DISINFECTION DEVICE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE AND MOTOR VEHICLE WITH AT LEAST ONE DISINFECTION DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a disinfection device in a motor vehicle having the features of the preamble of patent claim 1. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having at least one disinfection device.

[0002] Appropriate importance must be given to suitable disinfection options, especially in light of recent experiences worldwide. This has already been recognized for motor vehicles, as demonstrated by various documents describing disinfection options or disinfection devices in a motor vehicle.

[0003] For example, WO2017 / 204774 A1, which forms the preamble of the independent claims, discloses a motor vehicle equipped with several devices in its interior that serve to generate UV light. Among other things, it is proposed to accommodate a UV light source in the receiving space of a rear, hinged console. Furthermore, the installation of a UV light source in a receiving space of the glove compartment or in a storage compartment of the center console of the motor vehicle is proposed.

[0004] DE 10 2015 117 559 A1 describes a charging and disinfection tray for a motor vehicle. 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 by a lid, into which an electrical device to be charged and disinfected can be inserted. A UV light source is arranged in the compartment, which can be covered from the interior by a lid-like cover element.

[0005] DE 10 2018 002 328 A1 discloses a device in a motor vehicle with a UV light source that serves to disinfect vehicle parts inside the vehicle and emits UVC radiation. In addition, at least one light source emits light visible to the human eye.

[0006] Finally, DE 10 2012 006 972 A1 describes a cleaning device and a method for cleaning vehicle interiors. Specifically, a radiation device is described that emits radiation in a predetermined wavelength range within the UV light spectrum between approximately 150 nanometers and approximately 350 nanometers. The radiation device is mounted in the interior such that the radiation emitted by the radiation device is directed at at least one piece of equipment in the vehicle interior and / or into the vehicle interior.

[0007] Disinfection devices are known from the documents US 2015 137 747 A1 and DE 20 2020 105 653 U1.

[0008] Against the background of the cited prior art, the object of the present invention is to propose a disinfection device for a motor vehicle which creates the prerequisite for effective and thorough disinfection of an object by means of UV light.

[0009] Furthermore, the present invention is based on the object of providing a motor vehicle with a disinfection device.

[0010] The above-mentioned objects are achieved by a disinfection device in a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1 and by a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 11. Advantageous embodiments or further developments of the invention can be found in the respective subclaims.

[0011] The present invention is based on a disinfection device in a motor vehicle for the disinfection of at least one object. The disinfection device has at least one receiving space for receiving the object to be disinfected. At least one light source for irradiating the object with disinfectant is present in the receiving space.

[0012] The light source is preferably designed to emit light in a spectrum from approximately 100 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers, more preferably in a spectrum from approximately 200 nanometers to approximately 280 nanometers, and most preferably in a spectrum from approximately 250 nanometers to approximately 280 nanometers. The at least one light source is therefore particularly preferably designed such that it can emit light rays in the UVC range. However, it is also conceivable that other wavelength ranges are suitable or prove to be suitable for disinfecting irradiation. For example, a disinfecting effect of emitted light rays in the wavelength range of visible blue light (wavelength range from approximately 405 nanometers to approximately 415 nanometers) is also conceivable.

[0013] According to the invention, it is now proposed that at least one storage device be present in the receiving space in such a use position, or that at least one storage device can be brought into such a use position in the receiving space, by means of which the receiving space of the disinfection device, viewed in the vertical direction, is or can be divided into an upper and a lower receiving space in the region of the storage device. The storage device is designed in such a way that it is permeable or at least substantially permeable to the light rays emitted or capable of being emitted by the at least one light source, yet is suitable for depositing the object.

[0014] Such a disinfection device creates the conditions for highly effective disinfection of an object with the light emitted by the at least one light source. In particular, the position of the storage device in the receiving space allows an object placed on the storage device to be easily illuminated from all directions with the light emitted by the at least one light source.

[0015] According to the invention, the storage device is designed as a net or grid. In this way, the storage device can be cost-effectively designed such that it is transparent or at least substantially transparent to the light emitted by the at least one light source, yet suitable for storing an object.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the inventive concept, the storage device can be transferred from a non-use position to a use position or from a use position to a non-use position by a horizontal sliding movement.

[0017] This refinement allows the disinfection device's storage space to be used to its full extent when not in use, even for storing large objects (such as a bottle). The storage device can therefore be easily moved between its non-use position and a use position at any time.

[0018] A highly advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept proposes that the storage device assumes a bag-like appearance when not in use. This allows the storage device to still serve as a space-saving storage option for small objects when not in use.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the inventive concept, it is also conceivable for the storage device to be convertible from a non-use position to its use position by a pivoting movement. This achieves a comparable advantage to the first-mentioned possibility of a horizontal sliding movement of the storage device.

[0020] In both alternatives, the storage device is designed as a net or grid. Mixed forms are also conceivable.

[0021] In a further embodiment, fastening or locking means are provided by means of which the at least one storage device can be fixed in a use position in the receiving space.

[0022] The fastening or locking means therefore serve to releasably fasten the storage device, preferably in a locking manner, in a position of use after a pivoting movement, a sliding movement or an assembly movement.

[0023] This further development should also include the possibility of the storage device being detachably secured, preferably with a locking mechanism, in the receiving space by means of the fastening means. Thus, in this embodiment, it can also be easily removed from the receiving space as a whole.

[0024] A further development proposes that the receiving space be covered or concealed from the outside by a cover element. The cover element can, for example, be designed as a lid or flap. It is also conceivable to design the cover element as a rigid sliding element or as a roller blind-like element.

[0025] In the case of the latter development, it is advantageous if the disinfection device is designed in such a way that a power supply to at least one light source is only possible when the receiving space is covered or closed by the cover element.

[0026] A check as to whether the receiving space is covered or closed by the cover element can preferably be carried out electrically or electromechanically.

[0027] For example, in one refinement, it is conceivable to provide a sensor for detecting the covering position of the covering element, which, in the covering position, can generate a signal to close an electrical circuit for supplying power to the at least one light source. The sensor can be designed, for example, as a capacitive proximity sensor or a Hall sensor.

[0028] In order to be able to retrofit the disinfection device in motor vehicles, it is very advantageous if the disinfection device is designed as an insert for a storage compartment in a motor vehicle.

[0029] In order to keep the number of light sources as low as possible while still enabling uniform illumination of an object to be disinfected and placed on the storage device from all sides, another advantageous embodiment of the invention proposes that the disinfection device or at least the surfaces of the receiving space be made of a material that has a high reflective property for the light emitted or capable of being emitted by the at least one light source. Coating the receiving space with such a material is also conceivable. It is also conceivable to make the surfaces mirrored.

[0030] As already mentioned, the present invention also aims to protect a motor vehicle which has a disinfection device according to the invention.

[0031] Such a motor vehicle can be further developed in that the disinfection device is part of a storage compartment under a center armrest or part of a storage compartment in a glove compartment or forms such a storage compartment.

[0032] If the disinfection device is part of a storage compartment under a center armrest, it is very useful if the center armrest also forms the cover element for the receiving space.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures. This also makes further advantages of the invention clear. The same reference numerals, even in different figures, refer to the same, comparable, or functionally identical components. Corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved even if a repeated description or reference to them is not made. The figures are not, or at least not always, to scale. In some figures, proportions or distances may be exaggerated in order to emphasize features of an embodiment more clearly.

[0034] They show, schematically Fig. 1 a perspective view of a disinfection device in a first embodiment, with a storage device in the non-use position, Fig. 2 the disinfection device according to Fig. 1 with the storage device in the position of use, Fig. 3 a view of the storage device from above according to view III of Fig. 2 , wherein the cover element is not shown, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of a disinfection device according to a second embodiment, Fig. 5 a longitudinal section of a disinfection device according to a third embodiment, Fig. 6 a view of a storage device according to view VI from Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a longitudinal section of a disinfection device according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 8 a longitudinal section of a disinfection device according to a fifth embodiment and Fig. 9 a motor vehicle with disinfection devices according to the invention.

[0035] In the figures, X represents a (vehicle) longitudinal direction, Y represents a (vehicle) transverse direction and Z represents a (vehicle) vertical direction.

[0036] First, the Fig. 1 Reference is made. In this figure, a disinfection device 1a can be seen. The disinfection device 1a is box- or container-like and has a receiving space A, which is formed by side walls 2 and a base 3. The receiving space A can be completely covered or closed by a cover element 4 that can be pivoted about a pivot axis 40. On the inner sides of the walls 2, a plurality of light sources 5 are located in the receiving space A. The light sources 5 are preferably designed such that they can emit light in a wavelength range of approximately 100 to approximately 420 nanometers, more preferably in a range of approximately 200 to approximately 280 nanometers, and most preferably with a wavelength of approximately 250 to approximately 280 nanometers. The emitted light is therefore particularly preferably emitted in the UV-C light spectrum.An indicated power supply 6 (for example the vehicle electrical system) serves to supply electrical power to the light sources 5.

[0037] On the wall 2 visible on the left in the figure, there is a storage device 7 with a net 70. In particular, a wall-side, first end 70a of the storage device 7 is attached to the wall 2. An opposite, second end 70b of the net 70 is connected to a sliding element 71.

[0038] The sliding element 71 can be released from a locking device (not shown in detail here) with the aid of handles 72 and can be moved in the horizontal direction along guides 20, which can be formed, for example, in the form of a groove in two opposite walls 2.

[0039] In the figure, the storage device 7 is in a non-use position on the wall 2, meaning that in this position it is not needed to disinfect an object. However, it can be seen that in the non-use position of the storage device 7 shown, the net 70 hangs downwards like a bag, or in other words, takes on a bag-like appearance. Only towards the sides (in the area of ​​the ends of the sliding element 71) does the net 70 have a free passage 70c. Thus, in this non-use position, the storage device 7 can at least still be used to receive and store a small object, such as a key (not shown).

[0040] Based on the Fig. 2 The storage device 7 is shown in a use position, after the sliding element 71 has been pushed to the opposite wall 2 in a sliding movement B1 and locked there. The net 70 is thus spread out in the receiving space A and separates the receiving space A in the area of ​​the storage device 7 into an upper receiving space A1 and a lower receiving space A2. Deviating from the position shown, several different use positions are conceivable. The sliding element 71 can, for example, also be moved only half of its maximum possible displacement path.

[0041] Furthermore, at least one sensor 10 is provided, which can be designed, for example, as a capacitive proximity sensor and detects whether and when the cover element 4 of the disinfection device 1a completely covers the receiving space A or closes it.

[0042] Only then is an electrical circuit closed in a manner not shown in detail and the power supply 6 is active, so that the light sources 5 can be activated by actuating a switch not shown in detail.

[0043] This is in Fig. 3 The cover 4, which is not shown here for the sake of clarity, completely covers the receiving space A. The structure of the net 70 is clearly visible in this figure. The meshes of the net 70 are spaced far enough apart that light L emitted by the light sources 5 passes unhindered through the net 70, yet can easily hold an object G (indicated by dashed lines), such as a smartphone, a credit card, a set of keys, or the like.

[0044] Furthermore, the functioning of the handles 72 will be explained in more detail. The handles 72 can be designed, for example, as projections, recesses or the like. They are coupled in movement to locking pins 74, which, in the locked state, engage in openings 21 of the walls 2. To release the locking connection, the handles 72 are moved towards each other in a release movement B2 against the spring force of a spring element 73, preferably designed as a compression spring. This results in the sliding element 71 being released from its locking position and being moved by means of the aforementioned displacement movement B1 (cf. Fig. 2 ) into any other position, for example into the non-use position according to Fig. 1 can be pushed back again.

[0045] Based on Fig. 4 A further embodiment of a disinfection device 1b is shown. In contrast to the disinfection device 1a, a storage device 8 is provided, which can be pivoted via a pivot axis 80 from a vertical non-use position on the wall 2 (shown in dashed lines) to a horizontal use position (see pivoting movement B3).

[0046] In both positions, the storage device 8 can be locked by means of locking means 23 provided on the walls 2. A handle 81 serves to facilitate gripping and moving the storage device 8.

[0047] In this embodiment, the storage device 8 is preferably designed as a rigid, grid-like element. However, it is also conceivable for the storage device 8 to have only an outer rigid frame through which a net is stretched. In its use position, the storage device 8 does not fill the entire cross-section of the receiving space A.

[0048] In this exemplary embodiment, it is also clear that the storage device 8 divides the receiving space A in the area of ​​the storage device 8 into an upper receiving space A1 and a lower receiving space A2. Here, again, an object G placed on the storage device 8 is indicated by dashed lines.

[0049] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a disinfection device 1c. In contrast to the other embodiments, a storage device 9 is provided, which as a whole can be completely removed from the receiving space A. When not in use, the storage device 9 can be stowed in another suitable location, while during use, it can be fastened horizontally in the receiving space A by means of locking means 23 on the walls 2 in an assembly movement B4 (compare dashed position 9').

[0050] Based on Fig. 6 It is clearly evident that the storage device 9 in this embodiment has an outer frame 91 between which bars 92 are held. This gives the storage device 9 a grid-like appearance.

[0051] In the Fig. 7 a disinfection device 1d is now visible, which forms a storage box 55 under a center armrest 50 or is a component of such a storage box 55.

[0052] The storage box 55, and thus the disinfection device 1d, has a receiving space A, which in turn is formed by a storage device 7 (comparable to the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 ) is divided into an upper receiving space A1 and a lower receiving space A2. In the disinfection device 1d, a cover element of the receiving space A is formed by the center armrest 50, which, together with a support frame 51, can be pivoted by means of a handle 51a to open or cover the receiving space A (see double arrow).

[0053] In the figure shown, the storage device 7 is shown in a position of use with a fully extended state.

[0054] Deviating from the embodiments presented so far, a storage device is also conceivable which can be pulled out like a roller blind from one of the walls 2 of the disinfection device.

[0055] In Fig. 8 a disinfection device 1e is shown, which is embedded in the form of an insert into a storage box 55' under a center armrest 50.

[0056] For this purpose, the disinfection device 1e preferably has an outer contour that matches the inner contour of the storage box 55'. To supply the light sources 5 with power, the disinfection device 1e has a USB connector 57 that can be plugged into a USB port 56 of the storage box 55'.

[0057] Again, a storage device 7, as already described, is shown in the fully extended state, in which the receiving space A is divided into an upper receiving space A1 and a lower receiving space A2.

[0058] The Fig. 8 In this way, the disinfection device 1e shown can be used very well as a retrofit solution for storage boxes 55' present in vehicles.

[0059] After folding up the center armrest 50 and connecting the USB port 56 and USB plug 57, the disinfection device 1e can simply be inserted into the storage box 55' from above and then the center armrest 50 can be lowered again.

[0060] Alternatively, it is conceivable to design a USB port and plug in such a way that electrical contact between these components can be made simultaneously with the vertical lowering of the disinfection device 1e into the storage box 55' (compare reference numerals 56' and 57').

[0061] Finally, based on Fig. 9 a motor vehicle K is shown in which the disinfection device 1d is installed under the center armrest 50 (see also Fig. 7).

[0062] Furthermore, a disinfection device 1f according to the invention is installed within a glove compartment 100.

[0063] Deviating from the exemplary embodiment, disinfection devices according to the invention can also be installed at other locations of the motor vehicle K, for example in the area of ​​the rear center armrest or in the door side panels. List of reference symbols

[0064] 1a-1fDisinfection device 2Walls 3Floor 4Cover element 5Light sources 6Power supply 7Storage device 8Storage device 9Storage device 10Sensor 20Guide 21Openings 23Locking device 40Pivot axis 50Center armrest 51Supporting frame 51aHandle 52Center console 55, 55'Storage box 56, 56'USB port 57, 57'USB plug 70Network 70aFirst end 70bSecond end 70cFree passage 71Sliding element 72Handle 73Spring element 74Locking pin 80Pivot axis 81Handle 90Handle 91Frame 92Bar 100Glove compartment AReceiving space A1Upper receiving space A2Lower receiving space B1Sliding movement B2Release movement B3Pivoting movement B4Assembly movement GGobject KMotor vehicle LLight

Claims

1. Disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) in a motor vehicle (K) for the disinfecting treatment of at least one object (G), comprising at least one receiving space (A) for receiving the object (G) and at least one light source (5) in the receiving space (A) for the disinfecting irradiation of the object (G), at least one storage device (7, 8, 9) being provided in the receiving space (A) in such a position of use that, as a result thereof, when viewed in the vertical direction (Z), the receiving space (A) is divided in the region of the storage device (7, 8, 9) into an upper and a lower receiving space (A1 and A2), the storage device (7, 8, 9) being designed such that it is permeable to the light rays (L) that can be emitted or are emitted by the at least one light source (5), but is suitable for storing an object (G), and characterized in that the storage device (7, 8, 9) is designed in the form of a net or grid.

2. Disinfection device (1a, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage device (7, 8, 9) can be transferred from a non-use position to a use position or from a use position to a non-use position by a horizontal displacement movement (B1).

3. Disinfection device (1b) according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage device (8) can be transferred from a non-use position into its use position by a pivoting movement (B3).

4. Disinfection device (1a, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the storage device (7) takes on a bag-like appearance in the non-use position.

5. Disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that fastening or locking means (23) are provided, by means of which the at least one storage device (7, 8, 9) can be fixed in its position of use in the receiving space (A).

6. Disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (A) is covered or can be covered from the outside by a cover element (4).

7. Disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to claim 6, characterized in that the disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) is designed such that a power supply to the light source (5) is only possible when the receiving space (A) is covered or closed by the cover element (4).

8. Disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to claim 7, that a sensor (10) for detecting a covering position of the cover element (4) is provided, by means of which a signal for closing an electrical circuit for supplying power to the light source (5) can be generated in the covering position.

9. Disinfection device (1e) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as an insert part for a storage compartment (55') in a motor vehicle (K).

10. Motor vehicle (K) comprising at least one disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) according to any of the preceding claims.

11. Motor vehicle (K) according to claim 10, characterized in that the disinfection device (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e, 1f) is a component of a storage compartment (storage box 55, 55') under a center armrest (50) or a storage compartment in a glove compartment (100), or forms such a compartment.

12. Motor vehicle (K) according to claim 11, characterized in that the center armrest (50) forms the cover element for the receiving space (A).