Patent ID: 7185943
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
1. A sliding window panel assembly for a motor vehicle, the sliding panel assembly comprising: a stationary window panel having an opening formed therein; at least one guide rail coupled to the stationary window panel below the opening and above a bottom edge of the stationary window panel; a shoe slidably received within the guide rail and configured to slidably move within the guide rail; a movable panel mounted onto the shoe such that the movable window panel slidably moves with the shoe, wherein the movable window panel can slidably move with respect to the stationary window panel along a movable panel path; and a lead screw drive unit engaging the shoe adapted to move the shoe and the movable panel along the movable panel path within the guide rail, wherein the lead screw drive unit includes a lead screw positioned within and parallel to the guide rail, a motor coupled to and adapted to rotate the lead screw, and a lead screw follower coupling the shoe to the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw causes movement of the lead screw follower longitudinally along the lead screw, thereby moving the shoe and the movable window panel within the guide rail.