RU2713535C2 - Self-insulating surface coating of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: transportation.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to vehicle disinfecting systems. Self-disinfecting surface coating comprises first electrode, multiple printed LEDs, second electrode in electrical connection with multiple LEDs and outer layer. First electrode adjoins the vehicle panel. Plurality of printed LEDs are suspended in semiconductor inks at the first electrode and made with possibility of disinfecting radiation emission. Outer layer forms surface in connection with second electrode and is configured to pass at least part of disinfecting radiation through it.

EFFECT: enabling disinfection of various vehicle surfaces to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.

20 cl, 5 dwg

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14/603,636, filed January 23, 2015 and entitled "DOOR LIGHTING AND WARNING SYSTEM", which is a partial continuation of the application for the grant of US patent No. 14 / 086,442, filed November 21, 2013 and entitled “VEHICLE LIGHTING SYSTEM WITH PHOTOLUMINESCENT STRUCTURE”. The aforementioned related applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to disinfecting systems, and more particularly, to disinfecting systems having thin profiles that can be operable to adhere to non-planar surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Diseases and infections can spread through indirect contact through various surfaces, which can correspond to touch surfaces, which are often exposed. Disinfecting such surfaces can help prevent the spread of diseases and infections to reduce associated health risks. The invention provides various systems and devices that can be used to disinfect various surfaces. At least one example of such surfaces may correspond to a motor vehicle. The invention provides for disinfecting systems and devices capable of disinfecting various surfaces that can correspond to surfaces that are often contacted by occupying persons in a vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device configured to disinfect a vehicle surface, comprising a first electrode substantially adjacent to a vehicle panel, a plurality of printed LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink on a first electrode and configured to emit disinfecting radiation, a second electrode in electrical connection with a plurality of LEDs, and an outer layer forming a surface in connection with the second electrode, wherein m the outer layer is configured to transmit at least part of the disinfecting radiation through it.

The device preferably further comprises a controller in communication with the first electrode and the second electrode.

The controller is preferably configured to selectively actuate the disinfecting radiation in response to at least one state of the vehicle.

At least one state preferably corresponds to an unemployed vehicle.

The device preferably further comprises at least one presence sensor in connection with the controller.

At least one presence sensor preferably corresponds to at least one of a seat sensor, proximity sensor, infrared sensor, camera, and microphone.

The device preferably further comprises a photoluminescent layer deposited between the second electrode and the outer layer.

The photoluminescent layer is preferably configured to convert part of the disinfecting radiation to the output radiation.

The output radiation preferably corresponds to visible light configured to illuminate at least a portion of the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-disinfecting vehicle surface coating comprising a base layer, a pair of electrodes substantially adjacent to the base layer, a plurality of LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink between electrodes capable of emitting disinfecting radiation, and an outer surface coating layer which is in connection with one of the pair of electrodes, while the outer layer is configured to transmit at least an hour ty disinfecting radiation through it.

The surface coating preferably forms a flexible thin film layer adapted to adhere to non-planar surfaces.

The surface coating preferably has a profile thickness of from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

The base layer preferably comprises a mounting surface adapted to adhere to the surface of the vehicle panel.

The disinfecting radiation preferably corresponds to a wavelength of light shorter than about 400 nm.

The surface coating preferably further comprises a photoluminescent layer deposited between one of the electrodes and the outer surface.

The photoluminescent layer is preferably configured to convert a portion of the disinfecting radiation to an output radiation corresponding to at least one light wavelength greater than about 400 nm.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a self-disinfecting surface coating for a vehicle, comprising a pair of electrodes substantially adjacent to a vehicle panel, a plurality of LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink between electrodes capable of emitting disinfecting radiation, and an outer surface coating layer near one of the electrodes, configured to pass at least a portion of the disinfectant out radiation through it.

The pair of electrodes preferably corresponds to the conductive layers having printed LEDs deposited by the printing process between them.

The surface coating preferably further comprises a photoluminescent layer deposited between the pair of electrodes and the outer surface.

The photoluminescent layer is preferably configured to convert a portion of the disinfecting radiation to output radiation corresponding to at least one wavelength of light having a length greater than about 400 nm.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will become apparent and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description of the invention, claims, and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

ON THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle having at least one self-disinfecting surface;

FIG. 2 is a detailed side view of a light generating unit comprising a photoluminescent layer;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a light generating unit showing a photoluminescent layer configured to convert a light wavelength;

FIG. 4 is a detailed perspective view of a passenger compartment of an automobile vehicle having at least one self-disinfecting surface configured to provide illumination for a vehicle; and

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a lighting device comprising a light generating unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily intended for detailed design, and some diagrams may be enlarged or reduced to show a general representation of the function. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed in the materials of this application should not be interpreted as limiting, but only as representing the basis for training a person skilled in the art to apply the present invention in different ways.

As used in the materials of this application, the term "and / or", when used in a list of two or more elements, means that any one of the listed elements can be used on its own, or any combination of two or more of the listed elements can be applied . For example, if the composition is described as containing components A, B and / or C, the composition may contain exclusively A; exclusively B; exclusively C; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination.

The following invention describes a disinfecting device. A disinfecting device can be used for various surfaces, which can correspond to surfaces that are often exposed. Such surfaces may include, but are not limited to, door handles, handrails, armrests, work surfaces (e.g. tables, seating surfaces), hygienic fastened parts (e.g. toilet chairs, water taps, faucet handles) and a variety of additional surfaces that may be contacted throughout its normal use. In an exemplary embodiment, the disinfecting device may correspond to a fixed part of the vehicle.

The disinfecting device may correspond to a thin flexible assembly that can be used in a variety of applications. For the purposes of this invention, a fixed part may be referred to as any internal or external part of a vehicle’s equipment or part thereof, suitable for receiving various implementations of the device described in the materials of this application. Despite the fact that the implementation of the disinfecting device described in the materials of this application is mainly aimed at use in a motor vehicle, it should be understood that the device or system can also be implemented in a variety of types of surfaces. In addition, although automobile vehicles are depicted in the materials of this application, the disinfecting device can be used in other types of vehicles designed to carry one or more passengers, such as, but not limited to, a vessel, trains, and an aircraft.

With reference to FIG. 1, a passenger compartment 10 of a motor vehicle 12 is generally shown having a variety of touch surfaces 14. Touch surfaces 14 may correspond to areas of the vehicle 12, typically the interior area, which are often contacted by passengers. Examples of touch surfaces 14 may include a passenger door handle 16, a door lock 18, a steering wheel 20, a shift knob 22, an armrest 24, a console arm 26, a head restraint 28, an external door unlocking handle 30, etc. For purposes of illustration, each of the touch surfaces 14 may be configured to receive a self-disinfecting surface coating 32 (hereinafter, the surface coating 32). Each of the surface coatings 32 may correspond to one or more disinfecting devices 34, configured to emit at least one wavelength of light, configured to disinfect at least one of the contact surfaces 14 of the vehicle 12. The disinfecting device 24 may be located in different seats in the vehicle and in general is indicated by number 34.

The contact surfaces 14 may correspond to the surfaces of the various fixed parts of the vehicle 12. Each of the surface coatings 32 may be molded into fixed parts, attached to the surface of the fixed parts, or attached to surfaces by other suitable means. Each of the surface coatings 32 may be configured to selectively actuate one or more disinfecting devices 34 by the controller 102, independently or in combination, to at least partially disinfect the contact surfaces 14. In addition, in some embodiments, surface coating 32 may be configured to emit output radiation corresponding to light in the visible spectrum. Thus, one or more surface coatings 32 may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle 12, as well as to disinfect the touch surfaces 14. The controller 102 of the sanitizer 34 and the vehicle control module 104 in connection with the controller 102 are further described with reference to FIG. 5.

Surface coatings 32 may adhere to various profiles and dimensions of the contact surfaces 14 and may correspond to parts of a fixed part having a flat and / or non-planar configuration. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, surface coatings 32 may have a thin profile and have flexible materials so that the assembly adapts to non-planar surfaces. Although exemplary fastened parts are described in the materials of this application, it should be understood that other fixed parts can be used in accordance with the disinfecting device 34 described in the materials of this application. Such fixed parts may include dashboards and components on it, interactive mechanisms (e.g. push buttons, switches, dials, touch screens, and the like), printed surfaces, and various internal and / or external parts of the vehicle 12, which may be from metal, polymer or a variety of materials.

As noted above, the surface coating 32 may be in communication with the controller 102. In some embodiments, the controller 102 may further be in communication with the vehicle control unit 104. The vehicle control module 104 may provide signals to the controller 102 in response to various user input signals, vehicle operating information, vehicle status information, etc. In response to one or more signals received from the vehicle control module 104, the controller 102 of the sanitizer 34 is configured to control one or more surface coatings 32 to significantly sanitize the respective contact surfaces 14 of the vehicle 12. Further details regarding the controller 102 and the module 104 vehicle controls are described with reference to FIG. 5. Although the sanitizer 34 and surface coatings 32 described herein are described as being in communication with the controller 102, one or more surface coatings 32 may be controlled by various forms of switches and / or analog or digital circuits.

With reference to FIG. 2, at least one surface coating 32 of the sanitizer 34 may correspond to a thin film comprising a printed light emitting diode (LED) assembly. The surface coating 32 may include a base 52. The base 52 may be opaque, transparent or translucent and may be thin, having a flexible structure configured to adhere and adhere to the surface of a fixed vehicle part. Surface coating 32 can be used in a variety of applications that may require a small overall thickness. Base 52 may be made of a polymer, for example polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc. In some embodiments, the base 52 may be pulled out of a roll to be embedded in assembly operations for surface coating 32, and may be from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm in thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, surface coating 32 may be less than 1 mm in thickness, and in some embodiments, may be less than 0.6 mm in thickness.

The first electrode 54 may correspond to a cathode conductive layer (hereinafter, cathode 54), which may be located on the base 52. The cathode 54 and / or various electrodes or conductive layers described herein may contain a conductive epoxy compound, such as containing silver or copper-containing epoxy compound. The cathode 54 is galvanically connected to the first conductive bus or cathode conductive bus 56. The cathode conductive bus 56 and other conductive busbars or wires described herein may be made of metal and / or conductive materials that can be screen printed on the electrodes or conductive layers. The conductive busbars can be used in the surface coating 32 to galvanically connect a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) sources 58 to the power source through the controller 102. Thus, the cathode conductive bus 56 and other conductive buses used in the surface coating 32 can be configured to supplying an electric current substantially uniformly along and / or across the cathode 54 and other conductive layers in the surface coating 32.

The LED sources 58 can be printed, dispersed, or otherwise deposited onto the cathode 54 using semiconductor inks 60. The LED sources 58 can be randomly or controlledly dispersed inside the semiconductor inks 60. The LED sources 58 can correspond to micro-LEDs from elements on gallium nitride, which can be from about 5 microns to 400 microns in width, oriented essentially perpendicular to the surface of the cathode 54. Semiconductor ink 60 may include various binders and die ktricheskie materials, including but not limited to, one or more of gallium, indium, silicon carbide, phosphorus and / or translucent polymeric binders. In this configuration, the semiconductor ink 60 may contain various concentrations of LED sources 58, so that the scattering density of LED sources 58 can be adjusted for various applications.

Semiconductor ink 60 can be applied, thanks to various printing processes, including processes with ink nozzles and silk stencils, to selected portion (s) of the substrate 52. Semiconductor ink 50 is applied so that LED light sources 58 can form a circuit between the cathode 54 and the second electrode 64 or the anode conductive layer (hereinafter, the anode 64). More specifically, it is contemplated that LED sources 58 are dispersed in semiconductor ink 60 and are shaped and sized so that a substantial amount of them are preferably oriented perpendicular to cathode 54 and anode 64 during application of semiconductor ink 60. Some of the LED sources 58 are as a result, they are electrically connected to the electrodes 54, 64, and can be illuminated by a voltage source applied parallel to the cathode 54 and the anode 64. Additional information regarding the design of the light-generating unit is made with the possibility of emitting light at different wavelengths than the sanitizer 34 is disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2014264396 A1 to Lowvental and others, entitled “Ultra-thin printed layer of an LED removed from a substrate” filed March 12, 2014, complete the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Although described in specific embodiments as cathode 54 and anode 64, the first electrode 54 and the second electrode 64 may correspond to the anode and cathode, respectively, so that the polarity and the corresponding direction of the LED sources can be reversed. In such embodiments, the light emitted from the LED sources 58 can be directed to the base 52. In such configurations, a reflective layer 53 can be positioned between the first electrode 54 (the anode in this particular implementation) and the base so that the disinfecting radiation is reflected by the reflective a layer 53 outward from the base 52. The reflective layer may be from any substantially reflective material, for example, metallic reflective material.

At least one dielectric layer 66 may be printed on top of the LED sources 58 to encapsulate and / or secure the sources 58 on the LEDs in place. At least one dielectric layer 66 may correspond to a first dielectric layer 66a and a second dielectric layer 66b, which may be of a transparent material. The anode 64 may correspond to a top layer of a transparent conductor printed over the dielectric layer 66 to electrically connect the electrodes 54, 64 through the sources 58 on the LED. Anode 64 is galvanically connected to a second conductive bus or anode conductive bus 68. The conductive busbars 56, 68 can be used in surface coating 32 to galvanically connect multiple LED sources 58 to a power source through a controller 102.

The busbars 56, 68 can be printed along the opposite edges of the electrodes 54, 64 and electrically terminated at the terminals of the anode and cathode. The connection points between the conductive buses 56, 68 and the controller 102 may be located at opposite corners of each conductive bus 56, 68 to evenly distribute the current across the electrodes 54, 64. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the electrodes 54, 64 may be indium oxide and tin (ITO) or similar conductive materials that are substantially translucent.

Next, with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a photoluminescent layer 70 may be deposited on the anode 64. The photoluminescent layer 70 may be configured to convert a portion of the disinfecting radiation 82 (eg, ultraviolet light) emitted from the LED sources 58 to the output radiation 84 corresponding to the light in the visible spectrum. The photoluminescent layer 70 may have a limited concentration of photoluminescent material, so that the first part 92 of the disinfecting radiation 82 is converted to the output radiation 84, and the second part 94 of the disinfecting radiation 82 is emitted from the outer surface 80 (for example, the contact surface 14) of the surface coating 32. In this configuration , the output radiation 84 may be emitted from the outer surface 80 to illuminate the surface coating with visible light, meanwhile, the second part 94 of the disinfecting radiation 82 m Jet flow through photoluminescent layer 70, so that the outer surface 80 of radiation 82 disinfected with disinfectant.

The photoluminescent layer 70 may be applied in the form of a coating, layer, film and / or photoluminescent base. The photoluminescent layer 70 may be applied by screen printing, flexography, and / or otherwise attached to the anode 64. In various embodiments, LED sources 58 may be configured to emit disinfecting radiation 82 containing a first wavelength corresponding to ultraviolet (UV) ) to the light. LED sources 58 may be configured to emit disinfecting radiation 82 or excitation radiation to the photoluminescent layer 70 so that the photoluminescent material becomes excited. In response to receiving the disinfecting radiation 82, the photoluminescent material converts a portion of the disinfecting radiation 82 from the first wavelength into the output radiation 84 containing at least a second wavelength greater than the first wavelength.

Disinfectant radiation 82 may be emitted from LED sources 58, which may correspond to an ultraviolet light source. LED sources 58 may be configured to emit disinfecting radiation 82 or excitation radiation corresponding to a wavelength of the ultraviolet light range from about 10 nm to 400 nm. In an illustrative embodiment, LED sources 58 may be configured to emit ultraviolet radiation in the range of about 10 nm to 400 nm, and in some embodiments, may emit radiation at about 200 nm to 300 nm, which may be particularly suitable for disinfection.

The outer layer 72 of the surface coating 32 may correspond to one or more coatings configured to at least partially cover the surface coating 32, and is at least partially permeable to ultraviolet and, if necessary, visible light. In some embodiments, the outer layer 72 may correspond to a plurality of layers configured to impart the desired feel and appearance to the corresponding touch surface 14 of the vehicle 12. The outer layer 72 may correspond to one or more coatings of sealing layers applied to the outer surface of the photoluminescent layer 70 or anode 64. For example, the outer layer 72 may be deposited on the anode 64 in embodiments that do not include a photoluminescent layer 70 for converting ne a portion of the disinfecting radiation portion 82 to the output radiation 84. The outer layer 72 may further be configured to protect the anode 64 and / or the photoluminescent layer 70 and various other parts of the assembly from damage and wear.

Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a detailed view of the photoluminescent layer 70 and the outer layer 72 of the surface coating 32 is shown. As described herein, the photoluminescent layer 70 can be used in some embodiments to convert at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation 82 to the output radiation 84 in the visible light range. The LED sources 58 are in electrical communication with the electrodes 54, 64 and the power source through the controller 102, so that the disinfectant radiation 82 can be output from the LED sources 58.

In an exemplary embodiment, the disinfecting radiation 82 may correspond to excitation radiation having a first wavelength approximately corresponding to the ultraviolet wavelength of light. The first wavelength may contain a wavelength in the ultraviolet and near ultraviolet color range (~ 100-450 nm). In an exemplary embodiment, the first wavelength may be approximately equal to 270 nm. Additionally, with respect to embodiments including the photoluminescent layer 70, specific photoluminescent materials can be selected so that the disinfectant radiation 82 corresponds to a configured first wavelength that targets the absorption range of the specific photoluminescent materials. In this configuration, the photoluminescent material of the photoluminescent layer 70 may become excited in response to receiving the excitation radiation and emit the output radiation 84.

In embodiments that do not include the photoluminescent layer 70, the disinfectant radiation 82 may pass directly to the outer layer 72 and emitted from the outer layer 72 having a wavelength substantially similar to that of the disinfectant radiation 82. In embodiments that include the photoluminescent layer 70 , the disinfecting radiation 82 can be transmitted to the at least partially ultraviolet light transmitting material of the photoluminescent layer 70. The disinfecting radiation 82 is emitted from the source ov 58 on the LED and can be made so that the first wavelength corresponds to at least one absorption wavelength of one or more photoluminescent materials located in the photoluminescent layer 70. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 can be configured to convert part of the disinfecting radiation 82 to the first wavelength into the output radiation 84 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

The photoluminescent layer 70 may contain a specific concentration of photoluminescent material to ensure that only a portion of the disinfecting radiation 82 is converted to the output radiation 84. The output radiation 84 may contain one or more wavelengths, one of which may be longer than the first wavelength. The conversion of the disinfecting radiation 82 to the output radiation 84 may be referred to as the Stokes shift.

In some embodiments, output radiation 84 may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths. Each of the many wavelengths can correspond to substantially different spectral color ranges. For example, at least a second wavelength of the output radiation 84 may correspond to a plurality of wavelengths (e.g., second, third, etc.). In some embodiments, implementation, multiple wavelengths can be combined in the output radiation 84 to appear in the form of essentially white light. A plurality of wavelengths can be formed by emitting red radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 620-750 nm, emitting green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength of approximately 526-606 nm, and emitting blue or blue-green radiation by a photoluminescent material having a wavelength, greater than the first wavelength λ1, and approximately 430-525 nm. In some embodiments, the implementation of the blue or blue-green wavelength may correspond to the excitation radiation combined with the output radiation 84. As described herein, the concentration of the photoluminescent material may be configured to allow at least a portion of the excitation radiation to be emitted from the output radiation 84 to add a blue tint to the output radiation 84. Multiple wavelengths can be used to form a wide variety of colors with a veta from each of the photoluminescent parts converted from the first wavelength. Although specific colors of red, green, and blue are mentioned in the materials of this application, various photoluminescent materials can be used to form a wide variety of colors and combinations to control the appearance of the output radiation 84.

The photoluminescent materials corresponding to the photoluminescent layer 70 may contain organic and inorganic fluorescent dyes configured to convert the disinfectant radiation 82 to the output radiation 84. For example, the photoluminescent layer 70 may contain a photoluminescent structure of rylene, xanthenes, porphyrins, other phthalocyanines or for a specific Stokes shift determined by the absorption range and emission fluorescence. In some embodiments, implementation, the photoluminescent layer 70 may have at least one inorganic luminescent material selected from the group of phosphors. Inorganic luminescent material can more specifically be formed from a group of cerium-activated garnets, such as YAG: Ce. As such, photoluminescent materials can be selectively driven by a first wavelength received from disinfecting radiation 82 to emit an output radiation 84 having the desired color.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the sanitizer 34 may further include an outer layer 72 in the form of at least partially translucent layer 74. In some embodiments, the outer layer 72 may correspond to a plurality of layers configured to give the desired feel and appearance to the corresponding touch surface 14 of the vehicle 12 The outer layer 72 may correspond to one or more coatings of the sealing layers, which can be applied to the outer surface of the photoluminescent layer 70 or the anode 64 The outer layer 72 may comprise at least one stabilizing layer 76 configured to protect the photoluminescent material of the photoluminescent layer 70 from photolytic or thermal degradation and physical as well as chemical damage resulting from exposure to the environment. The stabilizing layer 76 can be made in the form of a layer optically connected and adjacent to the photoluminescent layer 70. The stabilizing layer 76 can also be combined with the photoluminescent layer 70 and the outer layer 72.

The outer layer 72 may further comprise a contact layer 78, the outer surface of which corresponds to the contact surface 14 of the surface coating 32. The contact layer 78 may correspond at least partially to a translucent material. The contact layer 78 of the outer layer 72 may correspond to a variety of materials, for example, at least partially translucent polymeric material, such as polypropylene. Polypropylene is a semi-crystalline polymer. The presence of this crystalline structure can increase the stiffness, as well as the mechanical, chemical, and thermal resistance of the material. Polypropylene usually crystallizes slowly and forms relatively large complex crystal aggregates, known as spherulites. The growth of these spherulites is usually initiated around microscopic "areas" naturally present in the material.

The size of these spherulites is generally larger than the wavelength of visible light, resulting in scattering and tarnishing of the light of the radiation transmitted through the outer layer 72 from the lighting device. Adding a clarifier to polypropylene is equivalent to adding “additional areas” in which the spherulites can initiate their growth. Essentially, in some embodiments, the polypropylene can be clarified. By adding a clarifier, the rate of crystal initiation is increased throughout the polypropylene. This may include an increased number of crystals in the same volume of space provided by a smaller crystal size. The result of smaller crystals is to allow light, such as disinfectant radiation 82 and / or output radiation 84, to pass through the outer layer 72. In some embodiments, acrylic material and / or flexible vinyl material can similarly be used for molded parts.

In some embodiments, the outer layer 72 may be combined with the photoluminescent layer 70 and the stabilizing layer 76 to form a single photoluminescent structure by sequentially coating or printing each layer or by sequential layering or embossing. In addition, several layers can be combined by sequential coating, layering or embossing to form a substructure. Moreover, the substructure can then be layered or pressed by embossing to form a single photoluminescent structure. Once formed, a photoluminescent structure can be deposited on the anode 64 so that the disinfecting radiation 82 can be received from the sources 58 on the LED and converted to the output radiation 84. Additional information regarding the structure of the photoluminescent structures to be used in at least one photoluminescent part of the transport funds disclosed in US patent No. 8,232,533 in the name of Kingsley and others, entitled "SUSTAINABLE PHOTOLYTIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL MULTILAYERED STRUCTURES For high efficiency of conversion of electromagnetic energy and duration of the emission of secondary radiation ", filed July 31, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

In some embodiments, the outer layer 72 may further comprise a colored layer deposited on the surface coating 32 and configured to control or customize the appearance of the outer surface 80 in an unlit state. The colored layer may contain at least partially translucent polymer layer or coating that can be applied to the contact layer 78. The colored layer can be tinted with any color to match the desired appearance of the surface coating 32. In an exemplary embodiment, the photoluminescent material of the energy conversion layer may correspond to a red light emitting rihlen dye. Such a colorant may cause the photoluminescent layer 70 to have an orange appearance to some extent. In such embodiments, a colored layer can be used to highlight the surface coating 32 with a desired color, for example, a neutral color of the interior of the vehicle, such as gray, beige, etc.

In FIG. 4 shows a detailed view of the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle 12, including the touch surface 14 of the shift handle 22. Next, with reference to FIG. 3 and 4, as noted hereinabove, the sanitizer 34 may comprise a photoluminescent layer 70 enclosed in a surface coating 32. In such embodiments, the first portion 92 of the sanitizer radiation 82 may correspond to an excitation radiation that has been converted by one or more photoluminescent materials of the photoluminescent layer 70, for emitting the output radiation 84. Additionally, the second part 94 of the disinfecting radiation 82 can pass through the photoluminescent layer 70, so that the outer surface 80 of the surface coating is substantially pierced and filtered by the disinfecting radiation 82. Thus, the outer surface 80 of the surface coating 32 can be highlighted by the output radiation 84, and the outer surface 80 is also disinfected by the disinfecting radiation 82/94 passing through the outer surface 80.

In some embodiments, implementation, the photoluminescent layer 70 may generate an output radiation 84 to give a noticeable notice that one or more surface coatings 32 are disinfected. The brightness of the output radiation 84 can be controlled by the concentration of photoluminescent materials embedded in the photoluminescent layer 70. The brightness can further be controlled by the relative turn-on time, voltage, density and / or type of LED sources 58 used in the surface coating 32. The first part 92 and the second part 94 of the disinfectant radiation 82 may correspond to the ratio between the amount of light produced by LED sources 58 and the concentration of photoluminescent materials / types of photolumin scenarios used in the photoluminescent layer 70. For example, high-intensity output from LED sources 58 may produce a larger output radiation 84 and a smaller amount of the second disinfecting radiation portion 94, if there is a relatively high concentration of the photoluminescent material in the photoluminescent layer 70. Comparatively, the return high intensity from sources 58 on the LED can form a small amount of output radiation 84 and a large value of the second part 94 of the disinfectant radiation 82, if there is a relative Tel'nykh low concentration of photoluminescent material in the photoluminescence layer 70.

As described herein, the disinfecting surface coating 32 of the disinfecting device 34 may include a system and method configured to disinfect the surface of the vehicle 12. In particular, the disinfecting surface coating 32 can be used for common touch surfaces 14 that can collect contaminants and infectious organisms that can cause the spread of disease in the vehicle 12. By selective actuation e of LED sources 58 for emitting disinfecting radiation 82, the disinfecting device 34 may be configured to disinfect at least a portion of the outer surface 80 of the surface coating 32. In some embodiments, the photoluminescent layer 70 may be included at or adjacent to the surface coating 32. In this configuration, the output radiation 84 can also be removed from the outer surface 80 so that the surface coating 32 is illuminated with visible light during the disinfection of the outer surface spans 80.

With reference to FIG. 5, a block diagram of a sanitizer 34 or system configured to control the light sources 58 of the LEDs on the surface coating 32 is shown. The sanitizer 34 includes a controller 102 in connection with the LED sources 58 on the surface coating 32 through the terminals of the electrodes. The controller 102 may be in communication with the vehicle control module 104 via the vehicle communication bus 106. Communication bus 106 may be configured to provide signals to a controller 102 identifying various vehicle conditions. For example, the communication bus 106 may be configured to inform the controller 102 of the vehicle’s gear selection, the ignition state, the door’s open or ajar state, the remote activation of the LED sources 58, or any other information or control signals that can be used to input the action or settings of the disinfectant radiation 82 of the surface coating 32. Although the controller 102 is discussed herein, in some embodiments, the sanitizer is 34 m It can be activated in response to an electrical or electromechanical switch.

The controller 102 may include a processor 108 comprising one or more circuits capable of receiving signals from a communication bus 106 and transmitting output signals to control LED sources 58 to emit disinfecting radiation 82. The processor 108 may be in connection with a memory 110 configured to the ability to store commands to control the commissioning of sources 58 on the LED. The controller 102 may further be in connection with a stray light sensor 112. The scattered light sensor 112 may be operable to report a light mode, for example, a brightness level or a scattered light intensity closer to the vehicle 12. In response to the scattered light level, the controller 102 may be configured to adjust the light intensity emitted from the sources 58 on the LED. The intensity of the light emitted from the LED sources 58 can be adjusted by controlling the relative on-time, current, or voltage supplied to the LED sources 58.

The controller 102 may further be in connection with one or more presence sensors 114 configured to detect the presence of a occupying person in a vehicle. The presence sensor 114 can typically be configured to determine if a passenger (eg, an animal) is inside the vehicle 12. The presence sensors 114 may include various measurement transducers and / or sensors, for example, weight sensors, in the passenger seats and / or the floor (e.g. a seat sensor), presence or proximity sensors, infrared sensors, cameras, microphones and various devices that can be configured to detect weight, temperature, movement, sound, etc., in the passenger the compartment 10 of the vehicle 12. The controller 102 may use the signals received from the presence sensor 114 to identify whether the occupying person is in the interior of the vehicle 12. By determining that the vehicle 12 is not occupied, the controller 102 may activate the sources 58 on the LED so that the surface coating 32 is sanitized.

In combination with messages received via the communication bus 106, the controller 102 may be configured to identify whether the occupying person is in the passenger compartment 10 of the vehicle, and additionally whether the interior of the vehicle 12 is securely protected (for example, if the guards are closed and vehicle windows). In this configuration, the disinfecting device 34 may be configured to control the disinfecting radiation 82 so as to limit the exposure of occupying persons of the vehicle 12. The windows of the vehicle may comprise a filtering or blocking ultraviolet coating that may be configured to limit the incoming ultraviolet radiation from sun, as well as preventing the release of disinfecting radiation 82 from the vehicle 12.

For the purpose of describing and defining the present invention, it should be noted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are used in the materials of this application to represent a necessarily inherent degree of uncertainty that can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement or other representation. The terms "substantially" and "approximately" are also used in the materials of this application to represent the extent to which the quantitative presentation may deviate from the established reference value, without leading to a change in the main function of the subject matter of the invention.

Although described in various illustrative examples, referring to vehicle surfaces, a disinfecting device can be used for surfaces other than automobiles, which can correspond to surfaces that are often exposed to. Such surfaces may include, but are not limited to, door handles, handrails, armrests, work surfaces (e.g. tables, seating surfaces), hygienic fastened parts (e.g. toilet chairs, water taps, faucet handles) and a variety of additional surfaces that may be contacted throughout its normal use. It should be understood that changes and modifications can be made to the above-mentioned design without going beyond the concepts of the present invention, and in addition, it should be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims, unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

Claims (31)

1. Self-disinfecting surface coating of a vehicle, comprising: a first electrode substantially adjacent to the vehicle panel; a plurality of printed LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink on a first electrode and configured to emit disinfecting radiation; a second electrode in electrical connection with multiple LEDs; and the outer layer forming a surface in connection with the second electrode, while the outer layer is configured to pass at least part of the disinfecting radiation through it. 2. The surface coating according to claim 1, further comprising a controller in connection with the first electrode and the second electrode. 3. The surface coating of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to selectively actuate the disinfectant radiation in response to at least one state of the vehicle. 4. The surface coating according to claim 3, in which at least one state corresponds to the unemployment of the vehicle. 5. The surface coating of claim 2, further comprising at least one presence sensor in connection with the controller. 6. The surface coating of claim 5, wherein the at least one presence sensor corresponds to at least one of a seat sensor, proximity sensor, infrared sensor, camera, and microphone. 7. The surface coating according to claim 1, further comprising a photoluminescent layer deposited between the second electrode and the outer layer. 8. The surface coating according to claim 7, in which the photoluminescent layer is configured to convert part of the disinfecting radiation into output radiation. 9. The surface coating of claim 8, wherein the output radiation corresponds to visible light that is capable of illuminating at least a portion of the vehicle. 10. A self-disinfecting surface coating for a vehicle, comprising: base layer; a pair of electrodes substantially adjacent to the base layer; a plurality of LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink between electrodes configured to emit disinfecting radiation; and the outer layer of the surface coating, which is in connection with one of the pair of electrodes, while the outer layer is configured to pass at least part of the disinfecting radiation through it. 11. The surface coating according to p. 10, which forms a flexible thin film layer made with the ability to adhere to non-planar surfaces. 12. The surface coating of claim 10, which has a profile thickness of from about 0.1 mm to 2 mm. 13. The surface coating of claim 10, wherein the base layer comprises a mounting surface adapted to adhere to a surface of a vehicle panel. 14. The surface coating of claim 10, wherein the disinfecting radiation corresponds to a wavelength of light of less than about 400 nm. 15. The surface coating of claim 10, further comprising a photoluminescent layer deposited between one of the electrodes and the outer surface. 16. The surface coating of claim 15, wherein the photoluminescent layer is configured to convert part of the disinfectant radiation to output radiation corresponding to at least one light wavelength greater than about 400 nm. 17. A self-disinfecting surface coating for a vehicle, comprising: a pair of electrodes substantially adjacent to the vehicle panel; a plurality of LEDs suspended in semiconductor ink between electrodes configured to emit disinfecting radiation; and the outer layer of the surface coating near one of the electrodes, configured to transmit at least a portion of the disinfecting radiation through it. 18. The surface coating of claim 17, wherein the pair of electrodes corresponds to conductive layers having printed LEDs deposited by a printing process between them. 19. The surface coating according to claim 17, further comprising a photoluminescent layer deposited between the pair of electrodes and the outer surface. 20. The surface coating of claim 19, wherein the photoluminescent layer is configured to convert part of the disinfectant radiation to output radiation corresponding to at least one wavelength of light having a length greater than about 400 nm.

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