DRIVE MECHANISM FOR POWER OPERATED SLIDEABLE SIDE DOOR

摘要

A passenger van (10) is equipped with a drive mechanism for power operation of a slideable side door (14). The drive mechanism has an endless flexible drive member (52) that travels in a closed loop which includes travel through a center track (18) that supports and guides a hinge and roller assembly (26) that is attached to the rear of the side door. A clutch (60) is mounted on the hinge and roller assembly to clamp onto the flexible drive member for power operation. The clutch is operated by an actuator (66) that includes a solenoid (88) and a linkage (68, 76, 82) between the solenoid and a moveable plate of the clutch. An electromagnetic clutch (160) may be used as an alternative.