Actuator for folding and adjustment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a gear assembly (502) for an actuator (400) comprising a gear assembly (502) having a secondary bevel gear (620) and a secondary fold gear (622); wherein the secondary bevel gear (620) comprises a first spur gear portion (902), a first worm gear portion (904) and a first transition point (906), wherein the first transition point (906) divides the secondary bevel gear (620) into the first spur gear portion (902) and the first worm gear portion (904); wherein the secondary fold gear (622) comprises a second spur gear portion (912), a second worm gear portion (914) and a second transition point (916), wherein the second transition point (916) divides the secondary fold gear (622) into the second spur gear portion (912) and the second worm gear portion (914); and wherein the second worm gear portion (914) and the second spur gear portion (912) are formed as a single element. Further related is an actuator (400) having such a gear assembly (502) and a rearview device (102, 104) having such an actuator (400).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to gear assemblies, actuators for folding and adjusting used with rearview devices, and rearview devices themselves. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section provide only background information in relation to this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Safety regulations require vehicles to have a rearview system that is operable to provide the driver with a rear view. A rearview system typically includes one or more components that need to be actuated relative to the vehicle body along a first axis; these components may include mirrors or cameras. As an example, actuation of the components along the first axis can provide the driver with the ability to fine-tune the rear view provided by the rearview system.

[0004] In addition, some rearview systems provide actuation of one or more components along a second axis, such components may include mirrors or cameras. As an example, in some cases, actuation of a component along the second axis allows the component to be stored closer to the vehicle body. Typically, a second actuator is used to achieve actuation of components in the rearview system along the second axis.

[0005] Electromechanical actuators are typically used in components that rotate relative to the vehicle body. However, existing electromechanical actuators can be noisy, heavy, and bulky, and due to the high impact loads acting on the gear train during impacts, they often require high-strength metal components (such as gears), making the actuators heavier and more expensive.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a gear assembly for an actuator and an actuator that overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. In particular, this disclosure allows the use of a single actuator to provide component adjustment along multiple axes, thereby allowing adjustment along a second axis, which can reduce the design cost and complexity of rear-view systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The objective of this disclosure is achieved by the present invention. This application further describes a gear assembly according to this disclosure. This application also relates to a rearview device having an actuator of this disclosure.

[0008] Therefore, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, a gear assembly for an actuator is provided, comprising: a gear assembly having a secondary spur gear and a secondary folding gear; wherein the secondary spur gear includes a first spur gear portion, a first worm gear portion, and a first transition point, wherein the first transition point divides the secondary spur gear into the first spur gear portion and the first worm gear portion; wherein the first worm gear portion includes a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter, wherein the first end is disposed adjacent to the first transition point of the secondary spur gear, and wherein the second end is disposed opposite to the first end, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter; wherein the secondary folding gear includes a second spur gear portion, a second worm gear portion, and a second transition point, wherein the second transition point divides the secondary folding gear into the second spur gear portion and the second worm gear portion; wherein the second worm gear portion includes a third end having a third diameter and a fourth end having a fourth diameter, wherein the third end is disposed adjacent to the second transition point of the secondary folding gear, and wherein the fourth end is disposed opposite to the third end, and wherein the third diameter is larger than the fourth diameter; and wherein the second worm gear portion and the second spur gear portion are formed as a single element.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the secondary folding gear includes a cavity.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the gear assembly further includes a biasing element and a worm gear insert, wherein the biasing element is received in the cavity of the secondary folding gear such that the worm gear insert is movably received in the cavity and abuts against the biasing element.

[0011] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a gear assembly for an actuator is provided, comprising: a secondary helical gear including a bore; a secondary folding gear including a bore and a cavity; a spindle having a first end and a second end; a biasing element; a worm gear insert; and a slider having a channel; wherein the bore of the secondary helical gear receives the first end of the spindle; wherein the slider is attached to the spindle by fitting the channel onto the spindle, and wherein the slider is arranged adjacent to the secondary helical gear; wherein the biasing element is arranged to be received within the cavity of the secondary folding gear; wherein the worm gear insert is arranged to be received within the cavity of the secondary folding gear; wherein the biasing element is received within the cavity of the secondary folding gear such that the worm gear insert is movably received within the cavity and abuts against the biasing element; and wherein the bore of the secondary folding gear receives the second end of the spindle.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the biasing element applies a biasing force to the worm gear insert; and that the biasing force biases the slider toward the secondary inclined gear.

[0013] In another aspect of this disclosure, the secondary spur gear further includes a first spur gear portion, a first worm gear portion, and a first transition point, wherein the first transition point divides the secondary spur gear into the first spur gear portion and the first worm gear portion; wherein the first worm gear portion includes a first end having a first diameter and a second end having a second diameter, wherein the first end is disposed adjacent to the first transition point of the secondary spur gear, and wherein the second end is disposed opposite to the first end, and wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter; the secondary folding gear further includes a second spur gear portion, a second worm gear portion, and a second transition point, wherein the second transition point divides the secondary folding gear into the second spur gear portion and the second worm gear portion; wherein the second worm gear portion includes a third end having a third diameter and a fourth end having a fourth diameter, wherein the third end is disposed adjacent to the second transition point of the secondary folding gear, and wherein the fourth end is disposed opposite to the third end, and wherein the third diameter is larger than the fourth diameter; and wherein the second worm gear portion and the second spur gear portion are formed as a single element.

[0014] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an actuator is provided for use with a rearview device having a lens portion and a lens base, the actuator comprising: a folding driver operable to rotate the lens portion in a first direction about a first axis relative to the lens base and in a second direction about the first axis; a tilting driver operable to rotate the lens portion in a third direction about a second axis relative to the lens base and in a fourth direction about the second axis relative to the lens base; and a gear assembly including a secondary tilting gear and a secondary folding gear; wherein rotation of the secondary folding gear in a first secondary folding gear direction causes the folding driver to rotate the lens portion in the first direction about the first axis, and wherein rotation of the secondary folding gear in a second secondary folding gear direction causes the folding driver to rotate the lens portion in the second direction about the first axis; and wherein rotation of the secondary tilting gear in the first secondary tilting gear direction causes the tilting driver to rotate the lens portion in the third direction about the second axis, and wherein rotation of the secondary tilting gear in the second secondary tilting gear direction causes the tilting driver to rotate the lens portion in the fourth direction about the second axis.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the secondary folding gear can rotate while the secondary inclined gear remains stationary.

[0016] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the secondary inclined gear can rotate while the secondary folding gear remains stationary.

[0017] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the secondary folding gear can rotate as the secondary inclined gear rotates.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, an actuator for a rearview device is provided, the actuator comprising: a main folding gear; and a secondary folding gear; the main folding gear comprising: a plurality of extensions extending radially inward from an inner circumference of the main folding gear; and a first set of teeth; wherein the distance between each of the plurality of extensions is uniformly arranged around the inner circumference; and wherein the plurality of extensions further comprises a first cone; the secondary folding gear having a second set of teeth; and wherein the first set of teeth of the main folding gear meshes with the second set of teeth of the secondary folding gear such that the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth have a first gap.

[0019] In another aspect of this disclosure, the actuator further includes: a gear seat arranged adjacent to the main folding gear; wherein the gear seat has a second cone; and wherein the first cone of the main folding gear contacts the second cone of the gear seat.

[0020] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the actuator further includes a spring operable to apply a biasing force to the main folding gear, causing the main folding gear to bias toward the gear seat; and wherein the main folding gear deforms when it is biased toward the gear seat.

[0021] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the deformation of the main folding gear modifies the first distance between the first set of teeth of the main folding gear and the second set of teeth of the secondary folding gear to a second distance; wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the actuator further includes a secondary slant gear comprising a spur gear portion, a worm gear portion, and a transition point; wherein the transition point divides the secondary slant gear into the spur gear portion and the worm gear portion; and wherein the worm gear portion includes a second set of teeth.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, an actuator for a rearview device is provided, the actuator comprising: a gear assembly including: a main slant gear, a spindle, and a bracket disposed on the spindle, wherein the bracket includes a slot; wherein the main slant gear includes a bracket connector receivable in the slot of the bracket; wherein the main slant gear is rotatable along a first slant direction or a second slant direction; and wherein when the main slant gear rotates along the first slant direction, the bracket is slidable along the spindle along a first translational direction; and when the main slant gear rotates along the second slant direction, the bracket is slidable along the spindle over a second translational distance.

[0024] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the actuator further includes a brush attached to the bracket.

[0025] Another aspect of this disclosure is that the actuator further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with an attached carbon strip, wherein the brush contacts the carbon strip.

[0026] Another aspect of this disclosure is that when the bracket slides along the mandrel in the first translational direction, the brush can slide along the carbon strip in a first brush direction; and when the bracket slides along the mandrel in the second translational direction, the brush can slide along the carbon strip in a second brush direction.

[0027] It should be noted that the features individually set forth in the following description can be combined with each other in any technically advantageous manner and illustrate other forms of this disclosure. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and means shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of systems, apparatus, and methods consistent with this specification and, together with the specification, serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with this disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals used in the drawings refer to the same components. However, it should be understood that the use of reference numerals to refer to components in a given figure is not intended to limit the components identified by the same reference numerals in another figure. This specification further characterizes and describes this disclosure in detail, particularly in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 The vehicle is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A top view of a rearview mirror assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 3A A side view of a rearview mirror assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 3B A side view of a rearview mirror assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 3C A side view of a rearview mirror assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An actuator according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 An actuator with its upper and lower housings removed is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 6 A perspective view of a gear assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 7 An exploded view of a gear subassembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 8 A fully assembled gear subassembly according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figure 9 Inclined gears and folding gears according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown;

[0040] Figure 10 The lower housing without the gear subassembly is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0041] Figure 11 A lower housing with a gear subassembly mounted according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0042] Figure 12 The relative positions between the gear subassembly and the folding actuator according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown;

[0043] Figure 13 The relative positions between the gear subassembly and the tilting drive according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown;

[0044] Figure 14 A perspective view of the gear assembly according to various aspects of this disclosure during operation is shown;

[0045] Figure 15A An exploded front view of the tilt drive according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0046] Figure 15B An exploded view of the rear of the tilt drive according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0047] Figure 16 The locations of the tilt journal and attachment point of the tilt drive according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown;

[0048] Figure 17 The arrangement of the tilt axle and tilt clutch according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0049] Figure 18 The arrangement of the tilting shaft, tilting clutch, and tilting internals according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0050] Figure 19 A perspective view of the fully assembled tilt drive according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0051] Figure 20 A bottom view of the upper housing according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0052] Figure 21 A tilting actuator assembled within the upper housing is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0053] Figure 22 The arrangement of the gear assembly and tilting drive within the actuator in their mounting positions according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0054] Figure 23A The operation of the tilting clutch during manual operation is illustrated according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0055] Figure 23B The operation of the tilting clutch during manual operation is illustrated according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0056] Figure 24 A tilting clutch that slides along a tilting gear during manual disengagement, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown;

[0057] Figure 25 A tilt memory system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0058] Figure 26 An alternative view of the tilt memory system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0059] Figure 27 An exploded top-down view of a folding driver according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0060] Figure 28 Detailed views of the shaft, sliding collar, locking ring, and folding spring according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown;

[0061] Figure 29 The assembly of the folding actuator within the lower housing according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0062] Figure 30 The lower housing assembled with the folding actuator is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0063] Figure 31 The assembly of the shaft, sliding collar, locking ring, folding spring, and lower housing according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0064] Figure 32 A folding clutch according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0065] Figure 33 A folding clutch installed in a folding drive is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0066] Figure 34 A perspective view of a folding clutch, folding gear, gear seat, and retainer according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0067] Figure 35 A fully assembled folding drive according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0068] Figure 36 An alternative view of the assembled folding drive according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0069] Figure 37 A top view of a folding gear according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0070] Figure 38 A top view of a folding drive and gear subassembly mounted within the lower housing of an actuator, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown.

[0071] Figure 39 A perspective view of the gear assembly and folding actuator mounted in the lower housing of the actuator according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;

[0072] Figure 40A A folding clutch engaged during manual operation of the folding drive is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0073] Figure 40B A folding clutch disengaged during manual operation of the folding drive is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure;

[0074] Figure 41 A folded memory brush mounted on a gear seat according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown; and

[0075] Figure 42 The operation of the folded memory brush according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The following description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its use. It should be understood that in all the drawings, corresponding reference numerals denote the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0077] Figure 1 The vehicle 100 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 100 includes rearview mirror assembly 102 and rearview mirror assembly 104. Although vehicle 100 is shown as a passenger car, vehicle 100 can be any other type of vehicle, and non-limiting examples of vehicle 100 include trucks, off-road vehicles, buses, motorcycles, airplanes, trams, locomotives, or heavy vehicles.

[0079] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, rearview mirror assemblies 102 and 104 are shown as side mirrors. In an alternative variant, rearview mirror assemblies 102 and 104 may be implemented as a camera system. Rearview mirror assemblies 102 and 104 are arranged on vehicle 100 such that they can be adjusted to provide the driver with a view of the area behind the vehicle.

[0080] Now refer to another source Figures 2A to 3C The operation of rearview mirror assembly 102 and rearview mirror assembly 104 is further described.

[0081] Figures 2A to 2B A top view of a rearview mirror assembly 102 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0082] As shown in the figure, the rearview mirror assembly 102 includes an axis 202, a mirror base 204, and a lens portion 206. Figure 2A In the top view, the rearview mirror assembly 102 with lens section 206 in the drive position can be seen. When actuated relative to axis 202 along the first folding direction 208, motion is transmitted to lens section 206, causing it to rotate about axis 202 to... Figure 2B The storage location is shown. Furthermore, when actuated relative to axis 202 along the second folding direction 210, when in... Figure 2B When the storage position is shown, motion can be transmitted to the lens section 206 to rotate it back. Figure 2A The driving position is shown.

[0083] The actuation of the lens section around axis 202 can be performed from any position to move the lens section to any other position around axis 202. For example, the lens section can be moved from such a position as... Figure 2B Starting from the storage position shown, the lens section 206 is actuated about axis 202 along the second folding direction 210 to move it to the drive position. The lens section 206 can be adjusted to... Figure 2AThe driving position shown and Figure 2B Any location between the storage locations shown.

[0084] Furthermore, when the lens section 206 is in such a position Figure 2A When in the driving position, the actuator can be performed to move the lens unit 206 to adjust the rearward view of the vehicle driver. Typically, the amount of movement required to adjust the lens unit 206 to adjust the rearward view of the vehicle driver is less than the amount of movement required to adjust the lens unit 206 from the driving position to the stored position or from the stored position to the driving position.

[0085] Figures 3A to 3C A side view of a rearview mirror assembly 102 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0086] like Figures 3A to 3C As shown, the rearview mirror assembly 102 includes a mirror base 204, a lens portion 206, and an axis 302. Figure 3A The rearview mirror assembly 102 is shown in a side view, with the lens portion 206 in its nominal position. When actuated along a first tilt direction 304, movement is transmitted to the lens portion 206, causing the lens portion to tilt upwards. Figure 3B The position shown. When actuated along the second tilt direction 306, the motion is transmitted to the lens section 206, causing the lens section to tilt downwards. Figure 3C The location shown.

[0087] The actuation of the lens portion 206 around axis 302 can be performed from any position to move the lens portion 206 to any other position around axis 302. For example, the lens portion 206 can be moved from such position as... Figure 3B Starting from the upward tilt position shown, the lens section is then actuated along the second tilt direction 306 to tilt downward. When tilting downward, the actuation can be stopped to adjust the lens section 206 to... Figure 3A The nominal position shown, or continue adjusting the lens section 206 downwards until it reaches the specified position. Figure 3C The position shown. Furthermore, the lens section 206 can be tilted to... Figure 3B and Figure 3C Any position between the positions shown. The following description and discussion of the figures pertains to the rearview mirror assembly 102; however, it should be noted that the rearview mirror assembly 104 functions in a similar manner.

[0088] Figure 4 An actuator according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0089] As shown in the figure, the actuator 400 includes shaft 202, shaft 302, upper housing 402, lower housing 404, and fastener 406.

[0090] Fastener 406 is used to connect the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404 together, so that they can accommodate and seal the internal components of the actuator 400. Fastener 406 can be any known fastener or fastening method, and non-limiting examples include bolts, clips, or pins. In this example, fastener 406 is a screw.

[0091] Figure 5 The removal of various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 4 The actuator 400 of the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404.

[0092] As shown in the figure, actuator 400 includes gear assembly 502, tilt actuator 504, and folding actuator 506. Tilting actuator 504 is operable to rotate lens section 206 about axis 302, and folding actuator 506 is operable to rotate lens section 206 about axis 202. Further reference will now be made to... Figures 6 to 42 Describe the operation and arrangement of gear assembly 502, tilt drive 504 and folding drive 506.

[0093] Figure 6 A perspective view of the gear assembly 502 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown, gear assembly 502 includes motor 602, motor 604, worm gear 606, worm gear 608, intermediate spindle 610, intermediate helical gear 612, intermediate folding gear 614, and gear subassembly 616. Further reference will now be made to... Figures 7 to 14 Describe the operation of gear assembly 502 and gear subassembly 616.

[0095] Figure 7 An exploded view of the gear subassembly 616 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A fully assembled gear subassembly 616 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, gear subassembly 616 includes a spindle 618, a secondary helical gear 620, a secondary folding gear 622, a slider 624, a worm gear insert 626, and a biasing element 628. In this example variant, the biasing element 628 is a spring. However, in other variants, the biasing element 628 can be any element operable to provide a biasing force.

[0096] To assemble the gear subassembly 616, the first end 644 of the spindle 618 is inserted into the hole 632 of the secondary helical gear 620. Next, a slider 624 is inserted via a channel 630 onto the second end 646 of the spindle 618, the profile of which matches the profile of the spindle 618, allowing the slider to attach to the spindle 618. Once attached, the slider 624 moves along the spindle 618 from the second end 646 toward the first end 644 until it abuts against the boss 634 of the secondary helical gear 620. After attaching the slider 624, a worm gear insert 626 is placed on the second end 646 of the spindle 618, followed by a biasing element 628. At this point, the secondary folding gear 622 is arranged such that the second end 646 of the spindle 618 can be inserted through the cavity 638 and the hole 648. Once the secondary folding gear 622 has been placed on the spindle 618, the secondary folding gear can move from the second end 646 of the spindle 618 toward the first end 644 until the boss 640 abuts against the slider 624.

[0097] The secondary folding gear 622 is arranged such that, during the assembly of the gear subassembly 616, the biasing element 628 and the worm gear insert 626 can be fitted inside the cavity 638. The biasing element 628 and the worm gear insert 626 arranged inside the cavity 638 allow the secondary folding gear 622 to slide along the spindle 618 until it abuts against the slide member 624.

[0098] Figure 9 A secondary slant gear 620 and a secondary folding gear 622 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. As shown, the secondary slant gear 620 includes a spur gear portion 902 and a worm gear portion 904. The secondary folding gear 622 includes a spur gear portion 912 and a worm gear portion 914.

[0099] The secondary helical gear 620 and the secondary folding gear 622 are formed as a single structure comprising two different gear portions. The secondary helical gear 620 is formed by a spur gear portion 902 and a worm gear portion 904, and the secondary folding gear 622 is formed by a spur gear portion 912 and a worm gear portion 914. Transition point 906 marks the transition from the spur gear portion 902 to the worm gear portion 904 of the secondary helical gear 620, and transition point 916 marks the transition from the spur gear portion 912 to the worm gear portion 914 of the secondary folding gear 622. In this example variant, the secondary helical gear 620 and the secondary folding gear 622 are formed by spur gear portions 902 and 912 and worm gear portions 904 and 914. In other example variants, the secondary helical gear 620 and the secondary folding gear 622 can be formed by any combination of any number of gears of different types.

[0100] The secondary helical gear 620 and secondary folding gear 622 are formed as a single component, each including a spur gear portion (902, 912) and a worm gear portion (904, 914), which helps to prevent Figure 5 The backlash within the gear assembly 502, tilt driver 504, and folding driver 506.

[0101] The first end of the worm gear portion 904 located at transition point 906 has a diameter shown by line 908. The second end of the worm gear portion 904 opposite to its first end has a diameter shown by line 910, wherein diameter 910 is smaller than diameter 908. Similarly, the first end of the worm gear portion 914 located at transition point 916 has a diameter shown by line 918. The second end of the worm gear portion 914 opposite to its first end has a diameter shown by line 920, wherein diameter 920 is smaller than diameter 908. The relationship between the worm gear portions 904 and 914 is such that diameter 908 is smaller than diameter 918, and diameter 910 is smaller than diameter 920.

[0102] Figure 10 The lower housing 404, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown without the gear subassembly 616 installed, while Figure 11 The lower housing 404 with the gear subassembly 616 mounted according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0103] As shown in the figure, the lower housing 404 includes: bearing 408, bearing 410, end surface 412, end surface 414, groove 416, groove 418, and channel 420. The listed components of the lower housing 404 are designed to receive and secure the gear subassembly 616 without impeding its movement. Figure 4 The operation of the actuator within 400.

[0104] The bearing 408 is arranged to receive the first end 644 of the spindle 618. Figure 7 The bearing 410 is arranged to receive the second end 646 of the spindle 618. Figure 7 The recess 416 is arranged to receive the secondary helical gear 620, such that the end surface 636 of the secondary helical gear ( Figure 7 The end surface 642 of the secondary folding gear 622 is abutted against the end surface 412, and the groove 418 is arranged to receive the secondary folding gear 622, such that the end surface 642 of the secondary folding gear ( Figure 7 It rests against the end surface 414. In this configuration, the slider 624 is received in the channel 420 of the lower housing 404.

[0105] Since the lower housing 404 is a single component, the distance between end surfaces 412 and 414 is fixed. This fixed distance means that the gear subassembly 616 is installed in the lower housing 404 with the worm insert 626 and the biasing element 628 located within the cavity 638 of the secondary folding gear 622. The biasing element 628 is compressed so that it can be installed within the cavity 638, and once the gear subassembly 616 is installed within the lower housing 404, the biasing element 628 will apply force along the components of the gear subassembly 616.

[0106] The force applied by the biasing element 628 forces the secondary swashplate 620 against the end surface 412 via the worm insert 626 and the slider 624, and also forces the secondary folding gear 622 against the end surface 414. The force applied by the biasing element 628 improves the meshing between the secondary swashplate 620 and the swashplate actuator 504, and between the secondary folding gear 622 and the folding actuator 506. The improved meshing reduces backlash within the gear subassembly 616 that would occur if the secondary swashplate 620 or the secondary folding gear 622 were able to slide freely along the spindle 618.

[0107] Figure 12 The relative positions of the gear subassembly 616 and the folding actuator 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. As shown, the gear subassembly 616 is mounted in the lower housing 404, as described above. Figures 10 to 11 As described in [the text]. Figure 12 The main folding gear 1202 of the folding drive 506 is also shown in its mounting position within the actuator 400.

[0108] Point 1204 shows the meshing between the teeth of the worm gear portion 914 and the main folding gear 1202, and point 1206 shows the clearance between the teeth of the worm gear portion 904 and the main folding gear 1202. Because the diameters 918 and 920 of the worm gear portion 914 are larger than the corresponding diameters 908 and 910 of the worm gear portion 904, the worm gear portion 914 is operable to mesh with the teeth of the main folding gear 1202, while the worm gear portion 904 is not meshed with the teeth of the main folding gear. In this way, the secondary folding gear 622 can rotate independently of the secondary helical gear 620 to operate the folding actuator 506.

[0109] Figure 13 The relative positions of the gear subassembly 616 and the swashplate actuator 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. As shown, the gear subassembly 616 is shown in its mounting position within the lower housing 404; however, the lower housing 404 is not shown for clarity. The figure also shows the main swashplate gear 1302 of the swashplate actuator 504 in its mounting position.

[0110] Point 1306 illustrates the meshing between the teeth of the worm gear portion 904 and the main helical gear 1302. The diametrical relationship between the worm gear portion 914 and the worm gear portion 904 does not affect the meshing with the main helical gear 1302. Figure 12 The same way that the main folding gear 1202 meshes affects the meshing with the main slanting gear 1302.

[0111] The main slant gear 1302 has a slant gear extension 1304 that extends in the direction of the worm gear portion 904 and away from the worm gear portion 914. This extension allows meshing between the teeth of the worm gear portion 904 and the main slant gear 1302 without interference from the worm gear portion 914, even when the worm gear portion 914 and... Figure 9 It has a larger diameter than 908, such as Figure 9 The diameter 918 is shown. In this way, the secondary slant gear 620 can rotate independently of the secondary folding gear 622 in order to operate the slant drive 504.

[0112] Figure 14 A perspective view of a gear assembly 502 according to various aspects of this disclosure during operation is shown. As shown, the gear assembly 502 includes the gears described above. Figure 6 The components of gear assembly 502 will not be described here for the sake of brevity. Figure 14 It also includes a first folding gear direction 1402, a second folding gear direction 1404, a first inclined gear direction 1406, and a second inclined gear direction 1408.

[0113] If the vehicle operator requests operation of the tilt actuator 504 to adjust the lens section 206 of FIG2, power is supplied from an external source (not shown) to the motor 602, causing the motor 602 to rotate the worm gear 606 in a first direction. As the worm gear 606 rotates, it drives the intermediate slant gear 612, which in turn rotates the secondary slant gear 620. In this example, the rotation of the motor 602 in the first direction causes the secondary slant gear 620 to rotate in the first slant gear direction 1406. Alternatively, if the motor 602 rotates the worm gear 606 in a second direction, the worm gear will drive the intermediate gear 612 to rotate the secondary slant gear 620 in the second slant gear direction 1408. The rotation of the secondary slant gear 620 transmits rotation to the main slant gear 1302 (…). Figure 13 ), so as to operate the tilt drive 504 and around axis 302 ( Figure 3A Rotating lens section 206 ( Figure 3A ).

[0114] Brief Reference Figure 11When the gear subassembly 616 is mounted in the lower housing 404, the first end 644 and the second end 646 of the spindle 618 are supported by bearings 408 and 410, respectively. The pressure applied by the biasing element 628 restricts the travel along the axis of the spindle 618 by forcing the secondary helical gear 620 against the end surface 412, allowing the secondary helical gear 620 to be driven via the intermediate helical gear 612. This arrangement allows the secondary helical gear 620 to rotate about the spindle 618 while keeping the spindle 618 fixed in place.

[0115] Return to reference Figure 14 If the vehicle operator requests to operate the folding actuator to adjust the lens unit 206, power is first supplied from an external source (not shown) to the motor 604. Upon receiving power, the motor 604 rotates the worm gear 608 in a first direction, thereby driving the intermediate folding gear 614. The rotation of the intermediate folding gear 614 causes the secondary folding gear 622 to rotate, in this example, in the first folding gear direction 1402. Alternatively, if the motor 604 rotates the worm gear 608 in a second direction, the worm gear will drive the intermediate folding gear 614 to rotate the secondary folding gear 622 in the second folding gear direction 1404. The rotation of the secondary folding gear 622 transmits rotation to the main folding gear 1202, thereby operating the folding actuator 506 and adjusting the lens unit 206 (…). Figure 2A ) around axis 202 ( Figure 2A Rotate.

[0116] The rotation of the secondary folding gear 622 is similar to the rotation of the secondary slanting gear 620 described above. Because the spindle 618 of the gear subassembly 616 is fixed in place, the secondary folding gear 622 can rotate freely about the spindle 618. In this way, the operation of the folding actuator 506 and the slanting actuator 504 can be achieved simultaneously. However, simultaneous operation of the folding actuator 506 and the slanting actuator 504 is not necessary; the arrangement of the gear assembly 502 allows for independent operation of either the slanting actuator 504 or the folding actuator 506. Reference will now be made to... Figures 15A to 24 Describe the operation of gear assembly 502 and tilting drive 504.

[0117] Figure 15A An exploded front view of the tilt drive 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 15B An exploded view of the rear of a tilt actuator 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, the tilt actuator 504 includes a main tilt gear 1302, a tilt journal 1502, a tilt shaft 1504, a tilt clutch 1506, a tilt spring 1508, and a tilt internal component 1510.

[0118] The tilt shaft 1504 also includes a tapered body 1518 that mates with the tapered body 1514 of the tilt journal 1502. The tilt journal 1502 is arranged such that it is held in proper position between the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404 of the actuator 400. The tilt journal 1502, held between the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404, ensures the correct positioning of the tapered body 151, such that the engagement between the tapered bodies 1514 and 1518 results in the correct alignment of the tilt shaft 1504. Without the tilt journal 1502, any mismatch between the alignment of the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404 will result in a step during operation of the tilt actuator 504. A step during operation of the tilt actuator 504 will increase friction, produce audible noise, and create an imbalance in the operation of the tilt shaft 1504. The tilt shaft 1504 also includes a tilt brush holder connector 1544 for a tilt memory system. Reference will be made below. Figures 25 to 26 Describe the tilt memory system.

[0119] Figure 16 The positions of the tilt journal 1502 and attachment point 1516 of the tilt drive 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0120] The abutment of cones 1518 and 1514 allows attachment point 1516 of tilt shaft 1504 to protrude through hole 1512 of tilt journal 1502. The extension of attachment point 1516 through hole 1512 provides clearance for the lens portion 206 (not shown) to be attached to attachment point 1516, while maintaining clearance from the rest of actuator 400. This attachment allows movement of tilt actuator 504 to be transmitted to lens portion 206, enabling the lens portion to rotate about axis 302 of FIG. 3 along a first tilt direction 304 or a second tilt direction 306. In this configuration, attachment point 1516 is directly connected to the lens portion. Also within the scope of this disclosure, a configuration indirectly attached to lens portion 206 can be used.

[0121] Return to reference Figures 15A to 15B The tilting shaft 1504 also includes a cone 1520 that mates with the cone 1524 of the main slant gear 1302. When the tilting actuator 504 is assembled and mounted in the actuator 400, the tilting spring 1508 applies pressure to push the main slant gear 1302 against the tilting shaft 1504. The cones 1520 and 1524 work together to center the main slant gear 1302 on the tilting shaft 1504. Furthermore, when the main slant gear 1302 is driven, the frictional force generated at the interface of the cones 1520 and 1524 causes the tilting shaft 1504 to rotate.

[0122] The tilting clutch 1506 includes a protrusion 1528, and the main tilting gear 1302 includes a recess 1532, wherein the geometry of the protrusion 1528 is such that it engages with the recess 1532. A tilting spring 1508 applies pressure that holds the tilting clutch 1506 against the main tilting gear 1302, such that the protrusion 1528 is confined in the recess 1532, which causes the tilting clutch 1506 to rotate when the main tilting gear 1302 rotates during operation.

[0123] Figure 17 The arrangement of the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 of the tilt actuator 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. During the assembly of the tilt actuator 504, the tilt shaft 1504 passes through the bore 1522 of the main tilt gear 1302 and the bore 1526 of the tilt clutch 1506. For the tilt shaft 1504 to be inserted via the tilt clutch 1506, a protrusion 1540 of the tilt clutch 1506 is aligned with a groove 1538 of the tilt shaft 1504. The engagement of the protrusion 1540 in the groove 1538 rotationally locks the tilt clutch 1506 and the tilt shaft 1504. In this way, rotation of the tilt shaft 1504 always results in rotation of the tilt clutch 1506.

[0124] Figure 18 The arrangement of the tilt drive 504, tilt clutch 1506, and tilt inner member 1510 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. The tilt inner member 1510 includes an extension 1536 that fits into a slot 1534 of the tilt clutch 1506 and a slot 1530 of the tilt shaft 1504. As described above, the tilt shaft 1504 is inserted through the main tilt gear 1302 and the tilt clutch 1506. The tilt shaft 1504 is then inserted into the tilt inner member 1510 through a tilt spring 1508, such that the extension 1536 of the tilt inner member 1510 fits into the slot 1530 and the slot 1534 of the tilt clutch 1506. Once assembled, the arrangement of the protrusion 1540 of the tilt clutch 1506 and the slot 1538 of the tilt shaft 1504, as well as the arrangement of the extension 1536 of the tilt inner member 1510 with the slot 1534 of the tilt clutch 1506 and the slot 1530 of the tilt shaft 1504, ensures that the tilt inner member 1510, the tilt clutch 1506, and the tilt shaft 1504 are rotated and locked.

[0125] Figure 19A perspective view of a fully assembled tilt actuator 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, the tilt actuator 504 is fully assembled; however, for clarity, even though the tilt spring 1508 is shown as compressed, it cannot remain compressed until the tilt actuator 504 has been installed in its position within the actuator 400. Similarly, a tilt journal 1502 is arranged between the upper housing 402 and the lower housing 404; however, it is shown in the figure to illustrate the relationship between the tilt journal 1502 and the rest of the tilt actuator 504.

[0126] Figure 20 A bottom view of the upper housing 402 according to various aspects of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the upper housing 402 includes a bore 2002, a bearing 2004, a recess 2006, and a surface 2008. The bore 2002 is arranged to receive a tilting journal 1502, the bearing 2004 is arranged to receive a support 1542 of a tilting inner member 1510 such that the tilting inner member 1510 abuts against the surface 2008, and the recess 2006 is arranged to receive an assembled tilting actuator 504.

[0127] Figure 21 A tilt actuator 504 assembled within an upper housing 402 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In its mounting position within the upper housing 402, the tilting inner member 1510 abuts against a surface 2008 in a fixed position, and the tilting spring 1508 is compressed, applying pressure to the tilting inner member 1510 and the tilting clutch 1506. As the tilting spring 1508 is compressed and the tilting inner member 1510 abuts against the surface 2008, the pressure-applied tilting spring 1508 holds the tilting clutch 1506 against the main tilting gear 1302. The tilting clutch 1506 is forced against the main tilting gear 1302, causing a protrusion 1528 to be retained within a groove 1532 of the main tilting gear 1302.

[0128] The force applied by the tilting spring 1508 applies pressure to the tilting clutch 1506, which is transmitted to the main tilting gear 1302, as described above. The transmitted force then holds the main tilting gear 1302 against the tilting shaft 1504 and the tilting shaft 1504 against the tilting journal 1502 by means of cone 1524 abutting against cone 1520 and cone 1518 abutting against cone 1514, respectively. The abutment of cone 1524 against cone 1520 and cone 1518 against cone 1514 forces the tilting journal 1502, tilting shaft 1504, main tilting gear 1302, and tilting clutch 1506 aligned along axis 302.

[0129] Figure 22 The gear assembly 502 and the tilting drive 504 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown in their respective configurations. Figure 4The arrangement of the actuator 400 within its mounting location. As described above, Figure 22 The arrangement of the gear assembly 502 and the tilting drive 504 in their mounting positions within the actuator 400 is shown. However, for clarity, all other components of the actuator 400 have been removed.

[0130] To operate the swashplate actuator 504, power is supplied to the motor 602 from an external source (not shown) (e.g., the battery or electrical system of vehicle 100). Once powered, the motor 602 rotates the worm gear 606, which in turn rotates the intermediate swashplate 612, which in turn rotates the secondary swashplate 620. When the swashplate actuator 504 is in the mounted position, the teeth of the swashplate extension 1304 mesh with the worm gear portion 904 of the secondary swashplate 620, so that when the secondary swashplate 620 rotates, it causes the primary swashplate 1302 to rotate. In this example variant, when the secondary swashplate 620 rotates along the first swashplate direction 1406, the primary swashplate 1302 rotates along the first swashplate direction 304, and the rotation of the secondary swashplate 620 along the second swashplate direction 1408 causes the primary swashplate 1302 to rotate along the second swashplate direction 306. Furthermore, the arrangement of the main slant gear 1302, more specifically, the slant gear extension 1304 and the secondary slant gear 620 allows the slant driver 504 to operate independently of the folding driver 506.

[0131] When the slant gear extension 1304 rotates due to the rotation of the secondary slant gear 620, the primary slant gear 1302 begins to rotate. Since the slant clutch 1506 is rotatably locked to the primary slant gear 1302 via the protrusion 1528 and the groove 1532, the rotation of the primary slant gear 1302 causes the slant clutch 1506 to also rotate. Furthermore, as described above... Figure 17 As described, the tilt clutch 1506 is rotatably locked to the tilt shaft 1504 via a protrusion 1540 of the tilt clutch 1506 and a protrusion 1528 of the tilt shaft 1504. In this way, rotation of the main tilt gear 1302 causes rotation of the tilt clutch 1506 and the tilt shaft 1504.

[0132] The attachment point 1516 of the tilt shaft 1504 is attached to the lens section 206. Therefore, when the tilt shaft 1504 rotates, the connection between the lens section 206 and the attachment point 1516 causes the lens section 206 to tilt about the axis 302 in a first tilt direction 304 or a second tilt direction 306. In this way, the lens section 206 can be actuated so that the reflective element (not shown) attached to the lens section 206 provides an acceptable field of view behind the vehicle 100. For example, the tilt driver 504 can be operated so that the lens section 206 rotates about the axis 302 along the first tilt direction 304. Figure 3BThe position shown. Alternatively, the tilt driver 504 can be operated to rotate the lens section 206 about the axis 302 along the second tilt direction 306 to the position shown. Figure 3C The position shown. In another variation, the tilt driver 504 can be operated to move the lens section 206 from... Figure 3B or Figure 3C Rotate to the position shown Figure 3A The location shown.

[0133] As described above, when the lens section 206 is attached to the attachment point 1516 of the tilt axis 1504, the tilt drive 504, when electrically operated, causes the lens section 206 to adjust about the axis 302. Conversely, if the lens section 206 is adjusted manually, the connection between the lens section 206 and the tilt axis 1504 via the attachment point 1516 causes the tilt axis 1504 to rotate. Further reference will now be made to... Figures 23A to 24 Describes the operation of tilt drive 504 during manual operation.

[0134] Figure 23A The operation of the tilt clutch 1506 during manual operation is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 23B The operation of the tilt clutch 1506 during manual operation is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 24 It is shown that, according to various aspects of this disclosure, when manually disengaged, the tilting clutch 1506 slides along the main tilting gear 1302.

[0135] The lens section 206 rotates when it is manually adjusted, which causes the tilt axis 1504 to rotate via the attachment point 1516. (As described above...) Figure 17 As described above, because the tilt clutch 1506 is rotationally locked to the tilt shaft 1504, the tilt clutch will rotate as the tilt shaft 1504 rotates. When the lens section 206 is manually adjusted, the main tilt gear 1302 does not rotate because no power is supplied to the motor 602. Therefore, when the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 rotate, the edge of the protrusion 1528 slides against the edge of the groove 1532, and the tilt clutch 1506 begins to move toward the tilt inner member 1510 and compress the tilt spring 1508, as... Figure 23A As shown.

[0136] The tilting shaft 1504 and the tilting clutch 1506 continue to rotate until the protrusion 1528 finally extends out of the groove 1532 and the tilting clutch 1506 disengages from the main tilting gear 1302, and the tilting spring 1508 is compressed, as... Figure 23B As shown. Reference Figure 24 Once disengaged, the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 rotate freely with the manual adjustment of the lens section 206, and the protrusion 1528 can slide along the rear surface of the main tilt gear 1302.

[0137] The lens section 206 can be returned to its drive position by electric actuation or manual operation. In manual operation, the lens section 206 can rotate rearward toward its drive position. Since the lens section 206 is attached to the tilt shaft 1504 via attachment point 1516, when the lens section 206 rotates, the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 also rotate. As the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 rotate, the protrusion 1528 moves toward the groove 1532 of the main tilt gear 1302. When the protrusion 1528 reaches the groove 1532, they interlock and allow the force applied by the tilt spring 1508 to push the tilt clutch 1506 against the main tilt gear 1302.

[0138] In electrically operated mode, electricity is supplied to motor 602, which then rotates the main swashplate 1302, as described above. Figure 22 As described above, when the main tilt gear 1302 rotates, the tilt shaft 1504 and the tilt clutch 1506 remain stationary. Once the main tilt gear 1302 has rotated sufficiently such that the groove 1532 aligns with the protrusion 1528, the force applied by the tilt spring 1508 forces the protrusion 1528 into the groove 1532, and the tilt clutch 1506 abuts against the main tilt gear 1302. At this time, as described above, the lens section 206 can be actuated by the tilt driver 504.

[0139] In some cases, it may be desirable for the actuator 400 to have a memory function. This memory function would allow the driver of the vehicle 100 to set a specific folding and tilting angle for the lens 206, and then store that specific folding and tilting angle. If the position of the lens 206 is changed, the stored position can be retrieved at a later time to automatically move the lens 206 back to the stored position without any fine-tuning by the driver. Reference will now be made to... Figures 25 to 26 Describe the tilt memory function of actuator 400.

[0140] Figure 25 A tilt memory system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, a tilt brush holder 2504 is attached to a central spindle 610 and a tilt brush holder connector 1544. The tilt brush holder connector 1544 is directly connected to the tilt shaft 1504, as described above in Figure 15, such that when the tilt shaft 1504 rotates, the tilt brush holder connector 1544 also rotates. The tilt brush holder 2504 is attached to the tilt brush holder connector 1544 via a slot 2506, so that when the tilt shaft 1504 rotates, the tilt brush holder 2504 slides along the central spindle 610. The rotational movement of the tilt shaft 1504 causes linear movement of the tilt brush holder 2504, which can then be used with a potentiometer system to map and store the tilt position of the lens section 206.

[0141] Figure 26 An alternative view of a tilt memory system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0142] As shown in the figure, PCB 2502 is arranged on the upper housing 402 and also includes a carbon fiber strip 2508. The tilt brush holder 2504 also includes a tilt brush 2510. The carbon fiber strip 2508 is arranged on PCB 2502 such that the tilt brush 2510 is operable to directly contact the carbon fiber strip 2508. At this time, when the tilt driver 504 is operated, the tilt shaft 1504 will rotate, causing the tilt brush holder 2504 to slide along the central spindle 610. As the tilt brush holder 2504 slides along the central spindle 610, the tilt brush 2510 also slides, which causes the tilt brush 2510 to contact different points along the carbon fiber strip 2508. Once the desired tilt position of the lens section 206 is reached, the position of the tilt brush 2510 contacting the carbon fiber strip 2508 can be measured and recorded by a potentiometer (not shown). In order to adjust the tilt angle of the lens section 206 by using a memory system, power can be supplied to the motor 602 to adjust the tilt angle of the lens section 206 until the potentiometer system detects that the position of the tilt brush 2510 has contacted a point along the carbon strip 2508 that matches the storage position of the tilt brush 2510 along the carbon strip 2508.

[0143] Now refer to Figures 27 to 40B Describe the operation of gear assembly 502 and folding drive 506.

[0144] Figure 27 An exploded top-down view of the folding driver 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0145] As shown in the figure, the folding actuator 506 includes a main folding gear 1202, a shaft 2702, a sliding collar 2704, a locking ring 2706, a folding spring 2708, a folding clutch 2710, a gear seat 2712, and a retainer 2714. Further reference will now be made to... Figures 28 to 40B This describes the assembly and arrangement of the components of the folding driver 506.

[0146] Figure 28 The following are shown in accordance with various aspects of this disclosure Figure 27 Detailed views of shaft 2702, sliding collar 2704, locking ring 2706 and folding spring 2708. Figure 28 The left side shows a perspective view from top to bottom. Figure 28 The right side shows a perspective view from bottom to top.

[0147] Shaft 2702 has a diameter 2716 at its proximal end and a diameter 2718 at its distal end, wherein diameter 2716 is larger than diameter 2718, making shaft 2702 tapered. Shaft 2702 also includes pin 2722 and locating pin 2724. When assembling the folding drive 506, sliding collar 2704 is placed on shaft 2702 such that shaft 2702 passes through hole 2734. To ensure proper alignment of sliding collar 2704, locating pin 2724 is fitted through hole 2736 of sliding collar 2704. Sliding collar 2704 also includes a protrusion 2738 designed to fit into... Figure 27 The sliding collar 2704 also includes an extension 2740, which is operable to be... Figure 27 The gear seat 2712 is received in a recess. The shaft 2702 also includes a hole 2719 operable to immovably secure the shaft 2702 to the mirror base 204 (not shown).

[0148] The hole 2736 receiving the locating pin 2724 ensures that each pin 2722 engages with a corresponding groove 2728 on the inner circumference of the sliding collar 2704. Once the locating pin 2724 is aligned with the hole 2736 and the pin 2722 is aligned with the groove 2728, the sliding collar 2704 can move along the shaft 2702 until the protrusion 2726 of the sliding collar 2704 is fitted into the groove 2720 of the shaft 2702.

[0149] Figure 29 The assembly of a folding actuator 506 with a lower housing 404 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, the lower housing 404 includes a tapered body 422. Once the sliding collar 2704 has been secured to the shaft 2702, as described above... Figure 29 As described above, the lower housing 404 can be assembled with the folding actuator 506. In order to assemble the lower housing 404 with the folding actuator 506, the lower housing 404 is placed on the shaft 2702 and then lowered until the tapered part 422 of the lower housing 404 abuts against the tapered part 2732 of the sliding collar 2704.

[0150] Figure 30 The lower housing 404, assembled with the folding drive 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown. Figure 31 The diagram shows an assembly of shaft 2702, sliding collar 2704, locking ring 2706, folding spring 2708, and lower housing 404 according to various aspects of this disclosure. As shown, once the lower housing 404 has been arranged such that the tapered part 422 abuts against the tapered part 2732 of the sliding collar 2704, the locking ring 2706 can be installed. Next, the locking ring 2706 is arranged such that the sliding collar 2704 fits inside the bore 2744 (…). Figure 28Furthermore, the locking ring 2706 can move along the sliding collar 2704 until the protrusion 2742 of the locking ring 2706 is fitted into the groove 2730 of the sliding collar 2704. At this time, the folding spring 2708 can be placed on the shaft 2702 and lowered until the folding spring is as... Figure 31 It is placed on the locking ring 2706 as shown.

[0151] Figure 32 A folding clutch 2710 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, the folding clutch 2710 includes a bore 2746, a recess 2748, at least one recess 2750, and an annular extension 2752. The bore 2746 is operable to allow a shaft 2702 to pass through the folding clutch 2710. The recess 2748 is operable to receive... Figure 27 The extension 2740 of the sliding collar 2704. The groove 2750 is operable to receive. Figure 27 The protrusion of the main folding gear 1202. The annular extension 2752 is operable to be fitted within the inner circumference of the folding spring 2708.

[0152] Figure 33 A folding clutch 2710 mounted on a folding drive 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. However, it should be noted that, for clarity, Figure 33 The lower housing 404 is not shown. As shown, the folding clutch 2710 is lowered so that the shaft 2702 passes through the hole 2746. Once the protrusion 2738 of the sliding collar 2704 and the groove 2748 of the folding clutch 2710 are aligned, the folding clutch 2710 can be lowered until it abuts against the folding spring 2708, and the annular extension 2752 of the folding clutch 2710 is arranged within the inner circumference of the folding spring 2708.

[0153] Figure 34 A perspective view of the folding clutch 2710, the main folding gear 1202, the gear seat 2712, and the retainer 2714 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Figure 34 The left side shows a perspective view from top to bottom. Figure 34 The right side shows a perspective view from bottom to top. Figure 35 A fully assembled folding drive 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. However, it should be noted that the lower housing 404 is not shown for clarity.

[0154] like Figures 34 to 35 As shown, the folding clutch 2710 includes the features described above. Figure 32The components described in the figures are not described here for the sake of brevity. These figures also include the main folding gear 1202, gear seat 2712, and retainer 2714. The protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 is operable to be received by the recess 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. When assembled within the folding actuator 506, the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 is fitted within the recess 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. In this way, the folding clutch 2710 and the main folding gear 1202 can be held abutting against each other by the biasing force of the folding spring 2708, so as to rotate and lock the folding clutch 2710 and the main folding gear 1202.

[0155] The geometry of extension 2756 includes a cone corresponding to the cone 2760 of gear seat 2712. When assembled within folding actuator 506, folding spring 2708 applies a biasing force to folding clutch 2710, which is transmitted to main folding gear 1202, forcing the cone of extension 2756 against the cone 2760 of gear seat 2712. The corresponding cones of annular extension 2752 and gear seat 2712 ensure proper alignment between main folding gear 1202 and gear seat 2712. When assembled within folding actuator 506, retainer 2714 is fixed in place along shaft 2702 to prevent movement of gear seat 2712, main folding gear 1202, and folding clutch 2710 due to the biasing force of folding spring 2708.

[0156] The retainer 2714 is operably attached to and secured in place to the shaft 2702 (not shown) such that it abuts against the gear seat 2712. Once secured to the shaft 2702, the retainer 2714 prevents movement of the gear seat 2712, the main folding gear 1202, and the folding clutch 2710.

[0157] Once the shaft 2702, sliding collar 2704, lower housing 404, locking ring 2706, folding spring 2708 and folding clutch 2710 are as described above Figures 28 to 33 In the middle assembly, the main folding gear 1202 can be mounted on the shaft 2702.

[0158] The main folding gear 1202 is lowered onto the folding clutch 2710, such that the shaft 2702 passes through the bore 2758, and the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 is received within the recess 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. Next, the gear seat 2712 is lowered onto the main folding gear 1202, such that the shaft 2702 passes through the bore 2764, until the cone 2760 abuts against the corresponding cone of the extension 2756 of the main folding gear 1202. Finally, the retainer 2714 is positioned such that the shaft 2702 passes through the bore 2766 and is lowered until the retainer abuts against the gear seat 2712, and then secured in place at the gear seat. The retention of the retainer 2714 prevents the folding clutch 2710, the main folding gear 1202, and the gear seat 2712 from moving against the biasing force of the folding spring 2708.

[0159] Figure 36 Additional views of the assembled folding drive 506 according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. However, it should be noted that, for clarity, the folding clutch 2710, main folding gear 1202, folding spring 2708, and lower housing 404 have been removed.

[0160] As shown in the figure, when the folding actuator 506 is assembled, the gear seat 2712 abuts against the sliding collar 2704, such that the extension 2740 of the sliding collar 2704 is received by the groove 2762 of the gear seat 2712. Since the sliding collar 2704 is fixed in place by force interference with the shaft 2702, and the gear seat 2712 is fixed in place by the retainer 2714, the folding clutch 2710 can be disengaged during manual operation of the folding actuator 506. (See later...) Figures 40A to 40B Describe the manual operation of the folding drive 506.

[0161] Figure 37 A top view of the main folding gear 1202 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In operation, when the folding actuator 506 is assembled within the actuator 400, the folding spring 2708 applies a force to the folding clutch 2710, which is then transmitted to the main folding gear 1202. The main folding gear 1202 is held in place against the force applied by the folding spring 2708 by the retainer 2714 and the gear seat 2712. In this arrangement, the gear seat 2712 provides a reaction force to the folding spring 2708, which forces the cone 2760 of the gear seat 2712 against the cone of the extension 2756. The main folding gear 1202 is constrained to prevent movement in the direction of the force applied by the folding spring 2708, which redirects the force radially outward due to the abutment of the cones incorporated in the gear seat 2712 and the main folding gear 1202.

[0162] As shown in the figure, extensions 2756 are equidistantly distributed around the inner circumference of the main folding gear 1202, with each end of the extension 2756 creating a gap 3702. The tapered body of the extension 2756 abuts against the tapered body 2560 of the gear seat 2712, forcing the main folding gear 1202 to expand radially along the extension 2756, as shown in direction 3704. The expansion along direction 3704 is compensated by the gap 3702, which allows the main folding gear 1202 to contract inward as shown in direction 3706. The expansion of the main folding gear 1202 along direction 3704 and the contraction along direction 3706 create a trefoil shape. The trefoil shape of the main folding gear 1202 improves meshing with the gear assembly 502, which will now be referred to... Figures 38 to 39 Further description.

[0163] Figure 38 A top view is shown of a folding drive 506 and a gear subassembly 616 mounted within a lower housing 404 according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 39 A perspective view is shown of the gear assembly 502 and the folding actuator 506 mounted within the lower housing 404 according to various aspects of this disclosure. However, for clarity, Figures 38 to 39 All other components of the gear assembly 502 not used for the operation of the folding drive 506 have been removed. Furthermore, in Figures 38 to 39 In the middle, the lower housing 404 is shown at its nominal position.

[0164] like Figures 38 to 39 As shown, when installed within the lower housing 404, the primary folding gear 1202 meshes with the secondary folding gear 622 at point 1204. The arrangement of the primary folding gear 1202 is selected during assembly such that the extension 2756 is positioned adjacent to the secondary folding gear 622 of the gear assembly 502. As described above... Figure 37 As described above, the main folding gear 1202 has a trilobal shape and extends along direction 3704, which increases the meshing between the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622. The extension of the main folding gear 1202 gives it a trilobal geometry, and the improved meshing is maximized when the lens portion 206 (not shown) is in the nominal position because the extension 2756 is adjacent to the secondary folding gear 622 along direction 3704.

[0165] Improved meshing reduces backlash between the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622. If conventional cylindrical folding gears were used, even small changes in the arrangement of components within the folding actuator 506 or even the actuator 400 would result in free movement between the gear teeth of the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622. When not in operation, this free movement between the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622 would cause free movement of the lens section 206 (not shown). This free movement of the lens section 206 could introduce problems such as vibration or wobbling due to external forces (e.g., wind during driving). Furthermore, when the folding actuator 506 is electrically operated, the free movement between the gear teeth of the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622 is closed as the secondary folding gear 622 rotates. Once the space between the teeth of the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622 is closed, the teeth will suddenly come into contact with each other, which could damage the main folding gear 1202 or the secondary folding gear 622 during repeated use.

[0166] In this example, the main folding gear 1202 has been extended into a trilobal shape; however, it can also be extended into other geometries. For example, if the secondary folding gear 622 is too close to the main folding gear 1202, the main folding gear 1202 will deform, causing the extension 2756 closest to the secondary folding gear 622 to deform, moving in the opposite direction—in this example, opposite to direction 3704. The remaining extension 2756 will then deform to compensate for the deformation of the extension 2756 adjacent to the secondary folding gear 622. In this way, the main folding gear 1202 can be deformed to have an optimal geometry to improve the meshing between the main folding gear 1202 and the secondary folding gear 622, thereby addressing variations caused during the production and installation of the actuator 400 components.

[0167] To operate the folding drive 506, power is supplied to the motor 604 from an external source (not shown) (e.g., the battery or electrical system of vehicle 100). Once powered, the motor 604 rotates the worm gear 608. Figure 6 The worm gear then rotates the intermediate folding gear 614, which in turn rotates the secondary folding gear 622. (Brief reference) Figures 33 to 34 Since the protrusion 2738 of the sliding collar 2704 is received within the groove 2748 of the folding clutch 2710, the folding clutch 2710 is rotationally locked. As the folding clutch 2710 is rotationally locked and the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 is received within the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710, the main folding gear 1202 is also rotationally locked.

[0168] Back Figures 38 to 39When the secondary folding gear 622 rotates, it (through the extended actuator 400) causes the lower housing 404 to rotate about the primary folding gear 1202 centered on axis 202. The rotation of the actuator 400 about the primary folding gear 1202 occurs because the shaft 2702 is fixed to the mirror base 204 via hole 2719, as described above. Figure 28 As described above. Therefore, since shaft 2702 is stationary, sliding collar 2704, locking ring 2706, and gear seat 2712 are all stationary. Because these components are rotationally locked, when folding clutch 2710 is engaged, folding clutch 2710 and main folding gear 1202 are also rotationally locked. When shaft 2702, sliding collar 2704, folding clutch 2710, main folding gear 1202, and gear seat 2712 are each rotationally locked when folding clutch 2710 is engaged, actuator 400 will rotate about axis 202 as secondary folding gear 622 rotates. In this example variant, when secondary folding gear 622 rotates along the first folding gear direction 1402, actuator 400 rotates along the first folding direction 208, while rotation of secondary folding gear 622 along the second folding gear direction 1404 causes actuator 400 to rotate along the second folding direction 210. The rotation of actuator 400 around main folding gear 1202 is due to shaft 2702 being stationary.

[0169] As mentioned above Figure 22 As described above, the lens portion 206 is attached to the actuator 400 via attachment point 1516 on the tilt axis 1504. Therefore, when the folding actuator 506 is electrically operated, the lens portion 206 will rotate about the axis 202 in either the first folding direction 208 or the second folding direction 210. The operation of the folding actuator 506 along the first folding direction 208 or the second folding direction 210 can be performed for a short period of time to adjust the lens portion 206 so that the attached reflective element (not shown) provides an acceptable field of vision behind the vehicle 100.

[0170] However, the operation of the folding driver 506 can be performed for a longer period of time so that the lens section 206 can be moved along the first folding direction 208 from the position shown in the figure. Figure 2A The drive position shown is adjusted to be as follows Figure 2B The storage location is shown. Optionally, the operation of the folding driver 506 can be performed for a longer period of time so that the lens section 206 can be moved along the second folding direction 210 from the storage location shown. Figure 2B The storage location shown is adjusted to, as Figure 2A The drive position is shown. Now refer to another reference. Figures 40A to 40B Describes the operation of the folding drive 506 during manual operation.

[0171] Figure 40AA folding clutch 2710 engaged during manual operation of the folding drive 506 is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 40B The folding clutch 2710, which disengages during manual operation of the folding drive 506, is shown according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0172] When the lens section 206 is in the driven position, the actuator 400 is also in its nominal position. In the nominal position, the folding clutch 2710 is engaged, which means that the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 is located within the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710, as... Figure 40A As shown. During manual operation, the lens section 206 will rotate as it is manually adjusted, which causes the actuator 400 to rotate, since the lens section 206 is connected to the actuator 400 via the attachment point 1516 of the tilt shaft 1504.

[0173] As the actuator 400 rotates, the gear assembly 502, including the secondary folding gear 622, also rotates. Because the secondary folding gear 622 meshes with the primary folding gear 1202, the primary folding gear 1202 rotates when the actuator 400 rotates. (Brief Reference) Figure 33 The protrusion 2738 of the sliding collar 2704 is received by the groove 2748, which rotates to lock the folding clutch 2710. When the main folding gear 1202 is forced to rotate, the edge of the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 slides against the edge of the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. As the main folding gear 1202 is biased toward the gear seat 2712 fixed in the retainer 2714, the folding clutch 2710 shifts away from the main folding gear 1202, compressing the folding spring 2708.

[0174] refer to Figure 40B Once the edge of the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 slides against the edge of the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710, the folding clutch 2710 is pushed against the folding spring 2708 and disengages from the main folding gear 1202. At this time, the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 can slide along the surface of the folding clutch 2710. In this way, manual operation of the folding drive 506 can be achieved while protecting the gear assembly 502 and the folding actuator 506.

[0175] The lens section 206 can be returned to its drive position via either an electric actuator 400 or manual operation. In manual operation, the lens section 206 can rotate back towards its drive position. As the lens section 206 rotates, the main folding gear 1202 also rotates, and the protrusion 2754 slides along the surface of the folding clutch 2710. As the lens section 206 approaches the drive position, the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 begins to align with the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. Once the lens section 206 reaches the drive position, the biasing force of the folding spring 2708 forces the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 into the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710, causing the folding clutch 2710 to abut against the main folding gear 1202. At this time, the folding clutch 2710, as described above... Figure 40A The engagement is as described in the text.

[0176] In electrically operated mode, electricity is supplied to motor 604, causing secondary folding gear 622 to rotate, as described above. Figures 38 to 39 As described above, since the folding clutch 2710 is disengaged, the main folding gear 1202 rotates freely when driven, instead of the actuator 400 rotating around the main folding gear 1202. As the main folding gear 1202 rotates, the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 will begin to align with the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710. Once the main folding gear 1202 has rotated such that the protrusion 2754 of the main folding gear 1202 aligns with the groove 2750 of the folding clutch 2710, the biasing force of the folding spring 2708 will force the folding clutch 2710 to abut against the main folding gear 1202. At this point, the folding clutch 2710 is engaged, and the folding actuator 506 can operate as described above. Figures 38 to 39 It is operated as described in the description in order to actuate the lens section 206 back to the desired position.

[0177] In some cases, a memory function may be desired for use with actuator 400. This memory function would allow the vehicle's driver to set a specific folding and tilting angle for the lens section 206, which could then be stored. If the position of the lens section 206 is changed, the stored position can be retrieved at a later time to automatically move the lens section 206 back to the stored position without any fine-tuning by the driver. Reference will now be made to... Figures 41 to 42 Describe the folding memory function of actuator 400.

[0178] Figure 41A folded memory brush mounted on a gear carrier 2712 according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. As shown, the gear carrier 2712 includes a folded brush holder 4102 and a folded brush 4104. The folded brush 4104 is attached to the gear carrier 2712 via the folded brush holder 4102. In this arrangement, the folded brush 4104 remains stationary during operation of the actuator 400 because the shaft 2702 is fixed to the mirror base 204 via a hole 2719, as described above. Figure 28 As described above. Therefore, since shaft 2702 is stationary, sliding collar 2704, locking ring 2706, and gear seat 2712 including folding brush bracket 4102 and folding brush 4104 are also stationary.

[0179] Figure 42 The operation of a folding brush 4104 according to various aspects of this disclosure is illustrated. As shown, a PCB 2502 is arranged relative to a folding driver 506 in a mounting position within the actuator 400. In this position, the folding brush 4104 contacts the carbon strip 4202 of the PCB 2502 at contact point 4204. The PCB 2502 is as described above... Figures 25 to 26 The arrangement is on the upper housing 402; however, for clarity, the upper housing 402 is not shown. Figures 41 to 42 As shown in the image.

[0180] As described above, during operation of the folding driver 506, shaft 2702, sliding collar 2704, and gear seat 2712 remain stationary, while actuator 400 (including PCB 2502) rotates about axis 202. As PCB 2502 rotates about axis 202 during operation of the folding driver 506, folding brush 4104 contacts different points along carbon strip 4202. Once the desired folding position of lens section 206 is reached, the position of folding brush 4104 along carbon strip 4202 can be measured and recorded by a potentiometer (not shown). To adjust the folding angle of lens section 206 using a memory system, power can be supplied to motor 602 to adjust the folding angle of lens section 206 until the potentiometer system detects that the position of folding brush 4104 has contacted a point along carbon strip 4202 that matches the stored position of folding brush 4104 along carbon strip 4202.

[0181] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of various preferred embodiments has been presented. This is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed; obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the foregoing teachings. As stated above, exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize this disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

[0182] List of reference numerals

[0183] 100 – Vehicles

[0184] 102 – Exterior Rearview Mirror Assembly

[0185] 104 – Exterior Rearview Mirror Assembly

[0186] 202 – Axis

[0187] 204 – Mirror Base

[0188] 206 – Lens Section

[0189] 208 – First fold direction

[0190] 210 – Second fold direction

[0191] 302 – Axis

[0192] 304 – First Inclination Direction

[0193] 306 – Second Inclination Direction

[0194] 400 – Actuator

[0195] 402 – Upper Housing

[0196] 404 – Lower Housing

[0197] 406 – Fasteners

[0198] 408 – Bearing

[0199] 410 – Bearing

[0200] 412 – End Surface

[0201] 414 – End Surface

[0202] 416 – Groove

[0203] 418 – Groove

[0204] 420 – Channel

[0205] 422 – Conical

[0206] 502 – Gear Assembly

[0207] 504 – Tilting Driver

[0208] 506 – Folding Driver

[0209] 602 – Motor

[0210] 604 – Motor

[0211] 606 – Worm Gear

[0212] 608 – Worm Gear

[0213] 610 – Intermediate Mandrel

[0214] 612 – Intermediate Inclined Gear

[0215] 614 – Intermediate Folding Gear

[0216] 616 – Gear Subassembly

[0217] 618 – Mandrel

[0218] 620 – Secondary slant gear

[0219] 622 – Secondary Folding Gear

[0220] 624 – Slider

[0221] 626 – Worm Gear Insert

[0222] 628 – Bias Component

[0223] 630 – Channel

[0224] 632 – Hole

[0225] 634 – Boss

[0226] 636 – End Surface

[0227] 638 – Cavity

[0228] 640 – Boss

[0229] 642 – End Surface

[0230] 644 – First end

[0231] 646 – Second End

[0232] 648 – Hole

[0233] 902 – Spur Gear Section

[0234] 904 – Worm Gear Section

[0235] 906 – Transition Point

[0236] 908 – Diameter

[0237] 910 – Diameter

[0238] 912 – Spur Gear Section

[0239] 914 – Worm Gear Section

[0240] 916 – Transition Point

[0241] 918 – Diameter

[0242] 920 – Diameter

[0243] 1202 – Main Folding Gear

[0244] 1204 – point

[0245] 1206 – point

[0246] 1302 – Main Inclined Gear

[0247] 1304 – Inclined Gear Extension

[0248] 1306 – point

[0249] 1402 – First Folding Gear Direction

[0250] 1404 – Second Folding Gear Direction

[0251] 1406 – First Inclined Gear Direction

[0252] 1408 – Second Inclined Gear Direction

[0253] 1502 – Inclined Journal

[0254] 1504 – Inclined Axis

[0255] 1506 – Tilt Clutch

[0256] 1508 – Tilt Spring

[0257] 1510 – Inclined Internals

[0258] 1512 – Hole

[0259] 1514 – Conical

[0260] 1516 – Attachment Point

[0261] 1518 – Conical

[0262] 1520 – Conical

[0263] 1522 – Hole

[0264] 1524 – Conical

[0265] 1526 – Kong

[0266] 1528 – Rise

[0267] 1530 – Slot

[0268] 1532 – Groove

[0269] 1534 – Slot

[0270] 1536 – Extension

[0271] 1538 – Slot

[0272] 1540 – Protrusion

[0273] 1542 – Support Component

[0274] 1544 – Tilt Brush Bracket Connector

[0275] 2002 – Kong

[0276] 2004 – Bearings

[0277] 2006 – Groove

[0278] 2008 – Surface

[0279] 2502 – Printed Circuit Board (PCB)

[0280] 2504 – Tilt Brush Holder

[0281] 2506 – Slot

[0282] 2508 – Carbon Strip

[0283] 2510 – Tilt Brush

[0284] 2702 – Axis

[0285] 2704 – Sliding collar

[0286] 2706 – Locking Ring

[0287] 2708 – Folding Spring

[0288] 2710 – Folding Clutch

[0289] 2712 – Gear Seat

[0290] 2714 – Holder

[0291] 2716 – Diameter

[0292] 2718 – Diameter

[0293] 2720 ​​– Groove

[0294] 2722 – Pin

[0295] 2724 – Locating Pin

[0296] 2726 – Rise

[0297] 2728 – Groove

[0298] 2730 – Groove

[0299] 2732 – Conical

[0300] 2734 – Kong

[0301] 2736 – Kong

[0302] 2738 – Rise

[0303] 2740 – Extension

[0304] 2742 – Rise

[0305] 2744 – Hole

[0306] 2746 – Kong

[0307] 2748 – Groove

[0308] 2750 – Groove

[0309] 2752 – Annular Extension

[0310] 2754 – Protrusion

[0311] 2756 – Extension

[0312] 2758 – Kong

[0313] 2760 – Conical

[0314] 2762 – Groove

[0315] 2764 – Kong

[0316] 2766 – Kong

[0317] 3702 – Gap

[0318] 3704 – Direction

[0319] 3706 – Direction

[0320] 4102 – Folding Brush Holder

[0321] 4104 – Folding Brush

[0322] 4202 – Carbon Strip

[0323] 4204 – Contact Point

Claims

1. A gear assembly (502) for an actuator (400). The gear assembly (502) includes a secondary helical gear (620) and a secondary folding gear (622). The secondary helical gear (620) includes a first spur gear portion (902), a first worm gear portion (904), and a first transition point (906), wherein the first transition point (906) divides the secondary helical gear (620) into the first spur gear portion (902) and the first worm gear portion (904). The secondary folding gear (622) includes a second spur gear portion (912), a second worm gear portion (914), and a second transition point (916), wherein the second transition point (916) divides the secondary folding gear (622) into the second spur gear portion (912) and the second worm gear portion (914); and The second worm gear portion (914) and the second spur gear portion (912) are formed as a single element; The secondary helical gear (620) includes a hole (632); The secondary folding gear (622) includes a hole (648) and a cavity (638). The gear assembly (502) also includes: The spindle (618) has a first end (644) and a second end (646). Bias element (628); Worm insert (626); Slider (624) having channel (630); The characteristic feature is that the hole (632) of the secondary helical gear (620) receives the first end (644) of the spindle (618). The slider (624) is attached to the spindle (618) by fitting the channel (630) onto the spindle (618), and the slider (624) is arranged adjacent to the secondary helical gear (620). The biasing element (628) is arranged to be received inside the cavity (638) of the secondary folding gear (622); The worm gear insert (626) is arranged to be received inside the cavity (638) of the secondary folding gear (622); The biasing element (628) is received in the cavity (638) of the secondary folding gear (622) such that the worm gear insert (626) is movably received in the cavity (638) and abuts against the biasing element (628); and The hole (648) of the secondary folding gear (622) receives the second end (646) of the spindle (618).

2. The gear assembly (502) according to claim 1, characterized in that... The first worm gear portion (904) includes a first end having a first diameter (908) and a second end having a second diameter (910), wherein the first end of the first worm gear portion is disposed adjacent to the first transition point (906) of the secondary helical gear (620), and wherein the second end of the first worm gear portion is disposed opposite to the first end of the first worm gear portion, and wherein the first diameter (908) is larger than the second diameter (910); and The second worm gear portion (914) includes a third end with a third diameter (918) and a fourth end with a fourth diameter (920), wherein the third end is disposed adjacent to the second transition point (916) of the secondary folding gear (622), and wherein the fourth end is disposed opposite to the third end, and wherein the third diameter (918) is larger than the fourth diameter (920).

3. The gear assembly (502) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that... The biasing element (628) applies a biasing force to the worm gear insert (626); and / or The biasing force biases the slider (624) toward the secondary inclined gear (620).

4. An actuator (400) for a rearview device (102, 104) having a lens portion (206) and a lens base (204), the actuator (400) comprising: A folding driver (506) operable to rotate the lens portion (206) about a first axis (202) in a first folding direction (208) relative to the lens base (204), and to rotate the lens portion (206) about the first axis (202) in a second folding direction (210). A tilting actuator (504) operable to rotate the lens portion (206) about a second axis (302) in a first tilting direction (304) relative to the lens base (204), and to rotate the lens portion (206) about the second axis (302) in a second tilting direction (306) relative to the lens base (204). Gear assembly (502), the gear assembly including a secondary helical gear (620) and a secondary folding gear (622); The rotation of the secondary folding gear (622) along the first secondary folding gear direction (1402) causes the folding driver (506) to rotate the lens portion (206) about the first axis (202) along the first folding direction (208), and the rotation of the secondary folding gear (622) along the second secondary folding gear direction (1404) causes the folding driver (506) to rotate the lens portion (206) about the first axis (202) along the second folding direction (210); and The rotation of the secondary tilt gear (620) along the first secondary tilt gear direction (1406) causes the tilt driver (504) to rotate the lens portion (206) about the second axis (302) along the first tilt direction (304), and the rotation of the secondary tilt gear (620) along the second secondary tilt gear direction (1408) causes the tilt driver (504) to rotate the lens portion (206) about the second axis (302) along the second tilt direction (306). The actuator (400) further includes: Main folding gear (1202); and Secondary folding gear (622); The main folding gear (1202) includes a plurality of extensions (2756) extending radially inward from the inner circumference of the main folding gear (1202); and a first set of teeth; The distance between each of the plurality of extensions (2756) is uniformly arranged around the inner circumference; and the plurality of extensions (2756) further includes a first cone. The secondary folding gear (622) has a second set of teeth; and The first set of teeth of the main folding gear (1202) meshes with the second set of teeth of the secondary folding gear (622), such that the first set of teeth and the second set of teeth have a first distance.

5. The actuator (400) according to claim 4, characterized in that... The secondary folding gear (622) is adapted to rotate while the secondary helical gear (620) remains stationary, or The secondary helical gear (620) is adapted to rotate while the secondary folding gear (622) remains stationary, or The secondary folding gear (622) is adapted to rotate as the secondary inclined gear (620) rotates.

6. The actuator (400) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the actuator (400) further comprises: A gear seat (2712) is arranged adjacent to the main folding gear (1202). The gear housing (2712) has a second cone (2760); and The first cone of the main folding gear (1202) contacts the second cone (2760) of the gear seat (2712).

7. The actuator (400) according to claim 6, wherein the actuator further comprises: A spring (2708) operable to apply a biasing force to the main folding gear (1202) such that the main folding gear (1202) is biased toward the gear seat (2712); and wherein the main folding gear (1202) deforms when the main folding gear (1202) is biased toward the gear seat (2712).

8. The actuator (400) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The deformation of the main folding gear (1202) modifies the first spacing between the first set of teeth of the main folding gear (1202) and the second set of teeth of the secondary folding gear (622) to a second spacing; wherein the first spacing is different from the second spacing.

9. The actuator (400) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The secondary helical gear (620) includes a spur gear portion (912), a worm gear portion (914), and a transition point (916). The transition point (916) divides the secondary helical gear (620) into the spur gear portion (912) and the worm gear portion (914); and The worm gear portion (914) includes the second set of teeth.

10. The actuator (400) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The gear assembly (502) includes a main helical gear (1302), an intermediate spindle (610), and a bracket (2504) arranged on the intermediate spindle (610). The bracket (2504) includes a slot (2506); The main slant gear (1302) includes a bracket connector (1544) that can be received in the slot (2506) of the bracket (2504). The main helical gear (1302) is rotatable along a first helical direction (304) or a second helical direction (306); and When the main slant gear (1302) rotates along the first slant direction (304), the bracket (2504) can slide along the intermediate spindle (610) in the first translational direction; and when the main slant gear (1302) rotates along the second slant direction (306), the bracket (2504) can slide along the intermediate spindle (610) in the second translational direction.

11. The actuator (400) according to claim 10, further comprising: The brush (2510) is attached to the bracket (2504).

12. The actuator (400) according to claim 11, further comprising: A PCB (2502) having an attached carbon strip (2508) thereon, wherein a brush (2510) contacts the carbon strip (2508).

13. The actuator (400) according to claim 12, characterized in that... When the bracket (2504) slides along the central spindle (610) in the first translational direction, the brush (2510) can slide along the carbon strip (2508) in the first brush direction; and When the bracket (2504) slides along the intermediate spindle (610) in the second translational direction, the brush (2510) can slide along the carbon strip (2508) in the second brush direction.

14. A rearview device (102, 104) having an actuator (400) according to any one of claims 4 to 13.

Images