SANITIZATION APPARATUS FOR A VEHICLE USING ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT

Abstract

A sanitization apparatus of a vehicle includes (i) surfaces defining a chamber configured to accept an object to be sterilized with ultraviolet light and (ii) a first light emitting diode (LED) including a die that is configured to emit ultraviolet light. The die has a primary surface that defines a plane that extends through the chamber. The sanitization apparatus further includes a first reflective surface that is reflective of ultraviolet light disposed adjacent to the first LED. At least a portion of the ultraviolet light that the die emits reflects off of the first reflective surface and into the chamber. The first reflective surface defines a plane that intersects with the plane that the primary surface of the die defines.

Claims

1. A method of operating a sanitization apparatus comprising: a lid determination step comprising determining that a lid of a sanitization apparatus is in a closed position covering a chamber of the sanitization apparatus, the lid movable to, from, and between an open position providing access into the chamber and the closed position denying access into the chamber; and an activation step comprising activating ultraviolet LEDs to emit ultraviolet light into the chamber.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: a temperature determination step comprising determining whether a temperature at the sanitization apparatus is greater than or equal to a predetermined high temperature.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein for the temperature determination step, a controller determines whether the temperature at the sanitization apparatus is greater than or equal to the predetermined high temperature by receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal of which changes as a function of the temperature at the sanitization apparatus.

4. The method of claim 2 further comprising: a deactivation step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the temperature determination step that the temperature at the sanitization apparatus is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, deactivating the ultraviolet LEDs.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the deactivating step further comprises providing a notification at a human-machine interface that the ultraviolet LEDs have been deactivated.

6. The method of claim 2 further comprising: a second lid determination step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the temperature determination step that the temperature at the sanitization apparatus is not greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature, determining that the lid of a sanitization apparatus is in the closed position covering the chamber of the sanitization apparatus.

7. The method of claim 6 further comprising: a deactivation step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the second lid determination step that the lid is not in the closed position, deactivating the ultraviolet LEDs.

8. The method of claim 6 further comprising: a time determination step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the second lid determinations step that the lid is in the closed position, determining whether the ultraviolet LEDs have been activated for a predetermined period of time.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising: a selection step occurring before the activation step, the selection step comprising a user selecting the predetermined period of time at a human-machine interface.

10. The method of claim 8 further comprising: a deactivation step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the time determination step that the ultraviolet LEDs have been activated for the predetermined period of time, deactivating the ultraviolet LEDs.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the deactivation step further comprises providing a notification at a human-machine interface that sanitization has concluded.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising: a third lid determination step occurring after the deactivation step, the third lid determination step comprising determining whether the lid of a sanitization apparatus is in the closed position covering the chamber of the sanitization apparatus.

13. The method of claim 12 further comprising: a second time determination step comprising, as a consequence of determining during the third lid determination step that the lid of the sanitization apparatus is not in the closed position, determining whether a second predetermined period of time has passed since the lid has been moved away from the closed position.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising: a notification step comprising, as a consequence of determining that the second predetermined period of time has passed since the lid has moved away from the closed position, issuing a notification at a human-machine interface that the sanitization apparatus is ready to accept an object to be sanitized within the chamber.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein for the lid determination step, a controller determines that the lid is in the closed position by receiving a signal from a sensor indicative the lid being in the closed position, the signal of the sensor changing as a function of whether the lid is in the closed position or the open position.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the activation step further comprises providing a notification at a human-machine interface that the sanitization apparatus is emitting the ultraviolet light.

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising: an object placement step occurring before the lid determination step, the object placement step comprising placing an object desired to be sanitized within the chamber and moving the lid from the open position to the closed position.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: a command step occurring after the object placement step but before the activation step, the command step comprising commanding, at a human-machine interface, a sanitization operation to begin.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein a locking step occurring before the activation step, the locking step comprising a controller causing a lock to engage with the lid to prevent the lid from moving away from the closed position.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the sanitization apparatus is a component of a vehicle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In the drawings:

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle, illustrating the vehicle including an interior and a sanitization apparatus of the disclosure accessible from the interior;

[0047] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the interior of FIG. 1, illustrating the sanitization apparatus including a lid in a closed position;

[0048] FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the interior of FIG. 1, illustrating the lid of the sanitization apparatus covering a chamber within the sanitization apparatus;

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the lid in an open position revealing the chamber, and an object disposed within the chamber to be sanitized with ultraviolet light emitted by one or more LEDs including a first LED;

[0050] FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a cross section of the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1 taken through the line IV-IV of FIG. 5, illustrating the first LED positioned so that a plane that a primary surface of a die of the first LED is generally perpendicular to a first reflective surface of the sanitization apparatus so that some of the ultraviolet light that the first LED emits reflect off of the first reflective surface before entering the chamber and impinging upon the object;

[0051] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a vertical cross section of the first LED (and the other ultraviolet LEDs of the sanitization apparatus), illustrating the plane that the primary surface of the die forms;

[0052] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first sanitization module of the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrating the wall of the housing supporting (i) a first lower plurality of LEDs (including the first LED) all having dies with a primary surface aligned to share a plane in common and (ii) a first upper plurality of LEDs facing the first lower plurality of LEDs, the first upper plurality of LEDs all having dies with a primary surface aligned to share a plane in common;

[0053] FIG. 8 is perspective exploded view of the first sanitization module of FIG. 7, illustrating (i) a back plate providing the first reflective surface, (ii) a housing with a wall projecting around a perimeter of the first reflective surface, (iii) the first LED and other ultraviolet LEDs disposed on the wall, and (iv) a cover substantially transparent to the ultraviolet light that the ultraviolet LEDs emit covering the first reflective surface and the ultraviolet LEDs;

[0054] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second sanitization module of the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1 that faces the first sanitization module, the second sanitization module including a second reflective surface and a housing with a wall that supports (i) a second lower plurality of LEDs all having dies with a primary surface aligned to share a plane in common and (ii) a second upper plurality of LEDs facing the second lower plurality of LEDs, the second upper plurality of LEDs all having dies with a primary surface aligned to share a plane in common;

[0055] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the vehicle of FIG. 1 including a controller in communication with the ultraviolet LEDs of the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1 to control activation and deactivation thereof according to a sanitization operation and receiving the output that various sensors and a human-machine interface generate; and

[0056] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of operating the sanitization apparatus of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not to scale and certain components are enlarged relative to the other components for purposes of emphasis and understanding.

[0058] For purposes of description herein, the terms below, horizontally, above, vertically, and higher shall relate to the concepts as oriented in FIG. 3. However, it is to be understood that the concepts may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a vehicle 10 includes an interior 12 and a body 14 that separates the interior 12 from an environment 16 external to the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a sanitization apparatus 18. In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 is disposed in the interior 12 but need not be. For example, the vehicle 10 can further include a center console 20, with the sanitization apparatus 18 forming a component of the center console 20. In embodiments, the vehicle 10 further includes a seating assembly 22, and the sanitization apparatus 18 is disposed adjacent to the seating assembly 22 to permit a user 24 occupying the seating assembly 22 to utilize the sanitization apparatus 18. In other embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 is available for use from the environment 16 external to the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 can be a car, a truck, a van, a sports utility vehicle 10, among other things. The vehicle 10 can be operated by an operator (who can be the user 24 but need not be), semi-autonomous, or fully autonomous. In embodiments, the vehicle 10 is used to transport the user as part of a ridesharing, ride hailing, vehicle for hire, or rental car service. Instead of being exposed to the interior 12 at the center console 20, in embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 is disposed under an armrest 23 at the center console 20. Further, instead of forming a component of the center console 20, in embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 can be a component of a ceiling 25 or a door-trim 27. These are but several examples, without limitation, of where the sanitizations apparatus 18 could be disposed.

[0060] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 4-5, the sanitization apparatus 18 includes surfaces 26 that collectively define a chamber 28. The chamber 28 is configured to accept an object 30 to be sanitized with ultraviolet light, such as pursuant to a sanitization operation that the vehicle 10 performs. In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 includes a floor 32 providing one or more of the surfaces 26 at least partially defining the chamber 28. The floor 32 supports the object 30 to be sanitized from below the object 30. In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes one or more side walls 34 that provide one or more of the surfaces 26 at least partially defining the chamber 28. The one or more side walls 34 extend upward from the floor 32. In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a lid 36 that provides selective access to the chamber 28. The lid 36 is movable to, from, and between an open position 38 and a closed position 40. In the open position 38, the lid 36 provides the user 24 access from the interior 12 into the chamber 28. In the closed position 40, the lid 36 denies the user 24 access from the interior 12 into the chamber 28. In the closed position, the lid 36 provides one of the surfaces 26 defining the chamber 28. In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a lock 37 to interact with the lid 36 and, when engaged, prevents the lid 36 from moving away from the closed position 40 toward the open position 38.

[0061] The object 30 can be anything that fits in the chamber 28 and that a user 24 desires to be sanitized. Examples of the object 30 include a smartphone, a key chain unit, money, among other things.

[0062] Referring now additionally to FIG. 6, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a first light emitting diode (LED) 42. The first LED 42 includes a die 44. The die 44 is configured to emit the ultraviolet light 46 that sanitizes the object 30 placed in the chamber 28. For example, the die 44 typically includes a semiconductor material that, when interacting with an appropriate electric field, emits electromagnetic wavelengths within the ultraviolet range. Ultraviolet light, for purposes of this disclosure, means light having a wavelength within a range of from 10 nm to 400 nm. In embodiments, the ultraviolet light 46 that the die 44 of the first LED 42 (and any other ultraviolet light LED mentioned herein) emits has a peak intensity within a range of from 100 nm to 400 nm, such as within a range of from 100 nm to 280 nm, from 200 nm to 280 nm, from 240 nm to 300 nm, from 270 nm to 280 nm, or from 315 nm to 400 nm. The first LED 42 can further include a substrate 47 covering the die 44 that is substantially transparent to the ultraviolet light 46.

[0063] The die 44 of the first LED 42 includes a primary surface 48. The primary surface 48 is substantially planar and defines a plane 50. The plane 50 extends through the chamber 28 and can intersect with the object 30 placed within the chamber 28. In embodiments, the plane 50 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 defines varies from horizontal 51 by an angle of 10 degrees or less. In embodiments, the plane 50 is oriented substantially horizontally. In embodiments, the plane 50 is oriented closer to horizontal 51 than to vertical 53. In embodiments the primary surface 48 of the die 44 does not face the chamber 28. In embodiments, the plane 50 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 defines extends above the floor 32 of the chamber 28.

[0064] Referring now additionally to FIGS. 7-9, in embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a first reflective surface 52. The first reflective surface 52 is reflective of the ultraviolet light 46 that the first LED 42 emits. Reflective for purposes of this disclosure means that the surface reflects greater than 50% of the ultraviolet light 46 that impinges upon the surface. In embodiments, the first reflective surface 52 includes polytetrafluroroethylene or aluminum, such as an aluminum foil or sputtered aluminum on a base substrate (e.g., glass).

[0065] The first reflective surface 52 is positioned relative to the first LED 42 so that at least a portion of the ultraviolet light 46 that the die 44 of the first LED 42 emits first reflects off of the first reflective surface 52 before entering into the chamber 28. For example, in embodiments, the first reflective surface 52 is disposed adjacent to the first LED 42. In embodiments, the first reflective surface 52 is substantially planar and defines a plane 54. In embodiments, the plane 54 that the first reflective surface 52 defines intersects with the plane 50 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the first LED 42 defines. In embodiments, the plane 54 is separated from the plane 50 by an angle that is within a range of from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the plane 54 that the first reflective surface 52 defines is substantially perpendicular to the plane 50 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the first LED 42 defines. The first reflective surface 52 faces the chamber 28. In embodiments, the first reflective surface 52 provides one of the surfaces 26 that at least partially defines the chamber 28. In embodiments, the first reflective surface 52, and the plane 54 that the first reflective surface 52 defines, are oriented substantially vertically. In embodiments, the plane 54 is separated from vertical 53 by an angle of 10 degrees or less.

[0066] In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a second LED 56. The second LED 56 and all other ultraviolet light emitting LEDs mentioned below, for purposes relevant to this disclosure, are identical to the first LED 42. The first LED 42, the second LED 56, and all other ultraviolet light emitting LEDs mentioned below are hereinafter collectively referred to as the ultraviolet LEDs 42. For example, without the need to be separately illustrated, each of the ultraviolet LEDs 42 includes a die 44 that is configured to emit ultraviolet light 46, and the die 44 of each of the ultraviolet LEDs 42 includes a primary surface 48. In embodiments, the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of each of the ultraviolet LEDs 42 does not face the chamber 28.

[0067] The primary surface 48 of the second LED 56 defines a plane 58 that extends through the chamber 28, and intersects with the object 30 placed within the chamber 28. In embodiments, the plane 58 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the second LED 56 defines extends above the floor 32 of the chamber 28. In embodiments, the plane 58 is oriented substantially horizontally. In embodiments, the plane 58 is oriented closer to horizontal 51 than to vertical 53. In embodiments, the plane 58 is separated from horizontal 51 by an angle of 10 degrees or less.

[0068] In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a second reflective surface 60. The second reflective surface 60 is reflective of the ultraviolet light 46 that the second LED 56 emits. The second reflective surface 60 is positioned relative to the second LED 56 so that at least a portion of the ultraviolet light 46 that the die 44 of the second LED 56 emits first reflects off of the second reflective surface 60 before entering into the chamber 28. For example, in embodiments, the second reflective surface 60 is disposed adjacent to the second LED 56. In embodiments, the second reflective surface 60 is substantially planar and defines a plane 62. In embodiments, the plane 62 that the second reflective surface 60 defines intersects with (i) the plane 58 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the second LED 56 defines and (ii) the plane 50 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the first LED 42 defines. In embodiments, the plane 62 that the second reflective surface 60 defines is substantially perpendicular to the plane 58 that the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the second LED 56 defines. In embodiments, the plane 62 is separated from the plane 58 by an angle within a range of from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. The second reflective surface 60 faces the chamber 28. In embodiments, the second reflective surface 60 provides one of the surfaces 26 that at least partially defines the chamber 28. In embodiments, the second reflective surface 60 at least partially faces the first reflective surface 52. In embodiments, the chamber 28 is at least partially disposed between the first reflective surface 52 and the second reflective surface 60. In embodiments, the planes 54, 62, respectively, that the first reflective surface 52 and the second reflective surface 60 define are substantially parallel to each other. In embodiments, the planes 54 and 62 are separated by an angle of 10 degrees or less. In embodiments, the plane 62 is oriented substantially vertically. In embodiments, the plane 62 is separated from vertical 53 by an angle of 10 degrees or less. In embodiments, the surface 26 that the lid 36 provides is reflective.

[0069] In embodiments, the first sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a first lower plurality of LEDs 64 and a first upper plurality of LEDs 66 that are disposed adjacent to the first reflective surface 52. The first LED 42 already discussed can be part of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 (as in the illustrated embodiments) or the first upper plurality of LEDs 66. The first upper plurality of LEDs 66 are disposed elevationally higher than the first lower plurality of LEDs 64. The first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 are positioned relative to the first reflective surface 52 so that at least a portion of the ultraviolet light 46 that the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 emit reflects first off the first reflective surface 52 before entering into the chamber 28.

[0070] In embodiments, the first sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a second lower plurality of LEDs 68 and a second upper plurality of LEDs 70 that are disposed adjacent to the second reflective surface 60. The second LED 56 already discussed can be part of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 (as in the illustrated embodiments) or the second upper plurality of LEDs 70. The second upper plurality of LEDs 70 are disposed elevationally higher than the second lower plurality of LEDs 68. The second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 are positioned relative to the second reflective surface 60 so that at least a portion of the ultraviolet light 46 that the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 emit reflects first off the second reflective surface 60 before entering into the chamber 28.

[0071] The chamber 28 is at least partially disposed between the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the second upper plurality of LEDs 70. The chamber 28 is at least partially disposed between the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68. In embodiments, each LED of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 faces one of the LEDs of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66, with the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the LEDs of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 facing the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the LEDs of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66. In embodiments, each LED of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 faces one of the LEDs of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70, with the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the LEDs of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 facing the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the LEDs of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70.

[0072] Each primary surface 48 of the dies 44 of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64, the first upper plurality of LEDs 66, the second lower plurality of LEDs 68, and the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 defines a plane that extends through the chamber 28. In embodiments, the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 share a plane 72 substantially in common. In embodiments, the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 share the plane 50 of the first LED 42 substantially in common. In embodiments, the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 share a plane 74 substantially in common. In embodiments, the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 share the plane 58 of the second LED 56 substantially in common. In embodiments, the plane 72 of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the plane 74 of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 are coplanar. In embodiments, the plane 50 of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 and the plane 58 of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 are coplanar. In embodiments, the plane 72 and the plane 74 are substantially horizontal. In embodiments, the plane 72 and the plane 74 are separated from horizontal 51 by an angle of 10 degrees or less. In embodiments, the plane 72 is separated from the plane 54 that the first reflective surface 52 forms by an angle within a range of from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. In embodiments, the plane 74 is separated from the plane 62 that the second reflective surface 60 forms by an angle within a range of from 80 degrees to 100 degrees. The planes 50, 58, respectively, that the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 form extend above the floor 32.

[0073] In embodiments, the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 are all in electrical communication as a strip of LEDs. In embodiments, the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 are all in electrical communication as a strip of LEDs. In embodiments, the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 are all in electrical communication as a strip of LEDs. In embodiments, the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 are all in electrical communication as a strip of LEDs. In the illustrated embodiments, the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 each include three LEDs but could each include any number of LEDs greater than one LED, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six, or more LEDs. In the illustrated embodiments, the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 each include three LEDs but could each include any number of LEDs greater than one LED, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six, or more LEDs. In embodiments, the LEDs of the first lower plurality of LEDs 64, the LEDs of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66, the LEDs of the second lower plurality of LEDs 68, and the LEDs of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 are separated, center-to-center, by a distance 76 that is substantially the same. In embodiments, the distance 76 is 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, 40 mm, 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, 80 mm, 90 mm, or 100 mm, or within any range bound by any two of those values (e.g., within a range of from 10 mm to 100 mm, 30 mm to 60 mm, and so on).

[0074] In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a first sanitization module 78. The first sanitization module 78 includes a housing 80. The housing 80 structurally supports the first LED 42 and, if included, the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64. The housing 80 includes a wall 82 with an inner surface 84 that extends at least partially around a perimeter 85 of the first reflective surface 52. The first LED 42, and if included, the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64, are disposed on the inner surface 84 of the wall 82. In embodiments, the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the first LED 42, and the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the first upper plurality of LEDs 66 and the first lower plurality of LEDs 64, if included, are substantially parallel to the inner surface 84 of the wall 82. In embodiments, the first sanitization module 78 further includes a back plate 87 to which the housing 80 is attached that provides the first reflective surface 52. The first reflective surface 52 faces the chamber 28.

[0075] In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a second sanitization module 86. The chamber 28 is at least partially disposed between the first sanitization module 78 and the second sanitization module 86. The second sanitization module 86 includes a housing 88. The housing 88 structurally supports the second LED 56 and, if included, the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68. The housing 88 includes a wall 90 with an inner surface 92 that extends at least partially around a perimeter 94 of the second reflective surface 60. The second LED 56, and if included, the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68, are disposed on the inner surface 92 of the wall 90. In embodiments, the primary surface 48 of the die 44 of the second LED 56, and the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 of the second upper plurality of LEDs 70 and the second lower plurality of LEDs 68, if included, are substantially parallel to the inner surface 92 of the wall 90. In embodiments, the second sanitization module 86 further includes a back plate 93 to which the housing 88 is attached that provides the second reflective surface 60. The second reflective surface 60 faces the chamber 28 and at least partially faces the first reflective surface 52.

[0076] In embodiments, the first sanitization module 78 further includes a cover 95. The cover 95 is attached to the housing 80. The cover 95 is disposed over the first reflective surface 52, the first lower plurality of LEDs 64 and the first upper plurality of LEDs 66. The cover 95 is sufficiently transparent to the ultraviolet light 46 that the ultraviolet light 46 emitted transmits through the cover 95 and into the chamber 28. The cover 95 provides one of the surfaces 26 at least partially defining the chamber 28.

[0077] In embodiments, the second sanitization module 86 further includes a cover 97. The cover 97 is attached to the housing 80. The cover 97 is disposed over the second reflective surface 60, the second lower plurality of LEDs 68 and the second upper plurality of LEDs 70. The cover 97 is sufficiently transparent to the ultraviolet light 46 that the ultraviolet light 46 emitted transmits through the cover 97 and into the chamber 28. The cover 97 provides one of the surfaces 26 at least partially defining the chamber 28.

[0078] In embodiments, when the lid 36 is in the closed position 40, the ultraviolet light 46 that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 emit within the chamber 28 does not escape the chamber 28 and enter into the remainder of the interior 12. In other words, the surfaces 26 forming the chamber 28 retain the ultraviolet light 46 that has been emitted within the chamber 28.

[0079] Referring now additionally to FIG. 10, the vehicle 10 further includes a controller 96. The controller 96 is in communication with the ultraviolet LEDs 42 and, in embodiments, the lock 37. The controller 96 includes a processor 98 and memory 100. The processor 98 executes programs stored in memory 100 to effectuate activation and deactivation of the ultraviolet LEDs 42 included with the sanitization apparatus 18 in conjunction with the sanitization operation. Battery sources (not illustrated) within the vehicle 10 provide electrical power to activate the ultraviolet LEDs 42.

[0080] In embodiments, the vehicle 10 further includes a human-machine interface 102 (such as a button 104 or a touch screen display 106). The human-machine interface 102 is in communication with the controller 96. After the user 24 places the object 30 desired to be sanitized within the chamber 28 and closes the lid 36, the user 24 can utilize the human-machine interface 102 to command the controller 96 to begin the sanitization operation that causes the controller 96 to activate the ultraviolet LEDs 42. The controller 96 can then cause the ultraviolet LEDs 42 to activate and emit the ultraviolet light 46 that sanitizes the object 30. The controller 96 can cause the ultraviolet LEDs 42 to so emit the ultraviolet light 46 for a period of time that is predetermined, such as within a range of 1 minute to 10 minutes (e.g., 5 minutes), and then deactivate the LEDs 42. The human-machine interface 102 may allow the user 24 to select the period of time. In embodiments, the human-machine interface 102 is an application on a mobile computing device of the user 24 that is in communication with the controller 96 (e.g., via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi communication). The controller 96 can cause the ultraviolet LEDs 42 to emit the ultraviolet light 46 for the sanitization operation while the vehicle 10 is moving and, in embodiments, only while the vehicle 10 is parked (e.g., not moving).

[0081] In embodiments, the controller 96 causes the human-machine interface 102 to notify the user 24 regarding the status of the sanitization operation. For example, the controller 96 can cause the human-machine interface 102 to issue a notification that the sanitization operation is in process and that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 are emitting the ultraviolet light 46. As another example, the controller 96 can cause the human-machine interface 102 to issue a notification that the sanitization operation has concluded and that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 are no longer emitting the ultraviolet light 46. For the notifications described within this paragraph, the human-machine interface 102 can be or further includes a multi-color LED 108, with the controller 96 causing the multi-color LED 108 to display violet or red color light when the sanitization operation is ongoing. The controller 96 can cause the multi-color LED 108 to display green or blue when the sanitization operation has concluded or the ultraviolet LEDs 42 are otherwise not emitting ultraviolet light 46. The controller 96 can cause the human-machine interface 102 to indicate to the user 24 the time remaining until the sanitization operation concludes.

[0082] In embodiments, the sanitization apparatus 18 further includes a sensor 110. The sensor 110 is in communication with the controller 96. The output of the sensor 110 changes as a function of whether the lid 36 is in the closed position 40 or the open position 38. When the sensor 110 generates output that indicates that the lid 36 is not in the closed position 40, the controller 96 deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 associated with the sanitization apparatus 18. In other words, the controller 96 activates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 associated with the sanitization apparatus 18 when the sensor 110 generates output indicative of the lid 36 being in the closed position 40. If the ultraviolet LEDs 42 associated with the sanitization apparatus 18 are activated and emitting ultraviolet light 46, the controller 96 deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 when the sensor 110 produces output indicative of the lid 36 being moved from the closed position 40 (e.g., toward the open position 38). Further, the controller 96 causes the lock 37 to engage with the lid 36 to prevent the lid 36 from moving away from the closed position 40 before activating the ultraviolet LEDs 42.

[0083] In embodiments, the vehicle 10 further includes a sensor 112. The sensor 112 generates an output that changes as a function of whether ultraviolet light 46 is detected within the interior 12 and outside of the chamber 28. The sensor 112 is in communication with the controller 96. When the sensor 112 generates output indicative of ultraviolet light 46 above a certain threshold (e.g., zero) in the vicinity of the sanitization apparatus 18, then the controller 96 deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42.

[0084] The positioning of the ultraviolet LEDs 42 so that the planes 50, 58, 72, 74 that the primary surfaces 48 of the dies 44 the ultraviolet LEDs 42 form do not face directly at the object 30 within the chamber 28 but, rather, face generally perpendicular to (i) the chamber 28, (ii) the object 30 within the chamber 28, (iii) the first reflective surface 52 and, if included, (iv) the second reflective surface 60, reduce the creation of the hot spots of the ultraviolet light 46 upon the surface area of the object 30 to be sanitized. Rather, the ultraviolet light 46 that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 emit reflects to a certain degree first off of the first reflective surface 52 and the second reflective surface 60 before entering the chamber 28. The ultraviolet light 46 that enters the chamber 28 and impinges upon the object 30 is more diffuse. Thus, a greater amount of the surface area of the object 30 within the chamber 28 receives the ultraviolet light 46 sufficiently to become sanitized.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 11, a method 200 of operating the sanitization apparatus 18 is herein described. At a step 202, the vehicle 10 is powered, meaning that the sufficient electrical power is being supplied to the sanitization apparatus 18 to activate the ultraviolet LEDs 42. At a step 204, the controller 96 provides notification at the human-machine interface 102, such as by causing the multi-color LED 108 to emit blue color light, that the sanitization apparatus 18 is ready to accept the object 30 to be sanitized within the chamber 28. At a step 206, the controller 96 determines whether the lid 36 is in the closed position 40, such as by receiving a signal from the sensor 110 from which it can be determined whether the lid 36 is in the closed position 40. If the controller 96 determines that the lid 36 is in the closed position 40, the method 200 proceeds to a step 208. At the step 208, the controller 96 (i) activates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 to emit the ultraviolet light 46 onto the object 30 and (ii) provides notification at the human-machine interface 102, such as by causing the multi-color LED 108 to emit green color light, that the sanitization apparatus 18 is emitting the ultraviolet light 46 and sanitizing the object 30.

[0086] The method 200 then proceeds to a step 210. At the step 210, the controller 96 determines whether a temperature at the sanitization apparatus 18, such as at or near the ultraviolet LEDs 42, is greater than or equal to a predetermined high temperature (e.g., 45 C.). To make this determination, the controller 96 can receive a signal from the sensor (not illustrated) that varies as a function of temperature. If at the step 210 the controller 96 determines that the temperature at the sanitization apparatus 18 is greater than or equal to the predetermined high temperature, then the method 200 proceeds to a step 212. At the step 212, the controller 96 (i) deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 and (ii) provides notification at the human-machine interface 102, such as by causing the multi-color LED 108 to emit a red color light, that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 have been deactivated because the predetermined high temperature has been met or exceeded. The method 200 then proceeds to a step 214, where the controller 96 determines whether the temperature at the sanitization apparatus 18 is less than or equal to a predetermined low temperature (e.g., 30 C.). If at the step 214 the controller 96 determines that the temperature at the sanitization apparatus 18 is less than equal to the predetermined low temperature, then the method 200 proceeds back to the step 204.

[0087] Referring back to the step 210, if at the step 210 the controller 96 determines that the temperature of the sanitization apparatus 18 is not greater than or equal to (e.g., is less than) the predetermined high temperature, then the method 200 proceeds to a step 216. At the step 216, the controller 96 determines again whether the lid 36 is in the closed position 40. If at the step 216 the controller 96 determines that the lid 36 is not in the closed position 40 (e.g., the lid 36 is in the open position 38), then the method 200 proceeds to a step 218. At the step 218, the controller 96 deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42. After the step 218, the method 200 returns to the step 204. However, if at the step 216 the controller 96 determines that the lid 36 is in the closed position 40, then the method 200 proceeds to a step 220.

[0088] At the step 220, the controller 96 determines whether the ultraviolet LEDs 42 have been activated for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 minutes). The controller 96 can make this determination via a clock (not illustrated). If at the step 220 the controller 96 determines that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 have not yet been activated for the predetermined period of time, then the method 200 returns back to the step 210. However, if at the step 220 the controller 96 determines that the ultraviolet LEDs 42 have been activated for the predetermined period of time, then the method 200 proceeds to a step 222. At the step 222, the controller 96 (i) deactivates the ultraviolet LEDs 42 and (ii) provides notification at the human-machine interface 102, such as by causing the multi-color LED 108 to emit a green color light, that the effort to sanitize the object 30 has concluded.

[0089] After the step 222, the method 200 proceeds to a step 224. At the step 224, the controller 96 determines again whether the lid 36 is in the closed position 40. If at the step 224, the controller 96 determines that the lid 36 is not in the closed position 40 (e.g., is in the open position 38), then method 200 proceeds to a step 226. At the step 226, the controller 96 determines whether a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 seconds) has passed since the lid 36 has been moved away from the closed position 40. If at the step 226 the controller 96 determines that the predetermined period of time has passed since the lid 36 has been moved away from the closed position 40, then the method 200 returns back to the step 204. It should be understood that the steps 202-226 of the method 200 can be performed without the controller 96, such as manually or with some other computing device.

[0090] It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.