Unitary electro-hydraulic rotary actuator for automotive convertible top
US5467596A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 9, 1994 |
| Grant date | Nov 21, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B2211/20561
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A self-contained rotary actuator assembly has a pump assembly, a precharged hydraulic circuit, and a rotary vane actuator in a single unit. The pump assembly is a bi-directional electric motor driven gerotor pump which is manifolded to a module assembly in which the control elements of the hydraulic circuit are housed. Upon the application of the pressure for driving the rotary actuator in either direction, a pilot operated hydraulic valve is shifted so as to communicate the rotary actuator with the pump. After the pump is turned off, an orifice for the pilot chamber of the valve bleeds the pilot chamber slowly so as to provide a delay in which the rotary actuator holds the convertible top extended or retracted to give the vehicle operator time to latch the top in its closed or open position. In addition, a gas charged precharge chamber in the hydraulic circuit maintains a precharge through a broad range of temperatures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.