COMPACT AUTOMATIC COMPREHENSIVE HYGIENIZATION DEVICE FOR MENSTRUAL CUPS FOR USE IN PUBLIC SPACES

Abstract

A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, characterized by comprising a receptacle (2) with a lid (3) on its upper part for inserting and removing the cup (C) to be washed and with a clean water inlet connector (4), suitable for coupling to a mains water supply pipe, and a dirty water outlet connector (5), suitable for coupling to a drainage pipe, comprising, inside said receptacle (2), at least: - a washing system comprising one or more spray nozzles (6) that project water from the clean water inlet (4), - a disinfection system, preferably by ultraviolet radiation , - a drying system by forced ventilation and antibacterial filtration, and - an electronic control unit (7), configured to automatically execute a sequential activation cycle comprising at least a washing phase, a disinfection phase and a drying phase, without intermediate user intervention.

Description

COMPACT AUTOMATIC COMPREHENSIVE HYGIENIZATION DEVICE FOR MENSTRUAL CUPS FOR USE IN PUBLIC SPACES OBJECT OF THE INVENTION The invention, as stated in the present descriptive report, refers to a compact device for the automatic comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, presenting advantages and characteristics, which are described in detail below, that represent an improvement over the current state of the art. The object of the present invention is a device for the automatic comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups, which, formed from a compact receptacle that has respective connectors for clean water inlet and drain outlet, and internally equipped, at least, with: a water washing system, preferably with supports for placing the cup, a disinfection system, a drying system and an electronic control unit configured to automatically execute, in a sequential cycle, at least one washing phase, one disinfection phase and one drying phase without intermediate user intervention, said receptacle being especially intended for installation in toilets of public or semi-public spaces, allowing the cleaning and sanitization of menstrual cups privately and safely in said spaces. FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION The field of application of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of feminine intimate hygiene devices and, more specifically, automatic systems for washing and disinfecting menstrual cups. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Today, women and people who use menstrual cups often encounter a major difficulty when they are away from home: there are no suitable spaces to wash and sanitize them safely and privately. In public restrooms, the sink is usually shared, which creates discomfort, a lack of privacy, and concerns about hygiene. This situation can lead to unsafe washing practices, with health risks, and causes many users to discard the menstrual cup when they are not at home, despite it being a more sustainable and economical option than other products. In practice, this barrier limits the use of a product with clear social and environmental benefits, maintaining dependence on disposable products. The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to normalize and facilitate the use of the menstrual cup also outside the home, eliminating the barriers that currently limit its adoption by developing a device specially designed for installation in public toilets, so that they are more inclusive, sustainable and adapted to the real needs of people. Furthermore, with reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, although some household appliances for cleaning or sterilizing menstrual cups are known, typically based on boiling, steam, or ultraviolet radiation methods, as well as washing solutions that require the use of reusable intermediate containers, these solutions are not intended for installation in restrooms and public places. Moreover, at least to the applicant's knowledge, no other device or invention with a similar application for the automatic, comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups is known to exist that has technical, structural, and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those of the one claimed herein. EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION The compact device for the automatic comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces that the invention proposes is configured as an optimal solution to achieve the objectives indicated above while also representing an improvement over the current state of the art, with the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description. Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, is a device for the automatic comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups, which is distinguished by being formed from a receptacle with at least one water washing system, preferably supports for placing the cup inserted through a top lid, a disinfection system and a drying system controlled automatically through an electronic control unit, which is specially configured to automatically execute a sequential cycle comprising at least one washing phase, one disinfection phase and one drying phase, without intermediate user intervention, the device being specially intended for installation, by means of respective connectors for water inlet and drain outlet, in toilets of public or semi-public spaces. The invention differs from known washing devices in that it is not limited to cleaning with water, but integrates a complete automated sanitizing process into a single system. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle is watertight. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises, inside the box-shaped receptacle, a water spray washing system with one or more spray nozzles, a disinfection system, preferably with UV light and even more preferably with UV-C light, a drying system, preferably by forced ventilation with an antibacterial filter, preferably a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, which is activated after disinfection, and an electronic control unit that executes, in a predefined sequential automatic cycle, a washing phase, a disinfection phase and a drying phase, without the possibility of accessing the inside of the receptacle during its execution, guaranteeing the complete sanitization of the menstrual cup without intermediate intervention, and all this without using reusable intermediate containers. Preferably, the device comprises a menstrual cup holder inside the receptacle to hold it upside down, with nozzles provided to spray the cup both above and below. In addition, the device preferably includes temperature or humidity level sensors, as well as LED light indicators that show the status and operating cycle and, preferably, a locking system that prevents the lid from being opened until the operating cycle is complete. Optionally, the cup can rotate inside the receptacle, driven by the water flow itself and / or the movement of the stand, acting as a "mini washing machine". The disinfection system is configured so that, in addition to disinfecting the cup, it also disinfects the inside of the receptacle after use, leaving it sanitized for the next user. In one embodiment of the invention, the receptacle with water inlet and outlet connectors is equipped with a corresponding valve mechanism whose opening and closing is managed by the electronic control unit. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is designed for installation in public or semi-public restrooms, such as those in sports, cultural, or other facilities, within the toilet stall. For example, the device can be attached to the toilet itself, advantageously connected to the fresh water inlet of the cistern and to the toilet drain. Alternatively, the device can be mounted to the wall of the toilet stall and connected to both the fresh water supply and the toilet drain. In any case, in a preferred embodiment, the device is configured for installation in environments of intensive public use, incorporating elements of protection against improper handling or acts of vandalism. With all this, the device allows the user to wash the cup with complete privacy and hygiene, without needing to use shared sinks. The process combines cleaning with water, a disinfection system, and an antibacterial ventilation system, guaranteeing optimal cleaning, disinfection, and drying of the menstrual cup in just a few minutes. Ideally, the device is very intuitive to use: the user simply opens the receptacle, places the cup inside, and closes it. After pressing the activation button, the process begins, and an LED indicator shows its progress. The system is designed to maximize hygiene and safety while offering fast, safe, and highly intuitive operation. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the operation of the device is as follows: - Insert the cup, after emptying it (for example, in the toilet), into the device through the top lid of the box. For example, the menstrual cup can be placed upside down in a small central support provided for this purpose. - Cycle activation. When the lid is closed and the activation button is pressed, the sensors verify that the lid is closed, and the electronic control unit sequentially activates the washing, disinfection, and ventilation systems. The internal mechanism, controlled by the electronic unit, then locks the lid and opens the clean water inlet. While the cycle is running, a red LED may illuminate. - Cleaning with water. For example, the sprayers project water towards the cup, cleaning the inside and outside of the cup at the same time. - Valve replacement: drainage. At the end of the cleaning phase, the mechanism closes the clean water inlet and opens the drain pipe. The dirty water is discharged directly into the toilet's sewer or a side drain pipe. - Disinfection. For example, the UV-C light lamp, located at the top of the inside of the receptacle, is switched on to eliminate bacteria and germs. - Antibacterial drying. A fan in the forced ventilation system, with an antibacterial filter, introduces filtered air into the receptacle to accelerate the drying of the cup. - Completion and signal. The system automatically stops the cycle and the indicator light turns green. The lid can be opened and the user can collect the cup completely clean and dry. It is important to note that the automatic cycle is executed in a predefined sequential manner, comprising a washing phase, a disinfection phase, and a drying phase, without the possibility of accessing the interior of the receptacle during its execution, guaranteeing complete sanitization without intermediate intervention. The device is very easy to install and, as previously mentioned, is designed to fit existing public restrooms. For example, it is mounted inside the toilet stall, on the wall (using screws and an internal metal bracket), like any other sanitary fixture, and only requires three basic connections: water, drain, and electricity. Water enters through a cold water pipe, the drain is integrated into the sewer system, and the electrical supply allows power to run the electronic control unit, the indicator light, the disinfection system, and the fan of the forced ventilation system. The device is configured to complete the sanitization cycle in a reduced time, suitable for use in public environments, optimizing water and energy consumption. Thanks to its compact design, installation is quick and comparable to that of a modern hand dryer. Maintenance is also simple: just replace the antibacterial filter periodically and check the disinfection system after several thousand hours of use. Exterior cleaning is the same as for any other public restroom fixture. In short, it is a device that can be easily implemented in any public restroom, without major construction or complex adaptations. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS To complement the description being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive document is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by sheets of drawings in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of the embodiment of the device of the invention, showing its general external configuration with the top lid open and the cup in the process of being inserted, in this example upside down, with the water inlet and outlet connectors on one side of the receptacle; Figure number 2.- Shows a perspective view of another example of the device of the invention, also represented with the lid open and the cup in the phase of being inserted, in this case arranged face up, and with the water inlet and outlet connectors at the bottom of the receptacle; Figure number 3 shows a schematic view of the interior of the receptacle of the device of the invention, showing the main elements it comprises; Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the interior of the receptacle of another example of the device according to the invention; and Figure number 5 shows a perspective view of an example of the device being installed in a toilet, showing the connection of the water inlet to the cistern and the outlet to the toilet drain. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the numbering adopted, several examples of non-limiting embodiments of the compact device for the automatic integral sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces of the invention can be observed, which comprises what is described in detail below. Thus, as can be seen in the figures, the device (1) of the invention essentially comprises a receptacle (2) with a lid (3) on its upper part through which the cup (C) to be washed is inserted and removed, and, on one of its sides or its lower base, with a clean water inlet connector (4), suitable for connection to a mains water supply pipe, and a dirty water outlet connector (5), suitable for connection to a drain pipe, comprising inside said receptacle (2), at least: - a washing system comprising one or more spray nozzles (6) that project water from the clean water inlet (4), - a disinfection system, preferably with UV light and even more preferably with UV-C light, - a drying system using forced ventilation and antibacterial filtration, and - an electronic control unit (7) configured to automatically execute a sequential activation cycle comprising at least a washing phase, a disinfection phase and a drying phase, without intermediate user intervention. For this purpose, the electronic control unit (7), which is connected to an actuation button (8), in the washing phase, automatically activates a valve mechanism (not shown) associated with the nozzles (6) and the clean water inlet connectors (4) and dirty water outlet connectors (5), so that they open and close the passage of water to the nozzles (6) of the washing system and through the clean water inlet connectors (4) and dirty water outlet connectors (5), and the clean water that enters is projected into the receptacle (2) and is evacuated directly, without using intermediate containers and without accumulation of dirty water inside. In a preferred embodiment, the receptacle (2) includes as a disinfection system, at least, a UV radiation LED lamp (9), preferably UV-C, which is configured and positioned to provide safe and effective disinfection of both the cup (C) and the interior of the receptacle (2). And, preferably, as a forced ventilation system, the device comprises at least one fan (10) with an antibacterial filter (11), preferably a HEPA filter, which allows for safe and rapid drying of the cup (C) after washing. As noted, the electronic control unit (7) is configured to automatically activate the mechanisms of these systems in a sequential cycle, where initially the washing system is activated, then the disinfection system and subsequently the forced ventilation system, in an automatic operating cycle that inseparably integrates the aforementioned washing, disinfection and drying phases within a single continuous process and without the possibility of access to the interior of the receptacle during its execution, guaranteeing complete sanitization without intermediate intervention. Preferably, the electronic control unit (7) is conveniently housed within the receptacle (2) in a small, watertight, airtight compartment (12) with an electrical power cable (13) for connection to a power outlet and connections to the drive mechanisms of the washing, disinfection, and ventilation systems. Preferably, the receptacle (2) includes internally a support (14) for placing the cup (C), which is preferably configured to hold said cup (C) upside down, i.e., upside down, as shown in the example in figure 1. However, as shown in figures 2 to 4, it can also be configured to hold the cup (C) upside down or in both positions. Continuing with the particularities of the invention, it should be noted that, although it has not been represented so in the figures, in one embodiment, the washing system comprises a series of nozzles (6) arranged inside the receptacle (2) so that they are distributed both below and above, to project water on both sides of the cup (C), preferably located on the support (14), which, in turn, optionally, can be a rotating support (14) to further facilitate the water spraying it all over. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the lid (3) of the receptacle (2) includes a contact sensor (15), connected to the electronic control unit (7) and associated with a locking mechanism (16) that closes said lid (3) and prevents its opening once the washing cycle has started, after its activation with the drive button (8). In addition, preferably, although not shown in the figures, the interior of the receptacle (2) also includes other sensors, such as level, temperature or humidity sensors, connected to the electronic control unit (7). In turn, preferably on the outside of the receptacle (2), for example next to the actuation button (8), some light indicators (17) are provided, preferably a red and a green LED, connected to the electronic control unit (7) to show the operating status of the device. Referring to Figure 5, it can be seen that in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device (1) is intended for installation attached to a toilet (i), preferably in a public restroom, by connecting the clean water inlet connector (4) to the cistern to draw clean water from it, and the wastewater outlet connector (5) to the toilet drain (i). However, other wall-mounted or recessed installation options are not excluded. In any case, for this purpose, the receptacle (2) preferably includes, to allow for secure anchoring, an internal metal support (18) with holes for screw insertion. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, since the device (1) is configured for installation in public use environments that may be subject to intensive use, it incorporates elements of protection against improper handling or vandalism. To this end, the receptacle (2) has a reinforced structure, preferably made of high-strength material, with a design without elements accessible from the outside that can be disassembled without specific tools. Likewise, the lid (3) incorporates a locking system with automatic locking controlled by the electronic unit (7), preventing its opening during operation and hindering its improper handling. Additionally, the internal functional elements, including the electronic control unit (7), hydraulic connections and disinfection and ventilation systems, are housed in protected compartments not accessible from the outside. Thus, the receptacle (2) of the device (1) preferably comprises reinforced structural elements and vandal-proof fixing means by means of concealed anchors or security screws, such as the aforementioned internal metal support (18), suitable for installation in public toilets. Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field can understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it.

Claims

1. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, characterized by comprising a receptacle (2) with a lid (3) on its upper part for inserting and removing the cup (C) to be washed and with a clean water inlet connector (4), suitable for connection to a mains water supply pipe, and a dirty water outlet connector (5), suitable for connection to a drainage pipe, comprising, inside said receptacle (2), at least: - a washing system comprising one or more spray nozzles (6) that project water from the clean water inlet (4), - a disinfection system, preferably by ultraviolet radiation, - a drying system by forced ventilation and antibacterial filtration, and - an electronic control unit (7), configured to automatically execute a sequential activation cycle comprising, at least, a washing phase,A disinfection phase and a drying phase, without intermediate user intervention.

2. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (2) includes, as a disinfection system, at least one UV LED lamp (9), configured to disinfect the cup (C) and the interior of the receptacle (2).

3. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the forced ventilation system comprises at least one fan (10) and an antibacterial filter (11).

4. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, according to claim 3.characterized in that the antibacterial filter (11) is of the HEPA type.

5. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic control unit (7) is configured to automatically activate the mechanisms of the systems in a sequential cycle.

6. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (2) internally includes a support (14) for placing the cup (C) upside down or upside down or in both positions.

7. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to claim 6,characterized in that the support (14) is rotatable.

8. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the washing system comprises nozzles (6) arranged within the receptacle (2) such that they are distributed both below and above.

9. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (3) of the receptacle includes a contact sensor (15), connected to the electronic control unit (7) and associated with a locking mechanism (16), which closes said lid (3).

10. Compact device for the complete automatic sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims,characterized in that the interior of the receptacle (2) also includes level, temperature, or humidity sensors connected to the electronic control unit (7).

11. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the external part of the receptacle (2) includes indicator lights (17) connected to the electronic control unit (7) to display the operating status.

12. A compact, fully automatic menstrual cup sanitizing device for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (2) includes an internal metal support (18) with holes for the insertion of screws for mounting attached to a toilet (i).for wall mounting or for recessed installation.

13. Compact device for the automatic comprehensive sanitization of menstrual cups for use in public spaces, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (2) comprises reinforced structural elements and vandal-proof fixing means by means of concealed anchors or security screws, such as an internal metal support (18).