초록 ▼

A power drive mechanism for a power vehicle sliding door system is provided. The power drive mechanism includes a hinge member adapted for coupling to a vehicle sliding door, a guide member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a rack member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a drive pinion m

A power drive mechanism for a power vehicle sliding door system is provided. The power drive mechanism includes a hinge member adapted for coupling to a vehicle sliding door, a guide member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a rack member adapted for coupling to a vehicle body, a drive pinion meshingly engaging the rack member, a drive motor producing a drive torque and a gear train coupling the drive motor and the drive pinion for transmitting drive torque therebetween. The hinge member and guide member cooperate to guide the vehicle sliding door in both generally horizontal and generally vertical directions. The gear train and drive pinion are preferably coupled to said hinge member to maintain meshing engagement of said drive pinion along the length of said rack member. The power drive mechanism also preferably includes a drive clutch for interrupting the transmission of drive torque from the drive motor to the drive pinion to permit the vehicle sliding door.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. 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 ape

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. 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.