Patent ID: 6453614
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
A power operating system for opening and closing a vehicle liftgate that is pivotally attached to an aft end of a vehicle roof for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position about a generally horizontal hinge axis comprising:an annular channel having a linear upper portion and a curved lower portion, the linear upper portion having a longitudinal slot in a side wall of the annular channel and a window in the side wall of the annular channel disposed opposite the longitudinal slot, a rack member disposed in the channel for movement in the channel, the rack member comprising a rack bar and a plurality of rack links that are pivotally connected end to end to form a chain that is pivotally connected to the rack bar, the rack bar having a stud that extends through the longitudinal slot in the side wall of the annular channel, the rack bar and the plurality of rack links having teeth facing the window in the side wall of the annular channel, a transfer link having an end that is universally connected to the stud, the transfer link having an opposite end that is universally attached to the liftgate at a location spaced from the hinge axis, and a power unit having an output pinion gear meshing with teeth of the rack bar and the plurality of rack links in succession for moving the rack member in the annular channel between a first position holding the vehicle liftgate in the open position and a second position holding the vehicle liftgate in the closed position.