GB2160583A

GB2160583A - Door operating mechanism

Info

Publication number: GB2160583A
Application number: GB08515429A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Christopher Scott; Brian Leslie Slatcher
Original assignee: Motor Panels Wigan Ltd
Current assignee: Motor Panels Wigan Ltd
Priority date: 1984-06-23
Filing date: 1985-06-18
Publication date: 1985-12-24
Also published as: GB8416090D0; GB8515429D0; GB2160583B

Abstract

The mechanism enables a door, particularly a door of a vehicle, to be mounted for movement outwardly and laterally of a door opening instead of being hinged for outward swinging movement on hinges at a side of the door. No guide rails are used and the mechanism intrudes only minimally within the vehicle. Side opening door 1 has aligned mountings 2, 2A. Similar mountings 3, 3A are secured to the vehicle adjacent the rear of the door 1. Links 4, 5 are pivotally connected together and pivotally connected respectively to mountings 2, 2A and 3, 3A. Cranked link 12 is pivoted between the front edge of door 1 and mounting 9 in stepwell 7. Cam followers 21 are slidable on link 5 between cam surfaces on mountings 3, 3A and link 4. Initial opening movement of the door is outward by pivoting of links 12, 4 whilst the cam mechanism prevents pivoting of link 5. Link 4 is then locked and link 5 freed so subsequent movement is laterally of the opening by pivoting of links 12, 5. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Door operating mechanism This invention relates to a door operating mechanism which enables a door to be moved transversely of a door opening and is intended primarily, but not exclusively, for a vehicle.

One type of such door operating mechanism, often used on coaches, has cranked links secured to the door and mounted on a vertical pillar which is rotated to open and close the door. The cranked links protrude into the vehicle interior when the door is closed making this mechanism unsuitable for smaller vehicles, for example vans and minibuses.

Another type of such door operating mechanism which is used on smaller vehicles such as vans has giude rails fitted to the vehicle, along which the door is moved.

The present invention provides a mechanism which does not protrude into the vehicle interior and, by dispensing with guide rails, allows for more flexible vehicle production whereby the option is retained of fitting either a conventional hinged door or a door which moves transversely of the door opening.

According to the present invention a door operating mechanism comprises a first mounting for securing to a door, a second mounting for securing to a first mounting member adjacent to a door opening, first and second links pivotally secured to the respective first and second mountings and to one another on mutually parallel pivotal axes, a third link for pivotal mounting between the door and a second mounting member within or adjacent the door opening and having pivotal axes parallel to the first mentioned pivotal axes, and sequencing means acting between the first and second links such that on opening of the door an initial pivoting movement occurs between the door and the first link and between the first and second links and also of the third link, whilst the second link is constrained from pivoting relative to the second mounting, whereby the door is swung outwardly of the door opening and subsequently the second link is freed to pivot about the second mounting whereby the door is enabled to move transversely of the door opening.

Preferably the sequencing means is arranged such that when the second link is freed to pivot relative to the second mounting the first link is constrained from pivoting relative to the second link.

The sequencing means may comprise first and second cams on the first link and second mounting respectively adjacent the respective pivotal axes with the second link, and a cam follower mounted for sliding movement on the second link between the said cams whereby the cam follower in a first position may engage the second cam to prevent pivotal movement between the second link and second mounting whilst permitting pivotal movement between the first and second links. In a second position the cam follower may engage the first cam to prevent pivotal movement between the first and second links whilst permitting pivotal movement between the second link and second mounting.

The invention also comprises, in combination, means defining a door opening, a door and a door operating mechanism as set out herein and, more particularly, a vehicle having a door opening, a door and a door operating mechanism as set out herein.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view from the interior of a vehicle with the door operating mechanism shown in full lines and parts of the vehicle and a door shown in dot and peck lines, the door being in the closed position, Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 and shows the door partly open, Figures 3, 4 and 5 are plan views of a sequencing mechanism shown in three different positions, and Figure 6 is a line drawing showing the locus of the door during the opening and closing movements.

Referring now to the drawings, a vehicle (part only of which is shown) has a side opening door 1 having vertically aligned upper and lower first mountings 2, 2A secured to it. A structural member or members (not shown) (the first mounting member) of the vehicle at the rear of the door opening haslhave vertically aligned upper and lower second mountings 3, 3A secured thereto. A first link 4 is pivotally secured at one end between mountings 2, 2A. A second link 5 is pivotally secured at one end between mountings 3, 3A. Links 4, 5 are pivotally secured together at their other ends. The three pivotal axes about which the links 4, 5 are mounted are parallel to one another.

The vehicle has a front wheel arch 6 and a stepwell 7 within which is secured a mounting plate 9 (the second mounting member). A pin 11 depends from mounting plate 9 and pivotally carries one end of a cranked third link 12. The other end of link 12 is pivotally carried by a bracket 13 secured adjacent the front end of the door 1. The pivotal axes for link 12 are parallel to the pivotal axes of the links 4, 5.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown the first link 4 incorporating a first cam 14 (at top and bottom) which includes a recess 15 and an abutmnent 16. Second cams 17 are incorporated on the mountings 3, 3A and each has a recess 18 and abutment 19. Cam followers 21 are slidably retained on the upper and lower surfaces of link 5 and have lobes 22, 23 for engagement with the cams 14, 17.

As seen in Figure 3 the lobe 23 is engaged in recess 18. Cam follower 21 cannot move to the left (as drawn) because lobe 22 is bearing on cam 14.

In consequence relative rotational movement between link 5 and mountings 3, 3A is prevented.

This is the position of the sequencing mechanism when the door is closed, as in Figure 1. On release of the door latch (not shown) the door is pushed outwardly to open it. This results in link 4 rotating relative to link 5, as shown by arrow A in Figure 3.

The mountings 2, 2A also rotate relative to link 4 and the locus of the door is controlled by the cranked link 12 which pivots relative to mounting plate 9 and bracket 13.

When link 4 has rotated through 90" relative to link 5 it engages stops 24 on the outer face of link 5, Figures 3 and 4. Recesses 15 are now aligned with lobes 22 so that cam followers 21 can move to the left (as shown on Figures 3, 4). In consequence the link 5 is now able to rotate in the direction of arrow B (Figure 4). Movement of link 5 causes lobes 23 to ride on cams 17 whereby cam followers 21 move to the left (Figure 4) and their lobes 22 engage in the recesses 15 to prevent relative rotation between links 4, 5.

The corresponding movement of the door is now substantially longitudinally of the vehicle, as will be described with reference to Figure 6.

When the door is fully open the link 5 has rotated through 90" (Figure 5) so that stops 25 engage mountings 3, 3A and the cam followers 21 still prevent relative rotation between links 4, 5.

When the door is closed the sequence is reversed. That is to say, link 5 is rotated in the opposite direction about mountings 3, 3A until stops 26 engage the mountings 3, 3A to prevent further movement of link 5. In this stopped position the cam lobes 23 are aligned with the recesses 18 permitting link 4 to be unlocked and rotated relative to link 5. Such rotation of link 4 causes lobe 22 to ride on cam 14 whereby cam follower 21 is moved to the right (as seen in Figure 3) and lobes 23 engage in recesses 18 to prevent relative rotation between link 5 and mountings 3, 3A. The sequencing mechanism is now back in the Figure 3 position and set for re-opening of the door.

Referring now to Figure 6, the door 1 is shown in the closed position. Two intermediate positions of the door during opening (and closing) are shown at 1A and 1 B. The fully open position of the door is shown at 1C.

When the door is at position 1A the links 4 and 12 have rotated to the broken line positions 4A, 12A respectively. When the door has moved to position 1B the links 4, 12 are in positions 4B, 12B respectively.ln the fully open position 1C the links 4, 12 have moved to positions 4C, 12C respectively and link 5 has moved to position 5A. Part of the vehicle defining the rear of the door opening is shown as 27 and the inner wall of the stepwell 7 is shown at 7A. As will be seen the initial movement of the mechanism moves the door 1 outwardly from the door opening whilst also moving it partially across the opening. Subsequent movement of the doort is mainly across the opening and also inwardly to the side of the vehicle.

Reverting now to Figure 1 it will be seen that the door 1 may be hinged about its front end to open outwardly in the conventional manner, without the mechanism which has been described, so enabling the same door pressings to be used for the "hinged" and "sliding" opening applications. During build of the vehicle it does not have to be dedicated to "sliding" doors by provision of the guide rails which are conventionally used, thereby simplifying vehicle build and making manufacture more flexible to meet market demand, conseqently further reducing costs.

Whilst this invention has been described with reference to a vehicle and rearwardly "sliding" door it will be appreciated that it is equally applicable to a forwardly, or laterally (of a vehicle), "sliding" door application. It will also be appreciated that the mechanism may be used in other applications, for example in buildings. In the latter case it may be convenient to locate the third link 12 in an overhead position. In a vehicle application the links 4, 5 may readily be hidden from view by a trim panel on the door and an arm rest may conveniently be provided over these links.

Claims

1. A door operating mechanism comprising a first mounting for securing to a door, a second mounting for securing to a first mounting member adjacent to a door opening, first and second links pivotally secured to the respective first and second mountings and to one another on mutually parallel pivotal axes, a third link for pivotal mounting between the door and a second mounting member within or adjacent the door opening and having pivotal axes parallel to the first mentioned pivotal axes, and sequencing means acting between the first and second links such that on opening of the door an initial pivoting movement occurs between the door and the first link and between the first and second links and also of the third link whilst the second link is constrained from pivoting relative to the second mounting whereby the door is swung outwardly of the door opening and, subsequently, the second link is freed to pivot about the second mounting whereby the door is enabled to move transversely of the door opening.

2. A door operating mechanism as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sequencing mechanism is arranged to constrain the first link from pivoting relative to the second link when the second link is freed to pivot relative to the second mounting.

3. A door operating mechanism as claimed in claim 2 wherein the sequencing means comprises first and second cams on the first link and second mounting respectively adjacent the respective pivotal axes with the second link and a cam follower mounted for sliding movement on the second link between the said cams whereby the cam follower in a first position engages the second cam to prevent pivotal movement between the second link and second mounting whilst permitting pivotal movement between the first and second links and in a second position the cam follower engages the first cam to prevent pivotal movement between the first and second links whilst permitting pivotal movement between the second link and the second mounting.

4. In combination means defining a door opening, a door in said opening and a door operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In combination a vehicle having means defining a door opening, a door in said opening and a door operating mechanism as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A door operating mechanism substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

7. Means defining a door opening, a door in said opening and a door operating mechanism connected therebetween substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

8. A vehicle having a door opening, a door in said opening and a door operating mechanism connected therebetween substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.