EP0814695B1 - Loading device for a wiping material dispensing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PCT No. PCT/FR96/00305 Sec. 371 Date Dec. 12, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Dec. 12, 1997 PCT Filed Feb. 28, 1996 PCT Pub. No. WO96/28080 PCT Pub. Date Sep. 19, 1996The housing of the apparatus comprises lateral walls (2b-2c) perpendicular to the rear wall (2a) and designed to have curved slots (2g) and at least one projecting shape (9) shaped in the form of a cam situated at the rear end of each curved slot. Opposite each wall (2b-2c) there is a small hinged shaped plate (11) capable of elastic deformation accommodating a retractable pin (12) arranged opposite the wall of the housing in order to fit into, protrude beyond or retract from said curved receptacle slot in combination with elastic deformation of the small plate of which the lower part is capable of cooperating as it moves with projection (9) formed on the opposite wall depending on the particular reel loading phase. The small plate is restored to its initial position at the end of operation. The diameter of pin (12) is much less than the diameter of the core. This loading device is suitable for any type of dispensing apparatus for paper wipes.

Description

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

It is known in the trade to offer by many manufacturers and manufacturers, and by the applicant in particular, paper towel dispensers, with or without automatic paper cutting, in folded or unfolded versions folded.

Generally, each device comprises a casing arranged for receive, in its upper part, a reel of material wiper mounted free in rotation while being guided to be unwound as a result of a manual pull action of the end of the paper strip by the user to ensure, thanks to an underlying cutting device integrated in a drive drum, paper length distribution.

The reel of the above-mentioned wiping material is generally wound on a hollow mandrel which is likely to engage in end caps or the like formed on side covers of the casing. These flanges have a some stretch elasticity to allow insertion of the spool or removal of the mandrel thereof when said reel has been fully unwound. Such an arrangement is described in numerous patents in the name of the applicant, and we indicates, without limitation, French patents No. 93/04082, n ° 93/14609, n ° 94/04399, n ° 94/06907, n ° 94/05698. The devices described in these various patents show the aforementioned loading system, that the device is fitted out for allow the distribution of paper in folded or unfolded form folded.

In the aforementioned implementations of these devices, the coil wiping material is not directly supported on the underlying drum which includes the tape cutter of material, this cutting device possibly being, for example, and not limited to that indicated in French patents of the applicant.

A pressing element is used to be in elastic support on the drum to ensure the passage and the maintenance of the strip of paper that is unrolled.

We also know, in other devices, the concept of make along the side flanges of the housing of the elements in slide shape that allows vertical guidance and gravity fall of the wiping reel as and when of its unwinding. In this case, the coil receives, at its lateral ends, hubs with engagement finger in said slides.

In the aforementioned types of devices, it is observed that the operator must intervene manually to position the coil wiping, either by spacing the side flanges and introduction of the support mandrel into the end pieces, either by positioning of the spool in the guide rails using pins or fingers established overhanging the coil.

In these achievements, and especially for the positioning of the coil between the flanges, the operator is led to research, by trial and error, and position very correctly the coil on the end caps, which is not always practical. The diameter of the end caps corresponds substantially to the diameter of the mandrel to ensure perfect holding of the whole.

Furthermore, it is observed that it is necessary to ensure the changing the wiping coil whether the one in service is unwound completely, otherwise there would be a waste of wiping material.

As part of his previous research, the applicant had imagined the possibility of an evacuation of the wiping reel at the end of the service when a few strips of paper remained distribute, in order to be replaced automatically by a new material reel, called reserve reel. In this implementation, complex mechanisms, using pivoting or beautiful lift arm systems were used making the design of the device expensive. However, this provision allowed the complete distribution of the first spool of wiping simultaneously with the beginning of the unwinding of the second coil in service, as defined for example in French patents No. 83/19815 and No. 76/28387. In these final cases, the final mandrel free of any strip of material was then evacuated into the back of the aircraft, and a operator could later remove it in order to be able to reload.

In view of the prior art considered developed mainly by the applicant, the aim sought, according to the present invention, was to improve and simplify the loading of the coil for wiping a material distribution apparatus, in the form folded or unfolded, and whatever the others characteristics of the device, and in particular of its device cutting, its paper tape drive drum and other adjustments that may occur in the device.

A second aim sought after according to the invention was to achieve a wiper reel loading device that provides very fast intervention without manipulation particular nor search for centering of the wiping reel by relation to the device, and its support means, and which offers simultaneously the possibility of making the change, then that the wiping reel in service is not fully unwound, the change still allowing the final distribution of said first coil in service simultaneously with the start the second reel.

A third aim sought according to the invention was to achieve a loading device including fittings and characteristics are simple to achieve by integrating them into the manufacture of the casing of the apparatus to ensure a cost of returns very reduced from the whole.

Another object according to the invention was to provide a device for loading which is capable of operating within the framework of a dispenser with double rollers.

Another object sought after according to the invention was to allow the use of the loading device for all types wiping paper dispenser, in all applications such as hand wiping, dispensing toilet paper, distribution of paper towels folded or unfolded position.

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

The wiping material dispenser is of the type comprising, in a housing, the reception of at least one coil wiping, underlying mechanisms including a drum including or not including a cutting device and a pressing element in support on the drum between which is intended to pass the or the strips of material from the wiping reels.

According to a first characteristic of the invention, it includes a loading device so designed as the housing includes side walls perpendicular to the wall rear and arranged to receive curvilinear lights, and at minus one cam-shaped protruding shape located at the rear end of each curved light. Regarding each wall is arranged in articulation with a profiled plate, each plate comprising a retractable finger arranged in look of the casing wall to engage, overflow or retract from said curvilinear reception light, combination with the elastic deformation of the insert, of which the lower part is likely to cooperate on the move with the projection formed on the facing wall, according to the phases of loading the reel, said finger constituting a means of stop of the material reel until the presentation of the mandrel thereof facing the finger then a means of free suspension of the material reel support mandrel. One end of the plate is associated with a means of elastic return allowing its limited displacement and its back in position. The diameter of the finger is very widely less than the diameter of the mandrel.

• la figure 1 est une vue d'un appareil distributeur présenté de côté, équipé du dispositif de chargement de la bobine d'essuyage, l'appareil étant représenté dans une version non limitative avec des aménagements d'un tambour et dispositif de coupe décrits dans l'un des brevets du demandeur,
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective éclatée du dispositif de chargement de la bobine d'essuyage dans un appareil distributeur,
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe, selon la ligne 3.3 de la figure 1, illustrant la bobine d'essuyage en position de mise en place,
• la figure 4 est une vue similaire à la figure 3 illustrant l'introduction ou l'enlèvement de la bobine d'essuyage,
• la figure 5 est une vue de profil illustrant la mise en place de la bobine d'essuyage dans le dispositif,
• la figure 6 est une vue similaire à la figure 5 illustrant la possibilité de retrait de la bobine d'essuyage non totalement dévidée dans le cadre d'un besoin quelconque,
• la figure 7 est une vue de profil d'un appareil distributeur avec une variante de réalisation du dispositif de chargement permettant l'introduction par le haut de l'appareil de la bobine d'essuyage et incluant également un portique permettant la distribution de papier dans une version pliée,
• la figure 8 est une vue en coupe selon la ligne 8.8 de la figure 7,
• la figure 9 est une vue à caractère schématique illustrant l'utilisation du dispositif de chargement, selon la figure 7, appliqué dans un appareil distributeur à double rouleaux, en phase de non sollicitation,
• la figure 10 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 9, illustrant le mécanisme de tenue et d'escamotage de la bobine de réserve,
• la figure 11 est une vue semblable à la figure 9 illustrant la détection pour le changement et remplacement de la bobine de matériau en fin d'utilisation par la bobine de réserve,
• la figure 12 est une vue en plan, selon la figure 11, illustrant d'une manière schématique l'escamotage du mécanisme de maintien de la bobine de réserve.

To fix the subject of the invention, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner in the figures of the drawings where,

• FIG. 1 is a view of a dispensing device presented from the side, equipped with the device for loading the wiping reel, the device being shown in a non-limiting version with arrangements of a drum and cutting device described in one of the applicant's patents,
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device for loading the wiping reel into a dispensing device,
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view, along the line 3.3 of FIG. 1, illustrating the wiping reel in the positioning position,
• FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating the introduction or the removal of the wiping reel,
• FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating the positioning of the wiping reel in the device,
• FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating the possibility of removing the wiping reel which is not fully unwound in the context of any need,
• Figure 7 is a side view of a dispensing device with an alternative embodiment of the loading device allowing the introduction from the top of the device of the wiping reel and also including a gantry allowing the distribution of paper in a folded version,
• FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8.8 of FIG. 7,
• FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the use of the loading device, according to FIG. 7, applied in a dispenser device with double rollers, in the non-solicitation phase,
• FIG. 10 is a top view, according to FIG. 9, illustrating the mechanism for holding and retracting the reserve coil,
• FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the detection for changing and replacing the reel of material at the end of use by the reserve reel,
• Figure 12 is a plan view, according to Figure 11, schematically illustrating the retraction of the holding mechanism of the reserve coil.

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

The material reel loading device applies to any functioning material dispensing device automatic or not, with in particular applications in the distribution of paper towels, toilet paper or paper such as napkins, in folded or unfolded versions.

The material reel loading device is adaptable in any type of material dispensing device wiping paper, whatever the characteristics and special arrangements of the drum, of the cutting device incorporated or not, and various other adjustments necessary to operation and distribution of paper strips according to determined lengths. It was simply illustrated in Figure 1 an example of a complete dispensing device including the set of mechanisms to facilitate the understanding of the invention and its readers, based in particular on achievements developed by the applicant in its earlier patents.

The dispensing device is referenced as a whole by (1). It includes a volumetric shaped housing (2) parallelepiped with a rear wall (2a), two walls lateral (2b - 2c) perpendicular to the previous one and defining the positioning zone of the wiping reel (B) and underlying mechanisms, including a drum (3) including a cutting device (4), as well as a pressing element (5) placed in abutment on the drum between which is intended to pass the strip or strips of material from wiping reels as will be described later. The pressing element is held in position by profiled tabs (2d) conformed with the housing, directly or in a reported manner, and thus allow the maintenance of this pressing element against the drum. A launching mechanism (6) of the type described in Applicant's prior patent ensures and controls rotation of the drum.

The housing includes a bottom wall (2e) arranged with a opening (2f) authorizing in known manner the passage and exit of the strip of material cut along a length determined. On this housing is hinged a cover (7) of closing which is likely for example to snap in the upper part of the device using a means of lock (8) of any known type.

According to the invention, the coil loading device wiping can be done either by an introduction horizontal of the coil in the device by its front face, as it appears in the drawings of Figures 2 to 6, or in the part of an alternative embodiment by an introduction by the top of the material reel apparatus, according to Figures 1 and 9. It will then be represented, in another variant, the use of the device in a double roller version in using the same charging device.

We will first describe the first variant of the material reel loading device, by its frontal introduction into the device, referring to the figures 1 to 6.

In this implementation, the side walls (2b - 2c) of the housing are each fitted with curvilinear lights (2g) arranged in a substantially horizontal plane. Underlying each of these lights is arranged, on the face external (2b1 - 2c1) of said walls, at least one form protruding (9) shaped cam-shaped and disposed between the rear wall (2a) of the housing and the end of the light curvilinear. This protruding shape (9) has a sloping profile (9a) progressive from the rear end of the light curvilinear (2g) giving a cam effect as it will specified later.

Advantageously, is arranged on each side wall, a other projecting shape (10) having a sloping profile (10a) and arranged symmetrically with respect to the first projection of the other side of the curvilinear light, the two projections (9 - 10) being located on the same outer side of each of the walls (2b - 2c), and both advantageously on the same side as its longest, longest border.

It is then attached, externally to each side wall of the casing, a profiled plate (11) pivotable relative to the walls (2b - 2c) and more specifically cooperating with each curvilinear lights (2g) and the projection (s) (9-10). This plate fixedly supports a finger (12) of positioning, retaining and suspending the mandrel (M) of the wiping reel (B), said plate being arranged in look at the outside of each side wall of the casing. This finger (12) freely engages in the curvilinear light (2g) fitted for this purpose and extends beyond it inside the plane formed between said side walls (2b - 2c). The brochure profiled (11), of triangular shape for example, pendulum shape, and is fixed with free joint at its upper part (11a) on a connecting pin (13) disposed and inserted into an opening (2h) formed on each of the aforementioned side walls.

In addition, in its lower part, the profiled plate (11) is fitted with a heel (11b), and receives a projecting axis externally (14) opposite the finger (12) and serving as support and fixing at the end (15a) of a return means (15), and of which the other end (15b) is fixed to an overhanging projection (16) arranged behind in the lower part of each side wall of the housing. The inner finger (12) overflows with light aforementioned receptor, over a corresponding distance of preferably the thickness of the light. The profiled plate (11), forming a pendulum due to its mounting and its material constitutive, advantageously has a certain capacity elastic deformation, as it will appear later. The heel part (11b) of the aforementioned plate protrudes into the part low to lie in a plane beyond the projections (9-10) formed externally on the side walls of the casing, and between said projections (9 - 10).

The operation is as follows, referring to Figures 1 to 6 of the drawings.

In the non-loading phase of a wiping reel, both profiled plates (11) forming a pendulum are in a position stability by gravity, the finger (12) being located in each curvilinear lights mentioned above, while the heel part (11b) of each plate is disposed between the projections (9-10). The finger (12) is slightly protruding inside and constitutes a stop zone. It is specified that the diameter of the finger (12) is very much less than the diameter of the mandrel (M) of the wiping reel. When the operator wants to load the device of a wiping reel, it presents the latter by a frontal approach so that the outer part (B1) of the coil comes to rest against each of the fingers (12) associated with the pendulum plates. During this effort of push, according to the arrow (F), the plates are pushed towards the back (Figure 5). During this movement, the heel of each plates then comes to bear against the sloping part (9a) forming a ramp of the projection (9), moving along the latter, which then causes a lateral spacing of the wafer by elastic deformation with respect to the corresponding wall, said plate nevertheless remaining linked in its upper part to the wall, by the hinge pin (13). So there is a deformation elastic of the plate which is at its maximum in its part low, in particular at the location of the finger (12) which retracts and is is then set back inside the curvilinear light ensuring its accommodation or in slight contact with the side blank reel correspondent. This operation being simultaneous two sides of the device, we understand that we can introduce the reel of material without any difficulty wiping. Each of the fingers (12) is then in counter-support against the transverse sides of the spool. When the chuck of the latter arrives, whatever its position opposite of the fingers (12) of each of the plates, these are no longer held back and then return to their original position by elastic relaxation of the platelets when entering the mandrel. The tension spring (15) allows the elastic return of the insert in its initial position. The material reel then found in a suspended position on the fingers (12) above which partially penetrate inside the mandrel of the coil. This provides a flexible and quick assembly without it a particular adjustment of the chuck of the coil relative to the aforementioned fingers (12).

Conversely, if, for whatever reason, the operator wishes remove the wiping coil in service, it performs a reverse operation, and we are then in the configuration of Figure 6 of the drawings. These are the projections (10) which allow the spacing of the plates which are pulled towards the front, according to the arrow (F2) due to the finger pressing action against the inside bottom of the mandrel.

In this advantageous implementation of the invention, as well as appears particularly in Figure 1 of the drawings, the loading of a new reel of material can be carried out, even if the one in service is not definitively unwound. Well on the contrary, the loading device according to the invention, easily ejects the current reel at the end of use by the thrust made of a new coil to its against, under the described installation conditions previously, ensuring the ejection of the coil at the end in the rear and lower part of the housing the device arranged in the shape of a tank (R).

In the latter situation, the overlapping distribution of a part of the strip of material remaining from the ejected coil and secondly from the unwinding of the new coil. We will thus have, until exhaustion of the first reel, a double thickness of paper strips. A opening (17) is advantageously arranged in the bottom of the housing to allow the capture and evacuation of the blank mandrel of any strip of paper, after the first one has been completely used up coil.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention, and we underline everything particularly the simplicity of operation and operation of the device.

Without departing from the scope of the invention, it is possible as a variant to provide loading of the wiping coil from the top of the device, as shown for example in figure 7. In this case, the side walls (20a - 20b) of the housing (20) are also fitted with curved openings (20c) of the same type than previously but oriented in a plane substantially vertical, with two projections (21 - 22) equivalent to previous (9-10) described in the previous embodiment. The articulation plates (23) are arranged substantially differently in this new version, and come under an L-shape, including the small branch (23a), in position substantially horizontal, receives the retractable finger (24) in curvilinear light, and the very long arm (23b) allows fixing the return means (25) by its ends (25a - 25b) on the one hand to the plate (23), and on the other hand on the walls side of the housing, by a projection (26) in a fixed position. The L-shaped plate is articulated in its bent part (23c), at the top of the device by an axis (27) associated with the walls mentioned above. The wiping reel is positioned under the same conditions as above.

In a variant of use, provision has also been made the device, to introduce a gantry (28) articulated on the walls side of the device, in the implementation of the French patent n ° 94/04399 for a distribution of paper in a form folded. This gantry is retractable and cooperates with ribs (29) profiles formed on the cover of the apparatus, as also described in the applicant's prior patents recalled previously.

Referring to Figures 9 to 12 of the drawings, it will be noted that the invention can also be applied to an apparatus for distribution with double rolls or coils of material (B1 - B2), a roller (B2) being provided in reserve. In this arrangement, the device is loaded from the top, within same conditions as figure 7, and there is no portal tilting allowing the distribution of paper in folded form. In this implementation thus, the paper is distributed under a unfolded shape.

Referring to the schematic representation of Figures 9 to 12, the reserve roller (B2) is in upper support in the apparatus, on a retractable stop (30) articulated by a rod (31) relative to a fixed support (32) integral with one of the walls of the housing. A large opening (20d) dimension is established in the side wall of the housing (20) for allow positioning and pivoting of the stop above, to ensure its escape. Furthermore, said link associated with the retractable stopper cooperates at the end with an arm (33) associated with an articulation pivot (34) against a return spring (35). At the end of the arm is provided a plate (36) tester coming to rest, from behind, and under the reel of material (B1) in use. As the unwinding of this coil (B1), the test plate, pressing against its outer turn, pivots against its arm and the spring aforementioned recall. Almost at the end of reeling, the stop retractable (30) withdraws and no longer provides support and retention of the reserve coil (B2). It descends by gravity and makes then play the finger (24) associated with the pads (23), in the conditions described above. The reserve coil takes the place of the previous one. The first coil (B1) is ejected in the bottom of the housing. It should be noted that the positioning of the reserve reel is such that the hanging strip of paper located on the front of the device. So when moving to the bottom, the hanging paper strip will be automatically loaded between the pressing element and the tape distribution drum of paper.

The advantages emerge clearly from the invention and we underline everything particularly the simplicity of it and its many variants of use.

Claims (9)

1. Loading device for dispensing apparatus for material wipes of the type comprising, in a housing, the accommodation of at least one reel (B) of wipe material, underneath mechanisms, especially a drum (3) that may or may not include a cutting device (4), and a pressure component (5) that presses against the drum and between which the strip(s) of material taken from the reels of wipe material is/are to be threaded, characterised in that the housing comprises lateral walls (2b-2c; 20a-20b) perpendicular to the rear wall (2a) and devised so that they have curved slots (2g-20c) and at least one projecting part (9-21) shaped as a cam situated at the rear end of each curved slot, and in that opposite each wall (2b-2c; 20a-20b) there is a small hinged profiled plate (11-23), elastically deformable, each small plate comprising a retractable pin (12-24) arranged opposite the wall of the housing so that it engages in, projects from or retracts from said curved receptacle slot in combination with elastic deformation of the small plate, the lower part of which is capable of movably cooperating with the projection (9-21) formed on the opposite wall depending on the loading phase of the reel, said pin constituting a limit stop means of the reel of wipe material until the core of the latter is offered up opposite the pin and then constituting a means of freely suspending the core that supports the reel of material, and in that one of the ends of the small plate (11-23) has an associated elastic return means (15-25) allowing limited displacement and return to its initial position, and in that the diameter of the pin (12-24) is much less than the diameter of the core.
2. Loading device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that each projecting part (9-21) has a gradual slope (9a-21a) from the rear end of the opposite curved slot (2g-20c) making it act as a cam, said projecting part cooperating with the lower end of the small hinged plate, allowing its spreading by elastic deformation when pushed apart, or during loading or unloading of the reel of material, allowing pin (12-24) to retract inside the curved slot, said pin pressing against the lateral side of the reel during insertion or removal, said pin penetrating by resilience into the core, and ensuring its suspension when said core is opposite the pin.
3. Loading device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that each of the small plates (11-23) has in addition a second shaped projection (10-22) forming a ramp (10a-22a) in a manner similar to projections (9-21), and arranged opposite the latter projections relative to curved slots (2g-20c) to allow the withdrawal and removal of the reel of material, creating a similar deformation effect of the small plates and retraction of the pins.
4. Loading device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that shaped small plates (11) each support a pin (12) for positioning, retaining and suspending the core, the small plate forming a pendulum being freely hinged at its upper part (11a) about connecting means (13) fixed to the opposite lateral wall of the housing, and in that the lower part of the shaped small plate is designed with a heel piece (11b) accommodating a shaft (14) that protrudes externally the other side to said pin (12) and is used to attach an elastic means of return (15) of which the other end is associated to means fixed to the lower part of the lateral wall, small plate (11) cooperating with the above-mentioned ramp shapes (9-10), and in that the curved slot (2g) is arranged in an essentially horizontal plane.
5. Loading device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that shaped small plates (23) each support a pin (24) for positioning, retaining and suspending the core, the small plate being L-shaped with the short leg (23a) in an essentially horizontal position supporting the retractable pin (24) accommodated in the curved slot (20c), said short leg (23a) cooperating with projections (21-22) depending on the given movement of the loading device, and in that long leg (23b) enables the attachment of the elastic return means (25) of the small plate relative to the lateral walls of the housing, said small plate being hinged at its angled part relative to the opposite wall, and in that the curved slot (20c) is arranged in an essentially vertical plane.
6. Dispensing apparatus for material wipes comprising a loading device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that it is fitted, in its bottom part, with a container (R) to receive the used up reel of material, the remaining strip of which is threaded between the pressure component and the drum to be simultaneously cut with the beginning of the material of the new reel.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that it comprises a retractable support frame (28) hinged on the walls of the apparatus and cooperating with shaped ribs (29) formed on the cover of the apparatus to ensure dispensing of the paper in folded or non-folded form.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that it comprises in addition a mechanism enabling two rolls or reels of material (B1-B2) to be dispensed, a roll or reel in use held by the loading device and a reserve roll or reel held above by retractable means.
9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterised in that the reserve reel (B2) rests against a retractable limit stop (30) which is hinged by a connecting rod (31) relative to a fixed support (32) joined to one of the walls of the housing (20), one large opening (20d) allowing positioning and swivelling of the limit stop to ensure its escape, and in that said connecting rod cooperates with an arm (33) associated with a hinged pivot (34) in opposition to a return spring, said end of arm having a test means (36) that rests at the rear and underneath the reel of material (B1) that is in use to measure its diameter and trigger the escape of the reserve roll to replace the roll in use with the latter escaping into the bottom of the apparatus.

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