Patent ID: 9222296
Filing Date: 2015-12-29
Classification: E05F,E05Y,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A drive actuator for use on a motor vehicle having a body and a moveable panel, the drive actuator comprising: a first drive element coupleable to one of the body and the moveable panel; a drivescrew coupled to the first drive element, the drivescrew defining a first axis and having a spiral gearform with a pitch angle selected to be backdrivable; a second drive element coupleable to the other of the body and the moveable panel, the second drive element coupled to the drivescrew and moveable with respect to the first drive element along the first axis between an open position and a closed position; a worm gear drivingly coupled to the drivescrew and defining a second axis, wherein the worm gear offset angle between the first axis and the second axis is less than 90 degrees; a motor coupled to the first drive element and operatively coupled to the worm gear; and wherein the drive actuator is operable in a power assist mode, where the motor imparts a torque onto the worm gear causing the first drive element to move with respect to the second drive element along the first axis between the open position and the closed position, and a manual operation mode, where a user imparts force onto the movable panel causing the first drive element to move with respect to the second drive element along the first axis between the open position and the closed position while rotating an output shaft of the motor.