Abstract: A power actuator is configured for a hinged vehicle door with a generally vertical hinge axis. The power actuator includes a motor-gearbox assembly, a slip clutch, a friction brake, a threaded spindle with a motor-side bearing, and a spindle nut affixed to a spindle tube, configured to travel along the threaded spindle during a rotation of the spindle. The slip clutch and the friction brake are operatively positioned between the motor-gearbox assembly and the motor-side bearing. The power actuator does not need to include a biasing element acting on the spindle nut toward an extended position because such a biasing element is unnecessary where the hinge axis is generally parallel to the direction of gravity.

Abstract: A friction brake assembly includes a brake housing; an input coupling element; an output coupling element; and a torsion spring. The input coupling element has an axial protrusion forming a partial cylinder wall with an angular gap over a defined angular range. The output coupling element has a projection protruding into the at least one angular gap, wherein the projection has an angular width smaller than the angular gap; wherein the torsion spring is a coil spring with coil ends forming two radially inward pins protruding into the angular gap in the input coupling element between the partial cylinder wall and the projection so that the projection is between the two inward pins. The torsion spring has a diameter that expands to form a friction lock with a surrounding cylindrical wall when the projection of the output coupling element engages and moves either one of the inward pins.

Abstract: A spindle drive assembly includes a threaded spindle rotatable about a spindle axis; a threaded spindle nut disposed on the threaded spindle and configured to travel along the spindle axis via a rotation of the spindle; a ball stud attached to the spindle nut, the ball stud extending radially away from the spindle nut; an attachment plate configured to be attached to a part to be moved; and a ball socket connected to the attachment plate and having a cavity dimensioned for receiving the ball stud. The cavity of the ball socket has a first diameter in a direction perpendicular to the spindle axis and a second diameter parallel to the spindle axis, wherein the first diameter is greater than the second diameter.

Abstract: A power strut for raising and lowering a liftgate of an automotive vehicle includes an outer housing tube carrying a first attachment element for attaching the power strut to a vehicle. A spindle bearing an outer thread is rotatable relative to the outer housing tube via an electric motor. The spindle is axially stationary relative to the outer housing tube. A spindle nut having an inner thread meshing with the outer thread of the spindle is displaceable along the longitudinal axis. A nut tube is rigidly connected to the spindle nut and surrounds the spindle. A second attachment element is located opposite the first attachment element. The first attachment element has a first snap structure that is complementary to a second snap structure formed on the outer housing tube. The first and second snap structures non-rotatably secure the first attachment element to the outer housing tube.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a glass attachment and method of assembly for a movable vehicle window, particularly in a vehicle door. A pair of glass clips are attached to a window glass, and a pair of carriers are mounted and retained in a door by cable sets. A snap-in installation is performed by sliding camming guide shoulders on the carriers into channels formed by cam engagement flanges on the glass clips. As the camming action takes place, the carriers are lifted into use positions and catches on the glass clips engage catch openings on the carriers to secure the components together. Grooves in the carriers direct the cable sets, the ends of which are retained in the carriers by ferrules and cable take-up springs.

Abstract: A window regulator assembly is described that comprises a window having a rear, front, bottom, and top edge, front and rear window run channels in which the rear and front window edges reversibly move, a plurality of carrier plates in contact with the bottom edge of the window, a plurality of pulleys, a plurality of pulley attachments, a cable wire, and a drive unit. Many of the components of the window regulator assembly may be formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a glass attachment and method of assembly for a movable vehicle window, particularly in a vehicle door. A pair of glass clips are attached to a window glass, and a pair of carriers are mounted and retained in a door by cable sets. A snap-in installation is performed by sliding camming guide shoulders on the carriers into channels formed by cam engagement flanges on the glass clips. As the camming action takes place, the carriers are lifted into use positions and catches on the glass clips engage catch openings on the carriers to secure the components together. Grooves in the carriers direct the cable sets, the ends of which are retained in the carriers by ferrules and cable take-up springs.

Abstract: A power actuator for moving automotive closure panels between opened and closed positions. The actuator is particularly adapted for actuating the rear tailgate of a pickup truck type vehicle and includes an electric drive motor, a flexible cable assembly, and a strut assembly coupled to the hinge of the tailgate. Electrical control signals are applied to cause the opening and closing motion upon appropriate input electrical signals from vehicle mounted switches. The actuator assembly provides controlled opening rotational rate of the tailgate against the force of gravity through the application of a reduced electrical power level applied to the motor by a separate power source or by shunting the motor to an electrodynamic braking effect. Closing of the tailgate is caused by applying full power to the electric motor. The invention also involves the design of a hinge assembly which efficiently transfers torque between the vehicle body and closure panel, while allowing serviceability of the closure panel.

Abstract: A power actuator for moving automotive closure panels between opened and closed positions. The actuator is particularly adapted for actuating the rear tailgate of a pickup truck type vehicle and includes an electric drive motor, a flexible cable assembly, and a strut assembly coupled to the hinge of the tailgate. Electrical control signals are applied to cause the opening and closing motion upon appropriate input electrical signals from vehicle mounted switches. The actuator assembly provides controlled opening rotational rate of the tailgate against the force of gravity through the application of a reduced electrical power level applied to the motor by a separate power source or by shunting the motor to an electrodynamic braking effect. Closing of the tailgate is caused by applying full power to the electric motor. The invention also involves the design of a hinge assembly which efficiently transfers torque between the vehicle body and closure panel, while allowing serviceability of the closure panel.