Abstract:
A locking mechanism for a shift lever (22) includes a detent member (32) movable along a path, a stopper member (40) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a cam member (42). A spring member (60) resiliently biases the stopper member toward the locking position. An electromagnetic solenoid (44) has a coil (46) fixed to the cam member and a core fixed to the stopper member. The electromagnetic solenoid permits relative movement between the stopper member and the cam member when the electromagnetic solenoid is unenergized and prevents relative movement between the stopper member and the cam member when the electromagnetic solenoid is energized. The cam member applies a force to the stopper member to move the stopper member toward the unlocking position in response to movement of the detent member when the electromagnetic solenoid is energized.
Abstract:
A seal (60) for the closure of a gap (79) formed between a support member (20) and adjacent second member (33). The seal (60) has a polymeric body forming a sealing segment (61) and a base segment (80). The seal segment (38) has a sealing lip (61) that extends into the gap (79) to slidingly engage the second member (33). The base segment (80) has a free distal end (82) with one of a compressible portion (83) and an articulating joint. Additionally, a channel (90) is formed in the support member (20). The channel (90) has a cavity (91) and an opening (92) in communication with the cavity (91). The cavity (91) width is larger than the opening width (93) so that the one of the compressible portion (83) and the articulating joint portion is collapsible to a first width (85) less than the opening width (91) to permit insertions of the free distal end (82) past the opening (92) and into the cavity (91) and being expandable in the cavity (91) to a second width (84) greater this first width (85) to inhibit removal of the distal end (82) from the cavity (91).
Abstract:
A shifter mechanism includes a housing, a yoke assembly having a shifter lever (18) and pivotably secured to the housing (12) along a shift path, and a gate cover (20) secured to the housing and forming a slot. The shifter lever extends through the slot to define the shift path. The gate cover is a unitary component formed separate from the housing. The gate cover provides a gate profile and a secondary detent profile. By changing the gate cover alone, a shifter mechanism with different shifter lever travel or a different type of shifter mechanism can be obtained.
Abstract:
A parking brake mechanism for a motor vehicle includes a mounting bracket, an actuator arm pivotably secured to the mounting bracket and movable between a brake-released position and a brake-applied position, and a lock operable to releasably secure the actuator arm in the brake-applied position and including a pawl engagable with a ratchet. The pawl includes a metal insert at least partially encapsulated in plastic to form a plurality of resilient contact surfaces to dampen vibrations and reduce noise upon contact. The resilient contact surfaces are preferably in the form of integral leaf springs.
Abstract:
A powered trunk closure assembly for a vehicle includes a linkage assembly attached at one end to a body bracket and at another end to a closure member bracket. A motor is linked with a gear train for actuating the linkage assembly. The motor and gear train are positioned exterior of the trunk.
Abstract:
A locking mechanism for a shift lever (22) includes a detent member (32) movable along a path, a stopper member (40) movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, and a cam member (42). A spring member (60) resiliently biases the stopper member toward the locking position. An electromagnetic solenoid (44) has a coil (46) fixed to the cam member and a core fixed to the stopper member. The electromagnetic solenoid permits relative movement between the stopper member and the cam member when the electromagnetic solenoid is unenergized and prevents relative movement between the stopper member and the cam member when the electromagnetic solenoid is energized. The cam member applies a force to the stopper member to move the stopper member toward the unlocking position in response to movement of the detent member when the electromagnetic solenoid is energized.
Abstract:
A drive unit is provided for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an outer tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to one of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The drive unit also includes an inner tube having an end configured to couple the drive unit to the other of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The inner tube is telescopically engaged with the outer tube. The inner tube is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer tube. An actuator is operative for actuating the inner tube relative to the outer tube between the retracted position and the extended position and causing movement of the liftgate between closed and open positions, respectively. The motor drive is housed within the outer tube. A biasing member is connected between the outer tube and the inner tube. The biasing member biases the inner tube relative to the outer tube and assists actuation of the inner tube toward the extended position.
Abstract:
A closure assembly for a motor vehicle comprising a brushless D.C. motor coupled to a closure regulator system and an electronic control unit coupled to the brushless D.C. motor. The closure assembly may include an anti-pinch feature and/or a back drive prevention system.
Abstract:
A motor vehicle cable assembly (10) includes a cable (26) having a first end (24) and a second end and an end fitting (44) secured to the first end (24) of the cable (26). A segmented chain (30) has a first end (28) and a second end (34) with the first end (28) of the segmented chain (30) being pivotally (42) connected to the end fitting (40,44).