Jeffrey M Wilkinson

US Patent:

60266112, Feb 22, 2000

Filed:

May 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/318300

Inventors:

Daniel D. Ralston - Royal Oak MI
Jeffrey S. Wilkinson - Southfield MI
Gary L. Ray - Cassopolis MI
Kelly J. Harris - Lawrenceburg TN

Assignee:

Dura Automotive Systems, Inc. - Rochester Hills MI

International Classification:

E05C 706

US Classification:

49123

Abstract:

A pull-pull power sliding window assembly is disclosed, comprising a frame, a sliding pane slidable within the frame, and a pull-pull cable assembly for moving the sliding pane between a open and a closed position. The pull-pull cable assembly comprises a drive motor, a drive drum, and drive cable comprising a cable and a semi-rigid conduit wrapped around the cable, connecting the drive drum to the sliding pane for pulling the sliding pane back and forth. A retainer is mounted on the drive motor, a plunger is slidably received into an opening of the retainer, and the drive cable is routed through the plunger and into the retainer opening. A spring is positioned between the retainer and the plunger and is movable from an expanded condition where the plunger is biased away from the retainer and the drive cable is biased away from the sliding pane, and a compressed condition where the plunger is closer to the retainer and the drive cable extends further out of the conduit. A removable spring compressor compresses the spring, thereby preventing the spring from moving to the expanded condition. Thus, slack is maintained in the drive cable until the spring compressor is removed.