WO2022214836A1

WO2022214836A1 - Cup washing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2022214836A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/050901
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Joseph Kenny
Original assignee: Iquique Limited
Priority date: 2021-04-09
Filing date: 2022-04-11
Publication date: 2022-10-13
Also published as: GB202205302D0; GB202105060D0; GB2607696A

Abstract

An automated washing unit (10) for mounting on a countertop (100) is provided. The washing unit comprising a housing (11) having a front portion (11a) and a rear portion (lib). The front portion (11a) includes a washing chamber (14) which is sized and shaped to receive a single food- or drinks-vessel (12) for washing in an inverted configuration. The rear portion (lib) comprises utility resources (28, 32) to facilitate the washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel (12) during a treatment cycle when the food- or drinks-vessel (12) is placed in the washing chamber (14).

Description

Cup Washing Apparatus

Field

The present specification relates to automated washing units for washing of food- or drinks-vessels, such as reusable drinking bottles, reusable cups and their lids. The automated washing units are configured for mounting on a countertop and may, as part of a treatment cycle, dry and/or sanitise the vessel. The present specification also relates to methods of washing such food- or drinks-vessels, for example by using the automated washing units.

Background

According to scientific studies, the total estimated amount of plastic waste as at 2017 stood at 6.3 billion metric tons with the vast majority (approximately 79%) being accumulated in landfills. A significant proportion of plastic waste ends up being washed into the ocean, thereby affecting the ecosystem. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 2.5 billion waste single use cups and lids are thrown away and end up in the landfill on an annual basis.

Due to society becoming more conscious of its environmental impact, the use of single use plastics and non-recyclable materials has reduced significantly in recent years, with some national governments considering legislation to ban their use altogether. There is therefore a worldwide push to use multiple use vessels in order to reduce the waste of single use plastic vessels.

This has led to a rise in the use of reusable vessels for food and drinks, prominent examples of which are reusable coffee cups and reusable drinks bottles.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “vessel” or “food- or drinks-vessel” should be considered to encompass all such cups (including travel cups which may come with a lid), bottles (including flasks and the like) and other portable containers that a person may use to store a drink or food in, prior to consumption. The cups, bottles or other portable containers may have a circular or generally circular wall for containing the drink or food, or they comprise some other suitable shape. They will usually comprise a base for standing on a surface in an upright manner and a top for dispensing the food or drink from.

While there is a developing change in behaviours away from single use vessels and lids towards reusable vessels, there are limited solutions available for use in public areas, commercial areas or workplaces of a fast, on-demand, and automated washing of a reusable vessel.

A number of apparatuses and methods exist for the washing of reusable vessels, ranging from simply washing a container by hand in a sink, to large industrial automated dishwashers for use in commercial kitchens.

Some consumers use a standard automatic dishwasher in a work/office environment that requires loading, a long washing cycle that may last more than an hour, and unloading. Consumers that do not wish to wait for a long dishwashing cycle to be completed, or those that do not have access to such facilities, often wash their reusable coffee cup or bottle under a tap, using a washing liquid or other suitable surfactant before taking them to a coffee shop, beverage dispenser or other station for refilling. This common method of washing uses a significant amount of water and surfactant in relation to the number of items cleaned and is not as hygienic as an automated high-temperature washing device, such as an automatic dishwasher. Millions of consumers repeat this method globally, meaning that the amount of wasted water and energy consumed is significant.

Despite consumers’ efforts to move towards reusable vessels, recent pandemics like Covid-19 are also driving the need to create solutions to maximise the hygiene control associated with the cleanliness and reuse of personal reusable vessels, such as coffee cups and water bottles, in order to avoid a spread of infection. Whether in a coffee shop environment, a workplace environment or a public place the focus on the hygiene of these items brought about from the risk infection is unprecedented and the absence of solutions to facilitate and mitigate the risks is causing a reversal of years of progress to move away from single use containers such as coffee cups, etc.

Methods of hygienically cleaning reusable food- or drinks-vessels on an individual basis and in a short time frame (e.g. less than two minutes and preferably less than 60s), and at an affordable price are not presently available.

The inventor of the present invention has come to the realisation that there exists a need for an automated washing unit for washing such food- or drinks-vessels that are compact in size, efficient, fast to use, and environmentally friendly. Such devices and methods could help to facilitate a change in the behaviour of the public to move away from the use of single use plastics and towards the adoption of reusable food- or drinks-vessels. The present invention provides such a solution.

Summary

One aspect of the present invention provides an automated washing unit for mounting on a countertop. The washing unit comprises a housing including a washing chamber which is sized and shaped to receive a single food- or drinks-vessel for washing in an inverted configuration. The housing may be arranged as a first portion, e.g., a front portion, comprising the washing chamber and a second portion, e.g., a rear portion, comprising utility resources to facilitate the washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel during a treatment cycle when the food- or drinks-vessel is placed in the washing chamber.

The present invention provides a unique solution to washing, drying and/or sanitising individual food- or drinks-vessels, for example, on an on-demand basis in an office or other environment. The washing unit may be sized and shaped to receive a single food- or drinks-vessel for washing in an inverted configuration at any one time. The housing includes a single washing chamber for this purpose. That is, the housing may contain only one washing chamber. An advantage of this configuration is a significantly reduced footprint of the washing unit compared to washing units having multiple washing chambers.

The housing of the washing unit may have an external width of no greater than 25cm, and for example, may be 24cm or narrower, optionally 22.5cm or narrower, allowing the unit to fit on a countertop whilst taking up minimal working space.

The housing may have an external depth of no greater than 50cm, and for example, may be 45cm or shallower, optionally 40cm or shallower.

The housing may have an external height of no greater than 60cm, and for example, may be 50cm or shorter, optionally 46cm or shorter. The housing height may include any height above the countertop provided by feet fitted to the underside of the housing.

The housing may define a total volume of 0.075m³ or less, and may define a total volume of less than 0.050m³.

The first portion of the housing may include a door for enclosing the food- or drinks- vessel in the washing chamber. The door may be hinged along a lower end of the door allowing it to be pivoted away from a remainder of the housing to load the food- or drinks- vessel in the washing chamber. In another arrangement the door may be hinged along an upright side of the door and be pivoted outwardly from a remainder of the housing to load the food- or drinks-vessel. In yet another arrangement, the door may comprise a curved wall defining a portion of a cylinder, the curved wall being arranged for rotation about an axis of the cylinder to provide access to the washing chamber.

The washing chamber may comprise an internal cavity sized and configured to receive a single food- or drinks vessel. For example, it may be sized to accommodate a standard size of drinks bottle, such as a 500ml drinks bottle. The bottle may be a single or double-walled vessel, for example, a flask. The washing chamber may have an internal height of no more than 40cm, optionally 35cm, and/or an internal width of no more than 23cm, optionally 20cm.

The washing chamber may comprise a generally cylindrically-shaped internal cavity, a cuboid-shaped internal cavity, or be of some other elongated form where a height dimension is greater than a width dimension.

The washing chamber may comprise a rotatable mount, such as a rack, for supporting the food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber and for spinning the food- or drinks- vessel within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

One or more washing spray heads are provided in a lower portion of the washing chamber for spraying washing fluid upwardly into the inverted food- or drinks-vessel at an internal surface of the vessel when it is positioned within the washing chamber. One or more washing spray heads may be arranged to reach inside the food- or drinks- vessel when it is positioned within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. That is, the one or more spray heads may be within the food- or drinks-vessel when the vessel is positioned within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

The washing chamber may comprise one or more washing spray heads in other locations within the washing chamber for spraying washing fluid at an external surface of the food- or drinks-vessel during a treatment cycle.

The rotatable mount may comprise one or more paddles, wherein one or more washing spray heads may be configured to direct washing fluid at the one or more paddles. This may occur during any of the treatment cycles in which the washing unit is in operation. By directing a washing spray head at a paddle of the mount, the washing fluid directed from the washing spray head will impinge on the paddle and cause the mount to rotate within the washing chamber. An advantage of this feature is that a motor is not required to rotate the mount, thereby reducing potential for leaks and / or electrical hazards in the washing unit.

The one or more utility resource may comprise a washing circuit including one or more of a water supply, a supply of a washing facilitator, a heater and a pump, the washing circuit being arranged to deliver washing fluids to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. Optionally the washing facilitator may comprise a surfactant and/or ozonated water

The washing circuit may be configured to deliver a washing mixture of washing fluids comprising heated water at a temperature of greater than 50 degrees Celcius, water vapour at a temperature of greater than 70 degrees Celcius and/or steam at a temperature of greater than 100 degrees Celcius, and at least one washing facilitator to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. The washing mixture may be supplied at a pressure of greater than 1 Bar (100 kPa) when delivered to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

One of the utility resources may comprise a drying circuit including one or more of a fan and a heater, the drying circuit being arranged to deliver forced air to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. The forced air may be heated air, for example, to a temperature greater than 60 degrees Celcius.

One of the utility resources may comprise a sanitising circuit including one or more of an ozone generator and a fan, the sanitising circuit being arranged to deliver ozone to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. The sanitising circuit may be arranged to deliver ozone to the washing chamber during rinsing of the vessel.

The washing chamber may comprise a basket for supporting the food- or drinks vessel in a central region of the washing chamber. The basket may comprise a cylindrical frame with radially-inwardly projecting resilient supports to hold the vessel during the treatment cycle. The basket may be removable to load the vessel into the basket and then the combination of the basket and vessel can be loaded into the washing chamber. Removal of the basket may also help to allow periodic cleaning of the washing chamber. The washing chamber may comprise an extendable projection or pedestal for delivering washing fluids via a spray head of the projection/pedestal to an interior of the food- or drinks-vessel. In the case of an extendable projection, the projection may be arranged to extend up into the interior of the vessel under the action of fluid pressure within the projection from delivery of washing fluids.

Viewed from a second aspect there is also provided a method of washing an individual food- or drinks-vessel comprising loading the food- or drinks-vessel into a washing chamber of an automated washing unit as described in any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber is sized and shaped to receive only a single vessel for washing and wherein vessel is loaded in an inverted configuration within the washing chamber and subjected to a treatment cycle comprising washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel.

In the method, a washing mixture of washing fluids may be directed at an interior and exterior of the food- or drinks-vessel during the treatment cycle, the washing mixture comprising heated water at a temperature of greater than 50 degrees Celcius, water vapour at a temperature of greater than 70 degrees Celcius and/or steam at a temperature of greater than 100 degrees Celcius. The method may include the addition of at least one washing facilitator.

The washing facilitator may be a surfactant (detergent) and/or ozonated water. In preferred embodiments, the automated washing unit may use both such washing facilitators.

The treatment cycle may include rinsing the food- or drinks-vessel with water as part of the treatment cycle. The water may be ozonated water. The ozonated water may be created using a Corona discharge or UV light.

The rinsing may be performed with water or ozonated water which is at a temperature of less than 30 degrees Celcius.

In preferred embodiments, a maximum amount of water used during the treatment cycle is less than 500ml.

The treatment cycle may include drying the food- or drinks-vessel using a stream of forced air which is directed at the vessel, and wherein the drying may include using a Corona discharge or UV light to generate ozone in the stream of forced air.

The treatment cycle (e.g., a full treatment cycle of washing, drying and sanitising, such that the food- or drinks-vessel is ready for re-use) is preferably completed within a short period of less than 2 minutes, more preferably less than one minute. The treatment cycle may be completed within 45 seconds or even 30 seconds.

Preferably the automated washing unit comprises a processor to record at least the number of treatment cycles performed. Information on the treatment cycles performed may be provided on demand to an external analysing system.

Figures Certain embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1A-1C show views of a first exemplary embodiment comprising a rotating door, in which Figure 1A shows a perspective view with a door to a washing chamber closed, Figure 1 B a plan view and Figure 1C with the door to the washing chamber open;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment comprising a rotating door, illustrating some internal detail;

Figure 3 shows an exemplary illustration of internal circuits;

Figures 4A-4C show exemplary details of a washing chamber of the automated washing unit of Figure 2, in which Figure 4A shows exemplary locations of nozzles, Figure 4B shows a nozzle of Figure 4A for internal cleaning in more detail and Figure 4C shows exemplary directions of spray head;

Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of a third exemplary embodiment from a front and rear respectively;

Figures 6A and 6B show the embodiment of Figure 5A from the side with the door closed and open respectively;

Figures 7A and 7B show internal details of the automated washing unit from a front perspective view and from a front tilted view, showing a basket for supporting a food- or drinks- vessel within the washing chamber;

Figures 8A-8C show further views of internal details, in which Figure 8A is a side view, Figure 8B a rear view and Figure 8C an underside view; and

Figures 9A-9C show an embodiment of the present invention with dimensions indicated, wherein Figure 9A is a perspective view of the washing unit, Figure 9B is a top-down view, and Figure 9C is a side view.

Detailed Description

An embodiment of an automated washing unit 10 of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1 , and is configured for mounting on a countertop. In other words, it is of a size and configuration that can be accommodated easily on a countertop of a kitchen, domestic or commercial, for example, it may be suitable for a counter-top in a cafe, coffee shop or an office environment, to name but a few exemplary environments. This is not to say that the automated washing machine must be mounted on such a countertop, as for example, it may comprise fixings to allow it to be attached to a wall or other structure, but it is of a size and configuration which can allow it to be countertop mounted (e.g., as compared to a conventional dishwashing machine which is much larger, typically at least 45cm wide, a depth of 55-60cm and a height of perhaps 85cm). Thus the automated washing unit 10 would be one which is easily transportable by a person and would not be out of place among other common countertop appliances such as toasters, kettles, coffee-makers or the like. As shown in Figure 1 , the automated washing unit 10 comprises a housing 11 having a first, front portion 11 a and a second, rear portion 11 b. The front portion 11 a comprises a washing chamber 14 which is sized and shaped to receive a single food- or drinks-vessel 12. The vessel 12, as mentioned previously, may be any container capable of holding an individual’s food or drink that is able to fit in the washing chamber. While the shape of the washing chamber is targeted towards bottles (including flasks) and cups (all types including travel cups), the washing chamber 12 may also be able to accommodate some plastic food storage tubs or the like. The second portion 11 b provides the utility resources for the washing chamber 14.

The food- or drinks-vessel 12 may comprise a lid, which is removed from the bottle or cup prior to loading into the washing chamber. The washing chamber 14 may comprise a rack or area for washing such a lid, e.g., to the side, behind, or above or below of the bottle or cup it has been removed from, during washing.

The external width of the automated washing unit 10 is preferably no greater than 25cm. In this way the unit is intended to accommodate just a single food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber and wash such vessels on an individual basis.

Through being designed to wash, dry and/or sanitise a food- or drinks-vessel for re-use on an individual basis, the unit will also take up a minimal amount of space on a countertop.

In some instances, the automated washing unit 10 may be no greater than 25cm, preferably no greater than 24cm or 22.5cm, and optionally may have a width of around 20cm or smaller. This slim configuration allows the automated washing unit 10 to be mounted on a countertop easily and in a stylish way, e.g., amongst other countertop appliances. The automated washing unit 10 will be visible to users when it is mounted on a countertop, and it may need to fit alongside other stylised countertop appliances, such as high-end coffee machines or other beverage dispensers.

In order to fit easily on a countertop, the housing may be generally cuboid or ‘box shaped’, at least at the rear and may have an external depth of no greater than 50cm. In preferred embodiments, this measurement may be 45cm or less, and in one example it is about 40cm deep.

The housing 11 may have an external height of no greater than 60cm. For example, it may have a height of around 55cm or less. In preferred embodiments it may have an external height of no greater than 50cm and may even have a height of less than 45cm once any feet have been removed.

To wash the food- or drinks-vessel, the vessel 12 is positioned in the washing chamber 14 in an inverted, generally upright configuration. That is, the vessel 12 has been turned upside down such that the vessel opening (top) is facing downwards relative to the automated washing unit 10, where downwards is in the direction of a countertop on which the washing unit 10 may be placed. By “generally upright”, while the vessel 12 may be positioned in a vertical (but inverted) configuration within the washing chamber 14, this is not essential for the washing/drying/sanitising processes so long as fluids can drain properly from the vessel 12, and in some instances the vessel may be tilted within the washing chamber at an angle of up to 30°, with optionally any inclination being 15° or less. The process of loading the vessel 12 into the washing chamber 14 may include introducing the vessel at a larger inclination, say up to 45°, and tilting the vessel up (whilst inverted) into a washing position or configuration where it is generally upright within the washing chamber 14.

The front portion 11 a of the housing 11 , where the washing of the food- or drinks- vessel takes place, may include a door 13 for enclosing the food- or drinks-vessel 12 in the washing chamber 14. The door 13 may take many forms depending on the design of the automated washing unit, though its function in each case is generally the same; namely to shield the user from splashes of washing fluid and from internal moving parts. More particularly, it may need to seal in a generally watertight manner with the remainder of the housing 11 to prevent escape of hot water vapour/steam from around the door 13 and to minimise other leaks.

For example, in one configuration the door 13 may be hinged along a lower end of the door such that the door is pivoted away from the rest of the housing 11 to load the food- or drinks-vessel 12 in the washing chamber 14, rather like a conventional dishwasher appliance but on a smaller scale. An example of this is shown in the third embodiment of Figure 5A. A seal may be mounted around an edge of the door or around the opening of the housing to mitigate leaks.

In such an arrangement, the vessel 12 may be loaded into a basket 45 attached or attachable to the door for supporting the food- or drinks vessel in a central region of the washing chamber once the door is closed to. A suitable basket 45 (see Figure 7A) may comprise a cylindrical frame with radially inwardly projecting, resilient supports, and may be sized to fit with minimal play within the washing chamber.

Depending on the intended mounting position of the automated washing unit 10, the door 13 could also be hinged along an upper end of the door such that the lower end of the door may be lifted up to provide an access hatch to load the vessel 12 into the washing chamber 14. Hinging the door in this way may help to shield the user from steam exiting the washing chamber when accessing the vessel.

The door 13 may also be hinged along an upright edge of the door and pivoted away from a remainder of the housing in a similar way to a door of a refrigerator.

In another configuration, the door 13 may comprise a curved wall, e.g., defining a portion of a cylinder, where the curved wall is arranged for rotation about an axis of the cylinder. The curved wall may be rotated around towards the rear portion 11 b of the housing 11 in order to reveal the washing chamber 14 and provide access to the washing chamber 14. The food- or drinks-vessel 12 may be loaded into a position aligned with the axis of rotation of the curved wall. Supports 17 may be lowered from a roof of the washing chamber 14 to help secure the vessel in place, in its inverted configuration.

An opening 15 to the washing chamber 14 may be closed off by more than one door 13 as desired.

The rear portion 11 b of the automated washing unit 10 comprises one or more utility resources 28,32 to facilitate the washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel during a treatment cycle. Although during the treatment cycle, the food- or drinks-vessel may undergo preferably all three of the washing, drying and sanitising processes, the automated washing unit in some embodiments may lack a drying or a sanitising function, or may comprise controls which skips a drying or sanitising process if the user wishes to avoid one or both of them.

The washing chamber 14 may comprise an internal cavity with an internal height of no more than 35cm. A typical drinks bottle is around 30-33cm high, so the washing chamber 14 may be sized to just fit such a drinks bottle. The washing chamber 14 may have an internal width of no more than 15cm. A typical reusable cup may have a maximum external diameter measurement of up to around 10cm, and so an internal width of this size will also allow for supports within the washing chamber 14 whilst still maintaining a slim overall external width of the unit.

The washing chamber 14 may comprise a generally cylindrically-shaped internal cavity. The washing chamber 14 may include supports for the vessel or other features like spray nozzles, etc., which alter the configuration of the internal cavity from a cylindrical shape.

The washing chamber 14 may comprise a rotatable mount or basket 16, 45, for supporting the food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber 14, for example, aligned with an axis thereof, and for spinning the food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber 14 during the treatment cycle. In this way, jets of washing fluid can be targeted at an internal position and the vessel can be spun with respect to the jets of washing fluid to wash all the way around the interior of the vessel 12.

Thus the washing chamber 14 may comprise one or more washing spray heads 22 arranged to reach inside the food- or drinks-vessel when it is positioned within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle. These may have nozzles that are positioned or targeted to direct washing fluid away from an axis of rotation of the vessel. The washing chamber 14 may also comprise one or more washing spray heads 23 in other locations within the washing chamber for spraying washing fluid at an external surface of the food- or drinks-vessel, for example, as it is spun within the washing chamber, during a treatment cycle.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only and with reference to the four embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 9C.

Figures 1A-1C show an automated washing unit 10 according to a first embodiment comprising a generally rectangular shaped housing 11. The automated washing unit 10 is configured for mounting on a countertop (not shown). The housing 11 has a first portion 11a, in this case a curved front portion 11a, which opens to the user and is arranged to receive the food- or drinks-vessel 12 as will be explained below, and a second portion 11 b, in this case a more rectangular-shaped rear portion 11b, in which the utility resources to facilitate washing, drying and/or sanitising of the vessel 12 during a treatment cycle are housed.

As shown in Figure 1A, the automated washing unit 10 of this embodiment comprises a rotating door 13, which has at least a part-cylindical form. For example, it can comprise a cylindrical member which is provided with an opening, (or it can comprise a semi-circular or other part-cylindrical member) that is guided for rotation within the front portion 11a of the housing 11 , for example in a circular track or tracks. The automated washing unit 10 preferably has an external width of no greater than 25cm, and so the diameter of curvature of the rotating door 13 is preferably less than 25cm, more preferably less than 22.5cm and in some arrangements around 20cm in diameter.

The rotating door 13 provides access to a washing chamber 14 and is preferably electronically controlled to open and close on command, for example, via a button on a control panel (not shown). Figure 1A shows the automated washing unit 10 with the door 13 to the washing chamber 14 closed, and Figure 1C shows the unit 10 with the door 13 to the washing chamber 14 open, allowing access to the washing chamber 14 via a stadium shaped opening 15 in the housing 11 . Also visible within the washing chamber 14 of Figure 1C is a circular rack 16 upon which the vessel 12 can be stood in an inverted configuration.

In the embodiment of Figure 1C, the food- or drinks-vessel 12 shown is a cup. In particular, it is an inverted cup 12, which is standing in a generally upright but inverted manner in the washing chamber 14 of the automated washing unit 10, with the opening 12a of the cup resting on the rack 16, generally centrally, within the washing chamber 14, and with the base 12b of the cup facing towards a roof of washing chamber 14. However, the vessel 12 could comprise other forms of container, such as a bottle, flask, jar or a tub, subject to the space constraints of the washing chamber 14.

The automated washing unit 10 is intended to wash, dry and/or sanitise a single (i.e., individual) food- or drinks-vessel 14 during a given treatment cycle of the unit 10, especially a drinks bottle. The washing chamber 14 is sized and configured accordingly. For example, the washing chamber 14 may comprise a generally cylindrical void or internal cavity within the housing 11 that is of a size which can receive an inverted vessel 12 such as a drinks bottle, say of 500ml to 1 litre capacity. The internal cavity may consequently have an internal height of no more than 40cm, preferably no more than 35cm, and/or an internal width of no more than 23cm, optionally no more than 20cm wide, perhaps allowing only a few centimetres (2 to 5cm) of space around the sides of a standard drinks bottle to allow room for the user’s fingers when loading the bottle in the washing chamber 14. The treatment cycle takes preferably less than a minute. The washing chamber 14 may also comprise a support 17, for example, which comprises a set of fingers which can apply a stabilizing function on the vessel 12 when they are lowered into contact with the base 12b of the vessel 12 (or the vessel 12 is raised into contact with the support 17, or both are moved towards the other).

In preferred embodiments, the food- or drinks-vessel 12 may be rotated about an axis of the washing chamber 14, relative to fixed nozzles (not visible in this embodiment), stabilised by the support 17.

Figure 2 shows another embodiment of an automated washing unit 10, which is similar to the first embodiment in that the unit 10 is provided with a rotating door 13 except in this embodiment the rotating door 13 rotates externally to the opening 15 provided in the front portion 11a of the housing 11 , to allow access to or to close off the washing chamber 14. The door 13 may be open and/or closed manually by the user sliding the door anticlockwise or clockwise respectively around the front portion 11a of the housing 11 using the knob 18 provided on the door 13.

In Figure 2 a plurality of components providing the utility resources are shown mounted in the rear portion 11b of the housing 11 . The utility resources may comprise a plurality of reservoirs 19 to hold supplies of, for example, detergent, rinse aid and a water softener. A water tank with a heater 20 may be mounted in the rear portion 11 b of the housing 11 for supplying a washing circuit 32 to the washing chamber 14 with hot water/steam. The rear portion 11 b may also include a sub-chamber 21 arranged to provide a washing function for a lid of the vessel 12.

Figure 3 shows an exemplary illustration of internal circuits within the automated washing unit 10. On the left side of the figure, the front portion 11 a of the housing 11 can be seen, the front portion 11a enclosing an inverted vessel 12 within the generally cylindrical, washing chamber 14. The washing chamber 14 is provided with a pair of internal nozzles 22 that are positioned so as to extend into the inverted vessel 12 to direct washing fluid at different internal regions of the vessel 12. The washing chamber 14 is also provided with a pair of external nozzles 23 for washing the exterior of the vessel 12.

Below the rack 16 is provided a collector 24 for collecting dirty water from the washing cycle, which can be removed using a pump 25 connected to a drainage port 26.

The front portion 11 a also includes one or more air nozzles 27 for supplying the washing chamber 14 and sub-chamber 21 with drying air. As shown in Figure 3, an air circuit 28 is provided in the rear portion 11 b of the housing 11 to send forced drying air to the washing chamber 14 and the sub-chamber 21 via a series of air nozzles 27, in order to dry the vessel 12 after washing. Vents (not shown) may be provided to allow the air to escape, since the washing chamber 14 itself will be sealed to prevent egress of water during a washing cycle.

The air circuit 28 may include an air filter 29, a fan 30 and an air heater 31 to filter, drive and heat the forced supply of hot air. The air circuit 28 may also feed into the supply of washing fluid in order to pressurise the washing circuit 32 and/or to help create pulses of pressure in the washing fluid.

The automated washing unit 10 also comprises a washing circuit 32. The washing circuit 32, as shown in Figure 3, may comprise a water tank 20 connected to an external source of water via a water softener, a pump 25 to pressurise the washing fluid, a heater 20a to heat the washing fluid (which may be part of the water tank 20, and of course, a series of nozzles, such as the internal nozzles 22 and the external nozzles 23, provided in the washing chamber 14 and the sub-chamber 21 arranged to direct the washing fluid at the internal and external regions of the inverted vessel 12 and its lid 12a.

The washing circuit 32 may also include a supply of a washing facilitator, such as, for example, a detergent, a rinse aid and/or a disinfectant or antibacterial agent to help sanitise the vessel, for example a supply of ozone from an ozone generator 33. The ozone can be drawn into the washing circuit 32 via a venturi 34.

In addition to tubing connecting the components (which has been omitted from the main views for ease of understanding), the washing circuit 32 may comprise a series of joints 35 to branch the supply of washing fluid through different lines, and electrovalves 36 to control the flow within the washing circuit 32. A filter 37 may also be provided to filter the dirty water for debris after the washing chamber 14 and before the pump 25.

Figures 4A-4C show exemplary details of the washing chamber 14 of the automated washing unit 10 of Figure 2. Figure 4A shows a front view of the washing chamber 14 and the exemplary locations of nozzles 22,23 for washing fluid. Inside the generally cylindrical washing chamber, internal nozzles 22 may be arranged in a pedestal 38 projecting from an upper surface of the rack 16 to direct washing fluid through the opening of the vessel 12 towards the inside of the vessel 12. The internal nozzles 22 may comprise spray heads 22a, 22b that target different internal regions of the vessel 12 as shown in Figure 4C (e.g., internal region A and B). While two spray heads 22a, 22b are illustrated, the internal nozzles 22 may comprise more spray heads, as desired. Similarly, whilst two external nozzles 23 are illustrated for the washing chamber 14, more than two external nozzles 23 may be provided, as desired. A further two external nozzles 23 may be provided in the sub-chamber 21 either side of a holder 21a for a lid 12a of a vessel 12. The pedestal 38 may also be a tubular projection having a telescopic form which extends up into the vessel 12 under pressure within the washing circuit 32.

Means may be provided to rotate the vessel 12 with respect to the internal and external nozzles 22, 23, or the spray heads/nozzles 22a, 22b, 23, etc., may spin or otherwise move with respect to the surface of the vessel 12 to direct washing fluid over the whole of the vessel 12, as desired.

Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views of a third embodiment of the automated washing unit 10, viewed from the front and rear respectively. In contrast to the first and second embodiments, the housing 11 is a more rectangular shape, with external dimensions suitable for mounting on a countertop. As before, the external height may be no greater than 60cm, the external depth no greater than 50cm and the external width no greater than 25cm. Preferably the dimensions are less than 50cm x 45cm x 22.5cm for the height, depth and width of the housing respectively.

To fit in with other devices on the countertop, in addition to the dimensions, the automated washing unit 10 may be styled to give it a commercial grade appearance similar to other countertop appliances like industrial coffee machines, and may, for example, comprise a stainless steel housing 11 .

In this third embodiment, the door 13 is a pivoting door 13, like a conventional dishwasher appliance, hinged at its base to the rest of the housing 11. Suitable hinges 40 may guide the door 13 between a closed position as shown in Figure 6A and an open position as shown in Figure 6B, and a restraint 41 may be provided to limit the pivoting movement of the door 13. The internal surface of the door 13 may comprise a seal 13a to seal against the opening 15 of the housing 11.

The door 13 may be provided with a window 42 to observe the cleaning operations within the washing chamber 14 and a control panel 43 to select one or all of the washing/drying/sanitising function of the treatment cycle. Controls of the control panel 43 may project through one or more openings in the door 13 or be mounted as shown in Figure 6B to the remainder of the housing 11 . Within the electronic circuitry, a processor may be provided to record at least the number of treatment cycles performed. Information on the treatment cycles performed may be provided on demand to an external analysing system, for example, to determine the number of food- or drinks vessels that have been washed using the unit 10.

The automated washing unit 10 may comprise a set of feet 44 to minimise transmission of vibrations and noise via the countertop.

Figures 7A and 7B show some (not all) of the internal details of the automated washing unit 10. Figure 7A is a front side perspective view and Figure 7B shows a tilted perspective view from the front and top of the unit 10. The washing chamber 14 in this embodiment, as a result of the configuration of the hinged door 13, defines a box-shaped (cuboid) internal chamber within which the vessel 12 is washed. The inverted vessel 12 may be supported within this space via a holder 45, for example, a cylindrical basket as shown comprising a cylindrical frame 45a and a plurality of radially-inward projecting resilient supports 45b to hold the vessel during the treatment cycle. The basket may spin the inverted vessel 12 with respect to the internal and external nozzles 22,23. Fluid pressure within the washing circuit or a separate mechanism may drive the rotation of the vessel 12/basket 45 within the washing chamber 14. The basket 45 may be removable to facilitate loading of the vessel 12 and cleaning. Visible in Figure 7 A are ports 46 for refiling reservoirs 19 of washing fluid additives, such as detergent, rinse aid, etc. The ports 46 may be part of a moulding comprising a funnel- shaped portion 47 to feed the additive into the particular reservoir 19.

Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show side, rear and underside views of some of the internal details. Visible in Figure 8B, an inlet 48 may be provided in the back of the housing 11 to allow air to be drawn into the air circuit 28.

Figures 9A to 9C show views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9A shows an isometric view, Figure 9B shows a plan view and Figure 9C shows a side elevation of the fourth embodiment. This embodiment of the washing unit more closely relates to the first and second embodiments of the washing unit in that the housing is somewhat rounded and the washing chamber is accessed by a rotating door. Like reference numerals used for this embodiment refer to similar features as in previous embodiments.

The washing unit 10 comprises a rotating door 13 that rotates externally to an opening provided in a front portion 11 a of the housing 11 , to allow access to or to close off the washing chamber 14. The door 13 may be open and/or closed manually by the user rotating the door anticlockwise or clockwise respectively around the front portion 11a of the housing 11 using the handle 18 provided on the door 13. Alternatively, other embodiments of the invention may comprise a motor that is configured to operate the door 13.

The washing unit 10 shown in Figure 9A is positioned on a counter top 100.

The washing unit 10 comprises a button 50. The button 50 is configured to start a washing cycle in the washing unit 10. The washing unit 10 may comprise a sensor to detect whether the door 13 is closed, and the washing unit 10 may be configured such that a washing cycle cannot be started when the button 50 is pressed if the door 13 is open.

As shown in Figures 9B and 9C, the washing unit 10 can be designed to fit certain specifications. In this embodiment, and as shown in Figure 9B, the width direction of the housing 11 , and the width may be 228mm. In Figure 9C, the housing is shown to have a height of 458mm and a depth of 393mm, where the height may be 458mm and the depth may be 393mm. The following describes features (many of which are optional) of preferred embodiments of the automated washing unit in more detail and by way of example only:

Heated Water

The automated washing unit may comprise a heater for generating water vapour and/or steam. This heater is located in a washing circuit and may heat the water prior to being mixed with a washing facilitator. The washing water may reach temperatures of up to 100°C, or above. The water may be in the form of a high-temperature liquid or a vapour when delivered to the vessel.

Washing Facilitators including Ozone through ozonated water and ozonated air A washing mixture used in the automated washing unit may comprise water vapour and a washing facilitator, for example, a detergent. The washing mixture may comprise additional washing facilitators.

The unit may comprise a mixer for mixing the water and washing facilitator to form a washing mixture. The mixer may also mix other additives with the washing mixture. The mixer may be part of a washing circuit and may use an injector to mix the water with the at least one washing facilitator. The injector may be in the form a solenoid to inject a measured amount of the washing facilitator into a high pressure heated water source to form a washing mixture.

The mixer may be fluidly connected to a plurality of spray apertures arranged downstream in the washing chamber such that the washing mixture is directed at the vessel via the spray apertures.

The automated washing unit may also comprise ozone generators and the introduction of ozonated water may be used in the washing offering further elimination of bacteria during the washing, rinsing and drying phases of the process thereby adding further hygiene functionality. When the ozonated water touches the surface of an object the ozone oxidizes the microorganisms attached to the surface. The method of creating the ozonated water may be in the form of a Corona discharge or UV light.

High Pressure Washing Mixture

The washing mixture may be delivered to the spray apertures under pressure. This pressure may be achieved with a pump and/or with compressed steam pressure. Compressed steam pressure may be produced by the heater when it heats the water used to form the washing mixture.

The washing mixture may be highly pressurised, for example, greater than 1 Bar (1 OOkPa), preferably greater than 2 Bar (200kPa) and may be up to 10 Bar (1 MPa) or greater.

An advantage of using high-pressure and/or high-temperature liquid or vapour is increased effectiveness against bacteria and stains on the food- or drinks-vessel. This effectiveness may be further compounded by the utilisation of a washing facilitator.

Protrusion and Plurality of Jets

The automated washing unit may deliver the washing mixture to the food- or drinks- vessel via a plurality of jets produced from a plurality of spray apertures. The plurality of spray apertures may be disposed about the washing chamber. The vessel to be cleaned is placed inside the washing chamber and the spray apertures may be positioned around the washing chamber such that the washing mixture may be directed via the jets produced by the spray apertures to the inside and the outside of the vessel.

The spray apertures may be static or they may be configured to move in multiple axes. For example, spray apertures may be configured to rotate or they may be configured to move relative to an initial position, for example linearly, or a combination of both. The spray apertures may be single-direction flow nozzles, they may be multidirectional flow nozzles, or they may be a combination of both of these variants. The spray apertures may also take the form of any known or conventional nozzles. The spray apertures may also be configured to spin and direct the mixture in multiple directions and may create vortex sprays to aid in accelerating the washing process, and thereby produce vortices or create a swirl of washing mixture on the surface of the vessel. The spray apertures may be adapted to generate pulses of force within the stream of washing mixture

The washing chamber may further comprise a protrusion or a plurality of protrusions that extends or is able to extend from the base of the washing chamber. The protrusion may be configured to extend into an interior of the vessel to be cleaned. For example, it may comprise a telescopic sleeve that extends underwater pressure. The protrusions may each include one or a plurality of spray apertures disposed on their surface for the direction of the washing mixture at an interior of the vessel. Thus, the protrusion may comprise a delivery head for the washing mixture. Such spray apertures on the protrusion may take any of forms previously discussed, or any combination of such forms.

Rotating Washing Platform

The automated washing unit may further comprise of a means of rotating the vessel to be washed by means of a high-speed rotating washing platform upon which the vessel is placed at the beginning of the washing process. In this way the washing mixture is applied evenly to all areas of the internal and external surface of the vessels to be washed, improving the method of applying the washing mixture.

Washing Basket

The automated washing unit may further comprise a basket to hold the vessel to be cleaned. This basket may comprise a rack onto which a vessel is placed, where the vessel opening is downwards facing. The basket may comprise resilient members, which deform elastically during loading of a vessel, for supporting the vessel in an inverted configuration within the washing chamber. The basket may further comprise a structure to hold the lid.

Washing Chamber and Access Door

The washing chamber may comprise a rack configured to hold a vessel. The rack may be positioned at different heights within the washing chamber and it may be removable from the washing chamber. A removable and/or foldable rack may allow the washing chamber to be easily adapted for a range of different vessels to be cleaned. A rack may include a set of flexible arms which can bend and adjust in shape to accommodate the shape of the vessel, whether it be in the form of a cup, bottle or other vessel. The housing may have one or more doors facilitating access to the washing chamber, allowing for internal parts like a basket or rack to be removed from the washing chamber and/or for a vessel to be placed in the washing chamber and removed. The door or doors may automatically open and close and seal the washing chamber according to the washing treatment cycle, or they may be manually opened and closed by a user of the automated washing unit. In one configuration, the door may be a rotating door and may rotate around a vessels placed in the washing chamber. In another configuration, the door may pivot about a bottom hinge like a conventional dishwasher or may rotate on a vertical hinge like a refrigerator door.

The automated washing unit may comprise a plurality of washing compartments. Each washing compartment may be adapted for use with a particular item to be cleaned, for example, one compartment may clean the lid and another may clean the vessel.

Designing the automated washing unit to wash only one vessel in a treatment cycle allows the unit to wash personal items efficiently without having to wait for a full load of multiple items before starting a washing treatment cycle.

The automated washing unit may also comprise a self-washing cycle in which it cleans the internal area of the washing chamber, e.g., to prevent build-up of compounds such as limescale. The self-washing cycle may produce waste fluids that are removed from the washing chamber via a waste outlet. The self-washing cycle may be activated automatically after a certain number of washing cycles have been completed. Alternatively, a user may manually activate the self-washing cycle. The use of a self-washing cycle ensures that the washing chamber remains clean, thereby maintaining the washing efficacy while also removing the need for the interior to be cleaned manually.

Rinsing

The automated washing unit may further utilise a rinse cycle at the end of the washing part of the treatment cycle and, for example, may comprise a short water spray at the end of the washing cycle to ensure that the vessels are rinsed and any residual washing mixture has been removed. During the rinse cycle, a cold-water spray may be directed at the interior of the washing chamber and at the vessel that has been cleaned via the spray apertures, where such a cold-water spray may also help to return solidity to any plastics that have been softened by the temperature of the washing cycle.

Increased hygiene effectiveness may be provided by introducing ozone to the rinse water. The method of creating the ozonated water may be in the form of a Corona discharge or UV light.

UV Air Dryer The automated washing unit may comprise of a high velocity air dryer to dry the vessels once the washing and rinsing cycle has completed. The high velocity air dryer may incorporate a UV light to provide the ozone production to be mixed with the high velocity air and applied to the surface of the vessel to be dried. The air dryer may also use warmed air to facilitate the drying process.

Washing Facilitator Storage Units

The automated washing unit may further comprise a washing facilitator storage chamber. The automated washing unit may also comprise further storage chambers with additional washing accelerators or mixture additives stored therein.

The use of internal storage chambers means that the automated washing unit can be located away from sources of water/washing facilitator/additives/washing accelerator, etc. Any of the above mentioned storage chambers (tanks) may comprise a container, a lid, and an outlet, and may be positioned such that they are easily accessible by a user for refilling.

One or more of the storage chambers may also be housed in a separate unit and plumbed to the automated washing unit in order to reduce the countertop volume.

Electricity Supply

The automated washing unit may comprise a fused electrical AC power connection, which may be adapted for use with mains power. The unit may also comprise an AC to DC converter for providing power to heating elements of a heat generator for one or both of the washing or drying circuits.

Plumbing

The automated washing unit may comprise a waste outlet and a pump connected to the waste outlet. This allows waste material produced during washing or self-washing cycles to be removed from the washing chamber.

The automated washing unit may comprise a water storage chamber (tank) that is used to supply the water required during the washing process, and/or it may be arranged to be connected to a conventional water supply such as a tap or pipe. The provision of an internal storage container for the water allows for the unit to be located away from a conventional water source, or for a conventional water source to be supplemented with an additional supply of water.

Total Washing Time

The method may have a very short washing treatment cycle of less than five minutes and preferably closer to one minute or less. For example, it may have a treatment cycle of less than 45 seconds or even less than 30 seconds. These periods are shorter than those in a conventional washing method, making the present invention more useful in situations where there might be limited time available for a user to clean their reusable vessel, for example, in an office environment when at work, in a restaurant or at a public convenience such as a water dispenser, etc.

Volume of Water Used

In each washing treatment cycle, the amount of water used may be less than 500ml, more preferably less than 400ml, for example, between 50ml and 300ml.

By using a high-pressure water mixture to clean each vessel and lid, the method uses a minimal amount of water and washing facilitator. This is further compounded by the short washing cycle, which not only reduces the amount of water and washing facilitator used but also reduces the amount of electricity required to clean each vessel.

As discussed, existing dishwasher apparatuses and washing methods for vessels have long washing cycles and/or use a disproportionate amount of water and washing substances in relation to the size and amounts of vessels cleaned. Lengthy cycles are impractical for those who are short space on time, produce significant amounts of wasted water and surfactant that can leak into the environment, and may require significant amounts of energy to maintain high temperature environments. Manual washing is often slow and inefficient, uses significant amounts of water and surfactant per drinking vessel, and is not as hygienic as an automated high-temperature washing device.

The present automated washing unit offers a solution to provide people with an on- demand, fast, hygienic and environmentally friendly way of washing a personal vessel and thereby could lead to facilitating changing of behaviours towards the greater proliferation and use of reusable vessels and reduction of single use vessels and lids.

The present invention also minimises the impact of waste washing product disposal as it uses a minimal amount of water, in vapour/steam form, and a reduced amount of energy to clean reusable vessels in comparison to conventional washing methods such as by hand or in a conventional dishwasher.

In addition to supporting a reduction in the use of single use vessels, the present invention may also help to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the production, delivery, waste management of single use vessels.

Sensors and Metrics

The automated washing unit may comprise one or more sensors, such as pressure or temperature sensors, to monitor the status of the unit. These could be positioned in the washing chamber, in the mixer, in the storage chambers, or any other suitable part of the automated washing unit (or an auxiliary unit connected with it, for example, providing remote storage of one or more of the washing liquids). The sensors may be connected to a controller. The controller may then be connected to a graphic user interface display or one or more LED lights to communicate the status of various components to a user. The sensors may allow the apparatus to determine when a washing treatment cycle is complete or on-going, or when more water or washing facilitator is required.

The automated washing unit may comprise a usage-counting device, which counts and displays how many reusable vessels have been washed (and thus how many single use vessels have been avoided). The counting device may include a scanner for scanning barcodes or QR codes displayed on the vessel. The automated washing unit may include a processor configured to update a memory device with a value or values representative of the number of washes performed by a particular user or, more preferably, a set of users, for example, a department or a company. The processor may also be configured to relay the value or values with a central server that is able to keep a running tally and provide feedback to the user or set of users, preferably in a format that is able to provide encouragement to the user or users to wash and reuse the reusable vessels. The unit may transmit data including the value or values to a remote server, for example, by a wireless connection to the internet, where the data can be processed and compared by a central server.

Apparatus Configurations

The automated washing unit is intended to be placed on a counter-top, but may of course be placed on any other suitable surface. The automated washing unit configured to be small in size and have a footprint similar to that of any other reasonably sized countertop appliance.

The automated washing unit may be fully contained in a single housing including a water heater, washing facilitator tank, mixing unit together with washing chamber, a plurality of washing jets and drainage. The automated washing unit may also be split into two parts to further minimize the above-counter space utilised. In this scenario, the above-counter unit may consist of the washing chamber including all internal components required to wash the food- or drinks-vessel, with a door to provide access for loading of the vessel, and any necessary operating controls fitted to the housing. The housing may also comprise a second portion containing couplings for one or more fluid connections to provide the utility resources to the washing chamber, as well as minimal ancillary hardware like pumps, valves, collectors, etc.

The above-counter unit may be then serviced through suitable pipes that can pass through or around the counter surface connected to equipment provided in an under-counter unit. Some of the equipment providing the utility resource functionality, e.g., the bulkier components, may be positioned remote from the counter-top unit so as to supply water, a water heating function, a washing facilitator, etc., and may also include a pump and/or other components like a fan to service the washing chamber. The automated washing unit may also be configured in such a way as to be integrated into other devices to complement their functionality. The automated washing unit may be integrated into a domestic or professional coffee making device or other beverage dispensing appliance. For example, the automated washing unit may also be integrated into a cold, hot or sparkling water fountain or dispenser. In each case the automated washing unit part of the appliance should take up a minimum external width, for example not exceed a width of 25cm.

It should also offer the same treatment cycle times as described above (e.g., less than 2 minutes) and have a washing chamber that is sized and configured to receive a single vessel (e.g., a washing chamber of substantially cylindrical form having dimensions of less than 35cm x 22.5cm), in order to clean and sanitise the vessel in preparation for receiving a beverage.

The automated washing unit may use some of the components of the beverage dispensing appliance to provide some of the utility resource functionality.

By way of example, and not as an exclusive list, the automated washing unit may be integrated into a coffee maker which can do one or more of the following: grind coffee beans; make coffee through hot water and/or steam being passed through the ground coffee; steam froth milk; heat milk; and store cups and saucers. The automated washing unit may be used in a medical and dental environment for washing a reusable cup or bottle, and use of the automated washing unit may even be insisted upon before the cup or bottle can be filled with a drink in order to avoid a risk of spreading an infection. The automated washing unit may be integrated into a train’s kitchen galley to enable passengers to clean their personal vessels for in-journey refreshments. The automated washing unit may be integrated into an aircraft’s kitchen galley to enable passengers to clean their personal vessels for in-flight refreshments. The automated washing unit may also be used as an on-demand vessel washer for a personal cup, water bottle, etc. by providing a solution for office (or domestic) environment to encourage the use of reusable food/drinking containers by providing a fast, on-demand washing device for the reuse of personal reusable vessels.

Thus, it has been shown how the automated washing unit according to the present invention allows a fast, efficient and hygienic way of washing sustainable vessels for re-use in either domestic or commercial environments.

Whilst various aspects of the present invention have been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An automated washing unit for mounting on a countertop, the washing unit comprising a housing having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion including a washing chamber which is sized and shaped to receive a single food- or drinks-vessel for washing in an inverted configuration, and the second portion comprising utility resources to facilitate the washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel during a treatment cycle when the food- or drinks-vessel is placed in the washing chamber.

2. An automated washing unit of claim 1 , wherein the housing of the automated washing unit has an external width of no greater than 25cm.

3. The automated washing unit of claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing has an external depth of no greater than 50cm, and/or wherein the housing has an external height of no greater than 60cm.

4. The automated washing unit of claim 1 , 2 or 3, wherein the first portion includes a door for enclosing the food- or drinks-vessel in the washing chamber.

5. The automated washing unit of claim 4, wherein the door is hinged along a lower end of the door and is pivoted away from a remainder of the housing to load the food- or drinks- vessel in the washing chamber, or the door is hinged along an upright side of the door and is pivoted outwardly from a remainder of the housing to load the food- or drinks-vessel.

6. The automated washing unit of claim 4, wherein the door comprises a curved wall defining a portion of a cylinder, the curved wall being arranged for rotation about an axis of the cylinder to provide access to the washing chamber.

7. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber comprises an internal cavity with an internal height of no more than 40cm, optionally 35cm, and/or an internal width of no more than 23cm, optionally 20cm.

8. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber comprises a generally cylindrically-shaped internal cavity.

9. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber comprises a rotatable mount for supporting the food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber and for spinning the food- or drinks-vessel within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

10. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein one or more washing spray heads are provided in a lower portion of the washing chamber for spraying washing fluid upwardly into the inverted food- or drinks-vessel at an internal surface of the vessel when it is positioned within the washing chamber.

11. The automated washing unit of claim 10, wherein the one or more washing spray heads are arranged to reach inside the food- or drinks-vessel when it is positioned within the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

12. The automated washing unit of claims 10 and 11 , wherein the washing chamber comprises one or more washing spray heads in other locations within the washing chamber for spraying washing fluid at an external surface of the food- or drinks-vessel during a treatment cycle.

13. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more utility resource comprises a washing circuit including one or more of a water supply, a supply of a washing facilitator and optionally where that washing facilitator comprises a surfactant and/or ozonated water, a heater and a pump, the washing circuit being arranged to deliver washing fluids to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

14. The automated washing unit of claim 13, wherein the washing circuit is configured to deliver a washing mixture of washing fluids comprising heated water at a temperature of greater than 50 degrees Celcius, water vapour at a temperature of greater than 70 degrees Celcius and/or steam at a temperature of greater than 100 degrees Celcius and at least one washing facilitator to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle, and optionally wherein the washing mixture has a pressure of greater than 1 Bar (100 kPa) when delivered to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

15. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein an utility resource comprises a drying circuit including one or more of a fan and a heater, the drying circuit being arranged to deliver forced air, optionally forced heated air, to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle.

16. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein an utility resource comprises a sanitising circuit including one or more of an ozone generator and a fan, the sanitising circuit being arranged to deliver ozone to the washing chamber during the treatment cycle, optionally wherein the sanitising circuit is arranged to deliver ozone to the washing chamber during rinsing of the vessel.

17. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber comprises a basket for supporting the food- or drinks vessel in a central region of the washing chamber, wherein optionally the basket comprises a cylindrical frame with radially-inwardly projecting resilient supports to hold the vessel during the treatment cycle.

18. The automated washing unit of any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber comprises an extendable projection for delivering washing fluids via a spray head of the projection to an interior of the food- or drinks-vessel, wherein optionally the projection is arranged to extend up into the interior of the vessel under the action of fluid pressure within the projection from delivery of washing fluids.

19. A method of washing an individual food- or drinks-vessel comprising loading the food- or drinks-vessel into a washing chamber of an automated washing unit as described in any preceding claim, wherein the washing chamber is sized and shaped to receive only a single vessel for washing and wherein vessel is loaded in an inverted configuration within the washing chamber and subjected to a treatment cycle comprising washing and/or drying and/or sanitising of the vessel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein a washing mixture of washing fluids is directed at an interior and exterior of the food- or drinks-vessel during the treatment cycle, the washing mixture comprising heated water at a temperature of greater than 50 degrees Celcius, water vapour at a temperature of greater than 70 degrees Celcius and/or steam at a temperature of greater than 100 degrees Celcius and at least one washing facilitator.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the washing facilitator is a surfactant and/or ozonated water.

22. The method of claim 19, 20 or 21 , wherein the treatment cycle includes rinsing the food- or drinks-vessel with water as part of the treatment cycle, optionally wherein the water is ozonated water and optionally wherein that ozonated water is created using a Corona discharge or UV light.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the rinsing is performed with water or ozonated water which is at a temperature of less than 30 degrees Celcius.

24. The method of any of claims 19 to 23, wherein a maximum amount of water used during the treatment cycle is less than 500ml.

25. The method of any of claims 19 to 24, wherein the treatment cycle includes drying the food- or drinks-vessel using a stream of forced air which is directed at the vessel, and wherein the drying includes using a Corona discharge or UV light to generate ozone in the stream of forced air.