Patent ID: 12252923

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals will be used throughout to designate the same or equivalent elements. In addition, a detailed description of well-known techniques associated with the present disclosure will be ruled out in order not to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

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 only used to distinguish one element from another element, and the intrinsic features, sequence or order, and the like of the corresponding elements are not limited by the terms. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those generally understood by those with ordinary knowledge in the field of art to which the present disclosure belongs. Such terms as those defined in a generally used dictionary are to be interpreted as having meanings equal to the contextual meanings in the relevant field of art, and are not to be interpreted as having ideal or excessively formal meanings unless clearly defined as having such in the present application.

A vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may allow a vehicle door to open and close selectively in any one mode of a sliding mode and a swing mode. In other words, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may be a transform-type door opening and closing apparatus. The sliding mode may allow the vehicle door to open and close by sliding in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, and the swing mode may allow the vehicle door to open and close by swinging inwards and outwards.

Referring toFIG.1, a vehicle body1may have a plurality of door apertures2and3, and the plurality of door apertures2and3may be divided into a front aperture2and a rear aperture3. A plurality of vehicle doors4and5may include a front door4covering and uncovering the front aperture2, and a rear door5covering and uncovering the rear aperture3. As the front door4is opened, the front door4may uncover the front aperture2, and as the front door4is closed, the front door4may cover the front aperture2. As the rear door5is opened, the rear door5may uncover the rear aperture3, and as the rear door5is closed, the rear door5may cover the rear aperture3.

The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may be applied to the front door4, the rear door5, and the like.FIGS.1to4illustrate a vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which is applied to the rear door5. Hereinafter, the rear door5will be referred to as the vehicle door5, and the rear aperture3will be referred to as the door aperture3.

The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may include one or more rails11and12mounted on the vehicle body1, and the rails11and12may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Referring toFIG.1, an upper rail11may be mounted on an upper edge of the vehicle body1, and a lower rail12may be mounted on a lower edge of the vehicle body1. The upper rail11and the lower rail12may extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper rail11may be disposed on an upper edge of the door aperture3, and the lower rail12may be disposed on a lower edge of the door aperture3.

The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may include roller units21and22guided along the rails11and12. The roller units21and22may allow the vehicle door5to open and close in one mode selected from the sliding mode and the swing mode. In particular, the roller units21and22may be releasably held in predetermined positions of the rails11and12by hold locks31and32. Specifically, when the roller units21and22are held in the predetermined positions of the rails n and12by the hold locks31and32, the vehicle door5may be opened and closed in the swing mode in which the vehicle door swings in the predetermined positions of the rails11and12. When the roller units21and22are released by the hold locks31and32, the vehicle door5may be opened and closed in the sliding mode in which the vehicle door slides along the rails11and12.

The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may further include the center rail13mounted on a central portion of the vehicle, and a center roller unit23guided along the center rail13.

Referring toFIGS.1and3, the upper roller unit21may be mounted on an upper end of the vehicle door5, and the upper roller unit21may slide along the upper rail11. The lower roller unit22may be mounted on a lower end of the vehicle door5, and the lower roller unit22may slide along the lower rail12.

Referring toFIG.2, the vehicle door5may include an outside handle6, and a selector40for selecting the sliding mode and the swing mode may be disposed on the outside handle6or a portion of the vehicle door adjacent to the outside handle6. The selector40may have a first switch41selecting the sliding mode, and a second switch42selecting the swing mode.

When a user presses the first switch41and the sliding mode is selected, the vehicle door5may slide along the upper rail11, the lower rail12, and a center rail13as illustrated inFIG.3as the user pushes the outside handle6toward the front of the vehicle or pulls the outside handle6toward the rear of the vehicle. In the sliding mode, the vehicle door5may move between a first open position OP1in which the vehicle door5is fully opened and a first closed position CP1in which the vehicle door5is fully closed, as illustrated inFIGS.1and3.

When the user presses the second switch42and the swing mode is selected, the vehicle door5may swing as illustrated inFIG.4as the user pushes or pulls the outside handle6toward a passenger compartment of the vehicle or toward the exterior of the vehicle. In the swing mode, the vehicle door5may move between a second open position OP2in which the vehicle door5is fully opened and a second closed position CP2in which the vehicle door5is fully closed, as illustrated inFIG.6. The vehicle door5swings from the second closed position CP2to the second open position OP2along a swing trajectory T1. In particular, when the vehicle door5is held in the first closed position CP1, the swing mode may be operated.

The upper roller unit21may have an upper hold lock31, and the vehicle body1may have a first upper striker31aand a second upper striker31bprotruding downwardly from a top portion of the vehicle body1. The first upper striker31amay be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second upper striker31bmay be aligned with or adjacent to a virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.1and3, the upper hold lock31may releasably hold the first upper striker31ain the first closed position CP1, and releasably hold the second upper striker31bin the first open position OP1. That is, one upper hold lock31may selectively hold the first upper striker31aand the second upper striker31b. As the upper hold lock31holds the first upper striker31a, the upper roller unit21may be firmly held in the first closed position CP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first closed position CP1. As the upper hold lock31holds the second upper striker31b, the upper roller unit21may be firmly held in the first open position OP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first open position OP1.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the upper hold lock31may releasably hold the first upper striker31ain the first closed position CP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first closed position CP1. That is, the upper hold lock31may be an upper closed hold lock which keeps the closed state of the vehicle door5in the first closed position CP1. An upper open hold lock (not shown) may be mounted on the upper roller unit21, and the upper open hold lock may releasably hold the second upper striker31bin the first open position OP1. That is, the upper closed hold lock, which releasably holds the first upper striker31ain the first closed position CP1, and the upper open hold lock, which releasably holds the second upper striker31bin the first open position OP1, may be individually mounted on the upper roller unit21.

Referring toFIG.4, the upper roller unit21may have an upper rotation axis CX1, and the vehicle door5may rotate around the upper rotation axis CX1. When the upper roller unit21is firmly held in the first closed position CP1by the upper hold lock31and the first upper striker31a, the vehicle door5may rotate around the upper rotation axis CX1.

The lower roller unit22may have a lower hold lock32, and the vehicle body1may have a first lower striker32aand a second lower striker32bprotruding upwardly from a floor of the vehicle body1. The first lower striker32amay be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first closed position CP1, and the second lower striker32bmay be aligned with or adjacent to the virtual axis of the first open position OP1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.1and3, the lower hold lock32may releasably hold the first lower striker32ain the first closed position CP1, and releasably hold the second lower striker32bin the first open position OP1. That is, one lower hold lock32may selectively hold the first lower striker32aand the second lower striker32b. As the lower hold lock32holds the first lower striker32a, the lower roller unit22may be firmly held in the first closed position CP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first closed position CP1. As the lower hold lock32holds the second lower striker32b, the lower roller unit22may be firmly held in the first open position OP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first open position OP1.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the lower hold lock32may releasably hold the first lower striker32ain the first closed position CP1so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first closed position CP1. That is, the lower hold lock32may be a lower closed hold lock which keeps the closed state of the vehicle door5in the first closed position CP1. A lower open hold lock (not shown) may be mounted on the lower roller unit22, and the lower open hold lock may releasably hold the second lower striker32bin the first open position OP1. That is, the lower closed hold lock, which releasably holds the first lower striker32ain the first closed position CP1, and the lower open hold lock, which releasably holds the second lower striker32bin the first open position OP1, may be individually mounted on the lower roller unit22.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle door5may be releasably held in the first closed position CP1by the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32so that the vehicle door5may be kept in the first closed position CP1by the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32. That is, the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32may function as the closed hold lock which holds the vehicle door5in the first closed position CP1.

Referring toFIG.4, the lower roller unit22may have a lower rotation axis CX2, and the vehicle door5may rotate around the lower rotation axis CX2. When the lower roller unit22is firmly held in the first closed position CP1by the lower hold lock32and the first lower striker32a, the vehicle door5may rotate around the lower rotation axis CX2.

As illustrated inFIG.4, the upper rotation axis CX1and the lower rotation axis CX2may be vertically aligned, such as being collinear, and the vehicle door5may rotate around the vertically aligned upper and lower rotation axes CX1and CX2.

Referring toFIG.2, the selector4omay be electrically connected to an actuator43, and the actuator43may be configured to operate the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32.

As the user selects the selector4o, the actuator43may selectively perform a hold operation in which the upper hold lock31holds the first upper striker31aand the lower hold lock32holds the first lower striker32a, and a release operation in which the upper hold lock31releases the first upper striker31aand the lower hold lock32releases the first lower striker32a.

When the user presses the first switch41of the selector4oin a state in which the vehicle door5is closed, the upper hold lock31may release the first upper striker31aand the lower hold lock32may release the first lower striker32asimultaneously by the release operation of the actuator43. Thus, the user may slide the vehicle door5in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle body1so that the vehicle door5may be opened and closed in the sliding mode.

When the user presses the second switch42of the selector4oin a state in which the vehicle door5is closed, the upper hold lock31may hold the first upper striker31aand the lower hold lock32may hold the first lower striker32asimultaneously by the hold operation of the actuator43, and the upper roller unit21and the lower roller unit22may be firmly held in the first closed position CP1. Thus, the user may swing the vehicle door5toward an interior space and an exterior space of the vehicle so that the vehicle door5may be opened and closed in the swing mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.2, one actuator43may operate the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32simultaneously.

According to another exemplary embodiment, an upper actuator operating the upper hold lock31and a lower actuator operating the lower hold lock32may be individually connected to the selector40.

FIGS.9A to9Dillustrate the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring toFIGS.9A to9D, each of the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32may include a catch71, a pawl72releasably engaging with the catch71, and a lever73operatively connected to the pawl72. The lever73may be connected to the actuator43through a cable75. As the cable75is reversed (pulled) by the actuator43, the catch71may release the strikers31aand32a. A portion of the catch71, the pawl72, and the lever73may be covered by a cover plate76, and the cover plate76may be attached to a mounting plate74. The strikers31aand32amay be fixed to the vehicle body1by a mounting plate78.

Referring toFIGS.9A to9D, the upper hold lock31may releasably hold the first upper striker31a, and the lower hold lock32may releasably hold the first lower striker32a.

The catch71may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate74through a first pivot shaft via. The catch71may have a slot71breceiving the strikers31aand32a, and the catch71may engage with or release the strikers31aand32a. The catch71may move between an engaging position (seeFIG.9B) and a release position (seeFIG.9C). The engaging position refers to a position in which the catch71engages with the strikers31aand32aas illustrated inFIG.9B, and the release position refers to a position in which the catch71releases the strikers31aand32aas illustrated inFIG.9C. When the catch71is in the engaging position as illustrated inFIG.9B, the catch71may engage with the strikers31aand32aso that the catch71may hold the strikers31aand32a. When the catch71is in the release position as illustrated inFIG.9C, the catch71may release the strikers31aand32a. Thus, the strikers31aand32amay be released from the slot71bof the catch71or be received in the slot71bof the catch71. The catch71may be biased toward the release position by a first biasing element71csuch as a torsion spring. The first biasing element71cmay be disposed around the first pivot shaft via. The catch71may have a locking shoulder71d.

The pawl72may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate74through a second pivot shaft72a, and the pawl72may move between a pawl locking position (seeFIG.9B) and a pawl release position (seeFIGS.9C and9D). The pawl locking position refers to a position in which the pawl72engages with the catch71and the catch71is kept in the engaging position, and the pawl release position refers to a position in which the pawl72releases the catch71and the catch71is allowed to move from the engaging position to the release position. As illustrated inFIG.9B, when the pawl72is in the pawl locking position, the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be restricted by the pawl72so that the catch71may be kept in the engaging position. As illustrated inFIGS.9C and9D, when the pawl72is in the pawl release position, the movement (rotation) of the catch71may not be restricted by the pawl72so that the catch71may move from the engaging position to the release position. The pawl72may be biased toward the pawl locking position (seeFIG.9B) by a second biasing element72csuch as a torsion spring. The second biasing element72cmay be disposed around the second pivot shaft72a.

The pawl72may have a locking projection72dengageable with the locking shoulder71dof the catch71. As illustrated inFIG.9B, as the pawl72is moved to the pawl locking position by the second biasing element72c, the locking projection72dof the pawl72may engage with the locking shoulder71dof the catch71so that the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be restricted, and accordingly the catch71may be kept in the engaging position. As illustrated inFIG.9C, as the pawl72is moved to the pawl release position by the lever73, the locking projection72dof the pawl72may be released from the locking shoulder71dof the catch71so that the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be allowed, and accordingly the catch71may be moved to the release position by the first biasing element71c.

The lever73may be pivotally mounted on the mounting plate74through a third pivot shaft73a. The lever73may be connected to the actuator43through the cable75. An end of the cable75may be fixed to the lever73, and the cable75may be advanced or reversed by the actuator43. As the actuator43moves the cable75, the lever73may pivot around the third pivot shaft73a. As the cable75is reversed, the lever73may move the pawl72to the pawl release position (seeFIG.9C).

The lever73may be operatively connected to the pawl72through a pin72band an opening73b. The pin72bmay be provided on the pawl72, and the opening73bmay be provided in the lever73. The pin72bmay be movably received in the opening73b. As the lever73pivots around the third pivot shaft73a, the pin72bmay move in the opening73b, allowing the pawl72to move.

As illustrated inFIG.9B, when the cable75is advanced by the actuator43, the locking projection72dof the pawl72may engage with the locking shoulder71dof the catch71so that the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be restricted. Accordingly, the catch71may be kept in the engaging position, and the strikers31aand32amay be held in the slot71bof the catch71. That is, the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32may hold the corresponding strikers31aand32a.

As illustrated inFIG.9C, when the cable75is reversed by the actuator43, the lever73may move the pawl72to the pawl release position. The locking projection72dof the pawl72may be released from the locking shoulder71dof the catch71so that the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be allowed. Accordingly, the catch71may be moved to the release position by the first biasing element71c, and the strikers31aand32amay be released from the slot71bof the catch71. Thus, the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32may release the corresponding strikers31aand32a, and the upper roller unit21and the lower roller unit22may slide along the upper rail11and the lower rail12.

As illustrated inFIG.9D, even when the cable75is advanced by the actuator43in a state in which the locking projection72dof the pawl72is released from the locking shoulder71dof the catch71, the catch71may be kept in the release position by the first biasing element71cso that the movement (rotation) of the catch71may be allowable. In this state, the strikers31aand32amay be allowed to be received in the slot71bof the catch71. That is, in a state in which the movement (rotation) of the catch71is allowable as the locking projection72dof the pawl72is released from the locking shoulder71dof the catch71, when the upper roller unit21and the lower roller unit22slide between the first closed position CP1and the first open position OP1, the strikers31aand32amay be allowed to be received in the slot71bof the catch71. When an external force applied through the upper hold lock31and the lower hold lock32in a state in which the strikers31aand32aare received in the slot71bof the catch71is greater than a spring force of the first biasing element71c, the catch71may be moved to the engaging position. As illustrated inFIG.9B, as the locking projection72dof the pawl72engages with the locking shoulder71dof the catch71, the catch71may hold the strikers31aand32a.

Referring toFIG.5, each of the upper rail11and the lower rail12may be mounted on the vehicle body1through a mounting bracket15, and the mounting bracket15may have a shape corresponding to that of the upper rail11and the lower rail12. Each of the upper rail11and the lower rail12may have a first extension portion51extending straightly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a second extension portion52extending from the first extension portion51toward the interior space of the vehicle. The second extension portion52may be bent with respect to the first extension portion51at a predetermined angle.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, each of the upper roller unit21and the lower roller unit22may include a roller bracket64having rollers65and66rolling along the rails11and12, and a body60connecting the roller bracket64and the vehicle door5.

The roller bracket64may rotatably support the rollers65and66, and the rollers65and66may roll along the upper rail11and the lower rail12. As illustrated inFIG.8, a middle roller65and two side rollers66disposed on both sides with respect to the middle roller65may be rotatably mounted on the roller bracket64. A rotation axis of the middle roller65may be perpendicular to a rotation axis of the side roller66.

The body60may be curved so as not to interfere with the first extension portion51and the second extension portion52. The body60may have a first end portion61facing the interior of the vehicle, and a second end portion62facing the exterior of the vehicle. The first end portion61of the body60may be fixed to the roller bracket64using fasteners, welding, and/or the like, and the second end portion62of the body60may be pivotally connected to the vehicle door5through a pivot pin63. The vehicle door5may swing around the pivot pin63adjacent to the second end portion62of the body60.

Referring toFIGS.7and8, the roller bracket64may be directly fixed to the first end portion61of the body60using fasteners, welding, and/or the like, and the second end portion62of the body60may be pivotally connected to the vehicle door5through the pivot pin63. A first pivot bracket68may be fixed to the vehicle door5using fasteners, welding, and/or the like, and a second pivot bracket69may be fixed to the second end portion62of the body60using fasteners, welding, and/or the like. The first pivot bracket68may have a lug68a, and the second pivot bracket69may have a recess69a. The lug68aof the first pivot bracket68may be fitted into the recess69aof the second pivot bracket69, and the pivot pin63may extend through the lug68aof the first pivot bracket68and the second pivot bracket69. The upper rotation axis CX1and the lower rotation axis CX2may be defined by the pivot pin63. For example, the upper rotation axis CX1and the lower rotation axis CX2may be a virtual axis extending vertically along a center point of the pivot pin63, and the upper rotation axis CX1and the lower rotation axis CX2may be vertically aligned, and accordingly the vehicle door5may swing around the vertical rotation axis that virtually connects the upper rotation axis CX1and the lower rotation axis CX2. The upper hold lock31may be fixed to the body60of the upper roller unit21, and the lower hold lock32may be fixed to the body60of the lower roller unit22.

When the upper hold lock31firmly holds the body60of the upper roller unit21in the first closed position CP1and the lower hold lock32firmly holds the body60of the lower roller unit22in the first closed position CP1, the vehicle door5may swing around the upper rotation axis CX1of the upper roller unit21and the lower rotation axis CX2of the lower roller unit22. Accordingly, the vehicle door5may move between the second closed position CP2in which the vehicle door5is closed and the second open position OP2in which the vehicle door5is opened.

Referring toFIG.4, a main latch80may be mounted on a rear edge of the vehicle door5, and a main striker81may be mounted on a peripheral face of the vehicle body1adjacent to a door frame area8of the vehicle body1. The door frame area8refers to a frame area of the vehicle body1defining the door aperture3. The main latch80may be located adjacent to the center roller unit23, and the main striker81may be located adjacent to a front portion of the center rail13.

Referring toFIG.10, the main latch80may be mounted on the rear edge of the vehicle door5, and the main latch80may include a catch83rotatable around a rotation axis HT1extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The main striker81may include a U-shaped rod81a, and a base81b, fixed to the vehicle body1. A slot82may be formed in the rear edge of the vehicle door5, and the U-shaped rod81amay be received in the slot82when the vehicle door5is closed. The U-shaped rod81amay have a longitudinal axis HT2extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The rotation axis HT1of the catch83may be parallel to the longitudinal axis HT2of the U-shaped rod81a. In particular, the rotation axis HT1of the catch83and the longitudinal axis HT2of the U-shaped rod81amay extend horizontally. The catch83of the main latch80may releasably engage with the rod81aof the main striker81. When the vehicle door5is in the first closed position CP1or the second closed position CP2, the catch83of the main latch80may engage with the rod81aof the main striker81by an engaging operation of the outside handle6so that the vehicle door5may be locked in the first closed position CP1or the second closed position CP2. When the vehicle door5is in the first closed position CP1or the second closed position CP2, the catch83of the main latch80may release the rod81aof the main striker81by a release operation of the outside handle6so that the vehicle door5may be allowed to move in the sliding mode or the swing mode. When the vehicle door5is held in the first closed position CP1and the catch83of the main latch80releases the rod81aof the main striker81, the center roller unit23may be released from the center rail13, and thus the vehicle door5may be opened and closed in the swing mode.

Referring toFIGS.1and3, the center rail13may extend along a center line of the vehicle body1, and the center rail13may extend from a rear edge of the door aperture3in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The center roller unit23may be pivotally mounted on a central portion of the vehicle door5. In particular, the center roller unit23may be mounted adjacent to a rear end of the vehicle door5. The center roller unit23may be guided along the center rail13.

Referring toFIG.11, the center rail13may include a sliding guide91extending straightly in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and a swing guide92extending from the sliding guide91toward the interior of the vehicle. The swing guide92may be bent at a predetermined angle with respect to the sliding guide91through a bending portion93, and the bending portion93may be curved at a predetermined radius.

Referring toFIGS.12to14, the center roller unit23may include a roller bracket101and rollers105and106rotatably mounted on the roller bracket101. The roller bracket101may include a first end portion adjacent to the center rail13, and a second end portion relatively far from the center rail13. The roller bracket101may be pivotally mounted on the central portion of the vehicle door5, and the roller bracket101may include a roller arm102bent toward the center rail13. The roller arm102may be bent from the first end portion of the roller bracket101at a predetermined angle. Specifically, the roller arm102may be perpendicular to the roller bracket101. The plurality of rollers105and106may be rotatably mounted on the roller arm102, and the plurality of rollers105and106may roll along the center rail13. As illustrated inFIG.14, a middle roller105and two side rollers106disposed on both sides with respect to the middle roller105may be rotatably mounted on the roller arm102of the roller bracket101. A rotation axis of the middle roller105may be perpendicular to a rotation axis of the side roller106. The rollers105and106of the center roller unit23may be located on an upper portion of the center rail13.

When the sliding mode is selected and the vehicle door5slides in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the sliding guide91may guide the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23.

Referring toFIGS.11and13, the sliding guide91may include a stopper wall95preventing the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23from being separated from the sliding guide91. The sliding guide91may have an opening which is open to the exterior of the vehicle, and the stopper wall95may be located on an upper portion of the sliding guide91. The stopper wall95may partially block an upper portion of the opening of the sliding guide91so that the sliding guide91may be partially opened to the exterior of the vehicle. In particular, the stopper wall95may be located to face the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23so that the stopper wall95may guide the movement of the rollers105and106. The stopper wall95may extend along a length of the sliding guide91and a length of the bending portion93. The stopper wall95may protrude vertically downward from an upper end of the sliding guide91. As the stopper wall95closes the upper portion of the sliding guide91and an upper portion of the bending portion93, the center roller unit23may be prevented from being separated from the sliding guide91as illustrated inFIG.13.

When the swing mode is selected and the vehicle door5is opened and closed in the swing mode, the swing guide92may allow the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23to be released from the center rail13.

The swing guide92may have an opening which is entirely open to the door aperture3and/or the exterior of the vehicle. A guide projection94may protrude upwardly from the bottom of the swing guide92, and the guide projection94may extend along a length of the swing guide92. When the vehicle door5swings from the second closed position CP2to the second open position OP2along a swing trajectory T1, the middle roller105of the center roller unit23may be guided along the guide projection94as illustrated inFIG.12.

A front end95aof the stopper wall95of the sliding guide91and a rear end94aof the guide projection94may be located so as not to interfere with the swing trajectory T1of the vehicle door5. In addition, as illustrated inFIG.15, an axis X1of the sliding guide91and an axis X2of the swing guide92may intersect at a predetermined angle a. In particular, the angle a of intersection between the axis X1of the sliding guide91and the axis X2of the swing guide92may be an obtuse angle, so that the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23may easily be released from the swing guide92of the center rail13or may easily be received in the swing guide92of the center rail13.

The center rail13may include a space98allowing the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23to be released from the center rail13or be received in the center rail13when the vehicle door5swings in the swing mode. The space98may be defined between the front end95aof the stopper wall95and the rear end94aof the guide projection94as the front end95aof the stopper wall95and the rear end94aof the guide projection94are spaced apart from each other. Due to the space98, there is no interference when the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23are released from the center rail13or are received in the center rail13in the swing mode.

Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS.11to15, when malfunction of the main latch80or deformation of the vehicle door5or the swing guide92due to an external impact occurs in the sliding mode, the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23may be separated from the swing guide92of the center rail13, and thus the vehicle door5may fail to be easily opened and closed in the sliding mode.

To deal with this problem, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may be designed to prevent the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23from being separated from the swing guide92of the center rail13in any mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode, and allow the center roller unit23to be selectively and detachably connected to the vehicle door5and a portion of the vehicle body1adjacent to the vehicle door5as any one mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode is selected. In particular, the center roller unit23may be detachably connected to the rear edge of the vehicle door5and the door frame area8of the vehicle body1adjacent to the door aperture3. Thus, the vehicle door5may be stably opened and closed in any mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode.

Referring toFIG.16, the swing guide92of the center rail13may have a stopper wall99extending from the stopper wall95of the sliding guide91. Accordingly, the stopper wall99of the swing guide92may prevent the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23from being separated from the swing guide92. Thus, the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23may not be separated from the center rail13in any mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode.

Referring toFIG.16, the center roller unit23may include a hinge element110connected to the roller bracket101of the center roller unit23. The hinge element110may be integrally connected to the roller bracket101of the center roller unit23. The hinge element110may be provided on the second end portion of the roller bracket101. The hinge element110may be integrally formed with the roller bracket101so that the hinge element110and the roller bracket101may form a unitary one-piece structure. The hinge element110may include a base115, and a first hinge arm111and a second hinge arm112may extend from the base115. The first hinge arm111may be spaced apart from the second hinge arm112. The first hinge arm111and the second hinge arm112may be angled from the base115. The base115may be perpendicular to the roller bracket101, and the first hinge arm111and the second hinge arm112may be perpendicular to the base115. Referring toFIG.18, the second hinge arm112may extend continuously from the second end portion of the roller bracket101in a longitudinal direction thereof, and the second hinge arm112and the roller bracket101may form a unitary one-piece structure. The first hinge arm111may be substantially parallel to the second hinge arm112and the roller bracket101.

Referring toFIG.20, a first hinge hole113may be provided in the first hinge arm111, and a second hinge hole114may be provided in the second hinge arm112. The second hinge hole114may be aligned with the first hinge hole113. In addition, the center roller unit23may have a restraint hole116provided in the second hinge arm112or the roller bracket101.

Referring toFIG.16, the roller arm102may be provided on the first end portion of the roller bracket101adjacent to the center rail13, and the hinge element110may be provided on the second end portion of the roller bracket101relatively far from the center rail13. Accordingly, the hinge element110may be spaced apart from the rollers105and106.

Referring toFIG.16, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may include a door-side bracket120detachably connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23, and a body-side bracket130detachably connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23.

The door-side bracket120may be detachably connected to the hinge element110through a connection unit170, and the body-side bracket130may be releasably restricted to the hinge element110or the roller bracket101through the connection unit170.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the connection unit170may include a connection body171mounted on the hinge element110and the roller bracket101of the center roller unit23, and the connection body171may be fixed to the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110of the center roller unit23using fasteners, welding, and/or the like. A first door-side through hole177aand a second door-side through hole177b, may be provided in the connection body171, and the first door-side through hole177aand the second door-side through hole177b, may be open to the door-side bracket120. A first body-side through hole178aand a second body-side through hole178bmay be provided in the connection body171, and the first body-side through hole178aand the second body-side through hole178bmay be open to the body-side bracket130.

The door-side bracket120may be detachably connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23through the connection unit170. Referring toFIG.16, the door-side bracket120may include a door-side base125. A first door-side hinge arm121and a second door-side hinge arm122may extend from the door-side base125toward the hinge element110, and the first door-side hinge arm121may be spaced apart from the second door-side hinge arm122. The first door-side hinge arm121and the second door-side hinge arm122may be angled from the door-side base125. The door-side base125may be perpendicular to the first hinge arm111and the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110, and each of the door-side hinge arms121and122may be perpendicular to the door-side base125. The door-side hinge arms121and122may be parallel to the hinge arms111and112of the hinge element110, respectively. Referring toFIG.23, the door-side base125may be fixed to the edge of the vehicle door5using fasteners, welding, and/or the like.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, a first hinge hole123may be provided in the first door-side hinge arm121, and a second hinge hole124may be provided in the second door-side hinge arm122. The first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120may be aligned with the first hinge hole113of the hinge element110and the first door-side through hole177aof the connection body171, and the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120may be aligned with the second hinge hole114of the hinge element110and the second door-side through hole177bof the connection body171.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the first door-side hinge arm121may be releasably restricted to the first hinge arm111of the hinge element110by a movement of a first hinge pin151. The first door-side through hole177aof the connection body171may be aligned with the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120and the first hinge hole113of the hinge element no, and the first hinge pin151may be aligned with the first door-side through hole177aof the connection body171, the first hinge hole113of the hinge element110, and the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120. The first hinge pin151may be movable in the first door-side through hole177aof the connection body171, the first hinge hole113of the hinge element110, and the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120.

Referring toFIG.20, as the first hinge pin151moves away from the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120, the first hinge pin151may be disengaged from the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120. Accordingly, the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120may be released from the first hinge arm iii of the hinge element110.

Referring toFIG.21, as the first hinge pin151moves toward the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120, the first hinge pin151may be engaged or inserted into the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120. Accordingly, the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120may be restricted to the first hinge arm111of the hinge element110by the first hinge pin151.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the second door-side hinge arm122may be releasably restricted to the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110by a movement of a second hinge pin152. The second door-side through hole177b, of the connection body171may be aligned with the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120and the second hinge hole114of the hinge element110, and the second hinge pin152may be aligned with the second door-side through hole177bof the connection body171, the second hinge hole114of the hinge element no, and the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120. The second hinge pin152may be movable in the second door-side through hole177bof the connection body171, the second hinge hole114of the hinge element110, and the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120.

Referring toFIG.20, as the second hinge pin152moves away from the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120, the second hinge pin152may be disengaged from the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120. Accordingly, the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120may be released from the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110.

Referring toFIG.21, as the second hinge pin152moves toward the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120, the second hinge pin152may be engaged or inserted into the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120. Accordingly, the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120may be restricted to the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110by the second hinge pin152.

As illustrated inFIG.21, the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120may be restricted to the first hinge arm111of the hinge element110through the first hinge pin151, and the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120may be restricted to the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110through the second hinge pin152. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS.23and24, the door-side bracket120may be connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23through the first hinge pin151and the second hinge pin152, and the door-side bracket120and the hinge element110may rotate relative to each other around the hinge pins151and152.

As illustrated inFIG.20, the first door-side hinge arm121of the door-side bracket120may be released from the first hinge arm111of the hinge element110, and the second door-side hinge arm122of the door-side bracket120may be released from the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.25, the door-side bracket120may be completely detached from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23.

The first hinge pin151and the second hinge pin152may move linearly in opposite directions by an actuator172and a set of gears173and174provided inside the connection body171.

The actuator172may be a bi-directional motor which is rotatable in both directions. The set of gears173and174may include a first gear173and a second gear174meshing with each other. The actuator172may rotate any one of the first gear173and the second gear174. Referring toFIG.22, a drive gear175may be fixed to an output shaft of the actuator172, and a driven gear176may be fixed to an upper end of the first gear173. As the drive gear175meshes with the driven gear176, the actuator172may rotate the first gear173. For example, the drive gear175and the driven gear176may form a bevel gear set. Referring toFIGS.20and21, teeth173aof the first gear173may mesh with teeth174aof the second gear174. When the first gear173rotates in a predetermined direction, the second gear174may rotate in a direction opposite to the rotation direction of the first gear173.

The first hinge pin151may move along a longitudinal axis thereof by the first gear173. Specifically, the first hinge pin151may have a plurality of rack teeth151aprovided on at least a portion of an exterior surface thereof, and the teeth173aof the first gear173may mesh with the rack teeth151aof the first hinge pin151. As the first gear173rotates, the first hinge pin151may move along the longitudinal axis thereof. The longitudinal axis of the first hinge pin151may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the first gear173.

The second hinge pin152may move along a longitudinal axis thereof by the second gear174. Specifically, the second hinge pin152may have a plurality of rack teeth152aprovided on at least a portion of an exterior surface thereof, and the teeth174aof the second gear174may mesh with the rack teeth152aof the second hinge pin152. As the second gear174rotates, the second hinge pin152may move along the longitudinal axis thereof. The longitudinal axis of the second hinge pin152may be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the second gear174.

As the first gear173and the second gear174rotate in the opposite directions by the actuator172, the first hinge pin151and the second hinge pin152may move linearly in the opposite directions.

Referring toFIG.20, when the first hinge pin151moves downwardly, the second hinge pin152may move upwardly. The first hinge pin151may be disengaged from the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120, and the second hinge pin152may be disengaged from the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120.

Referring toFIG.21, when the first hinge pin151moves upwardly, the second hinge pin152may move downwardly. The first hinge pin151may be engaged or inserted into the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120, and the second hinge pin152may be engaged or inserted into the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120.

The body-side bracket130may be mounted on the door frame area8of the vehicle body1. Referring toFIG.18, the body-side bracket130may include a body-side base135, and a first restraint arm131and a second restraint arm132may extend from the body-side base135toward the hinge element110. The first restraint arm131may be spaced apart from the second restraint arm132. The body-side base135may be perpendicular to the first hinge arm111and the second hinge arm112of the hinge element110, and each of the restraint arms131and132may be perpendicular to the body-side base135. The restraint arms131and132may be parallel to the hinge arms111and112of the hinge element110, respectively. Referring toFIG.24, the body-side base135may be fixed to the door frame area8of the vehicle body1using fasteners, welding, and/or the like.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, a first restraint hole133may be provided in the first restraint arm131, and a second restraint hole134may be provided in the second restraint arm132. The first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130may be aligned with the first body-side through hole178aof the connection body171, and the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130may be aligned with the second body-side through hole178bof the connection body171and the restraint hole116of the hinge element110.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the first restraint arm131may be releasably restricted to the connection body171by a movement of a first restraint pin161. The first body-side through hole178aof the connection body171may be aligned with the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130, and the first restraint pin161may be aligned with the first body-side through hole178aof the connection body171and the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130. The first restraint pin161may be movable in the first body-side through hole178aof the connection body171and the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130.

Referring toFIG.20, as the first restraint pin161moves toward the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130, the first restraint pin161may be engaged or inserted into the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130. Accordingly, the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130may be restricted to the connection body171.

Referring toFIG.21, as the first restraint pin161moves away from the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130, the first restraint pin161may be disengaged from the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130. Accordingly, the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130may be released from the connection body171.

Referring toFIGS.20and21, the second restraint arm132may be releasably restricted to the connection body171by a movement of a second restraint pin162. The second body-side through hole178bof the connection body171may be aligned with the restraint hole116of the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130, and the second restraint pin162may be aligned with the second body-side through hole178bof the connection body171, the restraint hole116of the hinge element no of the center roller unit23, and the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130. The second restraint pin162may be movable in the second body-side through hole178bof the connection body171, the restraint hole116of the hinge element110of the center roller unit23, and the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130.

Referring toFIG.20, as the second restraint pin162moves toward the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130, the second restraint pin162may be engaged or inserted into the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130. Accordingly, the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130may be restricted to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171.

Referring toFIG.21, as the second restraint pin162moves away from the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130, the second restraint pin162may be disengaged from the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130. Accordingly, the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130may be released from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171.

As illustrated inFIG.20, the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130may be restricted to the connection body171through the first restraint pin161, and the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130may be restricted to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171through the second restraint pin162. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIGS.23and25, the body-side bracket130may be connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171through the first restraint pin161and the second restraint pin162.

As illustrated inFIG.21, the first restraint arm131of the body-side bracket130may be released from the connection body171, and the second restraint arm132of the body-side bracket130may be released from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171. Accordingly, as illustrated inFIG.24, the body-side bracket130may be completely detached from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the connection body171.

The first restraint pin161and the second restraint pin162may move linearly in opposite directions by the actuator172, the first gear173, and the second gear174disposed inside the connection body171.

The first restraint pin161may move along a longitudinal axis thereof by the first gear173. Specifically, the first restraint pin161may have a plurality of rack teeth161aprovided on at least a portion of an exterior surface thereof, and the teeth173aof the first gear173may mesh with the rack teeth161aof the first restraint pin161. As the first gear173rotates, the first restraint pin161may move along the longitudinal axis thereof. The first restraint pin161may be sufficiently spaced apart from the first hinge pin151on an outer circumference of the first gear173. In particular, the first restraint pin161may face the first hinge pin151with the first gear173disposed therebetween. Accordingly, the moving direction of the first restraint pin161may be opposite to the moving direction of the first hinge pin151. Referring toFIG.20, when the first hinge pin151moves downwardly, the first restraint pin161may move upwardly. Referring toFIG.21, when the first hinge pin151moves upwardly, the first restraint pin161may move downwardly.

The longitudinal axis of the first restraint pin161may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first gear173, and the longitudinal axis of the first restraint pin161may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first hinge pin151.

The second restraint pin162may move along a longitudinal axis thereof by the second gear174. Specifically, the second restraint pin162may have a plurality of rack teeth162aprovided on at least a portion of an exterior surface thereof, and the teeth174aof the second gear174may mesh with the rack teeth162aof the second restraint pin162. As the second gear174rotates, the second restraint pin162may move along the longitudinal axis thereof.

The second restraint pin162may be sufficiently spaced apart from the second hinge pin152on an outer circumference of the second gear174. In particular, the second restraint pin162may face the second hinge pin152with the second gear174disposed therebetween. Accordingly, the moving direction of the second restraint pin162may be opposite to the moving direction of the second hinge pin152. Referring toFIG.20, when the second hinge pin152moves upwardly, the second restraint pin162may move downwardly. Referring toFIG.21, when the second hinge pin152moves downwardly, the second restraint pin162may move upwardly.

The longitudinal axis of the second restraint pin162may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second gear174, and the longitudinal axis of the second restraint pin162may be parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second hinge pin152.

As the first gear173and the second gear174rotate in the opposite directions by the actuator172, the first restraint pin161and the second restraint pin162may move linearly in the opposite directions.

Referring toFIG.20, when the first restraint pin161moves upwardly, the second restraint pin162may move downwardly. The first restraint pin161may be engaged or inserted into the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130, and the second restraint pin162may be engaged or inserted into the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130.

Referring toFIG.21, when the first restraint pin161moves downwardly, the second restraint pin162may move upwardly. The first restraint pin161may be disengaged from the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130, and the second restraint pin162may be disengaged from the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130.

As illustrated inFIG.23, when the vehicle door5is closed, the door-side bracket120and the body-side bracket130may be connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23through the connection unit170.

When the user presses the first switch41of the selector40and the sliding mode is selected, the actuator172may rotate the first gear173clockwise and rotate the second gear174counterclockwise as illustrated inFIG.21. Accordingly, the first hinge pin151may move upwardly so that the first hinge pin151may be engaged or inserted into the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120, and the first restraint pin161may move downwardly so that the first restraint pin161may be disengaged from the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130. The second hinge pin152may move downwardly so that the second hinge pin152may be engaged or inserted into the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120, and the second restraint pin162may move upwardly so that the second restraint pin162may be disengaged from the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130. That is, the body-side bracket130may be detachable from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23, and the door-side bracket120may be rotatably connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23through the first hinge pin151and the second hinge pin152. As the user slides the vehicle door5along the center rail13, the hinge element110of the center roller unit23may rotate around the first hinge pin151and the second hinge pin152with respect to the door-side bracket120as illustrated inFIG.24. That is, when the sliding mode is selected in a state in which the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23are connected to the center rail13, the door-side bracket120may be connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the body-side bracket130may be detached from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23so that the vehicle door5may be smoothly opened and closed in the sliding mode.

When the user presses the second switch42of the selector40and the swing mode is selected, the actuator172may rotate the first gear173counterclockwise and rotate the second gear174clockwise as illustrated inFIG.20. Accordingly, the first hinge pin151may move downwardly so that the first hinge pin151may be disengaged from the first hinge hole123of the door-side bracket120, and the first restraint pin161may move upwardly so that the first restraint pin161may be engaged or inserted into the first restraint hole133of the body-side bracket130. The second hinge pin152may move upwardly so that the second hinge pin152may be disengaged from the second hinge hole124of the door-side bracket120, and the second restraint pin162may move downwardly so that the second restraint pin162may be engaged or inserted into the second restraint hole134of the body-side bracket130. That is, the door-side bracket120may be detachable from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23, and the body-side bracket130may be connected (restricted) to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23by the first restraint pin161and the second restraint pin162. As the user swings the vehicle door5outwards, the vehicle door5and the door-side bracket120may be released from the center roller unit23as illustrated inFIG.25. That is, when the swing mode is selected in a state in which the rollers105and106of the center roller unit23are connected to the center rail13, the body-side bracket130may be connected to the hinge element110of the center roller unit23and the door-side bracket120may be detached from the hinge element110of the center roller unit23so that the vehicle door5may be smoothly opened and closed in the swing mode.

As illustrated inFIGS.16to25, the center roller unit23, the door-side bracket120, and the body-side bracket130may be designed to allow the vehicle door5to easily move along different trajectories as any one mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode is selected. The present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the center roller unit23, the door-side bracket120, and the body-side bracket130may be applied to various vehicle door structures.

Meanwhile, according to the exemplary embodiment illustrated inFIGS.16to25, the door-side bracket120, the body-side bracket130, the connection unit170, the actuator172, and the set of gears173and174may be applied to the center roller unit23and the center rail13. However, the present inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the door-side bracket120, the body-side bracket130, the connection unit170, the actuator172, and the set of gears173and174may also be applied to the upper rail11and the upper roller unit21and/or the lower rail12and the lower roller unit22.

FIGS.1to25illustrate the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure applied to the rear door5. However, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to various vehicle doors, such as front doors, in addition to rear doors.

FIGS.26and27illustrate the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure applied to the front door4.FIG.26illustrates a state in which the front door4is opened in the sliding mode, andFIG.27illustrates a state in which the front door4is opened in the swing mode.

FIGS.28and29illustrate the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure applied to both the front door4and the rear door5.FIG.28illustrates a state in which the front door4and the rear door5are opened in the sliding mode, andFIG.29illustrates a state in which the front door4and the rear door5are opened in the swing mode.

As set forth above, the vehicle door opening and closing apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may selectively switch the opening/closing operation of the vehicle door into the sliding mode and the swing mode, thereby meeting the needs of users such as convenience and diversity. By selecting the opening/closing operation of the vehicle door depending on the user's situation and environment, convenience and quality may be improved. In particular, the opening/closing operation of the vehicle door may be performed in any one mode selected from the sliding mode and the swing mode depending on the user's situation (location, time, purpose of use, etc.), environment (weather, season, etc.), the occupants' ages (children, adults, the elderly, etc.), and the like, and thus improved ease of use may be achieved. For example, when the vehicle is stopped on the roadside, the swing mode may be selected so that the occupants of all ages may quickly open and close the vehicle door with relatively little force. The sliding mode may be selected in a narrow space such as a parking lot so that a space for ingress and egress of the occupants may be relatively large, which enables quick ingress and egress of the occupants of all ages. The sliding mode may be selected for the ingress and egress of occupants such as small children, the elderly, and the disabled so that a relatively large space for ingress and egress may be provided to those vulnerable occupants. When vehicles are used for camping, loading freight/cargo, etc., the sliding mode may be selected to improve ease of use.

The vehicle door opening and closing apparatus, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, may be designed to prevent the rollers of the roller unit from being separated from the rail in any mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode, and allow the roller unit to be selectively and detachably connected to the vehicle door and a portion of the vehicle body adjacent to the vehicle door as any one mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode is selected. In particular, the roller unit may be detachably connected to the edge of the vehicle door and the door frame area of the vehicle body adjacent to the door opening. Thus, the vehicle door may be stably opened and closed in any mode of the swing mode and the sliding mode.

In terms of vehicle specifications, the vehicle door opening and closing structure may be standardized, regardless of vehicle models. Thus, the manufacturing cost and investment cost may be significantly reduced.

Hereinabove, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but may be variously modified and altered by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure claimed in the following claims.