Clutch assembly, rearview device, vehicle and method of manufacturing thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to clutch assemblies, rearview devices, vehicles, and methods of manufacturing the same. A clutch assembly for a rearview device of a vehicle includes a shaft having a first end, a second end, and a middle portion between the first end and the second end. The first end of the shaft includes a first clutch gear, and the second end of the shaft includes a pinion gear. The middle portion of the shaft includes a flange, a recess, a guide portion, and a shaft portion. A second clutch gear includes a cylindrical void and circumferentially surrounds the middle portion of the shaft. The cylindrical void of the second clutch gear includes a first inner wall portion, a second inner wall portion, and a protrusion between the first inner wall portion and the second inner wall portion. The second clutch gear is in contact with the middle portion of the shaft at a first friction region, a second friction region, and a third friction region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a clutch assembly for a vehicle rearview device and a method for manufacturing the clutch assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to enable drivers to easily observe traffic conditions to the sides and rear of the vehicle, rearview mirrors are installed on the left and right sides of the vehicle and in front of the front doors. The rearview assembly includes a housing, a rearview mirror located on the side of the housing and adjustable in angle, and configured to adjust the angle of the rearview mirror. The rearview mirror and housing typically include a power actuator unit driven by a power source to adjust the rearview mirror angle and a manual actuator unit for manually adjusting the rearview mirror angle. Currently, the rearview mirror and housing typically include a clutch assembly that can be driven by a power source and in manual mode to adjust the rearview mirror angle.

[0003] US 9,902,234 B2 discloses such a clutch assembly. The clutch assembly in US 9,902,234 B2 is connected between a gear set connected to a drive motor of an actuator mechanism for a side mirror and a ring gear connected to an adapter, and includes a clutch gear and left-hand and right-hand clutch springs. The clutch gear defines a groove on its inner circumference. The pinion includes a gear portion that engages with the ring gear and a clutch holding surface integrally formed with the pinion.

[0004] However, the aforementioned clutch structure uses excessive surface friction and is prone to wear due to continuous or prolonged use, thus reducing its service life. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Against this background, the purpose of this disclosure is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by distributing friction and stress to a larger contact area and more contact points in the clutch assembly, thereby increasing the service life of the clutch assembly.

[0006] In one aspect, this disclosure provides a clutch assembly in an actuator for a vehicle rearview device.

[0007] In one example, a clutch assembly for a vehicle rearview device may include a shaft having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The clutch assembly may also include a second clutch gear having a cylindrical clearance and at least partially circumferentially surrounding the intermediate portion of the shaft. The second clutch gear may include rotational friction regions having at least three friction areas. The three friction areas may be separated from each other by guide portions and a clutch spring, and the second clutch gear may be arranged and configured to contact the intermediate portion of the shaft at at least three friction areas. Having at least three friction areas disperses frictional forces and reduces wear on the shaft and the second clutch gear. This configuration can provide the clutch assembly with a longer lifespan and better performance.

[0008] In another example, the intermediate portion of the shaft may further include a flange, a groove, a guide portion, and a shaft portion, and the cylindrical clearance of the second clutch gear may further include a first inner wall portion, a second inner wall portion, and a protrusion located between the first and second inner wall portions. The second clutch gear may contact the intermediate portion of the shaft at a first friction region, a second friction region, and a third friction region. Having multiple friction regions allows the frictional force to be distributed over a larger surface area. The larger surface area extends the life of the clutch assembly.

[0009] In another example, the first friction region may be located between the shaft portion of the middle section of the shaft and the first inner wall portion of the cylindrical clearance of the second clutch gear. The second friction region may be located between the groove in the middle section of the shaft and the protrusion in the cylindrical clearance of the second clutch gear. The third friction region may be located between the flange in the middle section of the shaft and the second inner wall region of the cylindrical clearance of the second clutch gear. Spacing at least three different friction regions along the shaft can more evenly distribute the frictional force, which can increase the life of the shaft and the second clutch gear of the clutch assembly.

[0010] In another example, the clutch assembly may also include a clutch spring circumferentially surrounding a central portion of the shaft and having a first spring end and a second spring end. The first spring end engages with a protrusion in the cylindrical clearance of a second clutch gear. The second spring end engages with a flange in the central portion of the shaft. The clutch spring comprises a ring spring. The clutch spring compresses the pinion such that the desired frictional force can be generated within the pinion and the clutch spring.

[0011] In another example, the clutch spring is located between the second and third friction regions. The clutch spring, which separates the second and third friction regions, causes at least three friction regions to be distributed along the shaft.

[0012] In one example, the protrusion of the cylindrical clearance of the second clutch gear includes a chamfered portion, and the chamfered portion allows sliding on the guide portion in the axial direction for efficient assembly.

[0013] In another example, the second clutch gear is constructed from a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66) and carbon fiber. This allows the protrusion to have elastic properties, making assembly more efficient. The clutch spring is constructed from a metallic material comprising steel. This is likely to withstand the required clamping force necessary to withstand the frictional forces generated within the pinion. The shaft is constructed from a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66), polyamide-imide, and glass fiber. This suppresses vibration noise generated by friction between the second clutch gear and the shaft when the clutch assembly rotates. In another example, the protrusion may comprise a hook-shaped protrusion positioned axially toward the first clutch gear on the shaft and configured to be in a rotationally fixed position relative to a guide portion of the shaft's intermediate portion. The protrusion's rotational fixation to the guide portion, achieved by overcoming the axial force of the spring, holds the clutch assembly together.

[0014] In one example, the rearview device includes a clutch assembly of any of the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the vehicle includes the rearview device described in this disclosure.

[0015] In another example, a method for manufacturing a clutch assembly configured according to any of the embodiments of this disclosure is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The foregoing description and the following detailed description can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For illustrative purposes, certain examples of this specification are shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and components shown. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of systems, devices, and methods consistent with this description and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with this disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Similar reference numerals used in the drawings refer to similar parts. However, it should be understood that the use of reference numerals to refer to parts in a given drawing is not intended to limit the scope to parts labeled with the same reference numerals in other drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an embodiment of a rearview device according to the present disclosure, wherein the actuator mechanism according to the present disclosure is mounted on a vehicle;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the rearview device, in which the clutch assembly is installed in the actuator mechanism within the rearview device;

[0019] Figure 3 It is a diagram illustrating the actuator mechanism according to various examples of this disclosure;

[0020] Figure 4A This is a perspective view of the clutch assembly;

[0021] Figure 4B This is a perspective view of the clutch assembly;

[0022] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the clutch assembly;

[0023] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly in the disengaged position;

[0024] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Enlarged sectional view of the clutch assembly at point B in the middle circle;

[0025] Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly in the engaged position; and

[0026] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A Enlarged sectional view of the clutch assembly at point A in the middle circle. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The detailed description provided below is intended to help the reader fully understand the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, those skilled in the art will be able to conceive of various modifications, improvements, and equivalents to the systems, apparatus, and / or methods described herein. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted.

[0028] It should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are descriptive for purposes of description only and should not be considered restrictive. For example, the use of singular forms, such as "a," is not intended to limit the quantity of articles. Furthermore, relational terms used in the description for clarity, such as, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "downward," "upward," and "side," are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure or the appended claims. Moreover, it should be understood that any feature may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this disclosure will be or will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of this detailed description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this specification, within the scope of this disclosure, and protected by the appended claims.

[0029] Figure 1 A front view of a vehicle 300 is shown, which may include at least one rearview device 302. The at least one rearview device 302 may include an actuator 164, wherein a clutch assembly 100 is configured to operate within the actuator 164. Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle has two rear-view devices 302 mounted on the exterior of the vehicle 300 to allow the driver to see behind and to the sides of the vehicle 300. Such vehicles can be passenger cars, trucks, freight trucks, and other vehicles. Typically, the rear-view devices 302 are fixed to the vehicle 300 on the left and right sides.

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of a rearview device 302 is shown. The rearview device 302 includes a housing 306 and a reflective element 304. The rearview device 302 can be configured to be fixed to a vehicle 300 (see [reference needed]). Figure 1 Actuator 164 can be configured to move reflective element 304 in the upward, downward, leftward, and rightward directions to allow the driver to obtain optimal visibility to the rear and sides of vehicle 300.

[0031] Figure 3 A drive mechanism 146 on the first side according to various examples of this disclosure is shown. The drive mechanism 146 can be used to adjust the rearview device 302, particularly the reflective element 304. The drive mechanism 146 may include at least some of a first drive motor 148, a first transmission gear 156, a first clutch gear 110, and a first drive gear 162. In other words, the drive mechanism 146 can be considered to include a first drive mechanism 146 (the drive mechanism associated with the first drive motor 148) and a second drive mechanism (not shown) (e.g., the drive mechanism associated with a second drive motor not shown).

[0032] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first drive motor 148 may include a first terminal 154 and a first output gear 160. The first terminal 154 may be electrically connected to an external source (e.g., an internal power source of the vehicle 300) to receive power for operating the first drive motor 148. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first terminal 154 may be connected to a housing 306 (see...) Figure 2 The first output gear 160 can transmit power from the first drive motor 148 to other components. (The first output gear 160 can be connected to another terminal of the circuit board inside the housing, or to another terminal outside the housing.)

[0033] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, a first transmission gear 156 may be connected to a first output gear 160. Furthermore, the first transmission gear 156 may be connected to a second clutch gear 122. In other words, the first transmission gear 156 may connect the first output gear 160 and the second clutch gear 122. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first transmission gear 156 may include a first transmission portion 150 and a second transmission portion 152 for connection with the second clutch gear 122. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first transmission portion 150 and the second transmission portion 152 may transmit power in different directions or in the same direction. For example, the first transmission portion 150 may be configured as a spur gear or a helical gear, and the second transmission portion 152 may be configured as a worm gear.

[0034] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the second clutch gear 122 may be configured to receive power from the first drive gear 156, and the pinion 112 (see...) Figures 4A-6A The first clutch gear 110 is used to engage at least a portion of the first drive gear 162. In one embodiment of this disclosure, the first clutch gear 110 may be configured as a spur gear or a helical gear. Furthermore, the pinion 112 may engage with the first drive gear 162. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first clutch gear 110 and the pinion 112 may share the same axis but have different diameters. For example, the diameter of the pinion 112 may be smaller than the diameter of the first clutch gear 110.

[0035] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the first drive gear 162 may include a first drive region 158 to engage with the pinion 112. In embodiments of this disclosure, the first drive region 158 may be configured as a rack and pinion. Furthermore, the first drive gear 162 may have a smooth curved shape. For example, the first drive gear 162 may be arc-shaped. Because the first drive gear 162 has an arc shape, it can smoothly perform rotational movements based on the central axis of the arc in correspondence with the operation of the pinion 112. Additionally, the first drive gear 162 may move along the inner surface of the lower housing (not shown). For this purpose, the shape of the outer surface of the first drive gear 162 and the shape of the inner surface of the lower housing (not shown) may correspond to each other.

[0036] The drive mechanism 146 is located within the housing 306 of the rearview device 302 and behind the reflective element 304. Two drive mechanisms 146 may also be present within the housing 306 of the rearview device 302 to form a pair of drive mechanisms 146. One drive mechanism 146 may be configured to rotate the reflective element 304 along a first axis, while the other drive mechanism may be configured to rotate the reflective element 304 along a second axis. The first axis may be in a substantially vertical direction to allow the reflective element 304 to tilt or rotate up and down. The second axis may be in a substantially horizontal direction to allow the reflective element 304 to tilt or rotate left and right.

[0037] Figure 4A and 4B A reverse perspective view of the clutch assembly 100 is shown, while Figure 5 An exploded view of a clutch assembly 100 is shown. The clutch assembly 100 may be configured for a rearview device 302 of a vehicle 300. In embodiments of this disclosure, the clutch assembly 100 may include a shaft 102 having a first end 104, a second end 106, and an intermediate portion 108, wherein the intermediate portion 108 is located between the first end 104 and the second end 106. The first end of the shaft 102 may include a first clutch gear 110, and the second end of the shaft may include a pinion 112. The clutch assembly 100 includes a first clutch gear 110, a second clutch gear 122, and a pinion 112 arranged around the shaft 102. Furthermore, the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 may include a flange 114, a recess 116, a guide portion 118, and a shaft portion 120. The clutch assembly 100 also includes a second clutch gear 122 having a cylindrical clearance 124 circumferentially surrounding the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figures 6A-7B The cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122 may include a first inner wall portion 126, a second inner wall portion 130, and a protrusion 128 located between the first and second inner wall portions 126 and 130.

[0038] The clutch assembly 100 may be configured to have at least a shaft 102, a clutch spring 138, and a second clutch gear 122. In an embodiment, the second clutch gear 122 may have a cylindrical clearance 124. In other words, the second clutch gear 122 may be annular in shape, wherein the interior of the ring is configured to circumferentially surround the shaft 102.

[0039] Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly 100 in the disengaged position is shown. Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A An enlarged view of circle B on the clutch assembly shown. The disengaged position shows the clutch assembly 100 during assembly. In one embodiment of this disclosure, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The clutch assembly 100 is shown to include a second clutch gear 122 having a plurality of teeth 170 on its outer side 172 (which may be opposite the cylindrical clearance 124). In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a clutch spring 138 circumferentially surrounds the middle portion 108 of the shaft 102 and is located between the flange 114 and the recess 116.

[0040] Figure 6B yes Figure 6AAn enlarged cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly 100 at circle B further illustrates the clutch assembly 100 in the disengaged position. In embodiments of this disclosure, the protrusion 128 of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122 contacts the shaft portion 120 of the shaft 102. Figure 7A , 7B As shown, the protrusion has a chamfered portion 144, which is configured to move the clutch assembly 100 from a disengaged position to an engaged position (e.g., ...). Figure 6A , 6B When (as shown in -7A, 7B), it contacts the guide portion 118 of the shaft 102. The protrusion 128 has the following resilience: when it contacts the guide portion 118 and moves axially into the groove 116, the protrusion 128 retains its shape and strength. In addition, the protrusion 128 includes a hook shape, which is disposed axially toward the first clutch gear 110 of the shaft 102 and is configured to be in a rotationally fixed position relative to the guide portion 118 of the middle portion 108 of the shaft 102.

[0041] Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of the clutch assembly 100 in the engaged position is shown. Figure 7B As shown Figure 7A The enlarged view of circle A on the clutch assembly is shown. In an embodiment, the engagement position can be the position of the clutch assembly 100 when it is configured to rotatably operate the movement of the reflective element 304 of the rearview device 302 of the vehicle 300 (see [reference]). Figure 1 , Figure 2 ).

[0042] In embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 7A As shown, the second clutch gear 122 may include a rotating friction portion 123, which includes at least three friction regions 132, 134, and 136 separated by the guide portion 118 and the clutch spring 138, and the second clutch gear 122 may be arranged and configured to contact the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 at the at least three friction regions 132, 134, and 136.

[0043] In embodiments of this disclosure, the clutch assembly 100 for a rearview device 302 of a vehicle 300 may have a shaft 102 having a first end 104 and a second end 106, with an intermediate portion 108 between the first end 104 and the second end 106. Furthermore, the first end of the shaft 102 may have a first clutch gear 110, and the second end 106 of the shaft 102 may have a pinion 112. The intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 has a flange 114, a groove 116, a guide portion 118, and a shaft portion 120. A second clutch gear 122 may have a cylindrical clearance 124 circumferentially surrounding the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102. The cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122 may have a first inner wall portion 126, a second inner wall portion 130, and a protrusion 128 located therebetween. The second clutch gear 122 can contact the middle portion 108 of the shaft 102 at the first friction area 132, the second friction area 134 and the third friction area 136.

[0044] exist Figure 7A and 7B In the embodiments of this disclosure shown, the clutch assembly 100 may have a first friction region 132 located between a shaft portion 120 of the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 and a first inner wall portion 126 of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122. Furthermore, a second friction region 143 may be located between a groove 116 of the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 and a protrusion 128 of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122. Additionally, a third friction region 136 may be located between a flange 114 of the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 and a second inner wall portion 130 of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122. This disclosure discusses three friction regions, but it is also conceivable that more than three friction regions may exist. It should be understood that the more friction regions present, the more the force applied to the clutch assembly 100 is distributed over a larger surface area, which in turn extends the life and functionality of the clutch assembly 100.

[0045] Figure 7A and Figure 7BIt is also shown that the clutch assembly 100 may further include a clutch spring 138 circumferentially surrounding the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102 and having a first spring end 140 and a second spring end 142. The first spring end 140 may engage with the protrusion 128 in the axial direction of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122. The second spring end 142 may engage with the flange 114 of the intermediate portion 108 of the shaft 102. In embodiments of this disclosure, the clutch spring 138 may be located between a second friction region 143 and a third friction region 136. The clutch spring 138 may be a ring spring, or any type of spring, to achieve the required pressure between the protrusion 128 and the flange 114. In another embodiment of this disclosure, the protrusion 128 of the cylindrical clearance 124 of the second clutch gear 122 may have a chamfered portion 144. The chamfered portion 144 assists in the assembly of the clutch assembly 100 by allowing the protrusion 128 to slide along the guide portion 118 and move axially into the groove 116 without damaging any components.

[0046] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the second clutch gear 122 is constructed of a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66) and carbon fiber. This allows the protrusion to have elastic properties for more efficient assembly. The clutch spring 138 is constructed of a metallic material comprising steel. This is likely to withstand the required clamping force necessary to withstand the frictional forces generated within the pinion 112. The shaft 102 is constructed of a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66), polyamide-imide, and glass fiber. This suppresses vibration noise generated by friction between the second clutch gear 122 and the shaft 102 when the clutch assembly 100 rotates. In another embodiment, the rearview device 302 includes the clutch assembly 100 described in this disclosure. Furthermore, the vehicle 300 includes a rearview device 302 having the clutch assembly 100 described in this disclosure.

[0047] A method for manufacturing the clutch assembly 100 according to any configuration of this disclosure. One possible method for manufacturing the clutch assembly 100 is shown in the accompanying drawings. Figure 6A , 6B The separation position in the middle to such Figure 7A , 7B The shown joint position.

[0048] Unless otherwise stated, all numerical values ​​used in the specification and claims to indicate feature dimensions, quantities, and physical properties should be understood to be modified by the term "about". Therefore, unless stated to the contrary, the numerical parameters listed in the foregoing specification and appended claims are approximations that can be adjusted according to the desired characteristics that a person skilled in the art would attempt to obtain using the teachings disclosed herein.

[0049] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will understand that many alternative and / or equivalent implementations may be used instead of the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptive modifications or changes to the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Furthermore, the features of this disclosure disclosed in this specification, claims, and drawings may be used individually or in any possible combination to practice this disclosure in various exemplary embodiments. In particular, all combinations of claim features (regardless of the relationship of reference in the claims) are covered within the scope of this application.

[0051] List of reference numerals

[0052] 100 Clutch Assembly

[0053] 102 shafts

[0054] 104 First End

[0055] 106 Second End

[0056] 108 Middle Section

[0057] 110 First Clutch Gear

[0058] 112 pinion gears

[0059] 114 flange

[0060] 116 grooves

[0061] 118 Guiding Section

[0062] 120 shaft section

[0063] 122 clutch gear

[0064] 124 cylindrical gaps

[0065] 126 First Inner Wall Section

[0066] 128 protrusions

[0067] 130 Inner Wall Section

[0068] 132 First Friction Zone

[0069] 134 Second Friction Zone

[0070] 136 Third Friction Zone

[0071] 138 clutch spring

[0072] 140 First spring end

[0073] 142 Second spring end

[0074] 144 chamfered section

[0075] 146 drive mechanism

[0076] 148 First Drive Motor

[0077] 150 First Transmission Unit

[0078] 152 Second Transmission Unit

[0079] 154 First Terminal

[0080] 156 First transmission gear

[0081] 158 First Drive Zone

[0082] 160 First Output Gear

[0083] 162 First Drive Gear

[0084] 164 actuator

[0085] More than 170 teeth

[0086] 172 outer surface

[0087] 300 vehicles

[0088] 302 Rearview Device

[0089] 304 rearview components

[0090] 306 housing

Claims

1. A clutch assembly (100) for a rearview device (302) of a vehicle (300), said clutch assembly (100) comprising: A shaft (102) having a first end (104), a second end (106) and an intermediate portion (108) located between the first end (104) and the second end (106). A second clutch gear (122) includes a cylindrical clearance (124) and at least partially surrounds the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) circumferentially, wherein the second clutch gear (122) is arranged and configured to contact the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) at at least three friction areas (132, 134, 136) on a rotating friction portion (123), wherein the at least three friction areas (132, 134, 136) are separated by a guide portion (118) and a clutch spring (138).

2. The clutch assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: The intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) includes a flange (114), a groove (116), a guide portion (118), and a shaft portion (120), and the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122) includes a first inner wall portion (126), a second inner wall portion (130); and a protrusion (128) between the first inner wall portion (126) and the second inner wall portion (130); and the second clutch gear (122) contacts the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) at a first friction area (132), a second friction area (134), and a third friction area (136).

3. The clutch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first friction area (132) is located between the shaft portion (120) of the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) and the first inner wall portion (126) of the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122); The second friction area (134) is located between the groove (116) of the middle portion (108) of the shaft (102) and the protrusion (128) of the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122); and The third friction area (136) is located between the flange (114) of the middle portion (108) of the shaft (102) and the second inner wall portion (130) of the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122).

4. The clutch assembly according to any one of claims 2 or 3 further comprises a clutch spring (138) circumferentially surrounding the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102) and having a first spring end (142) and a second spring end (144), wherein the first spring end (142) engages the protrusion (128) of the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122), and the second spring end (144) engages the flange (114) of the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102).

5. The clutch assembly according to any one of claims 2, 3 or 4, wherein the clutch spring (138) is located between the second friction region (134) and the third friction region (136).

6. The clutch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the clutch spring (138) is a ring spring.

7. The clutch assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusion (128) of the cylindrical clearance (124) of the second clutch gear (122) includes a chamfered portion (144) so ​​as to allow sliding on the guide portion (118) in an axial direction.

8. The clutch assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second clutch gear (122) is constructed of a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66) and carbon fiber, and / or; The clutch spring is constructed of a metallic material including steel, and / or; The shaft is constructed from a plastic material comprising polyamide 66 (nylon 66), polyamide imide, and / or glass fiber.

9. The clutch assembly according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein the protrusion (128) comprises a hook shape disposed axially toward the first clutch gear (110) of the shaft (102) and is configured to be in a rotationally fixed position relative to the guide portion (118) of the intermediate portion (108) of the shaft (102).

10. A rearview device (302) comprising a clutch assembly (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

11. A vehicle (300) comprising a rearview device (302) according to claim 9.

12. A method of manufacturing a clutch assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images