An operating mechanism for plug-type rail car doors includes first and second links connected to rotatable first and second support bars. The links include respective elongated slots partially overlapping with one another, wherein each slot receives a respective cam. The cams are rotatable together about a rotational axis which is eccentrically arranged relative to both cams. An actuating lever is connected to the cams to enable an operator to rotate the cams about the rotational axis. The actuating lever is movable such that the first and second links are retracted relative to one another to simultaneously rotate the first and second support bars, and such that the first and second links are extended relative to one another to simultaneously counter-rotate the first and second support bars. A gear train may be provided between the actuating lever and the cams to reduce the necessary manual operating torque.

A hatch operating mechanism is arranged to control opening and closing movements of a hatch covering an opening in a vehicle. The mechanism comprises a first arm and a second arm each having a first end and a second end, wherein each arm is rotatably attached to the vehicle at the first end and rotatably attached to the hatch at the second end. First and second connecting elements extend between and are displaceable relative to a pair of spaced apart, parallel guides fixed to the hatch, wherein the second ends of the arms are rotatably attached to the respective connecting elements. The first arm rotates in a first direction over a first arcuate path, and the second arm simultaneously rotates in an opposing second direction over a second arcuate path; and the first and second connecting elements are configured for reciprocating movement along the guides during rotation of the arms.

A sliding door system includes a support guidance for suspending a door leaf with respect to a framework. A steering track is fixed to the framework and an engaging front lever is mounted at a front edge of the door leaf. The support guidance is arranged independent from a steer guidance which provides a design freedom in which a rigidity of the support guidance can be increased independent from the steer guidance. The steer guidance can be designed with a compact configuration. A mechanical chain of connections of the door leaf to the swing shaft can be made more robust by adapting at least one of a slide bar, a sliding carriage and a swing arm, such that a substantial support of the door leaf is provided by this mechanical chain of connections.

A sliding door device includes: a door configured to open or close a door opening portion formed in a vehicle body; a lower arm including one end portion connected to an internal side of the door, and the other end portion configured to slide along a rail provided on the vehicle body; a lower arm carrier rotatably connected to the other end portion of the lower arm and configured to slide the lower arm while moving along a rail provided on the vehicle body; a lower arm rotor rotatably provided on the lower arm carrier and including one end portion connected to the lower arm so that the lower arm rotates; a catch configured to fix the door by engaging with the lower arm rotor after the door slides; and a pawl with which the catch engages by rotating so that a rotation of the catch is prevented.