Abstract:
An appliance has a casing and a dispenser. The dispenser includes a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid and is movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member is located within the casing and a second position in which the dispensing member projects from the casing. The dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser is able to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance to allow the dispenser to move and allowing the drive mechanisms to be correspondingly smaller.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No. 0708704.2, filed May 4, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a dispenser for an appliance. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a dispenser for a domestic appliance. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Domestic appliances for dispensing liquids are well known. Examples of these include: coffee machines, water dispensers and juicers. It is useful for these appliances to be as small as possible so that they can fit neatly into a domestic environment. Further, it is aesthetically pleasing for the appliance to have a “clean” appearance. Therefore, it is undesirable for parts to project from the appliance. 
     It is known for an appliance to have a retractable dispenser. EP 1656863 discloses a mixing head for a beverage production machine. The mixing head is movable on a curved path between open and closed positions. Another example of a liquid dispenser with a movable nozzle is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,622,047. This document discloses a nozzle which moves on a circular or elliptical path between open and closed positions. 
     The above prior art arrangements are useful in that they provide retractable nozzles or dispensers for convenience and cleanliness purposes. However, these arrangements have the drawback that the retractable nozzles or dispensers move along curved paths between open and closed positions. Therefore, sufficient space is required for both the movement of the nozzle/dispenser along the curved path and for appropriate drive means such as a cam, a pivot or another arrangement. This results in a larger appliance to contain the necessary components. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a dispenser for a fluid which is movable between retracted and extended positions whilst requiring less space than prior art arrangements. 
     According to the invention, there is provided a domestic appliance having a casing and a dispenser, the dispenser including a dispensing member for dispensing a fluid, the dispensing member being movable between a first position in which at least a part of the dispensing member is located within the casing and a second position in which the dispensing member projects from the casing, wherein the dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. 
     By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser is configured to move along the shortest path between the first and second positions, reducing the space necessary in the appliance to allow the dispenser to move. A further advantage of this arrangement is that it allows the drive mechanism to be more compact. 
     Preferably, the dispensing member is slideable along a substantially horizontal axis. By providing such an arrangement, the dispensing member can have a compact arrangement. This reduces the size and cost of the dispenser and consequently that of the appliance. 
     Preferably, the dispensing member further comprises a dispensing aperture which is located within the casing when the dispensing member is in the first position and projects from the casing when the dispensing member is in the second position. By providing such an arrangement, the dispensing aperture is located within the casing when the appliance is not in use. This reduces the risk of contamination of the dispensing aperture and prevents the dispensing aperture from dripping. 
     Preferably, the dispensing member is adapted and arranged to rotate when moving between the first and second positions. More preferably, the appliance is arranged on a support surface and the dispensing member is adapted and arranged to rotate such that, in the first position, the dispensing aperture faces away from the support surface and, in the second position, the dispensing aperture faces towards the support surface. This arrangement prevents dripping of liquid from the dispensing aperture during retraction and storage of the dispensing member. This is because the dispensing aperture will be rotated such that it faces away from the support surface and any fluid remaining in the dispensing member will be captured within the dispensing member. 
     Preferably, a part of the dispensing member lies substantially flush with the casing when in the first position. By providing such an arrangement, when the dispensing member is stored, the domestic appliance has a pleasing visual appearance and can be cleaned easily. 
     Preferably, the domestic appliance further comprises drive means for moving the dispensing member between the first and second positions. More preferably, the drive means comprises an electric motor and a gearing arrangement. 
     More preferably, the gearing arrangement comprises a leads screw and a follower. 
     Alternatively, the gearing arrangement comprises a rack and pinion arrangement. 
     Preferably, the dispensing member is movable to a third position in which the dispensing member is removable for cleaning. More preferably, in the third position, the dispensing member is located within, and spaced from, the casing. The third position may be one in which the dispensing member is retracted completely within the casing of the domestic appliance. In this case the dispensing member is spaced from the casing itself, facilitating removal for cleaning. 
     Preferably, the dispensing member further comprises a movable member which is adapted and arranged to move relative to the dispensing member. More preferably, the movable member is adapted and arranged to move relative to the dispensing member when the dispensing member is in the second position. More preferably, the movable member is adapted and arranged to move in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the dispensing member. 
     By providing such an arrangement, the spout can be compact for storage yet have both horizontal and vertically moving parts. This may be useful, for example, if a part of the spout is required to be inserted into a receptacle. 
     Preferably, the movable member has a dispensing aperture for dispensing a fluid. More preferably, the fluid is a liquid. 
     Preferably, the domestic appliance is a coffee machine. 
     Alternatively, the domestic appliance is a water dispenser. 
     Alternatively, the domestic appliance is a juice dispenser. 
     According to the invention, there is also provided a dispenser for dispensing a liquid from a domestic appliance, the dispenser including a dispensing member having a dispensing aperture, the dispensing member being movable relative to the remainder of the dispenser between a first position in which the dispensing member is retracted and a second position in which the dispensing member is extended, the dispenser further including drive means for moving the dispensing member between the first and second positions, wherein the dispensing member is slideable between the first and second positions along a linear path. 
     By providing such an arrangement, the dispenser can be compact and fit in a small space in a domestic appliance, whilst achieving the required functionality. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an appliance including a dispenser according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of the appliance of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is an isometric view of the dispenser according to a first embodiment of the invention showing a spout in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the dispenser of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a side section taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 4  showing the dispenser of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the dispenser of  FIG. 3  showing the spout in an extended position. 
         FIG. 7  is a side section taken along the line A-A of  FIG. 4  showing the spout in the extended position; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a dispenser according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing a spout in a fully retracted position; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a section through the line B-B of  FIG. 9  showing the dispenser of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8  showing the spout in a retracted position; and 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of the dispenser of  FIG. 8  showing the spout in an extended position. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  show an example of an appliance  10 . In this example, the appliance  10  is adapted for producing and dispensing coffee. However, other beverages or liquids could also be dispensed. The appliance  10  includes a casing  12  having a front face  14  and an upper face  16 . The front face  14  includes a support tray  18 . The upper face  16  of the casing  12  includes a plurality of selection buttons  20  through which the appliance  10  can be operated. The upper face  16  also includes an access panel  22  through which ingredients can be introduced to the appliance  10 . Alternatively, components of the appliance  10  can be removed for cleaning through the access panel  22 . 
     A dispenser  100  according to a first embodiment of the invention is located in the casing  12  and extends through an aperture formed in the front face  14  of the casing  12 . The dispenser  100  includes a dispensing spout  102  which is shown in an extended position in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the extended position, the dispensing spout  102  projects from the front face  14  of the casing  12 . The dispensing spout  102  extends horizontally from the front face  14  of the casing  12  when the appliance  10  is supported on a horizontal support surface  50  such as a table or worktop. In other words, the spout  102  is arranged to extend from the casing  12  approximately parallel to the support surface  50  upon which the appliance  10  is supported. 
     The dispensing spout  102  is arranged to be slideable between extended and retracted positions along an axis X-X ( FIG. 2 ). The axis X-X lies horizontally when, in normal use, the appliance  10  is supported on a horizontal support surface  50  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In other words, the axis X-X lies parallel to the support surface  50 . In this arrangement, the axis X-X is also perpendicular to the front face  14  of the casing  12 . 
       FIG. 2  also shows (in broken lines) the position of the dispensing spout  102  when retracted. In the retracted position, the dispensing spout  102  lies within the casing  12 . In this position, an end face  104  of the dispensing spout  102  lies flush with the front face  14  of the casing  12 . 
     In use, a user places a suitable receptacle (for example, a cup or mug) on the support tray  18 . The user then selects a desired drink by pressing one of the plurality of selection buttons  20  on the upper face  16  of the casing  12 . The dispensing spout  102  is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The appliance  10  processes a drink which is then dispensed from the dispensing spout  102  into the receptacle provided. When the process is finished, the dispensing spout  102  can be moved from the extended position back into the retracted position for storage. 
       FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5  show the dispenser  100  according to the first embodiment in more detail. The dispenser  100  includes an outer casing  106 . The spout  102  is located within the outer casing  106  and is moveable therein. The outer casing  106  includes a receiving aperture  108 . The receiving aperture  108  is arranged to receive a pipe or other fluid conduit (not shown) which can be connected or located in communication therewith. 
     The spout  102  further comprises a cavity  110 . The cavity  110  is trough shaped and has an open upper end. The open upper end is in communication with the receiving aperture  108  in order to receive liquid passing through the receiving aperture  108 . A dispensing aperture  112  is located at one end of the cavity  110  and forms an outlet from the cavity  110 . The base  114  of the cavity  110  is sloped such that the dispensing aperture  112  is located at the lowermost end of the cavity  110  ( FIG. 5 ). This arrangement encourages liquid in the cavity  110  to move towards the dispensing aperture  112 . The cavity  110  extends along almost the entire length of the spout  102 , enabling the receiving aperture  108  to be in communication with the cavity  110  irrespective of the position of the spout  102  relative to the outer casing  106 . 
     The dispenser  100  also includes a drive mechanism  116 . The drive mechanism  116  is located beneath the spout  102  and is arranged to drive the spout  102  from the retracted position to the extended position. The drive mechanism  116  includes a motor (not shown). 
     The drive mechanism  116  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 . The drive mechanism  116  comprises a lead screw  118  which is driven by the motor via a gear (not shown) and a toothed belt  120 . The lead screw  118  has a follower  122 . The follower  122  is connected to the spout  102  and is arranged to move back and forth along the lead screw  118  when the motor is driven. This moves the spout  102  back and forth relative to the outer casing  106 . In the retracted position, the follower  122  is located at a first end of the lead screw  118 . The gear, the toothed belt  120  and the lead screw  118  have gear ratios such that, when the motor is driven at an appropriate speed, the spout  102  moves from the retracted to the extended position in approximately 0.5 seconds. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show the spout  102  in the extended position. In the extended position, the spout  102  extends from the outer casing  106 . When the dispenser  100  is located in the appliance  10  and the spout  102  is in the extended position as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the spout  102  also projects from the appliance  10 . In this position, the follower  122  is located at a second end of the lead screw  118 . In the extended position, the cavity  110  is in communication with the receiving aperture  108 , allowing liquid to be introduced to the cavity  110  for dispensing. 
     In use, the user places a cup or mug on the supporting platform  18  and selects a drink by pressing one of the selection buttons  20 . At this stage, the spout  102  is in the retracted, or stored, position. The motor is then activated, which rotates in a first direction. This action rotates the gear, the toothed belt  120  and the lead screw  118 . The lead screw  118  rotates in a clockwise direction (with respect to  FIG. 4 ) and moves the follower  122  from the first end of the lead screw  118  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the second end of the lead screw  118  (as shown in  FIG. 7 ). The spout  102  is mounted on the follower  122  and moves therewith from the retracted position ( FIG. 5 ) to the extended position ( FIG. 7 ). When the follower  122  reaches the second end of the lead screw  118 , the spout  102  is fully extended and the motor is stopped. The dispenser  100  is now configured to dispense a liquid such as coffee or hot water. A liquid beverage is prepared in the appliance  10  (for example, in a coffee brewing head or hot water receptacle). The liquid is then introduced into the cavity  110  through the receiving aperture  108 . Due to the sloping, tapered shape of the cavity  110 , the liquid will flow towards the dispensing aperture  112 , through the dispensing aperture  112  and out into the cup or mug. 
     When the liquid dispensing operation has been completed, the spout  102  can be moved back to the retracted position for storage. The end of the liquid dispensing operation can be automatically detected by sensors (not shown) in the appliance  10 . Alternatively, the user may retract the spout  102  by pressing one of the selection buttons  20 . In order to retract the spout  102 , the motor rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The gear and toothed belt  120  are rotated and the lead screw  118  is rotated in the anticlockwise direction (with respect to the view shown in  FIG. 4 ). This action moves the follower  122  from the second position back to the first position, and the spout  102  is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. When the follower  122  reaches the first end of the lead screw  118 , the spout  102  is retracted and the motor is stopped. 
       FIGS. 8 to 12  show a dispenser  200  according to a second embodiment of the invention. The dispenser  200  is suitable for use in the appliance  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Looking firstly at  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 , the dispenser  200  comprises a storage portion  202  and a spout  204 . The storage portion  202  comprises a cylindrical storage portion  206 , a connecting conduit  208  and a base  210 . The connecting conduit  208  forms a conduit between the storage portion  206  and the interior of the spout  204 . The connecting conduit  208  comprises a curved portion and a cylindrical portion. The cylindrical portion is coaxial with, and extends inside, the spout  204 . The base  210  is arranged to admit a liquid flow from other parts of the appliance  10  into the storage portion  206 . 
     The spout  204  is slideably movable along the cylindrical part of the connecting conduit  208 . The spout  204  moves along the axis X-X between fully retracted and extended positions. The spout  204  is shown in the fully retracted position in  FIGS. 8-10 . In the fully retracted position the connecting conduit  208  extends through almost the full length of the spout  204 . A seal (not shown) seals between the connecting conduit  208  and the spout  204 . 
     The spout  204  further comprises a dispensing aperture  212  for dispensing a liquid from the storage portion  202 . When in the fully retracted position, the dispensing aperture  212  faces away from the supporting surface  50 . 
     The spout  204  is driven by a drive mechanism which is similar to the drive mechanism  116  of the dispenser  100  and will not be discussed any further here. The drive mechanism drives the spout  204  through a drive member  214 . The drive member  214  is coupled to the spout  204  through a circumferential groove  216  formed at the proximal end of the spout  204 . The spout  204  is further supported by a lug  218  located beneath the spout  204 . The lug  218  engages with a helical groove  220  formed in the outer wall of the spout  204 . 
     The spout  204  is movable between three positions. The fully retracted position (as shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  9  and  10 ) allows the spout  204  and the storage portion  202  to be cleaned. In the fully retracted position, the spout  204  is recessed within the casing  12  ( FIG. 8 ). This arrangement allows parts of the dispenser  200  to be removed through the access panel  22  for cleaning. The storage portion  202  and the spout  204  are arranged to be removed from the remainder of the dispenser  200 . When cleaning is required, the spout  204  can be lifted clear of the lug  210  and drive member  214 , and the storage portion  202  can be decoupled from a connector (not shown) located at the base  210 . 
     Two further positions of the spout  204  are shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . In  FIG. 11 , the spout  204  is shown in the retracted position. The retracted position is the normal storage position. In this position, the end of the spout  204  lies flush with the casing  12 .  FIG. 12  shows the spout  204  in the extended position. In the extended position, the spout extends from the casing  12  coaxial with the axis X-X. In this position, a liquid can be dispensed from the dispenser  200 . 
     The spout  204  is also rotatable relative to the remainder of the dispenser  200  about the axis X-X. This rotation is achieved by the location of the lug  218  in the helical groove  220 . When the spout is moved between the fully retracted, retracted and extended positions, the relative movement of the lug  218  with respect to the helical groove  220  causes the spout  204  to rotate about the direction of movement when the spout  204  is retracted or extended. The rotation is arranged such that, when in the fully retracted or retracted positions, the dispensing aperture  212  faces away from the support surface  50 , and in the extended position, the dispensing aperture  212  faces towards the support surface  50 . 
     In use, the user places a cup or mug on the supporting platform  18  and selects a drink by pressing one of the selection buttons  20 . At this stage, the spout  204  is in the retracted, or stored, position shown in  FIG. 11 . A motor (not shown) forming part of the drive mechanism is then activated, which rotates in a first direction. Through the drive mechanism, the drive member  214  is moved. The spout  204  is coupled to drive member  214  by the location of the drive member  214  in the circumferential groove  216  and moves from the retracted position ( FIG. 11 ) to the extended position ( FIG. 12 ). When this happens, movement the lug  218  relative to the helical groove  220  causes the spout  204  to rotate about the axis X-X between the retracted and extended positions. As a result of this, the dispensing aperture  212  moves from a position facing away from the support surface  50  ( FIG. 11 ) to a position facing towards the support surface  50  ( FIG. 12 ). 
     The drive mechanism will slideably move and rotate the spout  204  until the spout  204  is in the extended position shown in  FIG. 12 . The motor is then stopped. The dispenser  200  is now configured to dispense a liquid such as coffee or hot water. A liquid beverage is prepared in the appliance  10  (for example, in a coffee brewing head or hot water receptacle). The liquid then passes to the storage portion  202  and is introduced into the spout  204  via the connecting conduit  208 . The liquid is then dispensed into the cup or mug through the dispensing aperture  212 . 
     When the liquid dispensing operation has been completed, the spout  204  can be moved back to the retracted position for storage. The user may retract the spout  204  by pressing one of the selection buttons  20 . In order to retract the spout  204 , the motor rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the drive mechanism moves the drive member  214  back to the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 11 . Consequently, the spout  204  is moved from the extended position to the retracted position. During this operation, the spout  204  rotates about the axis X-X such that the dispensing aperture  212  moves from a position facing towards the support surface  50  to a position facing away from the support surface  50 . When the spout  204  reaches the retracted position, the motor is stopped. 
     When parts of the dispenser  200  require cleaning, the user opens the access panel  22 . This causes the drive mechanism automatically to retract the spout  204  to the fully retracted position. In the fully retracted position (as shown in  FIG. 8 ), the whole of the spout  204  is located within the casing  12  such that the distal end of the spout  204  is spaced from the casing  12 . The user can then disconnect the storage portion  202  and the spout  204  from the remainder of the dispenser  200 . These components can then be removed through the access panel  22  for cleaning. The storage portion  202  and the spout  204  can then be replaced by locating the base  210  of the storage portion  202  in the connector, the drive member  214  in the circumferential groove  216  and the lug  218  in the helical groove  220 . The access panel  22  can then be closed and normal operation of the appliance  10  resumed. 
     The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above. Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the dispenser need not be located in a coffee machine. The dispenser could also be used in other types of appliance; for example, a juicer or a water dispenser. Any suitable construction of appliance could be used; for example; vending machines, soft drinks dispensers, cleaning fluid dispensers etc. 
     The spout may have further moving components. For example, spout may comprise a movable member which, when the spout is extended from the casing of the appliance, may extend from within the spout. The movable member may be located in the dispensing aperture, or may be located at the distal end of the spout. Such an arrangement may be useful, for example, if the spout is required to dispense a fluid into a receptacle already containing a fluid. Further, the fluid which is dispensed may then be recirculated; for example, in a milk steaming arrangement. The spout first extends horizontally as described in the embodiments herein. Then the movable member extends downwardly from the spout into the receptacle. Other arrangements of movable member may be used; for example, a further telescoping section coaxial with the spout, an upwardly extending conduit or a conduit that extends to one side. The movable member will then move back inside the spout when the spout is retracted back into the casing. 
     Other arrangements for driving the spout could be used; for example, a rack and pinion system, a belt drive or a hydraulic arrangement. Further, other arrangements for rotating the spout could be used. The spout may be rotated by a shaft coaxial with the spout, for example. 
     The spout need not project from the front face of the appliance. The spout may, for example, project from the side or corner of the appliance as required. Further, the casing need not be perpendicular to the direction of movement of the spout. What is important is that the spout is able to move along a linear path between the retracted and extended positions. 
     Further, additional types of liquid could be used in addition to the foodstuff products discussed herein. For example; any suitable foodstuff products which can be dispensed in liquid form may be used. Examples of these are: hot or cold milk, fruit purees, pulps, soft drinks, carbonated drinks and concentrated juices. Alternatively, fluids other than liquids could be used; for example, steam.