Abstract: A temperature sensing assembly for a motor having an armature includes a Hall Effect sensor disposed adjacent the armature. The Hall Effect sensor senses rotation of the armature. The Hall Effect sensor includes an electrical output and generates a stepped output signal. The temperature sensing assembly also includes a thermistor connected to the electrical output in series therewith. The temperature sensing assembly also includes a pull-up resistor electrically connected to the thermistor, a voltage source and a signal output such that the stepped output signal changes depending on the temperature of the motor due to changes in the resistivity of the thermistor as is changes its resistivity as a function of temperature.

Abstract: A power closing assembly operates a closure panel hingedly secured to a motor vehicle. The power closing assembly includes an actuator mounted to the motor vehicle, a movable striker also mounted to the motor vehicle to receive the closure panel's latch, and a rotary power cable connecting therebetween. The actuator has a closure cable on a spooling drum extending to the closure panel for closing from an open position when the actuator operates. The movable striker moves between a nominal inboard position and an outboard position. A rotary power cable connects between a provided output on the actuator and an input on the striker so that the striker's movement is powered and synchronized by the actuator. With the closure panel open, the actuator begins a closing cycle by driving in a direction to spool in the closure cable extending to the closure panel. The actuator's direction, using the rotary power cable, simultaneously causes the striker to move outboard.

Abstract: A mechanically-activated decoupler is used in the actuator of the cinching latch mechanism. The decoupler activates with an input from door handle operation such that the motor drive within the actuator decouples from the remainder of the actuator gear train and latch mechanism whenever the door handle is operated. At rest the actuator is direct-coupled to the latch mechanism having a lost motion provision to allow manual latch function. Because of this the actuator with its motor drive is unloaded and routine door handle-activated decoupling carries little friction. In the event of a power failure during a cinching or release cycle, the handle input activates the clutch and decouples the otherwise binding motor drive of the actuator allowing the remainder of the latch mechanism to return to its at rest state using light return springs. After returning to its at rest state the latch mechanism retains normal manual function until the power failure is corrected.

Abstract: A method as disclosed for operating a motor bidirectionally to cinch and release a closure panel of a motor vehicle. The motor is operatively connected to a pawl, ratchet and spring of a latch for the closure panel. The method includes the step of driving the motor in a cinching direction to rotate the ratchet to cinch the closure panel in the closed position. The motor is then returned to a park position by driving the motor in a park direction opposite to the cinching direction. Power is applied to the motor to drive the motor in a release direction to drive the motor past the park position with respect to the cinching direction. In doing so, the motor contracts the spring as it moves in the release direction. Power is then removed from the motor allowing the spring to force the motor to return to the park position as the spring returns to its steady state position.

Abstract: A liftgate actuating assembly is disclosed for moving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between open and closed positions. The liftgate actuating assembly includes a motor that is fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. The motor has an output shaft capable of bi-directional rotation. A drive gear rotates about a drive shaft and is operatively connected to the output shaft to be rotated thereby. A cable drum is rotatably mounted to the drive shaft. The cable drum is coupled to the drive gear and is rotated thereby. The cable drum includes a cable wrapped thereabout between a drum end fixedly secured to the cable drum and a liftgate end fixedly secured to the liftgate. The cable is used to retract the liftgate from the open position to the closed position. A linkage is operatively connected to the drive gear.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly for moving a closure panel of a motor vehicle between an open position and a closed position includes a guide rail fixedly secured to the motor vehicle. A slide mechanism slidably engages the guide rail. A rod has one end coupled to the slide mechanism and an opposing end coupled to the closure panel to move the closure panel as the slide mechanism slides along the guide rail. A drive is fixedly secured to the guide rail for selectively driving the slide mechanism along the guide rail. A clasp is operatively secured to the slide mechanism for selectively coupling the drive to the slide mechanism such that the drive moves the slide mechanism along the guide rail to move the closure panel between the open and closed positions when the slide mechanism is coupled with the drive.