Patent Application
20250143533
The present invention relates to a device, in particular a device for cleaning receptacles and a method in which the device is operated. The device can also be referred to as an appliance. Example receptacles for cleaning include drinking receptacles, such as cups, beakers, mugs, glasses, vessels and the like.
Throughout the day, people who enjoy several beverages, including but not limited to coffee, can be concerned by the residue left by the drink in the receptacle after consumption. When a new beverage is poured into the same receptacle, it is likely a person will want to wash the receptacle before use.
Current methods to remove residues in receptacles include handwashing the vessel with water, which may include the use of a utensil and/or detergent; and placing the vessel in a conventional dishwashing appliance where it will be cleaned once its cycle is initiated.
The present invention provides a novel method to clean the dirtied beverage vessel and a device for use in said method.
In a broad aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle wherein the device comprises a receiving component for receiving and holding the receptacle and a cleaning component that is extendable into at least a part of the interior of the receptacle when the receptacle is placed on the receiving component.
In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle wherein the device comprises a receiving component for receiving and holding the receptacle and a cleaning component that is extendable into at least a part of the interior of the receptacle when the receptacle is placed on the receiving component; wherein the receiving component is capable of rotating the receptacle.
In another broad aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle wherein the device comprises a receiving component for receiving and holding the receptacle and a cleaning component that is extendable into at least a part of the interior of the receptacle when the receptacle is placed on the receiving component; wherein the receiving component is capable of rotating the receptacle and wherein the cleaning component is in a fixed position; further wherein the receiving component and cleaning component are configured to cause at least all of the interior base of the receptacle to be engageable by the cleaning component, on rotation of the receptacle by the receiving component.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle, wherein the device comprises: a receiving component for receiving and holding the receptacle, wherein the receiving component comprises a first rotating element that is capable of rotating the receptacle; a nozzle arranged to be directed at an interior of the receptacle when the receptacle is held by the receiving component; and a rotation driving component comprising a second rotating element, wherein the rotation driving component is arranged to drive rotation of the second rotating element; wherein the second rotating element is magnetically coupled to the first rotating element such that rotation of the second rotating element by the rotation driving component drives rotation of the first rotating element.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle that is at least partly open-ended at one end and having an interior space defined by an interior wall; wherein the device is capable of cleaning at least a part of the interior wall of the receptacle; wherein the device comprises:
The first rotating element is coupled to the second rotating element. Preferably, this is achieved through attractive physical forces. In a preferred aspect, the coupling is a magnetic coupling.
In one aspect, the first rotating element is coupled to the second rotating element, wherein the second rotating element is configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element. In other words, the first rotating element is coupled to the second rotating element such that rotation of the second rotating element is capable of driving rotation of the first rotating element.
In one aspect, the present invention provides a device for cleaning a receptacle that is at least partly open-ended at one end and having an interior space defined by an interior wall; wherein the device is capable of cleaning at least a part of the interior wall of the receptacle; wherein the device comprises:
In another aspect, a method of cleaning a receptacle comprising use of the device according to the present invention, the method comprising: receiving the receptacle at the receiving component of the device; rotating, by the rotation driving element, the second rotating element to drive rotation of the first rotating element; and delivering, via the nozzle a cleaning medium to an interior wall of the receptacle to clean at least a part of the interior wall of the receptacle.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a receptacle that is at least partly open-ended at one end and having an interior space defined by an interior wall comprising use of the device according to the present invention; wherein a receptacle is placed on the receiving component of the device and the cleaning component cleans at least part of the interior wall of the receptacle interior.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention the receptacle is at least partly open ended at one end and having an interior space defined by an interior wall; wherein the device is capable of cleaning at least a part of the interior wall of the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the nozzle is locatable within an interior space of the receptacle when the receptacle is held by the receiving component.
In a further embodiment, the nozzle is capable of delivering a cleaning medium to an interior wall of the receptacle to clean at least a part of the interior wall of the receptacle.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element comprises one or more magnets and/or the second rotating element comprises one or more magnets, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises one or more magnets, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the one or more magnets of the first rotating element and the one or more magnets of the second rotating element are arranged coaxially with respect to an axis of rotation of the first rotating component (90).
In a further embodiment, the one or more magnets of the first rotating element and the one or more magnets of the second rotating element are disposed apart from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first rotating component (90).
In a further embodiment, the receiving component comprises a support element to support the first rotating element; wherein the support element extends into the receiving component by a distance smaller than a width of the one or more magnets of first rotating component and/or the second rotating component.
In a further embodiment, the height of a coupling region containing the one or more magnets of the first rotating component and the one or more magnets of the second rotating component in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the first rotating component (90) is less than the combined height of a magnet of the one or more magnets of the first rotating component and a magnet of the one or more magnets of the second rotating component.
In a further embodiment, the second rotating element comprises one or more magnets, wherein the one or more magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises one or more magnets and the second rotating element comprises one or more corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises a plurality of magnets and the second rotating element comprises a plurality of corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the magnets are located around the circumference of the first rotating element and/or the magnets are located around the circumference of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element and the second rotating element comprise the same number of magnets.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises two magnets and the second rotating element comprises two corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises three magnets and the second rotating element comprises three corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises four magnets and the second rotating element comprises four corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises five magnets and the second rotating element comprises five corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises six magnets and the second rotating element comprises six corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element comprises more than six magnets and the second rotating element comprises more than six corresponding, reversed polarity magnets, wherein the corresponding, reversed polarity magnets are configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
In one embodiment of the present invention, obstruction or prevention of the rotation of the first rotating element does not obstruct or prevent rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element is capable of disengaging and/or slipping from the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when there is a force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when there is a force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element that exceeds the force of the coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when there is a force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element that exceeds the attractive physical force between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when there is a force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element that exceeds the force of the magnetic coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 5 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 10 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 30 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 50 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 100 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of more than about 200 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 3000 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 1000 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 500 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 400 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 300 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 200 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of less than about 100 Newton-centimetres or more is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 5 Newton-centimetres to about 3000 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 10 Newton-centimetres to about 1000 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 30 Newton-centimetres to about 500 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In a preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 50 Newton-centimetres to about 300 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 50 Newton-centimetres to about 200 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 50 Newton-centimetres to about 100 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 100 Newton-centimetres to about 300 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 200 Newton-centimetres to about 300 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 50 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 100 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 200 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element disengages and/or slips from the second rotating element when a force of about 300 Newton-centimetres is applied at the pivot point of the first rotating element.
In a further embodiment the disengaging and/or slipping of the first rotating element from the second rotating element results in the speed of rotation of the first rotating element (measured in revolutions per minute or RPM) falling below the speed of rotation of the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment the disengaging and/or slipping of the first rotating element from the second rotating element results in the first rotating element ceasing to rotate.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element will re-engage with the second rotating element when the force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element falls below the force of the coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element will re-engage with the second rotating element when the force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element falls below the attractive physical force between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element will re-engage with the second rotating element when the force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element falls below the force of the magnetic coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment, the device of the present invention does not comprise a mechanical connection between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment, the device of the present invention does not comprise a mechanical connection between the first rotating element and any other component of the device.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element can be removed from the device by overcoming the coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element can be removed from the device by overcoming the attractive physical force between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element can be removed from the device by overcoming the magnetic coupling between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment, the device of the present invention comprises a watertight barrier between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the receiving component comprises a basin element that is capable of capturing spent cleaning medium.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the second rotating element is locatable outside of the basin element.
In a further embodiment, at least part of the basin element is locatable between the first rotating element and the second rotating element.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element is locatable within the basin element.
In a further embodiment of the device of the present invention, the second rotating element is locatable outside of the basin element and the first rotating element is locatable within the basin element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the cleaning element faces a part of the interior wall of the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the first rotating element is capable of allowing rotation of the interior wall of the receptacle relative to the cleaning element.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning element is in a fixed position.
In a further embodiment, at least a part of the cleaning component is located within the receiving component.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning element extends beyond the receiving component.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the first rotating element comprises a turntable element that is capable of rotating the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning element extends beyond the turntable element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the rotation driving component comprises a means for driving the rotation of the second rotation element.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the means for driving the rotation of the second rotation element comprises a motor.
In one embodiment, the means for driving the rotation of the second rotation element comprises a motor fitted with a drive gear.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the second rotating element comprises a driven gear.
In a further embodiment, the drive gear is operably connected to the driven gear, wherein the drive gear is configured to cause rotation of the driven gear on rotation of the drive gear.
In a further embodiment, the motor is an electric motor.
In one embodiment, the drive gear has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the second rotating element gear.
In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the rotation driving component comprises a controller for the motor, wherein the controller allows for the rotational speed of the first rotating element to be altered.
In one embodiment, the receiving component and/or the cleaning component comprises a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium.
In a further embodiment, the receiving component comprises a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium.
In a further embodiment, the drain component comprises a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium.
In a further embodiment, the basin element comprises a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium and the cleaning component comprises a drain closure element.
In one embodiment, the cleaning component of the device of the present invention comprises a cleaning medium preparation element that is operably connected to the cleaning element.
In a further embodiment, the device is capable of cleaning at least all of the interior base of the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the device is capable of cleaning all of the interior wall of the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning element comprises a nozzle through which the cleaning medium passes onto the interior wall of the receptacle.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning medium comprises heated water.
In one embodiment, the cleaning medium comprises steam.
In one embodiment, the device of the present invention further comprises a user interface module to allow a user to use the device.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning component and the receiving component are housed in an integral unit.
In a further embodiment, the cleaning component and the receiving component are housed in an integral unit; and wherein the device further comprises a user interface module to allow a user to use the device; wherein the user interface module is located on one wall of the user interface module.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the user interface module allows for the rotational speed of the first rotating device to be altered.
In a further embodiment, the user interface module allows for different rotational speeds according to a pre-programmed cycle that the user selects.
In one embodiment, the device is capable of cleaning one or more receptacles.
In one embodiment, the device is configured to clean one receptacle at a time.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is open-ended at one end.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is a receptacle for a beverage.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is a receptacle for a coffee beverage.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is cleaned by the device in a period of less than about 30 seconds.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is cleaned by the device in a period of less than about 25 seconds.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is cleaned by the device in a period of less than about 20 seconds.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is cleaned by the device in a period of less than about 15 seconds.
In one embodiment, the receptacle is cleaned by the device in a period of about 10 seconds or less than about 10 seconds.
Depending on the configuration of the receiving component, in use the receptacle is placed over the receiving component or the receiving component enters into the receptacle.
Preferably, the device is configured such that in use the receptacle is placed over the receiving component. This allows for ease of use and allows for easy cleaning of the receptacle and also for easy removal of the spent cleaning medium.
In one embodiment, the device is configured such that in use the receptacle is placed over the first rotating element.
The present invention has a number of advantages. For example, the present invention provides and allows a person to place the dirtied receptacle into the appliance wherein the receptacle is washed in a very short period of time and wherein any residues are removed from the interior of the receptacle. The receptacle can be washed in a period of time less than about 30 seconds, preferably less than about 25 seconds, preferably less than about 20 seconds, preferably less than about 15 seconds, preferably less than about 10 seconds.
The device of the present invention can wash the interior of the receptacle more effectively than an equivalent handwashing process.
In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning component provides or delivers steam as the cleaning medium, such as pressurised steam, into the interior of the receptacle. The use of steam is effective in removing residues in the interior of the receptacle and reduces the prevalence of bacterial growth should the receptacle be the left for an extended period of time following the consumption of a previous beverage.
The device of the present invention can reduce the water consumption of the process when compared to an equivalent wash by hand or even through the use of a dishwasher.
The present invention is particularly useful in an office environment or in a coffee shop environment or in a tea shop environment. More particularly, the present invention is particularly useful in a coffee shop environment or in a tea shop environment whereby store customers may hand over a dirtied receptacle to the store staff. A staff member can make use of the device of the current invention to remove easily and quickly any residues in the interior of the receptacle while they begin to prepare the beverage. This saves time as the staff member is no longer required to hand wash the receptacle in order to make it clean for serving the fresh beverage.
According to the present invention, the receiving component comprises a first rotating element that is capable of rotating the receptacle. The first rotating element is coupled to the second rotating element. Preferably, this is achieved through attractive physical forces. In a preferred aspect, the coupling is a magnetic coupling. The second rotating element is configured to cause rotation of the first rotating element on rotation of the second rotating element.
Rotation of the first rotating element being driven by coupling, preferably through attractive physical forces and more preferably through a magnetic coupling, to a second rotating element has a number of advantages over use of a traditional mechanical connection, such as a shaft, to drive rotation of the first rotating element. One such advantage is that the present invention has a simplified design and overcomes issues arising from cavities that are associated with such mechanical connections. One such problem is the build-up of washing residue, for example coffee grounds, in the cavities, which can lead to the rotational action mechanical connector becoming obstructed resulting in reliability problems with the device. A further problem associated with cavities is the build-up of organic matter, such as milk residue, that may allow for potentially harmful micro-organisms to populate in the receiving component. Hence the first rotating element being driven by coupling, preferably through attractive physical forces and more preferably through a magnetic coupling, to a second rotating element results in the device having increased reliability and safety in use.
Further, removing the need for a mechanical connection between the first rotating element and the rotation driving component allows for increased ease in manufacture and maintenance of the device. A watertight separation between the rotation driving component and spent cleaning medium is easier to achieve, since there are fewer mechanical connectors required. For the same reason, the watertight seal between the rotation driving component and spent cleaning medium is more reliable.
Rotation of the first rotating element being driven by coupling, preferably through attractive physical forces and more preferably through a magnetic coupling, to a second rotating element, rather than a mechanical connection, also overcomes issues that arise when users drop objects into or onto the receiving component that obstruct the rotation of the first rotating element. In designs wherein the rotation of the first rotating element is driven by mechanical connection, such as a shaft, such obstructions result in damage to the device, in particular to the mechanically coupled component that drives rotation of the first rotating element. This problem is overcome wherein rotation of the first rotating element is driven by coupling, preferably through attractive physical forces and more preferably through a magnetic coupling, since the first rotating element is able to disengage and/or slip, whilst allowing the coupled second rotating element to continue rotating as normal. Therefore, any obstruction to the first rotating element will not result in sudden strain or damage to the component that drives the rotation of the first rotating element.
A further advantage of the present invention and the potential for the first rotating element to disengage and/or slip from the second rotating element when there is a force opposing the rotation of the first rotating element is that it makes the device safer to use. For instance, if a user were to insert their hand into the device and contact the first rotating element, the rotation of the first rotating element would slow or cease. Thus, the present invention is less likely to cause injury to users and has improved safety.
Further advantages of rotation of the first rotating element being driven by coupling, preferably through attractive physical forces and more preferably through a magnetic coupling, to a second rotating element, rather than a mechanical connection, include increased ease in maintenance of the device. For instance, the connection between the first rotating element and the second rotating element being a magnetic, rather than a mechanical connection, means that the first rotating element can be removed with increased ease, for instance during cleaning or routine maintenance.
To implement the magnetic coupling, both the first rotating element and the second rotating element may be provided with a respective set of one or more magnets. In some examples, the two sets of magnets are arranged in a ‘face-to-face’ arrangement, where the sets of magnets are offset in a vertical direction (i.e., a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the first rotating element).
In some examples however, a coaxial arrangement of the one or more magnets in the first rotating element and the one or more magnets in the second rotating element is used. According to such an arrangement, the magnets of the first rotating element and the magnets of the second rotating element are arranged coaxially with respect to the axis of rotation of the first rotating component. For example, magnets may be arranged around (or in the vicinity of) the edge (e.g., circumference) of the first rotating element. The corresponding set of reversed polarity magnets may be positioned in the second rotating element at a slightly larger radial displacement from the axis of rotation.
By employing this coaxial arrangement, it may be possible to make the device more compact. Specifically, a vertical height (in the direction of the axis of rotation) of the wash chamber can be reduced since the two sets of magnets are arranged in substantially the same horizontal plane. Accordingly, a height of the coupling region in which the set of magnets forming the magnetic coupling are placed can be reduced as compared with, for example, the face-to-face arrangement mentioned above whereby one set of magnets is positioned below the other.
Additionally, or alternatively, the coaxial arrangement for the magnetic coupling can lead to improved efficiency of the rotation mechanism. With the face-to-face arrangement for example, the magnetic force between the two sets of magnets acts in a vertical direction, thereby increasing a vertical component of the force exerted by the first rotating component on other components of the device (and correspondingly by those other components on the first rotating component). This consequently increases the friction experienced by the first rotating element that acts to restrict its rotation. By adopting the coaxial arrangement, the vertical component of the force between the first rotating component and surrounding components in the device can be reduced leading to reduced friction restraining the motion of the first rotating device. Thus the mechanism can be made more efficient, allowing less motor power to be used to drive rotation of the first rotating element for a given amount of torque.
Even further, the coaxial arrangement described herein allows the first rotating element to have a smaller contact area with a support element (e.g., the floor/shelf of the wash basin).
With the magnets arranged coaxially, the support element provided to support the first rotating element within the receiving component does not need to support magnets arranged above and below the support element and so does not need to extend so far in the wash basin. For example the support element may extend into the receiving component in which the receptacle is placed by a distance smaller than a width of the magnets used in the first rotating element and/or the second rotation element. This arrangement can therefore provide improved drainage from the wash basin and reduce the risk of blockages.
The device can receive one or a plurality of receptacles. If the device is capable of receiving a plurality of receptacles then the device may comprise a further rotating platform wherein the platform comprises discrete receiving components for the receptacles. In one preferred aspect, the device is to receive one receptacle at a time.
Examples of receptacles include drinking receptacles, such as cups, beakers, mugs and the like. The receptacle may be of any suitable material, such as china, porcelain, ceramics, plastics etc. Preferably, the receptacle is made from a plastics material. In one aspect, the receptacle is a re-usable coffee cup, in particular a re-usable coffee cup made from a plastic material or glass.
As mentioned above, the device of the present invention enables a user to remove effectively residue from said receptacle and to clean the interior of the receptacle in a short period of time and preferably in a shorter period of time such as with hand washing.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following Figures.
In the Examples, reference will be made to the following elements shown in the Figures:
Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Since the invention may be modified in various ways and may have various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are described in detail in the specification. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to specific disclosed embodiments, but includes all modifications, equivalents and substitutes included within the technical scope of the invention.
The terms ‘first’, ‘second’, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by such terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from other components.
For example, a first component may be designated as a second component without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the invention. In the same manner, the second component may be designated as the first component.
The term “and/or” encompasses both combinations of the plurality of related items disclosed and any item from among the plurality of related items disclosed.
When an arbitrary component is described as “being connected to” or “being linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that still another component(s) may exist between them, although the arbitrary component may be directly connected to, or linked to, the second component.
On the other hand, when an arbitrary component is described as “being directly connected to” or “being directly linked to” another component, this should be understood to mean that no other component exists between them.
The terms used in this application are used to describe only specific embodiments or examples, and are not intended to limit the invention. A singular expression can include a plural expression as long as it does not have an apparently different meaning in context.
In this application, the terms “include” and “have” should be understood to be intended to designate that illustrated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof exist and not to preclude the existence of one or more different features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, or the possibility of the addition thereof.
In the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity. It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.
Unless otherwise specified, all of the terms which are used herein, including the technical or scientific terms, have the same meanings as those that are generally understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the invention pertains.
The terms defined in a generally used dictionary must be understood to have meanings identical to those used in the context of a related art, and are not to be construed to have ideal or excessively formal meanings unless they are obviously specified in this application.
The following example embodiments of the invention are provided to those skilled in the art in order to describe the invention more completely. Accordingly, shapes and sizes of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.
Example embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The device of the present invention-generally shown as 200 in
Referring to
Also referring to
The device of the present invention has generally two separate cycles in normal usage-namely a standby cycle and an operating cycle.
In the case of the standby cycle: the valve 60 is closed, the pump 30 delivers water from the water source 10 through the water heater 40 and pressure sensor 50. When a sufficient body of water is in the water heater 40 and the pressure sensor 50, the pump 30 turns off and encloses said body of water in the channel comprising the water heater 40 and pressure sensor 50. Upon the pump 30 turning off, the water heater 40 turns on. This action causes the body of water in said channel to vaporize and increase the pressure in the channel comprising of the water heater 40 and pressure sensor 50. The pressure sensor 50 relays the measured pressure value of said channel to the electronic control box 70. The electronic control box 70 receives this value and compares it against a preconfigured standby pressure value. If the pressure sensor 50 value exceeds the preconfigured standby pressure value, the electronic control box 70 signals to the water heater 40 to turn off. The pressure within said channel of water heater 40 and pressure sensor 50 will then fall. Once the pressure sensor 50 returns a value that does not exceed the preconfigured standby pressure value, the water heater 40 will turn on again. This cycle continues indefinitely until the cleaning medium generating system 1 is either turned off or the user initiates the operating cycle.
Referring to
The first rotating element 90 is shown as an upper turntable. This upper turntable is an example of a first rotating element that is capable of rotating the receptacle. The second rotating element 130 is shown as a lower turntable. This lower turntable is an example of a second rotating element capable of driving rotation of the first rotating element. The nozzle 110 is an example of a cleaning element. The drain module 97 is an example of a basin element. The drain outlet 95 is an example of a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium.
Referring to
Referring to
Referring to
The gear attached to second rotating element 160 is an example of a driven gear. The worm gear 170 is an example of a drive gear. The electric motor 150 fitted with the worm gear 170 is an example of a means for driving the rotation of the second rotation element.
Referring to
Referring to
In the case of the operating cycle, the user (not shown) will place the beverage vessel 80 into device 200, on top of the first rotating element 90, shown as an upper turntable, in the rotary washing bay 100. The user will then close the lid 210, enclosing the beverage vessel 80 within the device 200. Then the user will initiate the operating cycle by means of the human interface module 220. Upon this, the human interface module 220 sends a signal to the electronic control box 70.
The electronic control box 70 compares the current value of the pressure sensor 50 to the preconfigured operating pressure value. If the pressure sensor 50 value is lower than the preconfigured operating pressure value, the electronic control box 70 signals to the water heater 40 to turn on. Once the pressure sensor 50 value equals or exceeds the preconfigured operating pressure value, the control box 70 sends a signal simultaneously to the water pump 30 and the valve 60. The water pump 30 will turn on and the valve 60 will open. Water from the water source 10 will now be pumped constantly through the water heater 40 and vaporize to steam. This vaporised fluid continues through the now open valve 60 to the delivery hose 180, also shown in the rotary washing bay 100.
The flow of vaporised fluid travels through the delivery hose 180 to the nozzle 110 and exits the rotary washing bay 100 at high speed. The flow of vaporised fluid proceeds to remove residue from the internal face of the beverage vessel 80.
At the point the valve 60 is opened and the pump 30 is turned on, the electronic control box 70 turns on the electric motor 150. The electric motor 150 drives the worm gear 170, ring gear 160, second rotating element 130 (shown as an lower turntable), first rotating element 90 (shown as an upper turntable), and beverage vessel 80. The rotation of the beverage vessel 80 above the nozzle 110 allows the flow of vaporised fluid to remove residue from the complete circumference of the internal face of the beverage vessel 80.
The condensed waste liquid will exit the rotary washing bay 100 through the drain outlet 95 to waste collection external of the device 200 (not shown).
After a preconfigured duration, the electronic control box 70 sends a signal simultaneously to the pump 30, the water heater 40, the valve 60 and electric motor 150. The pump 30, the water heater 40 and the electric motor 150 will now turn off and the valve 60 will close. Following this the flow of vaporised fluid from the cleaning medium generating system 1 halts to the rotary washing bay 100.
Upon the halting of the flow of vaporised fluid, the user is now informed via the human user interface module 220 to open the lid 210 and remove the cleaned beverage vessel 80. This marks the end of the operating cycle. Following the end of the operating cycle, the cleaning medium generating system 1 will automatically return to the standby cycle until the next operating cycle is initiated or until the current invention is switched off.
Periodically, the human user interface module 220 will alert the user that maintenance is required. Maintenance can include the removal of the first rotating element 90, shown as an upper turntable, and drain module 97 for the user to clean externally of device 200 (not shown). The first rotating element 90 and drain module 97 can both be removed with ease from device 200. The use of seals (not shown) ensure the water tightness of the rotary washing bay 100 when the first rotating element 90 and drain module 97 are returned to the rotary washing bay 100 in preparation for normal usage.
In use, the basin element 320 is capable of capturing and retaining spent cleaning medium until it drains from the basin element 320 via the drain outlet 95. As can be seen from
The first rotating element 90 is shown as an upper turntable. This upper turntable is an example of a first rotating element that is capable of rotating the receptacle. The basin element 320 is an example of a basin element that is capable of capturing spent cleaning medium. The drain outlet 95 is an example of a drain outlet for removal of spent cleaning medium.
Referring to
The second rotating element 130 is an example of second rotating element that is capable of driving rotation of the first rotating element. The arrays of opposing magnets 315, 460 are an example of a magnetic coupling. The gear attached to second rotating element 160 is an example of a driven gear. The gear attached to the motor 410 is an example of a drive gear. The electric motor 150 fitted with the gear 410 is an example of a means for driving the rotation of the second rotation element.
Referring to
As can be seen from
Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of numbered paragraphs.
Additional aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of numbered paragraphs.
Even further additional aspects of the invention will now be described by way of numbered clauses.
Although the invention has been described above with respect to a preferred embodiment and various modifications thereof, it is apparent that the foregoing and other changes in form and detail may be made therein by one skilled in the art while still remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2201464.1 | Feb 2022 | GB | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/GB2023/050220 | 2/1/2023 | WO |
