Trimark Corporation

Eric Wickstrom

Jason J Kraus

Anita L Reichling

Julie M Houdek

David S Magner

Tobias J Schwickerath

A power lock actuator is provided for a door lock mechanism of a vehicle. The actuator includes an electric motor, a linear drive, and a slip clutch between the motor and the linear drive. The clutch includes a dual-lobe pinion for pulsed energy transmission from the motor to the linear drive, to provide soft starts and stops, which extend the life of the drive assembly. The linear drive includes a screw with multiple, discontinuous male thread segments to minimize friction with female threads on the extendible and retractable carriage, thereby minimizing wear between the screw and the carriage.

Vehicle door power lock actuator

A power locking pull or push button handle assembly is provided for a vehicle door having a lock and a latch. The handle assembly includes a base with a housing. A handle is pivotally mounted on the base, a power lock assembly is mounted within the housing on the base, and a keypad on the handle is operatively connected to the power lock assembly for keyless unlocking of the door. The handle includes a cover and backbone secured together, with the keypad sandwiched between the cover and backbone. The keypad is reinforced with a steel plate. Loads on the handle are shared by the backbone, cover, and keypad.

Power locking door handles with integrated keypad

Pull handle with integrated keypad

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Charles City, IA, United States of America

Eric Wickstrom