Abstract:
An actuating device for a movable component includes a reversible motorized drive for driving the movable component from a normal position into an open position, the movable component being uncouplable from the reversible motorized drive in its open position. The actuating device includes a driving element movably drivable by the reversible motorized drive and engages in a crank recess and extending along the path of motion of the movable component. A length of the crank recess corresponds at least to a path of motion of the driving element between its normal position and its open position or partially open position. After adjustably driving the movable component into its open position, the driving element may be returned by the reversible motorized drive into the normal position.
Abstract:
A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.
Abstract:
A power-operated system for actuating the liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes a controllable strut with internal locking structure that includes a driver and a valve assembly. The controllable strut is typically mounted on one side of the liftgate between the liftgate and the vehicle's frame. Conventional strut may be mounted on the other side of the liftgate. One end of each strut is connected to a powered articulating arm. To move the liftgate between open and closed positions, the articulating arms move the controllable strut and the other strut between positions of greater and lesser mechanical advantage. During the movements, the locking structure in the controllable strut may be activated and deactivated either cyclically or continuously to momentarily to retain the controllable strut as particular lengths.
Abstract:
A drivable flap hinge for connecting a flaps such as a front hood or a trunk lid, to a body of an automobile in an articulated manner. The drivable hinge includes a first retaining part for fixing to the flap, a second retaining part for fixing to the body, at least one connecting member, which is pivotably arranged on at least one of the two retaining parts with a joint, and a driving motor, which is drive-connected to a joint pin of the joint. The flap hinge advantageously enables a front gate or tail gate of an automobile to pivot in a driven manner as a result of the driven joint pin connecting the first retaining part and the connection member.
Abstract:
A vehicle door apparatus includes a drive mechanism and a closure mechanism including a striker and a latch. The striker is positioned within a region where the striker is engageable with the latch when the drive mechanism drives the door in a closing direction. The latch is driven to engage with the striker and shifted to a final locked position by the closure mechanism. The vehicle door apparatus also includes a control mechanism for controlling operations of the drive mechanism and the closure mechanism, a detection mechanism for detecting the striker to be positioned within the region where the striker is engageable with the latch, and a drive force decreasing mechanism provided in the control mechanism for decreasing an output of the drive mechanism after the detecting mechanism detects that the strikes is positioned within the region where the striker is engageable with the latch.
Abstract:
The present invention is a powered sliding door system for a vehicle including a semi-rigid cable adapted to be affixed to the sliding door of a vehicle and a powered electromagnetic clutch for driving the cable longitudinally for opening and closing the sliding door.
Abstract:
A one-way clutch for a reduction-geared motor having a reversible electric motor and reduction gears allows an output shaft thereof to rotate in a normal direction and firmly prevents the output shaft from rotating in a reverse direction when the reversible electric motor is not fed. The one-way clutch includes a transmission gear supported on the output shaft wherein a sawtooth is provided on one side of the transmission gear. A clutch, axially movable relative to the output shaft, has a sawtooth facing the sawtooth of the transmission gear. The clutch also provides a radially located rotation-prevention portion. A compression spring is included for urging the clutch for the transmission gear in a direction along the axis of the output shaft. A stopper pin in the gear casing is inserted into the rotation prevention portion of the clutch. An electromagnet in the gear casing urges the clutch in a direction opposite to the direction urged by the compression spring when the electromagnet is fed. The clutch permits fail-safe closing of a power window, sunroof, etc.
Abstract:
A power door operator for transit vehicles utilizing a rodless pneumatic cylinder as a prime mover in opening and closing doors in the sidewall of a transit vehicles. Door movement having a controlled, predetermined door edge force is achieved through mechanical coupling an external piston of the rodless cylinder and vehicle doors through an endless toothed belt. Magnetic coupling between internal and external pistons of the cylinder provide controlled force having a maximum or breakaway value applied to the operated door. A novel reaction lock operated by admission of pressurized air to the cylinder latches or unlatches the operated door in its closed position subsequent or prior to door closing or opening. Control of door motion at the ends of its travel is achieved through the use of a novel differential area internal piston in the pneumatic cylinder. Available internal piston force is modified for predetermined piston positions on approaching either end of the cylinder through the use of a sliding rod contained by the pressure sensitive internal position. Movement of the sliding rod adjust the effective piston area so as to modify available force to controlling door motion.
Abstract:
A closing valve for interlocking a movable element and a fixed element so that both elements can be disengaged. One of the elements has a latch, while the other element has a striker which is capable of operating with the latch in order to ensure interlocking of the two elements. Either the latch or the striker is associated with a motor system for controlling the interlocking and/or the disengagement of the two elements when the clasp has been manually engaged with the latch. At an approach stage, the element which is associated with the motor can be disconnected by way of a disengaging mechanism which is triggered when the resistance for closing becomes greater than a preset level. At a final stage, the disengaging mechanism is inhibited. This invention can be used, for example, for electrically closing an automobile trunk.
Abstract:
The shaft driven by a reversible motor for opening and closing a door is provided with at least one reflective surface. An optical source/detector senses rotation of the shaft and generates a pulse each time one of the reflective surfaces passes. A programmable counter circuit counts the pulses in one direction when the door is opened and de-energizes the motor when a predetermined count is reached without the use of mechanical switches. The counter is decremented when the door is closed, and de-energizes the motor when the count returns to zero. Any obstruction will cause the system to stop the door if sensed during opening, or to reverse the door's direction if sensed during closing. Provision is made to account for any "coasting" the door may experience due to inertia; and the system will also track and permit small changes in the closed position of the door, as might occur if snow accumulates beneath the door.