Self-disinfecting electronic devices

Abstract

A self-disinfecting electronic device (1), for example comprising a waveguide structure (3) and a radiation source (4), wherein the radiation source (4) is used to emit electromagnetic radiation (R) in the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure (3). The waveguide structure (3) is superimposed on a device surface (2a) and comprises a waveguide layer (5), wherein the waveguide layer (5) has a first interface (5a) facing the surrounding air and a second interface (5b) facing the device surface (2a). The waveguide layer (5) is used to allow the electromagnetic radiation (R) to propagate within the waveguide layer (5), and to allow an evanescent field (F) generated by the electromagnetic radiation (R) to penetrate the first interface (5a) and enter the air while propagating within the waveguide layer (5). The evanescent field (F) disinfects the first interface (5a) by killing viruses and bacteria. The electronic device is continuously disinfected and is completely independent of human or other external devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic device comprising an external device surface which is sterilized by radiation. Background Art

[0002] Surfaces that are contaminated with viruses or bacteria and that humans touch can spread them through so-called indirect contact infection. Electronic devices that are fixed in place and used to a certain extent by the public, such as elevator buttons or keyboards, are at high risk of such contamination, but portable electronic devices that are used to a certain extent by individuals, such as smartphones and tablets, also present a serious risk of contamination.

[0003] Currently, electronic devices are disinfected by hand disinfection or manual application of liquid disinfectants, or by placing them in some kind of disinfection equipment for semi-automatic disinfection. Manual disinfection is time-consuming and inefficient, and may result in uneven final disinfection results. Semi-automatic disinfection using equipment still requires manual operation to a certain extent, and may even be impossible to disinfect due to the size and / or location of the equipment to be disinfected. In addition, when disinfecting by radiation (e.g., ultraviolet (UV) light), due to issues related to radiation dose and exposure time, it is necessary to disinfect in a completely enclosed environment such as an enclosure for health reasons.

[0004] Furthermore, these sanitization processes are not performed continuously and it is not possible to sanitize between each instance of use. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic device with improved hygiene features. The above and other objects are achieved by the features claimed in the independent claims. Other implementations are obvious from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

[0006] According to a first aspect, a self-disinfecting electronic device is provided, the self-disinfecting electronic device comprising a surface element, the surface element comprising a device surface, such as an external display or a back cover surface. The electronic device further comprises: a waveguide structure superimposed on the device surface so that the main plane of the device surface and the main plane of the waveguide structure extend parallel; a radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation within the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure. The waveguide structure comprises a waveguide layer, the waveguide layer having a first interface facing the surrounding air and a second interface facing the device surface. The waveguide layer is used to cause the electromagnetic radiation to propagate in the waveguide layer along a first direction parallel to the main plane, so that the evanescent field generated by the electromagnetic radiation penetrates the first interface into the air, and the evanescent field disinfects the first interface. The evanescent field penetrates the first interface along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and away from the device surface.

[0007] This solution allows the ultraviolet radiation to pass through the entire area of ​​the waveguide structure and then distribute the ultraviolet radiation to the entire outer surface of the electronic device. The waveguide structure substantially confines the ultraviolet radiation to the interior of the electronic device, except when the ultraviolet radiation is very small outside the waveguide layer. The electronic device is continuously disinfected and is completely independent of manual or other external equipment. In addition, because the waveguide structure is arranged outside the electronic device, it has little effect on the arrangement of other components of the electronic device.

[0008] In a possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide structure comprises a plurality of layers, wherein the main planes of the layers extend parallel to each other and to the main plane of the waveguide structure. By extending the waveguide structure and its layers so that the radiation path is parallel to the main device surface, the waveguide structure can have a very low height without significantly affecting the overall thickness of the device.

[0009] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes an adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is used to adhere the waveguide structure to the device surface, so that the waveguide structure can be simply, reliably and uniformly attached to the device surface.

[0010] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide layer includes a radiation input end, and the electromagnetic radiation enters the waveguide layer at the radiation input end.

[0011] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation is preferably between 100 nm and 400 nm, and more preferably between 190 nm and 280 nm, which wavelength is most efficient in killing viruses or bacteria.

[0012] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, an average penetration depth of the evanescent field from the first interface into the surrounding air corresponds to the wavelength in the range of 0.5 times the wavelength to 2 times the wavelength. A distance of several hundred nanometers to the surrounding air is sufficient to kill any virus or bacteria without affecting the health of the user.

[0013] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the radiation source is one of an ultraviolet light emitting diode (preferably, a low-pressure ultraviolet light emitting diode), a high-intensity ultraviolet lamp, a superluminescent diode and a laser diode.

[0014] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further includes a waveguide cladding layer, wherein the waveguide cladding layer is disposed between the second interface of the waveguide layer and one of the device surface and the adhesion layer, and the waveguide cladding layer is used to minimize absorption loss on the second interface.

[0015] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding layer comprises a material having a lower refractive index than the waveguide layer. The difference in refractive index is conducive to efficient transmission of radiation.

[0016] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding layer comprises a film layer or atomic layer deposition, thereby achieving a layer that is as thin as possible but still effective.

[0017] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the refractive index of the waveguide cladding layer is 1.3 to 1.5, and the refractive index of the waveguide layer is 1.5 to 2.5.

[0018] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide cladding layer includes at least one of CaF and MgF.

[0019] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide layer comprises at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO3. Such hard ceramic materials have high resistance to mechanical damage and wear resistance, and can achieve long-lasting and effective disinfection. In addition, the disinfection process can be easily monitored and controlled by electronic equipment.

[0020] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the waveguide layer includes a material whose radiation loss is less than 10 dB / cm (preferably, less than 1 dB / cm).

[0021] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further comprises an electromagnetic radiation sensing device, the electromagnetic radiation sensing device being at least partially disposed between the second interface of the waveguide layer and one of the device surface and the adhesion layer, preferably, disposed between the waveguide cladding layer and the device surface or the adhesion layer. The sensing device is used to detect electromagnetic radiation within the ultraviolet spectrum and generate an indication that the electromagnetic radiation has been detected, thereby enabling detection of any unnecessary ultraviolet radiation leakage.

[0022] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the sensing device includes a sensing layer and a photodetector; the sensing layer is used to generate electromagnetic radiation in a visible or near infrared spectrum and transmit the visible or near infrared spectrum radiation to the photodetector. In this way, detection can be performed automatically and continuously, and leakage can be detected without being noticed or with being noticed as needed.

[0023] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the self-disinfecting electronic device also includes a control and monitoring system, which is operably connected to the waveguide structure and is used to control and / or monitor the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source, so that the disinfection process is fully automatic and performed in a continuous mode.

[0024] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the surface element includes a user touch function, and the control and monitoring system is used to deactivate the radiation source in response to the user activating the user touch function and / or in response to the light detector detecting the visible or near infrared spectrum radiation. This is beneficial to avoid direct contact of human skin with ultraviolet radiation, because the radiation source can be turned off when the device is used and / or the surface of the device is touched.

[0025] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the control and monitoring system is used to modulate and / or filter the signal generated by the electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensing device, so that the signal corresponding to the ambient electromagnetic radiation can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source, so that the sensing device does not record radiation emitted by the sun, etc.

[0026] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the waveguide structure further comprises a coupling device, which is used to guide the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source into the waveguide layer. In this way, the radiation source can be placed in a position that is independent of the position of the waveguide layer and is optimal for electronic functions and mechanical constraints. In addition, by folding the radiation path, other components can be operated around and / or the waveguide structure can have a very small height.

[0027] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the coupling device includes at least one of a reflective surface, a grating coupler structure, or a prism structure. With this solution, the position of the radiation source can be separated from the position of the waveguide layer. In this way, not only can the radiation source be placed at an optimal position for electronic functions and mechanical constraints, but the size of the radiation source is no longer an important limiting factor, because the radiation source can be placed at any suitable position in the electronic device.

[0028] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the radiation source and / or the coupling device is disposed adjacent to a periphery of the electronic device.

[0029] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the surface element is one of a display assembly and a back cover. In this way, part or the entire outer surface of the electronic device can be disinfected, providing an electronic device with an integrated appearance and providing additional protection for other components of the electronic device.

[0030] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the surface element includes a glass substrate.

[0031] In another possible implementation of the first aspect, the main plane of the device surface and the main plane of the waveguide structure are identically curved adjacent to at least one periphery of the electronic device, so that the entire surface of the electronic device can be disinfected regardless of the three-dimensional shape.

[0032] In another possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the electronic device is one of a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a keyboard, a button, or a door handle.

[0033] These and other aspects will be apparent from the embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In the following detailed description of the present invention, various aspects, embodiments and implementations are explained in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1a and Figure 1b Shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 1c A schematic top view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2a A schematic top view of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0038] Figure 2b Shows Figure 2a a partial cross-sectional view of the illustrated embodiment;

[0039] Figures 3 to 8 A partial cross-sectional view of an electronic device provided by different embodiments of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1a and Figure 1b as well as Figure 2a and Figure 2b A self-sterilizing embodiment is shown, wherein a portable electronic device 1 (i.e. a smartphone, tablet, desktop computer or any portable computer) is shown in front and rear perspective views. Figure 1a and Figure 1b A smartphone is shown, but the present invention may be implemented with any portable electronic device such as a tablet, laptop or any portable computer. Figure 1c An embodiment of a self-disinfecting fixed electronic device 1 in the form of a button such as an elevator button is shown. Other embodiments of the electronic device 1 may include a tablet computer, a wearable device, a keyboard, or a door handle (not shown). Other embodiments of the electronic device 1 are also conceivable and are not excluded.

[0041] The electronic device 1 comprises a waveguide structure 3 arranged on a surface element 2 having an outward facing device surface 2a. Figure 1a The front view shown shows the waveguide structure 3 disposed on the front surface 2a of the device (eg, the outermost surface of the display assembly 2), Figure 1b The rear view shown shows the waveguide structure 3 disposed on the rear surface 2a of the device (eg, the outermost surface of the rear cover 2).

[0042] The surface element 2 may be a display device including multiple layers (including a transparent outer covering layer), or a covering element such as a housing covering the side and / or back of the device. The surface element 2 may include a substrate made of glass, plastic or metal. When the surface element 2 is placed on the front surface of the device 1, preferably, the substrate is transparent; when the surface element 2 is placed on the back surface of the device 1, preferably, the substrate is metal.

[0043] The waveguide structure 3 is superimposed on the device surface 2a, preferably, directly superimposed on the device surface 2a, but other elements may be arranged between the two.

[0044] like Figure 3 As shown, the waveguide structure 3 is superimposed on the device surface 2a, so that the main plane P1 of the device surface 2a and the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3 extend in parallel (even if Figure 5 The main plane P1 of the device surface 2a and the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3 may be curved in the same manner adjacent to at least one peripheral edge 12 of the electronic device 1. In other words, the waveguide structure 3 may have the same characteristics over the entire device surface 2a, regardless of the topology of the device surface 2a.

[0045] The radiation source 4 is used to emit electromagnetic radiation R in the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure 3. The wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R is preferably between 100 nm and 400 nm, more preferably between 190 nm and 280 nm.

[0046] The radiation source 4 may be one of an ultraviolet light emitting diode (preferably, a low-pressure ultraviolet light emitting diode), a high-intensity ultraviolet lamp, a superluminescent diode and a laser diode.

[0047] The waveguide structure 3 comprises at least a waveguide layer 5. The waveguide layer 5 has a first interface 5a facing the surrounding air (i.e., the exterior of the electronic device 1) and a second interface 5b facing the device surface 2a (i.e., the outermost surface of the display assembly or the back cover). The waveguide layer 5 extends parallel to the device surface 2a and may be disposed adjacent to the device surface 2a, i.e., directly on top of the device surface 2a, or one or more additional layers may be disposed therebetween, examples of which will be described in more detail below. The surface element 2 provides support for the waveguide layer 5, so that the waveguide layer 5 can be thinner but still mechanically stable.

[0048] The waveguide layer 5 includes a radiation input end, and the electromagnetic radiation R enters the waveguide layer 5 at the radiation input end. Figures 3 to 8 The leftmost side of the waveguide layer 5 is shown. The radiation input end may comprise other components, however, the radiation input end may also comprise only an open radiation transparent surface through the waveguide layer 5, also called butt coupling.

[0049] The waveguide layer 5 is used to make the electromagnetic radiation R propagate in the waveguide layer 5 along a first direction D1 parallel to the main planes (P1, P2). The electromagnetic radiation R enters the waveguide layer 5 at the radiation input end, then propagates in the waveguide layer 5 by reflection, and is eventually reduced due to absorption losses of the waveguide layer 5 material and impurities in the surface of the waveguide layer 5.

[0050] This propagation makes the evanescent field F generated by the electromagnetic radiation R uniformly penetrate the entire first interface 5a and extend slightly into the surrounding air. The evanescent field F extends along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1 and away from the device surface 2a and the surface element 2 and penetrates the first interface 5a. Figure 2b to Figure 8 As shown by the arrow in FIG. 4 , the evanescent field F disinfects the first interface 5a.

[0051] The penetration depth d of the evanescent field F is a function of the refractive index of the waveguide layer 5 and the angle at which each beam of electromagnetic radiation R propagates in the waveguide layer 5. Light rays propagating at a smaller angle (i.e. substantially parallel to the first interface 5a) will penetrate to a smaller extent into the surrounding medium, while light rays propagating at a larger angle will penetrate to a greater extent the evanescent field F into the surrounding medium. Since the total radiation in the waveguide layer 5 is the sum of the multiple rays propagating in the waveguide layer 5, the penetration depth d of the evanescent field F is also the sum of the contributions of each ray. In the case of a typical uniform distribution of radiation rays in the waveguide layer 5, the sum average of the penetration depths d of the evanescent field F is of the order of the wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R. For a wavelength L of 200 nm, in this embodiment, the sum average of the penetration depths d is a value in the range of 100 nm to 300 nm. For a wavelength L of 400 nm, in this embodiment, the penetration depth d is a value in the range of 200 nm to 600 nm.

[0052] At the boundary between the waveguide and the surrounding medium, the evanescent field F always exhibits a maximum value. From this point on, in the surrounding medium, the field strength decreases exponentially. The penetration depth d corresponds to the distance to the boundary, at which point the field strength decreases to about 30% of the maximum value.

[0053] In one embodiment, the maximum value of the penetration depth d is 1 μm. The maximum intensity of the evanescent field F occurs at the first interface 5a, and the intensity of the evanescent field F decreases as the evanescent field F passes along the second direction D2 (i.e., the evanescent field F moves away from the first interface 5a). The maximum value of the average intensity of the evanescent field F may be 400 nm, preferably, the maximum value may be 280 nm.

[0054] The waveguide structure 3 may comprise a plurality of layers ( 5 , 6 , 7 ), the main planes of which may extend parallel to each other and to the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3 .

[0055] In one embodiment, the waveguide structure 3 includes an adhesive layer 6, which is used to adhere the waveguide structure 3 to the device surface 2a. The adhesive layer 6 may include conventional transparent glue. The waveguide layer 5 may be directly attached to the device surface 2a. The waveguide structure 3 may also be attached to the electronic device 1 in other ways, such as being fixed to the outer or inner frame or printed circuit board of the electronic device by adhesive or screws.

[0056] The waveguide structure 3 may further include a waveguide cladding layer 7, which is disposed between the second interface 5b of the waveguide layer 5 and one of the device surface 2a and the adhesion layer 6. The waveguide cladding layer 7 is used to minimize the absorption loss on the second interface 5b. In addition, the waveguide cladding layer 7 may also protect the adhesion layer 6 so that it remains in good condition and is not affected by the electromagnetic radiation R.

[0057] The waveguide cladding layer 7 may include a material having a lower refractive index than the waveguide layer 5. For example, the refractive index of the waveguide cladding layer 7 may be 1.3 to 1.5, and the refractive index of the waveguide layer 5 may be 1.5 to 2.5.

[0058] In one embodiment, the waveguide cladding layer 7 comprises at least one of CaF and MgF. In addition, the waveguide cladding layer 7 may be a film layer or an atomic layer deposition. The waveguide layer 5 may comprise at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO3. Preferably, the waveguide layer 5 comprises a material having a radiation loss of less than 10 dB / cm (preferably, less than 1 dB / cm).

[0059] The waveguide structure 3 may further comprise an electromagnetic radiation sensing device 8, the electromagnetic radiation sensing device 8 being used to detect electromagnetic radiation R within the ultraviolet spectrum and being at least partially disposed between the second interface 5b of the waveguide layer 5 and one of the device surface 2a and the adhesion layer 6. Preferably, the sensing device 8 is disposed between the waveguide cladding layer 7 and the device surface 2a or the adhesion layer 6, as Figure 8 As shown. As mentioned above, the electromagnetic radiation R propagates in the waveguide layer 5 along the first direction D1 parallel to the main planes (P1, P2) and therefore parallel to the adhesive layer 6 and the waveguide cladding layer 7. The electromagnetic radiation R is substantially contained in the waveguide layer 5, i.e. no electromagnetic radiation R penetrates the first interface 5a along the second direction D2. However, if there are defects such as scratches in the waveguide layer 5, thereby changing the optical properties of the layer, the electromagnetic radiation R may propagate unnecessarily in all directions other than the first direction D1, since the radiation is scattered in a similar manner toward the outside, outward toward, and inward toward the device surface 2a. Therefore, the electromagnetic radiation R may leak into the surrounding air and may have an adverse effect on the health of the user.

[0060] In response to detecting the electromagnetic radiation R, the sensing device generates an indication that the electromagnetic radiation R has been detected.

[0061] In one embodiment, the sensing device 8 includes a sensing layer 8a and a photodetector 8b. The sensing layer 8a is used to generate electromagnetic radiation R2 in the visible or near-infrared spectrum and transmit the visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 to the photodetector 8b. The sensing layer 8a can be composed of a plastic film such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) filled with quantum dots, and the quantum dot absorption is customized to absorb ultraviolet radiation and generate the visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2. The visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 is transmitted to the photodetector 8b through the sensing layer 8a, and the photodetector 8b records the visible or near-infrared spectrum radiation R2 and is operably connected to other components for reminding the device user of the fact that there is an accidental leakage of the electromagnetic radiation R or for deactivating the control and monitoring system 9 of the radiation source 4. When the device user is in the visible spectrum, the device user can also be directly reminded by the radiation R2.

[0062] The control and monitoring system 9 may be operably connected to the waveguide structure 3 and used to control and / or monitor the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4. The control and monitoring system 9 may control the amount of the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4, monitor possible leakage of the electromagnetic radiation R using the sensing device 8, alert the user of such leakage, and / or enable the user of the electronic device 1 to activate or deactivate the radiation source 4.

[0063] The surface element 2 may include a user touch function 10, the control and monitoring system 9 being operably connected to the touch function 10 and configured to deactivate the radiation source 4 in response to a user activating the user touch function, such that the radiation source 4 emits the electromagnetic radiation R only when the electronic device 1 is not being used or handled by the user. Furthermore, the radiation source 4 may be deactivated in response to the light detector 8b detecting the visible or near infrared spectrum radiation R2.

[0064] The control and monitoring system 9 can also be used to modulate and / or filter the signal generated by any electromagnetic radiation detected by the sensing device 8, so that the signal corresponding to the ambient electromagnetic radiation R3 (for example, ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun) can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4.

[0065] The electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 can be guided directly into the waveguide layer 5. However, the waveguide structure 3 can also include Figure 2b , Figure 6 and Figure 7The coupling device 11 is shown. The coupling device 11 is used to guide the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 into the waveguide layer 5. Preferably, the coupling device 11 is placed adjacent to the radiation source 4 and the radiation input end of the waveguide structure 3, and is aligned to a certain extent with the radiation source 4 and the radiation input end of the waveguide structure 3. A mechanical fixture can be used to place and maintain the radiation source 4 and / or the coupling device 11 in a correct position relative to the waveguide layer 5.

[0066] The coupling device 11 may include a reflective surface (such as Figure 7 As shown), grating coupler structure (as shown Figure 6 at least one of a prism structure (not shown) or a lens structure (not shown).

[0067] The reflective surface or the redirecting surface of the grating coupler structure or the prism structure may be arranged such that the main direction of the electromagnetic radiation R emitted by the radiation source 4 is redirected to propagate mainly parallel to the main plane P2 of the waveguide structure 3. Therefore, the light propagation in the waveguide structure 3 occurs within an angular distribution range at the boundary between the waveguide structure 3 and the surrounding waveguide cladding 7, which is smaller than the critical angle of total internal reflection. The critical angle of total internal reflection is defined by the refractive index of the waveguide structure 3 and the cladding 7.

[0068] The reflecting surface or the redirecting surface may extend at an angle α of 35°-55° (preferably 45°) to the waveguide structure 3 and be used to redirect the electromagnetic radiation R at an angle β of 70°-110° (preferably 90°). The reflecting surface or the redirecting surface may include at least one of a polished surface and a reflective coating. The reflective coating may be a multilayer structure composed of UV transparent materials with high and low refractive indices, each layer having an optical thickness of one quarter of the wavelength L of the electromagnetic radiation R.

[0069] The radiation source 4 and / or the coupling device 11 may be arranged adjacent to the periphery 12 of the electronic device 1, such as Figure 2b shown.

[0070] Various aspects and implementations have been described herein in conjunction with various embodiments. However, those skilled in the art, in practicing the subject matter for which protection is sought, can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "one" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several items listed in the claims. The listing of some measures in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that the combination of these measures cannot be used to gain advantage. The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or solid-state medium provided together with other hardware or as part of other hardware, and may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems.

[0071] The reference numerals used in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope. Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings (e.g., cross-hatching, component arrangements, scale, degrees, etc.) should be read in conjunction with the specification and should be considered part of the entire written description of the invention. The terms "horizontal", "vertical", "left", "right", "upper" and "lower" and their adjective and adverb derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "to the right", "upward", etc.) used in the specification refer only to the direction of the structure shown when a particular drawing is facing the reader. Similarly, the terms "inward" and "outward" generally refer to the direction of a surface relative to its axis of elongation or axis of rotation, as the case may be.

Claims

1. A self-disinfecting electronic device (1), characterized in that: include: A surface element (2) comprising a device surface (2a); A waveguide structure (3) is superimposed on the device surface (2a), such that a main plane (P1) of the device surface (2a) and a main plane (P2) of the waveguide structure (3) extend in parallel; a radiation source (4) for emitting electromagnetic radiation (R) in the ultraviolet spectrum into the waveguide structure (3); The waveguide structure (3) comprises: A waveguide layer (5) having a first interface (5a) facing the surrounding air and a second interface (5b) facing the device surface (2a); The waveguide layer (5) is used to make the electromagnetic radiation (R) propagate in the waveguide layer (5) along a first direction (D1) parallel to the main planes (P1, P2), so that the evanescent field (F) generated by the electromagnetic radiation (R) penetrates the first interface (5a) and enters the air, and the evanescent field (F) disinfects the first interface (5a); The waveguide structure (3) further comprises an electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8), the electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8) being used to detect electromagnetic radiation (R) within the ultraviolet spectrum and to generate an indication that the electromagnetic radiation has been detected, the electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8) comprising a sensing layer (8a) and a photodetector (8b), wherein the sensing layer (8a) is used to generate electromagnetic radiation (R2) within the visible or near infrared spectrum and to transmit the electromagnetic radiation (R2) generated within the visible or near infrared spectrum to the photodetector (8b).

2. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The waveguide structure (3) further comprises an adhesive layer (6), wherein the adhesive layer (6) is used to adhere the waveguide structure (3) to the device surface (2a).

3. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wavelength (L) of the electromagnetic radiation (R) lies between 100 nm and 400 nm.

4. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wavelength (L) of the electromagnetic radiation (R) lies between 190 nm and 280 nm.

5. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The average penetration depth (d) of the evanescent field (F) from the first interface (5a) into the surrounding air corresponds to the wavelength (L) in the range of 0.5L to 2L.

6. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The waveguide structure (3) further comprises a waveguide cladding layer (7), wherein the waveguide cladding layer (7) is arranged between the second interface (5b) of the waveguide layer (5) and one of the device surface (2a) and the adhesion layer (6), and the waveguide cladding layer (7) is used to minimize absorption loss at the second interface (5b).

7. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The waveguide cladding layer (7) contains at least one of CaF and MgF.

8. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The waveguide layer (5) comprises at least one of fused silica, spinel, sapphire and CaCO3.

9. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8) is at least partially disposed between the second interface (5b) of the waveguide layer (5) and one of the device surface (2a) and the adhesive layer (6).

10. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8) is at least partially arranged between the waveguide cladding layer (7) and the device surface (2a) or the adhesive layer (6).

11. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that It also comprises a control and monitoring system (9) which is operatively connected to the waveguide structure (3) and is used to control and / or monitor the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by the radiation source (4).

12. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The surface element (2) comprises a user touch function (10), and the control and monitoring system (9) is used to deactivate the radiation source (4) in response to a user activating the user touch function and / or in response to the light detector (8b) detecting electromagnetic radiation (R2) generated within the visible or near infrared spectrum.

13. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that The control and monitoring system (9) is used to modulate and / or filter the signal generated by the electromagnetic radiation detected by the electromagnetic radiation sensing device (8), so that the signal corresponding to the ambient electromagnetic radiation (R3) can be distinguished from the signal corresponding to the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by the radiation source (4).

14. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The waveguide structure (3) further comprises a coupling device (11) for guiding the electromagnetic radiation (R) emitted by the radiation source (4) into the waveguide layer (5).

15. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that The coupling device (11) comprises at least one of a reflective surface, a grating coupler structure or a prism structure.

16. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The surface element (2) is one of a display assembly and a back cover.

17. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The main plane (P1) of the device surface (2a) and the main plane (P2) of the waveguide structure (3) are identically curved adjacent to at least one peripheral edge (12) of the self-disinfecting electronic device (1).

18. The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The self-disinfecting electronic device (1) is one of a smartphone, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a keyboard, a button or a door handle.

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