Folding device, rearview device and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a folding device, a rear-view device and a vehicle. The folding device comprises a housing, a connecting piece fixed to the housing, a mounting plate connected to one end of the housing through the connecting piece, a support fixed in the housing, a first actuator fixed to the support, a folding transmission assembly engaged with an output end of the first actuator, the first actuator being capable of driving the housing to rotate around a first axis through the folding transmission assembly, a second actuator fixed to the support and arranged in a spaced mode with the first actuator, the output end of the second actuator being opposite to the output end of the first actuator in direction, and a turnover transmission assembly engaged with the output end of the second actuator, the turnover transmission assembly being arranged in a spaced mode with the folding transmission assembly, the second actuator being capable of driving the mounting plate to rotate around a second axis through the turnover transmission assembly, and an included angle being formed between the second axis and the first axis. The connecting piece is partially arranged between the folding transmission assembly and the turnover transmission assembly. The layout is reasonable, and space is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rearview mirror technology, and in particular to a folding device, a rearview device, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As an important component of automotive safety systems, rearview mirrors have undergone a technological evolution from mechanical to electric to intelligent designs. Rearview mirrors are foldable and adjustable, contain numerous internal components, occupy a large volume, and are prone to misalignment over time, affecting transmission accuracy. Utility Model Content

[0003] This application provides a folding device, a rearview device, and a vehicle to solve the problem that the internal components of existing folding devices are prone to misalignment, which affects transmission accuracy.

[0004] A folding device, capable of being connected to a vehicle body, includes: a housing; a connector, at least a portion of which is fixed within the housing; a mounting plate connected to one end of the housing via the connector; a bracket fixed within the housing; a first actuator fixed to the bracket; a folding transmission assembly fixed within the housing, at least a portion of which engages with the output end of the first actuator, the first actuator being capable of driving the housing to rotate relative to the vehicle body about a first axis via the folding transmission assembly; a second actuator fixed to the bracket and spaced apart from the first actuator, the output end of the second actuator facing opposite directions to the output end of the first actuator; and a flipping transmission assembly fixed within the housing, at least a portion of which engages with the output end of the second actuator, the flipping transmission assembly and the folding transmission assembly being spaced apart, the second actuator being capable of driving the mounting plate to rotate about a second axis via the flipping transmission assembly, the second axis and the first axis having an included angle; wherein at least a portion of the connector is located between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly.

[0005] In the aforementioned folding device, the output end of the first actuator engages with the folding transmission assembly, and the output end of the second actuator engages with the flipping transmission assembly. The output ends of the first and second actuators are oriented in opposite directions, resulting in a gap between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly. At least a portion of the connecting member is located between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly, making reasonable use of space and avoiding the need to reserve additional space for the connecting member, thereby effectively reducing the volume of the folding device.

[0006] In one embodiment, the bracket has a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove spaced apart, the first actuator is fixed to the first receiving groove, and the second actuator is fixed to the second receiving groove.

[0007] In one embodiment, the folding transmission assembly includes a first process transmission member engaging with the output end of the first actuator; the flipping transmission assembly includes a second process transmission member engaging with the output end of the second actuator; the bracket has a third receiving groove and a fourth receiving groove, the third receiving groove communicating with the first receiving groove, the fourth receiving groove communicating with the second receiving groove, at least a portion of the structure of the first process transmission member being received in the third receiving groove, and at least a portion of the structure of the second process transmission member being received in the fourth receiving groove.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first process transmission component is a two-stage gear structure or a worm gear structure; and / or, the second process transmission component is a two-stage gear structure or a worm gear structure.

[0009] In one embodiment, the folding transmission assembly includes a first worm gear, at least a portion of which passes through the third receiving groove and engages with the first process transmission member; the flipping transmission assembly includes a second worm gear, at least a portion of which passes through the fourth receiving groove and engages with the second process transmission member; and at least a portion of the connecting member is located between the first worm gear and the second worm gear.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is provided with a flip transmission gear, which passes through the housing and meshes with the second worm gear, and the second axis is the central axis of the flip transmission gear.

[0011] In one embodiment, the mounting plate is provided with a first flip detection gear that rotates synchronously with the flip transmission gear. The first flip detection gear passes through the housing and meshes with a second flip detection gear fixed in the housing. The second flip detection gear is provided with a flip potentiometer.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device further includes a folding column that passes through the housing and is connected to the vehicle body, wherein the first axis is the central axis of the folding column, and a folding transmission gear that meshes with the first worm gear is fixed to the outer periphery of the folding column.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device further includes a first folding detection gear fixed to the outer periphery of the folding column and stacked with the folding transmission gear, and a second folding detection gear fixed inside the housing and meshing with the first folding detection gear, wherein the second folding detection gear is provided with a folding potentiometer.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first actuator has a first height dimension H1 and a first width dimension W1, wherein W1 > H1; the second actuator has a second height dimension H2 and a second width dimension W2, wherein W2 > H2; both the first height dimension H1 and the second height dimension H2 are arranged along the first axis direction.

[0015] In one embodiment, the openings of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove face the same direction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first actuator has a first height dimension H1 and a first width dimension W1, wherein W1 > H1; the second actuator has a second height dimension H2 and a second width dimension W2, wherein W2 > H2; both the first width dimension W1 and the second width dimension W2 are arranged along the first axis direction.

[0017] In one embodiment, the openings of the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove face opposite directions.

[0018] In one embodiment, a reinforcing rib is provided between the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

[0019] In one embodiment, the connector includes a connecting column and a connecting base. The connecting column passes through the mounting plate and the housing and is fixed inside the housing. The connecting base and the mounting plate cooperate to allow the mounting plate to rotate relative to the connecting base about the second axis.

[0020] In one embodiment, the connecting base is located on the side of the mounting plate opposite to the housing, one of the connecting base and the mounting plate is provided with a flip groove, and the other is provided with a flip platform, the flip platform being able to rotate about the second axis within the flip groove.

[0021] In one embodiment, the connecting base is located between the housing and the mounting plate, one of the connecting base and the mounting plate is provided with a slider, and the other is provided with a guide rail. The slider can slide within the guide rail, thereby allowing the mounting plate to rotate relative to the housing about the second axis.

[0022] In one embodiment, in the cross-section of the guide rail, the dimension of at least a portion of the slider's structure located within the guide rail is larger than the opening size of the guide rail.

[0023] In one embodiment, a retaining ring is fixed to one end of the connecting column away from the connecting base, and an elastic element is sleeved around the outer periphery of the connecting column, the elastic element being located between the retaining ring and the housing.

[0024] A rear-view device includes the aforementioned folding device and a reflective element, the reflective element being mounted on the folding device.

[0025] A vehicle includes the aforementioned rearview device and a vehicle body, the rearview device being mounted on the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a folding device provided in one embodiment; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding device from another perspective; Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the folding device shown; Figure 4 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding device shown, in which the housing and mounting plate have been removed; Figure 5 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding device in another embodiment, wherein the housing, mounting plate, and bracket are removed; Figure 6 for Figure 5 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding device shown from another perspective; Figure 7 for Figure 1 The folding device shown is a three-dimensional schematic diagram in another embodiment, wherein the housing, mounting plate, and bracket have been removed; Figure 8 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of some components of the structure shown; Figure 9 for Figure 8 Exploded view of the structure shown; Figure 10 Exploded view of the folding transmission gear, the first folding detection gear, and the assembly shaft; Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the first folding detection gear; Figure 12 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of a portion of the folding device shown; Figure 13for Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the folding device shown; Figure 14 for Figure 4 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support structure shown; Figure 15 for Figure 14 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support structure from another perspective; Figure 16 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support and the second shell; Figure 17 for Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the structure shown; Figure 18 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the folding device in yet another embodiment, wherein the housing and mounting plate are removed; Figure 19 for Figure 18 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the structure shown from another perspective; Figure 20 for Figure 18 The structure shown is a 3D schematic diagram from another perspective, in which the support structure has been removed; Figure 21 for Figure 18 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the support structure shown; Figure 22 for Figure 21 The bracket shown is a three-dimensional schematic diagram from another perspective. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of this application are shown in the drawings. However, this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this application.

[0029] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly attached to the other component or there may be an intervening component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intervening component. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this document are for illustrative purposes only.

[0030] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0031] The folding device of this application can be applied to vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, trailers, engineering vehicles, trains, subways, motorcycles, electric vehicles, bicycles, etc., and can also be used in other fields, including but not limited to ships, automated production lines, machine tools, security monitoring, wheelchairs, toys and models, etc., all of which are within the protection scope of this application.

[0032] This application uses the application of the folding device 1 to a vehicle as an example for explanation. The vehicle includes a body, the folding device 1, and a reflective element. The reflective element can be a rearview mirror; it is understood that any structure with the function of reflecting light is within the scope of the reflective element in this application. The reflective element is directly mounted to the folding device 1, or indirectly mounted to the folding device 1 through other structural components. The folding device 1 is directly mounted to the body, or indirectly mounted to the body through other structural components. The folding device 1 can rotate relative to the body to have a folded position and an unfolded position. In the folded position, the reflective element is close to the body, and at least a portion of the reflective surface of the reflective element is covered by the body. In the unfolded state, the reflective element is transverse to the body and fully exposed. Taking a car as an example, when the car is locked, the car's reflective element, i.e., the rearview mirror, is close to the car body, and the reflective surface of the rearview mirror faces the car body and is blocked by the car body, so the user cannot see the surrounding conditions of the vehicle through the rearview mirror; when the car is unlocked, such as when the vehicle is started or moving, the car's reflective element, i.e., the rearview mirror, is horizontal to the car body, that is, fully exposed, and the reflective surface of the rearview mirror is roughly perpendicular to the car body, for example, the angle between the rearview mirror and the car body can be 60°~120°, so the user can see the surrounding conditions of the vehicle through the rearview mirror.

[0033] The term "close to" as used in this application can be understood as follows: in the folded state, the reflective surface of the reflective element faces the vehicle body and is at least partially obscured by the vehicle body. This can be understood as being relatively close to the vehicle body and roughly parallel to it, for example, at an angle of -60° to 60°. The term "lateral" as used in this application can be understood as follows: in the unfolded state, the reflective surface of the reflective element is lateral to the vehicle body, fully exposed, and roughly perpendicular to the vehicle body, for example, at an angle of 60° to 120°.

[0034] refer to Figures 1 to 4In one embodiment, the folding device 1 includes a housing 10, a folding column 20, and a mounting plate 30. The housing 10 includes a first shell 11 and a second shell 12, which are fixedly connected and form a receiving space. At least a portion of the structure of the folding device 1 is located within the receiving space of the housing 10. The dimension between the mutually opposing surfaces of the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 defines the thickness of the housing 10. The folding column 20 extends along the thickness direction of the housing 10 and passes through the housing 10. The folding column 20 is connected to the vehicle body and fixedly installed relative to the vehicle body. Here, "connection" can be a direct connection, i.e., the folding column 20 is directly in contact with and fixedly installed on the vehicle body, or an indirect connection, i.e., the folding column 20 does not contact the vehicle body but is fixedly installed on the vehicle body through other structural components. At least a portion of the structure of the mounting plate 30 is a groove-shaped structure, and at least a portion of the structure of the second shell 12 is accommodated within the mounting plate 30, i.e., the mounting plate 30 is connected to one end of the housing 10 in the thickness direction. The folding column 20 has a central axis, namely the first axis 21, which extends in the same direction as the thickness direction of the housing 10. The portion of the folding device 1, excluding the folding column 20 and the components fixed to it, can rotate around the first axis 21, thus allowing the folding device 1 to have a folded state and an unfolded state. In the folded position, the housing 10 is close to the vehicle body; in the unfolded position, the housing 10 is transverse to the vehicle body. The terms "close to" and "transverse" here can be interpreted using the aforementioned definitions of "close to" and "transverse."

[0035] In one embodiment, the first shell 11 is a plate-like structure, and the second shell 12 is a groove-like structure, which are fixedly connected by pins or clips. It is understood that, in order to accommodate the assembly of internal structural components, the first shell 11 and the second shell 12 can be adapted by deformation, such as by opening holes, providing protrusions, grooves, or other structures, all of which are within the scope of protection of this application. In another embodiment, the first shell 11 may also be a groove-like structure, and the second shell 12 may be a plate-like structure; this is not limited here.

[0036] refer to Figures 1 to 4In one embodiment, the folding device 1 includes a bracket 13 disposed within a housing 10, a first actuator 51, and a folding transmission assembly. The first actuator 51 is fixed to the bracket 13 and is capable of driving the housing 10 to rotate relative to the vehicle body about a first axis 21 between a folded position and an unfolded position via the folding transmission assembly. The folding device 1 also includes a second actuator 61 disposed within the housing 10 and a flipping transmission assembly. The second actuator 61 is fixed to the bracket 13 and is capable of driving the mounting plate 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10 about a second axis 321 via the flipping transmission assembly. Since the reflective element is directly or indirectly mounted on the side of the mounting plate 30, and the reflective element is approximately parallel to the first axis 21 and approximately parallel to the second axis 321, the reflective element rotates synchronously when the mounting plate 30 rotates relative to the housing 10 about the second axis 321, allowing the user to adjust the angle of the reflective element to observe the road conditions above or below the rear of the vehicle.

[0037] It is understood that there is an angle between the second axis 321 and the first axis 21, such as 30° to 90°, preferably 90°. When the angle between the second axis 321 and the first axis 21 is 90°, they are perpendicular, that is, the second axis 321 is perpendicular to the thickness direction of the shell 10.

[0038] refer to Figure 4 The output end of the first actuator 51 engages with the folding transmission assembly, and the output end of the second actuator 61 engages with the flipping transmission assembly. The output ends of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 61 are oriented in opposite directions, which creates a gap between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly. Other components can be placed between them, making more reasonable use of space and reducing the volume of the folding device 1.

[0039] The folding device 1 includes a connector 40, which movably connects the mounting plate 30 to the housing 10, preventing the mounting plate 30 from detaching from the housing 10. The connector 40 includes a connecting column 41 and a connecting base 42. The connecting column 41 passes through the mounting plate 30 and extends into the housing 10, with at least a portion of its structure located between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly. This efficient use of space avoids the need for additional space reserved for the connecting column 41, effectively reducing the volume of the folding device 1. The connecting column 41 and the folding column 20 are spaced apart, and their extension directions are approximately the same, meaning they both extend approximately along the thickness direction of the housing 10, i.e., the direction of the first axis 21. It is understood that while the extension directions of the connecting column 41 and the folding column 20 are approximately the same, they can have an angle, such as 0° to 30°. Their extension directions are approximately the same as the thickness of the housing, or they can each have an angle with the thickness direction of the housing 10, such as 0° to 30°. In other embodiments, the angle between the extending directions of the connecting column 41 and the folding column 20 may also be greater than 30°, and the angle between their extending directions and the thickness of the housing may also be greater than 30°. The connecting base 42 and the mounting plate 30 are shaped to fit each other, and when the second actuator 61 drives the mounting plate 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10 about the second axis 321, no interference occurs between the connecting base 42 and the mounting plate 30.

[0040] The first actuator 51 can drive the housing 10 to rotate around the first axis 21 via the folding transmission assembly. The first axis 21 is the axis of the folding column 20, which serves as the support column for the folding function. The second actuator 61 can drive the mounting plate 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10 around the second axis 321 via the flipping transmission assembly. The connector 40 connects the mounting plate 30 to the housing 10, preventing the mounting plate 30 from detaching from the housing 10. Therefore, the connector 40 serves as the support structure for the flipping function. The support structures for the folding and flipping functions are different components, making them less prone to damage, stronger, and more precise.

[0041] The output ends of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 61 are oriented in opposite directions, so that there is a gap between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly. At least part of the structure of the connecting column 41 is located in the gap, avoiding the need to reserve extra space for the connecting column 41 and effectively reducing the volume of the folding device 1.

[0042] refer to Figures 4 to 6In one embodiment, the folding transmission assembly includes a first process transmission member 52 and a first worm gear 53. The first worm gear 53 meshes with a folding transmission gear 54 fixed to the outer periphery of the folding column 20. The output end of the first actuator 51 drives the first process transmission member 52 to rotate. The first process transmission member 52 meshes with the end gear of the first worm gear 53, thereby driving the end gear of the first worm gear 53 to rotate, causing the first worm gear 53 to rotate synchronously. Because the first worm gear 53 meshes with the folding transmission gear 54, and the folding transmission gear 54 is fixed to the folding column 20, which is fixedly installed on the vehicle body, the folding transmission gear 54 does not rotate when the first worm gear 53 rotates. This causes the first worm gear 53 to rotate around the folding transmission gear 54. Since the first worm gear 53 is fixedly connected to the housing 10, the housing 10 and the structural members directly or indirectly fixedly installed on the housing 10 rotate together with the first worm gear 53 around the folding transmission gear 54.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first actuator 51 can be a micro motor or a drive motor, having a main unit and an output end extending from the main unit. After receiving an instruction, the main unit performs corresponding actions to control the output end to rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or stop rotating, thereby controlling the first worm gear 53 to rotate clockwise, counterclockwise, or stop rotating around the folding transmission gear 54, thereby causing the folding device 1 to fold, unfold, or be fixed in a folded state, an unfolded state, or a position between the two.

[0044] In one embodiment, the housing 10 has a length direction and a width direction. The length direction of the housing 10 is substantially perpendicular to the vehicle body in the unfolded state. The folding column 20 and the connecting column 41 are spaced apart in the length direction. The extension direction of the second axis 321 is substantially parallel to the length direction of the housing 10. The width direction of the housing 10 is perpendicular to the length direction and the thickness direction of the housing 10. The output end of the first actuator 51 extends along the length direction of the housing 10, the axis of the first process transmission member 52 is arranged along the width direction of the housing 10, and the first worm gear 53 extends along the width direction of the housing 10.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first process transmission member 52 is a single gear structure that meshes with the output end of the first actuator 51 and the end gear of the first worm 53, respectively, so that the first actuator 51 can drive the first worm 53 to rotate through the first process transmission member 52.

[0046] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 In one embodiment, the first process transmission component 52 is a two-stage gear structure, with the two gears coaxially arranged and having different tooth pitches, which can increase the transmission ratio and thus increase the transmission speed. That is, at the same speed at the output end of the first actuator 51, the speed of the first worm 53 can be increased by setting the two-stage gear.

[0047] refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment, the first process transmission member 52 is a worm gear structure, and it does not coincide with the output end of the first actuator 51 in the width direction of the housing 10. That is, the two are arranged side by side in the width direction of the housing 10. There is no need to reserve a space for the first process transmission member 52 between the first actuator 51 and the folding column 20, which saves space in the length direction of the housing 10 and can reduce the size of the housing 10 in the length direction.

[0048] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In one embodiment, the folding device 1 further includes a first folding detection gear 55, a second folding detection gear 57, and a folding potentiometer 58. The first folding detection gear 55 is fixedly mounted on the outer periphery of the folding column 20, and is stacked with the folding transmission gear 54 in the thickness direction of the housing 10, and the first folding detection gear 55 and the folding transmission gear 54 are coaxially arranged. The second folding detection gear 57 meshes with the first folding detection gear 55, and the folding potentiometer 58 is mounted on the second folding detection gear 57 and electrically connected to the circuit board 14 of the folding device 1 (shown in...). Figure 5 (In the middle), the circuit board 14 is fixed inside the housing 10. When the first actuator 51 drives the first process transmission component 52 to rotate, the first process transmission component 52 drives the first worm gear 53 to rotate. The first worm gear 53 drives the housing 10 and other structural components fixed inside the housing 10 to rotate around the folding transmission gear 54. Since the second folding detection gear 57 rotates synchronously with the housing 10, and the first folding detection gear 55 is fixed to the folding column 20 and meshes with the second folding detection gear 57, the second folding detection gear 57 rotates around the first folding detection gear 55. The folding potentiometer 58 rotates synchronously with the second folding detection gear 57. The folding potentiometer 58 can record the rotation angle of the housing 10 around the first axis 21 and transmit the data to the circuit board 14, thereby recording the commonly used position of the housing 10, and thus intelligently controlling the folding device 1 to fold or unfold to the user's preferred position.

[0049] refer to Figures 9 to 11In one embodiment, the folding device 1 includes an assembly shaft 56, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the folding column 20. The outer periphery of the folding column 20 has protruding ribs, and the inner surface of the assembly shaft 56 can engage with these protruding ribs, thereby preventing the assembly shaft 56 from rotating relative to the folding column 20. That is, neither the assembly shaft 56 nor the folding column 20 can rotate around the first axis 21. A folding transmission gear 54 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the assembly shaft 56, and the end of the assembly shaft 56 protrudes beyond the folding transmission gear 54. A first folding detection gear 55 is located at the end of the folding transmission gear 54 opposite to the assembly shaft 56. The first folding detection gear 55 will not rotate relative to the assembly shaft 56 around the first axis 21, but relative rotation may occur between the first folding detection gear 55 and the folding transmission gear 54 under a large torsional force.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first folding detection gear 55 has a first protrusion 551 on the side facing the folding transmission gear 54, and the folding transmission gear 54 has a first groove 541 on the side facing the first folding detection gear 55. The first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 cooperate with each other, with the first protrusion 551 fitting into the first groove 541, thus preventing the folding transmission gear 54 from rotating relative to the first folding detection gear 55 around the first axis 21. In another embodiment, the first folding detection gear 55 may also have a groove, while the folding transmission gear 54 may have a protrusion, which can also achieve the purpose of mutual cooperation between the two. It is understood that when no force is applied to the housing 10, i.e., under normal electric intelligent control, both the folding transmission gear 54 and the first folding detection gear 55 are stationary relative to the folding column 20, that is, neither of them will rotate relative to the folding column 20, and there will be no relative rotation between them.

[0051] In one embodiment, the inner surface of the first folding detection gear 55 has an inwardly protruding second protrusion 552, and the outer surface of the assembly shaft 56 has a recessed second groove 561. The second protrusion 552 is fitted into the second groove 561, restricting the axial rotation of the first folding detection gear 55 relative to the assembly shaft 56. In one embodiment, the assembly surface between the second protrusion 552 and the second groove 561 includes a straight surface. For example, the second protrusion 552 has a first side surface 5521, which is a straight surface, meaning that the first side surface 5521 is substantially perpendicular to the adjacent surface. The second groove 561 has a second side surface 5611, which is a straight surface, meaning that the second side surface 5611 is substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface of the groove 561. It is understood that the error angle is also within the range of substantially perpendicularity, and the error angle range can be 0°~30°. Under normal electric intelligent control conditions, both the assembly shaft 56 and the first folding detection gear 55 are stationary relative to the folding column 20, meaning that neither of them will rotate relative to the folding column 20, and there will be no relative rotation between them. Even if a large force is applied manually, the second protrusion 552 will not disengage from the second groove 561 because the mating surface between the second protrusion 552 and the second groove 561 includes a straight surface. In another embodiment, the inner surface of the first folding detection gear 55 can also be provided with a groove, and the outer surface of the assembly shaft 56 can be provided with a protrusion. As long as the mating surface between the protrusion and the groove includes a straight surface, the same axial locking effect can be achieved, that is, no mutual axial rotation will occur.

[0052] In another embodiment, the angle between the second side surface 5611 and the bottom of the second groove 561 can be less than 90°, such as 80°, 70°, or 60°. Correspondingly, on the second protrusion 552, the angle between the first side surface 5521 and the adjacent surface can be less than 90°, such as 80°, 70°, or 60°. It is understood that the second groove 561 and the second protrusion 552 cooperate with each other, meaning the angle between the second side surface 5611 and the bottom of the second groove 561 is approximately equal to the angle between the first side surface 5521 and the adjacent surface. In this embodiment, the second groove 561 is an inward-locking groove, which better prevents the second protrusion 552 from disengaging from the second groove 561, thus providing a better axial locking effect.

[0053] In one embodiment, the mating surface between the first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 that mate with the first folding detection gear 55 and the folding transmission gear 54 includes an inclined surface. The first protrusion 551 has a third side surface 5511, on which the angle between the third side surface 5511 and the adjacent surface is greater than 90°. The first groove 541 has a fourth side surface 5411, on which the angle between the fourth side surface 5411 and the bottom of the groove 541 is greater than 90°. When no external force is applied to the housing 10, i.e., under normal electric intelligent control, both the folding transmission gear 54 and the first folding detection gear 55 are stationary relative to the folding column 20; that is, neither rotates relative to the folding column 20, and no relative rotation occurs between them. Without electric control, the first worm gear 53 is stationary; that is, it does not rotate axially or around the folding transmission gear 54. If an external force is applied to the housing 10 at this time, the housing 10 and the components fixed inside the housing 10, including the first worm gear 53, will be subjected to the external force. The first worm gear 53 will then transmit the external force to the folding transmission gear 54, and the folding transmission gear 54 will transmit the external force to the first folding detection gear 55. That is, the third side 5511 and the fourth side 5411 will bear the external force. Since the third side 5511 and the fourth side 5411 are inclined surfaces, as the external force increases to a certain threshold, the third side 5511 and the fourth side 5411 slide against each other, the first folding detection gear 55 is lifted, and the folding transmission gear 54 rotates around the first axis 21 until the third side 5511 and the fourth side 5411 are completely separated, the first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 are separated. As the folding transmission gear 54 rotates further, the first protrusion 551 falls into the adjacent first groove 541 and further slides between the inclined surfaces until the first protrusion 551 and the adjacent first groove 541 are separated. When there is an external force greater than the threshold, the first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 repeat the process of separation, inclined surface sliding, engagement, and separation until the external force disappears.

[0054] It is understandable that the mating surface between the first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 includes an inclined surface, and under the action of an external force reaching a threshold, the two can slide and separate on the inclined surface. However, the mating surface between the second protrusion 552 and the second groove 561 includes a straight surface or the second groove 561 is an inward groove. Therefore, even if the applied external force reaches the threshold that would cause the first protrusion 551 and the first groove 541 to slide and separate from each other, the external force will not cause the second protrusion 552 and the second groove 561 to slide or even separate from each other.

[0055] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 12In one embodiment, the flip transmission assembly includes a second process transmission member 62 and a second worm gear 63, which meshes with a flip transmission gear 32 fixed to the mounting plate 30. The output end of the second actuator 61 drives the second process transmission member 62 to rotate, and the second process transmission member 62 meshes with the end gear of the second worm gear 63, thereby driving the end gear of the second worm gear 63 to rotate, causing the second worm gear 63 to rotate synchronously. Because the second worm gear 63 meshes with the flip transmission gear 32, and the flip transmission gear 32 is fixed to the mounting plate 30, when the second worm gear 63 rotates, it drives the flip transmission gear 32 to rotate, thereby causing the mounting plate 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10 about a second axis 321, which is the axis of the flip transmission gear 32. Since the reflective element is directly or indirectly fixed to the mounting plate 30, the reflective element rotates synchronously with the mounting plate 30.

[0056] In one embodiment, the second actuator 61 can be a micro motor or a drive motor, having a main unit and an output end extending from the main unit. Upon receiving a command, the main unit performs corresponding actions, controlling the output end to rotate forward, reverse, or stop, thereby controlling the second worm gear 63 to rotate forward, reverse, or stop, and further controlling the rotating transmission gear 32 to rotate forward, reverse, or stop around the second axis 321, thus causing the reflector element to flip, allowing the user to observe the situation above or below the rear of the vehicle. In the unfolded state, the folded state, and any state in between, the second actuator 61 can drive the mounting plate 30 to flip around the second axis 321. It is understood that the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 61 can operate separately or simultaneously. When the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 61 operate simultaneously, the folding device 1 can simultaneously perform folding and flipping functions.

[0057] In one embodiment, the mounting plate 30 is a one-piece molded structure, meaning the flipping transmission gear 32 and other structures of the mounting plate 30 are integrally formed. The second housing 12 has an opening, allowing the flipping transmission gear 32 to penetrate deep into the second housing 12 and thus mesh with the second worm gear 63. In another embodiment, the flipping transmission gear 32 can be detached from the mounting plate 30 for easy replacement of worn flipping transmission gear 32. It is understood that the flipping transmission gear 32 can be a major arc gear or a minor arc gear, and the second axis 321 is the central axis of the flipping transmission gear 32.

[0058] In one embodiment, the second process transmission member 62 is a single gear structure that meshes with the output end of the second actuator 61 and the end gear of the second worm 63, respectively, so that the second actuator 61 can drive the second worm 63 to rotate through the second process transmission member 62.

[0059] In another embodiment, the second process transmission component 62 is a two-stage gear structure, with the two gears coaxially arranged and having different tooth pitches, which can increase the transmission ratio and thus increase the transmission speed. That is, at the same speed at the output end of the second actuator 61, the speed of the second worm 63 can be increased by setting up the two-stage gear.

[0060] In another embodiment, the second process transmission member 62 is a worm gear structure, and the output end of the second actuator 61 does not coincide in the width direction of the housing 10, that is, the two are arranged side by side in the width direction of the housing 10, which saves space in the length direction of the housing 10 and can reduce the size of the housing 10 in the length direction.

[0061] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 In one embodiment, the connecting column 41 extends into the housing 10 and is fixed within the housing 10. For example, a slot is provided on the outer periphery of the connecting column 41, and it is fixed by a retaining ring 44 provided inside the housing 10. An elastic element 43 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the connecting column 41, and the elastic element 43 is located between the retaining ring 44 and the housing 10. Therefore, the connecting member 40 is fixed to the housing 10 and moves or remains stationary synchronously with the housing 10. That is, when the mounting plate 30 flips relative to the housing 10, it also flips relative to the connecting member 40. The connecting base 42 is located on the side of the mounting plate 30 away from the housing 10. A flipping groove 31 is provided on the mounting plate 30, and the connecting base 42 is a flipping table structure. The flipping table can rotate around the second axis 321 within the flipping groove 31. In another embodiment, the flipping groove can also be provided on the connecting base 42, and the flipping table can be provided on the side of the mounting plate 30 away from the housing 10, which also allows the flipping table to rotate around the second axis 321 within the flipping groove.

[0062] In another embodiment, the connecting base 42 is located between the housing 10 and the mounting plate 30. One of the connecting base 42 and the mounting plate 30 is provided with a slider, and the other with a guide rail. The slider can slide within the guide rail, allowing the mounting plate 30 to rotate relative to the housing 10 about a second axis 321. It is understood that, in the cross-section of the guide rail, at least a portion of the slider's structure within the guide rail is larger than the opening size of the guide rail, preventing the slider from detaching from the guide rail and thus preventing the connecting base 42 and the mounting plate 30 from separating. Since the connecting column 41 is fixed to the housing 10, the anti-detachment design of the slider and guide rail prevents the mounting plate 30 from detaching from the housing 10.

[0063] It is understandable that the hole through which the connecting column 41 passes through the mounting plate 30 needs to provide space for the mounting plate 30 to be flipped, in order to prevent interference between the mounting plate 30 and the connecting column 41 when flipped.

[0064] In one embodiment, the flipping groove 31 is an arc-shaped groove, and the connecting base 42 is an arc-shaped platform. The radii of the arc-shaped groove and the arc-shaped platform are approximately equal to the radius of the flipping transmission gear 32, so that the axes of the arc-shaped groove and the arc-shaped platform are approximately coincident with the second axis 321, thereby cooperating with the flipping of the mounting plate 30 relative to the housing 10 without interference.

[0065] In other embodiments, the connecting base 42 may also be of other shapes, such as hemispherical, as long as it can support or connect the mounting plate 30 and the connecting base 42 will not interfere with the mounting plate 30 when the mounting plate 30 rotates.

[0066] In one embodiment, the mounting plate 30 is further provided with a first flip detection gear 33, which rotates synchronously with the flip transmission gear 32. The folding device 1 also includes a second flip detection gear 64 and a flip potentiometer 65. The first flip detection gear 33 passes through the second housing 12 and enters the housing 10, meshing with the second flip detection gear 64. The flip potentiometer 65 is mounted on the second flip detection gear 64 and electrically connected to the circuit board 14 of the folding device 1, which is fixed inside the housing 10. When the second actuator 61 drives the second process transmission member 62 to rotate, the second process transmission member 62 drives the second worm gear 63 to rotate, and the second worm gear 63 drives the flip transmission gear 32 to rotate around the second axis 321, causing the mounting plate 30 to rotate synchronously. Consequently, the first flip detection gear 33 rotates synchronously, driving the second flip detection gear 64 to rotate, and the flip potentiometer 65 rotates synchronously with the second flip detection gear 64. The flip potentiometer 65 can record the rotation angle of the mounting plate 30 around the second axis 321 and transmit the data to the circuit board 14, thereby recording the commonly used position of the mounting plate 30 and intelligently controlling the reflector to rotate around the second axis 321 to the user's preferred position.

[0067] refer to Figure 4 , Figure 14 and Figure 15In one embodiment, the bracket 13 has a first receiving groove 131 and a second receiving groove 132 spaced apart. The openings of the first receiving groove 131 and the second receiving groove 132 face the same direction. A first actuator 51 is fixed in the first receiving groove 131, and a second actuator 61 is fixed in the second receiving groove 132. The output ends of the first actuator 51 and the second actuator 61 face opposite directions. The bracket 13 also has a third receiving groove 133 and a fourth receiving groove 134. The third receiving groove 133 communicates with the first receiving groove 131. At least a portion of the structure of the first process transmission member 52 is located in the third receiving groove 133, and the output end of the first actuator 51 extends into the third receiving groove 133 and engages with the first process transmission member 52. The fourth receiving groove 134 communicates with the second receiving groove 132. At least a portion of the structure of the second process transmission member 62 is located in the fourth receiving groove 134, and the output end of the second actuator 61 extends into the fourth receiving groove 134 and engages with the second process transmission member 62.

[0068] In one embodiment, the bottom of the third receiving groove 133 has a first clearance space 1331, allowing at least a portion of the structure of the first worm 53 to engage with the first process transmission member 52 through the first clearance space 1331. The bottom of the fourth receiving groove 134 has a second clearance space 1341, allowing at least a portion of the structure of the second worm 63 to engage with the second process transmission member 62 through the second clearance space 1341. The connecting column 41 is located between the first worm 53 and the second worm 63, resulting in a reasonable arrangement of parts and saving space.

[0069] In one embodiment, the bracket 13 includes a first positioning part 135 and a second positioning part 136. There are two first positioning parts 135, which respectively position the two ends of the first worm 53, and there are two second positioning parts 136, which respectively position the two ends of the second worm 63.

[0070] refer to Figures 15 to 17In one embodiment, the bracket 13 is fixed to the second shell 12. The second shell 12 has portions that respectively mate with the first positioning portion 135 and the second positioning portion 136. The portion of the second shell 12 that mates with the first positioning portion 135 abuts against the first positioning portion 135 to fix the first worm gear 53. The portion of the second shell 12 that mates with the second positioning portion 136 abuts against the second positioning portion 136 to fix the second worm gear 63. The first positioning portion 135 has a first positioning hole 1351. The shafts at both ends of the first worm gear 53 can be fixed within the first positioning hole 1351 and can rotate within the first positioning hole 1351. The first positioning hole 1351 can be a superior arc hole or a inferior arc hole. The second positioning portion 136 has a second positioning hole 1361. The shafts at both ends of the second worm gear 63 can be fixed within the second positioning hole 1361 and can rotate within the second positioning hole 1361. The second positioning hole 1361 can be a superior arc hole or an inferior arc hole. In another embodiment, the first positioning hole 1351 may be formed at the part of the second shell 12 that mates with the first positioning part 135, and the second positioning hole 1361 may be formed at the part of the second shell 12 that mates with the second positioning part 136.

[0071] refer to Figures 4 to 6 ,as well as Figure 13 In one embodiment, the openings of the first receiving groove 131 and the second receiving groove 132 face the same direction. A first actuator 51 is located within the first receiving groove 131, and a second actuator 61 is located within the second receiving groove 132. The first actuator 51 has a first height dimension H1 and a first width dimension W1, where W1 > H1. The second actuator 61 has a second height dimension H2 and a second width dimension W2, where W2 > H2. Both the first height dimension H1 and the second height dimension H2 are arranged along the direction of the first axis 21. This arrangement allows the folding device 1 to save space along the direction of the first axis 21.

[0072] refer to Figures 18 to 22 In one embodiment, the openings of the first receiving groove 131 and the second receiving groove 132 face opposite directions. A first actuator 51 is located within the first receiving groove 131, and a second actuator 61 is located within the second receiving groove 132. The first width dimension W1 of the first actuator 51 and the second width dimension W2 of the second actuator 61 are both arranged along the direction of the first axis 21. This arrangement allows the folding device 1 to save space in the width direction of the housing 10.

[0073] In one embodiment, a reinforcing rib is provided between the first receiving groove 131 and the second receiving groove 132 to increase the strength of the bracket 13 and prevent the bracket 13 from deforming after long-term use, thus affecting the transmission accuracy.

[0074] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0075] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A folding device capable of being attached to a vehicle body, characterized by comprising: include: case; The connector, at least partially fixed within the housing; The mounting plate is connected to one end of the housing via the connector; The bracket is fixed inside the housing; The first actuator is fixed to the bracket; A folding transmission assembly is fixed inside the housing, and at least a portion of the structure of the folding transmission assembly engages with the output end of the first actuator, which can drive the housing to rotate relative to the vehicle body about a first axis via the folding transmission assembly. A second actuator, fixed to the bracket and spaced apart from the first actuator, has its output end facing opposite directions to the output end of the first actuator; and A flip transmission assembly is fixed inside the housing, and at least a portion of the structure of the flip transmission assembly engages with the output end of the second actuator. The flip transmission assembly and the folding transmission assembly are spaced apart. The second actuator can drive the mounting plate to rotate around a second axis through the flip transmission assembly. There is an angle between the second axis and the first axis. At least a portion of the structure of the connector is located between the folding transmission assembly and the flipping transmission assembly.

2. The folding device of claim 1, wherein The bracket has a first receiving groove and a second receiving groove that are spaced apart. The first actuator is fixed to the first receiving groove and the second actuator is fixed to the second receiving groove.

3. The folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The folding transmission assembly includes a first process transmission component that meshes with the output end of the first actuator; The flipping transmission assembly includes a second process transmission member that meshes with the output end of the second actuator. The bracket has a third receiving groove and a fourth receiving groove. The third receiving groove is connected to the first receiving groove, and the fourth receiving groove is connected to the second receiving groove. At least a portion of the structure of the first process transmission member is received in the third receiving groove, and at least a portion of the structure of the second process transmission member is received in the fourth receiving groove.

4. The folding device of claim 3, wherein The first process transmission component is a two-stage gear structure or a worm gear structure; and / or, the second process transmission component is a two-stage gear structure or a worm gear structure.

5. The folding device of claim 3, wherein The folding transmission assembly includes a first worm gear, at least a portion of which passes through the third receiving groove and engages with the first process transmission component. The flipping transmission assembly includes a second worm, at least a portion of which passes through the fourth receiving groove and engages with the second process transmission component; At least a portion of the structure of the connector is located between the first worm and the second worm.

6. The folding device of claim 5, wherein The mounting plate is provided with a flip transmission gear, which passes through the housing and meshes with the second worm gear. The second axis is the central axis of the flip transmission gear.

7. The folding device of claim 6, wherein The mounting plate is provided with a first flip detection gear that rotates synchronously with the flip transmission gear. The first flip detection gear passes through the housing and meshes with a second flip detection gear fixed in the housing. The second flip detection gear is provided with a flip potentiometer.

8. The folding apparatus of claim 5, wherein It also includes a folding column that passes through the housing and is connected to the vehicle body, wherein the first axis is the central axis of the folding column, and a folding transmission gear that meshes with the first worm gear is fixed on the outer periphery of the folding column.

9. The folding device of claim 8, wherein, It also includes a first folding detection gear fixed to the outer periphery of the folding column and stacked with the folding transmission gear, and a second folding detection gear fixed inside the housing and meshing with the first folding detection gear, wherein the second folding detection gear is provided with a folding potentiometer.

10. The folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The first actuator has a first height dimension H1 and a first width dimension W1, wherein W1 > H1; the second actuator has a second height dimension H2 and a second width dimension W2, wherein W2 > H2; Both the first height dimension H1 and the second height dimension H2 are set along the first axis direction.

11. The folding device of claim 10, wherein, The openings of the first and second receiving slots face the same direction.

12. The folding apparatus of claim 2, wherein, The first actuator has a first height dimension H1 and a first width dimension W1, wherein W1 > H1; the second actuator has a second height dimension H2 and a second width dimension W2, wherein W2 > H2; Both the first width dimension W1 and the second width dimension W2 are set along the first axis direction.

13. The folding device of claim 12, wherein, The openings of the first and second receiving slots face opposite directions.

14. The folding device of claim 13, wherein, A reinforcing rib is provided between the first receiving groove and the second receiving groove.

15. The folding apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The connector includes a connecting column and a connecting base. The connecting column passes through the mounting plate and the housing and is fixed inside the housing. The connecting base and the mounting plate cooperate to allow the mounting plate to rotate relative to the connecting base about the second axis.

16. The folding apparatus of claim 15, wherein The connecting base is located on the side of the mounting plate opposite to the housing. One of the connecting base and the mounting plate is provided with a flip groove, and the other is provided with a flip platform. The flip platform can rotate around the second axis within the flip groove.

17. The folding apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The connecting base is located between the housing and the mounting plate. One of the connecting base and the mounting plate is provided with a slider, and the other is provided with a guide rail. The slider can slide within the guide rail, thereby allowing the mounting plate to rotate relative to the housing about the second axis.

18. The folding apparatus of claim 17, wherein, In the cross-section of the guide rail, the dimension of at least a portion of the slider's structure located within the guide rail is larger than the opening size of the guide rail.

19. The folding apparatus of claim 15, wherein, A retaining ring is fixed to one end of the connecting column away from the connecting base, and an elastic element is sleeved around the outer periphery of the connecting column, with the elastic element located between the retaining ring and the housing.

20. A rearview device, comprising: It includes the folding device and reflective element as described in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the reflective element is mounted on the folding device.

21. A vehicle characterized by It includes the rearview device and vehicle body as described in claim 20, wherein the rearview device is mounted on the vehicle body.

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