A vehicle body closure system for a service port or storage compartment formed in the body. The closure system includes a door coupled to the vehicle body for movement between open and closed positions. A seal between the body and door requires compression for closure. A powered closure device including a motor and rotary output is operable for electrical energization in a powered mode of the closure system to release the door from the closed position, and the powered closure device also provides a powered mode for closing the door. A backup release mechanism is operable in a manual mode of the closure system, without energizing the powered closure device, to release the door. The door is locked closed automatically by a drive connection through which the powered closure device moves the door. The drive connection is maintained and not interrupted when releasing the door via the backup release mechanism.
E05F 15/63 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
E05B 83/34 - Locks for glove compartments, console boxes, fuel inlet covers or the like for fuel inlet covers essentially flush with the vehicle surface
2.
POWERED VEHICLE CLOSURE SYSTEM HAVING NON-LINEAR TORSION BAR
A powered vehicle closure system includes a vehicle frame, a vehicle closure pivotally coupled to the vehicle frame, a torsion bar fixed to both the vehicle frame and the vehicle closure, and a torque device coupled to the torsion bar, wherein the torque device is configured to generate a non-linear torsion bar torque output as the vehicle closure pivots relative to the vehicle frame.
A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes a shaft situated between an electric motor and an output member. A brake device along the shaft is actuable via an electric brake actuator to apply braking. An active brake clamp is movable by the electric brake actuator. An axially floating rotor is rotatable with the shaft and has a first axial side facing the active brake clamp a second axial side providing a second braking surface. A passive backing brake clamp is positioned adjacent the second braking surface. The axially floating rotor is biased away from the passive backing brake clamp by a first biasing member. Deflection of the first biasing member coupled with axial movement of the active brake clamp and the axially floating rotor enables braking by pinching action of the axially floating rotor between the active brake clamp and the passive backing brake clamp.
A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes a shaft situated between an electric motor and an output member. A brake device along the shaft is actuable via an electric brake actuator to apply braking. An active brake clamp is movable by the electric brake actuator. An axially floating rotor is rotatable with the shaft and has a first axial side facing the active brake clamp a second axial side providing a second braking surface. A passive backing brake clamp is positioned adjacent the second braking surface. The axially floating rotor is biased away from the passive backing brake clamp by a first biasing member. Deflection of the first biasing member coupled with axial movement of the active brake clamp and the axially floating rotor enables braking by pinching action of the axially floating rotor between the active brake clamp and the passive backing brake clamp.
A power operated tailgate for a vehicle includes a major gate having a hinge about which the major gate is configured to be coupled to the vehicle for movement between open and closed positions, a minor gate configured to be coupled to the major gate for movement between open and closed positions with respect to the major gate, and a minor gate drive unit configured to drive movement of the minor gate with respect to the major gate. The minor gate is disposed at least partially within an outer profile of the major gate and supported by the major gate for movement therewith.
A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes an output member configured to drive movement of the movable closure, a motor coupled through a gear reduction to drive the output member, and an integrated brake-clutch unit having an input configured to receive drive power from the electric motor. The brake-clutch unit provides independent braking and clutching between the electric motor and the output member via an electric brake actuator and an electric clutch actuator, respectively. Brake and clutch portions of the brake-clutch unit act on a rotor, and brake force can be maintained on the rotor without powering the brake actuator. A clutch disc is biased disengaged from the rotor. The integrated brake-clutch unit provides a drive state between the electric motor and the output member when the brake portion is released concurrently with the clutch portion establishing a power coupling between the clutch disc and the rotor.
A power closure actuator for powering a movable closure includes an output member configured to drive movement of the movable closure, a motor coupled through a gear reduction to drive the output member, and an integrated brake-clutch unit having an input configured to receive drive power from the electric motor. The brake-clutch unit provides independent braking and clutching between the electric motor and the output member via an electric brake actuator and an electric clutch actuator, respectively. Brake and clutch portions of the brake-clutch unit act on a rotor, and brake force can be maintained on the rotor without powering the brake actuator. A clutch disc is biased disengaged from the rotor. The integrated brake-clutch unit provides a drive state between the electric motor and the output member when the brake portion is released concurrently with the clutch portion establishing a power coupling between the clutch disc and the rotor.
E05F 15/611 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
E05F 15/655 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings specially adapted for vehicle wings
E05F 15/662 - Motor units therefor, e.g. geared motors
8.
Actuator for a vehicle closure and method of actuating a vehicle closure
An actuator for opening and closing a decklid or other closure on a motor vehicle is described and shown. The actuator can include a motor, a rod coupled to and driven by the motor, a first sleeve coupled to and driven by the rod, and a second sleeve coupled to and driven by the first sleeve. The first and second sleeves can be slidably coupled to one another, and/or can be rotatably locked relative to one another.
E05F 15/616 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
An apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body includes a jack-screw type drive unit having two elongated relatively rotatable drive elements which are threadably engaged for bi-directional displacement. An electric motor engages the rotatable drive element. A first mounting device pivotally connects the rotatable drive element to a relatively fixed point on the vehicle. A second mounting device pivotally connects the non-rotatable drive element to the deck lid, or vice versa. The motor is energized to affect bi-directional control of the drive unit while enabling low back-drive effort. A concentric spring counters loading due to the weight of the deck lid.
F16H 3/06 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion with worm and worm-wheel or gears essentially having helical or herring-bone teeth
F16H 27/02 - Step-by-step mechanisms without freewheel members, e.g. Geneva drives with at least one reciprocating or oscillating transmission member
F16H 29/20 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with intermittently-driving members, e.g. with freewheel action the intermittently-acting members being shaped as worms, screws, or racks
F16H 29/02 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with intermittently-driving members, e.g. with freewheel action between one of the shafts and an oscillating or reciprocating intermediate member, not rotating with either of the shafts
E05F 15/41 - Detection by monitoring transmitted force or torqueSafety couplings with activation dependent upon torque or force, e.g. slip couplings
E05F 15/622 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
E05F 1/10 - Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated for swinging wings
A door cable pulley system for use with a motor vehicle having a closure movable between an open and closed position. The door cable pulley system includes a first tension pulley, a second tension pulley, a cable drum driven by a motor, and a pair of drive cables. The first drive cable includes a first end coupled to the cable drum and a second end coupled to the closure, where the first drive cable extends from the cable drum, passes over the first tension pulley, and exits the body through the second exit opening. The second drive cable includes a first end coupled to the cable drum and a second end coupled to the closure, where the second drive cable extends from the cable drum, passes over the second tension pulley, and exits the body through the first exit opening.
E05F 15/643 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables
E05F 15/655 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings specially adapted for vehicle wings
B60J 5/06 - Doors arranged at the vehicle sides slidableDoors arranged at the vehicle sides foldable
E05D 15/10 - Suspension arrangements for wings for wings sliding horizontally more or less in their own plane movable out of one plane into a second parallel plane
E05F 15/646 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables allowing or involving a secondary movement of the wing, e.g. rotational or transversal
The tailgate drive includes a motor assembly in operable communication with a pickup tailgate that is adjustable between a manual mode of operation and an automatic mode of operation, where the motor assembly permits free rotation of the tailgate between the open and closed positions during manual mode of operation and wherein the motor assembly drives the tailgate body between the open and closed position during the automatic mode of operation.
B62D 33/027 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable
B62D 33/03 - Sideboard or tailgate structures movable by swinging down
E05F 15/614 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by meshing gear wheels, one of which being mounted at the wing pivot axisPower-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by a motor acting directly on the wing pivot axis
E05F 1/10 - Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated for swinging wings
E05F 3/14 - Closers or openers with braking devices, e.g. checksConstruction of pneumatic or liquid braking devices with fluid brakes of the rotary type
A power system for a vehicle having a vehicle body and door includes a first battery disposed on the vehicle body, a second, rechargeable battery disposed on the door, a first electrical contact disposed on the vehicle body, and a second electrical contact disposed on the vehicle door. The first and second electrical contacts are coupled to the first and second batteries such that when the door is in a fully closed position relative to the vehicle body the first and second batteries are electrically coupled to one another and the second battery is charged by the first battery, and when the door is not in a fully closed position the first and second batteries are electrically de-coupled from one another.
B60R 16/027 - Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided forArrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems between relatively movable parts of the vehicle, e.g. between steering wheel and column
E05B 81/12 - Power-actuated vehicle locks characterised by the function or purpose of the powered actuators
E05F 15/632 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings
E05B 81/70 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the wing position
E05B 81/68 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors the bolt position, i.e. the latching status by sensing the position of the detent
E05B 81/64 - Monitoring or sensing, e.g. by using switches or sensors
E05B 81/62 - Control of actuators for opening or closing of a circuit depending on electrical parameters, e.g. increase of motor current
E05F 15/40 - Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
A power tailgate system for a vehicle includes an actuator for moving a tailgate of the vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power tailgate system also includes a spring spaced apart from the actuator for counter-balancing a weight of the tailgate and a coupler assembly for removably coupling the tailgate to the power tailgate system.
An apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body includes a jack-screw type drive unit having two elongated relatively rotatable drive elements which are threadably engaged for controlled bi-directional displacement. An electric motor engages the rotatable drive element. A first mounting device pivotally connects the rotatable drive element to a relatively fixed point on the vehicle. A second mounting device pivotally connects the non-rotatable drive element to the deck lid, or vice versa. The motor is energized to affect bi-directional control of the drive unit while enabling low back-drive effort. A concentric spring counters loading due to the weight of the deck lid.
F16H 1/16 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving only two intermeshing members with non-parallel axes comprising worm and worm-wheel
F16H 1/20 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion without gears having orbital motion involving more than two intermeshing members
F16H 3/06 - Toothed gearings for conveying rotary motion with variable gear ratio or for reversing rotary motion without gears having orbital motion with worm and worm-wheel or gears essentially having helical or herring-bone teeth
F16H 27/02 - Step-by-step mechanisms without freewheel members, e.g. Geneva drives with at least one reciprocating or oscillating transmission member
F16H 29/02 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with intermittently-driving members, e.g. with freewheel action between one of the shafts and an oscillating or reciprocating intermediate member, not rotating with either of the shafts
F16H 29/20 - Gearings for conveying rotary motion with intermittently-driving members, e.g. with freewheel action the intermittently-acting members being shaped as worms, screws, or racks
E05F 15/622 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
E05F 1/10 - Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated for swinging wings
A drive unit comprising a guide channel that has a first pulley at one end that rotates about a fixed pulley axis. The drive unit also includes a flexible drive member having a plurality of spaced windows, an attachment assembly moveably attached to the guide channel, and an adjustable pulley assembly coupled to the guide channel that has a second pulley that rotates around a moveable pulley axis that can be adjusted to change the distance between the fixed pulley axis and the moveable pulley axis to take up slack in the flexible drive member.
E05F 15/63 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by swinging arms
E05F 15/627 - Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables
16.
Method and apparatus of active dampening a powered closure system
An actuator for moving a closure between an open and a closed position. The actuator having a first mode, where the closure is free to move with respect to a closure frame, and a second mode where the actuator resists movement between the closure and the closure frame.
The present invention provides sensing system for a vehicle including a strut having a first end on a vehicle body and a second end on an access panel panel. The strut rotates about an axis relative to one of the body and the panel. A sensor is adjacent to one end of the strut, and a sensor element is proximate the sensor. The sensor detects a relative position of the sensor element with respect to the sensor. One of the sensor and sensor element is fixed to one of the body and panel and the other of the sensor and sensor element is moveable with the strut with respect to the body. A controller can receive the sensed position of the panel with respect to the body and can control speed of rotation of the panel.
A sensor assembly includes a magnetic element operable to generate a magnetic field, a position sensor having a first sensor element operable to detect the magnetic field and a second sensor element placed at an angle with respect to the first sensor element and operable to detect the magnetic field, the first sensor element and the second sensor element each operable to generate a signal related to the magnetic field, and a processor operable to receive the signals from the first sensor element and the second sensor element to determine an angular position relating the magnetic element and the position based on the signals generated by the first sensor element and the second sensor element.
A power actuator system for a movable vehicle panel such as a lift gate assembly includes a position sensor that detects the pivotal movement of a strut mechanism of the power lift gate assembly relative to the host vehicle. A rotary sensor is coupled directly to an end component of the strut mechanism and provides signals that indicate the total amount of pivotal or rotary movement of the strut mechanism and the lift gate during the opening and closing of the lift gate. The signals provide information to determine the absolute position of the strut and the lift gate for processing in the vehicle's electronic control unit.
G01D 5/12 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means
F16F 9/00 - Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards systems and methods for providing improved access to vehicles for physically challenged individuals. In one exemplary embodiment, a wheelchair access system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a first track and a second track, the first and second tracks being located on opposite sides of the frame assembly. The system also includes a ramp formed of a porous structural member disposed between a first skin member and a second skin member. The ramp has a first edge portion with one or more rollers attached thereto and a second edge portion having one or more rollers attached thereto. The one or more rollers on the first and second edge portions travel within the first and second tracks, respectively, of the frame assembly. The system further includes a drive motor engaging a first rotatable drum member and a second rotatable drum member. The drive motor is configured to rotate the first and second drum members in first and second directions based on a direction of a current flowing through the drive motor. The system still further includes a first cable engaging the first drum member and a second cable engaging the second drum member. The first and second cables are coupled to the ramp such that the first and second cables move the ramp from a stowed position to a deployed position during rotation of the first and second drum members in the first direction.
A61G 3/06 - Transfer using ramps, lifts or the like
A61G 3/02 - Loading or unloading personal conveyancesFacilitating access of patients or disabled persons to, or exit from, vehicles
B60P 1/43 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading using a loading ramp mounted on the vehicle
B60P 3/00 - Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
Strut position sensor including a magnet mounted on an idler gear contained in a stator portion, which is movable relative to a rotor portion connected to the strut, and a galvanomagnetic sensor in the stator portion for detecting angular position of the strut
A power actuator system for a movable vehicle panel such as a lift gate assembly includes a position sensor that detects the pivotal movement of a strut mechanism of the power lift gate assembly relative to the host vehicle. A rotary sensor is coupled directly to an end component of the strut mechanism and provides signals that indicate the total amount of pivotal or rotary movement of the strut mechanism and the lift gate during the opening and closing of the lift gate. The signals provide information to determine the absolute position of the strut and the lift gate for processing in the vehicle's electronic control unit.
G01B 7/30 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring angles or tapersMeasuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for testing the alignment of axes
22.
EXTRUDED CAPACITIVE SENSOR ASSEMBLY AND DETECTION METHOD
An extruded capacitive sensor assembly includes multiple sense conductors of unequal length disposed in an upper section of a non-conductive jacket, and a ground conductor disposed in a lower section of the jacket adjacent a panel or carrier to which the strip is affixed. A sensor strip with three sense conductors is formed by extruding a non-conductive jacket having first and second sense conductors in the upper section of the jacket, and severing the first sense conductor to create three unequal length sense conductor segments. Electrical termination to the sense and ground conductors can be made at the point where the first sense conductor is severed, or at the end of the sensor strip. In cases where only two sense conductor segments are needed, the third sense conductor segment is removed or simply un-used.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
An apparatus for opening and closing a deck lid of a vehicle body includes a jack-screw type drive unit having two elongated relatively rotatable drive elements which are threadably engaged for controlled bi-directional displacement. An electric motor engages the rotatable drive element. A first mounting device pivotally connects the rotatable drive element to a relatively fixed point on the vehicle. A second mounting device pivotally connects the non-rotatable drive element to the deck lid, or vice versa. The motor is energized to affect bi-directional control of the drive unit while enabling low back-drive effort. A concentric spring counters loading due to the weight of the deck lid.
E05F 11/24 - Mechanisms by which the bar shifts the wing shifting the wing by pivotally-connected members moving in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the wing
24.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A SLIDING DOOR MECHANISM
A drive assembly for a sliding door is disclosed, the drive assembly having a power drive unit for providing a rotational force to rotate a cable drum of the drive assembly, the power drive unit being mounted within the sliding door; a cable having one end secured a guide track of the drive assembly and another end secured to the guide track; a roller assembly configured to slidably engage the guide track; an arm fixedly secured to the sliding door and pivotally mounted to the roller assembly at a pivot point; a pulley rotationally mounted to the roller assembly, the axis of rotation of the pulley being aligned with the pivot point and the cable engages the pulley in opposite directions as the cable drum rotates and the roller assembly slides along the guide track as the cable drum rotates, wherein movement of the roller assembly causes movement of the sliding door.
A cinching latch assembly having a housing having with a first and second cam surfaces is disclosed herein. A reversible electric motor is mounted to the housing. A drive screw is drivingly connected to the reversible motor, the drive screw having a first end portion and a second end portion A carrier nut is movably positioned on the drive screw, the carrier nut including a first appendage, the drive screw being selectively rotated in a first direction and a second direction to move the carrier nut from a first home position toward the first end portion and then back towards a second home position to establish a latched configuration of the cinching latch assembly, and the drive screw being selectively rotated in the second direction and the first direction to move the carrier nut.
A cinching latch assembly is disclosed herein. The cinching latch assembly having: a housing; a unidirectional motor mounted to the housing; at least one gear operatively connected to the unidirectional motor; at least one cam member operatively connected to the at least one gear; and a latch lever pivotally mounted relative to the housing, the latch lever being operatively connected to the at least one cam member wherein, operation of the unidirectional motor in a first direction rotates the gear causing the cam member to urge the latch lever between a first position and a second position wherein the latch lever rotates a fork bolt into a primary latched configuration.
A drive assembly for a sliding door is disclosed, the drive assembly having a power drive unit for providing a rotational force to rotate a cable drum of the drive assembly, the power drive unit being mounted within the sliding door; a cable having one end secured a guide track of the drive assembly and another end secured to the guide track; a roller assembly configured to slidably engage the guide track; an arm fixedly secured to the sliding door and pivotally mounted to the roller assembly at a pivot point; a pulley rotationally mounted to the roller assembly, the axis of rotation of the pulley being aligned with the pivot point and the cable engages the pulley in opposite directions as the cable drum rotates and the roller assembly slides along the guide track as the cable drum rotates, wherein movement of the roller assembly causes movement of the sliding door.
A cable drum assembly for a power drive assembly for a vehicle sliding door, the cable drum assembly comprising: a first drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the first drum having a first plurality of locating holes; and a second drum configured for use as a front drum or a rear drum of the cable drum assembly, the second drum having a second plurality of locating holes, the first plurality of locating holes have a first pair of locating holes configured to align with a first pair of location holes of the second plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second plurality of locating holes have a second pair of locating holes configured to align with a second pair of location holes of the first plurality of locating holes when the first drum is used as a front drum of the drum assembly and the second drum is used as a rear drum of the drum assembly.
An automotive vehicle has a power operated lift-gate that is opened and closed by two drive units. The typical drive unit has a guide channel, an attachment assembly that is disposed in the guide channel, a flexible drive member that is attached to the attachment assembly and formed in a loop for moving the attachment assembly in the guide channel. The flexible drive member is trained solely around two pulleys at the respective opposite ends of the guide channel to form the flexible drive member in a narrow loop. One of the pulleys is an idler pulley that is part of an adjustable pulley assembly and the other pulley is driven by a power unit that is attached to the guide channel. The adjustable pulley assembly adjusts the distance between the pulleys to take up slack in the flexible drive member.
A drive unit includes a gear set driving a drive pulley that in turn drives a flexible drive member which is attached to a driven member by an attachment assembly that travels in a channel. The attachment assembly is attached to the flexible drive member by a coupler that has teeth that extend through respective windows of the flexible drive member. The coupler is disposed between side walls of a yoke and attached to a bridge wall of the yoke. An outer shoe engages each side wall of the yoke. The attachment assembly includes an optional spring to tension the flexible drive member and the shoes have optional flexible tapered fingers to stabilize the drive pulley. The flexible drive member and the spring are trapped between the coupler and the bridge wall of the yoke. In an alternate arrangement, the flexible drive member is trapped between the coupler and fingers of the shoes that extend behind the flexible drive member and through spaces between adjacent teeth of the coupler and into sockets of the other shoe. The flexible drive member may be a drive chain or a drive belt having spaced windows.
E05F 11/48 - Man-operated mechanisms for operating wings, including those which also operate the fastening for sliding windows, e.g. vehicle windows, to be opened or closed by vertical movement operated by cords or chains
F16H 19/06 - Gearings comprising essentially only toothed gears or friction members and not capable of conveying indefinitely-continuing rotary motion for interconverting rotary motion and reciprocating motion comprising an endless flexible member
A flexible drive member attachment is connected to a flexible drive member by a yoke having side walls connected by a bridge wall that has a stud connecting the attachment to a driven member. A coupler is disposed between the side walls and attached to the bridge wall. The coupler has teeth that extend through respective windows of the flexible drive member. An outer shoe engages each side wall of the yoke. Each outer shoe has a forward flange engaging the bridge wall and a rearward flange that extends through a rearward slot of the associated side wall. Each rearward flange has fingers that extend behind the flexible drive member and through spaces between adjacent teeth of the coupler and into sockets of the other shoe. The flexible drive member may be a drive chain or a drive belt having spaced windows.
patents
