Land vehicles: bodies and tops – Bodies – Door or window with specified vehicle feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-30
2001-08-07
Dayoan, D. Glenn (Department: 3612)
Land vehicles: bodies and tops
Bodies
Door or window with specified vehicle feature
C049S360000, C303S006100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270148
ABSTRACT:
This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 with respect to Japanese Application No. 10(1998)-340532 filed on Nov. 30, 1998, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a vehicle door. More particularly, the present invention pertains to a slide door apparatus for vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Known types of slide door apparatus are disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Nos. Hei.9-4323, Hei.10-8828, and Hei.10-18708.
In each of these apparatus, when an electrically operated driving mechanism is turned on, the resultant rotation in one direction moves the slide door in its opening direction, thereby opening the opening area formed in the side of the vehicle body. The resulting rotation in the other direction moves the slide door in its closing direction, thereby closing the opening area formed in the side of the vehicle body.
A clutch mechanism is interposed between the driving mechanism and the slide door. If the clutch mechanism is in its disengaged condition, the slide door is isolated from the driving mechanism, thereby allowing the slide door to be moved manually. However, when the vehicle is parked on a sloping road, the gravity applied to the inclined slide door causes the door to be opened unexpectedly and excessively fast.
Accordingly, a need exists for a slide door apparatus for vehicles in which the sliding speed of the slide door is controllable or adjustable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In light of the foregoing, one aspect of the present invention relates to a vehicular slide door apparatus that includes a slide door movable in the lengthwise direction of the vehicle for opening and closing an opening area formed in a lateral side of the vehicle body, a brake device provided at the lateral side of the vehicle body for applying a brake force to the slide door, and an electronic control device operatively associated with the brake device to restrict movement of the slide door from an opened position to a closed position.
According to another aspect of the invention, a vehicular slide door apparatus includes a slide door mounted on the lateral side of a vehicle body for movement in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle body between a fully open position and a fully closed position, and a brake device operatively associated with the slide door for applying a brake force to the slide door as the slide door moves from the fully open position towards the fully closed position to restrict movement of the slide door during movement from the fully open position towards the fully closed position.
Another aspect of the present invention involves a vehicular slide door apparatus that includes a slide door mounted on a lateral side of a vehicle body for movement in a lengthwise direction of the vehicle body between a fully open position and a fully closed position, a brake device operatively associated with the slide door for applying a brake force to the slide door as the slide door moves from the fully open position towards the fully closed position to restrict movement of the slide door during movement from the fully open position towards the fully closed position, and a control device connected to the brake device to control operation of the brake device and cause the brake device to apply the braking force to the slide door for a predetermined time period and to release the braking force upon elapse of the predetermined time period.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4984385 (1991-01-01), De Land
patent: 5140316 (1992-08-01), De Land et al.
patent: 5913563 (1999-06-01), Wantanabe et al.
patent: 6009671 (2000-01-01), Sasaki et al.
patent: 6087794 (2000-07-01), Kawanobe
patent: 6119825 (2000-09-01), Nisley
patent: 6125583 (2000-10-01), Murray et al.
patent: 0199722 (1985-10-01), None
patent: 9-4323 (1997-01-01), None
patent: 10-18708 (1998-01-01), None
patent: 10-8828 (1998-01-01), None
Fukumoto Ryoichi
Imaizumi Tomoaki
Itami Eiji
Noda Kohei
Ohhashi Masao
Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
Burns Doane , Swecker, Mathis LLP
Dayoan D. Glenn
Engle Patricia
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