EP1083814B1 - Wiping material dispensing drum in dispensing apparatus with format and length adjustment of the dispensed material - Google Patents

Abstract

A drum includes a hub defining in its central part a ring acting as a point for fixing and adjusting the cylindrical portion of the drum along variable positions by defining a variation in the material length strip format. The cylindrical portion of the drum is arranged in two parts capable of having a movement spacing one from the other by elastic deformation of one of the cylinder parts so as to define the drum circumference and the format variation, the parts capable of being mutually locked in position.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of distribution devices for wiping paper in cellulose wadding, crepe paper, or similar material, intended more particularly for wiping the hands of users, for distribution of toilet paper, distribution of paper towels. These papers can be folded or unfolded.

The Applicant has developed numerous patents on these devices of the type aforementioned in automatic and semi-automatic versions of dispensing strips of paper from a loading reel.

The Applicant has also developed, in French Patent No. 2,746,781, a wiping material distribution drum making it possible to obtain selector device a variation according to the length of material delivered.

The implementation of the selector device in the aforementioned French patent, although that technically interesting, remains complex to carry out and cost high manufacturing.

The aim sought after according to the invention was therefore to design a new drum for distributing the wiping material capable of allowing strip distribution cut material of varying length in a simplified configuration and More reliable.

According to a first characteristic, the material distribution drum wiping in a dispenser with adjustment of format and length of the material delivered, the apparatus being of the type comprising a casing (2), a cover (3), a drum (10), a cutting device (5) integrated in the drum arranged longitudinally in a slot fitted to the latter, characterized in that the drum (10) comprises a hub (11) defining in its central part a crown (11e) serving as a point of attachment and adjustment in position of the cylinder part (16) of the drum, according to variable positions by defining a variation of the format of the length strip of the material, and in that the cylinder part (16) of the drum is made in two parts likely to have a spreading movement relative to each other by elastic deformation of one of the parts of the cylinder in order to define the drum circumference and variation in format, said parts being lockable in position relative to each other.

These characteristics and others will become clear from the rest of the description.

• La figure 1 est une vue de côté d'un appareil distributeur de papier d'essuyage établi sous la coupe A-A de la figure 2.
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe du tambour prise seule illustrant les caractéristiques de l'invention.
• La figure 3 est une vue de face du tambour en gros plan dans sa position de sélection de format minimum.
• Les figures 4 et 5 sont des vues partielles similaires à la figure 3 représentant le dispositif sélecteur dans les positions moyenne et maximum de la variation du format.
• Les figures 6 et 7 sont des vues selon la coupe A-A de la figure 2 illustrant la position des constituants des tambours dans les phases de distribution de bandes de matériau, selon un format minimum et selon un format maximum.
• La figure 8 est une vue de côté partiel à caractère schématique illustrant un verrou de blocage du tambour lors de l'ouverture du couvercle.

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

• FIG. 1 is a side view of a wiping paper dispensing apparatus established under section AA of FIG. 2.
• Figure 2 is a sectional view of the drum taken alone illustrating the features of the invention.
• Figure 3 is a front view of the drum in close-up in its minimum size selection position.
• Figures 4 and 5 are partial views similar to Figure 3 showing the selector device in the medium and maximum positions of the format variation.
• Figures 6 and 7 are views along section AA of Figure 2 illustrating the position of the constituents of the drums in the material strip distribution phases, in a minimum format and in a maximum format.
• Figure 8 is a partial side view in schematic illustrating a lock for locking the drum when the lid is opened.

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

To understand the invention, an example of a wiping material dispensing apparatus in which the drum and its format variation device may apply.

The device is referenced as a whole by (1) and comprises a casing (2), a cover (3), a drum, a cutting device (5) integrated in the drum, as well as means for launching and recalling the drum including an eccentric (7) and a spring (8). In its upper part, the casing is arranged with flanges (2a) capable of receiving the reel holder (9) of a reel wiping material (B). In one implementation, a pressing element (6) can be arranged to rest on the drum between which the paper passes origin of the coil. Alternatively, the device does not include elements presser and the reel paper strip is in direct support on the drum when it is pulled for cutting.

According to the invention, the drum is represented as a whole by (10). he first comprises a hub (11) made in two parts (11a - 11b) having at one end a disc plate (11c - 11d) which are juxtaposed one against the other to form a crown constituting the support base and fixing of a profiled part capable of constituting the peripheral periphery of the cylinder (16) of the drum.

The other ends (11f) of the parts (11a - 11b) of the hub are susceptible to be engaged and secured on forms in sleeves (12 - 13) secured to end flanges (14 - 15) capable of receiving the device section (5).

The flange (14) associated with the sleeve (12) has an axial extension to from which the eccentric (7) is shaped with finger (7a) for fixing the drum return and start spring. The second flange (15) is arranged to allow in particular the attachment of the blade holder of the chopped off.

The cylinder part (16) of the drum and surrounding the hub is capable of mate on the crown (11e) thus established in a configuration particular ensuring, according to positions, a variation of the circumference of the drum and therefore by defining a variation of the format of the length of the strip of cut material.

According to the invention, said cylinder (16) is in practice made in two parts which are likely to have a spreading movement relative to the other in order to define the circumference of the drum and the variation thereof.

More particularly, the cylinder (16) comprises two first parts identical arranged on either side of the crown (11e) of the hub and includes a sleeve (16a). The latter includes a ring portion (16a1) arranged opposite and adjacent to the crown extended radially and towards the interior with legs (16a2). The disc plates (11c-11d) defining the hub crowns are also arranged with oblong slots curvilinear (11g). The aforementioned legs (16a2) are arranged opposite said lights, and connecting and fixing means (17) ensure their coupling. These means (17) include in particular an axis (17a) which is capable of moving in said lights as a function of movements spacing between the first and second parts of the cylinder.

Furthermore, said rings of small width are established on approximately an angle of 150 to 180 °. They extend by a curvilinear bearing surface (16a3) defining a complementary support part of the cylinder for the strip of pulled paper. This litter is very long substantially to the end flanges of the end of the drum carried by the hub. This seat (16a3) is semi-cylindrical with slots (16a4), up to end near the longitudinal exit zone of the cutting device outside the drum. Said slots established over part of the length of the spans provide flexibility allowing elastic deformation of the first part of the cylinder.

According to another arrangement, the ring of the first part of the cylinder is arranged near its free end with a plurality of cutouts (16a5 - 16a6) established on the one hand at the end, and on the other hand along its border external device, and whose interest will appear later.

Due to its configuration, the first part of the cylinder (16) is susceptible a certain elastic deformation by spacing and extension in particular in the area of the ring thus established.

It is advisable to describe the second part (16b) of the cylinder capable of cooperate with the first part and achieve the effect and function variation in the size of the paper to be cut.

This second cylinder part is established in the form of plates (18) articulated with respect to the hub crown. The latter presents and on the other side of its plane projecting cylindrical spans (19) on which are mounted rings (18a) associated with each plate (18). These plates are likely to come into underlying support and partially on the part ring of the first part of the cylinder. Each plate (18) has a curvilinear profile configuration with an interior area (18b) in overlap of the aforementioned ring part and an adjacent zone (18c) raised likely to be in the same plane as the part of the cylinder in the state rest.

It should be noted that said zone (18c) and the outer surface of the ring of the first cylinder part are arranged with a rough surface likely to facilitate the support and training of the strip of pulled paper.

Furthermore, the inner zone (18b) of each plate (18) is shaped with a projection (18d) of profile and shape corresponding to the notches of cutouts (16a5 - 16a6) established on the ring part of the first part of cylinder. It should be noted that at least one return spring (20) is attached by one end (20a) by an inner projecting tab (21) established on the ring of the first cylinder part, its other end being fixed to the ring (18) of the plate.

It is therefore necessary to explain the operation of the drum and in particular the cylinder design allowing variation of paper tape format to distribute.

In normal position, the cylinder is in the form of a circle. The plate (18) is in contact with the inner bottom of the ring of the first cylinder part, while the spring (20) is not stressed. The free end of the ring of the first cylinder part is substantially adjacent to the cutting device.

When the operator wishes to increase the length of the paper size to distribute, the drum must be opened, i.e. the spacing of the first cylinder part with respect to the second cylinder part to give a non-circular configuration to the drum. In this regard, the operator, in a simple manipulation, can grasp the central crown or the ring of the first cylinder part and move it away from the fixed part defined by the second cylinder part, ensuring a displacement of the axes of connection in the lights shaped for this purpose. The adjustment range is depending on the format chosen. The protruding shape established on the plate may be applied against the indentation (s) or cutouts formed on the ring of the first cylinder part, ensuring thus locking in position thereof. When the maximum opening of the first part of cylinder, the return spring (20) is held with maximum spacing and tension for maximum opening of the crown cylinder. The slots that were formed on the cylindrical seat of the first cylinder part are likely to absorb the deformation of it during its opening according to the format that has been preset.

The reset corresponding to the minimum format of the material strip pulled, and the circular configuration of the drum requires the stress in pressure towards the inside of the plate drum (18) by pivoting inside the drum. This frees up the attachment zone (s) additional projection-notch established on the plate and on the ring the first part of the cylinder. The relaxation of the return spring (20) allows return the first cylinder part to its initial position shown Figure 4 of the drawings.

According to the invention, the number of possible formats of the strip of paper to be cut is a function of the number of notches established on the ring part of the first part of cylinder.

The reset corresponding to the minimum format is ensured so simple by a pressure effect on the plate (18). The drum thus described can be used on different types of material paper.

In addition to the main means of the invention, an apparatus dispenser of the aforementioned type including the variable format drum, includes a paper guide (21) formed in two articulated parts (21a - 21b) and fixed by one of them (21a) by clipping onto the central part of the pressure roller (6), when it is present in the device.

In addition, a protective flap (22) of the cutting blade is fixed between the casing flanges and is also mounted with an articulation capacity elastic by an axis (22b) to take into account the rotation of the drum during cutting in various formats.

Referring to Figure 8 of the drawings, it is possible to add a lock blocking (23) of the drum (10) when the cover (3) is opened, either for load the device, either to change the format of the strip to be cut.

This lock is in the form of a curved bar inserted between one of the flanges (2a) of the casing and the face (22a) opposite the protective flap (22). This bar is advantageously hooked onto the axis (22b) of the flap. This bar (23) is arranged in its upper part with a projecting shape (23a) oriented internally and fits into a cutout (22c) fitted to this effect on the shutter. The lower part (23b) of the bar has a shape in projection (23c) projecting forward facing the cover (3). This bar also has a tongue (23d) with elastic deformation capacity, whose end (23e) is likely to be in support and contact with a stop (2a - 21) established on the flange. During normal operation of the device cover closed, the latter rests on the end boss of the bar causing its tilting and in particular on its upper part releasing the rotation of the drum by escaping from the upper projection (23a) a notch (15a) established on the flange (15) of the drum.

When the lid is open, the latter no longer comes into contact with the boss (23c) eliminating the elastic effect of tilting the bar. This one tilts and is emitted by the elastic return action of its forming part tongue, it allows the penetration of the protruding shape (23a) into the notch (15a) during the rotation of the drum ensuring the locking in position of the latter. This blocking arrangement locks the drum allows the device to be loaded or the drum itself to be manipulated and of its constituent parts to ensure the desired format settings.

Claims (13)

1. Drum for dispensing wipe material in a dispensing machine with facility to adjust the format and length of the dispensed material, the machine being of the type comprising a housing (2), a cover (3), the drum comprising a cutting device (15) built into the drum and arranged longitudinally in a slit provided for this purpose, characterised in that drum (10) comprises a hub (11), the central part of which defines a crown (lie) used to fix and adjust the position of the cylindrical part (16) of the drum in various positions to define changes in the format of the length of the strip of material and in that the cylindrical part (16) of the drum is made as two parts which are capable of moving apart due to the elastic deformation of one of the parts of the cylinder in order to define the circumference of the drum and variations in format, it being possible to lock said parts in position relative to each other.
2. Drum as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the drum comprises a hub (11) made as two parts (11a-11b) having, at one end, a disc plate (11c-11d) and located side by side in order to form the crown which provides the basis for supporting and fixing a profiled part capable of setting the peripheral girth of cylinder (16) of the drum, and in that the other ends (11f) of parts (11a-11b) of the hub are capable of fitting into and meshing with sleeve shapes (12-13) joined to end shields (14-15) capable of accommodating the cutting device (5).
3. Drum as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that end shield (14) associated with sleeve (12) has an axial extension beyond which it is shaped as a cam (7) with a stud (7a) for attaching a drum start and return spring, and in that the second end shield (15) is designed to allow, in particular, attachment of the blade holder of the cutting device.
4. Drum as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that cylinder (16) has two initial identical parts arranged either side of crown (lie) of the hub and in that each initial part comprises a sleeve (16a) with a ring (16a1) located opposite and adjacent to the crown which extends radially and inwardly with tabs (16a2), and in that disc plates (11c-11d) which define the crown of the hub are designed with oblong curved slots (11g), and in that tabs (16a2) are located opposite said slots and are coupled by means of connection and fixing (17).
5. Drum as claimed in claim 4, characterised in that there are narrow wings over an angle of approximately 150 to 180° which extend as a curved bearing surface (16a3) which defines a matching part to support the cylinder for the pulled strip of paper, this bearing surface being long and extending substantially as far as the lateral end shields of the drum which is supported by the hub, and in that bearing surface (16a3) is semi-cylindrical and has slits (16a4) which extend close to the longitudinal area where the cutting device is ejected out of the drum, said slits being made over part of the length of the bearing surfaces, thereby ensuring a certain degree of flexibility which allows elastic deformation of the first part of the cylinder.
6. Drum as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the ring of the first part of the cylinder is designed, close to its free end, with a plurality of cut-outs (16a5-16a6) firstly on its end and secondly along its outside peripheral edge.
7. Drum as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the second part of the cylinder is made in the form of small plates (18) which are articulated relative to the crown of the hub and have, either side of its plane, protruding cylindrical bearing surfaces (19) on which rings (18a) each associated with a small plate (18) are mounted, these small plates being capable of coming into partial contact with the bottom of the ring part of the first part of the cylinder.
8. Drum as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that each small plate (18) has a curved shape configuration with an internal area (18b) which overlaps above-mentioned ring part and a raised adjacent area (18c) capable of being in the same plane as the part of the cylinder in the idle state, and in that the internal area (18b) of each small plate (18) is designed with a protruding shape (18d) which matches the scalloping cut-outs (16a5-16a6) on the ring part of the first part of the cylinder.
9. Drum as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that at least one return spring (20) is attached at one of its ends (20a) by a protruding internal tab (21) on the ring of the first part of the cylinder, its other end being fixed to the ring (18) of the small plate.
10. Drum as claimed in claim 1 including a pressure roller (6) which presses against the drum between which the pulled strip of paper passes, characterised in that the variable-format drum comprises a paper guide (21) made as two articulated parts (21a-21b) and is fixed by one of them (21a) by clipping it onto the middle part of pressure roller (6).
11. Dispensing machine with facility to adjust the format and length of the dispensed material comprising a dispensing drum as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a flap (22) to protect the cutting blade is fixed between the end shields of the housing and is also mounted so that it is elastically articulated in order to make allowance for rotation of the drum when the material is cut to the various formats.
12. Dispensing machine with facility to adjust the format and length of the dispensed material comprising a dispensing drum as claimed in claims 1, 2 and 11, characterised in that it comprises a bolt (23) for locking drum (10) when cover (3) is opened either to load the machine or to alter the format of the paper to be cut.
13. Dispensing machine with facility to adjust the format and length of the dispensed material comprising a drum as claimed in claims 11 and 12, characterised in that the bolt is in the form of a short curved bolt which is inserted between one of the end shields (2a) of the housing and opposite-facing surface (22a) of protective flap (22), this short bar advantageously being articulated on shaft (22b) of the flap, and in that the upper part of short bar (23) is designed with a protruding shape (23a) which faces inwards and tits into a cut-out. (22c) specially provided on the flap, and in that the lower part (23b) of the short bar has a protruding shape (23c) which projects forwards opposite cover (3), and in that the short bar has a tongue (23d) capable of elastic deformation, one end (23e) of which is capable of pressing against and being in contact with a limit stop (2a-21) provided on the end shield.

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