EP3096659A1

EP3096659A1 - Drip plate assembly and beverage dispenser comprising a drip plate assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3096659A1
Application number: EP13814098.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simon FAREMO
Original assignee: Electrolux AB
Current assignee: Electrolux AB
Priority date: 2014-01-22
Filing date: 2014-01-22
Publication date: 2016-11-30
Also published as: WO2015110128A1; CN105960183A

Abstract

A drip plate assembly (1) and a beverage dispenser (30) such as a coffee machine are provided. The drip plate assembly (1) is configured to cooperate with the beverage dispenser (30). The drip plate assembly (1) comprises a drip plate (2) and at least one first male and/or female face joint interface (4) configured to engage a corresponding counterpart (21) of the beverage dispenser (30). The drip plate assembly (1) further comprises a movable locking member (5) with a first locking interface (6), said first locking interface (6) being configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with a corresponding counterpart (22) of the beverage dispenser (30).

Description

DRIP PLATE ASSEMBLY AND BEVERAGE DISPENSER COMPRISING A DRIP PLATE ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to a drip plate assembly. Embodiments herein further relate to a beverage dispenser, such as a coffee machine, comprising a drip plate dispenser.

BACKGROUND

Drip plates and drip plate assemblies are generally arranged beneath beverage discharge ports of beverage preparation devices, such as coffee machines. The drip plate or drip plate assembly is arranged to support drinking vessels, such as cups, in an adequate position beneath the beverage discharge port. In addition, the drip plate or drip plate assembly may collect beverage drips or splashes discharged outside the drinking vessel, or beverage drips dripping from the discharge port after removal of the cup from the plate.

A drip plate for a coffee maker is for example known from DE202013003918U1. The coffee maker described in DE202013003918U1 comprises a drip plate attachable to a front portion of the coffee maker. In order to allow drinking vessels of different sizes to be arranged between a discharge port of the coffee maker and the drip plate, the drip plate may be positioned in two different positions. When the drip plate is arranged in an upper position, a small cup, such as an espresso cup, may be fitted between the drip plate and the discharge port without unnecessary large distance between the discharge port and the cup, since this may lead to beverage splashing out of the cup. In the lower position, a larger cup may be fitted on the drip plate under the discharge port.

The coffee machine and the drip plate according to DE202013003918U1 may be suitable for some applications but may come loose unintentionally when a user interacts with the drip plate, beverage dispenser and/or a beverage vessel placed on the drip plate.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a drip plate assembly and/or beverage dispenser which is more stable. SUMMARY

The drip plate assembly as set out herein eliminates or at least reduces the problems and/or drawbacks associated with previously known drip plate assemblies.

According to an embodiment, a drip plate assembly is provided configured to cooperate with a beverage dispenser such as a coffee machine, the drip plate assembly comprising; a drip plate, at least one first male and/or female face joint interface configured to engage a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser, wherein the drip plate assembly further comprises a movable locking member with a first locking interface, said first locking interface being configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser.

The at least one first male and/or female face joint interface is configured to engage a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser such that the drip plate assembly is kept in place in a desired position relatively the beverage dispenser. Since the drip plate assembly further comprises a movable locking member with a first locking interface, and where said first locking interface is configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser, the drip plate is lockable against the beverage dispenser. Hereby the drip plate assembly is retained in the desired position both by the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface and the locking interface, whereby a very stable connection between the drip plate assembly and the beverage dispenser is achieved such that any unintentional detachment of the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser is avoided. The male and/or female face joint interface together with the locking interface can, in a mechanical point of view, be implemented such that the drip plate assembly is attachable to the beverage dispenser in a robust and stable manner. This contributes to ease of use, enhanced stability and reduced fragility. Hereby a lower level of care may be required, which may be of particular importance if the beverage dispenser is used frequently.

The at least one first male and/or female face joint interface may comprise one or more male members, arranged to cooperate with corresponding counterpart female members comprised in the beverage dispenser or a part thereof. Such a male face joint interface may extend in a longitudinal direction towards the beverage dispenser. A user may insert the male face joint interface into the corresponding counterpart female joint interface of the beverage dispenser with a linear movement towards the beverage dispenser. According to some embodiments the drip plate assembly comprises a female joint interface including one or more recesses and/or apertures, arranged to cooperate with a male joint interface of the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the drip plate assembly comprises a combined male and female joint interface, arranged to be engaged to a corresponding counterpart male and female joint interface of the beverage dispenser.

Thus, hereby is provided a drip plate assembly which is considerably more stable than prior art drip plate assemblies. Hereby problems and/or drawbacks associated with previously known drip plate assemblies is eliminated or at least reduced.

According to some embodiments, the movable locking member is movable relatively the drip plate. Since the movable locking member is movable relatively the drip plate, the movable locking member and the drip plate may be attached to each other such that a user may handle them together when interacting with the drip plate and/or the movable locking member. The movable locking member may be retained e.g. within a cavity of the drip plate or a part thereof, such that only some parts of the movable locking member is accessible when retained in the cavity. The cavity may be arranged in a lower portion of the drip plate, such that the moveable connection is protected from any beverage drips.

According to some embodiments, the movable locking member is arranged to be movable between a first position, in which the lockable mechanical connection is locked, and a second position, in which the lockable mechanical connection is unlocked. Since the lockable mechanical connection is locked in the first position and unlocked in the second position, the drip plate assembly is detachable from the beverage dispenser only in the second position.

According to some embodiments, at least one of the drip plate and the movable locking member comprises a resilient member which is arranged to press the movable locking member towards the first position. Since at least one of the drip plate and the movable locking member comprises a resilient member which is arranged to press the movable locking member towards the first position, the first position is a rest-position. Hereby the movable locking member, if not tampered with, is locked against the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser.

According to some embodiments, at least one of the drip plate and said movable locking member comprises a coupling, the movable locking member being rotatably coupled to said drip plate via said coupling. Since the movable locking member is rotatably coupled to said drip plate via said coupling, the movable locking member may be rotated between the first and second position.

According to some embodiments, the movable locking member comprises the first locking interface and an end piece, the movable locking member being arranged to be rotated from the first position towards the second position when the end piece is pushed towards the drip plate. Since the movable locking member is arranged to be rotated from the first position towards the second position when the end piece is pushed towards the drip plate, a user that would like to detach the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser may do so easily by pushing or pinching the second end piece towards the drip plate, or pinching the second end piece and the drip plate together. Since the movable locking member may be arranged in a cavity of a lower portion of the drip plate, the end piece of the movable locking member may be arranged near the drip plate. The distance between the drip plate and the end piece of the movable locking member is preferably so small that a user may pinch the end piece towards the drip plate using a one-hand-grip. Hereby the drip plate assembly may be locked and/or unlocked relatively the beverage dispenser in a safe and easy manner.

According to some embodiments, a geometry of said first male and/or female face joint interface is formed to prevent vertical and/or tilting movements relatively the

corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser when the first male and/or female face joint interface is engaged to the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser. Hereby the drip plate assembly is securely retained in a desired position when the first male and/or female face joint interface is engaged to the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser. According to some embodiments, a geometry of said first locking interface is formed to prevent horizontal and/or tilting movements relatively the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser in the first position. Since the geometry of said first locking interface is formed to prevent horizontal and/or tilting movements relatively the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser in the first position, the drip plate assembly is locked securely against the beverage dispenser in the first position.

When the first male and/or female face joint interface is engaged to the corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser and the movable locking member is in the first locked position, the drip plate assembly is kept in place and locked against the beverage dispenser in a very secure and safe manner. In practice, it is not possible to detach the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser unintentionally. According to some embodiments, the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface is arranged separated from the at least one first locking interface. Since the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface is arranged separated from the at least one first locking interface the drip plate may receive support from the beverage dispenser at two or more different positions. Hereby the drip plate assembly is tightly fit and firmly secured relatively the beverage dispenser in a twist-proof manner.

According to some embodiments, the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface encloses the at least one first locking interface. Since the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface encloses the at least one first locking interface, the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface and the at least one first locking interface may be fitted together in a space-saving manner. Hereby a compact combined male/female joint- and locking interface which prevent unintentional detachment of the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser is achieved. According to some embodiments, the drip plate comprises an upper portion, and that the drip plate assembly further comprises an extension drip plate assembly which extension drip plate assembly comprises an upper extension portion. Since the extension drip plate assembly comprises an upper extension portion, the drip plate assembly can support more than one beverage vessel. Hereby the drip plate assembly according to embodiments herein may provide support for e.g. two different beverage vessels, such as a coffee cup and a milk vessel. A main extension of the upper portion of the drip plate and a main extension of the upper extension portion may be arranged substantially in parallel in a horizontal plane such that the upper portion and the extension portion together form a vessel support portion.

Embodiments herein aim to provide a beverage dispenser, eliminating or at least considerably reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with prior art beverage dispensers.

According to some embodiments, this is provided by a beverage dispenser comprising a drip plate assembly according to embodiments described herein and further comprising at least one second female and/or male face joint interface configured to engage the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface of the drip plate assembly and at least one second locking member interface configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with the first locking interface of the drip plate assembly.

Since the beverage dispenser comprises at least one second female and/or male face joint interface and at least one second locking member interface configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with the first locking interface of the drip plate assembly, the beverage dispenser is arranged to both engage and lock the drip plate assembly securely to the beverage dispenser in a selected position.

A beverage dispenser which is arranged with both a at least one second female and/or male face joint interface and at least one second locking member interface allows the drip plate assembly to be positioned fail-safe and securely against the beverage dispenser such that unintentional detachment is avoided.

Thus, hereby is provided a beverage dispenser, eliminating or at least reducing the problems and/or drawbacks associated with previously known beverage dispensers.

According to some embodiments, the beverage dispenser comprises at least two vertically displaced second female and/or male face joint interfaces and at least two vertically displaced second locking member interfaces, such that the drip plate assembly is allowed to be engaged and locked relatively the beverage dispenser in at least one of the at least two vertically displaced positions. Since the drip plate assembly is allowed to be engaged and locked relatively the beverage dispenser in at least one of the at least two vertically displaced positions, the drip plate assembly may be attached to the beverage dispenser at different vertical positions.

When a user of the beverage dispenser would like to place a large cup under the beverage discharge port when the drip plate assembly is engaged and locked in an upper position, he/she may easily release the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser and attach it in a lower position such that the drip plate assembly may support the cup under the beverage discharge port. A subsequent user that would like to arrange a small vessel, such as an espresso cup, under the beverage discharge port may detach the drip plate assembly from the lower position and may instead engage and lock the drip plate assembly in an upper position such that beverage splash is avoided.

The user may easily just pinch the movable locking member towards the drip plate with his/her fingers in a one-hand-grip in order to attach and/or release the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser. This is very convenient, since the user may hold e.g. a cup in his/her other hand. Since the drip plate assembly may be retained in a selected position by both the female and/or male face joint interfaces and the locking member interfaces, the drip plate assembly is securely fastened to the beverage dispenser until a user unlocks the locking members and disengages the male/female joint interface. According to some embodiments, the beverage dispenser comprises at least one bin, such as at least one of a waste water bin and a waste capsule bin, and in that the second female and/or male face joint interface and the second locking member interface is implemented at a front side of the at least one bin. Since the second female and/or male face joint interface and the second locking member interface is implemented at a front side of the at least one bin, the trip plate assembly may be attached to the one or more bin. A bin arranged on the front side of the beverage dispenser may facilitate filling and/or emptying of the one or more bin. According to some embodiments, the drip plate assembly and the at least one bin, in an assembled state, are configured to be coupled and uncoupled as a single unit to a coupling recess of the beverage dispenser. Hereby the drip ray assembly does not have to be disengaged from the one or more bin before the one or more bin is uncoupled from the recess of the beverage dispenser.

Further features of, and advantages with, the embodiments herein will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of non-limiting embodiments herein, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1a illustrates a drip plate assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 1 b illustrates an exploded view of a drip plate assembly according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2a illustrates a drip plate assembly and a beverage dispenser bin according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2b illustrates a cross-section of a drip plate assembly and a bin according to some further embodiments. Fig. 3 illustrates a drip plate assembly and a bin according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 illustrates a drip plate assembly, a bin and a beverage dispenser.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments herein will now be described more fully with reference to the

accompanying drawings, in which embodiments are shown. However, this application should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Disclosed features of embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1a illustrates a drip plate assembly 1 configured to cooperate with a beverage dispenser (not shown) such as a coffee machine. The drip plate assembly 1 comprises a drip plate 2. In the Fig. 1 a embodiment, the drip plate 2 comprises an upper portion 2a and a lower portion 2b. The upper and lower portions 2a, 2b may be separated from each other. The upper portion 2a may rest on the lower portion 2b, or may be attached to the lower portion 2b. The upper portion 2a may comprise one or more apertures 3, which apertures 3 allows beverage drips to pass through the upper portion 2a such that some beverage spill discharged from a beverage dispenser or a beverage vessel may be collected in the lower portion 2b, and if the lower portion 2b is provided with one or more cavities arranged in the lower portion 2 in the one or more cavities arranged in the lower portion 2b. The drip plate assembly 1 comprises at least one first male and/or female face joint interface 4 configured to engage a corresponding counterpart of a beverage dispenser.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 a, the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface 4 comprise two projecting male portions which are arranged to be insertable into two corresponding counterpart female recesses of a beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the male face joint interface 4 may be implemented as one or more protrusions, fins, ribs and/or ridges. A female joint interface may be implemented as one or more counterpart recesses, apertures, cutouts and/or indentations such that the male joint interface 4 can move into and/or engage the female joint interface.

The drip plate assembly 1 further comprises a movable locking member 5 with a first locking interface 6, said first locking interface 6 being configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser. Fig. 1 b illustrates an exploded view of the drip plate assembly 1 comprising the drip plate 2 with the upper portion 2a and the lower portion 2b. The movable locking member 5 is attachable to the drip plate 2, and in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 b, the movable locking member 5 may be coupled to the lower portion 2b. As seen, the lower portion 2a may comprise a cavity arranged to host the movable locking member 5, such that the movable locking member 5 may be protected from damage and beverage spill when arranged inside the cavity.

The movable locking member 5 is arranged to be movable between a first position, in which the lockable mechanical connection between the first locking interface 6 and a corresponding counterpart locking interface of a beverage dispenser is locked, and a second position, in which the first locking interface 6 is unlocked relatively the corresponding counterpart locking interface of a beverage dispenser. The locking interface may be arranged e.g. as a hook, a projection, a snap-lock, a pin, a peg, a notch, arranged to cooperate with a recess, aperture, cutout or similar of the beverage dispenser counterpart locking interface. Alternatively the corresponding counterpart locking interface of a beverage dispenser may be arranged as e.g. a hook, a projection, a snap-lock, a pin, a peg, a notch, arranged to cooperate with a recess, aperture, cutout or similar of the first locking interface 6.

The movable locking member 5 may comprise a resilient member 7 which is arranged to press the movable locking member 5 towards the first position. In some embodiments, the resilient member 7 is arranged on the drip plate 2 instead such that the movable locking member 5 is pressed towards the first position.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 b, the movable locking member 5 has a longitudinal extension between the locking interface 6 and an end piece 8. The movable locking member 5 is arranged to be rotated around, i.e. pivoted about, a coupling 9 from the first position towards the second position when the end piece 8 is pushed towards the drip plate 2. At least one of the drip plate 2 and the movable locking member 5 comprises the coupling 9. The drip plate 2 and the movable locking member 5 may both comprise coupling members such that the movable locking member 5 is rotatably coupled to the drip plate 2 via the coupling 9. As is noticed in figure 1 b, the movable locking member 5 does not rotate a full 360 degrees about the coupling 9, but less than 30 degrees about the coupling 9.

Fig 2a illustrates the drip plate assembly 1 detached from a bin 20. The bin 20 may comprise a first bin portion 20a and a second bin portion 20b. The bin 20 is part of a beverage dispenser (not shown). The bin 20 may comprise a concave front portion, arranged to receive a complementary convex portion of the drip plate assembly 1. The drip plate assembly 1 and/or the drip plate 2 may have e.g. a circular shape as seen from above.

The beverage dispenser comprises at least one second female and/or male face joint interface 21 configured to engage the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface 4 of the drip plate assembly! In the Fig. 2a embodiment, the bin 20 comprises two vertically displaced second female joint interfaces 21. According to some embodiments, the at least one second female and/or male face joint interface 21 is implemented at other parts of the beverage dispenser, such as an a front side or a side wall of the beverage dispenser.

The beverage dispenser further comprises one or more second locking member interfaces 22 configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with the first locking interface 6 (not shown) of the drip plate assembly 1. In the Fig. 2a embodiment, the bin 20 comprises two vertically displaced second locking member interfaces 22. Hereby the drip plate assembly 1 is allowed to be engaged and locked relatively the beverage dispenser in at least one of the at least two vertically displaced positions. A geometry of the first male and/or female face joint interface 4 is formed to prevent vertical and tilting movements relatively the second female and/or male face joint interface 21 of the beverage dispenser or a part thereof, such as the bin 20, when the first male and/or female face joint interface 4 is engaged to the second female and/or male face joint interface 21 of the beverage dispenser. According to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2a, the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface 4 is arranged separated from the at least one first locking interface 6 (not shown). Correspondingly, the at least one second female and/or male face joint interface 21 is arranged separated from the one or more second locking member interface 22.

Fig 2b illustrates a cross-section of the drip plate assembly 1 and the bin 20 when the drip plate assembly 1 is engaged and locked relatively the bin 20 of the beverage dispenser.

In Fig. 2b the drip plate assembly is engaged to the bin 20 of the beverage dispenser in the lower of two vertically displaced positions such that a large cup may be supported by the drip plate assembly 1.

A geometry of the first locking interface 6 is formed to prevent horizontal and tilting movements relatively the second locking member interfaces 22 of the beverage dispenser in the first position. In the Fig. 2b embodiment, a surface of a hook member of the first locking interface 6 is locked against a surface of the second locking member interface 22, here in form of a flange or lug. Hereby the drip plate assembly 1 stays locked to the beverage dispenser until the end piece 8 of the movable locking member 5 is pushed towards the drip plate 2. When the end piece 8 is pushed towards the drip plate 2 (i.e. upwards in Fig. 2b), the movable locking member is rotated around the coupling 9 such that the locking interface 6 moves downwards and is unlocked relatively the second locking interface 22. A user may now disengage the drip plate assembly 1 from the beverage dispenser by pulling the drip plate assembly from the beverage dispenser. If the user would like to engage the drip plate assembly 1 to the beverage dispenser again, he/she may easily do so by pushing the first male and/or female face joint interface 4 of the drip plate assembly towards any one of the two second male and/or female face joint interfaces 21 of the beverage dispenser.

In some embodiments, the beverage dispenser or a part thereof comprises more than two vertically displaced second male and/or female face joint interfaces 22.

In some embodiments the movable locking member 5 is arranged to rotate around a horizontally arranged coupling 9, and in some embodiments the coupling 9 is arranged to rotate with an angle to the horizontal plane, such as about a vertical axis. In Fig. 3 a drip plate assembly 1 and a bin 20 according to some embodiments is illustrated. The bin 20 may comprise a first bin portion 20a and a second bin portion 20b. The bin 20 is part of a beverage dispenser (not shown). As described in embodiments above, the drip plate assembly 1 comprises a drip plate 2 with an upper portion 2a and a lower portion 2b. A moveable locking member 5 may be coupled to the drip plate 2, e.g. to the lower portion 2b. The moveable locking member comprises a first locking interface 6, a coupling 9 and an end piece 8. The drip plate assembly 1 further comprises a first male and/or female face joint interface 4 configured to engage a corresponding counterpart of the beverage dispenser. In the Fig. 3 embodiment the drip plate assembly 1 comprises a first male face joint interface 4 which is arranged to engage a corresponding second female face joint interface 21 arranged on a front wall of the beverage dispenser bin 20. The bin 20 comprises an upper and a lower vertically displaced male and/or female joint interface 21 .

According to the Fig. 3 embodiment, the first male face joint interface 4 encloses the first locking interface 6. At least a portion of the first locking interface 6 is arranged to extend out through a portion of the first male face joint interface 4 such that the first locking interface 6 is arranged to lock the drip plate assembly 1 against the bin 20 when the first male joint interface 4 of the drip plate assembly 1 is inserted into the corresponding counterpart female joint interface 21 of the lid 20. At least one second locking member interface is implemented in or in the vicinity of the female joint interface 21.

In the Fig. 3 embodiment, the drip plate assembly 1 comprises a drip plate 2 with an upper portion 2a, and an extension drip plate assembly 10. The extension drip plate assembly 10 comprises an upper extension portion 10a. The extension drip plate assembly 10 may be connected e.g. to the lower portion 2a of the drip plate 2. The drip plate assembly 1 and the extension drip plate assembly 10 may support each other and may be snap-locked to each other. According to some embodiments, the extension drip plate assembly 10 may comprise a protrusion 11 e.g. in form of a hook or similar. The protrusion 1 1 may be inserted into a recess 12 arranged in the beverage dispenser. Herby the drip plate assembly 1 and the extension drip plate assembly 10 may receive further support. The upper extension portion 10a of the extension drip plate assembly 10 may be arranged to support a beverage vessel, such as a coffee cup and/or a milk glass. An upper surface of the upper extension portion 10a may be arranged substantially in parallel to an upper surface of the upper drip plate 2a. Hereby the upper surfaces may form a larger common surface which may support e.g. two cups.

Fig. 4 illustrates a beverage dispenser 30, such as a coffee machine. The beverage dispenser may dispense e.g. hot beverage, and may also be referred to as an espresso machine or a coffee pod machine. The beverage dispenser may comprise one or more beverage discharge ports 31 for discharge of beverage such as coffee, milk and/or water.

The beverage dispenser 30 comprises a drip plate assembly 1 as described herein and at least one second female and/or male face joint interface 21 configured to engage the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface of the drip plate assembly 2. In the Fig. 4 embodiment, the beverage dispenser 30 comprises a female joint interface 21 with two recesses. As seen, one recess is arranged on a left side of the beverage dispenser 30 and another recess is arranged on a right side of the beverage dispenser 30.

The beverage dispenser 30 comprises at least one second locking member interface 22 configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with the first locking interface of the drip plate assembly 1. In the Fig. 4 illustrated embodiment, the second locking member interface 22 is arranged as a hook or flange between the two recesses of the female joint interface 21.

According to some embodiments the beverage dispenser 30 comprises at least two vertically displaced second female and/or male face joint interfaces 21 and at least two vertically displaced second locking member interfaces 22, such that the drip plate assembly 1 is allowed to be engaged and locked relatively the beverage dispenser 30 in at least one of the at least two vertically displaced positions. In Fig. 4, the drip plate assembly 1 is positioned in the lower one of two vertically displaced positions. This position may be suitable for relatively large beverage vessels. According to some embodiments the beverage dispenser 30 comprises at least one bin 20, such as at least one of a waste water bin and a waste capsule bin. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the second female and/or male face joint interface 21 and the second locking member interface 22 may be implemented at a front side of the at least one bin 20.

According to some embodiments the beverage dispenser 30 comprises a coupling recess 32, arranged to receive the at least one bin 20. The coupling recess 32 may partly enclose the at least one bin 20. For example the coupling recess 32 may enclose the at least one bin 20 such that only the front side of the at least one bin 20 is accessible from the outside of the beverage dispenser. According to some embodiments the drip plate assembly 1 and the at least one bin 20, in an assembled state, are configured to be coupled and uncoupled as a single unit to the coupling recess 32 of the beverage dispenser 30.

Claims

1. A drip plate assembly (1 ) configured to cooperate with a beverage dispenser (30) such as a coffee machine, the drip plate assembly (1 ) comprising;

- a drip plate (2),

- at least one first male and/or female face joint interface (4) configured to engage a corresponding counterpart (21 ) of the beverage dispenser (30),

characterized in that the drip plate assembly (1 ) further comprises a movable locking member (5) with a first locking interface (6), said first locking interface (6) being configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with a corresponding counterpart (22) of the beverage dispenser (30).

2. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the movable locking member (5) is movable relatively the drip plate (2).

3. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the movable locking member (5) is arranged to be movable between a first position, in which the lockable mechanical connection is locked, and a second position, in which the lockable mechanical connection is unlocked.

4. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that at least one of the drip plate (2) and the movable locking member (5) comprises a resilient member (7) which is arranged to press the movable locking member (5) towards the first position.

5. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that at least one of the drip plate (2) and said movable locking member (5) comprises a coupling (9), and that the movable locking member (5) is rotatably coupled to said drip plate (2) via said coupling (9).

6. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the movable locking member (5) comprises the first locking interface (6) and an end piece (8), and that the movable locking member (5) is arranged to be rotated from the first position towards the second position when the end piece (8) is pushed towards the drip plate (2).

7. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that a geometry of said first male and/or female face joint interface (4) is formed to prevent vertical and/or tilting movements relatively the corresponding counterpart (21 ) of the beverage dispenser (30) when the first male and/or female face joint interface (4) is engaged to the corresponding counterpart (21 ) of the beverage dispenser (30).

8. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that a geometry of said first locking interface (6) is formed to prevent horizontal and/or tilting movements relatively the corresponding counterpart (22) of the beverage dispenser (30) in the first position.

9. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface (4) is arranged separated from the at least one first locking interface (6).

10. The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface (4) encloses the at least one first locking interface (6).

1 1 . The drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims,

characterized in that the drip plate (2) comprises an upper portion (2a), and that the drip plate assembly (1 ) further comprises an extension drip plate assembly (10) which extension drip plate assembly (10) comprises an upper extension portion (10a).

12. A beverage dispenser (30), such as a coffee machine, characterized in that the beverage dispenser (30) comprises a drip plate assembly (1 ) according to any one of claims 1 -1 1 and; - at least one second female and/or male face joint interface (21 ) configured to engage the at least one first male and/or female face joint interface (4) of the drip plate assembly (1 ),

- at least one second locking member interface (22) configured to establish a lockable mechanical connection with the first locking interface (6) of the drip plate assembly (1 ).

13. The beverage dispenser (30) according to claim 12, characterized in that the

beverage dispenser (30) comprises at least two vertically displaced second female and/or male face joint interfaces (21 ) and at least two vertically displaced second locking member interfaces (22), such that the drip plate assembly (1 ) is allowed to be engaged and locked relatively the beverage dispenser (30) in at least one of the at least two vertically displaced positions.

14. The beverage dispenser (30) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the beverage dispenser (30) comprises at least one bin (20), such as at least one of a waste water bin and a waste capsule bin, and in that the second female and/or male face joint interface (21 ) and the second locking member interface (22) is

implemented at a front side of the at least one bin (20).

15. The beverage dispenser (30) according to any one of claims 12-14, characterized in that the drip plate assembly (1 ) and the at least one bin (20), in an assembled state, are configured to be coupled and uncoupled as a single unit to a coupling recess (32) of the beverage dispenser (30).