DE102020124458A1 - System and method for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

In a system and a method for disinfecting a surface of an interior element (1) of a motor vehicle, a UV unit (2) with UVC-emitting radiation units (3) is integrated inside the interior element (1). An outer skin (12) which is permeable to UVC radiation forms a surface of the interior element (1) in order to emit the UVC radiation from the interior of the interior element (1) through the outer skin (12). A control unit (4) automatically switches the UV radiation units (3) on and off depending on the vehicle condition and at least one radiation criterion. The UV radiation units (3) can be moved on a rail, for example. Irradiation is stopped when a defined exposure time is reached or when an entry criterion is no longer met.

Description

The invention relates to a system and a method for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle that is equipped with the system.

People transmit germs, bacteria, viruses and other contaminants when they come into contact with and/or touch objects. Especially with poor hand hygiene, pathogens can stick to objects and be passed on from hand to hand. A large number of bacteria and germs can also adhere to interior elements of a motor vehicle and in particular to the steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

This effect is amplified as soon as a motor vehicle is used not only by one person but by several, such as a rental car. It is known from scientific studies that steering wheels in particular have a high germ load compared to other vehicle components. Studies have shown that steering wheels sometimes have a higher germ load than public toilets.

In the state of the art, there are already some approaches that address the problem.

In the pamphlet DE 10 2013 002 539 A1 a device for cleaning a steering wheel rim of a motor vehicle steering wheel is mentioned. The invention describes a mechanical device that cleans the steering wheel rim.

In DE 10 2014 017 616 A1 describes a device for cleaning the steering wheel, in which an antibacterial material is applied to the steering wheel for steering wheel disinfection, the effectiveness or antibacterial state of which decreases over the period of use, and whose state is displayed via a status display and shows the driver the effectiveness of the antibacterial material .

DE 10 2016 005 065 A1 describes a device and method in which disinfectant is applied to the steering wheel surface with the aid of a nozzle.

In DE 196 30 145 A1 mention is made of a foamed molded article with an integrated outer skin having an antibacterial effect. It should be possible to maintain an antifungal and antibacterial effect over a remarkably long period of time and not be subject to any discoloration.

the DE 10 2018 123 232 A1 discloses a cleaning system for a vehicle and a method of using the system. Surfaces can be cleaned with the help of UV radiation. The procedure describes a large-area vehicle interior cleaning and provides a special procedure for assessing the germ load and calculates the required UV radiation dose on the basis of this information. A scattering of the UV light in the vehicle cabin is provided for the cleaning. However, there is the disadvantage, for example, that complete irradiation or 360° irradiation is not possible, particularly in the case of round surfaces.

For example, steering wheel surfaces cannot be completely cleaned with such a system because the UV radiation is only from one side.

DE 10 2016 110 546 A1 describes a self-disinfecting surface covering for a vehicle. The surface trim essentially conforms to a vehicle panel. A plurality of printed LEDs suspended in a semiconductor ink are configured to emit a disinfectant emission. An outer layer of the surface covering is operable to transmit at least a portion of the disinfectant emission through the outer layer.

DE 10 2015 115 029 A1 describes an operating device for a motor vehicle, with an operating part that has an operating surface that can be actuated, and with a lighting device that emits radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength range onto the operating surface in order to disinfect the operating surface. A light guide element is arranged between the lighting device and the operating surface and is designed to direct the radiation emitted by the lighting device for disinfection onto the operating surface.

DE 10 2018 123 232 A1 discloses a cleaning system and method for a vehicle. Data is received at a vehicle computer from at least one environmental sensor and an ultraviolet or UV dosage for an interior surface of a passenger compartment is determined based on the data. According to the dosage based on the determination, UV light is controlled.

It is the object of the invention to achieve a targeted reduction in the germ load on surfaces of interior elements of motor vehicles and in particular on steering wheels of motor vehicles.

The object is achieved by the system according to patent claim 1, by the method according to patent claim 7 and by the motor vehicle according to patent claim 10. Further advantageous features and details of the invention result from the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a system for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle is created, comprising a UV unit which can be or is integrated inside an interior element of a motor vehicle and comprises one or more UV radiation units for emitting UVC radiation ; an outer skin permeable to the UVC radiation to form a surface of the interior element in order to emit the UVC radiation from the interior of the interior element through the outer skin; and a control unit for automatically switching the UV radiation units on and off depending on the vehicle status and at least one predefined irradiation criterion.

The invention specifically reduces bacterial contamination on surfaces of interior elements of motor vehicles. Since the UV unit is part of the interior element to be disinfected, curved or round surfaces in the vehicle interior, such as steering wheel surfaces, can also be irradiated completely and in a space-saving manner.

In particular, the UVC radiation-permeable outer skin allows the UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation units to pass through.

In particular, the UVC radiation-permeable outer skin enables the system to emit UV radiation from the inside of a steering wheel rim directly through the UV-permeable outer skin, which is arranged on a steering wheel, for example.

The UV radiation units are preferably arranged in such a way that the UVC radiation emitted from the interior of the interior element completely covers the surface of the interior element. This achieves complete disinfection of the surface.

In particular, the UV radiation units can be arranged in such a way that their emission areas overlap one another, so that complete UV irradiation of the entire surface of the interior element is made possible.

In particular, the individual UV radiation units are capable of emitting germicidal UV radiation in the 200 - 280 nanometer (nm) band range.

In particular, the control unit is able to switch the germicidal UV radiation on and off automatically or when prompted by the intelligent control unit.

Different time cycles for disinfecting the surface of the interior element or the steering wheel surface are preferably stored on or in the control unit.

The UV radiation units preferably allow all-round irradiation of the surface of the interior element, for example a steering wheel surface, ie 360° irradiation.

Advantageously, the one or more UV radiation units are movably mounted on at least one rail inside the interior element. This makes it possible, for example, to irradiate differently aligned surfaces or surface areas with a relatively small number of UV radiation units or even with only one UV radiation unit.

The interior element is preferably a steering wheel of a motor vehicle.

However, the interior element can also be a gear selector switch or another element in the motor vehicle, for example.

For example, the one or more UV radiation units can be moved or moved along the circumference of the steering wheel and/or the circumference of the steering wheel diameter. In particular, you can be driven by an actuator device.

For example, the vehicle condition includes or indicates a locked condition of the doors of the vehicle. In particular, the vehicle condition includes or characterizes the presence of one or more people in the vehicle interior. The irradiation criterion preferably includes or characterizes the duration of the irradiation.

The system preferably includes an interface to a ventilation system of the vehicle in order to control the ventilation system depending on the operating state of the UV unit. For example, the ventilation system is designed as an air conditioning system or as a part thereof.

In particular, the interface is designed as part of the control unit and forms an interface with a control unit of the ventilation or air conditioning system, so that the control unit can send requests to the control unit of the ventilation or air conditioning system or receive requests from them.

The system preferably includes a display unit for optically displaying the status of the disinfection and/or the progress of the disinfection.

For example, the system includes a status display capable of visually indicating the progress of disinfection or the system status.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle is specified, comprising the steps of: detecting a vehicle state of a motor vehicle using input criteria; Irradiating an outer skin of an interior element of the motor vehicle which is permeable to UVC radiation by means of UVC radiation which is emitted from the interior of the interior element through the outer skin if the entry criteria are met; and stopping the irradiation when a defined exposure time is reached or when at least one of the input criteria is no longer met.

When the exposure time is reached, an air conditioning and/or ventilation system of the motor vehicle is preferably activated.

In particular, the method is carried out using a system for disinfection according to the invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is provided which includes a system according to the invention.

Advantages, details and features that are described in connection with one aspect of the invention also apply to the other aspects of the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Lenkrads eines Kraftfahrzeugs, das ein System zur Desinfektion der Lenkradoberfläche gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beinhaltet;
• 2 eine Darstellung ähnlich zu 1, wobei das System zur Desinfektion verfahrbare UV-Strahlungseinheiten umfasst;
• 3 ein schematisches Schnittmodell eines Lenkradkranzes, der ein System zur Desinfektion der Lenkradoberfläche gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beinhaltet;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines Kraftfahrzeugs, das ein System zur Desinfektion gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst, einschließlich der Systemumgebung; und
• 5 ein Ablaufdiagramm eines bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiels eines erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens, bei dem eine Lenkradoberfläche in einem Kraftfahrzeug desinfiziert wird.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings. Show in it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a steering wheel of a motor vehicle, which includes a system for disinfecting the steering wheel surface according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• 2 a representation similar to 1 , wherein the system for disinfection comprises mobile UV radiation units;
• 3 a schematic sectional model of a steering wheel rim, which includes a system for disinfecting the steering wheel surface according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
• 4 a schematic representation of a motor vehicle comprising a system for disinfection according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, including the system environment; and
• 5 a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention, in which a steering wheel surface is disinfected in a motor vehicle.

In the figures, elements that are the same or that correspond to one another are each provided with the same reference symbols. They are therefore only described again if this seems appropriate. The disclosures contained throughout the description can be transferred to the same parts with the same reference numbers or the same component designations.

The description is to be understood in such a way that individual features or combinations of features, which are described in different exemplary embodiments, can represent independent, inventive solutions or solutions according to the invention.

1 1 shows a steering wheel 1 of a motor vehicle, the steering wheel 1 being equipped with a system 20 for disinfecting the steering wheel surface 21 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The steering wheel 1 forms an interior element of the motor vehicle.

A UV unit 2 that generates ultraviolet radiation is installed in the interior element or steering wheel 1 in the area of the steering wheel rim 22 . The UV unit 2 is integrated in the steering wheel 1 and in this example consists of a number of UV radiation units 3 which are designed to generate and emit UVC radiation or ultraviolet radiation in the UVC range. The UV radiation units 3 are formed by LEDs, for example.

The steering wheel 1 has an outer skin 12 which is permeable to UVC radiation and forms an outer surface or the surface of the steering wheel 1 . The outer skin 12 serves to allow the UVC radiation generated by the UV rays or radiation units 3 to pass out of the interior of the steering wheel 1 and to emit it through the outer skin 12 .

A control unit 4 is used to automatically switch the UV radiation units 3 on and off depending on the vehicle condition and at least one predefined irradiation criterion.

The UV radiation units 3 are arranged in a ring along the steering wheel rim 22 and are connected to the control unit 4 of the steering wheel 1. The UV radiation units 3 are arranged in such a way that they enable the steering wheel surface 21 to be irradiated over 360°. The UVC-permeable outer skin 12 is fitted over the UV radiation units 3 or over the entire UV unit 2 .

The control unit 4 forms a controller and is connected to the UV radiation units 3, an intelligent interface 6 arranged in the steering wheel 1 and a display unit 5 of the steering wheel 1 designed as a status bar or status display. The control unit 4 is able to switch the UV unit 2 on and/or off. The control unit 4 has a direct connection to the intelligent interface 6, which is designed here as a communication unit to other control units or sensors. The control or control unit 4 can be designed as an autonomous control unit or as an integrated control unit 4 in a steering wheel control unit.

The display unit 5 is integrated, for example, in the steering wheel 1 and comprises an array of LEDs that are controlled during operation so that they light up in different colors, for example red when the steering wheel is currently being disinfected and blue for example when the steering wheel is disinfected.

In addition or as an alternative to this, the display unit 5, which is used to display the status, is formed by a mobile display device, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, vehicle key with a visual display, etc.

The disinfection of the surface 21 and in particular the steering wheel disinfection can also be started via an app, for example before the start of a journey or after a journey. The disinfection status of the steering wheel 1 can be viewed via the app, for example.

2 shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention as described above in 1 described, but the one or more UV radiation units 3 are movably mounted on at least one rail 13 inside the interior element or the steering wheel 1 . In this way, the UV unit 2 or irradiation unit is designed in such a way that it or the UV radiation units 3 can be moved or traversed along the circumference of the steering wheel and the circumference of the steering wheel diameter.

3 12 shows a sectional model of a steering wheel rim 22 which includes the system for disinfecting the steering wheel surface according to an embodiment of the invention. The UV radiation units 3 of the UV unit 2 are arranged radially around the core 23 of the steering wheel 1 . The UV radiation units 3 are arranged in such a way that the emission areas E of the UV radiation units 3 overlap one another, so that complete UV irradiation of the entire steering wheel surface is made possible.

The UVC permeable outer skin 12 is able to let through the germicidal UV radiation emitted by the UV radiation units 3, the band range of which is 200-280 nanometers (nm). This ensures that the UVC-permeable outer skin 12 on the steering wheel surface is irradiated with UVC rays, as a result of which the steering wheel surface 21 is disinfected.

In this exemplary embodiment, a total of four UV radiation units 3 are implemented per segment. Other embodiments with more or fewer radiation units 3 are also part of this invention.

Here, too, the one or more UV radiation units 3 can be used in a manner similar to that in 2 shown to be movably mounted on one or more rails 13, or the UV unit is designed, for example, in such a way that it or the UV radiation units 3 can be moved or moved along the circumference of the steering wheel and the circumference of the steering wheel diameter.

4 shows a schematic representation of a motor vehicle 30 with the system according to the invention, including the system environment.

The steering wheel 1 of the motor vehicle 30 is part of the steering of the vehicle. In this example, the system according to the invention serves to disinfect the surface of the steering wheel. It intervenes in the system of the steering wheel 1 and supplements it.

A UV unit 2 is integrated in the steering wheel 1, which forms a system. The UV unit 2 contains the individual UV radiation units 3. The UV unit 2 has an interface to a controller 4. The controller 4 is the main control unit in the system network. The system or steering wheel system communicates with its system environment via an intelligent interface 6 . The intelligent interface 6 has a connection to a central control unit 10 of the motor vehicle 30.

The central control unit 10 of the vehicle 30 has, inter alia, the function of enabling vehicle access. It knows the system status of the vehicle, for example whether the vehicle is locked or unlocked. The driver or vehicle access is granted via an ID transmitter 7, which is formed for example by a vehicle key, or it is granted by a Smart Access 8 or digital vehicle key.

The vehicle status is thus also known to this invention via the intelligent interface 6 . The intelligent interface 6 can also have interfaces to peripheral systems such as a seat recognition mat 9 and/or a ventilation or air conditioning system 11. Here, queries can be sent to the individual systems and queries can be received via the peripheral systems.

In this exemplary embodiment, the seat recognition mat 9 can thus be used to determine whether there are one or more people, or the driver and/or front passenger, in the vehicle. Furthermore, e.g. the air conditioning or ventilation 11 can be switched on or off. Other peripheral systems that are not mentioned in this exemplary embodiment can also be connected via the intelligent interface 6.

The system 20 described in the exemplary embodiments serves to disinfect the steering wheel surfaces of motor vehicles with the aid of integrated UV radiation. In particular, it comprises a steering wheel 1, an integrated UV unit 2 consisting of individual UV radiation units 3, a control unit 4, a UVC-permeable outer skin 12, a status display 5 and an intelligent interface 6.

Based on the in the 5 In the process blocks shown, a method 100 for disinfecting the steering wheel surface of motor vehicles according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. In particular, 4 referenced

Process block 110: The process or the method 100 begins with the collection of information on the vehicle condition 110. The process block 110 includes the information acquisition of the intelligent interface 6 by providing information from the central control unit 10 and from other peripheral systems, such as the seat recognition mat 9.

Process block 120: In the further process block or step 120, the intelligent interface 6 evaluates the information provided by the central control unit 10 and the seat recognition mat 9, and evaluates entry criteria for the further course of the process. In this exemplary embodiment, the information provided is used to decide whether entry criteria for disinfection are met, for example whether the vehicle is locked and whether there are no people in the vehicle.

Depending on the exemplary embodiment, the process block 120 can be supplemented by further sensor queries in further peripheral systems. If the entry criteria are not met, the condition of the vehicle is monitored continuously or at regular intervals. If there is a change in the entry criteria here, process block 110 is carried out iteratively.

Process block 130: If all entry criteria from process block 120 are met, the UV exposure is started. In this case, the intelligent interface 6 sends a request to the control or control unit 4 in order to start or activate the UV radiation units 3 .

A B90 exposure of the individual UV radiation units is set to the maximum possible. The exposure intensity of the UV radiation units 3 depends, among other things, on the UV radiation units 3, which are formed by UV LEDs, for example, and their radiation power. The exposure time t1 corresponds to a recommended exposure time for the disinfection of microorganisms, bacteria and viruses and is based on the current state of research, e.g. on the guidelines of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) or the DIN EN 1040 standard.

Furthermore, the exposure time t1 depends on the UV radiation units 3 used and the associated radiation dose. The exposure duration t1 can therefore vary depending on the exemplary embodiment. If the requirements for the exposure duration t1 should increase, the invention is able to adjust the exposure times stored in the controller 4 via a vehicle flash.

Process blocks 140 and 150: If the vehicle status changes during the irradiation process of the steering wheel surface with the exposure duration t1, for example by unlocking the vehicle (process block 140), the intelligent interface 6 reports via the central control unit 10 to the controller 4 to interrupt the exposure (process block 150) . Exposure B90 is set to zero and the process begins, again at vehicle state detection 110.

Process blocks 160 and 170: If there is no change in the vehicle state during the exposure period t1, the exposure is carried out up to the point in time t1 (process block 160). It is then checked whether the exposure has taken place by time t1 (process block 170).

Process block 180: If the exposure time t1 has been successfully reached, the intelli Gente interface 6 a request to the air conditioning / ventilation to clean the air in the vehicle interior for a short time. This step is necessary in particular when UV radiation units 3 are used, which may release ozone which is harmful to health. In this case, the duration of the ventilation also depends on how much ozone was emitted in the vehicle interior. If UV radiation units are used that do not release any gases that are harmful to health, the process block 180 can be omitted.

• Erkennen des Fahrzeugzustandes 110 durch Eingangskriterien anhand einer intelligenten Schnittstelle 6,
• Starten der UV-Belichtung 130 einer UVC-durchlässige Außenhaut 12 zur Desinfektion der Lenkradoberfläche mit Hilfe von im Lenkrad verbauten UV-Einheit 2 bestehend aus einzelnen UV-Strahlungseinheiten 3,
• Durchführung der UV-Belichtung 160 bis zu einer definierten Belichtungsdauer t1 mit Hilfe von im Lenkrad verbauten UV-Einheit 2 bestehend aus einzelnen UV-Strahleneinheiten 3,
• Stoppen der UV-Belichtung 160 beim Erreichen einer definierten Belichtungsdauer t1 oder beim Erkennen einer Änderung des Fahrzeugzustandes durch die intelligente Schnittstelle 6,
• Aktivieren der Belüftungsanlage, beispielsweise einer Klimaanlage und/oder Lüftung, durch eine intelligente Schnittstelle 6 beim Erreichen eines Schwellzeitpunktes t1.

The method for carrying out the disinfection of the steering wheel surface in a motor vehicle includes the following process steps in particular:

• Recognition of the vehicle status 110 by input criteria using an intelligent interface 6,
• Starting the UV exposure 130 of a UVC-permeable outer skin 12 to disinfect the steering wheel surface using the UV unit 2 installed in the steering wheel, consisting of individual UV radiation units 3,
• Implementation of the UV exposure 160 up to a defined exposure time t1 with the help of the UV unit 2 installed in the steering wheel, consisting of individual UV radiation units 3,
• Stopping the UV exposure 160 when a defined exposure duration t1 is reached or when the intelligent interface 6 detects a change in the vehicle status,
• Activation of the ventilation system, for example an air conditioning system and/or ventilation, through an intelligent interface 6 when a threshold time t1 is reached.

The exemplary embodiment presented above merely describes one possible variant of the method according to the invention. It should be noted here that not all possible exemplary embodiments can be listed. Similar embodiments and modifications of the above invention can also be implemented. The explanations and modifications can be implemented differently than specifically described here in the exemplary embodiment.

Reference List

1

steering wheel

2

UV unit

3

UV radiation units

4

control unit

5

Display unit / status bar

6

intelligent interface

7

ID giver

8th

smart access

9

seat detection mat

10

central control unit

11

Air conditioning/ventilation system

12

outer skin

13

rail

20

System for disinfection

21

steering wheel surface

22

steering wheel rim

23

core

30

motor vehicle

100

procedure

110

vehicle condition

120

vehicle condition

130

Start UV exposure

140

vehicle condition

150

Stop UV exposure

160

Perform UV exposure

170

exposure time

180

Activate ventilation / ventilate vehicle

B90

exposure

t1

exposure time

E

emission areas

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent Literature Cited

• DE 102013002539 A1 [0005]
• DE 102014017616 A1 [0006]
• DE 102016005065 A1 [0007]
• DE 19630145 A1 [0008]
• DE 102018123232 A1 [0009, 0013]
• DE 102016110546 A1 [0011]
• DE 102015115029 A1 [0012]

Claims (10)

A system for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle, comprising a UV unit (2) which can be or is integrated inside an interior element (1) of a motor vehicle (30) and comprises one or more UV radiation units (3) for emitting UVC radiation, an outer skin (12) permeable to UVC radiation to form a surface of the interior element (1) in order to emit the UVC radiation from the interior of the interior element (1) through the outer skin (12), and a control unit (4) for automatically switching the one or more UV radiation units (3) on and off depending on the vehicle status and at least one predefined irradiation criterion. system after claim 1 , characterized in that the UV radiation units (3) are arranged in such a way that the UVC radiation emitted from the interior of the interior element (1) completely covers the surface of the interior element (1) in order to achieve complete disinfection of the surface. system after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the one or more UV radiation units (3) are movably mounted on a rail inside the interior element (1). System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the interior element (1) is designed as a steering wheel and that the one or more UV radiation units (3) can be moved along the circumference of the steering wheel and/or the circumference of the steering wheel diameter. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle condition comprises the locked status of the doors of the vehicle (30) and the presence of one or more persons in the vehicle interior, and in that the irradiation criterion comprises the duration of the irradiation. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an interface (6) to an air conditioning and/or ventilation system (11) of the vehicle in order to control this depending on the operating state of the UV unit (2). System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a display unit (5) for optically displaying the status of the disinfection and/or the progress of the disinfection. Method for disinfecting a surface of an interior element of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: detecting a vehicle condition of a motor vehicle (30) by input criteria; Irradiating an outer skin (12) of an interior element (1) of the motor vehicle (30) that is permeable to UVC radiation by means of UVC radiation, which is emitted from the interior of the interior element (1) through the outer skin (12) if the input criteria are met ; and Irradiation stopped when a defined exposure time is reached or when at least one of the entry criteria is no longer met. procedure after claim 8 , characterized in that when the exposure time is reached, an air conditioning and/or ventilation system of the motor vehicle (30) is activated. Motor vehicle, comprising a system according to one of Claims 1 until 7 .

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