Fastening arrangement for vehicle sliding door

A fastening arrangement for fastening a vehicle sliding door to a vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door. The fastening arrangement includes a motion element configured for being movingly arranged within or on a vehicle body guiding rail for enabling movement of the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, and a variable-length motion mechanism connected to the motion element and configured for being fastened to the sliding door at a lower attachment area of the sliding door. The variable-length motion mechanism is configured for enabling variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to a fastening arrangement for fastening a vehicle sliding door to a vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door. The disclosure also relates to a vehicle having such a fastening arrangement, and a method for opening a sliding door of a vehicle having a vehicle body and a fastening arrangement for fastening the sliding door to the vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door.

Although the disclosure will be described in relation to a car, the disclosure is not restricted to this particular type of vehicle, but may alternatively be installed in other types of vehicles such as minivans, recreational vehicles, off-road vehicles, trucks, buses, marine vehicles, air vehicles, or the like.

BACKGROUND

Doors for enabling access to vehicle can be opened and closed in a variety of ways, such as for example by means of a pivotal or sliding opening and closing motion. Sliding doors does not extend much laterally beyond the lateral side surface of the vehicle in opened position making sliding doors an attractive design solution. Sliding door also enables a relatively large opening for simplified entering or leaving the vehicle.

SUMMARY

A sliding door moving from a closed position to an open position typically undergo two motion sequences: A first motion sequence in which the sliding door is displaced simultaneously both laterally outwardly and longitudinally along a length direction of the vehicle body, from a closed position to an intermediate position, and subsequently a second motion sequence in which the sliding door is displaced substantially longitudinally along a length direction of the vehicle body, from the intermediate position to an open position of the sliding door. The closing of the sliding door involves the same motion sequences but performed in reversed order and direction.

Sliding doors are generally attached to guiding rails of the vehicle body via a plurality of solid and non-adjustable brackets, wherein at least the lower guiding rail located at the rocker of the vehicle body is generally bent inwardly towards a centre line of the vehicle in the area where the bracket is located in a closed position of the sliding door for enabling the sliding door to move laterally inwardly in the region of the closed position of the sliding door.

Consequently, a problem with currently available fastening arrangements for sliding doors is that they generally require a large space within the vehicle body in the area of said fastening arrangements due to the inwardly curved design of the guiding rail. This is particularly problematic for electrical of hybrid electric vehicle where the floor region of the vehicle often is used for storing the propulsion battery making inwardly curved guiding rails undesirable, and/or vehicles having straight rockers made of extruded aluminium beams, such that mounting of inwardly curved guiding rails would require additional costly manufacturing processing of the straight extruded beams, as well as weakening the strength of said straight beams, because an inwardly curved guiding rail would require material removing machining of the straight extruded aluminium profile for creating space for the inwardly curved guide rail.

An object of the present disclosure is consequently to provide a fastening system for a sliding door of a vehicle that enables opening or closing of the sliding door while avoiding inwardly curved guiding rails, at least for the guiding rail located at the rocker of the vehicle.

The objective is at least partly achieved by a fastening arrangement and method as defined in the accompanying independent claims.

In particular, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, the objective is at least partly achieved by a fastening arrangement for fastening a vehicle sliding door to a vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a motion element configured for being movingly arranged within or on a vehicle body guiding rail for enabling movement of the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, wherein the fastening arrangement further comprises a variable-length motion mechanism connected to the motion element and configured for being fastened to the sliding door at a lower attachment area of the sliding door, and wherein the variable-length motion mechanism is configured for enabling variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door.

Moreover, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the objective is also at least partly achieved by method for opening a sliding door of a vehicle having a vehicle body and a fastening arrangement for fastening the sliding door to the vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a motion element movingly arranged within or on a vehicle body guiding rail for enabling movement of the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, and a variable-length motion mechanism connected to the motion element and fastened to the sliding door at a lower attachment area of the sliding door, wherein the method comprises performing a first motion sequence involving extension of the variable-length motion mechanism from a contracted state to an extended state, thereby causing the sliding door to displace from a closed position to an intermediate position while the motion element remains substantially stationary, and subsequently performing a second motion sequence involving displacing the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, thereby causing the sliding door to displace primarily in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body from the intermediate position to an open position of the sliding door while the variable-length motion mechanism remains in the extended state.

In this way, it becomes possible to have a substantially straight and linear vehicle body guiding rail, because the required lateral inwards motion of the sliding door configured to take place upon approaching the closed position of the sliding door is provided by the variable-length motion mechanism being adjusted from the extended state to the contracted state.

In other words, the opening and closing motion of the sliding door as such remains substantially the same while the guiding rail may have a substantially linear shape instead of an inwardly curved shape, thereby avoiding intruding into the space intended for propulsion battery storage, and avoiding additional manufacturing processing of an extruded straight aluminium rocker if such is used as rocker beam of the vehicle body.

Further advantages are achieved by implementing one or several of the features of the dependent claims.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism is configured for providing a first distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door in a closed position of the sliding door and a second distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door in an open position of the sliding door, wherein the second distance is larger than the first distance. Thereby the necessary lateral motion of the sliding door is accomplished without need for a curved guide rail, such that straight guide rail can be used.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism includes an arm and a travel element, wherein the arm is pivotally connected to the motion element, wherein the travel element is secured to, and can travel along the length of, the arm, and wherein the travel element is configured for being fastened to the sliding door at the lower attachment area of the sliding door for enabling variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door. Thereby, a relatively low-cost but still robust and effective variable distance mounting of the lower side of the door to the vehicle is provided.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism includes a mechanical spring having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the motion element or an end region of the arm being connected to the motion element, and the second end is connected to the travel element. Thereby, closing of the sliding door is simplified, since the mechanical spring becomes tensioned upon opening the door and subsequently more relaxed again upon closing the door.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism is a variable-length motion actuator configured for enabling powered variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door. Thereby, even further improved user-friendliness is accomplished.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion actuator is a rack-and-pinion actuator. This provides a robust, cost-efficient and compact actuator solution.

In some example embodiments, a first end of the rack is pivotally connected to the motion element and the pinion is drivingly connected to a motor and configured for being secured to the sliding door. Thereby a robust and compact assembly of the fastening arrangement is accomplished.

In some example embodiments, the pinion is rotationally fastened on an output shaft of the motor. This results in reduced cost and improves reliability because there is no need for an external reduction gearbox.

In some example embodiments, the rack-and-pinion actuator has a counter-pressure arrangement for forcing driving engagement members of the pinion into driving engagement with corresponding driving engagement members of the rack. Thereby the operating reliability of the rack-and-pinion actuator is improved.

In some example embodiments, the rack-and-pinion actuator has a locking arrangement providing selective locking of the rack-and-pinion actuator at a certain relative position of the rack and pinion, in particular at an extended state of the rack-and-pinion actuator. This may be relevant for ensuring that the motion element is located in the desired position upon reaching the intermediate position of the sliding door during closing of the sliding door.

In some example embodiments, the fastening arrangement further comprises a vehicle body guiding rail that has a substantially linear guide path enabling a substantially linear movement of the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail. The linear and straight guide rail enables improved space for propulsion battery storage in the floor of the vehicle, and/or the use of straight extruded aluminium rockers without additional manufacturing processing.

In some example embodiments, the motion element comprises a carriage having at least two rollers for rolling engagement with the vehicle body guide rail and an attachment arrangement for pivotal connection with the variable-length motion mechanism. The pivotal connection enables improved contraction and extension motion of the variable-length motion mechanism.

The disclosure also relates to a vehicle having a vehicle body and a sliding door, and a fastening arrangement as described above, wherein the motion element is movingly arranged within or on the vehicle body guiding rail for enabling movement of the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, wherein the variable-length motion mechanism is fastened to the sliding door at a lower attachment area of the sliding door, and wherein the variable-length motion mechanism enables variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism is a variable-length motion actuator configured for enabling powered variable distance between the motion element and the lower attachment area of the sliding door, and wherein the variable-length motion actuator is a rack-and-pinion actuator.

In some example embodiments, the pinion is drivingly connected to a motor, and the motor is located within the sliding door. This provides a compact and robust design of the variable-length motion actuator.

In some example embodiments, the rack has an outwardly curved shape, as seen from a top view facing downwards on the vehicle and with the sliding door in a closed position, such that a closing force vector generated by interaction of the pinion and rack, acting on the sliding door at the lower attachment area of the sliding door in a closed position of the sliding door, has a component that is directed inwards towards the vehicle body. This provides improved closure of the sliding door.

In some example embodiments, the fastening arrangement further comprises an upper fastening arrangement providing sliding connection of the sliding door to the vehicle body between an open and a closed position of the sliding door, wherein the upper fastening arrangement includes a vehicle body upper guide rail located adjacent a vehicle body roof or roof rail and having a straight rail section and an inwardly curved rail section, an upper motion element movingly arranged within or on the vehicle body upper guiding rail, and a solid bracket connecting an upper attachment area of the sliding door to the upper motion element, wherein at a closed position of the sliding door the variable-length motion mechanism is in a contracted state and the upper motion element is located at an inner end region of the curved rail section, and wherein at an intermediate position of the sliding door the variable-length motion mechanism is in an extended state and the upper motion element is located in an outer end region of the curved rail section. The upper fastening arrangement in form of an inwardly curved guide rail ensures proper motion of the sliding door during opening and closing of the sliding door.

In some example embodiments, the sliding door is configured for performing a first motion sequence and subsequently a second motion sequence upon moving from a closed position to an open position of the sliding door, wherein the first motion sequence involves extending the variable-length motion mechanism from a contracted state to an extended state, thereby causing the sliding door to displace from a closed position to an intermediate position while the motion element remains stationary, and the second motion sequence involves displacing the motion element along the vehicle body guiding rail, thereby causing the sliding door to displace primarily in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body from the intermediate position to an open position of the sliding door while the variable-length motion mechanism remains in the extended state. These two motion sequences provide the desired motion of the sliding door while enabling use of straight and linear guide rails.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism is a variable-length motion actuator, and the method step of performing the first motion sequence involves powered extension of the variable-length motion actuator from the contracted state to the extended state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout the description. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS.1and2, there is depicted a side view of an example vehicle1in form of a car having front wheel3, rear wheel4, front side panel5, front door6, rear door7, a rear seat17, rear quarter panel8, a trunk door9and a roof10secured to two spaced-apart longitudinally extending roof rails. The vehicle has a horizontal longitudinal extension (straight driving direction) along an X-axis, a vertical extension along a Z-axis, and horizontal lateral extension along a Y-axis, which is perpendicular to the X-axis and Z-axis.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS.1and2, the rear door7is configured to be a sliding door7, whereinFIG.1shows the sliding door2in a closed position andFIG.2shows the sliding door2in an open position. However, the disclosure is not restricted to this specific type of vehicle. For example, the vehicle may alternatively on at least one side of the vehicle have two sliding doors opening in opposite directions and configured to jointly open and close an access opening of the vehicle1.

The sliding door7of the example embodiment ofFIGS.1and2is attached to the vehicle1by a fastening arrangement. The fastening arrangement fastens the vehicle sliding door7to a vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door7. The vehicle body generally refers to chassis of the vehicle onto which the various panels, doors, lids, etc. are attached.

In the example embodiment ofFIGS.1and2, the fastening arrangement for attaching the sliding door7to the vehicle body comprises three separate attachment arrangements that jointly cooperate for fastening the sliding door7to the vehicle1while allowing sliding opening and closing of the sliding door7. Specifically, the fastening arrangement comprises a lower fastening arrangement located in the region of the floor and rocker11of the vehicle body, an upper fastening arrangement located in the region of the roof10and a central fastening arrangement located in the region of the rear quarter panel8.

A guiding rail12of the central fastening arrangement is partly shown inFIG.1, and an upper guiding rail13of the upper fastening arrangement and lower guiding rail21of the lower fastening arrangement are partly shown inFIG.2.

FIG.3shows a perspective view of a lower portion of the sliding door7, part of the vehicle body including the rocker11and part of a B-pillar16, as well part of the lower fastening arrangement15. The rear seat17ofFIG.2is also shown inFIG.3. The sliding door7is in a partly opened position inFIG.3.

As schematically illustrated inFIG.3, the lower fastening arrangement15may according to an example embodiment of the disclosure comprise a motion element20configured for being movingly arranged within or on a vehicle body guiding rail21for enabling movement of the motion element20along the vehicle body guiding rail21, and a variable-length motion mechanism22connected to the motion element20and configured for being fastened to the sliding door7at a lower attachment area23of the sliding door7. The variable-length motion mechanism22is configured for enabling variable distance between the motion element20and the lower attachment area23of the sliding door7.

The variable-length motion mechanism22is in the example embodiment ofFIG.3pivotally connected to the motion element20around a vertically extending pivoting axis at a connection point24.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism22is a variable-length motion actuator22. The variable-length motion actuator22is configured for enabling powered variable distance between said connection point24and the lower attachment area23of the sliding door7. The powered variable distance of the variable-length motion actuator22is provided by a power source, such as for example an electric, pneumatic or hydraulic motor. Moreover, the variable distance may for example be providable also at still standing motion element.

The variable-length motion actuator22may for example have a linear displacement, meaning that the variable-length motion actuator22provides a variable distance along a linear path. Alternatively, the variable-length motion actuator22may have a curved displacement, or partly curved and partly linear displacement, meaning that the variable-length motion actuator22provides a variable distance along a curved path, or a partly curved and partly linear path.

FIG.4shows a further perspective view of the lower fastening arrangement but here with the sliding door7being removed, for the purpose of better illustrating the components and mounting of the lower fastening arrangement15to the vehicle body. The motion element20is illustrated being a position corresponding to a partly opened position of the sliding door7.

In the example embodiment of the lower fastening arrangement showed inFIG.4, the variable-length motion actuator22is made of a rack-and-pinion actuator having a rack25with engagement members, such as engagement teeth, and a pinion26with corresponding engagement members, such as corresponding engagement teeth.

The pinion26may for example be rotationally fastened to a shaft27for rotation thereof, for example by having the shaft27directly and indirectly connected to an output shaft of the power source. Alternatively, the pinion26may be rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft27of the sliding door7, and the pinion26is drivingly connected to a motor and configured for being secured to the sliding door7.

FIG.4provides a clear view of the guiding rail21extending along the rocker11of the vehicle body. The vehicle body guiding rail21has according to the example embodiment ofFIG.4a linear and straight guide path enabling a linear movement of the motion element20along the vehicle body guiding rail21and parallel with the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. Specifically, the guide path of the vehicle body guiding rail21may according to some example embodiments, as illustrated inFIG.4, be linear and straight over the entire length of the guiding rail21.

However, the guide path of the vehicle body guiding rail21may alternatively be substantially linear and/or substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle, wherein the term substantially linear and/or substantially parallel may include a guide path having an orientation that deviates up to 20 degrees, specifically up to 10 degrees, and more specifically up to 5 degrees between two spaced apart positions along the guide path in a horizontal plane, or wherein the term substantially linear and/or substantially parallel may include a guide path that deviates up to 10 cm, specifically up to 7 cm, and more specifically up to 4 cm from a lateral edge19of the rocker, between two spaced apart positions along the guide path of the guide rail21.

Such relatively small deviation from an entirely linear and straight guiding path and/or a guide path that is entirely parallel with the longitudinal direction X may in certain implementations be deemed acceptable while still not intruding any significant into a storing space of the propulsion battery or while still enabling use of straight rockers made of extruded aluminium beams.

The vehicle body guiding rail21may be an individual separate part that is configured to be attached to the rocker11of the vehicle body. The attachment may for example be performed by welding the guiding rail21to the vehicle body, or by mechanical fasteners, such as rivets, threaded members, or the like.

Alternatively, the vehicle body guiding rail21may formed integrally with the rocker11of the vehicle body. An extruded aluminium rocker may for example easily be designed with an integrally formed external guiding rail21configured for guiding the motion element20along the guide rail21.

If the vehicle body guiding rail21is an individual separate part that is configured to be attached to the rocker11of the vehicle body, an exterior laterally inwardly facing surface of the vehicle body guiding rail21configured for facing11the rocker may be substantially planar for enabling good support to the guiding rail21from the vehicle body.

FIG.5schematically shows a more detailed perspective view of the lower fastening arrangement15having the motion element20configured for being movingly arranged within or on a vehicle body guiding rail21and the variable-length motion actuator22, here in form of a rack and pinion actuator, connected to the motion element20and configured for being fastened to the sliding door7at a lower attachment area23of the sliding door7.

In the example embodiment ofFIG.5, the motion element20comprises a carriage having at least two rollers30for rolling engagement with the vehicle body guide rail21. The motion element20further comprises an attachment arrangement31for pivotal connection with the variable-length motion actuator22around a vertically extending pivoting axis32.

The motion element20may however alternatively may composed of merely a single roller or the like, and the variable-length motion actuator may be pivotally connected to roller, such as for example to the roller axis.

A first end33of the rack25is pivotally connected to the motion element20. A second end34of the rack, located oppositely from the first end33in a longitudinal direction of the rack25, may be free, i.e. not connected to any other part.

The rack-and-pinion actuator schematically illustrated inFIG.5has a rack25with engagement members, such as engagement teeth (not showed), and a pinion26with corresponding engagement members, such as corresponding engagement teeth (not showed). The pinion26typically has a shape in form of a gear wheel. The rack25typically has an elongated straight or curved shape.

The rack and pinion actuator is a variable-length motion actuator22by operating the pinion26, i.e. making the pinion to rotate around an axis of the shaft27by means of the motor. This causes the pinion26to travel along the rack25due to contact between the engagement members of the pinion and the corresponding engagement members of the rack, and since the pinion26is secured to the sliding door7at a lower attachment area of the sliding door7, the pinion26and the sliding door7can move away or towards the motion element20by operation of the motor of the pinion26.

The rack-and-pinion actuator further has a counter-pressure arrangement35for forcing the engagement members of the pinion26into driving engagement with the corresponding engagement members of the rack25. In the example embodiment ofFIG.5, the counter-pressure arrangement35comprises a spring-loaded counter-wheel36that exerts a force on the rack25towards the pinion26.

The rack-and-pinion actuator may further comprise a locking arrangement for providing selective locking of the rack-and-pinion actuator at a certain relative position of the rack25and pinion26, in particular at an extended state of the rack-and-pinion actuator. InFIG.5, such a locking arrangement is shown in form of a recess38on the rack25in the region of the second end34of the rack25, wherein the recess38is configured for cooperating with the counter-wheel36for providing a locking functionality between the rack25and pinion26when the counter-wheel36enters the recess38.

FIG.6schematically shows a top view of the sliding door7, rack-and-pinion actuator, motion element20and vehicle body guiding rail21in a closed position of the sliding door7. The pinion26is thus located in its closest position to the motion element20. The rack25extends in a horizontal plane and nearly parallel with the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle.

FIG.7schematically shows an example embodiment of a rack-and-pinion actuator having a rack25and a pinion26. The rack25has a first surface with engagement teeth40configured for drivingly mating with corresponding engagement teeth41at the circumference of the pinion26. Consequently, operation of the motor that causes rotation of the pinion anti-clockwise inFIG.7, as shown by arrow42, will cause the pinion and sliding door to move towards the left side inFIG.7, as shown by arrow45, when assuming that the rack25remains stationary.

The rack-and-pinion actuator ofFIG.7further has a counter-pressure arrangement35in form of a frame member43with a spring-loaded wheel36that engages a second surface44of the rack25, which second surface44is located opposite to the first surface of the rack25. Since the common frame member43is connected to the pinion26while allowing relative rotation, the location of a spring46that urges the frame member43away from the spring-loaded wheel36, the force of the spring46will simultaneously urge the pinion26into engagement contact with the rack25.

FIG.8schematically shows an alternative design of the rack-and-pinion actuator, in which the counter-pressure arrangement is replaced with a rigid securing element47of the frame member43, wherein the rigid securing element47is configured to be located closely to the second surface44of the rack25, thereby preventing the pinion26from leaving the engagement contact with the rack25. The rigid securing element47may be made of, or be lined with, a friction reducing material for enabling simplified sliding along the rack25.

FIG.9schematically illustrates a top view of a cross-section of an example embodiment of the upper guide rail13of the upper fastening arrangement that is located at the roof10and/or roof rail of the vehicle body. The upper guide rail13has a laterally inwardly curved rail section50in a first longitudinal end region thereof, and a substantially straight rail section51extending substantially in the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle and adjacent a side edge52of the vehicle body at a second, opposite, longitudinal end region of the upper guide rail13. The straight rail section51of the upper guide rail13is typically significantly longer than the curved rail section50of the guide rail13. As a result of the curved rail section, a recess55is formed in the roof and/or roof rail of the vehicle body in the region of inwardly curved portion.

The sliding door (not showed) may for example be attached to the upper guide rail13by attaching the sliding door to an outer surface56of a solid and non-adjustable bracket53, which may be of any shape, design or composition. The bracket53may be connected to the upper guide rail via an upper motion element57. The upper motion element57may be composed of merely a roller, as illustrated in the example embodiment ofFIG.9, or of carriage slidingly attached to the upper guide rail13by one or more rollers, or the like.

The bracket53is illustrated in three example positions along the upper guide rail inFIG.9, namely a first position54acorresponding to a closed position of the sliding door7, a second position54bcorresponding to an intermediate position of the sliding door7, and a third position54ccorresponding to a completely open position of the sliding door7. Clearly, the bracket53may take any position between the two end positions, which are defined by the first and third positions54a,54c, respectively.

Having the sliding door7in a closed position, as shown inFIGS.1and6, involves having the rack-and-pinion actuator in a contracted state and the bracket53of the upper fastening arrangement being located in the first position54a, as shown inFIG.9.

Having the sliding door7in a completely open position, as shown inFIG.2, involves having the rack-and-pinion actuator in an extended state and the bracket53of the upper fastening arrangement being located in the third position54c, as shown inFIG.9.

Having the sliding door7in an intermediate position, involves having the rack-and-pinion actuator in an extended state and the bracket53of the upper fastening arrangement being located in the second position54b, as shown inFIG.9.

Upon opening the sliding door7the rack-and-pinion actuator is thus first extended from the contracted state to the extended state by operation of the motor that drives the pinion26. This extension of the rack-and-pinion actuator causes the bracket53to move from the first position54ato the second position54b, and the sliding door7to move from the closed position to the intermediate position.

Thereafter, an additional motor (not showed), drivingly connected to the sliding door7and for example arranged adjacent the central fastening arrangement, may be controlled to pull the sliding door from the intermediate position to the completely open position. Alternatively, the sliding door7may be pushed from the intermediate position to the completely open position manually.

In other words, the fastening arrangement may comprise an upper fastening arrangement providing sliding connection of the sliding door4to the vehicle body between an open and a closed position of the sliding door7, wherein the upper fastening arrangement includes a vehicle body upper guide rail13located adjacent a vehicle body roof10or roof rail and having a straight rail section51and an inwardly curved rail section50, an upper motion element57movingly arranged within or on the vehicle body upper guiding rail13, and a solid bracket53connecting an upper attachment area of the sliding door to the upper motion element57, wherein at a closed position of the sliding door7the variable-length motion actuator22is in a contracted state and the upper motion element57is located at an inner end region of the curved rail section50, wherein at an intermediate position of the sliding door the variable-length motion actuator22is in an extended state and the upper motion element57is located in an outer end region of the curved rail section50.

FIGS.10A-10Cschematically shows top views of the lower fastening arrangement15in the three aforementioned example positions along the upper guide rail inFIG.9, namely the closed position of the sliding door7inFIG.10A, the intermediate position of the sliding door7inFIG.10B, and the completely open position of the sliding door7inFIG.10C.

InFIG.10Athe sliding door is in a closed position, the variable-length motion actuator22is in the contracted state and the motion element20is located in a longitudinal side portion of the guiding rail21associated with the closed position of the sliding door7. A lateral exterior surface60of the sliding door is substantially flush with a lateral exterior surface61of the vehicle.

According to one example embodiment for arriving at this position, the additional motor first pushed the sliding door7in the longitudinal direction X towards the closing position of the sliding door7, and upon arriving at the intermediate position the variable-length motion actuator22started to contract from the extended state to the contracted state. During the contraction motion of the variable-length motion actuator22the motion element20may be prevented from sliding back towards the open position of the sliding door7by for example by continued pushing force from the additional motor, or by locking motion of the motion element20by some type of locking arrangement.

Moreover, during the contraction motion of the variable-length motion actuator22the motion path of the sliding door from the intermediate position to the closed position is controlled partly by the upper guide rail13. However, in case also the upper fastening arrangement comprises a variable-length motion actuator connected to the motion element and configured for sliding along a substantially straight guide rail the exact motion path of the sliding door may be less foreseeable.

InFIG.10Bthe sliding door is in the intermediate position, the variable-length motion actuator22is in the extended state and the motion element20has not moved and is thus still located in a longitudinal side portion of the guiding rail21associated with the closed position of the sliding door7. The lateral exterior surface60of the sliding door is now located significantly laterally outwards beyond the lateral exterior surface61of the vehicle.

InFIG.10Cthe sliding door is in the completely open position, the variable-length motion actuator22is still in the extended state and the motion element20has now moved along the straight section51of the upper guide rail13towards a longitudinal side portion of the guiding rail21associated with the open position of the sliding door7.

In other words, the sliding door7is configured for performing a first motion sequence and subsequently a second motion sequence upon moving from a closed position to an open position of the sliding door7, wherein the first motion sequence involves extending the variable-length motion actuator22from a contracted state to an extended state, thereby causing the sliding door7to displace from a closed position to an intermediate position while the motion element20remains stationary, and the second motion sequence involves displacing the motion element20along the vehicle body guiding rail21, thereby causing the sliding door7to displace primarily in a longitudinal direction X of the vehicle body from the intermediate position to an open position of the sliding door7while the variable-length motion actuator22remains in the extended state.

FIGS.11A and11Bschematically shows top views of an alternative embodiment of the lower fastening arrangement15and the sliding door7in the intermediate position of the sliding door7inFIG.11Aand in the closed position of the sliding door7inFIG.11B. The difference is the shape and form of the rack25, which in this example embodiment has a more curved shape.

In particular, the rack25has a laterally outwardly curved shape, as seen from a top view facing downwards on the vehicle and with the sliding door7in a closed position, wherein a convex side66of the curved rack25faces towards the outside67of the vehicle and the concave side65of the curved rack25faces towards the inside68of the vehicle, in the lateral direction Y of the vehicle.

This laterally outwardly curved shape results in a closing force vector69, generated by interaction of the pinion26and rack25and acting on the sliding door at the lower attachment area of the sliding door in a closed position of the sliding door, that has a component that is directed laterally inwards towards the inside68of the vehicle body.

This inwardly directed closing force vector69may in certain situations and implementations simplify closing the of the sliding door7because the sliding door7often has to move laterally inwards during the end phase of the closing sequence of the sliding door7.

In the example embodiment ofFIG.11Bthe closing force vector69defines an angle70of about 30 degree with the longitudinal direction X of the vehicle. However, the closing force vector69may define an angle70in the range of 5-70 degrees, and specifically in the range of 10-45 degrees.

The locking arrangement of the rack-and-pinion actuator was described above with reference toFIG.5. This locking arrangement will now be described more in detail with reference toFIG.12, which shows a schematic view of the rack-and-pinion actuator in a locked state. The locking is performed by having the counter-wheel36becoming located in the recess38that is located at the region of the second end34of the rack25, wherein the spring46of the counter-pressure arrangement35urges the counter-wheel36into locking engagement contact with the recess38of the rack25. This locking arrangement has a limited locking strength, depending on for example the spring force of the spring46, the depth of the recess, etc.

Still an alternative example embodiment of the locking arrangement of the rack-and-pinion actuator is described with reference toFIG.13, wherein an actuator71, such as an electromagnetic actuator71is configured to be secured to the sliding door7and configured to selectively control a motion of an actuator pin72between a locking position, as illustrated inFIG.13, in which the pin72is protruding and in engagement with the engagement teeth40of the rack25, for locking of relative motion of the rack25and pinion26, and an unlocked position, in which the pin72is withdrawn and not in engagement with the engagement teeth40of the rack25. The actuator71may for example be attached to the common frame member43. Moreover, the pin72may alternatively be configured to lockingly interact with other parts of the rack25.

Still more alternatively, the motor (not showed) may comprise a locking arrangement for providing selective locking of the rack-and-pinion actuator at a certain relative position of the rack25and pinion26. For example, the motor may include a locking functionality that prevents rotation of the motor output shaft. Furthermore, if some type of speed reduction gearbox is installed between the motor and pinion, the locking arrangement for may include a locking functionality in the reduction gearbox that prevents rotation of the gearbox output shaft.

FIGS.14A and14Bschematically show a cross-section of the sliding door7and the rocker11of the vehicle in a vertical plane that is parallel with the lateral direction Y of the vehicle, whereinFIG.14Ashows the sliding door in the closed position andFIG.14Bshows the sliding in the open position.

As clearly illustrated inFIGS.14A and14B, the variable-length motion actuator is configured for providing a first distance80between the motion element20and the lower attachment area82of the sliding door7in a closed position of the sliding door7and a second distance81between the motion element20and the lower attachment area82of the sliding door7in an open position of the sliding door7, and in that the second distance81is larger than the first distance80. The difference between the first and second distances80,81may for example be at least factor2, specifically at least a factor3, and more specifically at least a factor4.

In this example embodiment, the output axis82of the motor85was used as reference point for the term lower attachment area82of the sliding door7.

Moreover,FIGS.14A and14Bshows the guide rail21, the motion element20and its rollers30, the pinion26, the rack25and the pivotal connection between the motion element20and the rack25around a vertically extending pivoting axis at the connection point24.

As clearly shown inFIGS.14A and14B, the motor85is located within the sliding door7. Moreover, the pinion26may be rotationally fastened directly on an output shaft of the motor85. Alternatively, some type of reduction gear arrangement may be provided between the motor output shaft and pinion26for providing a slower and more appropriate sliding door opening and closing motion. In such case the pinion26may be drivingly connected to the motor85but having a separate and individual attachment for securing the pinion26to the sliding door7.

The variable-length motion actuator22has been primarily described as a rack-and-pinion actuator but alternative designs are possible and may be more appropriate in certain situations. For example, according to an example embodiment the variable-length motion actuator22may be a cylinder-piston device, as schematically shown with reference toFIGS.15A and15B, which show top views of an alternative embodiment of the lower fastening arrangement15and the sliding door7in the intermediate position of the sliding door7inFIG.15Aand in the closed position of the sliding door7inFIG.15B.

The cylinder-piston device typically comprises a cylinder86and a piston with piston rod87being slidingly moveable relative to the cylinder86. Moreover, the cylinder-piston device may for example be pneumatically or hydraulically driven for enabling powered variable distance between the motion element20and the lower attachment area of the sliding door7.

Still more alternatively, the variable-length motion actuator22may for example be a spindle drive comprising a threaded shaft that is rotationally powered by the motor, such that a nut threadingly provided on the threaded shaft may be moved along the threaded shaft by rotating the shaft and preventing the nut from rotating. A nut of the spindle drive may for example be connected to the motion element and a connection point of the spindle drive housing may be connected to the sliding door, or oppositely.

With reference toFIGS.16-18b, the fastening arrangement may according to some example embodiments be non-powered, i.e. wherein the variable-length motion mechanism22merely provides motion control, stability and motion guidance, and wherein for example a user must apply muscle force for providing the necessary force for moving the sliding door7between the open and closed positions, or wherein a single electric motor associated with the central fastening arrangement or the upper fastening arrangement is provided for moving the sliding door7between the open and closed positions.

FIG.16Aschematically shows a top view of an example non-powered embodiment of the lower fastening arrangement15, wherein the variable-length motion mechanism22is in the extended state, which typically corresponds to the sliding door7being located in the intermediate position.FIG.16Bshows a corresponding top view of the lower fastening arrangement15, wherein the variable-length motion mechanism22is in the contracted state, which typically corresponds to the sliding door7being located in the closed position.

Moreover, the position and state of the sliding door when having a completely extended or completely contracted variable-length motion mechanism22, as well as an example version of a motion path79of the sliding door when travelling between said completely extended and contracted states, are included with dashed lines inFIG.16B, assuming a stationary motion element20. The motion of the travel element74, and the sliding door7to which the travel element74is attached, upon passing from the extended state to the contracted state, thus typically extend both in the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the vehicle. For example, said motion of the travel element74, and the sliding door7to which the travel element74is attached, upon passing from the extended state to the contracted state, may correspond to substantially equal amount of travel in the longitudinal direction X and lateral direction Y of the vehicle, or at least differing less than 50%. This type of motion applies also to the embodiments of the fastening arrangement described with reference toFIGS.3-14A.

Many aspect of the fastening arrangement15with non-powered variable-length motion mechanism22ofFIG.16-16Bis identical to the fastening arrangement15with powered variable-length motion mechanism22shown with reference toFIGS.10A-10B, such as the guiding rail21, motion element20, sliding door7, etc., and reference is made to associated description for details.

In the example embodiment illustrated inFIGS.16A-16B, the variable-length motion mechanism22includes an arm73and a travel element74, wherein the arm73is pivotally connected to the motion element20, wherein the travel element74is secured to, and can travel along the length of, the arm73, and wherein the travel element74is configured for being fastened to the sliding door7at the lower attachment area of the sliding door7for enabling variable distance between the motion element20and the lower attachment area of the sliding door7.

When a closing force is applied on the sliding door7positioned in the intermediate position, as shown inFIG.16A, the travel element74will start traveling along the arm73, from a free end of the arm73towards the end of the arm73that is pivotally attached to the motion element20, until the sliding door7reaches the closed position, as illustrated inFIG.16B.

The travel element74may for example have a sliding contact or rolling contact with the arm73, thereby enabling a sliding motion or a rolling motion along the arm73. A rolling contact may for example be provided by intermediate rollers. In fact, the rack and pinion solution described with reference toFIGS.3-14Bmay qualify as a variable-length motion mechanism22including an arm73(rack) and a travel element74(pinion) that is secured to, and can travel along the length of, the arm73.

FIG.17shows an exploded view of one example embodiment of a variable-length motion mechanism22including an arm73with associated travel element74. The arm73may for example have a hole at a connection point24for pivotal connected to the motion element20(now showed) around a more or less vertically extending pivoting axis. The arm73may for example be a single piece element having an elongated, straight or slightly curved, shape. Furthermore, the arm73may have a sliding surface75for sliding contact with the travel element74.

The travel element74may be a sliding element arranged for sliding motion along the length of the arm73. The travel element74may have a sled74c, an interface element74bfor connection with the sliding door7, and a fastener74a, such as a threadened fastener74awith a nut74d, for movingly connecting the travel element74to the arm73. The sled74cand interface element74may alternatively be integrated into a single part. Moreover, the interface element74bmay have holes or the like for receiving fasteners for attaching the interface element74bto the sliding door7.

The sled74cmay for example have downwardly extending side walls configured for surrounding the top and lateral sidewalls of the arm73for improves guidance of the travel element74along the arm73.

In addition, the arm73may have an elongated channel76extending along the length of the arm73and having an elongated through-passage for enabling secure fastening of the travel element74to the arm73, for example via the fastener74a.

As illustrated inFIG.18, the variable-length motion mechanism22may additionally include a mechanical spring77having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is connected to the motion element20or an end region78of the arm73being connected to the motion element20, and the second end is connected to the travel element74. The spring77will be extended upon opening the sliding door7and thus movement of the travel element74away from the pivotal connection point24of the arm73, and thereby simplify subsequent closing of the sliding door7by exerting a closing force on the sliding door7when being in the extended state.

With reference toFIG.19, the disclosure also relates to a method for opening a sliding door7of a vehicle having a vehicle body and a fastening arrangement for fastening the sliding door7to the vehicle body while enabling opening and closing of the sliding door7, wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a motion element20movingly arranged within or on the vehicle body guiding rail21for enabling movement of the motion element20along the vehicle body guiding rail21, and a variable-length motion mechanism22connected to the motion element20and fastened to the sliding door7at a lower attachment area of the sliding door7. The method comprises a first step S1of performing a first motion sequence involving extension of the variable-length motion mechanism22from a contracted state to an extended state, thereby causing the sliding door7to displace from a closed position to an intermediate position while the motion element20remains substantially stationary, and subsequently a second step S2of performing a second motion sequence involving displacing the motion element20along the vehicle body guiding rail21, thereby causing the sliding door7to displace primarily in a longitudinal direction X of the vehicle body from the intermediate position to an open position of the sliding door7while the variable-length motion mechanism22remains in the extended state.

In some example embodiments, the variable-length motion mechanism22is a variable-length motion actuator22, and the first method step S1of performing the first motion sequence involves powered extension of the variable-length motion actuator22from the contracted state to the extended state.

Although the disclosure has been described in relation to specific combinations of components, it should be readily appreciated that the components may be combined in other configurations as well which is clear for the skilled person when studying the present application. Specifically, individual components or features the various embodiments of the fastening arrangement described with reference toFIGS.3-14Bmay be combined with the embodiment of the fastening arrangement described with reference toFIGS.15A-borFIGS.16A-19. Thus, the above description of the example embodiments of the present disclosure and the accompanying drawings are to be regarded as a non-limiting example of the disclosure and the scope of protection is defined by the appended claims. Any reference sign in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

The use of the word “a” or “an” in the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more” or “at least one.” The term “about” means, in general, the stated value plus or minus 10%, or more specifically plus or minus 5%. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only.

The terms “comprise”, “comprises” “comprising”, “have”, “has”, “having”, “include”, “includes”, “including” are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, a method or device that “comprises”, “has” or “includes” for example one or more steps or elements, possesses those one or more steps or elements, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more elements.