Problem
It's a common problem in offices: dirty coffee mugs piling up in the sink. But staff don't like washing dishes and instead use disposable cups. The damage to the environment is great. In France, about five billion disposable cups are still used every year.
The up-and-down movement is the best way to open and close the cleaning dome. Usage is central to the overall user experience. A non-contact solution with optimal linear guidance was needed. The automatic side allows hygienic non-contact opening to meet high hygiene requirements and reduce user interaction. Alternative plain bearings and guide rails were out of the question because of their limited service life and very complicated maintenance.
Solution
The user places the cup in the machine, and the dome automatically lowers and completely encloses it. The steam then disinfects the cup, and a stream of air dries it. Once this step is complete, the cleaning dome rises again, and the user can pick up his cup. The device is quick and easy to use. The machine itself is compact and elegant. It can be set up in company break areas. All technological machine components had to be miniaturised so that the whole system could be integrated into a 50cm x 50cm x 20cm machine.
The drylin® SLW guide solved the problem of raising and lowering our cleaning dome. The plain bearings ensure smooth cup rotation. The bearings had to be sufficiently robust and reliable and require minimal maintenance. It could also not use any grease, and it did not.
