Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for sanitizing vehicles.

Background Art

A variety of sanitizing devices are known to be used to sanitize the interior of vehicles from any pathogens that endanger the health of the users of the vehicles themselves.

Such devices find application for both vehicles for private use, such as e.g. cars, and vehicles for commercial use, such as e.g. car-sharing cars, cabs, buses, trains, subways, airplanes and the like.

In fact, more and more transportation companies employ these types of devices to protect the health of their customers.

It is also known to use this type of device inside vehicles for medical use, such as e.g. ambulances, mobile clinics or the like, within which it is strictly necessary to maintain as sanitized an environment as possible.

Most known types of devices make use of appropriate diffusers the purpose of which is to disperse a sanitizing liquid into the air, within the vehicle, which allows sanitizing the surfaces with which it comes in contact.

In particular, vaporizer devices are known to heat the liquid to evaporation and then to diffuse the vapor produced in this way inside the vehicle to be sanitized. However, these types of devices have some drawbacks.

In fact, with particular reference to vaporization, most sanitizing liquids are temperature sensitive and lose their effectiveness in the transformation from liquid to vapor.

Again, vaporization of the liquid requires a large amount of energy consumption to enable the vapor to be produced.

These drawbacks make sanitizing vehicles decidedly inefficient.

To increase sanitizing efficiency, it is known to employ ozone sanitizing systems which, however, are harmful to health and therefore prevent the access to the vehicle for a non-negligible waiting time.

To overcome the drawbacks of the systems just described, nebulizer devices are known to be used, which involve mixing small droplets of sanitizing liquid in suspension within a jet of air diffused within the vehicle to be sanitized.

However, the nebulized droplets have relatively large sizes which cause them to precipitate very quickly, thus preventing the sanitizing liquid from reaching the most hidden areas of the environment to be sanitized.

Therefore, such devices do not allow complete sanitization of the vehicle quickly and efficiently.

Description of the Invention

The main aim of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which allows the interior of a vehicle to be completely sanitized.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which allows the interior of a vehicle to be completely and quickly sanitized.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles with reduced energy consumption compared to devices of known types. Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles with energy consumption compatible with the implementation of vehicles of known type.

Still one object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which allows it to be conveniently installed on any type of vehicle.

An additional object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which allows sanitizing the interior of the vehicle without posing any health risk to the occupants of the vehicle itself.

A further object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which allows the interior of the vehicle to be sanitized during its use. Still one object of the present invention is to reduce the consumption of the sanitizing liquid.

An additional object of the present invention is the automatic activation and control of the sanitization job without the user’s help.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a device for sanitizing vehicles which can overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art within the framework of a simple, rational, easy and efficient to use as well as cost-effective solution.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this device having the characteristics of claim 1.

The aforementioned objects are achieved by this system having the characteristics of claim 11.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of a device for sanitizing vehicles, illustrated by way of an indicative, yet non-limiting example, in the accompanying tables of drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric schematic view of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of some components of the device according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the system according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a further cross-sectional view of the system according to the invention; Figure 5 is a further cross-sectional view of the system according to the invention to better fit the cabs.

Embodiments of the Invention

With particular reference to these figures, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a device for sanitizing vehicles.

The device 1 for sanitizing vehicles arranged, in use, within a vehicle to be sanitized, comprises: at least one container body 2 of at least one sanitizing liquid to be atomized and diffused inside the vehicle 4 to sanitize it; at least one compressor device 3, configured to deliver at least one pressurized air flow; atomizing means 5 connected to the container body 2 and to the compressor device 3 in a fluid-operated manner to receive the sanitizing liquid and the air flow, and adapted to deliver, within the vehicle 4, an atomized mixture of the same sanitizing liquid and of the same air flow.

Specifically, atomized mixture means a mixture comprising air-suspended particles of sanitizing liquid having a diameter in the range of micrometers, thus excluding nebulized mixtures.

This expedient allows the sanitized liquid to spread easily and quickly within the vehicle, reaching even the most hidden areas.

Atomized mixture, unlike nebulized mixture, does not precipitate shortly after its delivery within the vehicle. In fact, the atomized mixture loses its directionality initially imparted by the air flow and expands, spreading throughout the entire volume of the vehicle.

Specifically, the atomized mixture is subject to diffusive propagation, that is, caused by the concentration gradient of the mixture itself within the vehicle.

In other words, the atomized mixture moves from areas where it is at higher concentration to areas where it is at lower concentration, so that the concentration of the atomized mixture within the vehicle is substantially made even.

In addition, the diffusion of the atomized mixture within the vehicle is further facilitated by the displacements caused by air currents within the vehicle which promote the dispersion thereof within the vehicle itself, such as e.g. the current generated by the pressurized air flow.

Therefore, the atomization process allows quickly reaching every area of the vehicle, substantially lapping all of its interior surfaces, and thus ensures extremely efficient sanitization.

According to the invention, the atomizing means 5 comprise at least one nozzle 6 adapted to deliver the mixture within the vehicle 4.

Specifically, the mixture is atomized within the vehicle 4 by the nozzle 6 and the pressurized air flow.

In more detail, the mixture of sanitizing liquid and air flow is forced by the nozzle 6 through a special narrowing that causes an increase in pressure of the mixture itself. Next, the nozzle 6 feeds the mixture into the interior of the vehicle where it rapidly expands and undergoes a significant reduction in pressure which causes the mixture itself to atomize. Preferably, the nozzle 6 is oriented to deliver the mixture substantially in the direction of the front of the vehicle 4.

In other words, preferably, the mixture propagates, at least initially, in the forward direction substantially towards the front of the vehicle 4 and then diffuses into it, e.g., as described above with reference to the diffusion of the atomized mixture. Preferably, the nozzle 6 is placed where the rear window of the vehicle 4 is located and/or in the proximity thereof

Preferably, the nozzle 6 is arranged oriented so as to have frontally, substantially along the direction of mixture delivery, an unobstructed space, i.e., where the mixture propagates freely, extending by a length of at least 0.4 meters.

Preferably, this cleared space extends by a minimum length of 0.4 to 1 meter. This expedient makes it possible to reach the surfaces and to create a thin layer thereon without wetting them, thus avoiding inconveniences such as rust, electrical problems, jeopardizing parts of the vehicle or of the clothing of the occupants thereof or the like.

Embodiments of the device 1 cannot be ruled out wherein the atomizing means 5 comprise a plurality of nozzles 6, e.g. placed at different locations within the vehicle 4.

Advantageously, the nozzle 6 defines an orifice 7 for the delivery of the mixture with a diameter less than or equal to 1mm.

Preferably, the orifice 7 has a diameter in the range of tenths of a millimeter. This expedient facilitates atomization of the mixture.

Conveniently, the nozzle 6 is placed within the vehicle 4.

It cannot be ruled out that the device 1 may comprise a light source, not shown in the figures, such as an LED or the like, configured to illuminate the area in the proximity of the orifice 7, so as to facilitate a user in visually checking the delivery of the mixture.

For example, the light source is mounted in the proximity of the nozzle 6 and/or is mounted on the nozzle itself.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises coupling means 8 of the nozzle 6 to a portion of the vehicle 4, preferably to a rigid portion. Specifically, the coupling means 8 are adapted to couple the nozzle 6 to one portion of the vehicle 4 in a removable maimer, e.g. to the chassis. In this way, the device 1 is conveniently and quickly installed on any vehicle 4.

Preferably, the vehicle 4 comprises at least one seat provided with a backrest and with a headrest which are connected by means of at least one connecting element, such as e.g. rods.

According to the invention, the nozzle 6 is associated or removably coupled positioned between the seat and the headrest, preferably to the connecting element.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises adjustment means (not shown in the figures) for adjusting the orientation of the nozzle 6 in the interior space of the vehicle 4.

Specifically, the adjustment means are adapted to vary the position and/or the inclination of the nozzle 6.

Preferably, the device 1 comprises an enclosure 9 made of substantially soft material and/or free of edges to prevent it from posing a hazard to the safety of the user of the vehicle 4.

Conveniently, the compressor device 3 provides a pressurized air flow at the inlet to the nozzle 6 that mixes with the sanitizing liquid.

Conveniently: the compressor device 3 has a pressure greater than or equal to 2 bar; and/or the compressor device 3 has a pressure less than or equal to 5 bar; and/or the compressor device 3 has a flow rate greater than or equal to 80 L/min; and/or the compressor device 3 has a flow rate less than or equal to 300 L/min; and/or; the compressor device 3 has power less than or equal to 3 KW; and/or; the compressor device 3 has a power greater than or equal to 120 W.

This expedient promotes the atomization of the mixture.

Preferably, the values in the above list refer to the nominal flow rate of the compressor, that is, measured at atmospheric pressure. In the operating condition, the pressure increases and the volumetric flow rate decreases.

Preferably, the compressor device 3 has no air reserve.

In other words, the compressor 3 lacks a compressed air tank, reducing the weight and/or overall dimensions of the device 1.

Again, the compressor device 3 is configured to deliver air instantaneously, i.e., directly without previous air accumulation or reserve.

Appropriately, the device 1 comprises cooling means (not shown in the figures), e.g. of the type of side slits, a fan, forced liquid flow or the like, configured to dissipate the heat produced by the compressor device 3.

Conveniently, the sanitizing liquid is conveyed from the container body 2 to the nozzle 6 by Venturi effect, due to the pressurized air flow flowing from the compressor device 3 to the atomizing means 5.

Specifically, the device 1 comprises: connecting means 10, placed between the container body 2 and the atomizing means 5 in fluid-operated connection to convey the sanitizing fluid from the container body 2 to the atomizing means 5; linking means 11, placed between the compressor device 3 and the atomizing means 5 in fluid-operated connection to convey the pressurized air flow from the container body 2 to the atomizing means 5.

In more detail, the air flow passing through the linking means 11 causes a vacuum within the connecting means 10 by Venturi effect and therefore causes the movement of the sanitizing liquid towards the atomizing means 5 by means of the connecting means 10.

This expedient allows reducing the energy consumption of the device 1, since the same does not need active devices to convey the sanitizing liquid from the container body 2 to the atomizing means 5.

It cannot, however, be ruled out that the device 1 may comprise pumping means, not shown in the figures, for pumping the sanitizing liquid from the container body 2 to the atomizing means 5.

Specifically, the pumping means are configured to move a flow of pressurized sanitizing liquid from the container body 2 to the atomizing means 5, preferably to the nozzle 6.

Conveniently, the connecting means 10 and/or the linking means 11 are of the hose type, e.g. of the flexible type or the like.

Appropriately, the linking means 11 and the connecting means 10 are connected to each other in a fluid-operated maimer, preferably by interposition of the nozzle 6.

Advantageously, the connection between the linking means 11 and the connecting means 10 is made where the nozzle 6 is located, preferably where the orifice 7 is located. In this way, the air flow and the sanitizing liquid mix only just before being delivered within the vehicle 4.

Conveniently, the connecting means 10 and the linking means 11 are separate from each other.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises heating means, e.g. heated cables, configured to heat the sanitizing liquid, e.g., to prevent it from freezing within the container body 2, the connecting means 10 and/or the nozzle 6.

Preferably, the device 1 is without heating and/or ultrasonic means configured to sterilize one of either the sanitizing liquid, air or the mixture.

Preferably, the container body 2 has a capacity which is greater than or equal to IL.

Appropriately, the device 1 comprises electrical connection means 12 to the battery 13 powering the vehicle 4. In this way, the battery 13 of the vehicle 4 powers the device 1 for the operation thereof.

Conveniently, the electrical connection means 12 connect at least the compressor device 3 to the battery 13.

Preferably, the electrical connection means 12 comprise one or more cables and/or electrical connection devices of a known type which enable the device 1 to be powered by the battery 13 supplying the vehicle 4.

Conveniently, the device 1 is operable while the vehicle 4 is on, e.g., when the battery 13 supplies, at least partly, the vehicle 4 and/or one or more components of the vehicle itself. It cannot, however, be ruled out that the device 1 may be operable while the vehicle 4 is off, e.g., when the battery 13 is not electrically powering the vehicle 4. Advantageously, at least the compressor device 3 is directly supplied with direct current with the voltage provided by the battery 13, preferably 12 V. It cannot however be ruled out that the compressor device 3 may be supplied with three-phase or single-phase current and/or with a different voltage, e.g., by means of at least one transformer.

Preferably, the electrical connection means 12 are connectable to the battery 13 of the vehicle 4 in a removable maimer. In this way, the device 1 is conveniently and quickly installed on any vehicle 4 provided with the battery 13.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises power supply means 14 configured to electrically power the device 1 for its operation.

Conveniently, the power supply means 14 are configured to power at least the compressor device 3.

Specifically, the power supply means 14 are configured to power only the device 1.

Preferably, the power supply means 14 comprise an electric battery.

In more detail, the power supply means 14 are operationally connected to the power battery 13 of the vehicle 4. In this way, the battery 13 of the vehicle 4 electrically charges the power supply means 14.

It cannot however be ruled out that the device 1 may be powered solely by the battery 13 of the vehicle 4 or solely by the power supply means 14.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises: control means 15 configured to activate/deactivate the device itself to deliver the atomized mixture within the vehicle 4 as a result of the receipt of at least one command signal; and/or command means 16 configured to transmit the command signal to the control means.

It cannot however be ruled out that the control means 15 may be configured to automatically activate and deactivate the device 1 even in the absence of the command means 16 or of the command signal. For example, the control means 15 are preferably configured to be operated automatically when the vehicle 4 is off, regardless of the presence of passengers and/or when the vehicle is stationary or moving below a predefined movement speed.

Preferably, the control means 15 are of the type of electronic control devices, such as a PLC, a microcontroller, a microprocessor or the like, configured to control the operation of the device 1.

Specifically, the control means 15 comprise a control unit 17 configured to activate/deactivate the device 1 for the delivery of the atomized mixture within the vehicle 4.

Advantageously, the control unit 17 is configured to activate the device 1 for a predefined time.

Conveniently, the control unit 17 is configured to process the predefined time depending on: the volume of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 4 to be sanitized; and/or the temperature within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 4 to be sanitized; and/or the humidity within the passenger compartment of the vehicle 4 to be sanitized; and/or the predefined time of previously performed and/or subsequently scheduled sanitizing operations; and/or the number of previously performed sanitizing operations within a past time frame; and/or the number of subsequently scheduled sanitizing operations within a future time frame; and/or the number of planned sanitizing operations within a predetermined time frame; and/or the intermittent working time limit of the compressor.

More specifically, the control unit 17 comprises at least one timer 18 configured to signal at least one time datum, so that the device 1 is activated/deactivated depending on the time datum.

For example, the time datum signals the predefined activation time of the device, i.e., how long the atomized mixture is to be delivered within the vehicle 4.

Preferably, the control unit 17 is configured to receive the time datum, e.g. by appropriate interface means, from an operator.

Conveniently, the battery 13 is operationally connected at least to the compressor device 3, to the control unit 17 and to the low- voltage relay 20, to supply them electrically.

Appropriately, the device comprises at least one safety device 31, e.g. of the type of a fuse, connected and located between the battery 13 and at least the compressor device 3, the control unit 17 and the low-voltage relay 20.

Advantageously, the control unit 17 comprises a controller 21 configured to regulate the power supply to the compressor device 3, e.g. to increase and/or decrease the air flow delivered by the compressor device 3.

Usefully, the control unit 17 comprises at least one receiver device 22 operationally connected to the command means 16 to receive the command signal.

Specifically, the command means 16 comprise at least one wireless command device which is configured to transmit the command signal remotely and wirelessly.

Preferably, the wireless command device is of the type of an electronic command device, such as e.g., a smart phone, a tablet, a smartwatch, a PC and the like, configured to command the device 1 remotely by means of a data transmission network, such as, e.g., the Internet, Bluetooth, APP or the like.

It cannot however be ruled out that the wireless command device may be of the type of an infrared remote control or the like.

It cannot however be ruled out that the command means 16 may comprise a command device wired to the control means, not shown in the figures.

In particular, it cannot be ruled out that the wired command device may be built into/mounted on the vehicle and/or on the device 1.

Preferably, the wired command device is of the type of a switch, a button, a lever or the like.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises sensor means, operationally connected to the control means 15 and configured to measure and/or detect: the pressure along the connecting means 10; the pressure along the linking means 11; the pressure within the container body 2; the level of sanitizing liquid within the container body 2; the temperature within the container body 2; the temperature within the vehicle 4; the humidity within the vehicle 4; the level of carbon dioxide within the vehicle 4; the presence and/or location of one or more passengers within the vehicle 4; the audio and/or the video within the vehicle 4; turning the vehicle 4 on; turning the vehicle 4 off; the movement and/or speed of movement of the vehicle 4.

Specifically, the control means 15 are configured to activate/deactivate, preferably automatically, the device 1 depending on one or more measurements of the sensor means.

In more detail, the control means 15 are configured to adjust the operation of the device 1 depending on one or more measurements of the sensor means, e.g., to optimize the energy consumption of the device 1 itself.

In addition, it cannot be ruled out that the control means 15 may be configured to regulate the flow of sanitizing liquid, the air flow, and/or the flow of the atomized mixture through special valves and/or chokes (not shown in the figures).

For example, it cannot be ruled out that the valves and/or chokes may be commanded to reduce the passage section of the sanitizing liquid, e.g. in case the sanitizing liquid is running low, so as to facilitate the priming of the remaining sanitizing liquid.

Advantageously, the device 1 comprises monitoring means (not shown in the figures) of the occupants of the vehicle 4, configured to detect at least one vital parameter, such as body temperature, of those occupants.

In addition, the control means 15 are configured to operate the device 1 depending on the detection of one or more vital parameters of at least one of the occupants. For example, the control means 15 are configured to operate the device 1 when at least one of the occupants feels feverish.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises emergency stopping means 30 of the device 1, operationally connected to the control means 15 and configured to stop the device 1 at any time.

Preferably, the stopping means 30 are located in the proximity of the driver of the vehicle 4. In this way, in case of need, the stopping means 30 are always easily accessible to the driver.

Conveniently, the device 1 comprises a rigid containment body 23 within which at least the container body 2 and the compressor device 3 are housed.

Preferably, the containment body 23 occupies a volume of less than 48 liters.

Preferably, the device 1 or the containment body 23, together with what is contained within the latter according to the invention, has a weight of less than 14 kilograms, in accordance with the guidelines on the maximum weight that can be safely handled and lifted by a person.

Preferably, the containment body 23 also contains the control means 15.

Advantageously, the container body 2 is placed in the proximity of the nozzle 6 to minimize the distance traveled by the sanitizing liquid to reach the nozzle 6 along the connecting means 10.

In particular, the container body 2 is placed, preferably within the containment body 23, at a higher elevation than the compressor device 3.

According to the possible but not exclusive embodiment of the device 1 shown in the figures, the atomizing means 5 are arranged at a higher elevation than the container body 2.

Further embodiments of the device 1 cannot however be ruled out wherein the atomizing means 5 may be advantageously arranged at a lower elevation than the container body 2.

In addition, the nozzle 6 is arranged at a higher elevation than the container body 2.

Conveniently, the containment body 23 defines at least one through span 24 adapted to allow the air recirculation within the same containment body to dissipate the heat generated within it.

Advantageously, the containment body 23 comprises sound insulation means (not shown in the figures) adapted to reduce audible noise outside of the containment body 23 itself.

Appropriately, the containment body 23 comprises supporting means 25 located, in use, between the containment body 23 and a resting surface of the vehicle 4 on which the same containment body 23 rests.

In particular, the supporting means 25 are adapted to dampen the vibrations of the container body 2 caused by the operation of the compressor device 3.

Preferably, the supporting means 25 are of the type of a rubberized foot or the like.

Preferably, the containment body 23, in use, is arranged inside the trunk of the vehicle 4 or between the front and rear seats, e.g. in the case of the latter being a car.

Conveniently, the containment body 23 comprises: at least one access door 26 to the contents of the same containment body; at least one safety mechanism 27 adapted to prevent the forced opening of the door 26.

Preferably, the safety mechanism is of the type of a padlock, lock or the like.

Usefully, the device 1 comprises safely securing means 28 for securing the device 1 to the vehicle 4 which are adapted to prevent its forcible removal.

In other words, the securing means 28 prevent the device 1 from being stolen.

Preferably, the securing means 28 are of the type of a chain or the like.

Conveniently, the device 1 is configured to be installed on a vehicle 4 in a plug- and-play fashion.

Preferably, the device 1 is configured to be installed and/or uninstalled on a vehicle 4 without operations to modify the factory characteristics of the vehicle 4, such as the modifications by an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or third party.

In fact, the device 1 comprises connecting means configured to electrically connect the device itself to the battery of the vehicle 4 in a removable manner, e.g. directly to the poles of the battery of the vehicle 4.

According to another aspect, the present invention relates to a system 29 for sanitizing vehicles, comprising: at least one vehicle 4 to be sanitized; at least one device 1 arranged within the vehicle 4.

Preferably, the device 1, introduced with reference to the system 29, is considered to have one or more characteristics in common with the device 1 described above. Preferably, the vehicle 4 is a car or the like.

It cannot however be ruled out that the vehicle 4 may be a cab, an ambulance, a bus, a train, a boat, a subway or an airplane.

Specifically, the vehicle 4 is a car-sharing vehicle alternately usable by a plurality of users by means of respective activation means which are configured to operate the vehicle 4, enabling the use thereof, and to deactivate the vehicle 4 at the end of its use, thus making it available for activation again.

In addition, the device 1 is activated as a result of the deactivation of the vehicle 4 to sanitize it.

For example, the device is automatically activated as a result of the deactivation of the vehicle 4 to sanitize it.

Advantageously, the system 29 comprises a plurality of vehicles 4 and a plurality of devices 1, wherein at least one device 1 is mounted within each vehicle 4.

It has in practice been ascertained that the described invention achieves the intended objects.

In particular, the fact is emphasized that the atomizing means allow the interior of a vehicle to be completely and quickly sanitized.

In addition, the atomizing means allow the interior of the vehicle to be sanitized without posing any health risk to the occupants of the vehicle.

This expedient also allows the interior of the vehicle to be sanitized during its use. In addition, the sanitizing liquid conveyed by Venturi effect allows the energy consumption of the device to be optimized compared with the devices of known type.

Still, the electrical connection means of the device and the nozzle coupling means allow the device to be conveniently installed on any type of vehicle.