Actuator structure and method for attaching a gear or pulley to lead screw
AssigneeDana Automotive Systems Group, LLC
InventorsDaryl Wilson, Scott L. Strong
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An improved lead screw actuator for use in applications including power vehicle windows is provided that significantly reduces the amount of machining that must be performed on the lead screw to enable secure attachment of a gear or pulley. The lead screw has a plurality of threads on its outer annular surface and a first and second axially spaced circumferential groove. A gear or pulley disposed about the lead screw has a female thread formed into an inner annular surface that is configured to engage at least one of the plurality of threads of the lead screw between the first and second grooves. A pair of rings are disposed within the first and second grooves in order to restrict axial movement of the gear or pulley on the lead screw.
Claims20
An actuator, comprising:
- a motor having an output shaft extending therefrom;
- a lead screw disposed about an axis of rotation, said lead screw having a plurality of threads and said lead screw defining first and second axially spaced circumferential grooves;
- a driven member rotatably driven by said motor shaft and disposed about said lead screw, said driven member having a female thread formed into an inner annular surface of said driven member and configured to engage one of said plurality of threads of said lead screw between said first and second grooves;
- and,
- first and second rings disposed within said first and second grooves.
A method for attaching a driven member to a lead screw, comprising the steps of:
- (a) providing said driven member with a female thread formed into an inner annular surface of said driven member;
- (b) providing said lead screw with first and second grooves in an outer annular surface of said lead screw;
- (c) positioning a first ring in said first groove of said lead screw;
- (d) screwing said driven member onto said lead screw so that a first axial side of said driven member faces said first ring;
- and
- (e) positioning a second ring in said second groove of said lead screw wherein said second ring faces a second axial side of said driven member.
A vehicle window assembly, comprising:
- a frame defining an aperture;
- a window pane movable within said frame to close and at least partially open said aperture;
- a motor having an output shaft extending therefrom;
- a lead screw disposed about an axis of rotation, said lead screw having a plurality of threads and said lead screw defining first and second axially spaced circumferential grooves;
- a driven member rotatably driven by said motor shaft and disposed about said lead screw, said driven member having a female thread formed into an inner annular surface of said driven member and configured to engage one of said plurality of threads of said lead screw between said first and second grooves;
- first and second rings disposed within said first and second grooves;
- and,
- a nut disposed about said lead screw and attached to said window pane.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.