Vehicle transmission mechanism

Abstract

A vehicle-mounted transmission mechanism is provided. In the folding mechanism, a drive motor rotates the first-stage gear, the double gear, and the drive gear, causing the drive gear to rotate around the end gear. Here, the axis of the first-stage gear is horizontal, the axis of the double gear is vertical, the axis of the drive gear is horizontal, and the axis of the end gear is vertical. Therefore, the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism can be kept relatively small.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a torque transmission mechanism for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] In the adjusting device described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-527405, torque is transmitted from the first gear of the drive transmission device to the second gear, and torque is transmitted from the second gear to the drive gear. Furthermore, the axis of the second gear is horizontal, and the axis of the drive gear is vertical.

[0003] Here, in this adjusting device, the axial direction of the first gear is horizontal, and the axial direction of the second gear is horizontal. The second gear is positioned below the first gear, thereby making the axial (vertical) dimension of the drive gear larger. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention aims to obtain a vehicle transmission mechanism that can make the size in the first direction smaller.

[0005] The vehicle transmission mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention includes: a first transmission member whose axial direction is in-plane direction perpendicular to a first direction, i.e., a second direction side, and which transmits torque; a second transmission member whose axial direction is in the first direction side and which transmits torque from the first transmission member; a third transmission member whose axial direction is in the second direction side and which transmits torque from the second transmission member; and a fourth transmission member whose axial direction is in the first direction and which receives torque from the third transmission member.

[0006] Regarding the vehicle transmission mechanism of the second aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle transmission mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention, the second transmission member has a first gear on one side in the first direction and a second gear on the other side in the first direction.

[0007] Regarding the vehicle transmission mechanism of the third aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle transmission mechanism of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the third transmission member has a third gear on one side in the second direction and a fourth gear on the other side in the second direction.

[0008] For the vehicle transmission mechanism of the fourth aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle transmission mechanism of any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member are arranged within the maximum second direction configuration range of the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member.

[0009] The vehicle transmission mechanism of the fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the vehicle transmission mechanism of the fourth aspect of the present invention, and includes a rotating device, which is disposed within the maximum second direction configuration range and generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

[0010] According to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle transmission mechanism is based on any of the first to fifth embodiments of the present invention, and includes a rotating device. The rotating device is provided with the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member and the fourth transmission member arranged in a first direction configuration range, and the rotating device generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

[0011] For the vehicle transmission mechanism of the seventh aspect of the present invention, based on the vehicle transmission mechanism of any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member are arranged within the maximum first direction configuration range of the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member.

[0012] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the first aspect of the present invention, the first transmission member transmits torque, the second transmission member transmits torque from the first transmission member, the third transmission member transmits torque from the second transmission member, and torque is transmitted from the third transmission member to the fourth transmission member.

[0013] Here, the axial direction of the first transmission member is in the second direction (an in-plane direction perpendicular to the first direction), and the axial direction of the second transmission member is in the first direction. Therefore, the second transmission member can be positioned in the second direction of the first transmission member. Furthermore, the axial direction of the second transmission member is in the first direction, and the axial direction of the third transmission member is in the second direction. Therefore, the third transmission member can be positioned in the second direction of the second transmission member. Furthermore, the axial direction of the third transmission member is in the second direction, and the axial direction of the fourth transmission member is in the first direction. Therefore, the fourth transmission member can be positioned in the second direction of the third transmission member. This allows for a smaller dimension in the first direction (axial direction of the fourth transmission member) of the vehicle transmission mechanism.

[0014] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the second aspect of the present invention, the second transmission member has a first gear on one side in the first direction and a second gear on the other side in the first direction. Therefore, the first gear and the second gear can be connected to the first transmission member and the third transmission member.

[0015] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the third aspect of the present invention, the third transmission member has a third gear on one side in the second direction and a fourth gear on the other side in the second direction. Therefore, the third gear and the fourth gear can be connected to the second transmission member and the fourth transmission member.

[0016] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first, second, third, and fourth transmission members are arranged within the maximum second-direction configuration range among the first, second, third, and fourth transmission members. Therefore, the second-direction dimension of the vehicle transmission mechanism can be made smaller.

[0017] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the fifth aspect of the present invention, the rotating device generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

[0018] Here, the rotating device is configured within the maximum second-direction configuration range. Therefore, the second-direction dimension of the vehicle transmission mechanism can still be kept small.

[0019] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the sixth aspect of the present invention, the rotating device generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

[0020] Here, a first transmission member, a second transmission member, a third transmission member, and a fourth transmission member are arranged within the first direction configuration range of the rotating device. Therefore, the first direction dimension of the transmission mechanism for vehicles can be made smaller.

[0021] In the vehicle transmission mechanism of the seventh embodiment of the present invention, the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member are arranged within the maximum first direction configuration range among the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member. Therefore, the first direction dimension of the vehicle transmission mechanism can be made smaller. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of the vehicle camera device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the interior of the vehicle camera device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear of the vehicle.

[0025] Figure 3B This is a top view showing the mechanism involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the interior of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a top view showing the interior of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 7A This is a top view showing the main parts of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 7B This is a front view of the folding mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 8A This is a top view showing the main parts of the folding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 8B This is a front view of the vehicle as seen from the front, showing the main parts of the folding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8C This refers to the main parts of the folding mechanism according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8A Sectional view along line 8C-8C. Detailed Implementation

[0034] [First Embodiment]

[0035] Figure 1 An exploded perspective view, taken from the rear of the vehicle and outward in the vehicle width direction (left side of the vehicle), shows the vehicle camera device 10, which is a vehicle recognition device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The interior of the vehicle camera device 10 is shown in a top view. Additionally, in the accompanying drawings, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow OUT indicates the outer side (left side of the vehicle) in the width direction, and arrow UP indicates the top.

[0036] The vehicle camera device 10 of this embodiment is located in the middle of the vertical direction of the side door (especially the front door) which is a vehicle door and is close to the front end of the vehicle, and is disposed on the outside of the vehicle.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the vehicle camera device 10 includes a base 12 as a mounting body. The vehicle camera device 10 is mounted on the side door by fixing the inner end of the base 12 in the vehicle width direction to the side door. A generally rectangular plate 12A is provided on the base 12, and the base plate 12A protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction. The base plate 12A is arranged perpendicular to the vertical direction, and a circular mounting hole 12B is formed through the base plate 12A.

[0038] A folding mechanism 16 (contraction device, see reference) serving as a vehicle transmission mechanism is supported on the upper side of the base plate 12A of the base 12. Figure 3A , Figure 3B , Figures 4-6 ).

[0039] The folding mechanism 16 is provided with a support 18. A generally circular plate 18A is provided at the lower end of the support 18, and the plate 18A is arranged in a manner perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0040] At the center of the substrate 18A, a generally bottomed cylindrical fixing cylinder 18B is integrally formed as a fixing part, extending upward and opening downward toward the substrate 18A. Inside the fixing cylinder 18B, a fixing screw 20, serving as a fixing member, is screwed in from below (see reference). Figure 1 The leg 20A (threaded portion) of the fixing screw 20 passes through the fixing hole 12B of the base 12 (base plate 12A) from below. The base plate 12A is sandwiched between the base plate 18A and the head 20B of the fixing screw 20, thereby fixing (fastening) the bracket 18 to the base plate 12A, and the folding mechanism 16 is supported by the base plate 12A.

[0041] At the radial center of the substrate 18A, a generally cylindrical limiting cylinder 18D serving as a support is integrally provided coaxially. The limiting cylinder 18D protrudes upward, and its protrusion dimension is smaller than that of the protrusion dimension of the fixing cylinder 18B.

[0042] A roughly rectangular box-shaped box 26, which serves as a rotating body, is supported on the bracket 18. The box 26 is constructed by assembling a lower shell 26A and an upper cover 26B in the vertical direction.

[0043] On the lower wall of the inner portion of the housing 26 (shell 26A) in the vehicle width direction, a generally cylindrical sliding cylinder 26C is formed as a supported part. The sliding cylinder 26C is axially in the vertical direction and protrudes to both sides of the lower wall of the housing 26 in the vertical direction. The sliding cylinder 26C opens downward into the housing 26. Inside the sliding cylinder 26C, a fixed cylinder 18B and a limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18 are inserted from the bottom. The outer peripheral surface of the limiting cylinder 18D fits into the inner peripheral surface of the sliding cylinder 26C, thereby supporting the sliding cylinder 26C and the housing 26 to rotate. The upper end of the sliding cylinder 26C protrudes radially inward along its entire circumference and abuts against the upper surface of the limiting cylinder 18D.

[0044] A motor 28, serving as a rotational device (drive mechanism), is fixed inside the outer portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction. The output shaft 28A of the motor 28 extends inward in the vehicle width direction. A generally rectangular plate-shaped circuit board 22 is disposed on the front side of the motor 28 in the vehicle direction. The circuit board 22 is arranged perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction and is electrically connected to the motor 28. The vertical dimension of the circuit board 22 is the same as (or smaller than) the vertical dimension of the motor 28, and the circuit board 22 is disposed within the vertical arrangement range of the motor 28.

[0045] On the output shaft 28A of the motor 28, a first-stage gear 30 (worm gear) serving as the first transmission member is coaxially supported. The axial direction of the first-stage gear 30 is the width direction (second direction, horizontal direction), and it rotates integrally with the output shaft 28A.

[0046] A double gear 32, serving as a second transmission member, is supported within the middle portion of the housing 26 in the width direction. The axial direction of the double gear 32 is vertical (first direction, vertical direction). A first helical gear 32A (worm gear), serving as the first gear, is coaxially arranged on the upper part of the double gear 32, meshing with the first-stage gear 30. A second helical gear 32B, serving as the second gear, is coaxially arranged on the lower part of the double gear 32, rotating integrally with the first helical gear 32A. The diameter of the second helical gear 32B is larger than that of the first helical gear 32A, and the number of teeth in the second helical gear 32B is less than that in the first helical gear 32A.

[0047] Within the middle portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, a drive gear 34, serving as a third transmission member, is supported. The axial direction of the drive gear 34 is approximately in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (horizontal direction). On the vehicle's front side (one side) of the drive gear 34, a third helical gear 34A, serving as the third gear, is coaxially mounted and meshes with a second helical gear 32B. On the vehicle's rear side (the other side) of the drive gear 34, a worm gear 34B, serving as the fourth gear, is coaxially mounted and rotates integrally with the third helical gear 34A.

[0048] Within the inner portion of the housing 26 in the vehicle width direction, a generally cylindrical end gear 36 (worm gear) serving as the fourth transmission member is disposed, meshing with a worm 34B. The axial direction of the end gear 36 is vertical, and a fixed cylinder 18B and a limiting cylinder 18D of a bracket 18 are inserted into the end gear 36 from the lower side. The outer circumferential surface of a sliding cylinder 26C of the housing 26 is fitted into the inner circumferential surface of the end gear 36, and the end gear 36 is supported by the sliding cylinder 26C to allow rotation. The upper end of the end gear 36 protrudes radially inward along its entire circumference, and abuts against the upper surface of the sliding cylinder 26C. Furthermore, the rotation of the end gear 36 is restricted.

[0049] The box 26 is fixed inside the generally rectangular box-shaped light shield 44, which serves as the cover, and the light shield 44 covers the outer periphery of the box 26.

[0050] The sunshade 44 is assembled from an upper sunshade 44A on the upper side and a lower sunshade 44B on the lower side in the vertical direction. A base plate 18A of a bracket 18 passes through the inner portion of the lower wall of the sunshade 44 (lower sunshade 44B) in the vehicle width direction. A circular rear hole 44C is formed through the outer end of the rear side wall of the sunshade 44 (upper sunshade 44A) in the vehicle width direction, and a circular lower hole 44D is formed through the middle portion of the lower wall of the sunshade 44 (lower sunshade 44B) in the vehicle width direction.

[0051] A rear camera 46, serving as a recognition mechanism, is fixed to the outer end of the sun visor 44 in the vehicle width direction. The lens 46A of the rear camera 46 protrudes from the rear hole 44C of the sun visor 44 and faces the rear of the vehicle. A lower camera 48, serving as a recognition mechanism, is fixed to the middle part of the sun visor 44 in the vehicle width direction. The lens (not shown) of the lower camera 48 protrudes from the lower hole 44D of the sun visor 44 and faces downward.

[0052] The rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48 are electrically connected to the vehicle's control unit 50. The rear camera 46, under the control of the control unit 50, captures images of the rear side of the sun visor 44 through the rear aperture 44C and lens 46A. The lower camera 48, under the control of the control unit 50, captures images of the lower side of the sun visor 44 through the lower aperture 44D and lens. A monitor 52, serving as a display mechanism, is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The monitor 52 displays the images captured by the rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48 under the control of the control unit 50. The monitor 52 is located inside the vehicle interior, allowing vehicle occupants (especially the driver) to visually observe the images displayed on the monitor 52. The images captured by the rear camera 46 assist the occupants in recognizing the rear of the vehicle, and the images captured by the lower camera 48 assist the occupants in recognizing the lower side. Furthermore, a motor 28 for the folding mechanism 16 (see reference 16) is electrically connected to the control unit 50 via a circuit board 22. Figure 4 ).

[0053] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0054] In the vehicle camera device 10 with the above structure, in the folding mechanism 16, when the motor 28 is driven according to the control of the control device 50, the output shaft 28A, the first-stage gear 30, the double gear 32 (first helical gear 32A and second helical gear 32B), and the drive gear 34 (third helical gear 34A and worm gear 34B) rotate, transmitting the torque of the motor 28 to the end gear 36, thereby driving the gear 34 to rotate around the end gear 36. The housing 26 rotates integrally with the drive gear 34 around the limiting cylinder 18D of the bracket 18. Therefore, the sunshade 44 (including the rear camera 46 and the lower camera 48) rotates integrally with the housing 26 toward the rear of the vehicle and inward in the vehicle width direction, causing the sunshade 44 to fold. Furthermore, the sunshade 44 rotates integrally with the housing 26 toward the outer side of the vehicle width direction and inward in the vehicle front direction, causing the sunshade 44 to stand up (reset).

[0055] Here, the first-stage gear 30 is axially horizontal, and the double gear 32 is axially vertical. Therefore, the double gear 32 can be positioned on the horizontal side of the first-stage gear 30. Furthermore, the double gear 32 is axially vertical, and the drive gear 34 is axially horizontal. Therefore, the drive gear 34 can be positioned on the horizontal side of the double gear 32. Also, the drive gear 34 is axially horizontal, and the end gear 36 is axially vertical. Therefore, the end gear 36 can be positioned on the horizontal side of the drive gear 34. Thus, the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 can be minimized, and the vertical dimension (axial direction of the end gear 36) of the folding mechanism 16 can be minimized.

[0056] Furthermore, the double gear 32 has a first helical gear 32A on the upper side and a second helical gear 32B on the lower side. Therefore, the first helical gear 32A (worm gear) can be connected to the first stage gear 30 (worm), and the second helical gear 32B can be connected to the third helical gear 34A of the drive gear 34.

[0057] Furthermore, the drive gear 34 has a third helical gear 34A on the front side of the vehicle and a worm 34B on the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, the third helical gear 34A can be connected to the second helical gear 32B of the double gear 32, and the worm 34B can be connected to the end gear 36 (worm wheel).

[0058] Furthermore, among the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, and final gear 36, drive gear 34 has the largest horizontal dimension, and its configuration range HR in the vehicle's longitudinal direction (refer to...) Figure 7A The folding mechanism 16 is equipped with a first-stage gear 30, a double gear 32, a drive gear 34, and an end gear 36. Therefore, the vehicle front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 can be minimized, and the vehicle front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can be minimized.

[0059] Furthermore, the motor 28 is positioned within the vehicle's longitudinal direction (HR) configuration range of the drive gear 34 (refer to...). Figure 7A Therefore, while the front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, end gear 36 and motor 28 can be relatively small, the front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be relatively small.

[0060] Furthermore, the circuit board 22 is positioned within the vehicle longitudinal direction configuration range HR of the drive gear 34 (refer to...). Figure 7A Therefore, while minimizing the vehicle front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, end gear 36, motor 28, and circuit board 22, the vehicle front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be minimized.

[0061] In addition, a range PR (refer to) is configured in the vertical direction of motor 28. Figure 7B The folding mechanism 16 is equipped with a first-stage gear 30, a double gear 32, a worm gear 34B of a drive gear 34, and an end gear 36. Therefore, the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, the double gear 32, the worm gear 34B of the drive gear 34, the end gear 36, and the motor 28 can be minimized, and the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can be minimized.

[0062] Furthermore, the circuit board 22 is disposed within the vertical orientation range PR of the motor 28 (see reference). Figure 7BTherefore, even though the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, the double gear 32, the worm 34B of the drive gear 34, the end gear 36, the motor 28, and the circuit board 22 is relatively small, the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be relatively small.

[0063] [Second Embodiment]

[0064] Figure 8A The main parts of the vehicle camera device 60, which is a vehicle vision device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, are shown in a top view viewed from above. Figure 8B The main components of the vehicle camera device 60 are shown in a front view of the vehicle. Furthermore, Figure 8C Show Figure 8A Sectional view along line 8C-8C.

[0065] The vehicle camera device 60 of this embodiment has a structure that is generally the same as that of the first embodiment described above, but differs in the following aspects.

[0066] like Figures 8A-8C As shown, in the folding mechanism 16 of the vehicle camera device 60 of this embodiment, compared to the first embodiment described above, the positions of the motor 28, circuit board 22, first-stage gear 30, and double gear 32 are shifted downwards. Furthermore, the diameter (number of teeth) of the third helical gear 34A of the drive gear 34 is smaller than that of the first embodiment, and the diameter (number of teeth) of the end gear 36 is larger than that of the first embodiment.

[0067] Here, this embodiment can also achieve the same function and effect as the first embodiment described above.

[0068] In particular, among the first-stage gear 30, the double gear 32, the drive gear 34, and the final gear 36, the final gear 36 has the largest horizontal dimension. Within the vehicle's longitudinal configuration range HR of the final gear 36 (refer to...),... Figure 8A The folding mechanism 16 is equipped with a first-stage gear 30, a double gear 32, a drive gear 34, and an end gear 36. Therefore, the vehicle front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 can be minimized, and the vehicle front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can be minimized.

[0069] Furthermore, the motor 28 is positioned within the vehicle's longitudinal direction (HR) configuration range of the end gear 36 (refer to...). Figure 8A Therefore, while the front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, end gear 36 and motor 28 can be relatively small, the front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be relatively small.

[0070] Furthermore, the circuit board 22 is positioned within the vehicle longitudinal direction configuration range HR of the end gear 36 (refer to...). Figure 8A Therefore, while minimizing the vehicle front-to-back configuration range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, end gear 36, motor 28, and circuit board 22, the vehicle front-to-back dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be minimized.

[0071] In addition, a range PR (refer to) is configured in the vertical direction of motor 28. Figure 8B The folding mechanism 16 is equipped with a first-stage gear 30, a double gear 32, a drive gear 34, and an end gear 36. Therefore, the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, the double gear 32, the drive gear 34, the end gear 36, and the motor 28 can be minimized, and the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can be minimized.

[0072] Furthermore, the circuit board 22 is disposed within the vertical orientation range PR of the motor 28 (see reference). Figure 8B Therefore, even though the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, double gear 32, drive gear 34, end gear 36, motor 28 and circuit board 22 is relatively small, the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can still be relatively small.

[0073] Alternatively, in the first and second embodiments described above, if the largest vertical dimension among the first-stage gear 30, double-gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 is the largest gear (e.g., drive gear 34), then the first-stage gear 30, double-gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 can be arranged within the vertical arrangement range (maximum vertical arrangement range) of the largest gear. In this case, the vertical arrangement range of the first-stage gear 30, double-gear 32, drive gear 34, and end gear 36 can be smaller, and the vertical dimension of the folding mechanism 16 can be smaller.

[0074] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, an intermediate gear may be disposed at at least one of the following locations: between the first-stage gear 30 and the double gear 32, between the double gear 32 and the drive gear 34, and between the drive gear 34 and the final gear 36. In this case, the intermediate gear is disposed on the horizontal side relative to the meshing pair of gears.

[0075] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the double gear 32 with the axial direction in the vertical direction is configured as the second transmission member, and the first helical gear 32A and the second helical gear 32B are provided on the second transmission member. However, it is also possible that a single gear with the axial direction in the vertical direction is formed as the second transmission member, and a single gear is provided on the second transmission member.

[0076] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the axial direction (first direction) of the end gear 36 (fourth transmission member) is vertical, and the in-plane direction (second direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the end gear 36 (fourth transmission member) is horizontal. However, it is also possible that the axial direction (first direction) of the fourth transmission member is a direction other than the vertical direction (e.g., the horizontal direction), and the in-plane direction (second direction) perpendicular to the axial direction of the fourth transmission member is a direction other than the horizontal direction (e.g., the in-plane direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction).

[0077] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the recognition mechanism employs cameras (rear camera 46 and lower camera 48). However, the recognition mechanism may also employ a mirror.

[0078] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments described above, the vehicle transmission mechanism is applied to the vehicle vision device. However, the vehicle transmission mechanism can also be applied to vehicle devices other than vehicle vision devices (e.g., a rectifier that rectifies the airflow of a vehicle).

[0079] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-191766, filed on November 9, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0081] 16... Folding mechanism (transmission mechanism for vehicles); 28... Motor (rotation device); 30... First stage gear (first transmission member); 32... Double gear (second transmission member); 32A... First helical gear (first gear); 32B... Second helical gear (second gear); 34... Drive gear (third transmission member); 34A... Third helical gear (third gear); 34B... Worm gear (fourth gear); 36... End gear (fourth transmission member).

Claims

1. A vehicle transmission mechanism, characterized in that, have: The first transmission member has an axial direction that is in-plane and perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., the second direction side, and transmits torque. The second transmission member has its axial direction on the first direction side and transmits torque from the first transmission member; The third transmission member, whose axial direction is the second direction side, transmits torque from the second transmission member; and The fourth transmission member has its axial direction in the first direction and is transmitted torque from the third transmission member.

2. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second transmission member has a first gear on one side of the first direction and a second gear on the other side of the first direction.

3. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The third transmission member has a third gear on one side of the second direction and a fourth gear on the other side of the second direction.

4. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first, second, third, and fourth transmission members are arranged within the maximum second direction configuration range of the first, second, third, and fourth transmission members.

5. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that, It has a rotating device, which is configured within the maximum second direction configuration range and generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

6. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, It has a circuit board configured within the maximum second direction configuration range.

7. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The device includes a rotating mechanism that arranges the first transmission member, the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member within a first direction configuration range, and the rotating mechanism generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

8. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that, A circuit board is disposed within the first direction configuration range of the rotating device.

9. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The first, second, third, and fourth transmission members are arranged within the maximum first direction configuration range of the first, second, third, and fourth transmission members.

10. The vehicle transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The second transmission member has a first gear on one side in the first direction and a second gear on the other side in the first direction. The device includes a rotating mechanism that arranges the first transmission member, the first gear or the second gear of the second transmission member, the third transmission member, and the fourth transmission member within a first direction configuration range, and the rotating mechanism generates torque and transmits the torque to the first transmission member.

Images