ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY, EXTERIOR REVERSE MIRRORS AND VEHICLE

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an actuator assembly (100) configured to rotate an external rearview mirror (102), in particular a head of the external rearview mirror (102) attached to a vehicle (200), wherein the actuator assembly (100) comprises: at least one helical worm gear (104); at least one helical gear (106) having at least one outer surface (106a) and one inner surface (106b), wherein the outer surface (106a) of the helical gear (106) engages at least partially with the helical worm gear (104); at least one swashplate (110) comprising a central shaft (110b), wherein the central shaft (110b) comprises a first end (110f) and a second end (110s), wherein the second end (110s) of the central shaft (110b) is configured to connect with the external rearview mirror (102), in particular with its head,and the central shaft (110b) has a first axis of rotation (AA); at least one inclined cover (140) comprising at least one main bore (140a), wherein the main bore (140a) is designed to couple at least partially with the first end (110f) of the central shaft (110b) in order to coincide with the first axis of rotation (AA). The actuator assembly (100) further comprises at least one arc-shaped element (108) having at least one outer surface (108a), one inner surface (108b) and two end surfaces (108c), wherein the outer surface (108a) of the arc-shaped element (108) is at least partially coupled to the inner surface (106b) of the helical gear (106), the axis of rotation of the arc-shaped element (108) and of the helical gear (106) coincides with a second axis of rotation (BB) which comprises at least one inclined cover (140) and an auxiliary shaft (140b), wherein the auxiliary shaft (140b) is configured toto attach the inner surface (108b) of the arc-shaped element (108) so that it coincides with the second axis of rotation (BB), and the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to engage or disengage the helical gear (106) from the auxiliary shaft (140b) in order to transmit a rotary motion or to stop the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear (106) to the helical shaft (110). Furthermore, an external rearview mirror (102) and a vehicle (200) with such an actuator assembly (100) are provided.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to an external rearview mirror with such an actuator assembly and to a vehicle with such an external rearview mirror.

[0002] Actuator assemblies have been used in exterior rearview mirrors for decades. An actuator assembly enables the automatic folding and tilting of the exterior rearview mirror. The actuator assembly comprises several drive trains to achieve this automatic folding and tilting action.

[0003] The existing helical drive train comprises a worm gear that drives a helical gear unit. The helical gear unit is further configured with a helical shaft. The helical shaft is also configured to connect to an external rearview mirror. The existing helical drive train presents several challenges. First, in a scenario where the worm gear is overdriven onto the helical gear unit due to motor malfunction or a similar cause, friction and shear stress between the worm gear unit and the helical gear unit increase excessively. Second, in a scenario where the helical gear unit is driven by the worm gear unit in an extreme position due to physical stopping by stoppers, friction and shear stress increase excessively due to feedback from the stoppers.Thirdly, manually tilting the external rearview mirror from the outside leads to excessive shear stress between the helical worm gear and the helical gear drive.

[0004] US 10315575B2, for example, discloses an external rearview mirror system for a vehicle, comprising an external rearview mirror assembly having a mounting section that can be attached to one side of a vehicle and a mirror head section that can be pivoted relative to the mounting section.

[0005] The JP2023000254A provides a unit for adjusting the mirror surface angle of the external rearview mirror, increasing the distances over which poles move forward or backward.

[0006] US11628720B2 relates to an adjusting device for adjusting an air control element of a motor vehicle between a first position and a second position, comprising a drive unit for adjusting the air control element between at least the first position and the second position, provided with an input shaft and an output shaft located at a distance from the axis of the input shaft, wherein the drive unit has a first part provided around the input shaft of the drive unit and a second part provided around the output shaft of the drive unit, wherein the adjusting device is further provided with a fail-safe mechanism, the fail-safe mechanism engaging in the first part of the drive unit.

[0007] DE 41 15 876 ​​A1 relates to an exterior mirror for a vehicle, in particular a mirror with a mechanism for adjusting the mirror's orientation, which can be actuated by electric motors. The orientation of the reflecting plate relative to the mirror housing can be adjusted by means of two electric motors, which act on the reflecting plate via suitable gear units such that it is rotated about two mutually perpendicular axes passing through the center of the ball joint. A third electric motor serves to adjust the angular position of the mirror housing relative to the vehicle body about a substantially vertical axis.

[0008] US Patent 2011 / 0235200A1 describes an intermediate element between a shaft support and a gearbox housing. An electrical range-limiting mechanism is provided, consisting of stop surfaces on the intermediate element and the shaft support. A buffer mechanism is also provided, consisting of engagement sections on the intermediate element and the gearbox housing.

[0009] CN 1 18 066 226 A relates to a drive device for a rotating part of a motor vehicle, comprising a drive mechanism, a drive shaft connected to the output shaft of the drive mechanism, an output shaft connected to the pivot point of the rotating part, and a coupling device arranged between the drive shaft and the output shaft, wherein the coupling device comprises a first coupling connected to the output shaft and a second coupling connected to the output shaft. The first coupling comprises a first active rotating part connected to the drive shaft via the second coupling; a first passive rotating part connected to the output shaft, wherein the transmission ratio between the output shaft and the first passive rotating part differs from the transmission ratio between the output shaft and the output of the second coupling.a first elastic element; and a one-way gear component arranged between the first active rotating part and the first passive rotating part.

[0010] DE 602 08 158 T2 relates to an actuating mechanism for adjusting the angular position of a mirror element in an exterior mirror for a motor vehicle, wherein the actuating mechanism has an electric motor and a mirror adjusting element which is movably coupled to it via a drive train.

[0011] DE 10 2005 046 384 A1 relates to a slip clutch for an electromechanical adjustment device, in particular a mirror adjuster for a motor vehicle, which interrupts the frictional connection between a drive spindle and an adjustment gear when the torque is exceeded. A hollow cylindrical gear hub has an internal thread for movably receiving the drive spindle and a flange for fixing the gear ring. A circumferential annular groove adjoins the underside of the flange, in which a clutch ring spring is arranged. The clutch ring spring comprises a crank extending away from the flange with a hook pin. The gear ring has a hollow cylindrical shape, the inner surface of which has several circumferentially arranged wrench flats. Guide projections and openings or pocket-like clearance surfaces, the latter for detenting the hook pin, are arranged on an inner face of the gear ring.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to develop an improved actuator assembly that reduces friction and shear stress between gear parts of the assembly, resulting in improved reliability even in high-stress situations.

[0013] Therefore, one of the objectives of the present disclosure is to further develop the known actuator assembly in order to at least partially overcome the known disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the objective is to develop an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror that reduces friction and shear stress between the helical worm gear and the helical gear. i) in a scenario of overriding the helical worm gear onto the helical gear, ii) when driving the helical gear drive at the outermost ends and / or iii) reduced when manually tilting the external rearview mirror from the outside.

[0014] This problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1, wherein at least one arc-shaped element has at least one outer surface, one inner surface and two end surfaces, wherein the outer surface of the arc-shaped element is at least partially coupled to the inner surface of the helical gear drive, the axis of rotation of the arc-shaped element and the helical gear drive coincides with a second axis of rotation, which comprises at least one helical cover and an auxiliary shaft, wherein the auxiliary shaft is configured to fasten the inner surface of the arc-shaped element so that it coincides with the second axis of rotation, and the arc-shaped element is configured to engage the helical gear drive with the auxiliary shaft or to disengage it from the auxiliary shaft in order to transmit a rotary motion or to stop the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear drive to the helical shaft.

[0015] In one aspect, the arc-shaped element can include at least one ring spring, which is optionally pressed into the helical gear drive, and / or the outer surface of the arc-shaped element can be frictionally coupled to the inner surface of the helical gear drive about the second axis of rotation.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the inner surface of the helical gear drive can comprise at least one wedge-shaped element, wherein the wedge-shaped element is configured to at least partially abut one of the two end faces of the arc-shaped element, and / or wherein at least one gap can be provided between at least one of the two end faces of the arc-shaped element and the wedge-shaped element.

[0017] It can be advantageous for the helical worm gear to be designed to act on the helical gear to rotate the helical shaft about the first axis of rotation when the arc-shaped element engages the auxiliary shaft with the helical gear, and for the helical worm gear to be designed to act on the helical gear to rotate the helical gear about the second axis of rotation when the arc-shaped element disengages the auxiliary shaft from the helical gear.

[0018] Furthermore, it is proposed that the arc-shaped element can be elastic, the elastic nature of which can be designed to allow the helical gear drive to engage with or disengage from the auxiliary shaft, which in turn optionally enables or stops the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear drive to the helical shaft.

[0019] In another aspect, if the torque received by the arc-shaped element is possibly smaller than a section modulus of the arc-shaped element, it may be designed to retain its shape, thereby engaging with the auxiliary shaft to allow the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear to the auxiliary / helical shaft; and if the torque received by the arc-shaped element is possibly larger than the section modulus of the arc-shaped element, it may be designed to expand to disengage from the auxiliary shaft to stop the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear to the helical shaft.

[0020] Furthermore, in the event of a motor malfunction, if the helical gear transmission may transmit a torque to the helical element that is greater than the resistance torque of the helical element, the arc-shaped element may be designed to detach from the auxiliary shaft, and the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear transmission to the helical shafts comes to a standstill, so that the helical worm gear rotates the helical gear transmission about the second axis of rotation.

[0021] Additionally, it is proposed that the actuator assembly may include at least one stopper to physically limit the rotation of the helical gear drive, with the option of providing two stoppers at two extreme ends or positions.

[0022] In one embodiment, if the helical gear unit is possibly located at the outermost ends of the helical worm gear unit, the reaction force from the stopper(s) can cause the magnitude of the torque reaching the arc-shaped element to exceed the section modulus of the arc-shaped element, allowing the arc-shaped element to detach from the auxiliary shaft, the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear unit to the helical shaft to cease, and the helical worm gear unit to rotate the helical gear unit about the second axis of rotation.

[0023] In another embodiment, the central shaft can comprise a plurality of projections and the inclined cover can comprise a plurality of cutouts, which are optionally designed to couple at least partially with the plurality of projections.

[0024] It may be advantageous for the helical shaft to further comprise an extended arm, wherein the extended arm may optionally comprise a main shaft and the auxiliary shaft may comprise a secondary bore designed to couple with the main shaft.

[0025] Furthermore, a clamp can be placed between the two end faces and the wedge-shaped element, with the clamp optionally being designed to secure the arc-shaped element to the helical gear drive.

[0026] In another aspect, the clamp may include at least one hole and / or at least one clamp, and / or the clamp may be made of hardened steel material and / or be a U-shaped element.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the wedge-shaped element can comprise at least one pin element and / or at least one recess.

[0028] It is further proposed that the at least one pin element of the wedge-shaped element can fit into the at least one hole of the clamp and / or that the at least one clamp of the clamp can fit into the at least one recess of the wedge-shaped element.

[0029] In another aspect, the inclined shaft may further comprise at least one side wall guide and the inclined cover may comprise a support surface designed to at least partially accommodate the side wall guide.

[0030] In another embodiment, the helical shaft may further comprise at least one raised surface having at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive, and / or the helical cover may further comprise at least one projecting bearing surface with at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive.

[0031] According to the invention, an external rearview mirror is provided which has at least one actuator assembly as disclosed above.

[0032] In one embodiment, if the outer rearview mirror is tilted from the outside with the intention that the helical gear drive the helical worm gear in reverse, and the torque may exceed the resistance torque of the helical element, the arc-shaped element may be designed to detach from the auxiliary shaft, so that the transmission of the rotary motion from the helical shaft to the helical gear drive may come to a standstill.

[0033] According to the invention, a vehicle is provided which has at least one actuator assembly as disclosed above and / or an external rearview mirror as disclosed above.

[0034] Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure relates to an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror, wherein the actuator assembly comprises: a helical worm gear; a helical gear having an outer surface and an inner surface, the outer surface of the helical gear engaging with the helical worm gear; an arc-shaped element having an outer surface, an inner surface and two end surfaces, the outer surface of the arc-shaped element being coupled to the inner surface of the helical gear about a second axis of rotation; and a helical shaft comprising a central shaft, the central shaft comprising a first and a second end, the second end of the central shaft being configured to connect with the external rearview mirror, and the central shaft having a first axis of rotation;a skewed cover comprising a main bore and an auxiliary shaft, wherein the main bore is configured to couple with the first end of the central shaft about the first axis of rotation, and the auxiliary shaft is configured to secure the inner surface of the arc-shaped element about the second axis of rotation, wherein the arc-shaped element is configured to engage / disengage the helical gear with the auxiliary shaft in order to transmit / stop a rotary motion from the helical gear to the helical shaft.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the helical gear drive can comprise a wedge-shaped element, wherein the wedge-shaped element is configured to adjoin at least one of the two end faces of the arc-shaped element.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the helical worm gear can be configured to drive the helical gear about the first axis of rotation of the helical shaft when the arc-shaped element engages the auxiliary shaft with the helical gear.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the helical worm gear can be configured to rotate the helical gear about the second axis of rotation of the helical shaft when the arc-shaped element releases the auxiliary shaft from the helical gear.

[0038] In another embodiment, the central shaft can comprise a plurality of projections, and the inclined cover can comprise a plurality of cutouts designed to couple accordingly with the plurality of projections.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the helical shaft may further comprise an extended arm, wherein the extended arm comprises a main shaft and wherein the auxiliary shaft comprises a secondary bore configured to couple with the main shaft.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wedge-shaped element can comprise at least one pin element and at least one recess.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the assembly may further comprise a clamping device placed between the two end faces and the wedge-shaped element.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the clamping device may comprise at least one hole and at least one clamp.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one pin element of the wedge-shaped element can fit into the at least one hole of the clamp, wherein the at least one clamp of the clamp fits into the at least one recess of the wedge-shaped element.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the inclined shaft may further comprise a side wall guide, and the inclined cover may comprise a bearing surface designed to receive the side wall guide.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the helical shaft may further comprise a raised surface having at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the helical shaft may further comprise a projecting bearing surface with at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the arc-shaped element can be of an elastic nature.

[0048] It should be noted that the features individually described below can be combined in any technically advantageous way and represent other forms according to the invention. It is understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the exact arrangements and instrumentation shown. The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this patent specification, illustrate an implementation of the system, equipment, and methods consistent with the present description and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles consistent with the disclosure. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same numbers used in the figures refer to the same components.It is understood, however, that the use of a number to refer to a component in a particular figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure designated by the same number. The description further characterizes and clarifies the present disclosure, particularly in connection with the figures.

[0049] Further aspects, advantages, and outstanding features of the present disclosure will become apparent to the person skilled in the art from the detailed description below, which, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, discloses exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therein, the following are shown: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a vehicle with an external rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 a perspective view of an actuator assembly with a mirror base of the external rearview mirror according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 an exploded view of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2 without a helical worm gear; Fig. 5 Another exploded view of the actuator assembly from a different perspective compared to Fig. 4; Fig. 6a a perspective view of a helical gear drive of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 6b a perspective view of the helical gear drive of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2, coupled with an arc-shaped element; Fig. 7a a perspective view of the arc-shaped element of Fig. 6b; Fig. 7b a perspective view of a normal and an extended configuration of the arc-shaped element of Fig. 7b with an auxiliary wave; Fig. 8 a perspective view of the inclined shaft of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 9 a perspective view of a sloping cover together with the arc-shaped element and the helical gear drive of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 10a and Fig. 10b a perspective view of the helical gear drive of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2 at the outermost ends in engagement with a helical worm gear; Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b Different perspective views of a tensioner of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2; Fig. 12 a perspective view of the tensioner and the helical gear drive of the actuator assembly of Fig. 2.

[0050] The aforementioned objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become even clearer from the detailed description below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, various modifications to the present disclosure are possible, and the present disclosure may include various embodiments of the invention. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrated in the drawings, are described in detail below.

[0051] The following description presents numerous specific details for illustrative purposes, in order to facilitate a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it is evident to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be applied in practice without these specific details. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of how the embodiments herein can be applied in practice and to further enable those skilled in the art to apply the embodiments herein in practice. Accordingly, the examples should not be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0052] In this patent specification, the reference to "an embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or property described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" at various points in the patent specification does not necessarily always refer to the same embodiment, and separate or alternative embodiments and other embodiments are not mutually exclusive. Furthermore, various features are described that can be represented by some embodiments and not by others. Likewise, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but not for others.

[0053] Furthermore, every person skilled in the art recognizes that, although the following description contains many special features for illustrative purposes, many variations and / or modifications of the details are within the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, the person skilled in the art recognizes that, although many of the features of the invention are described in relation to or in combination with one another, many of these features can be provided independently of other features. Accordingly, this description of the present disclosure is set out without any loss of generality and without imposing any limitations on the present disclosure.

[0054] In the drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. When it is stated that an element or layer is "on" or "above" another element or layer, this includes a case where another layer or element is located between them and a case where the element or layer is located directly above the other element or layer. Generally, reference numerals denote elements throughout the patent specification. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to designate elements that have the same function within the context of the same concept illustrated in the drawings of each embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] If a detailed description of known functions or configurations in connection with the present disclosure is considered to unnecessarily obscure the core of the disclosure, such a detailed description will be omitted. Similarly, numerical terms used in the description herein (e.g., first, second, etc.) are merely identifiers to distinguish one element from another.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms “module” and “unit”, which refer to elements in the description below, are only specified or used in combination for the sake of simplicity in the formulation of the patent specification, and the terms themselves have no particular meaning or function.

[0057] Furthermore, the use of a singular term, such as "one," should not be interpreted as limiting the number of components or details of specific components. Moreover, various terms and / or phrases describing or indicating a positional or directional reference, including "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "forward," "backward," "end," "outer," "inner," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," etc., may refer to one or more specific components as they are generally perceived from a user's point of view during use or operation. Such terms and / or phrases are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for describing the disclosure to a person skilled in the art.Furthermore, the suffixes “area”, “part”, “unit” for a component used in the description below are only specified in combination or mixed, taking into account a simple formulation of the patent specification, and have no meaning or function that distinguishes them from one another.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a vehicle 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 200 mentioned herein represents a four-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle 200 may represent other vehicles, such as two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, six-wheeled vehicles, eight-wheeled vehicles, off-road vehicles, etc., without limiting the scope of the disclosure. Fig. Figure 1 also shows two external rearview mirrors 102 fitted to the vehicle 200, with one external rearview mirror 102 attached to each side of the vehicle 200.

[0059] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an actuator assembly 100 with a mirror base of the external rearview mirror 102. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of actuator assembly 100. As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the actuator assembly 100 includes a helical worm gear 104, a helical gear 106, an arc-shaped element 108, a helical shaft 110 and a helical cover 140.

[0060] The actuator assembly 100 can be configured inside a housing of the external rearview mirror 102, i.e., the housing of the mirror head, which is to be moved relative to the mirror base by means of the actuator assembly. In detail, the actuator assembly 100 is configured at least to allow a tilting movement of the head of the external rearview mirror 102 for adjusting a field of vision provided to a driver of the vehicle 200 via each of the two rearview mirrors 102.

[0061] The helical worm gear 104 is configured to receive torque from a power source (not shown). In one embodiment, the helical worm gear 104 can receive the torque from the power source via a drive train. The helical worm gear 104 can be a stepped bevel gear. Furthermore, the helical worm gear 104 can engage with the helical gear 106 to transmit the received torque to the helical gear 106. The combination of the helical worm gear 104 and the helical gear 106 functions as a reduction gear assembly, with the helical worm gear 104 acting as the drive and the helical gear 106 as the driven gear. The rotation of the helical gear 106 can also be physically restricted by placing one or more stops, in particular two stops (not shown), at two extreme ends or positions.The expert possesses the knowledge to implement the stopper(s).

[0062] The Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 each shows an exploded view of the actuator assembly 100 (without the helical worm gear 104) from two different perspectives. The actuator assembly 100 as shown in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the helical gear drive 106, the arcuate element 108, the helical shaft 110, the angled cover 140, and a clamp 120. The helical gear drive 106 is connected to the angled cover 140 via the arcuate element 108 along a second axis of rotation BB. Optionally, the clamp 120 can be positioned between two end faces 108c (see Figure 5). Fig. 7a) of the arc-shaped element 108 and the wedge-shaped element 106c (see Fig. 6a) of the helical gear drive 106. Furthermore, the helical cover 140 is connected to the helical shaft 110 along a first axis of rotation AA.

[0063] The helical gear unit 106 as in Fig. Figure 6a shows that the helical gear 106 can have an outer surface 106a and an inner surface 106b. The helical gear 106 can be made of a polymer material. In one embodiment, the helical gear 106 can be made of PA6 CF30. The outer surface 106a of the helical gear 106 can mesh with and be in engagement with the helical worm gear 104. The inner surface 106b can include a wedge-shaped element 106c. The wedge-shaped element 106c can rise from the inner surface 106b. Furthermore, the wedge-shaped element 106c can include at least one pin element 106d and at least one recess 106e.

[0064] Furthermore, the helical gear unit 106 can be used in Fig. 6b is frictionally coupled to the arc-shaped element 108. The arc-shaped element 108 can be a ring spring and pressed into the helical gear 106. This allows the outer surface 108a of the arc-shaped element 108 to be frictionally coupled to the inner surface 106b of the helical gear 106. Furthermore, a gap can exist between at least one end of the arc-shaped element 108 and the wedge-shaped element 106c. This gap can increase depending on the operating conditions, such as the number of settings, the temperature and humidity environment during use, and / or the assembly tolerance. If the ring spring is over-tensioned, a counter-reaction occurs due to the clearance, and if the mechanism is designed by driving and adjusting the tilting axis, backlash exists. A gear back-reaction can occur during deceleration of the helical gear and the helical worm gear 104.In one embodiment, due to the tensile force of the ring spring, clearance management is required to cope with, for example, thermal expansion or contraction of the ring spring.

[0065] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7a, the arc-shaped element 108 can have an outer surface 108a, an inner surface 108b, and two end surfaces 108c. The arc-shaped element 108 can be a C-shaped element. The arc-shaped element 108 can be made of an elastic material that possesses elastic properties, which make it easier to form an auxiliary shaft 140b as shown in Figure 7a. Fig. 7b to engage or release. In one embodiment, the arc-shaped element 108 can be made of SKS material. The outer surface 108a of the arc-shaped element 108 can be frictionally coupled to the inner surface 106b of the helical gear 106 about a second axis of rotation BB, as shown in Fig. 9 shown.

[0066] Furthermore, the swashplate 110 can be used as in Fig. Figure 8 shows a central shaft 110b and an extended arm 110a. The central shaft 110b can have a first axis of rotation AA. Furthermore, the central shaft 110b can comprise a plurality of projections 110d. The central shaft 110b can have a first end 110f and a second end 110s. The second end 110s can be configured to connect to the head of the external rearview mirror 102 (not shown). Furthermore, the extended arm 110a can have a main shaft 110c. The inclined shaft 110 can be made of a polymer material. In one embodiment, the inclined shaft 110 can be made of PA6-GF50 material. The inclined shaft 110 can also have a side wall guide 110w. Furthermore, the helical shaft 110 also includes a raised surface 110r which has at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive 106.Furthermore, the first end 110f of the central shaft 110b can be coupled to the inclined cover 140.

[0067] Furthermore, the slanted cover 140 can be used as in Fig. Figure 9 shows a main borehole 140a (also in Fig. 4 shown) and the auxiliary shaft 140b. The inclined cover 140 can be made of a polymer material. In one embodiment, the inclined cover 140 can be made of a PA6-GF65 material. The inclined cover 140 can comprise a plurality of cutouts 140d, which can be configured to align with the plurality of projections 110d of the central shaft 110b of the inclined shaft 110 (as shown in Fig. 4 shown). The inclined cover 140 can also include a projecting support surface 140p with at least one opening for applying synthetic oil to lubricate the helical gear drive 106. Furthermore, the inclined cover 140 can include a support surface 140s designed to couple the side wall guide 110w of the helical shaft 110 (as shown in Fig. (5 shown). The main bore 140a can be configured to couple with the first end 110f of the central shaft 110b about the first axis of rotation AA. The auxiliary shaft 140b can have a secondary bore 140c, which can be configured to couple with the main shaft 110c. Furthermore, the auxiliary shaft 140b can be configured to coaxially mount the arc-shaped element 108 and the helical gear 106. The auxiliary shaft 140b can be configured to mount the inner surface 108b of the arc-shaped element 108 about the second axis of rotation BB. Furthermore, the outer surface 108a of the arc-shaped element 108 can be frictionally coupled to the inner surface 106b of the helical gear 106 about the second axis of rotation BB. Furthermore, at least one of the two end surfaces 108c of the arc-shaped element 108 can be designed to adjoin the wedge-shaped element 106c of the helical gear drive 106.

[0068] The elastic nature of the arc-shaped element 108 makes it possible to engage or disengage the helical gear 106 from the auxiliary shaft 140b, which in turn enables or stops the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 110. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7b by means of continuous lines, if the torque received by the arc-shaped element 108 is less than the section modulus of the arc-shaped element 108, the arc-shaped element 108 is designed to retain its shape and thereby engage with the auxiliary shaft 140b to enable the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 110. However, if the torque received by the arc-shaped element 108 is greater than the section modulus of the arc-shaped element 108, the arc-shaped element 108 is designed to change shape as shown in Figure 7b. Fig. 7b, shown by dashed lines, to extend and thereby detach itself from the auxiliary shaft 140b in order to stop the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 110.

[0069] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the helical worm gear 104 can drive the helical gear 106 to rotate about the first axis of rotation AA of the helical shaft 110 when the arcuate element 108 engages the auxiliary shaft 140b with the helical gear 106. In the event of a motor malfunction, the helical gear 106 can transmit a torque to the arcuate element 108 that is greater than its section modulus. This can cause the arcuate element 108 to disengage from the auxiliary shaft 140b and stop the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 110. This can cause the helical worm gear 104 to rotate the helical gear 106 about the second axis of rotation BB. This can also lead to a reduction in friction and shear stress between the helical worm gear 104 and the helical gear 106.

[0070] In another embodiment, in which the helical gear drive 106 is located at the outermost ends of the helical worm drive 104, as in the Fig. 10a and Fig. As indicated in Figure 10b, the reaction force from the stopper can cause the magnitude of the torque reaching the arc-shaped element 108 to exceed its section modulus. This can lead to the arc-shaped element 108 disengaging from the auxiliary shaft 140b and stopping the transmission of rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 140. This can cause the helical worm gear 104 to rotate the helical gear 106 about the second axis of rotation BB. This can also lead to a reduction in the friction between the helical worm gear 104 and the helical gear 106 caused by the feedback.

[0071] In yet another embodiment, the external rearview mirror 102 can be tilted from the outside so that the helical gear 106 drives the helical worm gear 104 in reverse. This attempt at reverse rotation in the reduction gear assembly of the helical worm gear 104 and the helical gear 106 can cause a torque to exceed the section modulus of the arc-shaped element 108. This can lead to the arc-shaped element 108 becoming detached from the auxiliary shaft 140b and to the cessation of the transmission of rotary motion from the helical shaft 140 to the helical gear 106. This can also lead to a reduction in the shear stress between the helical worm gear 104 and the helical gear 106.

[0072] In yet another embodiment, the actuator assembly 100 can actuate a clamping device 120 as described in the Fig. 11a and Fig. The clamping device 120 can be positioned between the two end faces 108c of the arc-shaped element 108 and the wedge-shaped element 106c. The clamping device 120 can securely fasten the arc-shaped element 108 to the helical gear 106. Furthermore, the clamping device 120 can comprise at least one hole 120a and at least one clamp 120b. The at least one hole 120a of the clamping device 120 can also be configured as shown in Figure 11b. Fig. 12 shown accordingly with the at least one pin element 106d of the wedge-shaped element 106c. Likewise, the at least one clamp 120b of the clamping device 120 can be coupled as in Fig. The clamping element 120 is inserted into at least one recess 106e of the wedge-shaped element 106c, as shown in Figure 12. The clamping element 120 can be made of a hardened steel material. In one embodiment, the clamping element 120 can be made of SK5 material. In another embodiment, the clamping element 120 can be a U-shaped element.

[0073] The following is a brief description of some embodiments of the present disclosure: Design 1: An actuator assembly 100 for an external rearview mirror 102, the actuator assembly 100, comprises the following: a helical worm gear 104; a helical gear 106 having an outer surface 106a and an inner surface 106b, wherein the outer surface 106a of the helical gear 106 engages with the helical worm gear 104; an arc-shaped element 108 having an outer surface 108a, an inner surface 108b and two end surfaces 108c, wherein the outer surface 108a of the arc-shaped element 108 is coupled to the inner surface 106b of the helical gear 106 about a second axis of rotation BB; and a swashplate shaft 110 comprising a central shaft 110b, wherein the central shaft 110b comprises a first end 110f and a second end 110s, wherein the second end 110s of the central shaft 110b is configured to connect with the external rearview mirror 102, and the central shaft 110b comprises a first axis of rotation AA;a slant cover 140 comprising a main bore 140a and an auxiliary shaft 140B, wherein the main bore 140a is configured to couple with the first end 110f of the central shaft 110b around the first AA, and the auxiliary shaft 140b is configured to fasten the inner surface 108b of the arcuate element 108 around the second axis of rotation BB, wherein the arcuate element 108 is configured to engage or disengage the helical gear 106 with the auxiliary shaft 140b in order to transmit or stop a rotary motion from the helical gear 106 to the helical shaft 110. Design 2: The inner surface 106b of the helical gear drive 106 comprises a wedge-shaped element 106c, wherein the wedge-shaped element 106c is designed to adjoin at least one of the two end surfaces 108c of the arc-shaped element 108. Design 3: The helical worm gear 104 is designed to drive the helical gear 106 about the first axis of rotation AA of the helical shaft 110 when the arc-shaped element 108 engages the auxiliary shaft 140b with the helical gear 106. Design 4: The helical worm gear 104 is designed to rotate the helical gear 106 about the second axis of rotation BB when the arc-shaped element 108 releases the auxiliary shaft 140b from the helical gear 106. Design 5: The central shaft 110b comprises a plurality of projections 110d, and wherein the inclined cover 140 comprises a plurality of cutouts 140d which are designed to couple accordingly with the plurality of projections 110d. Design 6: The swashplate shaft 110 further comprises an extended arm 110a, wherein the extended arm 110a comprises a main shaft 110c and wherein the auxiliary shaft 140b comprises a secondary bore 140c which is designed to couple with the main shaft 110c. Design 7: The wedge-shaped element 106c comprises at least one pin element 106d and at least one recess 106e. Design 8: The actuator assembly 100 also includes a clamping device 120, which is placed between the two end faces 108c and the wedge-shaped element 106c. Design 9: The clamping device 120 includes at least one hole 120a and at least one clamp 120b. Design 10: The at least one pin element 106d of the wedge-shaped element 106c fits accordingly into the at least one hole 120a of the clamp 120, wherein the at least one clamp 120b of the clamp 120 fits accordingly into the at least one recess 106e of the wedge-shaped element 106c. Design 11: The inclined shaft 110 further comprises a side wall guide 110w, and the inclined cover 140 comprises a support surface 140s designed to accommodate the side wall guide 110w. Design 12: The helical shaft 110 further comprises a raised surface 110r which has at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive 106. Design 13: The inclined cover 140 further comprises a projecting support surface 140p with at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive 106. Design 14: The arc-shaped element 108 is of elastic nature. Design 15: A vehicle 200 comprising an actuator assembly 100 according to one of the previous embodiments.

[0074] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror that reduces friction and shear stress between the helical worm gear and the helical gear in a scenario where the helical worm gear is overdriven onto the helical gear. The present disclosure also provides an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror that reduces friction and shear stress between the helical worm gear and the helical gear when driving the helical gear at its outermost ends. Furthermore, the present disclosure provides an actuator assembly for an external rearview mirror that reduces the shear stress between the helical worm gear and the helical gear when manually tilting the mirror from the outside.

[0075] Although the subject matter of this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or actions, it is understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. The specific features and actions described above are disclosed as examples of the implementation of the claims, and other equivalent features and actions are intended to fall within the scope of the claims; that is, the features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims, and the drawings may be essential, both individually and in combination, for carrying out this disclosure in its various embodiments. The embodiments shown herein are merely examples of this disclosure and should therefore not be considered limiting.Alternative embodiments considered by those skilled in the art are equally covered by the scope of protection of the present disclosure. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 actuator assembly 102 Exterior rearview mirrors 104 helical worm gears 106 helical gear transmissions 106a Outdoor area 106b Interior surface 106c wedge-shaped element 106d pin element 106e recess 108 arc-shaped element 108a Outdoor area 108b Interior surface 108c End surface 110 swashplate 110a extended arm 110b Central wave 110c main shaft 110d Plural of protrusions 110f first end 110r raised area 110s second end 110w side wall guide 120 Spanners 120a hole 120b bracket 140 Slanted cover 140a Main borehole 140b Auxiliary shaft 140c secondary bore 140d Plural of cutouts 140s contact area 140p projecting bearing surface 200 vehicles AA first axis of rotation BB second axis of rotation

Claims

[1] Actuator assembly (100) configured to rotate an external rearview mirror (102), in particular a head of the external rearview mirror (102) attached to a vehicle (200), wherein the actuator assembly (100) comprises the following: - at least one helical worm gear (104); - at least one helical gear drive (106) having at least one outer surface (106a) and one inner surface (106b), wherein the outer surface (106a) of the helical gear drive (106) engages at least partially with the helical worm drive (104); - at least one swashplate shaft (110) comprising a central shaft (110b), wherein the central wave (110b) comprises a first end (110f) and a second end (110s), wherein the second end (110s) of the central wave (110b) is designed to connect with the external rearview mirror (102), in particular with its head, and the central shaft (110b) has a first axis of rotation (AA), - at least one inclined cover (140) comprising at least one main bore (140a), wherein the main bore (140a) is designed to couple at least partially with the first end (110f) of the central shaft (110b) in order to coincide with the first axis of rotation (AA), characterized by - at least one arc-shaped element (108) having at least one outer surface (108a), one inner surface (108b) and two end surfaces (108c), wherein • the outer surface (108a) of the arc-shaped element (108) is at least partially coupled to the inner surface (106b) of the helical gear drive (106), • the axis of rotation of the arc-shaped element (108) and the helical gear drive (106) coincides with a second axis of rotation (BB), • comprising at least one inclined cover (140) and an auxiliary shaft (140b), • the auxiliary shaft (140b) is designed to fasten the inner surface (108b) of the arc-shaped element (108) in order to coincide with the second axis of rotation (BB), and • the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to engage the helical gear drive (106) with the auxiliary shaft (140b) or to disengage it from it in order to transmit a rotary motion or to stop the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear drive (106) to the helical shaft (110). [2] Actuator assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the arc-shaped element (108) comprises at least one ring spring, which is optionally pressed into the helical gear drive (106), and / or the outer surface (108a) of the arc-shaped element (108) is frictionally coupled to the inner surface (106b) of the helical gear drive (106) about the second axis of rotation (BB). [3] Actuator assembly (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner surface (106b) of the helical gear drive (106) comprises at least one wedge-shaped element (106c), wherein the wedge-shaped element (106c) is in particular designed to at least partially adjoin at least one of the two end surfaces (108c) of the arc-shaped element (108), and / or wherein at least one gap is provided between at least one of the two end faces (108c) of the arc-shaped element (108) and the wedge-shaped element (106c). [4] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the helical worm gear (104) is designed to act on the helical gear (106) in such a way that it rotates the helical shaft (110) about the first axis of rotation (AA) when the arc-shaped element (108) engages the auxiliary shaft (140b) with the helical gear (106), and the helical worm gear (104) is designed to act on the helical gear (106) in such a way that it rotates the helical gear (106) about the second axis of rotation (BB) when the arc-shaped element (108) releases the auxiliary shaft (140b) from the helical gear (106). [5] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arc-shaped element (108) is elastic, wherein the elastic nature of the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to allow the helical gear drive (106) to engage with or disengage from the auxiliary shaft (140b), which in turn enables or stops the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear drive (106) to the helical shaft (110). [6] Actuator assembly (100) according to claim 5, wherein, if the torque received by the arc-shaped element (108) is less than a section modulus of the arc-shaped element (108), the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to retain its shape, thereby engaging with the auxiliary shaft (140b) to enable the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear (106) to the helical shaft (110), and, if the torque received by the arc-shaped element (108) is greater than a resistance modulus of the arc-shaped element (108), the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to expand in order to detach itself from the auxiliary shaft (140b) in order to stop the transmission of a rotary motion from the helical gear drive (106) to the helical shaft (110). [7] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the central wave (110b) comprises a plurality of projections (110d) and the inclined cover (140) comprises a plurality of cutouts (140d) which are designed to couple at least partially with the plurality of projections (110d). [8] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the swashplate shaft (110) further comprises an extended arm (110a), wherein the extended arm (110a) comprises a main shaft (110c) and the auxiliary shaft (140b) comprises a secondary bore (140c) designed to couple with the main shaft (110c). [9] Actuator assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 8, with reference back to claim 3, characterized by a clamping device (120) which is placed between the two end faces (108c) and the wedge-shaped element (106c), wherein optional the tensioner (120) is designed to secure the arc-shaped element (108) to the helical gear drive (106). [10] Actuator assembly (100) according to claim 9, wherein the clamping device (120) comprises at least one hole (120a) and / or at least one clamp (120b) and / or the clamping device (120) is made of hardened steel material and / or is a U-shaped element. [11] Actuator assembly (100) according to any one of claims 3 to 10, with reference back to claim 3, wherein the wedge-shaped element (106c) comprises at least one pin element (106d) and / or at least one recess (106e). [12] Actuator assembly (100) according to claim 11, with reference back to claim 9, that at least one pin element (106d) of the wedge-shaped element (106c) fits accordingly into the at least one hole (120a) of the clamping device (120) and / or the at least one clamp (120b) of the clamping device (120) fits accordingly into the at least one recess (106e) of the wedge-shaped element (106c). [13] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined shaft (110) further comprises at least one side wall guide (110w) and The sloping cover (140) includes a support surface (140s) designed to accommodate at least part of the side wall guide (110w). [14] Actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the helical shaft (110) further comprises at least one raised surface (110r) which has at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive (106), and / or The inclined cover (140) further comprises at least one projecting support surface (140p) with at least one opening for applying synthetic oil for lubricating the helical gear drive (106). [15] External rearview mirror (102) comprising at least one actuator assembly (100) according to one of the preceding claims. [16] External rearview mirror (102) according to claim 15, wherein, when the external rearview mirror (102) is tilted from the outside with the intention that the helical gear drive (106) drives the helical worm gear drive (104) in reverse and the torque exceeds the resistance torque of the arc-shaped element (108), the arc-shaped element (108) is designed to detach from the auxiliary shaft (140b) so that the transmission of the rotary motion from the helical shaft (140) to the helical gear drive (106) comes to a standstill. [17] Vehicle (200) which has at least one of the following: an actuator assembly (100) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and / or an external rearview mirror (102) according to claim 15 or 16.

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