Worm assembly and driver

Abstract

The utility model relates to a worm assembly which is suitable for being used in a driver of a vehicle outside rear-view mirror, the worm assembly comprises a supporting piece, a worm shaft, a first elastic element and a jacking pin, the worm shaft, the first elastic element and the jacking pin are installed on the supporting piece, and the first elastic element applies elastic force to the jacking pin; the jacking pin is suitable for jacking the worm shaft in the radial direction of the worm shaft under the action of the elastic force so as to apply first pre-tightening force to the worm shaft, wherein the first pre-tightening force enables the worm shaft to be pre-tightened towards one side of the worm wheel meshed with the worm shaft. The utility model also provides a driver. According to the worm assembly, pre-tightening force is applied to the worm, the worm is kept in a pre-tightening state, then the worm is tightly meshed with the worm gear meshed with the worm, and the self-locking stability and the vibration resistance of the outside rear-view mirror of the vehicle can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicle rearview mirrors, specifically to a worm gear assembly and a driver. Background Technology

[0002] Some vehicles use an integrated actuator for their exterior rearview mirrors. This integrated actuator can drive the mirror housing and lens to rotate together around both vertical and horizontal axes. By rotating the mirror housing and lens together around the vertical axis, the exterior rearview mirror can be folded down to meet the need for it to be close to the vehicle body. By rotating the mirror housing and lens together around both the vertical and horizontal axes, the mirror surface can be adjusted for steering, meeting the driver's needs for adjusting the rearview angle.

[0003] In existing technology, an integrated actuator typically includes a spindle rigidly connected to the exterior rearview mirror base, a worm gear connected to the spindle, and an actuator body disposed on the outer periphery of the spindle. The actuator body contains a motor, and a transmission mechanism is arranged between the motor output end and the worm gear. During operation, the motor drives the actuator body to rotate around the spindle, thereby causing the exterior rearview mirror's housing and lens to rotate together around a vertical axis.

[0004] The integrated driver in the prior art may have the following technical problems:

[0005] The worm gear and worm of the transmission mechanism form a worm gear meshing mechanism with inherent self-locking force. The integrated drive mainly relies on the self-locking force between the worm gear and the worm of the transmission mechanism to lock the position of the drive body, thereby locking the mirror housing and lens of the exterior rearview mirror in the circumferential direction along the vertical axis. However, due to the axial installation positioning clearance and radial meshing clearance of the worm of the transmission mechanism, the self-locking stability between the worm gear and the worm of the transmission mechanism is not good, resulting in a certain clearance angle in the exterior rearview mirror and poor vibration resistance. Moreover, as the exterior rearview mirror is used for a longer period of time, the axial installation positioning clearance and radial meshing clearance of the worm of the transmission mechanism may increase, leading to a decrease in the self-locking stability between the worm gear and the worm of the transmission mechanism. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a worm gear assembly and driver to alleviate or eliminate at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0007] The present invention discloses a worm gear assembly suitable for use in a drive mechanism of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The worm gear assembly includes a support member, a worm shaft, a first elastic element, and a clamping pin. The worm shaft, the first elastic element, and the clamping pin are mounted on the support member. The first elastic element applies a spring force to the clamping pin. The clamping pin is adapted to clamp the worm shaft radially along the worm shaft under the action of the spring force, so as to apply a first preload force to the worm shaft, preloading the worm shaft toward the worm wheel meshing with it.

[0008] Optionally, the support member is provided with a displacement space for the worm shaft to shift towards the worm wheel side under the action of the first preload.

[0009] Optionally, the support member is provided with a first semicircular groove and a second semicircular groove. The openings of the first semicircular groove and the second semicircular groove are located on the side near the worm wheel. The first end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the first semicircular groove, and the second end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the second semicircular groove.

[0010] Optionally, the support member is further provided with a blocking part that blocks the first end of the worm shaft near the worm wheel. The blocking part and the first semicircular groove are offset in the axial direction of the worm shaft. The position of the blocking part in the axial direction of the worm shaft is closer to the end of the first end of the worm shaft than the position of the first semicircular groove in the axial direction of the worm shaft.

[0011] The displacement space includes a first space for the first end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side opposite to the blocking part, and a second space for the second end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side of the worm wheel.

[0012] Optionally, the support member is provided with a guide hole communicating with the second semi-circular groove, the clamping pin cooperates with the guide hole, and the first elastic element is supported between the clamping pin and the support member, so that the pin head of the clamping pin on the side of the second semi-circular groove clamps the worm shaft radially.

[0013] The clamping pin is provided with an outer protruding ring, which is adapted to be supported on the support member to limit the maximum amount of the clamping pin ejected from the worm shaft.

[0014] Optionally, it may also include a second elastic element that applies a second preload force to the worm shaft to preload the worm shaft in its own axial direction.

[0015] Optionally, the worm shaft includes a central shaft, a first worm loosely fitted on the central shaft, and a first gear loosely fitted on the central shaft. The first gear and the first worm are connected to each other in a synchronous rotational manner. The first worm is used to mesh with the worm wheel. The second elastic element acts directly or indirectly on the first worm to apply a second preload force to the first worm, causing the first worm to be preloaded axially.

[0016] Optionally, the support member is provided with a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface. The first limiting surface, the first gear, the first worm, and the second limiting surface are sequentially distributed along the axial direction of the worm shaft. The first gear is connected to a gear cover on one side of the first limiting surface in a circumferentially fixed but axially slidable manner. The second elastic element is supported between the gear cover and the first gear, so that the gear cover presses against the first limiting surface along the axial direction of the worm shaft, and the first worm abuts against the second limiting surface along the axial direction of the worm shaft.

[0017] A first friction-reducing shim is provided between the gear cover and the first limiting surface, and a second friction-reducing shim is provided between the first worm and the second limiting surface;

[0018] The first elastic element is a helical spring, and the second elastic element is a helical spring.

[0019] Optionally, the support member is the housing of the driver, or the support member includes the housing of the driver and a bracket mounted on the housing of the driver.

[0020] This invention also proposes a driver comprising the worm gear assembly described in any of the preceding claims.

[0021] The worm gear assembly proposed in this invention can apply a preload to the worm, keeping it in a preloaded state, thereby ensuring a tight mesh between the worm and the worm wheel it meshes with, which helps to improve the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the worm gear assembly described in some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the worm gear assembly described in some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 3 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the bracket described in some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the bracket described in some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the gear cover, the first gear, and the first worm gear described in some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the driver described in some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a cross-section of the driver described in some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Enlarged view of section A;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of the driver described in some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal section of the driver described in some embodiments.

[0032] Wherein, 1-bracket; 2-central shaft; 3-first worm gear; 4-first gear; 5-first elastic element; 6-tightening pin; 7-second elastic element; 8-gear cover; 9-first anti-friction washer; 10-second anti-friction washer; 11-bottom shell; 12-spindle; 13-first worm wheel; 14-motor; 15-second worm gear; 16-second worm wheel; 17-second gear; 18-clutch structure; 19-top cover;

[0033] 101-First semicircular groove; 102-Second semicircular groove; 103-Second receiving groove; 104-First receiving groove; 105-First limiting surface; 106-Second limiting surface; 107-Second space; 108-Guide hole; 109-Spring groove; 110-Spring seat; 111-First limiting part; 112-Second limiting part; 113-Inclined part; 114-First protruding rib; 115-Guide groove;

[0034] 401 - Straight tooth; 402 - First center hole; 403 - Groove; 404 - Guide rib; 405 - Second shaft portion;

[0035] 601 - Pin body; 602 - Outer convex ring; 603 - Pin head;

[0036] 801-Cover body; 802-Second center hole; 803-Matching groove; 804-Annular boss; 805-Annular groove; 806-First shaft portion;

[0037] 1101-Mounting groove; 1102-Blocking part; 1103-Second protruding rib; 1104-Third limiting part. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The embodiments of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. This utility model can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of this utility model. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are only for illustrating this utility model and not for limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. The illustrations only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0040] like Figures 1 to 8 The worm gear assembly shown is suitable for use in a drive for a vehicle exterior rearview mirror. The worm gear assembly includes a support, a worm shaft, a first elastic element 5, and a clamping pin 6. The worm shaft, the first elastic element 5, and the clamping pin 6 are mounted on the support. The first elastic element 5 applies a spring force to the clamping pin 6. The clamping pin 6 is adapted to clamp the worm shaft radially under the action of the spring force to apply a first preload force to the worm shaft, preloading the worm shaft toward the side of the first worm wheel 13 that meshes with it.

[0041] By employing the above technical solution, a radial preload is applied to the worm shaft using the first elastic element 5 and the clamping pin 6, causing the worm shaft to be preloaded towards the first worm wheel 13 meshing with it, i.e., radial preload is applied to the worm shaft. By radially preloading the worm shaft, the radial meshing clearance between the worm shaft and the meshing first worm wheel 13 can be reduced or even eliminated, ensuring a tight meshing between the worm shaft and the meshing first worm wheel 13. Applying the above worm assembly to the drive mechanism of an exterior rearview mirror can reduce or even eliminate the clearance angle of the exterior rearview mirror, helping to improve the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror.

[0042] Furthermore, under the elastic force of the first elastic element 5, the worm shaft can maintain a preloaded state. This prevents the radial meshing clearance between the worm shaft and the first worm wheel 13 meshing with it from increasing with the duration of use of the exterior rearview mirror, thus helping to ensure the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror.

[0043] In some embodiments, the support member is provided with a displacement space for the worm shaft to shift towards the first worm wheel 13 under the action of a first preload. Using the above technical solution, during the process of preloading the worm shaft using the first elastic element 5 and the clamping pin 6, and maintaining the preload on the worm shaft using the first elastic element 5 and the clamping pin 6, there may be a situation where the worm shaft shifts towards the first worm wheel 13, for example, the worm shaft rotates at a small angle towards the first worm wheel 13 under the action of the first preload. The worm shaft shifting towards the first worm wheel 13 can reduce or even eliminate the radial meshing clearance between the worm shaft and the meshing first worm wheel 13. By providing a displacement space on the support member, the worm shaft mounted on the support member can achieve the above-mentioned shift. In specific implementations, the displacement space can be determined according to the displacement envelope of the worm shaft.

[0044] In some embodiments, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the support member is provided with a first semicircular groove 101 and a second semicircular groove 102. The openings of the first semicircular groove 101 and the second semicircular groove 102 are located on the side near the first worm gear 13. The first semicircular groove 101 and the second semicircular groove 102 are coaxially arranged. The two ends of the worm shaft are a first end and a second end, respectively. The first end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the first semicircular groove 101, and the second end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the second semicircular groove 102. Using the above technical solution, the worm shaft is supported by the first semicircular groove 101 and the second semicircular groove 102, allowing the worm shaft to be rotatably supported on the support member. This method is easy to implement and easy to assemble.

[0045] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the support member is also provided with a blocking part 1102 that blocks the first end of the worm shaft near the first worm wheel 13. The blocking part 1102 and the first semicircular groove 101 are offset in the axial direction of the worm shaft. The position of the blocking part 1102 in the axial direction of the worm shaft is closer to the end of the first end of the worm shaft than the position of the first semicircular groove 101 in the axial direction of the worm shaft. By using the above technical solution, by setting the blocking part 1102 to limit the end of the first end of the worm shaft, it is possible to prevent the first end of the worm shaft from coming out of the first semicircular groove 101.

[0046] Furthermore, such as Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the displacement space includes a first space for the first end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side opposite to the blocking part 1102, and a second space 107 for the second end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side of the first worm wheel 13. Using the blocking part 1102, in conjunction with the first and second spaces 107, under the action of the first preload, the worm shaft can rotate a small angle toward the first worm wheel 13 around its first end. When the worm shaft rotates a small angle toward the first worm wheel 13 around its first end, the first space provides rotation space for the first end of the worm shaft, and the second space 107 provides rotation space for the second end of the worm shaft. This technical solution facilitates radial preload on the worm shaft and allows for better radial preload control.

[0047] As a preferred example, such as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the opening of the second semicircular groove 102 is open, allowing the second end of the worm shaft to be inserted into it through the opening. The worm shaft mounting structure formed by the first semicircular groove 101, the blocking part 1102, and the second semicircular groove 102 is easy to install. Furthermore, the opening can create a second space 107 for the second end of the worm shaft to rotate at a small angle toward the first worm wheel 13.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the support member is provided with a guide hole 108 communicating with the second semicircular groove 102. The clamping pin 6 cooperates with the guide hole 108. The first elastic element 5 is supported between the clamping pin 6 and the support member, so that the pin head 603 of the clamping pin 6 on the side of the second semicircular groove 102 clamps the worm shaft in the radial direction of the worm shaft. With the above technical solution, the clamping pin 6 clamps the second end of the worm shaft, which can drive the worm shaft to rotate at a small angle around the first end towards the first worm wheel 13, which can better achieve and maintain the radial preload of the worm shaft. The guide hole 108 can limit the ejection direction of the clamping pin 6, so that the clamping pin 6 clamps the worm shaft in the radial direction of the worm shaft. In specific implementation, the central axis of the guide hole 108 is perpendicular to and intersects the central axis of the second semicircular groove 102.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the clamping pin 6 is provided with an outer protruding ring 602, which is adapted to be supported on the support member to limit the maximum ejection amount of the clamping pin 6 against the worm shaft. By providing the outer protruding ring 602, the maximum ejection amount of the clamping pin 6 against the worm shaft can be limited, preventing the worm shaft from excessively pressing against the first worm wheel 13.

[0050] As a preferred example, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first elastic element 5 is a first helical spring. The clamping pin 6 includes a pin body 601, an outer convex ring 602, and a pin head 603 arranged sequentially. The support member is provided with a spring groove 109 for accommodating the first helical spring. The two ends of the guide hole 108 are respectively connected to the spring groove 109 and the second semi-circular groove 102. The groove wall on the opposite side of the spring groove 109 and the guide hole 108 forms a spring seat 110. The pin head 603 cooperates with the guide hole 108. The first helical spring is inserted into the spring groove 109 through the groove opening of the spring groove 109. The pin body 601 extends into the first helical spring. The two ends of the first helical spring are respectively supported by the outer convex ring 602 and the spring seat 110. The first helical spring is in a compressed state and is clamped to the outer convex ring 602. In a specific implementation, the outer diameter of the outer convex ring 602 is larger than the diameter of the guide hole 108, and the spring groove 109 is a semi-circular groove.

[0051] As a specific example, such as Figure 9 As shown, a third limiting part 1104 is also provided on the housing of the actuator for radially limiting the first helical spring in the spring groove 109. The third limiting part 1104 prevents unnecessary deformation and displacement of the first helical spring, ensuring its normal operation. In specific implementations, the third limiting part 1104 can be configured as a boss protruding from the bottom of the mounting groove 1101 or other similar structures. When the worm gear assembly is installed into the housing of the actuator, the third limiting part 1104 radially limits the first helical spring installed in the spring groove 109.

[0052] Furthermore, such as Figure 3 As shown, the support component is provided with a guide groove 115. The guide groove 115 is used to guide the pin head 603 of the clamping pin 6 into the guide hole 108. The guide groove 115 is located on the periphery of the guide hole 108 near the end of the spring groove 109. During assembly, one end of the first helical spring can be placed against the spring seat 110 firstly, then the pin body 601 of the clamping pin 6 can be inserted into the other end of the first helical spring, then the pin head 603 of the clamping pin 6 can be placed against the guide groove 115, and finally the clamping pin 6 can be pressed into the guide hole 108, so that the pin head 603 of the clamping pin 6 is engaged in the guide hole 108. By providing the guide groove 115, the assembly difficulty of the clamping pin can be reduced.

[0053] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the worm gear assembly also includes a second elastic element 7 that applies a second preload force to the worm shaft, causing the worm shaft to be preloaded axially. The second elastic element applies an axial preload force to the worm shaft, causing the worm shaft to be preloaded axially. By preloading the worm shaft axially, the axial mounting clearance between the worm shaft and the first worm wheel 13 meshing with it can be reduced or even eliminated, ensuring a tight meshing between the worm shaft and the first worm wheel 13. Applying the above-described worm gear assembly to the drive of an exterior rearview mirror can reduce or even eliminate the clearance angle of the exterior rearview mirror, helping to improve the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror.

[0054] Under the elastic force of the second elastic element 7, the worm shaft can maintain a preloaded state. This prevents the axial mounting clearance between the worm shaft and the first worm wheel 13 meshing with it from increasing with the duration of use of the exterior rearview mirror, thus helping to ensure the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror.

[0055] Moreover, by pre-tightening the worm shaft radially and axially, the clearance angle of the exterior rearview mirror can be reduced or even eliminated, thus improving the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the vehicle's exterior rearview mirror.

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the worm shaft includes a central shaft 2, a first worm 3 loosely fitted on the central shaft 2, and a first gear 4 loosely fitted on the central shaft 2. The first gear 4 and the first worm 3 are connected to each other in a synchronous rotational manner. The first worm 3 is used to mesh with the first worm wheel 13. The second elastic element 7 acts directly or indirectly on the first worm 3 to apply a second preload force to the first worm 3, causing it to be preloaded axially. Using the above technical solution, the first worm 3 and the first gear 4 are loosely fitted on the central shaft 2, and can rotate relative to the central shaft 2. Even when the tightening pin 6 applies a radial preload force to the end of the central shaft 2, smooth rotation of the first worm 3 and the first gear 4 can be guaranteed.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, the support member is provided with a first limiting surface 105 and a second limiting surface 106. The first limiting surface 105, the first gear 4, the first worm 3, and the second limiting surface 106 are sequentially distributed along the axial direction of the worm shaft. The first gear 4 is connected to a gear cover 8 on one side of the first limiting surface 105 in a circumferentially fixed but axially slidable manner. A second elastic element 7 is supported between the gear cover 8 and the first gear 4, so that the gear cover 8 presses against the first limiting surface 105 along the axial direction of the worm shaft, and the first worm 3 presses against the second limiting surface 106 along the axial direction of the worm shaft. By setting the first limiting surface 105 and the second limiting surface 106, the positions of the first gear 4 and the first worm 3 in the axial direction of the central shaft 2 can be limited. By setting the gear cover 8 and arranging the second elastic element 7 between the gear cover 8 and the first gear 4, it helps to ensure the smooth rotation of the first worm 3 and the first gear 4.

[0058] As a preferred example, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first gear 4 has spur teeth 401 on its outer periphery. The first gear 4 has a first central hole 402 that mates with the central shaft 2. The first central hole 402 extends through the first gear 4 along its axial direction. A groove 403 is provided on the side of the first gear 4 facing the first limiting surface 105. The groove 403 is a cylindrical groove coaxial with the first gear 4 and its opening faces the first limiting surface 105. A guide rib 404 extending axially along the first gear 4 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the groove 403. The gear cover 8 has a second central hole 802 that mates with the central shaft 2. The second central hole 802 extends through the gear cover 8 along its axial direction. The gear cover 8 is loosely fitted on the central shaft 2. The outer circumferential surface of the gear cover 8 mates with the inner circumferential surface of the groove 403. The mating groove 803 of the gear cover 8 mates with the guide rib 404 on the inner circumferential surface of the groove 403, so that the gear cover 8 and the first gear 4 are circumferentially fixedly connected but axially relatively sliding. The gear cover 8, the first gear 4 and the first worm 3 rotate synchronously. The two ends of the second elastic element 7 are respectively pressed against the bottom of the gear cover 8 and the groove 403. The elastic force applied by the second elastic element 7 to the gear cover 8 causes the gear cover 8 to abut against the first limiting surface 105. The elastic force applied by the second elastic element 7 to the first gear 4 causes the first worm 3 to abut against the second limiting surface 106.

[0059] In other words, under the action of the spring force of the second elastic element 7, the gear cover 8 and the first worm 3 are constantly abutting against the first limiting surface 105 and the second limiting surface 106 of the support member, thereby eliminating the axial installation positioning gap of the first worm 3 and maintaining elastic pre-tightness at all times, thereby reducing the clearance angle of the exterior rearview mirror, which helps to improve the self-locking stability and vibration resistance of the exterior rearview mirror during driving.

[0060] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the second elastic element 7 is a second helical spring. The gear cover 8 includes a cover body 801 whose outer peripheral surface mates with the inner peripheral surface of the groove 403, and a first shaft portion 806 extending from the center of the cover body 801 toward the bottom of the groove 403. A second shaft portion 405 extending toward the groove opening is provided at the center of the bottom of the groove 403. The second helical spring is fitted onto the first shaft portion 806 and the second shaft portion 405. The two ends of the second helical spring press against the gear cover 8 and the bottom of the groove 403, respectively, and the second helical spring is in a compressed state. During operation, the maximum compression of the second helical spring is limited by the contact between the first shaft portion 806 and the second shaft portion 405. In a specific implementation, the edge of the cover body 801 is provided with a flange, and an annular groove 805 is formed between the flange and the first shaft portion 806 to mate with the end of the second helical spring.

[0061] The above-mentioned technical solution features a gear cover 8 and a second elastic element 7 arranged at the first end of the worm shaft, and a clamping pin and a first elastic element 5 arranged at the second end of the worm shaft, which has the characteristics of reasonable structural arrangement.

[0062] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a first friction-reducing shim 9 is installed between the gear cover 8 and the first limiting surface 105, and a second friction-reducing shim 10 is installed between the first worm 3 and the second limiting surface 106. The first friction-reducing shim 9 reduces the friction between the gear cover 8 and the first limiting surface 105, and the second friction-reducing shim 10 reduces the friction between the first worm 3 and the second limiting surface 106, thus helping to ensure the smooth rotation of the first worm 3 and the first gear 4.

[0063] In specific implementation, such as Figure 2 As shown, an annular boss 804 is provided on the side of the gear cover 8 near the first friction-reducing pad 9. The annular boss 804 surrounds the periphery of the opening of the second central hole 802 near the first friction-reducing pad 9. By contacting the first friction-reducing pad 9 with the annular boss 804, the friction between the gear cover 8 and the first friction-reducing pad 9 can be reduced.

[0064] As a preferred example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the first gear 4 and the first worm gear 3 form a single, integrally molded component, which is easy to implement and assemble. Obviously, in a practical implementation, the first gear 4 and the first worm gear 3 can also be two separate parts, fixedly connected together by a fixed connection structure.

[0065] As a preferred example, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the support member is provided with a first receiving groove 104 and a second receiving groove 103. The openings of the first receiving groove 104 and the second receiving groove 103 are arranged facing the side of the first worm gear 13 that meshes with the first worm 3. The first semicircular groove 101, the first receiving groove 104, the second receiving groove 103, and the second semicircular groove 102 are arranged sequentially and connected sequentially. The first receiving groove 104 is used to accommodate the first gear 4, and the second receiving groove 103 is used to accommodate the first worm 3. In specific installation, the worm shaft can be inserted as a whole into the first semicircular groove 101, the first receiving groove 104, the second receiving groove 103, and the second semicircular groove 102 through the openings of the first semicircular groove 101, the first receiving groove 104, the second receiving groove 103, and the second semicircular groove 102.

[0066] Furthermore, such as Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the support member is provided with a first limiting part 111 and a second limiting part 112. The first limiting part 111 and the second limiting part 112 respectively block the central shaft 2 on both sides in the axial direction, and the axial position of the central shaft 2 is limited by the first limiting part 111 and the second limiting part 112.

[0067] In one specific embodiment, the support is the housing of the driver, which has the characteristic of having a small number of parts.

[0068] As another specific embodiment, such as Figures 1 to 10 As shown, the support includes the housing of the driver and a bracket 1 that is detachably mounted on the housing of the driver. The worm shaft, the first elastic element 5, the clamping pin 6 and other components can be first mounted on the bracket 1 to form an assembly, and then the assembly can be mounted on the housing of the driver. It has the characteristics of being easy to implement and easy to install.

[0069] As a preferred example, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the first semicircular groove 101, the first receiving groove 104, the second receiving groove 103, and the second semicircular groove 102 are disposed on the bracket 1, and the blocking part 1102 is disposed on the housing of the driver, so that the worm shaft can be directly installed radially into the first semicircular groove 101, the first receiving groove 104, the second receiving groove 103, and the second semicircular groove 102. When the assembly is installed on the housing of the driver, the blocking part 1102 forms a radial blocking limit on the end of the first end of the worm shaft. In a specific implementation, the blocking part 1102 may be a rib or other similar structure disposed on the housing of the driver.

[0070] In specific implementation, such as Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the drive housing typically includes a bottom shell 11 and a top cover 19. The bottom shell 11 has a mounting groove 1101 for mounting a bracket 1, which can be fitted into the mounting groove 1101. To reduce the difficulty of matching the bracket 1 and the mounting groove 1101 and to reduce the matching contact area between them, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the bracket 1 is provided with multiple first protruding ribs 114 for contacting the mounting groove 1101, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the mounting groove 1101 is provided with multiple second ribs 1103 for contacting the bracket 1. In order to reduce the installation difficulty of the bracket 1, a guide slope 113 is provided at the lower corner of the bracket 1.

[0071] This invention also proposes a driver comprising the worm gear assembly described in any of the preceding claims.

[0072] As a specific example, such as Figures 6 to 10 As shown, the drive also includes a spindle 12 rotatably mounted in the housing, a first worm gear 13 mounted around the spindle 12, a motor 14 mounted in the housing, and a transmission gear shaft rotatably supported in the housing. The second worm 15 at the output end of the motor 14 meshes with the second worm gear 16 of the transmission gear shaft, the second gear 17 of the transmission gear shaft meshes with the first gear 4 of the worm shaft, and the first worm 3 of the worm shaft meshes with the first worm gear 13. The lower end of the spindle 12 is fixedly connected to the mirror mount of the exterior rearview mirror. The motor 14 can drive the housing to rotate relative to the spindle 12, thereby realizing the folding and mirror adjustment of the exterior rearview mirror.

[0073] In a specific implementation, the first worm gear 13 and the spindle 12 can be connected by a clutch structure 18 to prevent transmission overload. When the clutch structure 18 is engaged, the first worm gear 13 and the spindle 12 rotate synchronously. When an overload occurs between the first worm gear 13 and the spindle 12, the clutch structure 18 disengages, and the first worm gear 13 can rotate relative to the spindle 12. In a specific implementation, the clutch structure 18 can be a cam clutch structure or other similar clutch mechanism.

[0074] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments provided to fully illustrate the present utility model, and the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Equivalent substitutions or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the present utility model are all within the protection scope of the present utility model. In the description of this specification, the reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., means that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

Claims

1. A worm gear assembly adapted for use in a actuator of a vehicle exterior rearview mirror, characterized in that, The worm gear assembly includes a support member, a worm shaft, a first elastic element, and a clamping pin. The worm shaft, the first elastic element, and the clamping pin are mounted on the support member. The first elastic element applies a spring force to the clamping pin. The clamping pin is adapted to clamp the worm shaft radially along the worm shaft under the action of the spring force, so as to apply a first preload force to the worm shaft, causing the worm shaft to be preloaded toward the worm wheel that meshes with it.

2. The worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is provided with a displacement space for the worm shaft to move toward the worm wheel side under the action of the first preload.

3. The worm gear assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support member is provided with a first semicircular groove and a second semicircular groove. The opening of the first semicircular groove and the opening of the second semicircular groove are located on the side near the worm wheel. The first end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the first semicircular groove, and the second end of the worm shaft is rotatably supported on the second semicircular groove.

4. The worm gear assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support member is also provided with a blocking part that blocks the first end of the worm shaft near the worm wheel. The blocking part and the first semicircular groove are offset in the axial direction of the worm shaft. The position of the blocking part in the axial direction of the worm shaft is closer to the end of the first end of the worm shaft than the position of the first semicircular groove in the axial direction of the worm shaft. The displacement space includes a first space for the first end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side opposite to the blocking part, and a second space for the second end of the worm shaft to shift toward the side of the worm wheel.

5. The worm gear assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support member is provided with a guide hole that communicates with the second semi-circular groove. The clamping pin cooperates with the guide hole. The first elastic element is supported between the clamping pin and the support member, so that the pin head of the clamping pin on the side of the second semi-circular groove clamps the worm shaft radially. The clamping pin is provided with an outer protruding ring, which is adapted to be supported on the support member to limit the maximum amount of the clamping pin ejected from the worm shaft.

6. The worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a second elastic element that applies a second preload force to the worm shaft to preload the worm shaft in its own axial direction.

7. The worm gear assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The worm shaft includes a central shaft, a first worm loosely fitted on the central shaft, and a first gear loosely fitted on the central shaft. The first gear and the first worm are connected to each other in a synchronous rotational manner. The first worm is used to mesh with the worm wheel. The second elastic element acts directly or indirectly on the first worm to apply a second preload force to the first worm, causing the first worm to be preloaded axially.

8. The worm gear assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The support member is provided with a first limiting surface and a second limiting surface. The first limiting surface, the first gear, the first worm and the second limiting surface are distributed sequentially in the axial direction of the worm shaft. The first gear is connected to a gear cover in a circumferentially fixed but axially slidable manner on one side of the first limiting surface. The second elastic element is supported between the gear cover and the first gear, so that the gear cover presses against the first limiting surface in the axial direction of the worm shaft, and the first worm abuts against the second limiting surface in the axial direction of the worm shaft. A first friction-reducing shim is provided between the gear cover and the first limiting surface, and a second friction-reducing shim is provided between the first worm and the second limiting surface; The first elastic element is a helical spring, and the second elastic element is a helical spring.

9. The worm gear assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member is the housing of the driver, or the support member includes the housing of the driver and a bracket mounted on the housing of the driver.

10. A driver, characterized in that, Includes the worm gear assembly as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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