EP0682492B1 - Automatic toilet paper and wiping material dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic paper dispensing apparatus includes a molded plastic housing and a protective cover hingably attached to the housing, the housing further including a pair of parallel end shields disposed in a lower part of the housing. Each of said parallel end shields are perpendicular to a rear plane of the housing and spaced to allow positioning of a rotatably supported support drum and a pressure roller disposed in relation to the drum to ensure feeding of a strip of paper from a take-off reel disposed in an upper part of the housing. Each of the end shields include elastically deformable tongues having recesses to accommodate the pressure roller and to position opposing ends of the support drum, wherein the support drum is a unitary member comprising a smooth continuous area extending over essentially one-half the outer periphery of the drum, and having a plurality of discs spaced over the entire length thereof. Each of the discs are spaced apart from one another by a plurality of parallel plates, each of the discs including scalloped areas for accommodating a hinged cutting blade, the smooth area being disposed separately from the scalloped areas of the drum and in which the diameter of the drum at the smooth area is larger than the diameter of the drum at the remainder thereof so as to facilitate detachment of the strip of paper after cutting thereof.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sectors of devices for dispensing wiping paper, cellulose wadding, crepe paper or similar materials, intended more particularly for wiping the hands of users, and toilet paper.

There are very many manual, semi-automatic, automatic wipers which fulfill the above-mentioned function. The Applicant has, in particular, developed several apparatuses of this type, with central unwinding, at the edge of the strip of material in the form of accordion folds, and also in an automatic paper dispenser, using a cutting device. , integrated in a drive drum. All these devices are commonly operated, having high reliability in their operation. Depending on their constitution, these different devices have very variable cost prices from each other, and are adapted to different market segments.

Known from US Pat. No. 4,611,768 is a dispensing device for wiping material comprising a molded casing receiving a reel for supplying wiping material, a drive device as well as a device for cutting the strip.

As part of his personal research, the Applicant was interested in the design of a new automatic device including, in its architecture, a reduced number of parts to be able to tackle a market of hand towels or toilet paper, at low cost.

An aim sought after according to the invention was to design an apparatus arranged in such a way that the assembly of its various components can be carried out manually without specific tool, in a rapid and simplified manner.

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to design an apparatus in which the various components are, after installation, self-locked while being adapted to the distribution of the paper independently of the stresses of tension which can be generated during the drawing by the user.

Another aim sought after according to the invention was to ensure a locking in position of the components of the device by playing on the elasticity of certain parts with a fixed position established on the support casing and cover.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to provide an apparatus which can be quickly assembled or disassembled by an operator, also allowing a variation in the characteristics of the drum and cutting device if necessary, without any modification of structure. of the device.

These and other objects will become apparent from the following description.

According to a first characteristic, the device for dispensing wiping material for hand towels or toilet paper operating automatically is remarkable in that it comprises a casing molded in plastic material receiving in its upper part a material supply coil. of wiping or toilet paper, a drum supporting the cutting blade, as well as a pressing means ensuring the feeding of the strip of paper towards the drum and the tensioning of the paper, the cutting blade articulated in the drum being set in motion by the cooperation of a toothed heel associated with the axis of the cutting blade and cooperating with a rack and pinion means positioned fixedly and internally on one of the wings of the casing, the drum being associated with a mechanism launch, a protective cover being articulated with respect to the casing and snapping onto it, and in that the protective casing is arranged with parallel flanges perpendicular to the rear plane of the casing in its hand towel version, or between a front flange and the rear wall of the casing in its toilet paper dispensing version, to allow the mounting of the drum and of the pressing element by snap-fastening, the said flanges or rear walls of the apparatus being arranged with tongues having an elastic capacity of deformation given by preformed elasticity slots on the flanges and / or rear wall of the 'Apparatus, said tabs having housings for receiving the pressing element, and the flanges and / or the rear wall of the casing and the front flange also having notches for positioning the ends of the axis of the drum.
According to another characteristic, the different housings of the ends of axes of the pressing element of the drum are oriented facing each other, and in that the receiving tabs of the pressing element provide by elasticity a pressing of the pressing element on the drum. and a self-locking in position of the pressing element of the drum in the casing of the apparatus, and in that the access to the positioning zones of the pressing element and of the drum is carried out freely by cutouts formed at the front of said tabs and flanges allowing rapid assembly of the components of the device.

According to another characteristic, the drum produced in one piece comprises a shaft around which is disposed over all or part of its circular periphery, a plurality of adjacent and parallel discs comprising intermediate discs of the same configuration serving as support for the strip of pulled paper, and having on their periphery a notch for positioning and housing the cutting blade in the rest position, said shaft receiving a first front end disc and a second disc rear end allowing the positioning and articulation of the cutting blade, and in that the rear end disc is arranged with means defining an interior chamber for the reception of a rack means adapting to position fixed on the wing opposite the casing, and in that the cutting blade is arranged at one end opposite the means with a profiled heel comprising a plurality of teeth forming a complementary rack capable of cooperating, during the rotation of the drum , with a plurality of teeth constituting a fixed rack formed on the means, and in that a stop means ensures, after the partial rotation of the drum for the operation of cutting the strip of paper, the re-engagement of said blade cutting along a path opposite to the direction of rotation of the drum, in the notches formed on the latter, during the complementary rotation of the drum with a view to presentation for a new operating cycle, and in that the rotation of the drum is obtained by means of a pressing means ensuring the feeding of the strip of paper towards the drum and its tensioning by pulling the end of the strip of paper by the user.

According to another characteristic, the protective cover comprises means in the form of lugs which are capable of coming to bear on the receiving tabs of the pressing element, and / or on the flanges of the receiver housing of the drum and / or on the tabs and on said flanges.

These characteristics and others will become apparent from the following description.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective éclatée, avant montage, d'un appareil, dans une première mise en oeuvre selon l'invention,
• la figure 2 est une vue de face de l'appareil selon la figure 1 après montage, le capot de protection ayant été enlevé, en phase de non fonctionnement,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe transversale selon la ligne 2-2 de la figure 2,
• les figures 4, 5 et 6 sont des vues à grande échelle illustrant les différentes phases de positionnement de la crémaillère associée à la lame par rapport à la crémaillère à position fixe intégrée dans le tambour d'entraînement,
• la figure 7 est une vue à caractère schématique illustrant la trajectoire de la lame de coupe, selon un cycle de rotation du tambour,
• les figures 8 et 9 sont des vues à caractère schématique illustrant un moyen de contrôle de la position du porte-lame dans le tambour, selon le cycle opératoire,
• la figure 10 illustre de manière schématique la position d'attaque du papier par les lames de coupe,
• la figure 11 est une vue de profil illustrant plus particulièrement le disque d'extrémité formé sur le tambour avec un moyen de butée anti-retour complémentaire,
• la figure 12 est une vue à caractère schématique, en coupe, de l'appareil illustrant le carter en position ouverte,
• la figure 13 est une vue selon la figure 12, le carter étant à position fermé,
• la figure 14 est une vue en plan de l'appareil, avec le capot enlevé, illustrant des aménagements particuliers du tambour et du rouleau presseur,
• la figure 15 est une vue à caractère schématique, de côté, selon le volant de commande de l'appareil, et illustrant le montage élastique du moyen d'alimentation de la bande de papier,
• la figure 16 est une vue en coupe axiale à partir de l'autre côté de l'appareil ayant pour but d'illustrer le fonctionnement du dispositif de coupe,
• la figure 17 est une vue en coupe axiale selon la ligne A.A. de la figure 14, à partir de la zone médiane de l'appareil,
• la figure 18 est une vue en coupe axiale selon la ligne B.B. de la figure 17,
• la figure 19 est une vue à grande échelle illustrant le moyen d'alimentation de la bande de papier vers le tambour,
• la figure 20 est une vue en coupe du tambour selon la ligne C.C. de la figure 14,
• la figure 21 est une vue de côté du tambour illustrant notamment le moyen de butée anti-basculement de l'organe d'engrenage associé au rouleau d'alimentation de la bande de papier vers le tambour,
• la figure 22 est une vue en variante du tambour de l'appareil,
• la figure 23 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne D.D. de la figure 22,
• la figure 24 est une vue du moyen d'alimentation de la bande de papier dans sa configuration pour coopérer avec le tambour illustré figures 22 et 23,
• la figure 25 est une vue en perspective de trois-quart de la structure-bâti de l'appareil avant montage des composants pouvant être utilisés,
• la figure 26 est une vue de face de l'appareil selon la coupe E-E de la figure 27 après montage de ses composants, à savoir : le porte-bobine de matériau, le tambour récepteur d'un dispositif de coupe et l'élément presseur de matériau agissant en appui sur le tambour,
• la figure 27 est une vue de côté selon la ligne F-F de la figure 26,
• la figure 28 est une vue de côté selon la ligne G-G de la figure 26,
• la figure 29 est une vue en perspective avant montage de l'appareil dans son application à la distribution de papier toilette,
• la figure 30 est une vue de face en coupe selon la ligne H-H de la figure 31,
• la figure 31 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne I-I de la figure 30,
• la figure 32 est une vue arrière de l'appareil selon la figure 29.

To fix the subject of the invention illustrated without limitation in the figures of the drawings where:

• FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view, before assembly, of an apparatus, in a first implementation according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 is a front view of the device according to FIG. 1 after assembly, the protective cover having been removed, in the non-operating phase,
• FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line 2-2 of FIG. 2,
• FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are large-scale views illustrating the different phases of positioning of the rack associated with the blade with respect to the rack with fixed position integrated in the drive drum,
• FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the trajectory of the cutting blade, according to a cycle of rotation of the drum,
• FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrammatic views illustrating a means of controlling the position of the blade holder in the drum, according to the operating cycle,
• FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the position of attack of the paper by the cutting blades,
• FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating more particularly the end disc formed on the drum with a complementary non-return stop means,
• FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view, in section, of the apparatus illustrating the casing in the open position,
• FIG. 13 is a view according to FIG. 12, the casing being in the closed position,
• FIG. 14 is a plan view of the device, with the cover removed, illustrating particular arrangements of the drum and the pressure roller,
• FIG. 15 is a schematic side view, according to the control wheel of the apparatus, and illustrating the elastic mounting of the means for feeding the paper strip,
• Figure 16 is an axial sectional view from the other side of the apparatus intended to illustrate the operation of the cutting device,
• FIG. 17 is a view in axial section along the line AA in FIG. 14, from the central zone of the apparatus,
• FIG. 18 is a view in axial section along the line BB of FIG. 17,
• FIG. 19 is a large-scale view illustrating the means of feeding the strip of paper to the drum,
• FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the drum along the line CC of FIG. 14,
• FIG. 21 is a side view of the drum illustrating in particular the anti-tilting stop means of the gear member associated with the feed roller from the paper web to the drum,
• FIG. 22 is an alternative view of the drum of the device,
• FIG. 23 is a sectional view along the line DD of FIG. 22,
• FIG. 24 is a view of the means for feeding the strip of paper in its configuration for cooperating with the drum illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23,
• FIG. 25 is a three-quarter perspective view of the frame structure of the device before mounting of the components that can be used,
• Figure 26 is a front view of the apparatus according to the section EE of Figure 27 after assembly of its components, namely: the material reel holder, the receiving drum of a cutting device and the pressing element of material acting on the drum,
• FIG. 27 is a side view along the line FF in FIG. 26,
• FIG. 28 is a side view along the line GG in FIG. 26,
• FIG. 29 is a perspective view before assembly of the device in its application to the distribution of toilet paper,
• FIG. 30 is a front view in section along the line HH in FIG. 31,
• FIG. 31 is a sectional view along line II of FIG. 30,
• FIG. 32 is a rear view of the device according to FIG. 29.

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

The apparatus according to the invention is suitable for the automatic distribution and cutting of wiping materials of all suitable materials, cellulose wadding, crepe paper and the like, being intended mainly for wiping hands, or for distribution of toilet paper.

The two versions of hand towel and toilet paper are illustrated, the main components of the device remaining the same. Only their positioning inside the protective casing and the cover is modified, as it appears in the drawings and that it will result from the description.

As indicated above, one of the aims sought according to the invention was to design an arrangement of the structure of the receiver housing of the components allowing rapid assembly, easy access, reliable, in complete operational safety, without the use of any particular tool for ensure such assembly or disassembly.

Furthermore, as will appear in the following description, the arrangements and means used make it possible to obtain self-locking of the various components of the device in a simple, rapid manner and without the use of mechanical means. particular.

We will first describe with reference to the main characteristics of the dispensing device according to the invention, before describing the various modes of implementation of its components and features.

The device for dispensing wiping paper for hand towels or toilet paper is arranged to operate automatically. This device is referenced as a whole by (1). It includes six parts constituting all the components and mechanisms necessary for its operation. The apparatus firstly comprises a casing (2) molded in plastic material capable of receiving, in its upper part, a reel (3) for supplying wiping material or toilet paper, a drum (4) for supporting the cutting blade (5), as well as a pressing means (6) ensuring, on the one hand, the feeding of the paper strip towards the drum and, on the other hand, the tensioning of the paper. The movements of movement of the blade towards the drum with a view to cutting the paper are obtained by a rack means (7) positioned internally and fixedly on one of the wings (2.1) of the casing (2). The cutting blade (5) can be set in motion according to the mechanisms and means described in the following description. A protective cover (8) protects the aforementioned mechanisms and the reel of paper tape intended to be distributed. The protective cover is positioned and articulated at the base of the housing of the device while being fixed by a snap on the housing using a locking tab located in the upper part thereof.

The drum comprises a small diameter shaft (4.1) on which is positioned a plurality of adjacent and parallel discs (4.3), the discs having a profiled notch (4.4) capable of constituting the housing of the cutting blade (5). The rack means (7) disposed internally in a fixed position against one of the walls of the casing in the extension of the drum axis cooperates with a heel-shaped part (9) having a plurality of teeth associated with the axis of the cutting blade, this heel piece cooperating with the rack by defining the movements of exit of the cutting blade from the drum under the conditions described in the following description.

The cutting blade holder (5) is centered in notches or housings formed between one of the end flanges of the drum, and between a part forming a sector (4.5) disposed at the other end of the drum facing the rack means ( 7). The drum can be arranged with a solid external part established for example in the form of a half-diameter while the discs of the aforementioned type remain visible on the second half-part of the drum. The drum may have, on its visible parts, gripping zones to allow good holding and entrainment of the paper strip. The drum forms a one-piece assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the drum may have a honeycomb structure (4.6) with elimination of the central connecting axis but having, at its ends, axes for its maintenance in position between the flanges. This honeycomb structure can be established over all or part of the volume of the drum with, preferably, over a half-diameter, a solid shape (4.7) facilitating the passage and the entrainment of the material. A drum of this kind has the advantage of a plastic material with great ease of molding, while having the capacity for rigidity and lightness.

On the opposite side of the rack (7), the drum extends beyond its end disc by an axis (4.2) with an eccentric lever (4.8) allowing the positioning of a spring (R) for tension and drum recall, the assembly being shaped directly with said drum.

The pressing element (6) coming to bear on the drum and in particular on the end and intermediate discs, also has, over its entire length, a plurality of discs (6.1) bearing on the corresponding parts of the drum. This element (6) is centered and articulated between the lateral flanges (2.1 - 2.2) formed on the casing. This element (6) is also made in one piece.

These main provisions and components of the dispensing apparatus having been defined, it is now necessary to describe the particular characteristics of the casing which allow the positioning, under the best access conditions, of the various components, by manual mounting without the aid of particular mechanical tools or means with reference to FIGS. 25 to 32.

Reference is first made, according to the invention, to the dispensing device in its use for dispensing paper towels in which the pulling of the paper by the user is done from the front.

As indicated above, the drum (4) and the pressing element (6) are positioned between the flanges (2.1 - 2.2) of the casing. Each of these flanges is established in a very specific way to allow the mounting of the drum and of the pressing element by snapping while playing on the elasticity of said flanges. In addition, these flanges are arranged with shapes that allow self-locking of the drum and the pressing element after assembly.

To this end, looking at the device from the front, the right lateral flange (2.2) located on the side of the drum launching mechanism is arranged with a T-shaped cutout (2.3) arranged obliquely, the leg (2.3. 1) from T being raised up and towards the rear of the flange while being of great length. The bar (2.3.2) of the T is such that at its ends, it enters the upper part of the flange, the leg defining by its length a tongue (2.4) forming a hook. The bar of the T has at its upper and lower ends rounded internal housings (2.5) allowing the positioning of one of the ends of the pressing element. The lower part of the head of the T-shape is shaped with a rounded, notched shape (2.6) forming a housing for one of the ends of the axis of the drum. The flange is cut in (2.16), in its front part, to allow access, passage and mounting of the pressing element (6) and the drum (4). The leg (2.3.1) of the T-shaped cut makes it possible to define and provide the upper tongue with a certain elasticity of mounting for the insertion of the pressing element (6) and the drum (4). The upper tongue forms a hook end (2.7) with an access ramp to the indented area receiving the axis of the pressing element (6).

The other flange (2.1) located on the left, according to the front view, has a receiving part of the rack (7) with an opening (2.8) for the passage of one of the axes of the drum. The rack surrounds said opening. The flange thus has a solid part (2.9) which is extended upwards by a separate tongue (2.10) by a slot (2.11) giving said tongue a certain elasticity. The aforementioned slot (2.11) is located exactly in the same plane and the same angulation as the leg (2.3.1) of the T-shaped cutout formed on the other flange. The flange (2.1) has a cutout (2.12) before allowing access to the slot (2.11) defining the tongue, while the tongue is arranged similarly to the previous one with a hook shape (2.13) fitted with a housing. bottom (2.14) allowing engagement of the other end of the pressing element. The housings (2.5 - 2.14) formed on the tongues can if necessary receive additional means to ensure good resistance of the ends of the pressing element, and above all to avoid any deterioration or wear of the bottom part of the flanges during handling of the pressing element.

The latter is arranged at its said ends with a groove (6.2) which is inserted into said housings, while at the end the axis of the pressing element has shoulders (6.3) which are capable of coming to bear against the outer walls of the flanges and of the tabs in particular.

The components are then assembled as follows. The drum is positioned by its first end on the toothed heel side so that its axis enters the rack form (7) disposed on the flange (2.1). Said rack-and-pinion shape thus forms a receiving and axis guide bearing. These said shapes have a cutout (7.1) allowing and facilitating the positioning or the removal of the axis of the drum. The other end of the axis of the drum has a groove (4.5) located in front of the eccentric part (4.8), said groove being inserted in the lower housing (2.6) produced on the flange. It is then necessary to position the pressing element (6). This is also introduced and positioned by the front of the device. It comes, at the very start of assembly, to bear on the drum and the grooves (6.2) come to bear on the lower faces (2.15) forming ramps of the hook parts of the tongues. A manual rearward push of the element (6) will slightly cause the tongues to be raised thanks to their elasticity due to the oblique slots. The push back of the element (6) will simultaneously cause a slight rotation of the drum towards the rear then the element (6) will snap into the upper housings formed on the hook portions of the tabs.

By elasticity, said tongues will keep the pressing element (6) pressed firmly against the drum, the various discs of the pressing element being in contact with the corresponding parts of the facing drum. The different receptor housings of the axes of the pressing element of the drum are opposite one another.

Assembly is therefore simple, quick, efficient and easy to access. Disassembly is easily carried out by manual release of one of the ends of the pressing element against the corresponding tongue.

The axis of the drum beyond its eccentric part (4.8) has a groove (4.b) allowing the hooking of the return spring (R) whose other end (R1) is fixed to the rear wall of the casing . This groove is itself extended in a single piece by a disc-shaped profile (10) with a central rib (10.1), the assembly constituting an operating button for loading the device.

A swan-shaped hoop (12) having at its end a yoke shape (12.1) fitting around one of the upper discs of the pressing element (6), in order to control the guiding of the strip of paper. At the rear of the swan neck arch is provided a storage area (13) for the reel of material at the end of use and storage of the mandrel. Lateral flanges (14), directly formed with the frame, thus define the zone for receiving the reels of wiping material at the end of dispensing.

To complete the mounting, security and locking of the various components, a special arrangement is provided for the cover of the apparatus.

More particularly, as illustrated in the drawings, the front face (8.1) of the cover has at least two horizontal tabs (8.2) which are capable of coming, when the cover is closed, to press on certain parts of the flanges (2.1 - 2.2) of the parts of the casing and more particularly of the receiving tabs of the pressing element. These tabs thus ensure a firm hold of the tongues in position while making it possible to absorb any tension effects which could result during the drawing of the strip of paper by the user. These legs can be arranged either in abutment against the upper parts of the tongues, or against the lower faces of the flanges in the receiving zones of the drum, as illustrated in the drawings, or there are provided four legs arranged in the various parts mentioned above. This produces an extremely effective and reliable locking in position. The opening of the cover then releases said tabs and it is possible, as indicated above, to release the pressing element and then the drum. The material is loaded as before. The upper reel holder mounted in the upper part of the device delivers a strip of material. For loading, the operator drops the strip of material from the front of the device and then closes the cover. This ensures the complementary locking of the various components. The horizontal tab (8.3) formed on the cover then allows the introduction of the paper between the pressing element and the drum. The operator operates the button (10) against the elastic return means. The end of the paper strip then passes, under the driving effect of the pressing element of the drum, behind the latter, then overflows in the lower part of the device. A slot (15) known in itself is thus formed under the plate horizontal bottom cover (2.17) for the paper discharge. The device is ready for operation.

As is apparent from the present description, the assembly is of an extremely simplified design. The assembly of the components, drum (4) and pressing element (6), is very simple, the drum having previously received the cutting blade holder (5) which is associated with it.

It is now necessary to describe the structure of the casing of the device in its version for dispensing toilet paper as illustrated in FIGS. 27 to 32.

The components drum (4) and blade holder (5) as well as pressing element (6) remain the same, as well as the mechanism for loading the device with material including from the drum an eccentric shape extended by a button operating (10), a return spring (R) being hooked by one of its ends.

In the case of the toilet paper dispensing device, the reel of material is unwound in a plane perpendicular to the rear support plane of the device. This support plane receives, in its upper part, a mandrel (17) receiving the reel of material.

To ensure the positioning of the drum and its associated cutting device, as well as the pressing element under the same conditions as above, the casing (18) is arranged with, on the one hand, on its rear plane (18.1) and, d on the other hand, on its front part, with an attached flange (19), the rear plane and the flange being arranged with shapes and cutouts allowing the positioning of the drum (4) and of the pressing element (6).

The inner rear part of the casing has an opening (18.2) with a rack (7) capable of receiving the end of the axis of the drum under the conditions described above. Above, the rear wall of the casing has a U-shaped cutout (18.3) with converging branches (18.4) defining the shape of a tongue (18.5) having a certain elasticity of deformation. This tongue by its front part forms a head or hook (18.6), with a slot or housing (18.7) at one of the ends of the pressing element. The adjacent part of the housing forms a ramp (18.8) to allow insertion by elasticity of the pressing element for the positioning of the groove formed on said element in said housing. On the other side and at the front, the device has a flange (19) arranged transversely to the device parallel to the rear support plane. This flange has in its lower part an opening (19.1) forming a housing allowing the positioning of the axis of the drum at the location of the groove formed between the last disc and the eccentric part. In its rear part, the flange has an anchoring finger (19.2) from one of the ends of the return spring (R) of the drum. In its upper upper part, the flange is arranged with a tongue shape (19.3) corresponding almost identically to that formed on the rear wall of the casing. These tabs are thus in the same plane with the same inclinations. The tongue (19.3) formed on the flange (19) is connected to the latter by its rear part (19.4), while an intermediate slot (19.5) gives the desired elasticity to the tongue. This, in its front part, forms a hook (19.6) with a ramp (19.7) for access to a housing (19.8) or notch allowing the positioning of the other end of the pressing element at its aforementioned groove . The pressing element, by its ends forming a shoulder, bears against the external parts of the rear wall of the casing and of the tongue associated with the front flange.

The assembly of the drum and its associated cutting device, as well as of the pressing element, is carried out in the manner described above for the hand towel device. The drum is of the type described with a plurality of discs established on a half-cylinder and then extending into a solid form receiving a zone for hooking the paper strip. The pressing element is arranged with a plurality of discs capable of coming to bear against the corresponding shapes of the drum.

As indicated above, the pressing element snaps into the cutouts formed on the tongues against an elastic deformation thereof. By the elastic return effect, said tongues contribute to ensuring that the pressing element is held on the drum.

Incidentally, the casing is arranged, in a complementary manner, with a hoop in the shape of a swan neck (12). This arch has at its end a yoke shape (12.1) adjusting around the disc opposite the pressing element. At the rear of the hoop, there is provided a receptacle storage area (13) for coils at the end of the cycle delimited by the rear wall of the receptacle, the internal face of the flange, the hoop itself and a return angle. . Underlying the drum, the casing has a horizontal bottom plate (18.9) with a cutout or slot (20) allowing the passage and distribution of the paper.

Between the above-mentioned slot and the drum, there is advantageously disposed in a known manner a roller (21) preventing the drawn paper from re-entering the interior of the device. The drum and the underlying roller are associated with each other by a paper guide belt (22) at the outlet from the device. This roller is suitably held between the rear wall of the housing and a connecting lug disposed at the front of the device and secured to the horizontal support plate thereof. The front flange has a rounded cutout allowing the passage of said axis.

It is now appropriate to describe in more detail and according to different implementations and variant embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 24, the components of the device while remaining within the concept of the invention described above.

The casing (23) is made in one piece, made of plastic, and comprises a bottom plate (23.2) having lateral wings (23.1a - 23.1b) profiled to form, in their upper part, triangular projections (23.3) having opposite and directly formed end caps (23.4), cylindrical, allowing the assembly of the material reel (24). The latter comprises, in known manner, an inner cylinder or sleeve (24.1) capable of coming to engage at its ends on said free-mounting end pieces. Said wings have a slight flexibility to allow mounting of the coil. There are also provided reinforcement ribs (23.5) formed between the end pieces and the bottom plate (23.2) of the casing, these ribs making it possible to maintain and maintain good positioning of the turns between them of the coil. The bottom plate has, in its upper part, a profiled hook (23.6) or equivalent means, intended to snap onto the cover, to ensure closure of the assembly, the latter being completed by any locking means additional if necessary.

Advantageously, the bottom plate has a cutout (23.7) allowing, if necessary, access to the interior of the mechanisms.

The lower part (23.1c) of the wings of the casing extends forwards over a wide depth, thus corresponding very substantially to the width of the device. These wings are arranged with a plurality of holes to allow, on the one hand, the positioning of the drum associated with the cutting device, of centering pots, of the fixed-position rack means (7), and on the other hand of the means (6) supply of the strip of materials and tensioning thereof. Advantageously, said lower part of the wings of the casing has a cutting line (23.1 d) to give flexibility, on the one hand, to the mounting of the means (6) and above all to allow a slight deformation to accompany the tensioning movements. and press the paper onto the drum.

The casing has, in addition, a horizontal wall capable of receiving directly formed a hoop (12) in the form of a swan neck of the type described above and arranged in the middle part of the device facing the drum and allowing the guidance of the strip of paper drawn.

Advantageously, the horizontal wall has, on the outside, a rounded longitudinal border (23.9), facilitating the guiding of the paper at its exit, and arranged opposite a similar rounded longitudinal border (8.4) formed on the cover in the lower part of the protective cover.

The drum (4) is made as a single piece of plastic material and advantageously comprises a shaft (4.1) whose ends (4.9), forming a finger, engage in the openings (23.10) formed opposite the aforementioned wings of the casing. This drum comprises a small diameter shaft around which is disposed and regularly distributed a plurality of adjacent and parallel discs (4.3) identified successively from right to left in looking at the drawings by (4.3.1, 4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.6, 4.3.7). The discs (4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.6) have the same configuration and have on their periphery a profiled notch (4.4), capable of constituting the housing of the cutting blade ( 5) as will be explained later. The disc (4.3.1) is full and advantageously has a notch on its periphery (4.3.1a), and is capable of ensuring the drive in rotation of the drum under the action of the means (6) which will be described by the following. The front end disc (4.3.1) further comprises a hole (4.3.1b) allowing the engagement and centering of one end of the axis of the blade (5). The rear end disc (4.3.7) comprises a hole (4.3.7a), near its periphery, allowing the positioning and centering of the other end of the blade. The rear end disc (4.3.7) is particular in that it comprises an inner peripheral flange, disposed opposite the adjacent intermediate disc (4.3.6), this flange (4.10) defining an interior recess or chamber (4.10 .1) for the reception of the rack means (7). This flange also has a cut section (4.10.2) in the same plane as the notches (4.4) used to house the blade to facilitate molding of the assembly, said cut section allowing, transversely, according to a given sector, access to the interior of the aforementioned room, under the conditions set out below. Said chamber authorizes the positioning of the rack means (7) which is established in the form of a crown (7.2) adjusting, with play, in said chamber. This crown has, on the outside, two pots or projections (7.2.1 - 7.2.2) for centering, preferably of different diameter, to engage in the openings (23.11) formed for this purpose, on the inner wing next to the casing, to ensure easy positioning and control in position. The other face of the crown is shaped with a semi-circular boss (7.3) extending with a plurality of teeth (7.4) forming rack. On the set of teeth making up the rack (7), for example, the first three teeth (7.4.a) are of constant profile while the other four following (7.4.b) are of progressive profile to subsequently cause the movements of the cutting blade. In a particularly advantageous manner, the last tooth of the rack has a greater height than the others to allow the escape of the cutting blade and good penetration into the paper strip. This latter tooth also constitutes, as will be explained below, a non-return stop means when the cutting blade has escaped from all of the teeth (7.4) of the rack thus produced, to follow the around the boss (7.3) for a new operating cycle, and represent itself towards the first tooth formed on the boss (7.3). This last tooth of greater height offers another advantage which is to break the paper by orienting the blade more deeply.

The blade (5) is made of one-piece plastic material and comprises a support rod (5.1), the ends of which form a finger (5.2), engage on the end discs of the aforementioned drum. The teeth (5.3) of the cutting part forming the blade (5) are formed in one piece with the support rod. These teeth have a profile in successive triangulation, and have a conformation not smooth, but curved downward to facilitate the attack of the strip of material to be cut. As a result, their underside has a concavity, capable of forming a seat (5.4) and a support zone for the part of cut material, as it appears in the drawings. Depending on the nature of the paper to be cut, the teeth of the blade are smooth or sawtooth.

The blade has at its end, which is capable of facing the rack means (7), a piece forming a heel (9) profiled. This last has a triangular rear part (9.1), with a rounded joining angle (9.2) and two curvilinear edges (9.3 - 9.4) opening towards the widest part of said heel which is shaped with a plurality of teeth (9.5) forming a rack , said teeth being arranged in progressive distance from the axis of the blade, the leading tooth (9.5.1) being of greater height to ensure engagement.

This piece forming a heel is integral with the axis of the blade, but in an eccentric position, so as to cause the angular pivoting of the blade and of the part itself according to a limited position. This pivoting allows the teeth of the blade to be housed inside the cavities formed on the intermediate discs of the drum, in a maximum fold-back position, said blade being in a plane below the generatrix defined by the discs of the drum. The external overflow of the teeth of the blade is limited by the abutment of the teeth with respect to said notches. As will be described below, the rack formed on the heel associated with the blade is capable of cooperating with the fixed rack formed on the means (7) to cause, under given conditions, the displacement and the exit of the cutting blade. Thus, by the particular arrangements of the teeth formed on the part (7) and the heel (9) with progressive toothing, one obtains a displacement of the cutting blade at a progressive speed. The first meshing teeth correspond to the phase of the greatest effort when the teeth of the blade penetrate the paper. After the paper has been penetrated, the cutting edge begins and the effort becomes less. The cutting speed is accelerated by pulling on the paper, and a greater reduction is obtained by the fact that the teeth are larger, which allows faster cutting.

There is illustrated, in an advantageous alternative embodiment, FIG. 11, a side view illustrating more particularly the end disc (4.3.7) formed on the drum with a second complementary non-return stop means (4.3.7c). . Said means is formed, during the production of the disc concerned, and is in the form of a flexible tongue, free at one end, this tongue forming a cam and coming by elastic relaxation in slight external overflow relative to the periphery of the disc . This tongue is located opposite the axis of rotation of the blade and intended to come to a stop on the stop (25) formed on the horizontal wall of the casing. The advantage of such a complementary non-return stop lies essentially in the case where, by appropriate manipulations of the manipulator, the paper is torn before cutting. This could occur in the case of a violent oblique pull but not corresponding to the normal use of the device. When the cutting blade has exceeded, after rotation of the drum, the pressing means (6), the non-return tab (4.3.7c) is located in front of the stop (25), and in the event of rotation behind the drum, the tongue comes into contact with the abovementioned stop, stopping the rotation of the drum.

We will now describe the means (6) which supplies the paper strip to the drum and the tensioning of the paper.

This means (6) comprises a shaft (6.1) having at each of its ends centering fingers (6.3) for snapping between the lateral wings of the casing of the device. On this shaft, is arranged a plurality of discs or washers (6.4), the assembly being a single piece of plastic. The number of discs or washers is twice the number of intermediate discs formed on the drum. Thus, after positioning and snap-fastening of the means (6), a certain number of discs (6.4a) will come in support on the intermediate discs (4.3.2 - 4.3.3 - 4.3.4 - 4.3.5 - 4.3.6) formed on the drum, while the other intermediate discs (6.4.b) will be located in an intermediate plane between two discs (6.4.1) formed on the drum. The assembly will contribute to ensuring a tensioning of the paper. Alternatively, the tree (6.1) can be solid or otherwise lightened.

Before exposing the operation of the apparatus, it is necessary to describe specific additional means which have an effect on the positioning of the cutting blade, during the rotation of the drum, thus defining, for the latter, a very particular. These two means are arranged on the side of the rack devices controlling the output of the cutting blade.

In its lower part, the wall casing (2) has, on its horizontal wall, near the lateral wing, opposite the rack means, a profiled stop (25), with a curvilinear profile forming a ramp, against which will come in support the profiled heel (9), associated with the blade (5) and support for the teeth (9.5) of the rack. This stop (25) intervenes to cause, after the cutting operation and disengagement of the racks between them, the reintegration of the cutting blade in the notches, formed on the intermediate discs of the drum.

Due to its ramp-shaped profile, said stop causes the blade to tilt according to the arrow (F2) in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the drum by causing it to be stored in the aforementioned notches.

In addition, an additional means is provided for controlling the position of the cutting blade in the notches formed on the drum or ensuring alternatively a locking in position of the cutting blade before the start of a new operating cycle.

For this purpose and in a first implementation, there is provided, on the means (6) ensuring the rotation control of the drum, and the pressure on the paper, an additional disc (26), at the end of said means ( 6), and arranged in the plane of movement of the part forming the heel (9) of the blade. This complementary disc (26) has the function of acting as a stop and guide, if for any reason, the blade is in an exit position, relative to its recesses in the housing on the drum. The rotation of the drum will cause the abutment of the heel piece (9) by one of its curvilinear parts, against the aforementioned disc (26). The complementary rotation of the drum will therefore cause the pivoting and downward tilting (arrow F3) of the piece forming the heel, causing the blade to re-enter again in the notches formed on the drum, thus avoiding teeth of the blade can come into contact with the means (6). This particular provision provides additional security.

As a variant, the boss (7.3) formed on the rack means (7) has an external offset (7.5) which constitutes a stop and blocking means in the heel position (9) associated with the blade causing during the return of the blade blocking thereof in the aforementioned notches of the drum.

The protective cover (8) has, in the lower part of its wings, openings allowing it to snap onto the wings of the support casing using fingers or projections (27) for centering and positioning. Said casing is, moreover, shaped in its bottom part with a wall likely to come opposite the horizontal bottom wall of the housing, but leaving a space or slot to allow the paper to exit the device. The front face of the protective cover has a vertical slot (8.5) for the passage of the handwheel of the means (6).

The device being loaded with a reel of material mounted on the end caps, on the lateral wings of the casing, the device is loaded beforehand. After the initial opening of the protective cover by tilting, the operator presents the free end of the reel of material between the means (6) and the drum (4) and manipulates, for a few degrees, the handwheel so to cause the strip of material to be drawn between the drum and the means (6) and its exit from the rear of the device, without, however, opening and leaving the latter through the appropriate slot. The strip of material is kept in tension by the plurality of discs formed on the drum and on the means (6). The one-piece swan neck arch, formed on the housing, ensures, as a complement, if necessary, the guiding of the paper. This prior loading establishment being carried out, the cover of the device is closed, and the device is ready to be used. At this stage, the blade is completely housed in the notches formed on the drum. There is still no engagement of the rack formed on the blade with the fixed position rack formed on the means (7), housed in the chamber of the last disc of the drum.

The operational cutting phase is as follows. The end of the paper strip is still located inside the machine in an area corresponding to the rear of the drum towards the swan neck part. The operator manually turns the handwheel in the direction of the arrow (F), which causes, by the rotation of the means (6), the rotary drive, in an opposite direction from the drum, towards the inside of the casing. At the start of the cycle, the blade is placed inside the notches, leaving a space of a few millimeters relative to the fictitious generator formed by the intermediate discs of the drum before opening. The beginning of the rotation of the drum will cause, under the action of the means (7 and 9), a displacement of the blade of a few millimeters so that, when the first tooth of each of the means (7 and 9) has meshed , these latter teeth lie in the plane defined by the axis of the blade and the axis of the drum. In this situation, the cutting blade is located at the start of contact with the paper to be cut.

The progressive rotation will allow the presentation of the first respective teeth formed on the rack associated with the blade and the fixed rack of the means (7). The end of the strip of material comes out of the slot formed on the device, and can be grasped by the user. The latter then pulls causing the drum to rotate, thereby ensuring the continuity of the cutting operation. The blade, by meshing the teeth of the two racks, will be pivoted to exit and cut the strip of paper, as a result of the meshing of the teeth with a progressive profile. The teeth come out at the rear of the device and the strip of material will be torn gradually, the blade pivoting in the notch formed between the intermediate discs of the drum. The total output of the blade will correspond to the exhaust and meshing of the last two teeth with the racks, the last tooth formed on the fixed rack causing the maximum output of the blade.

After the teeth of the racks have escaped from each other, during a momentary rotation of the drum, the blade remains in the "out" position, the heel piece no longer in contact with the support disc of the fixed-position rack.

The re-entry of the blade is then effected by the abutment and contact of the part forming the heel of the blade with the curvilinear stop fixed on the bottom wall of the casing. This curvilinear part forming a ramp causes, by an opposite effect, the tilting and the re-entry of the blade into the notches formed on the discs of the drum. The pivoting of the blade ipso facto causing that of the piece forming the heel, the latter is tilted without making contact with the fixed position disc of the means (7). When the part forming the heel comes in the situation of escape from the curvilinear stop, the teeth of said part forming the heel then come to face the entry area of the teeth formed on the fixed disc, for a new cycle. until the start of meshing of the first teeth of the racks.

If, for any reason, the blade were to come out of the notches formed on the intermediate disc, causing an overflow of the piece forming the heel, associated with the blade, the continuous rotation of the drum then brings said contacting piece into contact. heel with the stop disc formed at the end of the means (6), which in turn causes the blade to be withdrawn and reinserted into its housing defined by the notches on the intermediate discs.

As a variant, the maintenance and blocking in position of the blade in the notches in the second phase of the operating cycle of the drum return corresponding to the intervention of the curvilinear stop (25), are obtained by blocking said blade to the shoulder aid complementary formed on the boss (7.3) which causes the retention of the blade in the notches of the drum. Unlocking takes place when the heel (9) associated with the blade takes up a new position for presenting its teeth with those formed on the means (7).

There is therefore total security in the operation of the assembly. The semi-automatic device, thus described, comprises a limited number of parts, six as indicated above, but each having multiple functions as it appeared in the description.

There is shown in Figure 7, schematically, the path (T) of the cutting blade.

Furthermore, the device has, on the side of the drive mechanism, an extension of the axis of the drum with an eccentric (28) at the end, the end of which comprises a finger (28.1) capable of constituting a means of attachment of a return spring (R), the other end of which is fixed to the wall casing.

In addition, some details and descriptions should be provided on specific points.

According to Figures 12 and 13 of the drawings, the casing (2) is arranged with a hinged cover (8), the inner face of which is arranged with a projecting projection (8.3) established in a perpendicular plane, said projection being arranged horizontally. at a level such that it comes opposite the zone of engagement of the paper between the means (6) and the drum (4). The purpose of this projection is to guide and present the first strip of material to be dispensed during the loading, to facilitate its introduction between the pressing means (6) and the drum (4). Said room is therefore flush with the space formed, at the introduction of the paper between the means (6) and the drum (4). This arrangement is particularly practical and does not generate any additional manufacturing costs when the cover is produced.

In addition, it is provided, in order to avoid putting the apparatus out of service, when the roll of wiping material is finished, the provision of additional means allowing simultaneously the use of the ends of rolls of wiping paper. , while allowing the installation of a new coil in the upper part of the device. To this end, as appears in FIG. 12 of the drawings, the horizontal bottom part (23.3) of the casing leaves a space behind the swan neck-shaped part (12) for inserting means for positioning the roll of material ( R1) being finished. For this purpose, the casing (22) has protruding shapes (22.4) or bosses which are spaces to allow the positioning of the finishing roller (R1), in an axial plane, as well as protrusions (22.5) or bosses , arranged on either side of the swan neck, and likely to avoid its tilting or angular pivoting. Such an arrangement makes it possible to keep the roller (R1) a perfect arrangement and a good unwinding of the end of the strips. The operator responsible for monitoring and commissioning the devices can therefore very easily, if the roll of material is nearing completion, position the latter in the housing provided at the bottom of the casing behind the swan neck. It suffices for the operator to present the free end of the remaining strip of paper, between the means (6) and the drum (4) in order to ensure its final unwinding. Simultaneously, a new roll (R2) of material is positioned in the upper part of the device and the end of the strip is introduced in the manner described above.

According to another particularity, the discs (6.3) of the means (6) for feeding the paper strip of the material are produced with a decreasing diameter from the central central disc, at an angulation a identical on each side. This reduction in diameter of the various discs (6.3) is achieved by a tapering of a few tenths of a millimeter from the diameter of the consecutive discs. The means (6) which is snapped between the lateral wings of the casing can thus be substantially flexed during assembly, although the discs in relation to each other with the drum remain in contact. In addition, the drum (4) can itself, on its shaft between certain discs (4.3), be arranged with notches or weakened zones, preferably obtained by a reduction in diameter to allow it to offer a certain flexibility in combination with that obtained by the above-mentioned means (6). Thanks to these particular arrangements, a flexible mounting of the means (6) on the drum (4) is obtained and better tension of the paper for its cutting.

Furthermore, some of the peripheral surfaces of the discs (4.3) can be fitted with gripping zones.

According to another particular feature, the drum (4) is arranged with fabrics or bearing surfaces (4.13) arranged between the successive discs over the entire length of the drum. These fabrics or support surfaces (4.13) are substantially set back relative to the peripheral end of the discs (4.3 - 4.8). They are arranged, as illustrated in FIG. 20, opposite the housing area of the cutting device. We have illustrated two fabrics arranged at the rear of the drum with an interval between them. The purpose of these fabrics or support surfaces is to prevent tearing of the paper inside the drum and its tamping in the event of tensile stress at an inappropriate angle by the user and thus allow the material to slide. These fabrics or support planes are preferably established according to an angular sector of the order of 20 to 45 °.

According to another particularity, the drum (4) is made with all its components, monobloc in an appropriate plastic material, and more particularly it also incorporates in its embodiment an operating handwheel (30) disposed at the end on one side of the device , as well as an eccentric cam means (31) described in the aforementioned prior French patents and allowing, in combination with an elastic return means (R), the launching of the drum. The handwheel (30) is for example established in the form of a disc with a central rib (30.1) for gripping that can be actuated by the user to allow the pre-exit of the strip of material before traction by the user . To allow the mounting of the drum thus produced in the body of the device, the lateral wing of the casing is arranged as illustrated in FIG. 15 with a large profiled recess (33) allowing the passage and mounting of the drum, while allowing and guaranteeing great flexibility in fixing said drum and the element (6) for tensioning and feeding material.

According to another particularity and improvement (FIG. 19), the means (6) for feeding paper has at its end a very wide disc (6.6) with an internal groove (6.6.1) allowing reception and guiding of the disc ( 4.3) facing formed on the drum and allowing the drive of said means (6) under the effect of rotating the drum.

According to another feature and improvement, it is planned to have, on the toothed sector (9) associated with the blade holder and cooperating with the rack means (7), an anti-tilting stop (34) to prevent the cutting blade from turning over in the event of improper handling of the appliance. This stop means is essentially produced in the form of an axis or finger arranged in the thickness of the toothed sector (9) and which can come into abutment against the end disc (4.3) of the drum facing the wing of the casing. .

According to another particularity and improvement of the drum in addition to the provisions provided in FIG. 20 and illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, the drum (4) is formed as a single piece, in particular comprising a smooth zone (4.14) established on substantially the half-periphery. of said drum, allowing the paper or the strip of material drawn to slide. This zone (4.14) begins before the notch (4.4) receiving the cutting tool (5). This area has a diameter, in its curvilinear positioning, substantially greater than the disks (4.3) of the drum so as to facilitate the separation of the strip of material after cutting. The drum is, in this implementation, made with a plurality of discs (4.3) of identical diameter regularly distributed over the entire length of the drum, these discs themselves being braced by several plates (4.15) parallel to each other, and ensuring rigidity of the whole. These plates, as illustrated in FIG. 23, are integral with the smooth zone (4.14) at the junction points, this connection being obtained during the manufacture of the drum by thermoforming or injection. The number of spacer plates (4.15) is variable as required, and in Figure 23 three plates have been shown. The ends of these opposite the point of connection with the smooth zone are profiled with a curvilinear shape to be in close combination with the peripheral periphery of the drum. In this embodiment, the drum does not have a central shaft. At its ends, as illustrated in FIG. 22, it includes the other means allowing the operation of the device. The supply means (6) shown in Figure 24 comprises a shaft (6.1) receiving the discs (6.3) of the aforementioned type and cooperating with the discs (4.3) formed on the drum. The discs (6.3) have a declining diameter starting from the central disc as indicated above. The implementation of this drum is particularly advantageous for certain types of material strips, and in particular certain high elasticity tissue paper.

According to another particular feature, to reduce the operating noise of the device, it can be arranged on some of the discs of the drum and / or of the pressing means (6) and more particularly in the groove (6.6.1) of the profiled disc. (6.6), shock absorbing rods made of elastomer or equivalent allowing smooth operation of the device.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention. We highlight the new concept of the device, its rapid assembly and its perfect adaptability to automatic operation.

Claims (40)

1. Automatic dispensing machine for paper hand-wipe or toilet paper comprising a moulded housing (2) made of plastic of which the upper part contains a take-off reel (3) of material wipes or toilet paper, a cutting-blade (5) support drum (4) and a pressure component (6) that ensures feeding of the strip of paper to the drum and tensioning of the paper, the hinged cutting blade (5) in the drum being moved by cooperation of a toothed heel (9) associated with the shaft of the cutting blade and cooperating with a rack gear (7) internally fixed on one of the sides (2.1) of the housing, the drum being associated with a start mechanism (9), a protective cover being hinged relative to the housing and clicking onto the latter, the protective housing being devised with parallel end shields (2.1-2.2) that are perpendicular to the rear plane of the housing in the paper hand-wipe version or between a front end shield (19) and the rear wall (18.1) of the housing in the toilet paper dispensing version in order to allow the drum (4) and pressure component (6) to be fitted by clicking them in, said end shields or rear walls of the machine being made with tongues (2.4-18.5-19.3) capable of elastic deformation due to elasticity slits preformed on the end shields and/or rear wall of the machine, said tongues having recesses to accommodate the pressure component and the end shields and/or rear wall of the housing and the front end shield also having scallopings to position the ends of the drum axis.
2. Machine as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the various recesses for the ends of the axes of the pressure component of the drum face opposite each other,
      and in that the tongues that receive the pressure component press, by elasticity, the pressure component against the drum and ensure that the pressure component of the drum locks itself into position in the housing of the machine,
      and in that unobstructed access to the areas for positioning the pressure component and the drum is obtained through cutouts made on the front of said tongues and end shields allowing quick assembly of the machine components.
3. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1 and 2 characterised in that, in the paper hand-wipe dispensing version, one of the end shields (2.2) of the housing situated on the side of the mechanism to start the drum is devised with a T-shaped profiled cutout (2.3), the long downstroke (2.3.1) of the T being raised upwards and towards the rear of the end shield and thus defining the shape of the upper tongue (2.4), the upper part of the crossbar of the T (2.3.2) having an internal recess (2.5) to accommodate one end of the axis of the pressure component whereas the lower part of the head of the T shape is made with a rounded, scalloped shape (2.6) forming a recess for one of the ends of the axis of the drum,
      and in that the other end shield (2.1) formed on the housing of the machine has, in its lower part, an internal opening (2.8) as clearance for the other axis of the drum with a receiving part around it forming a bearing surface constituting rack gear (7) to drive the drum, the upper part of the end shield having a tongue (2.4) with a recess (2.14) separated by a slit (2.11) giving it a certain degree of elasticity, said tongues (2.4) being established on end shields having the same shapes, same profiles and same orientation, together defining a hook shape (2.7) to accommodate the parts of the axis of the pressure component, said tongues having before the recesses (2.5) ramp shapes against which the pressure component rests at the time of assembly.
4. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 and 3 characterised in that rack gear (7) surrounding opening (2.8) leaving clearance for one of the axes of the drum has an opening making it possible to insert said axis.
5. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 and 3 characterised in that the recesses (2.5 and 2.14) made on the tongues are devised with additional anti-wear means.
6. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 and 3 characterised in that the ends of the pressure component have throats (6.2) that are inserted into recesses formed on the end shields and then extending as shoulders (6.3) resting against the external walls of the end shields and the tongues in particular.
7. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 and 3 characterised in that the drum has, beyond one of its ends, a throat (4.8) in the form of discs situated between an eccentric shaped part (4.2) and an extension in the form of a disc (10) with a central rib (10.1) constituting an operating button in order to load the machine, said throat being used to fasten one of the ends of a return spring (R) constituting a means of starting the drum.
8. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that, in the toilet paper dispensing version, the housing is devised with, on the one hand, on its rear panel (18.1) and on the other hand, on its front part, an end shield (19), said rear panel and said end shield being devised with shapes and cutouts making it possible to position the drum and the pressure component.
9. Machine as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that the rear part inside the housing has an opening (18.2) with a rack gear (7) having a slit allowing clearance for and accommodation of one of the ends of the drum axis,
      and in that the rear wall of the housing has a U shaped cutout with convergent legs (18.4) defining the shape of a tongue capable of a certain degree of elastic deformation, the end of said tongue forming a hook (18.6) with a slit or recess (18.7) for the pressure component and comprising, near to the recess, an access ramp (18.8) to allow insertion of the pressure component.
10. Machine as claimed in claim 9 characterised in that the machine has an end shield (19) devised with an opening (19.1) in its lower part used to position the axis of the drum on the throat formed between the last disc and the eccentric part, the upper part of said end shield having a tongue shape (19.3), the front part of which forms a hook with a recess or scalloping used to position the other end of the pressure component.
11. Machine as claimed in any of the above claims characterised in that the cover has horizontal tabs (8.2) that are capable of pressing against the tongues that secure the pressure component and/or the end shields that support the drum and/or the tongues and said end shields.
12. Machine as claimed in any of the above claims characterised in that the drum has a honeycomb structure with no central axis and has, outside its end discs, a support axis on rack gear (7) and another axis extending as an eccentric part, a throat and a disc forming an operating button, this assembly being of one-piece construction.
13. Machine as claimed in any of the above claims characterised in that the machine comprises a gooseneck shaped bow (12) having a fork-joint shape (12.1) at its end surrounding one of the discs of the pressure component.
14. Machine as claimed in claim 8 characterised in that, under the drum, there is a paper ejection slit (20) with a roller (21) to guide said paper outwards, the roller and the drum being associated by a transmission belt (22).
15. Machine as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the drum (4) is a one-piece construction and comprises a shaft (4.1) around which a plurality of adjacent, parallel discs (4.3) are arranged comprising intermediate discs (4.3.2, 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5, 4.3.6) of the same configuration used to support the strip of pulled paper and having scalloping around their periphery for positioning and accommodating the cutting blade in the idle position, said shaft accommodating a first front end disc (4.3.1) and a second back end disc (4.3.7) allowing positioning and hinging of the cutting blade,
       and in that the back end disc is devised with means (4.10) defining an internal chamber to accommodate rack gear (7) adapted to a fixed position on the opposite side of the housing,
       and in that the cutting blade (5) is devised at one end opposite means (7) with a profiled heel (9) comprising a plurality of teeth forming a matching rack gear capable of cooperating, during rotation of the drum, with a plurality of teeth (7.4) constituting a fixed rack gear formed on means (7),
       and in that means of limit stopping (25) ensures, after partial rotation of the drum with a view to cutting the strip of paper, reengagement of said cutting blade in a trajectory opposite the direction of rotation of the drum into the scallopings formed on the latter during additional rotation of the drum in order to present it for a new operating cycle,
       and in that rotation of the drum is obtained by means (6) which ensures feeding of the strip of paper to the drum and its tensioning by pulling the end of the strip of paper by the user as part of automatic operation of the machine.
16. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 15 characterised in that back end disc (4.3.7) formed on the drum has a collar defining an internal chamber (4.10.1) to accommodate fixed-position means (7), said collar having a transverse cut section allowing internal access to allow meshing of the teeth formed on means (7) and heel (9), said means (7) being designed in the form of ring gear (7.1) having on the external side centring studs on the opposite side of the housing, the other face of the ring gear being shaped with a semicircular bump (7.3) that extends with a plurality of teeth (7.4) forming the rack gear.
17. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 16 characterised in that all the teeth (7.4) formed on means (7) comprises a first group of teeth (7.4a) with a constant profile and a second group of next teeth (7.4b) having a progressive profile, the last, highest tooth fulfilling a double function of releasing the cutting blade to allow good penetration into the pulled strip of paper and a means of non-return limit stopping if the cutting blade escapes from above-mentioned teeth (7.4) in order to follow the circumference of curved bump (7.3) formed on means (7) as far as its semicircular shape opposing the teeth with a view to a new operating cycle.
18. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 17 characterised in that semicircular bump (7.3) extends in opposition to the tooth pattern as a shoulder (7.5) capable of constituting a means of braking and blocking certain parts of the heel associated with the cutting blade by contact in position with said shoulder.
19. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 15 to 18 characterised in that blade (5) is a one-piece construction made of plastic and comprises a support rod (5.1) of which the ends form a finger (5.2) which engages in the end discs of the drum, said blade comprising teeth (5.3) with successive triangular profiles,
       and in that the blade has, at one end opposite means (7), a heel-shaped part (9) having a triangulated back part (9.1) with a rounded mating bracket and two curved rims (9.3-9.4) opening out to the widest part of the heel which is shaped with a plurality of teeth (9.5) forming rack gear, said heel-shaped part being connected to the axis of the blade in an off-centred position, the teeth then gradually moving away from the axis of the blade.
20. Dispensing machine as claimed in claims 17 and 19 characterised in that the longest teeth of means (7) cooperates with the first tooth formed on heel (9) whereas the first tooth of means (7) cooperates with the most off-centred tooth of means (9).
21. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 19 characterised in that the teeth (5.3) of the cutting part of the blade have a downward curve, their lower face being concave and forming a seat (5.4) and support area for that part of the material cut.
22. Dispensing machine as claimed in claims 15 to 19 characterised in that the wall-mounted housing (23) has, on its horizontal wall, near the lateral side opposite rack-gear means (7 and 9), a shaped limit stop (25) with a curved profile forming a ramp which ensures, after cutting the strip of paper, supporting of heel (9) associated with the blade and swivelling and displacement of said heel resulting in displacement of the cutting blade into its recess formed by scallopings on the intermediate discs of the drum.
23. Dispensing machine as claimed in claims 16 and 22 characterised in that back end disc (4.3.7) formed on the drum has a flexible tongue situated opposite the axis of rotation of the cutting blade and projecting slightly externally with respect to the periphery of the disc, said tongue constituting, as the drum rotates, a second means of non-return limit stopping that comes into contact with the limit stop (25) formed on the housing.
24. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 15 to 21 characterised in that the cutting blade (5) is accommodated in scallopings (4.4) made on the intermediate discs of the drum in a position so that, at the start of an operating cycle, the teeth of the blade do not project beyond the drum with a gap of several millimetres,
       and in that when the first tooth of means (7 and 9) mesh, said teeth are in the plane formed between the axis of the blade and the axis of the drum.
25. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 15 to 24, characterised in that the trajectory of cutting blade (5) is distinctive:
       in that, at the start of a cycle, the blade is arranged inside the scallopings on the discs of the drum leaving a gap of several millimetres with respect to the generating line formed by the intermediate discs of the drum,
       and in that, at the start of a rotation cycle of the drum, the action of means (7 and 9) causes displacement of the blade by several millimetres so that when the first tooth of each means (7 and 9) have meshed, said teeth are in the plane defined by the axis of the blade and the axis of the drum,
       and in that progressive rotation of the drum extends blade (5) by the action of meshing the teeth of the rack gear, the blade being extended towards the rear of the machine,
       and in that complete extension of the blade corresponds to escape and meshing of the last two teeth of the rack gears with each other,
       and in that, after the teeth of the rack gears have unmeshed from each other, the blade remains in the "extended" position, the heel-shaped part no longer being in contact with fixed-position means (7),
       and in that retraction of the blade takes place after heel (9) of the cutting blade is limit stopped and comes into contact with curved limit stop (25) formed on the housing, causing swivelling and retraction of the blade in the scallopings formed on the discs of the drum by an action opposite to the direction of rotation of the drum,
       and in that heel (9) goes round bump (7.3) formed on means (7) in order to present the cutting blade for a new operating cycle.
26. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 15 and any of claims 16 to 25 characterised in that it comprises means (6) ensuring feeding of the strip of material and its tensioning, said means (6) comprising a shaft (6.1) having, at each of its ends, centring fingers that click in between the lateral sides (23.1) of the housing,
       and in that said shaft (6.1) rests against the intermediate discs formed on the drum.
27. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 26 characterised in that said shaft (6.1) is devised with a plurality of one-piece discs (6.3), some of the discs resting against the drum and other intermediate discs contributing towards the pressure exerted on the paper.
28. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 26 characterised in that shaft (6.1) of means (6) comprises, at its other end opposite the heel (9) of the blade, an additional disc (26) acting as a limit stop and guide for said heel in order to cause re-retraction of the blade in the scallopings formed on the drum with a view to presenting the blade for a new operating cycle.
29. Dispensing machine as claimed in any of claims 15 to 28 characterised in that the housing (23) is made as a plastic one-piece unit and comprises a bottom plate (23.2) having lateral sides (23.1a-23.1b) shaped so that their upper part forms triangulated projections (23.3) with directly moulded-on end fittings (23.4) allowing mounting of the reel, the lower part of the sides having a plurality of openings to accommodate the drum of fixed-position means (7) and means (6) of feeding the strip of paper, said lower part having a cutout line (23.1d) giving flexibility for mounting the above-mentioned means and ensuring slight deformation to allow for movements to press the paper against the drum, said housing having a horizontal wall accommodating a gooseneck shaped bow (12) placed opposite the drum and allowing guiding of the strip of paper.
30. Dispensing machine as claimed in claim 15 and any of claims 16 to 25 characterised in that one of the ends of said drum has an off-centred cam (28) and return spring (R) used to start the drum.
31. Machine as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that the cover (8) has, on its inside surface, a horizontal projection (8.3) allowing prepositioning of the strip of paper between pressure component (6) and drum (4) by finely adjusting the gap for threading the strip of paper between pressure component (6) and drum (4).
32. Machine as claimed in any of claims 1 and 15 characterised in that the rear part of the housing (20) allows the positioning of a roll of material (R1) that is nearly finished and in that these projections (23.4-23.5) are made as one piece together with the walls of the housing to ensure positioning of the nearly finished roll behind the gooseneck (12) that guides the reel of material that is in use.
33. Machine as claimed in claim 27 characterised in that the discs (6.3) of means (6) have a diameter which decreases from the middle central disc onwards to ensure flexibility of said means (6) relative to the supporting lateral sides of the housing.
34. Machine as claimed in claim 33 characterised in that the drum is made with scallopings or weakened areas on its shaft between certain discs (4.3) to give it a certain degree of flexibility.
35. Machine as claimed in claim 15 characterised in that the drum is made with support surfaces between successive discs over the entire length of the drum, said support surfaces being recessed relative to the peripheral edge of the discs (4.3-4.8) and being established over an angular sector of the order of 20 to 45°.
36. Machine as claimed in claim 1 characterised in that drum (4) is of one-piece construction and comprises a smooth area (4.14) over essentially half the periphery of the drum and starting before the scalloping (4.4) that accommodates cutting tool (5), said drum comprising a plurality of discs (4.3) over its entire length spaced apart by several parallel plates (4.15) that contribute towards the rigidity of the drums, one of the edges of these plates being connected to the smooth area and having, at the other end, a curved shape in combination with the peripheral circumference of the drum, the smooth area (4.14) having a diameter significantly greater than the discs (4.3) of the drum so as to facilitate detachment of the strip of material after cutting.
37. Machine as claimed in claim 36 characterised in that one of the ends of drum (4) comprises a directly moulded on operating handwheel (30) in the form of a disc with a central gripping rib (30.1) and, at its other end, an off-centred cam (28) cooperating with elastic return means (R) to start the drum.
38. Machine as claimed in claim 27 characterised in that means (6) of applying pressure, tensioning and feeding the paper has, at its end, a large-width disc (6.6) with an internal throat (6.6.1) used to accommodate and guide disc (4.3) opposite to it formed on the drum and allowing driving of said means (6) under the effect of rotation of the drum.
39. Machine as claimed in claim 27 characterised in that an anti-swivel limit stop (34) is placed on the toothed sector (9) associated with the blade holder and cooperating with rack gear (7) and that it rests against the end disc (4.3) of the drum.
40. Machine as claimed in claim 27 characterised in that sound-absorbing retaining rings may be fitted on some of the discs of the drum and/or the pressure component and, more particularly, in profiled throat (6.6.1) of disc (6.6).

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