David Feder

US Patent:

59837390, Nov 16, 1999

Filed:

Apr 18, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/844219

Inventors:

David A. Feder - Saint Clair Shores MI

International Classification:

F16H 2702

US Classification:

74 8915

Abstract:

An electrically actuated power door lock actuator which provides simplicity, long term reliability, minimal mechanical complexity and solves the problem of back driving when the door lock mechanism is manually actuated. The power door lock actuator according to the present invention includes: a housing; a bi-directional electric motor; a threaded shaft drivingly connected with the drive shaft of the motor, the threaded shaft having a first end and an opposite second end; a drive armature threadingly engaged with the threaded shaft, wherein the drive armature has opposing first and second abutments; a toggle rotatably mounted to the housing, the toggle having bifurcated arms wherein a first arm has a third abutment for abutting the first abutment and a second arm has a fourth abutment for abutting the second abutment, the toggle further having a connector for connecting to a door lock mechanism; a first spring which biases the drive armature toward the second end of the threaded shaft; and a second spring which biases the drive armature toward the first end of the threaded shaft. When the motor is not operating the first and second springs cooperate to biasably locate the drive armature to a neutral position.