatively connected to the first pawl (102) and a second release lever (203) which is cooperatively connected to the second pawl (202), and the first pawl (102), the second pawl (202), the first release lever (103) and the second release lever (203) are arranged to be pivotable by means of the second articulated shaft (132). [11] Device according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the locking device (31, 32) further comprises a first release lever (103) which is arranged to pivot with the first pawl (102) and a second release lever (203) which is arranged to pivot with the second pawl (202), and the first release lever (103) and the second release lever (202) are connected by a cable (75), wherein, when the cable (75) is pulled, the first release lever (103) is arranged to allow the first catch (101) to release the first bracket (31a, 32a), and when the cable (75) is pulled, the second release lever (203) is arranged to allow the second catch (201) to release the second bracket (31b, 32b). [12] Device according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein: the locking device (31, 32) further comprises a first pull lever (104) which is cooperatively connected to the first pawl (102) and a second pull lever (204) which is cooperatively connected to the second pawl (202), the first pull lever (104) and the second pull lever (204) are connected by a cable (75), when the cable (75) is pulled, the first pull lever (104) is arranged to allow the first catch (101) to release the first bracket (31a, 32a), and, when the cable (75) is pulled, the second pull lever (204) is arranged to allow the second catch (102) to release the second bracket (31b, 32b). [13] A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body (1), a vehicle door (4, 5) coupled to the vehicle body (1), a rail (11, 12) attached to the vehicle body (1) in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body (1), a roller unit (21, 22) mounted on the vehicle door (4, 5) and configured to open and close the vehicle door (4, 5) in a sliding mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to be displaceable along the rail (11, 12), and in a pivoting mode in which the vehicle door (4, 5) is configured to pivot in a predetermined position of the rail (11, 12), and a locking device (31, 32) which releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in an open position or releasably holds the vehicle door (4, 5) in a closed position when the vehicle door (4, 5) is opened or closed in the sliding mode, wherein the locking device (31, 32) has a first catch (101) adapted to releasably engage a first bracket (31a, 32a) mounted on the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the closed position, and a second catch (201) adapted to releasably engage a second bracket (31b, 32b) mounted on the vehicle body (1) and positioned to correspond to the open position, and wherein: the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) partially overlap each other, the first notch (101) and the second notch (201) form a uniform one-piece structure, and the vehicle further comprises a first propeller shaft (131) and the first catch (101) and the second catch (201) are pivotable by means of the first propeller shaft (131). [14] Vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: the first catch (101) has a first main slot (113) adapted to receive the first bracket (31a, 32a), and the second catch (201) has a second main slot (213) adapted to receive the second bracket (31b, 32b). [15] A vehicle according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: the first detent (101) is arranged to move between a first engagement position and a first release position, the first catch (101) is engaged with the first bracket (31a, 32a) in the first engagement position, the first bracket (31a, 32a) is released from the first catch (101) in the first release position, the second detent (201) is arranged to move between a second engagement position and a second release position, the second catch (201) is engaged with the second bracket (31b, 32b) in the second engagement position and the second catch (201) is released from the second bracket (31b, 32b) in the second release position.

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