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 rattle mitigation assembly for a window regulator installed in a vehicle door includes drive unit housing having a port with a mouth of a cylindrical cavity adapted to receive a connector of a sheathed cable; a profiled end face extending around the mouth; and a slot extending radially outward from the cylindrical cavity, along the cylindrical cavity and through the end face. The end face forms a radially sloped ramp profile configured to exert a radial bias on a compression spring surrounding the connector and abutting the end face. An optimal slope angle of the ramp for urging the spring in the radial direction lies in the range of 45° through 80° with respect to a plane extending radially relative to the cylindrical cavity. An optional wedge profile with an increasing elevation along a direction away from the radially sloped ramp profile may be arranged opposite the ramp profile to exert an axial bias on the compression spring.

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 fastening system particularly adapted for joining automotive hardware components to body components, such as a window regulator module plate to the door inner panel. The system employs a joint element featuring twist in attachment and retention. The joint element includes features which enable it to be assembled to the module plate and a partially assembled shipping condition and a final assembled position in which the components are fastened together. The system provides rapid assembly with reliable mounting security and validation.

Abstract: A rattle mitigation assembly for a window regulator installed in a vehicle door includes drive unit housing having a port with a mouth of a cylindrical cavity adapted to receive a connector of a sheathed cable; a profiled end face extending around the mouth; and a slot extending radially outward from the cylindrical cavity, along the cylindrical cavity and through the end face. The end face forms a radially sloped ramp profile configured to exert a radial bias on a compression spring surrounding the connector and abutting the end face. An optimal slope angle of the ramp for urging the spring in the radial direction lies in the range of 45° through 80° with respect to a plane extending radially relative to the cylindrical cavity. An optional wedge profile with an increasing elevation along a direction away from the radially sloped ramp profile may be arranged opposite the ramp profile to exert an axial bias on the compression spring.

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: 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 powered window regulator for use with a horizontally sliding window assembly may be disconnected from a sliding pane to permit manual operation of the window. The regulator has a tubular guide rail mounted adjacent and parallel to the lower edge of the window assembly by pivot brackets which engage the respective ends of the guide rail such that the guide rail is rotatable about the pivot brackets. A carrier block slides within the guide rail, and a portion of the block extends out through a longitudinal slot extending along the length of the guide rail to engage a pane attachment affixed to the sliding pane. The carrier block is moved reciprocally along the guide rail by a motor-driven cable to slide the sliding pane between open and closed positions. Rotation of the guide rail about the pivot brackets through approximately ninety degrees moves the carrier block between an upright position wherein it engages the pane attachment and a depressed position wherein it is disengaged from the pane attachment.

Abstract: A window regulator for use with a horizontally sliding window assembly has a channel-like guide rail, an elongated carrier plate slidingly movable along the guide rail, and a cable drive mechanism for moving the carrier plate along the guide rail. Pane engagement pairs are disposed at opposite ends of the carrier plate, each comprising a male feature and a mating female feature. One of the features of each pair is secured to the carrier plate and the mating feature is secured to the sliding pane adjacent an outboard edge thereof. The male/female engagement between the features allows the sliding pane and the carrier plate to move relative to one another along an axis generally perpendicular to the sliding pane, while the two-point engagement between the pane and the carrier plate serves to stabilize the pane and allow it to slide smoothly even if the guide tracks for the sliding pane and the guide rail are less than perfectly flat and parallel to one another.

Abstract: A power window assembly in a vehicle includes a slidable window pane mounted to the vehicle for movement in a first lateral direction to an open position and in a second lateral direction to a closed position. The power window assembly further includes first and second mounting brackets securely attached to the window pane and each having a pocket therein. The power window assembly also includes a power drive mechanism for selectively moving the window pane between the closed position and the open position. The power drive mechanism includes first and second connector arms each laterally coupled to the first and second mounting brackets, respectively. The connector arms each have an upper portion seated in the pockets of the respective mounting brackets by slip-fitted insertion therein and are vertically slidable relative the pockets to adjustably connect the window pane to the power drive mechanism.