KR102600351B1 - Menstrual cup cleaner for public restrooms - Google Patents

Abstract

The menstrual cup washer for public restrooms includes a main body, a bottom cover, a cup dispenser, a cup holder, a front cover, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic vibrator, a Walker pump, and a first controller. The main body has a pipe shape and is divided into a lower part of the main body that is shaped like a pipe with a part of the middle area cut out, and an upper part of the main body that is shaped like a pipe with the side cut, and a number of holes are formed on the side to enable mounting on the wall of a public restroom. The bottom cover is placed on the upper surface of the lower part of the main body. The cup dispenser is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body to receive a cleaning cup. The cup holder is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom cover and supports the washing cup. The front cover is fastened to the side of the upper part of the main body and covers the cup dispenser. The pressure sensor is placed at the bottom of the bottom cover and detects the cleaning cup. The ultrasonic vibrator is placed at the bottom of the bottom cover and applies ultrasonic waves to the cleaning cup. The water pump is placed in the space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and supplies washing water to the washing cup. The first controller controls the water pump so that washing water is supplied to the washing cup as the washing cup is detected by the pressure sensor, and controls the ultrasonic vibrator to vibrate the washing cup supplied with washing water through ultrasonic vibration.

Description

Menstrual cup cleaner for public restrooms {MENSTRUAL CUP CLEANER FOR PUBLIC RESTROOMS}

The present invention relates to a menstrual cup washer for public restrooms, and more specifically, to a menstrual cup washer for public restrooms for user convenience.

After the recent controversy over harmful ingredients in sanitary pads, alternative menstrual products have begun to receive a lot of attention. With menstrual poverty among low-income women emerging as a social problem due to the COVID-19 incident, menstrual cups are attracting attention for their economic advantages, and many women are switching to menstrual cups due to controversy over the safety and environmental pollution of existing sanitary pads.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, most users were highly satisfied with menstrual cups, but cited inconvenient hygiene management and lack of sales information as disadvantages. Ironically, menstrual cups, which are hygienic products, cause inconvenience to users due to hygiene management issues.

In particular, the survey results showed that most menstrual cup users had difficulty cleaning them when using public restrooms. There are two ways to change your menstrual cup in a public restroom when going out: carry a cup specifically for cleaning and collect water from the sink, wash it inside the cubicle, and pour out the water, or wash it directly in the sink.

However, this is cumbersome and unhygienic. Carry an extra menstrual cup or use it in conjunction with other menstrual products. Because of this inconvenience, you can sometimes see disabled people using restrooms with sinks. Additionally, since menstrual cups must be worn with hands inside the body, carrying wet tissues or hand sanitizer is essential for hand hygiene.

Korean Patent No. 10-199246 (registered on July 5, 2019) (menstrual cup sterilization device and method) Korean Patent No. 10-1876345 (registered on July 3, 2018) (menstrual cup sterilizing device) Korean Patent Publication No. 2021-0069252 (published on June 11, 2021) (Menstrual cup sterilizing device) Korean Patent No. 10-2080930 (registered on February 18, 2020) (menstrual cup cleaning device)

Accordingly, the technical problem of the present invention is focused on this point, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a menstrual cup for public restrooms that can eliminate user inconvenience and improve the sanitary environment by allowing menstrual cups to be easily washed in public restroom stalls. A washing machine is provided.

In order to realize the object of the present invention described above, the menstrual cup washer for a public restroom according to an embodiment includes a main body, a bottom cover, a cup dispenser, a cup holder, a front cover, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic vibrator, a Walker pump, and a first controller. Includes. The main body has a pipe shape and is divided into a lower part of the main body that is shaped like a pipe with a part of the middle area cut and an upper part of the main body that is shaped like a pipe with the side cut, and a number of holes are formed on the side to enable mounting on the wall of a public restroom. The bottom cover is disposed on the upper surface of the lower part of the main body. The cup dispenser is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body to accommodate a cleaning cup. The cup holder is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom cover and supports the cleaning cup. The front cover is fastened to the side of the upper part of the main body and covers the cup dispenser. The pressure sensor is disposed below the bottom cover and detects the cleaning cup. The ultrasonic vibrator is disposed below the bottom cover and applies ultrasonic waves to the cleaning cup. The water pump is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and supplies washing water to the washing cup. The first controller controls the water pump to supply washing water to the washing cup as the washing cup is detected by the pressure sensor, and applies the ultrasonic vibrator to vibrate the washing cup supplied with the washing water through ultrasonic vibration. Control.

In one embodiment, the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms may further include a motion detection sensor (PIR sensor), a disinfectant box, and a motor module. The motion detection sensor (PIR sensor) is disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body. The disinfectant box is disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body to accommodate hand sanitizer. The motor module is disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body and opens and closes the lower opening of the disinfectant box. Here, the first controller may control the motor module so that the hand sanitizer contained in the sanitizer box falls as the user's hand is detected by the motion detection sensor.

In one embodiment, the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms includes a servo motor and a motor driver. It may further include a UVC-LED module and a second controller. The servo motor is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover to drop one washing cup accommodated in the cup dispenser. The motor driver is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and drives the server motor. The UVC-LED module is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and applies short-wavelength ultraviolet rays to the washing cup. The second controller is disposed in the space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover, provides a motor control signal for operation of the motor driver to the motor driver, and controls ultraviolet rays for operation of the UVC-LED module. A signal is provided to the UVC-LED module.

According to this menstrual cup washer for public restrooms, the cleaning cup is stored in the upper part, water is discharged in the main part and sterilization is performed using a UVC-LED module, and the lower part has an ultrasonic vibrator and a hand sterilizer, allowing menstruation to be done in a public restroom. By making it easy to wash the cup, user inconvenience can be alleviated and the sanitary environment can be improved.

Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view for schematically explaining the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining in detail the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in Figure 1.
Figure 4a is a picture taken of a menstrual cup washer for a public restroom manufactured as an example according to the present invention, Figure 4b is a picture for explaining the toilet arrangement of the menstrual cup washer for a public restroom shown in Figure 4a, and Figure 4c is a diagram for explaining an example of the user manual for the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in FIG. 4A.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a series of processes for cleaning a menstrual cup using the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in FIG. 1.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. Since the present invention can be subject to various changes and have various forms, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific disclosed form, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

While describing each drawing, similar reference numerals are used for similar components. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are enlarged from the actual size for clarity of the present invention.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The above terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component without departing from the scope of the present invention, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view for schematically explaining the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view for explaining in detail the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the structure of the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention stores the washing cup in the upper part, and sterilizes by water discharge and UVC-LED module in the main part. It is structured with an ultrasonic vibrator and a hand sterilizer at the bottom. Specifically, the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a main body 102, a bottom cover 108, a cup dispenser 110, a cup holder 112, a front cover 114, and a pressure sensor. (116), ultrasonic vibrator 118, water pump 120, and first controller 122.

The main body 102 has a long pipe shape and is divided into a lower part 104 of the main body 104, which is shaped like a pipe with a part of the middle area cut, and an upper part 106 of the main body 106, which is shaped like a pipe whose side is cut. A plurality of holes are formed on the rear side, that is, on the side, of the main body 102 to enable mounting on the wall of a public restroom.

The bottom cover 108 is disposed on the upper surface of the lower part 104 of the main body. The bottom cover 108 has a donut shape (ring shape or ring shape) and is disposed on the upper surface of the lower part of the main body 102 to support the cup holder 112 disposed at the top.

The cup dispenser 110 is disposed in a space defined by the upper body 106 and accommodates a cleaning cup.

The cup holder 112 is disposed on the upper surface of the bottom cover 108 and supports the cleaning cup. The cup holder 112 may be made of stainless steel to effectively transmit ultrasonic vibration.

The front cover 114 is fastened to the side of the upper body 106 and covers the cup dispenser 110. Specifically, the front cover 114 is configured to be wrapped around the upper part 106 of the main body, and serves as a function control unit that can operate functions and a display that shows the status of the device. For this purpose, it has a power button and an icon status indicator, which works with an LED module and a touch sensor.

The pressure sensor 116 is placed below the bottom cover 108 to detect the cleaning cup and provides a detection signal to the first controller 122.

The ultrasonic vibrator 118 is disposed below the bottom cover 108 and generates vibration by applying ultrasonic waves to the cleaning cup. Bubbles can be generated due to the generated vibration, and hydrogen peroxide is generated through the strong pressure generated each time the bubbles burst and the chemical reaction that occurs when the bubbles burst, which can not only clean and sterilize, but also destroy bacteria. That is, ultrasonic cleaning, which is a cleaning method that removes contaminants attached to the material to be cleaned through physical phenomena and prevents the removed contaminants from adhering again, may be performed by the ultrasonic vibrator 118. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator 118 may be configured to repeat up and down movements to generate stronger vibration.

The water pump 120 is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body 106 and the front cover 114 and supplies washing water to the washing cup. The water pump 120 can be connected to water in the same way as a bidet, using a T-type valve and a water purification filter. At this time, the discharge amount is set to 150ml, for example.

The first controller 122 controls the water pump 120 so that washing water is supplied to the washing cup as the washing cup is detected by the pressure sensor 116, and vibrating washing is performed through ultrasonic vibration to the washing cup supplied with washing water. Control the ultrasonic vibrator 118 as much as possible.

A menstrual cup washer for a public restroom according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power button 124 disposed on the front portion of the front cover 114, a touch sensor 126 disposed on the rear portion of the front cover 114, and a front portion. It may further include an LED module 128 disposed on the rear portion of the cover 114. The touch sensor 126 detects a button signal pressed according to the user's operation, and emits various lights corresponding to the operation of the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms. For example, when the washing cup is dropped as the power is pressed, the LED corresponding to the first icon blinks, and if the washing cup is taken out by the user while the LED is blinking, the LED corresponding to the second icon lights up, and the washing cup As this is placed and water extraction and vibration cleaning progress, the LED corresponding to the third icon may light up. Through this blinking or lighting of the LED, the user can pay more attention to the cleaning operation of the menstrual cup.

The menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention is a hand sterilizer and may further include a motion detection sensor 130, a disinfectant box 132, and a motor module 134.

The motion detection sensor 130 is disposed in the inner space of the lower part 104 of the main body. The motion detection sensor 130 may include a Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR) sensor. The PIR sensor refers to a passive infrared sensor and detects the movement of the human body in a certain section at an acute angle of 9 to 12 degrees through a Fresnel lens. Due to the nature of the sensor, an error in the number of counts may occur (about 15%) due to masking effects, etc., but an algorithm is adopted that can reduce the range of error in the long term using statistical techniques. Instead, it consumes very little current and can be operated for a long time without external power. Since it can be manufactured in a small size, it is easy to design waterproof and drip-proof, and has the advantage of being able to operate for more than a year without special maintenance.

The disinfectant box 132 has a flat cylindrical shape and is disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body 104 to accommodate hand sanitizer. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic vibrator 118 is disposed in the central portion of the upper surface of the disinfectant box 132, and a pressure sensor 116 is disposed in a peripheral area of the upper surface of the disinfectant box 132. The pressure sensor 116 is placed in contact with the cup holder 112 and detects that the cleaning cup is placed in the cup holder 112.

The motor module 134 is disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body 104 and can open and close the lower opening of the disinfectant box 132. Accordingly, a certain amount of disinfectant may fall downward through the disinfectant box 132.

In this way, the hand sterilizer located at the bottom of the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms minimizes contact between users through non-face-to-face hand disinfection using automatic infrared sensor detection (PIR). The maximum capacity of the hand sterilizer can be set to approximately 200ml.

In this embodiment, the first controller 122 controls the motor module 134 so that the hand sanitizer contained in the sanitizer box 132 falls as the user's hand is detected by the motion sensor 130.

The menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a servo motor 136, a motor driver 138, a UVC-LED module 140, a second controller 142, a top cover 144, and a cup. It may further include a holding member 146.

The servo motor 136 is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body 106 and the front cover 114 and causes one washing cup accommodated in the cup dispenser 110 to fall downward.

The motor driver 138 is disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body 106 and the front cover 114 and drives the servo motor 136.

The UVC-LED module 140 is disposed in the space defined by the upper body 106 and the front cover 114 and applies short-wavelength ultraviolet rays to the washing cup. That is, the UVC-LED module 140 is placed at the edge of the water outlet, disinfecting and simultaneously indicating the operating status to the user.

The second controller 142 is disposed in the space defined by the upper part of the body 106 and the front cover 114, and provides a motor control signal for operation of the motor driver 138 to the motor driver 138, and provides UVC -An ultraviolet control signal for operation of the LED module 140 is provided to the UVC-LED module 140.

The menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a top cover 144. The top cover 144 has a circular shape and is disposed on the upper part of the main body 106 to block foreign substances from entering the cleaning cup accommodated in the cup dispenser 110. Specifically, the top cover 144 is connected to the upper part of the main body 106 and has a hinge structure that can be opened and closed. The upper cover 144 can be opened to fill the main body 102 with a cleaning cup.

The menstrual cup washer for public restrooms according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cup holding member 146. The cup holding member 146 is fastened to the lower part of the cup dispenser 110 and holds the washing cup that falls from the cup dispenser 110. The cleaning cup held by the cup holding member 146 can be spaced apart according to the user's manipulation.

Figure 4a is a picture taken of a menstrual cup washer for a public restroom manufactured as an example according to the present invention, Figure 4b is a picture for explaining the toilet arrangement of the menstrual cup washer for a public restroom shown in Figure 4a, and Figure 4c is a diagram for explaining an example of the user manual for the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cup is manufactured and placed in a wall-mounted position within reach of the user when sitting on the toilet so that the menstrual cup can be easily cleaned in a public restroom.

Referring to Figure 4c, a manual may be attached to a menstrual cup washer for public restrooms or near the washer to inform users how to use the product.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a series of processes for cleaning a menstrual cup using the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to Figure 5, when the user presses the power button, the cleaning cup automatically comes out. At this time, the first icon may light up.

Next, while the LED is blinking, the user takes out the cleaning cup and puts the menstrual cup into the cleaning cup. At this time, the second icon may light up.

Next, when the user places a cleaning cup containing a menstrual cup at the bottom, water extraction and vibration cleaning automatically proceed. At this time, the third icon may light up.

Next, the user throws the water in the cleaned cup into the toilet.

Next, the user disinfects their hands, takes out the menstrual cup, and puts it back on.

As described above, according to the present invention, a washing cup is stored in the upper part, water is discharged in the main part and sterilization is performed by a UVC-LED module, and the lower part has an ultrasonic vibrator and a hand sterilizer, thereby creating a public restroom. By allowing menstrual cups to be easily washed inside, user discomfort can be alleviated and the sanitary environment can be improved.

Although the above has been described with reference to examples, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below. You will understand.

Despite the many advantages of menstrual cups, the biggest reason for not using them was external replacement of menstrual cups and the resulting hygiene issues. However, according to the present invention, the menstrual cup washer for public restrooms is expected to increase the use rate of menstrual cups by reducing the burden of changing menstrual cups outside and anxiety related to hygiene. In addition, it is an all-in-one product that takes into account the user's convenience, prevents the loss of the washing container, and saves time by considering the user's movement path, thereby increasing user convenience. An additional effect that can be expected is that considering that most users of menstrual cups mainly come into contact with menstrual cups through SNS, it is possible to expect an increase in people's interest by expanding the promotional area for menstrual cups by taking advantage of the characteristics of public places.

102: main body 104: lower body
106: upper part of main body 108: bottom cover
110: Cup dispenser 112: Cup holder
114: front cover 116: pressure sensor
118: ultrasonic vibrator 120: water pump
122: first controller 124: power button
126: Touch sensor 128: LED module
130: Motion detection sensor 132: Disinfectant box
134: motor module 136: servo motor
138: Motor driver 140: UVC-LED module
142: second controller 144: top cover
146: Cup holding member

Claims (4)

A body portion that has a pipe shape and is divided into a pipe-shaped lower body with a portion of the middle area cut and a pipe-shaped upper portion with the side cut, and a plurality of holes formed on the side to enable mounting on the wall of a public restroom;
a bottom cover disposed on the upper surface of the lower part of the main body;
a cup dispenser disposed in a space defined by the upper portion of the main body and accommodating a cleaning cup;
a cup holder disposed on the upper surface of the bottom cover and supporting a cleaning cup;
a front cover fastened to a side of the upper portion of the main body to cover the cup dispenser;
A pressure sensor disposed below the bottom cover to detect the cleaning cup;
an ultrasonic vibrator disposed below the bottom cover to apply ultrasonic waves to the cleaning cup;
a water pump disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and supplying washing water to the washing cup; and
A first controller that controls the water pump to supply washing water to the washing cup as the washing cup is detected by the pressure sensor, and controls the ultrasonic vibrator to vibrate the washing cup supplied with the washing water through ultrasonic vibration. A menstrual cup washer for public restrooms, comprising: According to paragraph 1,
A motion detection sensor (PIR sensor) disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body;
A disinfectant box disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body to accommodate a hand sanitizer; and
It further includes a motor module disposed in the inner space of the lower part of the main body to open and close the lower opening of the disinfectant box,
The first controller controls the motor module to drop the hand sanitizer contained in the sanitizer box as the user's hand is detected by the motion sensor. According to paragraph 1,
a servo motor disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover to drop one washing cup accommodated in the cup dispenser;
a motor driver disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover to drive the servo motor;
a UVC-LED module disposed in a space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover and applying short-wavelength ultraviolet rays to the washing cup; and
It is disposed in the space defined by the upper part of the main body and the front cover to provide a motor control signal for operation of the motor driver to the motor driver, and to provide an ultraviolet control signal for operation of the UVC-LED module to the UVC-LED module. A menstrual cup washer for public restrooms, further comprising a second controller provided to the LED module. The cup dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising: a top cover that has a circular shape and is disposed on an upper portion of the main body to block foreign substances from entering the cleaning cup accommodated in the cup dispenser; and
A menstrual cup washer for a public restroom, further comprising a cup holding member for holding the washing cup that falls from the cup dispenser.