DE102011107871A1 - Method for removing foreign matters e.g. water droplet adhered on visible surface of outside mirror of motor vehicle e.g. car, involves removing foreign matters adhered on visible surface of outside mirror using surface acoustic wave - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves removing foreign matters (3) such as water droplet, ice, dirt, or dust adhered on visible surface of outside mirror (7) using surface acoustic wave (SAW) (5). The SAW is emitted from the SAW device.

Description

The invention relates to a method for removing foreign bodies on visible surfaces.

Such a method can be used in a motor vehicle. It can be integrated in particular in assistance systems for the driver to support functions of the motor vehicle.

Foreign bodies on visible surfaces of the motor vehicle impair the driver's vision and thus pose a hazard for the user of the motor vehicle and for other road users. In front and / or rear windows, it has hitherto been customary to remove these foreign objects by means of a windshield wiper. However, the wiper blades of a windscreen wiper are subject to wear, in which case their task is incomplete. In addition, only a limited field of view is cleaned by a windshield wiper.

The invention has for its object to provide an improved method for removing foreign bodies on visible surfaces. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a method for water removal on windscreens and / or exterior mirrors of motor vehicles, which is intended to replace the conventional windscreen wiper. In particular, the method according to the invention should additionally be able to remove drops of water on outside mirrors which currently represent a non-eliminable visual impairment.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

In the method according to the invention for removing foreign bodies on visible surfaces, which can be used in particular for a motor vehicle, the foreign bodies are removed by means of surface acoustic waves / surface acoustic waves (SAW). Created is thus a replacement for the previous windshield wiper, the disadvantages are avoided. In addition, by means of the method according to the invention, the removal of water is also possible with an exterior mirror. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

The foreign bodies may be water, ice, dust, dirt or the like. Because of the use of surface acoustic waves, these foreign bodies, which are difficult to remove in a conventional manner, can be removed in a simple manner. In a further embodiment of the invention, the visible surface is a pane of the motor vehicle, in particular the windshield, and / or a mirror surface, in particular the exterior mirror.

For a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is to be determined below. Using Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW), it is technically possible to control water droplets in any direction on a flat surface. This method can also be applied to the exterior mirror of a motor vehicle to eliminate water droplets or a layer of ice and to give the driver a better view. An additional idea is to transfer this procedure to the windscreen of the vehicle to replace the conventional windscreen wiper. If necessary, a carrier material can be applied to the windshield for the production of the SAW. In this case, a possible deterioration of visibility on the windscreen can be kept slightly by a suitable choice of the carrier material.

The advantages achieved by the invention are, in particular, that water drops, which still lead to a visual obstruction even with heated mirrors, can be eliminated. Furthermore, the saving of the exterior mirror heating is possible because ice layers can be eliminated by surface waves. A further improvement in terms of cost-effectiveness is given by the savings of the windshield wiper. Finally, the previous windscreen wiper operation by the driver is no longer necessary because the system no longer needs to be activated by the driver and works in the background. In that regard, in turn, an increase in comfort for the user is given.

An embodiment of the invention with various developments and refinements is shown in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It show the

1 schematically the front part of a motor vehicle and

2 schematically the exterior mirrors on the motor vehicle.

In 1 is the front lateral part of a motor vehicle 1 to see. The car 1 has a windscreen 2 on. At the windscreen 2 are foreign bodies 3 For example, water drops, the water drop 3 For the sake of illustration, it is exaggerated in size. Near the windscreen 2 is located on the motor vehicle 1 An institution 4 for generating surface waves, namely Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) 5 , The on the windshield 2 located drops of water 3 are now using surface waves 5 eliminated if necessary by the SAW facility 4 be generated.

Of course, this method can be used to remove debris 3 , where the foreign body 3 using Surface Acoustic Waves 5 be eliminated, even on other visible surfaces of the motor vehicle 1 Find application. So it may be with the visible surface not only to the windscreen 2 but also to another disc, such as the side window 6 or the rear window of the motor vehicle, act. At the foreign bodies 3 It can not only be about water but also about ice, dust, dirt o. Like. Act.

Another visible surface is in 2 shown. This visible surface is the mirror surface 8th the exterior mirror 7 on the motor vehicle 1 , At the outside mirror 7 is also a SAW facility 4 ' arranged. With the help of this SAW device 4 ' turn become foreign bodies 3 that are on the mirror surface 8th are eliminated.

The invention is not limited to the described and illustrated embodiment. Rather, it also encompasses all expert developments within the scope of the invention defined by the claims. So can the SAW facility 4 . 4 for the removal of foreign bodies according to the invention 3 can be integrated on visible surfaces not only in the market and future cars and / or trucks, but can also for other means of transportation, such as tractors, off-road vehicles, boats o. The like., Use.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

motor vehicle

2

windscreen

3

Foreign body / water drops

4, 4 '

Device for generating surface waves / SAW device

5

Surface acoustic wave / surface wave

6

side window

7

Mirrors

8th

mirror surface

Claims (3)

Method for removing foreign bodies ( 3 ) on visible surfaces, in particular for a motor vehicle ( 1 ), whereby the foreign bodies ( 3 ) by means of surface acoustic waves (SAW, 5 ) be eliminated. Method for removing foreign bodies ( 3 ) on visible surfaces according to claim 1, characterized in that it is in the foreign bodies ( 3 ) is about water, ice, dust, dirt or the like. Method for removing foreign bodies ( 3 ) on visible surfaces according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is at the visible surface to a disc of the motor vehicle, in particular the windscreen ( 2 ), and / or a mirror surface ( 8th ), in particular the exterior mirror ( 7 ), acts.

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