08/431,148, filed April 28,1995, both of which are incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to multi-function actuators and specifically to a multi-functional node apparatus employed in an automotive vehicle to actuate remote devices.

Almost all automotive vehicles have systems that are electrically actuated such as mirrors, windshield wipers and door locks. These systems traditionally include separate electric motors and solenoids to actuate each device. The need for such a multiplicity of electromagnetic devices has increased automotive vehicle weight and cost while further proving difficult to package within the often small spaces provided. Not only is the piece cost increased due to this multiplicity of electromagnetic devices, but the assembly cost, part number proliferation and handling costs, electrical wiring costs, objectional motor noise, and failure modes are increased. The present invention seeks to multiplex an electromagnetic device to actuate a plurality of remote vehicle systems, eliminating numerous electromagnetic devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, the preferred embodiment of a multi-functional node apparatus employs various motion mechanisms including an intermittent motion mechanism, a pus-pull motion mechanism, and a rotary motion mechanism. An electromagnetic device selectively causes movement of the motion mechanisms thereby moving a

mechanical device coupled thereto. In a further aspect of the present invention, a clutch mechanism selectively couples mechanical devices to the various motion mechanisms.

The multi-functional vehicle apparatus of the present invention is advantageous over conventional systems since the present invention combines many different functions in a single apparatus. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-function vehicle apparatus replaces the traditional separate front wiper motor, window washer motor, and hood release solenoid. Accordingly, the present invention significantly reduces the piece cost, assembly cost, part proliferation and handling costs, wiring costs, and battery current consumption as compared to conventional constructions. Furthermore, the multi-functional vehicle apparatus of the present invention significantly reduces weight and packaging space requirements while increasing the electrical and mechanical reliability of the affected systems. Objectional motor and solenoid noises are also reduced. Moreover, the present invention provides a means for mechanically locking the intermittent motion mechanisms and devices coupled thereto in fixed positions. Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a rear elevational view, with portions broken away therefrom, showing a first embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a power transmission assembly employed in the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view showing the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly mechanisms of the first preferred embodiment of the

multi-functional apparatus of the present invention in the beginning of a rotary motion; Figure 5 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the end of one direction of a rotary motion; Figure 6 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the end of a rotary motion; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the beginning of a pus-pull motion; Figure 8 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the completion of a pus-pull motion; Figure 9 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the beginning of a pus-pull motion; Figure 10 is a diagrammatic rear view showing the power transmission assembly of the first preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention at the completion of a pus-pull motion; Figure 11 is a diagrammatic rear elevational view showing an alternate embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle utilizing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention to actuate a hood release latch; Figure 13 is a fragmentary and partially exploded perspective view of an automotive vehicle utilizing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention to actuate a windshield wiper system; Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of a power mirror system employing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention;

Figure 15 is a diagrammatic front view showing a head lamp and hood release system employing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 16 is a diagrammatic side view of an automotive vehicle door utilizing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention to actuate a power window system and door lock; Figure 17 is a diagrammatic side view of an automotive vehicle door utilizing the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus present invention to actuate a power lock system; Figure 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a clutch mechanism of a second preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 19 is a perspective view, with a main gear exploded away therefrom and with an electric motor broken away therefrom, showing a second preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 20 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the clutch mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention; Figure 21 is a section view showing the second preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention with the clutch mechanism in an engaged position; Figure 22 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the clutch mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention in a disengaged position; and Figure 23 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle equipped with a plurality of the various embodiments of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The construction of a first embodiment of a central drive and power transmission unit 43 is best illustrated in Figures 1-3. An electric motor

51 is of a conventional 12 volt fractional horsepower, dc electromagnetic variety having a metallic rotor housing 53 within which are stationary permanent magnets 55, a rotatable armature 57 with wire windings, a rotatable armature shaft 59 joined to armature 57, a commutator 61 electrically connected to the wire windings and rotatable with armature shaft 59, a brush card assembly 63 and various electronic components, bushings and retainers. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that other electric motor constructions can readily be substituted for that shown. A worm gear segment 65 is provided upon a portion of armature shaft 59 extending beyond motor housing 53.

A gear housing 71 is also provided for receiving worm gear segment 65 and the immediately adjacent portions of armature shaft 59. A main helical gear 73 is also housed and rotatably journalled within a gear housing 71.

Gear housing 71 is preferably made from cast aluminum. A plurality of knurled steel journalling pins 75 are press fit or otherwise attached within machined openings of gear housing 71. This placement of these openings in relation to each other is important. Pins 75 can alternately be molded as part of plastic gears and cams.

Helical gear 73 has an external set of helically oriented teeth 77 projecting entirely therearound for meshing with worm gear segment 65. A drum 79 is mounted upon a face of helical gear 73 for rotating therewith. Drum 79 has a partially circular peripheral surface 81 interrupted by a clearance indentation 83. Drum 79 and helical gear 73 are coaxially aligned for rotation about their respective journalling pin 75. A drive pin 85 projects from a face of helical gear 73 parallel to the adjacent journalling pins 75. Drive pin 85 has a cylindrical driving interface surface 87 thereabout. Of course, a rotatable sleeve may alternately surround drive pin 85. Other alternate driving interface means may be employed such as an integrally molded finger, screw, rivet, spring, rib, plural projections or other similar formations protruding from a face of peripheral portion of helical gear 73. Helical gear 73 is preferably injection molded from a polymeric material such as acetyl. An electrically conductive feedback disk is retained to an inside face of helical gear 73 through ultrasonically rolled welding

or insert molding. The feedback disk is comprised of a set of copper alloy or brass alloy stamped contacts which are provided with differing conductive and nonconductive patterns depending on the specific positional ranges as will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

A power transmission assembly 101 of central drive and power transmission unit 43 employs three intermittent rotary motion mechanisms or cams 103,105,107. Each cam has a single, linear, external open channel 109 defined by driven interfacing surfaces or walls therein. Driving interface surface 87 of drive pin 85 is selectively engagable against the walls defining channels 109 of each cam. Each cam is rotatable about its respective journalling pin 75.

Furthermore, partially circular external surfaces 111 of each cam register with the partially circula peripheral surface 81 of drum 79. A relatively tight tolerance on these registering surfaces of about 1-2 thousandths of an inch is preferably used. Thus, unless each cam is aligned with indentation 83 of drum 79, partially circula peripheral surface 81 of drum 79 will act to prevent rotation of each cam.

However, when indentation 83 of drum 79 aligns with an individual cam, concurrently with drive pin 85 engaging within a channel 109 of the same cam, continued rotation of helical gear 73 will cause the selectively coupled cam to rotate therewith. Moreover, the selectively coupled cam will have increased rotational acceleration as drive pin 85 rotates around journalling pin 75 within channel 109. This rotational acceleration, then deceleration, achieves a desirable inertial ramping up and ramping down sinusoidal motion effect such that potentially harmful inertial stresses and cyclical fatigue within the device coupled thereto are avoided. The diameter of drive pin 85 should match channel 109 width within a half a thousandth of an inch.

Cam 103 additionally has a spur gear 117 stacked coaxially thereupon for simultaneous movement therewith. Spur gear 117 has a peripheral set of teeth 119 extending entirely therearound for enmeshing with a mating external set of teeth 121 extending entirely around a driven pinion gear 123. Pinion gear 123 rotates a wiper output shaft 125. The wiper output shaft 125 is coupled to a linkage 126 to drive a pair of front window wipers 128

normally used on most automotive vehicles (see Figure 13). In the preferred embodiment the wiper output shaft 125 is coupled to the linkage 126 by a rack and pinion assembly. Wiper output shaft 125 is attached to pinion gear 123 through rivets, insert molding, knurled press fitting, et cetera. The wiper output shaft 125 is preferably made from cold rolled steel. The system is designed to oscillate wiper assembly at 45 cycles per minute (round trip) but other cycle frequencies can be achieved.

A protuberance 131 projects from a rear face of cam 105 and engages with a lever 133 which, in turn, is attached to a lift lock rod 135.

Protuberance 131, lever 133 and rod 135 are also considered to be lock couplings or coupling members. Protuberance 131 and pin 75 are concentric and pin 75 is a bearing surface. Lock connecting rod 135 is joined to hood release 49 (see Figure 12) for causing the mechanisms therein to move in a pus-pull manner in response to the movement of cam 105. As cam 105 moves it will rotate protuberance 131 engaged to lever 133, shifting lever 133. Lever 133 will then actuate connecting rod 135 in a pus-pull manner to release hood release 49. Alternately, hood release may consist of a system as disclosed within U. S. Patent 5,618,069 entitled"Hood and Decklid Latch Assemblies" which issued to Konchan et al. On April 8,1997 which is incorporated by reference herein.

Similarly, a protuberance 137 extends from and moves with a rear face cam of cam 107. A lever 139 is connected to protuberance 137 for moving therewith. A lift release connecting rod 141 connects lever 139 to a washer fluid pump to cause pumping motion which sprays wiper fluid onto the front window of an automotive vehicle. Such a washer fluid pump is disclosed within the following U. S. patents: 4,173,055 entitled"Windshield Washer Pump Drive Mechanism"which issued to Izumi et al. On November 6,1979; and 3,574,882 entitled"Windshield Washer Pump Assembly"which issued to Petry on April 13, 1971; both of which are incorporated by reference herewithin. Protuberance 137, lever 139 and connecting rod 141 are also defined as coupling members.

Protuberances 131 and 137 are preferably secured to their respective levers

133 and 139 in a keyholed manner. Additional threaded nuts, push nuts, crimpings, cotter pins and washers or the like (not shown) may be employed to retain the levers to their protrusions. The cams, spur gear and pinion gear are preferably made from powdered metallic steel. Alternately, other coupling means may be employed such as cables, belts, chains, gear sets, multiple linkages, jack screws, rack and pinion gear sets or the like.

The operation of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention can best be understood by referring to Figures 4-10. In Figure 4, drive pin 85 has partially entered channel 109 of cam 103. Figure 5 shows helical gear 73, drive pin 85, cam 103, spur gear 117 and pinion gear 123 rotated 162 degrees to the completion position at the end of the window wipe range. The electrical polarity is then reversed to motor 1 (see Figure 1) such that rotation of helical gear 73, drive pin 85, cam 103, spur gear 117, pinion gear 123 and wiper shaft 125 are reversed. Referring to Figure 6, helical gear is rotated such that drive pin 85 moves cam 103, spur gear 117, pinion gear 123, wiper shaft 125 and wiper assembly 45 to the depressed wiper parking position. Before the wiper is parked one full wiping cycle will occur.

Figure 7 illustrates helical gear 73 and drive pin 85 moved to the beginning of a hood latch release positional range. Subsequently, Figure 8 shows helical gear 73 and drive pin 85 rotated to the completion of the hood latch release. Clockwise movement (as illustrated) of helical gear 73 causes cam 105 to move from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation thereby causing the couplings and hood latch release 49 (see Figure 12) associated therewith to also be moved from a coupled position to an uncoupled position. Motor 51 (see Figure 1) can then be reversed to move helical gear 73 in a counterclockwise direction (as illustrated); this causes drive pin 85, cam 105, the couplings and hood release (see Figure 12) to move from a coupled position to an uncoupled position.

In Figure 9, helical gear 73 and drive pin 85 are shown rotated to the beginning of a washer fluid pump pumping range. In this position, drive pin 85 engages cam 107. Helical gear 73, drive pin 85 and cam 107 are then

rotated to the completion of the washer fluid pump pumping range as is shown in Figure 10. This causes the couplings and washer fluid pump to spray wiper fluid from reservoir onto the front window of an automotive vehicle.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 15. This second embodiment of the present invention employs the drive and power transmission unit 43 like that of the preferred embodiment to selectively drive an output gear 903 which operates a headlamp washer fluid pump. Such a washer pump has been disclosed previously. A second motion mechanism selectively drives a second output gear 907 which moves a headlamp mechanism 909. Such a headlamp mechanism can comprise a rotatable headlamp covers having a pivoting cammed surface with gear teeth thereon.

Alternately, the headlamp mechanism may consist of a retractable headlamp and bracket assembly such as those disclosed within U. S. Patents 5,355,286 entitled"Retractable Headlamp Assembly"which issued to Flint et al. On October 11,1994; and entitled"Actuator for Controlling the Orientation of a Motor Vehicle Headlamp"which issued to Cantin et al. on October 5,1993; both or which are incorporated by reference herewithin. A third motion mechanism selectively drives a third output gear 911. This output gear 911 serves to rotate a headlamp wiper assembly 913 in a cyclically oscillating manner. A fourth motion mechanism is coupled to an output rod 914 which is coupled to a hood latch release mechanism 915. This output rod serves to actuate the hood latch release mechanism 915 in a pus-pull manner. A front node electronic control unit controls the actuation of an electric motor to selectively drive the intermittent motion mechanisms. The output gears may need to be of a bevel gear variety due to differently angled devices.

A third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 14,16, and 17. A central drive and power transmission unit 43 (see Figure 1) as previously disclosed is coupled to a power window lift system 145, power lock system 155 and an exterior power mirror system 165. Cam 103 in this embodiment is coupled to pinion gear 123 which rotates a window regulator shaft 147 coupled to pinion gear 148 whose teeth enmesh geared sector 149.

Geared sector 149 is operably coupled to scissors mechanism 150 having pivot 151 and coupled to window support 153. As cam 103 rotates, window regulator shaft 147 will rotate, turning pinion gear 148 which drives geared sector 149.

Geared sector 149 will cause scissors mechanism 150 to advance and extend around pivot 151 raising the window support 153. Window support 153 is coupled to window glass 154. Alternately, the power mirror system may consist of a system as disclosed within U. S. Patent 4,101,206 entitled"Adjustable Motor Car Mirror with Compact Electrically Driven Adjusting Means"which issued to Oskam et al. On, July 18,1997 which is incorporated by reference herein.

Figure 17 illustrates the power locking system 155 of the present invention. The lock rod 135 (see Figure 3) is coupled to rod 157 which is coupled to manual locking mechanism 161. Locking mechanism 161 is further coupled to rod 158 which actuates rod 159 in a pus-pull motion, locking and unlocking latch 163. In other embodiments of the present invention a cable or linkage may be substituted for rods 157,158, and 159. Alternately, the power locking system may consist of a system as disclosed within U. S. Patent 5,634,677 entitled"Power-Locking Motor-Vehicle Door Latch"which issued to Buscher et al. On June 3,1997 which is incorporated by reference herein.

Figure 14 illustrates the power windows system 165 of the present invention. Connecting rod 141 (see Figure 3) is coupled to rod 167 which is joined to lever 169. Lever 169 pivots about pivot point 171 and is further connected to mirror and bracket assembly 173 assembly. Activation of connecting rod 141 will move rod 167 in a push pull manner. This pushing and pulling of rod 167 will rotate lever 169 about pivot point 171 thereby pivoting or rotating the mirror and bracket assembly 173. In other embodiments of the present invention a cable may be substituted for rod 167. Alternately, the power window system may consist of a system as disclosed within U. S. Patent 5,669,181 entitled"Power Sliding Window Assembly"which issued to Kollar et al. On September 23,1997 which is incorporated by reference herein. Of course, it will be appreciated that the previously discussed positional ranges may

have alternate patterns and arrangements, an may include additional or replacement functions and vehicle systems.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention allows main helical gear 73 to rotate in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner in order to actuate the various cams. In this fourth embodiment cam 103 will operate the wiper system as disclosed above and the main helical gear 73 will be rotatable in a counter clockwise fashion to actuate cam 107. Cam 107 in this embodiment may be coupled to any automotive system requiring a pus-pull action. Main helical gear 73 will also be rotatable in a clock-wise fashion to actuate cam 105 which may also be coupled to any automotive system requiring a pus-pull action.

A fifth embodiment of the multi-functional apparatus of the present invention is partially shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, a worm gear segment 801 of a fractional horsepower, dc electric motor armature drives a helical gear 803 enmeshed therewith. A pair of drive pins 805 project from a face of helical gear 803 for rotation therewith. Drum 807 further has a bifurcated fork 813 radially projecting therefrom and extending between the pair of drive pins 805. This embodiment also employs three starwheel mechanisms 831 for rotation therewith. Spur gear 841 is stacked upon starwheel mechanism 831 for rotation therewith. Spur gear 841 is stacked upon starwheel mechanism 831 for rotation therewith. Spur gear 841 rotatably drives a pinion gear 843 which is engaged with a wiper shaft. Drive pins 805 and bifurcated fork 813 can be selectively rotated by the motor to engage with the teeth of the desired starwheel mechanism. Otherwise, this embodiment functions the same as the first embodiment.

In a sixth embodiment of the present invention a central drive and power transmission, as disclosed by U. S. Patent Application Serial No.

08/431,148, is utilized to actuate various automotive vehicles systems that are electronically actuated such as mirrors, windshield wipers and door locks.

Patent Application Serial No. 08/431,148 discloses a rotary tab and lever system which is able to actuate an intermittent motion mechanism, a pus-pull motion

mechanism, and a rotary motion mechanism in a fashion similar to the embodiments disclosed previously. Referring to Figure 19 an intermittent motion mechanism is connected to linkage 1201. Linkage 1201 is constructed from a steel wire. A leading end 1203 of linkage 1201 is bent so as to extend through a slot 1205 in gear housing 1057. Furthermore, a median segment 1207 of linkage 1201 is linearly slidable within a passageway formed through gear housing 1057. A trailing end 1209 of linkage 1201 may be coupled to any vehicle system requiring a pus-pull mechanism such as a power lock system, a power mirror system, a washer fluid pump or a hood latch release.

A primary linkage 1221 and secondary linkage 1223 are also coupled to any vehicle system requiring a pus-pull mechanism such as a power lock system, a power mirror system, a washer fluid pump or a hood latch release. Primary linkage 1221 is also a bent steel wire having a leading end 1227 protruding within a slot 1229 of gear housing 1057. A median segment 1231 is slidably trapped within a support 1233 extending from gear housing 1057. A C-shaped bent wire 1235 couples an elbow 1237 of primary linkage 1221 to a distal end 1239 of secondary linkage 1223. Secondary linkage 1223 further has a proximal end 1241 with a pin 1243 protruding therefrom which enters an arcuate slot 1245 of gear housing 1057. Secondary linkage 1223 is pivotable about a central fulcrum 1251 mounted to gear housing 1057. Wire 1235 can be pivotally joined to primary and secondary linkages, respectively 1221 and 1223, via bent metal wire clips, polymeric force-fit collas, push nuts or the like. Linkages 1209,1221 and 1223 may alternately be constructed as pivoting or sliding members, having an infinite variety of shapes, and constructed from plastic, cast metal, powdered metal, bent wire, geared members or the like.

It should further be understood that the connecting rods may be substituted by cables, belts, gears, a plurality of mechanical linkages, chains, jackscrews or other force transmitting and coupling means.

The seventh embodiment of the present invention is equipped with a clutch mechanism to aid in the selective actuation of the various automotive vehicle systems. The operation of one embodiment of the clutch mechanism

employed in the present invention is disclosed in U. S Patent Application Serial No. 08/431,148. The operation of the clutch mechanism employed with the present invention can best be understood by referring to Figures 18 and 20-22.

When a vehicle system requiring a rotary motion is set in operational mode, motor 51 causes spring tab and helical gear to rotate or oscillate. Concurrently therewith, cam follower 1123 of actuator shaft 1099 rides along camming surface 1125. During this rotation or oscillating operation, fingers 1131 of actuator shaft are fully engaged with receptacles in shaft 1121 as is shown in Figures 20 and 21. Accordingly shaft 1121 rotates in unison or in conjunction with actuator shaft 1099 and helical gear 1059. An alternate embodiment of the present invention will include a bidirectional clutch. This alternate clutch is capable of coupling a device in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation.

The electronic control of the various embodiment of the present invention is governed by a microprocessor based system such as the one disclosed in U. S Patent Application Serial No. 08/431,148. The electronic control unit measures the rotation of helical gear 1059 through a feedback disk acting in conjunction with four electrical contactors riding therealong.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an automotive vehicle equipped with a plurality of the present inventions. Central drive and power transmission units 43 are placed proximately to the various vehicle systems that require actuation. For example, unit 43 is placed proximately to one headlight, at the front wiper system, within the doors and/or at the rear hatch. This location will allow units 43 to drive the various remote and independent vehicle systems. It should be noted that placement of the units 43 will vary according to the optimal packaging space needs of the specific automotive vehicle.

While various embodiments of this multi-functional apparatus have been disclosed, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the present invention. For example, a solenoid electromagnet or other electromagnetic devices may be used in place of the previously described electric motor. Multiple combinations of the vehicle systems may also be used. A central power transmission unit may have any

combination of two or more of above recited linkages and motion transmitting mechanisms connecting to two or more vehicle systems. Furthermore, additional spur gears, pinion gears, sector gears, planetary gears, jack screws, sprockets, and chains, pulleys and belts, cables or other force transmitting means may be employed to couple between the electromagnetic device, rotatable member, intermittent motion mechanisms or locks. Moreover, a multiple gear transmission, linkage, belt or cable system can alternately couple a wiper assembly to a wiper shaft. It will further be appreciated that a variety of other multiplexed or non-multiplexed, microprocessor or analog circuitry may be used to control the apparatus of the present invention. The clutch mechanism can also be carried out in a variety of other constructions such as with Belleville springs, diaphragm springs, friction plates, sector gears, linkages or the like.

The clutch mechanism may also be used on all motion transmitting mechanisms and linkages recited above to decouple the various vehicle systems. The intermittent motion mechanisms may also be accomplished by employing other known intermittent motion mechanisms such as more conventional Geneva mechanisms, intermittent gearing, escapements, ratchet mechanisms or other known selectively actuable devices. While various materials, electronic components, circuits and force transmitting devices may be used. It is intended by the following claims to cover these and any other departures from the disclosed embodiments which fall within the true spirit of this invention.