Automatic glass cleaning machine and automatic glass cleaning method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a machine capable of cleaning, storing and dispensing cups in a fully automatic manner, which enables practical, efficient and safe use of reusable cups. The machine optimizes the internal structure to compactly store dirty and clean cups, has high daily cleaning ability, and can serve a large number of people. The application of the machine aims to eliminate the use of disposable cups which can generate serious related environmental influences. To this end, the machine provides significantly better utility and hygiene compared to manual cleaning, making the machine suitable for use in offices, utility companies and other commercial institutions. An automatic glass cleaning machine (7) comprising: an inlet system (1) configured to receive and convey one or more cups at a time to an inlet reservoir (2); an inlet reservoir (2) configured to store a plurality of dirty cups; a cleaning system (3) configured to clean one or more cups at a time on a cleaning platform (31); a conveyor (4) configured to move one or more cups at a time; an outlet reservoir (5) configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to dispense the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets (50).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a machine capable of washing, storing and dispensing cups in a fully automatic manner, which makes it possible to use reusable cups practically, efficiently and safely. The application of the machine aims to eliminate the use of disposable cups, which have a serious environmental impact associated with them. To this end, the machine offers significantly better practicality and hygiene compared to manual washing, making it feasible to apply the machine in commercial establishments.

[0002] The field of application of the present invention includes places where disposable cups are usually used, such as offices, factories, etc. Specifically, although the machine can also be used in residential environments, the machine is optimized for places with a large number of people, since it can store clean and dirty cups, making it unnecessary to wait for the washing process in addition to performing the washing quickly, safely and economically. BACKGROUND

[0003] The use of disposable tableware is one of the main obstacles at the moment when considering sustainability. Disposable tableware is mostly made of plastic, which, in addition to coming from oil and causing a large amount of greenhouse gas emissions during its life cycle, can take hundreds of years to decompose. In addition, since most of the waste is not disposed of in the right place, it ends up being carried by rivers to the oceans. Over the years, exposed to the action of the ocean and UV radiation, these waste materials degrade into microplastics, which are ingested by marine life and indirectly by humans, possibly causing various harmful health effects.

[0004] Given the scale of the plastic problem, various measures have been taken to reduce or eliminate its use. However, in many areas there is a lack of viable solutions, offering only alternatives that are more environmentally impacting or too costly. Specifically, it has been found that there is no satisfactory option available on the market to replace the use of disposable plastic cups.

[0005] Alternatives made of biodegradable materials, such as cups, while reducing some of the problems associated with plastic, usually have a greater impact on the environment due to various factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions during manufacturing and transportation. In contrast, reusable cups have an impact on the environment that is several tens of times lower than disposable cups, but there are some challenges to implementing reusable cups in companies.

[0006] The main challenge of reusable cups is to make the washing, storage and supply of reusable cups practical, economical and safe, so that companies can use reusable cups without difficulty and on a large scale. In the prior art, although there is no formal limitation, there are some categories of solutions, such as: 1. Manual washing: This is the classic washing method, implemented with a sponge, a regular brush or an ergonomic brush designed specifically for cups. The main disadvantage of this method is the lack of hygiene due to the accumulation of microorganisms in the sponge and brush, which contaminate the subsequent wash. Microbiological tests show a 70% reduction in microorganisms for manual washing, compared to 99.9% for automatic washing with dish soap at 50°C. Another disadvantage is the lack of practicality, as it requires the user to wash their own cup or requires a dedicated employee to perform the task.

[0007] 2. Industrial washing machine: Industrial washing machines are appliances commonly used in restaurant and cafeteria kitchens, capable of washing various dishes or, especially, cups. Industrial washing machines are very similar to regular dishwashers, requiring the placement and removal of cups from the inside. Industrial washing machines provide high-quality washing, but with moderate automation. The main disadvantages of industrial washing machines are the high cost, the need for an operator to perform the washing and move the cups between the machine and the consumption area, the need for a suitable location to place the machine and store the cups, and the lack of drying capacity. In offices and industrial companies, these factors constitute a major inconvenience.

[0008] 3. "Instant" washing machine: "Instant" washing machines are small machines that wash a few cups at a time, with moderate automation and application to business environments, such as small offices. The washing process takes place at high speed inside a cavity that holds about 1 to 5 cups, requiring the user to wait for the process and store the cups in a suitable location. In this category of machines, two machines are found on the market: FreshCUP from Israel, which uses regular supplies (water, soap and rinse aid) for a 30-second wash; and AUUM from France, which uses only a mixture of air and water vapor at 140°C for a 5-second wash, with a total duration of 15 seconds including drying.

[0009] Machines in this category present disadvantages mainly in environments with a large number of people, as machines in this category cannot handle high demand for cups quickly. For example, in an office with 50 people, if they all eat lunch at the same time, the waiting time can cause queues and become a major inconvenience. In addition, for a single user, 15 or 30 seconds can become quite inconvenient in terms of practicality, as it would happen about 3 times a day. Another disadvantage is the need for the user to store the cups and the sufficient space required for this. Finally, for machines that wash with steam, there is a minimum exposure time to meet the recommendations of health organizations, which recommend a duration of about 5 minutes to kill viruses and bacteria. This makes it difficult to perform a quick wash (a few seconds) that effectively cleans and prevents the spread of disease. In addition, the use of steam requires quite complex components, making the product difficult to manufacture.

[0010] 4. Full-automatic machines: These machines not only automatically wash the cups, but also manage their storage and supply. These machines are characterized by having an inlet storage and an outlet storage, without waiting for the washing and drying process. Thus, the use of these machines is similar to a conventional disposable cup dispenser, where the customer takes a clean cup and returns the dirty one after use, maintaining the same convenience and zero waiting time. Thanks to the storage, it is also possible to handle peak demand (for example, at lunchtime). In addition, the washing time of only a few minutes enables complete sterilization. Thus, the full-automatic machines offer several advantages compared to the other categories of machines regarding the possibility of using reusable cups in commercial environments, such as offices and industrial companies.

[0011] However, the main challenge of this category of machines is to perform the washing, storage and dispensing processes systematically in a small volume, minimizing costs and maximizing the speed and quality of washing and storage capacity. Thus, the present invention aims to provide means to overcome these difficulties, which are evidenced by the other documents cited below for this category and other categories of machines.

[0012] Document KR101987953 describes an automatic glass cup washing machine that uses a guide rail arranged in a spiral structure to store dirty and clean cups. Washing is performed in a tank by means of a rotating conveyor with holes for the cups, and a second conveyor belt lifts the clean cups from the bottom to the top of the machine.

[0013] Document KR200178338Y1 describes an apparatus for automatically washing and dispensing reusable cups, which comprises a guide for receiving and storing used cups, a washing compartment, a rotating conveying system with a plurality of receiving holes connected to the washing compartment, a sterilization and washing system that injects steam or washing water into the used cups at a predetermined pressure, and a discharge guide for guiding the steam or washing water to the discharge holes.

[0014] Document KR101990522B1 describes a cup washing unit of an automatic cup washing apparatus, in which the cups held by a plurality of cup holders installed on a chain are moved to the cup washing unit installed on the lower part of the chain. The unit is raised to wash the inner and outer surfaces of the cups, enabling automatic washing of the cups in a stable manner. For this purpose, the automatic cup washing apparatus comprises: a washing apparatus unit; a through-hole unit; a cup washing unit; an inner brush shaft; an outer brush shaft; a rotating main body; a housing; a tooth ring; an inner gear; a washing unit housing; a gear; and a hose.

[0015] Document KR20060022528A describes an automatic glassware washer that uses a single motor connected to multiple mechanisms through a gear system to clean and transport the cups. The document further describes that the washer is small in size, characterized by having a storage for dirty cups and a separate storage for some clean cups, and is provided with a sterilization lamp.

[0016] Document KR102443547B1 describes an automatic water washer that stores cups and stores dirty cups in a ramp system and clean cups in a series of ramp systems with the help of a selector. In addition, the document provides an outer ramp to move the dirty cups to a washing storage tank that uses ultrasonic waves during the cleaning process.

[0017] Document KR100837222B1 discloses an automatic glassware washer that eliminates residual bacteria and water in the cups in a separate area after washing the cups, removes water using a hot air fan and sterilizes using an ultraviolet light. In addition, the document describes a storage system at the outlet that forces the cups to move upwards.

[0018] Document WO2002028264A1 describes a device for washing utensils such as cups and mugs, which washes and dries the utensils as they move through a series of rotating discs at decreasing heights.

[0019] Finally, document EP0600125 (A1) describes an apparatus for cleaning drinking utensils such as glasses, cups, mugs, etc., which includes an entry station for receiving the utensils to be cleaned, an exit station for receiving the cleaned utensils, a device for spraying fluid onto the utensils, at least one brush unit for mechanically cleaning the utensils, a device for transporting the utensils from the entry to the exit.

[0020] As mentioned above, these and other glassware washing machines do not meet the needs of commercial environments such as offices and industrial companies that require a fully automated washing, storage and dispensing process, with a storage capable of serving a large number of people, a high volume storage density, a practical and time-free cup reception and retrieval, and a quick and efficient washing method using consumables, capable of handling different types of waste such as coffee, juice and soft drinks, and effectively disinfecting microorganisms such as viruses, fungi and bacteria.

[0021] In particular, due to the difficulties caused by the limitations in the movement of the cups, the fully automatic machines known in the prior art are not designed to wash and store the cups compactly, but require large spaces or have small inlet and / or outlet storage. The storage capacity, in addition to influencing the manufacturing costs and the space occupied in the tea room and kitchen, determines the number of people that the machine can serve, making it a critical factor for machines of this nature. Therefore, it is evident that an optimized internal configuration is of fundamental importance.

[0022] Therefore, the prior art lacks a simple, environmentally sustainable and economical solution to continuously provide clean cups and continuously collect used cups without the need for the user to take action.

[0023] Therefore, it is evident that the prior art would benefit from an automatic glass cup washer with reduced environmental impact, which sterilizes and dries the cups in a practical, fast, efficient and economical way, and with an optimized internal configuration to serve a large number of people. SUMMARY

[0024] It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic glass cup washing machine that stores, washes, dries and moves the cups to maximize the number of dirty and clean cups stored and minimize the volume occupied by the machine.

[0025] It is another object of the present invention to provide a solution that is easier to manufacture and less costly than other solutions, especially in a generally more complex washing and storage system.

[0026] In addition, it is another objective of the automatic machine to minimize the average time spent washing each cup and maximize the number of cups washed per day to serve more users.

[0027] In addition, it is another object of the present invention to reduce the consumption of inputs (such as water, electricity, detergent and rinse aid) during washing, thus reducing the cost and environmental impact of each washed cup.

[0028] These and other objects of the present invention are achieved by an automatic glass cup washing machine characterized by comprising: - an inlet system configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage; - the inlet storage is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in the form of two or more cylindrical portions stacked one inside the other; - a washing system configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform; - a conveyor configured to move one or more cups at a time; - an outlet storage configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to distribute the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets; wherein the outlet storage comprises at least one of the following types of storage: one or more tubes, a ramp for cups in horizontal orientation, a ramp for cups in vertical orientation, and a guide for cups in horizontal orientation.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides an automatic glassware washing machine characterized in that it comprises: - an inlet system configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage; - an inlet storage configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in at least one of the following types of storage: a ramp for cups in horizontal orientation, a ramp for cups in vertical orientation, and a guide for cups in horizontal orientation.

[0030] - a washing system configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform; - a conveyor configured to move one or more cups at a time; - an outlet storage configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to distribute the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets; - wherein the outlet storage comprises at least one of the following types of storage: one or more tubes, a ramp for cups in horizontal orientation, a ramp for cups in vertical orientation, and a guide for cups in horizontal orientation.

[0031] In addition, the present invention provides an automatic glassware washing machine characterized in that it comprises: - an inlet system configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage; - an inlet storage configured to hold a plurality of dirty cups; - a washing system configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform, wherein the washing system comprises a UV filter connected to a pipe, the UV filter being configured to kill microorganisms carried into the water; and - an outlet storage configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to distribute the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032] The objects, technical effects and advantages of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the application, with reference to the attached drawings, which show an exemplary but non-limiting embodiment of the claimed object.

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the exterior of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0034] Figure 2 A side view of the first preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the interior components of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0035] Figure 3 A simplified side view of the first preferred embodiment of the automatic glass cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal subsystems of the automatic glass cup washing machine and the path taken by the cup (shown in dotted line).

[0036] Figure 4 A perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the automatic glass cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the interior components of the automatic glass cup washing machine.

[0037] Figure 5 A top perspective view of the entry platform of the automatic cup washing machine is shown.

[0038] Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the entry platform of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the mechanisms of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0039] Figure 7 A perspective view of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type is shown in the closed position, which secures the cup.

[0040] Figure 8 A perspective view of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type is shown in the open position, which releases the cup from the bottom and secures the cup above it.

[0041] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type is shown in the closed position, which secures the cup.

[0042] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type is shown in the open position, which releases the cup from the bottom and secures the cup above it.

[0043] Figure 11A perspective view of the rotating washing platform is shown.

[0044] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the rotating washing platform is shown, highlighting how the cup is positioned relative to the inner and outer nozzles and the side and circular guides.

[0045] Figure 13 A perspective view of the robotic manipulator is shown.

[0046] Figure 14 A top view of the robotic manipulator is shown.

[0047] Figure 15 Two cross-sectional views of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type in the closed position, which secures the cup, are shown.

[0048] Figure 16 Two cross-sectional views of the washing dispenser of the washing lock type in the open position, which releases the cup from the bottom and secures the cup above it, are shown.

[0049] Figure 17 A perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the exterior of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0050] Figure 18 A perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal components of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0051] Figure 19 A front view of the second preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal subsystems of the automatic cup washing machine and the path taken by the cup.

[0052] Figure 20 A perspective view of a set of internal components of the second preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the operation of the dispensing ramp.

[0053] Figure 21 A perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the exterior of the automatic cup washing machine, which is identical to the exterior of the fourth preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0054] Figure 22 A perspective view of the third preferred embodiment of the automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal components of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0055] Figure 23A front view of a third preferred embodiment of an automatic glassware washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal subsystems of the automatic glassware washing machine and the path taken by the cups.

[0056] Figure 24 A side cross-sectional view of a third preferred embodiment of an automatic glassware washing machine is shown.

[0057] Figure 25 A perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of an automatic cup washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal components of the automatic cup washing machine.

[0058] Figure 26 A top view of a fourth preferred embodiment of an automatic glassware washing machine is shown, highlighting the internal subsystems of the automatic glassware washing machine and the path taken by the cups.

[0059] Figure 27 A cross-sectional perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of an automatic cup washing machine is shown.

[0060] Figure 28 A side cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment of an automatic glassware washing machine is shown.

[0061] Figure 29 A perspective view of a tube-type storage for cups arranged in a circular pattern is shown.

[0062] Figure 30 A perspective view of a ramp-type storage for cups oriented horizontally is shown.

[0063] Figure 31 A side view of a ramp-type storage for cups oriented vertically is shown.

[0064] Figure 32 A top view of a ramp-type storage for cups oriented vertically is shown.

[0065] Figure 33 A perspective view of a guide-type storage for cups oriented horizontally is shown, with 4 cups falling into the storage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] First of all, it should be clear that the automatic glassware washing machine (subject of the present invention) will be described hereinafter according to the attached drawings, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings, as the embodiments of the automatic glassware washing machine can be implemented in different forms and variants according to the applications desired by the person skilled in the art. Figure 1 to the attached drawings, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings, as the embodiments of the automatic glassware washing machine can be implemented in different forms and variants according to the applications desired by the person skilled in the art. Figure 33 to the attached drawings, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings, as the embodiments of the automatic glassware washing machine can be implemented in different forms and variants according to the applications desired by the person skilled in the art. Figure 1 to the attached drawings, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings, as the embodiments of the automatic glassware washing machine can be implemented in different forms and variants according to the applications desired by the person skilled in the art. Figure 33 to the attached drawings, but is not limited to the specific embodiments shown in the attached drawings, as the embodiments of the automatic glassware washing machine can be implemented in different forms and variants according to the applications desired by the person skilled in the art.

[0067] In the present description the use of the terms "one" or "a" does not mean a limited number but means that at least one of the listed elements / components / items is present. The use of the term "or" means any or all of the listed elements / components / items. The use of the terms "include", "give", "provide" or similar terms, means that the elements / components / items listed before the said term are part of the present invention, but this does not exclude other elements / components / items not listed. The use of the terms "associated with", "connected to", or similar terms, can mean a physical connection, a mechanical connection, a pneumatic connection, a fluidic connection, a hydraulic connection, an electrical connection, an electronic connection or a wireless connection, either direct or indirect.

[0068] In the present description the use of the term "slot" means a configuration area for dispensing cups, the configuration area can be a hole, a support arm, a bracket, a guide or other mechanical element configured to temporarily hold / support / position / contain one cup at a time.

[0069] In the present description the use of the terms "disinfect" and "sterilize" follows their conventional definition. The term "sterilize" means any process that removes, kills or inactivates all forms of life and other biological agents present on a given surface, object or fluid. The term "disinfect" means any process that removes, kills or inactivates many or all pathogenic microorganisms present on a surface, object or fluid. Thus, "disinfect" aims to reduce some microorganisms, possibly not eliminating all microorganisms or not affecting some types of microorganisms, while "sterilize" aims to eliminate all types of all microorganisms, to the extent that the surface, object or fluid can be considered sterile.

[0070] (I) General operation The present invention generally relates to an automatic glass cup washing machine 7, the automatic glass cup washing machine being characterized in that it comprises: An inlet system 1 configured to receive cups by user insertion and to transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage 2.

[0071] The inlet storage 2 is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups.

[0072] A washing system 3 configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform 31.

[0073] A conveyor 4 configured to move one or more cups at a time.

[0074] An outlet storage 5 configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to dispense the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets 50.

[0075] Through the described subsystem, the automatic glass washing machine 7 is able to accept, store, wash and dispense reusable glasses.

[0076] The following subsections detail different preferred embodiments of the subsystems constituting the present invention. The following subsections also detail preferred methods of combining the subsystems, which are combined together in embodiments of the present invention.

[0077] In the section on the first embodiment of the present invention, a first preferred embodiment and a second preferred embodiment are described. In the section on the second embodiment, a third preferred embodiment and a fourth preferred embodiment are described.

[0078] (ii) Storage Department The inlet storage section 2 and the outlet storage section 5 are subsystems of the automatic cup washing machine 7, responsible for storing dirty cups and clean cups, respectively. The existence of the storage sections is crucial to ensuring the normal operation of the machine, as they allow multiple users to place and remove cups without waiting for the washing process. However, the positioning and movement constraints imposed by the geometry of the cups make it difficult to construct a compact storage section.

[0079] The invention is characterized by optimized storage and movement paths to maximize the number of cups in the smallest possible volume. The storage paths for the inlet storage section 2 and the outlet storage section 5 are selected from: one or more pipes 20, ramps 21 for horizontally oriented cups, ramps 22 for vertically oriented cups, and guides 23 for horizontally oriented cups.

[0080] A cup is stored in one or more tubes 20, stacked in a columnar configuration within another. A primary advantage of this storage method is the high bulk density of the cups. A second advantage is greater tolerance for residue, where large gaps can exist between the cups and the walls of the tubes 20, making it difficult for any blockages due to accumulated dirt to occur.

[0081] The tube 20 includes any type of channel capable of guiding cups stacked in columnar sections, whether it is a tube, a tube with holes in its wall, a guide rail, a channel, etc. Preferably, the tube 20 is positioned vertically or slightly inclined to utilize gravity to move the cups.

[0082] Preferably, multiple tubes 20 are used for storage to maximize the storage capacity without increasing the height of the storage section. This is particularly important considering the limited height range that the machine can have, as the user must have easy access to the dirty cup inlet 10 and the clean cup outlet 50.

[0083] Preferably, the tube 20 is positioned such that, when viewed from above, the inlet and / or outlet of the tube are arranged in a straight line (e.g., Figure 20 (as shown) or circular arrangement (as shown)Figure 29 are shown, and in Figure 5 This makes it possible to build the subsystems connected to the storage in a compact and optimized manner compared to a zigzag or rectangular arrangement.

[0084] Preferably, the tubes 20 in the inlet storage 2 store the cups with the opening of the cup facing downwards, so that the cups can be received into the washing system 3 in a way that they are already in the washing orientation. Preferably, the tubes 20 in the outlet storage 5 store the cups with the opening of the cup facing upwards, so that the cups can be received from the washing system 3 in a way that requires minimal movement, and so that the cups themselves are available to the user at the outlet of the tubes 20.

[0085] For outlet storages 5 with three or more tubes 20, preferably the multiple outlets 50 are equally accessible, preventing the formation of stacks of less used cups and the accumulation of cups therein. For example, for three tubes 20 with inlets positioned in a circle, if the tubes are completely vertical, the outlets of the tubes will also be positioned in a circle, resulting in one of the cup outlets being further back and having poor accessibility and visibility. Preferred embodiments include tilting one or more of the tubes 20 so that the outlets of the tubes are arranged in a straight line or almost in a straight line, ensuring easy access to all outlets.

[0086] Preferably, the cups stored in one or more tubes 20 have a trapezoidal cross section with an anti-stuck step 71 at the bottom of the cup, preventing the inner and outer walls of the cup from coming into complete contact. This prevents the cups from getting stuck when stacked, by avoiding the creation of a vacuum, preventing friction caused by forced adjustment, and reducing friction caused by accumulated residue between the cups. It is very important that the stacked cups do not get stuck, even if the cup above is heavy and there is sticky residue (e.g. coffee with sugar, chocolate drink, etc.).

[0087] Preferably, one or more tubes 20 are stored inside the machine, to protect the tubes from dirt and only occupy the space of the machine. However, since the tubes 20 store the cups in a columnar stack with one inside the other, these stacks can also be arranged outside the machine. In the outlet storage 5, the cups are already clean from washing, and only need to be conveniently accessed by the user, these stacks can be accumulated on a table below or next to the machine. For example, clean cups can be stacked to a certain height (e.g. 10 cups), and then the stack is pushed out of the machine by an actuator. Thus, multiple stacks of clean cups can be formed and pushed out of the machine, making it possible to store as many stacks of clean cups as possible on the table.

[0088] Unlike the storage in tube 20 (in which the cups are nested one inside the other), the ramp 21 for storing horizontally oriented cups, the ramp 22 for storing vertically oriented cups, and the guide 23 for storing horizontally oriented cups store the cups side by side, which results in a low volumetric storage density. However, due to the greater versatility of the shape they occupy, their overall volumetric density can be higher when considering the entire machine.

[0089] The ramp storage 21 for horizontally oriented cups stores the cups through a series of zigzag ramps, in which the cups are positioned horizontally side by side, as shown in Figure 30 The cups move mainly by gravity, although additional mechanical means can be used to actively assist the movement and prevent the cups from getting stuck. The main advantage of this storage method is its ease of construction and its resistance to clogging with residues, so this storage is suitable for the inlet reservoir 2 and the outlet reservoir 5.

[0090] Preferably, the ramp storage 21 for horizontally oriented cups and the ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups use rails at the point of contact with the cups, rather than ramps and solid walls. This reduces the area of contact with the cups and the area of accumulation of residues, facilitating sliding. For example, a metal circular section rail provides good sliding with plastic cups. It is noted that the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups is shown without rails in the figures for ease of understanding the drawings.

[0091] Preferably, the ramp storage 21 for horizontally oriented cups and the ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups use cylindrical cups, as they are easier to handle. Cylindrical cups roll in a straight line, while trapezoidal cups tend to roll along a curved path, requiring some sliding when rolling in a straight line. Nevertheless, trapezoidal cups are usable, but can require a greater inclination to compensate for the additional friction.

[0092] The ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups stores the cups via a continuous ramp with alternating straight sections and curved sections, in which the cups are arranged vertically side by side, as shown in Figure 22 The main advantage is to enable the lateral expansion of the storage space, in which the straight sections at different levels can pass side by side. Due to its more elliptical shape, it achieves a higher space utilization than a circular helical ramp. However, the construction of this storage method is more complex and, due to being sliding friction rather than rolling friction, it requires a steeper ramp inclination when operating by gravity alone.

[0093] Preferably, the ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups comprises mechanical means that actively assist the movement of the cups, so that they are not completely dependent on gravity and steep inclinations. For example, rotating wheels can be arranged at the bends of each level, where the movement is more difficult. The wheels can be configured to provide sufficient friction with the cup walls, to push the cups when they get stuck, and to slide the cups without causing damage if there are more cups in front.

[0094] The ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups is particularly suitable for the outlet storage 50, where the cups are clean and are easier to slide with the opening or the bottom of the cup.

[0095] The ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups is less practical in the inlet storage 2, due to the presence of residues on the dirty cups. At the inlet 10, the cups are preferably received horizontally, at an angle or upside down, to discard any liquid inside the cup. Therefore, the ramp storage 22 for vertically oriented cups needs to receive the cups in one of these orientations and then convert the cups to a vertically oriented position, preferably with the opening of the cup facing upwards, so that the residues do not stick to the guide and create friction. Although this is feasible, it is more complex to construct compared to the other storage methods of the inlet storage 2.

[0096] The guided storage 23 for horizontally oriented cups stores the cups side by side between two plates, with the opening of the cup in contact with one of the plates and the bottom in contact with the other plate, as shown in Figure 33 The cups fall by gravity, pushing the cups below until the cups reach the outlet of the storage.

[0097] Preferably, the guided storage 23 for horizontally oriented cups uses cylindrical cups. Cups with trapezoidal cross-sections only contact each other by the edges with the largest radius, creating a torque that tilts the cups and increases the friction with the walls, easily causing blockages.

[0098] Preferably, the guided storage 23 for horizontally oriented cups uses a mechanism that unblocks by shaking the cups, such as internal paddles that rotate when desired.

[0099] Preferably, the guided storage 23 for horizontally oriented cups is characterized by having less friction between the walls and the cups. For plastic cups, plates with a rough paint finish create less friction with the opening and the bottom of the cups than a smooth finish.

[0100] Preferably, the guided storage 23 for horizontally oriented cups is applied to the outlet storage 5 and receives the clean cups at the outlet storage. It is more difficult to apply to the inlet storage 2 because the residues present on the dirty cups would accumulate on the walls, increasing the friction and causing blockages, requiring more frequent cleaning maintenance.

[0101] For the inlet storage 2 with storage selected among the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, the ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups and the guided 23 for horizontally oriented cups, the advantage compared to the use of multiple tubes 20 is the need for a simplified inlet system 1 which can consist only of the inlet hole 10. On the other hand, it requires more cup dispensing movements in the cleaning system 3, enabling the cleaning of more than one batch of cups at a time.

[0102] For the outlet storage 5 with storage selected among the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, the ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups and the guided 23 for horizontally oriented cups, the significant advantage compared to the use of multiple tubes 20 is the possibility of having a single outlet 50. Therefore, there is no risk that a user takes less cups from a specific outlet 50, causing the corresponding tube 20 to become full and preventing further cleaning. To minimize this effect, preferably light is used to indicate which cup the user should take.

[0103] In the preferred embodiment, the inlet storage 2 and the outlet storage 5 each have a storage capacity of at least 10 cups to serve a crowd of people taking or returning cups simultaneously without the need to wait.

[0104] Preferably, the inlet storage 2 and the outlet storage 5 are arranged on opposite walls of the cup cleaning machine 7 and are selected from the following forms of storage: multiple tubes 20, ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups and guided 23 for horizontally oriented cups. For example, unlike the spiral guide, these forms of storage can be arranged to occupy a flat rectangular wall. By arranging the inlet storage and the outlet storage on opposite walls it is possible to better exploit the volume of the machine and to enable the arrangement of the cleaning system 3 and the conveyor 4 between the storages, significantly facilitating the batch cleaning and operation. The arrangement on opposite walls is shown in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 19 , Figure 23 and Figure 26 is shown in the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 2In the preferred form shown, even if the tubes 20 are arranged in a circular manner, it is possible to take advantage of this arrangement to some extent by placing each group of multiple tubes 20 close to the wall. By means of the proposed arrangement on opposite walls, it is possible to optimize the internal configuration of the machine to significantly increase the space utilization. This proves to be extremely important in practice, given that the storage capacity is a determining factor for the number of people that the machine can serve, and the space occupied by the machine is often limited by practical considerations (for example, suitable for storage rooms and kitchens, even on the top surface of a table) and costs (regarding building materials and transport).

[0105] (III) Inlet system The inlet system 1 is configured to receive dirty cups through one or more inlets 1 and to transport one or more cups at a time to the inlet storage 2.

[0106] Preferably, the inlet system 1 comprises an inlet drain 11 arranged in the area where the dirty cups are received and configured to drain any residual liquid from the cups directly to the sewer.

[0107] Furthermore, the inlet system can comprise one or more of the following: a light or mechanical indicator to indicate the correct position or time to insert the cup; an actuatable mechanical lock to ensure that only one cup is inserted at a time or into the correct inlet 10; and a display to show information to the user.

[0108] In one embodiment, the inlet system 1 transports the cups directly, wherein one or more inlets 10 are directly connected to the inlet storage 2. This direct connection can be applied to all the types of inlet storage 2 mentioned: one or more tubes 20, a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups, and a guide 23 for horizontally oriented cups. For example, for an inlet storage 2 with a storage in the form of a tube 20, the inlet system 1 can be a tube inlet 20 that is itself exposed to the outside of the machine. For a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, Figure 22 and Figure 25 This direct connection is shown.

[0109] In another embodiment, the inlet system 1 transports the cups through a mechanism. Preferably, this mechanism distributes the cups to one or more tubes 20, the mechanism being selected from: an inlet platform 12 or a distribution ramp 13.

[0110] The inlet platform 12 is constituted by a rotating plate with slots for placing the cups. The cups are received through the inlets 10, moved to the tubes 20 of the inlet storage 2, and finally released.

[0111] The entry platform 12 comprises a plurality of entry dispensers 120 configured to selectively hold and release a cup by one or more actuators 121.

[0112] Preferably, the entry dispensers 120 comprise an actuator 121 and an entry lock 122. These are mechanisms made of sliding plates configured to selectively support the weight of a cup or release it to fall by gravity, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrated.

[0113] Preferably, the actuator 121 is an actuator such as a solenoid valve or a motor, arranged outside the entry platform 12, which actuates the entry lock 122 by mechanical contact. Thus, there is no need for rotating electrical connections and the number of actuators 121 can be reduced.

[0114] The dispensing ramp 13 comprises a channel with an entry and a plurality of exits controlled by one or more actuators 121. The dispensing ramp is configured to receive a cup horizontally, to convey it to a desired exit where it is released and rotated 90°, and then to leave vertically.

[0115] The core function of the dispensing ramp 13 is to convert a cup horizontally oriented from the entry into a vertically oriented cup for a plurality of exits. Thus, as Figure 20 illustrated, the dispensing ramp can be used to receive a horizontally oriented cup from the entry 10 and to dispense the cup into the tube 20 of the entry reservoir 2, but the dispensing ramp can also be used to receive a cup from the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups and to dispense the cup vertically into a plurality of slots on the washing platform 31, as Figure 24 illustrated, in which case the dispensing ramp acts as a washing dispenser 30.

[0116] Preferably, the dispensing ramp 13 is characterized by having a channel with inclined rails so that the cup slides easily and moves by gravity. In addition, preferably, the rotation of the cup is also carried out by gravity, which can be achieved by supporting the bottom of the cup on the rails and leaving the opposite side free so that the cup rotates from horizontal to vertical when falling. One embodiment comprises fixed rails and rails with retractable sections, thus enabling the section where the cup will be released at the exit to be retracted. To facilitate understanding of the figures, alternative embodiments are illustrated using rails.

[0117] Alternatively, the dispensing ramp 13 can be characterized by having active mechanisms to move and rotate the cup to its exit, for example by a conveyor belt, a wheel with rotating slots or other. These can contribute to dispensing reliability by preventing clogging, but increase the complexity of the configuration.

[0118] Preferably, the dispensing ramp 13 has one or more auxiliary locks 131 configured to prevent new cups from passing over the outlets when cups are released. The auxiliary locks 131 can be, for example: horizontally or vertically rotating plates (as shown in Figure 20 Figure 1), movable pistons, rotating slotted wheels (similar to those shown in Figure 28 Figure 2), and other mechanisms capable of selectively controlling the movement of the cups.

[0119] Preferably, the dispensing ramp 13 is configured to accumulate cups in its trough until there are cups above all of the outlets, enabling the release of multiple cups at once. Alternatively, one or more auxiliary locks 131 are used to release one cup at a time, enabling the selective release of each cup to a desired outlet.

[0120] In one embodiment, the dispensing ramp 13 has tiltable selection plates 132 at its outlets to select and direct cups to desired locations. Figure 20 and Figure 23 An embodiment is shown in which one of the tiltable selection plates 132 can be seen lowered, with a cup falling.

[0121] In Figure 20 and Figure 23 there are two auxiliary locks 131 and separate multiple tiltable selection plates 132 for each outlet. In this case, one cup can be selected at a time, or the dispensing ramp 13 can be filled and all cups released at once (in which case the tiltable selection plates 132 need not be separate). In the case of one cup at a time, an example sequence of operations is as follows: the first auxiliary lock 131 opens, a cup enters, the first auxiliary lock 131 closes (to prevent any more cups from passing through), the second auxiliary lock 131 opens, the cup is released, the first auxiliary lock 131 closes, and the cycle begins again.

[0122] (Four) Washing System The washing system 3 is the subsystem of the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 responsible for washing dirty cups, and includes three internal subsystems: the washing distributor 30, the washing platform 31, and the hydraulic circuit 32. Preferably, the washing system also includes a drying system 33, enabling the cups to become dry. These internal subsystems will be described in detail in the following paragraphs.

[0123] The washing distributor 30 is composed of a mechanism configured for selectively releasing one or more stored dirty cups and transferring the dirty cups to the washing platform 31. The washing distributor can be configured differently depending on how the cups are stored in the inlet reservoir 2 and how the cups are washed on the washing platform 31. Here, some preferred ways of implementing the washing distributor, suitable for one or more specific cases, will be described.

[0124] Preferably, the washing distributor 30 is configured to hold and release one or more cups from the inlet reservoir 2 at a time, causing the cups to fall by gravity into the washing system 3.

[0125] Furthermore, preferably, the washing distributor 30 is configured to distribute cups from the inlet reservoir 2 according to the following steps: attaching a cup at the bottom of the stack, attaching a cup directly above the cup at the bottom of the stack, releasing the cup at the bottom of the stack, releasing the cup directly above the cup at the bottom of the stack, so that it occupies the position of the cup at the bottom of the stack. It should be noted that when the bottom cup falls and the cup directly above it descends to occupy its position, the rest of the stack also descends, as they are responsible for supporting the rest of the stack.

[0126] For an inlet reservoir 2 having a reservoir in the form of one or more tubes 20, the washing distributor 30 is preferably located at the bottom of the tube 20 and is configured to support a stack of dirty cups and to selectively release dirty cups to the washing system 3. Preferably, the washing distributor 30 is selected from the group consisting of: a washing lock 300, a rotating washing lock 303, and other mechanisms that perform the same function.

[0127] The washing lock 300 is a mechanism comprising a lower plate 301 and an upper plate 302, capable of supporting each stack's last and penultimate cup, respectively. The plates can move independently, or preferably together, so that only one actuator is needed to operate the plates. Furthermore, tabs 302' can be used to assist in fine-tuning the positioning of the cups relative to the plates.

[0128] As shown in Figures 7 to 10 , the assembly of lower plate 301 and upper plate 302 is initially positioned with the lower plate 301 supporting the last cup (the cup at the bottom of the stack), which supports the rest of the stack above it. When the assembly is moved horizontally, the upper plate 302 begins to hold the penultimate cup, and then the lower plate 301 stops supporting the last cup, causing it to fall due to gravity. When the assembly is returned, the stack falls one position, and the penultimate cup replaces the last cup's position, thus restarting the distribution cycle. It should be noted that the action of "supporting" the penultimate cup includes preventing it from falling to the next position, which can be achieved in two ways: by being in contact with and supporting the penultimate cup, or by maintaining a small gap and only supporting the penultimate cup when the last cup is released, as shown in Figure 10 .

[0129] The rotary wash lock 303 is a mechanism comprising a rotating element 304 that comes into contact with the rim of the last cup in the stack and is configured to selectively release the last cup as the rotating element rotates. This approach is slightly more complex in construction, but the main advantages of this approach include: it is less prone to jamming of the mechanism due to dirt accumulation, and it enables pulling of the last cup if it gets stuck with the second last cup due to dirt accumulation between the last and second last cup.

[0130] Preferably, the rotary wash lock 303 further comprises a sensor under the exit of the rotary wash lock to detect whether a cup has actually fallen. In addition to fault detection, the sensor can also be used to assist dispensing. For example, the circular rotating rubber element 304 can be configured to rotate until the sensor detects the falling of the last cup. This way, even for the simplest pure circular geometry, the likelihood of a fault due to some cups not falling or more than one cup falling from the same stack is reduced.

[0131] The rotating element 304 can be manufactured in various shapes and materials. The geometry can range from simple (e.g. circular and eccentric shapes) to complex irregular shapes. The material can be elastic (e.g. rubber) or rigid (e.g. metal and plastic). The design is similar to a cam follower, where the profile shape is determined such that the rotational motion is converted into a specific desired linear motion.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating element 304 is not fully circular, but has one or more support teeth and / or contact teeth (schematically shown as pointed protrusions (serrated) and rounded protrusions (ridge-like) in Figure 15 and Figure 16 respectively). The support teeth enable the cup to be supported by resting the rim of the cup from below, rather than by friction with the side of the cup, which is important considering the weight of the stack of cups above it. The contact teeth help to more effectively push the last cup out, pressing and pushing the cup down along the slope of the cup rim as the rotating element 304 rotates.

[0133] Furthermore, the support teeth and contact teeth help to create a clear transition between supporting the last cup and supporting the subsequent cup, mechanically preventing faults (e.g. a cup not falling or multiple cups falling at once).

[0134] Furthermore, it should be noted that the profile of the rotating element 304 can be designed to exploit the flexibility of the plastic cup itself, which can elastically deform a few millimeters, thereby enabling working with less stringent tolerances and enabling more effective friction with the cup wall if desired, as Figure 15The interference contact of the contact teeth shown in the middle. Each stack can use one or more rotating elements 304, and one or more teeth on the element, depending on the number of dispenses required per rotation.

[0135] In a preferred embodiment, the rotating elements 304 use a material with some elasticity, such as rubber. This provides more friction with the rim of the cup and cushions the fall of the new cup, thus reducing the noise.

[0136] For an entry storage 2 that stores the cups horizontally side by side (such as the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups), if it is desired to wash the platform 31 with the cups vertical and the cup opening downwards, it is necessary to rotate the cups 90°. For this, the washing dispenser 30 must release, rotate and deliver one or more cups to the washing platform 31 each time it washes, which can be done by a dispensing ramp 13 or a mechanism that performs the same function.

[0137] Alternatively, for an entry storage 2 that has a storage of cups horizontally side by side and a washing platform 31 that also washes the cups horizontally, the washing dispenser 30 does not need to rotate the cups. Therefore, the washing dispenser 30 can be chosen from: a horizontal wheel with slots for moving the cups, a dispensing ramp 13 that does not rotate the cups, or other mechanisms that perform the same function.

[0138] The washing platform 31 is the compartment in which the dirty cups are washed. Depending on the internal configuration of the cup washing machine 7, the washing platform 31 can be movable or fixed, have open or closed walls, be able to wash one or more cups. In addition, the washing platform 31 can be designed to wash cups oriented vertically and with the cup opening downwards or horizontally oriented cups. It is not feasible to arrange the cups vertically and with the cup opening upwards, as water would accumulate.

[0139] Ideally, the washing platform 31 is able to wash more than one cup at a time in batches. This is because the washing platform 31 has multiple cup slots and can start and finish the washing of a group of cups simultaneously, as shown in Figure 11 , Figure 18 and Figure 22 This makes the average washing time of each cup shorter, while still maintaining the advantage of "long washing times". Long washing times (lasting seconds or minutes) enable better disinfection and decontamination due to longer exposure times. However, this limits the number of cups that the machine can wash per day, which is a decisive factor in the machine's ability to serve a large number of people. On the other hand, with batch washing, the average washing time of each cup is the washing duration divided by the number of cups washed at a time, thus significantly increasing the daily washing capacity.

[0140] Furthermore, the proposed batch washing makes it possible to reduce the input consumption, since several cups share some fixed losses, such as thermal losses in the hydraulic circuit 32 and residual mixture.

[0141] Preferably, the washing platform 31 is movable and can move and / or rotate, thus making it possible to move the cup or cups before or after washing. By endowing the washing platform 31 with one or more degrees of freedom, it is possible to simplify the design of other components, requiring fewer degrees of freedom for the washing dispenser 30 and the conveyor 4, and requiring less free space for the movement of the cups between the sub-systems of the machine. Thus, the main advantage obtained, compared to a fixed washing platform 31, is to enable a glass cup washing machine 7, and in particular a batch washing system 3, to have a more compact, simplified internal configuration.

[0142] Preferably, the washing platform 31 exhibits a rotational movement (as shown in Figure 4 ) or a linear movement (as shown in Figure 18 and Figure 22 ) parallel to the plane of the bottom of the machine. Other forms of movement are also possible, such as a movement that tilts the cup or has more degrees of freedom, but this is generally slightly more difficult to configure.

[0143] In the preferred embodiment, the washing platform 31 comprises one or more internal nozzles 310 and one or more external nozzles 311, which are respectively responsible for directing the mixture to the inside and outside of the cup.

[0144] Preferably, the washing platform 31 uses only washing methods that do not accumulate microorganisms and dirt, such as nozzles, full or partial immersion of the cup, water heating, use of detergent, etc. Thus, the washing platform does not use brushes, sponges or other mechanical implements that easily accumulate residues and promote the proliferation of microorganisms.

[0145] In the preferred embodiment, the washing platform 31 washes the cup or cups with the opening facing downwards. This makes it possible to wash more easily and uniformly, and enables the washing dispenser 30 to receive the cup and remove it by means of the conveyor 4, especially enabling the use of a reservoir in the form of one or more tubes 20.

[0146] To wash a cup with the opening facing downwards, the washing platform 31 preferably comprises a lateral guide 310' and a circular guide 310''. The lateral guide 310' centres and contains the cup to be washed, preventing excessive movement during washing. The circular guide 310'' retains some washing liquid, in order to keep the opening of the cup immersed, since the opening is the area of the cup that is most susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and can be stained with lipstick. The circular guide 310'' has small openings, so that the washing liquid is not kept permanently trapped. Figure 11 and Figure 12Examples of side guides 310' and circular guides 310" are shown.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the cups are arranged on the washing platform 31 with their openings facing downwards, the outer nozzles 311 are located above the cups and the inner nozzles 310 are tubes located inside the cups. Thus, gravity itself helps to distribute the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cup, making it possible to achieve a high quality of washing even without a significant pressure of the water flow.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment, the cups are arranged on the washing platform 31 with their openings facing downwards, the outer nozzles 311 are located above the cups and the inner nozzles 310 are tubes located inside the cups. Thus, gravity itself helps to distribute the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cup, making it possible to achieve a high quality of washing even without a significant pressure of the water flow. Figure 11 In a preferred embodiment, the cups are arranged on the washing platform 31 with their openings facing downwards, the outer nozzles 311 are located above the cups and the inner nozzles 310 are tubes located inside the cups. Thus, gravity itself helps to distribute the mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cup, making it possible to achieve a high quality of washing even without a significant pressure of the water flow.

[0149] In another embodiment, the washing platform 31 washes one or more cups that are horizontally oriented and have their openings facing sideways. This way facilitates the reception of cups that are stored horizontally in the entry storage 2, such as the ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups.

[0150] For the washing of horizontally arranged cups, the inner nozzles 310 and the outer nozzles 311 can be used, and / or the cups can be completely submerged in water (unlike the cups with their openings facing downwards, for which the air inside the cup causes it to float and prevents complete submersion). The washing using the nozzles is very similar to the washing of cups with their openings facing downwards. However, the main disadvantage of the submersion washing is the need for a large amount of water to submerge the cups and the energy consumption needed to heat a large amount of water.

[0151] For the washing of cups completely submerged, an ultrasonic washing process can be used to help remove dirt from the surface of the cups. In this case, the washing platform 31 is characterized by having ultrasonic transducers 313 configured to agitate the liquid.

[0152] For the washing of cups completely submerged, a preferred way to reduce water and energy consumption is to perform a rinse after the cups are submerged. For example, after a cup is submerged in the washing platform 31, the cup is moved above the washing platform and a rinse is performed using the nozzles. One advantage of this is that the rinse uses less water, as the rinse requires clean water and does not require submersion. Another advantage is the saving of time, as one cup is submerged while another is being rinsed.

[0153] Furthermore, since rinsing is performed at a downstream location, the water used for immersion on the wash platform 31 can be partially replaced in each wash cycle. Immersion requires heated water, but not necessarily completely clean water. So, some of the water from the previous soak and the rinsing water can be reused, thereby saving a significant amount of water and electricity.

[0154] More broadly, the water reuse method can be applied to any multi-stage washing process, whether or not complete immersion is performed. Instead of filling and draining the wash platform 31 for each washing stage (e.g. soaping, rinsing, and possibly applying a rinse aid), water can be reused strategically between stages to reduce the input consumption of water. For example, at the last stage of the wash cycle, the water is expected to be almost clean, and can be used at the first stage of the next wash cycle without causing a significant difference.

[0155] It should be noted that although the water reuse method can significantly reduce inputs, this is obviously different from using completely clean water. Therefore, this must be employed strategically to minimize the impact or compensated by other techniques. For example, when reusing the water of a certain step, the temperature can need to be slightly increased to achieve the same cleaning and sanitizing effect.

[0156] The hydraulic circuit 32 is composed of a set of peripheral components of the washing system 3 that assist the wash platform 31 during the washing process. The hydraulic circuit 32 can be implemented in a number of feasible ways. The following paragraphs will describe some of the implementation methods and components in detail.

[0157] The hydraulic circuit 32 includes at least one of the following components: a UV sterilization system 312, an ultrasonic transducer 313, a water inlet 320, a wastewater outlet 321, a storage tank 322, a pump 323, a solenoid valve 324, a consumable storage 325, a dispenser 326, a water heater 327, a boiler 328, and a UV filter 329.

[0158] In one embodiment, the hydraulic circuit 32 operates according to the following steps. When the solenoid valve 324 is activated, water from the facility enters through the water inlet 320 and is introduced into the reservoir 322. When the water level sensor detects that the reservoir is full, the valve closes and the heating process begins, opening the water heater 327 coupled to the reservoir 322. Then, the dispenser 326 adds the detergent stored in the consumable storage 325 and monitors the temperature until it reaches the desired value, for example 50°C. Once the mixture is ready, the pump(s) 323 pump the mixture through the inner nozzle 310 and the outer nozzle 311, preferably alternately at specific intervals, to avoid emptying the reservoir 322. To complete the soaping stage, the pump 323 empties the reservoir 322, expelling the dirty mixture through the waste water outlet 321. Then, further soaping steps (using detergent), rinsing (with water only) and drying (using drying liquid) can be performed, where the drying stage requires a second dispenser 326 and consumable storage 325. Depending on the design of the machine, the number of cleaning steps and the parameters of the cleaning steps (e.g. temperature, amount of supply) can be adjusted to optimize the cleaning.

[0159] The water heater 327 is constituted by a device that is in contact with the water and is able to transfer heat to warm it up. The water heater 327 can be an electric resistance element (which directly converts electrical energy into heat energy), a gas heater, a heat pump, etc. Furthermore, the water heater 327 requires a temperature sensor to control the water temperature. The temperature control can be centralized (temperature sensor monitored by the controller 60) or independent (temperature sensor is part of a thermostat). Both methods can also be used together to obtain flexibility by temperature selection by the central controller 60 and robustness using the thermostat as a safety measure for the maximum temperature.

[0160] The reservoir 322 is constituted by a container at least a few centimeters deep, configured to store and enable the circulation of the water used during the cleaning process. The reservoir 322 receives the water expelled from the cleaning platform 31 and sends it back to the inner nozzle 310 and the outer nozzle 311 through the pump 323, so that the water can circulate. Furthermore, the reservoir 322 can also be connected to the water inlet 320, the waste water outlet 321, the dosing outlet 326, the boiler 328 and other components through the pump 323 and / or the solenoid valve 324, so that the reservoir can be used as a common point of hydraulic connection. In terms of positioning, the reservoir (322) can be fixedly installed to the machine housing, connected to the cleaning platform 31 by a hose, or the reservoir can be configured as part of the cleaning platform 31, moving with the platform if the platform is movable.

[0161] According to the internal configuration of the automatic cup washing machine 7, the inclusion of a reservoir 322 can be advantageous, which in fact solves a series of requirements. The reservoir 322 serves as a site with a defined volume to contain the amount of water used in each washing step and ensures the desired volume through a water level sensor. The reservoir 322 enables water to accumulate to a sufficient depth to enable the nozzle pump to operate at a large flow rate within a few seconds, without the water level falling to the extent that air can enter the pipes. The reservoir 322 can serve as a common connection point between the different components, thus minimizing the number of connection sections required for the washing platform 31. For example, for a movable washing platform 31, if a fixed reservoir 322 is used, only the water outlet of the washing platform and the inner nozzle 310 require a connected hose. Finally, the reservoir 322 can in fact serve as a location for heating the water, which takes advantage of the depth of the reservoir to fully immerse the water heater 327 in the water.

[0162] Preferably, the heating of the water is performed by a boiler 328, which consists of a container dedicated to heating, storing and supplying hot water. Thus, instead of performing the heating in the reservoir 322, which participates in the water circulation through the nozzles, the boiler 328 is an independent component, which enables the heating of the water in parallel to the washing process, and not as part of a step of the washing process.

[0163] Although the heating in a separate component makes the design more complex and less convenient, the benefits obtained using the boiler 328 are very significant. With the boiler, there is no need to wait for the water to heat, as part of the washing process, but rather it is possible to simply release water that has already been heated, which significantly reduces the washing time, which is a decisive factor in the number of cups washed per day.

[0164] The importance of the boiler 328 is even more pronounced in view of the limitations imposed by the conventional electrical installation. If it were desired to perform the heating in a shorter time period, it would be possible to use a water heater 327 with a higher power. However, this value is limited by the available electrical grid on site. For example, a maximum of 1270W is provided by an output of 127V with a maximum of 10A, and it is not practical to retrofit such an installation. Thus, the boiler 328 enables the continuous use of the maximum power available on site, acting as a "thermal battery", without the need to use high power only when hot water is required. For example, for a washing process that includes a heated soaping and a cold rinsing, since the heating is performed separately, it is possible to take advantage of the time of these two steps, instead of heating the water only during the soaping.

[0165] The boiler 328 includes at least one of each of the following components: a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet, a water heater 327 and a temperature sensor. In addition, the boiler 328 can include a water level sensor, a pressure and / or temperature safety valve, a drain for removing deposits, a sacrificial anode and a check valve at the cold water inlet.

[0166] Preferably, the boiler 328 has a hot water outlet at the top and a cold water inlet at the bottom. Thus, the hottest part of the water is always dispensed first, as hot water tends to rise and cold water tends to sink. Furthermore, this approach ensures that water is dispensed at the desired temperature even if the bottom of the boiler 328 has not yet reached the desired temperature.

[0167] Furthermore, the optimized construction of the boiler 328 comprises two sets of temperature sensors and water heaters 327, one set arranged at the top of the boiler 328 and the other set arranged at the bottom of the boiler. Thus, when the water heater 327 heats the cold water that enters from the bottom, the water that is identified as hot water by the upper temperature sensor can be released. If the cold water reaches the upper temperature sensor, only the upper water heater 327 is activated, so that only the water at the top can be heated first, so that the water at the top can be used faster.

[0168] Preferably, the boiler 328 and other components in which hot water circulates, such as the tank 322 and the washing platform 31, have insulation to reduce energy losses. Preferably, the boiler 328 is kept on during periods of frequent use and on standby during periods of lower demand, such as at night, which reduces energy losses and has little or no impact on the daily washing capacity.

[0169] In one embodiment, the automatic glassware washing machine 7 is characterized by a UV sterilization system 312 that applies UV lamps directed at the cups. Exposure of the cups to ultraviolet (UV) electromagnetic radiation kills microorganisms on the surface of the cups, reducing the likelihood of disease transmission between users. Implementing this system presents four main challenges: preventing people from being exposed to UV radiation at all costs, avoiding degradation of the cups, exposing the entire surface of the cups to UV radiation, and minimizing the impact on washing time.

[0170] Preferably, the UV sterilization system 312 has safety measures to prevent people close to the machine from being exposed to UV radiation during manufacture, use, and maintenance. A first option is to arrange the UV lamps in a position that is as closed as possible, preventing reflections outwards. For example, the washing platform 31, the inlet reservoir 2, and the outlet reservoir 3 can be constructed in this way. A second option is to use sensors to ensure that the UV lamps are only activated when it is safe for users. For example, limit switches can be installed in series with the UV lamps and arranged to cut off the current if the maintenance door is open. Thus, the UV lamps can be used in visible areas, such as the conveyor 4, even during maintenance. To achieve even higher safety, both options can also be used together.

[0171] Moreover, since the UV sterilization system 312 is essential for the operation of the machine and the functioning of the UV lamps cannot be directly assessed, it is important that the UV lamps have a self-diagnostic capability. Preferably, the UV lamps should have sensors to identify malfunctions of the UV lamps, for example by arranging UV sensors in the vicinity of the UV lamps.

[0172] Preferably, the UV sterilization system 312 should be used in combination with a cup made of a material that shows a low degradation rate under UV radiation. Many plastics degrade when exposed to UV radiation for a long time, which is a common problem for outdoor applications exposed to sunlight. Therefore, plastics with a low degradation rate or with additives are preferred. Glass cups and metal cups are also possible, but have the following disadvantages, respectively: breakable and not usable in a microwave oven.

[0173] Preferably, the UV sterilization system 312 is arranged in a location where the cups are already stationary, for example: the washing platform 31, the conveyor 4, the inlet reservoir 2 and the outlet reservoir 3. Thus, in addition to a slight increase or no increase in washing time, a longer exposure time can also be achieved, which is one of the determining factors for the degree of sterilization obtained.

[0174] Preferably, the hydraulic circuit 32 comprises a UV filter 329, which is configured by a container with a UV lamp and a fluid passage therein. The UV filter 329 is connected to the hydraulic circuit 32 to expose the water circulating during the washing process to UV radiation, to kill microorganisms circulating, to prevent cross-contamination between the cups and to facilitate the reuse of water between washes. Since only the water and not the cups are exposed, there is no risk of degradation of the plastic cups. Moreover, the UV filter 329 also provides the significant advantage of greater practicality to prevent human exposure to UV radiation.

[0175] In one embodiment, the UV filter 329 is implemented as a standalone component applied to one of the water circulation hoses. The advantage is easy installation and there is no risk of human exposure to UV radiation, the disadvantage is that a relatively small portion of the water is exposed at any given time.

[0176] In a second embodiment, the UV filter 329 is implemented by including a UV lamp in the reservoir 322. The advantage is that an existing container in the water circulation path is used and a greater volume of water is exposed at any given time. The disadvantage is that safety measures (such as those mentioned in the UV sterilization system 312) are required to prevent human exposure to UV radiation. For example, the reservoir 322 must be sealed to prevent leakage of UV radiation, sensors must be installed to turn off the UV lamp when the reservoir 322 is opened, or even mechanical requirements must be provided to disconnect the UV lamp before the reservoir 322 can be opened.

[0177] It should be noted that both the UV sterilization system 312 and the UV filter 329 have the ability to perform sterilization if applied with sufficient intensity and exposure time. However, if such a high degree of sterilization is not desired, the UV sterilization system and the UV filter can also be explicitly constructed to perform disinfection.

[0178] In an alternative embodiment, the washing system 3 uses water vapor instead of liquid water during washing. Thus, water vapor at a temperature higher than 100°C can be used to sterilize the cup and more effectively remove dirt. Water vapor can also be mixed with air to reduce the use of water. However, the use of water vapor makes some aspects of the hydraulic circuit 32 more difficult due to temperature and pressure, and also requires a cup made of a compatible material.

[0179] In one embodiment, the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 uses a cup with silver ions, which has disinfection ability by itself. Silver ions can exist as an additive or a coating on a cup made of materials of plastic, glass, and stainless steel.

[0180] The drying system 32 is composed of a set of components responsible for removing residual water on the surface of the cup after washing. Although not strictly necessary, it is very interesting to reduce residual water to provide a better user experience. The drying system 32 includes at least one component of the following: a fan 332, an air compressor 333, and an air heater 334.

[0181] The drying system 32 can use two physical mechanisms to remove moisture: evaporation and mechanical removal. For evaporation, it is necessary to exhaust the moisture removed from the cup, which can be achieved by air circulation with the external environment or using an air dehumidifier. In addition, the air heater 334 can be used in the air blower as a means to accelerate evaporation.

[0182] The fan 332 is a mechanical device for generating an air flow that enables the evaporation of residual water droplets to be carried and assisted. In general, fans are divided into axial and centrifugal. They can be applied in different ways depending largely on the internal configuration of the machine. For an outlet storage 5 with a ramp storage 21 for horizontally oriented cups, it is easy to include a fan 332 in the path. For an outlet storage 5 with a tubular storage 20, air can be delivered through the tube 20, although the air path inside the cup will become more complex.

[0183] In a preferred embodiment, as Figure 2As shown, the drying system 32 uses components such as a fan 332 to blow air onto the cup as it is moved from the washing system 3 to the outlet storage 5 while it is on the conveyor 4. The conveyor 4 can use the washing time of the subsequent cup to dry the current cup, instead of immediately transporting it. This approach has the advantage of enabling air to be blown in a well-ventilated environment, thus easily accessing and moving the cup at different angles to cover the entire surface of the cup. This way is particularly useful for the outlet storage 5, where access is difficult when drying.

[0184] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor 4 comprises an additional cup tilting step during the cup movement, in which the cup is tilted until the water accumulated on the outside of the cup's bottom is drained and falls into a suitable location, such as the washing platform 31 itself. Accumulation of water occurs for washing performed with the cup in vertical orientation and with the cup's opening facing down.

[0185] In one embodiment, the inner nozzles 310 and the outer nozzles 311 of the washing platform 31 are also used as air blowers. Thus, air can be blown after washing to remove (mainly by entrainment) residual water droplets from the cup. Since the nozzles have an optimized shape to enable water to sweep over the inner and outer surfaces of the cup, the same path also enables air to push the water droplets to the edge of the cup, thus achieving efficient removal. In this embodiment, in order to enable air to travel through the tubes, a higher pressure air source is preferably used, such as an air compressor 333 and a centrifugal fan 332.

[0186] It should be noted that while it is very practical to use the existing inner nozzles 310 and outer nozzles 311 to blow air, other components specifically designed for blowing air can also be used. Reasons can include, for example: having a channel thickness optimized for air flow, having a larger contact area than the movable outer nozzles 311, or enabling drying at a location different from the washing platform 31, thus not increasing the washing time.

[0187] (Five) Conveyor The conveyor 4 is a subsystem of the automatic glass cup washing machine 7, responsible for moving one or more cups at a time from the washing system 3 to the outlet storage 5 and / or from the inlet storage 2 to the washing system 3. For the type of cup storage proposed, which is stored in a top-down manner, the main action of the conveyor 4 is to lift the cup. In addition, the conveyor can also perform other translational and / or rotational actions.

[0188] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor 4 transfers one or more clean cups from the washing system 3 to the outlet storage 5. Thus, the washing system 3 can be located at the bottom to optimize the internal configuration of the machine.

[0189] In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor 4 is a robotic manipulator 40, composed of articulated mechanisms configured to perform translational and / or rotational movements of one or more cups at a time. The mechanisms can use different types of articulations (also known as articulated joints or kinematic pairs) to synthesize, such as: rotational articulations, cylindrical articulations, prismatic articulations, spherical articulations, universal articulations and helical articulations.

[0190] Figure 13 and Figure 18 An example of a robotic manipulator 40 for which the internal configuration of the embodiment is optimized is shown. The robotic manipulator has a lifting section 400 that moves vertically and a manipulator claw 401 that rotates the cups. Thus, the robotic manipulator presents the minimum number of degrees of freedom required to perform rotations and translations in this example. Robotic manipulators 40 with greater mobility, such as robotic arms, can also be employed. This greater mobility flexibility can be used both to move the cups from the washing system 3 to the outlet storage 5, and to move the cups from the inlet storage 2 to the washing system 3, also acting as a washing distributor 30.

[0191] In a preferred embodiment, the manipulator claw 401 is composed of a base on which a movable plate 402 slides and is controlled by an actuator. As Figure 13 and Figure 14 shown, the movable plate 402 preferably has fins with foam to effectively grip the cups. Alternatively, suction cups 404 actuated by compressed air can also be used to grip the cups.

[0192] In an alternative embodiment, the conveyor 4 is a conveyor belt 41, composed of a belt with slots for the cups. The conveyor belt 41 can transport one cup or a batch of cups immediately after washing, or fill each slot one by one. Preferably, the machine can be configured to perform the first option if the outlet storage 5 is empty, and the second option if the outlet storage 5 contains one or more cups. Thus, the proposed method enables the use of the conveyor belt 41 as a tool to store clean cups.

[0193] (VI) Control system The control system 6 is responsible for controlling the subsystems of the automatic cup washing machine 7, so that the automatic cup washing machine can operate in an automated manner. The control system 6 comprises sensors, actuators and a controller 60. In addition, the control system can comprise a user interface.

[0194] The controller 60 is composed of electronic devices capable of controlling the sensors and actuators. The controller 60 comprises a device with processing capabilities (for example, microcontroller, microprocessor, system-on-a-chip (SoC) and single-board computer (SBC)) and the relative electronic circuitry for interacting with the sensors and actuators. The controller 60 can be a programmable logic controller (controlador lógico programável, CLP) typically used in industrial applications, or a programmable logic controller developed for a specific application (which is the more preferred alternative due to its lower cost and greater flexibility).

[0195] Preferably, the controller 60 is configured for remote communication through the Internet (or, alternatively, through other communication networks, such as LoRa), which enables a series of advantages in terms of machine operation. In particular, the integration of the machine into an Internet of Things (IoT) environment greatly simplifies the management and maintenance of large fleets of machines. Preferably, the controller 60 is configured to enable remote access to one or more of the following functions: monitoring of inputs, implementation of optimizations, predictive rather than preventive replenishment. With regard to the transmission of notifications and diagnostics on operational malfunctions, it enables the scheduling of maintenance services without the need for user contact. Real-time monitoring of operational data, such as the number of cups washed, to enable the attribution of the cost and environmental impact reduction provided by each machine, and the provision of this information to the customer. Over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates to provide continuous product improvements without the need for physical travel.

[0196] The actuators required by the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 are mainly composed of devices for obtaining rotational and translational movements in the mechanical devices (for example, the conveyor 4, the washing distributor 30, etc.). Therefore, for each case, there are a large number of possible choices, such as electric motors, stepper motors, servo motors, solenoid valves, pneumatic pistons, pneumatic motors, etc. In addition, the rotation of the motors can be easily converted into translation through rack and pinion gears.

[0197] The sensors required by the automatic cup washing machine 7 are mainly composed of components for identifying the mechanical position of the moving parts (mechanical devices and cups). For this purpose, infrared sensors, limit switches, etc. can be used. In addition, temperature sensors are also required to control the heating of the water, and preferably water level or flow sensors to control the inflow of water.

[0198] In a preferred embodiment, the controller 60 is configured to store the current state of the machine in a non-volatile memory, so that the machine is able to remember where it stopped when the power is off. Thus, when the power is turned back on, the machine can resume operation without the need of sensors able to identify the position of all components. For example, if the machine is able to remember if it was washing a cup or not, then there is no need to include a sensor on the washing platform 31 to identify if there is a cup or not at the restart.

[0199] In a preferred embodiment, the automatic cup washing machine 7 is characterized by having a user interface consisting of a display for displaying information. Thus, it is possible to display user instructions, error warnings and machine notifications, also assisting the maintenance operations.

[0200] Preferably, the control system 6 comprises a water monitoring system 61 consisting of one or more water properties sensors applied to the hydraulic circuit 32 to monitor the circulating water during the washing. The water monitoring system 61 can include sensors for turbidity, conductivity, pH, COD, etc. The purpose of the water monitoring system is to detect the cleanliness of the water to optimize the washing parameters.

[0201] In experimental tests it was observed that most of the cups have residues that are relatively easy to remove by a regular washing, such as residual coffee, juice and soda. However, occasionally there can be a large amount of sticky residue on the cup, such as undissolved chocolate and instant coffee. In this case, even after a washing process with more than 3 water changes, the water can remain turbid, resulting in a cup with residues that can be perceived by smell, taste or sight. Thus, either the washing process is extended in most cases and resources are wasted, or the cup is eventually delivered with traces of dirt.

[0202] Alternatively, the proposed method is to optimize the washing parameters based on the degree of dirt detected by the water monitoring system 61. The parameters that can be changed are the number of steps, the reuse of water, and the amount of washing agent and water temperature. In a simple example, at the beginning of the washing process, the degree of dirt in the water is measured to determine if a simple washing or a washing with additional steps is performed. During the last rinse step, the degree of dirt is measured again. If the degree of dirt is still above the desired level, more steps are performed until the cup is clean.

[0203] By reducing the consumption of supplies, minimizing the standard washing time, and maintaining the cleaning quality even for cups with a large amount of residue, the application of the proposed method to optimize the washing based on the water monitoring system 61 brings significant benefits.

[0204] First embodiment of the invention In the first embodiment, the invention generally relates to an automatic glass cup washing machine 7 characterized by comprising: An inlet system 1 configured to receive cups by user insertion and to deliver one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage 2.

[0205] The inlet storage 2 is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in the form of two or more columns stacked one inside the other.

[0206] A washing system 3 configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform 31.

[0207] A conveyor 4 configured to move one or more cups at a time.

[0208] An outlet storage 5 configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to dispense the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets 50, wherein the outlet storage 5 comprises at least one type of storage selected from the group consisting of: one or more tubes 20, a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups, and a guide 23 for horizontally oriented cups.

[0209] In a first preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, the automatic glassware washing machine 7 has an inlet storage 2 and an outlet storage 5, both having storage in the form of circularly arranged tubes 20. The inlet system 1 is of the inlet platform type 12. The washing platform 31 is of the rotatable movement type and is configured to perform batch washing. The conveyor 4 is of the robotic manipulator type 40. Figures 1 to 4 It is emphasized that a plurality of other feasible combinations between the subsystems and components described in the "DETAILED DESCRIPTION" section can be implemented. The two preferred embodiments suggested above are given as examples and are not exhaustive.

[0210] It is emphasized that a plurality of other feasible combinations between the subsystems and components described in the "DETAILED DESCRIPTION" section can be implemented. The two preferred embodiments suggested above are given as examples and are not exhaustive.

[0211] Second embodiment of the invention In the second embodiment, the invention relates generally to an automatic glassware washing machine 7 characterized by comprising: An inlet system 1 configured to receive cups by user insertion and to deliver one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage 2.

[0212] The inlet storage 2 is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in at least one type of storage selected from the group consisting of: a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups, and a guide 23 for horizontally oriented cups.

[0213] A washing system 3 configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform 31.

[0214] a conveyor 4 configured to move one or more cups at a time.

[0215] an outlet storage 5 configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to dispense the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets 50, wherein the outlet storage 5 comprises at least one type of storage selected from the group consisting of: one or more tubes 20, a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp 22 for vertically oriented cups and a guide 23 for horizontally oriented cups.

[0216] In a first preferred embodiment, shown in figure 1, the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 has an inlet storage 2 and an outlet storage 5 arranged on opposite walls of the machine, the inlet and outlet storages having the form of a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups. The inlet system 1 is of the direct connection type between the inlet 10 and the inlet storage 2. The washing dispenser 30 is of the dispenser ramp type 13. The washing platform 31 is of the movable type and is configured to perform batch washing. The conveyor 4 is of the robot manipulator type 40. Figures 21 to 24 In a second preferred embodiment, shown in figure 2, the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 has an inlet storage 2 and an outlet storage 5 arranged on opposite walls of the machine, the inlet and outlet storages having the form of a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups. The inlet system 1 is of the direct connection type between the inlet 10 and the inlet storage 2. The washing dispenser 30 is of the dispenser ramp type 13. The washing platform 31 is of the movable type and is configured to perform batch washing. The conveyor 4 is of the robot manipulator type 40.

[0217] In a third preferred embodiment, shown in figure 3, the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 has an inlet storage 2 and an outlet storage 5 arranged on opposite walls of the machine, the inlet and outlet storages having the form of a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups. The inlet system 1 is of the direct connection type between the inlet 10 and the inlet storage 2. The washing dispenser 30 is of the dispenser ramp type 13. The washing platform 31 is of the movable type and is configured to perform batch washing. The conveyor 4 is of the robot manipulator type 40. Figure 21 and Figures 25 to 28 In a fourth preferred embodiment, shown in figure 4, the automatic glass cup washing machine 7 has an inlet storage 2 and an outlet storage 5 arranged on opposite walls of the machine, the inlet and outlet storages having the form of a ramp 21 for horizontally oriented cups. The inlet system 1 is of the direct connection type between the inlet 10 and the inlet storage 2. The washing platform 31 is fixed and is configured to wash one cup at a time by complete immersion of the cup or by a nozzle, the cup being arranged horizontally. The conveyor 4 is of the conveyor belt type 41.

[0218] It is important to emphasize that a plurality of other feasible combinations can be implemented between the subsystems and components described in the "detailed description" section. The two preferred embodiments suggested above are given as examples and are not exhaustive.

[0219] Third embodiment of the invention In the third embodiment, the invention relates in general to an automatic glass cup washing machine 7 characterized in that it comprises: an inlet system 1 configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage 2.

[0220] the inlet storage 2 is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups.

[0221] The washing system 3 is configured to wash one or more cups at a time on the washing platform 31, wherein the washing system 3 comprises a UV filter 327 connected to the pipeline, the UV filter is configured to kill or disinfect the microorganisms carried in the water.

[0222] The outlet storage 5 is configured to store a plurality of clean cups and distribute the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets 50.

[0223] List of reference signs

Claims

1. An automatic glass washing machine (7) characterized in that, The automatic glassware washing machine comprises: - an inlet system (1) configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage (2); wherein the inlet storage (2) is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in the form of two or more columns, stacked one inside the other, nested; - a washing system (3) configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform (31); - a conveyor (4) configured to move one or more cups at a time; - an outlet storage (5) configured to store a plurality of clean cups and to dispense a plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets (50); wherein the outlet storage (5) comprises at least one of the following types of storage: one or more tubes (20), a ramp (21) for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp (22) for vertically oriented cups, and a guide (23) for horizontally oriented cups.

2. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet storage (2) is configured to store a plurality of cups in the form of two or more columns, stacked one inside the other, nested.

3. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inlet storage (2) comprises tubes (20) for storing columns of cups; wherein the tubes (20) are arranged such that at least the inlet of the tubes or the outlet of the tubes are arranged in a straight line or in a circular arrangement.

4. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet storage (5) is configured to store a plurality of cups in the form of two or more columns, stacked one inside the other, nested.

5. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outlet storage (5) comprises tubes (20) for storing columns of cups; wherein the tubes (20) are arranged such that at least the inlet of the tubes or the outlet of the tubes are arranged in a straight line or in a circular arrangement.

6. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet storage (2) and the outlet storage (5) each have a storage capacity of at least 10 cups.

7. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet storage (2) stores a plurality of cups with their openings facing downwards.

8. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet system (1) comprises at least one of the following: an inlet platform (12), a dispensing ramp (13), exposed inlets of one or more tubes (20), exposed inlets of one or more tubes (20) with a light or mechanical indicator, exposed inlets of one or more tubes (20) with an actuatable mechanical lock for forcing the cup to be inserted into the correct tube.

9. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The inlet platform (12) comprises an inlet dispenser (120) configured to selectively hold and release the cup.

10. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inlet dispenser (120) comprises an inlet lock (122) configured to selectively support the weight of the cup or release the cup to fall by gravity.

11. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The inlet dispenser (120) comprises an actuator (121) arranged outside the inlet platform (12); wherein the actuator (121) is configured to selectively actuate the inlet dispenser (120) by mechanical contact.

12. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet system (1) comprises an inlet drain (11) arranged in a region receiving the dirty cups, the inlet drain being configured to drain the remaining liquid in the cups to a sewer.

13. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing system (3) comprises a washing distributor (30) configured to selectively transfer cups from the inlet reservoir (2) to the washing system (3).

14. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The washing distributor (30) is configured to distribute cups from one or more stacks according to the following steps: attaching a cup at the bottom of the stack, attaching a cup directly above the cup at the bottom of the stack, releasing the cup at the bottom of the stack, releasing the cup directly above the cup at the bottom of the stack so that it occupies the position of the cup at the bottom of the stack.

15. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The washing distributor (30) is a mechanism configured to hold and release one or more cups so that the cups fall by gravity from the inlet reservoir (2) to the washing system (3).

16. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The washing distributor (30) is selected from the group consisting of: a washing lock (300), a rotating washing lock (303).

17. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) is movable and can be translated and / or rotated to move one or more cups in which washing is performed.

18. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) performs batch washing of more than one cup at a time.

19. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) washes one or more cups with their openings facing downwards.

20. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) comprises at least one of the following components: a side guide (310') and / or a circular guide (310'').

21. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) comprises one or more inner nozzles (310) and one or more outer nozzles (311), wherein the outer nozzles (311) are fixed or movable.

22. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The washing system (3) comprises at least one of the following components: a UV sterilization system (312), an ultrasonic transducer (313), a tank (322), a pump (323), a consumable reservoir (325), a distributor (326), a water heater (327), a boiler (328), a UV filter (329), a fan (332), an air compressor (333), an air heater (334), and a water monitoring system (61).

23. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) is configured to move one or more clean cups from the washing system (3) to the outlet reservoir (5).

24. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) is an articulated mechanism configured to perform translational and / or rotational movement of one or more cups and configured to transfer one or more cups from the inlet reservoir (2) to the washing system (3) and / or from the washing system (3) to the outlet reservoir (5).

25. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) comprises at least one of the following components: a robotic manipulator (40), a lifting section (400), a manipulator claw (401), a suction cup (404), a conveyor belt (41).

26. An automatic glass washing machine (7) characterized in that, The automatic glass cup washing machine comprises: - an inlet system (1) configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage (2); wherein the inlet storage (2) is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups in at least one of the following types of storage: a ramp (21) for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp (22) for vertically oriented cups, and a guide (23) for horizontally oriented cups; - a washing system (3) configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform (31); - a conveyor (4) configured to move one or more cups at a time; - an outlet storage (5) configured to store a plurality of clean cups and dispense a plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets (50); wherein the outlet storage (5) comprises at least one of the following types of storage: one or more tubes (20), a ramp (21) for horizontally oriented cups, a ramp (22) for vertically oriented cups, and a guide (23) for horizontally oriented cups.

27. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The inlet storage (2) and the outlet storage (5) are arranged in such a way that they are positioned on opposite walls of the machine.

28. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The washing system (3) comprises a washing dispenser (30) configured to selectively transfer cups from the inlet storage (2) to the washing system (3), wherein the washing dispenser (30) is of the dispensing ramp type (13).

29. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) is movable and can move and / or rotate to move one or more cups in which washing is performed.

30. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The washing platform (31) performs batch washing of more than one cup at a time.

31. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The washing system (3) comprises at least one of the following components: a UV sterilization system (312), an ultrasonic transducer (313), a tank (322), a pump (323), a consumable storage (325), a dispenser (326), a water heater (327), a boiler (328), a UV filter (329), a fan (332), an air compressor (333), an air heater (334), and a water monitoring system (61).

32. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) is an articulating mechanism configured to perform translational and / or rotational movement of one or more cups and to transfer one or more cups from the inlet storage (2) to the washing system (3) and / or from the washing system (3) to the outlet storage (5).

33. The automatic glass washing machine (7) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The conveyor (4) comprises at least one of the following components: a robotic manipulator (40), a lifting section (400), a manipulator claw (401), a suction cup (404), and a conveyor belt (41).

34. An automatic glassware washing machine (7) characterized in that, The automatic glass cup washing machine comprises: - an inlet system (1) configured to receive and transport one or more cups at a time to an inlet storage (2); wherein the inlet storage (2) is configured to store a plurality of dirty cups; - a washing system (3) configured to wash one or more cups at a time on a washing platform (31); Amongst them, the cleaning system (3) comprises a UV filter (327) connected to the pipeline, which is configured to kill or sterilize the microorganisms carried into the water; - an outlet storage (5) configured to store a plurality of clean cups and distribute the plurality of clean cups through one or more outlets (50).

35. An automatic glass washing method (0) characterized by, The automatic glass cleaning method comprises the following steps: - receiving one or more dirty cups at a time through the inlet system (1); - storing the one or more dirty cups in the inlet storage (2); - selectively releasing the one or more cups onto the cleaning platform (31) of the cleaning system (3); - cleaning the one or more cups, optimizing the cleaning parameters based on the data provided by the water monitoring system (61); - transferring the one or more cleaned cups to the outlet storage (5); - distributing the cleaned cups to the user through one or more outlets (50).

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