Cup holding assembly and cup dispenser

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cup holding assembly capable of storing, holding and easily removing various cups having different diameters, and a dental cup dispenser using the same. The present invention provides a cup holding assembly and a dental cup dispenser using the same, comprising: a plurality of holding modules each having a mounting part and arranged in a mounting space so as to be able to hold the cup by contacting the cup from a plurality of directions; and a rotating plate having a first internal opening overlapping the mounting space and having at least one spiral rail non-fixedly coupled to each of the mounting parts, thereby providing a vortex line induction path for each of the mounting parts, wherein the mounting parts move along the vortex line induction path as the rotating plate rotates, and the holding modules move in a direction toward or away from the center of the mounting space or the first internal opening as the mounting parts move.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cup holding assembly and a dental cup dispenser using the same, and more particularly, to a cup holding assembly that can hold a cup and allow a user to take out the cup, and a dental cup dispenser using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, dental examinations and treatments are performed inside the patient's oral cavity with the patient lying sideways on a unit chair.

[0003] The dental unit chair may be equipped with a lighting device for illuminating the oral cavity, a doctor table equipped with various treatment tools, a unit chair monitor arm for installing a monitor for showing the inside of the oral cavity, displaying CT image information, or watching TV, a water supply device, a table for the convenience of the patient, and the like.

[0004] The various devices and instruments installed on the unit chair are installed with an efficient flow line so as to provide sufficient functions during the movement and convenience of the patient and the operator and during the treatment, and are equipped to be convenient to operate.

[0005] In particular, a dental unit chair is generally equipped with a cup dispenser that allows a patient to take out a cup for rinsing the mouth.

[0006] However, the conventional cup dispenser provided in a dental unit chair can only use a cup of a certain size, and there is a problem that it cannot be used if the size of the cup (the circumference or diameter formed by the cup) changes.

[0007] In particular, because the size of cups commonly used in dental clinics varies from country to country, there was the inconvenience of having to install cup dispensers that could accommodate different cup sizes in each country. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a cup holding assembly capable of holding various cups of different sizes, and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the same.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cup holding assembly that can easily dispense cups of various sizes, and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the same.

[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a cup holding assembly and a dental cup dispenser utilizing the same that can be used in a variety of countries where cups of different sizes are used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A cup holding assembly according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of holding modules, each having a mounting portion, and arranged to hold a cup by contacting the cup from multiple directions in a mounting space; and a rotating plate having a first internal opening that overlaps the mounting space and at least one spiral rail that is non-fixedly coupled to each of the plurality of mounting portions, thereby providing a spiral guide path to each of the plurality of mounting portions, wherein the rotation of the rotating plate causes each of the plurality of mounting portions to move along the spiral guide path, and the movement of the plurality of mounting portions causes the plurality of holding modules to move toward or away from the center of the mounting space or the first internal opening. Furthermore, at least two of the plurality of holding modules include a lever, one end of which is fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end of which is connected to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member. It is characterized by the following:

[0012] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions have a shape that protrudes to the outside of the holding module, and the spiral rail can be formed by engraving so as to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portions.

[0013] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions are cylindrical or arc-shaped and can protrude from the outside of the holding module.

[0014] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions may have shapes engraved inside the holding module, and the spiral rail may be formed in a protruding shape so as to interlock with the engraved shapes of the mounting portions.

[0015] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions may be formed at different positions for each of the plurality of holding modules such that each of the plurality of holding modules contacts the cup at the same distance from the center of the mounting space or the first internal opening.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of holding modules may include levers, one end of which is fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end of which is coupled to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member.

[0017] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the degree of rotation of the lever from side to side can be changed by the elastic member depending on whether or not a cup is present and whether or not the cup is removed.

[0018] A dental cup dispenser according to another aspect of the present invention includes a first case comprising a plurality of first housings with a stationary space formed inside; a plurality of holding modules each housed in the plurality of first housings, each movable within the plurality of first housings, each having a mounting portion and arranged to hold the cup by contacting the cup from multiple directions in the stationary space; and a rotating plate having a first internal opening that overlaps the stationary space and provides a vortex guide path to each of the plurality of mounting portions by having at least one vortex rail that is non-fixedly coupled to each of the plurality of mounting portions, wherein the rotation of the rotating plate causes the plurality of mounting portions to move along the vortex guide path, and the movement of the plurality of mounting portions causes the plurality of holding modules to move toward or away from the center of the stationary space or the first internal opening. Furthermore, at least two of the plurality of holding modules include a lever, one end of which is fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end of which is connected to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member. The configuration is characterized by the following. In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the curvature of the spiral rail decreases as it moves away from the mounting space and the first internal opening.

[0019] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of mounting portions may be formed at different positions for each of the plurality of holding modules such that each of the plurality of holding modules is located at the same distance from the center of the first mounting space or the first internal opening.

[0020] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, at least two of the plurality of holding modules may include levers, one end of which is fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end of which is coupled to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member.

[0021] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the degree of rotation of the lever from side to side can be changed by the elastic member depending on whether or not a cup is present and whether or not the cup is removed.

[0022] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, when a first protrusion is formed at the lower end of one side of the lever and the cup is taken out, the elastic member may be pushed inside the holding module.

[0023] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, a second protrusion may be formed at the upper end of the other side of the lever.

[0024] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the dental cup dispenser according to the other side of the present invention may further include a second case coupled to the first case such that the plurality of holding modules and the rotating plate are positioned between the first case.

[0025] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second case may have a second internal opening overlapping the placement space.

[0026] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second case includes at least one position fixing member, and the rotating plate may include a second accommodating portion capable of accommodating the at least one position fixing member in the outline of the spiral rail.

[0027] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the second accommodating portion is formed of a plurality of grooves forming an arc, and as the rotating plate rotates relative to the first or second case, the at least one position fixing member can move along the plurality of grooves.

[0028] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the at least one position fixing member is attached to any one of the plurality of grooves, the movement of the rotating plate may be temporarily restricted until an external force is applied.

[0029] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one position fixing member may include an elastic member having a third protrusion sized to be attached to each of the grooves.

Effects of the Invention

[0030] The cup holding assembly and dental cup dispenser utilizing the same according to the present invention have the following effects.

[0031] According to the present invention, a single cup holding assembly or cup dispenser can stably hold cups of various sizes.

[0032] Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is an effect that allows users to easily take out cups of various sizes.

[0033] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a single cup holding assembly or cup dispenser can be applied in various countries where cups of different sizes are used.

[0034] However, the scope of the present invention is not limited by the effects described above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a drawing illustrating the external appearance of a dental unit chair to which the present invention is applied as an example. [Figure 2] These drawings show the external appearance of a cup dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from opposite directions. [Figure 3] These drawings show the external appearance of a cup dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from opposite directions. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a cup dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a drawing illustrating the external appearance of a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] Figure 5 shows a diagram illustrating the appearance of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the opposite side. [Figure 7]This is an exploded view of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This drawing illustrates an example of a rotating plate provided in a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a conceptual diagram of a spiral-shaped rail according to one embodiment of the present invention, formed on a rotating plate. [Figure 10] This drawing illustrates an example where the mounting portion provided in a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is cylindrical. [Figure 11] This drawing illustrates an example where the mounting portion of a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is arc-shaped. [Figure 12] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a structure in which a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a spiral rail. [Figure 13] This is a drawing illustrating the operating principle of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a drawing illustrating the operating principle of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which mounting portions according to one embodiment of the present invention are formed at different positions for each of the multiple holding modules. [Figure 16] The structure of a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown in the figure. [Figure 17] These drawings illustrate an example of a position-fixing means that may be applied to a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This drawing illustrates an example of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which no cup is present inside. [Figure 19] This drawing illustrates an example of a cup-holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which no cup is present inside. [Figure 20]This is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a cup is held inside a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a cup is held inside a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] This is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a cup is held inside a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] This drawing illustrates an example of a cup being removed from a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] This drawing illustrates an example of a cup being removed from a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This drawing illustrates an example of a cup being removed from a cup holding assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Matters relating to the technical configuration and effects of the cup holding assembly and dental cup dispenser using the same for the aforementioned purposes will be clearly understood from the following detailed description with reference to drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] The following is merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art can invent a variety of devices embodying the principles of the present invention and falling within the concept and scope of the invention, even if not explicitly described or illustrated herein. Furthermore, all conditional terms and examples listed herein are, in principle, explicitly intended solely for the purpose of enabling understanding of the concepts of the present invention and should be understood as not being limiting to the examples and conditions thus specifically listed.

[0038] Furthermore, all detailed descriptions that enumerate not only the principles, viewpoints, and examples of the present invention but also specific embodiments should be understood as intended to include structural and functional equivalents of such matters. Moreover, such equivalents should be understood to include not only currently known equivalents but also equivalents to be developed in the future, i.e., all elements invented to perform the same function regardless of their structure.

[0039] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of related prior art may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the size of some components in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others in order to aid in understanding the embodiments of the present invention. Also, the same reference numerals in different drawings may indicate the same component, and similar reference numerals may indicate similar components, though not necessarily.

[0040] The present invention, as defined by the claims herein, combines the functions provided by the various enumerated means and combines them with the manner required by the claims; therefore, any means capable of providing such functions should be understood to be equivalent to those found herein.

[0041] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages will become clearer through the following detailed description in relation to the attached drawings, thereby enabling a person with ordinary skill in the art to readily implement the technical concept of the present invention.

[0042] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating the external appearance of a dental unit chair 10 to which the present invention is applied as an example.

[0044] The dental unit chair (Unit Chair, 10) to which the present invention is applied can typically be used in dentistry, but is not limited thereto.

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, the dental unit chair 10 can basically include a seat on which the patient's feet rest, a backrest on which the patient's back rests, and a headrest on which the patient's head supports.

[0046] An armrest may be formed on at least one side of the backrest and the seat, on which the patient's arms can be rested.

[0047] Furthermore, the dental unit chair 10 may include a base that supports the seat, a drive unit that drives at least one of the backrest and the seat, and a control unit that controls the drive unit.

[0048] Furthermore, the dental unit chair 10 may include at least one of the following: a lighting unit for illuminating the patient, a water supply unit for supplying mouthwash for the patient to rinse their mouth, a control unit, a display unit, a foot control unit, and a power supply unit.

[0049] Furthermore, the dental unit chair 10 may be equipped with a work table.

[0050] A typical example of the aforementioned work table is the doctor's table, used in dentistry to hold various instruments for examination and treatment.

[0051] For example, the work table can be used to place treatment instruments, treatment charts, etc., for the treatment of patients visiting the dental clinic, and can also be equipped with an interface for operating the instruments.

[0052] The work table may be supplied with at least one of the following: electricity, pneumatics, and hydraulics, which are used to operate the treatment instruments. For example, the supplied electricity may be used to light an oral light, which is one of the treatment instruments.

[0053] Furthermore, the work table may include various switches. When considering the position of the practitioner, the work table may be located at a distance that the practitioner can easily reach by extending their arm.

[0054] Therefore, the work table may have various switches that can control each part of the dental unit chair 10.

[0055] On the other hand, since patients must use a cup to rinse their mouths using the water supply unit, the dental unit chair 10 may be equipped with a cup dispenser (Cup Dispenser, 20) so that patients can take out a cup.

[0056] For example, as shown in Figure 1, the cup dispenser 20 can be attached to the pole (11) of the dental unit chair 10.

[0057] Figures 2 and 3 are drawings illustrating the external appearance of a cup dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention from opposite directions, respectively, and Figure 4 is a drawing illustrating the internal structure of the cup dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, a dental cup dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, which will be described later, and may have an opening 15 for attachment to the pole 11 of the dental unit chair 10.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be attached to the cup dispenser 20.

[0060] In other words, the cup dispenser 20 can be attached in correspondence with the pole 11 in a manner in which the pole 11 penetrates the opening 15 but is firmly inserted. However, the method of attaching the cup dispenser 20 to the dental unit chair 10 is not limited to this and can be varied.

[0061] Reference numeral 22 in Figures 2 and 3 may indicate a cup storage box 22 that can be used as a lid or stopper to cover or protect the top of the cup holding assembly 30 and is fitted onto the top of the cup holding assembly 30. Multiple cups can be stored in the cup storage box 22 in a stacked state.

[0062] Hereinafter, with reference to the necessary drawings, a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0063] Figures 5 to 14 are drawings illustrating a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating the external appearance of a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a drawing illustrating the external appearance of the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the opposite side of Figure 5. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may basically consist of a plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d and a rotating plate 42.

[0066] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a first case 40 and a second case 41.

[0067] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the first case 40 has a storage space AA formed inside and can include a plurality of first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d.

[0068] The second case 41 can be coupled to the first case 40 such that the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d and the rotating plate 42 are positioned between the second case 41 and the first case 40.

[0069] Here, the second case 41 can be firmly coupled to the first case 40 so that no relative movement occurs relative to the first case 40.

[0070] As shown in Figure 7, the second case 41 may have a second internal opening CC formed inside.

[0071] The first case 40 may constitute the upper part of the cup holding assembly 30, and the second case 41 may constitute the lower part of the cup holding assembly 30, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] This specification primarily describes an example in which a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises four holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, but the number of holding modules is not necessarily limited to this.

[0073] In this case, if the number of the multiple holding modules changes, the number of the multiple housing sections may also change accordingly.

[0074] For example, a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise two, three, or five holding modules and the same number of storage compartments.

[0075] The plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d perform the function of holding the cup by making direct contact with it.

[0076] Each of the aforementioned holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may have a mounting portion (34, see Figures 10 to 12).

[0077] The mounting portion (34, see Figures 10 to 12) is a component that is mounted on or engages with the spiral rail 44 so that the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can move along the spiral rail 44 formed on the rotating plate 42.

[0078] In other words, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d each have a mounting portion (34, see Figures 10 to 12) and can be arranged so that the cup can be held by contacting the cup from multiple directions in the stationary space AA.

[0079] The rotating plate 42 has a first internal opening BB that overlaps the mounting space AA and has at least one spiral rail 44 that is non-fixedly connected to each of the plurality of mounting parts (34, see Figures 10 to 12).

[0080] The rotating plate 42, by having at least one spiral rail 44, can provide spiral guide paths to each of the multiple mounting parts 34.

[0081] In this specification, the description will assume that the rotating plate 42 has one spiral rail 44. However, the rotating plate 42 may have multiple spiral rails 44.

[0082] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a rotating plate 42 provided in a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram of a spiral rail 44 according to one embodiment of the present invention formed on the rotating plate 42.

[0083] The curvature of the spiral rail 44 may decrease as it moves away from the mounting space AA and the first internal opening BB.

[0084] For example, referring to Figure 9, among the spiral rails 44, the curvature of region R1 is the largest and the curvature of region R3 is the smallest.

[0085] On the other hand, the structure in which the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are attached to the spiral rail 44 by the mounting portion 34 can vary.

[0086] The mounting portion 34 formed on each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may have a shape that protrudes to the outside of the holding module. In this case, the spiral rail 44 may be formed by engraving so as to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portion 34 (see Figure 12).

[0087] The protruding shape of the mounting portion 34 can be formed in various ways.

[0088] For example, the mounting portion 34 may be cylindrical or arc-shaped and protrude from the outside of the holding module.

[0089] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the mounting portion 34 provided in a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is cylindrical, and Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which the mounting portion 34 provided in a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is arc-shaped.

[0090] Figure 12 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating the structure in which a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a spiral rail 44.

[0091] For example, referring to Figure 12, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can be mounted on the spiral rail 44, and the rotating plate 42 can perform relative motion or relative rotational motion with respect to the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0092] Here, the mounting portions 34 formed on each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are mounted on the spiral rail 44 in a manner that is not fixedly connected to the spiral rail 44.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, the mounting portion 34 formed on each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may have a shape engraved inside the holding module. In this case, the spiral rail 44 may be formed in a protruding shape so as to interlock with the engraved shape of the mounting portion 34 (not shown).

[0094] As described above, the mounting portions 34 formed on each of the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d and the spiral rail 44 interlock with each other, thereby enabling the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d to be mounted on the rotating plate 42.

[0095] Here, the interlocking structure between the mounting portion 34 and the spiral rail 44 must be such that the mounting portion 34 is movable on the spiral rail 44.

[0096] In other words, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 12, the spiral rail 44 can non-fixedly accommodate the plurality of mounting parts 34 and perform the role of providing the spiral guide paths to each of the plurality of mounting parts 34.

[0097] On the other hand, since the plurality of mounting portions 34 are formed on each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, the spiral rail 44 may be described as providing the spiral guide paths to each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0098] On the other hand, as shown in Figures 5, 7, and 12, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d are each housed in the plurality of first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d formed in the first case 40, and are each movable within the plurality of first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d.

[0099] When the rotating plate 42 performs relative motion or relative rotational motion with respect to the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, the plurality of mounting parts 34 move along the spiral rail 44, thereby allowing the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d to move along the spiral rail 44.

[0100] Here, as the plurality of mounting portions 34 move along the spiral rail 44, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d move in a linear motion within the plurality of first housing portions 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d.

[0101] Therefore, as the plurality of mounting portions 34 move along the spiral rail 44, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can move toward or away from the center of the mounting space AA or the first internal opening BB.

[0102] Examples of how the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d move linearly within the multiple first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d, moving toward or away from the center of the stationary space AA or the first internal opening BB, are illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

[0103] Figures 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating the operating principle of a cup-holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] For example, if the user rotates the rotating plate 42 in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 13, the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may move in a linear motion within the multiple first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d toward the center of the stationary space AA or the first internal opening BB, resulting in the state shown in Figure 14.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, if the user rotates the rotating plate 42 in a clockwise direction in Figure 14, the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d may move linearly within the multiple first housing sections 32a, 32b, 32c, and 32d toward the center of the stationary space AA or the first internal opening BB, resulting in the state shown in Figure 13.

[0106] On the other hand, while the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d move linearly within the plurality of first housing portions 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, the plurality of mounting portions 34 may be formed at different positions for each of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d so that the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d are located at approximately the same distance from the center of the stationary space AA or the first internal opening BB.

[0107] Figure 15 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example in which a mounting portion 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed at different positions for each of the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0108] As described above, the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can perform the function of holding a cup which will be located inside the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] A cup-holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention can hold various cups, but for the sake of explanation, this specification will focus on paper cups.

[0110] Figure 16 illustrates the structure of a holding module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Referring to Figure 16, at least two of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d may be configured to include a lever 55, one end of which is fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end of which is coupled to the other side of the holding module by a first elastic member 58.

[0112] An example of the first elastic member 58 is a coil spring, as shown in Figure 16.

[0113] Referring to Figure 16, the lever 55 can be coupled to the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d so as to be rotatable left and right relative to the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d by the first fixing pin 56 sequentially passing through the first hole 61 formed in the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d, the lever hole 57 formed in the lever 55, and the second hole 62 formed in the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0114] On the other hand, the lever 55 can be rotated to the left or right, i.e., its rotation angle can be changed by the first elastic member 58 depending on whether or not a cup is present and whether or not the cup is removed.

[0115] For example, the lever 55 rotates around the first fixing pin 56, but the angle that the lever 55 makes with the body of the cup holding assembly 30 may change depending on whether or not a cup is present inside the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, when a cup is removed from the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the angle that the lever 55 makes with the body of the cup holding assembly 30 may change.

[0117] Figure 17 is a drawing illustrating an example of a position fixing means that may be applied to a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The second case 41 comprises at least one position-fixing member 66a, 66b, and the rotating plate 42 may have a second housing portion on the outer casing of the spiral rail 44 that can accommodate the at least one position-fixing member 66a, 66b.

[0119] For example, referring to Figure 17, the second housing portion is formed by a plurality of grooves 68 arranged in an arc, and the at least one position fixing member 66a, 66b may include an elastic member having a third projection 69 formed thereon that is sized to fit into each of the grooves 68.

[0120] Here, as the rotating plate 42 rotates relative to the first case 40 or the second case 41, the at least one position fixing member 66a, 66b can move along the arc in which the plurality of grooves 68 are arranged.

[0121] When at least one of the position-fixing members 66a, 66b moves along the arc in which the plurality of grooves 68 are arranged and is fitted into a specific groove 68, the movement of the rotating plate 42 can be temporarily restricted until an external force is applied.

[0122] As shown in Figure 17, each of the at least one position-fixing members 66a, 66b may have a third projection 69 that is sized to fit into each of the plurality of grooves 68. The third projection 69 may be a plastic hook.

[0123] For example, when the rotating plate 42 rotates and the third protrusion 69 comes into contact with the wall between the plurality of grooves 68, the elasticity of the plastic causes the third protrusion 69 to be pushed out by the wall height interference and then fitted into the next groove 68 in the sequence.

[0124] Hereinafter, a cup-holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail along with the operation of the lever 55.

[0125] Figures 18 and 19 illustrate an example in which there is no cup inside the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, when there is no cup inside the cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the lever 55 is pushed out by the first elastic member 58 on one side that is in contact with the first elastic member 58 and on the other side that is not in contact with the first elastic member 58 (labeled "E1" in Figure 19).

[0127] Figures 20 to 22 are diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which a cup is held inside a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to Figures 20 to 22, when cups 80 and 81 are inserted into the cup holding assembly 30, the right side of the lever 55 is pushed toward the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d by the inserted cups 80 and 81.

[0129] At this time, the lever 55 rotates counterclockwise by a certain angle around the first fixing pin 56 in the state shown in Figure 19, resulting in the state shown in Figure 21.

[0130] The lever 55 can be supported by the elastic force or restoring force of the first elastic member 58 while being pressed by the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d by the inserted cups 80 and 81.

[0131] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 16, the lever 55 may have a first projection 59 formed at one lower end and a second projection 60 formed at the other upper end.

[0132] For example, as shown in Figure 16, the first protrusion 59 may be formed at the lower right end of the lever 55, and the second protrusion 60 may be formed at the upper left end of the lever 55.

[0133] As shown in Figure 22, the first protrusion 59 and the second protrusion 60 can perform the function of stably supporting the inserted cups 80 and 81.

[0134] For example, in Figure 22, the first projection 59 can support the projection at the upper end of the lower cup 80, and the second projection 60 can support the projection at the upper end of the upper cup 81.

[0135] Figures 23 to 25 are diagrams illustrating an example of a state in which a cup is removed from a cup holding assembly 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Referring to Figures 23 to 25, when the lower cup 80 is removed from the cup holding assembly 30, the upper end of the lower cup 80, in particular the projection on the upper end of the lower cup 80, pushes the first projection 59 in order for the lower cup 80 to come out of the cup holding assembly 30, causing the lever 55 to be pushed to its maximum extent toward the holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0137] At this time, when the length of the first elastic member 58 is at its shortest and the cup 80 located on the lower side is completely removed, the lever 55 can be restored to the state shown in Figure 19 or Figure 21 by the restoring force of the first elastic member 58.

[0138] As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cup holding assembly 30 is capable of the plurality of holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d moving toward or away from the center of the mounting space AA, the first internal opening BB, or the second internal opening CC of the cup holding assembly 30.

[0139] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cup holding assembly 30 can hold cups of various diameters.

[0140] For example, when a user uses a cup with a small diameter, the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can behave in a direction that moves toward the center of the stationary 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.

[0141] Furthermore, for example, when a user uses a large-diameter cup, the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d can behave in a direction away from the center of the stationary space AA, the first internal opening BB, or the second internal opening CC, thereby increasing the space formed by the ends of the multiple holding modules 35a, 35b, 35c, and 35d.

[0142] On the other hand, a dental cup dispenser 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include the cup holding assembly 30 according to the above embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 5 to 25.

[0143] In this specification, the designation of "one embodiment" of the principle of the present invention, and various variations of such expression, means that certain features, structures, properties, etc., related to this embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the principle of the present invention.

[0144] Therefore, the expression "in one embodiment" and any other modifications disclosed throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0145] Where a method is described herein as comprising a series of steps, the order of such steps presented herein is not necessarily the order in which such steps may be performed, and any described step may be omitted, or any other steps not described herein may be added to the method.

[0146] Furthermore, in this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless otherwise specified in the text. Also, as used herein, the terms “includes” or “includes” refer to components, stages, operations, and elements, meaning the presence or addition of one or more other components, stages, operations, elements, and devices.

[0147] The present invention has been described in detail, focusing on its preferred embodiments. All embodiments and conditional examples disclosed herein are intended to help those skilled in the art to understand the principles and concepts of the invention, and those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be embodied in modified forms without departing from its essential characteristics. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an explanatory rather than restrictive manner.

[0148] The scope of this invention is defined in the claims rather than in the foregoing description, and all differences within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. In a cup holding assembly for holding a cup, Multiple holding modules, each having a mounting portion, are arranged to hold the cup by contacting the cup from multiple directions in the stationary space; and The rotating plate includes a first internal opening that overlaps the mounting space and has at least one spiral rail that is non-fixedly connected to each of the multiple mounting parts, thereby providing spiral guide paths to each of the multiple mounting parts. The rotation of the rotating plate causes the plurality of mounting parts to move along the vortex induction path, and the movement of the plurality of mounting parts causes the plurality of holding modules to move toward or away from the center of the mounting space or the first internal opening. Of the aforementioned holding modules, at least two are The lever includes one end fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end connected to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member, The first projection is formed at the lower end of the other end of the lever. A second projection is formed on the upper end of one end of the lever. A cup holding assembly characterized in that the lever is configured to rotate relative to the holding module in a direction that deforms the elastic member as the first projection is pushed inward towards the holding module by the movement of the cup when the cup is removed, the second projection is positioned above the cup and supports the next cup by the rotation, and the lever returns to its initial position by the restoring force of the elastic member after the cup has been removed.

2. The plurality of mounting portions have a shape that protrudes from the outside of the holding module. The cup holding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral rail is formed by engraving so as to accommodate the protruding shape of the mounting portion.

3. The aforementioned multiple mounting parts are The cup holding assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that it is cylindrical or arc-shaped and protrudes from the outside of the holding module.

4. The aforementioned lever is The cup holding assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the degree of left-right rotation is changed by the elastic member depending on whether or not a cup is present and whether or not the cup is removed.

5. A first case comprising multiple first storage compartments, with a mounting space formed inside; A plurality of holding modules, each housed in the plurality of first housings, movable within the plurality of first housings, and each having a mounting portion, arranged to hold the cup by contacting the cup from multiple directions in the stationary space; and The rotating plate includes a first internal opening that overlaps the mounting space and has at least one spiral rail that is non-fixedly connected to each of the multiple mounting parts, thereby providing spiral guide paths to each of the multiple mounting parts. The rotation of the rotating plate causes the plurality of mounting parts to move along the vortex induction path, and the movement of the plurality of mounting parts causes the plurality of holding modules to move toward or away from the center of the mounting space or the first internal opening. Of the aforementioned holding modules, at least two are The lever includes one end fixed to one side of the holding module so as to be axially rotatable, and the other end connected to the other side of the holding module by an elastic member, The first projection is formed at the lower end of the other end of the lever. A second projection is formed on the upper end of one end of the lever. A cup dispenser characterized in that the lever is configured to rotate relative to the holding module in a direction that deforms the elastic member as the first projection is pushed inward towards the holding module by the movement of the cup when the cup is removed, the second projection is positioned above the cup and supports the next cup by the rotation, and the lever returns to its initial position after the cup is removed by the restoring force of the elastic member.

6. The aforementioned lever is The cup dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the degree of left-right rotation is changed by the elastic member depending on whether or not a cup is present and whether or not the cup is removed.

7. The present invention further includes a second case coupled to the first case such that the plurality of holding modules and the rotating plate are positioned between the first case and the second case, The second case comprises at least one position-fixing member, the at least one position-fixing member including an elastic member having a third projection of sufficient size formed in each groove, The cup dispenser according to claim 5, characterized in that the rotating plate has a second housing portion on the outer casing of the spiral rail that can accommodate the third protrusion of at least one position-fixing member.

8. The two cases mentioned above are: The cup dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that a second internal opening is formed that overlaps the aforementioned mounting space.

9. The second housing portion is formed by a plurality of grooves that extend radially and are arranged radially, The cup dispenser according to claim 7, characterized in that the rotating plate rotates relative to the first or second case, causing the third projection of at least one position-fixing member to move along the plurality of grooves.

10. The cup dispenser according to claim 9, characterized in that when the third projection of at least one position-fixing member is housed in one of the plurality of grooves, the movement of the rotating plate is temporarily restricted until an external force is applied.

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