Patent ID: 6711855
Filing Date: 2004-03-30
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
A power drive mechanism for power assisted opening and closing of a liftgate pivotally mounted to a motor vehicle, said power drive mechanism comprising:a linking arm pivotally connectable with the liftgate; a crank arm pivotally mountable on the vehicle and pivotally connected with the linking arm; a pivotally mounted gear train; a drive motor operatively connected with said crank arm through said gear train, said gear train being movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position, said engaged position effecting a driving engagement between the drive motor and the crank arm such that energizing said drive motor drivingly rotates said crank arm to responsively effect said opening and closing of the liftgate and said disengaged position disengages said drive motor from said crank arm permitting movement of said crank arm without backdriving said drive motor; an actuator operatively connected with said gear train and being operable to effect said movement of said gear train, said actuator including a pivotally mounted actuator link; a bracket assembly operatively connected with said gear train; a holding linkage operatively connected between said gear train and said actuator to maintain said driving engagement once said actuator moves said gear train into the engaged position, said holding linkage including a holding link and a connecting link, said holding link pivotally connected with said bracket assembly and said connecting link, said actuator link pivotally connected to said bracket assembly and said holding link, said holding link including a slot having a holding notch; and a fixedly mounted pin in said slot for guiding movement of said holding link, such that when said holding link engages said pin in said holding notch, said holding linkage maintains said engaged position of said gear train.