Cup holding assembly and dental cup dispenser using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cup holding assembly capable of holding and retaining various cups having mutually different diameters all together and easily taken out, and a dental cup dispenser using the same. The present invention provides a cup holding assembly and a dental cup dispenser using the same, the cup holding assembly including: a plurality of holding modules each having a mounting portion contacting a cup from a plurality of directions in a placement space, and further capable of holding the cup; and a rotating disc having an inner opening overlapping the placement space, and further having at least one spiral track not fixedly combined with the plurality of mounting portions, and further providing a spiral guide path for the plurality of mounting portions respectively; as the rotating disc rotates, the plurality of mounting portions move along the spiral guide path respectively, and as the plurality of mounting portions move, the plurality of holding modules move in a direction approaching or away from a center of the placement space or the first inner opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cup holding assembly and a dental cup dispenser using the cup holding assembly, and more specifically, to a cup holding assembly that holds a cup and allows a user to retrieve the cup, and a dental cup dispenser using the cup holding assembly. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, dental examinations and treatments are performed inside the patient's mouth while the patient is lying in the dental chair.

[0003] Dental chairs can be equipped with lighting devices to illuminate the inside of the oral cavity, a doctor's table to place various treatment tools, a chair display arm with a screen to display information about the inside of the oral cavity or CT images, or for watching television, a water supply device, and a table for the convenience of patients.

[0004] The various devices or mechanisms installed on the treatment chair are designed to provide patients or operators with convenient movement routes and sufficient functionality during surgery, and are configured to have efficient movement routes and be easy to operate.

[0005] In particular, dental chairs are typically equipped with cup dispensers that can dispense cups for patients to rinse their mouths.

[0006] However, the cup dispensers in existing dental chairs can only use cups of a predetermined size. If the cup size (circumference or diameter) changes, it becomes unusable.

[0007] In particular, the size of the cups used in dentistry is usually different in each country, so there is an inconvenience that each country needs to set up cup dispensers that can hold different cups. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The objective of this invention is to provide a cup holding assembly capable of holding various cups of various sizes, and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the cup holding assembly.

[0010] Another objective of this invention is to provide a cup holding assembly that allows for easy removal of cups of various sizes, and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the cup holding assembly.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cup holding assembly that can be used in various countries where cups of different sizes are used, and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the cup holding assembly.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cup holding assembly includes: a plurality of holding modules, each having a mounting portion, which contacts a cup from multiple directions in a placement space to hold the cup; and a rotating disk having a first internal opening overlapping the placement space and having at least one helical track that is not fixedly coupled to the plurality of mounting portions, thereby providing a helical guide path for each of the plurality of mounting portions; wherein, as the rotating disk rotates, the plurality of mounting portions move along the helical guide path, and as the plurality of mounting portions move, the plurality of holding modules move in a direction approaching or away from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions have a shape that protrudes outward from the retaining module, and the spiral track can be formed into an inside-out shape to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portion.

[0015] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions are cylindrical or arc-shaped and can protrude outward from the retaining module.

[0016] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions have a shape recessed into the interior of the retaining module, and the spiral track can be formed into a convex shape, thereby matching the internal corner shape of the mounting portion.

[0017] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions may be formed at different positions in each of the retaining modules, so that the plurality of retaining modules respectively contact the cup at a position equidistant from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

[0018] In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, at least two of the plurality of retaining modules may include levers, one end of which is rotatably fixed to one side of the retaining module, while the other end is coupled to the other side of the retaining module by an elastic member.

[0019] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the degree of left and right rotation of the lever can be changed by the elastic member depending on whether the cup is present or not and whether the cup is removed.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a dental cup dispenser includes: a first housing comprising a plurality of first receiving portions and forming a placement space therein; a plurality of retaining modules arranged to be respectively received within the plurality of first receiving portions, movable within the plurality of first receiving portions, and each having a mounting portion that contacts a cup from multiple directions in the placement space, thereby retaining the cup; and a rotating disk having a first internal opening overlapping the placement space and having at least one helical track respectively not fixedly coupled to the plurality of mounting portions, thereby providing helical guide paths for the plurality of mounting portions; wherein, as the rotating disk rotates, the plurality of mounting portions move along the helical guide paths, and as the plurality of mounting portions move, the plurality of retaining modules move in a direction approaching or away from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the helical track has a curvature that decreases with distance from the placement space and the first internal opening.

[0021] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions may be formed at different positions in each of the retaining modules, so that the plurality of retaining modules are located at the same distance from the center of the first placement space or the first internal opening.

[0022] In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, at least two of the plurality of retaining modules may include levers, one end of which is rotatably fixed to one side of the retaining module, while the other end is coupled to the other side of the retaining module by an elastic member.

[0023] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the degree of left and right rotation of the lever can be changed by the elastic member depending on whether the cup is present or not and whether the cup is removed.

[0024] In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, a first protrusion is formed at the lower end of one side of the lever, so that the elastic member is pushed towards the inside of the retaining module when the cup is removed.

[0025] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a second protrusion may be formed at the upper end of the other side of the lever.

[0026] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, another embodiment of the dental cup dispenser may further include a second housing, which is combined with the first housing to provide the plurality of retaining modules and the rotating disk between the second housing and the first housing.

[0027] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second outer shell may form a second internal opening that overlaps with the placement space.

[0028] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second housing has at least one position fixing member, and the rotating disk may have a second receiving portion that receives the at least one position fixing member on the outer contour of the spiral track.

[0029] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second receiving portion is formed as a plurality of arc-shaped grooves, and as the rotating disk rotates relative to the first housing or the second housing, the at least one position fixing member can move along the plurality of grooves.

[0030] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when the at least one position fixing member is placed in any one of the plurality of grooves, the movement of the rotating disk can be temporarily restricted before an external force is applied.

[0031] In addition, according to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one position fixing member may include an elastic member having a third protrusion of a size that can be placed in each of the grooves.

[0032] The effects of the invention

[0033] The cup retaining assembly and the dental cup dispenser utilizing the cup retaining assembly of the present invention have the following effects:

[0034] According to the present invention, a cup holding assembly or cup dispenser can stably hold cups of various sizes.

[0035] In addition, according to the present invention, users can easily remove cups of various sizes.

[0036] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a cup holding assembly or cup dispenser can be applied to various countries that use cups of different sizes.

[0037] However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the effects described above. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a dental chair according to an example of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are diagrams showing the appearance of a cup dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention from opposite directions.

[0040] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of a cup dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 5This is a diagram showing the appearance of a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 6 It shows from and Figure 5 A diagram showing the appearance of a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the opposite direction.

[0043] Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a rotating disk configured in a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing a spiral track formed on a rotating disk according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cylindrical mounting portion in a retaining module configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a retaining module configuration in an embodiment of the present invention where the mounting portion is arc-shaped.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a retaining module mounted on a spiral track according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a conceptual illustration of an embodiment of the invention, showing an example where the mounting portion of each retaining module is formed at a different location from each other.

[0051] Figure 16 The structure of a retaining module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a position fixing tool applicable to a cup holding assembly in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a cup-holding assembly in an embodiment of the present invention where there is no cup inside.

[0054] Figures 20 to 22 This is an example of how a cup is held in a specific state inside a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figures 23 to 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which a cup is removed from a cup-holding assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The effects and functions of the technical structure, including those related to the objectives of the cup retaining assembly of the present invention and the dental cup dispenser utilizing the cup retaining assembly, can be clearly understood by referring to the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] The following content merely illustrates the principles of the invention. Therefore, although not explicitly stated or shown in this specification, those skilled in the art can implement the principles of the invention and invent various devices within the concept and scope of the invention. Furthermore, all conditional terms and embodiments listed in this specification are intended only for the purpose of clearly understanding the concept of the invention and should be understood as not being limited to the embodiments and states specifically listed above.

[0058] Furthermore, it should be understood that not only the principles, viewpoints, and embodiments of the present invention, but also all detailed descriptions of specific embodiments are intended to include structural and functional equivalents of the items described. Additionally, such equivalents should be understood to include, in addition to currently known equivalents, all devices invented to perform the same function, regardless of whether they are future equivalents to be developed, i.e., structures.

[0059] Furthermore, in the description of this invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art may be omitted if they obscure the focus of the invention. Additionally, the components in the drawings need not be drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding the invention, the size of some components in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Also, the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same components, while similar reference numerals, though not necessarily so, may denote similar components.

[0060] The invention as defined by the claims of this specification combines the functionality provided by the various tools listed with the manner claimed by the claims, and therefore should be understood to be equivalent to any tool that can provide the described functionality as understood from this specification.

[0061] The foregoing objectives, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which will enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the technical ideas of the invention.

[0062] Hereinafter, various embodiments implemented by the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a dental chair 10 according to an example of the present invention.

[0064] The dental chair 10 to which this invention is applied is typically applicable to dentistry, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, the dental chair 10 can basically include a seat for placing the patient's legs, a backrest for the patient to lean back, and a headrest for supporting the patient's head.

[0066] An armrest may be formed on at least one side of the backrest and the seat to support the patient's arm.

[0067] Additionally, the dental chair 10 may include: a base supporting the seat, a drive unit for driving at least one of the backrest and the seat, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit.

[0068] Additionally, the dental chair 10 may include at least one of a lighting unit, a water supply unit, a control unit, a display unit, a leg control unit, and a power supply unit, wherein the lighting unit is used to illuminate the patient being treated, and the water supply unit is used to supply mouthwash for the patient to rinse their mouth.

[0069] Additionally, the dental chair 10 may have a worktable.

[0070] A representative example of such a workbench is a doctor's table used to hold various tools used in dental diagnosis and treatment.

[0071] For example, the workbench may hold instruments, medical records, etc., for dental patients, or may be configured with an interface for operating the instruments.

[0072] The worktable can be supplied with at least one of power, pneumatic pressure, and hydraulic pressure for use in operating the instruments. For example, the supplied power can illuminate the dental lamp of one of the instruments.

[0073] Additionally, the workbench may include various switches. Considering the operator's position, the workbench may be located in a position where the operator can easily reach it.

[0074] Therefore, the workbench can have various switches to control various parts of the dental chair 10.

[0075] On the other hand, since patients need to use a cup to rinse their mouths using the water supply unit, the dental chair 10 may have a cup dispenser 20 so that patients can remove the cup.

[0076] For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cup dispenser 20 can be mounted on the rod 11 of the dental chair 10.

[0077] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are diagrams showing the appearance of a cup dispenser 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention from opposite directions; Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the interior of a cup dispenser 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Reference Figures 2 to 4 A dental cup dispenser 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention described later, and may have an opening 15, which can then be mounted on the bar 11 of the dental chair 10.

[0079] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, a cup holding assembly 30 may be installed on the cup dispenser 20.

[0080] That is, the cup dispenser 20 can be installed by means of the rod 11 passing through the opening 15 and being firmly clamped. However, the way the cup dispenser 20 is installed on the dental chair 10 is not limited to this, but can be done in various ways.

[0081] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Reference numeral 22 may indicate a cup storage box 22, which can be used as a cover or lid to cover or protect the upper part of the cup holding assembly 30, and is installed on the upper part of the cup holding assembly 30. Multiple cups can be stored in the cup storage box 22 in a stacked manner.

[0082] Hereinafter, a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] Figures 5 to 14 This is a diagram illustrating a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the appearance of a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 It shows from and Figure 5 A diagram showing the appearance of a cup-holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the opposite direction. Figure 7 This is an exploded view of a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] Reference Figures 5 to 7The cup holding assembly 30 of one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d and a rotating disk 42.

[0086] Additionally, refer to Figures 5 to 7 In one embodiment of the present invention, the cup holding assembly 30 may further include a first housing 40 and a second housing 41.

[0087] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The first outer casing 40 forms a placement space AA inside, and may include a plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d.

[0088] The second housing 41 can be combined with the first housing 40 to provide the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d and the rotating disk 42 between the second housing 41 and the first housing 40.

[0089] Here, the second housing 41 can be rigidly attached to prevent relative movement with respect to the first housing 40.

[0090] like Figure 7 As shown, a second internal opening CC can be formed inside the second outer casing 41.

[0091] The first outer shell 40 constitutes the upper part of the cup holding assembly 30, and the second outer shell 41 may constitute the lower part of the cup holding assembly 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0092] In this specification, the description focuses on an example of a cup holding assembly 30 of the present invention having four holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, but the number of holding modules is not limited thereto.

[0093] Here, if the number of the plurality of holding modules changes, the number of the plurality of receiving portions may also change accordingly.

[0094] For example, the cup holding assembly 30 of one embodiment of the present invention may also have two, three or five holding modules and the same number of receiving portions.

[0095] The plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are in direct contact with the cup and perform the function of holding the cup.

[0096] The plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may each have a mounting portion 34 (see reference). Figures 10 to 12 ).

[0097] The mounting part 34 (refer to) Figures 10 to 12) is a component placed on or matched with the spiral track 44 so that the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d can move along the spiral track 44 formed on the rotating disk 42.

[0098] That is, the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d each have a mounting portion 34 (see reference). Figures 10 to 12 It can be configured to contact the cup from multiple directions in the placement space AA, thereby holding the cup.

[0099] The rotating disk 42 has a first internal opening BB overlapping the placement space AA, and has mounting portions 34 (see reference 34) respectively. Figures 10 to 12 At least one helical track 44 that is not fixedly connected.

[0100] The rotating disk 42 has at least one spiral track 44, which can provide spiral guide paths for the plurality of mounting parts 34 respectively.

[0101] In this specification, we will assume that the rotating disk 42 has one helical track 44. However, the rotating disk 42 may also have multiple helical tracks 44.

[0102] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a rotating disk 42 configured in a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram showing a spiral track 44 of an embodiment of the present invention formed on a rotating disk 42.

[0103] The spiral track 44 can have a smaller curvature the farther it is from the placement space AA and the first internal opening BB.

[0104] For example, refer to Figure 9 In the spiral track 44, the curvature of region R1 is the largest among the reference numerals R1, R2 and R3, and the curvature of region R3 is the smallest.

[0105] On the other hand, the structure in which the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are mounted on the spiral track 44 via the mounting part 34 can be varied.

[0106] The mounting portions 34 formed by the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may have a shape that protrudes outward from the retaining module. In this case, the spiral track 44 may be formed with an inside corner to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portion 34 (see reference). Figure 12 ).

[0107] The mounting portion 34 may have various protruding shapes.

[0108] For example, the mounting portion 34 may be formed in a cylindrical or arc shape, protruding outward from the retaining module.

[0109] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating an example where the mounting portion 34 of the retaining module configuration in one embodiment of the present invention is cylindrical; Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where the mounting portion 34 of the retaining module configuration in one embodiment of the present invention is in an arc shape.

[0110] Figure 12 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the structure of a retaining module mounted on a spiral track 44 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] For example, refer to Figure 12 The plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can be installed on the spiral track 44, and the rotating disk 42 can perform relative movement or relative rotational movement with respect to the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0112] Here, the mounting portions 34 formed by the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are mounted on the spiral track 44 in a form that is not fixedly coupled to the spiral track 44.

[0113] Additionally, for example, the mounting portions 34 formed in the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may have a shape recessed into the interior of the retaining modules. In this case, the spiral track 44 may be formed in a convex shape to match the internal corner shape of the mounting portion 34 (not shown in the figures).

[0114] As described above, the mounting portions 34 formed by the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d respectively are matched with the spiral track 44, thereby allowing the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d to be mounted on the rotating disk 42.

[0115] Here, the mounting part 34 and the spiral track 44 should be configured such that the mounting part 34 can move on the spiral track 44.

[0116] That is, such as Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 12 As shown, the spiral track 44 does not fixedly accommodate the plurality of mounting parts 34, thereby enabling it to provide the spiral guide path for each of the plurality of mounting parts 34.

[0117] On the other hand, since the plurality of mounting portions 34 are respectively formed on the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, it can also be described that the spiral track 44 provides the spiral guide path for the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d respectively.

[0118] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 12 As shown, the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are respectively housed in the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d formed on the first housing 40, and can thus move within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d respectively.

[0119] If the rotating disk 42 moves or rotates relative to the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, then the plurality of mounting parts 34 move along the spiral track 44 respectively, and thus the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can move along the spiral track 44 respectively.

[0120] Here, as the plurality of mounting portions 34 move along the spiral track 44, the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d move linearly within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d.

[0121] Therefore, as the plurality of mounting parts 34 move along the spiral track 44, the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d can move in a direction that is close to or far from the center of the placement space AA or the first internal opening BB.

[0122] Examples of the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d being able to move linearly within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d in a direction approaching or moving away from the center of the placement space AA or the first internal opening BB have been provided. Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown.

[0123] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] For example, in Figure 13If the user rotates the rotating disk 42 counterclockwise, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d will perform linear motion within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d in a direction close to the center of the placement space AA or the first internal opening BB, thereby allowing them to be positioned... Figure 14 The state.

[0125] Additionally, for example, if in Figure 14 When a user rotates the rotating disk 42 clockwise, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d perform linear movements within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d in a direction away from the center of the placement space AA or the first internal opening BB, thereby allowing them to be positioned... Figure 13 The state.

[0126] On the other hand, the plurality of mounting portions 34 may be formed at different positions in each of the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, so that during the linear movement of the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d within the plurality of first receiving portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d are positioned at approximately the same distance from the center of the placement space AA or the first internal opening BB.

[0127] Figure 15 This is a conceptual illustration of an embodiment of the present invention, showing an example of a mounting portion 34 formed at different locations in each of the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d.

[0128] As described above, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can perform the function of holding a cup located inside a cup holding assembly 30 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] The cup holding assembly 30 of one embodiment of the present invention can hold various cups, but for ease of explanation, this specification will mainly focus on paper cups.

[0130] Figure 16 The structure of a retaining module according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0131] Reference Figure 16 At least two of the plurality of retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may include levers 55, one end of which is rotatably fixed to one side of the retaining module, and the other end is connected to the other side of the retaining module via a first elastic member 58.

[0132] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, the first elastic component 58 can be a coil spring.

[0133] Reference Figure 16 The first fixing pin 56 passes through the first hole 61 formed in the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, the lever hole 57 formed in the lever 55, and the second hole 62 formed in the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d in sequence. Thus, the lever 55 is rotatably coupled to the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0134] On the other hand, the first elastic member 58 can change the degree of left and right rotation of the lever 55, i.e. the rotation angle, depending on whether the cup is present or not and whether the cup is taken out.

[0135] For example, the lever 55 rotates around the first fixing pin 56, and the angle between the lever 55 and the main body of the cup holding assembly 30 can be changed depending on whether a cup is inside the cup holding assembly 30 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Additionally, for example, as the cup is removed from the cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the angle between the lever 55 and the main body of the cup holding assembly 30 can be changed.

[0137] Figure 17 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a position fixing tool applicable to the cup holding assembly 30 in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0138] The second housing 41 has at least one position fixing component 66a, 66b, and the rotating disk 42 may have a second receiving portion, which can accommodate the at least one position fixing component 66a, 66b in the outer contour of the spiral track 44.

[0139] For example, refer to Figure 17 The second receiving portion is formed as a plurality of grooves 68 disposed on an arc. The at least one position fixing member 66a, 66b may include an elastic member, the elastic member being formed with a third protrusion 69 having a size that can be placed in each of the grooves 68.

[0140] Here, as the rotating disk 42 rotates relative to the first housing 40 or the second housing 41, the at least one position fixing component 66a, 66b can move along an arc provided with the plurality of grooves 68.

[0141] When at least one of the position fixing components 66a and 66b moves along the arc where the plurality of grooves 68 are arranged and reaches a specific groove 68, the movement of the rotating disk 42 can be temporarily restricted before an external force is applied.

[0142] like Figure 17 As shown, at least one positioning component 66a, 66b may have a third protrusion 69, the third protrusion 69 being sized to fit into the plurality of grooves 68 respectively. The third protrusion 69 may be a plastic hook.

[0143] For example, if the third protrusion 69 touches between the two walls of the plurality of grooves 68 as the rotating disk 42 rotates, the third protrusion 69 will pop out due to the elasticity of the plastic. This popping out is affected by the height of the groove wall. After popping out, the third protrusion 69 can be put into the next groove 68.

[0144] Hereinafter, a cup holding assembly 30 of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail along with the operation of the lever 55.

[0145] Figure 18 and Figure 19 This is a diagram illustrating an example where there is no cup inside the cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Reference Figure 18 and Figure 19 In an embodiment of the present invention, when there is no cup inside the cup holding assembly 30, because of the first elastic member 58, the side of the lever 55 that contacts the first elastic member 58 protrudes more than the other side that does not contact the first elastic member 58. Figure 19 (E1 in the text).

[0147] Figures 20 to 22 This is an example of how a cup is held in a specific state inside a cup-holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Reference Figures 20 to 22 If cups 80 and 81 are inserted into the cup holding assembly 30, the right side of the lever 55 is pushed towards the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d by the inserted cups 80 and 81.

[0149] At this time, the lever 55 is Figure 19 In the shown state, the device is rotated counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the first fixing pin 56, thereby reaching a position where... Figure 21 The state shown.

[0150] The lever 55 can be supported by the elastic force or restoring force of the first elastic component 58 while the inserted cups 80 and 81 are pushed by the retaining modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0151] On the other hand, refer to Figure 16 A first protrusion 59 is formed at the lower end of one side of the lever 55, and a second protrusion 60 can be formed at the upper end of the other side.

[0152] For example, such as Figure 16 As shown, a first protrusion 59 is formed at the lower right end of the lever 55, and a second protrusion 60 may be formed at the upper left end of the lever 55.

[0153] like Figure 22 As shown, the first protrusion 59 and the second protrusion 60 can perform the function of stably supporting the inserted cups 80 and 81.

[0154] For example, in Figure 22 The first protrusion 59 supports the upper protrusion of the cup 80 located on the lower side, and the second protrusion 60 supports the upper protrusion of the cup 81 located on the upper side.

[0155] Figures 23 to 25 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state in which a cup is removed from a cup-holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] Reference Figures 23 to 25 When the cup 80 located on the lower side is removed from the cup holding assembly 30, in order for the cup 80 located on the lower side to detach from the cup holding assembly 30, the upper end of the cup 80 located on the lower side, especially the upper end of the cup 80 located on the lower side, protrudes to push the first protrusion 59, thereby pushing the lever 55 as far as possible towards the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d.

[0157] At this point, the length of the first elastic member 58 becomes its shortest. If the cup 80 located on the lower side is completely removed, the lever 55 can return to its original position due to the restoring force of the first elastic member 58. Figure 19 or Figure 21 The state.

[0158] As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cup holding assembly 30 is such that the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are movable in a direction that approaches or moves away from the center of the placement space AA, the first internal opening BB, or the second internal opening CC of the cup holding assembly 30.

[0159] Therefore, the cup holding assembly 30 of an embodiment of the present invention can hold cups of various diameters.

[0160] For example, when a user uses a small-diameter cup, the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can be moved in a direction close to the center of the placement space AA, the first internal opening BB, or the second internal opening CC, thereby reducing the space formed by the ends of the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0161] Additionally, for example, when a user uses a large-diameter cup, the space formed by the ends of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can be expanded by moving the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d away from the center of the placement space AA, the first internal opening BB, or the second internal opening CC.

[0162] On the other hand, refer to Figures 5 to 25 A dental cup dispenser 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a cup holding assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] In this specification, various variations of such expressions as "an embodiment of the principles of the invention" refer to features, structures, characteristics, etc., associated with that embodiment that are included in at least one embodiment of the principles of the invention.

[0164] Therefore, the expression "one embodiment" and any other variations disclosed throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0165] Where a method described herein comprises a series of steps, the order of steps presented herein is not limited to the order in which the steps can be performed, but the method may omit any steps described herein and / or add any other steps not described herein.

[0166] Furthermore, in this specification, unless otherwise specified in the sentence, the singular form may also include the plural meaning. Also, the use of "comprising" or "including" in this specification refers to the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, actions, devices, or apparatuses.

[0167] The present invention has been described so far primarily with regard to preferred embodiments. All embodiments and conditional examples disclosed in this specification are intended to assist those skilled in the art in understanding the principles and concepts of the invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in variations without departing from its essential characteristics. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered from an illustrative perspective, in addition to a limited viewpoint.

[0168] The scope of this invention should be defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all distinctions within the same scope may be interpreted as being included within this invention.

Claims

1. A cup-holding assembly for holding a cup, characterized in that, include: Multiple retaining modules, each having a mounting part, contact the cup from multiple directions in the placement space, thereby retaining the cup; and A rotating disk, with a first internal opening overlapping the placement space, and having at least one spiral track that is not fixedly coupled to each of the plurality of mounting parts, thereby providing a spiral guide path for each of the plurality of mounting parts. The spiral tracks are formed continuously. The farther the spiral track is from the placement space and the first internal opening, the smaller the curvature of the spiral track. As the rotating disk rotates, the plurality of mounting parts move along the spiral guide path, and as the plurality of mounting parts move, the plurality of retaining modules move toward or away from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

2. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting portions have a shape that protrudes outward from the retaining module, and the spiral track is formed in an inside-out shape to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portions.

3. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting portions are cylindrical or arc-shaped and protrude outward from the retaining module.

4. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting portions have a recessed shape toward the interior of the retaining module, and the spiral track is formed in a convex shape to match the internal corner shape of the mounting portion.

5. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting portions are formed at different positions in each of the retaining modules, such that the plurality of retaining modules contact the cup at a position equidistant from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

6. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of retaining modules include levers, one end of which is rotatably fixed to one side of the retaining module, while the other end is attached to the other side of the retaining module by an elastic member.

7. The cup retaining assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The degree of left and right rotation of the lever is changed by the elastic component depending on whether the cup is present or not and whether the cup is removed.

8. A dental cup dispenser, comprising: The first outer casing includes a plurality of first receiving portions and forms a placement space inside; Multiple retaining modules are arranged to be housed in the multiple first receiving portions, are movable within the multiple first receiving portions, and each has a mounting portion that contacts the cup from multiple directions in the placement space, thereby retaining the cup; and A rotating disk, with a first internal opening overlapping the placement space, and having at least one spiral track that is not fixedly coupled to each of the plurality of mounting parts, thereby providing a spiral guide path for each of the plurality of mounting parts. The spiral tracks are formed continuously. The farther the spiral track is from the placement space and the first internal opening, the smaller the curvature of the spiral track. As the rotating disk rotates, the plurality of mounting parts move along the spiral guide path, and as the plurality of mounting parts move, the plurality of retaining modules move toward or away from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

9. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of mounting portions are formed at different positions in each of the retaining modules, such that the plurality of retaining modules are located at the same distance from the center of the placement space or the first internal opening.

10. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of retaining modules include levers, one end of which is rotatably fixed to one side of the retaining module, while the other end is attached to the other side of the retaining module by an elastic member.

11. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 10, characterized in that, The degree of left and right rotation of the lever is changed by the elastic component depending on whether the cup is present or not and whether the cup is removed.

12. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 11, characterized in that, A first protrusion is formed at the lower end of one side of the lever, so that the elastic component is pushed towards the inside of the retaining module when the cup is removed.

13. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 12, characterized in that, A second protrusion is formed at the upper end of the other side of the lever.

14. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The second housing is combined with the first housing to provide the plurality of retaining modules and the rotating disk between the second and first housings.

15. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second outer shell forms a second internal opening that overlaps with the placement space.

16. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 14, characterized in that, The second housing has at least one position-fixing component; The rotating disk has a second receiving portion that accommodates at least one position fixing component on the outer contour of the spiral track.

17. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second receiving portion is formed as a plurality of arc-shaped grooves. As the rotating disk rotates relative to the first housing or the second housing, the at least one position fixing member moves along the plurality of grooves.

18. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the at least one position fixing component is placed in any one of the plurality of grooves, the movement of the rotating disk is temporarily restricted before an external force is applied.

19. The dental cup dispenser according to claim 17, characterized in that, The at least one position fixing component includes an elastic component having a third protrusion of a size that can be placed in each of the grooves.

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