Patent ID: 6550839
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: B60J,E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
An automotive pivoting closure assembly comprising:a vehicle structure; a hinge member having a first portion, a second portion, a hinge axis, and an opposite secondary pivot axis, the first portion engaged pivotally to the vehicle structure about the hinge axis and extended between the hinge axis and secondary pivot axis, the hinge axis remaining stationary to the vehicle structure, the second portion extended rigidly from the first portion at the secondary pivot axis, the hinge axis being parallel to the secondary pivot axis; a closure engaged to the second portion of the hinge member; an armature engaged pivotally about the secondary pivot axis of the first portion of the hinge member; an elongated toothed rack disposed perpendicular to the hinge axis, the rack constructed and arranged to move slideably with respect to the vehicle structure and transversely toward and away from the hinge axis, the rack having a rack pivot axis disposed parallel to the hinge axis of the hinge member, the armature engaged pivotally to the rack pivot axis and extended between the rack pivot axis and the secondary pivot axis of the hinge member; a pinion gear train supported by the vehicle structure and constructed and arranged to drive the toothed rack; an elongated rack housing engaged to the vehicle structure, the rack disposed slideably within the housing, the housing having a slot extended longitudinally along the rack housing; the rack having a fin extended from the rack along the rack pivot axis and through the slot of the rack housing, the armature engaged pivotally to the fin; an electric motor arranged and constructed to drive the pinion gear train; a clutch engaged between the motor and the pinion gear train, the pinion gear train having a pinion gear engaged operatively to the toothed rack, and an intermediate gear disposed concentrically and engaged rigidly to the pinion gear.