WO2022063881A1

WO2022063881A1 - Method and device for cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment

Info

Publication number: WO2022063881A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/076172
Authority: WO
Inventors: Manfred Stenzel; Matthias Gempel
Original assignee: Brose Fahrzeugteile Se & Co. Kommanditgesellschaft, Bamberg
Priority date: 2020-09-28
Filing date: 2021-09-23
Publication date: 2022-03-31
Also published as: DE102020212210A1

Abstract

Method for the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of at least one surface (19) located in a vehicle interior (11), wherein the method comprises performing the treatment in an automated manner by means of at least one electronically controllable dispensing device (3) and in response to a test signal (S2), and the test signal (S2) is the result of a sensor-based testing of the vehicle interior (11) for at least one object located in the vehicle interior (11) and impeding treatment.

Description

Process and device for cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment

description

The proposed solution relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 20.

A handle arrangement for a vehicle is known from DE 10 2016 120 283 A1, which has a disinfecting layer, among other things. The disinfecting layer is designed and provided to be activated in response to an excitation by light generated by a light source of the handle assembly and to disinfect a defined area on the handle assembly in an activated state. The solution known from DE 102016 120 283 A1 is limited to local disinfection of a handle for the vehicle area. It is not possible to disinfect, for example, textile surfaces or the air in the vehicle interior.

In addition, surface disinfectants are known in principle, which are based on the use of consumables such as cloths, gels or aqueous liquids. The manual application of the gel or liquid is intended to kill bacteria and/or viruses at the specific point. However, the manual application of the surface disinfectant is time-consuming and error-prone. Furthermore, it is not possible to disinfect the air in the vehicle interior in this way either.

Furthermore, DE 10 2016 214 798 A1 discloses a method and a computer program for activating a cleaning mode of a vehicle interior. Movable components in the interior are advantageously arranged in such a way that a cleaning person or device has easy access to places that are to be cleaned. The method and the computer program only serve to prepare for manual cleaning of the vehicle interior. Cleaning therefore remains time-consuming and error-prone, even with the solution proposed in DE 10 2016 214 798 A1. Against this background, there is a need for improvements in cleaning and disinfection processes for vehicle interiors.

Against this background, a method of claim 1 and a device of claim 20 are proposed.

A proposed method provides for an automated implementation of a treatment using at least one electronically controllable dispensing device and in response to a test signal. In this case, the test signal is the result of a sensor-assisted testing of the vehicle interior for at least one object which is arranged in the vehicle interior and stands in the way of treatment.

Accordingly, at least one surface arranged in a vehicle interior is automatically cleaned and/or disinfected with the aid of the method. The at least one surface can denote both a surface of an interior component, a vehicle floor, an interior lining, a trunk or a window facing the vehicle interior. The method uses at least one electronically controllable dispensing device for automated treatment. Accordingly, at least the starting and ending of an application process can be controlled using an electronic control signal.

The at least one dispensing device is a device which, in addition to being electronically controllable in relation to the arrangement and orientation in the vehicle interior, is fundamentally suitable for treating at least one surface in the vehicle interior in a disinfecting and/or cleaning manner.

Due to the automated process, it should also be noted that suitable cleaning and disinfection processes can pose a potential risk to people, animals, plants and objects in the vehicle. Damage to these must be ruled out in principle. Therefore, as part of the automated process, the at least one dispensing device is only started in response to the aforementioned test signal. Again, the test signal is only generated in response to the testing not being able to detect an object located in the vehicle interior and opposing treatment.

The test signal can be both a time-discrete test signal and a continuous test signal. It is therefore possible that the treatment using of the dispensing device is started in response to a discrete-time test signal and only ended in response to a further discrete-time signal or after a period of time has elapsed. It is also possible for the checking to send a check signal for the entire duration in which no object opposing the treatment is detected. Accordingly, it is possible for the treatment by means of the dispensing device to be started in response to the test signal which is continuous over time and to be ended when the test signal is interrupted or after a period of time has elapsed. In both cases, it is possible to use appropriately configured test signals to check the vehicle interior for at least one object that is located in the vehicle interior and stands in the way of treatment during the entire duration of the treatment.

The automated treatment can in particular be automatically terminated if an object opposing the treatment is detected in the vehicle interior during the period of time. Such an object can be a person or an animal, for example, which gains access to the vehicle interior during treatment.

The checking is carried out using at least one sensor. Such a sensor can, for example, be arranged and aligned in the vehicle interior in such a way that objects in the vehicle interior that stand in the way of the treatment can be detected. Such sensors can be piezo elements, for example, which are set up to detect the weight load on individual surfaces in the vehicle interior. Thus, a plurality of piezo elements may be able to measure weight changes for different sections of the floor and/or the trunk and/or the vehicle seat. Using suitable electronics, such a change in weight, starting from a target value, can be used to detect an object located on the respective section. Such suitable electronics can be part of the individual piezo elements or part of a control unit.

In addition, objects standing in the way of the treatment can in principle also be adjustable interior components arranged in the vehicle interior, which stand in the way of the treatment due to a specific adjustment position. In principle, such an interior component can be adjusted both manually and by external force. In both cases, the interior component can have at least one position sensor, which is set up To detect adjustment position of the interior component within the vehicle interior. In the case of a motorized adjustable interior component, such a position sensor can be an element of a motorized adjustment drive of the interior component. By way of example, the at least one position sensor of the motor-driven adjustable interior component can be a ripple sensor or a Hall sensor or a current sensor. By means of suitable electronics, the adjustment position can be used by comparison with at least one target value to detect an adjustment position of the interior component that conflicts with the treatment. It is thus possible to use the adjustment position detected with the at least one position sensor to check whether the adjustable interior component in the detected adjustment position represents an object that stands in the way of the treatment. The appropriate electronics can be part of the individual position sensors or part of the control unit.

In a further exemplary embodiment, such sensors can include photodiodes or camera systems. In particular, these can be set up to detect infrared radiation and thus to distinguish living objects from non-living objects.

Furthermore, sensors for checking the vehicle interior for at least one object arranged in the vehicle interior and preventing treatment can also be arranged outside the vehicle. Such an arrangement can be used in particular for vehicles with a fixed parking space. In this way, for example, the number of sensors required for a vehicle fleet can be reduced, thereby reducing installation and maintenance costs.

In addition, the checking can also include checking for open doors and/or windows. Thus, treatment of the at least one surface can be prevented by an open door and/or an open window. A door or window sensor can be used for this purpose, which is set up to detect whether a door and/or a window is closed or open.

The test signal can, for example, be generated by the sensor and sent to a control unit which is set up to start the treatment by the at least one dispensing device upon receipt of the test signal. In principle, the control unit and sensor can also be designed to be integrated. About that In addition, the test signal can also be generated by the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit must be set up to receive measurement data from the sensor.

Any objects standing in the way of a treatment can in principle include any type of object that could potentially be damaged by a cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment or that prevent the treatment medium from being effectively applied. Thus, depending on the specific design of the cleaning and/or disinfection, different objects can stand in the way of treatment. For example, a book can prevent treatment with an aqueous solution, but not treatment with UV radiation. In response to a detection of objects, the checking can thus also include recognizing objects that stand in the way of treatment. In particular for the aforementioned recognition, exemplary embodiments of the proposed solution can be set up to acquire spatially resolved data from the vehicle interior. Cameras or LIDAR devices can be used for this, for example.

Furthermore, with such a method, testing can be started in response to an initialization signal. The initialization signal can be sent to the test sensor, for example, which starts the test in response to the initialization signal. In a further exemplary embodiment, the initialization signal can be sent to the control unit, which starts the checking in response to receiving it. To this end, the control unit can be set up to send a control signal to the test sensor, with the test sensor starting the test in response to the control signal.

In principle, the initialization signal can be generated, for example, in response to the locking of the vehicle, the actuation of a cleaning switch set up for this purpose, or the reaching of a predetermined point in time. It is thus possible, in particular, to start a regular cleaning and/or disinfection of the vehicle interior fully automatically. As a result, the cleaning status averaged over time and/or the surface hygiene averaged over time can be improved compared to a manual method.

According to the proposed solution, a treatment medium can be discharged into the vehicle interior via the at least one discharge device when the treatment is carried out. Such a treatment medium is therefore suitable for cleaning and/or disinfecting the at least one surface. For this it has to Treatment medium is not necessarily applied directly to a surface. For example, liquid treatment media in the form of aerosols can be introduced into an air flow within a ventilation device in such a way that the aerosols are transported by the air flow into the vehicle interior. In the vehicle interior, the liquid can sink due to the lower flow rate of the air compared to the ventilation flow. Thus, the at least one surface in the vehicle interior can be treated.

As part of the electronic controllability of the at least one dispensing device, it can be coupled to the control unit and set up to start a treatment in response to receiving a control signal from the control unit. The at least one dispensing device can also be set up to control a treatment intensity. In the case of a material treatment medium, a treatment intensity describes a material flow generated by the dispensing device (volume of the treatment medium dispensed/per time). In the case of a non-material treatment medium, on the other hand, the treatment intensity describes an energy flow generated by the dispensing device (energy of the treatment medium dispensed/per time).

The treatment medium can be, for example, UV radiation and/or plasma and/or water and/or air and/or ethanol. Furthermore, a combination of a number of different treatment media is fundamentally possible within the scope of the proposed solution. Such a combination can be used in particular for joint cleaning and disinfection. Furthermore, a combination can increase the range of pathogens eliminated by disinfection. A combination can also increase the range of contamination removed by cleaning.

In one embodiment of the proposed solution, the air in the vehicle interior can be treated with the treatment medium in a cleaning and/or disinfecting manner. For this purpose, for example, a disinfecting aerosol and/or plasma can be introduced into the air and/or the air can be treated with UV radiation.

In an additional or alternative embodiment of the proposed solution, the method can also be a power-actuated adjustment of the at least one Have deployment device in response to the test signal. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to an adjusting drive of the at least one dispensing device, the adjusting drive being set up to adjust the at least one dispensing device in response to a control signal. Here, the at least one deployment device can be adjusted between at least one deployment position and a non-use position. In particular, the at least one dispensing device can be arranged essentially completely in a receiving recess of an interior trim panel in the non-use position. The deployment device can terminate flush with the interior paneling with an interior side facing the vehicle interior. As a result, the risk of damage to the deployment device by the vehicle user and the risk of injury to the vehicle user by the deployment device can be reduced. Furthermore, the at least one dispensing device can be adjusted in the at least one dispensing position relative to the receiving trough in the direction of the vehicle interior. As a result, a section of the vehicle interior into which the treatment medium is applied can be enlarged compared to the non-use position.

In one embodiment of the proposed solution, the at least one deployment device can have a plurality of deployment positions. In this case, a different section of the vehicle interior can be treated via each of the plurality of deployment positions. In particular, depending on the deployment position, one of at least two surfaces in the vehicle interior can be treated.

In principle, the dispensing device can also be adjusted while the treatment medium is being dispensed. By dispensing the treatment medium with continuous adjustment of the at least one dispensing device, the section of the vehicle interior into which the treatment medium is dispensed can be enlarged. Alternatively, the dispensing device can also be adjusted before the treatment medium is dispensed. In this way, the treatment medium can be applied more specifically to a section of the vehicle interior.

In a further supplementary or alternative embodiment of the proposed solution, the method can use a plurality of individually controllable dispensing devices. It can with the help of the majority of Discharge devices are treated one of at least two surfaces. In an exemplary configuration, the individual deployment devices of the plurality of deployment devices can be distributed over the surface of the side of the vehicle roof facing the vehicle interior. By way of example, one of at least two surfaces can be treated by a plurality of individually controllable dispensing devices.

In addition, the proposed solution may include reading a memory in response to the test signal. For this purpose, the memory unit can be coupled to the memory and configured to read data from the memory. In this case, data relating to the at least one surface to be treated are stored in the memory. For example, the data stored in the memory can be changeable. A user can thus note one or more surfaces as surfaces to be treated via an input device connected to the memory. The treatment itself is automatic. Such a memory can be, for example, a memory arranged in the vehicle, on which data relating to the surfaces to be treated can be stored via a vehicle computer or a coupled user terminal. User terminals can be any type of device set up for digital data exchange with other devices, such as smartphones or laptops. Furthermore, the memory can also be a delocal memory in the form of a cloud connection. Such a delocal memory can in particular be read out by a plurality of vehicles, so that the surfaces to be treated can be noted for a plurality of vehicles. In this case, the data can, for example, also have a time-dependent annotation of surfaces to be treated. Accordingly, different objects can be treated as examples on certain days. In this way, a handling routine adapted to a usage routine can be set up. In addition, the data stored in the memory can in principle also contain instructions for the treatment medium to be applied to the object to be treated if an embodiment is set up to apply a plurality of treatment media.

As an alternative or in addition, further method steps or device components can also be set up to store data in the memory. Accordingly, it can alternatively or additionally be detected with the aid of sensors whether the at least one surface is being used and noted in the data stored in the memory in response to a detected use of the at least one surface be that the at least one surface is to be treated. For this purpose, the sensor can be coupled to the memory and set up to send data to the memory.

Such a sensor can, for example, be arranged and aligned in the vehicle interior in such a way that the use of the at least one surface can be detected. In this context, usage means that the at least one surface comes into contact with a user or other object. Consequently, such sensors can be all sensors that are basically set up to detect contact between the at least one surface and a further object. For example, the sensors can be cameras or photodiodes that are set up to measure a distance between an object and the at least one surface. Use can thus be detected when the value falls below a predetermined threshold value. In an alternative configuration of the sensors, these can be designed as infrared-sensitive cameras, which can measure local heating of the at least one surface as a result of contact of the at least one surface with a person. In any case, in response to a detected use of the at least one surface, the surface can be noted on the memory as a surface to be treated. Such usage monitoring can be started, for example, when the vehicle is started or when the vehicle is unlocked. The usage monitoring can thus be set up so that it can only be ended by switching off the engine or locking the vehicle. Alternatively, usage monitoring can also be a permanent process in order to be able to detect usage of surfaces in parked vehicles. Such permanent usage monitoring embodiments can basically be set up to be started and ended manually. In particular in the event of an unscheduled termination of the method, for example in the course of a voltage drop in the energy supply, the method can thus be restarted by a user.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one sensor for use detection can also be used for testing. As a result, the number of sensors required and thus the installation and maintenance costs can be reduced.

In principle, all objects noted in the memory as surfaces to be treated can be deleted after each treatment. Thus, the proposed solution can be set up, each only since a last treatment to treat used surfaces. Automatic cleaning or disinfection can therefore be restricted to the surfaces used. Such a usage-adapted treatment can reduce the duration of the treatment and the use of treatment media. Depending on the previous use, the vehicle interior can thus be ready for use again more quickly and the treatment can be carried out in a more resource-saving manner.

In a further alternative or additional embodiment, the proposed solution can measure a control value with the aid of sensors after the treatment has been completed with regard to the at least one treated surface and compare this with a target value. Such control sensors are basically set up to detect contamination or the presence of a pathogen. By way of example, such control sensors can be photodiodes or cameras which are set up to measure fluorescent light from liquids and/or solids suspended in the air and/or distributed on surfaces. For this purpose, the air and/or the at least one surface can be irradiated to excite any fluorescence, for example using short-wave light, in particular UV light. A secondary radiation emitted by the fluorescence of any soiling and/or pathogens can be assigned to soiling and/or pathogens with regard to a spectral distribution. In this way, the secondary radiation at specific wavelengths can be assigned to specific contamination and/or pathogens. In addition, a density of the associated contamination and/or pathogens can be determined via the intensity of the secondary radiation at the associated wavelength. The density describes a volume density in relation to excited air and a surface density in relation to an excited surface. Consequently, a surface density of the dirt and/or pathogens after cleaning and/or disinfecting can be determined as a control value, in particular for the treated surface.

In an additional or alternative embodiment, such a control value can be compared with a predetermined target value. In response to the fact that the control value does not meet the target value, a further automated treatment can in particular be started. To start further treatment, a post-treatment signal can be generated for this. In this case, the after-treatment signal can be generated, for example, by the control sensor and sent to a control unit which is set up to start the treatment by the at least one dispensing device upon receipt of the after-treatment signal. Here can In principle, the control unit and control sensor can also be integrated. In addition, the after-treatment signal can also be generated by the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit must be set up to receive measurement data from the control sensor. Furthermore, the control unit can be set up to start a further check of the vehicle interior for objects that stand in the way of the treatment before a further treatment. In such an embodiment, further processing begins in response to the presence of a probe signal and a post-processing signal. In principle, the number of iterations of treatment and control steps is not limited.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one control sensor can also be used to detect use and/or to check. As a result, the number of sensors required and thus the installation and maintenance costs can be reduced.

In one embodiment, a notification may be sent to at least one predetermined recipient in response to the control value not meeting the target value. The at least one predetermined recipient can thus be automatically informed that the duration of the treatment is being extended. In particular, the at least one predetermined recipient can thus be informed that the vehicle will be available again later than originally thought. In addition, the at least one recipient can be informed, for example via repeated notification, that manual post-processing may be necessary. In this way, particularly in the case of a plurality of vehicles, an obligatory check of the treatment results by staff can become superfluous, since the named embodiment of the proposed solution automatically recognizes insufficient treatment results and informs the at least one recipient of this. The scope of any manual checks can thus be reduced.

The message can be sent, for example, radio-based via a W-Lan interface, a Bluetooth interface or a cellular network. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, be coupled to one of the aforementioned interfaces and set up to send a message via it. A W-Lan or Bluetooth interface can reduce the cost of setting up a connection if the vehicle has a permanent parking space. In contrast, transmission via a mobile radio network can enable transmission from largely any parking space. In a further alternative or additional configuration, the proposed solution can have an externally powered adjustment of at least one interior component in response to the test signal. The at least one interior component can be adjusted between a use position and at least one treatment position via the externally powered adjustment of the at least one interior component. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to an adjustment drive of the at least one interior component and set up to send a control signal to the adjustment drive. The adjustment drive can accordingly be set up to adjust the at least one interior component between the usage position and the at least one treatment position in response to receiving the control signal from the control unit.

The at least one interior component can also have at least one position sensor which is set up to detect an adjustment position of the at least one interior component. Such a position sensor can also be an element of the adjustment drive. By way of example, the at least one position sensor can be a ripple sensor or a Hall sensor or a current sensor. Suitable electronics can thus be used to detect whether the adjustment position of the at least one interior component corresponds to the treatment position or the at least one use position or another position. In particular, it can be detected whether the externally powered adjustment of the at least one interior component in response to the control signal between the use position and the at least one treatment position has been completed. Such suitable electronics can be part of the individual position sensors or part of the control unit.

In this case, the at least one interior component is arranged in the use position in such a way that the arrangement is advantageous for one of the users to operate the vehicle. Thus, in particular, seat backs can be arranged in an upright position and the steering wheel in a position suitable for steering. In contrast, the at least one interior component is arranged in the treatment position in such a way that the distances between the at least one interior component and other interior components and/or the vehicle floor and/or the interior lining are increased at least in sections. Accordingly, the proposed solution can have a plurality of treatment positions, which each have the aforementioned spacing for different sections of the Enlarge the vehicle interior compared to the use position. For example, in a first treatment position, the distance between the front seats and a console can be increased by the front seats being adjusted in a direction pointing away from the console, actuated by an external force. As a result, treatment of the floor area of the front seats can be carried out more effectively. Furthermore, by way of example, in a second treatment position, the spacing of the rear seats from the front seats can be increased by the front seats being adjusted in a direction pointing towards the console, actuated by external force. As a result, the floor area of the rear of the vehicle can be treated more effectively.

In a further alternative embodiment, electronically controllable storage compartments can be opened in the treatment position. In a further alternative embodiment, after cleaning with water has been completed, vehicle doors and/or windows can be opened in whole or in part by an external force in order to allow liquid and gaseous water to escape. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to at least one servomotor of one of the doors and/or one of the windows and set up to send a control signal to it. The at least one servomotor of the door and/or the window can therefore be set up to adjust the door and/or the window between an open and a closed state in response to a control signal from the control unit.

In principle, the at least one dispensing device can be arranged on the at least one adjustable interior component. The externally powered adjustment of the deployment device can thus coincide with an adjustment of the at least one interior component. For example, a UV radiation source can be arranged on a seat backrest for this purpose, with the seat backrest being able to be adjusted by external force. The alignment of the UV radiation source within the vehicle interior can thus be adjusted by adjusting the backrest in such a way that, depending on the inclination of the backrest, different sections of the vehicle interior can be treated. In a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle has a center console with ventilation nozzles that can be moved by motor over the entire length of the vehicle. The center console can thus be adjusted for cleaning and/or disinfecting a significant part of the vehicle interior while at the same time dispensing the treatment medium in the vehicle interior. The ventilation nozzles of the center console can also be set up to introduce, for example, aerosols, hot air or steam. In principle, the ventilation nozzles can also be adjusted by an external force for more effective distribution of the treatment medium during the adjustment within the vehicle interior. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to at least one servomotor of the ventilation nozzles and set up to send a control signal to the at least one servomotor of the ventilation nozzles. Accordingly, the servomotor can be set up to adjust the ventilation nozzles between at least two different orientations in response to the control signal.

Furthermore, the dispensing device can be arranged in a treatment robot, which can be used in particular for treating the vehicle floor. Such a treatment robot can be arranged, for example, in a usage position under one of the vehicle seats in a loading position. Especially in a so-called "free floating seat" scenario, the treatment robot can treat the vehicle floor more effectively and optionally supplement it with conventional cleaning techniques such as vacuum cleaning. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to the treatment robot and set up to send a control signal to the treatment robot. Accordingly, the treatment robot can be set up to start the treatment of at least one surface in response to receiving the control signal.

The exact arrangement of the individual interior components in the use position can correspond to a predetermined standard arrangement or an individual arrangement defined by the user. The arrangement of the at least one interior component can also include settings such as backrest inclination, seat and steering wheel height. In particular, the individual arrangement can correspond to the last arrangement set by a user before the start of the treatment.

In a further refinement of an embodiment with an externally powered adjustment of at least one interior component, the adjustment can be terminated in response to a sensor-assisted detection of at least one obstacle standing in the way of the adjustment. Such a collision monitoring can in particular avoid damage to the adjustment mechanism and to the obstacles. The collision monitoring can be started before or with the adjustment of the at least one interior component. In particular, the collision monitoring can be started at the same time as the check. As a result, the power-actuated adjustment of the at least one interior component upon detection of an obstacle in time before the start be blocked during an adjustment movement. This can improve the protection of highly sensitive obstacles.

The collision monitoring is carried out using at least one sensor. Such a collision sensor can, for example, be arranged and aligned in the vehicle interior in such a way that obstacles in the vehicle interior opposing the adjustment can be detected. Such collision sensors can be piezo elements, for example, which are set up to detect the weight load on individual surfaces in the vehicle interior. Thus, a plurality of piezo elements may be able to measure weight changes for different sections of the floor and/or the trunk and/or the vehicle seat. Such a change in weight, starting from a target value, can be used by means of suitable electronics to detect an object located on the respective section. Such suitable electronics can be part of the individual piezo elements or part of a control unit. In a further exemplary embodiment, such collision sensors can be light barriers or camera systems.

A cancellation signal can be generated for canceling the externally powered adjustment movement of the at least one interior component. In this case, the termination signal can be generated, for example, by the collision sensor and sent to a control unit, which is set up to terminate the adjustment of the at least one interior component upon receipt of the termination signal. In principle, the control unit and collision sensor can also be designed to be integrated. In addition, the abort signal can also be generated by the control unit. For this purpose, the control unit must be set up to receive measurement data from the collision sensor.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one collision sensor for collision monitoring can also be used for usage detection and/or for testing and/or for monitoring. As a result, the number of sensors required and thus the susceptibility to errors can be reduced.

In one embodiment, a notification may be sent to at least one predetermined recipient in response to detecting at least one obstacle preventing adjustment. Thus, the at least one predetermined recipients are automatically informed that the adjustment has been aborted.

In principle, in addition to the adjustment, the treatment via the at least one dispensing device can also be terminated in response to the termination signal.

In this case, the at least one predetermined recipient can be informed that the obstacle must be removed manually in order to continue the treatment. In any case, the message can be sent radio-based via a W-Lan interface, a Bluetooth interface or a cellular network. For this purpose, the control unit can, for example, be coupled to one of the aforementioned interfaces and set up to send a message via it. A W-Lan or Bluetooth interface can reduce the cost of setting up a connection if the vehicle has a permanent parking space. In contrast, transmission via a mobile radio network can enable transmission from largely any parking space.

In a further embodiment, the proposed solution can be adjusted from the treatment position to the use position in response to the fact that the control value meets the target value, the at least one interior component operated by an external force. Thus, the proposed solution can convert the vehicle interior after completed and successful treatment into an arrangement of the interior components that allows the vehicle to be used for driving. Such a backward adjustment of the at least one interior component can thus increase comfort for a user, since the at least one interior component of the vehicle has an identical arrangement in the vehicle interior before and after the treatment.

In an alternative or supplementary embodiment, the proposed solution can also suck air out of the vehicle interior when it is passed through. For this purpose, the control unit can be coupled to an electronically controllable vehicle ventilation system and set up to start and stop it via a control signal and optionally regulate the ventilation intensity. In this way, an effective exchange of air in the vehicle interior can be made possible, particularly in connection with partially open windows. In this way, undesired residues of the treatment medium can be removed from the vehicle interior. In an exemplary application, at least one Surface with ethanol, an evaporated ethanol content can be sucked out of the vehicle interior after treatment. In a further exemplary application, after treatment of at least one surface with water, an evaporated water component can be sucked out of the vehicle interior after the treatment and the drying of liquid water components can be accelerated.

In addition, the control unit can basically be coupled to the at least one test sensor, the at least one collision sensor and the at least one control sensor and set up to start and/or end a measurement by the aforementioned sensors.

The problem is also solved by a device of claim 20.

Accordingly, the device has at least one sensor for detecting an object arranged in the vehicle interior and opposing treatment, the sensor being set up to emit a test signal in response to a detection. The device also has at least one electronically controllable dispensing device and a control unit connected to the sensor and the dispensing device, the control unit being set up to treat the at least one surface via the at least dispensing device in response to the test signal.

In a further refinement of the proposed solution, the control unit is set up to execute instructions stored in a memory, with the device carrying out one of the aforementioned embodiments of the proposed method when executing the instructions.

In principle, signals and data can be transmitted wirelessly between the sensors, the memory, the adjusting drives and the control unit. In this way, in particular, individual elements of the proposed device can be used outside of a vehicle and/or for several vehicles.

The embodiments proposed for the method also apply analogously to the proposed device.

The attached figures illustrate exemplary possible embodiments of the proposed solution. Here show: 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary vehicle with a vehicle interior having a test sensor and a deployment device, which is part of an exemplary embodiment of a proposed device;

2 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary vehicle with a further exemplary embodiment of the proposed device;

3 shows a schematic representation of a front seat of the exemplary vehicle with a control sensor;

4A shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary vehicle with interior components in a use position;

FIG. 4B shows a schematic plan view of the exemplary vehicle from FIG. 4A with interior components in a treatment position;

5A shows a schematic representation of an embodiment variant of the adjustable deployment device in a deployment position;

FIG. 5B shows a schematic illustration of the adjustable dispensing device from FIG. 5A in a non-use position;

6 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment variant of the adjustable discharge device arranged on an adjustable interior component;

7 shows a schematic process sequence of a first embodiment of the proposed method, having a check for opposing objects and an automated implementation of a treatment;

8 shows a schematic process sequence of a second embodiment of the proposed process, which in addition to the process steps shown in FIG. 7 also has an adjustment of at least one dispensing device; 9 shows a schematic method sequence of a third embodiment of the proposed method, which in addition to the method steps illustrated in FIG. 7 also has a readout of a memory;

10 shows a schematic process sequence of a fourth embodiment of the proposed process, which in addition to the process steps shown in FIG. 9 also has the adjustment of the dispensing device;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic process sequence of a fifth embodiment of the proposed method, which in addition to the method steps shown in FIG. 10 also has usage monitoring;

12 shows a schematic process sequence of a sixth embodiment of the proposed method, which, in addition to the process steps shown in FIG. 11, also has a measurement and adjustment of a control value;

13 shows a schematic process sequence of a seventh embodiment of the proposed process, which, in addition to the process steps shown in FIG. 12, also has an adjustment and a return adjustment of at least one interior component; and

FIG. 14 shows a schematic process sequence of an eighth embodiment of the proposed method, which, in addition to the method steps shown in FIG. 13, also has collision monitoring.

Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary vehicle 1 with a vehicle interior 11, a trunk 12 and a vehicle floor 13. In the vehicle interior 11 shown as an example, there are interior components in the form of two front seats 14, two rear seats 15, a console 16 and a steering wheel 17 pictured. Furthermore, the sections of a body facing the vehicle interior 11 have an interior lining 18 .

The exemplary embodiment of the vehicle 1 has a test sensor 2 attached to the console 16 and facing the vehicle interior 11 as part of a proposed device for cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment at least one surface 19 arranged in a vehicle interior 11 . The at least one surface 19 can be a surface of one of the interior components 14, 15, 16, 17, the vehicle floor 13, the trunk 12, the window or the interior paneling 18. The test sensor 2 is set up to detect an object which is arranged in the vehicle interior 11 and stands in the way of treatment. The test sensor 2 can be a photodiode or a camera system, for example. In particular, these can be set up to detect infrared radiation and thus to distinguish animate objects from inanimate objects.

In addition, an electronically controllable dispensing device 3 of the proposed device is arranged on the console 16 opposite the test sensor 2 in the direction of a vehicle front. The dispensing device 3 is set up to disinfect and/or clean the at least one surface 19 in the vehicle interior 11 with the aid of a treatment medium 31 . By way of example, the dispensing device 3 can be a UV radiation source or a plasma source or a sprinkler system or a steam nozzle or an air nozzle or an ethanol nozzle.

Furthermore, the test sensor 2 and the deployment device 3 are coupled to a control unit 7 of the proposed device. In the event of detection of an object opposing treatment, the test sensor 2 sends a test signal S2 to the control unit 7 . The control unit 7 is in turn set up to start and stop the application of the treatment medium 31 by the application device 3 via a control signal S71 and, if necessary, to control an application direction and treatment intensity.

In alternative configurations, the device can have a plurality of test sensors 2 . These can be distributed over the vehicle interior 11 in such a way that individual test sensors 2 are set up to test different sections of the vehicle interior 11 . Alternatively or additionally, several test sensors 2 can test the same sections of the vehicle interior 11 to increase detection reliability. By way of example, one or more test sensors 2 can be piezo elements, which are set up to detect the weight load on individual surfaces in the vehicle interior 11 . Thus, a plurality of piezo elements 2 can be able to measure weight changes for different sections of the floor 13 and/or the trunk 12 and/or one of the vehicle seats 13, 14. By means of suitable electronics, such Weight change based on a target value for a detection of an object located on the respective section can be used. Such suitable electronics can be part of the individual piezo elements 2 or part of the control unit 7 .

In a further embodiment, one or more test sensors 2 can be position sensors which are set up to detect an adjustment position of an interior component 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 which can be adjusted inside the vehicle interior 11 . For example, the at least one position sensor 2 of the adjustable interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 can be a ripple sensor or a Hall sensor or a current sensor. By means of suitable electronics, the adjustment position can be used by comparison with at least one target value to detect an adjustment position of the interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 that conflicts with the treatment. It can thus be checked via the adjustment position detected with the at least one position sensor 2 whether the adjustable interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 in the detected adjustment position represents an object that stands in the way of the treatment. The appropriate electronics can be part of the individual position sensors 2 or part of a control unit 7 .

In further alternative embodiments, the at least one test sensor 2 can also be arranged outside of the vehicle 1 . Such an arrangement can be used in particular for vehicles 1 with a fixed parking space. As a result, for example, the number of sensors 2 required for a fleet of vehicles can be reduced, and installation and maintenance costs can thus be reduced.

As an example, the test signal S2, as shown in FIG. 1, can be generated by the test sensor 2 and sent to the control unit 7. In principle, the control unit 7 and the test sensor 2 can also be designed to be integrated. In addition, the test signal S2 can also be generated by the control unit 7 . For this purpose, the control unit 7 must be set up to receive measurement data from the test sensor 2 .

The treatment medium 31 can be, for example, UV radiation and/or plasma and/or water and/or air and/or ethanol. Furthermore, a combination of a plurality of different treatment media 31 is fundamentally possible within the scope of the proposed solution. In addition to at least one surface 19 , the treatment medium 31 can in principle also clean and/or disinfect the air in at least one section of the vehicle interior 11 .

FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a vehicle 1 in which the front seats 14 are rigidly connected to one another. In addition, the front seats are set up via an electronically controllable adjustment drive 14d so that they can be adjusted by external force along an adjustment path 14c between a use position 14a and a treatment position 14b. 2 shows the front seats 14 in the use position 14a. Here, in the treatment position 14b, the front seats 14 are adjusted relative to the use position 14a in a direction pointing away from the console 16. Thus, the spacing of each front seat 14 from the console 16 is increased by adjusting the front seats 14 from the use position 14a to the treatment position 14b. In addition, the distance between a front seat 14 and a rear seat 15 is reduced by moving the front seats 14 from the use position 14a to the treatment position 14b. The adjustment drive 14d is coupled to the control unit 7 in this case. In addition, the control unit 7 is set up to control the adjusting drive 14d of the front seats 14 via a further control signal S72. The front seats 14 can be specifically adjusted to the use position 14a or the treatment position 14b or a position between the use position 14a and the treatment position 14b.

Furthermore, the proposed device, as shown in FIG. 2, can have a usage sensor 4 with a memory 41 . In this case, the usage sensor 4 is coupled to the memory 41 and set up to detect usage by a user with regard to at least one surface 19 in the vehicle interior 11 . In response to a detected use of the at least one surface 19, it is noted in the data stored in memory 41 that the at least one surface 19 is to be treated. The memory 41 is in turn coupled to the control unit 7 so that the control unit 7 can read in all surfaces 19 noted in the memory 41 as surfaces 19 to be treated.

By way of example, the usage sensor 4 can be a camera or a photodiode, which are set up to detect usage by measuring the distance between an object and the at least one surface 19 . In the context of usage monitoring, the object also refers in particular to animate objects such as users or animals. In an alternative embodiment of the usage sensor 4 can This can be designed as an infrared-sensitive camera, which is set up to measure local heating of the at least one surface 19 as a result of contact of the at least one surface 19 with a person. In any case, in response to a detected use of the at least one surface 19, the surface 19 is noted on the memory 41 as the surface 19 to be treated.

In a further alternative configuration, the at least one usage sensor 4 can be set up to also be used as a test sensor 2 .

Furthermore, the proposed device can have a collision sensor 5 coupled to the control unit 7, which is set up to adjust the front seats

14 to detect opposing obstacle. In the event that the collision sensor 5 detects an obstacle, a termination signal S5 can be sent to the control unit 7 .

Exemplary embodiments of the proposed device can have a plurality of collision sensors 5, which can be a plurality of piezo elements, for example. These can be weight changes for different sections of the floor and/or the trunk and/or the vehicle seats 14,

15 detect an object located on the respective section. In alternative embodiments, however, the collision sensor 5 can also be a light barrier or a camera system.

In principle, in addition to the adjustment of the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17, the treatment via the at least one discharge device 3 can also be terminated in response to the termination signal S5.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one collision sensor 5 can also be set up to be used as a usage sensor 4 and/or as a test sensor 2 .

In addition, the proposed device can have a control sensor 6 coupled to the control unit 7 , which is set up to measure a control value S6 after the treatment has been completed with regard to the at least one treated surface 19 and to send this to the control unit 7 . For this purpose, FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a control sensor 6 arranged in a vehicle interior 11 of a further embodiment variant of the proposed device.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the control sensor 6 can be a photodiode or camera, which is set up to measure secondary radiation 81 from liquid and/or solid impurities 8 suspended in the air and/or distributed on the surface 19 to be treated. In this case, UV radiation 31 is emitted into the vehicle interior 11 via the dispensing device 3 . The secondary radiation 81 emitted by fluorescence from impurities 8 located on the surface 19 can be recorded by the camera 6 . The secondary radiation 81 recorded by the camera 6 can be assigned to specific types of contaminants 8 on the basis of a spectral distribution by means of the control unit 7 coupled to the camera 6 in a manner which is not shown. In addition, a control value can be determined via the intensity of the secondary radiation 81 for the surface 19 .

In an alternative embodiment, the camera 7 can have suitable electronics for evaluating the spectral distribution and intensity of the secondary radiation 81 recorded. Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, the camera 7 can be set up to send the control value S6 to the control unit.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one control sensor 6 can be set up to also be used as a collision sensor 6 and/or as a test sensor 2 and/or as a usage sensor 4 .

FIG. 4A shows a schematic plan view of a vehicle 1 with motor-adjustable interior components 14, 15, 16, 17 in the use position 14a and a further embodiment of the proposed device. The adjustable interior components 14, 15, 16, 17 include four vehicle seats 14, 15 and a steering wheel 17. The interior components 14, 15, 16, 17 are advantageously arranged for the vehicle to be operated by one of the users. In addition, three dispensing devices 3 are arranged in the area of a console 16, which are not dispensing any treatment medium 31 into the vehicle interior 11 at the time shown in FIG. 4A. In the present example, the shaded section of the vehicle floor 11 corresponds to the surface 19 to be treated. This is closed by the arrangement of the front seats 14 and the steering wheel 17 shown in FIG. 4A Treating surface 19, however, blocked in parts for the treatment of the dispensing devices 3.

Furthermore, FIG. 4B shows the vehicle interior 11 illustrated in FIG. 4A in a treatment position 14b. Here, the distance between the two front seats 14 and the console 16 is increased compared to the use position 14a by the front seats 14 being adjusted in a direction pointing away from the console 16 . Furthermore, the steering wheel 17 is adjusted in the direction of the console 16 . Here, the surface to be treated 19 is released. Thus, a cleaning and/or disinfection of the surface 19 to be treated between the console 16 and the front seats 14 can be carried out over the entire surface with the aid of the treatment medium 31 discharged by the discharge devices 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, in further embodiments of the proposed device, the at least one dispensing device 3 can also be adjusted by external force along an adjustment path 3c via the electronic control signal S71. For this purpose, FIG. 5A shows a schematic representation of an adjustable dispensing device 3 in a dispensing position 3a. The dispensing device 3 is arranged within the vehicle interior 11 at a distance from the interior paneling 18 and dispenses the treatment medium 31 into the vehicle interior 11 . The inner paneling 18 has a receiving recess 181, the shape and orientation of which is set up to receive the dispensing device 3 in a non-use position 3b. Corresponding to this, FIG. 5B shows the corresponding schematic illustration in a non-use position 3b. In this case, the dispensing device 3 can be arranged essentially completely in the receiving trough 181 in the non-use position 3b. The deployment device 3 thus terminates flush with the interior paneling 18 with an interior side 33 facing the vehicle interior.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one deployment device 3 has a plurality of deployment positions 3a. Thus, configurations with a plurality of deployment positions 3a can treat one of at least two surfaces 19 in the vehicle interior 11 depending on the deployment position 3a. In particular, the treatment medium 31 can also be discharged during the adjustment of the discharge device 3 between the non-use position 3b and one of the discharge positions 3a or between the adjustment between different discharge positions 3a. In further alternative embodiments, the at least one dispensing device 3 can also be arranged on the at least one adjustable interior component 14, 15, 16, 17. The externally powered adjustment of the deployment device 3 can thus coincide with an adjustment of the at least one interior component 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 . For this purpose, FIG. 6 shows an exemplary front seat 14 on which a UV radiation source 3 of the proposed device is arranged at the head end of a backrest that can be pivoted by a motor. As a result, adjusting the backrest angle of the front seat 14 corresponds to adjusting the alignment of the UV radiation source 3. The direction of application of the UV radiation within the vehicle interior 11 can thus be adjusted by adjusting the backrest in such a way that different surfaces 19 are exposed to the treatment medium 3 are treatable.

In alternative configurations, the device can have a plurality of individually controllable dispensing devices 3 . These can be distributed over the vehicle interior 11 in such a way that individual dispensing devices 3 are set up to clean and/or disinfect different sections of the vehicle interior 11 . Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of dispensing devices 3 can redundantly clean and/or disinfect the same sections of the vehicle interior 11 . In particular, one of at least two surfaces 19 can be treated by a plurality of individually controllable dispensing devices 3 without the dispensing devices 3 having to be adjustable for this purpose.

In a further alternative embodiment, the at least one dispensing device 3 can introduce the treatment medium 31 into an air flow of a ventilation system flowing into the vehicle interior 11 . The treatment medium 31 can thus also be discharged into the vehicle interior 11 by the inflow of the air flow. In this case, elements of the ventilation system can be set up for more effective distribution so that they can be adjusted by external force in order to direct the air flow into different sections of the vehicle interior 11 .

In addition, the deployment device 3 can be arranged in a treatment robot, which can be used in particular for the treatment S5 of the vehicle floor 13 . Such a treatment robot can exemplarily in a Use position 14a may be located under one of the front seats 14 in a loading position. The treatment robot can supplement the treatment of the vehicle floor 13 with conventional cleaning techniques such as vacuum cleaning.

In alternative specific embodiments, the vehicle 1 can contain further or other interior components 14, 15, 16, 17, some or all of which can be adjusted by means of one or more control signals S72 in an externally actuated manner. Thus, the control unit 7 can be set up, for example, to control positions, heights and inclinations of vehicle seats 14, 15, an arrangement of a steering wheel 17 or a position of a center console. In addition, such specific embodiments can also have one or more collision sensors 6 which are set up to detect an obstacle which is preventing the adjustment of one of the adjustable interior components 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 .

Figure 7 shows a schematic process sequence of a first embodiment of a proposed method for the automated cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the at least one surface 19 arranged in the vehicle interior 11. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, after the start of the proposed method, the vehicle interior is first checked 11 with the at least one test sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the at least one surface 19 takes place. Once this has been completed, the method ends automatically. The start of the method can take place, for example, in response to the locking of the vehicle, the actuation of a cleaning switch set up for this purpose, or the reaching of a predetermined point in time.

In an alternative embodiment, the method can be permanently active after a single start and thus permanently check the vehicle interior 11 for objects that stand in the way of treatment. In particular, embodiments for disinfection using UV radiation 31 can thus be set up to disinfect the at least one surface 19 in the vehicle interior 11 as frequently as possible. Such permanent embodiments of the proposed method can basically be set up to be started and ended manually. In particular in the event of an unscheduled termination of the procedure, for example in the course of a Voltage drop in the power supply can thus be restarted by a user.

According to the proposed method, at least one surface 19 arranged in a vehicle interior 11 is automatically cleaned and/or disinfected with the aid of the method. The at least one surface 19 can denote both a vehicle interior 11 facing surface 19 of an interior component 14, 15, 16, 17, a trunk 12, a vehicle floor 13, an interior panel 18 or a window. The method for automated treatment uses at least one electronically controllable dispensing device 3. Accordingly, at least the starting and ending of a dispensing process can be controlled using an electronic control signal S71.

Due to the automated process, it should also be noted that methods suitable for cleaning and disinfecting pose a potential risk to people, animals, plants and objects in the vehicle 1 . Damage to these must be ruled out in principle. Therefore, as part of the automated process, the at least one dispensing device 3 is only started in response to the test signal S2. The test signal S2 is again only generated in response to the fact that the test could not detect an object arranged in the vehicle interior and preventing treatment.

In this case, the test signal S2 can be either a time-discrete test signal S2 or a continuous test signal S2. Accordingly, it is possible for the treatment via the dispensing device 3 to be started in response to a discrete-time test signal S2 and only ended in response to a further discrete-time signal or after a period of time has elapsed. It is also possible for the checking S2 to send a checking signal S2 for the entire duration in which no object opposing the treatment is detected. Accordingly, it is possible for the treatment by means of the dispensing device 3 to be started in response to the temporally continuous test signal S2 and to be ended when the test signal S2 is interrupted or after a period of time has elapsed. In both cases it is possible to carry out a check of the vehicle interior for at least one object arranged in the vehicle interior and preventing treatment during the entire duration of the treatment using appropriately designed test signals S2. Accordingly, the automated treatment can in particular be automatically aborted if an object opposing the treatment is detected in the vehicle interior 11 during the period of time. Such an object can be a person or an animal, for example, which gains access to the vehicle interior 11 during the treatment.

The objects opposed to treatment can in principle include any type of object that could potentially be damaged by a cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment. Thus, depending on the specific design of the cleaning and/or disinfection, different objects can stand in the way of treatment. For example, a book can prevent treatment with an aqueous solution, but not treatment with UV radiation 31 . The checking of the proposed solution can thus also include recognizing objects that stand in the way of treatment in response to a detection of objects. In particular, for detection, exemplary embodiments of the proposed solution may capture spatially resolved data from the vehicle interior 11 . Cameras or LIDAR devices can be used for this, for example.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the present embodiment, after the proposed method has started, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one check sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, the at least one deployment device 3 is adjusted by external power. The at least one deployment device 3 can be adjusted between the at least one deployment position 3a and the non-use position 3b along the adjustment path 3c. After completion of the aforementioned adjustment, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the at least one surface 19 takes place. After this has been completed, the method ends automatically.

In an alternative embodiment, the at least one deployment device 3 has a plurality of deployment positions 3a. Thus, configurations with a plurality of deployment positions 3a can treat one of at least two surfaces 19 in the vehicle interior 11 depending on the deployment position 3a. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning and/or disinfection of the at least one surface 19 can take place at the same time as the at least one dispensing device 3 is adjusted by external force. Thus, in particular the treatment medium 31 can also be discharged during the adjustment of the discharge device 3 between the non-use position 3b and one of the discharge positions 3a or between the adjustment between different discharge positions 3a.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the present embodiment, after the proposed method has started, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one check sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, a memory 41 is read out, in which data on at least one surface 19 to be treated are stored. After completion of the aforementioned adjustment, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the at least one surface 19 to be treated takes place. After this has been completed, the method ends automatically.

In one embodiment, a user can thus note one or more surfaces as surfaces 19 to be treated via an input device connected to the memory 41 . In a further embodiment, the data can also have a time-dependent annotation of surfaces 19 to be treated. Accordingly, different surfaces 19 can be treated, for example, on certain days. In addition, in further embodiments, the data stored in the memory 41 can in principle also have instructions for the treatment medium 31 to be applied to the surface 19 to be treated, if an embodiment is set up to apply a plurality of treatment media 31 .

FIG. 10 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the present embodiment, after the proposed method has started, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one check sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, a memory 41 in which data is to be read is read out at least one surface 19 to be treated are deposited. The at least one dispensing device 3 is then adjusted using an external force. After completion of the aforementioned adjustment, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated takes place. After this has been completed, the method ends automatically.

By adjusting the dispensing device 3 before the treatment and/or during the treatment, the embodiment shown in FIG.

In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning and/or disinfection of the at least one surface 19 can take place at the same time as the at least one dispensing device 3 is adjusted by external force. Thus, in particular the treatment medium 31 can also be discharged during the adjustment of the discharge device 3 between the non-use position 3b and one of the discharge positions 3a or between the adjustment between different discharge positions 3a.

FIG. 11 shows a schematic process flow of usage monitoring that can be started independently of the treatment as part of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the present exemplary embodiment, usage monitoring is designed as a permanent process flow.

After starting, the vehicle interior 11 is monitored with the at least one usage sensor 4 for any usage of at least one surface 19 as long as the monitoring is not manually interrupted. If use of the at least one surface 19 is detected, the at least one surface 19 is noted in the memory 41 as a surface 19 to be treated.

Such usage monitoring can be started, for example, when the vehicle is started or when the vehicle 1 is unlocked. The usage monitoring can thus be set up so that it can only be ended by switching off the engine or by locking the vehicle 1 . Alternatively, usage monitoring can also be a permanent process in order to be able to detect usage of surfaces 19 in parked vehicles 1 as well. such permanent embodiments of usage monitoring can basically be set up to be started and ended manually. In particular, in the event of an unscheduled termination of the method, for example in the course of a voltage drop in the energy supply, usage monitoring can thus be restarted by a user.

FIG. 12 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, after the start of the treatment, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one test sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of a treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, the memory 41 is read out, in which data on at least one surface 19 to be treated are stored. The at least one dispensing device 3 is then adjusted using an external force. After completion of the aforementioned adjustment, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated takes place. A control sensor 6 then measures a control value S6 with respect to the at least one surface 19 to be treated and compares this with a target value. If the control value S6 meets the target value, the method ends automatically. Otherwise, a further cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated is started.

In an alternative embodiment, the method can also send a message to at least one predetermined user in response to the fact that the control value S6 does not meet the target value.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 12 can, in a further embodiment, have usage monitoring corresponding to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, after the start of the treatment, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one test sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of a treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. Can't do anything else If an object is detected, the memory 41, in which data on at least one surface 19 to be treated are stored, is read out. The at least one dispensing device 3 is then adjusted using an external force. In order to improve the accessibility of the surfaces 19 to be treated, at least one of the interior components 14, 15, 16, 17 is then adjusted between the use position 14a and the at least one treatment position 14b by external force. Here, the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is arranged in the use position 14a in such a way that the arrangement is advantageous for the vehicle to be operated by one of the users. Thus, in particular, seat backs can be arranged in an upright position and the steering wheel 17 in a position suitable for steering. In contrast, the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is arranged in the treatment position 14b in such a way that the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is spaced from other interior components 14, 15, 16, 17 and/or the vehicle floor and/or or the inner lining can be enlarged at least in sections. After completion of the aforementioned adjustment, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated takes place. A control sensor 6 then measures a control value S6 with respect to the at least one surface 19 to be treated and compares this with a target value. If the control value S6 meets the target value, the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is moved back into the use position 14a and the method is automatically terminated. Otherwise, a further cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated is started.

In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning and/or disinfection of the at least one surface 19 can take place at the same time as the power-operated adjustment of the at least one dispensing device 3 and/or the power-operated adjustment of the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17. Thus, in particular the treatment medium 31 can also be applied while the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is being adjusted between the use position 14a and the treatment position 14b or between a plurality of treatment positions 14b.

In a further alternative embodiment, the adjustment of the at least one dispensing device 3 can take place after the adjustment of the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 or can coincide with this. The latter is the case in particular when the at least one dispensing device 3 is arranged on the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 13 can have usage monitoring in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 in a further refinement.

FIG. 14 shows a schematic process sequence of a further embodiment of the proposed process. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, after the start of the treatment, the vehicle interior 11 is first checked with the at least one test sensor 2 for any objects that stand in the way of a treatment. If an opposing object is detected, the procedure is terminated without treatment. If no opposing object can be detected, the memory 41, in which data on at least one surface 19 to be treated are stored, is read out. The at least one dispensing device 3 is then adjusted using an external force. Subsequently, the vehicle interior 11 is monitored for obstacles opposing a displacement of the at least one interior component 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 . If an opposing obstacle is detected, the process is terminated. If no opposing obstacle can be detected, the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is adjusted by external power. After the aforementioned adjustments have been completed, the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated takes place Treated surface 19 measured a control value S6 via a control sensor 6 and this compared with a target value. If the control value S6 meets the target value, the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 is moved back into the use position 14a and the method is automatically terminated. Otherwise, a further cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of the surfaces 19 to be treated is started.

In an alternative embodiment, only the adjustment of the at least one interior component 14, 15, 16, 17 can be canceled in response to the fact that at least one obstacle preventing the adjustment is detected, but the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment can still be carried out. In a further refinement of the embodiment, a notification can be sent to at least one predetermined recipient in response to the fact that at least one obstacle standing in the way of the adjustment is detected. In an exemplary embodiment, the message can be sent radio-based via a W-Lan interface or a Bluetooth interface or a cellular network.

Furthermore, the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 can have usage monitoring in accordance with the embodiment shown in FIG. 11 in a further refinement.

Reference list new

1 vehicle

11 vehicle interior

12 trunk

13 vehicle floor

14 front seat

14a Use position

14b treatment position

14c adjustment range

14d adjustment drive

14e surface of the front seat

15 rear seat

16 console

17 steering wheel

18 inner lining

181 receiving recess

19 surface to be treated

2 test sensor

S2 test signal

3 deployment device

3a deployment position

3b non-use position

3c adjustment path

31 treatment medium

32 adjustment drive

33 interior side

4 usage sensor

54 detection signal

41 memory

5 collision sensor

55 abort signal 6 control sensor

S6 control value 7 control unit

S71, S72 control signals

8 contamination

81 secondary radiation

Claims

38 claims

1. A method for the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of at least one surface (19) arranged in a vehicle interior (11), characterized in that the method involves carrying out the treatment automatically using at least one electronically controllable dispensing device (3) and in response to a test signal (S2), wherein the test signal (S2) is the result of a sensor-supported test of the vehicle interior (11) for at least one object arranged in the vehicle interior (11) and preventing treatment.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a treatment medium (31) is discharged into the vehicle interior (11) via the at least one discharge device (3) when the treatment is carried out.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the treatment medium (31) at least:

• UV radiation and/or

• Plasma and/or

• water and/or

• Air and/or

• ethanol and/or includes.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the method has an externally operated adjustment of the at least one dispensing device (3) in response to the test signal (S2).

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one dispensing device (3) 39 is adjusted between at least one deployment position (3a) and one non-use position (3b).

6. The method according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that one of at least two surfaces (19) is treated via the at least one dispensing device (3) with the aid of the externally powered adjustment.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one of at least two surfaces (19) is treated with the aid of a plurality of individually controllable dispensing devices (3).

8. The method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the method, in response to the test signal (S2), also reads out a memory (41) in which data on the at least one surface (19) to be treated are stored.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that it is detected with the aid of sensors whether the at least one surface (19) is being used and in response to a detected use of the at least one surface (19) being noted in the data stored in the memory (41). that the at least one surface (19) is to be treated.

10. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that with regard to the at least one surface (19) after the completed treatment, a control value (S6) is measured with the aid of sensors and this is compared with a target value.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that in response to the fact that the control value (S6) does not meet the target value, a further automated treatment is started. 40

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that in response to the fact that the control value (S6) does not meet the target value, a message is sent to at least one predetermined recipient.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises, in response to the test signal (S2), an externally operated adjustment of at least one interior component (14, 15, 16, 17).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the at least one interior component (14, 15, 16, 17) can be moved between a use position (14a) and at least one Treatment position (14b) is adjusted.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the power-actuated adjustment in response to a sensor-assisted detection of at least one obstacle opposing the adjustment of at least one interior component (14, 15, 16, 17) is terminated.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that in response to the sensor-supported detection of at least one obstacle opposing the adjustment of at least one interior component (14, 15, 16, 17), a message is sent to at least one predetermined recipient.

17. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 16, characterized in that in response to the fact that the control value (S6) meets the target value, the at least one interior component (14, 15, 16, 17) is externally actuated from a treatment position (14a) in a use position (14b) is moved back.

18. The method as claimed in claim 17, characterized in that air is also sucked out of the vehicle interior (11) when it is carried out.

19. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage of air in the vehicle interior (11) is treated cleaning and / or disinfecting.

20. Device for the cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment of at least one surface (19) arranged in a vehicle interior (11), characterized in that the device has:

• at least one sensor (2) for detecting an object arranged in the vehicle interior (11) and opposing treatment, the sensor (S2) being set up to output a test signal (S2) in response to a detection;

• at least one electronically controllable dispensing device (3); and

• a control unit (7) connected to the sensor (2) and the application device (3), wherein the control unit (7) is set up to contact the at least one surface (19) via the at least application device (3 ) to treat.

21. The device according to claim 20, characterized in that the control unit (7) is set up to execute instructions stored in a memory (41), the device carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 19 when executing the instructions.