Patent ID: 8690225

Claim:
A door actuation mechanism for a sliding door of a motor vehicle having a body structure comprising: a motor configured to drive a door actuator; a first cable having a first and second end, the first end attached to the door actuator and adapted for attachment of the second end to the body structure so as to define a first cable run, wherein the first cable is configured to move the door in a door opening direction wherein the first cable run includes a first portion extending away from the door actuator to a first cable guide located near a first end of the door, wherein the first cable guide is located near to a bottom end of the door, wherein the first cable is guided for at least part of the first portion of the first cable run by a rigid tube having a bore coated in a low friction material, a second portion extending from the first guide, in the door opening direction, for attachment to the body structure of the motor vehicle; and a second cable having a third and fourth end, the third end attached to the door actuator and adapted for attachment of the fourth end to the body structure so as to define a second cable run, wherein the second cable is configured to move the door in a door closing direction; wherein a portion of each cable run runs in a direction in which the door mechanism moves the sliding door, wherein the door is a rearward opening door and wherein the first cable guide is located near a front end of the door.