A motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of motor vehicle parts, specifically to a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device. It includes a base, a rotating arm rotatably connected to the base, and a drive mechanism between the rotating arm and the base for rotating the arm. The drive mechanism includes a clutch gear sleeved on the base, and a clutch ring sleeved on the base between the rotating arm and the base. The clutch ring is linked to the clutch gear. The device is characterized by: a detachable first locking structure between the base and the rotating arm, and a detachable second locking structure between the clutch gear and the clutch ring; the clutch ring and clutch gear are slidably sleeved on the base. The beneficial effect of this utility model is that it provides a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device that is less prone to damaging the rotating arm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of motor vehicle parts, specifically to a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device. Background Technology

[0002] Rearview mirrors are an indispensable safety aid for vehicles. Their core function is to compensate for blind spots in the driver's field of vision, ensure safe driving operations, and reduce the risk of accidents.

[0003] Chinese utility model patent with publication number CN220662726U discloses a motorcycle all-around waterproof rearview mirror bracket. It uses a motor to drive a worm gear transmission to drive a rotating wheel and a rotating bracket to rotate relative to the base. When the rotating bracket rotates to a preset angle, it abuts against the base limiting member to achieve the limiting of the rotating bracket.

[0004] The aforementioned all-around waterproof rearview mirror bracket for motorcycles, due to the rigid limitation of its base limiting structure on the rotating bracket, cannot effectively cope with the unavoidable accidental external forces in actual use, resulting in problems such as easy damage to the rotating bracket and low reliability. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device to solve the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device includes a base, a rotating arm rotatably connected to the base, and a driving mechanism for driving the rotating arm to rotate between the rotating arm and the base. The driving mechanism includes a clutch gear sleeved on the base, and a clutch ring sleeved on the base between the rotating arm and the base. The clutch ring is linked with the clutch gear. The device is characterized in that: a separable first snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the base and the rotating arm, and a separable second snap-fit ​​structure is provided between the clutch gear and the clutch ring; the clutch ring and the clutch gear are slidably sleeved on the base.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution and setting a separable first snap-fit ​​structure and a second snap-fit ​​structure, the following can be achieved: under the normal drive mechanism, the drive mechanism can reliably drive the rearview mirror to rotate; when the rearview mirror is subjected to an unexpected external force impact, the two snap-fit ​​structures can separate one after the other, so that the rotating arm can be displaced relative to the base, thereby releasing the impact force, effectively avoiding damage to the folding device due to rigid limitation, and greatly improving the reliability and service life of the folding device.

[0009] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: the first snap-fit ​​structure includes a first boss and a first limiting groove that cooperate with each other. The first boss is disposed on the base or the rotating arm, and correspondingly, the first limiting groove is disposed on the rotating arm or the base. The first boss can slide in the first limiting groove. The first limiting groove is provided with a first guide slope. The first boss can slide out of the first limiting groove along the first guide slope.

[0010] Using the above technical solution, the first protrusion can slide within the first limiting groove, and its sliding stroke is the rotation stroke of the rotating arm when the folder is working normally. A first guide slope is provided in the first limiting groove, along which the first protrusion can slide out. When the rotating arm is subjected to an unexpected external force, if the rotation stroke does not exceed the maximum normal rotation stroke, the first protrusion will continue to slide within the first limiting groove; if the rotation stroke exceeds the maximum normal rotation stroke, the first protrusion can slide out of the first limiting groove along the first guide slope, realizing the overrunning clutch function of the first locking structure. In both cases, external force can be released to prevent damage to the folder.

[0011] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: the second snap-fit ​​structure includes a cooperating second boss and a second limiting groove. The second boss is disposed on the clutch ring or clutch gear, and correspondingly, the second limiting groove is disposed on the clutch gear or clutch ring. The second limiting groove is provided with a second guide slope, and the second boss can slide out of the second limiting groove along the second guide slope.

[0012] Through the above technical solution, by setting a second guide slope in the second limiting groove and allowing the second boss to slide out along it, the overrunning clutch of the second locking structure is realized. When the transmitted torque exceeds the preset value, the second boss can slide out along the second guide slope, causing the clutch gear to disengage from the clutch ring, thereby cutting off the power transmission, preventing damage to the drive structure, and improving the reliability of the folding device.

[0013] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: the base includes a connecting disc and a connecting shaft, the connecting shaft passing through a rotating arm, a clutch gear, and a clutch ring in sequence; or the connecting shaft passing through a rotating arm, a clutch ring, and a clutch gear in sequence; the connecting shaft or the clutch ring is provided with a guide strip, and the clutch ring or the connecting shaft is provided with a guide groove adapted to the guide strip.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solution, it is ensured that the clutch ring can only slide along the axial direction of the base and cannot rotate circumferentially, thus ensuring that the rotating arm can rotate normally around the base without external force.

[0015] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: the end of the connecting shaft portion away from the connecting disc portion is provided with an elastic reset structure, the elastic reset structure includes a slot provided at the end of the connecting shaft portion away from the connecting disc portion, a retaining spring that engages with the slot, and an elastic element at one end that abuts against the retaining spring, the other end of the elastic element abutting against a clutch ring or clutch gear.

[0016] Using the above technical solution, the elastic reset structure provides a continuous axial preload to the clutch ring and clutch gear during engagement, maintaining stable engagement between the two; and provides a continuous axial reset force to the clutch ring and clutch gear after disengagement. When the first boss and the first limiting groove return to the meshing position or the second boss and the second limiting groove return to the meshing range, the reset force drives the relevant components to achieve automatic engagement. The elastic element is preferably a standard part such as a wave spring that can be sleeved on the connecting shaft.

[0017] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: a wear-resistant ring is provided between the rotating arm and the base, and the wear-resistant ring is provided with a wear-resistant inclined surface that is adapted to the first guide inclined surface.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the sliding friction is transferred to the wear-resistant ring, a replaceable wear-resistant component, by using the wear-resistant inclined surface of the wear-resistant ring in conjunction with the first guide inclined surface. This effectively avoids direct wear on the two core main components, the base and the rotating arm, greatly reducing maintenance costs and difficulties after long-term use and extending the overall lifespan of the product.

[0019] The above technical solution can be further configured such that: the base is provided with a plurality of mounting holes for mounting the folding device distributed along the circumference of the base at the end away from the rotating arm.

[0020] The above technical solution facilitates the flexible and stable installation of the entire folding assembly in different locations on the vehicle, improving the product's versatility and ease of installation.

[0021] The above technical solution can be further configured such that: a rearview mirror connecting part is provided at the end of the rotating arm away from the base for connecting the rearview mirror.

[0022] By adopting the above technical solution, the rearview mirror connecting part can be used to connect and fix rearview mirror bodies of various models and specifications, which enhances the adaptability of the folding device to different rearview mirrors. The separate design of the folding device and the rearview mirror also allows for individual replacement when one of them is damaged, reducing maintenance costs.

[0023] The above technical solution can be further configured as follows: the drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a three-stage transmission structure for transmitting motor torque, and a circuit board for controlling the motor. The three-stage transmission structure is as follows: the first stage includes a first worm gear mounted on the motor shaft, a first worm wheel meshing with the first worm gear, and a first transmission gear coaxially mounted with the first worm wheel. The motor shaft drives the first worm gear to rotate, which in turn drives the first transmission gear to rotate.

[0024] The second stage includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear meshing with the first transmission gear, and a second worm gear coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear. The first transmission gear drives the second transmission gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second worm gear to rotate.

[0025] The third stage includes a second worm, a second worm wheel meshing with the second worm, and a clutch gear meshing with the second worm wheel. The second worm drives the second worm wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the clutch gear to rotate.

[0026] Using the above technical solution, when the motor rotates, it can transmit torque to the clutch gear. Since the clutch gear meshes with the clutch ring, the clutch ring cannot rotate relative to the base, and therefore the clutch gear cannot rotate relative to the base either. The second worm gear rotates along the clutch gear, ultimately driving the rotating arm to rotate around the base. The circuit board has an overload protection function. When the rotating arm is fully extended, the first boss abuts against the first limit groove. At this time, the motor stalls, triggering the circuit board overload protection and disconnecting the motor power. Utilizing the self-locking characteristic of the worm gear transmission, the rearview mirror can be reliably locked in position after it is fully extended, preventing it from folding due to vibration or wind. The multi-stage transmission provides a high reduction ratio, ensuring that the motor can output a sufficiently large torque to drive the rearview mirror to rotate smoothly.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: to provide a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device that is not easily damaged by external force during folding.

[0028] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this embodiment;

[0030] Figure 2 This is an exploded view diagram of this embodiment;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first limiting groove in this embodiment;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the clutch ring structure in this embodiment;

[0033] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment under the condition of being free from external forces;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the folder when the first snap-fit ​​structure is separated;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the folder when both the first and second snap-fit ​​structures are separated.

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drive mechanism structure in this embodiment.

[0037] Label annotations: Base 1, Connecting plate 11, First boss 111, Connecting shaft 12, Guide bar 121, Slot 122, Mounting hole 13, Wear-resistant ring 2, Wear-resistant inclined surface 21, Rotating arm 3, Rearview mirror connecting part 31, First limiting groove 32, First guide inclined surface 33, Drive mechanism 4, Motor 41, Circuit board 42, Motor shaft 43, First worm gear 44, Second worm gear 45, First worm 46, Second worm 47, First transmission gear 48, Second transmission gear 49, Clutch gear 5, Second boss 51, Clutch ring 6, Second limiting groove 61, Guide groove 62, Second guide inclined surface 63, Elastic element 7, Snap ring 8. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the present invention provides a motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device, including a base 1, a rotating arm 3 rotatably connected to the base 1, and a drive mechanism 4 disposed between the rotating arm 3 and the base 1 for driving the rotating arm 3 to rotate.

[0040] The base 1 includes a disc-shaped connecting plate portion 11 and a cylindrical connecting shaft portion 12 extending axially from the center of the connecting plate portion 11. The connecting plate portion 11 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes 13 distributed circumferentially thereon for mounting the entire folding assembly to the vehicle body by means of fasteners such as bolts.

[0041] The rotating arm 3 is rotatably mounted on the connecting shaft portion 12 of the base 1 through its central through hole. A rearview mirror connecting portion 31 is provided at the end of the rotating arm 3 away from the base 1, for fixing the rearview mirror body by bolt connection or snap-fit. A first limiting groove 32 is provided on the end face of the rotating arm 3 near the connecting plate portion 11 of the base 1. In this embodiment, the first limiting groove 32 is an arc-shaped groove. Correspondingly, a first boss 111 is provided on the end face of the connecting plate portion 11 of the base 1 facing the rotating arm 3, which can cooperate with the first limiting groove 32. The first boss 111 can be embedded in the first limiting groove 32 and slide within it. A first guide slope 33 is provided at the end of the first limiting groove 32. When the rotating arm 3 rotates relative to the base 1 to its limit position, if an external force exceeding this limit is applied, the first boss 111 can slide out of the first limiting groove 32 along the first guide slope 33, thereby causing an overrunning engagement between the rotating arm 3 and the base 1. The first protrusion 111 and the first limiting groove 32 together constitute a separable first snap-fit ​​structure.

[0042] To reduce wear between the two core components, the base 1 and the rotating arm 3, a wear-resistant ring 2 is provided between the connecting disc 11 of the rotating arm 3 and the base 1. This wear-resistant ring 2 is fitted onto the connecting shaft 12, with one end contacting the connecting disc 11 of the base 1 and the other end contacting the rotating arm 3. The wear-resistant ring 2 has a wear-resistant inclined surface 21 that matches the shape of the first guide inclined surface 33. When the first boss 111 slides out along the first guide inclined surface 33, it actually slides and presses against the wear-resistant inclined surface 21 of the wear-resistant ring 2, transferring frictional wear to the replaceable wear-resistant ring 2, effectively protecting the base 1 and the rotating arm 3.

[0043] The drive mechanism 4 includes a motor 41, a circuit board 42 for controlling the motor 41, and a three-stage reduction transmission structure. The three-stage reduction transmission structure is used to convert the high-speed, low-torque output of the motor 41 into a low-speed, high-torque output to drive the rotating arm 3 to rotate smoothly.

[0044] The three-stage transmission structure is as follows:

[0045] The first stage of transmission includes a first worm gear 46 fixedly mounted on the motor shaft 43, a first worm wheel 44 meshing with the first worm gear 46, and a first transmission gear 48 coaxially mounted with the first worm wheel 44 and rotating synchronously therewith. The rotation of the motor shaft 43 drives the first worm gear 46, which in turn drives the first worm wheel 44 and the first transmission gear 48 to rotate.

[0046] The second stage of transmission includes a second transmission gear 49 that meshes with the first transmission gear 48, and a second worm gear 47 that is coaxially arranged with and rotates synchronously with the second transmission gear 49. The first transmission gear 48 drives the second transmission gear 49, which in turn drives the second worm gear 47 to rotate.

[0047] The third stage of transmission includes a second worm wheel 45 that meshes with the second worm 47, and a clutch gear 5 that meshes with the second worm wheel 45. The second worm 47 drives the second worm wheel 45 to rotate, and the second worm wheel 45 meshes with the clutch gear 5, thereby driving the clutch gear 5 to rotate.

[0048] The clutch gear 5 and the clutch ring 6 are both slidably fitted onto the connecting shaft portion 12 of the base 1 through their central through holes. In this embodiment, the connecting shaft portion 12 is provided with a guide strip 121, and the inner wall of the clutch ring 6 is provided with a guide groove 62 that matches the guide strip 121. This fit allows the clutch ring 6 to slide axially along the connecting shaft portion 12, but it cannot rotate circumferentially relative to the connecting shaft portion 12.

[0049] The clutch gear 5 and clutch ring 6 are arranged adjacent to each other. At least one second protrusion 51 is provided on the end face of the clutch gear 5 facing the clutch ring 6. A second limiting groove 61, corresponding to the number and position of the second protrusions 51, is provided on the end face of the clutch ring 6 facing the clutch gear 5. The second protrusions 51 can be embedded in the second limiting groove 61, thereby enabling the clutch gear 5 and clutch ring 6 to move in circumferential direction and transmit torque. One end of the second limiting groove 61 is provided with a second guide slope 63. When the torque transmitted between the clutch gear 5 and clutch ring 6 exceeds a preset value, the second protrusion 51 can slide out of the second limiting groove 61 along the second guide slope 63, causing slippage between the clutch gear 5 and clutch ring 6, achieving over-clutch engagement. The second protrusions 51 and the second limiting groove 61 together constitute a separable second snap-fit ​​structure.

[0050] A slot 122 is provided at the end of the connecting shaft portion 12 of the base 1 away from the connecting disc portion 11. A retaining spring 8 is inserted into the slot 122. An elastic element 7 (a wave spring in this embodiment) provided on the connecting shaft portion 12 abuts against the retaining spring 8 at one end and against the clutch ring 6 at the other end. The retaining spring 8, the elastic element 7, and the related abutting parts together constitute an elastic reset structure. This elastic reset structure provides a continuous axial clamping force for the clutch gear 5 and the clutch ring 6 in the meshing state, maintaining stable meshing; when the second locking structure is disengaged, this elastic reset structure also provides a tendency for the clutch ring 6 to reset towards the clutch gear 5.

[0051] Working principle:

[0052] Normal electric folding / unfolding: Circuit board 42 controls motor 41 to rotate forward or reverse. The torque of motor 41 is transmitted to clutch gear 5 through a three-stage transmission mechanism. Since clutch ring 6 cannot rotate because it engages with guide strip 121 on connecting shaft 12 through guide groove 62, and clutch ring 6 and clutch gear 5 are linked through a second snap-fit ​​structure, clutch gear 5 cannot rotate but only has a tendency to rotate. Therefore, the second worm gear 45 can only rotate around clutch gear 5 itself. Since the second worm gear 45 is relatively fixed to rotating arm 3, it drives rotating arm 3 to rotate relative to base 1, realizing the folding or unfolding of rearview mirror. When rotating arm 3 rotates to the preset limit position, the first protrusion 111 on base 1 abuts against the end of the first limiting groove 32 on rotating arm 3, realizing hard limiting, motor 41 stalls, current increases, circuit board 42 detects overcurrent signal and cuts off power to motor 41, completing the operation. Utilizing the self-locking characteristic of worm gear, rearview mirror can be stably held in the required position.

[0053] When subjected to an unexpected external force: When the rearview mirror body or rotating arm 3 is subjected to an unexpected external force, an attempt is made to force the rotating arm 3 to continue rotating beyond its normal operating limit position. At this time, if the estimated rotational stroke generated by the external force is less than the stroke required for the first locking structure to separate, but is sufficient to cause the second protrusion 51 to tend to slide out of the second limiting groove 61, the second protrusion 51 will climb along the second guide slope 63 at the end of the second limiting groove 61, and the clutch ring 6 will disengage from the clutch gear 5, thereby releasing part of the impact energy. Once the external force disappears, under the combined action of the elastic reset structure and the motor 41, when the second limiting groove 61 and the second protrusion 51 are aligned again, the clutch ring 6 is pushed back, and the second protrusion 51 will slide back into the second limiting groove 61, and the structure returns to normal operation.

[0054] Under tremendous unexpected external force impact: If the external force is exceptionally large, the resulting torque exceeds the separation torque designed for the second locking structure. While the first locking structure may not yet be separating or is in the process of separation, the enormous torque is transmitted through the rotating arm 3 and the second worm gear 45 to the clutch gear 5 and the clutch ring 6. The second boss 51 will climb along the second guide slope 63 at the end of the second limiting groove 61, forcing the clutch ring 6 to compress the elastic element 7 and slide away from the clutch gear 5 along the connecting shaft 12, thus completely sliding the second boss 51 out of the second limiting groove 61, achieving complete separation of the second locking structure. At this time, the clutch gear 5 and the clutch ring 6 disengage, the transmission chain of the drive mechanism 4 is interrupted, and the external force cannot be transmitted in reverse through the gears and worm gears to the precision transmission components such as the motor 41, effectively protecting the drive mechanism 4 from damage. When force continues to be applied, the rotating arm 3 and the base 1 will also separate due to the external force, further releasing the rotational stroke. When the boss and the limiting groove are aligned again, the clutch ring 6 is pushed back under the action of the elastic element 7. The second boss 51 has a chance to fall back into the second limiting groove 61, and the first boss 111 also has a chance to slide back into the first limiting groove 32. The folder is expected to automatically return to the initial engagement state, or it can return to its original position under the short drive of the motor 41.

[0055] This embodiment can be used not only for motor vehicle rearview mirrors, but also for electric vehicles in non-motorized vehicles, enabling the rearview mirrors of electric vehicles to fold.

[0056] The above-described embodiments are merely one implementation of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device, comprising a base, a rotating arm rotatably connected to the base, and a driving mechanism for driving the rotating arm to rotate between the rotating arm and the base, the driving mechanism including a clutch gear sleeved on the base, and a clutch ring sleeved on the base between the rotating arm and the base, the clutch ring being linked with the clutch gear, characterized in that: The base and the rotating arm are provided with a separable first snap-fit ​​structure, and the clutch gear and the clutch ring are provided with a separable second snap-fit ​​structure; the clutch ring and the clutch gear are respectively slidably sleeved on the base.

2. Motor vehicle mirror folder according to claim 1, characterized in that The first snap-fit ​​structure includes a first boss and a first limiting groove that cooperate with each other. The first boss is disposed on the base or the rotating arm, and the first limiting groove is disposed on the rotating arm or the base. The first boss can slide in the first limiting groove. The first limiting groove is provided with a first guide slope. The first boss can slide out of the first limiting groove along the first guide slope.

3. The motor vehicle mirror folder of claim 1 wherein: The second snap-fit ​​structure includes a cooperating second boss and a second limiting groove. The second boss is disposed on the clutch ring or clutch gear, and correspondingly, the second limiting groove is disposed on the clutch gear or clutch ring. The second limiting groove is provided with a second guide slope, and the second boss can slide out of the second limiting groove along the second guide slope.

4. The motor vehicle mirror folder of claim 1 wherein: The base includes a connecting disc and a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft passes through a rotating arm, a clutch gear, and a clutch ring in sequence; or the connecting shaft passes through a rotating arm, a clutch ring, and a clutch gear in sequence. The connecting shaft or clutch ring is provided with a guide bar, and the clutch ring or connecting shaft is provided with a guide groove that matches the guide bar.

5. A motor vehicle mirror folder as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that: The end of the connecting shaft away from the connecting disc is provided with an elastic reset structure.

6. A motor vehicle mirror folder as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that: The elastic reset structure includes a slot disposed at one end of the connecting shaft away from the connecting disc, a retaining spring that engages with the slot, and an elastic element at one end that abuts against the retaining spring. The other end of the elastic element abuts against a clutch ring or clutch gear.

7. The motor vehicle mirror folder of claim 1 wherein: A wear-resistant ring is provided between the rotating arm and the base, and the wear-resistant ring is provided with a wear-resistant inclined surface that is adapted to the first guide inclined surface.

8. The motor vehicle rearview mirror folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base has several mounting holes distributed circumferentially along the end away from the rotating arm.

9. Motor vehicle mirror folder according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The rotating arm is provided with a rearview mirror connection part at the end away from the base.

10. The motor vehicle mirror folder of claim 1 wherein: The drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a three-stage transmission structure for transmitting motor torque, and a circuit board for controlling the motor. The three-stage transmission structure is as follows: First stage: includes a first worm gear mounted on the motor shaft, a first worm wheel meshing with the first worm gear, and a first transmission gear coaxially mounted with the first worm wheel. The motor shaft drives the first worm gear to rotate, which in turn drives the first transmission gear to rotate. The second stage includes a first transmission gear, a second transmission gear meshing with the first transmission gear, and a second worm gear coaxially arranged with the second transmission gear. The first transmission gear drives the second transmission gear to rotate, which in turn drives the second worm gear to rotate. The third stage includes a second worm, a second worm wheel meshing with the second worm, and a clutch gear meshing with the second worm wheel. The second worm drives the second worm wheel to rotate, which in turn drives the clutch gear to rotate.

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