WO2014127848A1

WO2014127848A1 - Drip plate assembly and beverage dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2014127848A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/053736
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Vines
Original assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
Priority date: 2013-02-25
Filing date: 2013-02-25
Publication date: 2014-08-28
Also published as: EP2958468A1; CN104981184A

Abstract

The present application in particular relates to e drip plate assembly (3) for a coffee maker (1). The drip plate assembly (3) comprises a drip plate (6) with a hook and groove type assembly interface. The assembly interface is configured to establish a twist-proof, detachable mechanical connection with a corresponding counter interface of the beverage dispenser (1).

Description

Drip plate assembly and beverage dispenser

The present application is directed to a drip plate assembly for beverage dispensers such as coffee machines, and to a respective beverage dispenser.

Drip trays and drip tray assemblies are generally provided with beverage dispensers and arranged beneath beverage discharge ports, in particular in order to collect beverage drips or splashes. Respective drip trays in general are provided for supporting drinking vessels, such as cups, in adequate positions beneath the beverage discharge port.

A drip plate assembly for a coffee maker is for example known from EP 1 867 260 Bl . The known drip plate assembly comprises a drip tray pivotably attached to a waste water tank of the coffee maker. In operation, in particular in connection with manual cleaning actions, it has turned out that handling of the known drip plate assembly is comparatively inconvenient and cumbersome .

It is an object of the present invention to remove the problems and inconveniences observed with state of the art. In particular a drip plate assembly providing more convenient and user

friendly handling and operation shall be provided. Further, a respective beverage dispenser, in particular coffee maker, shall be provided.

This object is solved by claims 1 and 13. Embodiments in particular result from respective dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a drip plate assembly for a beverage dispenser, in particular a hot beverage dispenser, such as a coffee machine or coffee maker, is provided. The proposed drip plate assembly is configured to cooperate with, i.e. to be coupled or connected to a respective coupling site of, the beverage dispenser .

The proposed drip plate assembly comprises a drip plate. Note that the drip plate in the ordinary operational configuration may be placed beneath a beverage dispensing outlet of the beverage dispenser and be adapted to support a beverage vessel, such as a cup beneath the outlet in order to be filled with beverages .

The proposed drip plate comprises a hook and groove type assembly interface. Here, the term "assembly interface" shall mean that the drip plate, via the interface, can be assembled or combined with further parts or components of the beverage dispenser, in particular with further components of the drip plate assembly.

The term "hook and groove type" in particular shall mean that the assembly interface comprises at least one of a hook and grove, which are adapted and configured to mutually interact, interlock, mesh and/or engage in the assembled state.

It shall be mentioned that hooks and grooves intended for mutual interaction and engagement may respectively provided at, on or in assembly interfaces and counter interfaces. This in particular shall mean, that the assembly interface may comprise a hook, in particular a hook protruding from the assembly interface, while a counter interface may comprise a counterpart groove, and vice versa.

The proposed assembly interface is configured to establish a twist-proof, detachable mechanical connection with a corresponding counter interface of the beverage dispenser. The term twist- proof in particular shall relate to the avoidance of twisting movements relative to axes normal to the assembly interface. The term detachable in particular shall relate to toollessly assemble and disassemble the drip plate.

The proposed hook and groove type assembly or coupling interfaces have the advantage over known solutions, such as for example non-detachable connections or pin-and-hook connections as known for example from EP 1 867 260 Bl, of more convenient and less cumbersome handling. In particular it is possible to attach the drip tray via comparatively rigid, tight connections, inter alia allowing a user to use the drip plate as a type of grip or handle for handling, in particular moving or carrying, the whole drip plate assembly.

Furthermore, the proposed assembly interface configurations can, in a mechanical point of view, be implemented far more robust and stable than known solutions. This in particular contributes to ease of use, as enhanced stability, i.e. reduced fragility, generally require a lower level of care.

In embodiments of the drip plate assembly, the assembly interface or counter interface comprises at least one hook configure to establish with at least one corresponding, i.e. counterpart, groove, cutout or recess provided at the counter interface or assembly interface, respectively, the mechanical connection in swivelling movement. A swivelling movement may comprise a more general sequence of movement in particular comprising a combina tion of a swivelling movement and a slight linear displacement.

It shall be mentioned, that in case that the assembly interface comprises a hook, the counter interface will comprise a corresponding counterpart groove, and in case that the assembly interface comprises a groove, the counter interface will comprise a corresponding counterpart hook. Note that this also shall ap- ply for variants in which the assembly interface comprises more than one hook and/or more than one groove.

The hook may be designed to project from a respective interface, in particular in order to be able to merge or engage into the counterpart groove.

Implementing the interfaces to be connectable, and disconnect- able, in a swivelling movement, it is possible to provide a type of captive connection at least under ordinary operational conditions. Despite of possible captive connections, the user is nevertheless able to attach and detach the drip plate in comparatively easy and simple movements. A swivelling axis related to the swivelling movement may be, relative to the ordinary opera- tional arrangement of the drip plate assembly, oriented or aligned horizontally.

In embodiments of the drip plate assembly, the at least one hook is upwardly or downwardly open and configured to engage in the connected state behind a corresponding groove edge, in particular an upper or lower groove edge, of the at least one counterpart groove. The terms upwardly and downwardly in particular shall refer to the ordinary operational arrangement of the drip plate assembly.

In particular, an upwardly open hook may be used if the hook is provided in or at the assembly interface of the drip plate, and the counterpart groove is provided at or in the counter inter^¬ face. Here, the hook in particular may engage an upper groove edge of the groove, in particular a groove edge facing downwards. In this case, a top-down or downwards swivelling movement is adequate for engaging the drip plate, and an upwards swivel^¬ ling movement is adequate for disengaging the drip plate. Such movements in particular allow easy handling of the drip plate in particular from a front side of the beverage dispenser. In particular, a downwardly open hook may be used if the hook is provided in or at the counter interface, and the counterpart groove is provided at or in the assembly interface. Similarly, a top-down or downwards swivelling movement may be adequate for engaging the drip plate, and an upwards swivelling movement may be adequate for disengaging the drip plate. In the present case, the hook preferably engages a lower groove edge of the groove, in particular a groove edge facing upwards.

In embodiments of the drip plate assembly, the assembly interface comprises at least one male and/or female face joint. The respective male or female face joint is configured to engage a corresponding counterpart female and/or male face joint provided at the counter interface.

Face joints in particular may contribute to stabilize the connection between the assembly interface and counter interface. In addition, they may act as guides for engagement and disengagement movements of the drip plate assembly. Further, face joints may be favourable with respect to a twist-proof mechanical connection, and in particular are suitable for inhibiting or blocking movements or displacements in a plane parallel to the interfaces .

In embodiments of the drip plate assembly, the geometry of at least one of a hook, groove, male face joint and female face joint of the assembly interface is formed to prevent, disable, restrain and/or constrain, in the assembled state, movements or displacements relative to an interface normal direction, i.e. movements in normal direction of the interface/s. In particular in these configurations, the interfaces are connected in such a way that the whole drip plate assembly may be pushed in normal direction of the interfaces from and into a corresponding shaft or cavity of the beverage dispenser by using the drip plate as a type of handle or grip. This may greatly contribute to enhanced operability of the drip plate assembly.

In further embodiments of the drip plate assembly, at least one of a hook, groove, male face joint and female face joint of the assembly interface is formed to prevent, disable, restrain or constrain, in the assembled state, movements or displacements in a plane parallel to the assembly interface, in particular movements in at least one of vertical and horizontal direction. This may be advantageous for operating the drip plate assembly, such for example the drip plate and a further component attached thereto via the assembly interface, as a single unit.

In particular, if a waste water bin is attached to the drip plate via the assembly interface, these two components may be handled by either grasping the drip plate or grasping the waste water bin. In particular by providing the face joints it can be avoided that the two components twist against each other. Hence handling of the proposed drip plate assembly can be greatly enhanced.

In embodiments, the hook comprises an L-shaped cross section in planes perpendicular to the assembly interface. Corresponding cross sections may apply to hooks provided at or in the counter interface. In case that the hook projects from the interface, the L-shaped cross section may be brought into engagement with a groove edge such that the free end of the hook engages behind the groove edge. L-shaped cross sections in particular are suitable for obtaining tight and reliable connections while allowing assembly and disassembly in easy to carry out swivelling motions .

In embodiments, the male and/or female face joints comprise U- shaped cross sections in planes parallel to the assembly interface. This shall also apply to face joints of the counter inter- face. Other cross sections are conceivable, in particular linear, circular, rectangular sections and the like.

U-shaped cross sections for the face joints may be advantageous for avoiding jamming while engaging or disengaging the interfaces. Male face joints may be implemented as fins, ribs or ridges projecting from the respective interface, while female face joints may be implemented as counterpart recesses or cutouts, in particular such that the male face joints can move or engage into the male face joints.

In embodiments the drip plate assembly may comprise a drip plate, wherein the assembly interface is implemented at a planar rear-side or rear-face of the drip plate, in particular of a main body or support frame of the drip plate. Such an arrangement is beneficial for implementing easy to use and easy to handle solutions.

In particular with the present embodiment, the drip plate may comprise in a front section, averted from the rear-side, a fixture for removably accommodating a drip tray. The drip tray may for example be implemented as a metal mesh or grid stable enough to support a beverage vessel but at the same time porous or pervious enough to let beverages pass through to a waste receptacle implemented underneath.

In particular in the embodiment having planar assembly interfaces, a hook or groove of the assembly interface may be provided at an upper section of the rear-side, and, if applicable, a male or female face joint may be provided in a mid or lower section of the back side. Such arrangements of the engagement elements of the interfaces are advantageous in embodiments in which the drip plate is intended to be engaged and disengaged in a swivelling motion. In embodiments of the drip plate assembly, the drip plate comprises in a front section a trough-shaped or bowl-shaped cavity or tub defined by a bottom wall and circumferential side walls extending upwards from the bottom wall. The cavity may be adapted to collect waste drips or sprinkles of beverage. Further, an entrance plane of an upper rim of the side walls is oriented obliquely to the bottom wall, in particular in such a way that in normal direction to the bottom wall the font side wall height is smaller than the back side wall height.

A drip tray may be accommodated in the entrance area of the cavity. In particular, the drip tray may be supported on upper edges of the sidewalls. The drip tray may provide a platform for placing a beverage vessel thereon at least in the course of dispensing liquid beverage into the vessel. The drip tray may be designed such that the platform essentially is level with the top edge of the front side wall. In particular in this case, sections of the lateral and back side walls may serve as rails or barriers for vessels placed or to be placed on the platform.

Using comparatively small heights at the front wall may be useful for providing adequate and sufficient spacing between the platform and a beverage discharge or outlet. Using comparatively large heights at the back wall leaves more space and freedom for implementing the assembly interface.

In embodiments, the drip plate assembly comprises at least one bin, in particular at least one of a waste water bin and waste capsulate bin. Further, the counter interface may be implemented at a front side, i.e. front face side, in particular planar front side, of one of the at least one bin. The term front side in particular shall mean the side of the bin facing the user during ordinary operation of the beverage dispenser. In the assembled state, in which the drip plate and bin are connected to each other via the assembly interface and counter in^¬ terface, the at least one bin can be handled via the drip plate attached to the front side of the bin. In particular the drip plate can be used as a hand tool for placing and/or removing the bin into/from the main body of the beverage dispenser, in par^¬ ticular into/from a respective recess provided for accommodating the at least one bin.

As can be seen, the drip plate assembly, in particular in any embodiment allows user friendly handling and operation of a corresponding beverage dispenser, in particular coffee machine or coffee maker. In addition it can be seen, that the proposed drip plate assembly is comparatively robust and mechanically stable, in particular as compared to known solutions.

According to claim 13, a beverage dispenser or beverage dispensing device, in particular a coffee machine or coffee maker, is provided. The beverage dispenser comprises a drip plate assembly according to any embodiment and configuration as set out above. As to advantages, reference is made to the description above.

As already mentioned, the drip plate of the drip plate assembly is configured to support beverage vessels while being filled with beverages from a beverage outlet of the beverage dispenser. The drip plate preferably is positioned directly beneath the beverage outlet of the beverage dispenser.

In embodiments, the beverage dispenser comprises a drip plate assembly having a drip tray and at least a bin as described in one of the embodiments above. Hence the drip tray and bin comprise corresponding interfaces for being coupled to each other as described further above. The drip tray and the at least one bin are configured to be coupled and uncoupled in the assembled state as a single unit to a coupling cavity or recess of the beverage dispenser. The cavity or recess in particular may be part of a main body of the beverage dispenser. The recess or cavity in particular may be provided at a front side of the beverage dispenser, which shall in particular mean that under ordinary operational conditions the cavity or recess faces a user standing in front of the beverage dispenser .

Clearly, operating the drip plate and at least one bin as a single unit simplifies handling of the drip plate assembly, and hence of the beverage dispenser.

In embodiments of the beverage dispenser, it is provided that the at least one bin and drip tray are configured such that coupling to and removal from a main body of the beverage dispenser can be carried out in a horizontal sliding motion.

As to advantages and advantageous effects of the beverage dispenser, further reference is made to the description above and below .

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in connection with the enclosed figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a coffee maker;

FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded view of the coffee maker of

FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a drip plate assembly of the coffee maker; FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a rear-side of a drip plate; and

FIG. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the drip plate assembly.

Note, that the coffee maker will be described only as far as is necessary for covering the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a coffee maker 1. The coffee maker 1 comprises a main body 2 and a drip plate assembly 3 de- tachably coupled to the main body 2.

FIG. 2 shows the coffee maker 1 of FIG. 1 in a partially exploded view. The drip plate assembly 3, at least a part or components thereof, is/are removably accommodated within the main body 2, in more detail accommodated in a recess or cavity 4 provided at a front face 5 of the coffee maker 1.

The drip plate assembly 3 and cavity 4 are configured such that the drip plate assembly 3, at least in parts, can be coupled and decoupled to the main body 2 in a horizontal linear movement or sliding action, as indicated by double arrows in FIG. 2.

If decoupled from the main body 2, the drip plate assembly 3 can be cleaned and serviced. If coupled to the main body 2, the drip plate assembly 3 is integrated to the front face of the main body 2 and functions as described further above but also below.

As can be seen in particular in combination with FIG. 3 which shows an exploded view of the drip plate assembly 3 of the coffee maker 1, the drip plate assembly 3 comprises a drip plate 6 which comprises as a subcomponent a drip tray 7. The drip plate assembly further comprises a waste water bin 8 and a waste cap- sulate bin 9.

The waste water bin 8 is adapted to collect waste water generated during operation of the coffee maker 1. The waste capsulate bin 9 is adapted to collect waste capsules, also generated during operation of the coffee maker 1. The waste water bin 8 and the waste capsulate bin 9 are arranged and coupled on top of each other, and further are configured to be accommodated in the cavity 4 of the main body 2 of the coffee maker 1.

The drip plate 6 together with the drip tray 7 is configured to provide, in the assembled state as shown in FIG. 1, a platform 10 configured to adequately place and position a beverage vessel such as a cup (not shown) beneath a beverage outlet 11 of the coffee maker 1.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the drip plate 6 comprises a trough- shaped tub 12 adapted to collect drips, splashes and other liquid beverage in the course of operating the coffee maker 1, in particular in the course of dispensing beverages.

A top opening 13 of the tub 12 is designed to be slanted with respect to the bottom of the tub 12, in particular such that a front side wall of the tub 12 is level with the platform 10.

This may be advantageous for the placement of beverage vessels. The drip tray 7 is supported on upper edges of the side walls of the drip plate 6.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the front wall 14 of the drip plate 6 has a lower height than the back wall 15 of the drip plate 6. The rear-side of the back wall 15 of the drip plate 6 comprises an assembly interface 16, which can be seen in more detail from FIG. 4 showing a perspective view of a rear-side of the drip plate 6. The assembly interface 16 and a counter interface 17 (FIG. 3) are configured and implemented such that the drip plate 6 and waste water bin 8 can be coupled to each other in a detachable manner .

In more detail, the assembly interface 16 and counter interface 17 comprise and constitute hook and groove type connection elements. In the present embodiment, the assembly interface 16 com^¬ prises a hook 18 projecting from the rear-side of the back wall 15. The hook 18 comprises an L-shaped cross section relative to a vertical plane. In horizontal direction, the hook 18 has an elongate structure and may for example extend horizontally about one third over the width of the rear-side of the back wall 15. Further, the hook 18 is upwardly open, i.e. an opening of the hook 18 is directed upwardly.

The counter interface 17 in the present case comprises a groove

19 implemented as a counterpart to the hook 18, which shall mean that the hook 18 and groove 19 are configured to mutually engage in order to couple the drip plate 6 and the waste water bin 8. Here, further reference is made to FIG. 5 showing a cross sectional view of the drip plate assembly 3.

The groove 19 in the present case is implemented as a rectangu^¬ lar cutout provided in a front wall of the waste water bin 8. Further, the hook 18 projects from the rear-side of the back wall 15 in such a way, that it can engage through the groove 19 and engage behind the upper edge of the groove 19.

As can be seen from FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the assembly interface 16 and counter interface 17 respectively comprise a male face joint

20 and a female face joint 21. The male face joint 20 and female face joint 21 are configured such that they engage each other in the assembled state of drip plate assembly 6 and waste water bin 8.

In the present case, the male 20 and female face joint 21 penetrate each other in the assembled state without establishing a latching force. However, if the male and/or female face joints 20, 21 are provided with resilient latching elements, a respective latching force can be provided.

The male face joint 20 in the present case is implemented as a U-shaped fin or flange projecting from the assembly interface 16, i.e. from the rear-side of the back wall 15 of the drip plate 6. The female joint 21 is formed as a U-shaped cutout in the front wall of the waste water bin 8.

As is indicated in FIG. 5, the drip plate 6 can be disassembled from the waste water bin 8 in a swivelling motion, in which the drip plate 6 is first rotated around a horizontal axis located near the hook 18 and is then moved away from the waste water bin 8. The respective movement is schematically indicated by arrows in FIG. 5.

As becomes clear in particular from FIG. 3 to FIG. 5, the drip plate 6 can be coupled to the waste water bin 8 in a twist-proof and detachable manner. A respective connection in particular may be considered twist-proof, as at least twisting movements around axes running perpendicular to the interfaces 16 and 17 are inhibited by the hook 18 and groove 20 as well as by the male and female face joints 20 and 21.

Further, the drip plate assembly 3 can be handled, in particular carried around, either via the drip plate assembly 3 or via the waste water bin 8. If required, the drip plate 6 can easily be removed from the waste water bin 8 in a swivelling motion. Obviously, the proposed drip plate assembly 3 allows and enables easy handling and operation of the coffee maker 1. In addition, the proposed connection type via the interfaces is comparatively robust and allows save connections between drip plate 6 and waste water bin 8.

List of reference numerals

1 coffee maker

2 main body

3 drip plate assembly

4 cavity

5 front face

6 drip plate

7 drip tray

8 waste water bin

9 waste capsulate bin

10 platform

11 outlet

12 tub

13 top opening

14 front wall

15 back wall

16 assembly interface

17 counter interface

18 hook

19 groove

20 male face joint

21 female face joint

Claims

Drip plate assembly (3) configured to cooperate with a beverage dispenser (1), in particular a hot beverage dispenser, preferably a coffee machine (1), comprising drip plate (6) with a hook (18) and groove (19) type assembly interface

(16) configured to establish a twist-proof, detachable mechanical connection with a corresponding counter interface

(17) of the beverage dispenser (1).

Drip plate assembly (3) according to claim 1, wherein the assembly interface (16) or counter interface (17) comprises at least one hook (18) configured to establish with at least one corresponding groove (19) provided at the counter inter^¬ face (17) or assembly interface (16), respectively, the me^¬ chanical connection in a swivelling movement.

Drip plate assembly (3) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one hook (18) is upwardly or downwardly open and con^¬ figured to engage in the connected state behind a corre^¬ sponding groove edge of the at least one groove (19) .

Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the assembly interface (16) comprises at least one male (20) and/or female face joint configured to engage a corresponding counterpart female (21) and/or male face joint provided at the counter interface (17).

Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the geometry of at least one of a hook (18), groove (19), male face joint (20) and female face joint (21) of the assembly interface (16) is formed to prevent, in the assembled state, movements relative to an assembly interface normal direction.

6. Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of a hook (18), groove (19), male face joint (20) and female face joint (21) of the assembly interface (16) is formed to prevent, in the assembled state, movements in a plane parallel to the assembly interface (16), in particular movements in at least one of vertical and horizontal direction.

7. Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the hook (18) comprises an L-shaped cross section in planes perpendicular to the assembly interface (16) .

8. Drip plate assembly (3) according to claim 4, wherein the male (20) and/or female face joints (21) comprise a U-shaped cross section in planes parallel to the assembly interface (16) .

9. Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a drip plate (6), wherein the assembly interface (16) is implemented at a planar rear-side of the drip plate ( 6) .

Drip plate assembly (3) according to claim 9, wherein a hook (18) or groove of the assembly interface (16) is provided at an upper section of the rear-side, and wherein a male (20) or female face joint is preferably provided in a mid or lower section of the rear-side.

Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the drip plate (6) comprises in a front section a bowl-shaped cavity (12), defined by a bottom wall and circumferential side walls, wherein an entrance plane (13) of an upper rim of the side walls runs obliquely to the bottom wall, and wherein in normal direction to the bottom wall, the font side wall height is smaller than the back side wall height.

12. Drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one bin (8, 9), in particular at least one of a waste water bin (8) and waste cap- sulate bin (9), wherein the counter interface (17) is implemented at a front side of at least one bin (8) .

13. Beverage dispenser (1), in particular coffee machine (1), comprising a drip plate assembly (3) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.

14. Beverage dispenser (1) according to claim 13, comprising a drip plate assembly (3) with a drip plate (6) and at least one bin (8) in accordance with claim 12, wherein the drip plate (6) and the at least one bin (8) are configured to be, in the assembled state, coupled and uncoupled as a single unit (3) to a coupling recess (4) of the beverage dispenser (1) -

15. Beverage dispenser (1) according to claim 14, wherein the at least one bin (8, 9) and drip tray (6) are configured such that coupling to and removal from a main body (2) of the beverage dispenser (1) can be carried out in a horizontal sliding motion.