EP0773737B1 - Apparatus for dispensing wiping materials which can be distributed in folded or unfolded form - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing paper materials from a supply roll mounted within a housing. The housing has lateral flanges for permitting rapid installation of a drum, its associated cutoff device, and a supply roll tensioning device. The drum is a modular unit that includes a main body with an internal hollow shaft for accommodating an assembly at either end. Gripping collars are mounted on the drum and on the end elements which function to ensure retention and dispensing of paper from the supply roll. The length of the drum can be varied, depending upon the type of material being dispensed.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of distribution of wiping paper, cellulose wadding, crepe paper or similar materials, intended more particularly for wiping hands of users, distributing toilet paper, distribution of paper towels.

It is known in the trade to offer devices paper towel dispensers with automatic cut, tape drawn paper that can be entered by the potential user for the purpose of obtaining, according to a determined cycle, a piece of paper for aforementioned applications.

The Applicant has himself developed numerous devices distributors and in particular that described in patent applications French 2703343 and 2713075.

In these devices, the paper strip is cut out transversely over the entire width of the strip, the latter remaining non folded and thus corresponding to the width of the reel of material to be distribute. In such a distributor described in the aforementioned patents, one of the originalities lies in its very particular design with a reduced number of parts and an assembly of the various components, extremely fast and requiring no special tools.

The device briefly comprises, from a casing, side flanges fitted to allow quick mounting and the engagement of a drum with associated cutting device, and of a pressure element on the drum, the two elements self-locking in position during assembly, and ensuring a tensioning of the paper from a reel of material arranged in a plane superior.

In the context of the various works and research carried out by the plaintiff on tape distribution and cutting devices wound materials, the latter proposed in particular in the patent French 2,656,601, the arrangement of a drum having both sides and of its peripheral central part defining the continuity of the cylinder, and delimited by the lateral ends of the drum, profiled recesses or openings established in a specific sector. These recesses allow the orientation and the engagement of the parts of corresponding material strips in the event of angular traction the end of the paper strip by the user not conforming to a normal traction defined in the forward extension of the device. A such arrangement of the drum thus allows, in addition to reducing the weight of the drum, a better functioning of the device to ensure a clean cut regardless of the tape's pulling positions paper by a user.

As part of his research, the applicant also interested in the design of materials dispensing devices wiping in a folded or unfolded form, in particular defined in the French patent 2,717,789.

The applicant's approach, from all of the knowledge and various aforementioned patents, was to be interested in design of different devices, looking for modularity of some of its components that can be used in different device applications and versions when distributing tapes of paper in folded or unfolded form.

In addition, the characteristics of the various devices distributors are likely to vary in their forms and dimensions according to different markets and requirements, so that there is a very substantial increase in manufacturing costs in particular molds for making the various components and in particular drums which are made of plastic.

The object of the invention is to develop a device that by design allows use of components for different ranges of devices

Another object sought after according to the invention was to design a device which can be perfectly adapted in its dimensions to desired requirements in different markets.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to take advantage of these modularity research to improve the conditions of operation of the device in the direction of better holding of the strip of paper passing over the drum, whatever the directions pulling paper by the user.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to give a great lightness in the drum while ensuring the desired functions.

These and other goals will emerge well from the rest of the description.

According to a first characteristic, the drum is produced under form of modular elements and includes three components including one main body with an internally hollow small diameter shaft capable of receiving at each of its mounting ends or quick disassembly two sets of opposite elements including monobloc a sleeve of variable length secured to a flange end, and in that hook-and-loop means are arranged on the main body of the drum and on its end elements for maintain and distribute the paper strip.

• la figure 1 est une vue de côté de l'appareil selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective avant montage des composants du tambour support du dispositif de coupe selon l'invention,
• la figure 3 est une vue selon la figure 2, le tambour étant en phase de montage sur un côté et monté sur l'autre côté.
• la figure 4 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne AA de la figure 3,
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne BB de la figure 3.
• La figure 6 est une vue en plan et en variante du tambour
• Les figures 7 et 8 sont des vues en perspective du tambour selon la figure 6, vue de devant et vue de derrière permettant d'illustrer la forme particulière de ce dernier.
• La figure 9 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne C-C de la figure 6.
• La figure 10 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne D-D de la figure 6.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings,

• FIG. 1 is a side view of the apparatus according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view before mounting of the components of the support drum of the cutting device according to the invention,
• Figure 3 is a view according to Figure 2, the drum being in the mounting phase on one side and mounted on the other side.
• FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. 3,
• FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB in FIG. 3.
• Figure 6 is a plan and alternative view of the drum
• Figures 7 and 8 are perspective views of the drum according to Figure 6, front view and rear view to illustrate the particular shape of the latter.
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view along the line CC of FIG. 6.
• FIG. 10 is a sectional view along the line DD of FIG. 6.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is described now in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of drawings.

The automatic material dispensing device object of the invention finds uses in the distribution of paper towels, toilet paper, or folded paper such as napkins.

This device is referenced as a whole by (1). He understands maximum six or eight pieces making up all of the components and common mechanisms necessary for its functioning in the distribution of paper towels and toilet paper, namely a housing (2) with molded spool holder (3), a cover (5), a drum (4), a cutting device (6), a pressing element (7), means for launching and recall (8) of the drum and in addition, where appropriate, a protective roller (9) and a drive belt (10). More in particular, the apparatus firstly comprises a molded casing (2) plastic material capable of receiving, in its upper part, a reel holder (3) for supplying a reel (B) of material wiping or toilet paper or paper towel, a drum (4) positioning and articulation support for the cutting device (6), as well as a presser means (5) ensuring, on the one hand, the supply of the strip (B) of paper towards the drum and, on the other hand, the setting paper tension. The movements of movement of the blade towards the drum for cutting paper, are obtained by means of rack not shown internally positioned and fixed on one wings (2.1) of the casing (2) being obtained directly by molding. The cutting device (6) can be set in motion according to the mechanisms described in French patents N. 93.04082 and 93.14609. A protective cover (5) protects the above-mentioned mechanisms and the roll of paper tape for distribution. The hood of protection is positioned and articulated at the base of the device housing in being fixed by a snap on the casing using a tab of lock located in the upper part of it, or other system of equivalent closure.

The apparatus according to the invention is remarkable in that the drum (4) support of the cutting device (6) is made in a design modular allowing an adaptation of its length according to dimensional characteristics of the device may vary depending on the type of applications and according to existing markets.

In particular, the drum includes three components including a one-piece main body (CP) with a small shaft (4.1) internally hollow diameter capable of receiving, at each of its ends (4.2), for quick assembly or disassembly; two sets opposite elements (11) (12) comprising a single piece a sleeve (11.1-12.1) of variable length secured to an end flange (13-14). The tree proper receives in its middle part, a disc (4.3) thick with a groove (4.4) on its periphery for receive the drive belt (10) of the aforementioned type. By hand and on the other side of this disc (4.3) are formed rings (4.5) (4.6) likewise width whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the drum, these rings being discontinuous and defining between their ends a slot (4.7) for the passage and articulation of the cutting blade support as as described in its implementation and operation in French patents n ° 93.04082 and 93.14609.

The drum thus comprises two half-parts (P1-P2) opposite to from its central disc (4.3) and each comprising a ring and an end assembly.

The first end assembly (11) includes a sleeve (11.1) arranged with a semi-circular flange (13) for example connected to the shaft by a connecting plate (15) being substantially offset from the flange inward to define a space (16) allowing passage and pivoting of the associated rack to the cutting blade holder. The sleeve is arranged with a projection or finger (17) capable of engaging in a slot or notch (4.8) formed on the shaft and allowing it to be joined to this latest. The sleeve is force-fitted, for example, onto the shaft.

The flange (13) has an opening (13.1) for insertion a pivot axis of the cutting blade support. The end of the sleeve extends beyond the flange (13) overflowing the side walls of the housing by a finger (11.2) receiving an eccentric (11.3) with a pin (11.4) at the end allowing the attachment of one of the ends of a spring (8) for returning and launching the drum. The drum after mounting is snapped into place by finger (11.2) parts fitted in the housing as described in the patents French above.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the invention, the rings (4.5) (4.6) are established on a simple part of the length of the drum. It is provided between the ring (4.5) and the flange semicircular (13), a first recess (E1) formed on practically 300 to 330 degrees allowing the passage of the strip of paper, if any, in the event of a pull of it in a variable position, avoiding tearing the paper inside the device. It is also provided from the tree, between the end of the ring (4.5) and the connection plate (15) of the flange (13) end, the establishment and formation of a radial profiled tab (18), which can be offset as illustrated in the drawings or be triangular shape. This tab has a profiled end (18.1) which is arranged to be in alignment with a generator of the drum and its rings in particular. On the other half-side (P2) of the drum, this allows the positioning of the second set comprising a sleeve (12) attached with one end (12.1) engages in the shaft (4) while being held by force or otherwise and being guided by a projection or finger (19) capable of penetrating into a notch or slot (4.8) formed on the aforementioned shaft. To his other end, said sleeve (12) is shaped with the second flange (14) end of the drum. This flange (14) has an opening (14.1) for engaging the axis of the cutting blade support. Beyond said flange (14), the sleeve (12) is extended by an axis (12.2) capable of to snap into the hook part formed on the walls of the casing, said axis being extended by an operating button (20) for if necessary, allow the introduction of the paper strip between the pressing element and the drum. Similarly, said sleeve (12) present between its end flange (13) and its zone introduction into the tree, a radial tab (21), offset or forming a triangular projection, the end (21.1) of which is curvilinear or rounded to also lie in the plane of the generator of the drum and rings in particular. It is thus defined an opening (E.2) over an angular sector of 300 to 330 degrees between the flange formed on the attached sleeve and the facing ring.

According to another original arrangement of the invention, the rings (4.5) (4.6) and the support legs (18) and (21) are arranged to receive cuffs (22) (23) (24) (25) of elastomeric material or rubbery defining gripping surfaces to ensure better holding and guiding of the paper. Regarding rings, said continuous cuffs (22) (23) are engaged in elasticity by surrounding peripherally the rings, and engaging inside the drum around the shaft (4.1) as illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings. The sleeves (22) (23) are thus tensioned. In parallel, two complementary cuffs (24) (25) are arranged between the end flanges and the respective rings when mounted around of the shaft and the radial support legs. These headlines are set tension also and it appears, at the place of their generator joint, the formation of a continuous zone along the length of the drum to keep the strip of material gripped. The mounting of the different sleeves is done anyway appropriate, playing on their elasticity after disassembly and separation drum components, main body and assemblies ends in particular. It is recalled that said cuffs are at fixed position after mounting and are therefore not used in as such.

There is illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 of the drawings a variant of realization of the drum (4), this to further improve the cutting of the paper especially when it is pulled by the user in an oblique plane with respect to the transverse median axis of the drum.

In this embodiment, said drum has two contiguous rings (4.5) (4.6) of the type described above, but which in this variant presents from their periphery an extension (4.10) symmetrical defining for each of the rings a helical shape with a paper support area (4.9). This helical shape is established gradually then degressive over an angular sector of each of the rings while leaving a very large opening for the passage in oblique position of the paper. This helical shape is arranged in a suitable position of the drum during the rotation of this one and pulling the strip of paper so that the latter take support on said form constituting a support plane.

The shape of the drum is therefore very particular and it is provided by elsewhere at the end of said forms a step (4.11) which can allow for example the complementary positioning of sleeves (26) of elastomeric material, in features similar to the headlines (22-23-24-25). These headlines help to increase and improve the support plan and entraining paper on the drum.

According to another illustrated arrangement, the blade holder axis of the device cutting (6) is such that it is arranged in one piece with two profiled flaps (28) arranged in opposition with respect to the axis to the teeth mentioned above and overflowing from the axis. These two components directly obtained during the molding of the blade holder axis have a profile slightly curved and are likely to constitute means paper support during the tensile stress, obliquely creating thus a back-up and retaining effect of the paper ensuring and improving the cut. The profile of these components is configured rectangular for example with rounded edges. The other provisions of the device remain unchanged as described above.

According to the invention, the sleeves added attached to the flanges are of variable length by defining an area of reach of the cuffs adaptable to the applications. The choice of sets (11-12) including end sleeves and flanges is defined according to the types of application and use of the device.

Without departing from the scope of the invention and depending on the type device, there may be a reversal of position of the flanges receivers on the one hand of the eccentric for the launch of the drum and on the other hand of the flange allowing the fixing of the rack support and its training, this to adapt and balance the drum in its different components.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention. We underline the new design of the modular drum adaptable to the liking of device applications. We also highlight the news arrangement and arrangement of said drum with the insertion of cuffs elastically mounted and made of elastomeric material, which are very low manufacturing cost and rapid assembly. Setting place such headlines is advantageous in reducing the costs of drum making originally used on which it was necessary to attach hook-and-loop areas in emery paper or similar. In this last realization, it was not possible to do vary the dimensional characteristics of the drum being related to the manufacturing constraint.

The implementation of the different cuffs on the main body and on the complementary elements of ends is absolutely not troublesome for the passage and articulation of the cutting blade support. On the contrary, the material constituting the cuffs and of a nature to provide additional protection for the blade.

The drum according to the invention and its association with belts resiliently mounted, can be applied to dispensing devices of paper, in the folded or unfolded versions.

Claims (12)

1. Wipe material dispenser comprising lateral flanges inside the upper part of the housing designed to receive a reel-holder device (3) for a reel of material (3) and, inside the lower part, a drum (4) designed to be fitted with a paper cutoff device (6), a tensioning device (5) pressing onto said drum, with the paper path running between said drum and paper cutoff device (6), which is hinge-mounted relative to the drum to ensure the paper length pulled out by the user is cut according to a cycle that is determined by drum rotation and including means (8) to start and reverse the drum as well as a hinged cover (5) located at the bottom of the housing and clicked in place with a locking device, characterised in that the drum is made in the form of modular elements and comprises three components including a main body (CP) with an internally hollow shaft (4.1) of small diameter capable of accommodating two assemblies of opposite elements (11) (12) at each of its ends (4.2) which can be assembled or disassembled quickly comprising a one-piece sleeve (11.1) (12.1) of variable length connected to an end flange (13) (14) and in that self-gripping means are placed on the main body of the drum and on the end elements in order to ensure retention and dispensing of the paper band.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the drum comprises, on its main body (CP) beyond shaft (4.1) a spacer disc (4.3) with rings (4.5) (4.6) either side, of the same width, of a diameter equivalent to that of the drum, these rings being discontinuous and defining, between their ends, a slot (4.7) for movement and hinging of the knife support as well as the fitting of self-gripping means.
3. Apparatus as claimed in claims 1 and 2, characterised in that, on each sleeve, there are radial support lugs (18) (21) allowing the insertion of self-gripping means in addition to those formed and located on the main body of the drum.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that the self-gripping means placed on the rings of the main body and on the support lugs are collars (22) (23) (24) (25) having the capability of elastic deformation made of an elastomer or similar material, the rings placed on the main body also surrounding shaft (4.1) of the drum and being integrated inside the drum and the matching collars located and surrounding the support lugs fixed around sleeves (11.1) (12.1) of the matching end elements.
5. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rings formed on the main body are present on only a part of the length of the drum presenting, with respect to the end flanges of the latter, recesses (E1-E2) allowing feeding of the paper band in the directions in which the latter is pulled.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the support lugs (18) (21) formed on sleeves (11.1-12.1) make it possible to define recesses (E1-E2) made over an angular sector of 300 to 330°.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the first end assembly (11) comprises a sleeve (11.1) designed with a semicircular flange (13) linked to shaft (4.1) by a connecting plate (15) offset towards the inside with respect to the flange in order to define a space (16) allowing movement and swivelling of the rack associated with the knife support and in that said sleeve is devised with a projection or finger (17) fitting in a slot (4.8) formed on shaft (4.1) and in that said flange (13) has an opening (13.1) for inserting the knife support and in that the end of the sleeve extends beyond flange (13) and projects beyond the side walls of the housing as a finger (11.2) accommodating a cam with a shaft (11.4) at its end used to fasten one of the ends of the release spring (8).
8. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the second end assembly (12) is devised with a sleeve (12.1) formed with the second end flange (14) of the drum having an opening (14.1) for fitting the shaft of the knife support and in that beyond said flange (14), the sleeve extends as a shaft (12.2) that can be fixed to the walls of the housing with an operating button (20) at its end.
9. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that end elements (11) (12) are designed with sleeves (11.1) (12.1) of variable length comprising one or more projections used for fitting into the ends of drum (4.1).
10. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that drum (4) has rings (4.5) (4.6) fitted on their periphery with an extension (4.8) defining an angular sector with a helical shape which gradually widens and narrows, forming a paper bearing area (4.9) when the paper is pulled in an oblique direction relative to the middle transverse axis of the drum.
11. Apparatus as claimed in claim 10, characterised in that helical parts (4) of the rings have a scalloped area (4.1) allowing additional collars (26) to be positioned.
12. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the shaft of the paper cutoff device (6) is fitted with two shaped flaps (28), formed directly with the shaft and opposite the toothed part; said flaps protrude over the shaft and form paper band bearing planes.

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