Fixing unit and adjusting screw assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a transmission unit (12) for adjusting a headlight, comprising a flexible shaft (22) and a fixing unit (16) having two end regions and an axis of rotation, the first end region being provided with a positive locking structure (18) for coupling to a drive positive locking structure (14e) of an adjusting element to be driven, the second end region being provided with a positive locking structure (18) for coupling to a drive positive locking structure (14e) of the adjusting element to be driven. Therefore, the rotating motion around the rotating axis can be transmitted; wherein the fixing unit (16) is axially and fixedly connected to the flexible shaft (22) in a second end region in order to achieve a synchronous rotation in such a way that a rotational movement can be transmitted from the flexible shaft (22) to the positive locking structure (18). The invention is characterized in that the fastening unit (16) comprises a snap sleeve (20) and a clamping sleeve (18), the snap sleeve (20) being configured such that it can be moved relative to the clamping sleeve (18) from an introduction position (EP) to a clamping position (KP) in a locking direction (AR), the locking direction (AR) being parallel to the axis of rotation; wherein the clamping sleeve (18) has a clamping wall which is provided with at least one cutout which is open on the end side and which has two cutout edges which face each other in the circumferential direction, a circumferential clamping region being formed axially at least in the region along the at least one cutout; wherein the clamping sleeve (18) has an open cross-section and forms an insertion width when the snap sleeve (20) is in an insertion position (EP), and wherein the snap sleeve (20) interacts with the clamping sleeve (18) in a clamping position (KP) such that the clamping sleeve (18) is inserted into the clamping position (KP) by an axial displacement of the snap sleeve (20). According to the invention, the distance between the cutout edges (19a, 19b) and the opening cross-section of the clamping sleeve (18) in the clamping region are at least partially deformed by the clamping wall to form a clamping width, which is reduced in size compared to the introduction width.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the transmission unit for adjusting the headlight as described in the preamble of claim 1, and the adjusting screw assembly for adjusting the headlight as described in the preamble of claim 13. Background Technology

[0002] Adjustment screw assemblies, particularly those for adjusting vehicle headlights, are well known in the art. Such assemblies typically include an adjustment screw housed within a housing, threadedly engaging the housing. One end of the adjustment screw preferably has a spherical head for connecting the component to be adjusted, particularly the headlight. The adjustment screw is driven by a drive unit comprising a shaft at a drive end opposite the spherical head, located within a housing recess, particularly a cylindrical housing recess. The drive unit is designed as a single unit. The shaft of the drive unit is driven by a drive mechanism.

[0003] The problem is that the drive end will continuously penetrate deeper into the recess of the housing along the axis during the screwing process, making it difficult to operate and access.

[0004] For example, US7438457B2 discloses an adjusting screw assembly that uses an axial compensation shaft to achieve position compensation.

[0005] It is also known that some adjusting screw assemblies use adjusting screws with ball heads, which cause the adjusting motion to deflect and achieve compensating motion. For example, DE202010011852U1 is such a structure.

[0006] Furthermore, US6338567B1 discloses an adjusting screw assembly. This assembly includes an adjusting screw with a screw drive structure. To achieve adjustment in an inclined position, a tool with a flexible shaft is used, the drive profile of which matches the screw drive structure. A housing with an inclined feed channel is provided to allow the drive profile and screw drive structure to mate.

[0007] Its disadvantage is that the tool must be reconnected to the difficult-to-operate screw drive structure every time an adjustment is made.

[0008] Furthermore, US4709306B1 also discloses an adjusting screw assembly. This invention also employs a flexible shaft to drive the adjusting screw. The flexible shaft has a connector that attaches to the end of the screw and securely holds the adjusting screw in place by friction. This is achieved by designing the inner diameter of the connector to be smaller than the end of the adjusting screw and by providing a groove in the connector.

[0009] Due to the size difference, the spring force of the slotted sleeve forms a force-fit connection between the flexible shaft and the adjusting screw. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to improve a transmission unit for transmitting rotational motion to an adjustable element to be driven, and an adjusting screw assembly with axial compensation function, so that the adjusting screw and the shaft can be easily coupled even in an inclined position.

[0011] The present invention is achieved through the features of the feature portions of claims 1 and 13 and their preambles.

[0012] In a known manner, a drive unit for adjusting a headlight includes a flexible shaft and a fixed unit having a first end region and an opposing second end region along the axial direction. The first end region has a positive locking structure for coupling with a drive positive locking structure of the adjustment element to be driven (specifically, the adjustment element itself). The second end region is axially fixedly connected to the flexible shaft to achieve synchronous rotation. This allows rotational motion to be transmitted from the flexible shaft to the fixed unit.

[0013] The positive locking structure is configured to transmit rotational motion around the rotation axis from the flexible shaft to the adjustment element to be driven.

[0014] The fixing unit provided by the present invention includes a snap-fit ​​sleeve and a clamping sleeve. The snap-fit ​​sleeve is configured to be movable from an insertion position to a clamping position relative to the clamping sleeve along a locking direction. In the insertion position, the inner diameter of the snap-fit ​​sleeve in its axially overlapping region with the clamping sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the clamping sleeve, i.e., the snap-fit ​​sleeve is configured to be radially positioned outside the clamping sleeve. The locking direction is parallel to the axis of rotation. The clamping sleeve has a clamping wall having at least one notch extending axially to a first end of the clamping sleeve in the locking direction. Therefore, the at least one notch has two notch edges opposite each other in the circumferential direction. Thus, the clamping sleeve forms a clamping region axially and circumferentially along the at least one notch. When the clamping sleeve is in the insertion position, the clamping sleeve forms an insertion width corresponding to the minimum distance between the two opposing wall regions of the clamping sleeve in the clamping region.

[0015] The fixing unit is further designed such that the snap-fit ​​sleeve and the clamping sleeve interact in the clamping position, thereby reducing the spacing of the notch edges and the opening cross-section, particularly the inner diameter of the clamping sleeve in the clamping area, to the clamping width compared to the introduction width. This is achieved by reducing the spacing between the two notch edges of the at least one notch, particularly by deforming the clamping area. The reduced opening cross-section in the clamping position makes the fixing unit with adjusting elements (particularly adjusting screws) suitable for axially fixing the drive positive locking structure by clamping the clamping sleeve with the adjusting element.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the clamping wall may be interrupted by a plurality of notches spaced apart in the circumferential direction, forming a tongue-like element between two adjacent notches. The tongue-like element is configured such that displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve into the clamping position causes the tongue-like element (particularly the radially opposed tongue elements) to move radially inward. This reduces the size of the opening cross-section from the introduction width to the clamping width.

[0017] Clamping is achieved by axial displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve as it moves into the clamping position. This reduces the open cross-section of the clamping area, particularly the inner diameter of the clamping sleeve, and also reduces the spacing between the notch edges. Furthermore, the snap-fit ​​sleeve design of the fixing unit allows for easy adjustment of the clamping sleeve in both the lead-in and / or clamping positions.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the snap-fit ​​sleeve is provided with snap-fit ​​structures, and the clamping sleeve is provided with matching snap-fit ​​structures in its circumferential direction. In the clamped position, these snap-fit ​​structures interact to fix the snap-fit ​​sleeve and the clamping sleeve axially relative to each other, particularly in the axial direction. This ensures that the snap-fit ​​sleeve can be connected to the clamping sleeve in a force-fit and form-fit manner, thereby holding the snap-fit ​​sleeve in the clamped position.

[0019] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​structure of the snap-fit ​​sleeve is designed as a flexible claw, and the snap-fit ​​structure for clamping the sleeve is designed as a circumferential groove, particularly an annular groove. This groove is designed to resist movement opposite to the locking direction, especially movement in the direction of the flexible axis. This facilitates the formation of a robust snap-fit ​​structure.

[0020] Preferably, the clamping sleeve has two grooves spaced axially around its circumference. The jaws engage with the first groove to form an insertion position, and with the second groove to form a clamping position; specifically, the second groove is located further away in the locking direction. By providing two grooves, two states can be achieved, preferably the clamping position and the insertion position. In the clamping position, the opening cross-section (particularly the inner diameter) of the clamping sleeve in the clamping area and the spacing between the notch ends are smaller compared to the insertion position. This means the clamping width is smaller than the insertion width. Therefore, the fixing unit is configured such that in the insertion position, the adjustable element to be driven can be displaced relative to the clamping sleeve by driving the positive locking structure and engaging with the positive locking structure of the clamping sleeve; the inserted adjustable element to be driven is axially fixed by moving the snap-fit ​​sleeve into the clamping position.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sidewall of the first groove transitioning into the second groove along the locking direction is configured such that the snap-fit ​​sleeve can move from the first groove to the second groove along the locking direction. Specifically, a conical sidewall is formed. This ensures easy movement along the locking direction without requiring significant effort.

[0022] The snap-fit ​​sleeve is held in the second groove in particular by form-fit to resist displacement in the locking direction. This means that not only is the locking area held in the positive direction by the circumferential snap-fit ​​sleeve held in the positive direction, but the snap-fit ​​sleeve opposite to the clamping sleeve is also held in the positive direction.

[0023] Preferably, the snap-fit ​​sleeve has a radially inward stop protrusion that interacts with a radially outward stop protrusion of the clamping sleeve in the clamping position, thereby resisting axial displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve relative to the clamping sleeve in the locking direction. The stop protrusion of the snap-fit ​​sleeve is formed circumferentially, particularly in the circumferential direction. This limits the axial displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve in the locking direction in the clamping position.

[0024] By setting the first snap-fit ​​structure and the stop protrusion, the snap-fit ​​sleeve is designed to be in a captured state (anti-dislodgement) relative to the clamping sleeve in the pre-assembled position.

[0025] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first positive locking structure is designed as a slot for interaction with an external drive structure. This ensures simple coupling of the clamping sleeve to the adjusting element having an external drive structure (particularly a hexagonal drive structure or similar structure) in a positive connection.

[0026] Preferably, the fixing unit is designed as an injection-molded part. This allows for low-cost production of the fixing unit.

[0027] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fixing unit is designed to overmold the clamping sleeve onto the flexible shaft. This means that the fixing unit can be easily manufactured using a highly repetitive and automated process.

[0028] The snap-fit ​​sleeve and clamping sleeve are preferably made of plastic, especially POM (polyoxymethylene) or glass fiber reinforced polyamide. The plastic design allows the snap-fit ​​sleeve and clamping sleeve to undergo easy plastic deformation by applying radial force.

[0029] This simplifies the formation of an axial positive connection between the clamping sleeve (especially at least one tongue-shaped element) and the adjusting element, as it facilitates the deformation of the clamping sleeve in the circumferential structure of the adjusting element to form a locking structure.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention relates to an adjusting screw assembly for adjusting a headlight, the adjusting screw assembly comprising a housing having a housing recess (particularly a cylindrical recess) and an adjusting screw mounting seat. The adjusting screw mounting seat has a central axis. Furthermore, the adjusting screw assembly includes a transmission unit having a fixing unit and a flexible shaft. The adjusting screw assembly also includes an adjusting screw having a screw axis, threads, a headlight-side end, and a drive end. The threads are formed between the headlight-side end and the drive end.

[0031] The adjusting screw engages with the adjusting screw mounting base on the housing, ensuring that the central axis is coaxial with the screw axis. The drive end is located within a recess in the housing. The headlight-side end protrudes from the adjusting screw mounting base on the headlight side and is adapted for connection to the headlight. The adjusting screw has a drive-forward locking structure on the drive end, and the fixing unit has a forward locking structure. The forward locking structure and the drive-forward locking structure are designed to cooperate with each other.

[0032] The adjusting screw can be forward-connected to the forward locking structure of the fixed unit via a drive-driven forward locking structure, thereby enabling rotational motion to be transmitted from the fixed unit to the adjusting screw. At the end opposite to the forward locking structure, the fixed unit has a flexible shaft that connects to the forward locking structure for synchronous rotation. The other end of the flexible shaft is designed as a drive end. For example, the drive end can be designed as a tool handle, grip, etc. This allows rotational motion to be transmitted from the drive end of the flexible shaft to the adjusting screw.

[0033] The fixing unit provided by this invention includes a snap-fit ​​sleeve and a clamping sleeve. In the insertion position, the inner diameter of the snap-fit ​​sleeve in its axially overlapping region with the clamping sleeve is larger than the outer diameter of the clamping sleeve, such that the snap-fit ​​sleeve is configured to be radially disposed outside the clamping sleeve or disposed outside the clamping sleeve. The snap-fit ​​sleeve is designed to be axially displaceable relative to the clamping sleeve in a locking direction from the insertion position to the clamping position. The locking direction is parallel to the central axis. An adjusting screw is matched with the fixing unit such that, in the insertion position of the snap-fit ​​sleeve, the adjusting screw can be axially displaced relative to the clamping sleeve.

[0034] The snap-fit ​​sleeve and the clamping sleeve interact in the clamping position, fixing the adjusting screw axially relative to the clamping sleeve. The adjusting screw matches the fixing unit, allowing the adjusting screw to move axially relative to the clamping sleeve in the snap-fit ​​sleeve's lead-in position.

[0035] The snap-fit ​​sleeve and locking sleeve, along with the fact that the snap-fit ​​sleeve is axially displaceable, make the axial fixation of the adjusting screw to the fixing unit simple and adjustable. Fixation can be easily achieved even in inclined positions by connecting the flexible shaft to the fixing unit. Because the snap-fit ​​sleeve is designed to be movable relative to the clamping sleeve—that is, by moving the snap-fit ​​sleeve from the lead-in position to the clamping position—simple coupling of the snap-fit ​​sleeve or flexible shaft to the adjusting screw can be achieved. This allows the adjusting screw to be axially fixed to the clamping sleeve through the interaction of the positive locking structure and the drive positive locking structure, thus transmitting rotational motion. This ensures a secure connection to the rotational drive structure of the adjusting screw and provides axial compensation via the flexible shaft.

[0036] Preferably, the clamping sleeve has a stop in the region of the positive locking structure. At least axially, the axially acting stop connects to the clamping area, and the relative displacement between them is small. The stop is designed to interact with the stop surface of the adjusting screw. Since the stop on the adjusting screw acts as a reverse bearing, once the stop surface of the adjusting screw contacts the stop, the snap-fit ​​sleeve can move to the clamping position in the locking direction.

[0037] In particular, the stop is made of the same material as the clamping area.

[0038] In order to achieve clamping at the clamping position by moving the snap sleeve along the locking direction, the stop is axially positioned in front of the clamping area in the locking direction, and is specifically positioned between the positive locking structure and the flexible shaft.

[0039] Preferably, in the clamped position, a forward connection is formed between the adjusting screw and the clamping sleeve. This axial forward connection between the adjusting screw and the clamping sleeve means that the connection can withstand greater axial forces. The clamping sleeve engages after the retaining structure of the adjusting screw.

[0040] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the retaining structure is designed as a press-fit structure. Therefore, the aim is to press the clamping wall against the press-fit structure of the adjusting screw using a snap-fit ​​sleeve, thereby forming a positive connection through deformation (particularly plastic deformation) of the clamping wall of the clamping sleeve. Specifically, this press-fit structure can be designed as a circumferential annular protrusion. This is a simple method of achieving a positive connection through deformation, which axially fixes the adjusting screw to the clamping sleeve.

[0041] Preferably, the transmission unit can be designed as the transmission unit according to the invention as described above. Therefore, the clamping wall may include a plurality of notches and a plurality of tongue-shaped elements located between the notches. The tongue-shaped elements press against the adjusting screw.

[0042] The circumferential notch width can be relatively wider than the width of the tongue element. This allows for greater surface pressure on the adjusting screw within the tongue element area when the snap-fit ​​sleeve is in the clamped position.

[0043] Preferably, the press-in structure is the thread of the adjusting screw. This means that existing components of the adjusting screw can be used without modification or machining, thus allowing the use of various types and sizes of adjusting screws. Furthermore, no additional machining steps are required to form the press-in structure during the manufacturing of the adjusting screw.

[0044] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the snap-fit ​​sleeve is provided with a sealing lip in its circumference, which radially abuts against the cylindrical inner wall of the housing recess (in this embodiment), particularly in a sealing manner. The sealing lip protects the threaded engagement of the adjusting screw with the housing and the axially adjacent housing components (particularly the headlight) from external influences, particularly foreign matter such as dust and liquids such as dirty water. Furthermore, this also protects components within the housing, such as electronic devices.

[0045] Preferably, the outer diameter of the outer contour decreases linearly relative to the screw axis along the locking direction. This allows the sealing lip to deform, such as through plastic or elastic deformation, making it easier to achieve a sealing function.

[0046] Other advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments shown in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0047] In the attached diagram: Figure 1 A side view of the adjusting screw assembly, including the housing recess, in the clamped position; Figure 2 An exploded view of the adjusting screw assembly; Figure 3 A detailed view of the transverse section of the adjusting screw assembly in its introduced position; and Figure 4 A detailed view of the cross section of the adjusting screw assembly in the clamped position. Detailed Implementation

[0048] Figures 1 to 4 The adjusting screw assembly 10 is shown separately, which includes a transmission unit 12 and an adjusting screw 14 according to the invention, wherein in Figures 2 to 4 The housing 24 is not shown in the diagram.

[0049] The transmission unit 12 according to the present invention includes a fixing unit 16. The fixing unit 16 includes a clamping sleeve 18, a snap-fit ​​sleeve 20, and a flexible shaft 22 containing a drive structure 22a.

[0050] like Figure 2 As shown, the adjusting screw 14 has a drive end 14a, a headlight-side end 14b, and a thread 14c disposed between the two. The adjusting screw 14 has a screw axis SA.

[0051] The transmission unit 12 is designed to be coupled with the adjusting screw 14. The clamping sleeve 18 is connected to the flexible shaft 22 for synchronous rotation. The snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is configured to move axially relative to the clamping sleeve 18 from the introduction position EP to the locking position KP along the locking direction AR. Different assembly states of the transmission unit are described in... Figures 2 to 4 As shown in the image.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a partially sectional side view of the adjusting screw assembly 10 in its assembled state. The adjusting screw 14 is threaded into the adjusting screw mounting base 25, so rotation of the adjusting screw 14 will cause the headlight-side end 14b of the adjusting screw 14 to move axially along the screw axis SA, and thus also axially along the central axis MA. The angle of the headlight can be adjusted by changing the distance of the headlight-side end 14b.

[0053] Similar to the front end 14b, when the adjusting screw 14 is rotated, the drive end 14a will also move axially in the housing recess 24a of the housing 24.

[0054] The adjusting screw 14 is rotated via a transmission unit 12, which includes a flexible shaft 22 with a drive structure 22a.

[0055] For this purpose, the transmission unit 12 is provided with a fixing unit 16. On the one hand, the fixing unit 16 is connected to the flexible shaft 22; on the other hand, the fixing unit 16 can be connected to the adjusting screw 14. In this way, the rotational motion can be transmitted to the adjusting screw 14, and the flexible shaft 22 can be axially fixed to the adjusting screw 14, so that the flexible shaft 22 can compensate for the axial displacement of the drive end 14a.

[0056] For this purpose, the fixing unit 16 includes a clamping sleeve 18 and a snap-fit ​​sleeve 20. The clamping sleeve 18 is overmolded onto the flexible shaft 22, and the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 clamps the clamping sleeve 18 to the adjusting screw 14 in the clamping position KP as shown. The snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is provided with a pawl 30, which engages in a second circumferential groove 18b formed on the clamping sleeve 18 in the locked position KP. The pawl 30 is radially inwardly biased and resists any movement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 in a direction opposite to the locking direction AR.

[0057] The structure and different assembly states of the transmission unit 12 are as follows: Figures 2 to 4 It is shown in more detail below.

[0058] The snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is provided with a sealing lip 28, which abuts against the inner wall of the housing recess 24a. The outer contour of the sealing lip 28 is tapered.

[0059] The sealing lip 28 is particularly suitable for protecting the threaded engagement of the adjusting screw 14 and the housing 24 from the influence of liquid, while still allowing axial movement of the fixing unit 16.

[0060] Figure 2 The side view of the adjusting screw assembly 10 without housing is shown.

[0061] The adjusting screw 14 has a drive region 14a, in which a positive locking structure 14e is formed, here employing an external drive, particularly an external Torx drive. At the end formed along the locking direction AR, the clamping sleeve 18 has a clamping wall with four notches. For clarity, only two notches 27a and 27b are shown. Notches 27a and 27b are open at the front end, each notch having two opposing notch edges 29a1, 29a2; 29b1, 29b2 in the circumferential direction. This forms a tongue element 26 between two adjacent notch edges (e.g., 29a2, 29b1) in the circumferential direction. The notches 27a and 27b formed between the tongue elements 26 allow the tongue elements 26 to deform inward in the radial direction.

[0062] The clamping sleeve 18 is a one-piece molded part, and in particular, its material is the same as that of its tongue element 26.

[0063] exist Figure 2 In the middle, the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is not engaged around the clamping sleeve 18. The snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is a one-piece molded part, as in... Figure 2 In the area shown, the flexible shaft 22 is not securely positioned and passes through the snap sleeve 20.

[0064] The clamping sleeve 18 is provided with a first groove 18a and a second circumferential groove 18b spaced apart from it along the locking direction AR.

[0065] Both grooves 18a and 18b are formed such that the sidewall is vertical on the side opposite to the locking direction AR, and tapered on the side opposite to the locking direction AR. This allows the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 to move over the sidewall along the locking direction AR, while the sidewall prevents any movement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 in the direction opposite to the locking direction AR. The outer diameter of the vertical sidewall of the first groove 18a is smaller than the outer diameter of the second groove 18b. Therefore, the assembly and disassembly forces for the first groove 18a are lower than those for the second groove 18b.

[0066] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the adjusting screw assembly 10 at its insertion position EP is shown.

[0067] For clarity, the housing 24, including the housing recess 24a, is not in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0068] Figure 3 The view shows the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 in the defined insertion position EP. The insertion position EP is defined by a first groove 18a, in which a claw 30 engages. This engagement of the claw 30 of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 secures the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 relative to the clamping sleeve 18 in this position. Thus, the fixing unit 16 can be mounted as a compact unit and supplied to the adjusting screw 14.

[0069] At this position EP, the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 and the clamping sleeve 18 maintain a radial distance in the clamping area (i.e., the area where the tongue element 26 is located). The clamping sleeve 18 forms an open section in its clamping area, specifically a circular open section with an inner diameter Dle. The inner diameter Dle (i.e., the lead-in width) is greater than the outer diameter Da of the thread 14c of the adjusting screw 14.

[0070] Therefore, at this position of the snap sleeve 20, the adjusting screw 14 can be axially displaced relative to the fixing unit 16 (especially relative to the clamping sleeve 18) in the locking direction AR.

[0071] Therefore, the adjusting screw 14 can be inserted into the clamping sleeve 18 until its drive end 14a contacts the stop portion 32 of the clamping sleeve 18. In this position of the adjusting screw 14 relative to the clamping sleeve 18, the drive forward locking structure 14e of the adjusting screw 14 is fully engaged in the forward locking structure 18c of the clamping sleeve 18. This allows rotational motion to be transmitted from the clamping sleeve 18 to the adjusting screw 14.

[0072] In the connected state, the rotation axis DA, screw axis SA, and center axis MA of the fixed unit 16 are coaxial with each other.

[0073] Through the interaction between the stop portion 32 and the drive end 14a, the snap sleeve 20 can be moved from the introduction position EP to the locking position KP along the locking direction AR. The stop portion 32 acts as a reverse bearing, and the force applied to the reverse bearing along the locking direction AR ensures that the forward locking structure 14e and the forward locking structure 18 engage with each other during the locking process.

[0074] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the adjusting screw assembly 10 in the clamped position KP is shown.

[0075] The clamping sleeve 18 is in the clamped position KP. This clamping position KP is characterized by the clamping sleeve 18 being clamped to the adjusting screw 14, thereby axially fixing the adjusting screw 14 to the clamping sleeve 18. The snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 engages around the clamping sleeve 18 in certain areas, thereby pressing the flexible, wedge-shaped tongue element 26 against the thread 14c of the adjusting screw 14.

[0076] The snap sleeve 20 is provided with a snap protrusion 20a that is radially inward. The snap protrusion 20a is formed along the entire circumference.

[0077] The clamping sleeve 18 is provided with a radially outward protrusion 18d. The protrusion 18d is formed along the entire circumference.

[0078] In the clamped position KP, the snap-fit ​​protrusion 20a contacts the protrusion 18d. In the clamped position KP, the interaction between the snap-fit ​​protrusions 20a and 18d prevents displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 relative to the clamping sleeve 18 along the locking direction AR. Therefore, the locking position KP allows only limited displacement of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 relative to the clamping sleeve 18 along the locking direction AR. The pawl 30 also engages with the second groove 18b, which resists displacement in the direction opposite to the locking direction AR. This axially secures the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 in the clamped position.

[0079] The axial displacement of the snap sleeve 20 from the introduction position EP to the clamping position KP causes the wedge-shaped tongue element 26 to shift relative to the tapered inclined surface of the snap sleeve 20.

[0080] Moving the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 to the clamping position KP generates a force that acts radially inward on the tongue element 26 region of the clamping sleeve 18 because the inner diameter Dle of the clamping region of the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is smaller than the outer diameter Da of the clamping region of the clamping sleeve 18. As the clamping wall deforms, the inner diameter Dle of the clamping sleeve 18 in the clamping region (especially the circular opening section) decreases to the clamping width, which may be less than or equal to the outer diameter Da of the thread 14c. In this embodiment, the inner diameter Dle is preferably smaller than the outer diameter Da of the thread 14c. This causes the tongue element 26 to press against the thread 14c of the adjusting screw 14. Due to this clamping force, the tongue element 26 deforms on the thread 14c, thereby forming a positive connection with the thread 14c that acts axially along the screw axis SA.

[0081] Other reverse bearings, such as annular thin-walled protrusions, can also be conceived to deform the tongue element 26 on the adjusting screw 14 by compression.

[0082] Other types of connections can also be conceived, such as a force-fit connection that axially fixes the adjusting screw 14 to the clamping sleeve 18 by deformation.

[0083] The clamping sleeve 18 and the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 are injection molded parts. The clamping sleeve 18 is made of glass fiber reinforced polyamide, and the snap-fit ​​sleeve 20 is made of POM. The clamping sleeve 18 is overmolded onto the flexible shaft 22.

[0084] A robust and simple connection is formed between the clamping sleeve 18 or the transmission unit 12 and the adjusting screw 14 by means of a positive connection formed between the adjusting screw 14 and the clamping sleeve 18 through deformation.

Claims

1. A transmission unit (12) for adjusting a headlight, comprising a flexible shaft (22) and a fixed unit (16), the fixed unit (16) having two end regions and a rotation axis, wherein the first end region is provided with a positive locking structure (18) for coupling with a drive positive locking structure (14e) of an adjustment element to be driven, thereby enabling the transmission of rotational motion about the rotation axis; wherein the fixed unit (16) is axially fixedly connected to the flexible shaft (22) in the second end region to achieve synchronous rotation, thereby enabling the transmission of rotational motion from the flexible shaft (22) to the positive locking structure (18), characterized in that, The fixing unit (16) includes a snap-fit ​​sleeve (20) and a clamping sleeve (18), wherein the snap-fit ​​sleeve (20) is configured to be movable relative to the clamping sleeve (18) from an introduction position (EP) to a clamping position (KP) along a locking direction (AR), wherein the locking direction (AR) is parallel to the axis of rotation; wherein the clamping sleeve (18) has a clamping wall having at least one notch, the at least one notch opening at an end side and having two notch edges opposite each other in the circumferential direction, wherein at least in the region along the at least one notch, the notch is axially... A circumferential clamping area is formed; wherein when the snap sleeve (20) is in the lead-in position (EP), the clamping sleeve (18) has an open cross section and forms a lead-in width, wherein the snap sleeve (20) and the clamping sleeve (18) interact in the clamping position (KP) such that the axial displacement of the snap sleeve (20) toward the clamping position, the spacing of the notch edges (19a, 19b) and the open cross section of the clamping sleeve (18) in the clamping area form a clamping width by at least local deformation of the clamping wall, the clamping width being smaller in size than the lead-in width.

2. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping wall is interrupted by a plurality of notches spaced apart in the circumferential direction, forming a tongue-shaped element (26) between two adjacent notches.

3. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The snap sleeve (20) is provided with a locking structure that interacts with at least one matching locking structure in the circumferential direction of the clamping sleeve (18) in the clamping position (18b) to axially fix the snap sleeve (20) and the clamping sleeve (18) to each other.

4. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that The locking structure of the snap sleeve (20) is designed as a flexible claw (30), and the locking structure of the clamping sleeve (18) is designed as a circumferential groove (18a), particularly an annular groove, which is designed to resist displacement in the opposite direction to the locking direction (AR).

5. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 4, characterized in that The clamping sleeve (18) has two grooves (18a, 18b) spaced axially in its circumferential direction. The pawl (30) engages in the first groove (18a) to form an introduction position (EP) and engages in the second groove (18b) to form a clamping position (KP).

6. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that The sidewall of the first groove (18a) transitioning to the second groove (18b) along the locking direction (AR) is configured such that the snap sleeve (20) can move from the first groove (18a) to the second groove (18b) along the locking direction (AR).

7. A transmission unit (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The clamping sleeve (18) is designed as a one-piece structure.

8. A transmission unit (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The snap sleeve (20) is provided with a radially inward stop protrusion (20a), which interacts with the radially outward stop protrusion (18d) of the clamping sleeve (18) in the clamping position (KP) to resist the axial displacement of the snap sleeve (20) relative to the clamping sleeve (18) in the locking direction (AR).

9. A transmission unit (12) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that The snap sleeve (20) and clamping sleeve (18) are made of plastic, particularly of POM and glass fiber reinforced polyamide.

10. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 9, characterized in that The fixing unit (16) is designed as an injection molded part.

11. The transmission unit (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that The fixing unit (16) is designed to enclose the clamping sleeve (18) on the flexible shaft (22).

12. A transmission unit (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The positive locking structure (18c) of the clamping sleeve (18) is designed as an external drive structure.

13. An adjusting screw assembly (10) for adjusting a headlight, comprising an adjusting screw (14), a transmission unit (12), and a housing (24) having a housing recess (24a), wherein the housing (24) includes an adjusting screw mounting base (25) having a central axis (MA); the transmission unit (12) includes a fixing unit (16) and a flexible shaft (22); the adjusting screw (14) includes a thread (14c), a drive end (14a), a headlight-side end (14b), and a screw axis (SA), the adjusting screw (14) being threadedly engaged with the housing (24) such that the central axis (MA) is coaxial with the screw axis (SA), the drive end (14a) is disposed within the housing recess (24a), the adjusting screw (14) having a drive positive locking structure (14e) at the drive end (14a), and the fixing unit (16) having a positive locking structure (18c); wherein, The adjusting screw (14) is positively connected to the positive locking structure (18c) of the fixing unit (16) via the driving positive locking structure (14e), so that rotational motion can be transmitted from the fixing unit (16) to the adjusting screw (14); wherein the fixing unit (16) is connected to one end of a flexible shaft (22) at the end away from the positive locking structure (18c), the other end of the flexible shaft (22) being designed as a driving end, characterized in that the fixing unit (16) includes a snap-fit ​​sleeve (20) and a clamping sleeve (18), wherein the snap-fit ​​sleeve (20) is configured to be movable relative to the clamping sleeve (18) in a locking direction (AR) from an introduction position (EP) to a locking position (KP), the locking direction (AR) being... Parallel to the central axis (MA); wherein the adjusting screw (14) is matched with the fixing unit (16) such that at the lead-in position (EP) of the snap sleeve (20), the adjusting screw (14) can be axially displaced relative to the clamping sleeve (18); wherein the snap sleeve (20) and the clamping sleeve (18) interact at the clamping position (KP) such that the clamping sleeve (18) axially fixes the adjusting screw (14) relative to the clamping sleeve (18); and wherein the adjusting screw (14) is matched with the fixing unit (16) such that at the lead-in position (EP) of the locking sleeve (20), the adjusting screw (14) can be axially displaced relative to the clamping sleeve (18).

14. The adjusting screw assembly (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The clamping sleeve (18) has a clamping wall with at least one notch, the at least one notch being open at the end side and having two notch edges opposite each other in the circumferential direction, wherein a circumferential clamping area is formed in at least a portion of the at least one notch along the axial direction.

15. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that The fixing unit (16) has a stop in the region of the positive locking structure (18c), wherein the stop is connected to the clamping region, in particular the clamping wall, and there is no relative displacement between them, and the stop is designed to interact with the stop surface of the adjusting screw (14).

16. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that The stop is axially positioned in front of the clamping area in the locking direction (AR).

17. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that In the clamped position (KP), the adjusting screw (14) and the clamping sleeve (18) form a positive connection along the axial direction.

18. The adjustment screw assembly (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that The clamping wall is pressed against the pressing structure of the adjusting screw (14) by the snap sleeve (20), thereby forming a positive connection along the axial direction through the deformation of the clamping wall.

19. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that The partial thread (14c) of the adjusting screw (14) forms the press-in structure of the adjusting screw (14).

20. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, characterized in that The snap-in sleeve (20) has a sealing lip (28) in its axial direction, which rests against the inner wall of the housing recess (24a) in radial direction, in particular in a sealing manner.

21. An adjustment screw assembly (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, characterized in that The transmission unit is designed according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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