Abstract: A planetary gear box assembly includes a plastic gear box housing and a first and a second monolithic housing part. The first-stage and second-stage housing parts each have an end face on one axial end of the housing part, and a surrounding wall. A first-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the first-stage housing part, and a second-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the second-stage housing part. The planetary gear box assembly has a planetary gear carrier with a generally cylindrical carrier body with a cylinder wall and a window extending through the cylinder wall. The window is axially adjoined by a first and a first radial pocket. The first and first radial pockets are radial indentations in a radially outer surface of the cylinder wall and accommodate planetary shaft ends of planetary gears.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation.

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: A planetary gear box assembly includes a plastic gear box housing and a first and a second monolithic housing part. The first-stage and second-stage housing parts each have an end face on one axial end of the housing part, and a surrounding wall. A first-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the first-stage housing part, and a second-stage ring gear is formed inside the surrounding wall of the second-stage housing part. The planetary gear box assembly has a planetary gear carrier with a generally cylindrical carrier body with a cylinder wall and a window extending through the cylinder wall. The window is axially adjoined by a first and a first radial pocket. The first and first radial pockets are radial indentations in a radially outer surface of the cylinder wall and accommodate planetary shaft ends of planetary gears.

Abstract: An actuator for opening and closing a hinged device is provided. In particular, the actuator is a power tailgate actuator. The actuator comprises a motor with a rotor, and an output shaft that rotates on an axis which is substantially parallel to the axis on which lies the rotor of the motor. The actuator has a rotary position sensor such as a rotary potentiometer which positively identifies the position of the tailgate. The tailgate also comprises a clutch which can engage and disengage depending on the mode of operation.

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.