Operating mechanism for rear hinged fully sealed independent side operating doors

A vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to vehicle doors, and more specifically, a rear-hinged fully sealed side door that operates in a mullion-free setting with a front-hinged side opening door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Within various vehicles, a front-hinged side door may be paired with a smaller rear-hinged door that has no exterior door handle on the outer surface of the rear-hinged door. Typically, to operate such rear-hinged doors, the front door must first be opened to reveal a door handle for the rear-hinged door located on an edge panel of the rear-hinged door.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a passenger cabin having an access aperture with oppositely hinged forward and rearward doors coupled to a vehicle frame and a rearward hinge assembly having a first hinge extending between the vehicle frame and the rearward door and a second hinge positioned at an end of the first hinge proximate the rearward door. Operation of the first hinge slides the rearward door between a secured position and a staging position. The secured position is defined by a portion of the rearward door being positioned within the aperture and between the vehicle frame and the forward door. The staging position is defined by the rearward door translating in a rearward and outward direction away from the aperture and the forward door. Operation of the second hinge rotates the rearward door between open and closed positions when the rearward door is in the staging position. A latch of the rearward door translates along a striker path during operation of the first hinge. The latch remains selectively secured within the striker path during operation of the rearward door from the secured and staging positions. The latch is selectively engaged and disengaged from the striker path when the rearward door is in the staging position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door includes a door panel slidably operable between a secured position within a door aperture and a staging position partially distal from the door aperture. A latch is engaged with a striker path during operation of the door panel between the secured and staging positions, and is selectively disengaged from the striker path to define open and closed positions of the door panel when the door panel is in the staging position.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle door includes a motor that guides a door latch along a linear striker path of a vehicle frame and simultaneously rotates a door about the door latch when engaged within the striker path to define secured and staging positions of the door. Also included is a hinge around which the door rotates when the door is in the staging position, the hinge and latch being positioned on different edges of the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown inFIGS. 1-8, reference numeral10generally refers to a latch sliding mechanism incorporated within a vehicle12having a front-hinged forward door14and a rear-hinged rearward door16that meet at a mullion-free securing location18and are operable to provide access into and from a passenger cabin20of the vehicle12. The vehicle12can include a passenger cabin20having an access aperture22with oppositely hinged forward and rearward doors14,16that are coupled to a frame24of the vehicle12. The forward door14can be a front-hinged door that opens toward a front26of the vehicle12. The rearward door16can be a rear-hinged door that opens toward a rear28of the vehicle12, where the forward and rearward doors14,16meet at a central portion30of the access aperture22. The forward and rearward doors14,16are adapted to meet at a location that typically includes a “B” pillar. However, in the various embodiments disclosed herein, the vehicle12does not include the “B” pillar. Accordingly, the access aperture22is a single continuous opening that serves both the forward and rearward doors14,16. The forward door14can include a conventional hinge mechanism where a door handle32is positioned on an exterior surface34of the forward door14for operating the forward door14between a plurality of forward-door positions36. For operating the rearward door16, a rearward hinge assembly38can include a first hinge40that extends between the frame24of the vehicle12and the rearward door16. A second hinge42can be positioned at an end44of the first hinge40proximate the rearward door16. Operation of the first hinge40serves to translate the rearward door16between a secured position46and a staging position48. The secured position46is defined by a portion of the rearward door16being positioned within the access aperture22and secured or tucked between a portion of the frame24of the vehicle12and a portion of the forward door14. In the secured position46, and when the forward door14is closed, the rearward door16is incapable of being operated between the open and closed positions50,52. The staging position48of the rearward door16is defined by the rearward door16translating in a rearward direction54and outward direction56away from the access aperture22and away from the forward door14. Once in the staging position48, operation of the second hinge42rotates the rearward door16between open and closed positions50,52. A latch58of the rearward door16is adapted to translate along a striker path60during operation of the first hinge40. During operation of the first hinge40between the secured and staging positions46,48, the latch58remains selectively secured within the striker path60. The latch58can be selectively engaged and disengaged from the striker path60when a rearward door16is in the staging position48.

As the rearward door16moves between the secured and staging positions46,48, the rearward door16is adapted to rotate about a point within an engagement area70defined by the selective engagement of the latch58with the striker path60. In this manner, the striker path60is defined by a linear motion72, or substantially linear motion72, of a latch side74of the door in combination with a rotating motion76of the rearward door16at a hinge side78of the rearward door16. This combination of linear and rotating motion76of the rearward door16accomplishes the simultaneous motion of the rearward door16in the rearward and outward directions54,56to define the secured and staging positions46,48. As the rearward door16translates along the striker path60, the rotational point that the rearward door16rotates also translates along the striker path60. This rotational point follows the engagement of the latch58with the striker path60.

Referring again toFIGS. 4-7, it is contemplated that the striker path60along which the latch58operates during operation of the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48can be defined by an elongated striker88that is coupled to the frame24of the vehicle12. During operation of the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48, the latch58, engaged within the striker path60, slides along the elongated striker88between the secured and staging positions46,48. As discussed previously, as the latch58slides along the elongated striker88, the rearward door16rotates about a point within the engagement area70defined by the engagement between the latch58and the elongated striker88.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, the latch sliding mechanism10incorporated within the rearward door16provides for a configuration of the forward and rearward doors14,16that is free of a central mullion or “B” pillar, extending through a central portion30of the access aperture22. It is contemplated that the striker path60, such as the elongated striker88, or the operable striker90(exemplified inFIGS. 9 and 10), which will be discussed more fully below, can be disposed within a bottom portion92of the access aperture22attached to or defined within a portion of the frame24of the vehicle12. Accordingly, the latch58of the rearward door16can be positioned within a lower portion94of the rearward door16proximate the latch side74of the rearward door16.

In various embodiments, to further secure the rearward door16within the secured and staging positions46,48, the rearward door16can include an upper latch or secondary latch96that engages a secondary striker98disposed at an upper portion100of the access aperture22proximate a roof line102of the frame24of the vehicle12. It is contemplated that the secondary latch96would simply follow the operation of the latch58disposed at a lower portion94of the rearward door16. It is also contemplated that this secondary latch96may only serve to secure the rearward door16in the secured position46. In such an embodiment, when the rearward door16is moved from the secured to the staging positions46,48, the secondary latch96may release from the secondary striker98, such that when the rearward door16is in the staging position48, the rearward door16is only secured to the frame24of the vehicle12through the engagement of the latch58within the striker path60at the bottom portion92of the access aperture22. It is contemplated that the positions of the latch58and the striker path60can be switched to be proximate the roof line102of the vehicle12.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, it is contemplated that the rearward door16can only be operated between the open and closed positions50,52when the rearward door16is in the staging position48. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the rearward door16can be operated between the open and closed positions50,52from the secured position46, when the forward door14is moved to the open position50. In such an embodiment, if the forward door14is moved to a closed position52before the rearward door16is moved to a closed position52, closure of the forward door14can result in the latch sliding mechanism10moving to the staging position48without being engaged with the rearward door16. Accordingly, when the rearward door16is moved to the closed position52, engagement of the latch58of the rearward door16will be within the staging position48of the striker path60to avoid a collision with the closed forward door14. Once in the staging position48, the rearward door16can then be translated forward and inward within the access aperture22to define the secured position46of the rearward door16. Typically, the rearward door16will move from a secured position46to the staging position48, each time that the occupant desires to open the rearward door16, regardless of the position of the forward door14.

Referring again toFIGS. 4, 7 and 8, it is contemplated that the rearward hinge assembly38having the first and second hinges40,42can include a first hinge40in the form of a gooseneck hinge110that serves to move the hinge side78of the rearward door16in a combined outward and rearward direction56,54. This operation of the gooseneck hinge110serves to pull the latch side74of the rearward door16out of the tuck space112defined between the forward door14and the frame24of the vehicle12. Accordingly, the staging position48places the rearward door16in a condition such that it can freely operate between the open and closed positions50,52.

Referring again toFIGS. 4-10, in order to assist the user in operating the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48, the rearward door16can include a motor120that is coupled to at least one of the rearward hinge assembly38and the striker path60, or both of these assemblies. It is contemplated that operation of the motor120serves to manipulate the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48. Where a motor120is disposed at the rearward hinge assembly38, the motor120serves to rotate the gooseneck hinge110to manipulate the rearward door16outward and rearward between the secured and staging positions46,48. The motor120can then operate again to manipulate the rearward door16between the staging position48and secured position46through operation of the gooseneck hinge110.

As exemplified inFIGS. 9 and 10, it is also contemplated that a motor120can be positioned proximate the striker path60that translates the latch58through operation of the motor120within the striker path60. Typically, a motor120located within the striker path60will operate an operable striker90that is slidably operable through a slot122that defines the striker path60. The latch sliding mechanism10can include a single motor120, where the single motor120is disposed within the rearward hinge assembly38or disposed proximate the striker path60for operating the operable striker90. Alternatively, the latch sliding mechanism10can include two motors120at each of the rearward hinge assembly38and the striker path60, where each of the plurality of motors120can be sized to be smaller and work in cooperation with one another. It is also contemplated that one of the motors120, such as the motor120at the rearward hinge assembly38, can be used to manipulate the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48. The other motor120, at the striker path60, can be used to manipulate the rearward door16between the staging and secured positions48,46, or vice versa. It is contemplated that various other configurations of the motors120for operating the latch sliding mechanism10can be implemented.

Referring again toFIGS. 4-8, the rearward door16can include a lighting mechanism130that activates as the rearward door16moves between the secured and staging positions46,48and/or as the rearward door16operates between the open and closed positions50,52. This lighting mechanism130of the rearward door16can serve to alert bystanders that the rearward door16will be opening outward and toward the rear28of the vehicle12. In various embodiments, the lighting mechanism130can be accompanied by an auditory internal and/or external signal to alert the occupants and bystanders of the operation of the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48and/or the open and closed positions50,52. Because the occurrence of a rearward door16is not typically seen within most vehicles12, the operation of a rearward door16may be an unexpected occurrence to various bystanders. The inclusion of the lighting mechanism130and/or an auditory signal can alert bystanders to the operation of the rearward door16. The lighting mechanism130can be a single light or a plurality of lights positioned along a portion of the vehicle12and/or the rearward door16.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-8, it is contemplated that the rearward door16can operate through an interior door handle138that includes a multi-operational release mechanism140. The multi-operational release mechanism140can include an operating system that is defined by a series of manipulations of handle138that can serve to unlock the rearward door16, move the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48and/or open the rear door, when in the staging position48, from the closed position52to the open position50of the rearward door16. It is also contemplated that a first manipulation of the multi-operational door handle138can serve to unlock the rearward door16, and a second manipulation of the handle138of the rearward door16can initiate motion of the rearward door16from the secured position46to the staging positions48. Once the rearward door16is in the staging position48, the latch58can be adapted to automatically disengage from the striker path60. The rearward door16can then either automatically rotate from the closed to the open position52,50, or can be pushed by the occupant from the closed position52to the open position50. Similar operation in the opposing direction can be used as well for moving the rearward door16from the open position50to the closed position52to define the staging position48. From the staging position48, the latch sliding mechanism10can be used to move the rearward door16from the staging position48to the secured position46.

It is contemplated that the multi-operational release mechanism140can be used in conjunction with a master control mechanism of the vehicle12to allow for operation of the rearward door16only in certain operational conditions of the vehicle12. By way of example, and not limitation, where the vehicle12is moving in excess of a predetermined speed, such as approximately 3 km/hr, or the vehicle12is in a certain transmission setting (neutral, reverse, or one of the drive gears), the multi-operational release mechanism140may be substantially ineffective at operating the rearward door16. It is also contemplated that when the appropriate parameters are met, i.e., the vehicle12moves below a certain speed or the transmission of the vehicle12is placed in “park,” then the master control of the vehicle12can communicate to the latch sliding mechanism10an unlock signal or other operation signal that will allow the user to unlock the rearward door16and/or allow the occupant to manipulate the rearward door16between at least the secured and staging positions46,48.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-10, it is contemplated that the striker path60along which the latch58operates between the secured and staging positions46,48can be defined by an operable striker90that is operably secured to the frame24of the vehicle12. The operable striker90can be adapted to linearly translate through a slot122defined within the frame24of the vehicle12where the operable striker90moves along the slot122to define the secured and staging positions46,48. As with the other embodiments of the striker path60, as the rearward door16moves between the secured and staging positions46,48, the rearward door16can at least partially rotate about an engagement area70between the latch58and the operable striker90. This rotation of the rearward door16can be caused by the first hinge40, typically in the form of a gooseneck hinge110that operates in conjunction with a hinge side78of the rearward door16. As discussed above, the rearward door16can include a secondary striker path60and secondary latch96. It is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, where an operable striker90is used, both the operable striker90and secondary striker98can include the operable striker90that move in unison between the secured position46and the staging position48.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-10, the rearward door16of the vehicle12can include a door panel150that is slidably operable between the secured position46within the door access aperture22and a staging position48that is partially distal from the door access aperture22and the forward door14. The latch58of the rearward door16can be engaged with a striker path60during operation of the door panel150between the secured and staging positions46,48. The door panel150can be selectively disengaged in the striker path60to define open and closed positions50,52of the door panel150when the door panel150is in the staging position48. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the striker path60can be positioned along a bottom portion92of the door access aperture22proximate the central portion30of the door access aperture22. The door panel150can include a first hinge40that extends between the side edge160of the door aperture and a vertical edge162of the door panel150proximate a hinge side78of the door panel150. It is contemplated that operation of the first hinge40at least partially guides the door panel150between the secured and staging positions46,48and moves the door panel150in a combined and simultaneous linear and rotating motion72,76relative to the door access aperture22. The door panel150can also include the second hinge42that is positioned at the end44of the first hinge40at the vertical edge162of the hinge side78of the door panel150. The second hinge42is adapted to at least partially guide operation of the door panel150between the open and closed positions50,52when the first hinge40defines the staging position48. As discussed above, the latch58can be positioned on a latch side74of the rearward door16and typically along a bottom surface of the rearward door16proximate the latch side74. Similarly, the secondary latch96can be positioned proximate the latch side74of the rearward door16at a top portion of the rearward door16.

Referring again toFIGS. 1-10, the rearward door16of the vehicle12can include a motor120that guides a latch58of the rearward door16along a linear strike path of the frame24of the vehicle12. The motor120is adapted to simultaneously rotate the rearward door16about the latch58of the rearward door16when engaged with the striker path60. In this manner, the motor120operates the rearward door16to define the secured and staging positions46,48of the rearward door16. The rearward door16of the vehicle12can also include a hinge, such as the rearward hinge assembly38, around which the rearward door16rotates when the rearward door16is in the staging position48. It is contemplated that the hinge and the latch58can be positioned along different edges or sides of the rearward door16. As discussed above, the hinge can be disposed on a hinge side78of the rearward door16and the latch58can be disposed on a latch side74of the rearward door16. As discussed above, the latch side74of the rearward door16can be proximate the forward door14and the hinge side78of the rearward door16can be opposite the forward door14.

Referring now toFIGS. 1-11, having described the various embodiments of the latch sliding mechanism10, a method400is disclosed for manipulating a rearward door16through the use of the latch sliding mechanism10. According to the method400, an unlock signal is provided to the rearward door16and the latch sliding mechanism10to unlock the rearward door16, if locked (step402). The unlock signal can be provided by a remote wireless signal from a key fob, smart phone, wearable technology, or other portable computing device able to transfer the unlock signal to the rearward door16. Additionally, the unlock signal can be provided by operating the interior door handle138of the rearward door16. It is contemplated that a single manipulation of the interior door handle138may be sufficient to provide the unlock signal and also operate the rearward door16between the secured position46, the staging position48and the open position50. It is also contemplated that a series of manipulations of the interior door handle138may be used to unlock and operate the rearward door16. Once unlocked, the user can operate the door handle138or other portion of the rearward door16to activate a motor120for manipulating the rearward door16from the secured position46to the staging position48(step404). As discussed above, as the rearward door16moves from the secured to the staging position48, the rearward door16operates in a combined and substantially simultaneous linear and rotational manner to move the rearward door16rearward and outward from the access aperture22of the vehicle12. In this manner, a latch side74of the rearward door16is moved out of a tuck space112defined between the forward door14and a frame24of the vehicle12, such that the rearward door16is free to rotate between the open and closed positions50,52without colliding with the forward door14. Once the rearward door16is in the staging position48, the rearward door16can then move from the closed position52to the open position50(step406). As discussed above, this motion of the rearward door16about the second hinge42from the closed position52to the open position50can be caused by another pull of the handle138or can be caused by an automatic unlatching of the latch58from the striker path60, once the rearward door16is in the staging position48. To move the rearward door16from the closed to the open position50, a motor120can automatically rotate the rearward door16or the rearward door16can be manually operated from the closed to open position50. When the user of the vehicle12is ready to close the rearward door16, the rearward door16is moved from the open position50to the closed position52to redefine the staging position48of the rearward door16(step408). Once re-latched in the secured position46, the rearward door16is then automatically moved from the staging position48back to the secured position46(step410).

According to the various embodiments, the use of the tuck space112provides a securing feature that may be advantageous during a collision involving the vehicle12. The positioning of the latch side74of the rearward door16within the tuck space112between the frame24and the forward door14substantially secures the rearward door16in the closed position52during such a collision. The forward door14prevents the movement of the latch side74of the rearward door16in the outward direction56. In this manner, the rearward door16remains in the closed position52or substantially in the closed position52during such a collision or other similar impact involving the vehicle12.

It is also contemplated that the movement of the rearward door26between the secured and staging positions46,48allows for engagement and disengagement, respectively, of a door seal system. The door seal system is adapted to form a tight seal between the forward and rearward doors14,16and between the rearward door16and the access aperture22as the rearward door16moves into the secured position46. Because the latch side74of the rearward door16is positioned behind and substantially against the forward door14when in the secured position46, the door seal system can be positioned in a variety of areas within the tuck space112.

It is contemplated that the latch sliding mechanism10can be used in conjunction with various proximity signals that can be incorporated within a key fob, portable computing devices (smart phones, tablets, wearable technology) such that the locking and unlocking operation of the latch sliding mechanism10can be accomplished remotely. Additionally, the use of a portable computing device can serve to manipulate the rearward door16from the secured to the staging position48, or vice versa, as the occupant of the vehicle12approaches or walks away from the vehicle12.

It is contemplated that the rearward door16can include a door handle138on the inside of the vehicle12for allowing an occupant to operate the rearward door16between the secured and staging positions46,48and the open and closed positions50,52. The interior door handle138can also be located toward a front area of the rearward door16near the meeting point of the forward and rearward doors14,16. It is also contemplated that the rearward door16can include an exterior handle170positioned along a forward edge172of the rearward door16that becomes accessible once the rearward door16is moved from the secured position46to the staging position48. When the rearward door16is in the secured position46, the forward edge172of the rearward door16is tucked within the tuck space112between the forward door14and the frame24of the vehicle12. When the rearward door16moves to the staging position48, the space between the rearward door16and the forward door14defines an accessible space174within which the user of the vehicle12can access an external handle32to operate the rearward door16from the closed position52to the open position50when the rearward door16is in the staging position48. It is also contemplated that the exterior handle170can be located on the outer surface of the rearward door16and usable when both the forward and rearward doors14,16are each in the closed positions52.

According to the various embodiments, it is contemplated that when a user of a vehicle12approaches the vehicle12having the latch sliding mechanism10to enter the vehicle12, proximity of the key fob and/or the appropriate portable computing device can automatically cause the rearward door16to operate from the secured to the staging positions46,48to allow convenient access for the user to open the rearward door16from the closed position52to the open position50. It is contemplated that once the occupant of the vehicle12places the vehicle12in a gear other than “park” or provides some other similar signal that operational of the vehicle12is imminent, the rearward door16can then be moved from the staging position48to the secured position46. So long as the door is in the staging position48, it is contemplated that the latch58can remain secured with the striker path60where manipulation of a handle32of the rearward door16is required to move the rearward door16from the closed position52to the open position50when the rearward door16is in the staging position48.

According to the various embodiments, the latch sliding mechanism10can be used in various doors that can include, but are not limited to, extended cab rearward doors16, sliding doors, front hinged doors, tailgates, trunks, hoods, and other operable exterior panels within a vehicle12.