U.S. patent application number 09/839047 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-08 for vent window actuator.
Invention is credited to Turk, Michael F..
Application Number | 20030084740 09/839047 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25278728 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030084740 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Turk, Michael F. |
May 8, 2003 |
VENT WINDOW ACTUATOR
Abstract
An actuator for a vent window of a motor vehicle wherein the
drive mechanism interconnecting the output shaft of the motor and
the pivot arm controlling the vent window comprises a first worm
driven by the motor output shaft, a first worm wheel driven by the
first worm, a second worm driven by the first worm wheel, and a
second worm wheel driven by the second worm in driving the pivot
arm. The first worm wheel is formed of a plastic material and the
actuator further includes a coil spring mounted on the housing
proximate the second worm wheel and operative to assist the second
worm wheel in generating a sealing force sufficient to positively
seal the vent window against a window seal of the motor
vehicle.
Inventors: |
Turk, Michael F.;
(Waterford, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas N. Young
Young & Basile, P.C.
Suite 624
3001 West Big Beaver Road
Troy
MI
48084
US
|
Family ID: |
25278728 |
Appl. No.: |
09/839047 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/425 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 1/16 20130101; Y10T
74/1966 20150115; E05F 15/63 20150115; Y10T 74/19828 20150115; E05Y
2900/55 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/425 |
International
Class: |
F16H 001/16; F16H
001/20 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An actuator for a vent window of a motor vehicle, the actuator
including a housing, an electric motor mounted on the housing, and
including an output shaft, a pivot arm mounted on the housing and
adapted to be connected to the vent window to effect opening and
closing movement of the vent window in response to pivotal movement
of the pivot arm, and a drive mechanism interconnecting the output
of the motor and the pivot arm and operative in response to
energization of the motor to pivot the pivot arm and move the vent
window, characterized in that: the drive mechanism comprises a
first worm driven by the motor output shaft, a first worm wheel
driven by the first worm, a second worm driven by the first worm
wheel, and a second worm wheel driven by the second worm and
driving the pivot arm.
2. An actuator according to claim 1 wherein the first worm wheel is
formed of a plastic material.
3. An actuator according to claim 1 wherein the actuator further
includes a coil spring mounted on the housing proximate the second
worm wheel and operative to assist the second worm wheel in
generating a sealing force sufficient to positively seal the vent
window against a window seal of the motor vehicle.
4. An actuator for a vent window of a motor vehicle, the actuator
including a housing, an electric motor mounted on the housing, a
pivot arm mounted on the housing and adapted to be connected to the
vent window to effect opening and closing movement of the vent
window in response to pivotal movement of the pivot arm, and a
drive mechanism interconnecting the output of the motor and the
pivot arm and operative in response to energization of the motor to
pivot the pivot arm and move the vent window, characterized in
that: the drive mechanism comprises a first shaft extending coaxial
with the motor output and driven by the motor, a second shaft
driven by the first shaft and extending perpendicular to the first
shaft, and a third shaft extending perpendicular to the first and
second shafts, driven by the second shaft, and driving the pivot
arm.
5. An actuator according to claim 4 wherein: the drive mechanism
further includes a first worm driven by the first shaft; the second
shaft is driven by a first worm wheel driven by the first worm; and
the third shaft is driven by a second worm wheel driven by the
second worm.
6. An actuator according to claim 5 wherein the first worm wheel is
formed of a plastic material.
7. An actuator according to claim 5 wherein the actuator further
includes a coil spring mounted on the housing proximate the second
worm wheel and operative to assist the second worm wheel in
generating a force sufficient to positively seal the vent window
against a window seal of the motor vehicle.
8. An actuator according to claim 5 wherein: the motor includes a
hub at one end thereof and an output shaft at another end thereof
comprising the first shaft; the first worm is mounted on the motor
output shaft; the housing includes a cavity, a first saddle
proximate one end of the cavity, and a second saddle proximate
another end of the cavity; and the motor is mounted in the cavity
with a free end of the output shaft journaled in the first saddle
and the motor hub seated in the second saddle.
9. An actuator according to claim 8 wherein: the housing includes a
main body member defining the cavity and the saddles and a
generally planar cover closing the cavity; and the cover includes a
finger extending downwardly to engage an upper face of the motor to
positively load the output shaft and hub into the respective
saddles.
10. An actuator according to claim 4 wherein: the housing includes
a main body housing member and a generally planar housing cover;
the main body housing member defines a cavity receiving the motor
and further defines a bore journaling the third shaft; and the
cover defines a socket coaxial with the bore and journaling a free
end of the third shaft.
11. An actuator for a vent window of a motor vehicle, the actuator
including a housing, an electric motor mounted on the housing and
including an output shaft, a pivot arm mounted on the housing and
adapted to be connected to the vent window to effect opening and
closing movement of the vent window in response to pivotal movement
of the pivot arm, and a drive mechanism interconnecting the output
of the motor and the pivot arm and operative in response to
energization of the motor to pivot the pivot arm and move the vent
window, characterized in that: the housing defines a cavity; the
motor includes a connector incorporated integrally into the housing
of the motor and including radio frequency interference protection;
and the motor, including the integral connector, is positioned in
the housing cavity.
12. An actuator according to claim 11 wherein: the connector
includes electrical contacts; and the actuator further includes a
pair of terminals extending from a location external to the
actuator housing and through a wall of the actuator housing and
into the cavity for respective connection to the connector
contacts.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a power window actuator and
particularly to a power window actuator for a swingably or
pivotally mounted window such as a rear side vent or corner window
of a motor vehicle such as a van.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] It is desirable to provide a powered rear side vent window
for ventilation purposes in vehicles, particularly vans and
minivans. These rear side vent windows are generally swingably
mounted and open outwardly in the vehicle body and are typically
remotely activated as, for example, from the driver's seat.
[0003] Several types of vehicle power vent window actuators are
known and used. Whereas these prior art actuators are generally
satisfactory, they typically suffer from one or more disadvantages.
Specifically, the prior art actuators are relatively expensive
and/or overly large and/or are relatively noisy in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention is directed to an improved vent window
actuator.
[0005] More specifically, this invention is directed to a vent
window actuator that is inexpensive, quiet in operation, and
compact.
[0006] The actuator of the invention is of the type including a
housing, an electric motor mounted on the housing, a pivot arm
mounted on the housing and adapted to be connected to the vent
window to effect opening and closing movement of the vent window in
response to pivotal movement of the pivot arm, and a drive
mechanism interconnecting the output of the motor and the pivot arm
and operative in response to energization of the motor to pivot the
pivot arm and move the vent window.
[0007] According to the invention, the drive mechanism comprises a
first worm driven by the motor, a first worm wheel driven by the
first worm, a second worm driven by the first worm wheel, and a
second worm wheel driven by the second worm and driving the pivot
arm. This arrangement, employing two successive worm drives,
provides the quiet operation inherent in a worm drive and, by
virtue of the speed reduction achieved utilizing the successive
worm drives, allows the use of a smaller, less expensive motor.
[0008] According to a further feature of the invention, the first
worm wheel is formed of a plastic material. This choice of
material, which is made possible by the fact that the back drive
loading imposed on the actuator is largely absorbed by the second
worm drive, allows the cost of the actuator to be further reduced
by virtue of the relatively inexpensive plastic material of the
first worm wheel.
[0009] According to a further feature of the invention, the
actuator further includes a coil spring mounted on the housing
proximate the second worm wheel and operative to assist the second
worm wheel in generating a sealing force sufficient to positively
seal the vent window against the window seal of the motor vehicle.
This arrangement allows the actuator to satisfy even very high
window sealing requirements irrespective of the use of a relatively
small, low power motor.
[0010] According to a further feature of the invention, the drive
mechanism comprises a first shaft extending coaxial with the motor
output and driven by the motor, a second shaft driven by the first
shaft and extending perpendicular to the first shaft, and a third
shaft extending perpendicular to the first and second shaft, driven
by the second shaft, and driving the pivot arm. These three drive
shafts arranged in a mutually perpendicular or cross relationship
facilitate the compact packaging of the drive mechanism of the
actuator and ensure a robust and smooth transmission of power from
the motor to the pivot arm.
[0011] According to a further feature of the invention, the motor
includes a hub at one end thereof and an output shaft at another
end thereof; the first worm is mounted on the output shaft; the
housing includes a cavity, a first saddle proximate one end of the
cavity, and a second saddle proximate another end of the cavity;
and the motor is mounted in the cavity with a free end of the
output shaft journaled in the first saddle and the motor hub seated
in the second saddle. This arrangement allows a firm, positive
mounting of the motor in the housing whereby to eliminate motor
wobble and consequent excessive wear in the drive mechanism.
[0012] Other applications of the present invention will become
apparent to those skilled in the art when the following description
of the best mode contemplated for practicing the invention is read
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying
drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts
throughout the several views, and wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a motor vehicle
employing a vent window actuator according to the invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the actuator with a housing
cover member removed;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main body member of the
actuator housing also showing, in exploded fashion, the actuator
motor and the housing cover;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a detailed sectional view showing the mounting of
the motor in the housing;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an output worm assembly
utilized in the actuator;
[0019] FIG. 6 is an end view of the output worm assembly;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an output shaft assembly
utilized in the actuator;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of the output shaft
assembly;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bearing utilized in the
actuator;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the actuator motor;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a view of an actuator arm assembly employed in
the actuator;
[0025] FIGS. 12 and 13 are perspective views of terminals utilized
in the actuator;
[0026] FIGS. 14 and 15 are detail views showing the mounting of the
motor in the actuator housing; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a detail end view of the actuator housing.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] The actuator 10 of the invention is seen in FIG. 1 in
association with a motor vehicle 12 which is shown fragmentarily.
The motor vehicle 12 may be of a minivan type and includes a D
pillar 14, a vent window 16 pivotally mounted in a vent window
opening 18 for movement by the actuator 10 between open and closed
positions.
[0029] Actuator 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3) includes a housing 20, a motor
22, a motor worm 24, an output worm assembly 26, an output shaft
assembly 28, a spring 30, a link 32, and a link or handle 34.
[0030] Housing 20 is suitably formed in a molding operation of a
plastic material such, for example, as a glass-filled polyester.
Housing 20 includes a main body housing member 36 and a planar
cover or lid 38. Main body housing 36 is suitably configured to
accommodate the drive mechanism of the actuator, and cover 38 has a
planar configuration and is adapted to be seated within a rim 36a
of the main body housing to encapsulate the drive mechanism within
the housing. The cover may be secured to the main body housing
utilizing suitable fasteners coacting with holes 38a in the cover
and holes 36b in the main body housing. Housing 20 is secured to D
pillar 14 (FIG. 1) utilizing suitable fasteners passing through
apertures 36t in main body housing 36.
[0031] Motor 22 is sized to fit in a recess or cavity 36c defined
by main body housing 36 and comprises a fractional horse power 6000
rpm direct current motor of the type typically used to control
automotive door lock circuits. The motor, for example, may comprise
a motor available from Johnson Electric Industrial Manufacturing
Ltd. of Hong Kong, China as part number NF243G/NS/2502814E0. Motor
22 includes a main body housing 42, an output shaft 44, a connector
46, and a flux jacket 48. Flux jacket 48 is positioned in
surrounding relation to housing 42 and connector 46, which may be
formed of a suitable plastic material, is received in an open end
of the housing 42 and includes a hub portion 46a journaling the
rear end of output shaft 44.
[0032] Motor 22 (see also FIGS. 4, 14 and 15) is positioned in
cavity 36c with hub 46a seated in a U-shaped saddle 36d defined
proximate one end of cavity 36c and with the free end 44a of output
shaft 44 journaled in a U-shaped saddle 36e defined at the blind
end of a groove 36f opening in the end of cavity 36c opposite
saddle 36d. Motor worm 24 may be formed of a suitable brass
material and is press fit onto motor output shaft 44 to expose the
free end 44a of the output shaft for journaling in saddle 36e. Worm
24 may, for example, have a diametral pitch of 48 teeth per inch
and a lead angle of 12.degree. right hand.
[0033] Output worm assembly 26 (FIGS. 2, 5, and 6) includes a shaft
48, an output worm 48a formed integrally with the shaft, and a worm
wheel 50. Worm wheel 50 is formed of a suitable plastic material,
such as nylon, and is press fit on a hub portion 48b of shaft 48
utilizing suitable knurling on the hub portion. Worm wheel 50 has
helical teeth with a helix angle of 12.degree. right hand and a
diametral pitch of 48 teeth per inch.
[0034] Shaft 48 and worm 48a are formed of a suitable ferrous
material, such, for example, has SAE steel 12 L14. Output worm 48a
has a lead angle of six.degree. right hand and a diametral pitch of
48 teeth per inch.
[0035] Output worm assembly 26 is positioned in housing main body
36 utilizing spherical bearings 52 (FIG. 9) received with a press
fit in spherical sockets 36g (FIG. 3) opening at laterally-spaced
locations in the upper face 36f of housing 36. A first spherical
bearing 52 receives one free end 48c of shaft 48 and a second
spherical bearing 52 receives the other free end 48d of the shaft
to mount the shaft axis at right angles with respect to the axis of
the output shaft of the motor with worm wheel 50 positioned in the
groove 36f in meshing engagement with motor worm 24 and with
suitable saddle cutouts 36h in the housing accommodating the
various intermediate segments of the shaft 48.
[0036] Output shaft assembly 28 (FIGS. 2, 7, and 8) comprises an
output shaft 54 and an output gear 56 both formed of a suitable
ferrous material. Gear 56 is press fit on one end of shaft 54 to
expose a pilot or journal portion 54a and includes straight-cut
gears having a diametral pitch of 48 teeth per inch.
[0037] Output shaft assembly 28 is positioned in housing member 36
with gear 56 positioned in a circular cavity 36i opening in the
upper face 36f of the housing and arranged in meshing engagement
with output worm 48a with the portion of shaft 54 remote from pilot
end 54a extending downwardly in a perpendicular journal bore 36j
opening in a recessed face 36k of the housing. The axis of shaft 54
is thus positioned perpendicular or crossed with respect to the
axis of shaft 48 and perpendicular or crossed with respect to the
axis of the motor output shaft 44.
[0038] Spring 30 comprises a coil spring 30 positioned in
surrounding relation to a hollow post 361 upstanding from housing
face 36k in surrounding relation to an aperture 36t with one end
30a of the spring anchored in an anchor socket 36m defined by the
housing and the other end 36b (FIG. 7) of the spring hooked into
hole in output gear 56. The spring is arranged to assist movement
of output gear 56 and output shaft 54 in a direction to close vent
window 16.
[0039] With cover 38 in place over housing member 36, a finger 38b
(FIGS. 4 and 14) downstanding from the main planar body 38c of the
cover engages the upper face 22a of motor 22 to press connector hub
portion 46a downwardly in saddle 36d and press motor output shaft
44a downwardly in saddle 36e and a socket 38d defined on the lower
face of the cover journals the upper pilot end 44a of shaft 54.
Journal 36d is coaxial with the axis of bore 36j whereby to provide
precise perpendicular or cross positioning of the axis of shaft 54
relative to the axis of shaft 48 and relative to the axis of the
motor output shaft. The in place cover also serves to trap bearings
52 in sockets 36j whereby to firmly position the axis of shaft 48
and further serves to preclude upward displacement of spring 30.
The dimensional parameters are chosen such that (1) the lower face
22b of the in place motor is spaced above the floor 36n of cavity
36c so that the in place motor is supported solely by saddles 36d
and 36e and finger 38b, and (2) finger 38b is compressed between
the main body of the cover and the upper face of the motor to
pressure seat hub portion 48a and output shaft 44a in the
respective saddles.
[0040] Link 32 (FIGS. 1, 2, and 11) includes a main body portion
32a and a crank or pivot arm portion 32b. Main body portion 32a is
internally splined and is fitted over external splines 54b on shaft
54 within bore 36j of the housing and extends outwardly from the
lower face of the housing to position pivot arm portion 32b
exteriorly of the housing.
[0041] Handle 34 is suitably pivotally secured to the free end of
pivot arm portion 32b and includes a ball socket joint 34a at its
free end for suitable connection to a bracket 60 suitably secured
to an inner face of vent window 16.
[0042] Power is provided to the motor 22 via a pair of terminals 62
and 64. Each terminal defines a prong or plug portion 62a/64a, a
contact portion 62b/64b, and a bridge portion 62c/64c
interconnecting the prong and contact portions.
[0043] When assembling the actuator, terminal prong portions 62a,
64a are passed through apertures 36p (FIGS. 14 and 16) in housing
end wall 36q proximate saddle 36d to position the prong portions
62a/64a in on edge stacked relation in an external socket housing
36r formed integrally with housing member 36 and extending from
housing wall 36q and position pilot portions 62d/64d of contacts
62b/64b in laterally spaced locator holes 36s in housing floor 36n
proximate saddle 36d. Motor 22 is now installed in cavity 36c by
positioning connector hub 46a in saddle 36d and positioning output
shaft 44a in saddle 36e while simultaneously inserting contacts
62b/64b in laterally spaced female sockets 66 (FIGS. 4 and 14)
mounted in the lower face of connector 46, whereby to power of the
actuator simply by inserting an electrical plug into the open end
of socket housing 36r to access the stacked prongs 62a/64a.
[0044] The ratios of the successive worm drive assembly are chosen
such as to provide an overall drive ratio between the output shaft
of the motor and the link 32 of 600:1 and the parameters of the
vent window are chosen such that the window undergoes a movement of
135.degree. between open and shut positions.
[0045] The vent window actuator of the invention will be seen to
provide many important advantages. Specifically, the overall drive
ratio provided by the successive worm drives allows the use of a
relatively small and relatively inexpensive motor thereby providing
cost savings. Further cost savings are provided by the fact that
the motor may comprise a volume-produced motor already in volume
use to control automotive door lock circuits. The cost of the
actuator is further reduced by the use of a plastic worm wheel in
engagement with the motor worm. The use of a plastic worm wheel
engaging the motor worm is made possible by the fact that the worm
drive of the output shaft assembly absorbs much of the back loading
in the system so that the loading experienced at the interface of
the motor worm and the worm wheel of the output worm assembly is
sufficiently reduced to allow the use of a non-ferrous, relatively
inexpensive material at this interface. The use of two successive
worm drives also provides quieter operation for the actuator as
compared to prior art actuators employing metal-to-metal drive
throughout and the cross axis gearing defined by the successive
worm drives provides a compact package allowing a reduction in the
overall size of the actuator. The actuator package size is further
reduced by the use of a smaller motor. The cross axis arrangement
of the gearing also reduces shaft misalignment problems and
provides a smooth, robust drive mechanism. The mounting of the
motor in the housing utilizing the saddles engaging the free end of
the motor output shaft and the hub portion on the integral
connector in combination with the finger of the cover provides firm
mounting for the motor whereby to reduce motor wobble and minimize
wear in the drive system occasioned by misalignments. The use of a
connector formed integrally with the motor and positioned within
the housing of the actuator further reduces the complexity and cost
of the unit since the connector in known manner incorporates
built-in RFI provisions so that there is no need to separately
provide radio frequency interference protection for the actuator.
The use of the spherical bearings mounting the output shaft
assembly provides a further self-aligning feature whereby to
further minimize wear in the system due to misalignments in the
drive assembly. The use of the separate assist spring coacting with
the output shaft assembly allows the use of a relatively small
motor even in installations requiring a high sealing force as
between the vent window and the adjacent window seal of the motor
vehicle. The integration of the connector into the motor and
thereby into the housing combined with the terminals extending from
the outside of the housing provide a simple and inexpensive
electrical connection for the motor, and the rigid enclosed box
design of the housing adds strength to the actuator as compared to
prior art actuators utilizing a relatively weak open section
housing.
[0046] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which
scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is
permitted under the law.
* * * * *