SPLIT LEAD SCREW SLEEVE AND ASSOCIATED LINEAR ACTUATOR

A split lead screw sleeve includes a first lead screw sleeve fixedly sleeved on a lead screw nut and the lead screw nut and the first lead screw sleeve are integrally formed through injection molding. A second lead screw sleeve is fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve. The lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed. A plurality of through holes are disposed on the first lead screw sleeve. A plurality of protrusions are disposed on the outer wall of the lead screw nut and pass through the plurality of through holes one to one. The length of the second lead screw sleeve can be adjusted and the length of the first lead screw sleeve can be fixed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from the benefit of the filing date of Chinese Patent Application no. 202110113722.8 filed on Jan. 27, 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to actuation of a vehicle closure, in particular, to a split lead screw sleeve.

BACKGROUND

A typical motor vehicle door is mounted in a door frame on the vehicle and is movable between open and closed positions. Usually the door is held in a closed position by the latching engagement between a spring-biased ratchet pivotally mounted inside the door latch and a U-shaped striker secured to the door frame. The ratchet is most often spring-biased toward the unlatched position to release the striker and is maintained in the latched position to hold the striker by a spring-biased pawl or other mechanical structure. The ratchet cannot pivot to release the striker until the pawl is moved.

The majority of these door latches are exclusively manually operated both to unlatch the door and to relatch the door. Typically, the manual release handles are provided on the inside and outside of the door to release the ratchet from the striker by moving the pawl so that the door can be opened. The door is closed and relatched by manually pivoting the door so that the ratchet impacts the striker with sufficient force to pivot the ratchet to the latched position against the spring force exerted by the ratchet spring.

An automatic opening/closing actuator of an automobile door is an important part for door opening and closing. With the development of technical conditions, more and more medium and high-grade automobiles are equipped with automatic opening/closing actuators of automobile doors, such as a sport utility vehicle (SUV) power liftgate, power side doors provided on an electric trunk of a car and a high-grade automobile, a scissor door, and a gull-wing door. The automatic opening/closing actuator of the automobile door generally converts the rotary motion of a drive motor into the reciprocating linear motion of an actuator through the thread transmission between a lead screw and a lead screw nut. Additionally, the lead screw nut is connected to a sleeve. Therefore, the sleeve to which the lead screw nut is connected is a core component of the automatic opening/closing actuator of the automobile door. At present, in general, the lead screw nut is directly plastic-coated in the sleeve. However, a mold of a large volume is needed when this structure is processed. When sleeves of different lengths are needed, it is necessary to replace the corresponding limiting mechanism or even the whole set of mold. Thus, the development cycle is long, the plastic-coated lead screw nut has poor dimension stability, and the overall production cost is high.

Further, current production processes for actuators involving lead screws and corresponding lead screw nuts require multiple different lengths of housing tubes and corresponding nuts, in view of differently configured vehicle closure panels and attachment locations for the actuator (e.g. actuated strut).

SUMMARY

An object of the present disclosure is to obviate or mitigate at least one of the above presented disadvantages.

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a split lead screw sleeve so as to help address problems that a mold of a large volume is needed when an existing sleeve connected to a lead screw nut is processed and it is necessary to replace the corresponding limiting mechanism or even the whole set of mold when sleeves of different lengths are needed.

An aspect is a split lead screw as provided and includes a lead screw nut, a first lead screw sleeve fixedly sleeved on the lead screw nut, and a second lead screw sleeve fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve.

An aspect provided is the lead screw nut and the first lead screw sleeve are integrally formed through injection molding.

An aspect provided is the lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed.

An aspect provided is a plurality of through holes are dispersedly disposed on the first lead screw sleeve. A plurality of protrusions are disposed on the outer wall of the lead screw nut. The plurality of protrusions pass through the plurality of through holes one to one.

A further aspect provided is a split lead screw sleeve, where the first lead screw sleeve is fixedly sleeved on the lead screw nut and the second lead screw sleeve is fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve. In response to different requirements of different automatic opening/closing actuators of automobile doors for the length of the lead screw sleeve, merely the length of the second lead screw sleeve needs to be adjusted and the length of the first lead screw sleeve can be fixed. A mold of a small volume is needed when the first lead screw sleeve and the lead screw nut are processed, and it is unnecessary to replace the mold. Thus, the cost is low and the development cycle is short. The lead screw nut and the first lead screw sleeve are integrally formed through injection molding so that the lead screw nut has good dimension stability. The plurality of through holes are disposed on the first lead screw sleeve. The plurality of protrusions are disposed on the outer wall of the lead screw nut. The plurality of protrusions are fitted with the plurality of through holes one to one. Thus, the lead screw nut can be limited to be prevented from moving in the first lead screw sleeve.

A further aspect provided is a split lead screw sleeve assembly, comprising: a lead screw nut; and a first lead screw sleeve having a fixedly attached connection with the lead screw nut, such that the first lead screw sleeve has a first tube end for coupling with a second tube end of an adjacent second lead screw sleeve; wherein the lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed when the first tube end is positioned adjacent to the second tube end.

A further aspect provided is a split lead screw sleeve, comprising: a lead screw nut; a first lead screw sleeve fixedly attached on the lead screw nut, wherein the lead screw nut and the first lead screw sleeve are integrally formed through injection molding; and a second lead screw sleeve fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve, wherein the lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed; and wherein a plurality of through holes are dispersedly disposed on the first lead screw sleeve, a plurality of protrusions are disposed on an outer wall of the lead screw nut, and the plurality of protrusions pass through the plurality of through holes one to one.

A further aspect provided is a linear actuator for a closure panel of a vehicle, the actuator comprising: a body housing for coupling to one of the closure panel and a body of the vehicle; an extension member housed in the body housing, the extension member for coupling to the other of the closure panel and the body of the vehicle, the extension member including: a split lead screw sleeve assembly having: a lead screw nut; and a first lead screw sleeve having a fixedly attached connection with the lead screw nut, such that the first lead screw sleeve has a first tube end for coupling with a second tube end of an adjacent second lead screw sleeve; wherein the lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed when the first tube end is positioned adjacent to the second tube end.

A further aspect provided is a method for assembling a split lead screw sleeve assembly, the method comprising: providing a lead screw nut; coupling the lead screw nut to a first lead screw sleeve as a fixedly attached connection with the lead screw nut; wherein that the first lead screw sleeve has a first tube end for coupling with a second tube end of an adjacent second lead screw sleeve, such that the lead screw nut, the first lead screw sleeve, and the second lead screw sleeve are coaxially disposed when the first tube end is positioned adjacent to the second tube end.

Preferably, the lead screw nut is made of a plastic material. Preferably, a first inserting portion is disposed at one end of the second lead screw sleeve, and the first inserting portion is inserted into and fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve. Preferably, a second inserting portion is disposed on the lead screw nut. The second inserting portion is inserted into the first inserting portion. The first inserting portion abuts against the lead screw nut. Preferably, the split lead screw sleeve further includes a third lead screw sleeve fixedly connected to the second lead screw sleeve, where external threads are disposed on the outer wall of the third lead screw sleeve. Preferably, an annular groove is disposed on the lead screw nut. Preferably, the outer diameter of the first lead screw sleeve is equal to the outer diameter of the second lead screw sleeve.

Another aspect provided is a lead screw nut assembly having a lead screw nut configured for threaded mating with a lead screw and a lead screw sleeve connected to the lead screw nut, wherein the lead screw sleeve is connectable to a second end of a first lead screw sleeve, such that the lead screw nut assembly is interchangeably connectable with a second lead screw sleeve selected from a group of second lead screw sleeves of different lengths.

In a related aspect, the second lead screw sleeve is connectable with a third lead screw sleeve.

In a related aspect, the third lead screw sleeve includes a threading for connection to a mating threading of a mount, such as for example a ball socket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is further described below in detail in conjunction with drawings and embodiments. It is to be understood that the embodiments set forth below are intended to merely illustrate the present disclosure and not to limit the present disclosure. It is to be noted that to facilitate description, merely part, not all, of structures related to the present disclosure are illustrated in the drawings.

In the description of the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the term “connected to each other”, “connected”, or “fixed” is to be construed in a broad sense, for example, as fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated; mechanically connected or electrically connected; directly connected to each other or indirectly connected to each other via an intermediary; or internally connected or an interactional relationship between two components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, specific meanings of the preceding terms in the present disclosure may be understood based on specific situations.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, when a first feature is described as “on” or “below” a second feature, the first feature and the second feature may be in direct contact or be in contact via another feature between the two features instead of being in direct contact. Moreover, when the first feature is described as “on”, “above” or “over” the second feature, the first feature is right on, above or over the second feature, the first feature is obliquely on, above or over the second feature, or the first feature is simply at a higher level than the second feature. When the first feature is described as “under”, “below” or “underneath” the second feature, the first feature is right under, below or underneath the second feature, the first feature is obliquely under, below or underneath the second feature, or the first feature is simply at a lower level than the second feature.

In the description of the embodiment, the orientations or position relations indicated by terms such as “on”, “below”, “right” and the like are based on the orientations or position relations shown in the drawings. These orientations or position relations are intended merely to facilitate and simplify the description of the present disclosure, and not to indicate or imply that a device or element referred to must have such specific orientations or must be configured or operated in such specific orientations. Therefore, these orientations or position relations are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used merely to distinguish between descriptions and have no special meaning.

The present disclosure provides a split lead screw sleeve. For the split lead screw sleeve, in response to different requirements of different automatic opening/closing actuators of automobile doors for the length of the lead screw sleeve, merely the length of the second lead screw sleeve needs to be adjusted and the length of the first lead screw sleeve can be fixed. A processing mold needed by the first lead screw sleeve and the lead screw nut has a small volume, and it is unnecessary to replace the mold. Thus, the cost is low and the development cycle is short.

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a vehicle10that includes a vehicle body12aand at least one vehicle door14(also referred to as a closure panel14). The vehicle closure panel14includes a latch20that is positioned on a frame15of the vehicle closure panel14, the latch20being releasably engageable with a striker28on the vehicle body12to releasably hold the vehicle closure panel14in a closed position. The frame15can also support a window13via a window regulator assembly mounted to the frame15of the vehicle closure panel14. An outside closure panel handle17can be provided for opening the latch20(i.e. for releasing the latch20from the striker28) to open the vehicle closure panel14. Further, the vehicle closure panel14can have inside controls16,18(e.g. door handle, door locking/unlocking tab, etc.) for operating the latch20.

For vehicles10, the closure panel14can be referred to as a partition or door, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting the vehicle10interior by people and/or cargo. In terms of vehicles10, the closure panel14may be a driver/passenger door, a lift gate (seeFIG. 2), or it may be some other kind of closure panel14, such as an upward-swinging vehicle door (i.e. what is sometimes referred to as a gull-wing door) or a conventional type of door that is hinged at a front-facing or back-facing edge of the door, and so allows the door to swing (or slide) away from (or towards) the opening in the vehicle body12of the vehicle10. Also contemplated are sliding door embodiments of the closure panel14and canopy door embodiments of the closure panel14, such that sliding doors can be a type of door that open by sliding horizontally or vertically, whereby the door is either mounted on, or suspended from a track that provides for a larger opening. Canopy doors are a type of door that sits on top of the vehicle10and lifts up in some way, to provide access for vehicle passengers via the opening (e.g. car canopy, aircraft canopy, etc.). Canopy doors can be connected (e.g. hinged at a defined pivot axis and/or connected for travel along a track) to the vehicle body12of the vehicle at the front, side or back of the door, as the application permits. It is recognized that the vehicle body12can be represented as a body panel of the vehicle10, a frame of the vehicle10, and/or a combination frame and body panel assembly, as desired.

The closure panel14(e.g. occupant ingress or egress controlling panels such as but not limited to vehicle doors and lift gates/hatches) can be connected to the vehicle body12via one or more hinges22(seeFIG. 2) and the latch assembly20(e.g. for retaining the closure panel14in a closed position once closed). It is also recognized the hinge22can be configured as a biased hinge22that can bias the closure panel14towards the open position and/or towards the closed position. Also connecting the closure panel14to the frame15is an extension mechanism30(also referred to as a spindle mechanism or counterbalance mechanism), for example used to provide a counterbalance function during closure panel14operation, in order to assist with opening/closing and hold position functions.

Referring toFIGS. 3A and 3B, the extension mechanism30has a first pivot connection32(e.g. end fitting connection) at one end for connecting the extension mechanism30to the closure panel14and a second pivot connection38(e.g. end fitting connection) for pivotally connecting the extension mechanism30to the frame15. Typically, the extension mechanism30includes an extension member34(e.g. as part of an inner tube—see tubes3,240as described below) housed in a body housing36(e.g. also referred to as an outer tube), such that the extension member34extends out of (and retracts in to) the body36as the closure panel14is opened and closed. For example, the extension mechanism30can be passively operated (i.e. follows movement of the closure panel14) and/or actively operated (i.e. mechanically or electrically actuated and thus driving movement of the closure panel). Referring toFIG. 3A, shown is an embodiment of the extension mechanism30in an extended state and inFIG. 3Ba retracted state.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, a portion of the extension mechanism30as shown can have a split lead screw sleeve assembly29including a lead screw nut1and a first lead screw sleeve2. Attached to the assembly29can be a second lead screw sleeve3. The first lead screw sleeve2is fixedly sleeved on the lead screw nut1, thereby providing a fixedly acted connection21c. The second lead screw sleeve3can be fixedly connected to the first lead screw sleeve2via a connection portion (e.g. tube end31aof the first lead screw sleeve2which is affixed onto a tube end31of the second lead screw sleeve3). These ends31,31a(also referred to as portions31,31abelow) can be configured as shown (i.e. end31inserts within end31a). Alternatively, end31acan insert within end31.

The lead screw nut1, the first lead screw sleeve2, and the second lead screw sleeve3can be coaxially disposed. The first lead screw sleeve2can have a short length (e.g. shorter than a length of the second lead screw sleeve3), the second lead screw sleeve3has a long length (e.g. longer than a length of the first lead screw sleeve2), the first lead screw sleeve2and the second lead screw sleeve3can be firmly/fixedly connected to each other through processes such as welding or riveting.

In response to the different configurations of the different automatic opening/closing actuators of the automobile doors14for the length of the lead screw sleeve, merely the length of the second lead screw sleeve3needs to be adjusted and the length of the first lead screw sleeve2can be fixed. A mold of a small volume can be used when the first lead screw sleeve2and the lead screw nut1are processed, and it is unnecessary to replace the mold. Thus, the cost is low and the development cycle can be short.

In one embodiment, the fixed connection21ccan be provided as a plurality of through holes21(with corresponding protrusions21a) dispersedly disposed on the first lead screw sleeve2. A plurality of protrusions21aare disposed on an outer wall21bof the lead screw nut1. The plurality of protrusions21apass through the plurality of through holes21one to one, for example. The plurality of protrusions21acan be fitted with the plurality of through holes21one to one, for example. Thus, the lead screw nut1can be inhibited from moving in the first lead screw sleeve2during operation of the extension mechanism30, once the lead screw nut1and the first lead screw sleeve2are connected/assembled with one another via the fixed connection21c. It is also recognized that the holes21can be formed as recesses in the body21band the protrusions21a(not shown) can be formed on an inner surface2a(seeFIG. 5) of the first lead screw sleeve2.

Alternatively, the fixed connection21ccan be provided, such that the lead screw nut1and the first lead screw sleeve2are integrally formed with one another through injection molding in order to provide the fixedly acted connection21c. In this case, the holes21and protrusions21acan be optional (not shown). Alternatively, for example, as desired, the plurality of protrusions21aon the lead screw nut1can be integrally formed with the body21bthrough injection molding. As such, it is recognized that the fixed connection21ccan be provided by the interaction between the holes21and protrusions21a. As such, alternatively, it is recognized that the fixed connection21ccan be provided by the lead screw nut1and the first lead screw sleeve2being integrally formed with one another (i.e. the body21bincludes the tube end31a) through injection molding (e.g. the holes21and protrusions21acould be optional as part of this integrally molded embodiment).

Preferably, the lead screw nut1is made of a plastic material. The lead screw nut1can be plastic-coated in the first lead screw sleeve2. The lead screw nut1can have a suitable dimension stability and the overall production cost can be minimized.

Preferably, a first inserting portion31is disposed at one end of the second lead screw sleeve3, and the first inserting portion31is inserted into and fixedly connected31cto the first lead screw sleeve2in a receiving portion31athereof. After the first inserting portion31is inserted into the receiving portion31a, the first inserting portion31and the first lead screw sleeve2can be mechanically joined such as welded or riveted (or by adhesive, crimping, press fit, etc.) to each other, thus fixedly secured to one another. The connection31cbetween the second lead screw sleeve3and the first lead screw sleeve2can be facilitated. For example, the connection31cbetween the second lead screw sleeve3and the first lead screw sleeve2could be by a laser welding process and thereafter polished for providing a smoother surface between the between the second lead screw sleeve3and the first lead screw sleeve2. Similarly, third lead screw sleeve4and the second lead screw sleeve3could be connected by a laser welding process and thereafter polished for providing a smoother surface there between. Split lead screw sleeve assembly29and/or third lead screw sleeve4can be manufactured separately from the first lead screw sleeve2. The first lead screw sleeve2may be provided as having different lengths while split lead screw sleeve assembly29and/or third lead screw sleeve4provide common components for connection to first lead screw sleeve2of various lengths.

Preferably, a second inserting portion12is disposed on the lead screw nut1. The second inserting portion12can be inserted into the first inserting portion31. The first inserting portion31abuts against the lead screw nut1, for example. The lead screw nut1can be further inhibited from being detached from the first lead screw sleeve2, via the fixed connection between the second inserting portion12and the first inserting portion31(e.g. via welding, press fit or other mechanical connection).

Preferably, the split lead screw sleeve assembly29further includes a third lead screw sleeve4fixedly connected to the second lead screw sleeve3. External threads4acan be disposed on an outer wall4bof the third lead screw sleeve4. The third lead screw sleeve4and the second lead screw sleeve3can be coaxially disposed. The third lead screw sleeve4can be used for implementing a connection to other components of the extension mechanism30(seeFIGS. 3A, 3B, and 6). For example, and with reference toFIG. 6B, external threads4amay be used to threaded engagement with mating threads4cof a ball socket119for coupling the lead screw sleeve3, for example as extensible member240, to one of the vehicle body14or the closure panel14.

Preferably, an annular groove11can be disposed on the lead screw nut1. The annular groove11can be used for the placement of a sealing ring (not shown) so as to implement sealing when the lead screw nut1is fitted with other components of the extension mechanism30.

Preferably, the outer diameter of the first lead screw sleeve2can be equal to the outer diameter of the second lead screw sleeve3so that the connection is facilitated and the appearance is as desired.

Referring toFIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5, a linear actuator30for a closure panel14of the vehicle10can comprise: a body housing36for coupling to one of the closure panel14and a body15of the vehicle10; an extension member34housed in the body housing36, the extension member34for coupling to the other of the closure panel14and the body15of the vehicle10, the extension member34including: a split lead screw sleeve assembly29having: a lead screw nut1; and a first lead screw sleeve2having a fixedly attached connection21cwith the lead screw nut1, such that the first lead screw sleeve2has a first tube end31afor coupling with a second tube end31of an adjacent second lead screw sleeve3; wherein the lead screw nut1, the first lead screw sleeve2, and the second lead screw sleeve3are coaxially disposed when the first tube end31ais positioned adjacent to the second tube end31.

FIG. 6shows an example configuration for the extension mechanism30(e.g. linear actuator ofFIGS. 1-5, for example a spring loaded strut. A housing235(e.g. body housing36) also contains an extension member240(e.g. split lead screw sleeve assembly29as part of the extension member34—seeFIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5) used to extend from, or retract within, the housing235to effect the resulting location of the closure panel14with respect to the door frame15. For example, an extended extension member240(e.g. including sleeves2,3) results in positioning the closure panel14in the extended state (seeFIG. 3A), while a retracted extension member240results in positioning the closure panel14in a retracted state (seeFIG. 3B) with respect to the door frame15. It is recognized that the linear actuator30can be implemented as a strut (seeFIG. 2as an example type of strut). The linear actuator30can be of a biasing type (e.g. spring and/or gas charge supplying the bias). In one example, seeFIG. 6A, the extension member240is actively driven by via a lead screw140. The extension member240is either extended from, or retracted into, the housing235. It is recognized that the linear actuator30can have the lead screw140operated actively (i.e. driven) by a motor25(e.g. electrical).

The linear actuator30with the body235(e.g. housing) has a first end238for connecting to pivot point32and a second end36for connecting to the closure panel14at mount118. In this configuration, the linear actuator30, by example only, has the extension member240(e.g. a stator member slideably engageable with a rotary output member such as via mated threads) positioned in an interior of the housing235. The extension member240is coupled to the lead screw140via a travel member245(for example as an integral part of or separate to the extension member240, as an example of the lead screw nut1—seeFIG. 4), such that rotation of the lead screw140causes travel of the travel member245along the lead screw140, to result in extension or retraction of the extension member240with respect to the housing235. As discussed in relation toFIG. 6A, the travel member245and the lead screw140are coupled to one another via mated threads1a—seeFIG. 5. As shown, the linear actuator30can be a strut having a resilient element of the power spring (not shown) for providing the counterbalance torque (T) during operation of the closure panel14in moving between the extended and retracted positions.

Referring again toFIG. 6A, the travel member245is positioned at one end of the extension member240. As such, as the extension member240is displaced along the longitudinal axis41, as the attached travel member245is displaced along the lead screw140. As such, as the closure panel14is moved between the extended and retracted positions (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B), the position of the travel member245along the lead screw140varies, thereby providing for reciprocation of the travel member245along the longitudinal axis41of the lead screw140.

Referring again toFIG. 6A, the embodiment of the linear actuator30is shown including the housing235having a lower housing112and an upper housing114for containing the extension member240(e.g. extensible shaft/rod). The fixed mount118is attached to an end wall126of lower housing112proximal to the door frame15. Upper housing114provides a (e.g. cylindrical) sidewall141defining a chamber134that is open at both ends. A distal end wall128of lower housing112includes an aperture130. The lead screw140(or referred to as a lead screw140or rotary output member powered by rotary motion of the motor25) which can be used to transport or otherwise guide the travel member245(connected to the extension member240) along the longitudinal axis41. For example, the travel member245contains an internally facing series of threads1ain bore161that are mated to an externally facing series of threads on the lead screw140, as desired. Extensible member240provides a cylindrical sidewall154defining a chamber156and can be concentrically mounted between upper housing114and lead screw140. As described earlier, pivot mount238(i.e. pivot point32) is attached to the distal end of extensible member240. The nut245(also referred to as the travel member245or screw nut1) is mounted around the proximal end of extensible member240relative to lower housing112and is coupled with lead screw140in order to convert the rotational movement of lead screw140into the linear motion of the extensible member240along the longitudinal axis41of lead screw140. The nut245can include splines that extend into opposing coaxial slots provided on the inside of upper housing114to inhibit nut245from rotating as the nut245travels along the longitudinal axis41. Alternatively, the nut245may be configured without the splines and thus be free to rotate as the nut245travels along the longitudinal axis41, without departing from the scope of the description. An integrally-formed outer lip164in upper housing114can provide an environmental seal between chamber134and the outside.

A spring housing138can be provided in lower housing112and defined by cylindrical sidewall122, end wall128, and a flange166. Within spring housing138, a power spring (not shown inFIG. 6A) similar to the power spring can be optionally coiled around lead screw140, providing a mechanical counterbalance to the weight of the closure panel14. One end of the optional power spring can be positioned or otherwise attached to the travel member245and the other is secured to a portion of cylindrical sidewall122.

As such, given the above, the screw nut1can be referred to as the travel member245(e.g. a plastic nut for threaded connection to the lead screw140). Further, first lead screw sleeve2can be referred to as portion of the housing240to which the nut1is molded with as described. Further, screw nut1and lead screw sleeve2can form the assembly29(seeFIG. 4) which can be connected to the lead screw sleeve3(e.g. extension member240or also referred to as the lead screw sleeve3) to form the extension member240connected to the travel member245. Further, the optional third lead screw sleeve4can be used to connect the assembly29to other components of the linear actuator30, such as but not limited to further portions of the extension member240.

An advantage of the assembly29is all you have to do is make components1and2as this unit assembly29and then connect to whatever length tube3(e.g. lead screw sleeve3) you need, in order to provide the extension member240appropriate to the dimensions of the closure panel14and associated extension mechanism30(based on the distance between the pivot points28,38(seeFIG. 1). So, therefore, one can mass product the assembly29, and then have small batches of longer lead screw sleeve3as needed. This is compared to having to make small batches of a tube have a different lengths and nuts.

Referring toFIG. 7, shown is a method200of assembling the split lead screw sleeve assembly29including the steps of: providing202a lead screw nut1; and coupling204the lead screw nut1to a first lead screw sleeve2as a fixedly attached connection with the lead screw nut1. Further, in subsequently assembling the assembly29with other components of the linear actuator30, the first lead screw sleeve2has a first tube end31afor coupling206with a second tube end31of an adjacent second lead screw sleeve3, such that the lead screw nut1, the first lead screw sleeve2, and the second lead screw sleeve3are coaxially disposed when the first tube end31ais positioned adjacent to the second tube end31.

The preceding example embodiments of the present disclosure are merely used for clearly illustrating the present disclosure and are not intended to limit implementations of the present disclosure. Those of ordinary skill in the art can make various apparent modifications, adaptations, and substitutions without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The implementations of the present disclosure cannot be and do not need to be all exhausted herein. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, and the like made within the spirit and principle of the present disclosure are within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure.