CN114432467A - Device for disinfection and motor vehicle with at least one disinfection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for sterilizing at least a part of an interior space (I) of a motor vehicle. The device comprises a glazing (10') designed such that, in the installed state of the glazing (10'), ultraviolet light (L1') can pass from the direction of the glazing (10') Projection into the interior space (I) of the motor vehicle. The invention proposes to arrange at least one UV light source outside the window pane (10'), wherein the UV light (L1) of the UV light source can enter the window pane (10') and pass through the window pane (10'). The ejection structure (14') of 10') emits toward the direction of the inner space (I).

Description

Device for disinfection and motor vehicle with at least one disinfection device

technical field

The invention relates to a device for sterilizing at least a part of the interior of a motor vehicle, wherein the device comprises a window pane which is designed such that in the installed state of the pane, UV light It is possible to project from the direction of the window pane into the interior of the motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a device for disinfection.

Background technique

The appropriate means of sterilizing the interior of a motor vehicle must be given appropriate meaning. This is especially true given the world's recent experience with the novel coronavirus pandemic. This is especially true for vehicles with frequent passenger transfers, such as those in car-sharing garages. For example, various literature descriptions describing sterilization methods or sterilization devices in motor vehicles have recognized the need for sterilization in connection with motor vehicles.

For example, in the patent document WO 2017/204774 A1, a motor vehicle is described which is equipped in its interior with a plurality of devices for generating ultraviolet light. It is advisable to place the UV light source in the accommodating space of the rear, foldable bracket. Furthermore, it is recommended to install the UV light source in the receiving space of the utility shelf of the motor vehicle or in the storage shelf of the intermediate bracket.

Patent document DE 10 2015 115 029 A1 discloses an operating device for a motor vehicle which has a self-sterilizing operating surface. For this purpose, the operating device in particular has an illuminating device which is designed to emit radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength range onto the operating surface in order to disinfect the operating surface. Light-guiding elements are arranged at least regionally between the lighting device and the operating surface, which light-guiding elements are designed to conduct the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the lighting device for disinfection to the operating surface.

Finally, in the patent document DE 10 2016 110 547 A1, which forms the preamble of the co-claimed claim, a motor vehicle is described with a device which is configured for sterilizing the vehicle. The device includes for this purpose a first electrode substantially covering a portion of the light-transmitting plate. A plurality of printed light emitting diodes are suspended in the semiconducting printing pigment on the first electrode and are configured to emit disinfecting radiation. The second electrode is in electrical connection with a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs). The light-transmitting layer constitutes the inner surface of the light-transmitting plate and is connected to the second electrode. The light transmissive layer is designed to allow at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation to pass through, thereby enabling this portion to reach the interior surfaces of the vehicle. The device can be an integral part of a vehicle window, which can be designed, for example, as a glass roof. In this case, the device has an emission layer which is constructed in a complex manner from a plurality of layers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a simply constructed device for sterilizing at least a part of the interior of a motor vehicle.

The technical problem is solved by a device for sterilizing at least a part of the interior of a motor vehicle, wherein the device comprises a window pane which is designed such that in the installed state of the pane , the ultraviolet light can be emitted into the interior space of the motor vehicle from the direction of the window glass, and it is characterized in that at least one ultraviolet light source is arranged outside the window glass, wherein the ultraviolet light of the ultraviolet light source can be laterally into the window glass and exits in the direction of the interior space through the injection structure of the window glass.

The preferred design solution lies in at least one of the following technical features:

The glazing has at least two mutually superimposed, transparent panes, between which at least one light-conducting film is arranged, wherein the UV light of the at least one UV light source enters the at least one light-conducting film in the film of light;

the window glass has at least one ultraviolet reflection layer, the ultraviolet reflection layer prevents ultraviolet rays from penetrating from one side of the window glass to the other side of the window glass;

The at least one UV light source is an integral part of an optical module having at least one circuit board on which the at least one UV light source is arranged, wherein the circuit board is surrounded by a housing and can pass through The plug connection is connected to the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle;

the optical module is optically coupled to the window glass through the optical conductor;

There is at least one light source capable of emitting visible light, wherein the light source is likewise part of an optical module having at least one circuit board on which the at least one visible light source is arranged, wherein, The circuit board is surrounded by a housing which can be connected to the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle via a plug connection;

the optical module is optically coupled to the window glass through the optical conductor;

the light module including the at least one ultraviolet light source and the light module including the at least one visible light emitting light source are the same light module;

The light module is optically coupled to the window pane via a light guide, wherein the light guide has two light entry surfaces, one of which is assigned to the at least one UV light source and the other light entry surface. The surfaces are assigned to the at least one visible light-emitting light source, wherein the light entry surfaces merge into a common light exit surface.

The technical problem is solved by a motor vehicle having at least one device for disinfection, which is provided with the device according to the invention.

The present invention is based here on a device for sterilizing at least a part of the interior of a motor vehicle, the device comprising a window pane. The window pane is designed such that, in the installed state of the window pane, ultraviolet light can be emitted from the direction of the window pane into the interior of the motor vehicle.

According to the invention, at least one UV light source is arranged outside the window glass, wherein the UV light of the UV light source can enter the window glass from the side and can pass through the exit structure of the window glass in the direction of the interior space shoot.

This feature creates the prerequisites for a simple construction of the device. In particular, it is achieved by this precondition that the interior of the motor vehicle can be exposed to UV light over large areas in a simple and cost-effective manner.

For example, it is conceivable that the window pane is part of a glass roof of a motor vehicle or part of a sliding sunroof/lift-up sunroof. It is also conceivable that the window pane is a side pane, a windshield or a rear pane of a motor vehicle.

The lateral injection of the UV light into the window pane can be realized in a very simple and space-saving manner. If the exit structure is suitably designed, for example, which can extend over the entire surface of the window pane or almost over the entire surface of the window pane, the entire surface of the window pane can be used for emitting ultraviolet light into the interior of the motor vehicle.

Since the window pane must already be present in the motor vehicle, this already present component can be used cost-effectively to realize the device.

The exit structure can be realized, for example, by means of interference points in the window pane. It is also conceivable to form the injection structure by printing the window pane.

The at least one UV light source is preferably designed to emit light in the wavelength spectral range of about 100 nanometers to about 420 nanometers, particularly preferably in the spectral range of about 200 nanometers to about 280 nanometers, particularly preferably in the spectral range of 250 nanometers to about 280 nanometers UV light. The at least one UV light source is particularly preferably designed such that it can emit light radiation in the UV-C range.

According to a first development proposal, the window pane has at least two superimposed, transparent panes between which a light-conducting film is arranged, wherein the UV light of at least one UV light source enters or can be directed into all the panes. in the film.

This extended design creates the basic premise for this that the window pane can be designed as a safety glass and can nevertheless be used as an exit surface for ultraviolet light.

The light-conducting film preferably consists of a transparent, elastic and tear-resistant material. For example, it is conceivable that the light-conducting film consists of polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

Furthermore, the most advantageous design of the inventive concept proposes that the window pane has at least one UV-reflecting layer which prevents UV rays from penetrating from one side of the window pane to the (opposite) other side of the pane side. As a result, the effectiveness of the device can be significantly increased. That is, this prevents the ultraviolet light entering the window glass from reaching the outside (into the surroundings of the vehicle). Another advantage is that UV rays also cannot enter the interior from the outside of the vehicle. This in turn counteracts overheating of the vehicle interior in hot weather.

Favoring a compact construction of the device and easier installation/removal, in another embodiment of the invention, at least one UV light source is an integral part of the light module. The optical module has at least one circuit board on which at least one ultraviolet light source is arranged. The circuit board is surrounded by the housing and can be connected to the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle via a plug-in connection.

In a further development, the light module can be optically coupled to the window pane via a light guide. Although only one or a small number of UV light sources are used, this extended design enables light to be incident over a large area of the glazing.

There may be a need for ambient lighting to be implemented in motor vehicles by means of window panes. In this case, it is particularly expedient if there is at least one light source capable of emitting visible light, wherein the light source is likewise part of the light module. The light module in turn has at least one circuit board on which at least one light source emitting visible light is arranged. The circuit board is surrounded by a housing which can be connected to the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle via a plug-in connection.

For example, it is conceivable that the light module with at least one light source emitting visible light is arranged on the side of the window pane which lies opposite the light module with at least one UV light source.

The light modules for emitting ultraviolet light or other light modules for emitting visible light can thus be controlled according to the current operating situation.

However, it must be ensured during operation of the device that UV light can only be emitted when no living things (eg people and/or pets) are located in the interior of the motor vehicle.

By activating the UV-emitting light modules, the propagation and influence of bacteria, viruses and/or fungi can be effectively counteracted after a possibly to be determined action time. The action time to be determined depends on the distance of the UV light from the surface to be disinfected in the interior of the motor vehicle and the intensity of the UV light.

For the same reasons as described above, it is advantageous here that the optical module emitting visible light is also optically coupled to the window pane via a light guide.

The compactness of the device can thereby be further improved if the light module comprising the at least one UV light source and the light module comprising the at least one visible light emitting light source are the same light module.

Both the UV light source and the visible light source are preferably designed as light-emitting diodes. The light source that emits visible light can preferably be designed as an RGB light-emitting diode capable of emitting light of all possible colors.

When integrating the UV light source and the light source emitting visible light in a light module, it is very advantageous if the light module is optically coupled to the window pane via a light guide, wherein the light guide has two light entry surfaces. One of the light entry surfaces is assigned to at least one UV light source and the other light entry surface is assigned to at least one visible light source. The light entry surfaces merge into a common light exit surface. The common light exit surface faces the light entry surface of the window pane.

In this way, it can be ensured in a very compact construction that visible light or ultraviolet light can be emitted by the light module without risk of being sterilized.

The invention is also intended to protect a motor vehicle which is equipped with at least one device for disinfection according to the invention.

Description of drawings

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are explained in detail in the following description based on the drawings. Further advantages and features of the invention are also elucidated thereby. The same reference numbers refer to the same, similar or functionally similar components even in different drawings. Corresponding or similar features and advantages are realized even if the description is not repeated or referenced thereto. The drawings are not, or at least not always, drawn to scale. In some figures, scales or distances may be shown exaggerated in order to more clearly highlight features of the embodiments. If the term "and/or" is used when enumerating two or more terms or objects, it may mean that any of the listed terms or objects can be used alone. It can also mean that any combination of two or more of the listed terms or objects can be used.

Schematically, respectively, in the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 shows a view of the device in a first perspective,

FIG. 2 shows a substantially enlarged view of a subregion of the device according to the viewing angle II in FIG. 1 ,

Figure 3a shows a cross-sectional view of the window pane of the device in the first embodiment according to section line III of Figure 1 ,

FIG. 3 b shows a sectional view of the device in a second embodiment, obtained by cutting the window pane along section line III of FIG. 1 ,

FIG. 4 shows a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention, and

Figure 5 shows a signal diagram for illustrating the cooperative work of the related components.

Detailed ways

Referring first to FIGS. 1 and 2 . The figures show a device 1 in the state of being installed on or in a motor vehicle for sterilizing the interior of the motor vehicle. The device 1 has a window pane 10 with a surface extension F. In addition, the light module 20 is shown. The optical module 20 has a housing 21 in which a circuit board 22 is accommodated. The circuit board 22 carries a plurality of ultraviolet light sources 23a and a plurality of light sources 23b capable of emitting visible light.

The UV light source 23a is preferably designed to emit UV light in the wavelength spectral range of about 100 nanometers to about 420 nanometers, particularly preferably in the spectral range of about 200 nanometers to about 280 nanometers, particularly preferably in the spectral range of 250 nanometers to about 280 nanometers Light. That is, the UV light source 23a is particularly preferably designed such that it can emit light radiation in the UV-C range.

The light sources 23a, 23b are preferably designed as light emitting diodes, wherein the light source 23b emitting visible light is preferably designed as an RGB light emitting diode capable of emitting light of different colors.

The circuit board 22 can be connected to the on-board electrical system of the motor vehicle via a plug connection 24 . The plug connection 24 is preferably integrally integrated into the housing 21 . In contrast to the exemplary embodiment described, it is also conceivable to connect the plug connection 24 to the circuit board 22 or to the housing 21 in a displaceable manner by means of flexible lines.

In the described embodiment, the ultraviolet light sources 23a and the light sources 23b emitting visible light are arranged adjacent to each other in a column, respectively. In this case, the light guide 25 is optically connected downstream of the light sources 23a, 23b in the light exit direction.

The ultraviolet light L1 emitted by the ultraviolet light source 23a can enter the light conductor 25 through the light incident surface 25a, and the visible light L2 emitted by the light source 23b can enter the light conductor 25 through the light incident surface 25b.

The light entry area 25a is part of the first branch 25d of the light guide 25 and the light entrance area 25b is part of the second branch 25e of the light guide 25 .

It can be seen that the branches 25d and 25e are oriented so close together that they meet in the merging region 25f, are joined together in a cohesive manner and form a common light exit surface 25c.

The edge surface 10 a of the window pane 10 is assigned to the light exit exit surface 25 c , which serves as the light entrance surface of the window pane 10 .

A possible embodiment of the window pane 10 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3a. It can be seen here that the window pane 10, viewed in cross-section, consists of two panes 11 and 12 that lie on top of each other. Each glass 11, 12 is preferably of transparent design. The glasses 11 and 12 can be designed as glass sheets.

The interior space of the motor vehicle is denoted by I. The interior of the motor vehicle is separated from the external environment U of the motor vehicle by the device 1 or the window pane 10 in the installed state of the device 1 or the window pane 10 .

A light-conducting film 13 is arranged between the glasses 11 , 12 . The membrane 13 preferably consists of a transparent, elastic and tear-resistant material. For example, it is conceivable that the membrane 13 consists of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). In this way, the glazing 10 can be used as a safety complex. The membrane 13 is connected to the glasses 11 and 12 in a suitable manner (eg by loading pressure and temperature).

Furthermore, there are exit structures 14 which are located inside the film 13 and which are preferably arranged along the entire surface extension F (see FIG. 1 ) of the window pane 10 . The exit structure 14 consists of a plurality of small interference points 15 which are inserted into the film 13 . The interference points 15 can be inserted into the membrane 13, for example, by means of a laser method. The disturbance point 15 is preferably arranged in the edge region of the membrane 13 facing the glass 11 , ie facing the surroundings U. However, the exit structure 14 on the edge side can also be realized by suitable printing of the film 13 .

The ultraviolet light L1 or the incident visible light L2 entering the film 13 is deflected at the interference position 15 by the exit structure 14 and can be emitted in the direction of the inner space I as the exiting ultraviolet light L1 ′ or the exiting visible light L2 ′.

Figure 3b depicts another embodiment 10' of the glazing of the device 1 . In contrast to the window pane 10 , the window pane 10 ′ has a film 13 ′ which is additionally designed to reflect the ultraviolet rays.

This makes it possible that the ultraviolet light UV impinging on the window pane 10' from the surroundings U does not enter the inner space I, but is reflected on the film 13'. In this way, excessive heating of the interior space I on sunny days can be significantly reduced.

On the other hand, the visible light L can pass through the window glass 10' without hindrance.

The properties of the film 13 ′ for the reflection of ultraviolet light UV can preferably be achieved in that the film 13 ′ is provided with an exit structure 14 ′ designed as a UV-reflecting layer 16 . It is also conceivable here to emboss the UV-reflecting layer 16 onto the film 13'.

Thus, ultraviolet light L1 incident into the window pane 10 ′ or the film 13 ′ is also prevented from being emitted to the surroundings U through the window pane 10 ′. The ultraviolet light L1 injected for disinfection can then be injected into the interior space I without significant losses (see L1 ′).

The visible light L2 incident through the light module 20 can also be deflected in the direction of the interior space I through the exit structure 14 ′ as ambient lighting.

FIG. 4 now shows a motor vehicle K, which is equipped with a plurality of devices 1 according to the invention. The motor vehicle K has a door 2 with side windows 6 , a tailgate 3 and a windshield 4 .

Furthermore, the roof of motor vehicle K is equipped with a sliding sunroof/lift-up sunroof.

In the embodiment described, both the sliding/lifting sunroof 5 and the windshield 4 are designed as the device 1 according to the invention. In other words, the windshield 4 and the sliding/lifting roof 5 are used as window panes 10 or 10 ′, into which UV or visible light can be injected, respectively, by means of the already described light modules 20 . in the skylight.

The light module 20 , in particular the housing 21 of the light module, can be designed in such a way that the light module can be easily slid onto the window pane 10 or 10 ′ in a simple manner and can thus be connected between the light module 20 and the window pane 10 or 10 ′. Optical coupling is achieved between the glasses 10 , 10 ′ (see FIG. 1 ).

A possible method for operating the motor vehicle K is briefly described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 :

It is clear that there is a data bus 50 via which the evaluation and control device 30 is connected in signal technology to the circuit board 22 of the optical module 20 . Furthermore, there is a seat use recognition device 40 which can preferably comprise a seat use sensor 40a and/or an interior camera 40b designed as a weight sensor. Furthermore, there are access sensors 41 which detect, respectively, whether the door 2 , the tailgate 3 , the side windows 6 and/or the sliding/lifting roof 5 are open or not.

It is now conceivable, for example, to detect the absence of living beings in the interior I of the motor vehicle K by means of the seat use recognition device 40, ie by the weight sensor 40a and/or by the interior camera 40b. This state is evaluated by the evaluation and control device 30, which then gives the in-principle permission to activate the sterilization program. In other words, it is only now possible to start the disinfection process automatically or manually (eg via an app on a smartphone).

It is conceivable for the user to set via a setting menu of the motor vehicle K, which can be operated, for example, via an input and output device 42 (for example in the form of a touch screen), whether the disinfection program should be started automatically when certain prerequisites exist or only manually. Start the disinfection program.

For example, it is conceivable that the sterilization program is always carried out for a certain period of time when the ignition of the motor vehicle K is switched off, the motor vehicle K is exited, and all accesses to the motor vehicle are closed.

The sterilization program can be stored, for example, in a memory device (not shown) of the analysis and control device 30 .

As soon as the sterilization program is started, a signal is issued by the evaluation and control device 30 which prevents any access to the interior space I of the motor vehicle from being opened.

This lock can only be released by manually interrupting the disinfection program.

Alternatively, it is also conceivable to interrupt the current supply of the at least one UV light source 23a as soon as the access to the interior I of the motor vehicle K is opened after the sterilization program has been started.

List of reference numbers

1 Device for sterilization

2 doors

3 Back cover

4 windshield

5 Sliding sunroof/lift-up sunroof

6 side windows

10, 10′ window glass

10a Edge face

11 Glass, glass sheet

12 Glass, glass sheet

13, 13′ film

14, 14' injection structure

15 Interference location

16 UV reflective layer

20 Optical Modules

21 Housing

22 circuit board

23a UV light source

23b Light source that emits visible light

24 Plug connectors

25 Light conductors

25a, b light incident surface

25c light exit surface

25d, e Branches of light conductors

25F Convergence Area

30 Analysis and Control Devices

40 Seat use identification device

40a Seat use sensor

40B Interior Space Camera

41 Inlet sensor

42 Input- and output devices

50 Data bus

F Surface extension

I interior space

K motor vehicle

L visible light

L1 UV light

L2 visible light

UV light emitted by L1'

Visible light emitted by L2′

U surroundings

UV Ultraviolet light

Claims (10)

1. A device (1) for disinfecting at least a part of an interior space (I) of a motor vehicle (K), wherein the device (1) comprises a pane (10, 10 ') which is designed such that, in a mounted state of the pane (10, 10'), uv light (L1 ') can be emitted into the interior space (I) of the motor vehicle (K) from the direction of the pane (10, 10'), characterized in that at least one uv light source (23a) is arranged outside the pane (10, 10 '), wherein uv light (L1) of the uv light source (23a) can enter the pane (10, 10') laterally and can be emitted through an emission structure (14, 14 ') of the pane (10, 10') in the direction of the interior space (I).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pane (10, 10 ') has at least two mutually superposed, transparent panes (11, 12) between which at least one light-conducting film (13, 13 ') is arranged, wherein the ultraviolet light (L1) of the at least one ultraviolet light source (23a) is incident into the at least one light-conducting film (13, 13 ').

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pane (10 ') has at least one ultraviolet reflecting layer (16) which prevents the penetration of ultraviolet rays (UV) from one side of the pane (10 ') to the other side of the pane (10 ').

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one uv light source (23a) is an integral part of a light module (20) having at least one circuit board (22) on which the at least one uv light source (23a) is arranged, wherein the circuit board (22) is enclosed by a housing (21) and can be connected to the on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle (K) by means of a plug connection (24).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the light module (20) is optically coupled to the pane (10, 10') by means of a light conductor (25).

6. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that at least one light source (23b) capable of emitting visible light (L2) is present, wherein the light source (23b) is also an integral part of a light module (20) having at least one circuit board (22) on which the at least one light source (23b) emitting visible light (L2) is arranged, wherein the circuit board (22) is surrounded by a housing (21) which can be connected to the onboard power supply of the motor vehicle (K) by means of a plug connection (24).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the light module (20) is optically coupled to the pane (10, 10') by means of a light conductor (25).

8. Device (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the light module (20) comprising said at least one ultraviolet light source (23a) is the same light module as the light module comprising said at least one light source (23b) emitting visible light (L2).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the light module (20) is optically coupled to the window pane (10, 10') by means of a light guide (25), wherein the light guide (25) has two light entry faces (25a, 25b), wherein one light entry face (25a) is assigned to the at least one uv light source (23a) and the other light entry face (25b) is assigned to the at least one light source (23b) emitting visible light (L2), wherein the light entry faces (25a, 25b) merge into a common light exit face (25 c).

10. A motor vehicle (K) having at least one device (1) for disinfection, characterized in that a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is provided.

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