Patent ID: 6256930
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
In a vehicle having a body portion with an aperture and a closure member, said closure member operable between an open position wherein said closure member substantially clears said aperture and a closed position wherein said closure member substantially closes said aperture, a power door drive system for propelling said closure member between said open and closed positions, said power door drive system comprising:a hinge member having a plurality of guide rollers, said hinge member adapted for coupling to said closure member;a rack member adapted for coupling to said vehicle body, said rack member having a plurality of rack teeth collectively forming a rack;a drive motor operable for producing a drive torque;a drive pinion having a plurality of drive teeth meshingly engaging said rack teeth;a geartrain operable for transmitting said drive torque from said drive motor to said drive pinion, said gear train including a driveshaft and a drive gear, said drive gear having a plurality of gear teeth meshingly engaging said drive teeth, said driveshaft coupling said drive motor and said drive gear and operable for transmitting drive torque therebetween; anda guide member adapted for coupling to said vehicle body and including a first guide surface and a second guide surface, said first and second guide surfaces cooperating with said plurality of guide rollers to guide said lower hinge in both a generally horizontal direction and a generally vertical direction as said hinge member is moved along a length of said aperture between said open and said closed positions.