ANTIBACTERIAL INTERIOR COMPONENT

Abstract

Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) in a vehicle (350), comprising: at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) in a confined space with a shaded area (36, 116, 220), a light source (40, 120, 170, 230) with a light-emitting diode (LED) that produces light with a wavelength of greater than or equal to approximately 375 nm to less than or equal to approximately 425 nm, directed onto at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) to kill bacteria, and a thermally conductive component (140, 144, 180) that is in a heat transfer connection with the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) to transfer heat to a heat sink (114) either in or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200), wherein the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) is designed to have a first operating mode for killing bacteria on the at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) with an optical output power of greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 W and a second operating mode for illumination with an optical output power of less than or equal to approximately 0.5 W.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] This section contains background information related to the present disclosure that does not necessarily represent the prior art.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to antibacterial interior components for vehicles and methods for their use.

[0003] The transmission of diseases and odors in vehicles is a major problem, especially in carpools or vehicles with multiple occupants. Certain interior vehicle components feature buttons, switches, levers, or other surfaces that are frequently touched by users ("high interaction vehicle surfaces" or "high touch areas"). Therefore, it is desirable to clean these frequently touched surfaces to remove disease-causing bacteria or unwanted odors caused by bacteria in human sweat and food residue. While various disinfection strategies exist for vehicles, many rely on physical cleaning by humans, such as applying a cleaning agent directly to the surface, sometimes followed by physical contact, such as wiping.

[0004] However, certain frequently touched areas of interior components can be difficult to clean because they are located in confined spaces, are not easily accessible, or are situated in shaded areas not penetrated by external light. For example, the interior parts of handles, latches, cup holders, center console compartments, and the like may have frequently touched surfaces that are not easily accessible for cleaning. Therefore, it would be desirable to concentrate treatment on high-traffic vehicle surfaces to reduce the transmission of bacteria in hard-to-reach areas of interior components. Thus, there remains a need for self-cleaning and self-disinfecting surfaces within interior components that are capable of reliably minimizing bacteria and other contaminants in these hard-to-reach areas.

[0005] US Patent 2019 0 076 558 A1 describes an antibacterial indoor component comprising at least one contact surface in a confined space with a shaded area and a light source with a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light with a wavelength in the UV-C range, directed onto the at least one contact surface to kill bacteria. The antibacterial indoor component further comprises a thermally conductive component that is in a heat transfer connection with the light source to transfer heat to a heat sink adjacent to the antibacterial indoor component.

[0006] US 2018 0 339 075 A1 describes devices and methods for the antibacterial treatment of surfaces of various objects using a light source that emits light in the UV-C range or in the UV-B range.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create an antibacterial interior component that reliably suppresses bacteria in hard-to-reach areas. SUMMARY

[0008] This problem is solved by an antibacterial interior component having the features of claim 1.

[0009] The antibacterial interior component is capable of self-cleaning and is located in a vehicle. The antibacterial interior component has at least one contact surface in a confined space with a shaded area and a light source comprising a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits light with a wavelength greater than or equal to approximately 375 nm to less than or equal to approximately 425 nm, directed onto the at least one contact surface to kill bacteria. The antibacterial interior component also has a thermally conductive component in a heat transfer connection with the light source to transfer heat to a heat sink located either in or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component.

[0010] The light source is designed to have a first operating mode for killing bacteria on at least one contact surface with an optical output power of approximately 0.5 W or greater, and a second operating mode for illumination with an optical output power of approximately 0.5 W or less.

[0011] In certain aspects, the light source includes a light-emitting diode (LED) with an optical output power of approximately 1 W or greater.

[0012] In certain aspects, the first operating mode is designed to kill approximately 90% or more of the bacteria originally present on at least one contact surface.

[0013] Under certain conditions, the light source generates an energy fluence on at least one contact surface of approximately 5 J / cm² or greater. 2 to less than or equal to approximately 50 J / cm² 2 .

[0014] For certain aspects, the irradiance on at least one contact surface is greater than or equal to approximately 1 mW / cm². 2 .

[0015] In certain aspects, the antibacterial interior component is selected from the group consisting of a door handle, a cup holder, a glove compartment, a lock, a handle, a steering wheel and combinations thereof.

[0016] In certain aspects, an area surrounding the light source does not exceed a temperature greater than approximately 100 °C.

[0017] In certain aspects, the heat-conducting component exhibits a thermal conductivity of approximately 20 W / (m K) or greater.

[0018] In certain aspects, the heat-conducting component is a thermal bridge that is attached to the light source and to a fixed heat sink.

[0019] In certain aspects, the antibacterial interior component is a door handle, the light source is located in or around a surround that encloses the door handle, and the heat sink is a door panel.

[0020] In certain aspects, the heat-conducting component is a thermal bridge that connects the light source to a fixed component in a door panel, or the heat-conducting component comprises a variety of heat exchange fins.

[0021] In certain aspects, the thermally conductive component includes a phase change material designed to undergo an endothermic reaction in order to absorb heat.

[0022] In certain aspects, the heat-conducting component is a potting compound or a heat distributor that is located on a surface of the antibacterial interior component.

[0023] In certain aspects, the antibacterial interior component is a door handle, and the light source is located in the door handle.

[0024] The antibacterial interior component can be an antibacterial door handle component in a vehicle, which may include at least one contact surface on a door handle within a door panel. The door handle component comprises a confined space with a shaded area. The antibacterial door handle component also includes a light source with a light-emitting diode (LED) associated with the door handle component, which emits light with a wavelength greater than or equal to approximately 375 nm to less than or equal to approximately 425 nm, directed onto the at least one contact surface on the door handle to kill greater than or equal to approximately 90% of the bacteria present on the at least one contact surface. Furthermore, a heat-conducting component, in thermal communication with the light source, is included to transfer any generated heat to the door panel.

[0025] The present disclosure further relates to an unclaimed method for operating an antibacterial interior component of a vehicle. The method comprises activating a light source with a light-emitting diode (LED) in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, the LED generates blue light with a wavelength of approximately 375 nm to approximately 425 nm or less, which is directed onto at least one contact surface in a limited space of the antibacterial interior component that has a shaded area. In this way, approximately 90% or more of the bacteria initially present on the at least one contact surface are killed.The method also includes transferring heat from the light source to a thermally conductive component either in or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component, such that the temperature in an area in or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component is less than or equal to approximately 100 °C when activated.

[0026] In certain aspects, the method further includes activating the light source with the light-emitting diode (LED) in a second operating mode, which differs from the first operating mode, to illuminate the antibacterial interior component, which has a shaded area. The first operating mode, intended for killing bacteria, has an optical output power of approximately 0.5 W or greater, while the second operating mode, intended for illumination, has an optical output power of approximately 0.5 W or less.

[0027] For certain aspects, the irradiance on at least one contact surface in the first operating mode is greater than or equal to approximately 10 mW / cm². 2 .

[0028] Under certain conditions, the light source in the first operating mode generates an energy fluence of approximately 5 J / cm² greater than or equal to at least one contact surface. 2 to less than or equal to approximately 50 J / cm² 2 . BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle door with an antibacterial door handle component arranged in a bezel with a high-energy light source according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 shows the inside of a door handle component such as the one in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows a vehicle door with an antibacterial door handle component arranged in a bezel with a high-energy light source connected to a heat-conducting component in the form of a thermal bridge to transfer heat to a heat sink according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 4 shows the antibacterial door handle component of Fig. 3 in a further view, wherein the high-energy light source is activated in an antibacterial cleaning mode according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 5 shows an antibacterial door handle component arranged in a bezel having a high-energy light source connected to a heat-conducting component in the form of a thermal bridge to transfer heat to a heat sink in the door panel behind the antibacterial door handle component according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, in an exploded view. Fig. Figure 6 shows an antibacterial door handle component arranged in a bezel which has a high-energy light source connected to a heat-conducting component in the form of heat exchange fins to transfer heat according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 shows a vehicle door with an antibacterial door handle component which has an internal high-energy light source according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 8 shows the antibacterial door handle component of Fig. 7, which has an internal high-energy light source, in a front view. Fig. Figure 9 shows the antibacterial door handle component of Fig. 7, which has an internal high-energy light source, in a rear view. Fig. Figure 10 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for operating an antibacterial interior component in a vehicle according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 11 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle interior into which self-disinfecting, antibacterial interior components can be installed according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Corresponding reference symbols identify corresponding parts in the different views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Throughout this entire disclosure, numerical values ​​represent approximate measures or limits for ranges to include minor deviations from the stated values ​​and configurations that approximate the stated value, as well as those that exactly match the stated value. Unlike the working examples at the end of the detailed description, all numerical values ​​of parameters (e.g., quantities or conditions) in this patent specification, including the claims in the appendix, are to be understood as being modified in all cases by the term "approximately," regardless of whether "approximately" actually precedes the numerical value or not. "Approximately" means that the stated numerical value permits a slight inaccuracy (with some approximation to the accuracy of the value, approximately or quite close to the value, almost).If the imprecision indicated by "approximately" is not otherwise understood in engineering with this ordinary meaning, then "approximately," as used herein, denotes at least variations that may arise from ordinary procedures for measuring and using such parameters. For example, "approximately" may encompass a deviation of less than or equal to 5%, optionally less than or equal to 4%, optionally less than or equal to 3%, optionally less than or equal to 2%, optionally less than or equal to 1%, optionally less than or equal to 0.5%, and, in certain aspects, optionally less than or equal to 0.1%.

[0031] Furthermore, the disclosure of ranges includes the disclosure of all values ​​and further subdivided ranges within the entire range, including the endpoints and the sub-ranges specified for the ranges.

[0032] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "interlocking," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "arranged." If a relationship between first and second elements is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, this relationship may be a direct relationship, in which no other intervening elements exist between the first and second elements, or an indirect relationship, in which one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) exist between the first and second elements.

[0033] In the diagrams, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by its tip, generally illustrates the flow of information (e.g., data or instructions) that is relevant to the illustration. For example, if Element A and Element B exchange a variety of information, but the information transferred from Element A to Element B is relevant to the illustration, the arrow may point from Element A to Element B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is transferred from Element B to Element A. Furthermore, Element B may send requests or acknowledgments of receipt for information sent from Element A to Element B.

[0034] In this application, which includes the following definitions, the term "module" or the term "controller" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor circuit (common, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory circuit (common, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor circuit, other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality, or a combination of some or all of the above components, e.g., in a system-on-a-chip.

[0035] The module may include one or more interface circuits. In some examples, the interface circuits may include wired or wireless interfaces connected to a local area network (LAN), the internet, a wide area network (WAN), or combinations thereof. The functionality of any given module of this disclosure may be distributed among multiple modules connected via interface circuits. For example, multiple modules may enable load balancing. In another example, a server module (also called a remote or cloud module) may perform some functions on behalf of a client module.

[0036] The term "code," as used above, can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, data structures, and / or objects. The term "shared processor circuit" includes a single processor circuit that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor circuit" includes a processor circuit that, in combination with additional processor circuits, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. References to multiple processor circuits include multiple processor circuits on discrete chips, multiple processor circuits on a single chip, multiple cores of a single processor circuit, multiple threads of a single processor circuit, or a combination thereof. The term "shared memory circuit" includes a single memory circuit that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules.The term "group memory circuit" encompasses a memory circuit that, in combination with additional memory, stores code from one or more modules, either partially or in its entirety.

[0037] The term "memory circuit" is a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." The term "computer-readable medium," as used herein, does not include transitory electrical or electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium (e.g., on a carrier wave); the term "computer-readable medium" can therefore be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-restrictive examples of a non-transient, tangible, computer-readable medium include non-volatile memory circuits (e.g., a flash memory circuit, an erasable programmable read-only memory circuit, or a mask read-only memory circuit), volatile memory circuits (e.g., a static random-access memory circuit or a dynamic random-access memory circuit), magnetic storage media (e.g., an analog or digital magnetic tape or a hard disk drive), and optical storage media (e.g., a CD, a DVD, or a Blu-ray Disc).

[0038] The devices and methods described in this application can be implemented partially or completely by a specialized computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions contained in computer programs. The functional blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be translated into computer programs through the routine work of an experienced technician or programmer.

[0039] Computer programs comprise processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, concrete, computer-readable medium. Computer programs may also include or be based on stored data. Computer programs may include a basic input / output system (BIOS) that interacts with the hardware of the specialized computer, device drivers that interact with specific devices of the specialized computer, one or more operating systems, user applications, background services, background applications, and so on.

[0040] Computer programs can include: (i) descriptive text to be parsed, e.g., HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or JSON (JavaScript Object Notation); (ii) assembly code; (iii) object code generated from source code by a compiler; (iv) source code for execution by an interpreter; (v) source code for compilation and execution by a just-in-time compiler, etc. For example, source code can be written using the syntax of languages ​​such as C, C++, C#, Objective-C, Swift, Haskell, Go, SQL, R, Lisp, Java®, Fortran, Perl, Pascal, Curl, OCaml, Javascript®, HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Language 5th Version), Ada, ASP (Active Server Pages), PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor), Scala, Eiffel, Smalltalk, Erlang, Ruby, Flash®, Visual Basic®, Lua, and MATLAB. SIMULINK and Python® are included.

[0041] Exemplary designs will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0042] In various aspects, the present disclosure provides an antibacterial or self-disinfecting interior component for a vehicle and methods for killing bacteria in such an interior component. Generally, according to the present disclosure, the interior component may have at least one contact surface in a confined space with a shaded area. The frequently contacted surface area may consist of a material such as metal, polymer (e.g., thermoplastic olefin (TPO), polypropylene, leather, vinyl), fabric, textile (e.g., woven fabric with a foam coating), or any other suitable material typically used to form interior components in a vehicle. A confined space in an interior component is an area of ​​a passenger compartment that has a relatively small volume, e.g.,Less than or equal to approximately 2 cubic feet, or optionally less than or equal to approximately 1 cubic foot, which is at least partially shaded. "Shady" means that at least part of the interior component has surfaces that are not visible to a vehicle occupant, so that only a minimum of incident light reaches the shaded area.

[0043] The interior component includes a light source, which is a light-emitting diode (LED) that emits blue light with a wavelength greater than or equal to approximately 375 nm to less than or equal to approximately 425 nm. Blue light in this wavelength range can have an antibacterial effect, capable of killing both pathogenic and odor-causing bacteria without damaging surfaces (e.g., destabilizing or decomposing the surfaces of interior components) or endangering humans (unlike ultraviolet light, such as UV-C light). Porphyrin molecules in bacteria, involved in their metabolism, absorb blue light, are damaged, and cause the bacteria to produce reactive oxygen species that further damage the bacteria. The blue light is also absorbed by bacterial membrane proteins, denaturing the proteins and disrupting the cell walls. Ultimately, this leads to the death of the bacteria.In certain variations, the blue light has a wavelength greater than or equal to approximately 385 nm to less than or equal to approximately 410 nm, e.g., approximately 390 nm or 405 nm. In certain variations, the blue light has a wavelength greater than or equal to approximately 385 nm to less than or equal to approximately 395 nm, e.g., 390 nm. The light source itself generates and emits blue light, which is directed onto the shaded area of ​​at least one contact surface in order to kill bacteria.

[0044] The light source can comprise one or more LEDs capable of producing such blue light. One or more of these LEDs can be high-power LEDs that, in certain operating modes, generate a power output sufficient to achieve a bactericidal effect. Such a high-power LED can deliver a total optical power of approximately 0.5 W or more ("0.5-watt LED") at its surface, optionally 1 W or more ("1-watt LED"), optionally 2 W or more ("2-watt LED"), optionally 3 W or more ("3-watt LED"), optionally 4 W or more ("4-watt LED"), and, in certain variations, optionally 5 W or more (e.g., "5-watt LED") at its surface. Optical power differs significantly from electrical power.Thus, a 5-watt high optical power LED has a higher electrical power rating than a standard 5-watt LED because LEDs are not 100% efficient in terms of optical power, and the optical power is typically only about one-third of the rated power (e.g., one-third of 5 W). For example, an optical power of 90 W in an LED corresponds to an electrical power of 270 W. Therefore, a 5-watt high optical power LED can have an electrical power rating of 15 W or higher. In certain applications, two or more high optical power LEDs (e.g., 5-watt high-power LEDs) can be used to illuminate shadowed areas within a confined space in an interior component. Furthermore, multiple high-power LEDs can be used to generate a desired level of flux or power on the target surfaces, suitable for providing a predetermined bactericidal effect.In certain variations, the light source consists solely of high-power LEDs that produce blue light. Regarding optical power, this can be expressed in one aspect as radiant power (W), which characterizes the total radiant energy emitted per unit of time by the LED energy source. The irradiance or radiant flux density (W / cm²) is also used. 2 ) is the radiative power absorbed by a surface relative to the size of that surface. The energy fluence, irradiance, or radiative energy (J / cm²) 2 ) is the cumulative radiative energy absorbed by a surface per unit area over a specific period of time.

[0045] In certain aspects, the light source may be designed to have a first operating mode and a different second operating mode. The integrated lighting thus has at least two intensity levels to provide both nighttime illumination and bacterial killing. The first operating mode is intended for killing bacteria on the at least one contact surface and has an optical output power or radiant power of approximately 0.5 W or more, optionally approximately 1 W or more, optionally approximately 2 W or more, optionally approximately 3 W or more, optionally approximately 4 W or more, and in certain variations, optionally approximately 5 W or more. A second operating mode, used solely for illumination, e.g.,When the vehicle is occupied and / or during operation, the optical output power can be less than or equal to approximately 0.5 W. The first operating mode is designed to essentially kill bacteria, for example, by killing greater than or equal to approximately 90% of the bacteria originally present on the at least one contact surface, optionally greater than or equal to approximately 95% of the bacteria, optionally greater than or equal to approximately 97% of the bacteria, optionally greater than or equal to approximately 98% of the bacteria, and, in certain variations, optionally greater than or equal to approximately 99% of the bacteria originally present on the at least one contact surface. For example, blue light (375–425 nm) can reduce the bacterial population on car surfaces by up to 99.5% without damaging the surface.

[0046] Two 5-watt LEDs can produce an irradiance or radiative flux density of approximately 0.05 to approximately 0.35 W / cm². 2 , optionally greater than 0.2 to less than or equal to approximately 0.35 W / cm 2 on a target contact surface of the interior component. In certain variations, the irradiance or radiant flux density of the blue light over a specific target area to be treated reaches a desired cumulative irradiance or energy fluence. In certain aspects, the irradiance or radiant flux density on the frequently touched surface area to be treated, in order to kill bacteria, in other words, to achieve a bactericidal effect, can be greater than or equal to approximately 1 mW / cm². 2 , optionally greater than or equal to approximately 5 mW / cm² 2 , optionally greater than or equal to approximately 10 mW / cm² 2 , optionally greater than or equal to approximately 20 mW / cm² 2, optionally greater than or equal to approximately 30 mW / cm² 2 , optionally greater than or equal to approximately 40 mW / cm² 2 and optionally greater than or equal to approximately 50 mW / cm² 2 The localized flux in a specific region may be higher. Under certain conditions, the irradiance may be greater than or equal to 5 mW / cm². 2 up to or less than 90 mW / cm 2 be in a target surface area, which generally corresponds to a shaded area of ​​an interior component.

[0047] Under certain conditions, the high-energy light source generates a cumulative energy or energy fluence on at least one contact surface of approximately 5 J / cm² or greater. 2 to less than or equal to approximately 50 J / cm² 2to kill a desired quantity of bacteria, for example with the values ​​described above. With certain modifications, the energy fluence on at least one contact surface greater than or equal to approximately 15 J / cm². 2 to less than or equal to approximately 25 J / cm² 2 , for example, optionally approximately 20 J / cm² 2 .

[0048] Low-voltage lighting components have typically been installed in the main or open areas of the passenger compartment. The light from typical interior lighting sources, such as those in the headliner, dashboard, or trim panels, only illuminates the visible areas within the interior components. This leaves interior components with confined spaces and / or shaded areas hidden from light. However, many of these confined spaces, which often have at least one shaded area, consist of frequently touched surfaces that require regular cleaning. Therefore, installing blue light fixtures in typical locations within a vehicle would not illuminate these frequently touched surfaces in shaded areas of the interior components.

[0049] As mentioned above, physically cleaning these shaded areas by wiping or applying cleaning agents is often challenging because they are darkened or relatively inaccessible. Examples include the backs of recessed door handles, cup holders, and similar items. Furthermore, even though blue light can reach frequently touched surfaces, fully illuminating the cabin with blue light can require at least an hour of treatment time, compared to a short (e.g., less than or equal to approximately 20 minutes) local illumination of target areas of selected components, which requires significantly less energy.It has been shown that the integration of LEDs directly into interior components with frequently touched areas, according to certain aspects of the present disclosure, improves the flow of blue light, resulting in faster treatment times and lower overall power consumption.

[0050] The system may include a processor in the vehicle that communicates with the high-energy light source. The processor may communicate with the high-energy light source in any suitable manner (e.g., hardwired or wireless) and is designed to activate or deactivate the high-energy light source in the vehicle's cabin or occupant area. As discussed in more detail below, the processor may include at least one algorithm in its processing steps to activate or deactivate the high-energy light source in the cabin.

[0051] The system may also include one or more sensors that communicate with the vehicle processor to provide input data on whether it is dark outside the vehicle and / or whether a passenger is in the cabin or if the cabin is occupied. The system may include a variety of sensors located on the exterior of the vehicle, inside the cabin, or within the passenger area. In certain variations, the sensors communicate with the processor (e.g., hardwired or wirelessly) in any suitable conventional manner to provide the processor with input data on vehicle occupancy. This input data is used by the processor to activate or deactivate the high-energy light source.

[0052] The sensor can be any suitable sensor that provides the processor with the input data needed to activate or deactivate the high-energy light source in the vehicle's interior component. For example, the sensor(s) could be a light sensor, a motion sensor, an optical sensor, a mass sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared sensor, or any other known sensor.

[0053] Thus, the present disclosure makes it conceivable to use a high-power LED to provide an antibacterial interior component of a vehicle. This lighting can disinfect normally shaded surfaces that are difficult to disinfect thoroughly with chemicals, UV light, or centralized interior lighting systems. The antibacterial interior components described herein disinfect automatically without the use of chemicals or the need for human intervention, and furthermore, they do not damage surfaces (as UV light does). However, one or more such high-power LEDs generate significant heat. If the high-power LEDs are used in the area of ​​interior components or in confined spaces therewith, excessive local heating can occur. Often, such areas do not have sufficient fluid flow rates to dissipate the heat and cool the high-power LEDs (e.g.,(recirculated air or coolant). Thus, many internal components lack airflow for cooling on their rear sides. In certain variations, the antibacterial internal components further involve the transfer of heat to a solid within the component body or to an adjacent component. This advantageously dissipates heat to the component itself or to an adjacent or nearby component, since static air behind a component does not typically dissipate the heat from an LED or a conventional heat sink.

[0054] The antibacterial interior components of the present disclosure comprise at least one thermally conductive component that is in a heat transfer connection with the light source to transfer heat. The at least one thermally conductive component may also be in a heat transfer connection with a solid material that serves as a heat sink and is located either within or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component. In this way, the temperature of the antibacterial interior components in the area surrounding the light source does not exceed approximately 100 °C, thereby preventing damage to the structures and materials associated with the LEDs and to the limited space of the component.

[0055] Antibacterial interior components can be located within a vehicle's interior, specifically within an occupant area. These components can be any part of the interior that is touched or exposed to an occupant (e.g., driver, passenger) and that is at least partially shaded and defines a limited space as described above. It is understood that antibacterial interior components can include all components with frequently touched surfaces or those where bacteria and / or dirt can accumulate, such as handles (including door handles), locks, latches, switches, buttons, displays, steering wheels, liftgates, cupholders, and consoles.Storage compartments in the center console, docking stations for mobile devices and charging stations, power outlets including USB ports, glove compartments or any other suitable component in the passenger area of ​​the vehicle, without this deviating from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 11 A vehicle 350 comprising a chassis 352 and a body 354 supported by the chassis 352. As shown, the body 354 includes an engine compartment 356 and a cabin or interior 358 in which one or more occupants (e.g., driver or passengers) can be located. The vehicle 350 further comprises at least one self-disinfecting, antibacterial component for the irradiation of bacteria in the cabin 358. Although not shown, it is evident that the self-disinfecting, antibacterial component may also be located on the exterior of the vehicle 350. In certain modifications, the antibacterial interior component is selected from the group consisting of a door handle 360 ​​in a door 362, a cup holder 370, a glove compartment 372, a lock 374, a center console 380, a steering wheel 382, ​​and the like, as well as combinations thereof.

[0057] It should be noted that the antibacterial components provided by the present technology are particularly suitable for use in automobiles or other vehicles (e.g., motorcycles, boats, tractors, buses, trains, motorhomes, caravans, and tanks), but can also be used in a variety of other industries and applications under alternative aspects, for example (without limitation) including components for aerospace, consumer goods, appliances, buildings (e.g., houses, offices, sheds, warehouses), office equipment and furniture, and machinery for industrial equipment, agricultural equipment, agricultural machinery, or heavy machinery.

[0058] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows a non-restrictive example of an antibacterial interior component 20 in the form of a door handle 30, which is arranged in a bezel 32 integrated into a door (an interior door panel 34) of a vehicle. The bezel 32 defines a confined space that includes a shaded area or region 36 beneath an upper section 38. Several high-power LED light sources 40 are integrated into the bezel 32. The LED light sources can be flush-mounted with any surface of the interior component and arranged behind a translucent or transparent lens or cover. When activated, the LED light sources 40 produce blue light 42 directed at the handle 30, as described above. Fig. Figure 2 shows an inside or back side 50 of the handle 30, which is in Fig. 1 of the frame 32 is facing the handle. The handle 30 includes frequently touched surface areas 52 that are touched by an occupant when entering or exiting the vehicle, when the door is opened with the handle 30. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, these frequently touched surface areas 52 on the back 50 are located in a shadowed area 36 and are not illuminated. Furthermore, these frequently touched surface areas 52 are not readily accessible for thorough cleaning by applying a cleaning agent or wiping. When the blue light 42 is generated by the high-performance LED light sources 40 of the antibacterial interior component 20, these frequently touched areas 52 can thus be treated in such a way that bacteria are essentially killed.

[0059] Fig. Figures 3-5 show another antibacterial interior component 100 with a door handle component 108 comprising a door handle 110 arranged in a surround 112 integrated into a vehicle door panel. In particular, the door panel can be a multi-component panel assembly comprising, for example, a first inner door panel component 114A and a second door panel component 114B, which differ from those shown in Fig. The five variations shown are examples only. The door handle component 108 is attached to the first door panel 114A by a plurality of fasteners 122, each of which is seated in cooperating fastening components 124 in the door handle component 108 and in the first and second door panel components 114A and 114B. The surround 112 is positioned and fastened between the door handle component 108 and the first door panel 114. The handle 110 encompasses frequently touched surface areas 130 that are touched by an occupant when entering or exiting the vehicle and opening the door with the door handle 110. The surround 112 can be located around the door handle component 108.The surround 112 can define an upper area or upper section 118 (or the upper section 118 can be defined by the area of ​​the first door trim component 114A that receives the surround 112). The door handle component 108 and the upper section 118 of the surround 112 or the first door trim component 114A together form a shaded area 116.

[0060] One or more high-performance LED light sources 120 are arranged and optionally attached to the bezel 112 and / or the door handle component 108. As is obvious to professionals, various other conventional components and connections may be present, which are integrated into Fig. 3-5 are not described or shown for the sake of simplicity. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the LED light sources 120, when activated, produce blue light 126, which is directed at at least part of the frequently touched areas 130 of the door handle 110.

[0061] The antibacterial interior component 100 also includes at least one thermally conductive component in the form of a thermal bridge 140, which is in thermal transfer connection with the LED light source 120 to transfer heat. The thermal bridge 140 can be in thermal transfer connection with a solid material that serves as a heat sink, namely the solid door panel (first door panel component 114A or second door panel component 114B) in Fig. 5 is involved. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the thermal bridge 140 is connected to the first door panel component 114A and, in designs requiring significant heat transfer, can also be connected to a thermal interface 144 on the second door panel component 114B. The thermal interface 144 is an area through which heat is transferred to the second door panel component 114B. The thermal interface 144 can be a direct connection where two materials come into contact or touch, it can have a thermal interface material applied to it, such as thermal paste or the materials discussed above, or it can be physically connected via a thermally conductive conductor, e.g., by soldering.As shown, a second heat conductor 146 is physically connected to the heat interface 144, but as is obvious to experts, the heat interface 144 and the second heat conductor 146 to the second door panel component 114B are merely optional.

[0062] The LED light source 120 can be physically attached to the thermal bridge 140 or have a thermal interface material positioned between these components. In certain variations, the thermal bridge 140 can be soldered to the LED light source 120. The thermally conductive component, such as...The thermal bridge 140 and / or the optional thermal interface 144 can be made of a material having a thermal conductivity (K) of approximately 20 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 20 W / (m·K) under standard temperature and pressure conditions, optionally approximately 30 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 40 W / (m·K), optionally approximately 50 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 100 W / (m·K), optionally approximately 150 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 200 W / (m·K), optionally approximately 250 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 300 W / (m·K), and in certain variations, optionally approximately 350 W / (m·K) or greater than or equal to approximately 350 W / (m·K). The heat-conducting component or heat interface can be made of a material that has a similar thermal conductivity to the surrounding materials (e.g., the components in the door panel) that act as a heat sink.In certain aspects, the thermally conductive component, such as the thermal bridge 140 or the optional thermal interface 144, can be made of a thermally conductive metal, such as copper, silver, gold, zinc, tungsten, aluminum, steel, or their alloys or compounds, including aluminum nitride. Other suitable thermally conductive materials are graphite, graphene, silicon carbide, and the like. The solid heat sink attached to the thermal bridge can have a high heat capacity to absorb the heat transferred from the light sources. A suitable specific heat capacity of a solid heat sink might, for example, be greater than or equal to approximately 0.30 J / g °C. As a non-restrictive example, copper has a heat capacity of approximately 0.38 J / g °C.

[0063] In certain alternative variations, a thermally conductive component in contact with the light source, in order to transfer heat to a heat sink, necessitates the use of a thermal energy storage device or a phase-change material capable of absorbing heat. Thermal storage devices can capture and store heat through a chemical reaction, such as a hydration / dehydration reaction. Phase-change materials, when heated, can undergo an endothermic reaction, such as transitioning from the solid to the liquid phase, to absorb heat. For example, either the LED light source or the thermal bridge in the antibacterial interior component can be in contact with or surrounded by the thermal storage device or the phase-change material capable of absorbing heat.Examples of suitable phase-change materials include hydrocarbons, organic molecules, fatty acids, and salt hydrates, which can have melting points between -20 and 200 °C. Further phase-change materials can be found in Applied Thermal Engineering, 23 (2003), pp. 251–283, relevant parts of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0064] In certain aspects, such as the one in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the door panel (e.g., the first inner door panel component 114A and the second door panel component 114B) can be made of at least one metallic material, such as steel or aluminum alloys. Thus, the thermal bridge 140 is physically attached to the LED light source(s) 120 and to a fixed heat sink in the form of the door panel component, such as the first inner door panel component 114A and the second door panel component 114B, via fasteners such as screws 142. The thermal bridge 140 can be in direct contact with adjacent components to transfer heat to them. Thus, the heat generated during the operation of the LED light sources 120 is transferred away from the door handle component 108 and the surround 112 and into the door panel (e.g., the first inner door panel component 114A and the second door panel component 114B).In this way, the area surrounding the LED light sources 120 located in or adjacent to the door handle component 108 does not exceed a temperature greater than approximately 100 °C, optionally greater than approximately 90 °C, optionally greater than approximately 80 °C, optionally greater than approximately 70 °C and, in certain variations, optionally greater than approximately 60 °C, in order to prevent or minimize damage.

[0065] Fig. Figure 6 shows an alternative modification of an antibacterial interior component 150 with a further modification of a heat-conducting component. A door handle component 158 ​​comprises a door handle 160 arranged in a bezel 162, which may be integrated into a door panel (not shown). The handle 160 includes frequently touched surface areas 164 that are touched by an occupant when entering or exiting the vehicle and opening the door with the door handle 160. The bezel 162 defines an upper area or upper section 168 in which one or more high-power LED light sources 170 are mounted. As is obvious to experts, various other conventional components and connectors may be present, which are not described and are illustrated in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 6 is not shown. A thermally conductive component in the form of a plurality of heat exchange fins 180 is arranged above the LED light source(s) 170 and in heat transfer connection (e.g., in direct contact) with it. The plurality of heat exchange fins can comprise parallel fins that are spaced apart from one another and can form individual, grouped units. The heat exchange fins 180 can be made of a thermally conductive material that has the same properties as those described above in connection with the thermal bridge 140 in Figure 6. Fig. 5 are described. In one variation, the multitude of heat exchange fins 180 can be made of a copper material. The LED light sources function similarly to those described above. When activated, the LED light sources 170 generate blue light (not shown) and heat, which can be transferred to the multitude of heat exchange fins 180. The heat exchange fins 180 simply conduct the heat away from the LED light sources 170 and into the surrounding atmosphere, even in a static environment without airflow, in order to maintain a temperature in the range of less than or equal to approximately 100 °C or the other maximum temperatures mentioned above.

[0066] In other variations, the thermally conductive component in thermal contact with the LED light sources may include a potting compound to conduct heat from the light source to the interior component. This potting compound may be a thermosetting polymer, an epoxy, a urethane, or a siloxane polymer. The potting compound may also include fillers for the thermally conductive material to increase its thermal conductivity, such as carbon / graphite / graphene, boron nitride (BN), aluminum nitride (AlN), metals, silicon nitride (Si3N4), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), magnesium oxide (MgO), and the like. In other variations, a thermally conductive material, such as a metal or graphite / graphene material, or another thermally conductive material, may be applied as a heat spreader to the back of the interior component to dissipate heat from the high-energy light source.

[0067] Fig. Figures 7-9 show a further modification of a self-disinfecting, antibacterial interior component 200 for a vehicle in the form of a door handle component 210. A door handle 212 is arranged in a surround 214 that is integrated into a door (an interior door panel 216) of a vehicle. The surround 214 defines a confined space that includes a shaded area or region 220 under an upper region part 222. In the modification in Fig. 7-9, one or more high-power LED light sources 230 are integrated into the door handle 212 itself. In such a design, one or more LEDs are embedded in a transparent handle so that it is illuminated from within. The door handle 212 can be made of a material that is transparent or transparent to the wavelengths of blue light produced by the high-power LED light sources 230. For example, the door handle 212 can be made of an acrylate. In a non-restrictive example, the door handle can be made of transparent polyamide, such as BASF ULTRAMID CLEAR™, which, according to specifications, has a transmittance of approximately 82% in the visible wavelength range up to a thickness of 1 mm and a transmittance of approximately 70% at a material thickness of 2 mm. In certain modifications, one or more surfaces of the door handle 212 can have a roughened surface (i.e.,exhibiting a higher surface roughness, which serves to increase light scattering.

[0068] When activated, the LED light sources 230 produce blue light 232, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows that the direction is from an interior 234 to the outside, towards a frequently touched surface 240 on the door handle 212. Fig. Figure 8 shows a front face 242 of the door handle 212 facing the occupant in an occupant area of ​​the vehicle cabin, while Fig. Figure 9 shows that the inside or back side 244 of the door handle 212 faces the surround 214. The handle 212 encompasses, on both its front 242 and back 244, the frequently touched surface areas 240 that are touched by an occupant when entering or exiting the vehicle when the door is opened using the door handle 212. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, these frequently touched surface areas 240 may be located in a shaded area 220 and are not illuminated. Furthermore, at least some of these frequently touched surface areas 240 are not readily accessible for thorough cleaning by applying a cleaning agent or wiping. Therefore, when the blue light 232 is generated by the high-power LED light sources 230 of the antibacterial interior component 200, these frequently touched areas 240 can be treated in such a way that bacteria are essentially killed.

[0069] The present disclosure further provides methods for operating an antibacterial interior component of a vehicle, as described above. In a modification, the method may include activating a light source with a light-emitting diode (LED) in a first operating mode, which generates blue light directed onto at least one contact surface in a limited space of the antibacterial interior component, which has a shaded area. The blue light has a wavelength of approximately 375 nm or greater than or equal to approximately 425 nm. During this process, approximately 90% or greater of the bacteria initially present on the at least one contact surface are killed.The method also includes transferring heat from the light source to a thermally conductive component located either within or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component, such that the temperature in any area within or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component is less than or equal to approximately 60 °C. In certain aspects, the method further includes activating the light source with the light-emitting diode (LED) in a second operating mode, distinct from the first, to illuminate the antibacterial interior component, which has a shaded area. As discussed above, the first operating mode is used for killing bacteria and can have an optical output power greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 W, while the second operating mode is used for illumination and can have an optical output power less than or equal to approximately 0.5 W.

[0070] For certain aspects, the irradiance or radiative flux density on at least one contact surface during the first operating mode is greater than or equal to approximately 5 mW / cm². 2 or one of the values ​​discussed above. Likewise, the light source can exhibit an energy fluence on at least one contact surface during the first operating mode of approximately 5 J / cm² or greater. 2 to less than or equal to approximately 50 J / cm² 2 to produce a bactericidal effect during the first operating mode.

[0071] Fig.Figure 10 shows a schematic flowchart of a control algorithm for operating a self-disinfecting interior component, which can be executed via a processor in the vehicle. The start step 310 of the process leads to step 312, in which it is determined whether it is dark outside the vehicle (e.g., by input data from a sensor on the outside of the vehicle). In one embodiment, such a sensor could be a light sensor that detects the light level outside the vehicle. Such input data can be transmitted to the processor. If it is dark outside the vehicle at step 312, the process includes a step 314, in which it is determined whether the vehicle is occupied, as described below.If step 312 determines that it is not dark outside, the procedure continues with step 320, in which a sensor on the antibacterial indoor component provides input data on whether the component has been used since the last disinfection treatment (e.g. by indicating whether the handle was pulled or other touch / capacitance contact occurred).

[0072] If step 320 indicates that the antibacterial indoor component has been used, the procedure proceeds to step 330, in which the high-energy light source (LEDs) is activated in the first operating mode to emit a high level of blue light for a predetermined duration, corresponding to a timer for the bactericidal effect. Such high-energy blue light levels for the first operating mode include those described above. For certain aspects, the predetermined duration for the blue light bactericidal treatment can be greater than or equal to approximately 3 minutes to less than or equal to approximately 60 minutes, or optionally greater than or equal to approximately 5 minutes to less than or equal to approximately 30 minutes.Thus, in the first operating mode, the processor can activate the high-energy light source if, based on sensor input and other data, it determines that the vehicle's cabin or interior is unoccupied. Based on this input data, the processor can activate or deactivate the high-energy light source in the antibacterial interior component in this first operating mode. For example, if no movement is detected in the vehicle's interior or cabin within a predefined period, such as 5 minutes, the processor can activate the high-energy light source in the vehicle's interior.

[0073] When the high-energy light source is activated, it can generate high-energy blue light and emit it onto the frequently touched surfaces of the interior component, thereby irradiating or reducing bacteria. Step 330, in which the high-energy light source (LEDs) is activated, can have an automated or preselected energy density (e.g., radiant flux density), duration (e.g., via a timer), or other suitable predefined termination method to proceed to step 332, in which the high-energy light source is deactivated and the blue light is turned off. If the antibacterial interior component was not used in step 320, the high-energy light source (LEDs) is deactivated and the blue light is turned off in step 332.

[0074] Referring again to step 314, which determines whether the vehicle is occupied, the procedure continues with step 316 if the sensor input data indicates that there are occupants in the vehicle. One or more sensors can transmit data to the processor to determine the occupancy status in the vehicle interior or cabin. In one embodiment, such a sensor could be a motion sensor to detect movement or a pressure sensor in the seat(s) inside the vehicle. Such input data can be transmitted to the processor. Step 316 determines whether the vehicle has stopped. This can be determined by receiving information about the battery charge level, the speedometer, the motion sensors, the operating status of the engine or transmission (e.g., parked, gear engaged), and the like as input data, which is then transmitted to the processor.If the vehicle has stopped, the procedure continues with step 318, in which the high-energy light source (LEDs) is operated in a second, low-power mode to illuminate the interior component (e.g., to illuminate the interior component for nighttime visibility). Such power levels have already been discussed above. If step 316 determines that the vehicle has not stopped, the procedure in step 322 includes determining whether the vehicle settings have been configured so that the driving lights are set to "on." If the driving lights are set to "on," the procedure continues with step 318, in which the high-energy light source (LEDs) is operated in a second, low-power mode to illuminate the interior component. If the driving lights are set to "off" in step 322, the blue light is deactivated or switched off in step 332.

[0075] As discussed above, the processor in the vehicle can include at least one algorithm that optionally, but not necessarily, comprises a multitude of steps or rules for activating / deactivating the high-energy light source and, furthermore, for operating it in a first or second operating mode within the vehicle's interior or cabin. Since the input data is received from the sensors along with other data, the processor in the vehicle executes the multi-step control algorithm that iterates through to activate or deactivate the high-energy light source. It is understood that the algorithm steps discussed above can be modified or reduced as needed. Furthermore, additional algorithm steps with further evaluations and rules can be implemented.

[0076] In various aspects, the present disclosure thus provides for a self-disinfecting, antibacterial interior component and methods for operating such a self-disinfecting, antibacterial component in a vehicle. The interior components incorporate blue light for bacteria reduction and are more effective at killing bacteria when treating the entire component, including shaded areas, with shorter treatment times and lower overall power consumption. Furthermore, the self-disinfecting, antibacterial interior component includes a heat-conducting component, such as a thermal bridge, which provides heat dissipation to prevent overheating and potential damage to the surrounding area. The high-power light sources for generating blue light are integrated into the interior components to illuminate areas shaded by the general interior lighting.The integrated lighting has at least two intensity levels to provide both nighttime lighting and a bacteria-killing mode.

Claims

[1] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) in a vehicle (350), comprising: at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) in a confined space with a shaded area (36, 116, 220), a light source (40, 120, 170, 230) with a light-emitting diode (LED) that produces light with a wavelength of greater than or equal to approximately 375 nm to less than or equal to approximately 425 nm, directed onto at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) to kill bacteria, and a thermally conductive component (140, 144, 180) that is in a heat transfer connection with the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) to transfer heat to a heat sink (114) either in or adjacent to the antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200), wherein the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) is designed to have a first operating mode for killing bacteria on the at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) with an optical output power of greater than or equal to approximately 0.5 W and a second operating mode for illumination with an optical output power of less than or equal to approximately 0.5 W. [2] Antibacterial indoor component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) with an optical output power of approximately 1 W or greater. [3] Antibacterial indoor component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is designed to kill approximately 90% or more of the bacteria originally present on the at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240). [4] Antibacterial indoor component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) has an energy fluence on the at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) of approximately 5 J / cm² or greater. 2 to less than or equal to approximately 50 J / cm² 2 generates an irradiance on at least one contact surface (52, 130, 164, 240) greater than or equal to approximately 1 mW / cm² 2 is. [5] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) is selected from the group consisting of a door handle (30, 110, 160, 212, 360), a cup holder (370), a glove compartment (372), a lock (374), a handle (30, 160), a steering wheel (382) and combinations thereof, and an area surrounding the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) does not exceed a temperature greater than approximately 100 °C. [6] Antibacterial indoor component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive component (140, 144, 180) has a thermal conductivity of approximately 20 W / (m·K) or greater. [7] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting component (140, 144, 180) is a thermal bridge (140) attached to the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) and to a fixed heat sink (114). [8] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) is a door handle (30, 110, 160, 212, 360), the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) is arranged in or in the area of ​​a surround that surrounds the door handle (30, 110, 160, 212, 360), and the heat sink (114) is a door panel. [9] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting component (140, 144, 180) is a thermal bridge (140) connecting the light source (40, 120, 170, 230) to a fixed component in a door panel (114), or the heat-conducting component (140, 144, 180) comprises a plurality of heat exchange fins (180). [10] Antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200) according to claim 1, wherein the heat-conducting component (140, 144, 180) comprises a phase-change material designed to undergo an endothermic reaction in order to absorb heat, or a potting compound or heat distributor arranged on a surface of the antibacterial interior component (20, 100, 150, 200).

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