Liftgate drive unit having integral motor and assist

摘要

A drive unit is provided for driving a liftgate of a motor vehicle between closed and open positions. The drive unit includes an outer tube (15) having an end configured to couple the drive unit to one of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The drive unit also includes an inner tube (35) having an end configured to couple the drive unit to the other of the liftgate or the motor vehicle. The inner tube (35) is telescopically engaged with the outer tube (15). The inner tube (35) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the outer tube (15). An actuator (40) is operative for actuating the inner tube relative to the outer tube between the retracted position and the extended position and causing movement of the liftgate between closed and open positions, respectively. The motor drive (40) is housed within the outer tube (15). A biasing member (45) is connected between the outer tube and the inner tube. The biasing member biases the inner tube relative to the outer tube and assists actuation of the inner tube toward the extended position.