[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to supporting and guiding assemblies for vehicular sliding doors.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] A typical sliding door for a passenger vehicle such as a van, minivan, or a crossover vehicle is supported by and guided by hinged assemblies. Currently two types of hinged assemblies are used for the sliding doors. In first concept, a single axis hinge is used wherein, when the sliding door is closed, hinge is guided through a center rail. When the sliding door is about to rotate, center hinge also rotates about its single axis of rotation as guided by center rail. However, Due to curved path of center rail, door opening and closing effort is increased when hinge begins to rotate. Further, center rail will not be straight as some curvature will be there due to which extra process is added which results in cost up. Further, due to curved center rail, mounting requirement on Side body outer ingress space is reduced
[003] In second concept, double axis hinge is used wherein there are two axis of rotation. In this concept, when door is in open condition and it is moved, then when door is about to close, hinge stopper flange, hits the center rail, linear motion of roller bracket stops and hinge female part starts rotating with respect to 2nd axis of rotation and hinge male part rotates with respect to 1st axis of rotation. Disadvantages associated with the present work having second concept includes, firstly, that the rivet collars are C02 welded with the hinge. Due to heat of welding surrounding parts can distort or stresses may develop which can lead to future failure. Further, if door opening is more in BL + direction, length of hinge female part will increase. This will increase the bending stresses in female part and thickness may be required to increase further from current 7mm thickness, thus increasing the cost and manufacturing difficulty.

[004] United States Patent publication US7654608B2 provides an Extended-Travel Sliding Door with Articulating Roller Bracket, wherein a sliding door for a vehicle has a door bracket. A track is mounted along the vehicle and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the end of the track. The roller bracket includes an articulating arm retained by the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally retained at a second end by the door bracket. The articulating arm has a first orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door toward the closed position and a second orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door into the open position. Movement of the roller bearing into the second position results in the articulating arm moving from the first to the second orientation. An over-center spring mechanism may maintain the positioning of the roller bracket relative to the sliding door throughout the travel of the bracket.
[005] However, the assembly, shape, operation and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art are not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed assembly having positive fixing, and increased strength under bending load of the sliding door.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle. The assembly includes a door mounting bracket defining a U-shaped male structure, and a plurality of flanges extending from the U-shaped male structure; a load bearing part defining a female end configured to receive the U-shaped male structure, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end up to a roller bracket mounting end; and a roller bracket having a

plurality of rollers, and defining a receiving portion configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figs. 3a-3c illustrates different perspective views of the load bearing part in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic the assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0016] Fig. 6 illustrates another schematic associated with the assembly of Fig. 1, wherein a positioning associated with the load bearing part is shown.
[0017] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0018] The present disclosure presents embodiments for an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle. The assembly includes a door mounting bracket defining a U-shaped male structure, and a plurality of flanges extending from the U-shaped male structure; a load bearing part defining a female end configured to receive the U-shaped male structure, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end up to a roller bracket mounting end; and a roller bracket having a plurality of rollers, and defining a receiving portion configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end.
[0019] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation,

together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0020] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly 100 for supporting and guiding sliding door not shown of a vehicle not shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the assembly 100 includes a door mounting bracket 102, a load bearing part 106 configured with the door mounting bracket 102, and a roller bracket 112 configured with the load bearing part 106. Fig. 1 further illustrates a guide rail 101 configured with the assembly 100.
[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door mounting bracket 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the door mounting bracket 102 defines a U-shaped male structure 104, and a plurality of flanges 105 extending from the U-shaped male structurel04. In an example, the plurality of flanges 105 are parallel to the sliding door and are configured to be secured to the sliding door through state of the art joining techniques. In an example, the U-shaped male structure 104 defines a plurality of recesses 118.
[0023] Figs. 3a-3c illustrates different perspective views of the load bearing part 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the load bearing part 106 defines a female end 108 configured to receive the U-shaped male structure 104, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end 108 up to a roller bracket mounting end 110. In an embodiment, the C-sectioned arcuate profile includes an L-shape. In an example, the female end 108 of the load bearing part 106 includes a plurality of first flanges 120 extending towards the door mounting bracket 102. Further, the

plurality of first flanges 120 defines a plurality of first openings 122 corresponding to the plurality of recesses 118 of the U-shaped male structure 104.
[0024] Further in an example, the roller bracket mounting end 110 of the load bearing part 106 includes a plurality of second flanges 124 extending towards the roller bracket 112. Further, the plurality of second flanges 124 defines a plurality of second openings 126 configured to be secured to the roller bracket 112. Further in an example, the plurality of second flanges 124 includes a forked flange 128. In an embodiment, the load bearing part 106 of the assembly 100 is configured to sustain a bending load under weight of the sliding door. Further, as is evident from Figs. 3a-3c, the C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end 108 up to the roller bracket mounting end 110 is such that a width of the load bearing part 106 proximal to the female end 108 is greater than a width of the load bearing part 106 proximal to the roller bracket mounting end 110.
[0025] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the door mounting bracket 102 and the load bearing part 106 are hingedly connected about the plurality of recesses 118 and the plurality of first openings 122, and the load bearing part 106 and the roller bracket 112 are hingedly connected about the plurality of second openings 126 through a pin joint 130. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the roller bracket 11 defines a receiving portion 116 configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end 110 of the load bearing part 106. In an embodiment, the roller bracket 112 further includes a hinge stopper flange 129.
[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic of the assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge stopper flange 129 is configured with the guide rail 101. Fig. 6 illustrates another schematic associated with the assembly 100, wherein a positioning associated with the load bearing part 106 is shown. In an example, a first position 602 of the load bearing part 106 is corresponding to a door closed situation, and a second position 604 of the load bearing part 106 is corresponding to a door open situation. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6 together, the hinge stopper flange 129 hits the guide rail 101, and the load

bearing part 106 rotates from the first position 602 to the second position 604 when the sliding door of the vehicle is opened from a closed situation.
[0027] As mentioned above, the components of the assembly 100 are hingedly connected providing a positive fixing, as against C02 welding associated with the prior art concepts, thereby avoiding heating and distortion of the surrounding parts. Further, the C-sectioned arcuate converging profile of the load bearing part 106 provides increased strength without increasing material thickness. Thus, avoiding increase in weight, and in turn cost. Further, L-shape of the load bearing part 106 optimizes packaging of the assembly 100 and helps in 100 mm BL movement of the sliding door.
[0028] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

We claim:

1.An assembly (100) for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a door mounting bracket (102) defining a U-shaped male structure (104), and a plurality of flanges (105) extending from the U-shaped male structure (104);
a load bearing part (106) defining a female end (108) configured to receive the U-shaped male structure (104), and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end (108) up to a roller bracket mounting end (110); and
a roller bracket (112) having a plurality of rollers (114), and defining a receiving portion (116) configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end (110).
2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the U-shaped male structure (104) defines a plurality of recesses (118).
3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flanges (105) are parallel to the sliding door, and are configured to be secured to the sliding door.
4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the female end (108) includes a plurality of first flanges (120) extending towards the door mounting bracket (102), the plurality of first flanges (120) defining a plurality of first openings (122) corresponding to the plurality of recesses (118) of the U-shaped male structure (104).
5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller bracket mounting end (110) includes a plurality of second flanges (124) extending towards the roller bracket (112), the plurality of second flanges (124) defining a plurality of second openings (126) configured to be secured to the roller bracket (112).
6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of second flanges (124) includes a forked flange (128).
7. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the load bearing part (106) is configured to sustain a bending load under weight of the sliding door.
8. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of rollers (114) is configured with a guide rail (101)
9. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end (108) up to the roller bracket mounting end (110) is such that a width of the load bearing part (106) proximal to the female end (108) is greater than a width of the load bearing part (106) proximal to the roller bracket mounting end (110).
10. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the door mounting bracket (102) and the load bearing part (106 and the roller bracket (112) are hingedly connected through a pin joint (130).
, Description:AN ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING AND GUIDING SLIDING DOOR OF A VEHICLE
FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present subject matter described herein, relates to supporting and guiding assemblies for vehicular sliding doors.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] A typical sliding door for a passenger vehicle such as a van, minivan, or a crossover vehicle is supported by and guided by hinged assemblies. Currently two types of hinged assemblies are used for the sliding doors. In first concept, a single axis hinge is used wherein, when the sliding door is closed, hinge is guided through a center rail. When the sliding door is about to rotate, center hinge also rotates about its single axis of rotation as guided by center rail. However, Due to curved path of center rail, door opening and closing effort is increased when hinge begins to rotate. Further, center rail will not be straight as some curvature will be there due to which extra process is added which results in cost up. Further, due to curved center rail, mounting requirement on Side body outer ingress space is reduced
[003] In second concept, double axis hinge is used wherein there are two axis of rotation. In this concept, when door is in open condition and it is moved, then when door is about to close, hinge stopper flange, hits the center rail, linear motion of roller bracket stops and hinge female part starts rotating with respect to 2nd axis of rotation and hinge male part rotates with respect to 1st axis of rotation. Disadvantages associated with the present work having second concept includes, firstly, that the rivet collars are CO2 welded with the hinge. Due to heat of welding surrounding parts can distort or stresses may develop which can lead to future failure. Further, if door opening is more in BL + direction, length of hinge female part will increase. This will increase the bending stresses in female part and thickness may be required to increase further from current 7mm thickness, thus increasing the cost and manufacturing difficulty.
[004] United States Patent publication US7654608B2 provides an Extended-Travel Sliding Door with Articulating Roller Bracket, wherein a sliding door for a vehicle has a door bracket. A track is mounted along the vehicle and extends to a remote end. A roller bracket is movable between a first position proximate the opening and a second position at the end of the track. The roller bracket includes an articulating arm retained by the roller bracket by a first pivot and pivotally retained at a second end by the door bracket. The articulating arm has a first orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door toward the closed position and a second orientation for rotationally positioning the sliding door into the open position. Movement of the roller bearing into the second position results in the articulating arm moving from the first to the second orientation. An over-center spring mechanism may maintain the positioning of the roller bracket relative to the sliding door throughout the travel of the bracket.
[005] However, the assembly, shape, operation and location of the parts mentioned in the prior art are not similar to the present disclosure.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[006] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle.
[007] Another object of the present subject matter is to provide a simple, cost effective, and efficiently designed assembly having positive fixing, and increased strength under bending load of the sliding door.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[008] The present invention relates to an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle. The assembly includes a door mounting bracket defining a U-shaped male structure, and a plurality of flanges extending from the U-shaped male structure; a load bearing part defining a female end configured to receive the U-shaped male structure, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end up to a roller bracket mounting end; and a roller bracket having a plurality of rollers, and defining a receiving portion configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end.
[009] In order to further understand the characteristics and technical contents of the present subject matter, a description relating thereto will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings are illustrative only but not used to limit scope of the present subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the present subject matter and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door (not shown) of a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0013] Figs. 3a-3c illustrates different perspective views of the load bearing part in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0014] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly of Fig. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0015] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic the assembly of Fig.1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0016] Fig. 6 illustrates another schematic associated with the assembly of Fig. 1, wherein a positioning associated with the load bearing part is shown.
[0017] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0018] The present disclosure presents embodiments for an assembly for supporting and guiding sliding door of a vehicle. The assembly includes a door mounting bracket defining a U-shaped male structure, and a plurality of flanges extending from the U-shaped male structure; a load bearing part defining a female end configured to receive the U-shaped male structure, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end up to a roller bracket mounting end; and a roller bracket having a plurality of rollers, and defining a receiving portion configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end.
[0019] It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present subject matter. It should also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that by devising various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the present subject matter and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present subject matter, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures.
[0020] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail with reference to the following figures. It should be noted that the description merely illustrates the principles of the present subject matter. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter and are included within its scope.
[0021] Fig. 1 illustrates an assembly 100 for supporting and guiding sliding door not shown of a vehicle not shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the assembly 100 includes a door mounting bracket 102, a load bearing part 106 configured with the door mounting bracket 102, and a roller bracket 112 configured with the load bearing part 106. Fig. 1 further illustrates a guide rail 101 configured with the assembly 100.
[0022] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the door mounting bracket 102 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the door mounting bracket 102 defines a U-shaped male structure104, and a plurality of flanges 105 extending from the U-shaped male structure104. In an example, the plurality of flanges 105 are parallel to the sliding door and are configured to be secured to the sliding door through state of the art joining techniques. In an example, the U-shaped male structure104 defines a plurality of recesses 118.
[0023] Figs. 3a-3c illustrates different perspective views of the load bearing part 106 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the load bearing part 106 defines a female end 108 configured to receive the U-shaped male structure104, and a C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end 108 up to a roller bracket mounting end 110. In an embodiment, the C-sectioned arcuate profile includes an L-shape. In an example, the female end 108 of the load bearing part 106 includes a plurality of first flanges 120 extending towards the door mounting bracket 102. Further, the plurality of first flanges 120 defines a plurality of first openings 122 corresponding to the plurality of recesses 118 of the U-shaped male structure 104.
[0024] Further in an example, the roller bracket mounting end 110 of the load bearing part 106 includes a plurality of second flanges 124 extending towards the roller bracket 112. Further, the plurality of second flanges 124 defines a plurality of second openings 126 configured to be secured to the roller bracket 112. Further in an example, the plurality of second flanges 124 includes a forked flange 128. In an embodiment, the load bearing part 106 of the assembly 100 is configured to sustain a bending load under weight of the sliding door. Further, as is evident from Figs. 3a-3c, the C-sectioned arcuate profile converging from the female end 108 up to the roller bracket mounting end 110 is such that a width of the load bearing part 106 proximal to the female end 108 is greater than a width of the load bearing part 106 proximal to the roller bracket mounting end 110.
[0025] Fig. 4 illustrates another perspective view of the assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the door mounting bracket 102 and the load bearing part 106 are hingedly connected about the plurality of recesses 118 and the plurality of first openings 122, and the load bearing part 106 and the roller bracket 112 are hingedly connected about the plurality of second openings 126 through a pin joint 130. In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4, the roller bracket 11 defines a receiving portion 116 configured to receive the roller bracket mounting end 110 of the load bearing part 106. In an embodiment, the roller bracket 112 further includes a hinge stopper flange 129.
[0026] Fig. 5 illustrates a schematic of the assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the hinge stopper flange 129 is configured with the guide rail 101. Fig. 6 illustrates another schematic associated with the assembly 100, wherein a positioning associated with the load bearing part 106 is shown. In an example, a first position 602 of the load bearing part 106 is corresponding to a door closed situation, and a second position 604 of the load bearing part 106 is corresponding to a door open situation. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6 together, the hinge stopper flange 129 hits the guide rail 101, and the load bearing part 106 rotates from the first position 602 to the second position 604 when the sliding door of the vehicle is opened from a closed situation.
[0027] As mentioned above, the components of the assembly 100 are hingedly connected providing a positive fixing, as against CO2 welding associated with the prior art concepts, thereby avoiding heating and distortion of the surrounding parts. Further, the C-sectioned arcuate converging profile of the load bearing part 106 provides increased strength without increasing material thickness. Thus, avoiding increase in weight, and in turn cost. Further, L-shape of the load bearing part 106 optimizes packaging of the assembly 100 and helps in 100 mm BL movement of the sliding door.
[0028] Although embodiments for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as embodiments for the present subject matter. Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system/component of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the scope of the present subject matter.