Multi-function apparatus having flexible clutch

• US 6,449,798 B1
• Filed: 10/21/1999
• Issued: 09/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/09/1991
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Rivin, Evgeny I., Fey, Victor R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham, Gary K.
• Application Number:
  US09/422,526
• Time in Patent Office: 1,062 Days
• Field of Search: 152/503, 152/503.1, 152/501.6, 152/501.7, 152/501.2, 152/502.7, 464/92, 464/96, 464/87, 464/160, 192/55.2, 192/55.3, 744/11
• US Class Current: 15/250.3
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/0491 Additional elements being fixed on wipers or parts of wipers not otherwise provided for, e.g. covers, antennae or lights
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/166 characterised by the combination of a motor-reduction unit and a mechanism for converting rotary into oscillatory movement
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/342 with means for temporarily uncoupling the wiper arm from the drive
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/583 including wiping devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19633 Yieldability in gear trains

Abstract

A multi-function apparatus for controlling various functions of a liftgate of an automotive vehicle. The apparatus includes an elastomeric member which is operably disposed in connection with a gear which imparts a driving force to a drive shaft of a window wiper member. The elastomeric member, in one embodiment, is a coiled spring which allows movement between the drive shaft and the gear driving the drive shaft in the event the wiper becomes frozen to the window of the vehicle or otherwise immovable. In this manner various other functions can be carried out by the apparatus regardless if the wiper becomes temporarily immobilized.

Claims

1. A multi-function control apparatus for a motor vehicle, said apparatus comprising:

a motor having an output shaft, a gear operably associated with said output shaft so as to be driven by said output shaft, said gear having a hub with a first diameter,

a drive shaft having an axis of rotation and being disposed concentrically within said hub of said gear and having a second diameter sufficiently smaller than said first diameter to provide a clearance between said drive shaft and an inside surface of said hub;

a wiper device operably driven by rotation of said drive shaft;

an elastomeric bushing disposed over said drive shaft within said hub, said elastomeric bushing operating to couple said gear and said drive shaft such that said elastic member transmits a driving force from said gear to said drive shaft to drive said drive shaft rotationally and said elastic member enabling a degree of rotation of said gear relative to said drive shaft in at least one rotational direction if said drive shaft becomes immoveable; and

a second device operably driven by movement of said output shaft, said wiper device being substantially stationary when said second device is operably driven, wherein said elastic member further allows movement of said second device if said wiper device is immoveable.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elastomeric bushing includes a first elastomeric portion, a second elastomeric portion and a non-elastomeric portion, said non-elastomeric portion being interposed between and attached to said elastomeric portions.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein at least one of said elastomeric portions is rubber.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said non-elastomeric portion is metallic.