JPH0241950A - Car mirror cleaning device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for automobile mirrors that maintains the visibility of mirror surfaces such as fender mirrors and door mirrors. water drops, ice,
This invention relates to the structure of a cleaning device for automobile mirrors that removes frost, fog, etc.

[Prior Art] A conventional example of this type of automobile mirror cleaning device includes the technology described in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-30552.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an automobile mirror cleaning device disposed on the outside of a vehicle, which is disclosed in the above-mentioned publication.

In the figure, the rearview mirror installed on the outside of the vehicle is
Rearview mirror body 32 with glass mirror 31 attached
is supported by a stay 33, and an ultrasonic vibrator 34 made of ceramics, for example, is provided between the rearview mirror body 32 and the stay 33. An operation switch 35 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 34 inside the vehicle so that it can be operated from inside the vehicle. A drive circuit 36 and a power source 37 are connected in series between the ultrasonic transducer 34 and the operation switch 35.

The drive circuit 36 amplifies the signal generated by the oscillator using an amplifier, sends it to the ultrasonic vibrator 34, and vibrates the ultrasonic vibrator 34 appropriately.

The conventional automobile mirror cleaning device using an ultrasonic transducer configured as described above can operate as follows.

When water droplets or the like adhere to the mirror surface of the rearview mirror, an operation switch 35 in the vehicle interior is operated to vibrate the ultrasonic vibrator 34. The vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 34 can remove and cover water droplets and the like adhering to the mirror surface by moving the entire rearview mirror body 32 in one motion.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In fact, in order to completely remove water droplets adhering to the surface of the mirror 31 with the ultrasonic vibrator 34, the vibration of the mirror 31 atomizes and removes the water droplets. The ultrasonic transducer 34 must be vibrated in a vibration mode that is effective for If it is bonded to the main body 32, bending waves of a predetermined frequency cannot be efficiently excited on the surface of the mirror 31.

Therefore, as shown in JP-A-59-8548, JP-U-61-152540, JP-A-62-82850, JP-A-62150201, etc., only the periphery of the mirror 31 is covered. It is attached to a mirror holder to leave a space on the back side of the mirror 31. However, in the technology published in this type of publication, although the outer peripheral edge of the mirror 31 is held by a mirror holder, if water droplets attached to the surface of the mirror 31 or water droplets atomized on the surface enter the space, This will cause trouble in the internal electrical system.

Furthermore, when the electrode terminal attached to the ultrasonic vibrator 34 can efficiently excite the bending wave of a predetermined frequency on the surface of the mirror 31, the electrode part also vibrates at a predetermined one-stroke frequency, resulting in In general, the solder at the connection point between the electrode terminal of the ultrasonic transducer 34 and the lead wire may separate or break, and the connection means with the lead wire and the connection portion of the electrode of the ultrasonic transducer 34 may be vibration-resistant. There is rarely a need for sex.

Therefore, the first object of the present invention is to provide an automobile mirror cleaning device having a structure with improved sealing properties to prevent water droplets from entering the rear surface of the mirror. A second object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device for an automobile mirror that is structured so that no stress is applied to the connection between the electrode terminal of the ultrasonic vibrator and the lead wire when a bending wave is excited on the mirror surface. be.

[Means for Solving the Problem] A cleaning device for an automobile mirror according to claim 1 comprises: a mirror having a predetermined curvature to which an ultrasonic vibrator is bonded to the back surface; a mirror holder to which the mirror is attached; and an O-ring disposed along the outer periphery of the mirror and held between the mirror holder and the mirror holder.

Further, in the automobile mirror cleaning device according to claim 4, the electrode terminal on the mirror side has a larger area than the ultrasonic one phasic element constituting the ultrasonic transducer bonded to the back surface of the mirror having a predetermined curvature. and an electrode terminal on the anti-mirror side having approximately the same area as the ultrasonic vibration element.

The cleaning device for an automobile mirror according to claim 5 includes a mirror having a predetermined curvature with an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface thereof, and an ultrasonic vibrating element constituting the ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror. an electrode terminal connected to
An elastic conductor integrated with the mirror holder to which the mirror is attached is brought into elastic contact with the electrode terminal.

[Function] In claim 1, the end portion of the mirror is firmly fixed by an O-ring disposed between a mirror having a predetermined curvature and an ultrasonic transducer bonded to the back surface, and a mirror holder to which the mirror is attached. The mirror is integrated with the mirror holder to obtain sealing properties between the mirror and the mirror holder without fixing the ends of the mirror.

Further, in claim 4, an electrode terminal on the mirror side having a larger area than an ultrasonic vibrating element constituting an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of a mirror having a predetermined curvature; The electrode terminals on the anti-mirror side, which have the same area, equalize the polarization and applied electric field of the ultrasonic vibration element, prevent partial destruction due to voltage or temperature during driving, and uniformly vibrate the entire element. Let it happen.

It will be done. Furthermore, in devices that supply power through contact with electrode terminals, the contact surface can be made wider.

In claim 5, a mirror having a predetermined curvature to which an ultrasonic vibrator is bonded to the back surface, an electrode terminal connected to the ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror, and a mirror to which the mirror is attached. Since the elastic conductor integrated with the holder is brought into elastic contact with the electrode terminal, when the ultrasonic vibrator vibrates, the elastic conductor that supplies power to the ultrasonic vibrator can be freely displaced. Fatigue due to stress is not accumulated on the electrode terminal and elastic conductor.

[Example] Examples of the present invention will now be described.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the overall configuration of an automobile mirror cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an ultrasonic vibrator 20 and a mirror of the automobile mirror cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of main parts of the electrode terminal 21 on the side and the electrode terminal 23 on the side opposite to the mirror.

In FIG. 1, a metal holder 2 is fixed with tapping screws 3 in a synthetic resin mirror case 1 fixed to a vehicle body (not shown). A mirror base 4 made of synthetic resin is fixed to the holder 2 using a flexible ball (not shown) so as to be tiltable vertically and horizontally. Further, a mirror position driving device 5 is fixed to the holder 2 with screws. The mirror position driving device 5 has two output lots (not shown) that can be driven independently. One ends of the two output lots are connected to different positions on one surface of the mirror base 4, respectively. The mirror base 4 tilts vertically or horizontally when one or two output rods are driven by an operation by a vehicle occupant. The two output lots of the mirror position driving device 5 are each covered with a cover 6 or 7 made of synthetic rubber. One end of the cover 6 or the cover 7 is joined to the housing of the mirror position driving device 5, and the other end of the cover 6 or the cover 7 is joined to the mirror base 4. In addition,
The cover 6 or 7 uses an accordion bellows so as not to obstruct the tilting movement of the mirror base 4.

A mirror boulder 8 made of synthetic resin, aluminum, etc. is joined to the mirror base 4. An annular engagement recess 11 is provided on the outer periphery of the mirror holder 8, and the outer peripheral end of the mirror 12 is engaged with the engagement recess 11. Furthermore, an O-ring fitting groove 13 is carved inside the engagement recess 11 of the mirror holder 8 along the outer periphery of the mirror 12 in the form of a pedestal. An O-ring 10 is provided. The O-ring 10 is made of a highly elastic synthetic rubber material such as silicone rubber, and other materials such as synthetic resin such as urethane may also be selected as the material for the O-ring 10.

Therefore, the outer periphery of the mirror 12 is engaged with the engagement recess 11 of the mirror holder 8 in such a manner that it cannot be easily separated from the mirror 12.
2 and the mirror holder 8, and the elastic force of the bent O-ring 10 at that time seals the space between the mirror 12 and the mirror boulder 8. Even if the bending wave of j disturbance is excited, 0
The elasticity of the ring 10 prevents water droplets or atomized moisture from entering the back surface of the mirror 12.

Moreover, the mirror 12 is
The bending waves of a predetermined frequency excited on the surface of the O-ring 10 have such a load that they are pressed against the end of the mirror holder 8 by the elastic force of the O-ring 10, and since its acoustic impedance is small, the bending waves around the mirror 12 are can vibrate in a state approximating the free end.

As the ultrasonic transducer 20 of this embodiment, an ultrasonic transducer element 22 made of piezoelectric ceramics or the like using a piezo effect element is used. As shown in FIG. 2, the ultrasonic vibration element 20 has an electrode terminal 21 on the mirror side and an N-pole terminal 23 on the anti-mirror side. 22c. In other words, the electric current I on the mirror side
The U terminal 21, the electrode terminal 23 on the anti-mirror side, and the ultrasonic transducer element 22 constitute an ultrasonic transducer 20.

The electrode terminal 21 on the mirror side has a disc shape with a diameter larger than that of the electrode part connected to the electrode 22b of the ultrasonic vibration element 22, and the terminal 23 to the electrode 4 on the opposite mirror side has an ultrasonic shape. an electrode portion connected to the electrode 22G of the sonic vibration element 22;
It is shaped like a disc that is approximately equal to the person's personality.

The electrode terminal 21 on the mirror side and the electrode terminal 23 on the anti-mirror side are in elastic contact with an elastic conductor 15 and an elastic conductor 16 whose bases are embedded in the mirror holder 8 and integrated,
The electric power received from the connector 17 (formed integrally with the mirror holder 8) is supplied.

That is, the elastic contact conductor 15 and the elastic contact conductor 16 have their centers 1
5a or a central portion 16a is common, and a plurality of elastic contact pieces 15b, 15c or elastic contact pieces 16b, 16C are formed to protrude therefrom, and the plurality of elastic contact pieces 15b, 15
c or the elastic contact pieces 16b, 16c, the ultrasonic transducer 2
The electrode terminal 21 or the electrode terminal 23 connected to the electrode terminal 21 or 23 is plated or coated with a material that improves the elastic force of the contact surface and the conductivity of the contact surface. Moreover, the center portion 15a or center portion 16a of the elastic contact conductor 15 and the elastic contact conductor]6 is connected to the connector 1 by a lead wire disposed inside the mirror holder B.
It is electrically connected to the 7 side. Note that the lead wires can be replaced with printed wiring or the like printed on the surface of the mirror holder 8.

A vibrator control device 14 is disposed on the mirror case 1 side of the mirror base 4 and between the mirror case 1 and the mirror case 1. The transducer 1i control device 14 has built-in an oscillation circuit, a power supply circuit, etc., including an oscillation circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer 20. Note that the above-mentioned (arousal element control device 14) is driven and controlled by a switch provided inside the vehicle.

The vibrator control device 14 is electrically and mechanically connected to the mirror holder 8 through a connector 17.

The automobile mirror cleaning device of this embodiment configured as described above can be operated as follows.

When the ultrasonic transducer 20 is driven by the transducer control device 14 which includes an oscillation circuit and a power supply circuit, etc., the mirror 12 having a predetermined curvature joined to the ultrasonic transducer 20 is bent. The waves are excited, and water droplets, ice, frost, fog, etc. adhering to the surface of the mirror 12 are removed by ultrasonic vibration and the heat generated at that time.

At this time, the bending waves that efficiently atomize water droplets etc. generated on the mirror 12 of the above embodiment are excited as a load on the ultrasonic vibrator 20, but between the mirror 12 and the mirror holder 8, Since the O-ring 10 made of an elastic body is provided, the mirror 12 is substantially independently connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20.
, and is excited by the ultrasonic transducer 20.

Therefore, the mirror 12 can be efficiently vibrated with a predetermined ultrasonic vibration, and ultrasonic vibration energy is not consumed in places other than the mirror 12, such as the mirror holder 8.

Further, in the above embodiment, an O-ring 10 made of an elastic body is disposed between the mirror 12 and the mirror holder 8, and is held between the mirror 12 and the mirror holder 8.
Since the outer periphery of the mirror 12 is engaged with the engagement recess 11 of the mirror holder 8 in such a manner that it cannot be easily disengaged, the space between the mirror 12 and the mirror holder 8 is sealed by the elastic force of the O-ring 10. , water droplets, atomized moisture, etc. do not enter the back surface of the mirror 12.

The bending wave of a predetermined frequency excited on the surface of the mirror 12 by the ultrasonic vibrator 20 can vibrate in a state in which the periphery of the mirror 12 approximates a free end due to the elasticity of the O-ring 10.

In addition, in this embodiment, the engagement recess 11 of the mirror holder 8
However, when carrying out the present invention, the main parts of the mirror 12 and mirror holder 8 of the automobile mirror cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. As shown in the enlarged sectional view, O-rings 10 may be arranged in parallel inside the engagement recess 11 of the mirror holder 8, and the end of the mirror 12 may be inserted between them.

Further, when a bending wave is excited in the mirror 12, the fluctuation of the electrode terminal 23 on the side opposite to the mirror of the ultrasonic transducer 20 is increased. Normally, when the lead wires of the electrode terminals are joined by soldering or the like, ultrasonic vibration acts thermally or like an ultrasonic cleaner to peel off the solder adhering to the electrode terminals 23. However, in this embodiment, the plurality of elastic contact pieces 15b, 15C or the elastic contact pieces 16b, 16G of the elastic contact conductor 15 and the elastic contact conductor 16 are connected to the electrode terminals 21 or electrodes constituting the ultrasonic transducer 20. Since it is in elastic contact with the terminal 23 and no solder is used, the connection between the lead wire and the electrode terminal 21 will not be broken as in the conventional case. In particular, the elastic conductor 15 and the elastic conductor 16 and the electrode terminal 21 or the electrode terminal 2
Since the two are connected by elastic contact in step 3, the connection can be made without applying heat to the electrode terminal 21 or the electrode terminal 23, and thermal distortion can be prevented. The mechanical strength of the electrode terminals 21 and 23 is not reduced. In addition, even if the electrode terminals 21 and 23 independently vibrate due to the vibration of the ultrasonic 1-conductor 20 and the elastic contact with the elastic conductor 15 or 16 is partially broken, A plurality of elastic contact pieces 15b, 15c
Alternatively, if any of the elastic contact pieces 15b, 15c or 16b, 16c is connected to the electrode terminal 21 and the electrode terminal 23 by the elastic contact pieces 1f3b, 16C, power is supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 20. Ultrasonic transducer 2
The reliability of the electrical system that supplies power to 0 can be increased.

In particular, the elastic conductor 15 and the elastic conductor 16 of this embodiment have their center portions 15a and 16a embedded in the mirror holder 8, and, for example, the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted through the elastic conductor 15 and the elastic conductor 16. 16, the bond will not easily separate. However, when implementing the present invention, the elastic contact conductor 15 and the elastic contact conductor 1 may be
The center portion 15a and the center portion 16a of 6 may be joined to the mirror holder 8.

Further, the electrode terminal 21 on the mirror side in the above embodiment has a disk shape with a diameter larger than that of the electrode portion connected to the electrode 22b of the ultrasonic perturbation element 22, and 1. the electrode terminal on the anti-mirror side Reference numeral 23 has a disc shape with approximately the same size as the electrode part connected to the electrode 22C of the ultrasonic vibration element 22, and the opposite electrode 22b of the ultrasonic vibration element 22.
Since the area of the electrode 22G is uniform, the ultrasonic transducer 2
The polarization and applied electric field within the ultrasonic vibrating element 22 constituting the ultrasonic transducer 22 are made uniform, and the load is not locally increased due to voltage or temperature during driving, thereby preventing destruction. Further, in the case where power is supplied through contact with the electrode terminal (21) and the electrode terminal 23, the contact surface can be widened.

By the way, in the above embodiment, the electrode terminal 21 on the mirror side and the electrode terminal 23 on the anti-mirror side are connected to the electrode 22b and the electrode 22G that sandwich the piezoelectric ceramic elements 1 to 22a constituting the ultrasonic vibration element 22. However, when carrying out the present invention, the electrodes 22b and 22c that sandwich the piezoelectric ceramic element 22a constituting the ultrasonic vibration element 22 are omitted, and the ultrasonic vibration element 22 is replaced by the piezoelectric ceramic element 22a, and the ultrasonic vibration element 22 is replaced with the piezoelectric ceramic element 22a. Vibration element 22
The ultrasonic transducer 20 can be formed by an electric hV on the mirror side holding the D8 element 21 and an electrode terminal 23 on the anti-mirror side.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the automobile mirror cleaning device of the present invention includes a mirror having a predetermined curvature, an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror, and a mirror holder to which the mirror is attached. , an O-ring sandwiched between the mirror and the mirror holder and disposed along the outer periphery of the mirror, the O-ring sandwiched between the mirror and the mirror holder;
The ring provides a seal between the ends of the mirror without firmly fixing them. Therefore, electrical problems caused by water droplets entering the back surface of the mirror can be prevented.

In the case where an O-ring is sandwiched between the mirror and the mirror holder and arranged along the outer periphery of the mirror, a groove is formed on the mirror holder side and the O-ring is fitted into the groove. Since it is sufficient to attach the mirror after inserting the O-ring into the mirror holder side, the assembly efficiency can be improved.

An O-ring is sandwiched between the mirror and the mirror holder and arranged along the outer periphery of the mirror, and the end of the mirror is sandwiched by the O-ring arranged in parallel in the engagement recess on the outer periphery on the mirror holder side. In this case, since the end of the mirror is brought into elastic contact with the O-ring, the acoustic impedance of the end of the mirror can be reduced, and bending waves of a predetermined frequency can be efficiently excited in the mirror. .

Further, an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror having a predetermined curvature, an electrode terminal on the mirror side having a larger area than the ultrasonic vibrating element constituting the ultrasonic vibrator, and the ultrasonic vibrating element In the case where the electrode terminals on the anti-mirror side have approximately the same area, the areas of the opposing electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer elements constituting the ultrasonic transducer are approximately equal.
It is possible to equalize the polarization and applied electric field within the ultrasonic transducer element, and prevent damage caused by locally increasing stress due to voltage, temperature, etc. during driving. Further, in the case where electric power is supplied through contact with an electrode terminal, the contact area can be increased and the contact resistance can be reduced.

An ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of a mirror having a predetermined curvature, an ultrasonic vibrating element and an electrode terminal constituting the ultrasonic vibrator, a mirror holder to which the mirror is attached, and an elastic force attached to the electrode terminal. If the mirror holder is in contact with an elastic conductor and is integrated with the mirror holder, even if the ultrasonic vibrating element body vibrates due to ultrasonic vibration, the electrical system that supplies power to the ultrasonic vibrator is based on the elastic conductor. Because it is necessary,
Since the displacement caused by ultrasonic vibration can be dealt with by moving the elastic contact position between the electrode terminal and the elastic conductor, stress is not accumulated in a specific location. Therefore, the electrode terminal or the elastic conductor will not break due to fatigue.

In the case where an elastic conductor integrated with the mirror holder that makes elastic contact with the electrode terminal is buried in the mirror holder, the elastic conductor can be firmly attached to the mirror holder.

In a device in which an elastic conductor integrated with the mirror holder that comes into elastic contact with the electrode terminal is brought into elastic contact with the electrode terminal at a plurality of locations, the contact between the electrode terminal and the elastic conductor during ultrasonic vibration. The probability of this can be increased, and the reliability of the connection can be increased.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of the overall configuration of an automobile mirror cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an ultrasonic vibrator and electrode terminal used in an automobile mirror cleaning device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a main part of a mirror and a mirror holder of a car mirror cleaning device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a conventional arrangement outside a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a cleaning device for an automobile mirror. In the figure, 8: Mirror holder, 10: O-ring, 12: Mirror, 13: Ring fitting groove, 15.16: Elastic conductor, 20: Ultrasonic transducer, 22: Ultrasonic transducer element, 2
1.23: Electrode terminal. In the figures, the same reference numerals and the same symbols indicate the same or equivalent parts. Patent applicant Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) a mirror having a predetermined curvature; an ultrasonic transducer bonded to the back surface of the mirror; a mirror holder to which the mirror is attached; 1. A cleaning device for an automobile mirror, comprising: an O-ring disposed in the same direction. (2) An automobile mirror cleaning device comprising a mirror having a predetermined curvature and an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror with electrode terminals disposed on both sides of the ultrasonic vibrating element, wherein the ultrasonic wave A cleaning device for an automobile mirror, comprising: an electrode terminal on the mirror side having a larger area than the vibrating element; and an electrode terminal on the opposite mirror side having an area substantially equal to the ultrasonic vibrating element. (3) An automobile mirror cleaning device comprising a mirror having a predetermined curvature and an ultrasonic vibrator bonded to the back surface of the mirror with electrode terminals arranged on both sides of the ultrasonic vibrating element, A cleaning device for an automobile mirror, comprising: an attached mirror holder; and an elastic conductor that is integrated into the mirror holder and comes into elastic contact with electrode terminals on both sides of the ultrasonic vibration element. (4) The automobile mirror cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein an elastic conductor integrated with the mirror holder that comes into elastic contact with the electrode terminal is embedded in the mirror holder. (5) The automobile mirror cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein the elastic conductor integrated with the mirror holder that comes into elastic contact with the electrode terminal comes into elastic contact with the electrode terminal at a plurality of locations. (6) The automobile mirror cleaning device according to claim 3, wherein a connector portion for supplying electric power to the elastic conductor from the outside is integrally molded with the holder.