US20080250720A1 - Power liftgate drive assembly - Google Patents
Power liftgate drive assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080250720A1 US20080250720A1 US12/143,279 US14327908A US2008250720A1 US 20080250720 A1 US20080250720 A1 US 20080250720A1 US 14327908 A US14327908 A US 14327908A US 2008250720 A1 US2008250720 A1 US 2008250720A1
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- Prior art keywords
- lead screw
- magnet
- open
- closure
- drive mechanism
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- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
- E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
- E05F15/632—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings
- E05F15/643—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables
- E05F15/646—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for horizontally-sliding wings operated by flexible elongated pulling elements, e.g. belts, chains or cables allowing or involving a secondary movement of the wing, e.g. rotational or transversal
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F15/00—Power-operated mechanisms for wings
- E05F15/60—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators
- E05F15/603—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors
- E05F15/611—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings
- E05F15/616—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms
- E05F15/622—Power-operated mechanisms for wings using electrical actuators using rotary electromotors for swinging wings operated by push-pull mechanisms using screw-and-nut mechanisms
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/10—Covers; Housings
- E05Y2201/11—Covers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
- E05Y2201/644—Flexible elongated pulling elements
- E05Y2201/654—Cables
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2201/00—Constructional elements; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/60—Suspension or transmission members; Accessories therefor
- E05Y2201/622—Suspension or transmission members elements
- E05Y2201/658—Members cooperating with flexible elongated pulling elements
- E05Y2201/664—Drums
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2400/00—Electronic control; Electrical power; Power supply; Power or signal transmission; User interfaces
- E05Y2400/10—Electronic control
- E05Y2400/32—Position control, detection or monitoring
- E05Y2400/322—Position control, detection or monitoring by using absolute position sensors
- E05Y2400/326—Position control, detection or monitoring by using absolute position sensors of the angular type
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2600/00—Mounting or coupling arrangements for elements provided for in this subclass
- E05Y2600/40—Mounting location; Visibility of the elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/23—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories
- E05Y2800/232—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories of motors and transmissions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2800/00—Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
- E05Y2800/20—Combinations of elements
- E05Y2800/23—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories
- E05Y2800/238—Combinations of elements of elements of different categories of springs and transmissions
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
- E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
- E05Y2900/531—Doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/50—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for vehicles
- E05Y2900/53—Type of wing
- E05Y2900/546—Tailboards, tailgates or sideboards opening upwards
Definitions
- the invention relates to power liftgates for motor vehicles, and more particularly, to a power liftgate drive assembly having an absolute position encoder.
- Motor vehicle liftgates or closure panels act to close and seal a rear cargo area of a van, minivan, or sport utility type of motor vehicle.
- these closure panels are mounted in a frame located at the rear of the vehicle, usually on a horizontally extending axis provided by a hinge.
- the liftgate is thus positioned to rotate between a closed position adjacent to the frame and an open position, in which the cargo area of the vehicle is accessible.
- the liftgate is often very heavy, and because of its mounting, it must be moved against gravity in order to reach the open position. Because of the liftgate's weight, it would be a great burden if a user was required to lift the liftgate into the open position and then manually hold it in place in order to access the vehicle's cargo area.
- struts In order to make it easier to open liftgates, most modern motor vehicles use gas or spring-loaded cylindrical struts to assist the user in opening and holding open liftgates.
- the struts typically provide enough force to take over the opening of the liftgate after the liftgate has been manually opened to a partially opened position at which the spring force and moment arm provided by the struts are sufficiently to overcome the weight of the liftgate, and to then hold the liftgate in an open position.
- Automated power systems to open and close vehicle liftgates are well known in the art. These systems typically use a power actuator to apply a force directly to the liftgate to enable opening and closing thereof. Such automated powered systems act as a direct replacement for the user-supplied force.
- a powered closure drive mechanism for moving a closure between an open position and a closed position.
- the drive mechanism includes an elongated strut assembly extending between first and second ends.
- a rotatable lead screw is disposed within the strut assembly and a reversible motor turns the lead screw in first and second directions to move the first and second ends toward and away from each other to move the closure between the open and closed positions.
- a sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith and a gear meshingly engaged with the worm. The worm and gear are geared so that the gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to the closure moving between the open and closed positions.
- a powered closure drive mechanism for moving a rear liftgate on a motor vehicle between an open position pivoted away from the vehicle and a closed position adjacent the vehicle.
- the drive mechanism or electro-mechanical strut assembly includes an elongated strut housing extending between the liftgate and the vehicle.
- a rotatable lead screw is disposed longitudinally within the strut housing and a reversible motor turns the lead screw in a first direction and a second direction to move first and second ends of the strut housing toward and away from each other to move the liftgate between the open and closed positions.
- a sensor assembly is provided to determine a position of the liftgate between the open and closed positions.
- the sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith, a gear meshingly engaged with the worm, a two-pole magnet, and a sensor.
- the worm and gear are geared so that the gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to the liftgate moving between the open and closed positions.
- the magnet has a magnetic field and is mounted to the gear for rotation therewith.
- the sensor senses the magnetic field and generates an output signal to determine a rotational position of the magnet which corresponds to the position of the liftgate.
- an absolute position encoder for determining a position of a rear liftgate on a motor vehicle that is movable between an open position and a closed position by a strut assembly.
- the encoder includes a two-pole magnet and a sensor.
- the magnet has a magnetic field and is operatively coupled to the strut assembly to rotate not more than one revolution in response to the liftgate moving between the open position and the closed position.
- the sensor is adapted to be mounted to the strut assembly and senses the magnetic field of the magnet. The sensor outputs a signal in response to sensing the magnetic field to determine a rotational position of the magnet which corresponds to the position of the liftgate between the open and closed positions.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a rear liftgate in an open position
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the motor vehicle with the rear liftgate in a closed position
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a liftgate strut assembly according to the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-sectional view of the liftgate strut assembly
- FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a sensor assembly
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of the sensor assembly.
- the present invention will be described below particularly with respect to its application in rear liftgates of motor vehicles. Those skilled in the art will, however, realize that the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicle closures and also to closures that are not mounted on vehicles. For example, the present invention may find application in trunk lids for motor vehicles, panels covers for light trucks, train doors, bus doors, and household closures such as windows and doors. In addition, it is contemplated that the present invention has utility for other automotive applications such as steering wheel position sensing, gas pedal position sensing, transmission gearbox encoder, headlight position control, and power seat position sensing.
- FIG. 1 a motor vehicle, generally shown at 10 , with a vehicle body or frame 12 which defines an opening 14 at a rear end thereof.
- a liftgate or door 16 (or more generally referred to as a “closure”) is adapted to fit within the opening 14 .
- the weight of the closure 16 biases it towards a closed position within the opening 14 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- a hinge assembly 18 is connected between an upper portion 20 of the vehicle body 12 and an upper portion 22 of the closure 16 , pivotally mounting the closure 16 to the vehicle body 12 .
- the hinge assembly 18 provides a generally horizontally extending axis 24 for pivotal movement of the closure 16 between the closed position, adjacent the vehicle body 12 , as shown in FIG. 2 , and an open position, pivoted away from the vehicle body 12 such that the cargo area of the vehicle 10 is accessible, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- a latch assembly 26 having cooperating parts mounted on the closure 16 and the vehicle body 12 is also shown in FIG. 1 .
- the latch assembly 26 is provided for releasably locking the closure 16 in the closed position.
- the latch assembly 26 includes a latch 28 disposed within a lower portion 30 of the closure 16 and a complimentary latch striker 32 disposed within a lower portion 34 of the vehicle body 12 .
- a powered closure drive mechanism is provided for opening and closing the closure 16 . More particularly, the powered closure drive mechanism 36 is disclosed as a pair of electro-mechanical strut assemblies 38 . Each strut assembly 38 extends between a first end 40 and a second end 42 , the first 40 and second 42 ends being movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, one strut assembly 38 is mounted on each side of the vehicle 10 , extending between the closure 16 and the vehicle body 12 . It is appreciated by one of skill in the art that a single strut assembly 38 connected between the closure 16 and the vehicle body 12 will provide the necessary function of opening and closing the closure 16 .
- the first end 40 of the strut assembly 38 is operatively coupled to the vehicle body 12 , adjacent the upper portion 20 thereof.
- the second end 42 of the strut assembly 38 is pivotally coupled to an edge 44 of the closure 16 , between the upper 22 and lower 30 portions thereof.
- the strut assembly 38 includes a housing 46 enclosing the various components of the strut assembly 38 .
- a motor 48 is disposed toward the second end 42 of the strut assembly 38 .
- the motor 48 is electrically connected to an electric energy source (not shown). It is contemplated that the motor 48 operates using electric energy that is standard in a motor vehicle protocol.
- the motor 48 is bi-directional allowing for rotation of a drive shaft 50 in two directions.
- the drive shaft 50 extends axially within the strut assembly 38 and is operatively coupled to a gearbox 52 .
- the gearbox 52 is disposed adjacent the motor 48 .
- the gearbox 52 includes an output shaft 54 that is driven by the drive shaft 50 of the motor 48 and extends coaxially therewith.
- the output shaft 54 of the gearbox 52 is operatively coupled to a lead screw 56 by a clutch assembly 58 , disposed adjacent the gearbox 52 .
- the clutch assembly 58 rotates the lead screw 56 in response to a rotational input from the output shaft 54 of the gearbox 52 .
- the clutch assembly 58 is an overload-type clutch in that it slips at a predetermined torque, but not below the predetermined torque.
- the clutch assembly 58 allows selective manual movement of the closure 16 between the open and closed positions.
- the lead screw 56 extends coaxially with the output shaft 54 of the gearbox 52 between a first end 60 disposed within the clutch assembly 58 and a second end 62 disposed at the first end 40 of the strut assembly 38 .
- a first portion 66 of the lead screw 56 adjacent the first end 60 is unthreaded while a remaining second portion 68 is threaded.
- a support nut 70 threadingly engages the threaded second portion 68 of the lead screw 56 .
- the support nut 70 is driven linearly along the lead screw 56 in either a first direction or a second direction depending on the direction of rotation of the lead screw 56 .
- Linear travel of the support nut 70 along the lead screw 56 causes the first end 40 of the strut assembly 38 to move towards and away from the second end 42 , thereby causing the closure 16 to pivot between the open and closed positions.
- the lead screw 56 is rotated approximately ten (10) revolutions to drive the support nut 70 between a first location, which corresponds to the closure 16 being in the closed position, and a second location, which corresponds to the closure 16 being in the open position.
- the strut assembly 38 also includes a sensor assembly 72 disposed between the clutch assembly 58 and the support nut 70 .
- the lead screw 56 extends through the sensor assembly 72 .
- the sensor assembly 72 includes a sensor housing 74 that defines an internal compartment 76 .
- a worm 78 and gear 80 are disposed within the internal compartment 76 and oriented generally orthogonal to each other.
- the unthreaded first portion 66 of the lead screw 56 extends axially through the worm 78 and the worm 78 is keyed or fixed to the lead screw 56 such that it rotates therewith.
- the gear 80 is mounted in meshing engagement with the worm 78 such that rotation of the worm 78 causes the gear 80 to rotate.
- the gear ratio between the worm 78 and the gear 80 is approximately 10:1 such that the gear 80 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for every ten (10) revolutions of the worm 78 , which corresponds to full travel of the closure 16 between the open and closed positions or alternatively between the closed and open positions.
- a diametrically charged or two-pole magnet 82 is generally disc-shaped and is fixedly secured to a distal end of the gear 80 and rotates therewith. Therefore, the magnet 82 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for full travel of the closure 16 .
- the magnet 82 has a north pole and a south pole which create a magnetic field.
- a board 84 with a chip 86 mounted thereon is fixedly secured to the sensor housing 74 adjacent the magnet 82 .
- the chip 86 includes at least one sensor mounted therein for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet 82 in order to resolve its rotational position.
- the chip 86 then outputs the rotational position of the magnet 82 to a controller 88 located within the vehicle.
- the controller 88 is electrically connected to the chip 86 and to the motor 48 .
- the chip 86 may output the rotational position of the magnet 82 in any number of suitable ways.
- the chip 86 may output a linear analog signal that is proportional to position wherein approximately zero volts corresponds to the closed position of the closure 16 and approximately five volts corresponds to the open position of the closure 16 .
- One benefit of this powered closure drive mechanism 36 is that the chip 86 can always determine the absolute rotational position of the magnet 82 based on its magnetic field, even after a power disconnect during which the closure 16 is manually moved to a new position.
- the chip 86 is any suitable chip for sensing the magnetic field of the magnet 82 and outputting the rotational position of the magnet 82 , for example, the AS5040-10 bit Programmable Rotary Encoder manufactured by Austria Micro Systems AC.
- the magnet 82 needs to be set to a predetermined position relative to the lead screw 56 , so that approximately zero volts will correspond to the closed position of the closure 16 and approximately five volts will correspond to the open position of the closure 16 .
- the system can be assembled without paying attention to the alignment of the magnet 82 relative to the lead screw 56 . In this situation, with the closure 16 in the closed position the zero position is programmed into the chip 86 .
- the lead screw threads can be selected such that any number of revolutions of the lead screw 56 is required to drive the support nut 70 between the first and second locations without varying from the scope of the invention.
- the worm 78 and gear 80 must be selected such that the magnet 82 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for full travel of the closure 16 .
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- Power-Operated Mechanisms For Wings (AREA)
- Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
Abstract
A powered closure drive mechanism is provided for moving a closure between open and closed positions. An elongated housing extends between first and second ends that are movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other. A rotatable lead screw is disposed longitudinally within the elongated housing. A reversible motor rotates the lead screw in a first direction and a second direction to urge the first and second ends of the housing toward and away from each other. A sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith and a rotatable gear meshingly engaged with the worm. The worm and gear are geared such that the gear rotates less than one revolution in response to the closure moving between the open and closed positions.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/680,285, filed Feb. 28, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of International Application No. PCT/CA2006/000254, with an international filing date of Feb. 20, 2006.
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates to power liftgates for motor vehicles, and more particularly, to a power liftgate drive assembly having an absolute position encoder.
- 2. Description of Related Art
- Motor vehicle liftgates or closure panels act to close and seal a rear cargo area of a van, minivan, or sport utility type of motor vehicle. Typically, these closure panels are mounted in a frame located at the rear of the vehicle, usually on a horizontally extending axis provided by a hinge. The liftgate is thus positioned to rotate between a closed position adjacent to the frame and an open position, in which the cargo area of the vehicle is accessible. The liftgate is often very heavy, and because of its mounting, it must be moved against gravity in order to reach the open position. Because of the liftgate's weight, it would be a great burden if a user was required to lift the liftgate into the open position and then manually hold it in place in order to access the vehicle's cargo area.
- In order to make it easier to open liftgates, most modern motor vehicles use gas or spring-loaded cylindrical struts to assist the user in opening and holding open liftgates. The struts typically provide enough force to take over the opening of the liftgate after the liftgate has been manually opened to a partially opened position at which the spring force and moment arm provided by the struts are sufficiently to overcome the weight of the liftgate, and to then hold the liftgate in an open position.
- Automated power systems to open and close vehicle liftgates are well known in the art. These systems typically use a power actuator to apply a force directly to the liftgate to enable opening and closing thereof. Such automated powered systems act as a direct replacement for the user-supplied force.
- With automated power systems to open and close vehicle liftgates it is desirable to provide a position sensor to monitor the position of the liftgate. Most position sensors, however, are limited by the fact that if power is temporarily lost or disconnected, and the liftgate is manually moved, the position sensor cannot detect the position of the liftgate until the position sensor is recalibrated or reset. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a power liftgate drive assembly having a position sensor capable of monitoring the position of the liftgate even after power is temporarily lost or disconnected and the liftgate is manually moved to another position.
- According to one aspect of the invention, a powered closure drive mechanism is provided for moving a closure between an open position and a closed position. The drive mechanism includes an elongated strut assembly extending between first and second ends. A rotatable lead screw is disposed within the strut assembly and a reversible motor turns the lead screw in first and second directions to move the first and second ends toward and away from each other to move the closure between the open and closed positions. A sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith and a gear meshingly engaged with the worm. The worm and gear are geared so that the gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to the closure moving between the open and closed positions.
- According to another aspect of the invention, a powered closure drive mechanism is provided for moving a rear liftgate on a motor vehicle between an open position pivoted away from the vehicle and a closed position adjacent the vehicle. The drive mechanism or electro-mechanical strut assembly includes an elongated strut housing extending between the liftgate and the vehicle. A rotatable lead screw is disposed longitudinally within the strut housing and a reversible motor turns the lead screw in a first direction and a second direction to move first and second ends of the strut housing toward and away from each other to move the liftgate between the open and closed positions. A sensor assembly is provided to determine a position of the liftgate between the open and closed positions. The sensor assembly includes a worm fixed to the lead screw for rotation therewith, a gear meshingly engaged with the worm, a two-pole magnet, and a sensor. The worm and gear are geared so that the gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to the liftgate moving between the open and closed positions. The magnet has a magnetic field and is mounted to the gear for rotation therewith. The sensor senses the magnetic field and generates an output signal to determine a rotational position of the magnet which corresponds to the position of the liftgate.
- According to yet another aspect of the invention, an absolute position encoder is provided for determining a position of a rear liftgate on a motor vehicle that is movable between an open position and a closed position by a strut assembly. The encoder includes a two-pole magnet and a sensor. The magnet has a magnetic field and is operatively coupled to the strut assembly to rotate not more than one revolution in response to the liftgate moving between the open position and the closed position. The sensor is adapted to be mounted to the strut assembly and senses the magnetic field of the magnet. The sensor outputs a signal in response to sensing the magnetic field to determine a rotational position of the magnet which corresponds to the position of the liftgate between the open and closed positions.
- Advantages of the invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a motor vehicle with a rear liftgate in an open position; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the motor vehicle with the rear liftgate in a closed position; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a liftgate strut assembly according to the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, enlarged cross-sectional view of the liftgate strut assembly; -
FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a sensor assembly; and -
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view of the sensor assembly. - The present invention will be described below particularly with respect to its application in rear liftgates of motor vehicles. Those skilled in the art will, however, realize that the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicle closures and also to closures that are not mounted on vehicles. For example, the present invention may find application in trunk lids for motor vehicles, panels covers for light trucks, train doors, bus doors, and household closures such as windows and doors. In addition, it is contemplated that the present invention has utility for other automotive applications such as steering wheel position sensing, gas pedal position sensing, transmission gearbox encoder, headlight position control, and power seat position sensing.
- Referring now more particularly to the drawings, there is shown in
FIG. 1 a motor vehicle, generally shown at 10, with a vehicle body orframe 12 which defines anopening 14 at a rear end thereof. A liftgate or door 16 (or more generally referred to as a “closure”) is adapted to fit within the opening 14. The weight of theclosure 16 biases it towards a closed position within theopening 14, as shown inFIG. 1 . - A
hinge assembly 18 is connected between anupper portion 20 of thevehicle body 12 and anupper portion 22 of theclosure 16, pivotally mounting theclosure 16 to thevehicle body 12. Thehinge assembly 18 provides a generally horizontally extendingaxis 24 for pivotal movement of theclosure 16 between the closed position, adjacent thevehicle body 12, as shown inFIG. 2 , and an open position, pivoted away from thevehicle body 12 such that the cargo area of thevehicle 10 is accessible, as shown inFIG. 1 . - A
latch assembly 26 having cooperating parts mounted on theclosure 16 and thevehicle body 12 is also shown inFIG. 1 . Thelatch assembly 26 is provided for releasably locking theclosure 16 in the closed position. Thelatch assembly 26 includes alatch 28 disposed within alower portion 30 of theclosure 16 and acomplimentary latch striker 32 disposed within alower portion 34 of thevehicle body 12. - A powered closure drive mechanism, generally shown at 36, is provided for opening and closing the
closure 16. More particularly, the poweredclosure drive mechanism 36 is disclosed as a pair of electro-mechanical strut assemblies 38. Eachstrut assembly 38 extends between afirst end 40 and asecond end 42, the first 40 and second 42 ends being movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other. In the illustrated embodiment, onestrut assembly 38 is mounted on each side of thevehicle 10, extending between theclosure 16 and thevehicle body 12. It is appreciated by one of skill in the art that asingle strut assembly 38 connected between theclosure 16 and thevehicle body 12 will provide the necessary function of opening and closing theclosure 16. Thefirst end 40 of thestrut assembly 38 is operatively coupled to thevehicle body 12, adjacent theupper portion 20 thereof. Thesecond end 42 of thestrut assembly 38 is pivotally coupled to anedge 44 of theclosure 16, between the upper 22 and lower 30 portions thereof. - One
strut assembly 38 is shown in detail inFIG. 3 . Thestrut assembly 38 includes ahousing 46 enclosing the various components of thestrut assembly 38. Internally, amotor 48 is disposed toward thesecond end 42 of thestrut assembly 38. Themotor 48 is electrically connected to an electric energy source (not shown). It is contemplated that themotor 48 operates using electric energy that is standard in a motor vehicle protocol. Themotor 48 is bi-directional allowing for rotation of adrive shaft 50 in two directions. Thedrive shaft 50 extends axially within thestrut assembly 38 and is operatively coupled to agearbox 52. Thegearbox 52 is disposed adjacent themotor 48. - The
gearbox 52 includes anoutput shaft 54 that is driven by thedrive shaft 50 of themotor 48 and extends coaxially therewith. Theoutput shaft 54 of thegearbox 52 is operatively coupled to alead screw 56 by a clutch assembly 58, disposed adjacent thegearbox 52. The clutch assembly 58 rotates thelead screw 56 in response to a rotational input from theoutput shaft 54 of thegearbox 52. The clutch assembly 58 is an overload-type clutch in that it slips at a predetermined torque, but not below the predetermined torque. The clutch assembly 58 allows selective manual movement of theclosure 16 between the open and closed positions. - The
lead screw 56 extends coaxially with theoutput shaft 54 of thegearbox 52 between afirst end 60 disposed within the clutch assembly 58 and asecond end 62 disposed at thefirst end 40 of thestrut assembly 38. Afirst portion 66 of thelead screw 56 adjacent thefirst end 60 is unthreaded while a remainingsecond portion 68 is threaded. Asupport nut 70 threadingly engages the threadedsecond portion 68 of thelead screw 56. As thelead screw 56 rotates, thesupport nut 70 is driven linearly along thelead screw 56 in either a first direction or a second direction depending on the direction of rotation of thelead screw 56. Linear travel of thesupport nut 70 along thelead screw 56 causes thefirst end 40 of thestrut assembly 38 to move towards and away from thesecond end 42, thereby causing theclosure 16 to pivot between the open and closed positions. In one embodiment of the invention, thelead screw 56 is rotated approximately ten (10) revolutions to drive thesupport nut 70 between a first location, which corresponds to theclosure 16 being in the closed position, and a second location, which corresponds to theclosure 16 being in the open position. - It is necessary to monitor exactly where the
closure 16 is within its range of travel between the open and closed positions. To accomplish this, thestrut assembly 38 also includes asensor assembly 72 disposed between the clutch assembly 58 and thesupport nut 70. Thelead screw 56 extends through thesensor assembly 72. Thesensor assembly 72 includes asensor housing 74 that defines an internal compartment 76. Aworm 78 andgear 80 are disposed within the internal compartment 76 and oriented generally orthogonal to each other. The unthreadedfirst portion 66 of thelead screw 56 extends axially through theworm 78 and theworm 78 is keyed or fixed to thelead screw 56 such that it rotates therewith. Thegear 80 is mounted in meshing engagement with theworm 78 such that rotation of theworm 78 causes thegear 80 to rotate. The gear ratio between theworm 78 and thegear 80 is approximately 10:1 such that thegear 80 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for every ten (10) revolutions of theworm 78, which corresponds to full travel of theclosure 16 between the open and closed positions or alternatively between the closed and open positions. - A diametrically charged or two-
pole magnet 82 is generally disc-shaped and is fixedly secured to a distal end of thegear 80 and rotates therewith. Therefore, themagnet 82 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for full travel of theclosure 16. Themagnet 82 has a north pole and a south pole which create a magnetic field. Aboard 84 with achip 86 mounted thereon is fixedly secured to thesensor housing 74 adjacent themagnet 82. Thechip 86 includes at least one sensor mounted therein for sensing the magnetic field of themagnet 82 in order to resolve its rotational position. Thechip 86 then outputs the rotational position of themagnet 82 to a controller 88 located within the vehicle. The controller 88 is electrically connected to thechip 86 and to themotor 48. Thechip 86 may output the rotational position of themagnet 82 in any number of suitable ways. For example, thechip 86 may output a linear analog signal that is proportional to position wherein approximately zero volts corresponds to the closed position of theclosure 16 and approximately five volts corresponds to the open position of theclosure 16. One benefit of this poweredclosure drive mechanism 36 is that thechip 86 can always determine the absolute rotational position of themagnet 82 based on its magnetic field, even after a power disconnect during which theclosure 16 is manually moved to a new position. Thechip 86 is any suitable chip for sensing the magnetic field of themagnet 82 and outputting the rotational position of themagnet 82, for example, the AS5040-10 bit Programmable Rotary Encoder manufactured by Austria Micro Systems AC. - To initially calibrate the
chip 86, themagnet 82 needs to be set to a predetermined position relative to thelead screw 56, so that approximately zero volts will correspond to the closed position of theclosure 16 and approximately five volts will correspond to the open position of theclosure 16. Alternatively, the system can be assembled without paying attention to the alignment of themagnet 82 relative to thelead screw 56. In this situation, with theclosure 16 in the closed position the zero position is programmed into thechip 86. - It is appreciated that the lead screw threads can be selected such that any number of revolutions of the
lead screw 56 is required to drive thesupport nut 70 between the first and second locations without varying from the scope of the invention. However, in order to accommodate a different number of revolutions of thelead screw 56, theworm 78 andgear 80 must be selected such that themagnet 82 rotates not more than one (1) revolution for full travel of theclosure 16. - The invention has been described in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used, is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the invention are possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.
Claims (17)
1. A powered closure drive mechanism for moving a closure between an open position and a closed position, said powered closure drive mechanism comprising:
an elongated housing extending between first and second ends, said first and second ends being movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other;
a rotatable lead screw disposed longitudinally within said elongated housing;
a reversible motor operatively coupled to said lead screw for rotation of said lead screw in a first direction and a second direction thereby urging said first and second ends of said elongated housing toward and away from each other; and
a sensor assembly including a worm fixed to said lead screw for rotation therewith, and a rotatable gear meshingly engaged with said worm, wherein said worm and gear are geared such that said gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to the closure moving between the open and closed positions.
2. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 1 further including a nut threadingly engaging said lead screw and moving linearly therealong in response to rotation of said lead screw in either said first or second direction thereby urging said first and second ends of said elongated housing toward and away from each other.
3. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 2 whereby linear movement of said nut in a first linear direction urges said first and second ends of said elongated housing away from each other to move the closure to the open position and whereby linear movement of said nut in a second linear direction allows the weight of the closure to move the closure to the closed position.
4. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein said gear is disposed generally orthogonal to said worm.
5. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 4 further including a two-pole magnet fixedly secured to said gear for rotation therewith, said magnet generating a magnetic field, and a sensor mounted adjacent said magnet for sensing said magnetic field and resolving a rotational position of said magnet wherein said rotational position of said magnet corresponds to a position of the closure between the open and closed positions.
6. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 5 further including a controller operatively connected with said motor and said sensor, said controller controlling said motor to move the closure between the open and closed positions based upon said rotational position of said magnet.
7. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 6 further including a sensor assembly housing, wherein said rotatable gear is rotatably coupled to said sensor assembly housing and meshingly engaged with said worm.
8. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 7 further including a gearbox operatively coupled to said motor for transmitting an input rotation from said motor to an output shaft.
9. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 8 further including a clutch assembly operatively coupling said output shaft of said gearbox and said lead screw for transmitting rotation of said output shaft to said lead screw.
10. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 9 wherein said motor is disposed toward said second end of said elongated housing, said gearbox is disposed adjacent said motor, said clutch assembly is disposed adjacent said gearbox, said sensor assembly is disposed adjacent said clutch assembly, and wherein said lead screw extends through said sensor assembly housing.
11. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 10 wherein said lead screw extends between a first end operatively coupled to said clutch assembly and a second end disposed toward said first end of said elongated housing.
12. A powered closure drive mechanism as set forth in claim 11 wherein said lead screw includes a first unthreaded portion adjacent said first end of said lead screw and a second threaded portion, said worm fixed to said first unthreaded portion and said nut threadingly engaging said second threaded portion.
13. A powered closure for a motor vehicle having an opening, said powered closure comprising:
a rear liftgate pivotally coupled to the motor vehicle for movement between an open position pivoted away from the motor vehicle uncovering the opening and a closed position adjacent the motor vehicle covering the opening;
at least one strut assembly extending between a first end operatively coupled to the motor vehicle and a second end operatively coupled to said rear liftgate, wherein said first and second ends are movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other to move said rear liftgate between said open and closed positions; and
an absolute position encoder including a two-pole magnet and a sensor, said magnet having a magnetic field and operatively coupled to said at least one strut assembly to rotate not more than one revolution in response to said rear liftgate moving between said open and closed positions, said sensor mounted to said at least one strut assembly for sensing said magnetic field of said magnet and generating an output signal to determine a rotational position of said magnet which corresponds to the position of said rear liftgate between said open and closed positions.
14. A powered closure as set forth in claim 13 wherein said strut assembly includes an elongated housing extending between first and second ends, said first and second ends being movable in opposite directions toward and away from each other, a rotatable lead screw disposed longitudinally within said elongated housing, and a reversible motor operatively coupled to said lead screw for rotation of said lead screw in a first direction and a second direction thereby urging said first and second ends of said elongated housing toward and away from each other.
15. A powered closure as set forth in claim 14 further including a worm fixedly secured to said lead screw for rotation therewith, and a rotatable gear meshingly engaged with said worm, wherein said magnet is fixedly secured to said gear, and wherein said worm and gear are geared such that said gear rotates not more than one revolution in response to said rear liftgate moving between said open and closed positions.
16. A powered closure as set forth in claim 15 wherein said gear is disposed generally orthogonal to said worm.
17. An absolute position encoder for determining a position of a rear liftgate on a motor vehicle movable between open and closed positions by a strut assembly, said absolute position encoder comprising:
a two-pole magnet having a magnetic field, said magnet operatively coupled to the strut assembly and geared to rotate not more than one revolution in response to the rear liftgate moving between the open position and the closed position; and
a sensor adapted to be mounted to the strut assembly, said sensor sensing said magnetic field of said magnet and generating an output signal to determine a rotational position of said magnet which corresponds to the position of the rear liftgate between the open and closed positions.
Priority Applications (1)
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US12/143,279 US20080250720A1 (en) | 2006-02-20 | 2008-06-20 | Power liftgate drive assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
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PCT/CA2006/000254 WO2006086892A1 (en) | 2005-02-18 | 2006-02-20 | Compact cable drive power sliding door mechanism |
US11/680,285 US7770961B2 (en) | 2006-02-20 | 2007-02-28 | Compact cable drive power sliding door mechanism |
US12/143,279 US20080250720A1 (en) | 2006-02-20 | 2008-06-20 | Power liftgate drive assembly |
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US12/143,279 Abandoned US20080250720A1 (en) | 2006-02-20 | 2008-06-20 | Power liftgate drive assembly |
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US11/680,285 Active 2027-09-19 US7770961B2 (en) | 2006-02-20 | 2007-02-28 | Compact cable drive power sliding door mechanism |
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JP (1) | JP2010519443A (en) |
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US20070262609A1 (en) * | 2006-05-15 | 2007-11-15 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | System and method for operating an automotive liftgate |
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US10370886B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2019-08-06 | Magna Closures Inc. | Swing door actuation system having a power swing door actuator and a control system |
US9573446B2 (en) | 2011-07-27 | 2017-02-21 | Magna Closures Inc. | Swing door actuation system having a power swing door actuator and a control system |
US20140203591A1 (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2014-07-24 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor Vehicle Liftgate |
US9186965B2 (en) * | 2011-09-26 | 2015-11-17 | Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft | Motor vehicle liftgate |
US9776483B2 (en) | 2014-11-24 | 2017-10-03 | Magna Closures Inc. | Electromechanical strut with motor-gearbox assembly having dual stage planetary gearbox |
US10100568B2 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2018-10-16 | Magna Closures Inc. | Electromechanical strut with lateral support feature |
US20170044814A1 (en) * | 2015-08-12 | 2017-02-16 | Magna Closures Inc. | Electromechanical strut with lateral support feature |
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US20180371822A1 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2018-12-27 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Vehicle with power swinging door and position-based torque compensation method |
US10443289B2 (en) * | 2017-06-27 | 2019-10-15 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Vehicle with power swinging door and position-based torque compensation method |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20070194600A1 (en) | 2007-08-23 |
CN105545138A (en) | 2016-05-04 |
CN101657598A (en) | 2010-02-24 |
CN103821425B (en) | 2016-06-22 |
CN101657598B (en) | 2014-04-09 |
JP2010519443A (en) | 2010-06-03 |
CN103821425A (en) | 2014-05-28 |
CN105545138B (en) | 2018-01-23 |
US7770961B2 (en) | 2010-08-10 |
WO2008104080A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
CA2679150A1 (en) | 2008-09-04 |
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