Multipurpose cup washer

The multipurpose cup washer addresses the limitations of conventional washers by providing a compact, cost-effective solution for washing and sterilizing cups and tumbler lids with a tilting support mechanism and UV sterilization.

JP7765846B2Active Publication Date: 2025-11-07IFARO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024062734
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-08-14
Filing Date
2024-04-09
Publication Date
2025-11-07
Estimated Expiration
2044-04-09

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a multipurpose cup washing machine which enables simple washing immediately before or immediately after a personal or shared cup is used, and can wash all of a cup, a tumbler, and accessories such as a tumbler lid to a cup.SOLUTION: A multipurpose cup washing machine includes a mounting base on which a cup or a tumbler is mounted in the state of being turned upside down, a first injection nozzle which projects above from the mounting base and injects a washing liquid, and a support member moving up and down by a lifting device, in which the support member is formed with a washing liquid passage hole capable of passing the washing liquid injected from the first injection nozzle therethrough, in a cup washing mode or a tumbler washing mode, the cup or the tumbler is washed by injecting the washing liquid thereto in a state in which the support member pushes down the bottom surface of the cup or the tumbler mounted on the mounting base, and in a lid washing mode, the lid of the tumbler is washed by injecting the washing liquid thereto in a state in which the lid of the tumbler is mounted on the support member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-purpose cup washer, and more particularly to a multi-purpose cup washer capable of automatically washing cups, tumblers, and accessories for multi-use cups, such as tumbler lids. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a growing call to limit the use of disposable cups and use personal cups or tumblers in order to protect the environment.

[0003] In keeping with this atmosphere, beverage stores and the like sometimes offer services such as rewarding points or applying discounts to customers who bring their own cups or tumblers and purchase beverages or coffee.

[0004] Customers may need to empty their personal cups or tumblers to refill or refill them with new beverages. In this case, the cups or tumblers need to be washed. This is inconvenient for customers as they have to ask store staff to wash the cups or tumblers.

[0005] In addition to the inconvenience of always carrying a personal cup or tumbler, it is also difficult to wash them hygienically in a timely manner, which is why the use of personal cups or tumblers is currently low.

[0006] To address this issue, a multi-use cup sharing service is being implemented.

[0007] The multi-use cup sharing service is a service in which beverage retailers provide multi-use cups with identifiers such as barcodes or QR codes (registered trademarks), and customers add a cup deposit when paying for a beverage using the provided multi-use cup, and then return the deposit when they return the multi-use cup.

[0008] To promote this service, a method is needed to hygienically wash the shared cups before use, and an automatic cup washer would be the solution.

[0009] However, most conventional cup washers are designed to wash a large number of cups at once, and therefore take up a lot of space and are expensive.

[0010] Furthermore, conventional cup washers are limited to a cup washing function, making it difficult to properly wash accessories such as tumbler lids. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2009-0006933 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and its purpose is to provide a multipurpose cup washer that allows for simple washing of personal or shared cups immediately before or after use, and is also capable of washing all accessories for the cups, such as cups, tumblers, and tumbler lids. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a multipurpose cup washer including: a base on which a cup or a tumbler is placed upside down; a first spray nozzle protruding upward from the base and spraying a cleaning liquid; and a support member which is raised and lowered by a lifting device, the support member having a cleaning liquid passage hole through which the cleaning liquid sprayed from the first spray nozzle can pass; in a cup washing mode or a tumbler washing mode, the support member presses down on the bottom of the cup or the tumbler placed on the base and sprays the cleaning liquid to wash it; and in a lid washing mode, the cleaning liquid is sprayed on the tumbler lid when the lid is placed on the support member and washes the tumbler lid.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the lifting device includes a moving block that moves up and down by a motor, an extension member having a predetermined length is fixed to the support member, and the extension member is fixed to the moving block via an elastic body, and the elastic body is elastically deformed by the reaction force of the force with which the support member presses the cup or the tumbler, allowing the support member and the extension member to tilt relative to the moving block.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the multipurpose cup washer further includes a pressure detection sensor that detects the pressing state of the support member against the cup or the tumbler, and the pressure detection sensor detects the tilt of the support member when the cup or the tumbler is pressed, thereby detecting the pressing state of the support member.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the support member is formed with a rod-shaped member as a skeleton, and has a basket shape with a cross-sectional area that narrows downward.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the multipurpose cup washer further includes a first light sterilization lamp formed around the first spray nozzle for light sterilizing the inside of the cup or tumbler placed on the stand, a second spray nozzle for spraying a cleaning liquid toward the stand, and a second light sterilization lamp for light sterilizing the stand. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The multipurpose cup washer of the present disclosure allows for easy washing of personal or shared cups immediately before or after use, and can also wash all accessories for the cups, such as cups, tumblers, and tumbler lids. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a multipurpose cup washer according to one embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of the upper module of the multipurpose cup washer of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a sterilization / washing unit of the multipurpose cup washer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram conceptually showing the inside of a lower module of the multipurpose cup washer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a support unit and a lifting unit of the multipurpose cup washer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a support unit and a lifting unit of the multipurpose cup washer of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the cup or tumbler cleaning mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the cleaning mode of the tumbler lid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, but these are merely examples and do not limit the technical concept, core configuration, and operation of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a multipurpose cup washer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "the washer") according to one embodiment.

[0022] 1, the washer 1 is formed in a thin and long shape so that it can be installed in a narrow space. The washer 1 is composed of an upper module 10 and a lower module 20.

[0023] The upper module 10 includes a side cover 130 that forms an internal space 131 in which objects to be washed, such as cups, can be placed, a top cover 110 that covers the top of the side cover 130, and a door 120 that can open or close the internal space 131 formed by the side cover 130.

[0024] The side cover 130 and the door 120 may be made of a transparent material so that the user can check the cleaning process.

[0025] The top cover 110 is provided with a touch screen 111 that provides a user interface for allowing a user to input commands and check the washing status. A control device (not shown) and a communication device (not shown) are also built into the top cover 110. The control device processes input signals from the touch screen, sensors, etc., and outputs operation commands to components such as motors, valves, pumps, and lamps to control the operation of the washer 1.

[0026] According to the present embodiment, the touch screen 111 is fixed to the top cover 110, but this is not limiting, and the washing machine 1 may have a wired or wireless communication function and may be linked to an external smart device such as a smartphone or tablet via wired or wireless communication. That is, a smart device linked to the washing machine 1 may be used as a user interface device.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a view showing the inside of the upper module 10. As shown in FIG.

[0028] An internal space 131 is defined by the side cover 130 and the top cover 110 of the upper module 10. The door 120 is connected to a motor 122 located at the bottom of the top cover 110 via an extension bar 121 that extends from the door 120 roughly along the bottom surface of the top cover 110. As the rotation shaft of the motor 122 rotates, the extension bar 121 rotates around the rotation shaft, and the rotation of the extension bar 121 causes the door 120 to rotate sideways to open or close the internal space 131. FIG. 1 shows the door 120 in a closed state, and FIG. 2 shows the door 120 in an open state.

[0029] The object to be washed, such as a cup, a tumbler, or a tumbler lid, is placed in the internal space 131 and washed.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the internal space 131 is provided with a sterilization / cleaning unit 200, a support unit 300, and a lifting unit 400.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows the sterilization / cleaning unit 200 in more detail.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the sterilization / washing unit 200 is provided with a stand 201 on which a cup or tumbler is placed upside down (see Fig. 7). In this embodiment, the washing operation process for a cup and a tumbler is substantially the same, so here, unless otherwise specified, the cup and the tumbler are commonly referred to as a cup member 2. In this specification, a cup is commonly referred to as a liquid container without a separate lid, and a tumbler is commonly referred to as a liquid container intended to be sealed by a separate lid.

[0033] A drain port may be formed in the stand 201, but according to this embodiment, since drainage is not smooth, a sink 202 that is deeper than the stand 201 is formed next to the stand 201 to prevent the cleaning liquid from accumulating and contaminating the cup member 2. A drain port 203 is formed in the sink 202. The top surface of the stand 201 may be slightly inclined toward the sink 202 so that the cleaning liquid flows toward the sink 202.

[0034] A first jet nozzle 210 is formed in the center of the base 201 and protrudes upward from the base 201 .

[0035] The first spray nozzle 210 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Nozzle holes 211 and 212 are formed on the top and side surfaces of the first spray nozzle 210. The nozzle holes 211 and 212 are slit-shaped with a predetermined length. Although not shown in detail in the drawings, a plurality of side nozzle holes 212 are formed on the side surface of the first spray nozzle 210 along the periphery of the side surface. The first spray nozzle 210 sprays the cleaning liquid through the nozzle holes 211 and 212.

[0036] A first light germicidal lamp 240 is formed around the first injection nozzle 210. The first light germicidal lamp 240 irradiates the inside of the cup member 2 placed upside down on the mounting base 201 with ultraviolet light to perform ultraviolet sterilization.

[0037] The base 201 has a plurality of cup receiving protrusions 220 formed around the periphery of the first light germicidal lamp 240 and protruding from the top surface of the base 201. The cup member 2 placed upside down on the base 201 rests on the cup receiving protrusions 220 and is spaced apart from the top surface of the base 201. Even if the top surface of the base 201 is slightly tilted toward the sink 202, the top surfaces of the plurality of cup receiving protrusions 220 are formed at the same height, preventing the cup member 2 from tilting.

[0038] The cup receiving protrusion 220 prevents the cleaning liquid sprayed into the cup member 2 through the first spray nozzle 210 from being trapped inside the cup member 2, and allows it to escape through the gap between the top surface of the holder 201 and the cup member 2.

[0039] A drop prevention protrusion 221 is formed between the table 201 and the sink 202 to prevent the cup member 2 from dropping into the sink 202.

[0040] A plurality of second spray nozzles 230 are formed on the edge of the stand 201, and two second light germicidal lamps 231 are formed adjacent to the second spray nozzles 230.

[0041] The second spray nozzle 230 is oriented to spray a cleaning liquid toward the base 201, cleaning the base 201 with the cleaning liquid before or after the cleaning operation. The second light germicidal lamp 231 irradiates the base 201 with ultraviolet light simultaneously with the cleaning operation of the second spray nozzle 230 or before or after the cleaning operation, thereby sterilizing the base 201 with ultraviolet light.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the lower module 20 of the washer 1 connected to the sterilization / washing unit 200.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 4, the lower module 20 is provided with a water tank 700 and a water purification device 800 .

[0044] Hoses 701, 702, and 703 are connected to the water tank 700. The hose 701 is connected to the first spray nozzle 210, and the hose 702 is connected to the second spray nozzle 230. The hose 703 is connected to a water supply pipe 704 via a valve 711.

[0045] Hoses 705 and 706 are connected to the water purification device 800. The hose 701 is connected to the drain outlet 203, and the hose 706 is connected to the hose 703 and the sewer pipe 707 through a valve 712.

[0046] Fresh water supplied from a water supply is stored in the water tank 700. The water tank 700 may be provided with a water purification / sterilization system for purifying or sterilizing the stored fresh water.

[0047] When performing a cleaning operation through the first spray nozzle 210, the control device operates a pump (not shown) to supply fresh water from the water tank 700 through a hose 701 to the first spray nozzle 210 and spray it. When performing a cleaning operation through the second spray nozzle 230, the control device operates a pump (not shown) to supply fresh water from the water tank 700 through a hose 702 to the second spray nozzle 230 and spray it.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, it is intended that fresh water stored in the water tank 700 be used as the cleaning liquid, but this is not limiting. For example, a cleaning liquid tank containing detergent may be provided in the upper module 10 or the lower module 20, and the control device may, as needed, spray the cleaning liquid containing the detergent as the cleaning liquid from the first spray nozzle 210 and the second spray nozzle 230. That is, in this specification, the term "cleaning liquid" is a concept that includes both fresh water and / or cleaning liquid containing cleaning ingredients such as detergent.

[0049] Hoses 701 and 702 connected to the water tank 700 and the hose connected to the cleaning liquid tank are connected to the first spray nozzle 210 and the second spray nozzle 230 through valves (not shown), and the control device may operate the valves as needed to selectively spray fresh water or cleaning liquid through the first spray nozzle 210 and the second spray nozzle 230.

[0050] The cleaning liquid discharged through the drain outlet 203 flows into the water purifier 800 via the hose 705, and the water purifier 800 purifies and sterilizes the flowed-in cleaning liquid with clean water.

[0051] The clean water that has been purified / sterilized by the water purifier 800 flows out through hose 706, and the control device operates valve 712 to allow the clean water to flow into the water tank 700 through hose 703. That is, the washer 1 can reuse the used cleaning solution by purifying / sterilizing it in the water purifier 800. When the clean water flows from the water purifier 800 into the water tank 700, the control device may operate valve 711 to prevent the clean water from flowing in from the water supply pipe 704.

[0052] If the control device determines that the water purification device 800 has not sufficiently purified / sterilized the water, it may not reuse the cleaning liquid and may instead discharge the cleaning liquid into the sewer pipe 707 through the valve 712.

[0053] Although the present embodiment has been described with reference to a configuration including the water tank 700 and the water purification device 800, the present invention is not limited to this. The water tank 700 and the water purification device 800 may be omitted, and the water supply pipe 704 may be directly connected to the spray nozzle to supply clean water, or the cleaning liquid discharged into the drain outlet 203 may be disposed of in the sewer pipe 707.

[0054] In addition, the washer 1 may be configured so that the water tank 700 is removable and not connected to the water supply pipe 704 and the sewerage pipe 707. That is, the washer 1 can be installed in a place where it cannot be directly connected to water and sewerage pipes, and may be operated by filling the water tank 700 with clean water, operating it a predetermined number of times, and then refilling the water tank 700. In this case, by reusing the cleaning liquid through the water purification device 800, the number of uses can be increased even in an environment where clean water is not supplied.

[0055] 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the support unit 300 and the lifting unit 400. FIG.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the support unit 300 includes a support member 310 .

[0057] The support member 310 includes four horizontal ribs, namely a first horizontal rib 301, a second horizontal rib 302, a third horizontal rib 303, and a fourth horizontal rib 304, which are arranged in order and spaced apart from one another, and a plurality of vertical ribs 305 connecting the first horizontal rib 301 to the fourth horizontal rib 304. According to this embodiment, the ribs 301 to 305 are thin, rod-shaped iron members, and the horizontal ribs 301 to 304 and the vertical rib 305 are fixed together by welding.

[0058] The first lateral rib 301 is formed in a closed semicircular shape, the second lateral rib 302 and the third lateral rib 303 are formed in a circular shape, and the fourth lateral rib 304 is formed in an open semicircular shape.

[0059] If the semicircle formed by the first horizontal rib 301 and the fourth horizontal rib 304 is assumed to be a complete circle, the area of ​​the circle formed by each rib increases from the first horizontal rib 301 to the fourth horizontal rib 304.

[0060] That is, according to this embodiment, the support member 310 is formed with thin rod-like members 301 to 305 as a skeleton, and has a basket shape with a cross-sectional area that narrows downward.

[0061] Therefore, support member 310 is formed with a recessed mounting portion 312 suitable for mounting tumbler lid 3 thereon (see FIG. 8). More specifically, support member 310 has a shape in which the cross-sectional area narrows downward, so that a threaded portion having a smaller diameter than the body of tumbler lid 3, which is generally formed at the bottom end of tumbler lid 3, can be properly mounted on mounting portion 312 of support member 310. Furthermore, by forming fourth lateral rib 304, which has the largest diameter, into an open semicircular shape, tumbler lids 3 of various shapes can be easily mounted on support member 310.

[0062] Meanwhile, support member 310 is formed using a thin rod-shaped member as a skeleton, and large cleaning liquid passage holes 311 are formed between the ribs. Ribs 301-305 forming support member 310 support tumbler lid 3, while allowing cleaning liquid sprayed from first spray nozzle 210 to pass through support member 310 via cleaning liquid passage holes 311, thereby cleaning tumbler lid 3. In addition, ultraviolet light irradiated from first light germicidal lamp 240 can reach tumbler lid 3 through cleaning liquid passage holes 311, enabling photosterilization.

[0063] The support unit 400 includes a lifting device 410 for raising and lowering the support member 310 .

[0064] The lifting device 410 includes a support plate 404 extending upward from the base 201, a screw shaft 402 fixed to the support plate 404 so as to extend in the vertical direction, a motor 401 that rotates the screw shaft 402, and a guide shaft 403 that extends in the same direction as the screw shaft 402.

[0065] A nut member 406 having a spiral formed on its inner surface that meshes with the spiral on the outer surface of the screw shaft 402 is fastened to the screw shaft 402, and the guide shaft 403 passes through the nut member 406 and is coupled thereto.

[0066] A moving block 405 is coupled to the nut member 406 so as to extend in the direction of the support member 310 .

[0067] An extension member 320 having a predetermined length is welded and fixed to the support member 310 so as to extend toward the moving block 405. The extension member 320 is fixed to the moving block 405 by a fastening means.

[0068] 2, the lifting device 410 is hidden from the sterilization / cleaning unit 200 by a shielding plate 420. Slits 421 are formed in the top and bottom of the shielding plate 420, and the moving block 405 extends through the slits 421 toward the internal space 131. A support member 310 is fixed to the end of the moving block 405 exposed to the internal space 131.

[0069] 5 and 6 again, when the screw shaft 402 is rotated by the motor 401, the nut member 406 is prevented from rotating together with the screw shaft 402 by the guide shaft 403 and moves up and down along the screw shaft 402. As the nut member 406 moves up and down, the moving block 405 moves up and down, and the extension member 320 and the support member 310 fixed to the moving block 405 can move up and down.

[0070] A flange 408 is formed on the upper end of the support plate 404, and a limit switch 500 is formed on the upper surface of the moving block 405. The limit switch 500 includes a main body 501 and a switch member 502 hingedly connected to the main body.

[0071] When the moving block 405 reaches its maximum position, the switch member 502 abuts against the flange 408 and is pressed. The control device can detect that the moving block 405 has reached its maximum position (i.e., the support member 310 has reached its maximum position) through a change in resistance within the main body 501 when the switch member 502 is pressed. Of course, the control device can calculate the vertical position of the moving block 405 through the rotation angle or number of rotations (i.e., the rotation state) of the motor 401. At this time, when the limit switch 500 is activated, the corresponding moment is reset as the rotation state of the motor 401 at the maximum position of the moving block 405, thereby correcting any position measurement errors that occur during operation.

[0072] According to this embodiment, whether the moving block 405 has reached the lowest position (i.e., the support member 310 has reached the maximum position) is detected by the rotation state of the motor 401, but a configuration similar to the limit switch 500 may also be arranged at the lower end of the support plate 404 for detection.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 6, a socket 407 is formed on the upper surface of the moving block 405 as a support point for supporting the extension member 320, and a pressure detection sensor 600 is formed on the opposite side of the socket 407 from the support member 310.

[0074] A through hole is formed in the extension member 320, and the bolt 408 is inserted through the through hole and fastened to the socket 407. The extension member 320 extends from the support member 310, and is formed so that its end extends beyond the socket 407.

[0075] The diameter of the through hole of the extension member 320 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the bolt 408. In this case, to prevent the extension member 320 from swinging relative to the bolt 408, two elastic bodies 331 and 332 are fitted between the extension member 320 and the bolt 408, one above the other. According to this embodiment, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 are O-rings fitted onto the bolt 408.

[0076] The elastic bodies 331 and 332 are positioned above and below the through-hole of the extension member 320, and the bolt 408 is inserted into the through-hole of the extension member 320 and tightly fastened. As a result, the extension member 320 is fixed to the moving block 405 via the elastic bodies 331 and 332.

[0077] As long as no external force is applied, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 have sufficient rigidity to withstand the load of the support member 310. Therefore, when the support member 310 is raised or lowered by the moving block 405, the extension member 320 does not swing or tilt with respect to the socket 407, which is the support point.

[0078] On the other hand, when a force sufficient to elastically deform the elastic bodies 331 and 332 is applied, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 are elastically deformed, allowing the extension member 320 to perform a kind of seesaw motion based on the support point. In other words, when a force sufficient to elastically deform the elastic bodies 331 and 332 is applied, the support member 310 and the extension member 320 are allowed to tilt relative to the moving block 405.

[0079] More specifically, as will be described later, when cleaning the cup member 2, the control device lowers the support member 310 and presses the underside of the cup member 2, which is placed upside down, against the support member 310, thereby preventing the cup member 2 from falling over or shaking due to the pressure of the cleaning liquid.

[0080] After the support member 310 descends and the lower surface of the support member 310 comes into contact with the cup member 2, the moving block 405 continues to descend due to the motor 401 for a short moment.

[0081] Therefore, in response to the force with which the support member 310 presses down on the cup member 2, a reaction force is applied in which the cup member 2 presses up on the support member 310.

[0082] If the extension member 320 fixed to the support member 310 were rigidly fixed to the moving block 405, there is a risk that the extension member 320 may bend or break. However, according to this embodiment, the extension member 320 is fixed to the moving block 405 via elastic bodies 331 and 332.

[0083] Therefore, when a force acting to lift the support member 310 upward acts in reaction to the force of the support member 310 pressing down on the bottom surface of the cup member 2, a force acts to tilt the extension member 320, compressing the elastic bodies 331 and 332. When a sufficient force acts, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 elastically deform, allowing the extension member 320 to seesaw around the support point without bending or breaking. In other words, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 elastically deform, allowing the support member 310 and the extension member 320 to tilt relative to the moving block 405.

[0084] Therefore, by allowing the support member 310 and the extension member 320 to tilt relative to the moving block 405, it is possible to prevent the multi-use cup made of thin plastic from being pushed by the support member 310 and damaged.

[0085] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the support member 310 and the extension member 320 are supported using an elastic body, and the pressing state of the support member 310 against the cup member 2 is detected using a structure that allows them to tilt relative to the moving block 405 under predetermined conditions.

[0086] According to this embodiment, a pressing member 330 is coupled to the underside of the end of the extension member 320 extending opposite to the support member 310, and a pressing detection sensor 600 is disposed below the pressing member 330. The pressing detection sensor 600 is a sensor that detects the pressing state of the support member 310 against the cup member 2.

[0087] According to this embodiment, the pressure detection sensor 600 is a switch-type sensor, and includes a main body 601 and a switch 602 protruding from the upper end of the main body 601 .

[0088] When the support member 310 comes into contact with the cup member 2 and presses down the cup member 2, the elastic bodies 331 and 332 are elastically deformed, as described above, and the support member 310 and the extension member 320 become inclined relative to the moving block 405.

[0089] As a result, the end of the extension member 320 descends, and the pressing member 330 comes into contact with the switch 602, depressing the switch 602. The control device detects the change in resistance inside the main body 601 as the switch 602 is pressed, and detects the pressing state of the support member 310 and the cup member 2.

[0090] According to the present embodiment, the pressure detection sensor 600 is exemplified as a switch-type sensor that is activated when the switch is pressed down as the extension member 320 tilts, but is not limited to this. For example, an image sensor may be used to detect that the extension member 320 has come closer to the sensor than a predetermined distance, thereby detecting that the support member 310 has pressed down and tilted the cup member 2.

[0091] However, using a mechanically actuated switch-type sensor can reduce manufacturing costs.

[0092] Also, a switch-type sensor can be disposed at the lower end of the support member 310, and when the support member 310 comes into contact with the cup member 2, the switch can be directly pressed by the cup member 2 to detect the pressed state. However, according to this embodiment, by providing the pressure detection sensor 600 in a portion hidden by the shielding plate 420, it is possible to prevent the sensor from malfunctioning due to the cleaning liquid, and to prevent the cleaning liquid and ultraviolet rays from reaching the tumbler lid 3 by the sensor hiding the lower end of the support member 310.

[0093] The operation of the washer 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0094] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning mode of the cup member 2, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the cleaning mode of the tumbler lid 3.

[0095] The control device displays a virtual switch on the touch screen 111 for selecting the start of cleaning and waits for the start of cleaning. At this time, the support member 310 is positioned at the top. With the limit switch 500 activated, this position is set as the reference position for the highest position of the motor 401.

[0096] When the control device detects that the user has touched the virtual switch to start washing, the control device displays virtual switches on the touch screen 111 that allow the user to select "cup washing mode," "tumbler washing mode," and "lid washing mode."

[0097] Since the cup cleaning mode and the tumbler cleaning mode have substantially the same cleaning operation, the cup cleaning mode and the tumbler cleaning mode may be simply integrated into the cup member cleaning mode and displayed without distinguishing between them.

[0098] However, since multi-use cups generally have lower rigidity than tumblers, the control device may control motor 401 more precisely in cup cleaning mode than in tumbler cleaning mode to prevent the multi-use cup from being damaged by support member 310.

[0099] When a user selects one of the cup washing mode, tumbler washing mode, or lid washing mode, the control device displays virtual switches for selecting, for example, a "washing process," a "washing and rinsing process," a "sterilization process," and an "integrated process." The "washing process" is a process of washing using clean water, the "washing and rinsing process" is a process of sequentially washing using a detergent-containing cleaning solution and rinsing with clean water, the "sterilization process" is a process of sterilizing using the first light sterilization lamp 240, and the "integrated process" is a process of performing all of washing, washing, and sterilization.

[0100] However, this is merely an example, and if there is no cleaning liquid injection function, the "Cleaning Process," "Sterilization Process," and "Integration Process" may be selected, or the cleaning (cleaning and rinsing) and sterilization processes may be performed without fail, and the process selection operation may be omitted.

[0101] For example, when the user selects the cup cleaning mode and the integration process, the control device guides the user to open the door 120, turn the cup member 2 upside down, and place the cup member 2 into the interior space 131 so that the first spray nozzle 210 is positioned inside. The guidance may be provided by voice or by displaying a visual graphic on the touch screen 111.

[0102] When the user positions the cup member 2 and touches the start button displayed on the touch screen 111, the control device closes the door 120.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, when the door 120 is closed, the control device lowers the support member 310, and the support member 310 presses against the lower surface of the cup member 2 to fix it in place.

[0104] The control device first injects the cleaning solution through the first injection nozzle 210, and after the predetermined time, the control device injects clean water to rinse the surface. After the clean water rinse is completed or while the clean water rinse is in progress, the control device operates the first light sterilization lamp 240 to perform the sterilization process.

[0105] The control device may display a virtual image corresponding to each step through the touch screen 111 while the step is being performed.

[0106] When the process is completed, the control device raises the support member 310 to the top, opens the door 120, and then guides the user to retrieve the cup member 2.

[0107] When the user retrieves the cup member 2, the control device closes the door 120 and activates the second spray nozzle 230 and the second light germicidal lamp 231 to sterilize / clean the base 201 and the internal space 131.

[0108] For example, if the user selects the lid washing mode and the integration process, the control device lowers the support member 310 to the lowest position so that the first spray nozzle 210 and the support member 310 are positioned closest to each other, as shown in FIG.

[0109] The control device then guides the user to open the door 120 and place the lid 3 upright on the support member 310. The guidance may be provided by voice or by visual graphics displayed on the touch screen 111.

[0110] When the user places the lid 3 in place and touches the start button displayed on the touch screen 111, the controller closes the door 120.

[0111] The control device first injects the cleaning liquid through the first injection nozzle 210, and after the cleaning liquid injection process for a predetermined time is completed, clean water is injected to wash the surface.

[0112] According to this embodiment, the upper injection hole 211 and the side injection hole 212 of the first injection nozzle 210 can be selectively activated through a valve (not shown), and in the lid cleaning mode, only the upper injection hole 211 may be activated to spray the cleaning liquid.

[0113] After the fresh water rinsing is completed or while the fresh water rinsing is in progress, the first light sterilizing lamp 240 is operated to perform the sterilization process.

[0114] The control device may display a virtual image corresponding to each step through the touch screen 111 while the step is being performed.

[0115] Once the process is complete, the control device opens the door 120 and prompts the user to retrieve the lid 3.

[0116] When the user removes the lid 3, the control device closes the door 120, raises the support member 310 to the top, and activates the second spray nozzle 230 and the second light germicidal lamp 231 to sterilize / clean the base 201 and the internal space 131.

[0117] The washing machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of automatically washing cups, tumblers, tumbler lids, and other cups, and is highly usable as a multipurpose washing machine.

[0118] Furthermore, when the cup member 2 is pressed through the support member 310, the support member 310 is allowed to tilt slightly, so that the cup member 2 can be prevented from being damaged by the pressure of the support member 310.

[0119] In addition, the pressure detection sensor is operated using a configuration that allows the support member 310 to tilt, so the contact and pressing state of the support member 310 against the cup member 2 can be detected with a simple configuration, and the washing machine 1 can be effectively controlled.

Claims

1. a stand on which a cup or tumbler is placed upside down; a first spray nozzle that projects upward from the base and sprays a cleaning liquid to clean the cup or the tumbler; a support member that is raised and lowered by a lifting device; The support member is formed with a cleaning liquid passage hole through which the cleaning liquid sprayed from the first spray nozzle can pass, In a cup cleaning mode or a tumbler cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid is sprayed to perform cleaning while the support member presses down the bottom surface of the cup or the tumbler placed on the base; In the lid cleaning mode, the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the tumbler lid while the tumbler lid is placed on the support member to clean the tumbler lid. A multipurpose cup washer characterized by:

2. The lifting device includes a moving block that moves up and down by a motor, An extension member having a predetermined length is fixed to the support member, The extension member is fixed to the moving block via an elastic body, The elastic body is elastically deformed by a reaction force of a force that presses the support member against the cup or the tumbler, allowing the support member and the extension member to tilt relative to the moving block.

10. The multipurpose cup washer of claim 1.

3. The apparatus further includes a pressure detection sensor that detects a pressing state of the support member against the cup or the tumbler, The pressure detection sensor detects the tilt of the support member when the cup or the tumbler is pressed, thereby detecting the pressing state of the support member.

3. The multipurpose cup washer of claim 2.

4. The support member has a gap formed by being formed using a rod-shaped member as a skeleton, and is substantially conical in shape, the diameter of which in a direction perpendicular to the lifting direction of the lifting device becomes smaller as it goes downward.

10. The multipurpose cup washer of claim 1.

5. a first light sterilization lamp formed around the first spray nozzle for light sterilizing the inside of the cup or the tumbler placed on the stand; a second spray nozzle that sprays the cleaning liquid toward the base; and a second light germicidal lamp for light germicidal the base.

10. The multipurpose cup washer of claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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