Abstract: An anti-pitch assembly is used in combination with a closure device of a motor vehicle. The closure device includes a closure panel, i.e., a windowpane or door, and a motor for moving the closure panel between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the closure panel covers an aperture, i.e., a window or door opening, of the motor vehicle. The anti-pinch assembly includes a position sensor that is disposed adjacent the motor or the closure device. The position sensor generates a position signal indicative of the position of the closure panel. A capacitive sensor measures the capacitance of a field extending through the aperture. The capacitive sensor generates a signal therefrom. A controller is electrically connected to the position and capacitive sensors.

Abstract: An automation assembly is adapted to be connected to a door system of a motor vehicle. The automation assembly is modular and includes a frame that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A motor is fixedly secured to the frame and adapted to receive power. The motor converts the power into a rotational output force. The motor includes a non-ferrous core. A set of pulleys and rollers are fixedly secured to the frame at predetermined positions to direct the path of a continuous belt. The continuous belt is fixedly secured to the door system such that the motor moves the continuous belt and the door system bidirectionally between an open position and a closed position. Sensors are used to determine the position of the door, the speed thereof and whether the door is being moved manually.

Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly moves a liftgate of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position. The power liftgate assembly is aligned along the side of the motor vehicle. A liftgate rod extends in a generally vertical orientation between the power liftgate drive assembly and the liftgate. The assembly includes a base that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle near a load floor. A guide extends upwardly from the base. The guide extends along the side of the motor vehicle and is disposed adjacent the liftgate when the liftgate is in the closed position. A liftgate carriage is connected to the guide. The liftgate carriage slides along the guide. The liftgate rod is pivotally connected between the liftgate carriage and the liftgate.

Abstract: A power drive mechanism (10) for a motor vehicle liftgate includes a linking arm (18) pivotally connected with the liftgate, a crank arm (12) drivable for pivotal movement and connected with the linking arm (18), and a gear train (20) operatively engaging the crank arm (12). A drive motor (34) is operatively connected with the crank arm (12) through the gear train (20) to provide power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate. The gear train (20) is disengagable from the drive motor (34) to permit manual opening and closing of the liftgate without backdriving the drive motor (34). An actuator (74) is operatively connected with the gear train (20) to move the gear train into and out of engagement with the drive motor. A holding linkage (60, 62) is operatively associated with the gear train (20) to maintain the gear train (20) in engagement during power assisted opening and closing of the liftgate.

Abstract: A carrier plate assembly (26) is secured to an inner pannel (22) of a vehicle door. The carrier plate assembly includes a main section (46) having a forward edge and a rearward edge (50). A first flap section (54) is connected to the main section along the forward edge by a hinge and is detachably connected to the inner panel for movement about the hinge to provide access to the space within the door without removing the entire carrier plate assembly. A second flap section (56) is connected to the rearward edge (50) by a second hinge to provide access to the hardware components in the space within the door.

Abstract: A power door latch assembly consists of a ratchet (50) for engaging a door striker, a pawl (52), a rotary actuator (54) for rotating the ratchet (50) towards the closed position and for disengaging the pawl (52) and a drive actuator (96) for driving the rotary actuator (54). The drive actuator (96) includes a prime mover (98) an output member (104) in engagement with the rotary actuator (54), and releasable coupling (102) coupled between the prime mover (98) and the output member (104) for selectively transferring torque between the prime mover (98) and the rotary actuator (54). A drive controller (108) is coupled to the releasable coupling (102) and is configured for disengaging the prime mover (98) from the rotary actuator (54) when the ratchet (50) is disposed in either the open or closed positions.

Abstract: A power drive assembly moves a liftgate (12) of a motor vehicle (10) between its open and closed positions. The motor vehicle (10) defines an opening and the liftgate (12) closes the opening when the liftgate (12) is in its closed position. The power drive assembly (22) includes a base (24) that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle (10) at a position in spaced relation to the opening. A drive mechanism (38) is fixedly secured to the guide. The drive mechanism (38) converts electrical energy into a linear force. The power drive assembly (22) includes a translation linkage (58) connected to the drive mechanism (38) for receiving the linear force and translating it into a nonlinear force to move the liftgate (12) between the open position and the closed position. A nut (52), secured to the translation linkage (58), moves the translation linkage (58) as it travels along a lead screw (50) that is rotated by a motor (40).

Abstract: A latch assembly has a ratchet that pivots between open and closed conditions selectively cinching a striker. A pawl engages the ratchet. A pawl lever engages the pawl for releasing rotation thereof. An inside release assembly has an inside release lever connected to an inside clutch lever and an override lever. The inside clutch lever selectively engages the pawl lever. Manipulation of the inside release lever selectively releases the pawl lever. An outside clutch lever selectively engages the pawl lever. Manipulation of the outside release lever releases the pawl lever when the outside clutch lever engages the pawl lever. A first motor operably engages a first shaft having a lock cam. A second motor operably engages a second rotatably mounted shaft having a child lock cam. The lock cam is rotatable to engage the inside and outside clutch levers and the override lever.

Abstract: A power striker mechanism (10) has a housing (22). A striker (18) is mounted on a striker plate (20) that is mounted on the housing for sliding movement between an inboard and an outboard position. A driver plate (44) is mounted to the housing for sliding movement in a direction orthogonal to the movement of the striker plate (20). An actuator (16) effects movement of the driver plate (44) to thereby effect movement of the striker plate (20) between the inboard and outboard positions. The striker plate (20) has a pin (36) and the driver plate has an S-shaped slot (42). The pin slidably engages the S-shaped slot. The S-shaped slot has end regions extending generally parallel to each other and in the orthogonal direction and is interconnected by a diagonally extending section. When the pin (36) is in the end regions of the S-shaped slot, forces imparted on the striker plate (20) are transmitted to the housing (22) and thereby preventing backlash of the actuator (16).

Abstract: A power liftgate drive assembly automatically moves the liftgate of a vehicle between its open and closed positions. The drive assembly is secured to the vehicle at a position near the top of the liftgate. The drive assembly includes a motor that drives a sector gear between two positions. A guide rod is secured to the sector gear to translate the rotational movement of the sector gear into the pivotal movement of the liftgate. A slot extends through the sector gear that allows the liftgate to be moved manually. A latch locks the guide rod in position with respect to the sector gear for automated movement whereas the latch releases the guide rod to move in the slot for manual operation.

Abstract: A power striker mechanism (10) has a housing (16) adapted for mounting on a vehicle. A striker assembly (12) is mounted to the housing and constrained to slide between an inboard and outboard position. An outer link (42) is pivotally attached to the striker assembly (12). An inner link (48) is pivotally attached to the housing (16) and pivotally attached to the outer link (42). A cinching mechanism (14) linkably connects the inner (48) and outer links (42). Driving movement of the cinching mechanism (14) effects the inboard and outboard movement of the striker assembly (12). The driving movement is generally perpendicular to the inboard outboard movement of the striker assembly (12) thereby isolating the cinching mechanism (14) from loads imparted to the striker assembly (12).

Abstract: A latch assembly (10) has a housing having a mouth. A ratchet (12) is pivotally mounted to the housing and is movable to cooperate with the mouth to pivot between an open condition, a primary closed condition and a secondary closed condition for receiving, engaging and cinching a keeper of a striker. The ratchet (12) is biased to the open condition. A pivotally mounted pawl (40) is biased into engagement with the ratchet for releasably retaining the ratchet in the primary closed condition. A secondary release arm (20) is mounted to rotate about a first axis and a second axis. The secondary release arm (20) is rotatable about the first axis between a retracted position and an extended position, and is rotatable out the second axis between an engaging position and a disengaging position. The secondary release arm (20) is biased to the retracted position and biased to the engaging position.

Abstract: A latch and mounting pin assembly (20) includes a latch housing (22) with an inner plate mounted to one side (28) and an outer plate mounted to an opposing side (26). Each of the plates include three apertures which are aligned with each other. Three mounting pins (36) are included with each pin extending through a corresponding pair of apertures. A head (38) is disposed on one end of each of the pins for abutting the outer plate. The latch and pin assembly is characterized by each mounting pin having an enlarged barrel portion extending from the head to a shoulder. The shoulder abuts the inner plate to orient the outer plate relative to the inner plate. There is also provided a threaded shank (50) extending outward from the shoulder to provide a means for mounting the assembly to a frame of a vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a power sliding door system having a power drive mechanism for propelling the sliding door and a power latching mechanism for latching the sliding door in a latched condition. The methodology provides enhanced monitoring and control of the power sliding door system to improve the operation of the sliding door in both the power-assisted and manual modes. The control methodology inhibits the operation of the power sliding door system in response to the actuation of any of the sliding door handles or if a fuel door is in the path of the sliding door. The control methodology also inhibits the operation of the sliding door system if a child guard mechanism is enabled. The control methodology includes an obstacle detection routine which detects obstacles in two directions of travel. The control methodology does not require the power drive mechanism or inertia to cause the latch mechanism to latch the sliding door in the latched condition.

Abstract: A latch (10) having a housing (12, 14, 16, 18) to which a ratchet (38) is pivotably mounted by a rivet (40) for rotation about a first axis between a latched and unlatched configuration. A slot (44) extents through the latch and has a first arcuate portion (100) and a first radial portion (102). A pawl assembly (48, 58, 60, 70) has a roller (48) extending through the slot (44). The pawl assembly is mounted to the housing for movement of the roller relative to the ratchet (38) between a first arcuate portion and a first radial portion of the slot. The rivet (40) is deformable to allow the ratchet (38) to rotate about the roller axis upon the ratchet (38) being exposed to an unlatching force above a predetermined level. A flange (108) extends from the housing across the ratchet (38) to limit the pivotal movement of the ratchet (38) about the roller axis.

Abstract: A drive mechanism (14) for enabling driving and manual movement of a sliding side door (12). The assembly (14) has a track assembly (16) mounted to a vehicle body (10) at a predetermined height and a drive mechanism (18) mounted to the sliding side door (12) so as to be proximate to a door latching mechanism (19). The drive mechanism (18) has an input drive motor (22) driving an output gear assembly (24) engaging the track assembly (16) and a transmission gear assembly (23) with a sliding gear (50) which selectively couples the input drive motor (22) and an input gear assembly (23) to the output gear assembly (24) between an engaged position for driving movement or disengaged position for manual movement of the sliding side door (12). In this way, the slide side door (12) may be moved manually between open and closed positions without having to overcome the effort required of rotating the drive motor (22).

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly has a mounting bracket and a pedal arm mounted to the bracket for pivotal movement between an idle position and a full throttle position. A biasing mechanism extends between the pedal arm and the bracket for urging the pedal arm to the idle position. A friction disc engages the biasing mechanism for movement therewith. The friction disc is in frictional engagement with a stationary friction plate for relative movement therebetween. Movement of the pedal arm from the idle position towards the full throttle position responsively rotates the friction disc relative to the friction plate and the biasing mechanism responsively increases frictional engagement between the friction disc and the friction plate by urging the friction disc and friction plate together.

Abstract: A vehicle door lock assembly has a latch (12) for mounting on a vehicle door. The latch (12) has at least one release lever for effecting releasing of the latch and at least one locking lever (14) for locking the latch, disabling the release lever, and unlocking the latch, enabling the release lever. A compound linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) operatively engages the locking lever (14). A lock cylinder (30, 130) has a spindle (28) which engages the linkage. The spindle (28) rotates in response to keyed rotation of a matched key being received by the lock cylinder (30; 130) which drives the linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) to effect movement of the locking lever (14). The spindle (28) is axially slidable to disengage the spindle from the linkage. A hollow shield (34) shrouds the locking lever (14), the linkage (20, 24; 20, 124) and the engagement between the linkage and the spindle (28), preventing access thereto. If the spindle is removed, the linkage will pivot away preventing manipulation thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle door module has a hardware sub-module and a trim sub-module. The hardware sub-module includes a structural carrier plate containing hardware mounting surfaces. The carrier plate has an upper body panel and a bifurcated lower body portion comprising two legs extending from the upper body panel in opposite directions. The door hardware is mounted on the mounting surfaces. A window regulator assembly is mounted on the structural carrier plate. The trim sub-module is mounted to the hardware sub-module. The trim sub-module has a trim panel, a water barrier film and a wiring harness. The water barrier film is contoured to extend about and seal a periphery of the trim panel. A portion of the wire harness is sealed to the water barrier and connectors of the wiring harness extend from the trim sub-module at predetermined locations. The carrier plate is sized to be fitted in both a long low profile door and a short high profile door while the trim sub-module is customized to fit onto one of the door styles.

Abstract: An accelerator pedal assembly has a mounting bracket and a pedal arm mounted to the bracket for pivotal movement between an idle position and a full throttle position. A biasing mechanism extends between the pedal arm and the bracket for urging the pedal arm to the idle position. A friction disc engages the biasing mechanism for movement therewith. The friction disc is in frictional engagement with a stationary friction plate for relative movement therebetween. Movement of the pedal arm from the idle position towards the full throttle position responsively rotates the friction disc relative to the friction plate and the biasing mechanism responsively increases frictional engagement between the friction disc and the friction plate by urging the friction disc and friction plate together.