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AFTER
MORE RAIL TRAFFIC
Around 4,000 hours were invested in
engineering and model making to complete
the first fully functional prototype based on
a Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. Since the begin-
ning of 2003, Ruigrok and his colleagues
have been calling on the development
departments of the OEM with it – and
meeting with keen interest. They are already
developing made-to-order concepts on
PRINCIPLE DIAGRAM OF SLIDING DOOR*
Closed position
First swing movement of 37 degrees
Fully swung out
Fully opened
*further developed version with straight guide rail
behalf of customers. Practically as a sideline,
hobby sculptor Ruigrok also is tinkering with
an electric drive for the system, and with his
latest vision: sliding doors for driver and rear
passengers that open in opposite directions.
With no B pillar, they would open up the
entire side of the passenger compartment –
the ultimate in accessibility. The first concept
sketches are already awaiting his attention.
Deflecting support
Guide rail in car roof
Fold-away cantilever
Active roller carrier
Christiane Nadol
Passive roller carrier
Catch pin
AND HERE'S HOW THE
EDSCHA SLIDING
DOOR WORKS:
On the C pillar there is a
deflecting support with a
spring actuator. On the inside
of the door, at the same
height, there is a guide rail
hidden by a blind. It is connec-
ted to the deflecting support
via a roller carrier. Behind this
roller carrier there is a second
roller carrier parked at the end
of the door.
When the door is opened,
the deflecting support swings
out, the door lifts out and over
the support, parallel to the
body, and is pushed over the
first roller carrier towards the
rear.
The swinging out of the
deflecting support has simulta-
neously caused a control rod
to trigger a catch pin; the pin
jumps about 60 mm out of
the fender and is now ready to
receive the passive roller
carrier.
When the door – and with
it the parked roller carrier –
reaches the catch pin, the
roller carrier engages the pin.
From half the length of its
opening travel, the door is
therefore securely guided over
the second roller carrier until
the entire width of the door
opening is exposed.
19
edwin 02
2003
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