Drive Component for Adjustment Device

Abstract

The drive component (1) comprises a first rotating part (2) and a second rotating part (3) designed to rotate together about a common central axis (4) and relative to each other about the central axis. The drive also includes a rotation limiter (5) that limits the rotation between the two rotating parts, so that when the first rotating part is driven in rotation, it rotates the second rotating part to an angular position determined by the rotation limiter, i.e., the carry angle, after passing through a free angular stroke. The rotation limiter includes an indexer (36) that is activated by the rotation of the first and / or second rotating parts, so that in each drive cycle of a series of drive cycles of the drive component, the first rotating part is driven from a stop to a rotation, followed by the second rotating part, and then stopped again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drive component for an adjustment device for adjusting an external visual unit of a motor vehicle, for example.

Background Art

[0002] An adjustment device for an external visual element of a motor vehicle typically includes a carrier that supports an external visual unit such as an external mirror, a camera, LIDAR, and / or a display. The carrier may be part of the housing of the external visual unit or another component. The carrier is typically adjustable relative to the base of the adjustment device attached to the motor vehicle by a drive device, specifically an electric drive device, and may or may not be adjustable relative to the housing of the external visual unit.

[0003] The adjustment device is generally intended to adjust the visual unit about a plurality of adjustment axes, specifically about an axis perpendicular to the fixed world and about an axis transverse to the fixed world. For example, when the external visual unit is in the drive position, the driver can set the angle at which the external visual element is viewed. Adjustment about the vertical axis can typically be performed in two directions, i.e., from left to right and from right to left. Adjustment about the horizontal axis can likewise be performed in two directions, i.e., from bottom to top and from top to bottom. In practice, the term mirror glass actuator is used. The adjustment device also typically includes two housing parts pivotally connected to each other, namely a fixed part for connection to a support frame and an adjustment part for connection to the external visual unit. Typically, the output part for supporting the external visual unit is connected to the fixed part via two separate drive devices, each having a dedicated electric motor, so that the adjustment operation of the output part is performed in a slave manner for each adjustment axis.

[0004] In addition, the adjusting device may adjust the visual unit between a parking position in which the carrier extends substantially along the vehicle and a deployed drive position in which the carrier extends substantially in the lateral direction of the vehicle. Such an actuator is usually referred to as an electric retractable actuator. The base of the adjusting device generally comprises feet for attachment to the outer part of the vehicle body and a base shaft extending from the feet along an axis in the upright direction with respect to the fixed world, and receives the carrier, specifically the support frame of the mirror glass actuator, so as to be pivotable about the base shaft. Usually, since the carrier is connected to the base via a separate drive device having a dedicated electric motor, the pivoting operation for folding and deploying the carrier is performed passively.

[0005] In a plurality of examples, the adjusting device may be provided with one actuator having two drive devices each provided with a dedicated electric motor, whereby both the pivoting operation in which the carrier is folded and deployed and the adjusting operation in which the carrier is adjusted about the vertical and / or horizontal axes are performed. And the external visual unit can be regarded as a two-axis electric retractable actuator or a mirror glass actuator having an electric retractable function. In an adjusting device having such a single actuator, the pivot axis coincides with the vertical adjustment axis. Such an adjusting device is described in European Patent No. 3218226.

[0006] In fact, the adjusting device generally comprises an electric motor and a drive shaft connected to the same motor for each axis to be adjusted, and the drive shaft cooperates with one adjustment axis via a transmission along a fixed drive path. And the rotational direction of the adjustment axis can only be changed by reversing the rotational direction of the electric motor.

[0007] This is disadvantageous in that an electronic circuit for reversing the rotational direction of the motor is required for each axis to be adjusted. In the case of a DC electric motor, for example, in the door of a vehicle, a switch and wiring capable of reversing the polarity of the motor connection are required for each axis to be adjusted.

[0008] Since the external visual unit generally needs to be adjusted around two adjustment axes, in practice, the drive of the adjustment device includes a plurality of electric motors. This is disadvantageous in that electric motors are relatively expensive and sometimes take up insufficient space.

[0009] In order to address the above-mentioned drawbacks, attempts have already been made to provide a drive device for an adjustment device that can adjust an external visual unit centered around two adjustment axes with a single electric motor.

[0010] In this regard, the Dutch Patent No. 1007139 describes a drive device for an adjustment device, specifically for pivoting the support element of an external mirror of a motor vehicle, whereby the support element of the vehicle's external mirror can be pivoted around the respective vertical and lateral adjustment axes using a single electric motor. The drive device includes a single electric motor and a drive shaft connected thereto, and the drive shaft is in cooperation with each of the first and second adjustment shafts via a transmission. The first adjustment shaft is driven only by the rotation of the drive shaft in the first rotation direction, and the second adjustment shaft is driven only by the rotation of the drive shaft in the opposite second rotation direction. The two adjustment shafts are each connected to the support element via a rotation-translation conversion unit. Each rotation-translation conversion unit includes a rotating disk having pins at eccentric positions that are received in two linear slots that are laterally opposite each other in the support element. During driving, since the pins move up and down in the slots periodically, the support element of the external mirror can be pivoted around each of the vertical and lateral adjustment axes. This device certainly has advantages, but also has drawbacks. For example, when the desired angular position is exceeded, due to the periodic nature of the adjustment, it is necessary to continue adjusting to the limit position first before searching for the desired angular position again. Also, the adjustment speed is not constant and rises sharply from low to high between the limit position and the neutral position. Since the set position is usually near the neutral position, due to the high speed, the desired set position is missed, and while the speed increases again, it takes time to approach the desired position again.

[0011] Also, according to International Publication No. 2003 / 086816, there is known a drive device for an adjustment device, specifically for pivoting a support element of an external mirror of a vehicle, by which a support element of an external mirror of a vehicle can be pivoted in two adjustment directions about respective adjustment axes of upright and lateral directions using a single DC electric motor. The drive device includes a single electric motor having a drive shaft connected via a centrifugal clutch to two drive paths each connected to a different adjustment shaft. When the motor is energized, the motor in each case in a respective rotational direction first adjusts the first adjustment shaft via the first drive path, and when the energized motor exceeds a specific speed (rpm), it adjusts the second adjustment shaft via the second drive path. This device certainly has advantages but also has disadvantages. For example, the motor first has to increase its rotational speed until it changes the rotational direction to reach the second drive path, which can result in an adjustment that is not necessary via the first drive path. Also, the noise generated by the drive device during adjustment in different rotational directions varies greatly depending on the difference in the rotational speed of the motor. This last point can be annoying to the driver of the vehicle. Finally, the available power for adjusting each shaft varies depending on the speed (rpm). That is, this means that it is necessary to select a better motor with a high cost-effectiveness, or in certain situations (e.g., extremely cold), the power of the motor in the adjustment direction is insufficient and becomes the lowest speed, and as a result, the adjustment device may not make an adjustment in that adjustment direction.

[0012] Also, in other applications of the adjustment device, it is desirable to be able to arrange the drive device so that multiple functions are possible without the need for separate electrical control units or circuits. Thus, without providing an electrical control unit or circuit, for example, with the same electric drive device, not only the height but also the angular position of the headrest can be adjusted, and in the case of a drill press, not only can the drill be rotated in two directions, but also the drill chuck can be activated or removed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a drive component for an adjustment device, and aims to provide a drive component that can maintain the above-described advantages while overcoming the above-described problems. In this regard, the present invention particularly aims to provide a drive component that has a drive device and a single motor, and can adjust an adjustment shaft in both forward and reverse rotation directions in one rotation direction, and in particular, can adjust at a constant adjustment speed and an equal motor speed. Further, the present invention aims to provide a drive component that has a drive device and a single motor, enables adjustment around two adjustment axes, the adjustment axes and / or the adjustment directions around each adjustment axis can be selected by the user, the adjustment speed is constant, the adjustment shaft can be adjusted at an equal motor speed, and in particular, does not require an electric control unit or an electric circuit.

[0014] Therefore, the present invention includes a first rotating part and a second rotating part, which rotate together around a common central axis and are arranged to rotate around the central axis with respect to each other. Further, a rotation limiter is provided which is operable between the two rotating parts and limits the rotation between the two rotating parts.

[0015] When the first rotating part is rotationally driven, the rotation limiter is arranged such that after crossing a free angle stroke, the first rotating part supports the second rotating part while rotating at a mutual angular position determined by the rotation limiter, that is, a carried angle.

[0016] The rotation limiter includes an indexer activated by the rotation of the first and / or second rotating part. In a series of drive cycles in the drive component, in each drive cycle, the first rotating part is driven from a stop to rotation, carries the second rotating part, and then stops again. In this series of drive cycles, the carried angle is indexed, and the two rotating parts in the series of drive cycles have different angular positions with respect to each other during carrying.

[0017] By providing a rotational activation indexer to a rotational limiter that causes the first and second rotating parts of a drive component to be in different mutual angular positions when carried during a series of activations, the drive component can take on different configurations during a series of activations. Thus, using the drive component, the drive device can be mechanically controlled by that series of activations. The rotational limiter may be arranged to limit rotation between the two rotating parts for each rotation or for each part of a rotation. Thus, a series of angular positions can be continuously traversed, for example, in one cycle. Preferably, the difference between the first and other angular positions is 360 / n, where n is a natural number from 1 to 12, for example, 360°, 180°, 120°, 90°, 72°, 60°, 45°, 40°, 36°, or 30°.

[0018] By arranging the first rotating part so that the second rotating part is supported by the rotational limiter at the first and / or other angular positions during rotation, and causing the two rotating parts to rotate together about the central axis, using the drive component, it can be achieved that the load via the drive component is still driven as before.

[0019] And the indexer is provided with a passer arranged to pass the rotational limiter through at least one of the two rotating parts, so that when the two rotating parts are indexed with each other, the drive component can be realized in a relatively simple manner.

[0020] When the rotational limiter has cooperative blocking elements for the first and second rotating parts respectively, it can be realized in a relatively simple manner that the two rotating parts support each other during rotation and rotate together about the central axis.

[0021] By arranging the passer to pass through the rotating part by adjusting the cooperative blocking elements of the rotational limiter in the radial and / or axial directions relative to each other, the drive component can be made with a particularly compact design in the radial direction.

[0022] When the pusher includes a rotation-translation conversion unit, the indexing mechanism can be relatively easily integrated into the drive component, and the drive component can be relatively easily reconfigured during a series of activations. In particular, by using such a drive component, the drive device can relatively easily perform a mechanical switching of the configuration by means of that series of activation cycles.

[0023] When the pusher includes a slide extending transversely to the central axis, the blocking elements can be made to selectively engage and / or disengage with respect to each other.

[0024] By imparting a rotational activation to the pusher that activates the pusher when one of the two rotating parts rotates, the indexing of the pusher and the two rotating parts with respect to each other can be made to assume mechanically different configurations by rotation using a conventional drive part. In particular, preferably when the first rotating part rotates, the second rotating part can be indexed with respect to the first rotating part.

[0025] When the rotational activation includes a centrifugal activation, the two rotating parts can relatively easily assume different configurations during a series of activations using so-called centripetal acceleration or centrifugal force. In particular, when the pusher is moved eccentrically, for example arranged on the first rotating part, when the first rotating part rotates, the slide of the pusher is activated and attempts to change its position by centrifugal force. In this way, for example, a cam of a cam and groove pair is pressed against the surface of the second rotating part until it reaches the position of the receiving groove and engages with the receiving groove, whereby the rotating parts are indexed with respect to each other. In addition to or instead of this, the drive component can include one or more adjustable eccentric weights between an inner position located radially inward and an outer position located radially outward, and the one or more eccentric weights can activate the pusher via a corresponding stop surface especially by centrifugal activation during rotation.

[0026] If the pusher is subject to the action of a spring, particularly with respect to rotation and more specifically to centrifugal activation, it is possible to achieve that the pusher takes on its initial configuration when the rotation of the drive component decreases in a relatively simple manner.

[0027] By arranging at least one of the two rotating parts to impart an operating pulse during restricted rotation between a series of angular positions of the rotating part, the two rotating parts can be indexed relative to each other at a series of angular positions in a relatively simple manner.

[0028] When the two rotating parts cooperate via a rotational-translational conversion part and shift axially relative to each other by restricted rotation between a series of angular positions, it is possible to realize that the two rotating parts are mechanically indexed relative to each other with a relatively simple structure.

[0029] By forming the second rotating part as an output shaft or connecting it to the output shaft, and arranging at least one of the two rotating parts to impart an operating pulse by axial translation during restricted rotation between a series of angular positions of the two rotating parts, the drive device can be mechanically controlled by a series of activations of the drive device using the drive component.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a drive device comprising an electric motor, particularly a DC electric motor, and the drive component described above, wherein the output shaft of the electric motor is connected to the first rotating part, and the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with other components of the drive device. Thus, it is possible to excellently provide a drive device that can be mechanically controlled by sequential energization of the electric motor.

[0031] And the other components of the drive device preferably are or include a transmission, the output shaft is in cooperation with the transmission, and the output shaft takes a first axial position for driving a first transmission path of the transmission at a first angular position and takes a second axial position for driving a second transmission path of the transmission at another angular position.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method of driving an adjusting device, in particular an adjusting device comprising the drive device described above, wherein by energizing an electric motor, a first rotating part and a second rotating part of the drive component are indexed relative to each other at an inter-angle position by rotation between the first and second rotating parts limited to a series of angular positions. The technical features of the drive device described in the above paragraph can also be advantageously applied to drive devices having different configurations respectively. That is, it should be noted that each technical feature may be used alone separately from its context as required, or may be combined with one or some of the above features as required. The present invention will be further described based on the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] Each drawing is as follows.

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 3

Figures 4.1A - 4.11C

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] It should be noted that each drawing only schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is given as a non-limiting example of an embodiment. In each embodiment, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a drive component 1 according to the present invention. The drive component 1 includes a first rotating part 2 and a second rotating part 3. The two rotating parts 2 and 3 rotate together around a common central axis 4 and are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to each other around the central axis 4. The drive component 1 further includes a rotation limiter 5 that operates between the two rotating parts 2 and 3. The rotation limiter 5 is designed such that when the first rotating part 2 is driven to rotate, after crossing a free angle stroke, the first rotating part 2 supports the second rotating part 3 while rotating at a mutual angular position determined by the rotation limiter 5. The rotation limiter 5 of this first embodiment limits the rotation between the rotating parts 2 and 3 to a first mutual angular position α1 between the rotating parts 2 and 3.

[0036] The rotation limiter 5 includes an indexer 36 that is activated by the rotation of the first rotating part 2. By means of the indexer 36, in a series of drive cycles of the drive component 1, the carrying angle is indexed to ensure that the mutual angular positions of the rotating parts 2 and 3 during carrying in a series of drive cycles are different. In each drive cycle, the first rotating part 2 is driven from a stop to rotation, supports and moves the second rotating part 3, and then stops again when the drive cycle ends.

[0037] The indexer 36 is provided with a passer 6. The passer 6 is arranged to pass the rotation limiter 5 through the rotating part 3 so that the rotating parts 2 and 3 are indexed with respect to each other and can further rotate with respect to each other to reach another mutual angular position α2 between the rotating parts 2 and 3. Thus, the rotation limiter 5 restricts, for example, a series of angular positions α n and these angular positions are continuously traversed, in this example particularly by the passer 6, during one cycle of operation of the indexer 36. In the illustrated example, the difference between the first angular position α1 and another angular position α2 is given by the formula 360° / n (180° when n = 2). Since the first rotating part 2 is arranged to carry the second rotating part 3 by means of the rotation limiter 5 during rotation at the first angular position α1 and another angular position α2, the rotating parts 2 and 3 rotate together about the central axis 4.

[0038] The passer 6 is arranged to pass the rotation limiter 5 through the rotating part 3 each time the first rotating part 2 rotates again and is restricted with respect to the second rotating part 3. Therefore, the rotating parts 2 and 3 during carrying are indexed with respect to each other in terms of angular position. This is shown in the top views of FIGS. 2A and 2B and will be described in more detail herein.

[0039] The rotation limiter 5 comprises a cooperating blocking element 7 for each of the first rotating part 2 and the second rotating part 3. The illustrated cooperating blocking element 7 comprises a cooperating cam pair 8. The cam pair 8 comprises a cam 8a extending radially inward on the passer 6 supported on the first rotating part 2 and a cam 8b extending radially outward on the surface of the second rotating part 3. In addition to or instead of this, the cooperating cam pair 8 may be realized by cam pairs 8 arranged on each of the rotating parts 2 and 3 and facing each other axially. In FIGS. 1 and 2A, the cams 8a, 8b of the cooperating cam pair 8 are shown as engaging with each other. The rotation between the rotating parts 2 and 3 is thereby restricted to the first angular position α1.

[0040] Figure 2B shows a state where the pusher 6 of the indexer 36 passes the rotation limiter 5 through the rotating part 3. Since the cams 8a and 8b of the cooperation cam pair 8 are separated from each other, they can pass through each other.

[0041] The cooperation blocking element 7 in this example further includes a cooperation cam and groove pair 9. As shown in the figure, the cooperation cam and groove pair 9 includes a cam 9a extending radially inward on the pusher 6 on the first rotating part 2 and a receiving groove 9b on the surface of the second rotating part 3. In this example, the cooperation cam and groove pair 9 can form a passing stroke β of about 10°. Therefore, the receiving groove 9b limits the rotation between the rotating parts 2 and 3 to another angular position α2 (not shown). In the illustrated example, the cooperation cam and groove pair 9 is arranged on the opposite side of the cooperation cam pair 8. In addition to or instead of this, the cooperation cam and groove pair 9 may be arranged at an angle of 90° to 180° with respect to the cooperation cam pair 8.

[0042] As shown in the consecutive Figures 2A and 2B, the pusher 6 of the indexer 36 is arranged to adjust the cooperation blocking elements 7 of the rotation limiter 5 at least radially with respect to each other for the mutual passing of the rotating parts 2 and 3. In addition to or instead of this, the pusher 6 may be arranged to adjust the cooperation blocking elements 7 of the rotation limiter 5 at least axially with respect to each other for the mutual passing of the rotating parts 2 and 3.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows the drive component 1 of the first embodiment disassembled. In FIG. 3, it can be seen that the pusher 6 has a slide 11 extending in the lateral direction with respect to the central axis 4. The pusher 6 is provided with cams 8a, 9a extending radially inwardly and arranged opposite to each other on the slide 11. As described above, the cams 8a, 9a are part of the interlocking blocking element 7. An elongated slot 11a extends between the cams 8a, 9a extending radially inwardly. The slot 11a is arranged to cooperate with the first rotating part 2 so that the pusher 6 is adjustable between the first position I and the second position II. The first position I is the position where the cooperating cam pair 8a, 8b engage with each other (FIG. 2A). The second position II is the position where the cooperating cam pair 8a, 8b can pass through each other and the cooperating cam and groove pair 9a, 9b interlock to enable the free rotation stroke of the first rotating part 2 with respect to the second rotating part 3. And the cooperating cam pair 8a, 8b can pass through each other (FIG. 2B). When the free rotation stroke ends, the cam 9a extending radially inwardly cooperates with the edge of the groove 9b, and the rotating parts 2, 3 reach another mutual angular position α2, and the pusher 6 of the indexer 36 is indexed, where the rotation limiter 5 restricts the rotation between the rotating parts 2, 3 again, and the rotating parts 2, 3 support each other again.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rotation limiter 5 includes an indexer 36 activated by the rotation of the first rotating part 2. This is particularly related to the rotation activation part 12 of the pusher. This activation part is realized as a centrifugal activation part that activates the pusher 6 during the rotation of the first rotating part 2. The centrifugal activation part 12 includes two pivotable eccentric weights 12a on the first rotating part 2. The pivotable eccentric weights 12a are each pivotable about their respective pivot axes, and the axis 13 is located at an eccentric position with respect to the central axis 4. In the illustrated example, the pivot axis 13 extends substantially along the central axis 4. Of course, the pivot axis 13 may have an angle with respect to the central axis 4. The pivotable eccentric weights 12a are adjustable between an inner position R1 located closer to the radial inner side and an outer position R2 located closer to the radial outer side.

[0045] The eccentric weights 12a arranged to be rotatable are each provided with a pressing surface (not shown) adjacent to the rotation axis 13, and the pressing surface is arranged to cooperate with the receiving surface provided on the pusher 6, whereby the pusher can be adjusted in the lateral direction of the central axis between the first position I and the second position II. At the radially outer position R2, the eccentric weight 12a is located within the outer contour of the first rotating part. In this way, the structure can be designed to be relatively compact.

[0046] Specifically, the pusher 6 is subjected to the spring action of the return spring 16 against the rotation activation part 12. Therefore, due to the deceleration and / or stop of the rotation, the pusher 6 is adjusted from the second position II to the first position I (return), and the cooperating cam pair 8 is again within each other's paths.

[0047] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an eccentric design can be imparted to the pusher 6 itself and / or an eccentric weight 12a arranged to be rotatable can be provided so that the pusher 6 can be adjusted in the lateral direction of the central axis 4 between the first position I and the second position II. And the pusher 6 and / or the rotation axis 13 may be designed such that when at least the rotation of the first rotating part 2 stops, the pusher 6 can be adjusted from the second position II to the first position I by the action of gravity.

[0048] In FIG. 2A, the pusher 6 is in the first position I. When the first rotating part 2 rotates, the eccentric weight 12a arranged to be rotatable is adjusted from the radially inner position R1 to the radially outer position R2, and as a result, by the cooperation of the pressing surface 14 and the receiving surface 15, the pusher 6 is adjusted from the first position I to the second position II. In FIG. 2B, the pusher 6 is in the second position II, and the cam 9a extending radially inward is aligned with and pushed into the receiving groove 9b, and the cooperating cam pair 8 can pass through each other.

[0049] Therefore, in a series of driving cycles on the driving component 1, in each driving cycle where the first rotating part 2 is driven from a stop to rotation and then stops again after carrying the second rotating part 3, the carrying angle is indexed, and the rotating parts 2 and 3 in the series of driving cycles have different angular positions relative to each other in carrying. These differences in angular positions relative to each other can be utilized to control the driving device 25 by changing the configuration of the driving device 25 including the driving component 1. In this embodiment, the second rotating part 3 is arranged to apply an operation pulse, for example, during a limited rotation between a series of relative angular positions α of the rotating parts 2 and 3. For this reason, a rotation-translation conversion part 10 is provided on the driving component 1. The rotation-translation conversion part 10 includes a finger part 10a on the second rotating part 3, and the finger part 10a is arranged to be slidably guided in the axial longitudinal direction in cooperation with a receiving surface 10b on the first rotating part 2, specifically a spiral groove. By such an operation pulse, for example, the central shaft of an adjustable gear transmission 29 connected to the driving component 1 can be adjusted.

[0050] Figures 4.1A to 4.11C show a second embodiment of the drive component 1. The rotational activation part 12, specifically the centrifugal activation part, is visualized in a series of steps based on Figures 4.1A to 4.11C and will be further described below. The second embodiment comprises the same elements as the above-described first embodiment. In relation to the first embodiment, the rotation limiter 5 further comprises cooperation blocking elements 7 on the first rotating part 2 and the second rotating part 3 respectively. The second rotating part 3 is provided with a cam 18 extending radially outwardly in the second direction and a second receiving groove 19. The cam 18 is arranged facing and along the central axis 4, separated from the cam 8b extending radially outwardly. The second receiving groove 19 is arranged facing and along the central axis 4, separated from the receiving groove 9b. Another receiving groove 20 is provided near the cam 9a extending inwardly on the first rotating part 2. The cam 9a extending radially inwardly is arranged to cooperate with the receiving groove 9b at the second position II of the pusher 6. The cam 9a extending radially inwardly is further arranged to cooperate with the second receiving groove 19 while the cam 8b extending radially outwardly cooperates with another receiving groove 20 at the second position II of the pusher 6. Thus, in a series of drive cycles on the drive component 1, in each drive cycle where the first rotating part 2 is driven from a stop to rotation and then carries the second rotating part 3 and stops again, the carrying angle is indexed, and the rotating parts 2 and 3 in the series of drive cycles have different angular positions relative to each other in carrying. The additional cams and grooves improve the reliability of the operation of the drive component 1.

[0051] Figures 4.1A to 4.11C show the stepwise rotation of the drive component 1 in which the first rotating part 2 is driven. In Figures 4.1A to 4.6C, the second rotating part 3 rotates respectively to show the operation of the second embodiment.

[0052] At the first position B in Figures 4.1A to 4.1C, the slide 11, specifically the pusher 6, is at the first position I. The eccentric weight 12a is at the radially inner position R1. The second rotating part 3 is at the first axial position A1.

[0053] In FIGS. 4.2A to 4.2C, as the first rotating part 2 rotates clockwise, the angular position α between the first rotating part 2 and the second rotating part 3 changes.

[0054] In FIGS. 4.3A to 4.3C, the angular position α increases until the linking cam pair 8 cooperates and the rotation limiter 5 limits the rotation between the rotating parts 2 and 3 to the angular position α1. In FIG. 4.3C, it is shown that the second rotating part 3 is displaced by the rotation translation conversion part 10 along the central axis 4 in the axial direction to the second axial position A2 with respect to the first rotating part 2.

[0055] In FIGS. 4.4A to 4.4C, the eccentric weight 12a is adjusted to the radially outer position R2 by the rotation activation part 12, particularly the centrifugal activation part. By the cooperation between the pressing surface 14 and the receiving surface 15, the pusher 6 is also adjusted from the first position I to the second position II by the rotation activation part 12, specifically the centrifugal activation part.

[0056] In FIGS. 4.5A to 4.5C, the second rotating part 3 is rotated by the passing stroke β with respect to the first rotating part 2. While the cam 9a extending radially inward cooperates with the receiving groove 9b, the cam 8b extending radially outward passes through the cam 8a extending radially inward. As long as the second rotating part 3 rotates, the cam 9a extending radially inward and the receiving groove 9b maintain the cooperation by the centrifugal activation part. As a result, the second rotating part 3 rotates with the first rotating part 2 by the rotation limiter 5 at the second axial position A2.

[0057] In FIGS. 4.6A to 4.6C, the rotation stops and the drive component 1 is at the second position E[ε]. Here, the second rotating part 3 is at the second axial position A2 (FIG. 4.6C), the eccentric weight 12a is again at the radially inner position R1 (FIG. 4.6A), and the pusher 6 is again at the first position I (FIG. 4.6A).

[0058] When the first rotating part 2 is rotationally activated again from the second position E, conversely, the second rotating part 3 is moved by the rotational translation conversion part 10 along the central axis 4 to the first axial position A1. When the rotation stops, the drive component 1 returns to the first position B again. This is shown in FIGS. 4.7A to 4.11C. In FIGS. 4.7A to 4.11C, in each case, both the first rotating part 2 and the second rotating part 3 rotate.

[0059] In FIGS. 4.7A to 4.7C, as the first rotating part 2 rotates clockwise, the angular position α between the first rotating part 2 and the second rotating part 3 changes.

[0060] In FIGS. 4.8A to 4.8C, the angular position α increases until the rotation limiter 5 restricts the rotation of the rotating parts 2 and 3 to the angular position α2 in cooperation with the cam 8a extending inward and the cam 18 extending outward. In FIG. 4.8C, it is shown that the second rotating part 3 is displaced axially along the central axis 4 to the first axial position A1 with respect to the first rotating part 2 by the rotational translation conversion part 10.

[0061] In FIGS. 4.9A to 4.9C, the eccentric weight 12a is adjusted to the radially outer position R2 by the rotation activation part 12, particularly the centrifugal activation part. The pusher 6 is also adjusted from the first position I to the second position by the cooperation between the pressing surface 14 and the receiving surface 15 by the rotation activation part 12, specifically the centrifugal activation part.

[0062] In FIGS. 4.10A to 4.10C, the second rotating part 3 is rotated by a passing stroke β with respect to the first rotating part 2. While the cam 9a extending radially inward cooperates with the second receiving groove 19 and the cam 8b extending radially outward cooperates with the other receiving groove 20, the cam 18 extending radially outward passes through the cam 8a extending radially inward. As long as the second rotating part 3 rotates, the cam 9a extending radially inward and the receiving groove 19, and the cam 8b extending radially outward and the receiving groove 20 maintain cooperation by the centrifugal activation part respectively. As a result, the second rotating part 3 rotates together with the first rotating part 2 by the rotation limiter 5 at the first axial position A1.

[0063] In FIGS. 4.11A to 4.11C, the rotation stops and the drive component 1 is again in the first position B.

[0064] The rotating parts 2 and 3 are coordinated by the rotation-translation conversion part 10. Due to the restricted rotation between a series of angular positions α, the rotating parts 2 and 3 shift radially and / or axially relative to each other. For this reason, the drive component 1 in both of the above-described embodiments is provided with finger parts 10a (not shown) that cooperate with the annular spiral groove 10b, so that the rotating parts 2 and 3 can move up and down axially relative to each other along the central axis 4. The second rotating part 3 forms the output shaft 24. In addition to or instead of this, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 and described below, the second rotating part 3 may be connected to the output shaft 24. The second rotating part 3 may be configured to impart an operation pulse by axial translation during the restricted rotation between a series of angular positions α of the rotating parts 2 and 3.

[0065] FIG. 5 shows another specific example of the drive device 25 according to the present invention. The drive device 25 includes an electric motor 26, specifically a DC electric motor. The drive device 25 also includes a drive component 1. The drive component includes a first rotating part 2 and a second rotating part 3. The rotating parts in this example rotate together about a common central axis and are arranged to rotate about their axes relative to each other. The second rotating part 3 is axially adjustable relative to the first rotating part 1 between a first position and a second position. The drive component 1 is realized in this example in the same manner as the example of the second embodiment described above. However, the second rotating part 3 may also be axially adjustable relative to the first rotating part 2 between the first position and the second position in a manner different from that by the relative rotation by the above-described rotation activation indexer. For example, it is due to axial displacement using an electromagnetic operation.

[0066] The output shaft 27 of the electric motor 26 is fixedly connected to the first rotating part 2. The second rotating part 3 is axially adjustable relative to the first rotating part 2. The second rotating part 3 of the drive component 1 further cooperates with the output shaft 24 of the drive component 1 so as to axially expand and contract by means of the rotation-translation conversion part 40. The second rotating part 3 and the output shaft 24 together form a drive shaft that axially expands and contracts. In this example, the cylindrical output shaft 24 of the drive component 1 is slidably fitted into the hollow cylindrical shaft part of the second rotating part 3, and one or more pins are provided on one of these two members, and the pins are received in one or more corresponding spiral grooves on the other. Alternatively, it may be selected to use, for example, a thread between the two members. Next, the output shaft 24 of the drive component may cooperate with other components 28 of the drive device 25, specifically, by means of a gear 32 supported on the output shaft 24. By using the rotation-translation conversion part 40, the gear 32 is axially adjustable between a slide-in drive shaft position and a slide-out drive shaft position. The slide-in drive shaft position corresponds to the first rotation direction M+ of the motor 26 (by means of rightward drive as shown in FIG. 5). The slide-out drive shaft position corresponds to the opposite rotation direction M- of the motor 26 (not shown in FIG. 5, but by means of leftward drive).

[0067] Another component 28 of the drive device 25 is the transmission 29 in this embodiment. The output shaft 24 cooperates with the transmission 29. When the motor 26 is driven in the first direction M+, which is the right direction in this example, the output shaft 24 selectively cooperates with either the input gear 33 of the first drive path 30, represented by the dashed line, or the input gear 34 of the second drive path 31, represented by the black circle, of the first output branch 42 of the transmission 29. When the output shaft 24 continuously moves the motor 26 in the same direction, here the right direction, it can be switched between the first drive path 30 and the second drive path 31 of the first output branch 42 of the transmission 29 through the axial adjustment of the second rotating part 3 with respect to the first rotating part 2. The output shaft 24 takes the first axial position A1 where the output shaft 24 drives the first drive path 30 of the transmission 29 at the first angular position α1 of the second rotating part 3 with respect to the first rotating part 2. Further, at the second angular position α2, the output shaft 24 takes the second axial position A2 where it drives the second drive path 31 (not shown) of the transmission 29. At these two axial positions A1 and A2, the rotation-translation conversion part 40 that expands and contracts axially is always in the slide-in drive shaft position. The output shaft 24 includes a gear 32 that cooperates with the input gear 33 in the first drive path 30. The input gear 33 is included in the first output branch 42 of the transmission 29 and rotates the first output element 41 of the transmission 29, here the first worm gear, in the first rotation direction P1+. In the second drive path 31, the gear 32 cooperates with the input gear 34. The input gear 34 is included in the transmission 29 and rotates the first output element 41 of the transmission 29 in the opposite rotation direction P1- through the intermediate gear pair 35. What can be realized in this way is that the output shaft 24 of the transmission 29 can drive the first output element 41 of the transmission 29 in two reverse rotation directions P1+ and P1- in a series of drive cycles in the same drive direction. With the adjustment between the two axial shaft positions A1 and A2, the gear 32 moves along another input gear 46 but does not remain engaged to drive the gear 46. This input gear belongs to the third drive path 44 and, as will be described later, is located in the second output branch 45 of the transmission.When the motor is driven in the opposite direction M-, to the left in this case, the shaft advances to the slide-out drive shaft position by the rotational translation conversion unit 40 that expands and contracts in the axial direction. When the output shaft 24 drives the motor 26 in this second opposite direction, it selectively cooperates with the input gear 46 of the third drive path 44 represented by a cross and the input gear 47 of the fourth drive path 48 represented by a white circle. The third drive path 44 and the fourth drive path 48 are located at the second output branch portion 45 of the transmission 29. When the output shaft 24 continuously moves the motor 26 in the same direction M-, here the left direction, it is switchable between the third drive path 44 and the fourth drive path 48. The output shaft 24 takes the first axial position B1 where the output shaft 24 drives the third drive path 44 (not shown) of the transmission 29 at the first angular position α1 of the second rotating portion 3 with respect to the first rotating portion 2. At still another angular position α2, the output shaft 24 takes the second axial position B2 where it drives the fourth drive path 48 (not shown) of the transmission 29. At these two axial positions B1 and B2, the output shaft having the rotational translation conversion unit 40 that expands and contracts in the axial direction is always at the slide-out drive shaft position. The gear 32 of the output shaft 24 cooperates with the input gear 46 in the third drive path 44 and rotates the second output element 49 of the transmission 29, here the second worm gear, in the plus direction of the second rotation direction P2+. In the fourth drive path 48, the gear 32 cooperates with the input gear 47. The input gear 47 is included in the second output branch portion 45 of the transmission 29 and rotates the second output element 49 of the transmission 29 in the minus direction of the second rotation direction P2- via the intermediate gear pair 50. When there is an adjustment between the two axial shaft positions B1 and B2, the gear 32 moves along the input gear 34 of the second drive path 31 of the first output branch portion 42, but does not remain engaged to drive the gear 34.

[0068] What can be achieved in this method is that the output shaft 24 of the transmission 29 can drive the second output element 49 of the transmission 29 in two reverse rotational directions P2+ and P2- in a series of driving cycles in the same reverse driving direction M- of the motor 26, here the left direction, by the second output branch 45 of the transmission. The output elements 41, 49 are each realized by a worm gear and can drive, for example, the final stage 51 represented as the second output branch 45, which rotates, for example, the final stage part of an actuator, such as an external visual unit (camera, external mirror, etc.) of an automobile, about an adjustment axis. Therefore, with only one electric motor, by changing the rotational direction M- / M- of the motor 26, the external visual unit can be rotated about two adjustment axes, for example, the X and Y axes, and by continuously rotating the motor in the same directions M+ and M+ or M- and M-, it can be alternately rotated in the plus or minus direction about the adjustment axis X or Y.

[0069] Such a telescopic rotation-translation conversion unit can also be regarded as an invention in itself and can be configured in various embodiments. In this regard, in light of the above-described examples, for example, the following embodiments may be recognized.

[0070] Embodiment 1. A drive device comprising an electric motor, particularly a DC electric motor, and a drive component having a first rotating part and a second rotating part that is axially adjustable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first rotating part, wherein the output shaft of the electric motor is fixedly connected to the first rotating part of the drive component, the second rotating part of the drive component is connected via a rotation-translation conversion unit so as to axially expand and contract with respect to the output shaft of the drive component, and the second rotating part of the drive component and the output shaft form an axially adjustable and axially contractible drive shaft.

[0071] 2. The drive device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the drive shaft is adjustable between a slide-in drive shaft position corresponding to the first rotational direction M+ of the motor and a slide-out drive shaft position corresponding to the opposite rotational direction M- of the motor.

[0072] 3. The output shaft of the drive component is a drive device according to Embodiment 1 or 2 that cooperates with the transmission.

[0073] 4. The output shaft at the slide-in drive shaft position cooperates with the first output branch of the transmission, and when it is at the slide-out drive shaft position, it cooperates with the second output branch of the transmission. The drive device according to any of the above embodiments.

[0074] 5. The first output branch includes first and second drive paths. At the slide-in drive shaft position when the second rotating part is at the first and second axial positions respectively, the first output element can be driven in both rotational directions P1+ and P1-. The second output branch includes third and fourth drive paths. At the slide-out drive shaft position when the second rotating part is at the first and second axial positions respectively, the second output element can be driven in both rotational directions P2+ and P2-. The drive device according to Embodiment 4 in the case of Embodiment 2.

[0075] 6. The output shaft of the drive component supports a gear. The drive device according to any of the above embodiments.

[0076] 7. The gear in the first drive path is included in the first output branch of the transmission and cooperates with the input gear that rotates the first output element of the transmission in the first rotational direction P1+. The gear in the second transmission path is included in the transmission and cooperates with the input gear that rotates the first output element of the transmission in the opposite rotational direction P1-. The gear in the third drive path is included in the second output branch of the transmission and cooperates with the input gear that rotates the second output element of the transmission in the plus direction of the second rotational direction P2+. In the fourth drive path, it cooperates with the input gear that rotates the second output element in the minus direction of the second rotational direction P2-. The drive device according to Embodiment 6 in the case of Embodiment 5.

[0077] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment examples. Many modifications are possible.

[0078] Therefore, the present invention may be used, for example, for an adjustable headrest, a trunk lid, a lid portion of a fuel tank / charging socket, a sunroof, a headlight adjustment device, and / or a sliding door of a vehicle. Further, the present invention is extremely suitable for use, for example, in particular for ornaments around windows, (security) cameras, or control panels.

[0079] Therefore, the adjustment module for operating the opening and closing lid can be provided with a drive component having the features as described above, whereby the output adjustment element of the adjustment module is connected to the first rotating part of the drive component so as to adjust at least the opening and closing position of the lid, and the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with the lock of the lid via a transmission so as to adjust the lock between at least the locked position and the unlocked position of the lid.

[0080] By connecting the adjustment element of the adjustment module to the first rotating part of the drive component, the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with the lock of the lid via a transmission, and the opening and closing of the lid and the locking of the lid can be operated relatively easily. Therefore, for example, by a drive device including an electric motor, particularly a DC electric motor, a tailgate or a luggage lid of a vehicle can be pivoted about a pivot axis with respect to the adjustment module and / or translated along a guide, particularly a guide rail facility. Also, the same drive device can lock and / or unlock the lock of the luggage lid. In addition to or instead of this, for example, by such a drive device, a flap portion of a lid of a fuel tank / charging socket of a vehicle can be adjusted between an open and / or closed position by the adjustment module, and locking of the fuel tank / charging socket, particularly realized by a pin, becomes possible. Alternatively, a charging cable, particularly a plug of the charging cable when the charging cable is connected to the vehicle during recharging, is also possible. In this way, it is possible to prevent the charging cable from coming off during recharging.

[0081] As an advantage, by providing a drive component having the above-described characteristics, the drive device, upon first activation, causes the output shaft of the drive device to be connected to the first rotating part of the drive component, and the first rotating part crosses the first adjustment stage through a transmission, so that adjustment can be performed with a faster and smaller connection. Upon subsequent second activation, the output shaft of the drive device is connected to the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component, and the first and / or second rotating parts cross the second adjustment stage through another transmission, so that adjustment can be performed with a slower and larger connection. In this way, for example, it is easy to close and lock the trunk lid, fuel tank / charging socket lid, sunroof and / or sliding door of a vehicle.

[0082] In this way, an adjustment module provided with a drive component having the above-described characteristics (optionally provided with a drive device) can be used, for example, for the adjustment and / or locking of a sliding door, hood and / or sunroof of a vehicle.

[0083] Also, there are many power sources that create a connection only in one direction due to their functionality. For example, a hydroelectric power plant, a wind turbine, a specific type of AC motor, and a piezoelectric motor. By providing a drive component having the above-described characteristics to such a power source, power can be continuously applied, and for example, it can be applied to change the rotation direction of the output shaft by a transmission. Furthermore, such a drive component may be applied to achieve cost savings. For example, it is an application in a sustainable energy source such as the solar cell field or in irrigation agriculture. In particular, due to the simplified configuration, fewer drive devices are required for adjustment between two, three, four or more positions and / or a plurality of components.

[0084] In this way, an adjustment module provided with a drive component having the above-described characteristics (optionally provided with a drive device) may also be used, for example, for the adjustment and / or locking of a sliding door, hood and / or sunroof of a vehicle.

[0085] Thus, further, an adjustment module for the decoration of a window having at least one elongated thin plate, in particular for blinds (such as luxaflex (registered trademark) or Venetian blinds, etc.), can be provided with a drive component having the characteristics as described above. Thereby, the output shaft of the adjustment module is connected to the first rotating part, and the rotation of at least one elongated thin plate about its longitudinal axis is adjusted. The first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with the output element of the adjustment module to adjust the translation of at least one elongated thin plate substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis along the guide of the adjustment module.

[0086] By connecting the output shaft of the adjustment module and the first rotating part of the drive component to adjust at least one elongated thin plate about its longitudinal axis, at least one elongated thin plate can be adjusted at least between a shielding state and an open state so as to control, for example, the amount of light transmitted. When the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with the output element of the adjustment module to adjust at least one elongated thin plate in a direction substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis along the guide of the adjustment module, at least one elongated thin plate, in particular an elongated thin plate arranged horizontally and / or laterally in the guide or an elongated thin plate arranged vertically in the guide, can be realized, for example, to be adjusted in height. The guide may be realized, for example, by a guide rail or a cord. The adjustment module may be operated, for example, manually and / or electrically driven.

[0087] In this way, an adjustment module provided with a drive component having the characteristics as described above can also be used, for example, for a (security) camera, and the security camera can be pivoted about at least the horizontal axis and / or the vertical axis through the transmission of the adjustment module, or can be used for a (head) rest to adjust the angular position and / or the height of the (head) rest. The adjustment module provided with the drive component may be used to adjust three or more positions, for example, three, four or an infinite number of positions more than that.

[0088] Such a modification is obvious to those skilled in the art and is understood to be included within the scope of the present invention described in the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 1 drive component 2 first rotating part 3 second rotating part 4 central axis 5 rotation limiter 6 passer 7 cooperation blocking element 8 cooperation cam pair 8a cam extending radially inward 8b cam extending radially outward 9 cooperation cam and groove pair 9a cam extending radially inward 9b receiving groove 10 rotation - translation conversion part 10a finger part 10b receiving surface / spiral groove 11 slide 11a slot 12 rotation activation part / centrifugal activation part 12a eccentric weight arranged to be rotatable 13 pivot axis 14 - 15 - 16 push - back spring 18 second cam extending radially outward 19 second receiving groove 20 other receiving groove 24 output shaft 25 drive device 26 electric motor 27 output shaft of the electric motor 28 other components 29 transmission 30 first transmission path 31 second transmission path 32 gear 33 input gear of the first transmission path 34 Input gear second transmission path 35 Intermediate gear pair 36 Indexer 37 - 38 - 39 - 40 Rotary - translational conversion unit 41 First output element 42 First output branch 43 - 44 Third drive path 45 Second output branch 46 Input gear third transmission path 47 Input gear fourth transmission path 48 Fourth drive path 49 Second output element 50 Intermediate gear pair 51 Final stage part I. First position II. Second position R1. Radially inner position R2. Radially outer position A1 First axial shaft position at the first mutual angular position α1 A2 Second axial shaft position at the first mutual angular position α1 B1 First axial shaft position at another mutual angular position α2 B2 Second axial shaft position at another mutual angular position α2 E Second position M Rotation direction of the motor / output shaft P1 Rotation direction of the first output branch P2 Rotation direction of the second output branch S1. First axial position gear at the slide - in position of the rotary - translational conversion unit S2. Second axial position gear at the slide - in position of the rotary - translational conversion unit T1. First axial position at the slide - out position of the rotary - translational conversion unit T2. Second axial position at the slide - out position of the rotary - translational conversion unit α. Angular position α n. A series of mutual angular positions α1. The first mutual angular position α2. Another mutual angular position β. The passing stroke

Claims

1. A drive component comprising a first rotating part and a second rotating part that rotate together about a common central axis and are arranged to rotate about the central axis relative to each other, further comprising a rotation limiter operable between the two rotating parts for restricting rotation between the two rotating parts, wherein when the first rotating part is driven to a rotating state, the first rotating part after traversing a free angle stroke supports the second rotating part while rotating at a mutual angular position determined by the rotation limiter, i.e., a carrying angle, the rotation limiter includes an indexer activated by rotation of the first and / or second rotating part, in a series of drive cycles in the drive component, in each drive cycle where the first rotating part is driven from a stopped state to a rotating state, carries the second rotating part, and then stops again, the carrying angle is determined, the first rotating part supports the second rotating part at different mutual angular positions in a series of drive cycles, the indexer includes a passer arranged to pass the rotation limiter through at least one of the two rotating parts, the passer includes a slide portion extending laterally with respect to the central axis, drive component.

2. The drive component according to claim 1, wherein the rotation limiter includes a cooperation blocking element for each of the first rotating part and the second rotating part.

3. The drive component according to claim 2, wherein the cooperation blocking element includes a cooperation cam pair.

4. The drive component according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the cooperation blocking element includes a cooperation cam and groove pair.

5. The drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the passer is arranged to adjust the cooperation blocking elements of the rotation limiter radially and / or axially relative to each other to pass through the two rotating parts.

6. The drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the passer includes a rotation-translation conversion part that converts rotation of the first rotating part around the central axis into translation of the second rotating part along the central axis.

7. The drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the passer includes a rotation activation part that activates the passer when one of the two rotating parts rotates.

8. The rotational activation part includes a centrifugal activation part, and is the drive component according to claim 7.

9. The pusher is the drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 8, and is under the action of a spring.

10. At least one of the two rotating parts is arranged to generate an operation pulse during restricted rotation between a series of angular positions of the two rotating parts, and is the drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The two rotating parts cooperate via a rotation-translation conversion part, and due to restricted rotation between a series of angular positions, the two rotating parts shift axially relative to each other, and is the drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The second rotating part forms an output shaft or is connected to the output shaft, and at least one of the two rotating parts is arranged to generate an operation pulse by axial translation during restricted rotation between a series of angular positions of the two rotating parts, and is the drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A drive device comprising an electric motor, particularly a DC electric motor, and the drive component according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the output shaft of the electric motor is connected to the first rotating part, and the first and / or second rotating parts of the drive component cooperate with other components of the drive device.

14. Another component of the drive device is a transmission, the output shaft cooperates with the transmission, and the output shaft takes a first axial position to drive a first transmission path of the transmission at a first angular position and a second axial position to drive a second transmission path of the transmission at another angular position, and is the drive device according to claim 13.

15. A method for driving an adjustment device, particularly an adjustment device comprising the drive device according to claim 13, wherein by energizing the electric motor, the first rotating part and the second rotating part of the drive component are determined relative to each other at a mutual angular position by rotation between the first and second rotating parts restricted to a series of angular positions.

16. The pusher according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the pusher includes a rotation activation unit that activates the pusher when the first rotating unit rotates.

Images