Patent Application
20210403307
This application claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application No. 202021026929, filed Jun. 25, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The present disclosure generally relates to beverage dispensers, and more particularly to serviceability for beverage dispensers.
The following U.S. patents provide background information and are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
U.S. Pat. No. 9,656,849 discloses a valve dispensing system that can be used in a beverage dispenser. In particular, the valve dispensing system has individual valve module components that control the flow of a beverage or beverage component, and a plurality of valve module components may be combined to form a system capable of dispensing a plurality of beverages and/or beverage components.
U.S. Pat. No. 10,221,058 discloses a beverage dispensing machine that defines a service opening through which beverage dispensing equipment is accessible to an operator includes a service door on a housing that is movable between an open position, such that the beverage dispensing equipment is accessible to an operator via the service opening, and a closed position, such that the service door closes the service opening so that the beverage dispensing equipment is inaccessible to the operator. A display panel on the service door displays operational characteristics of the beverage dispensing equipment. When the service door is in the open position the display panel is maneuverable so that the display panel is angled towards the service opening so that an operator can view the display panel while accessing the beverage dispensing equipment via the service opening.
This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
An example of a beverage dispenser is configured to be serviced from a front thereof. The beverage dispenser also includes a cabinet having a top opposite a bottom, a back that extends between the top and the bottom, and sides extending forwardly from the back between the top and the bottom, where an interior is defined between the top, the bottom, the back, and the sides. A front cover is coupled to the cabinet and positionable in an open position and a closed position opposite the back of the cabinet. A housing is positioned in the interior, the housing configured to receive a plurality of cartridges containing ingredients for a beverage, the housing within the interior at least partially defining a cavity within the cabinet. An electronics box houses electrical circuitry. The electronics box is configured to couple to the cabinet in the operational position at least partially within the cavity and the electronics box is configured to couple to the cabinet in a service position in front of the housing.
The beverage dispenser may include an interior floor may include a rail and when the electronics box is in the operational position a bottom of the electronics box rests upon the interior floor. The electronic box is removably secured to the rail by a first fastener. When the electronics box is in the operational position, the electronics box is secured to the lip by at least a second fastener. The second fastener secures the electronics box to the lip through the flange. The bracket further may include a hook that extends rearward past a back of the electronics box. When the electronics box is in the service position, the hook releasably secures the electronics box to the bracket secured to the lip. The beverage dispenser may include a striker secured to a front panel of the electronics box. The hinge system may include two arms connected by an arm body the two arms each movably extend between the cabinet and the front cover, and a latch, where the latch is configured to releasably secure the front cover to the striker on the front panel of the electronics box when the front cover is in the closed position. At least an electrical power cord and an electrical communication cord enter the cabinet through the first electrical connectors. At least the power cord and the electrical communication cord enter the electronics box through second electrical connectors through the electronics box. The first and second electrical connectors may be strain relief bushings. The first and second electrical connectors provide fixed points relative to the electrical power cord and the electrical communication cord. Respective lengths of the electrical power cord and the electrical communication cord are defined based upon distances between the first electrical connectors and second electrical connectors when the electronics box is in the service position. A grounding wire remains connected between the electronics box and the cabinet as the electronics box is moved between the operational position and the service position.
Another example of a beverage dispenser is configured to be serviced from a front thereof. The beverage dispenser also includes a cabinet having a top opposite a bottom, a back that extends between the top and the bottom, and first and second sides extending forwardly from the back between the top and the bottom, where an interior is defined between the top, the bottom, the back, and the first and second sides. A front cover coupled to the cabinet and positionable in an open position and a closed position opposite the back of the cabinet. A first housing is positioned in the interior adjacent the first side and the top, the housing configured to receive a plurality of ingredient cartridges. A second housing is positioned in the interior adjacent the second side and the top, the second housing configured to receive the plurality of ingredient cartridges. The first housing and the second housing at least partially define a cavity within the interior. An interior floor may include a rail supported between an interior wall and at least one of the first side or the second side. A hinge system is connected between the cabinet and the front cover and operates to move the front cover between the open position and the closed position, the hinge system includes a latch. An electronics box has a front panel and a back panel and houses electrical circuitry. The electronics box is configured to couple to the cabinet in an operational position at least partially within the cavity and supported by the rail and where the electronics box is configured to couple to the cabinet in a service position in front of the first housing. The front panel includes a striker configured to be engaged by the latch of the hinge system to removably secure the front cover in the closed position.
In the beverage dispenser, the hinge system may include two arms connected by an arm body the two arms each movably extend between the cabinet and the front cover. The front panel further may include a graphical display, and the front panel is configured to remain parallel to the closed position as the front panel moves from the closed position to the open position. The first pump bracket may include at least one first arm extending forward of the first pump bracket and configured to secure to the first housing, the first pump bracket interior the cabinet from the first pump bracket, where the first pump bracket positions the plurality of pumps connected to the first pump bracket behind the back panel of the electronics box when the electronics box is in the operational position; and where the second pump bracket may include at least one second arm extending forward of the second pump bracket and configured to secure to the second housing, the second pump bracket interior the cabinet from the first pump bracket, where the first pump bracket positions the plurality of pumps connected to the second pump bracket behind the back panel of the electronics box when the electronics box is in the operational position. The first housing and the second housing are positioned within the interior inset from the rail, where when the electronics box is in the operational position, the front panel of the electronics box is forward of the first housing and the second housing. The electronics box is configured to connect in the operational position by at least a first fastener through the flange and into the lip. The electronics box is configured to connect in the service position by engagement between the hook and the frame bracket. At least an electrical power cord and an electrical communication cord enter the cabinet through the first electrical connectors. At least the power cord and the electrical communication cord enter the electronics box through the second electrical connectors. The first and second electrical connectors are strain relief bushings that provide fixed points relative to the electrical power cord and the electrical communication cord, and respective lengths of the electrical power cord and the electrical communication cord are defined based upon a distance between the first and second electrical connectors when the electronics box is in the service position. The grounding wire remains connected between the electronics box and the cabinet as the electronics box is moved between the operational position and the service position.
The present disclosure is described with reference to the following Figures.
The present disclosure generally relates to beverage dispensers, including those that incorporate cartridges of concentrated ingredients for mixing together in the beverage to be dispensed, such as provided within “micro-dosing” dispensers. The present inventors have recognized that physical space and access clearance are often constraints for such beverage dispensers being installed in restaurants, convenience stores, and other customer sites. In particular, there is often insufficient space to gain access to the sides and/or back of a beverage dispenser as necessary for service or maintenance. Moreover, physically moving the beverage dispenser to gain such access is often problematic, due in part to weight, fluid and/or electrical connections to the beverage dispenser, having sufficient space to move the beverage dispenser, and other constraints. Accordingly, the present inventors have recognized that it would be advantageous for a beverage dispenser to be serviceable entirely from the front thereof, reducing the need to move the system and thereby minimizing the down time and cost of owning a machine.
With continued reference to
The hinge system 50 is shown in greater detail in
A striker 31 and latch 29 can releasably secure the front cover 30 in the closed position. An electronics box 100, as will be discussed in further detail herein, includes a front panel 110. A striker 31 is connected to the front panel 110 of the electronics box 100. The hinge system includes a latch 29 that is configured to releasably engage the striker 31 and secure the front cover 30 to the electronics box 100 in the closed position. The latch 29 exemplarily includes a catch 27 that releasably traps the striker 31. The catch 27 may be pivotably connected to the hinge body 53. The dispenser 1 includes a manual release for the latch 29. Opening 33 is provided through the top 12 of the cabinet 10. The opening 33 provides access to a rod 35 positioned within the cabinet 10 when the front cover is in the closed position. Pressing down on the rod 35 manually opens the catch 27 of the latch 29. In an example, the rod 35 may pivot the catch 27 to a position that releases the striker 31. It will be recognized that the rod 35 may be indirectly pressed, for example an operator may actuate a lever, a button, or an elastomeric membrane, the force of which is translated to the rod 35.
A cavity 76 is defined within the interior 20 of the cabinet 10 between the housing 70 in the upper left region 28 and the housing 72 in the upper right region 24. The cavity 76 is configured to receive the electronics box 100 therein. The electronics box 100 will be described in further detail herein with respect to
A cavity 78 is defined within the interior 20 of the cabinet below the housing 72 and adjacent the housing 74. In the cabinet 10 shown, the cavity 78 is further defined by an interior wall 13 extending upwardly from the bottom 14 of the cabinet, and a rail 137 coupled between the top of the interior wall 13 and the side 18 of the cabinet 10. The rail 137 supports an interior floor 15, of which the rail 137 may be a part. The interior floor 15 also further defines the cavity 76 and in an example may provide support for the electronics box 100. In examples, the interior floor 15 extends below the housing 72. The housing 72 is secured to the interior floor 15 and the housing 74 is secured to the interior wall 13. The interior wall 13 and interior floor 15 also provides both infiltration protection (e.g., from debris, leaks, and/or falling impacts) for components positioned within the cavity 78, while also providing for fire safety clearance and paths for power and electrical communication connections.
Because the electronics box 100 serves as the point of contact to secure the front cover 30 to the cabinet 10 in the closed position, the electronics box 100 is rigidly secured to the cabinet 10, but in a way that the electronics box 100 is removable to the service position. A lip 128 of a support frame of the cabinet 10 extends across the open interior 20 of the cabinet 10 between the sides 18 and interior of the top 12. The lip 128 includes features as will be described herein that provide two separate mechanisms for the removable coupling of the electronics box 100 to the cabinet 10 between the operational position and the service position. The lip 128 includes threaded openings 127 at the cavity 76. The threaded openings 127 are configured to receive fasteners 129 therein. The lip 128 further includes a bracket 125 coupled thereto. While the bracket 125 is depicted as located at the upper left region 28, it will be recognized that in other examples, the bracket 125 may alternatively be located at the upper right region 24. In a still further example, the lip 128 may include a bracket 125 at both locations, which may accommodate flexibility during service and/or a handedness of the service technician. The bracket 125 may be integrally formed with the lip 128 or to another portion of the cabinet 10, or may be coupled thereto using welds, fasteners, and other methods presently known in the art. When in the operational position, the bottom 104 of the electronics box 100 rests on the interior floor 15, and more particularly, rests on the rail 137 that supports the interior floor 15. The front panel 110 of the electronics box 100 further includes a bottom tab 136 that extends beyond the bottom 104 of the electronics box 100. When the electronics box 100 is in the operational position, the tab 136 engages the a rail 137 of the interior floor 15. One or more fasteners 132, exemplarily threaded fasteners, can further secure the tab 136 to the rail 137.
A width 108 is defined between sides 106. The width 108 is dimensioned to the cavity 76 between the housing 70 and the housing 72. A bracket 120 is coupled to the top 102 of the electronics box 100. The bracket 120 has a bracket body 121 secured to the top of the 102 of the electronics box 100. A front flange 122 extends upwardly from, and exemplarily perpendicular to, the bracket body 121. The front flange 122 may be inset from the front panel 110 of the electronics box 100. The front panel 110 may include panel extensions 123, between which an aperture 133 is defined, the front flange 122 being exposed through the aperture 133. Openings 126 are defined through the front flange 122, the openings 126 exemplarily having a keyhole shape with a smaller width and a larger width such that a head of a fastener received therethrough prevents removal of the electronics box 100 without first lifting the electronics box upwardly to align the fastener head with the larger width of the opening 126. The keyhole shape, further enables the electronics box 100 to be inserted into the cavity 76 over the fasteners 129, and then lowered into a position resting on the rail 137 of the interior floor 15 before the fasteners 129 and 132 are tightened. The bracket 120 further includes a hook 124 generally opposite the front flange 122. The hook 124 extends rearward of the back 112 of the electronics box, defining a gap G between the hook 124 and the back 112 of the electronics box 100.
Referring back to
The present inventors have recognized that in the interest of simplifying maintenance for the beverage dispenser 1, it would be advantageous to allow the electronics box 100 to be moved out of the cavity 76 to thereby gain access to other components therein, including the pumps as described in further detail herein without having to electrically disconnect the electronics box 100. Accordingly, the presently disclosed beverage dispenser 1 provides for the electronics box 100 to be moved to a service position without disconnection of the cables 105 and 107 for electrical power and communication. This enables the dispenser to remain in a powered and operational state throughout service or maintenance. The electronics box 100 is removable from the operational position, by removing the fasteners 132, 129, or if the fasteners 129 are not drawn completely tight, by simply lifting the electronics box 100 so that heads of the fasteners 129 can be withdrawn from the larger width at the bottom of the openings 126 in the front flange 122 of the electronics box 100. With the electronics box 100 disengaged from the lip 128 and the interior floor 15, the electronics box 100 can be moved to the service position.
As previously noted, the cables 105 and 107 for electrical power and communications, are connected to the back 22 of the cabinet and the back panel 112 of the electronics box 100 with electrical connections 103 which are exemplarily strain relief bushings. The strain relief bushings fixedly secure to the cables 105, 107 and to wall (e.g. back panel 112 or back 22) through which the cables 105, 107 extend. The strain relief bushings therefore create a point of fixed relationship against translation, twisting, or bending of the cables 105, 107 relative to the respective walls. With these fixed points at the back panel 112 and the back 22, the slack length of the cables 105, 107 can be defined to adequately provide the cable length to reposition the electronics box 100 in the service position. That is, the lengths of the cables 105, 107 are defined based upon the electronics box in the service position. Because of the fixed points provided by the connections 103, the length of the cables can be defined and maintained as the electronics box 100 is moved from the operational position to the service position without disconnection of the electrical power and communicative connections from the electronics box 100. Since the dispenser disclosed herein is intended to be capable of electrical operation during service, the electronics box 100 is further provided with an electrical ground 138 between the electronics box 100 and the body of the dispenser 1, exemplarily the rail 137 of the interior floor 15. The electrical ground is further provided with a suitable flexibility and slack length such that the electrical ground 138 maintains connection between the electronics box 100 and the cabinet 10 at all times as the electronics box is moved between the operational and service positions.
In this manner, the electronics box 100 may be removed from its operational position in front of the cavity 76 and temporarily hung by virtue of the hook 124 hanging on the bracket 125 in the service position to provide access to the cavity 76.
It should be recognized that other engagement features may be used to retain the electronics box 100 within the cavity 76, or in alternative service positions, for example in front of the housing 72. In still further examples, multiple brackets 125 may be provided at various locations to give optionality to the service position of the electronics box 100 used by a technician. The configuration of
As previously discussed, the cabinet 10 provides a plurality of cartridge slots 60 for supporting cartridges 62 containing ingredients for dispensing beverages, for example concentrated ingredients used for “micro-dosing” applications. As shown in
Pump brackets 80 as presently disclosed facilitate servicing of the pumps 82, including connections to the input lines 84 thereto and output lines 86 therefrom, entirely from the front of the beverage dispenser. As shown in
The pump bracket 80 is secured to an interior side of the housing 72. That is, the pump bracket 80 is located in a direction towards the interior 20 of the cabinet 10 from the housing 72. While housing 72 is depicted in
The mounting arms 87 extend for a length X such that when the end tabs 88 are secured to the housing 72, the bracket body 85 and the pumps 82 are inset into the interior 20 of the cabinet 10 by the length X. That is, that the pumps 82 and the bracket body 85 are positioned towards the back 22 of the cabinet 10. This inset creates room within the cavity 76 between housing 70 and housing 72 for the electronics box 100 in the operational position (shown in
In this manner, by swinging the front cover 30 open to a desired position via the front pivot axis FPA and rear pivot axis RPA provided by the hinge system 50, an operator is able to provide service or installation needs for any of the cartridges retained within the cartridge slots 60 of the any of the housings 70, 72, or 74. During movement of the front cover 30 from the closed position to the open position, the hinge system 50 enables the graphical display 44 to remain facing the operator. Since the electronics box 100 enables the power and communications to remain connected during servicing, the graphical display 44 can remain operational and functional to the operator during service. Likewise, access is provided to the electronics box 100 whether positioned within the cavity 76, or positioned adjacently, such as in front of the housing 70 as discussed above.
This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have features or structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent features or structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202021026929 | Jun 2020 | IN | national |
