Door handle device for a vehicle door

Abstract

The invention relates to a door handle device (1) for a door (2) of a motor vehicle (3), having a handle part (4) and a cleaning device (5) which emits UV-C light (6). In order to be able to achieve an especially hygienic use of the motor vehicle (3) while at the same time achieving an extremely attractive design, it is provided that the handle part (4) is movable at least between a moved-in, non-use position and a moved-out, use position, wherein the cleaning device (5) is designed in such a way that it applies UV-C light (6) to the handle part (4) in its non-use position and thereby cleans it.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a door handle device for a motor vehicle door according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a door and such a door handle device and to a method for cleaning the handle part of such a door handle device. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to meet the highest design and aerodynamic requirements in modern motor vehicles, it is common practice to provide a sinkable door handle which is arranged in a recessed manner in the non-use state and is thus concealed. Only when the user himself approaches does the handle part move out into the use position and thus allow the door to be opened.

[0003] But it is precisely in the case of a door handle device having a sinkable handle part that the cleaning of the door handle device or at least of the handle part is difficult and cannot be achieved in its non-use position. In the washing facility, the motor vehicle is usually closed, the handle part is also in its moved-in non-use position and is thus also not cleaned there. Furthermore, if the motor vehicle is also used by different users, the cleaning or even the disinfection of the handle part is particularly advantageous in order to be able to prevent, inter alia, the spread of infectious diseases.

[0004] CN 108104622 A discloses a door handle device of the same type for a motor vehicle door, having a handle part and a cleaning device which emits UV-C light. In the known door handle device, the handle part or the handle recess is subjected to UV-C light in order to disinfect the handle part. Furthermore, ozone is formed as a result of the UV-C light irradiation of the oxygen in the air, whereby the disinfection effect can additionally be enhanced. SUMMARY

[0005] The invention is directed to the problem of proposing an improved or at least alternative alternative embodiment for a door handle device of this type, which is distinguished, inter alia, by being more hygienic and having an improved appearance and improved design.

[0006] According to the invention, this problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] This invention is based on the general concept of providing a door handle device equipped with a retractable handle portion, which is then disinfected by applying UV-C light when the handle portion is inserted into a handle recess, i.e., an inner cavity. The door handle device for a motor vehicle door according to the invention includes the aforementioned handle portion and a cleaning device designed to emit UV-C light. Such UV-C light typically has a wavelength of less than 265 nm. According to the invention, the handle portion can now move at least between a retracted, non-use position and a retracted, use position, wherein the cleaning device is designed such that it applies UV-C light to the handle portion in its non-use position and thereby cleans it. The door handle device of the invention thus provides, for the first time, the possibility that the handle portion in its retracted state can be cleaned, thereby enhancing overall hygiene. Since the handle portion can be retracted, advantages in aerodynamics, design, and appearance are also obtained. Here, in its non-use position, the handle portion is inserted into the inner cavity of the motor vehicle door and can be preferably treated with UV-C light there in a closed state. UV-C light can kill bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. Simultaneously, oxygen present in the interior cavity is converted into ozone upon UV-C light irradiation, further aiding in disinfection and enhancing hygiene. In this context, UV-C light disinfection means that viruses can be inactivated or killed. Therefore, using the door handle device of this invention, the recessed handle portion can be disinfected when not in use, meeting the highest aerodynamic and design requirements. This effectively prevents or at least reduces the risk of disease transmission, especially in situations where vehicle users or users change frequently.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device has multiple light sources that radiate UV-C light and cause the main portion of the handle (4) to be irradiated. The main portion of the handle is the part that is touched when the handle is operated. In a preferred embodiment, the light sources (11) are arranged in a ring around the handle (4) and spaced apart from each other, thereby achieving irradiation of the main portion of the handle and / or its touch surface. These light sources are arranged at the door, particularly at the handle recess, where the handle is positioned in its non-use position.

[0009] In an advantageous improvement to the solution of the present invention, a door handle housing is provided, and the handle portion is at least partially retracted into the door handle housing in its non-use position. Here, the handle portion in its retracted non-use position is sealingly engaged with the door handle housing, thereby sealing the internal cavity in which the handle portion is housed relative to the outside. This allows the handle portion in its non-use position to be arranged in a protected space enclosed from the external environment, where it can be disinfected simultaneously. Thus, the handle portion is protected from external dirt and can be disinfected in its non-use state, while also remaining unaffected by the external environment in its non-use position.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment of the door handle device of the present invention, an oxygen container is provided, through which oxygen can be output to the cavity where the handle portion is located in an unused position. This allows for the generation of ozone by adding oxygen and UV-C light, in addition to the UV-C light already providing disinfection. Ozone also kills bacteria, viruses, and pathogens, and also has a fungicidal effect. This results in a particularly hygienic handle portion, thereby at least reducing the risk of disease transmission at the handle portion.

[0011] In an advantageous improvement to the solution of the present invention, a reflux chamber is provided, connected to the inner cavity on the inlet side and to the container on the outlet side, through which oxygen or ozone flows back from the inner cavity into the container. By having at least one such reflux chamber, a closed system can be created between the container, the inner cavity, and at least one reflux chamber, thereby minimizing oxygen loss and thus achieving a long service life. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous that, because of this closed system, almost no ozone reaches the outside, but remains in circulation and can always be used to disinfect the handle. Since disinfection of the handle, for example by applying UV-C light or oxygen, is performed only (i.e., only) when the handle is moved into the handle housing, i.e., when the handle is retracted, very economical oxygen consumption can also be achieved.

[0012] In an advantageous improvement of the door handle device of the present invention, a check valve allowing access to the inner cavity is provided between the container and the inner cavity. A check valve allowing access to the return cavity can also be provided between the inner cavity and the return cavity, and even a check valve allowing access to the container can be provided between the return cavity and the container. This allows for a circulation cycle of oxygen or ozone from the container through the inner cavity and back to the container via the at least one return cavity, without concern for uncontrolled backflow. Such a check valve can be designed relatively simply and cost-effectively, for example, as a flap valve or a spring-loaded valve, which opens only when a predetermined pressure differential is reached.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment, a pump is provided through which oxygen can be pumped from the container into the inner cavity. The pump creates overpressure within the container, causing a check valve or overpressure valve located between the container and the inner cavity to open and allowing oxygen to flow out into the inner cavity. In the inner cavity, the oxygen is converted into ozone by applying UV-C light, thereby disinfecting the handle. Because the pressure inside the inner cavity increases due to the pumping of oxygen, and cannot escape due to the seal between the handle and the handle housing, the check valve located between the inner cavity and the return chamber opens from a predetermined overpressure in the inner cavity, allowing oxygen or ozone to overflow from the inner cavity into the return chamber. The oxygen or ozone can then be supplied back to the container via this return chamber.

[0014] Typically, UV-C light has wavelengths between 100 nm and 280 nm. Experiments have shown that wavelengths, especially those below 242 nm, are particularly effective against bacteria, pathogens, viruses, and odor molecules.

[0015] The present invention is also based on the general concept of providing a motor vehicle equipped with a door and a door handle device as described in the preceding paragraphs, thereby applying the advantages of the door handle device of the present invention to the motor vehicle. Specifically, the advantages include, in particular, the realization of simple and low-cost handle disinfection and thus enhanced hygiene, while also possessing a sustainable working mode due to the closed oxygen-ozone cycle and a handle design that is extremely eye-catching due to the recessed handle portion.

[0016] The present invention is also based on the general concept of providing a method for cleaning the handle portion of a door handle assembly on a motor vehicle, wherein the handle portion is first placed in its non-use position. The cleaning device then applies UV-C light to the interior cavity, while simultaneously outputting oxygen from a container into the cavity, where it is converted into ozone based on the UV-C light, thereby disinfecting the handle portion. A particular advantage of the method of the present invention is that the handle portion in its non-use position is reliably free of viruses, bacteria, spores, pathogens, and odor molecules, thus allowing for hygienic use. This is a significant advantage, especially during periods of high incidence of infectious diseases.

[0017] In the method of the present invention, it is obvious that in addition to the inner cavity, there may be a reflux cavity, so that oxygen, or (if applicable) ozone, flows periodically or continuously from the container into the inner cavity where the handle is located in its unused position via a corresponding pump and flows back into the container via the reflux cavity. Thus, temporary handle disinfection can only be achieved when the handle is in its unused position, thereby achieving a low-cost operating method.

[0018] Other important features and advantages of the invention are derived from the dependent claims, the figures, and the accompanying drawings in conjunction with the figures.

[0019] Obviously, the features described above and explained below may be used not only in their respective specified combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without exceeding the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the figures and explained in detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical components, which are schematically shown herein:

[0021] Figure 1 An exterior view of a motor vehicle having the door handle device of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a particular embodiment of the door handle device of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0023] according to Figure 1 The door handle device 1 for a vehicle door 2 of a motor vehicle 3 of the present invention has a handle portion 4, which can be moved into a non-use position in the door 2 (see...). Figure 2 ) and the location of the removed use (see Figure 1 The device moves between these points. According to the invention, a cleaning device 5 emitting UV-C light 6 is now provided, which is arranged in a handle recess (not shown in detail) in the door and designed to apply UV-C light 6 to the handle portion 4 or its built-in portion in its non-use position, thereby cleaning it. The UV-C light 6 here acts as an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral agent, and also kills pathogens and neutralizes odors. This differs from the method described above. Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning device 5 then emits only UV-C light 6, provided that the handle 4 is in its retracted, non-use position, in which it is preferably closed flush with the surface of the door 2. Alternatively, the handle can be completely concealed / recessed into the door 2.

[0024] Furthermore, the door handle device 1 according to the present invention has a door handle housing 7 (see Figure 2 The handle portion 4 is at least partially inserted into the door handle housing in its non-use position. In its non-use position, the handle portion 4 is closed in a sealing manner with the door handle housing 7, thereby defining the inner cavity 8, in which the handle portion 4 is arranged and also seals the inner cavity relative to the outside. For this purpose, an external seal 9 may be provided on the handle portion 4.

[0025] In addition, an oxygen container 10 can be installed in door 2 (see Figure 2 Oxygen is then output into the inner cavity 8. By outputting oxygen (O2) into the inner cavity 8 and simultaneously applying UV-C light 6 to the oxygen, ozone (O3) is formed. Ozone also plays a role in antibacterial, fungicidal, antiviral, and inhibiting pathogens or odor molecules.

[0026] The cleaning device 5 may have multiple light sources 11 that emit UV-C light 6 and cause surrounding irradiation at least within the inner cavity 8, i.e., the built-in portion of the handle 4, thereby achieving disinfection. If the handle 4 is fully submerged in the handle groove as described above, then the handle 4 can be irradiated not only locally but also entirely. If viewed... Figure 2 Then you can see that these light sources 11 are arranged in a ring around the handle 4 and spaced apart from each other, so that not only can the handle 4 be reliably illuminated or irradiated, but also the internal air of the cavity 8 can be reliably mixed with oxygen and ozone, and thus have a particularly good disinfection effect.

[0027] In addition, a reflux chamber 12 may be provided, which connects to the inner cavity 8 on the inlet side and to the container 10 on the outlet side via another reflux chamber 12a (see Figure 2 They are directly or indirectly connected. Oxygen or ozone can be returned from the inner cavity 8 to the container 10 through the return cavity 12 or these return cavities 12, 12a, thereby allowing for a very economical operation of the cleaning device 5.

[0028] To prevent unwanted backflow of oxygen or ozone, a check valve 13a can be installed between the container 10 and the inner cavity 8, allowing flow into the inner cavity 8. A check valve 13b can be installed between the inner cavity 8 and the return cavity 12, allowing flow into the return cavity 12. If another return cavity 12a is provided, a check valve 13c can also be installed between this other return cavity 12a and the return cavity 12, and a check valve 13d can be installed between the return cavity 12a and the container 10. Check valves 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d create an annular flow of oxygen or ozone, which opens when a predetermined pressure differential is reached.

[0029] To allow oxygen to be delivered from container 2 into inner cavity 8, a pump 14 may be provided to pump oxygen from container 10 into inner cavity 8. Another pump 14a may also be provided in reflux chamber 12, where oxygen or ozone is drawn out of inner cavity 8 and continues to be delivered to reflux chamber 12a or container 10.

[0030] In addition to the door handle device 1 of the present invention, protection is also claimed for a motor vehicle 3 having a door 2 and such door handle device 1.

[0031] Typically, the cleaning of the handle portion 4 of the door handle device 1 described in the preceding paragraph is performed as follows:

[0032] First, the handle 4 is placed in its non-use position, and then the cleaning device 5 applies UV-C light 6 to the inner cavity 8. The UV-C light 6 disinfects and, in particular, kills viruses, pathogens, fungi, and bacteria, as well as neutralizes odor molecules. It is also conceivable that oxygen is output from the container 10 into the inner cavity 8, where it is converted into ozone by the UV-C light 6 emitted by the cleaning device 5, thereby disinfecting the handle 4.

[0033] In general, the door handle device 1 of the present invention and the motor vehicle 3 of the present invention can provide for the first time an attractive, aerodynamically advantageous and highly hygienic door handle device 1, which preferably disinfects the handle portion 4 each time it is moved into its non-use position.

Claims

1. A door handle device (1) for a door (2) of a motor vehicle (3), comprising a handle portion (4) and a cleaning device (5) emitting UV-C light (6), Its features are, - The handle (4) is capable of moving at least between the inserted non-use position and the removed use position. - The cleaning device (5) is designed such that it applies the UV-C light (6) to the handle part (4) in its non-use position and thereby cleans the handle part. The door handle device is provided with a door handle housing (7), and the handle portion (4) is at least partially moved into the door handle housing in its non-use position; the handle portion (4) is sealed to the door handle housing (7) in its non-use position and the inner cavity (8) in which the handle portion (4) is disposed is sealed relative to the outside; the door handle device is provided with a container (10) containing oxygen, through which oxygen can be output to the inner cavity (8), and is provided with a return cavity (12) connected to the inner cavity (8) on the inlet side and connected to the container (10) on the outlet side, by means of which oxygen or ozone flows back from the inner cavity (8) to the container (10) through the return cavity (12).

2. The door handle device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning device (5) has multiple light sources (11) that emit UV-C light (6) and cause the touch surface of the handle (4) or the entire handle (4) to be irradiated.

3. The door handle device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light sources (11) are arranged in a ring around the handle (4) and spaced apart from each other.

4. The door handle device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, -A check valve (13a) is provided between the container (10) and the inner cavity (8) to allow flow into the inner cavity (8), and / or -A check valve (13b) is provided between the inner cavity (8) and the return cavity (12) to allow flow to the return cavity (12).

5. The door handle device according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, A check valve (13c, 13d) is provided between the reflux chamber (12) and the container (10) to allow flow to the container (10).

6. The door handle device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - A pump (14) is provided, by which oxygen can be pumped from the container (10) into the inner cavity (8), and / or - The cleaning device (5) emits UV-C light (6) with a wavelength of less than 242nm.

7. A motor vehicle (3) having a door (2) including a door handle device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. A method for cleaning and disinfecting the handle portion (4) of a door handle device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 on a motor vehicle (3), wherein, - Place the handle (4) in its non-use position after it has been moved in. -Use the cleaning device (5) to apply UV-C light (6) to the inner cavity (8), - Oxygen is output from the container (10) into the inner cavity (8) and there the oxygen is converted into ozone based on the UV-C light (6) and thereby disinfects the handle (4).

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