A pivot assembly, an actuator for a vehicle, a rearview mirror, and a vehicle.

Abstract

This utility model provides a pivot assembly, an actuator for a vehicle, a rearview mirror, and a vehicle. The pivot assembly includes: a pivot shaft disposed along a centerline; a rotational support sleeved on the pivot shaft, wherein the rotational support includes a sliding ring slidable along the centerline; and a drive ring rotatable about the centerline, wherein the sliding ring selectively restricts or allows the drive ring to rotate about the centerline by sliding.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Utility Model Patent Application No. 202520623073.X, filed on April 3, 2025, and incorporates the entire contents of the aforementioned patent application as part of this application. Technical Field

[0002] This utility model relates to the field of automotive technology, specifically to a pivot assembly, an actuator for a vehicle, a rearview mirror, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicle rearview mirrors are typically fixed to the sides of the vehicle body, and their angle adjustment mainly relies on manual or electric operation. With the development of the automotive industry and technological advancements, higher demands are placed on the functionality and flexibility of rearview mirrors. Drivers have varying needs for rearview mirror visibility under different driving conditions (such as city driving, highway cruising, and night driving), and each driver's body size and seating posture also differ; these factors all affect the effective use of rearview mirrors. Furthermore, in inclement weather or special road conditions, a fixed viewing angle may not meet the requirements for safe driving.

[0004] In particular, how to deal with the overload of the rearview mirror to avoid damage to the actuator components, while taking into account the compactness of the structure to adapt to the limited installation space, has become an urgent problem to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pivot assembly, an actuator for a vehicle, a rearview mirror, and a vehicle, to solve the problems mentioned in the background art or other similar problems.

[0006] A first aspect of this utility model provides a rotating shaft assembly, comprising: a rotating shaft disposed along a center line; a rotating support sleeved on the rotating shaft; wherein the rotating support includes a sliding ring slidable along the center line; and a driving ring rotatable about the center line, the sliding ring selectively restricting or allowing the driving ring to rotate about the center line by sliding.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sliding ring and the driving ring abut against each other along the center line and are disengaged in the circumferential direction. The driving ring selectively remains fixed relative to the sliding ring or is rotatable relative to the sliding ring in the circumferential direction in response to different received torques.

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drive ring has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the sliding ring along a center line, the plurality of first protrusions being spaced apart around the center line, and the sliding ring has a plurality of second protrusions spaced apart around the center line. In the circumferential direction, the first protrusions and the second protrusions can disengage and abut against each other. When the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are engaged, the drive ring and the sliding ring are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction. When the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions are disengaged, the drive ring can rotate relative to the sliding ring.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first boss and the second boss is provided with an inclined side surface for guiding the first boss to disengage from the top of the second boss in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the first boss and the second boss is provided with a horizontal end face that allows the first boss to rotate relative to the second boss, wherein the inclined side surface is inclined at an angle relative to the center line, the angle being greater than 0 and less than 90°, and the horizontal end face is perpendicular to the center line.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each of the first protrusions has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides, and the end face of each of the first protrusions facing the sliding ring is a horizontal end face; each of the second protrusions has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides, and the end face of each of the second protrusions facing the sliding ring is a horizontal end face.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one sliding guide protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the rotating shaft, the sliding guide protrusion extends along the center line, and at least on the inner surface of the sliding ring, a sliding guide groove is provided that cooperates with the plurality of sliding guide protrusions, wherein the sliding guide protrusion narrows in the direction extending along the center line, and when the outer surface of the rotating shaft is provided with the plurality of sliding guide protrusions, the plurality of sliding guide protrusions are spaced apart around the central axis of the rotating shaft.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pivot assembly further includes a spring member disposed radially inside the rotary support and abutting against the rotary support along the centerline. A second aspect of the present invention provides an actuator for a vehicle, wherein the actuator includes a pivot assembly of the first aspect of the present invention and a drive assembly, the pivot assembly being drively connected to the drive assembly and configured to convert the rotational motion of the drive assembly itself into rotational motion of the drive assembly driving a rearview mirror housing to rotate about the centerline. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the drive connection between the pivot assembly and the drive assembly includes: the rotary support being drively connected to the drive assembly, wherein the drive ring is drively engaged with the drive assembly and selectively remains fixed or rotatable relative to the sliding ring in the circumferential direction in response to different torques received from the drive assembly.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention also provides a rearview mirror, comprising: a housing; and an actuator according to a first aspect of the present invention disposed within the housing.

[0014] A fourth aspect of this utility model provides a vehicle that includes a rearview mirror as described in the third aspect of this utility model. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this utility model will become clearer from the following description of embodiments of the present utility model with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present utility model, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any creative effort. In the drawings:

[0016] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0017] Figure 2 A partial perspective view of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0018] Figure 3 A partial cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0019] Figure 4 A perspective view of the main shaft assembly and the first drive assembly of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0020] Figure 5(a) schematically shows a perspective view of the sub-shaft assembly and the second drive assembly of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5(b) schematically shows a perspective view of the sub-shaft assembly and the second drive assembly of another rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the drive ring, sliding ring, and main shaft of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 A perspective view of the first and second gears of a rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0024] Figure 8 A partial cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0025] Figure 9 A perspective view of the mounting base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0026] Figure 10 A partial cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0027] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of a partial cross-sectional view of the center rearview mirror.

[0028] Figure 12 A partial cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0029] Figure 13 The diagram schematically illustrates an assembly of a rearview mirror housing and an elastic component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of an elastic member according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0031] Figure 15 A partial cross-sectional view of a rearview mirror according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown schematically.

[0032] Figure 16 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the sliding ring and drive ring of the first rotary support in the meshing state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 17 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the sliding ring and drive ring of the first rotary support in the disengaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 18 The diagram illustrates the structure of the first gear and the second gear in the meshing state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 19 The schematic diagram illustrates the structure of the first gear and the second gear in the disengaged state according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the aforementioned objects, features, and advantages more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and techniques are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of the present invention.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The terms “comprising,” “including,” etc., as used herein indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, or components.

[0038] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0039] When using expressions such as "at least one of A, B, and C," it should generally be interpreted in accordance with the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art (e.g., "having at least one of A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, having A alone, having B alone, having C alone, having A and B, having A and C, having B and C, and / or having A, B, and C, etc.). The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the stated features.

[0040] The actuator of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0041] like Figures 1 to 19As shown, the actuator 100 of this embodiment can be disposed within the housing 800 of a vehicle's rearview mirror. The housing of the rearview mirror may include an upper housing (not shown) and a lower housing. A lens of the rearview mirror can be mounted on the upper housing. The lens may or may not be part of the rearview mirror of this embodiment. The lower housing is detachably connected to the upper housing. The actuator 100 can be mounted on the lower housing. Further, the actuator housing 700 includes at least an upper housing 701 and a lower housing 702. Specifically, the actuator housing 700 can be mounted on the rearview mirror housing 800. The housing 800 may have a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The longitudinal centerline can serve as the rotation center of the rearview mirror in the horizontal direction (referred to as the in & out direction), and the transverse centerline can serve as the rotation center of the rearview mirror in the vertical direction (referred to as the up & down direction). For ease of distinction, the rotation of the rearview mirror in the vertical direction around the transverse centerline can be referred to as oscillation.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, actuator 100 defines a longitudinal centerline X1 and a lateral centerline X2 that are identical to the rearview mirror housing. The longitudinal centerline X1 can serve as the rotation center of the rearview mirror in the horizontal direction (referred to as the in & out direction), and the lateral centerline X2 can serve as the rotation center (also referred to as the swing center) of the rearview mirror in the vertical direction (referred to as the up & down direction). For ease of description, the longitudinal centerline X1 can also be referred to as the first centerline, and the lateral centerline X2 can also be referred to as the second centerline.

[0043] The actuator 100 includes a main shaft assembly 200 (i.e., a rotating shaft assembly), a secondary shaft assembly 300, a first drive assembly 400, and a second drive assembly 500. The first drive assembly 400 and the second drive assembly 500 are independent of each other. The first drive assembly 400 cooperates with the main shaft assembly 200 to drive the rearview mirror housing to rotate about a first centerline X1. The second drive assembly 500 cooperates with the secondary shaft assembly 300 to drive the rearview mirror housing to rotate about a second centerline X2. It can be seen that the first centerline X1 and the second centerline X2 are not parallel. In some embodiments, the first centerline X1 and the second centerline X2 are perpendicular to each other.

[0044] The main spindle assembly 200 is disposed along the first center line X1, meaning that the axis of the main spindle assembly 200 can coincide with the first center line X1. The secondary spindle assembly 300 can be disposed along the third center line X3. In some embodiments, the first center line X1 and the third center line X3 can be parallel to each other.

[0045] In an embodiment of this utility model, the spindle assembly 200 is connected to the first drive assembly 400 and is configured to convert the rotational motion of the first drive assembly 400 itself into a rotational motion in which the first drive assembly 400 drives the housing 800 to rotate around the first center line X1.

[0046] The spindle assembly 200 includes at least a spindle 201 (i.e., a rotating shaft) and a first rotary support 210 (i.e., a rotary support). A first centerline X1 (i.e., a centerline) can be considered as the central axis of the spindle 201, which can be fixed to a base that can be fixedly connected to a cantilever fixed to the vehicle body, thereby achieving support and fixation of the spindle 201.

[0047] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the first rotary support 210 is sleeved outside the main shaft 201 and is connected to the first drive assembly 400 for transmission, and is used to support the rotational movement of the rearview mirror housing about the longitudinal centerline X1 (i.e., rotational movement in the in & out directions). The first rotary support 210 can remain circumferentially stationary relative to the main shaft 201 without rotating relative to the main shaft 201. In this case, the first rotary support 210 and the main shaft 201 can be regarded as an integral structure that cannot rotate about the longitudinal centerline X1.

[0048] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the secondary shaft assembly 300 includes a secondary shaft 301 disposed along a third centerline, a second rotary support 310, and a swing arm 320. The third centerline X3 can be considered as the central axis of the secondary shaft 301.

[0049] The second rotary support 310 is sleeved outside the sub-shaft 301 and is connected to the second drive assembly 500 for transmission, and is used to support the rotational movement (i.e., the swinging movement in the up & down direction) of the rearview mirror housing around the second center line X2.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the swing arm 320 includes an engaging portion 3201 and a rotating shaft portion 3202. The engaging portion of the swing arm 320 engages with the second rotary support 310 for transmission. The rotating shaft portion 3202 of the swing arm 320 is arranged along the second center line X2 and is connected to the actuator housing 700. The actuator housing 700 drives the rearview mirror housing 800 to rotate around the second center line X2.

[0051] like Figure 2 , Figure 4As shown, the first drive assembly 400 is disposed within the housing 700 and can be connected to the outer casing 800. The first rotary support 210 engages with the output end of the first drive assembly 400 to support the first drive assembly 400 and the outer casing 800 to rotate around the longitudinal centerline X1. Specifically, when the output torque of the first drive assembly 400 is activated, since the first rotary support 210 remains circumferentially stationary relative to the main shaft 201 and does not rotate relative to the main shaft 201, the first drive assembly 400, which engages with the first rotary support 210, will rotate around the first rotary support 210 and simultaneously rotate the outer casing 800 together, thereby realizing the rotation of the rearview mirror around the longitudinal centerline X1. This adjustment of the rearview mirror can be referred to as electric adjustment in the in & out directions.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the second drive assembly 500 is disposed within the housing 700 and can be connected to the outer casing 800. The second rotary support 310 engages with the output end of the second drive assembly 500 at one location and with the swing arm 320 at the other. Thus, the torque from the second drive assembly 500 is transmitted to the swing arm 320 via the second rotary support 310, causing the outer casing 800 to swing around the second centerline X2. Specifically, when the second drive assembly 500 outputs torque, since the second rotary support 310 can rotate relative to the secondary shaft 301 around the third centerline X3, the second rotary support 310 will rotate around the third centerline X3 due to the torque, and the swing arm 320, which engages with the second rotary support 310, will rotate around the transverse centerline X2 as the second rotary support 310 rotates. Furthermore, the swing arm 320 can swing along with the housing 800 around the second centerline X2, thereby achieving the rotation of the rearview mirror around the second centerline X2. That is, the sub-shaft assembly 300 can utilize the torque output by the second drive assembly 500 to perform rotational motion around the third centerline X3 and swinging motion around the second centerline X2, thereby driving the housing 800 to rotate around the second centerline X2. This adjustment of the rearview mirror can be referred to as electric adjustment in the up and down directions.

[0053] In this embodiment, the first drive assembly 400 and the second drive assembly 500 are housed in the same housing, and the first rotary support 210 for supporting rotational motion and the second rotary support 310 for supporting oscillating motion are respectively sleeved on two parallel main shafts. Because a dual-motor, dual-axis drive is used to control the rotation of the actuator 100 in both in-and-out and up-and-down directions, the movements in the two directions are relatively independent and less prone to interference. This simplifies the rearview mirror design, achieves compact structural integration, improves the operational stability of the actuator 100, and facilitates manufacturing and maintenance.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the first rotary support 210 includes a sliding ring 211 and a drive ring 212 that abut against each other along a first centerline X1 and are detachably abutting each other in the circumferential direction. The sliding ring 211 is slidable along the first centerline X1 and is prevented from rotating relative to the main shaft 201 about the first centerline X1. The drive ring 212 engages with the output end of the first drive assembly 400. The drive ring 212 responds to different torques received from the first drive assembly 400 and selectively remains fixed or rotatable relative to the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction.

[0055] The rearview mirror in this embodiment has both electric adjustment function in the in and out directions and manual adjustment function in the in and out directions.

[0056] When electric adjustment is required, the first drive assembly 400 is activated. When the first drive assembly 400 outputs torque (referred to as the first electric torque), the first electric torque is small and insufficient to drive the drive ring 212 to disengage from the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction. That is, at this time, the drive ring 212 remains fixed relative to the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction and cannot rotate. Therefore, the first drive assembly 400, which is engaged with the drive ring 212, will rotate around the drive ring 212 and rotate with the outer casing 800 at the same time, thereby realizing the electric rotation of the rearview mirror around the longitudinal center line X1, thus realizing the electric adjustment of the rearview mirror in the in & out directions.

[0057] When manual adjustment is required, a rotational pushing force (referred to as the first manual torque) is applied to the housing 800 by hand. This first manual torque is transmitted to the drive ring 212 via the first drive assembly 400 connected to the housing 800. This first manual torque is large enough to drive the drive ring 212 to disengage from the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction. That is, at this time, the drive ring 212 can rotate relative to the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the housing 800, the first drive assembly 400 and the drive ring 212 rotate together around the main axis 201, thereby realizing the manual rotation of the rearview mirror around the first center line X1, thus realizing the manual adjustment of the rearview mirror in the in & out directions.

[0058] like Figure 16 and Figure 17As shown, in one feasible technical solution, the drive ring 212 has at least one first boss 2121 protruding along the first center line X1 toward the sliding ring 211, and the sliding ring 211 has at least one second boss 2111 protruding along the first center line X1 toward the drive ring 212. In the circumferential direction, the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111 can disengage and abut against each other. When the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111 abut against each other in the circumferential direction, the drive ring 212 is fixed relative to the sliding ring 211 in the circumferential direction and cannot rotate. When the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111 disengage in the circumferential direction, the drive ring 212 can rotate relative to the sliding ring 211. Thus, by providing the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111, the drive ring 212 and the sliding ring 211 can disengage and abut against each other in the circumferential direction.

[0059] like Figure 6 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown, exemplarily, the drive ring 212 has a plurality of first protrusions 2121 spaced apart around the longitudinal center line X1, and the sliding ring 211 has a plurality of second protrusions 2111 spaced apart around the longitudinal center line X1. When the plurality of first protrusions 2121 and the plurality of second protrusions 2111 are engaged, the drive ring 212 and the sliding ring 211 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction. When the plurality of first protrusions 2121 and the plurality of second protrusions 2111 are disengaged, the drive ring 212 can rotate relative to the sliding ring 211.

[0060] Furthermore, at least one of the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111 is provided with an inclined side surface for guiding the first boss 2121 to disengage from the abutment of the second boss 2111 in the circumferential direction. At least one of the first boss 2121 and the second boss 2111 is provided with a horizontal end face that allows the first boss 2121 to rotate relative to the second boss 2111. Thus, when the drive ring 212 is driven by the second preset torque, the first boss 2121 located between the two second bosses 2111 can slide under the guidance of the inclined side surface to contact one of the second bosses 2111 through the horizontal end face (i.e., the second boss 2111 is lifted by the first boss 2121 and contacts the upper end face of the first boss 2121), and can continue to rotate along the horizontal end face until the first boss 2121 falls back between the second boss 2111 and the third second boss 2111.

[0061] The inclined side is tilted at an angle relative to the longitudinal centerline X1, the angle being greater than 0 and less than 90°, and the horizontal end face can be perpendicular to the first centerline X1.

[0062] For example, each first boss 2121 has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides 2122, and the end face of each first boss 2121 facing the sliding ring 211 is a horizontal end face 2123; each second boss 2111 has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides 2112, and the end face of each second boss 2111 facing the sliding ring 211 is a horizontal end face 2113.

[0063] Optionally, the outer wall of the drive ring 212 is provided with a first tooth 2124, and the output end of the first drive assembly 400 meshes with the first tooth 2124. Each tooth of the first tooth 2124 is an oblique tooth that is inclined relative to the longitudinal centerline X1.

[0064] Optionally, at least one sliding guide protrusion 2011 is provided on the outer surface of the main shaft 201. The sliding guide protrusion 2011 extends along the first centerline X1. At least on the inner surface of the sliding ring 211, a sliding guide groove 2013 is provided to cooperate with the plurality of sliding guide protrusions 2011, so as to at least facilitate the positioning and limiting of the sliding ring 211 on the main shaft 201, and allow the sliding ring 211 to be stationary in the circumferential direction and to slide in the longitudinal direction relative to the main shaft 201. This achieves selective prevention of rotation of the sliding ring 211 relative to the main shaft 201 about the longitudinal centerline X1 based on different torques output by the first drive assembly 400, and allows the sliding ring 211 to slide relative to the main shaft 201 along the longitudinal centerline X1.

[0065] Optionally, the sliding guide protrusion 2011 may narrow in the direction extending along the first center line X1. Because the sliding guide protrusion 2011 narrows in the direction extending along the first center line X1, the drive ring 212 and the sliding ring 211 can fit with the sliding guide protrusion 2011 without clearance, enhancing stability.

[0066] Optionally, the outer surface of the spindle 201 may be provided with a plurality of sliding guide protrusions 2011, which are spaced apart around the central axis of the spindle; at least the inner surface of the sliding ring 211 is provided with a plurality of sliding guide grooves 2013 that mate with the plurality of sliding guide protrusions 2011. The number of sliding guide protrusions 2011 is the same as the number of sliding guide grooves 2013, so as to enhance the positioning and limiting of the sliding ring 211 on the spindle 201.

[0067] It is understood that in the rearview mirror of this embodiment, the main shaft assembly 200, in addition to transmitting torque with the rearview mirror housing through the cooperation of the first rotary support 210 and the first drive assembly 400 to drive the housing to rotate around the first centerline X1, can also prevent overload damage when the rearview mirror is manually subjected to a torque exceeding the threshold due to overload through the cooperation of the sliding ring 211 and the drive ring 212. This prevents motor stall and component damage (e.g., the sliding ring or drive ring breaking due to overload, or the main shaft deforming), and enables the switching between electric and manual adjustment. Furthermore, the main shaft 201 and the first rotary support 210 of the main shaft assembly 200 are coaxially arranged around the first centerline X1, with no dispersed parts, maximizing the compression of radial and axial space, making the structure more streamlined.

[0068] Based on the aforementioned structural features and functions of the spindle assembly, it can also be configured as a separate shaft assembly to perform its overload protection function. For example, it can be installed in the headrest adjustment shaft of an electric car seat.

[0069] As previously described, when used as a standalone pivot assembly, the pivot assembly may include at least a pivot shaft disposed along a centerline; a rotational support fitted over the pivot shaft; wherein the rotational support includes a sliding ring slidable along the centerline; and a drive ring rotatable about the centerline, the sliding ring selectively restricting or allowing the drive to rotate about the centerline by sliding.

[0070] As shown in Figure 5(a), Figure 5(b) and Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the second rotary support 220 includes a first gear 311 and a second gear 312 that abut against each other along a longitudinal centerline X1 and are detachably abutting each other in the circumferential direction. A rocker arm 320 meshes with the first gear 311, and the output end of the second drive assembly 500 meshes with the second gear 312. The first gear 311, in response to torque received from the second drive assembly 500 via the second gear 312 or torque received from the rocker arm 320, can selectively remain fixed or rotatable relative to the second gear 312 in the circumferential direction.

[0071] The rearview mirror in this embodiment not only has an electric adjustment function in the up and down directions, but also a manual adjustment function in the up and down directions.

[0072] When electric adjustment is required, the second drive assembly 500 is activated, and the second drive assembly 500 outputs torque (referred to as the second electric torque). This second rotational torque is small and insufficient to drive the second gear 312 to disengage from the first gear 311 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the first gear 311 and the second gear 312 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction and can rotate as a whole around the third center line X3. Therefore, the swing arm 320 meshing with the first gear 311 will drive the housing 800 to swing around the second center line X2 through the rotating shaft 3202, thereby realizing the electric swing of the rearview mirror around the second center line X2, thus realizing the electric adjustment of the rearview mirror in the up and down directions.

[0073] When manual adjustment is required, a swinging force (referred to as the second manual torque) is applied to the housing 800 by hand. This second manual torque is transmitted to the first gear 311 via the swing arm 320 connected to the housing 800. The second manual torque is large enough to drive the first gear 311 to disengage from the second gear 312 in the circumferential direction. At this time, the first gear 311 can rotate relative to the second gear 312 in the circumferential direction, thereby allowing the swing arm 320 to swing. Therefore, the housing 800 and the swing arm 320 swing together around the second center line X2, thereby realizing the manual swing of the rearview mirror around the second center line X2, thus realizing the manual adjustment of the rearview mirror in the up and down directions.

[0074] like Figure 7 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, in one feasible technical solution, the first gear 311 has at least one third boss 3111 protruding towards the second gear 312 along the third center line X3, and the second gear 312 has at least one groove 3121 along the third center line X3 that engages with the third boss. In the circumferential direction, the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 can disengage from each other. Specifically, when the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 abut in the circumferential direction, the first gear 311 is fixed relative to the second gear 312 in the circumferential direction and can rotate with it; when the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 disengage in the circumferential direction, the first gear 311 can rotate relative to the second gear 312. Thus, by providing the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121, the first gear 311 and the second gear 312 can disengage from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0075] like Figure 7 , Figure 18 and Figure 19As shown, exemplarily, the first gear 311 has a plurality of third protrusions 3111 spaced around the third center line X3, and the second gear 312 has a plurality of grooves 3121 spaced around the third center line X3. When the plurality of third protrusions 3111 and the plurality of grooves 3121 mesh, the first gear 311 and the second gear 312 are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction. When the plurality of third protrusions 3111 and the plurality of grooves 3121 disengage, the first gear 311 can rotate relative to the second gear 312.

[0076] like Figure 7 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, at least one of the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 is provided with an inclined side surface for guiding the third boss 3111 to disengage from the top of the groove 3121 in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 is provided with a horizontal end face that allows the third boss 3111 to rotate relative to the groove 3121. Therefore, when the swing arm 320 is driven by the second manual torque, since the contact surface between the swing arm 320 and the first gear 311 is curved, and the third boss 3111 and the groove 3121 are inclined on the side that abuts in the circumferential direction, the force F1 (circumferential direction) applied by the swing arm 320 to the second rotary support 310 can be decomposed into a first pressure F2 and a second pressure F3 that are perpendicular to each other. The first pressure F2 is consistent with the inclination angle of the inclined side, or it can be decomposed into a component force consistent with the inclination angle of the inclined side, so as to drive the first gear 311 to slide in the direction of disengaging from the groove of the second gear 312 under the guidance of the inclined side, until it contacts the horizontal end face of the second gear 312 (that is, the third boss 3111 disengages from the groove 3121 and contacts the upper end face of the second gear 312), and can continue to rotate along the horizontal end face until the third boss 3111 falls into the second groove 3121 again.

[0077] The inclined side is inclined at an angle relative to the first center line X1, the angle being greater than 0 and less than 90°, and the horizontal end face can be perpendicular to the first center line X1.

[0078] like Figure 7 , Figure 18 and Figure 19 As shown, by way of example, each third boss 3111 has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides 3112, and the end face of each third boss 3111 facing the second gear 312 is a horizontal end face 3113; each groove 3121 has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides 3122, and the end face of the second gear 312 facing the first gear 311 is a horizontal end face 3123.

[0079] In the examples shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the first gear 311 is a spur gear and the rocker arm 320 is a face gear. The teeth of the meshing part 3201 are arranged in a fan shape and evenly distributed on the arc end of the rocker arm 320, thereby realizing the conversion of the rotational motion of the first gear 311 around the third center line X3 into the swing motion of the rocker arm 320 around the second center line X2.

[0080] The structural configuration of this utility model embodiment ensures that when the first gear 311 is driven by the second manual torque, after the first gear 311 is lifted (i.e. disengaged from the groove), it can still maintain engagement with the rocker arm 320.

[0081] Optionally, the housing 700 of the actuator 100 is connected to the housing 800 of the rearview mirror via a mounting base 600.

[0082] The first end of the housing 700 and the first end of the mounting base 600 (e.g.) Figure 8 The right end of the connector is rotatable. For example, as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the right end of the mounting base 600 has a hollow mounting shaft hole 601 to facilitate the assembly of the actuator 100. Furthermore, the housing 700 and the mounting base 600 can be rotatably connected by a semi-hollow bushing structure D to facilitate the opening and closing of the housing and the mounting base 600.

[0083] Optional, such as Figure 9 As shown, the mounting shaft hole 601 includes an upper portion 611 and a lower portion 612. The upper portion 611 and the lower portion 612 are offset in the axial direction of the mounting shaft hole to facilitate the assembly of the actuator 100 housing 700.

[0084] At the second end of the mounting base 600 (e.g.) Figure 8 Since the length of the mounting base 600 is longer than the length of the lower housing 702 of the actuator, the second end of the housing 700 can be completely located within the second end of the mounting base 600, and the second end of the housing 700 is spaced apart from the second end of the mounting base 600. This space defines a receiving cavity on the mounting base 600. The housing 700 has a mounting hole, for example, defined by the upper housing 701 and the lower housing 702 of the actuator, the shape of which mates with the pivot portion 3202 of the swing arm 320. This allows the pivot portion 3202 of the swing arm to pass through the housing 700 along its axial direction and be detachably mounted in the receiving cavity, wherein the axis of the swing arm 320 coincides with the second center line X2.

[0085] In some embodiments, such as Figure 8 , Figures 10-11As shown, a spring member 602 is also provided at the second end of the mounting base 600. The spring member 602 can be pre-assembled onto the second end of the mounting base 600. The spring member 602 is used to deform when the swing arm 320 is installed in the receiving cavity to facilitate installation, and to return to its original shape after the installation process is completed to limit the rotation shaft portion 3202. For example, the spring member 602 is deformable, thereby selectively stopping or allowing the rotation shaft portion 3202 to pass through, so that it can be placed in the receiving cavity. Specifically, during the installation of the rotation shaft portion 3202 of the swing arm into the receiving cavity, the rotation shaft portion 3202 begins to contact the spring member 602. Since the rotation shaft portion 3202 is rigid, as the contact time continues, it can push the spring member 602 to deform, so as to allow the rotation shaft portion 3202 to fully enter the receiving cavity. When the rotating shaft 3202 is fully installed in the receiving cavity, the elastic member 602 is no longer subjected to the pressure of the rotating shaft 3202 and returns to its original state. At this time, the elastic member 602 can prevent the rotating shaft 3202 from leaving the receiving cavity.

[0086] Optional, as shown in Figure 5(a) and Figure 5(b), Figure 8 , Figures 10-11 As shown, the elastic member 602 can be U-shaped and is fitted to the end face of the second end of the mounting base 600. The pivot portion 3202 has a frustum 32021 on each of its two sides perpendicular to the second center line X2. The cross-section of the frustum 32021 in the direction perpendicular to the axis of the pivot portion 3202 is trapezoidal. In some embodiments, the trapezoid has a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side, wherein the first side is located on the side of the pivot portion 3202, the second side is parallel to the first side and away from the side of the pivot portion 3202, the third side is an inclined side close to the mounting base 600, and the fourth side is an inclined side away from the mounting base 600. Accordingly, in the direction extending along the axis of the pivot portion 3202, the frustum 32021 has a frustum surface corresponding to the second side, a first side surface corresponding to the third side, and a second side surface corresponding to the fourth side. During the installation of the pivot portion into the receiving cavity, the first side surface pushes the U-shaped elastic member 602 to open it until the frustum surface abuts against the U-shaped elastic member 602. As installation proceeds, the surface of the frustum 32021 slides over the zigzag elastic member 602 in the direction of movement toward the mounting base 600 until it is fully inserted into the receiving cavity. At this time, the second side is restricted by the zigzag elastic member 602, and the pivot portion 3202 is stopped to prevent it from dislodging from the receiving cavity.

[0087] Optionally, the length of the third side can be longer than the length of the fourth side. This facilitates the installation of the pivot 3202 and enhances the stopping effect of the elastic member 602 on the pivot 3202.

[0088] Optional, such as Figure 12 and Figure 13As shown, the actuator 100 housing 700 has a mounting portion 7021. Correspondingly, the rearview mirror housing has a limiting portion 801. The mounting portion 7021 can be fitted onto the limiting portion 801. The limiting portion 801 and the mounting portion 7021 have a gap G in the radial direction. A deformable seal 900 can be provided radially inside the limiting portion 801 and abuts against the mounting portion 7021 circumferentially. That is, the deformable seal 900 is placed in the gap G. The gap G is used to accommodate the deformable seal 900. This further enhances the stability of the actuator 100 and reduces rearview mirror noise.

[0089] Optional, such as Figure 14 The seal 900 can be an annular component with a very small gap Q between its two ends, for example, the gap Q between the two ends of the annular component can be 0 to 3 mm. Further, the seal 900 can be C-shaped, with a gap of 0 to 3 mm between the two ends of the C-shape. The seal 900 can be made of a self-lubricating material to reduce friction with the limiting part 801 and the mounting part 7021.

[0090] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 As shown, at least one set of small grooves A can be formed on the outer surface of the seal 900 to form a groove group. The groove group consists of two small grooves A with a small gap, and a deformable portion 901 is defined between the two small grooves A. Due to the presence of the deformable portion 901, the mounting portion 7021 of the actuator 100 is allowed to expand the seal 900 during installation to the limiting portion 801 of the rearview mirror housing for easy installation.

[0091] Optionally, multiple sets of grooves may be formed on the outer surface of the seal 900, with the distance between two sets of grooves being greater than the distance between the two small grooves A in one set of grooves. Thus, the surface of the seal may have multiple deformable portions 901 to further enhance the ease of installation of the mounting portion 7021.

[0092] In embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 2 and Figure 15 As shown, the actuator 100 also includes an intermediate housing 703. The intermediate housing 703 can be used to support and position the first drive assembly 400 and the second drive assembly 500.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first drive assembly 400 includes a first motor 401 and a first transmission assembly 402, the first motor 401 being connected to the first rotary support 210 via the first transmission assembly 402; the second drive assembly 500 includes a second motor 501 and a second transmission assembly 502, the second motor 501 being connected to the second rotary support 310 via the second transmission assembly 502.

[0094] The intermediate housing 703 is provided with limiting portions for accommodating the first motor 401 and the second motor 501 respectively. A plug-in portion 713 is also provided on the intermediate housing 703 for accommodating a buffer member 720. The buffer member 720 can be plugged into the plug-in portion 713 and abuts against the first motor 401 and / or the second motor 501, thereby absorbing axial vibrations from the first motor 401 and / or the second motor 501 during motor operation and improving the stability of the actuator 100.

[0095] like Figure 4 As shown, in one feasible technical solution, the first transmission assembly 402 includes a first worm 411 coaxially fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the first motor 401, a first worm wheel 412 meshing with the first worm 411, a second worm 413 coaxially fixedly connected to the first worm wheel 412, a second worm wheel 414 meshing with the second worm 413, a third worm 415 coaxially connected to the second worm wheel, and the third worm 415 meshing with the first rotary support 210.

[0096] like Figures 5(a) to 5(b) As shown, in one feasible technical solution, the second transmission assembly 502 includes a fourth worm 511 coaxially fixedly connected to the motor shaft of the second motor 501, a third worm wheel 512 meshing with the fourth worm 511, a fifth worm 513 coaxially fixedly connected to the third worm wheel 512, a fourth worm wheel 514 meshing with the fifth worm 513, and a sixth worm 515 coaxially fixedly connected to the fourth worm wheel 514. The sixth worm 515 meshes with the second rotary support 310.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the spindle assembly 200 further includes a spring member 202, which is located radially inside the first rotary support 210 and abuts against the first rotary support 210 along the first centerline X1. Specifically, the spring member 202 abuts against the sliding ring 211 so that the spring force can be applied to the sliding ring 211 and the drive ring 212. When the sliding ring and the drive ring disengage, the sliding ring 211 needs to overcome the spring force of the spring member 202. By setting the spring member 202 located radially inside the first rotary support 210, a continuous axial preload can be provided to the sliding ring, maintaining the circumferential abutment state between the sliding ring 211 and the drive ring 212. During the relative movement and rest of the sliding ring 211 and the drive ring 212, stable transmission of motor torque and torque trigger clutch (i.e., relative movement of the sliding ring 211 and the drive ring 212) during manual adjustment are achieved, as well as automatic switching between manual and electric adjustment modes.

[0098] It should be understood that when the spindle assembly 200 is used as a standalone rotating shaft assembly, it may also have a spring element located radially inside the rotary support and abutting against the rotary support along the centerline. Specifically, the spring element abuts against the sliding ring so that the spring force can be applied to the sliding ring and the drive ring. When the sliding ring and the drive ring disengage, the sliding ring must overcome the spring force of the spring element. Similarly, continue to refer to... Figure 3 In some embodiments, the secondary shaft assembly 300 further includes a spring element 302, which is located radially inside the second rotary support 310 and abuts against the second rotary support 310 along the third center line X3. Specifically, the spring element 302 abuts against the first gear 311 so that a spring force can be applied to the first gear 311 and the second gear 312. When the first gear 311 and the second gear 312 disengage, the first gear 311 needs to overcome the spring force of the spring element 302. The spring elements 302 and 202 have similar mechanisms of action, which will not be elaborated further in the embodiments of this invention. For example, both the spring element 202 and the spring element 302 can be cylindrical springs.

[0099] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle that includes the rearview mirror of the first aspect embodiment.

[0100] Since the structure, working principle and beneficial effects of the rearview mirror have been described in the embodiments of the first aspect, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference, the description is omitted here.

[0101] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A rotating shaft assembly, characterized in that, include: The rotating shaft is set along the center line; A rotary support is fitted around the rotating shaft; The rotary support includes a sliding ring that can slide along the center line; as well as A drive ring rotatable about the center line, wherein the sliding ring selectively restricts or allows the drive to rotate about the center line by sliding.

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein The sliding ring and the driving ring abut against each other along the centerline and are detachably abutting each other in the circumferential direction. The driving ring selectively remains fixed or rotates relative to the sliding ring in the circumferential direction in response to different received torques.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The drive ring has a plurality of first protrusions protruding toward the sliding ring along the center line, the plurality of first protrusions being spaced apart around the center line, and the sliding ring has a plurality of second protrusions being spaced apart around the center line, wherein the first protrusions and the second protrusions can disengage and abut against each other in the circumferential direction. When the plurality of first protrusions and the plurality of second protrusions mesh, the drive ring and the sliding ring are relatively fixed in the circumferential direction; When the plurality of first bosses and the plurality of second bosses disengage, the drive ring can rotate relative to the sliding ring.

4. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein At least one of the first boss and the second boss has an inclined side for guiding the first boss to disengage from the top of the second boss in the circumferential direction, and at least one of the first boss and the second boss has a horizontal end face that allows the first boss to rotate relative to the second boss, wherein the inclined side is inclined at an angle relative to the center line, the angle being greater than 0 and less than 90°, and the horizontal end face is perpendicular to the center line.

5. The hinge assembly of claim 4, wherein, Each of the first protrusions has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides, and the end face of each of the first protrusions facing the sliding ring is a horizontal end face; each of the second protrusions has two opposite sides in the circumferential direction that are inclined sides, and the end face of each of the second protrusions facing the sliding ring is a horizontal end face.

6. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one sliding guide protrusion is provided on the outer surface of the rotating shaft, the sliding guide protrusion extending along the center line, and at least on the inner surface of the sliding ring, there are sliding guide grooves that mate with the plurality of sliding guide protrusions, wherein the sliding guide protrusions narrow in the direction extending along the center line. When multiple sliding guide protrusions are provided on the outer surface of the rotating shaft, the multiple sliding guide protrusions are spaced apart around the central axis of the rotating shaft.

7. The rotating shaft assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating shaft assembly also includes a spring element, which is located radially inside the rotating support and abuts against the rotating support along the center line.

8. An actuator for a vehicle, characterized by The actuator includes a pivot assembly as described in claim 1, and a drive assembly, the pivot assembly being drively connected to the drive assembly and configured to convert the rotational motion of the drive assembly itself into rotational motion of the drive assembly driving the rearview mirror housing to rotate about the centerline.

9. The actuator of claim 8, wherein, The transmission connection between the rotating shaft assembly and the drive assembly includes: the rotational support being transmissionally connected to the drive assembly. wherein the drive ring is in driving engagement with the drive assembly and selectively remains fixed in a circumferential direction relative to the sliding ring or is rotatable relative to the sliding ring in response to different torques received from the drive assembly.

10. A rearview mirror characterized by comprising: a housing; and the actuator of claim 8 or 9 is disposed within the housing.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, a rearview mirror comprising the claim 10.

Images