Self-cleaning apparatus for removal of foreign substances from a plate-like device

• US 5,170,288 A
• Filed: 09/26/1991
• Issued: 12/08/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 11/09/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Inventors: Ito, Koji, Okada, Shoji, Fujie, Naofumi, Imaizumi, Tomoaki
• Primary Examiner(s): Arnold, Bruce Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAFER, RICKY D
• Application Number:
  US07/765,497
• Time in Patent Office: 439 Days
• Field of Search: 350/582, 350/583, 350/584, 350/588, 15/250 R, 15/250 B, 15/250.02, 15/250.12, 15/250.13, 15/250.14, 15/250.2, 359/507, 359/509, 310/320, 310/321, 310/322, 310/323, 310/326, 310/330, 310/335, 310/368, 34/1 G, 34/69, 318/114
• US Class Current: 359/507
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/0602 comprising means for cleaning or deicing
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 5/02 by using ultrasonic vibrations using sonic energy generated by pulse jet combustion F26B23/026
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0006 with means to keep optical surfaces clean, e.g. by preventing or removing dirt, stains, contamination, condensation G02B1/18 takes precedence; cleaning in general B08B

Abstract

An arrangement is provided for removing foreign substances from a mirror. A vibrator for vibrating the mirror includes a vibration controlling unit for supplying power to the vibrator. As the vibration controlling unit is located close to the vibrator, the length of the conductive wire which transmits the power can be minimized so as to reduce radio noise. The heat generated by the vibration control unit can be radiated sufficiently through a metallic case member and the vibration controlling unit can be disposed in the closed, small space between the mirror and the housing. Therefore, the size of the housing can be reduced so as to minimize the space which surrounds the vibration control unit. Further, the vibration control unit can be protected from contamination due to the closed case member.

Claims

1. A self-cleaning apparatus for removing foreign substances from a surface comprising:

a substantially planar member;

a plurality of vibrating means for vibrating the planar member, the vibrating means contracting and expanding in a radial direction, the contracting and expanding of the vibrating means transmitted to said planar member to contract and expand said planar member;

vibration controlling means for driving the vibrating means at a predetermined frequency;

housing means for integrally housing the planar member, the vibrating means and the vibration controlling means; and

power controlling means including a timer circuit for supplying electric power to the vibration controlling means, wherein the power controlling means is separately disposed exteriorly of the housing means.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the vibration control means further comprises:

a circuit board including power transmitting means for transmitting power to the vibrating means; and

metallic case means for enclosing the circuit board.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said vibration controlling means comprises a pair of vibration controlling means.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

a base member positioned interiorly of the housing means and supporting said planar member;

a case member connected to said base member;

a space defined between said base member and said case member; and

a circuit board for supporting said vibrating means and the vibration controlling means positioned in said space.

5. A self-cleaning apparatus for removing foreign substances from a surface comprising:

a substantially planar member;

vibrating means for vibrating the planar member;

vibration controlling means for driving the vibrating means at a predetermined frequency, the vibrating means being expanded and contracted in a radial direction so as to expand and contract the planar member;

housing means for integrally housing the planar member, the vibrating means and the vibration controlling means;

a circuit board including power transmitting means for transmitting power to the vibrating means; and

metallic case means for enclosing the circuit board.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said vibration controlling means comprises a pair of vibration controlling means.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising:

a base member positioned interiorly of the housing means and supporting said planar member, said metallic case means connected to said base member so as to define a space therebetween for enclosing said circuit board.

8. A self-cleaning apparatus for removing foreign substances from a surface comprising:

a substantially planar member;

vibrating means expanding and contracting in a radial direction for vibrating the planar member so as to bend the planar member;

vibration controlling means for driving the vibrating means at a predetermined frequency;

housing means for integrally housing the planar member, the vibrating means and the vibration controlling means;

power controlling means including a timer circuit for supplying electric power to the vibration controlling means, wherein the power controlling means is separately disposed exteriorly of the housing means;

a circuit board including power transmitting means for transmitting power to the vibrating means; and

metallic case means for enclosing the circuit board.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said vibration controlling means comprises a pair of vibration controlling means.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising:

a base member positioned interiorly of the housing means and supporting said planar member, said metallic case means connected to said base member so as to define a space therebetween for enclosing said circuit board.