Rack-mounted service center having separately removable housing

Abstract

A service center for use with a machine having a frame is disclosed. The service center may have a mounting member rigidly connected to the frame of the machine, and a plurality of serviceable components connected to and supported by the mounting member. The service center may also have a housing connected to at least one of the frame of the machine and the mounting member. The housing may be configured to substantially enclose the plurality of serviceable components.

1 . A service center for use with a machine having a frame, the service center comprising:
 a mounting member rigidly connected to the frame of the machine;   a plurality of serviceable components connected to and supported by the mounting member; and   a housing connected to at least one of the frame of the machine and the mounting member, the housing being configured to substantially enclose the plurality of serviceable components.   
   
   
       2 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is connected to only the frame of the machine. 
   
   
       3 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is also configured to substantially enclose the mounting member. 
   
   
       4 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the mounting member is removable while the plurality of serviceable components remain connected to the mounting member. 
   
   
       5 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is removable while the mounting member remains rigidly connected to the frame and the plurality of serviceable components remain connected to the mounting member. 
   
   
       6 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is maintained disconnected from the plurality of serviceable components. 
   
   
       7 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing includes a door providing access to the plurality of serviceable components. 
   
   
       8 . The service center of  claim 1 , wherein the housing encloses the plurality of serviceable components on at least three sides. 
   
   
       9 . The service center of  claim 8 , wherein the housing, together with the frame, substantially encloses the plurality of the component on all sides. 
   
   
       10 . The service center of  claim 1 , further including at least one of a filter, an oil tap, and an air dryer. 
   
   
       11 . A method of servicing a plurality of machine components, comprising:
 removing an enclosure to access the plurality of machine components on at least three sides, while the plurality of machine components remain rigidly mounted; and   servicing the plurality of machine components.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein removing the enclosure provides access to the plurality of machine components on five sides. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , further including opening a door of the enclosure to access the plurality of machine components, while the enclosure remains in an assembled position. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , further including removing a mounting member having the plurality of machine components assembled thereto. 
   
   
       15 . A machine comprising:
 a frame;   an engine connected to the frame;   an engine enclosure connected to the frame to house the engine;   a mounting member rigidly connected to the frame;   a plurality of serviceable components connected to and supported by the mounting member; and   a housing separate from the engine enclosure and connected to the frame, the housing being configured to substantially enclose the plurality of serviceable components and the mounting member.   
   
   
       16 . The machine of  claim 15 , wherein:
 the mounting member is removable while the plurality of serviceable components remain connected to the mounting member; and   the housing is removable while the mounting member remains rigidly connected to the frame and the plurality of serviceable components remain connected to the mounting member.   
   
   
       17 . The machine of  claim 15 , wherein the housing is maintained disconnected from the plurality of serviceable components. 
   
   
       18 . The machine of  claim 15 , wherein the housing includes a door providing access to the plurality of serviceable components. 
   
   
       19 . The machine of  claim 15 , wherein the housing encloses the plurality of serviceable components on at least three sides. 
   
   
       20 . The machine of  claim 19 , wherein the housing, together with the frame, substantially encloses the plurality of the component on all sides.