KR20230159749A - Automatic sterilizing and cleaning equipment and method for reusable cups such as tumblers with artificial intelligence technology - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for automatically sterilizing and cleaning reusable cups that can be used repeatedly, such as tumblers and mugs, and a method for automatically sterilizing and cleaning reusable cups using the device. In particular, the present invention applies artificial intelligence technology to sterilization and cleaning of cups, so that the device automatically senses characteristics or conditions such as the shape, size, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, and the amount, degree, or location of residue. The control means analyzes the characteristics or condition of the cup to determine the cleaning operation time, cleaning water spray amount, cleaning water temperature, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc., and performs sterilizing and cleaning operations according to the determined contents. It relates to a device and method that automatically sterilizes and cleans cups according to the optimal cleaning method determined for reusable cups by controlling .

Description

Automatic sterilizing and cleaning equipment and method for reusable cups such as tumblers with artificial intelligence technology}

The present invention relates to a device for automatically sterilizing and cleaning reusable cups that can be used repeatedly, such as tumblers and mugs, and a method for automatically sterilizing and cleaning reusable cups using the device. In particular, the present invention applies artificial intelligence technology to sterilization and cleaning of cups, so that the device automatically senses characteristics or conditions such as the shape, size, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, and the amount, degree, or location of residue. The control means analyzes the characteristics or condition of the cup to determine the cleaning operation time, cleaning water spray amount, cleaning water temperature, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc., and performs sterilizing and cleaning operations according to the determined contents. It relates to a device and method that automatically sterilizes and cleans cups according to the optimal cleaning method determined for reusable cups by controlling .

The present invention is intended to reduce the excessive use of disposable products made of plastic, which are the main causes of climate change and environmental pollution, and to present practical alternatives at the individual level to achieve the goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 set by the government.

Recently, the need for health care has increased due to the spread of COVID-19 infection, the ban on the use of disposable cups in coffee shops in April 2022 and the implementation of a disposable cup guarantee system after June 2022, and the realization of carbon neutrality to prevent global warming. Due to the strengthening of government regulations, environmental protection is emerging as a more important social issue than ever.

In the case of reusable cups that can be used multiple times, such as personal cups such as tumblers, there is no problem in using them once after washing, but if you want to use them repeatedly after that, washing is inevitable, so bring a separate cleaning method to clean the cup. It is not easy to use or have one, and there are many inconveniences in washing the cup cleanly after drinking a beverage during a break, so the use of reusable cups is increasing in companies or office spaces where many people work together. It was difficult to do so.

Meanwhile, a small number of prior technologies regarding a disposable cup sterilizer and washer that can be used in the above situation have been presented.

For example, Domestic Patent Registration No. 10-2052837 (registration date: 2019.11.29.), which has been applied for and registered by the present applicant (used when applying under an individual's name), is 'Cup cleaning and cleaning using ultrasound and plasma fusion. It relates to an invention titled 'Sterilization device and cup cleaning and sterilization method', and applies the fusion of the strong decomposition function of ultrasonic waves that appears when ultrasonic waves are generated in water and the strong oxidation function of low-temperature plasma that appears when low-temperature plasma is generated in water. This technology relates to a device and method for quickly and effectively cleaning and sterilizing deep personal drinking containers (objects to be cleaned) such as tumblers and mugs, using the effect of greatly increasing cleaning and sterilizing power.

Another prior art, Domestic Patent Registration No. 10-2048655 (registration date; 2019.11.19.) is an invention titled ‘Automatic sterilization and cleaning device for personal cups using DSA electrodes’, which is used for deep personal drinking containers such as tumblers and mugs. This relates to a device for easy cleaning. When a personal cup is placed on the radial push switch 210 of the washing tank and lightly pressed, the personal tumbler or cup is quickly activated by the action of free residual chlorine such as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generated in the DSA electrode. This is a technology related to a sterilizing and cleaning device that allows cleaning and sterilization of .

These prior arts are all related to devices that can easily sterilize and clean personal reusable cups such as tumblers and mugs. The existing cup sterilizer and washer according to the above prior arts always performs the cleaning or sterilizing operation in the same way for a set period of time. Because it is configured to perform sterilization and cleaning to a sufficient degree, there are inconveniences such as having to shorten the cleaning time or increase the number of cleaning times depending on the user's judgment.

- Domestic Patent Registration No. 10-2052837 (registration date: 2019.11.29.) - Domestic Patent Registration No. 10-2048655 (registration date: 2019.11.19.)

The present invention breaks away from the uniform operation method of the prior art described above, and changes the size, shape, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree or location of residue, the frequency of washing the cup, the presence of lipstick marks, etc. This is to determine the most appropriate sterilization and cleaning method and ensure optimal sterilization and cleaning operation according to the determined method.

In particular, the present invention applies AI technology to automatically recognize and analyze the shape, size or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage, the amount, degree, location, and washing frequency of residue, and use sterilizing washing water based on the results. By determining the amount, temperature of washing water, concentration of sterilizing water, steam pressure, cleaning operation time, electrolysis power amount, etc. to optimally control the sterilizing cleaning operation, sterilizing and cleaning operation with maximized sterilizing and cleaning efficiency is performed in a short time. The purpose is to provide a device that can do so, and as a result, to greatly increase user convenience.

The present invention senses the shape, size, material, type or nature of the beverage, amount and degree of residue inside the cup, or the location of the residue, etc. of the cup to be cleaned before starting the cleaning operation according to the operation of artificial intelligence (AI), and This is to apply the sensing results to determine the sterilization concentration of the washing water, washing time, amount of washing water, water temperature, steam pressure, operation time, etc., and then control the device to operate according to the determined contents. Hot water can be used as washing water. In another embodiment, the AI sensing results are applied to additionally control the temperature of the washing water, thereby providing a device and method for sterilizing and washing most suitable for the condition of the cup to be washed.

The purpose of the device of the present invention is to provide a device and method that can additionally perform a drying function for users who want quick drying after washing the cup.

The present invention relates to technology for applying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to the cleaning of reusable cups. In other words, the present invention uses a sensor with artificial intelligence (AI) technology, that is, an AI sensor, to determine the shape, size or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree or location of residue, and the frequency of washing. It automatically senses the characteristics or status of the cup, such as (frequency of use), and analyzes the results. Based on the results, the spray amount or spray pressure of the wash water, the temperature of the wash water, the concentration of the sterilizing water, the steam spray pressure, the wash operation time, By determining the optimal value for electrolysis power, etc., and controlling the device to perform sterilization and cleaning operation according to the decision, optimal sterilization and cleaning operation is performed according to the characteristics or condition of the cup, resulting in high efficiency in a short period of time. It relates to a device configured to perform a sterilizing cleaning operation and a cleaning method using the device.

The present invention sterilizes and cleans reusable cups while operating as follows.

One or more AI sensors provided in the AI sensor unit 110, which includes the image recognition artificial intelligence sensor of the present invention, are used to determine the size, shape, and material of the cup, the type of beverage used, the amount of residue, and the number of times of use. automatically recognizes and transmits the recognition result to the control means (100). The control means 100, which receives the recognition result of the AI sensor, performs a washing operation on the cup put into the cup washing unit according to the optimal washing method calculated according to the result.

First, the present invention adjusts the amount of power supplied to the electrolysis module (hypochlorous acid generating means) of the device according to the amount of residue in the cup recognized by the AI sensor 110 and the location of the residue to produce hypochlorous acid (HOCl) at an optimal concentration. It operates to generate and increase sterilizing power by using the generated hypochlorous acid as washing water. In addition, it operates to vary the supply amount or supply time of washing water depending on the amount and location of the residue. For example, the cleaning power of the cup is increased by spraying more or spraying more washing water toward areas where residue is concentrated.

Second, the present invention adjusts the irradiation position, irradiation intensity, or irradiation time of UV-C (ultraviolet rays) according to the contamination state, contamination location, or amount of residue in the cup recognized by the AI sensor 110 to improve the sterilizing power of the cup. It works.

Third, the present invention operates to increase sterilization and cleaning power by adjusting the temperature of the washing water according to the nature of the beverage used in the cup recognized by the AI sensor (milk, cocoa, or beverages containing easily hardening substances, etc.). In particular, in the case of cups containing beverages that are difficult to wash in cold water, such as milk, the temperature of the washing water is increased to increase washing efficiency.

Fourth, the present invention operates to perform a more effective cleaning operation by adjusting the spray amount of washing water or the spray pressure of steam according to the type and shape of residue on the cup recognized by the AI sensor. For example, in the case of a cup with lipstick marks remaining, more cleaning water is sprayed on the lipstick area or the pressure of the supplied steam is increased to ensure effective cleaning.

Fifth, the device of the present invention provides improved sterilization of the cup by controlling the spray amount and spray position of washing water and the ultraviolet ray irradiation position and irradiation intensity or irradiation time according to the characteristics or state of the cup recognized by the AI sensor. effect occurs.

The automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using the artificial intelligence technology of the present invention operates with the optimal cleaning method determined by analyzing the characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor, that is, the recognition result of the AI sensor. By doing so, the cup can be cleaned effectively and the cleaning time can be further reduced compared to the prior art. For example, the cleaning time can be further shortened compared to the case of Domestic Patent Registration No. 10-2048655, which is one of the prior technologies.

When applying the device and method of the present invention, the size, shape or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree or location of the residue, etc. are sensed in advance through the AI sensor, and the results are analyzed to determine By sterilizing and cleaning reusable personal cups (tumblers, mugs, etc.) using the best cleaning method available, personal cups can be sterilized and washed cleanly in a short period of time, eliminating the inconvenience of using reusable cups.

When using the device and method of the present invention, the use of disposable cups can be reduced and the environment can be protected by activating the use of reusable cups such as tumblers and mugs, and can contribute to solving social issues such as carbon neutrality. do.

When the device and method of the present invention are applied to the cleaning of reusable cups, it can greatly contribute to strengthening personal hygiene by sterilizing bacteria or viruses, which are hazardous to the human body, up to a high level of 99.99% (log4).

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the device of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram to explain the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by the AI sensor in the present invention, and how the control means 100 determines the optimal cleaning method for the cup using the characteristic or state.
Figure 3 is a diagram showing the flow of the washing operation performed in the present invention.

The automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using the artificial intelligence technology of the present invention is configured as a whole as shown in Figure 1.

The tumbler or mug that can be used repeatedly multiple times, that is, the reusable cup, which is the subject of the present invention for cleaning, is made of metal such as stainless steel and titanium, ceramic, glass crystal, and plastic such as polyester (PET, PBT) and polypropylene (PP). Alternatively, it may be made of a material such as silicon, and in rare cases, it may be made of a material such as wood. In the present invention, the name ‘reusable cup such as tumbler’ is used to collectively refer to reusable cups that can be made of various materials as described above, and is also used as ‘reposable cup’ or ‘cup’.

That is, the device of the present invention includes an AI sensor unit 110 that includes one or more AI sensors that sense and recognize one or more of the characteristics or states of the reusable cup, and a sterilization and cleaning function for the cup within the device. A sterilizing and washing unit 200 in which an operation is performed, a hypochlorous acid generating means 140 for generating hypochlorous acid with a strong sterilizing function, and a sterilizing and washing unit ( UV sterilizing means 150 for sterilizing harmful microorganisms in the washing water supplied to the sterilization washing unit 200 or turning the washing water into sterilizing washing water to sterilize harmful microorganisms in the sterilizing washing unit 200, and high-pressure steam to sterilize the device. Receives sensing values through a steam generating means (170) (including a steam pressure adjusting means) to increase sterilizing and cleaning efficiency and an AI sensor, and analyzes the received sensing results to determine the optimal sterilizing and cleaning method for the cup. and a control means 100 that controls the device to perform a sterilization and cleaning operation according to the determined method.

In addition, the device of the present invention, in addition to the above components, includes a washing water supply means 120 for supplying washing water such as tap water used in the washing operation, and a washing water heating means 130 for heating the washing water to make it into hot water. and a washing water discharge means (210) that discharges sterilizing washing water during or after washing, and a display means (300) that compares the state of residues before and after washing, including the method of use, operation status, number of uses, etc. of the device. ) and consists of. In addition, the device of the present invention may further include hot air generating means 160 for drying the cup by supplying hot air.

The automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups of the present invention relates to a device for quickly and effectively sterilizing and cleaning reusable cups by applying artificial intelligence technology, and uses an artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition sensor to clean multiple cups. After recognizing the characteristics or condition of the cup, the result is used to operate the device to clean the cup. In other words, the present invention uses an artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition sensor to sense the characteristics or state of the cup, derives a specific result about the characteristic or state of the cup, and uses the result to perform a cleaning operation. It is an invention whose main feature is:

Each component or means provided in the device of the present invention is as follows.

The ‘AI sensor unit 110’ is composed of one or more AI sensors and is a key means used to recognize the characteristics or state of the cup in the device of the present invention. The device of the present invention uses one or more artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition sensors (hereinafter referred to as 'AI sensors') to determine the shape, size, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, and the residue remaining in the cup. It is configured to automatically recognize the characteristics or status of the cup, such as the amount and degree of water or the location of residue, the frequency of cup cleaning (frequency of use), the presence or absence of lipstick marks, or the location of lipstick marks.

The AI sensor is designed to accurately sense the state of the cup to be cleaned (hereinafter also referred to as 'cup characteristics or state' or 'cup characteristic') and detect the result for that state, and is separately configured for each characteristic or state to be sensed. Sensors can be used, and it can also be configured to sense multiple characteristics or states using one AI sensor. In order to more accurately recognize various characteristics or states of the cup, it is desirable to use multiple AI sensors, and it can also be configured to use multiple AI sensors to recognize one characteristic.

For example, if you want to sense the size or shape of a cup, you can detect the size or shape of the cup by installing an AI sensor on one side of the sterilizing and washing unit to sense the external size or shape of the cup. However, if you want to detect the size or shape of the cup more accurately, place multiple AI sensors inside the sterilizing and washing unit to sense the size or shape of the cup, and then combine the sensing results of each sensor to determine the size of the cup. It can also be configured to detect accurately.

The device of the present invention uses an AI sensor to determine the size, shape or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree or location of the residue remaining in the cup, the washing frequency of the cup, etc. After accurately detecting various characteristics of the cup, the results are used to derive the optimal cleaning method for the cup to be cleaned, and the cup is cleaned according to the derived method.

In the prior art, the cup was cleaned at the same time and using the same method regardless of the size, shape, or material of the cup, or the amount or degree of residue, but the present invention accurately detects the size or shape of the cup and the amount, degree, or location of residue. Then, the detection result is used to determine the amount of washing water, the temperature of the washing water, the washing time, the concentration of the sterilizing water, etc., and the washing operation is performed according to the determined contents. In the device of the present invention, each component is operated to clean the cup in the most effective way by controlling the spray amount or spray pressure of washing water and controlling the spray amount or spray pressure of steam or hot air according to the control of the control means 100. .

Meanwhile, the AI sensor that senses the amount or degree of residue among the one or more AI sensors provided in the AI sensor unit 110 of the present invention measures the amount or degree of residue again after washing the cup and uses the control means 100. By delivering it to , it can be used to compare the amount or degree of residue before and after washing.

Among the devices of the present invention, the sterilization and cleaning unit 200 is a means for performing a sterilization and cleaning operation on the cup to be cleaned, and includes a cup holder, a washing water spray nozzle, a steam spray nozzle, a hot air supply nozzle, a cup support means, an opening and closing cover, etc. It consists of:

The inside of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 is provided with a cup holder on which the cup to be cleaned can be placed. Additionally, inside the sterilizing and washing unit 200, there is a washing water spray nozzle that sprays sterilizing washing water toward the cup and a high-pressure steam spraying toward the cup. A steam injection nozzle may be provided, and a hot air supply nozzle may be further provided to quickly dry the cup by supplying hot air to the cup placed inside the sterilizing and washing unit.

In addition, inside the sterilizing and washing unit, there is a cup support means for fixing the cup placed on the cup holder to prevent the cup from changing or shaking during the cleaning operation, and a cup support means for inserting the cup to be cleaned into the sterilizing and washing unit. It is configured to include a cover that is opened and closed during the cleaning operation, and then opens again so that the cup can be taken out to the outside after cleaning.

The present invention relates to a device configured to wash a cup using sterilizing washing water, and for this purpose, the device of the present invention is equipped with a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generating means 140. The hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generating means 140 is a means for producing sterilizing water in real time using real-time electrolysis technology.

A hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generator is a means of generating hypochlorous acid by electrolyzing drinking water such as tap water containing trace amounts of chlorine ions using a metal electrode made of titanium platinum (alloy), iridium, ruthenium, etc. When a hypochlorous acid generator is used, hypochlorous acid (HOCl), a high concentration of free chlorine with strong sterilizing power, is generated. Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has strong sterilizing power (approximately 80 times that of bleach), and its residence time in water is very short, making it advantageous for use as sterilizing water. In addition, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has no odor, is non-irritating, does not irritate the skin, is harmless to the human body, and can quickly sterilize common bacteria such as viruses, molds, food poisoning bacteria, and E. coli.

In particular, hypochlorous acid can be manufactured through electrolysis using only tap water without additional detergents or chemicals, and is an eco-friendly sterilizing disinfectant that is reduced to regular water after sterilizing and does not cause secondary pollution. The U.S. FDA approved the use of hypochlorous acid as a washing water for fruits and vegetables in 2000, and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety permitted its use as a food additive in 2007 and as a sterilizer and disinfectant for furniture, etc. in 2008. .

The device of the present invention is configured to control the amount of hypochlorous acid generated by controlling the amount of power supplied to the hypochlorous acid generator. Therefore, when washing a cup that requires more sterilizing water for sterilizing and washing, the hypochlorous acid generator is controlled to generate an additional appropriate amount of hypochlorous acid and supply it into the washing water, thereby increasing the sterilizing efficiency of the cup.

The device of the present invention is configured to control the amount of power supplied to the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 to control the amount of hypochlorous acid generated, that is, the amount of sterilizing water generated. To this end, the amount of power supplied to the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 is controlled. A means for controlling the amount of power that can be used is provided.

The device of the present invention is equipped with a washing water heating means (130). The device of the present invention is configured to detect the type or nature of the beverage, the type, amount, or location of the residue remaining in the cup through an AI sensor, and is a means for varying the temperature of the washing water according to the detection result. A phosphorus washing water heating means 130 is provided. The washing water heating means 130 is used at room temperature or low temperature, for example, when the type of used beverage sensed by the AI sensor is milk or a beverage containing milk or the amount of sensed residue exceeds the normal level. If it is judged that rapid cleaning will be difficult when using washing water, the purpose is to heat the washing water to increase its temperature so that the cup can be washed quickly. The washing water heating means 130 may be configured to include an electric heater that can instantaneously heat the washing water.

The device of the present invention is configured to remove bacteria and viruses contained in reusable cups or washing water using UV sterilization means 150. The UV sterilizing means 150 irradiates ultraviolet rays (UV-C) to the washing water supplied for washing the cup to remove harmful microorganisms and viruses such as bacteria contained in the washing water, or to clean it within the sterilizing and washing unit 200. This is to remove harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the cup inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit 200 during the operation.

On the other hand, when ultraviolet rays (UV-C) are irradiated to washing water containing hypochlorous acid (HOCl) for a relatively long time (about 2 to 3 minutes), the concentration of hypochlorous acid is greatly reduced, that is, , the effect of neutralizing hypochlorous acid occurs. Using the above effect, the device of the present invention can be configured to irradiate ultraviolet rays (UV-C) to the sterilizing washing water discharged after the washing operation to significantly reduce the concentration of hypochlorous acid and then discharge the sterilizing washing water. In this case, a discharged water storage tank is provided in which the sterilizing washing water can stay for a certain period of time (2 minutes or more and 3 minutes or less) before being discharged to the outside, and UV-C ultraviolet rays generated from the UV/sterilizing means 150 are supplied to the discharged water storage tank. By irradiation, the concentration of hypochlorous acid remaining in the washing water can be greatly reduced and then discharged.

The UV sterilizing means 150 used in the device of the present invention includes a UV generating means that generates UV-C (ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 100 to 280 nm). UV-C has the shortest wavelength among ultraviolet rays and has the function of killing single-celled organic matter such as Escherichia coli. In the present invention, it is used to remove harmful organic matter such as harmful bacteria present in washing water or cups, and is used to remove harmful germs contained in discharged water. It can also be used to lower the concentration of chloric acid.

The device of the present invention includes a means for washing the cup using sterilizing washing water containing hypochlorous acid and a steam generating means for cleaning the cup to be cleaned more cleanly by generating high temperature steam (steam) and spraying it on the cup. It can be configured including (170). The steam generating means 170 may include a water supply means for generating steam, a heating means, and a steam pressure control means. The steam generating means 170 used in the present invention is a device that can generate powerful steam by applying small, powerful steam injection technology.

The steam generated by the steam generating means 170 is sprayed at high pressure into the cup inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit 200 through the steam injection nozzle. The amount or injection pressure of the sprayed steam can be adjusted depending on the state of the cup, such as the amount or type of contaminants. In addition, when necessary, it may include a configuration for controlling the injection direction of the steam injection nozzle to spray high-pressure steam toward the area where residues or contaminants are concentrated.

The device of the present invention may be additionally equipped with hot air generating means 160 to quickly dry the cup using hot air. The hot air generating means 160 can be additionally provided according to the buyer's request. The hot air generating means 160 may be configured to include a blower, a heating heater, and a power supply means, and may be configured to adjust the amount of hot air supplied or the hot air blowing pressure. The drying function used in the description of the operation of the present invention is achieved through the hot air generating means 160.

The control means (100; MCU) of the present invention receives the detection results for each characteristic of the cup detected through the AI sensor, analyzes the results, determines the optimal sterilization and cleaning method for the cup, and determines the determined contents. It is a means for controlling the entire device to perform a sterilizing and cleaning operation on the cup according to. The control means 100 of the present invention determines the optimal cleaning method by applying AI visual/image sensing and analysis, and optimal control technology, and Control the device so that the cleaning operation is performed according to the cleaning method. The operation of the control means 100 will be described in more detail below in the description of the cleaning operation steps performed in the device of the present invention.

The washing water supply means 120 is a means for supplying washing water used for washing the cup, and may include a water supply pipe, a water supply valve, and a water pump.

The sterilizing washing water discharge means 210 is a means for discharging the sterilizing washing water used to wash the cup, and may include a drain pipe, a drain valve, a drain pump, etc. Hypochlorous acid contained in the sterilizing washing water discharged after washing from the device of the present invention has the property of being reduced to water over time, so it does not place a burden on the environment. In particular, when UV-C generated from the UV sterilizing means 150 is irradiated to the discharged sterilizing washing water, hypochlorous acid contained therein can be quickly removed.

In the device of the present invention, the sterilizing washing water used to sterilize and wash the cup is discharged to the outside through the sterilizing washing water discharge means 210, and the sterilizing washing water discharge means 210 includes a drain pump and an electronic valve for draining. It can be. In addition, in order to significantly reduce the concentration of hypochlorous acid by irradiating UV-C to the discharged sterilizing washing water, a discharge water storage tank may be provided, and UV-C may be configured to irradiate the discharge water stored inside the discharge water storage tank. .

Meanwhile, the sterilizing and washing unit 200 of the present invention, which has been described above, is provided with a cup support means for supporting the cup.

In the device of the present invention, the cup support means is for supporting the cup that is inserted into the sterilization and cleaning unit 200, which is a means for performing a sterilization and cleaning operation on the cup. In the present invention, sterilizing washing water is sprayed from the inside of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 toward the cup to be cleaned, and operations such as spraying high-pressure steam to the cup to be cleaned or blowing drying hot air toward the cup are performed. Therefore, the sterilizing and washing unit of the present invention must be equipped with means to firmly support the cup.

That is, the cup support means provided inside the sterilizing and washing unit 200 of the present invention holds the cup so that it does not shake even when the washing water spray pressure, steam spray pressure, or hot air supply pressure acting on the cup to be cleaned. It is a means that plays a supporting role. In particular, the device of the present invention is configured to increase cleaning efficiency by adjusting the supply amount or supply pressure of sterilizing washing water, steam, or hot air, so the cup inserted into the sterilizing washing unit must be fixed.

The device of the present invention performs a sterilizing cleaning operation while the cup to be cleaned is placed upside down with the opening facing downward. Therefore, in the device of the present invention, the cup support means is formed to have a plurality of support bars at a certain point from the opening of the cup that is placed upside down, or is provided with a pressing means that supports the cup by pressing the outer upper part of the bottom surface of the cup that is placed upside down. It can be formed as much as possible. When supporting a cup using multiple supports, the supports are configured to support the cup at a certain position from the mouth of the cup so that sterilization and cleaning operation on the outside of the mouth of the cup, where contamination mainly occurs, is not hindered. do.

The device of the present invention is provided with display means 300. The display means 300 may display information such as how to use the device, operating status, number of uses, or comparison of the state of residue before and after cup cleaning. The display means is intended to allow the user to visually check the operating status of the device.

The device of the present invention generates a signal sound or message related to the operation of the device, for example, when the cover of the sterilizing and washing section is opened and closed, or when the cleaning operation is completed, and at the same time, related content is displayed in text or pictures through a display means. The operation details of the device, such as cleaning in progress, steam spraying, hot air drying, etc., can also be expressed in text or pictures.

Additionally, the device of the present invention may be configured to allow the user to additionally select the operation of the device through the display means 300. The display means may be in the form of a small monitor or touch panel, and may be provided with a selection window for selecting a drying function or a touch unit for selecting a drying function.

Meanwhile, the device of the present invention can also compare and display the state of residue on the cup before and after washing through the display means 300. This is to allow users to use the device with confidence and at the same time increase trust in the device.

The sterilizing and washing device of the present invention, which includes the means as described above, is configured to wash a cup using ordinary water such as tap water as a water source, and includes a washing water supply means ( 120), a washing water heating means 130 for heating the washing water, and a hypochlorous acid (HOCl) generating means for treating the supplied washing water by electrolysis to generate hypochlorous acid in the washing water. Washing water that has passed through the hypochlorous acid generating means (140) contains hypochlorous acid and has sterilizing ability. Therefore, in the present invention, washing water with an increased hypochlorous acid concentration passing through the hypochlorous acid generating means (140) is referred to as sterilizing washing water. In other words, the sterilizing washing water used in the present invention means washing water containing hypochlorous acid.

Additionally, the sterilizing and washing device of the present invention is equipped with a UV sterilizing means (150). The UV sterilization means 150 is a means for generating UV-C, and is a means to significantly increase the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the wash water in a short period of time (3 to 5 seconds) by irradiating UV-C to the wash water. In the device of the present invention, UV-C generated from the UV sterilizing means 150 is irradiated to the washing water passing through the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 or irradiated to the cup inside the sterilizing washing unit 200 to achieve a sterilizing effect on the cup. It is configured to further increase.

Meanwhile, the device of the present invention may be configured to irradiate UV-C to the sterilizing washing water discharge means 210. The reason for irradiating UV-C to the sterilizing washing water discharge means 210 is that the hypochlorous acid remaining in the sterilizing washing water discharge means 210 is irradiated with UV-C. This is to drastically reduce the concentration. In other words, when UV-C is irradiated to ordinary water such as tap water for a short period of time (3 to 5 seconds), the concentration of hypochlorous acid increases significantly, but when the UV-C irradiation time is prolonged, e.g. When UV-C is irradiated for more than 2 minutes but less than 3 minutes, contrary to the above, the concentration of hypochlorous acid rapidly decreases.

The present invention utilizes the above characteristics of UV-C to increase the concentration of sterilizing water and also reduces the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the discharged washing water by using a UV sterilizing means (150 ) can also be configured to be provided.

Before starting an operation such as spraying sterilizing washing water on the cup introduced into the sterilizing and washing unit 200, the device of the present invention first determines the shape, size and material of the cup to be cleaned through the AI sensor provided in the sterilizing and washing unit. , it automatically senses the characteristics or status of the cup, such as the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree or location of residue remaining in the cup, the frequency of cleaning the cup, the presence or absence of lipstick marks, or the location of lipstick marks.

The AI sensor included in the AI sensor unit 110 is installed in the sterilization and washing unit 200, and a plurality of AI sensors may be installed to detect each of the characteristics or status of the cup as described above, or a single AI sensor may be used to detect the above-mentioned characteristics or condition. It can also be configured to detect multiple characteristics or conditions.

The AI sensor may be configured to include a sensing unit, and the sensing unit of the AI sensor may be installed on the side of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 to detect the size, shape or material of the cup, type or nature of the beverage, and amount or degree of residue (if necessary). The result is detected by sensing the main characteristics or status of the cup, such as the location of the residue, the presence or location of lipstick marks, and the frequency of cup cleaning (frequency of use), and the detected result is controlled. It is delivered to the means 100. In order to detect (sensing) the washing frequency (frequency of use) of the cup, you can attach a QR code to the cup and have the AI sensor recognize the cup. After the AI sensor remembers the shape of the cup, the cup can be used for subsequent washing. You can also make it recognize.

Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining the contents of a cleaning operation or method performed in the device of the present invention. Figure 2 corresponds to an embodiment of one of the types of washing operations that can be implemented through the device of the present invention, and in this figure, one or a plurality of AI sensors monitor various characteristics or states of the cup to be washed, that is, The size, shape or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount and degree of residue, the presence or absence of lipstick marks, and the frequency of use of the cup are detected.

As shown in Figure 2, after the AI sensor senses the characteristics or state of the cup, the sensed result is transmitted to the control means 100, and the control means 100 that receives the sensing result value receives the result. is analyzed to determine the optimal cleaning method, and the device is controlled to perform the cleaning operation according to the determined cleaning method. The details of the sterilization and cleaning operation performed by the device of the present invention under the control of the control means 100 are as follows.

First, in order to clean a used cup, the user must insert the cup into the sterilization and cleaning unit 200 in the device of the present invention. The device of the present invention is equipped with a proximity sensor capable of recognizing the approach of a cup on the cover of the sterilizing and cleaning section or at a position adjacent thereto, so that when an object recognized as a cup approaches the cover of the sterilizing and cleaning section, the device of the present invention beeps. The cover is opened with a cup recognition sound such as a sound.

In addition, the device of the present invention, when the proximity sensor installed on the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit or adjacent to it recognizes the approach of the cup, asks a text or voice question as to whether the cleaning operation is performed, and the proximity sensor installed adjacent to the cover The touch panel can be configured to allow the user to input an answer by touching it. At this time, when the user touches “Start,” the cover of the sterilization and cleaning section opens to allow the cup to be inserted. It can also be configured to start the sterilization and cleaning operation after the cup is inserted and the cover is closed.

Alternatively, instead of using a proximity sensor, the user directly presses the start button installed adjacent to the cover, or when the user touches “Start” on the touch panel installed adjacent to the cover, the sterilizing and cleaning unit ( The cover of 200) can be opened to insert the cup, and the sterilization and cleaning operation for the cup can be started after the cover is closed after the cup is inserted.

That is, the device of the present invention operates so that the cover opens immediately when the user approaches the cup to the cover, or when the user presses the start button or touches the 'start' part of the touch panel, the cover of the sterilizing and cleaning unit 200 opens. It can be configured to open so that the user can insert the cup to be cleaned into the sterilizing and washing unit. After the cup is put into the sterilizing and washing unit, the control means 100 uses a sensor provided inside the sterilizing and washing unit to check whether the cup is correctly placed in the cup holder and determines whether the cup is correctly placed in the normal position of the holder. Once confirmed, the control means 100 fixes the cup with the cup support means so that the position of the cup does not change or the cup does not shake during the cleaning operation.

After supporting the cup, the control means 100 controls the AI sensor, which operates as described above, to sense various characteristics or states of the cup to be cleaned.

The AI sensor applied to the present invention is an artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition sensor, and uses artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition to determine the shape, size, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, and the type of residue remaining in the cup. , the results can be accurately detected by sensing the characteristics or status of the cup, such as the amount or location, the number of times the cup has been used, and the presence or location of lipstick marks. In the present invention, one or more AI sensors can be used to more accurately sense various characteristics or conditions of the cup.

The AI sensor senses various characteristics or states as described above and then transmits the results to the control means (100).

The control means 100, which receives the result of sensing the characteristics or state of the cup to be cleaned from the AI sensor, calculates the optimal cleaning method considering the received characteristic or state of the cup. After sensing six characteristics or states as shown in Figure 2, the control means 100 that receives the results can control the device to perform the following cleaning operation.

First, the control means 100 of the present invention can determine the contents of the washing operation in consideration of the size or shape of the cup to be washed received from the AI sensor and control the device to proceed with the washing operation according to the contents. If the size of the cup is larger than the average cup size, the spray amount of washing water can be increased and the washing operation time can be increased by considering the relative size. On the other hand, if the size of the cup is relatively small, the amount of washing water sprayed can be reduced and the washing operation time can be reduced by taking the size into account. The size of the cup can be determined by classifying the size of the cup to be cleaned based on the average cup size, or can be set by referring to the cup manufacturer's data.

If the shape of the cup sensed by the AI sensor is a typical cup shape, there is no need to consider the shape separately. However, if the shape of the cup is outside the normal shape, such as a cylindrical or conical shape, the control means can derive a cleaning method suitable for the shape and clean the cup.

The control means 100 of the device of the present invention determines the contents of the washing operation, that is, the washing water spray amount, washing operation time, and the temperature of the washing water, in consideration of the material of the reusable cup received from the AI sensor, and determines the concentration of the sterilizing water when necessary. That is, the concentration of hypochlorous acid in the washing water can be controlled or the steam injection pressure can be controlled.

In addition, the control means 100 of the present invention detects that the amount of residue exceeds the average value from the sensing value of the characteristics or state of the cup received from the AI sensor, the residue is concentrated in a specific location, or there is a lipstick mark. When the presence of this is recognized, the device can be operated to control the spray direction of the sterilizing washing water spray nozzle or the steam spray nozzle so that the sterilizing washing water or steam is sprayed intensively toward the location of the residue or the lipstick.

The material of the reusable cup is usually made of materials such as metal, ceramic, polyethylene, or silicone, but in rare cases, it may be made of materials such as wood. In the case of cups made of metal or ceramic materials, they can safely withstand high temperatures, so in this case, the washing water can be heated to a high temperature, for example, about 80-90°C and used for washing. On the other hand, in the case of materials such as plastic, it is preferable to wash at a lower temperature. In the case of materials that can be washed at high temperatures, the washing operation time can be shortened, and in the case of cups made of materials such as plastic, the washing time can be lengthened instead of lowering the temperature of the washing water, or the spray pressure of the washing water can be increased. Cleaning can be done by increasing the spray amount.

In addition, the control means 100 of the present invention determines the contents of the washing operation according to the type or nature of the beverage used in the cup received from the AI sensor, and controls the device to proceed with the washing operation according to the contents. The most important factors to consider when deciding on a cleaning method for a cup are the type or nature of the beverage and the amount or degree of residue. The degree of residue can be determined by classifying it as trace, moderate, large, or excessive depending on the amount or distribution state of the sensed residue.

The control means 100 of the device of the present invention determines the optimal washing water injection amount, washing operation time, washing water temperature, sterilizing water concentration, steam injection pressure, and electrolysis power supply amount according to the sensed type of beverage, and the determined Each component of the device is controlled so that the cleaning operation is performed according to the contents. That is, the control means 100 controls the washing water supply means 120, the washing water heating means 130, the hypochlorous acid generating means 140, the UV sterilizing means 150, and the steam generating means 170, The device is controlled so that the cleaning operation is performed according to the information determined above.

For example, if the sensed (used) beverage is a type such as milk that tends to tangle and does not dissolve well in cold water, increase the temperature of the washing water and increase the spray amount of washing water or extend the washing time to wash the cup, if necessary. The device is controlled to generate steam through a steam generating means and spray it on the cup to further increase the cleaning effect. If the type of beverage is something that is easily cleaned, such as regular coffee or light beverages, the cup can be washed while maintaining the temperature of the washing water at a low temperature, for example, 40 to 50 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the control means 100 of the present invention determines the contents of the washing operation according to the amount or degree of residue of the beverage remaining in the cup received from the AI sensor and controls the device to proceed with the washing operation according to the contents. can do. Since the residue remains after using the cup and allows the state of the cup to be visually known, cleaning the residue cleanly is a very important factor in the operation of the device of the present invention.

When a particularly large amount of residue is detected or the range of residue (contamination range) is wide, the control means 100 of the apparatus of the present invention sets the washing water spray amount, washing operation time, and washing water in a range that can quickly wash the residue. The temperature, concentration of sterilizing water, steam injection pressure, and power supply for electrolysis are determined, and the cleaning operation is performed accordingly, and the device is controlled to ensure sufficient cleaning. In this case as well, the control means 100 includes a washing water supply means 120, a washing water heating means 130, and hypochlorous acid generation, as in the case of performing a washing operation according to an optimal method determined according to the type or nature of the beverage described above. The means 140, UV sterilizing means 150, and steam generating means 170 are controlled to ensure optimal cleaning operation.

In particular, the device of the present invention can be operated to clean the residue more effectively when a residue such as a lipstick mark made of a material that is difficult to clean, such as oil or wax, is sensed on the surface of the cup. In other words, when the AI sensor senses a residue of a material such as a lipstick mark and transmits it to the control means 100, the control means 100 controls the device to proceed with the most appropriate cleaning operation according to the contents of the residue. do.

In this case, the control means 100 first operates the wash water heating means 130 to raise the temperature of the wash water higher than the normal wash temperature, and controls the wash water supply means 120 to increase the spray amount or spray pressure of the wash water. At the same time, the steam generating means 170 is controlled to generate steam, and then high-pressure steam is sprayed onto the lipstick portion of the cup, thereby controlling the device to more effectively clean lipstick marks, etc. In other words, by controlling the elements related to the cleaning operation as shown in Figure 2, even difficult lipstick marks can be cleaned effectively.

In the device of the present invention, the control means 100 senses the cleaning frequency (frequency of use) of the personal cup, and controls the device to perform a cleaning operation different from the cleaning of a normal cup for a cup with a high cleaning frequency. can do. In other words, if the AI sensor recognizes that the reusable cup to be cleaned is that of a user who frequently cleans, it can perform a cleaning operation different from that of a regular cup for that cup.

In the case of cups used by users who wash cups frequently, the contamination level of the cup is relatively low, or the cup is washed again without any residue remaining inside the cup for a long time. This applies to regular cups. Even if all the cleaning operations are not performed, sufficient cleaning can be performed. Therefore, in this case, the cup may be cleaned by selecting a cleaning method such as shortening the cleaning operation time or reducing the spray amount of washing water. In this case, the AI sensor must be able to recognize that the cup is a cup that is washed frequently, so a barcode, QR code, or a separate mark that can be recognized by the sensor of the present invention must be provided on one side of the cup.

The configuration that senses the cleaning frequency or usage frequency can be applied to devices installed in places where many people work in limited spaces, such as companies or government offices. After storing the cleaning frequency or number of cups for each user by period, , It can be used to provide benefits to users, such as coupon payments, to users who have used the device more than a certain number of times. This service for users reduces environmental pollution caused by disposable cups by suppressing the use of disposable cups and encouraging the use of reusable cups. At the same time, the use of disposable cups in cafes and restaurants is prohibited from April 1, 2022. This is to help consumers adapt more quickly to changed situations.

Meanwhile, the control means 100 of the device of the present invention analyzed the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by the AI sensor and found that the cup was used for a long time and there were many cracks or rust on the surface, so the cleaning effect of the cup was reduced. If it is determined that the cup may fall, a comment regarding the condition or a comment recommending replacement of the cup can be generated.

Figure 3 is for explaining the flow of the cleaning operation performed under the control of the control means 100 and the contents of the cleaning method according to the performance of the operation in the device of the present invention.

In Figure 3, in the automatic sterilization and cleaning device for disposable cups configured as shown in Figure 1, the AI sensor senses the characteristics or state of the cup as shown in Figure 2 and transmits the result to the control means 100. The control means 100 that receives the signal analyzes the sensing results and determines the optimal cleaning method to be applied to the cup to be cleaned.

That is, the control means 100 of the present invention calculates the washing water spray amount or spray pressure to be applied to the cup to be washed, the washing operation time, the temperature of the washing water, the concentration of the sterilizing water, the steam injection pressure, and the amount of power supply for electrolysis, etc. In order to achieve the optimal sterilization and cleaning operation according to the calculated contents, a washing water supply means 120, a washing water heating means 130, a hypochlorous acid generating means 140, a UV/sterilizing means 150, and a steam generating means. (170) is controlled, and the sensing results of the AI sensor are analyzed to determine the cleaning operation time of the device.

First, when power is turned on to the device of the present invention, step S10 is performed to prepare the device to perform a cleaning operation.

In order for the cup user to clean the reusable cup using the device of the present invention, the cup must be approached to the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200. In the present invention, the drying function can be selected in advance before the cup is approached to the device. It is composed (S15). The drying function selected at this time is called ‘drying function 1’, and this drying function 1 is the function to be selected when you want to perform the entire process of drying the cup after washing it. This function is selected by the user, and when selected, a hot air supply operation for drying the cup is additionally performed immediately after the washing operation is performed.

If the user directly approaches the cup to the cover without selecting drying function 1, the approach detection sensor provided in the device of the present invention recognizes the approach of the cup and opens the cover of the sterilization and cleaning unit 200 ( S20).

That is, when the user approaches the cup to the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 immediately after step S15 for selecting the drying function 1 is performed or without performing step S15, the control means 100 is operated on the cover or adjacent to the cover. After recognizing the approach of the cup through a detection sensor provided at the location, the device is controlled to generate a recognition sound such as a beep sound and at the same time open the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200.

When the cover is opened, the user can insert the cup into the sterilizing and washing unit 200. After the cup is inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit, the control means 100 controls the device to close the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit, and the cover is closed. After generating a message such as that the cleaning operation will begin after closing, the device is controlled so that the cleaning operation begins (S30).

After step S30, step S40 is performed in which the AI sensor senses the characteristics or state of the cup to be washed. Step S40 is a step in which the characteristics or properties of the cup are sensed by one or more AI sensors provided in the device of the present invention, and is one of the most important steps in the present invention.

In step S40, the type of cup characteristic or state to be sensed by the AI sensor can be selected in advance when manufacturing the device, tailored to the user's request, or selected according to the characteristics of the place where the sterilizing and cleaning device will be used. In the device of the present invention, the characteristics or status of one or more cups are sensed through one or more AI sensors. As described above, the AI sensor used in the device of the present invention determines the size, shape, and material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the amount, degree, or location of the residue remaining in the cup, the presence of lipstick, This could be the frequency of cleaning of the cup used.

In step S40, the AI sensor can sense the size of the cup by dividing it into small, medium, and large, for example, and the material of the cup, for example, metal, mug (ceramic), glass, plastic, wood, etc. It can be sensed by classifying it by type, and in the case of the type or nature of the beverage, it can be sensed by classifying it into, for example, coffee, cafe latte, milk, green tea, black tea, carbonated drinks, etc., and detecting any residue or residue remaining in the cup. In the case of amount or degree, it can be sensed in the form of trace, moderate, large, or full-range residues.

In the case of lipstick marks, the color of the residue is very different from that of regular drinks, so we apply artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition for the unique color to determine whether it is a lipstick mark and then determine the degree of contamination. For example, it can be sensed in the form of weak, medium, strong, etc.

In the case of the frequency of cup use or cup cleaning frequency (number of times), for example, it can be sensed by classifying it into within 2 hours, 3 to 5 hours, or more than 6 hours. For this, the AI sensor measures the size of the cup, It remembers characteristics such as shape and automatically recognizes the cup's washing frequency (frequency of use, number of washing times) during subsequent washing, or detects the washing frequency or usage frequency by recognizing the barcode or QR code attached to the cup. You can also do it.

After step S40, step S50 is performed in which the result values of the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by AI are transmitted to the control means 100.

The control means 100, which receives the result regarding the characteristics or state of the cup in step S50, analyzes each characteristic or state to determine the optimal cleaning method for the cup, and performs a cleaning operation according to the determined contents. Step S60 is performed to control each component of the device to Step S60 is a step in which the contents of the optimal washing operation to be performed by the device of the present invention are determined and the control means 100 controls each component of the device according to the determined contents to perform the operation of washing the cup. This is the core step of the cleaning operation performed in the device of the invention.

At this stage, the control means 100 analyzes sensing values for the size or material of the cup, type or nature of the beverage, amount or degree of residue, etc. to determine the optimal cleaning method to most effectively clean the cup, According to the determined cleaning method, the washing water spray amount, washing water temperature, washing operation time, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc. are determined, and related components of the device are controlled so that the washing operation is performed according to the method.

In order to perform a washing operation according to the optimal washing method determined in step S60, the control means 100 controls the washing water supply means 120 to control the spray amount or spray pressure of the washing water, and the wash water heating means 130. The temperature of the washing water is controlled by controlling the temperature of the washing water, and the concentration of the sterilizing water is controlled by controlling the amount of power supplied for electrolysis supplied to the hypochlorous acid generating means (140). Additionally, the control means 100 controls the steam generating means 170 to spray high-pressure steam toward the cup to be cleaned.

Meanwhile, although not shown in Figure 3, in the automatic sterilization and cleaning method of a reusable cup according to the present invention, step S61 is performed to compare and display the state of the residue before and after washing the cup through the display means 300 immediately after performing step S60. It can also be configured to perform additional operations. At this time, the comparison of the status of the residue displayed may be displayed on the display means 300 for a certain period of time or until the end of washing.

Meanwhile, after step S60, another step related to selection of the drying function, that is, drying function 2, that is, step S65, may be performed. Step S65 is selectable by the user like the previous step S15, and is designed to allow the user who did not select dry function 1 in step S15 to select the dry function after step S60, that is, immediately after the washing operation is completed. It's a step. Even when the drying function is selected in drying function 2, an additional step for drying the cup is performed after the washing operation.

When drying function 1 is selected in the device of the present invention, the control means 100 operates the hot air generating means 160 immediately after the end of the washing operation to generate hot air, and the cup in the sterilizing and washing unit 200 through the hot air supply nozzle. The device is controlled to dry the cup by spraying hot air toward it.

If the washing operation starts while drying function selection 1 is not selected, the control means 100 may give the user an opportunity to select the drying function after the washing operation is completed (after performing step S60) (S65) ). At this time, selecting the drying function is called drying function 2. If drying function 1 is not selected, the control means 100 may give the user time to select drying function 2 immediately after performing step S60. At this time, it is desirable that the given time be as short as 3 or 5 seconds. If this time becomes longer, it becomes difficult to achieve the rapid sterilization and cleaning function unique to the present invention.

Meanwhile, the device of the present invention may be configured to perform only a washing operation without performing a drying function by omitting all of the steps of selecting drying function 1 and drying function 2 in FIG. 3. In this case, the drying function is omitted, so the cleaning operation can be performed very quickly.

When the drying function is selected, the control means 100 operates the hot air generating means 160 immediately after the end of the washing operation (when drying function 1 is selected) or immediately after selecting drying function 2 according to step S65 to sterilize and wash the unit 200. ) to dry the cup quickly by spraying hot air toward the cup inside.

Meanwhile, the device of the present invention is provided with a selection button or a touch panel selection unit that is a means for the user to select a drying function, so that the user can press the drying function selection button or select the drying function selection unit on the touch panel at any time before the end of step S60. The device can also be configured to perform a drying function by touching it.

If the drying function is selected in step S15 or step S65, the control means 100 of the present invention performs a hot air drying operation and then opens the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200, and if the drying function is not selected, In step S60, the device is controlled to open the cover of the sterilizing and washing section immediately after performing step S60. In addition, when opening the cover, the control means 100 may generate a signal sound or output a message notifying opening and allow the cover to be opened.

After the washing operation is completed through step S60, the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 is opened, and step S70 is performed in which the user can remove the cup from the sterilizing and washing unit. In step S70, the cover is opened and a message such as information indicating that sterilization and washing has been completed may be generated.

After performing step S70, the device of the present invention completes all cleaning-related operations, and at the same time, step S80 is performed to return to the standby state for performing the next cleaning operation.

The effects that can be expected through the automatic sterilizing and cleaning device for disposable cups of the present invention, which is configured and operated as described above, include the following.

The automatic sterilizing and cleaning device and method of the present invention applies artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition technology to sense the characteristics or state of the cup through an AI sensor, analyze the value, and determine the optimal cleaning method according to the analysis results. This allows the cleaning operation to proceed.

The automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology of the present invention detects various characteristics or conditions of the cup by applying artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition technology and then analyzes the detected results to determine the optimal cleaning method. By calculating , it is possible to clean the cup more quickly and effectively compared to the prior art. In the case of the prior art, it often took 60 seconds or more to clean, but when using the device of the present invention, it is possible to sterilize and clean reusable cups in as short a time as 7 to 15 seconds.

The control means 100 of the device of the present invention analyzes the characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor, determines the optimal hypochlorous acid (HOCl) concentration required for cleaning the cup, and then controls the power amount of the hypochlorous acid generating means. By ensuring that the washing water is sterilizing washing water containing hypochlorous acid at a determined concentration, the cup can be most effectively sterilized and washed.

The present invention irradiates UV-C, which has a very high sterilizing effect on harmful microorganisms, on the washing water or the cup in the sterilizing washing unit 200, and adjusts the irradiation position or time to have a sterilizing effect on viruses contained in the washing water or remaining in the cup. can increase.

The device of the present invention can improve sterilization and cleaning power of reusable cups by adjusting the temperature, washing water spray amount, or spray pressure of the washing water depending on the nature or type of beverage. In particular, when there are residues that are difficult to clean, such as lipstick marks, or when the amount of residue is so excessive that it is not easy to clean with normal cleaning methods, the temperature of the washing water, the spray pressure or amount of the washing water, and the steam spray. The cleaning power of the cup can be strengthened by additionally adjusting the pressure.

The device of the present invention determines the optimal cleaning method by sensing and analyzing the characteristics or conditions of various cups as described above, and performs sterilization and cleaning operations according to the method, thereby reducing the sterilization and cleaning time compared to the prior art and effectively cleaning the cup. It can be sterilized and washed.

The device of the present invention uses a washing water spray nozzle to spray sterilizing washing water toward the cup to be cleaned, and in cases where the amount of residue is particularly large or lipstick marks are detected, it generates steam and cleans the cup through the steam spray nozzle. The cup can be cleaned quickly by spraying high-pressure steam into the cup. In addition, by additionally providing a hot air generating means 160, hot air can be sprayed toward the cup inside the sterilizing and washing unit 200 through a hot air supply nozzle to quickly dry the cup.

The device of the present invention can add a configuration that allows the user to select the drying function before the start of the sterilization cleaning operation or immediately after the end of the sterilizing cleaning operation, so as to meet the needs of the user who expects both sterilization cleaning and drying. I can live up to it.

The device of the present invention can increase the user's confidence in the device by comparing and displaying the state of the residue before and after washing the cup on a display means.

As the content of the present invention has been described in detail as above, the technical idea of the present invention is not only the content of the above description, but also the technical idea of the present invention is identical or similar to the technical idea of the present invention by those skilled in the art. It includes what can be applied without technical change, and also, anything similar or equivalent to the technical idea of the present invention described in the patent claims should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

100: Control means
110: AI sensor unit
120: Washing water supply means
130: Washing water heating means
140: Hypochlorous acid generation means
150: UV sterilization means
160: means of generating hot air
170: Steam generating means
200: Sterilization and washing unit
210: Sterilization washing water discharge means
300: Display means

Claims (9)

An AI sensor unit 110 that senses the characteristics or status of the reusable cup to be cleaned, a sterilizing and washing unit 200 in which a sterilizing and washing operation for the cup is performed, and a hypochlorous acid generating means 140 that generates hypochlorous acid. , It is composed of a UV sterilizing means (150) that irradiates the washing water with UV-C ultraviolet rays to produce sterilizing washing water, and a control means (100) that controls the components of the device,
The AI sensor unit 110 is configured to include one or a plurality of AI sensors, and each AI sensor senses one or more of the characteristics or states of the reusable cup, and sends the result to the control means 100. Delivered to,
The characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor include the shape, size or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the type of residue remaining in the cup, the amount or location of residue, the frequency of washing the cup, and lipstick. One or more of the presence or absence of a mark or the location of a lipstick mark,
The control means 100 receives the sensing value for the reusable cup from the AI sensor unit 110, analyzes the received result value, and determines the optimal cleaning method for the reusable cup to be cleaned. , Control the components of the device according to the determined cleaning method, control the power supply of the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 to control the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the washing water, and control the UV sterilizing means 150. An automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, which operates the device to sterilize and clean reusable cups by controlling the intensity of UV-C ultraviolet rays irradiated to the washing water.
An AI sensor unit 110 that senses the characteristics or status of the reusable cup to be cleaned, a sterilizing and washing unit 200 in which a sterilizing and washing operation for the cup is performed, and a hypochlorous acid generating means 140 that generates hypochlorous acid. , It is comprised of a steam generating means (170) that generates high-pressure steam, and a control means (100) that controls the components of the device,
The AI sensor unit 110 is configured to include one or a plurality of AI sensors, and each AI sensor senses one or more of the characteristics or states of the reusable cup, and sends the result to the control means 100. Delivered to,
The characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor include the size, shape or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the type of residue remaining in the cup, the amount or location of residue, the frequency of cup cleaning, and lipstick. One or more of the presence or absence of a mark or the location of a lipstick mark,
The control means 100 receives the sensing value for the reusable cup from the AI sensor unit 110, analyzes the received result value, and determines the optimal cleaning method for the reusable cup to be cleaned. , the components of the device are controlled according to the determined washing method, the power supply of the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 is controlled to control the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the washing water, and the output of the steam generating means 170 is controlled. An automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, characterized in that it operates the device to sterilize and clean the reusable cup by controlling the spray of high-pressure steam to the reusable cup in the sterilization and cleaning unit.
An AI sensor unit 110 that senses the characteristics or status of the reusable cup to be cleaned, a sterilizing and washing unit 200 in which a sterilizing and washing operation for the cup is performed, and a hypochlorous acid generating means 140 that generates hypochlorous acid. , a UV sterilizing means (150) that irradiates the washing water with UV-C ultraviolet rays to produce sterilizing washing water, a steam generating means (170) that generates high-pressure steam, and a control means (100) that controls the components of the device. It is composed of
The AI sensor unit 110 is configured to include one or a plurality of AI sensors, and each AI sensor senses one or more of the characteristics or states of the reusable cup, and sends the result to the control means 100. Delivered to,
The characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor include the shape, size or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the type of residue remaining in the cup, the amount or location of residue, the frequency of washing the cup, and lipstick. One or more of the presence or absence of a mark or the location of a lipstick mark,
The control means 100 receives the sensing value for the reusable cup from the AI sensor unit 110, analyzes the received result value, and determines the optimal cleaning method for the reusable cup to be cleaned. , Control the components of the device according to the determined method, control the power supply of the hypochlorous acid generating means 140 to control the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the washing water, and control the UV sterilizing means 150 The intensity of UV-C ultraviolet rays irradiated to the washing water is controlled, and the steam generation of the steam generating means 170 is controlled to spray high-pressure steam to the reusable cup in the sterilizing and washing unit to sterilize and clean the reusable cup. An automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, characterized in that it operates the device.
An AI sensor unit 110 that senses the characteristics or status of the reusable cup to be cleaned, a sterilizing and washing unit 200 in which a sterilizing and washing operation for the cup is performed, and a hypochlorous acid generating means 140 that generates hypochlorous acid. , a UV sterilizing means (150) that irradiates the washing water with UV-C ultraviolet rays to produce sterilizing washing water, a steam generating means (170) that generates high-pressure steam, and a control means (100) that controls the components of the device, A washing water supply means 120 for supplying washing water, a washing water heating means 130 for heating the washing water to make it hot water, and a sterilizing washing water discharging means 210 for discharging sterilizing washing water during or after the washing operation. , It is configured to include a display means 300 that shows the operating state of the device,
The AI sensor unit 110 is configured to include one or a plurality of AI sensors, and each AI sensor senses one or more of the characteristics or states of the reusable cup, and sends the result to the control means 100. Delivered to,
The characteristics or status of the cup sensed by the AI sensor include the shape, size or material of the cup, the type or nature of the beverage used, the type of residue remaining in the cup, the amount or location of residue, the frequency of washing the cup, and lipstick. One or more of the presence or absence of a mark or the location of a lipstick mark,
The display means 300 displays the contents of the operation being performed by the device, such as cover opening, cover closing, cleaning in progress, steam spraying, hot air drying, etc., in text or pictures, and compares the state of residue in the cup before and after cleaning. It is composed to
The display means 300 is further provided with a selection window or touch unit that allows the user to additionally select a drying function,
After receiving the sensing value for the reusable cup from the AI sensor unit 110, the control means 100 analyzes the received result value to determine the optimal cleaning method for the reusable cup, and The components of the device are controlled according to the determined method, and the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in the washing water is controlled by controlling the power supply of the hypochlorous acid generating means 140, and the UV sterilizing means 150 is controlled to control the washing water. The intensity of the irradiated UV-C ultraviolet rays is controlled, and the steam generation of the steam generating means 170 is controlled to spray high-pressure steam to the reusable cup in the sterilizing and washing unit to sterilize and clean the reusable cup. An automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, which is characterized in that it operates.
According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the control means 100 recognizes that the amount of residue exceeds the average value, the residue is concentrated in a specific location, or the presence of a lipstick mark is detected from the sensing value of the characteristics or state of the cup received from the AI sensor, Automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, which operates to control the spraying direction of the sterilizing cleaning water spray nozzle or steam spraying nozzle so that sterilizing cleaning water or steam is sprayed intensively toward the location of residue or lipstick. .
In claim 4,
The sterilization washing water discharge means 210 is provided with a discharge water storage tank,
The discharged water storage tank stores the discharged water discharged from the sterilizing and washing unit 200 after washing for a certain period of time, and UV-C ultraviolet rays generated by the UV sterilizing means 150 are irradiated to the discharged water stored in the discharged water storage tank. An automatic sterilization and cleaning device for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology, characterized in that it is configured to lower the concentration of hypochlorous acid contained in discharged water.
In the method of automatically sterilizing and cleaning a reusable cup using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the cup is approached to the cover of the sterilization and cleaning unit 200 after the preparation step S10, the approach detection sensor recognizes the cup and operates to open the cover;
After the step S20, a cup is inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit 200, the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit is closed, and a step S30 of generating a message stating that the washing operation begins after the cover is closed.
Step S40 in which one or more AI sensors sense the characteristics or state of the cup to be washed after step S30;
Step S50 in which the result values of the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by AI after step S40 are transmitted to the control means 100;
After step S50, the control means 100, which receives the result regarding the characteristics or state of the cup, analyzes the result of each characteristic or state of the cup, determines the optimal cleaning method for the cup, and determines the determined cleaning method. Step S60 of determining the washing water spray amount, washing water temperature, washing operation time, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc. according to the method, and controlling the components of the device so that the washing operation is performed according to the determined contents;
After the cleaning operation is completed through step S60, the cover is opened to allow the cup to be removed from the sterilizing and washing unit 200, and at the same time, step S70 is sequentially performed to generate a message indicating that the sterilizing and washing has ended. An automatic sterilization and cleaning method for reusable cups such as tumblers using artificial intelligence technology.
In the method of automatically sterilizing and cleaning a reusable cup using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Step S15 of selecting the drying function 1 of the cup performed after preparation step S10,
Step S20 in which, when the cup approaches the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 after step S15, the approach detection sensor recognizes the cup and operates to open the cover;
After the step S20, a cup is inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit 200, the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit is closed, and a step S30 of generating a message stating that the washing operation begins after the cover is closed.
Step S40 in which one or more AI sensors sense the characteristics or state of the cup to be washed after step S30;
Step S50 in which the result values of the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by AI after step S40 are transmitted to the control means 100;
After step S50, the control means 100, which receives the result regarding the characteristics or state of the cup, analyzes the result of each characteristic or state of the cup, determines the optimal cleaning method for the cup, and determines the determined cleaning method. Step S60 of determining the washing water spray amount, washing water temperature, washing operation time, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc. according to the method, and controlling the components of the device so that the washing operation is performed according to the determined contents;
If the drying function is not selected in step S15, step S65 for selecting the drying function is performed immediately after performing step S60, but if the drying function is selected in step S15, hot air drying step S66 is performed immediately after step S60. If the drying function is selected in step S65, the hot air drying step S66 is performed immediately after step S65,
Artificial intelligence technology, characterized in that after performing the step S66, the cover is opened to allow the cup to be removed from the sterilizing and washing unit 200, and at the same time, a step S70 is sequentially performed to generate a message indicating that the sterilizing and washing has ended. Automatic sterilization and cleaning method for reusable cups such as tumblers using .
In the method of automatically sterilizing and cleaning a reusable cup using the device according to claim 4 or claim 6,
Step S15 of selecting the drying function 1 of the cup performed after preparation step S10,
Step S20 in which, when the cup approaches the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit 200 after step S15, the approach detection sensor recognizes the cup and operates to open the cover;
After the step S20, a cup is inserted into the sterilizing and washing unit 200, the cover of the sterilizing and washing unit is closed, and a step S30 of generating a message stating that the washing operation begins after the cover is closed.
Step S40 in which one or more AI sensors sense the characteristics or state of the cup to be washed after step S30;
Step S50 in which the result values of the characteristics or state of the cup sensed by AI after step S40 are transmitted to the control means 100;
After step S50, the control means 100, which receives the result regarding the characteristics or state of the cup, analyzes the result of each characteristic or state of the cup, determines the optimal cleaning method for the cup, and determines the determined cleaning method. Step S60 of determining the washing water spray amount, washing water temperature, washing operation time, sterilizing water concentration, steam spraying pressure, etc. according to the method, and controlling the components of the device so that the washing operation is performed according to the determined contents;
If the drying function is not selected in step S15, step S65 for selecting the drying function is performed immediately after performing step S60, but if the drying function is selected in step S15, hot air drying step S66 is performed immediately after step S60. If the drying function is selected in step S65, the hot air drying step S66 is performed immediately after step S65,
After performing the step S66, the cover is opened to allow the cup to be removed from the sterilizing and washing unit 200, and at the same time, a step S70 is sequentially performed to generate a message informing that the sterilizing and washing is completed,
After performing step S60, step S61 is further performed to compare the state of the residue before and after washing the cup through the display means 300 and display it for a certain period of time or until the end of washing. Tumbler using artificial intelligence technology, etc. How to automatically sterilize and clean reusable cups.