An automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function

Abstract

This utility model discloses an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function, including a cabinet, a retrieval window, a hand-cleaning window, a transmission component, a disinfectant triggering component, and a main control unit. The cabinet contains a storage compartment for holding the noise-canceling earplugs; the retrieval window and the hand-cleaning window are located on the outer surface of the cabinet; a transport channel connects the storage compartment and the retrieval window; a disinfectant spray nozzle is located at the hand-cleaning window; the transmission component controls the noise-canceling earplugs to travel through the transport channel to the retrieval window; the disinfectant triggering component receives a release signal and controls the disinfectant spray nozzle to release quick-drying cleaning disinfectant; the main control unit drives the disinfectant triggering component and the transmission component, and ensures that the transmission component is enabled after the disinfectant is released from the disinfectant spray nozzle. This utility model ensures that the user's hands are cleaned and disinfected before using the noise-canceling earplugs, guaranteeing hearing protection while reducing the risk of ear canal infection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of occupational disease prevention products, and in particular to an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function. Background Technology

[0002] China has the world's largest labor force, and occupational health is the foundation for achieving the Healthy China strategy. Emerging industries, especially high-tech manufacturing and equipment manufacturing, are growing rapidly. The accelerated industrialization process and the growth of new industries inevitably bring complex and diverse occupational noise sources. Long-term exposure to these sources during production activities can progressively damage the auditory system, leading to hearing impairment and even occupational noise-induced deafness (ONID).

[0003] Given the difficulty of modifying noise sources, providing workers with noise-canceling earplugs is currently the most direct and common hearing protection measure adopted by enterprises. Most noise-canceling earplugs provided by companies to workers are disposable foam or pre-molded earplugs. Workers need to touch the earplugs with their hands when using them, especially foam earplugs which require rubbing with both fingers. However, in actual use, failure to wash hands properly before wearing earplugs can also pose ear health risks. This is mainly because hands come into contact with many surfaces daily, making them prone to bacteria, viruses, or other contaminants. If you touch the earplugs directly with your hands (especially earplugs that need to be inserted into the ear canal, such as noise-canceling earplugs or hearing aids), pathogens may be introduced into the ear canal, increasing the risk of external auditory canal infections (such as external otitis) or otitis media. Furthermore, the workplace contains a variety of complex chemical products. If dust or chemical residues are not cleaned from hands before use, contaminants may be transferred into the ear canal through the earplugs, causing itching, redness, or allergic reactions. On the other hand, dirty hands may contaminate the surface of the earplugs, and long-term accumulation of dirt can affect the lifespan or function of the earplugs (such as blocking the earplug vents). In the engineering design of workplaces such as production workshops, handwashing sinks or hand disinfection facilities are often only set up in restrooms or rest rooms. If workers wear noise-canceling earplugs in the workplace, it is relatively inconvenient to clean and disinfect their hands before wearing them.

[0004] Therefore, considering the need for disinfection during actual use of earplugs, it is necessary to propose an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function. This would reduce occupational noise-induced hearing loss while preventing ear canal infections or injuries caused by hand contamination during use. Utility Model Content

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function.

[0006] An automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function, comprising:

[0007] The cabinet has an internal storage compartment for storing pre-distributed noise-canceling earplugs;

[0008] A retrieval window is provided on the outer surface of the cabinet; a transport channel is provided between the storage compartment and the retrieval window;

[0009] A handwashing window is provided on the outer surface of the cabinet; a quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting spray nozzle is provided at the handwashing window.

[0010] A transmission assembly for controlling the noise-canceling earplugs to reach the retrieval window via the transport channel;

[0011] A disinfectant triggering component, wherein the disinfectant triggering component is used to receive a disinfection signal and control the disinfectant spray nozzle to release cleaning disinfectant;

[0012] The main control unit is used to drive the disinfectant triggering component and the transmission component, and the transmission component is enabled after the disinfectant is released from the disinfectant spray nozzle.

[0013] Preferably, the noise-canceling earplugs are disposable earplugs.

[0014] Preferably, the storage compartment is shaped like an inverted funnel, and a first movable plate is provided at the bottom of the funnel of the storage compartment;

[0015] The transmission assembly includes a ring-shaped conveyor belt, on which multiple noise-canceling earplug storage slots are evenly and sequentially arranged; the bottom of each noise-canceling earplug storage slot is a second movable plate.

[0016] When the first movable plate is opened, one of the noise-canceling earplugs falls into the noise-canceling earplug storage position; when the conveyor belt rotates to the point where any of the noise-canceling earplug storage positions is located at the entrance of the transport channel, the second movable plate is opened, and the noise-canceling earplug reaches the retrieval window via the transport channel.

[0017] Preferably, the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component includes an infrared sensor corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle, and the infrared sensor is electrically connected to the main control unit.

[0018] Preferably, the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component includes a button corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle, and the button is electrically connected to the main control unit.

[0019] Preferably, it further includes a QR code scanning unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the QR code scanning unit is located on the outer surface of the cabinet and is used to acquire preset QR code information; the main control unit enables the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component or the transmission component according to the preset QR code information.

[0020] Preferably, it further includes a network communication unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the network communication unit is used to communicate with a preset backend server.

[0021] Preferably, it also includes a display unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the display unit is used to display preset image information.

[0022] Preferably, it also includes an audio unit electrically connected to the main control unit for hand cleaning voice prompts; the audio unit includes at least a speaker.

[0023] This utility model provides an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function, specifically designed for noise-generating environments such as factories and workshops. The transmission component delivers the noise-canceling earplugs to the retrieval window for easy access by the user; the disinfectant trigger component controls the release of disinfectant from the spray nozzle for convenient hand washing; simultaneously, the main control unit controls the enabling state of the transmission component and the disinfectant trigger component, limiting the order of hand cleaning and disinfection and earplug retrieval, ensuring that the user's hands are cleaned and disinfected before using the earplugs, thus reducing the risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss and ear canal infections.

[0024] In addition, the QR code scanning unit and network communication unit can ensure that the identity of the person who takes the noise-canceling earplugs is verified and approved, avoiding unauthorized use; and it supports background recording of the use, ensuring and standardizing enterprises to comply with occupational disease prevention and control requirements and implement prevention and control measures, which is of positive significance to occupational health work. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function, as described in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of the storage compartment and transmission assembly in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a system framework diagram of the automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] The markings in the accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0029] 100. Cabinet body; 101. Retrieval window; 102. Handwashing window; 103. Display unit; 104. QR code scanning area; 105. Disinfectant spray nozzle;

[0030] 200. Storage compartment; 201. First movable panel; 202. Transport channel;

[0031] 300. Conveyor belt; 301. Noise-canceling earplug storage compartment; 302. Second movable plate;

[0032] 400. Noise-canceling earplugs. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0034] An automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function is provided, such as... Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes:

[0035] The cabinet is 100, and the cabinet has a storage compartment 200 inside, which is used to store the pre-distributed noise-canceling earplugs 400.

[0036] A retrieval window 101 is located on the outer surface of the cabinet; a transport channel 202 is provided between the storage compartment and the retrieval window.

[0037] Handwashing window 102 is located on the outer surface of the cabinet; quick-drying cleaning and disinfection spray nozzle 105 is provided at the handwashing window.

[0038] A transmission assembly, used to control the noise-canceling earplugs as they travel through the transport channel to the retrieval window;

[0039] Disinfectant triggering component: The quick-drying cleaning disinfectant triggering component is used to receive disinfection signals and control the release of disinfectant from the disinfectant spray nozzle;

[0040] The main control unit is used to drive the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component and the transmission component, and limits the transmission component to an enabled state after the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent is released from the disinfectant spray nozzle.

[0041] The specific shape and size of the cabinet are not limited; for example, it can be a cuboid.

[0042] The storage compartment is located inside the cabinet and is used to store noise-canceling earplugs. These earplugs can be disposable, but are not limited to this.

[0043] The retrieval window can be flexibly positioned on the front or side of the cabinet. The transport channel refers to the conveyor path connecting the storage area and the retrieval window; this can be achieved using inclined slides and guide baffles to ensure the directional movement of the noise-canceling earplugs. The quick-drying disinfectant trigger component is the sensing device that controls the release of the disinfectant; this can be implemented using an infrared sensor, generating a trigger signal when a hand is detected approaching. The main control unit is the control module that coordinates the work of each actuator; this can be implemented using a programmable logic controller (PLC), controlling the sequence of disinfection and transport actions through a preset program.

[0044] Specifically, when a user triggers the disinfection operation, the main control unit first initiates the disinfectant spraying program, with the disinfectant covering the hand area through the atomizing nozzles at the handwashing window. After the disinfection process is complete, the main control unit activates the drive motor of the transmission component, and the conveyor belt transports the noise-canceling earplugs from the storage compartment along the transport channel to the retrieval window. During transport, the noise-canceling earplugs are enclosed inside the channel to prevent external environmental contamination. The retrieval window features a one-way opening design; once the noise-canceling earplugs reach the designated position, the baffle automatically opens to complete the delivery.

[0045] This solution integrates the disinfection and retrieval areas into a single cabinet through spatial partitioning, establishing a mandatory operating procedure. Traditional methods rely on manual handwashing, while this device ensures that the disinfection step cannot be skipped through electromechanical interlocking, eliminating the risk of operational oversights at the hardware level.

[0046] The above technical solution enables mandatory hand cleaning and disinfection before distributing noise-canceling earplugs, effectively blocking the transmission of contaminants through the earplugs. The coordinated control of the disinfectant triggering component and the transmission component ensures that the noise-canceling earplugs can only be obtained after the hygienic operation is completed, solving the supervision problem in manual distribution. The enclosed transport channel design prevents the earplugs from coming into contact with contaminants during transportation, ensuring the hygienic condition of the noise-canceling earplugs from storage to delivery.

[0047] Furthermore, the storage compartment is shaped like an inverted funnel, and a first movable plate 201 is provided at the bottom of the funnel.

[0048] The transmission assembly includes a ring-shaped conveyor belt 300, on which multiple noise-canceling earplug storage slots 301 are evenly arranged in sequence; the bottom of each noise-canceling earplug storage slot is a second movable plate 302.

[0049] When the first movable plate is opened, a noise-canceling earplug falls into the noise-canceling earplug storage position; when the conveyor belt rotates to the point where any noise-canceling earplug storage position is located at the entrance of the transport channel, the second movable plate is opened, and the noise-canceling earplug reaches the retrieval window via the transport channel.

[0050] Specifically, the inverted funnel-shaped storage compartment refers to a structure where the upper space of the storage compartment is relatively large and gradually narrows downwards. It can be made of stainless steel or engineering plastics. Its shape design makes it easy for the noise-canceling earplugs to fall automatically to the bottom under the action of gravity, while reducing the risk of getting stuck.

[0051] The first movable plate refers to the horizontally sliding baffle installed at the bottom of the funnel. Specifically, it can be an electromagnetically driven or pneumatically controlled metal plate used to control the single release of the noise-canceling earplugs.

[0052] A ring conveyor belt is a closed belt structure that wraps around a drive wheel. It can be made of rubber or polyurethane and is driven by a motor to rotate in a cycle, moving the noise-canceling earplugs to designated positions in sequence.

[0053] The noise-canceling earplug storage compartment refers to a groove or fixing clamp structure on the surface of the belt, which can be a silicone pad or elastic buckle, used to temporarily fix the noise-canceling earplugs and prevent them from sliding. The second movable plate refers to a flip-up baffle installed at the bottom of the noise-canceling earplug storage compartment, which can be a plastic plate driven by a micro servo motor, used to release the noise-canceling earplugs at the entrance of the transport channel.

[0054] In use, the inverted funnel structure of the storage compartment causes the noise-canceling earplugs to naturally accumulate and concentrate at the bottom under gravity. When the first movable plate is opened in a controlled manner, only a single noise-canceling earplug is allowed to fall into the earplug storage position on the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is driven by a motor controlled by the main control unit, rotating in steps according to preset time intervals or signal commands. When a noise-canceling earplug storage position moves directly above the entrance of the transport channel, the second movable plate is triggered to open, and the noise-canceling earplug then slides down the transport channel to the retrieval window. During this process, the main control unit coordinates the opening and closing sequence of the first and second movable plates to ensure that only one noise-canceling earplug is accurately placed at a time. Simultaneously, the disinfectant triggering component completes hand disinfection before the noise-canceling earplug is released, avoiding the risk of contamination.

[0055] The above technical solution effectively addresses the ear infection problem caused by hand contamination before wearing noise-canceling earplugs. The fully automated transportation of the earplugs from storage to retrieval eliminates manual contact; the control logic that releases only one earplug at a time avoids waste and reduces the possibility of secondary contamination. The mechanical linkage design between the conveyor belt and the movable plate ensures the long-term stability and reliability of the device.

[0056] Furthermore, the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component includes an infrared sensor corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle, or the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component includes a button corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle; both the infrared sensor and the button are electrically connected to the main control unit.

[0057] Specifically, in the solution where the quick-drying disinfectant trigger component uses an infrared sensor, a transmitter-receiver infrared pair can be used. When the user's hand approaches the hand-washing window, the infrared beam is blocked, generating a trigger signal. The main control unit's electrical connection refers to signal transmission and control via circuitry, specifically implemented using a microcontroller or PLC controller. This controller receives the trigger signal from the infrared sensor and controls the solenoid valve at the disinfectant spray nozzle. This achieves automated control of the hand disinfection process, completing the disinfection operation without the user touching any equipment components, effectively cutting off the path of hand contaminants to the ear canal via the noise-canceling earplugs. This design is particularly suitable for places with stringent hygiene requirements, such as chemical plants and hospitals, ensuring the hygiene and safety of ear protection products from a technical perspective.

[0058] In the solution using a button to trigger the disinfectant, when a user needs to obtain the noise-canceling earplugs, they can press the button located at the handwashing window to send a cleaning and disinfection request signal to the main control unit. Upon receiving the signal, the main control unit immediately activates the disinfectant spray nozzle, releasing a measured amount of disinfectant onto the user's hands. Only after the disinfection process is complete will the main control unit allow the transmission component to enter the enabled state, ensuring that the user can only remove the noise-canceling earplugs after cleaning their hands. This solution, by introducing a physical button trigger mechanism, forces the user to actively perform the disinfection operation, establishing a logical connection between the hand cleaning and disinfection action and the distribution of the noise-canceling earplugs, thus preventing users from neglecting hand cleaning due to automated processes.

[0059] Furthermore, it also includes a QR code scanning unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the QR code scanning unit is located on the outer surface of the cabinet and has a QR code scanning area 104; it is used to acquire preset QR code information; the main control unit enables the disinfectant triggering component or transmission component according to the preset QR code information.

[0060] The QR code scanning unit refers to an electronic device used to identify and decode QR code information, which can be implemented using an embedded scanning module or a stand-alone scanner. This unit acquires QR code data through photoelectric conversion and transmits the information to the main control unit for verification, thereby ensuring the operator's identity and access rights. The preset QR code information refers to encrypted data pre-stored in the backend system, which can be implemented using employee ID, department code, or access level. This information is matched with the main control unit's logical judgment rules, thereby controlling the activation conditions of the disinfectant triggering component or transmission component, preventing unauthorized operation that could lead to resource waste or hygiene hazards.

[0061] Specifically, when an operator scans a QR code, the scanning unit sends the identification information to the main control unit. The main control unit compares this information with a preset database to determine if the conditions for distributing the noise-canceling earplugs are met. If the verification is successful, the main control unit first activates the disinfectant trigger component to perform hand disinfection. After the disinfection process is completed, it then drives the transmission component to deliver the noise-canceling earplugs to the retrieval window. For example, in a chemical plant setting, employees need to scan the QR code on their work badge to complete identity authentication. Only after the system confirms that they belong to a noise-exposed position are they allowed to perform subsequent disinfection and retrieval operations.

[0062] By binding operation permissions with QR code information, the mandatory cleaning and disinfection process is prioritized, thereby solving the problem of ear infections caused by improper hand washing and avoiding the waste of resources caused by unauthorized personnel taking noise-canceling earplugs. This achieves mandatory standardization of the operation process.

[0063] Furthermore, it also includes a network communication unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the network communication unit is used to communicate with a preset backend server.

[0064] The network communication unit includes, but is not limited to, a Wi-Fi module, a Bluetooth module, or a 4G / 5G communication module, used to upload noise-canceling earplug distribution data and cleaning and disinfection operation records to the backend server, and to receive control commands issued by the server.

[0065] The default backend server refers to a data processing center deployed remotely or locally. Specifically, it can be implemented using a cloud server or a private enterprise server. It is used to store user collection records, noise-canceling earplug inventory status, and cleaning and disinfection logs, while also supporting remote control of device operating parameters.

[0066] Through real-time data interaction between the network communication unit and the back-end server, managers can view the operating status of multiple devices online and allocate noise-canceling earplug resources in a unified manner. This effectively solves the problems of error-prone manual recording and low efficiency in inventory statistics, and avoids management lag caused by manual inspection. At the same time, the remote command control function optimizes the equipment maintenance process and significantly reduces operation and maintenance costs.

[0067] Furthermore, it also includes a display unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the display unit is used to display preset image information.

[0068] The display unit includes a screen used to intuitively convey operating instructions or hygiene tips to the user. The main control unit is connected to the display unit via a data cable or wireless communication module to ensure that the displayed content is synchronized with the device's operating status in real time.

[0069] Furthermore, it also includes an audio unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the audio unit includes at least a speaker.

[0070] The audio unit refers to the module used to generate sound signals. Specifically, it can be implemented using a digital audio decoding chip combined with a power amplifier, and is used to convey hand cleaning instructions or status prompts to the user.

[0071] Specifically, after receiving the preset QR code information obtained by the QR code scanning unit, the main control unit sends a control command to the audio unit to start it. The audio unit drives the speaker to play voice prompts corresponding to the current operation stage according to the preset program. For example, it plays a prompt "Please reach out to clean and disinfect" before releasing disinfectant from the disinfectant spray nozzle, or plays a prompt "Please take the earplug" when the noise-canceling earplug reaches the retrieval window.

[0072] In some specific implementations, the audio unit can store multilingual versions of prompt audio files, and the main control unit can call the corresponding language version based on the user identity data in the QR code information; the speaker can be installed on the top of the cabinet, and its output sound pressure level range is, for example, 60-80 decibels, to meet the clear broadcasting requirements in noisy industrial environments.

[0073] The above is a description of the automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand cleaning function of this utility model, which is used to help understand this utility model. However, the implementation of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model shall be considered as equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A noise-reducing earplug automatic dispensing device with hand-cleaning function, characterized in that, include: The cabinet has an internal storage compartment for storing pre-distributed noise-canceling earplugs; A retrieval window is provided on the outer surface of the cabinet. A transport channel is provided between the storage compartment and the retrieval window; A handwashing window is provided on the outer surface of the cabinet; a quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting spray nozzle is provided at the handwashing window. A transmission assembly for controlling the noise-canceling earplugs to reach the retrieval window via the transport channel; A quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component, wherein the disinfectant triggering component is used to receive a release signal and control the disinfectant spray nozzle to release quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent; The main control unit is used to drive the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component and the transmission component, and the transmission component is enabled after the quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent is released from the spray nozzle.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is characterized by: The noise-canceling earplugs are disposable foam type or pre-formed earplugs.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is characterized by: The storage compartment is shaped like an inverted funnel, and a first movable plate is provided at the bottom of the funnel. The transmission assembly includes a ring-shaped conveyor belt, on which multiple noise-canceling earplug storage slots are evenly and sequentially arranged; the bottom of each noise-canceling earplug storage slot is a second movable plate. When the first movable plate is opened, one of the noise-canceling earplugs falls into the noise-canceling earplug storage position; when the conveyor belt rotates to the point where any of the noise-canceling earplug storage positions is located at the entrance of the transport channel, the second movable plate is opened, and the noise-canceling earplug reaches the retrieval window via the transport channel.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is characterized by: The disinfectant triggering component includes an infrared sensor corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle, and the infrared sensor is electrically connected to the main control unit.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is characterized by: The quick-drying cleaning and disinfecting agent triggering component includes a button corresponding to the disinfectant spray nozzle, and the button is electrically connected to the main control unit.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device is further provided with a hand cleaning function. It also includes a QR code scanning unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the QR code scanning unit is located on the outer surface of the cabinet and is used to acquire preset QR code information; the main control unit enables the disinfectant triggering component or the transmission component according to the preset QR code information.

7. The automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a network communication unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the network communication unit is used to communicate with a preset backend server.

8. The automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a display unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the display unit is used to display preset image information.

9. The automatic noise-canceling earplug dispensing device with hand-cleaning function as described in claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes an audio unit electrically connected to the main control unit; the audio unit includes at least a speaker.

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