Abstract: The invention provides a door assembly for a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle includes a body portion including at least one aperture formed therein. The door assembly includes a door moveable between a closed position substantially covering the aperture and an open position substantially clearing the aperture. At least one hinge assembly is provided including a substantially elongated lever with first and second pivots. The first pivot is operably attached to the door and the second pivot is operably attached to the vehicle. The lever and the first and second pivots provide an arcuate path movement of the door lengthwise of the vehicle.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism for a power vehicle sliding door system is provided. The power drive mechanism includes a hinge member adapted for coupling to a vehicle sliding door, a guide member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a rack member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a drive pinion meshingly engaging the rack member, a drive motor producing a drive torque and a gear train coupling the drive motor and the drive pinion for transmitting drive torque therebetween. The hinge member and guide member cooperate to guide the vehicle sliding door in both generally horizontal and generally vertical directions. The gear train and drive pinion are preferably coupled to said hinge member to maintain meshing engagement of said drive pinion along the length of said rack member. The power drive mechanism also preferably includes a drive clutch for interrupting the transmission of drive torque from the drive motor to the drive pinion to permit the vehicle sliding door.

Abstract: A sliding door system including a guide track, a door assembly, a power drive assembly operable for propelling the door assembly between an open position and a closed position, a power latching mechanism operable for selectively positioning the door assembly between a fully latched position and a fully unlatched position, a control module operable for controlling the operation of the power drive assembly and power latching mechanism and a wire harness electrically coupling the power drive assembly, the power latching mechanism and various other vehicle devices and switches to the control module. The guide track, power drive unit, power latching mechanism and door assembly are configured in a manner which provides improved performance of the power door system, as well as permitting the vehicle door system to be readily upgraded from one which is completely manual in operation to one which may be actuated automatically.

Abstract: A guide assembly for a motor vehicle having a sliding door includes a track having longitudinally extending grooves in opposite surfaces thereof and disposed horizontally on the vehicle. The guide assembly also includes a support bracket having one end connected with the sliding door and another end including a bearing housing. The bearing housing has a longitudinal slot including sides having spacedly opposed bearing pockets. A plurality of ball bearings is rotatably mounted in the opposed bearing pockets and engages the longitudinally extending grooves in the opposite surfaces of the track for supporting and guiding the support bracket and sliding door for movement relative to the vehicle.