WO2013071236A1

WO2013071236A1 - Closure panel counterbalance mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2013071236A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/064671
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joseph SCHEURING; Jube Leonard; Yuge MASAAKI; Dan Cosmin
Original assignee: Magna Closures Inc.
Priority date: 2011-11-10
Filing date: 2012-11-12
Publication date: 2013-05-16

Abstract

A counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a frame; a biasing element mounted on the frame and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel, the opening force opposite in direction to the closing force with respect to a weight of the closure panel.

Description

CLOSURE PANEL COUNTERBALANCE MECHANISM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 /558,291 , filed November 10, 201 1 , which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a counterbalance system for moving a closure panel between an open position and a closed position.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Some vehicles are equipped with a closure panel, such as a lift gates, which is driven between an open position and a closed position using an electric drive system. Systems have been proposed to provide such vehicles with the capability of assisting the operator of the closure panel during opening and closing operations, so as to counteract the weight of the closure panel itself. Such proposed systems are, in some instances, complex and expensive and may not offer failsafe modes that are able to provide manual assistance to the operator. Also recognized is a need to provide a counterbalance mechanism that can offer efficient counterbalance force customization for different closure panel weights and configurations (e.g. differing centers of gravity), including the ability to accommodate for third position hold or stop and hold functionality of the closure panel.

[0004] Also desired is an accessory for coupling to an existing drive mechanism of a closure panel assembly, such that the accessory is capable of modifying the opening and closing force characteristics of the drive mechanism.

SUMMARY

[0005] It is recognized that the ability of a counterbalance mechanism in industry that can provide for both opening and closing force counterbalance is not available in a straightforward implementation using minimal numbers of rotational elements, either as a component of a drive mechanism for a closure panel, as a component of a closure panel assembly, and/or as an accessory of an existing drive mechanism of a closure panel.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a counterbalance mechanism that obviates or mitigates at least one of the above presented disadvantages.

[0007] A first aspect provided is a counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including: a frame; a biasing element mounted on the frame and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel, the opening force opposite in direction to the closing force with respect to a weight of the closure panel; a rotary element positioned on the frame and having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and a linear element for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction, the linear element coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface of the rotary element.

[0008] The rotary element is coupled at a proximal end to the linear element and is configured for coupling to an actuator component at a distal end of the rotary element, the rotary element selected from the group consisting of: a shaft; a gear; a drum; a drum configured for mounting on a shaft; and a drum configured for mounting on a gear.

[0009] The counterbalance mechanism frame is configured as a composite frame selected from the group consisting of: the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is also the first frame; the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel; and the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided also as the body panel.

[0010] A second aspect provided is a closure panel assembly for a vehicle to assist in opening and closing of a closure panel of the assembly for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the assembly including: the closure panel; and a counterbalance mechanism for coupling with the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism having: a biasing element mounted and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel; a rotary element mounted and positioned spaced apart from the biasing element, the rotary element having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and a linear element for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction, the linear element coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface.

[0011] The assembly has the counterbalance mechanism coupled to the closure panel via a motorized drive assembly and the motorized drive assembly is coupled to a crank arm configured for connection to the closure panel via the link rod, such that the rotary element is driven by the motorized drive assembly. [0012] The assembly has the mounting of the rotary element and the mounting of the biasing element configured as selected from the group consisting of: the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting of the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting for the biasing element is also the first frame; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting for the biasing element is provided as a body panel of the vehicle; and the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a body panel of the vehicle and the mounting for the biasing element is provided also as the body panel.

[0013] A third aspect provided is a drive assembly for actuating the opening and closing of a closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the assembly including: a motorized drive system configured for coupling to the closure panel and having a rotary element driven by a motorized drive; and a counterbalance mechanism having: a biasing element mounted in a spaced apart relation to the rotary element and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel; the rotary element mounted and positioned spaced apart from the biasing element, the rotary element having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and a linear element for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction, the linear element coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface. [0014] The assembly has the mounting of the rotary element and the mounting of the biasing element is configured as selected from the group consisting of: the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting of the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting for the biasing element is also the first frame; and the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting for the biasing element is configured as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel.

[0015] Other aspects, including methods of operation, and other embodiments of the above aspects will be evident based on the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Reference is made, by way of example only, to the attached figures, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle with a closure panel assembly;

[0018] Figure 2 is an alternative embodiment of the vehicle of Figure 1 ; [0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view the counterbalance mechanism shown in Figure 1 ;

[0020] Figure 4 is an example force/torque vs. closure panel opening angle curve for operation of the counterbalance mechanism shown in Figure 3;

[0021] Figure 5a shows a closed position of the closure panel of Figure 1 ; [0022] Figure 5b shows an intermediate open/hold position of the closure panel of Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 5c is shows an open position of the closure panel of Figure 1 ; [0024] Figure 6a shows a perspective view of a closed state of the counterbalance mechanism shown in Figure 3 corresponding to the closed position of the closure panel shown in Figure 5a;

[0025] Figure 6b shows a perspective view of an intermediate neutral state of the counterbalance mechanism shown in Figure 3 corresponding to the closed position of the closure panel shown in Figure 5b;

[0026] Figure 6c shows a perspective view of an open state of the counterbalance mechanism shown in Figure 3 corresponding to the open position of the closure panel shown in Figure 5c; and [0027] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of an alternative embodiment of the counterbalance mechanism of Figure 1 with a motor drive.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0028] In this specification and in the claims, the use of the article "a", "an", or "the" in reference to an item is not intended to exclude the possibility of including a plurality of the item in some embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art in at least some instances in this specification and the attached claims that it would be possible to include a plurality of the item in at least some embodiments. Likewise, use of a plural form in reference to an item is not intended to exclude the possibility of including one of the item in some embodiments. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art in at least some instances in this specification and the attached claims that it would be possible to include one of the item in at least some embodiments.

Closure Panel Assembly 12 Examples

[0029] Provided is a counterbalance mechanism that can be used advantageously with vehicle closure panels to provide for open and close fail safe modes in the event of power actuator failure or disconnection, in particular for land-based, sea-based and/or air-based vehicles. Other applications of the counterbalance mechanism, in general for closure panels both in and outside of vehicle applications, include advantageously assisting in optimization of overall hold and manual effort forces for closure panel operation. It is recognized as well that the counterbalance mechanism examples provided below can be used advantageously as the sole means of open and close assistance for closure panels or can be used advantageously in combination (e.g. in tandem) with other closure panel biasing members (e.g. spring loaded hinges, biasing struts such as gas struts, etc.). In particular, the counterbalance mechanism can be used to provide both an opening force (or torque) and a closing force (or torque) for the closure panel, as further described below. Further, it is recognized that the counterbalance mechanism can be: integrated with a motorized drive used to actuate the closure panel; provided as an accessory to an existing motorized drive; and/or provided as a component of a closure panel assembly, as further described below.

[0030] Referring to Figure 1 , shown is a vehicle 10 with a vehicle body 1 1 having one or more closure panels 14. One example configuration of the closure panel 14 is a closure panel assembly 12 including a counterbalance mechanism 15 and optionally a closure panel drive system 16. For vehicles 10, the closure panel 14 can be referred to as a partition or door, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening 13 which is used for entering and exiting the vehicle 10 interior by people and/or cargo. It is also recognized that the closure panel 14 can be used as an access panel for vehicle 10 systems such as engine compartments and also for traditional trunk compartments of automotive type vehicles 10. The closure panel 14 can be opened to provide access to the opening 13, or closed to secure or otherwise restrict access to the opening 13. It is also recognized that there can be one or more intermediate hold positions of the closure panel 14 between a fully open position and fully closed position, as provided at least in part by the counterbalance mechanism 15 as further described below. For example, the counterbalance mechanism 15 can assist in biasing movement of the closure panel 14 towards one or more intermediate hold position(s) also known as Third Position Hold(s) (TPHs) or Stop-N-Hold(s). [0031 ] The closure panel 14 can be opened manually and/or powered electronically via the closure panel drive system 1 6, where powered closure panels 14 can be found on minivans, high-end cars, or sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and the like. Additionally, one characteristic of the closure panel 14 is that due to the weight of materials used in manufacture of the closure panel 14, some form of force assisted open and close mechanism (or mechanisms) are used to facilitate operation of the open and close operation by an operator (e.g. vehicle driver) of the closure panel 14. The force assisted open and close mechanism(s) is/are provided by the counterbalance mechanism 1 5 and optionally a coupled closure panel drive system 1 6 when used as part of the closure panel assembly 1 2, such that the counterbalance mechanism 1 5 is configured to provide a closing torque (or force) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the closed position. For example acting with the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the fully open position and the intermediate hold position. In another example acting with the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the intermediate hold position and the fully closed position. In another example acting with the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

[0032] In addition, the counterbalance mechanism 15 is also configured to provide an opening torque (also referred to as an opening force) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the open position. For example acting against the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the fully open position and the intermediate hold position. In another example acting against the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the intermediate hold position and the fully closed position. In another example acting against the weight of the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path between the fully open position and the fully closed position. Therefore it is recognized advantageously that the counterbalance mechanism 1 5 is configured to provide both the opening torque (or force) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the open position (e.g. biased away from the fully closed position and towards the open position) and the closing torque (also referred to as a closing force) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the closed position (e.g. biased away from the fully open position and towards the closed position).

[0033] In terms of vehicles 10, the closure panel 14 may be a lift gate as shown in Figure 1 , or it may be some other kind of closure panel 14, such as an upward-swinging vehicle door (i.e. what is sometimes referred to as a gull-wing door) or a conventional type of door that is hinged at a front-facing or back-facing edge of the door, and so allows the door to swing (or slide) away from (or towards) the opening 13 in the body 1 1 of the vehicle 10. Also contemplated are sliding door embodiments of the closure panel 14 and canopy door embodiments of the closure panel 14, such that sliding doors can be a type of door that open by sliding horizontally or vertically, whereby the door is either mounted on, or suspended from a track that provides for a larger opening 13 for equipment to be loaded and unloaded through the opening 13 without obstructing access. Canopy doors are a type of door that sits on top of the vehicle 10 and lifts up in some way, to provide access for vehicle passengers via the opening 13 (e.g. car canopy, aircraft canopy, etc.). Canopy doors can be connected (e.g. hinged at a defined pivot axis and/or connected for travel along a track) to the body 1 1 of the vehicle at the front, side or back of the door, as the application permits. [0034] Referring again to Figure 1 , in the context of a vehicle application of a closure panel by example only, the closure panel 14 is movable between a closed position (shown in dashed outline) and an open position (shown in solid outline). In the embodiment shown, the closure panel 14 pivots between the open position and the closed position about a pivot axis 18, which is preferably configured as horizontal or otherwise parallel to a support surface 9 of the vehicle 10. In other embodiments, the pivot axis 1 8 may have some other orientation such as vertical or otherwise extending at an angle outwards from the support surface 9 of the vehicle 10. In still other embodiments, the closure panel 14 may move in a manner other than pivoting, for example, the closure panel 14 may translate along a predefined track or may undergo a combination of translation and rotation between the open and closed positions.

Embodiments of Counterbalance Mechanism 15 Configuration in Assembly 12

[0035] Referring again to Figure 1 , as discussed above, the counterbalance mechanism 15 examples provided below for the closure panel assembly 12 can be used as the sole means of open and close assistance for the closure panels 14 themselves (see Figure 2), or can be used in combination (e.g. in tandem) with one or more other closure panel biasing members 37 (e.g. spring loaded hinges, biasing struts such as gas struts or spring loaded struts, etc.) that provide a primary connection of the closure panel 14 to the vehicle body 1 1 at a pivot connection 18,38 (see Figure 1 ). Further, the counterbalance mechanism 15 can be coupled to a distal end of a link rod 35 (also referred to as lever mechanism or arm or element) used to connect the closure panel 14 as a secondary connection of the closure panel to the vehicle body 1 1 , such that the closure panel biasing member 37 and the link rod 35 can be pivotally attached to the closure panel 14 at spaced apart locations as shown. In this manner, the other end of the link rod 35 pivotally connects to the closure panel 14 at pivot connection 36. The counterbalance mechanism 15 can be used to indirectly couple the link rod 35 to the vehicle body 1 1 , for example optionally via the closure panel drive system 16 as further discussed below. It is recognized that the link rod 35 itself can be configured as a non-biasing element (e.g. a solid rod) or can be configured as a biasing element (e.g. a gas or spring assisted extension strut), as desired.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 1 , one or more optional closure panel biasing members 37 can be provided which urge the closure panel 14 towards the open position throughout at least some portion of the path between the open position and the closed position and which assist in holding the closure panel 14 in the open position. The closure panel biasing members 37 can be, for example, gas extension struts which are pivotally connected at their proximal end to the closure panel 14 and at their distal end to the vehicle body 1 1 . In the embodiment shown, there are two biasing members 37 (one on the left side of the vehicle 10 and one on the right side of the vehicle 10), however one biasing member 37 is obscured by the other in the view shown. As the closure panel 14 moves between the open and closed positions, the torques (or forces) exerted the on the closure panel 14 by the biasing members 37 and by the weight of the closure panel 14 itself will vary. In one embodiment, the closure panel 14 can have some position between the open and closed positions at which the torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by the biasing members 37 cancels out the torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by the weight of the closure panel 14 (i.e. the torque or force of the biasing member(s) 37 acts against the weight of the closure panel 14). Above this point (which can be referred to as a balance point or otherwise referred to as the intermediate hold position), the torque (or force) exerted by the biasing members 37 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) away from the closed position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the open position (i.e. the torque or force of the biasing member(s) 37 acts against the weight of the closure panel 14). Below this point, the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted by the biasing members 37 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) towards the closed position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the closed position. However, even in travel of the closure panel 14 towards the closed position, the torque or force of the biasing member(s) 37 acts against the weight of the closure panel 14. In this manner, the effect of the biasing member(s) 37 is to provide a torque or force that always acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 (i.e. always supplies a closing torque or force).

[0037] Further to operation of the above-described optional closure panel biasing members 37, one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be provided in addition to (as shown in Figure 1 ) or in substitution of (as shown in Figure 2) the biasing members 37. For example, in terms of Figure 1 , one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be provided which urge the closure panel 14 towards the open position throughout at least some portion of the path between the fully closed position and the open position in combination with urge the closure panel 14 towards the closed position throughout at least some portion of the path between the fully open position and the closed position, and which can optionally assist in holding the closure panel 14 in the open position (e.g. intermediate hold positions and/or the fully open position). The one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be, for example, coupled to or otherwise mounted on the vehicle body 1 1 and pivotally connected to the closure panel 14 via the rod 35. In the embodiment shown, there are counterbalance mechanisms 15 (one on the left side of the vehicle 10 and one on the right side of the vehicle 10), however one counterbalance mechanism 15 is obscured by the other in the view shown. As the closure panel 14 moves between the open and closed positions, the torques (or forces) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15, the biasing members 37, and by the weight of the closure panel 14 itself will vary. In one embodiment, the closure panel 14 can have some position between the open and closed positions at which the combined torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and the biasing members 37 cancels out the torque (or force) exerted thereon by the weight of the panel 14. Above this point (which may be referred to as a balance point or otherwise referred to as the intermediate hold position), the combined torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and the biasing members 37 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 itself thus resulting in a net torque (or force) away from the intermediate open position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the fully open position. Below this point, the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 can overcome the combined torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and the biasing members 37 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) towards the fully closed position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 away from the intermediate open position. As discussed above, it is recognized that the counterbalance mechanism 15 is configured to provide both the opening torque (or force) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the open position (e.g. biased away from the fully closed position and towards the intermediate open position) and the closing torque (or force) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the closed position (e.g. biased away from the fully open position and towards the intermediate open position).

[0038] Further to operation of the above-described closure panel operation, one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be provided without use of one or more biasing members 37. For example, in terms of Figure 2, one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be provided which urge the closure panel 14 towards the open position throughout at least some portion of the path between the open position and the closed position and which can optionally assist in holding the closure panel 14 in the open position. The one or more counterbalance mechanisms 15 can be, for example, coupled to or otherwise mounted on the vehicle body 1 1 and pivotally connected to the closure panel 14 via the rod 35. In the embodiment shown, there are counterbalance mechanisms 15 (one on the left side of the vehicle 10 and one on the right side of the vehicle 10), however one counterbalance mechanism 15 is obscured by the other in the view shown. As the closure panel 14 moves between the open and closed positions, the torques (or forces) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and by the weight of the closure panel 14 itself will vary. In one embodiment, the closure panel 14 can have some position between the open and closed positions at which the torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 cancels out the torque (or force) exerted thereon by the weight of the panel 14. Above this point (which may be referred to as a balance point or otherwise referred to as the intermediate hold position), the torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) away from the intermediate open position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the fully open position. Below this point, the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 1 5 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) away from the intermediate open position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the fully closed position. As discussed above, it is recognized that the counterbalance mechanism 15 is configured to provide both the opening torque (or force) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the open position (e.g. biased away from the fully closed position and towards the intermediate open position) and the closing torque (or force) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the closed position (e.g. biased away from the fully open position and towards the intermediate open position).

[0039] It is also recognized that in either or both of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 (i.e. respectively with or without the presence of biasing members 37), the operation of the closure panel 14 between the open and close positions can be implemented without an intermediate hold position. Thus in alternate operation for Figure 1 , as the closure panel 14 moves between the open and closed positions, the torques (or forces) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15, optionally the biasing members 37, and by the weight of the closure panel 14 itself can vary. Once the closure panel 14 is urged out of the fully closed position (e.g. unlocked), the combined torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and optionally the biasing members 37 can overcome the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 itself thus resulting in a net torque (or force) away from the fully closed position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the fully open position. At the fully open position, once the closure panel 14 is urged out of the fully open position the torque (or force) exerted by the weight of the panel 14 can overcome the combined torque (or force) exerted on the closure panel 14 by each counterbalance mechanism 15 and optionally the biasing members 37 thus resulting in a net torque (or force) towards the closed position, thus biasing the closure panel 14 towards the fully closed position. As discussed above, it is recognized that the counterbalance mechanism 15 is configured to provide both the opening torque (or force) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the fully open position (e.g. biased away from the fully closed position and towards the fully open position) and the closing torque (or force) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 to bias the closure panel 14 on at least a portion of the path towards the fully closed position (e.g. biased away from the fully open position and towards the fully closed position).

Example Counterbalance Mechanism 15 Configuration

[0040] Referring to Figure 3, shown is a counterbalance mechanism 15 that provides for a switch in the direction of the counterbalance force (or torque) between an opening force (or torque) that acts against the weight of the closure panel 14 (see Figure 1 ) adjacent to the fully closed position and a closing force (or torque) that acts with the weight of the closure panel 14 at least adjacent to the fully open position and optionally between the fully open position and the intermediate hold position 108 (see Figure 5b). The counterbalance mechanism 15 is configured for coupling with the closure panel 14 (see Figure 1 ) to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel 14 for at least a portion of the path between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the closure panel 14. The counterbalance mechanism 15 can include a frame 50 for supporting a biasing element 52 mounted on the frame 50 and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force 60 (see Figure 5a) to assist in the opening of the closure panel 14 and a second biasing state to provide a closing force 62 (see Figure 5c) to assist in the closing of the closure panel 14, the first biasing state opposite to the second biasing state and the opening force 60 opposite in direction to the closing force 62.

[0041] The counterbalance mechanism 15 can have a rotary element 54 (e.g. shaft 53, drum 55 mounted on a shaft 53, gear 84,86 of a drive system 16 - see Figure 7, etc.) that is, for example, positioned on the frame 50 and has a longitudinal axis 56 and a peripheral surface 58 spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis 65 in a first rotational direction 57 during provision of the opening force 60 and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis 56 in a second rotational direction 59 during provision of the closing force 62. In the example embodiments provided below, the first rotational direction 57 is the same as the second rotational direction 59 and therefore a linear element 64 can unwind (or wind) about the peripheral surface 58 during provision of one of the opening force 60 or closing force 62 and then can wind (or unwind) about the peripheral surface 58 during provision of the other of the opening force 60 or closing force 62. In this case, the rotational direction of unwinding (or winding) of the linear element 64 about the peripheral surface 58 for one of the opening force 60 or closing force 62 is opposite to the rotational direction of winding (or unwinding) of the linear element 64 about the peripheral surface 58 for the other of the opening force 60 or closing force 62. The example given is the linear element 64 unwinding first from being wound in the clockwise rotational direction and then winding second in the counterclockwise rotational direction. Alternatively, the linear element 64 is unwound first from being wound in the counterclockwise rotational direction and then wound second in the clockwise rotational direction.

[0042] However it is recognized that the first rotational direction 57 of the peripheral surface 58 could also be configured as opposite to the second rotational direction 59. In the case where the first rotational direction 57 is not the same as the second rotational direction 59, the linear element 64 can be unwound in one rotational direction of the peripheral surface 58 and then wound in the other rotational direction, such that the first rotational direction could be one of clockwise or counterclockwise and the second rotational direction could be the other of the clockwise or counterclockwise. It is recognized that gearing (not shown) could be used to drive the peripheral surface 58 first in the first rotational direction and then secondly in the second rotational direction, such that the first rotational direction is opposite to the second rotational direction.

[0043] Referring again to Figure 3, the counterbalance mechanism 15 has the linear element 64 coupled to the peripheral surface 58 of the rotary element 54 for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction 57 and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction 59, the linear element 64 coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element 52 and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface 58. Coupling of the linear element 64 by coupling element 51 to the peripheral surface 58 can be provided as threaded through a hole or passage in the rotary element 54, pinned or otherwise mechanically or chemically bonded to the peripheral surface 58 of the peripheral surface 58, and/or attached to the rotary element 54 via an intermediate component (e.g. a drum 55 mounted on the rotary element 54 (a shaft), such that the peripheral surface 58 is provided by the intermediate component (e.g. the drum 55). [0044] The linear element 64 can be coupled by a coupling element 51 to the peripheral surface 58 at the distal end of the linear element 64 such that the linear element 64 is flexible and configured to unwind (or wind) around the peripheral surface 58 in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the first rotational direction 57 and to wind (or unwind) around the peripheral surface 58 in the same (or other) of the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction in the second rotational direction 59.

[0045] In the embodiment of Figures 6a,b,c, the linear element 64 unwinds and winds in same counterclockwise rotational direction about the periphery 58 of the rotary element 54. However it is appreciated that the linear element 64 could be configured to unwind and wind in same clockwise rotational direction. It is appreciated that the linear element 64 could be configured to wind and unwind in same counterclockwise rotational direction. It is appreciated that the linear element 64 could be configured to wind and unwind in same clockwise rotational direction. Accordingly, it is appreciated in this case that the order of wind first and unwind second or unwind first and wind second of the linear element 64 about the peripheral surface 58 can vary due to configuration of the counterbalance mechanism 15 for changes from the first biasing state to the second biasing state of the biasing element 52. What is recognized is that the linear element 64 unwinds in one of the first or second biasing states and winds in the other of the first or second biasing states. Alternatively, the linear element 64 winds in one of the first or second biasing states and unwinds in the other of the first or second biasing states.

[0046] In alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that the linear element 64 could unwind and wind in different rotational directions about the peripheral surface 58 of the rotary element 54. Accordingly, it is appreciated in this case that the order of wind first and unwind second or unwind first and wind second of the linear element 64 about the peripheral surface 58 can vary due to configuration of the counterbalance mechanism 15 for changes from the first biasing state to the second biasing state of the biasing element 52. What is recognized is that the linear element 64 unwinds in one of the first or second biasing states and winds in the other of the first or second biasing states.

[0047] The rotary element 54 can be of any cross-sectional shape, whereby one example shape is of circular cross section and the peripheral surface 58 is a circumferential surface. In terms of material used in manufacture of the linear element 64, the linear element 64 has a length greater than its width and can be selected from materials such as but not limited to: a wire; a cord; a string; and a chain.

[0048] An optional component of the counterbalance mechanism 15 is a cam 66 positioned between the biasing element 52 and the linear element 64, such that the biasing element 52 is coupled to the cam 66 and the cam 66 is coupled to the linear element 64. In this manner, advantageously a cam surface 68 of the cam 66 is configured such that rotation of the biasing element 52 is associated with rotation of the cam surface 68 about a pivot point 70 of the cam 66. It is considered that optionally the pivot point of the biasing element 52 and the pivot point of the cam 66 can be the same. One advantage of using the cam 66 with a predefined shaped cam surface 68 is that the shape of the cam surface 68 can be correlated with a predefined force curve see (Figure 4) of the opening force 60 and the closing force 62, thus providing for accommodation for different weights of closure panels 14 as well as for their differing centers of gravity. In other words, differently shaped cam surfaces 68 can provide for different force curves (see Figure 4) that are optimized for the geometry and weight of the closure panel 14.

Example Operation of Counterbalance Mechanism 15

[0049] In effect, as shown in Figure 4, there is a switchover point 100 after a predefined open angle 102 of the closure panel 14 away from the fully closed position 104 towards the fully open position 106 (and/or the intermediate open position 108), such that the opening force 60 (or torque) of the counterbalance mechanism 15 switches to a closing force 62 (or torque) as the closure panel 14 travels from the open position 104 to the closed position 106, or alternatively defined as the predefined open angle 102 at which the closing force 62 (or torque) of the counterbalance mechanism 15 switches to an opening force 64 (or torque) as the closure panel 14 travels from the open position 106 to the closed position 104. It is this ability of the counterbalance mechanism 15 to switch between opening 60 and closing force 62 (or torque) that provides for assistance from the same mechanism 15 in both the opening (biasing the closure panel 15 towards the open position 106) and closing (biasing the closure panel 15 towards the close position 104) of the closure panel 14. It is recognized that in the presence of the optional intermediate hold position 108, the predefined open angle 102 can occur between the fully closed position 104 and the intermediate open position 108. It is recognized that in the presence of the optional intermediate hold position 108, the predefined open angle 102 can occur at the intermediate open position 108. It is recognized that in the presence of the optional intermediate hold position 108, the predefined open angle 102 can occur between the fully open position 106 and the intermediate open position 108.

[0050] Referring to Figure 6a, shown is an example configuration of the counterbalance mechanism 15 with the optional cam 66, such that biasing element 52 is in first biasing state (e.g. in compression biasing the rotation of the cam 66 in clockwise direction to release the stored compressive mechanical energy of the biasing element 52). In this configuration, the state of the counterbalance mechanism 15 can correspond to that of the closure panel assembly 12 of Figure 5a in closed position 104 (see Figure 4). The linear element 64 is coupled to the rotary element 54 (e.g. drum 55 mounted on a shaft 53) and prewound about the peripheral surface 58 of the rotary element 54 in a clockwise rotational direction 57 and also coupled to the biasing element via the cam 66 at connection point 67.

[0051] It is recognized that the peripheral surface 58 (e.g. by drum 55) could be mounted directly on a gear (reference 84, 86 of Figure 7) of a drive system 16 rather than on an intermediate shaft 53, as desired. In this case the rotary element 54 would be the gear combined with the drum. In an alternative configuration, the peripheral surface 58 could be the gear having the peripheral surface 58, thus making the gear the rotary element 54. This alternative configuration may be appropriate in those cases where the counterbalance mechanism 15 is coupled directly to (e.g. as an accessory to an existing drive system 16) or otherwise integrated with a motorized drive 88 (see Figure 7) of the drive system 16. Shown by example is the rotary element 54 as a shaft 53 positioned through a hole in the frame 50, such that the shaft 53 is coupled to the crank arm 82 (see Figure 7). In this case the shaft 53 is connected to a gear of a drive system 16 which is also connected to the crank arm 82. However it is also recognized that the shaft 53 can be connected directly to the crank arm 82 when the drive system 16 is absent.

[0052] In opening of the closure panel 14 away from the closed position 104, linear element 64 is unwound (i.e. unwinds) about the peripheral surface 58 as the rotary element 54 rotates counterclockwise in the second rotation direction 59. As the biasing element 52 is coupled to the rotary element 54 rotation via the linear element 64, the compressive mechanical energy of the biasing element 52 is released (starts to tend from the first biasing state to the second biasing state) as the linear element 64 unwinds about the rotary element 54 during rotation in the second rotation direction 59. In the present embodiment, the optional cam 66 also rotates about the pivot point 70 in direction 72 as the linear element 64 unwinds about the rotary element 54 till the unwinding process of the linear element 64 reaches a neutral position (e.g. completely unwound as shown in Figure 6b. At this state, the stored mechanical energy of the biasing element 52 is released and the state of the biasing element 52 is between the first biasing state and the second biasing state. In this configuration, the state of the counterbalance mechanism 15 can correspond to that of the closure panel assembly 12 of Figure 5b in an position (e.g. intermediate position 108) (see Figure 4). As an example configuration, the rotation of the rotary element 54 from the initial closed position 104 to the neutral position 108 can be represented by 0.6 turns, which resulted in unwinding of the linear element 64 from the peripheral surface 58 of the rotary element 54. [0053] In continued opening of the closure panel 14 away from the neutral position 108, linear element 64 is wound (i.e. winds) about the peripheral surface 58 as the rotary element 54 rotates counterclockwise in the same second rotation direction 59. As the biasing element 52 is coupled to the rotary element 54 rotation via the linear element 64, the compressive mechanical energy of the biasing element 52 is restored (starts to tend from the neutral state to the second biasing state) as the linear element 64 winds about the rotary element 54 during rotation in the second rotation direction 59. In the present embodiment, the optional cam 66 also rotates about the pivot point 70 in direction 74 - see Figure 6c - (opposite to direction 72) as the linear element 64 winds about the rotary element 54 till the winding process of the linear element 64 reaches a fully open position 106 (e.g. completely wound as shown in Figure 6c. At this state, the stored mechanical energy of the biasing element 52 is complete and the state of the biasing element 52 is in the second biasing state. In this configuration, the state of the counterbalance mechanism 15 can correspond to that of the closure panel assembly 12 of Figure 5c in an open position (e.g. fully open position 106) (see Figure 4). As an example configuration, the rotation of the rotary element 54 from the initial neutral position 104 to the fully open position 106 can be represented by 2.8 turns.

[0054] Referring again to Figure 3, in terms of the biasing element 52, it is recognized that the biasing element 52 can be any number of different biasing mechanisms such as but not limited to: a spring; a torsion bar; a resilient component such as a piece of rubber or other elastic compound, etc. The first biasing state or the second biasing state can be a compression state and the other of the first biasing state or the second biasing state can be the same compression state or a different expansion state. In terms of being a spring as the biasing element 52, the spring type can be such as but not limited to: a coil or helical spring; a torsion spring; a conical spring; a flat spring; or a cantilever spring. In terms of the mechanical energy stored and released as either closing force 62 or the opening force 60, this mechanical energy can be provided as force or as torque based on the type of spring used. Similarly, in general, in terms of the mechanical energy stored and/or released as either closing force 62 or the opening force 60, this mechanical energy can be provided as force or as torque based on the type of biasing element 52 used. One advantage to using the biasing element 52 is that biasing element 52 can also provide for inhibition of vibration noise in the drive assembly 16. For a torsion spring as an example of a biasing element 52, each of the biasing states would be the same, i.e. compression. This is compared to the use of a helical/coil spring for the biasing element 52 (either as a straight spring configuration or in a coiled length configuration about the pivot point 70 - see Figure 6a). The use of the helical/coil spring could provide for biasing states having different expansion and compression energy storage characteristics.

[0055] As shown in Figure 3, the biasing element 52 can be mounted on the frame 50 so that the biasing element 52 is positioned in a spaced apart relationship with the rotary element 54. Use of the frame 50 is advantageous where the counterbalance mechanism 15 is provided as an accessory that can be mounted onto a housing 89 of an existing motorized drive 88 (see Figure 7) of an existing drive system 16. It is also recognized that the biasing element 52 can be mounted on the housing 89 of the drive system 16 or the biasing element 52 can be mounted on the body 1 1 (e.g. interior body panel - see Figure 1 ) for a closure panel assembly 12. In any event, for a drive system 16 of the closure panel assembly 12, the distal end of the linear element 64 is configured for connecting to the peripheral surface of the rotary element 54 (e.g. gear, shaft, drum mounted on the shaft, drum mounted on the gear, etc.), which is driven by the motorized drive 88 of the drive system 16. Alternatively, it is recognized that both the rotary element 54 and the biasing element 52 can be positioned on the body 1 1 of the vehicle 10, as desired.

[0056] In terms of the biasing states of the biasing element 52, the transition between the first biasing state and the second biasing state can be configured to occur when the first rotational direction 57 changes to the second rotational direction 59, can be configured to occur before the first rotational direction 57 changes to the second rotational direction 59, or can be configured to occur after the first rotational direction 57 changes to the second rotational direction 59. In terms of the transition point 100, the biasing element 52 can be in a neutral state between the first biasing state and the second biasing state, can be in the first biasing state or can be in the second biasing state. In terms of the biasing element 52 being a spring, at the transition point 100 the spring can be in a neutral state between states. For example between the compression state and the compression state. For example between the compression state and the expansion state. For example between the expansion state and the expansion state.

Motorized Counterbalance Mechanism 15 Example

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 and 7, shown is an example configuration of the drive assembly 16 incorporating coupling of the rotary element 54 at a proximal end of the linear element 64 and to an actuator component 80 at a distal end of the rotary element 54. The actuator component 80 (referred to generically by reference numeral 80) can be a direct connection (not shown) of the rotary element 54 to a crank arm 82 (which would be connected to the proximal end of link arm 35 - see Figures 1 and 2), see also Figure 5a. Alternatively as shown, the actuator component 80 can be a gear 84 connected to one or more gearing 86 (e.g. spur output, sector pinion, sector gear, etc.) of an optional motorized drive 88 (e.g. a worm 92 drive encompassing a worm gear/wheel 90), see also Figure 5a. The optional frame 50 of the counterbalance mechanism 15 can be mounted on the housing 89 of the motorized drive 88. In this example embodiment, the rotary element 54 is a drum having the linear element 64 wound as a cable. The cam 66 and biasing element 52 are mounted on a pin 94 that is assembled on the frame 50 via fasteners 96, such that the biasing element 52 and the rotary element 54 are positioned in a spaced apart manner with the linear element 64 bridging the spacing there-between. Accordingly, the counterbalance mechanism 15 can be power assisted via operation of the coupled motorized drive 88 which causes the rotary element 54 to rotate counterclockwise during travel of the closure panel 14 (see Figure 1 ) from the closed position 104 through to the open position 106 (see Figure 4) and in return causes the rotary element 54 to rotate clockwise during travel of the closure panel 14 (see Figure 1 ) from the open position 106 through to the closed position 104.

Claims

We Claim

1 . A counterbalance mechanism for coupling with a closure panel to assist in opening and closing of the closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism including:

a frame;

a biasing element mounted on the frame and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel, the opening force opposite in direction to the closing force with respect to a weight of the closure panel ;

a rotary element positioned on the frame and having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and

a linear element for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction, the linear element coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface of the rotary element.

2. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the biasing element is a spring such that one of the first biasing state or the second biasing state is a compression state and the other of the first biasing state or the second biasing state is also a compression state.

3. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 2, wherein the spring is a torsion spring.

4. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein transition between the first biasing state and the second biasing state is configured to occur when the linear element changes between winding and unwinding about the peripheral surface of the rotary element.

5. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein at the transition point the biasing element is in a neutral state between the first biasing state and the second biasing state.

6. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 2, wherein transition between the compression state and the expansion state is configured to occur when the linear element changes between winding and unwinding about the peripheral surface of the rotary element.

7. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 2, wherein at the transition point the spring is in a neutral state between the compression states.

8. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the linear element is coupled to the peripheral surface at the distal end such that the linear element is flexible and configured to unwind around the peripheral surface in one of a clockwise or counterclockwise direction in the first rotational direction and to wind around the peripheral surface in the other of the clockwise or the counterclockwise direction in the second rotational direction.

9. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 8, wherein the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction are the same direction.

10. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the biasing element is a spring such that one of the first biasing state or the second biasing state is a compression state and the other of the first biasing state or the second biasing state is an expansion state.

1 1 . The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein linear element is selected from the group consisting of: a wire; a cord; a string; and a chain.

12. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the rotary element is coupled at a proximal end to the linear element and is configured for coupling to an actuator component at a distal end of the rotary element, the rotary element selected from the group consisting of: a shaft; a gear; a drum; a drum configured for mounting on a shaft; and a drum configured for mounting on a gear.

13. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 12, wherein the actuator component is a crank arm.

14. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 13, wherein the crank arm is configured for connection to the closure panel and is coupled to one or more gears of a motorized drive of a drive system.

15. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the peripheral surface is provided by the rotary element selected from the group consisting of: a shaft; a gear; a drum; a drum configured for mounting on a shaft; and a drum configured for mounting on a gear.

16. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 14, wherein the motorized drive assembly is a worm drive.

17. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 further comprising a cam positioned between the biasing element and the linear element, such that the biasing element is coupled to the cam and the cam is coupled to the linear element.

18. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 17 further comprising a cam surface of the cam such that rotation of the biasing element is associated with rotation of the cam surface about a pivot point of the cam.

1 9. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 8, wherein a pivot point of the biasing element and the pivot point of the cam are the same.

20. The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 8, wherein a shape of the cam surface is correlated with a predefined force curve of the opening force and the closing force.

21 . The counterbalance mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the frame is configured as a composite frame selected from the group consisting of: the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is also the first frame; the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel ; and the frame for positioning the rotary element is provided as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel and the frame for mounting the biasing element is provided also as the body panel.

22. A closure panel assembly for a vehicle to assist in opening and closing of a closure panel of the assembly for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the assembly including:

the closure panel ; and

a counterbalance mechanism for coupling with the closure panel, the counterbalance mechanism having:

a biasing element mounted and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel ; a rotary element mounted and positioned spaced apart from the biasing element, the rotary element having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and

a linear element for associating the first biasing state with the first rotational direction and for associating the second biasing state with the second rotational direction, the linear element coupled at a proximal end to the biasing element and coupled at a distal end to the peripheral surface.

23. The assembly of claim 22 further comprising at least one closure panel biasing member providing a primary connection of the closure panel to a body of the vehicle.

24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the at least one closure panel biasing member selected from the group consisting of: a spring loaded hinge and a biasing strut.

25. The assembly of claim 22 further comprising the counterbalance mechanism coupled to the closure panel via a link rod.

26. The assembly of claim 25 further comprising the counterbalance mechanism coupled to the closure panel via a motorized drive assembly and the motorized drive assembly is coupled to a crank arm configured for connection to the closure panel via the link rod, such that the rotary element is driven by the motorized drive assembly.

27. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the opening force is configured to act against a weight of the closure panel and the closing force is configured to act with the weight of the closure panel during opening and closing of the closure panel along the path.

28. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the mounting of the rotary element and the mounting of the biasing element is configured as selected from the group consisting of: the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting of the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting for the biasing element is also the first frame; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of a motorized drive of a drive system and the mounting for the biasing element is provided as a body panel of the vehicle; and the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a body panel of the vehicle and the mounting for the biasing element is provided also as the body panel.

29. A drive assembly for actuating the opening and closing of a closure panel for at least a portion of a path between a fully closed position and a fully open position of the closure panel, the assembly including:

a motorized drive system configured for coupling to the closure panel and having a rotary element driven by a motorized drive;

a counterbalance mechanism having :

a biasing element mounted in a spaced apart relation to the rotary element and configured to have a first biasing state to provide an opening force to assist in the opening of the closure panel and a second biasing state to provide a closing force to assist in the closing of the closure panel ;

the rotary element mounted and positioned spaced apart from the biasing element, the rotary element having a longitudinal axis and a peripheral surface spaced apart from and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a first rotational direction during provision of the opening force and configured for rotation about the longitudinal axis in a second rotational direction during provision of the closing force; and

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the mounting of the rotary element and the mounting of the biasing element is configured as selected from the group consisting of: the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting of the biasing element is provided also as the housing of the motorized drive; the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a first frame for coupling to a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting for the biasing element is also the first frame; and the mounting for positioning the rotary element is provided as a housing of the motorized drive and the mounting for the biasing element is configured as a body panel of a vehicle having the closure panel.