Method for drying and / or disinfecting an object in a motor vehicle and device for carrying out the method

Abstract

Method for drying and / or disinfecting an object (G) in a motor vehicle (K), wherein the object (G) is placed in a receiving chamber (104) of a storage device (1), wherein heated air (L) is supplied to the receiving chamber (104) and / or the air (L) in the receiving chamber (104) is heated, characterized in that the supply of air (L) heated by an internal combustion engine (4) and / or by a traction battery (5) to the receiving chamber (104) only takes place if, based on a foreseeable driving time and an existing outside temperature, such heating of the internal combustion engine (4) and / or the traction battery (5) is ensured that the desired heating of the air (L) supplied to the receiving chamber (104) is possible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for drying and / or disinfecting an object in a motor vehicle with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out the method with the features of the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] Given recent global experiences with the coronavirus pandemic, particular importance must be placed on suitable methods for disinfecting objects. For example, to prevent droplet infection, it is essential to always have a ready-to-use face mask on hand. This is especially true if such items are used multiple times.

[0003] The fact that the advantages of disinfecting objects in motor vehicles have already been recognized is demonstrated by various documents that describe disinfection options or disinfection devices in a motor vehicle.

[0004] Thus, WO 2017 / 204 774 A1, which forms the preamble of the dependent claims, discloses a motor vehicle equipped in its interior with several devices for generating UV light. Among other things, it is proposed to place a UV light source in the compartment of a rear, hinged console. Furthermore, the installation of a UV light source in a compartment of the glove box or in a storage compartment of the center console of the motor vehicle is proposed.

[0005] A charging and disinfection tray for a motor vehicle is disclosed in German patent application DE 10 2015 117 559 A1. The charging and disinfection tray comprises a wireless charger for charging a mobile electronic device and a lighting device. Specifically, the charging and disinfection tray is integrated into the center console of the motor vehicle. It has a compartment that can be closed with a lid, into which an electrical device to be charged and disinfected can be placed. A UV light source is arranged in the compartment, which can be covered by a lid-like cover element facing the interior. German patent application DE 10 2017 004 054 A1 discloses a method and a device for the thermal cleaning of vehicle controls. In this method, at least a portion of the control is heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time by means of a heating element encompassed by the control.The specified temperature and heating duration are chosen so that the microbial load on the control element is reduced by heating compared to the microbial load on the control element before heating.

[0006] DE 10 94 132 A, which has the features of the preamble of the dependent claim, describes a container for an umbrella to be carried in a motor vehicle. The container is installed inside the passenger compartment and connected to the vehicle's heating and ventilation system. The container has an outer wall that tapers conically downwards. The top of the container can be closed by means of a pivotable flap. Dry air is supplied via a connection piece with a throttle valve, which allows the amount of air supplied to be regulated.

[0007] From DE 697 28 438 T2, a device for the care of moisture-sensitive articles, such as an electronic hearing aid or the like, is known. The device has a housing formed by a wall, creating a substantially enclosed chamber. The chamber is designed to contain a specific quantity of conditioning gas and includes a support for one or more articles and a desiccant. Electrically operated control devices (fan, heating device) serve to heat and circulate the gas within the chamber. An access opening with a removable closure is provided to allow the article to be placed in and removed from the chamber. Furthermore, a germicidal agent is present in the chamber to sanitize the article.During operation of the device, the moving, heated gas continuously contacts the substrate, the article and the desiccant, thereby exposing the article to drying during a specific maintenance period in the device.

[0008] Finally, the CN 204 635 354 U is a mobile disinfection device for face masks. The disinfection device is box-shaped, with a lockable compartment for face masks. A UV light source is located in this compartment and can be activated via an external switch. For power, the disinfection device can be connected to a portable power source via a USB cable.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an alternative method for drying and / or disinfecting an object in a motor vehicle, which is improved in its efficiency. Furthermore, the present invention aims to propose a suitable device for carrying out the method in a motor vehicle, which enables effective and convenient drying of an object.

[0010] These problems are solved by a method with the features of claim 1 and by a device with the features of claim 7. Advantageous embodiments or further developments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a method for drying and / or disinfecting an object in a motor vehicle, wherein the object is placed in a receiving space of a storage device.

[0012] It is further proposed that heated air be supplied to the recording room and / or that the air in the recording room be heated.

[0013] Heated air enables highly effective drying and / or disinfection of an object. In this process, the heated air reaches a temperature significantly above a person's comfort level. Preferably, the air is heated to a temperature of at least 50 degrees Celsius, or at least approximately 50 degrees Celsius. Such a temperature is perfectly sufficient for effectively drying an object, such as a face mask.

[0014] Preferably, the air is heated to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius, or at least approximately 60 degrees Celsius. At such a temperature, effective disinfection of an object can be carried out simultaneously. Of course, it is also possible to heat the air to even higher temperatures.

[0015] To further support the disinfection of an object, it is also suggested that the object be additionally exposed to UV light, in particular illuminated, in the reception room.

[0016] Alternatively or in addition to UV light, it is also conceivable to treat the object with a disinfectant – especially a chemical one. For example, the object can be sprayed or vaporized with a disinfectant – especially a chemical one.

[0017] According to the invention, it is proposed that heated air is only supplied to the intake chamber if, based on the anticipated driving time and the ambient temperature, sufficient heating of the combustion engine and / or traction battery of the vehicle is ensured to achieve the desired temperature of the air supplied to the intake chamber (to at least approximately 50 degrees Celsius). This ensures that any heat generated is preferentially supplied to the interior to first create a comfortable interior temperature for the passenger. The desired direction or blocking of the airflow can be ensured by appropriately controllable air flaps in the vehicle. If supplying heated air is not practical for the reasons mentioned above, it may be more advantageous to heat the existing air in the intake chamber itself.This can be achieved, for example, using suitable heating elements in the recording room.

[0018] It is advantageous if the procedure checks whether at least one item to be dried / disinfected is in the storage device and, if the check is negative, a message is issued indicating that the storage device is empty.

[0019] This ensures that the driver is always reminded to refill the storage compartment with an item they expect to need soon. This increases the likelihood that the driver always has at least one dry / disinfected item available.

[0020] Checking whether an object is in the storage compartment can be done, for example, using a capacitive proximity sensor. The aforementioned indication is preferably given visually and / or audibly, for example on a display of the infotainment system or by means of a light on the outside of the storage compartment.

[0021] Furthermore, it is highly practical if, after the ignition of the motor vehicle has been switched off, a check is performed to see whether an object has already been removed from the storage compartment since the ignition was previously switched on, and if the result of the check is negative, a message is issued indicating that no object has yet been removed from the storage compartment.

[0022] This design of the procedure takes into account the experience that it is easy to forget to put on a face mask before leaving a vehicle. This training helps to avoid that.

[0023] In another, highly practical embodiment of the procedure, it is also conceivable to check whether the air in the device's intake chamber, or the air supplied to it, reaches or has reached a specific minimum temperature for a certain minimum duration during the operation of the vehicle, and whether an object is or was present in the intake chamber during this minimum duration. If the test is successful, a visual confirmation signal is issued, confirming to the driver that a disinfected, ready-to-use item (e.g., a face mask) is present in the intake chamber. This visual confirmation signal could, for example, be implemented by a green light on the device.

[0024] As mentioned at the beginning, the present invention also proposes a suitable device for carrying out the method. This device comprises at least one storage unit, which has at least one receiving space for receiving the object.

[0025] The device includes at least one supply means for feeding heated air into the receiving chamber and / or at least one heating element for heating the air in the receiving chamber.

[0026] Such a device creates the fundamental prerequisite for the method to be carried out in a simple manner. The at least one heating element for heating the air in the receiving chamber of the storage device can, for example, be a resistance heating element or an infrared heating element, preferably designed as a flat heating element and arranged in the receiving chamber. It is also conceivable to integrate a heating element into one or more walls of the receiving chamber, thus designing the walls of the receiving chamber themselves as heating elements.

[0027] The process is particularly easy and cost-effective to implement with this device if the feed element for supplying heated air to the receiving chamber is designed as a channel- and / or hose-like element through which the heat emitted by an internal combustion engine and / or a traction battery and / or at least one heating element can be conducted to the receiving chamber. Even with this solution, it is conceivable to design the heating element as an (electrically operated) resistance or infrared heating element. Various cross-sections are possible for the channel-like design, for example, polygonal, round, or oval. A hose-like, i.e., movable and non-rigid, design of the feed element is primarily intended to allow for flexible guidance of the feed element.

[0028] To ensure ease of use and constant availability in the vehicle, the device is permanently installed. This also guarantees the efficient flow of heated air and a reliable connection of the device's electrical components to the vehicle's electrical system.

[0029] It is also conceivable (though not covered by the invention) that the device is detachably mounted in the car as a mobile unit, or at least that the storage unit is detachably connected to the supply element for the heated air. For example, it is conceivable that the storage unit is detachably connected to the supply element via a mechanical quick-connect fitting. The supply element can also be designed as a channel- and / or hose-like element through which heat emitted by an internal combustion engine and / or a traction battery and / or a heating element can be directed to the receiving space of the storage unit. The storage unit can then be connected, for example, to an outlet opening of the supply element via a mechanical connecting element that simultaneously seals against external flow.

[0030] According to features of the invention, at least one rod-like element is present in the receiving space, which is oriented horizontally or substantially horizontally in the operating or installed position of the storage device. This feature contributes to the fact that, in particular, a face mask can be accommodated in the receiving space in a very simple manner. For this purpose, a loop of the face mask simply needs to be slid over the rod-like element.

[0031] To prevent the loop from unintentionally detaching from the rod-like element during rough driving, it is very advantageous for the rod-like element to have a locking mechanism at its free end. The locking mechanism can, for example, be designed as an upward bend.

[0032] Alternatively, it is also conceivable to choose the length of the rod-like element in such a way that, in a receiving space closed by a flap, the free end of the rod-like element rests against the lid.

[0033] In order to have a sufficient supply of dried or disinfected items available, further features of the invention propose that the storage device has several receiving compartments, i.e. at least two.

[0034] In order to ensure that disinfection of an object with the device can be carried out very effectively, it is also proposed that the receiving chamber or each receiving chamber be additionally equipped with at least one UV light source and / or with at least one dispensing device for a disinfectant - in particular a chemical one.

[0035] Preferably, the light source is configured to emit light in a spectrum from about 100 nanometers to about 420 nanometers, particularly preferably in a spectrum from about 200 nanometers to about 280 nanometers, and most preferably in a spectrum from 250 nanometers to about 280 nanometers. Particularly preferably, the at least one light source is configured to emit light rays in the UV-C range. However, it is also conceivable that other wavelength ranges are suitable or may prove suitable for disinfecting irradiation.

[0036] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the figures and is explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also highlights further advantages of the invention. Identical reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to identical, comparable, or functionally equivalent components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if no repeated description or reference is made to them. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated to more clearly emphasize features of an embodiment.

[0037] They each show schematically Fig. 1 a motor vehicle with a device according to the invention for carrying out the method according to the invention, Fig. 2 a view of the storage facility of the Fig. 1 in single view from the front, Fig. 3 a representation of the storage device according to view III from Fig. 2, wherein the means for supplying heated air is partially shown and Fig. 4 a sketch of the components involved in the process.

[0038] It is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the interior of a motor vehicle K in the area of ​​a center console 2. A storage device 1 of the inventive device for drying and / or disinfecting an object in the motor vehicle K is arranged in the center console 2. The device, and thus also the storage device 1, is permanently installed in the motor vehicle K, i.e., it is integrated into it and can only be removed in a specialist workshop with appropriate tools. This permanent integration ensures that the device is always supplied with power via the vehicle's electrical system and that it is optimally connected to heat sources.

[0039] However, it is also conceivable, though not included in the invention, to carry out the inventive method with a mobile device for drying and / or disinfecting an object, although in that case the realization of an energy supply and the connection to suitable heat sources is more cumbersome for a user.

[0040] Above the storage compartment 1 there is an input and display unit 3 of an infotainment system in the form of a touchscreen.

[0041] Based on the Fig. 2 and Fig. Section 3 will now explain the device in more detail.

[0042] The storage device 1 of the apparatus consists of a housing 100, which is divided into several, preferably identical, housing sections 101. In the exemplary embodiment, there are three housing sections 101, although the number of these sections can of course vary.

[0043] Each housing area 101 has a receiving space 104 in which an object G to be dried and / or disinfected can be received. The receiving spaces 104 of the device are created by the insertion of partitions 114. In the exemplary embodiment, the object G is a commercially available face mask.

[0044] Each receiving chamber 104 is specifically designed to receive face masks. For this purpose, each receiving chamber 104 has at least one rod-like element 105. An object G in the form of a face mask can be easily suspended from the rod-like element 105 by means of one of its loops. The rod-like element 105 is attached to a rear wall of the receiving chamber 104 and preferably extends parallel to a front flap 102, which can be opened and closed by a pivoting movement S. A handle 103 is provided for actuating each flap 102.

[0045] To prevent a suspended object G from easily sliding off the rod-like element 105 during travel, the rod-like element 105 has an upward bend 105a at its front, free end.

[0046] As shown only for the right-hand receiving space 104, the rod-like element 105 can also be designed to be telescopic, with a fixed part 105b and a movable part 105c. In this way, the rod-like element 105 can be pulled out of the receiving space 104 slightly in a sliding movement V to make it easier to load an object G into it.

[0047] As can be seen from the figures, each receiving chamber 104 is connected to a supply means 106 in such a way that heated air L can be supplied to the receiving chamber 104 via the supply means 106.

[0048] The feed element 106 can, for example, be designed in a channel-like form. It is also conceivable to design the feed element 106 in a tube-like form. A combination of these designs is also conceivable. The feed element 106 can therefore be designed in a channel-like form in some sections and in a tube-like form in others.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the feeder 106 is designed as a channel, at least in the area of ​​the device, and has connecting nozzles 106a. The feeder 106 opens via the connecting nozzles 106a into inlet nozzles 107b, which in turn each open into an inlet opening 107a (see figure). Fig. 2) of recording room 104.

[0050] Heated air L can thus be reliably supplied to the recording rooms 104.

[0051] As only in the Fig. As shown or indicated in Figure 2, each receiving chamber 104 has at least one UV light source 109, but preferably several UV light sources 109 arranged in a distributed manner. When these UV light sources 109 are switched on, an object G can additionally be irradiated with UV light, which is preferably in the UV-C light spectrum. This can further support the desired disinfection of an object G.

[0052] Additionally, each reception room 104 can be equipped with at least one dispensing device 110 for a disinfectant, for example in the form of an atomizer. A necessary electrically controlled pump and a reservoir for the disinfectant are not shown in detail.

[0053] Additionally, each recording room 104 can be equipped with at least one proximity sensor 111 (shown for only one recording room 104). The proximity sensor 111 can detect whether an object G is located in the recording room 104 or not, or whether an object G has been brought into or removed from the recording room 104.

[0054] Finally, by way of example, for a receiving chamber 104, it is indicated that at least one temperature sensor 112 can be present in each receiving chamber 104, by which the temperature of the heated air L in the receiving chamber 104 can be measured. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment, it is also conceivable to arrange a temperature sensor not in each receiving chamber 104, but in the upstream feeder 106.

[0055] Outlet openings 108a serve to appropriately discharge the supplied, heated air L. These outlet openings 108a are in turn preferably connected to a suitable channel- and / or hose-like discharge element (not shown in detail), so that the heated air L cannot enter the interior of the motor vehicle K unhindered and heat it undesirably. Instead, the discharged air is directed into the external environment of the motor vehicle K.

[0056] Additionally and / or alternatively, it is also conceivable that in the process the air in a receiving chamber 104 is heated by one or more heating elements 115. The heating elements 115 can, for example, be applied to or integrated into the walls of the receiving chamber 104. Preferably, the heating elements 115 are designed as electrically operated resistance heaters (shown only for one receiving chamber 104).

[0057] It should also be mentioned that the housing 100 of the device is provided with light sources 113 outside the flaps 102, which can, for example, be designed as light-emitting diodes. The light sources 113 are preferably designed as RGB light-emitting diodes, so that they can emit light in different colors.

[0058] Finally, the aim is to use the Fig. 3. The method will be briefly outlined again. The figure shows an internal combustion engine 4 and a traction battery 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle K is a hybrid vehicle, i.e., it has an internal combustion engine 4 and a traction battery 5. However, it is also conceivable that the motor vehicle K is a purely internal combustion engine vehicle or a purely electric vehicle.

[0059] Additionally, at least one electrically operated heating element 6 is shown. Each of the components mentioned can generate waste heat W during operation. This waste heat W can be transferred to the feed medium 106 via electrically controlled air dampers 7 in a manner not shown in detail. The air dampers 7 can, for example, also be an inlet component of the feed medium 106.

[0060] The heated air L, as already described, is conveyed through the feeder 106 to the storage device 1 or into the receiving chambers 104. The UV light sources 109, the dispensing device 110 for disinfectant, the proximity sensor 111, the temperature sensor 112, the light sources 113, and the heating elements 115 are appropriately connected to an evaluation and control unit 8 via signal transmission. This can be done, for example, via a data bus 11.

[0061] The data bus 11 also connects the input and display device 3, driver assistance systems 9 (e.g. a navigation system), a manual operating device 12 (e.g. in the form of a switch) and a temperature sensor 13 for outside air via signal technology.

[0062] The signal-technical integration of the device into the motor vehicle K, as shown, allows the procedure to be carried out very conveniently.

[0063] The procedure can be started manually by the user, for example, via the operating device 12. However, it is also conceivable that an automatic start of the procedure can be set via the input and display device 3 and synchronized, for example, with the ignition setting of the vehicle K.

[0064] A setup menu can be used, for example, via the input and display device 3 to determine whether, in addition to the supply of heated air L into the recording rooms 104, the UV light sources 109 and the dispensing device 110 for disinfectants should also be activated as a matter of principle, or whether this should be switched on manually as needed.

[0065] When a driver assistance system 9, for example a navigation system, is operated, the evaluation and control unit 8 determines, based on stored evaluation and control algorithms and taking into account the ambient air temperature measured by the temperature sensor 13 at the start of a journey, whether the expected journey duration is sufficient for the combustion engine 4 and / or the traction battery 5 to provide enough heat to warm the air L. If this is not expected to be possible, the air flaps 7 assigned to the combustion engine 4 and the traction battery 5 are controlled by the evaluation and control unit 8 in such a way that waste heat W from the combustion engine 4 and the traction battery 5 is not directed to or through the supply medium 106, but is instead used (if necessary) to heat the interior of the vehicle K.

[0066] However, it is conceivable that the air L is nevertheless heated by the heating element 6 and directed into the supply medium 106 via the associated air flap 7.

[0067] Furthermore, it is conceivable that if an object G is not present in a receiving compartment 104 and the proximity sensor 111 emits a corresponding signal, the light source 113 assigned to that receiving compartment 104 will illuminate red. Additionally, a warning message and / or a warning tone can be emitted via the input and display unit 3. This alerts the driver to an empty receiving compartment 104.

[0068] It is also conceivable that the light source 113 lights up green when it has been detected that an object G is located in the recording chamber 104 and the heated air L in the recording chamber 104 has been kept at a certain temperature, for example 60 degrees Celsius, for a certain period of time.

[0069] Thus, the driver knows that he can take a ready-to-use, disinfected item G from a specific receiving compartment 104.

[0070] Finally, it is also conceivable that the proximity sensors 111 detect whether an object G has been removed from one of the receiving compartments 104 after the ignition has been switched off. If this is not the case, the evaluation and control unit 8 can also issue a message via the input and display unit 3, reminding the driver to remove a disinfected object G, for example, a face mask.

[0071] In contrast to the illustrated embodiment, it is of course conceivable that the device has fewer receiving spaces 104, for example only one receiving space 104 (not covered by the invention). It is also conceivable that more than the three receiving spaces 104 shown are present. Reference symbol list 1 storage unit 2 Middle console 3 Input and display device; touchscreen 4 Internal combustion engine 5 traction batteries 6 heating element 7 air flaps 8 Evaluation and control unit 9 driver assistance systems; navigation system 11 Data bus 12 Actuating device 13 Outdoor air temperature sensor 100 cases 101 Housing area 102 flap 103 Handling 104 Recording Room 105 rod-like element 105a bend 105b fixed part 105c moving part 106 feeding agents 106a Connection piece 107a Entrance 107b Inlet nozzle 108a Exit opening 109 UV light sources 110 Dispensing station for disinfectants, atomizers 111 Proximity sensor 112 Temperature sensor 113 light bulbs, LED 114 partition walls 115 Heating element G Subject K motor vehicle L heated air S swivel movement V displacement movement Waste heat

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