EP0889700B1 - Apparatus for dispensing optionally folded wiping materials - Google Patents

Abstract

ping material dispenser apparatus including a device enabling the paper strip from a reel to be dispensed in either of two modes, i.e. a first mode in which the paper strip is let out of the apparatus after every rotation cycle of a drum (4), and a second mode in which the paper strip is prevented from exiting the apparatus after every rotation cycle of the drum (4) until the user operates the mechanisms of the device, whereby said device acts as a position selecting means actively or passively engaging the drum (4).

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of distribution of wiping papers, cellulose wadding, crepe papers, or similar materials intended more particularly for wiping hands of users, dispensing toilet paper, dispensing of paper towels. These papers can be in folded form or not folded.

The applicant has developed numerous patents on the devices of the aforementioned type in an automatic tape distribution version of paper from a loading reel.

We briefly recall the characteristics of such a device distributor.

The device is referenced as a whole by (1) and includes a casing (2), a cover (3); a drum (4), a cutting device (5) integrated in the drum, a pressing element (6) as well as means for drum launch and recall including an eccentric (7) and a spring (8). In its upper part, the housing receives two flanges (2a-2b) capable of receiving a reel holder (9) or support caps supply of a reel (B) of wiping material. The drum (4) and the pressing element are also held between flanges lower (2c-2d) established perpendicular to the rear plane (2e) of the housing. The drum comprises an axis (4a) extending at its ends to form, on the one hand and on one side, an operating button and, on the other hand and on the other side, beyond the receiving flange (2c), a eccentric lever (7) capable of receiving the launching spring (8) and reminder. The drum unit (4) - pressing element (6) allows the passage and training of the paper strip behind the drum view of its section, the pressing element being supported on the drum and the assembly rotating like a gear in opposite directions. A follower roller (10) is arranged in the lower part of the casing having for object in particular, in a known manner, the protection of the hands of the user being at the point where the paper exits out of the machine, and guiding the paper outlet. This follower roller is put in motion using a belt (11) associated with the drum.

In this design, after each drum rotation, under the pulling effect of the paper strip by the user, a automatic cutting of the strip according to a determined length. The strip of paper is, in any case, taken out of the device on a certain length to allow entry by the user.

This technique is perfectly reliable and is widely used scale by the Applicant.

However, for certain applications (environments hospital), that it is preferable that the strip of paper has not come out of the appliance when there is no specific need for wiping. Also, it provision has been made, in some cases, for arranging the devices with a lever maneuver that can be operated by the operator to allow pre-exit from the paper strip for capture. These levers of maneuvers are arranged laterally to the device and the operator is then led to two movements, one lateral on the lever, then the other in a translational movement towards the center of the device to grasp the strip of paper and pull it out completely and definitively causing the final operating cycle of the drum for the cut the strip of paper.

However, such a solution has the disadvantage that the operator movements are successive and there is no immediately a natural pull of the paper strip. On the other hand, the operating lever is visible, laterally on the device, which can be annoying for storage and space problems.

We know the patents FR 2701016 and US 4790490.

Also, the aim sought after according to the invention was to design a improved device integrated directly into the device without overflow and which allows the distribution of paper by an operator, the paper, in the machine's rest state, not having left the lower part of it and therefore cannot be seized.

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to achieve a device which allows selection of the distribution methods of the strip of paper outside the machine, either the strip of paper is apparent for printing, that the paper strip is not to meet the different applications and uses of the device.

• soit en laissant sortir la bande de papier de l'appareil à chaque cycle de rotation du tambour,
• soit en empêchant la sortie de la bande de papier hors de l'appareil à chaque cycle de rotation du tambour en nécessitant l'intervention complémentaire de l'utilisateur par une action sur les mécanismes du dispositif, ledit dispositif agissant comme un moyen sélecteur de position avec une action passive ou active sur le tambour,

et en ce que le dispositif comprend un moyen (3a) établi sous forme de butée en saillie disposé dans la partie médiane intérieure du capot (3) susceptible de coopérer par élasticité sur le rouleau suiveur (10) en provoquant son déplacement vers l'arrière,
et en ce que ledit rouleau suiveur (10) commande, à articulation contrôlée élastiquement une pièce coudée (12) profilée dont la partie supérieure (12b) est susceptible de coopérer ou non avec une forme (4d) complémentaire établie sur le côté (4a) latéral du tambour (4).
et en ce qu'un levier sélecteur (17) est monté à articulation sur la pièce coudée (12) pour définir selon sa position le mode de distribution et de sortie de la bande de papier hors de l'appareil.According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a device authorizing the distribution of the paper strip coming from the reel in two possible modes:

• either by letting the paper strip out of the device at each drum rotation cycle,
• either by preventing the strip of paper from exiting the device at each rotation cycle of the drum by requiring additional intervention by the user by an action on the mechanisms of the device, said device acting as a position selector means with a passive or active action on the drum,

and in that the device comprises a means (3a) established in the form of a projecting stop arranged in the inner central part of the cover (3) capable of cooperating by elasticity on the follower roller (10) by causing it to move backwards ,
and in that said follower roller (10) controls, with an elastically controlled articulation, a bent piece (12) profiled, the upper part (12b) of which may or may not cooperate with a complementary shape (4d) established on the side (4a) side of the drum (4).
and in that a selector lever (17) is hingedly mounted on the bent piece (12) to define according to its position the mode of distribution and exit of the paper strip from the device.

According to a preferred form of the invention, in the case of the distribution of the strip of paper, preventing its exit from the device, the device ensures the temporary blocking of the drum after partial rotation of the latter, for the distribution of the paper strip, releasing partially the energy of the launch and return spring, and that the device, after actuation, releases the drum to allow it to complementary rotation to finish a turn, thanks to the residual energy of the launch and return spring, by removing the paper from the device.

• La figure 1 est une vue partielle éclatée du dispositif de l'invention avant montage sur l'appareil distributeur de papier.
• La figure 2 est une vue de côté illustrant l'appareil distributeur agencé avec le dispositif de l'invention. Dans cette représentation, l'appareil est représenté dans sa version normale de coupe automatique avec sortie de papier, le dispositif étant représenté en position déverrouillage.
• La figure 3 est une vue de l'autre côté de l'appareil illustrant, d'une manière connue et schématique, les moyens principaux de lancement du tambour.
• La figure 4 est une vue partielle de côté de l'appareil distributeur illustrant l'application du dispositif de l'invention en position verrouillée empêchant la sortie de la bande de papier hors de l'appareil.
• La figure 5 est une vue similaire à la figure 4 dans la représentation du dispositif en position déverrouillée autorisant la sortie de la bande de papier.
• La figure 6 est une vue partielle de face de l'appareil distributeur illustrant le dispositif de l'invention.

These characteristics and others will emerge clearly from the rest of the description.

• Figure 1 is a partial exploded view of the device of the invention before mounting on the paper dispensing apparatus.
• Figure 2 is a side view illustrating the dispensing apparatus arranged with the device of the invention. In this representation, the apparatus is represented in its normal version of automatic cutting with paper exit, the device being represented in unlocking position.
• Figure 3 is a view on the other side of the apparatus illustrating, in a known and schematic manner, the main means of launching the drum.
• Figure 4 is a partial side view of the dispensing apparatus illustrating the application of the device of the invention in the locked position preventing the exit of the strip of paper from the apparatus.
• Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 in the representation of the device in the unlocked position allowing the exit of the strip of paper.
• Figure 6 is a partial front view of the dispensing apparatus illustrating the device of the invention.

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

The paper dispensing device is arranged with the main components described above and we will use the same references for the rest of the description.

The aim of the invention lies in the arrangement of the aforementioned device with a special device for making operate the machine for paper dispensing in two modes possible, either by letting out the paper strip at each cycle of rotation of the drum, either by preventing the paper strip from coming out out of the device, at each drum rotation cycle, requiring additional user intervention. The particular device thus acts as a position selector means with a passive action or active on the drum. The proposed solution implements means and mechanisms to ensure this functionality regardless of everything operating lever of the type known in other devices described Applicant's prior patents.

The dispensing device is arranged with a drum (4) incorporating a cutting device (5) with serrated blade which is rotated by the action pulling the paper web by the user. This drum presents, from its longitudinal axis, a means of return and launch comprising an eccentric (7) associated with a spring (8). The rotation of the drum causes the extension of the spring which stores energy by through the eccentric and, after passing neutral, the spring allows the return in position of the drum (4) by giving the blade cuts a cutting speed allowing the cutting of the strip of paper on the release of energy from the spring. In its lower part, the apparatus comprises a protective follower roller (10) which has the purpose, according to the conditions of previous use in the device, avoid insert your fingers into the bottom of the appliance. So this roller has essentially a protective function and incidentally a function for guiding the paper strip towards the exit of the device.

According to the invention, the device which allows the selection in operation of the device when leaving or not leaving the belt implements the intervention of the aforementioned follower roller to assign it additional function of intervention on the drum to ensure its release of a provisional blocking mechanism for its travel, in it allowing to finish its race on a lap and authorizing the exit of the end of the paper strip.

More specifically, the cover or cover (3) of the device is arranged internally with a stop form (3a) forming a projection arranged in the middle part of the hood or substantially and susceptible, after support by the operator, to come into contact and support by deformation elastic on the aforementioned follower roller (10) causing it to backward movement, in order to activate a particular mechanism. Said follower roller is thus arranged to come and engage with one of its ends on a bent piece (12) in 〈〈 L 〉〉 which is articulated in its middle part on an axis or tenon (13) formed on the flange (2c) of the device on the operating button side (14), opposite the device (8) for drum launch. This angled piece forms a lever and presents in its elbow an opening (12a) allowing the positioning of the finger (10a) for centering the follower roller, the other end (10b) of the roller follower being introduced into an opening on the other flange opposite (2d) of the device. In its upper part, said bent piece has a recessed profiled shape (12b) having a tab (12c) arranged in a perpendicular plane and oriented on the drum side of the device. This step is established in a configuration in 〈〈 L 〉〉 and comes to be integrated in the hollowed out part (4b) of the wall or flange (4a) lateral opposite the drum (4). The latter presents, on its side lateral, an interior boss (4c) with a cavity (4b) allowing the insertion of the axis of a preloading handwheel (14). Around this boss (4c) is provided a profiled shape (4d) with a face forming a stop against which is likely to come to bear and blocking the offset (12b) of the bent piece (12). The flange (4a) of the drum has an interior cavity as shown in drawings. The lower end (12th) of the bent piece receives a point of projection (12f) allowing the fixing of one end (15a) of a means elastic return (15a), the other end (15b) being fixed to the base of the casing. This bent piece (12) is articulated relative to the support axis by the effect of driving and pushing the roller underlying the drum when said roller is pushed back by the cover of the device.

In addition, the device is arranged with two means (16-17) used to view the operating mode of the roller. A fixed position plate (16) is provided on the lateral flange of the housing. on which the mention 〈〈 STOP 〉〉 appears. The second plea (17) is a selector lever articulated with respect to the bent part (12). It is articulated with respect to an axis (12g) projecting laterally from the bent piece (12) and located substantially in the vicinity of the bent part. Another axis lower (17a) is formed on this lever (17) capable of coming to bear in an interior profiled notch (12h) established on the edge of the bent piece (12) in its upper part. This articulated selector lever has an upper plate (17b) whose end (17c) forms hook in a perpendicular plane and comes substantially to rest and fixing against an overhanging profiled part forming a ramp (18) established on the side flange of the casing or on a fixed protection flange of the drum, and comprising an indexing position (18a). In his part upper, the lever has a plate (17d) with, for example, the representation of a sign such as an arrow to suggest positions potential.

It is this lever articulated in relation to the bent piece that will allow the selection in operating mode of the rotation of the drum and therefore distribution of the wiping paper strip.

In the event that the paper dispensing machine operates in its usual version, i.e. at each rotation cycle of the drum, a strip of paper comes out of the machine to be grabbed, the articulated lever is then tilted forward. Its articulation in relation to the bent part will cause the engagement of the inner finger in the notch formed on the edge of the lever and cause a slight tilting forward of the bent piece against the means of elastic reminder. This pivoting of the bent piece will then cause the clearance of the upper part thereof so that its shape upper in offset is no longer in contact with the stop profile established on the side flange of the roller. Said part dropout angled will be moved away from the stop, so that by the cavity formed on the side flange of the drum, it can turn without difficulty. The offset is located in the space of the cavity. In this case, and in normal operation, the paper strip from the spool will be able to exit the device during the complete rotation over one revolution of the drum. The eccentric and the return means located on the other side of the device are solicited at once by releasing the stored energy from the spring.

In the second situation the articulated selector lever is tilted towards the rear, freeing the bent piece which, under the effect of relaxation of its attachment spring at its lower end, will swing back. The recess formed on the bent part will thus come in the plane of the stop. After a partial rotation of the drum on a certain circumference, the stopper will come into contact with the recess of the angled piece and lock the drum in position preventing any rotation complementary to it. In this phase, the paper strip is not not out.

The operator must then act under pressure on the device cover at the point of the projection which can be materialized by a color or a specific marking of type 〈〈 PUSH 〉〉. The action exercised leads to backward thrust of the follower roller and, as a result, the tilting of the bent part. It pivots and its upper part in recess form moves forward, freeing the drum and thus escaping the stop zone. The drum which is no longer held or retained by the bent piece becomes free again, and by the effect of relaxation residual of the launching spring, the drum turns in a rotation complementary angular of a few degrees to finish its course according to a full turn, thus allowing the tape to exit the paper and its entered by the operator. The relaxation of the pressure effect on the roller follower, by the projection of the cover hood, causes the tilting of the bent piece which then comes to present its extension part in the path of the drum stop to cause during the next cycle a additional stop.

For the operator, these operations are carried out in a very short time runs while his hand is in the lower middle part of the dispensing device. When his thumb rests on the protrusion causing release the drum, the paper strip can come out of the machine and it can naturally grasp it in the same plane. So there is no, like according to the prior art, lateral movement of the hand.

The force exerted on the cover and the projection in particular, can be carried out according to the form of support, either by the thumb or by the elbow of the operator.

This highlights the advantages of the invention which, from the same device, to ensure a distribution of the band of paper in different possible modes. The parts and mechanisms that allow this dual use are simple to manufacture and few expensive and easy to mount on the device.

Claims (9)

1. Folded/unfolded paper towel dispensing apparatus of the type comprising a housing (2), a cover (3), a drum (4), a cutting device (5) incorporated in the drum, a tensioning device (6) as well as means of actuating and reversing the drum including an eccentric lever (7) and a spring (8), in its upper part, the housing having two flanges (2a-2b) capable of accommodating a reel (B) of paper towel, said drum (4) and the tensioning device being secured between flanges (2c-2d) located at right angles to the rear plane (2e) of the housing, a follow-on roller (10) being located in the lower part of the housing and cooperating with the rotating drum by means of a driving belt, characterised in that it comprises a device enabling the paper strip from the reel to be dispensed in two different ways:

   either by letting the paper strip hang down from the apparatus after each drum rotation cycle,

   or by preventing the paper strip from hanging down from the apparatus after each drum rotation cycle by requiring the additional intervention of the user acting on the mechanisms of the device, said device acting as a position selector means with a passive or active action on the drum.

   and in that, the device comprises a means (3a) in the form of an abutment arranged in the inner middle part of the cover (3) capable of resiliently cooperating with the follow-on roller (10) by causing it to move backwards,
   and in that said follow-on roller (10) controls, by resilience, a shaped bent part (12), the upper part (12b) of which is capable of cooperating or not with a complementary shape (4d) arranged on the side (4a) of the drum (4),
   and in that a selector lever (17) is hinged onto the bent part (12) to determine according to its position the dispensing and ejecting mode of the paper strip from the apparatus.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, in the mode where the paper strip is not allowed to hang down from the apparatus, the device temporarily blocks the drum after it has partially rotated to dispense the strip of paper by partly freeing the energy of the actuating and reversing spring,
   and in that in the mode where the paper strip is allowed to hang down from the apparatus, the device, after it has been actuated, frees said drum to allow for a complementary rotation to complete one revolution, by means of the residual energy of the actuating and reversing spring.
3. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the lower part of bent part (12) is arranged to receive one of the shafts (10a) at the ends of follow-on roller (10), said bent part being hinged to the lower flange (2c) of the drum support apparatus,
   and in that its lower end (12e) is connected to an elastic return means (15) fixed to the housing of the apparatus,
   and in that its upper end has a hook shape (12b) with a perpendicular lug (12c) facing the drum side of the apparatus to fit into a recess (4b) formed in the side wall (4a) of said drum.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that drum (4) has, on its lateral side, an inner boss (4c) with a recess (4b) allowing for the insertion of the shaft of a preloading manoeuvring wheel (14), said boss (4c) having a shape with one side acting as a limit stop (4d) and cooperating or not with hook (12b) of bent part (12) according to the position of said bent part.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that bent part (12) accommodates a protruding tip (12f) enabling an elastic return means (15) to be fixed, the other end of which is attached to the base of the housing, and in that it comprises a complementary scalloping (12h) capable of cooperating with selector lever (17).
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that selector lever (17) is articulated about bent part (12), having a shaft (17a) capable of cooperating with scalloping (12h) of the bent part ensuring its distancing and enabling the apparatus to operate in the mode where the paper strip hangs down from the apparatus,
   and in that the upper part of said selector lever (17) is fitted with a shape (17c) cooperating with a positioning ramp (18) arranged on the lateral flange of the housing or on a drum protection flange.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the second end (10b) of follow-on roller (10) is fixed to the facing wall or flange of the housing of the apparatus, on the side of the eccentric lever and actuating spring.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that positioning ramp (18) has an indexing position (18a) allowing the selector lever to be positioned in its distanced position to enable the freeing of the bent part from the drum.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that it comprises a means (16) arranged on the side flange of the housing in the form of a fixed position plate providing a visual indication.

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