Mirror actuator
US6243218A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60R1/072
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mirror actuator is provided for an exterior rearview mirror assembly. The mirror actuator comprises a non-armature electrical motor. Preferably, the mirror actuator comprises an ultrasonic motor. The mirror actuator is useful as a powerfold exterior mirror actuator to pivot a folding portion of a mirror assembly about a base or non-folding portion attached to the vehicle. The mirror actuator preferably comprises a traveling wave ultrasonic motor and causes rotation of a rotating member attached to the folding portion of the mirror via a traveling wave generated along a driving disc or stator. The ultrasonic motor provides a sufficient torque to the folding portion of the mirror, such that worm gears and other gearing mechanisms are not required to generate additional torque. The mirror actuator may also be useful as a reflective element positioning actuators to adjust an angle of the reflective element of the mirror relative to the housing of the mirror assembly. Preferably, the reflective element positioning actuators are linear traveling wave ultrasonic motors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.