MOTOR-DRIVEN SPINDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A DISPENSER

Abstract

A motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser includes a spindle that defines an internal volume. A motor is disposed within the spindle's internal volume and is operable to rotate the spindle. A support includes a plate, a first leg, and a second leg. The support plate is positioned within the spindle's internal volume. The proximal end portions of the first and second legs are positioned on the plate. A distal end portion of the first leg is positioned within a first opening of a sleeve such that the distal end portion of the first leg can slide within the first opening along a lateral direction. A distal end portion of the second leg is positioned within a second opening of the sleeve such that the distal end portion of the second leg can slide within the second opening along a lateral direction.

Description

MOTOR-DRIVEN SPINDLE ASSEMBLY FOR A DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Several paper product dispensers are known in the art. Certain dispensers include a motor that operates to selectively dispense a roll of paper. In response to user input, such as a hand gesture, the motor drives the rotation of a spindle coupled to one end of the paper on the roll. As the spindle rotates, it can move the free end of the paper on the roll out of the dispenser, where the user can tear off the dispensed portion. While the motor is rotating the spindle, the paper roll rotates within the dispenser to maintain the coupling between the spindle and the paper on the roll and allow for subsequent dispensing. The space inside dispensers is occupied by several components, including the motor. In most dispensers, the motor takes up valuable internal space and therefore increases the overall size of the dispenser. Consistently mounting the motor within known dispensers so that it operates reliably can also be difficult. For example, the motor support structure in dispensers QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Ref. 348896, known components can interfere with the motor and cause it to draw excessive current. Therefore, during manufacturing, a large number of dispensers may require time-consuming fine-tuning to properly support the motor within the dispenser and allow for its correct operation. In view of the above, there is a need for improved dispensers for paper products, including an improved support for a motor inside the dispenser. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In general, this description refers to a motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser. The motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser includes a spindle and a motor. The motor is located inside the spindle. Therefore, the motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser advantageously occupies a smaller volume within the dispenser, for example, compared to positioning the motor outside the spindle. The motor-driven spindle assembly also includes a bracket to support the motor within the spindle. The bracket also allows axial movement of the motor relative to the spindle. Therefore, the bracket allows the motor to float axially within the spindle, and the bracket can advantageously reduce interference between the motor and the spindle, for example, with respect to the QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi known supports that push the motor against the spindle. In an illustrative embodiment, a motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser includes a spindle that rotates about an axis. The spindle extends longitudinally between a first spindle end portion and a second spindle end portion. The spindle defines an internal volume within the spindle at the first spindle end portion. A motor is disposed within the internal volume of the spindle. The motor is operable to rotate the spindle about the axis. A bracket is configured to support the motor within the spindle. The bracket includes a plate, a first leg, and a second leg. The bracket plate is positioned within the internal volume of the spindle near a first motor end portion. Each of the first and second legs has a respective proximal end portion and a respective distal end portion. The proximal end portion of the first and second legs is positioned on the plate.Each of the first and second legs extends away from the plate to the distal end portion of the first and second legs. A bushing is positioned adjacent to a second end portion of the motor. The bushing defines a first opening and a second opening. The distal end portion of the first leg is positioned within the first opening of the bushing so that the portion of... The distal end of the first leg can slide into the first opening along a lateral direction. The distal end portion of the second leg is positioned within the second opening of the cap so that the distal end portion of the second leg can slide into the second opening along a lateral direction. The lateral direction is parallel to the axis. In a first illustrative aspect, the motor-driven spindle assembly may further include a drive gear assembly. The drive gear assembly may include a first gear and a second gear. The first gear may be disposed within the spindle's internal volume and may be coupled to the spindle. The second gear may mesh with the first gear and may be coupled to a motor rotor. The first gear may include a plurality of teeth extending radially inward. The second gear may include a plurality of teeth extending radially outward. The plurality of teeth of the first gear may mesh with the plurality of teeth of the second gear. The first gear may include a frame extending radially inward from a ring of the first gear. The plurality of teeth of the first gear may be disposed on the ring of the first gear.The second gear may include a plot that extends. QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi radially inward from a ring of the second gear. The plurality of teeth of the second gear may be arranged on the ring of the second gear. A spacer is arranged between the pitch of the first gear and the pitch of the second gear. The motor rotor may extend at least partially into the spacer. The spindle may include a plurality of splines arranged within the inner volume of the spindle, and an outer surface of the first gear may mesh with the plurality of splines to engage the first gear to the spindle. The support plate may be arranged between the motor and the first gear along the lateral direction. In a second illustrative aspect, a damping pad can be arranged between the motor and the support plate along the lateral direction. In a third illustrative aspect, the distal end portion of each of the first and second legs may include a respective stop. The stop of the first leg may engage with the bushing in the first opening, and the stop of the second leg may engage with the bushing in the second opening to prevent the motor from moving laterally outside the spindle's internal volume. In a fourth illustrative aspect, the distal end portion of the first leg may include a tongue that is QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi engages with the bushing in the first opening to prevent the motor from moving against the drive gear assembly within the spindle's interior. The first leg stop can be positioned on one side of the bushing, and the first leg tab can be positioned on the other side. The first leg stop can be offset from the first leg tab by a distance along the lateral direction, and this distance can be selected to allow the motor to move laterally within the spindle. In a fifth illustrative aspect, the motor-driven spindle assembly may further include a first damping sleeve and a second damping sleeve. The first damping sleeve may be arranged within the first opening of the bushing between the distal end portion of the first leg and the bushing. The second damping sleeve may be arranged within the second opening of the bushing between the distal end portion of the second leg and the bushing. In a sixth illustrative aspect, the support can be a metal support, and the first and second legs can be folded in relation to the plate to form the metal support. In a seventh illustrative aspect, the support can QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi has a U shape, and the motor can be positioned between the first and second legs of the stand. In an eighth illustrative aspect, a dispenser may include a housing, a roll holder disposed within the housing, and a motor-driven spindle assembly disposed within the housing. The motor-driven spindle assembly can be operated to dispense paper into the roll holder from the housing. The sleeve can be fixed to the housing. Each of the illustrative aspects mentioned above can be combined with one or more of the other illustrative aspects mentioned above in certain modalities. For example, the eight illustrative aspects mentioned above can be combined with each other in some modalities. As another example, any combination of two, three, four, five, or more of the eight illustrative aspects mentioned above can be combined in other modalities. Therefore, the illustrative aspects mentioned above can be used in combination with each other in some illustrative modalities. Alternatively, the illustrative aspects mentioned above can be implemented individually in other illustrative modalities. Consequently, it will be understood that various illustrative modalities can be carried out using the QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi illustrative aspects mentioned above. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present description will become clearer with reference to the following description and accompanying claims. The accompanying figures, which are incorporated herein and form part of this description, illustrate the modalities of the description and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES A complete and enabling description of the present description, including the best way of doing it, directed to a person skilled in the art, is set out in the description, which refers to the attached figures. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispenser with a motor-driven spindle assembly according to an illustrative embodiment of the present description. Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an interior volume of a spindle of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view of certain components of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Figure 5 is an exploded view of the components in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a partial sectional, perspective view of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional, elevation view of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a partial elevation view of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 9 is a partial view of an interface between a support leg and a bushing of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a bushing for the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 1. Figure 11 is a partially exploded view of a motor-driven spindle assembly according to another illustrative modality of the present description. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional, elevation view of the motor-driven spindle assembly illustrative of Figure 11. The repeated use of reference characters in the QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi The present description and figures are intended to represent characteristics or elements that are the same or analogous to those of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An expert in the technique should understand that the present discussion is a description of illustrative modalities only, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present description. As used herein, the terms "includes" and "that includes" are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." Similarly, the term "or" is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., "A or B" is intended to mean A or B or both). Approximate language, as used herein throughout the description and claims, is used to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change to the basic function to which it relates. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms such as "around," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument for measuring the value. For example, approximate language may refer to the value being within a margin of ten percent (10%). The example modalities of the present description QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi relates to a motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser. The motor-driven spindle assembly includes a spindle and a motor arranged within a spindle housing. The motor is operable to rotate the spindle. A bracket supports the motor within the spindle. The bracket's legs can slide in a bushing so that the motor can be moved axially relative to the spindle. Therefore, the bracket allows the motor to float axially within the spindle, and the bracket advantageously reduces interference between the motor and the spindle, for example, compared to known brackets that push the motor against the spindle. With reference to Figure 1, a motor-driven spindle assembly 100 is shown in an illustrative embodiment of the present subject matter, arranged within a dispenser 200. However, although described below in the context of dispenser 200, it is understood that the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can be used in or within any suitable dispenser in alternative illustrative embodiments. The particular arrangement of dispenser 200 is provided by way of example. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will have a good understanding of the components and operation of known dispensers, which are not described in great detail herein. QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi description for the sake of brevity. The dispenser 200 includes a housing 210. The housing 210 includes a pair of side walls 212, a top wall 214, and a bottom wall 216. The side walls 212 are separated from each other, for example, along a lateral direction L. The housing 210 defines an interior 218. The interior 218 of the housing 210 can be defined between the side walls 212, for example, along the lateral direction L, and / or between the top and bottom walls 214, 216, for example, along a vertical direction. Several components of dispenser 200 are positioned inside interior 218. For example, dispenser 200 includes a roll holder 220 and paper guide rollers 230 inside interior 218. A roll of paper P can be mounted on the roll holder 220 inside interior 218. The roll of paper P can rotate on the roll holder 220. Therefore, for example, during operation of dispenser 200, the roll of paper P can rotate on the roll holder 220 to allow the free end of the paper on the roll of paper P to be dispensed outside of dispenser 200, for example, near the bottom wall 216. The free end of the paper on the roll of paper P can be guided through interior 218 by the paper guide rollers 230. For example, the free end of the paper on the roll of paper P can turn the paper guide rollers 230 as it QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi the free end of the paper on the paper roll P moves out of the dispenser 200.The motor-driven spindle assembly 100 is operable to drive the movement of the free end of the paper on the paper roll P. For example, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can be positioned inside the interior 218, for example, between the side walls 212. Furthermore, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can extend between and be rotatably supported on the side walls 212. The free end of the paper on the paper roll P can pass between the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 and one or more guide rollers 230. For example, one or more guide rollers 230 can be deflected towards the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 to clamp or compress the free end of the paper on the paper roll P between the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 and the one or more guide rollers 230.Therefore, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can drive the free end movement of the paper on the paper roll P out of the dispenser 200 when the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 rotates. Several aspects of the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 are described in more detail below in the context of Figures 2 to 10. The motor-driven spindle assembly 100 includes a spindle 110 that is QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi extends longitudinally between a first end portion 112 and a second end portion 113, for example, along the lateral direction L. The spindle 110 is rotatable about an X-axis, for example, which is parallel to the lateral direction L. The spindle 110 can be rotatably supported on the side walls 212 of the housing 210. For example, the first end portion 112 of the spindle 110 can be positioned and rotatably supported on a first of the side walls 212, and the second end portion 113 of the spindle 110 can be positioned and rotatably supported on a second, opposite side wall 212. Therefore, the spindle 110 can extend along the interior 218, for example, along the lateral direction L, between the side walls 212.The spindle 110 can be cylindrical (for example, and therefore have a cylindrical wall 116 extending between the first and second end portions 112, 113) and have elastic grips on an outer surface 118 of the spindle 110 to assist with the transfer of rotation from the spindle 110 to the paper in the paper roll P. Spindle 110 defines an internal volume 114, for example, in the first end portion 112 of spindle 110. As an example, spindle 110 can define an opening 115 in the first end portion 112 through QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi which can be accessed to the inner volume 114. Therefore, the inner volume 114 can be open at the first end portion 112. Conversely, the spindle 110 can include an inner wall 117 positioned within the inner volume 114 opposite the opening 115. Therefore, the inner volume 114 can be defined between the opening 115 and the inner wall 117, for example, along the lateral direction L, within the spindle 110. As discussed in more detail below, various components of the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can be arranged within the inner volume 114 and therefore within the spindle 110. The motor-driven spindle assembly 100 also includes a motor 120. The motor 120 is arranged within the internal volume 114 of the spindle 110. Therefore, the motor 120 is positioned inside the spindle 110. In this way, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 can advantageously occupy less space within the dispenser 200 compared to positioning the motor 120 outside the spindle 110. Other advantages of the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 include reduced operating noise and protection of the motor 120 and a drive gear assembly 160 within the spindle 110 from the paper powder. Motor 120 is operable to rotate spindle 110 around the X-axis. Therefore, motor 120 is coupled to the QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi spindle 110 such that the motor 120 is operable to drive the rotation of spindle 110. For example, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 may include a drive gear assembly 160. The drive gear assembly 160 may include a first gear 162 and a second gear 163. The first gear 162 may be disposed within the inner volume 114 of spindle 110 and may be coupled to spindle 100. For example, spindle 110 may include a plurality of splines 172 disposed within the inner volume 114 of spindle 110, for example, on an inner surface 119 of spindle 110 that faces the inner volume 114. An outer surface of the first gear 162 may mesh with the splines 172 to couple the first gear 162 to spindle 110.In particular, the splines 172 can extend radially from the inner surface 119 into the inner volume 114, and the outer surface of the first gear 162 can be shaped to complement the splines 172 and / or such that the interference between the first gear 162 and the splines 172 blocks relative rotation between the first gear 162 and the spindle 110. Therefore, the first gear 162 can be fixed to the spindle 110 within the inner volume 114. The first gear 162 can be formed by a two-shot molding process, for example, with a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) overmold. QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi (in English) that couples to the second gear 163, for example, to reduce the operating noise of the drive gear assembly 160 at the interface between the first and second gears 162, 163. Therefore, for example, the first gear 162 may be a dual-material gear with a harder, first material forming a frame 166 and / or a ring 168 of the first gear 162 and with a softer, second material forming the teeth 164 of the first gear 162. The second gear 163 can mesh with the first gear 162. For example, the first gear 162 may include a plurality of teeth 164 extending radially inward, and the second gear 163 may include a plurality of teeth 165 extending radially outward. The teeth 164 of the first gear 162 can mesh with the teeth 165 of the second gear 163, for example, by inserting the second gear 163 into the first gear 162. The second gear 163 can also be coupled to a rotor 122 of the motor 120. For example, the second gear 163 can be positioned on and fixed to the rotor 122. During operation of the motor 120, the rotation of the rotor 122 can then rotate the second gear 163, the first gear 162, and the spindle 110 due to the connection between them. As can be seen from the above, spindle 110 is QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi rotating with motor 110, which is arranged inside spindle 110. The motor-driven spindle assembly 100 also includes features for mounting motor 120 within inner volume 114. In particular, the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 includes a bracket 130 for supporting motor 120 within spindle 110. Bracket 130 includes a plate 132, a first leg 134, and a second leg 136. The plate 132 of the bracket 130 can be positioned within the inner volume 114 of spindle 110. For example, motor 120 can extend longitudinally between a first end portion 126 and a second end portion 128, for example, along the lateral direction L. The plate 132 can be positioned close to the first end portion 126 of the motor. 120 within the interior volume 114.Furthermore, the rotor 122 of motor 120 can extend through the plate 132, for example, along the lateral direction L, up to the first gear 163. A stator 124 of motor 120 can be attached to the plate 132. For example, fasteners can extend through the plate 132 in motor 120 for coupling the stator 124 to the plate 132. The plate 139 can also be arranged between the motor 120 and the first gear 162, for example, along the lateral direction L. The first and second legs 134, 136 can be positioned opposite each other around the motor 120 and / or in QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi The plate 132, and the motor 120 can be positioned between the first and second legs 134, 136. In addition, each of the first and second legs 134, 136 can have a respective proximal end portion 140, 144 and a respective distal end portion 142, 146. In particular, the first leg 134 can extend between the proximal end portion 140 and the distal end portion 142, for example, along the lateral direction L, and the second leg 136 can extend between the proximal end portion 144 and the distal end portion 146, for example, along the lateral direction L. The proximal end portion 140, 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 can be positioned on and mounted to the plate 132.Conversely, the first and second legs 134, 136 can extend away from plate 132, for example, along the lateral direction L, to the distal end portion 142, 146 of the first and second legs 134, 136. The proximal end portion 140, 144 of the first and second legs 134, 136 can be positioned on or near the first end portion 126 of the motor 120, and the distal end portion 142, 146 of the first and second legs 134, 136 can be positioned on or near the second end portion 128 of the motor 120. Support 130 can be a metal support in certain illustrative formats. Furthermore, the first and second QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Legs 134, 136 can be bent relative to plate 132 to form support 130. For example, support 130 can be U-shaped and formed by bending a piece of metal to tilt the first and second legs 134, 136 relative to plate 132. A bushing 150 can be positioned near the second end portion 128 of the motor 120. Furthermore, the bushing 150 can be positioned in the housing 210 at the opening 115 of the spindle 110. The bushing 150 can be fixed to the housing 210, for example, so that the bushing 150 does not rotate with the spindle 110 by the motor 120. For example, the bushing 150 can be clamped, thermally stabilized, ultrasonically welded, etc., to the housing 210, for example, to one of the side walls 212 near the first end portion 112 of the spindle 110. The bracket 130 is mounted in the bushing 150. In particular, the bushing 130 defines a first opening 152 and a second opening 154, for example, on opposite sides of the bushing 150. The distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 is positioned within the first opening 152 of the bushing 150, and the distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 can be slid into the first opening 152, for example, along the lateral direction L. The distal end portion 146 of the second leg 136 is positioned within the second opening 154 of the bushing QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi 150, and the distal end portion 146 of the second leg 136 can slide within the second opening 154, for example, along the lateral direction L. By allowing the first and second legs 136 to slide relative to the bushing 150, for example, and thus the housing 210, the motor 120 can be moved, for example, along the lateral direction L, relative to the spindle 110 within the inner volume 114. The relative movement between the spindle 110 and the motor 120 can advantageously avoid interference with the operation of the motor 120 due to the motor 120 being compressed against the spindle 110. To assist the mounting motor 120 to the spindle 110 with the support 130, the distal end portion 142, 146 of each of the first and second legs 134, 136 may include at least one respective stop 180. Although only the distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 is shown in Figure 9, it is understood that the distal end portion 146 of the second leg 136 may be formed in the same or similar manner, e.g., with or without a hook 184, to the distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 shown in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 9, the first leg 134 may include two stops 180, each positioned on a respective edge of the first leg 134. The 180 stop of the first leg 134 can be coupled with QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi The socket 150 in the first opening 152, and the stop 180 of the second leg 136 can engage with the socket 150 in the second opening 154. The stops 180 can impact against the socket 150 to block the translation of the motor 120, for example, along the lateral direction L, outside the inner volume 114 of the spindle 110. For example, a width of the first leg 134 in the stop 180 can be greater than a corresponding width of the first opening 152 so that the first leg 134 in the stop 180 interferes with the socket 150 and cannot enter the first opening 152. The distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 can also include a hook 184. An electrical cable, such as a wire, can be welded or coupled electrically in any other way to the hook 184, for example, to assist with the grounding bracket 130 and / or the motor 120 inside the spindle 110. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first gear 162 may include a pitch 166 extending radially inward from a ring 168 of the first gear 162. The teeth 164 of the first gear 162 may be arranged on the ring 168 of the first gear 162, for example, and extend radially inward from the ring 168 of the first gear 162. The second gear 163 may include a pitch 167 extending radially inward from a ring 169 of the second gear 163. The teeth 165 of the second gear 163 can be arranged in the ring 169 of the second gear 163, for example, and extend radially outward from the ring 169 of the second gear 163. A spacer 170 can be arranged and / or extended between the pitch 166 of the first gear 162 and the pitch 167 of the second gear 163, for example, along the lateral direction L. The spacer 170 can then block the pitch 166 of the first gear 162 from impacting the pitch 167 of the second gear 163. The spacer 170 can be constructed of or with a suitable thermoset or thermoplastic, for example, selected for suitable elasticity. The rotor 122 of the motor 120 can extend at least partially into the spacer 170, for example, along the lateral direction L. Therefore, the spacer 170 can be annular, such as an O-ring. The motor 120 can float within the spindle 110 between the spacer 170 and the bushing 150.By way of example, the motor 120 may float not less than one-tenth of a millimeter (0.1 mm) and not more than five millimeters (5 mm) within the spindle 110 between the spacer 170 and the bushing 150. In certain illustrative embodiments, the motor 120 may float approximately half a millimeter (0.5 mm) within the spindle 110 between the spacer 170 and the bushing 150. The 100 motor-driven spindle assembly may also include features to reduce noise. QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi operation of the spindle assembly driven by motor 100, for example, while motor 120 rotates spindle 110. For example, a damping pad 190 can be arranged between motor 120 and plate 132, for example, along the lateral direction L. The damping pad 190 can be configured to reduce or dampen the vibration transfer from motor 120 to plate 132. The damping pad 190 can have a shape, for example, in a plane that is perpendicular to the lateral direction L, which is complementary to the corresponding shape of motor 120 and / or plate 130. Therefore, for example, the damping pad 190 can be circular. The damping pad 190 can be constructed from or with a suitable thermoset or thermoplastic, for example, selected for suitable elasticity and / or vibration damping between the motor 120 and the plate 132. The motor-driven spindle assembly 100 may also include a first damper sleeve 192 and a second damper sleeve 194. The first damper sleeve 192 may be disposed within the first opening 152 of the bushing 150, for example, between the distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 and the bushing 150. The first damper sleeve 192 may be configured to reduce or dampen vibration transfer from the QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi first leg 134 to bushing 150. The second damping sleeve 194 can be disposed within the second opening 154 of the bushing 150, for example, between the distal end portion 146 of the second leg 136 and the bushing 150. The second damping sleeve 194 can be configured to reduce or dampen vibration transfer from the second leg 136 to the bushing 150. The first and second damping covers 192, 194 can be constructed of or with a suitable thermoset or thermoplastic, for example, selected for suitable elasticity and / or vibration damping between the support 130 and the bushing 150. Figures 11 and 12 show a motor-driven spindle assembly 300 according to another illustrative embodiment of this topic. The motor-driven spindle assembly 300 includes numerous components and functions common to, or similar to, those described above for the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 shown in Figures 1 to 10. Therefore, reference is made to the above description of the motor-driven spindle assembly 100, which is not repeated to describe the motor-driven spindle assembly 300 for the sake of brevity. The differences between the motor-driven spindle assembly 300 and the motor-driven spindle assembly 100 are described in more detail in QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi continued. Several aspects of the motor-driven spindle assembly 300 are described in further detail below in the context of Figures 11 and 12. As shown, the stops 180 of the first and second legs 134, 136 can be formed as shoulders and / or projections on the first and second legs 134, 136. The distal end portion 142 of the first leg 134 can also include a tab 310, for example, instead of the hook 184. An electrical cable, such as a wire, can be attached or otherwise electrically coupled to the tab 310, for example, to assist with the grounding bracket 130 and / or the motor 120 within the spindle 110. The tab 310 can be positioned on the opposite stop 180 of the first leg 134 around the bushing 150, and the tab 310 can be coupled with the 150 bushing in the first opening 152.For example, the tongue 310 can impact against the bushing 150 and block the translation of the motor 120, for example, along the lateral direction L, against the drive gear assembly 160 within the inner volume 114 of the spindle 110. The spacer 170 within the spindle 110 can be omitted in the motor-driven spindle assembly 300. The stop 180 of the first leg 134 can be separated from the tongue 310 of the first leg 134 by a distance D, for example, along the lateral direction L. In this way Similarly, the first opening 152 can have a length N, for example, along the lateral direction L. The distance D and the length N can be selected so that the motor 120 can move within the inner volume 114, for example, along the lateral direction L, by approximately a difference F between the distance D and the length N while still being supported by the support 130. Therefore, the motor 120 can float approximately the difference F on the support 130 within the spindle 110. The difference F can be a suitable clearance. For example, the difference F can be no less than one-tenth of a millimeter (0.1 mm) and no greater than five millimeters (5 mm). In certain illustrative embodiments, the distance D can be approximately half a millimeter (0.5 mm). These and other modifications and variations to the present invention may be made by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only and is not intended to limit the invention as more fully described in the appended claims. QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Illustrative Modalities First illustrative embodiment: A motor-driven spindle assembly (100) for a dispenser, comprising: a spindle (110) rotatable about an axis (X), the spindle (110) extending longitudinally between a first spindle end portion (112) and a second spindle end portion (113), the spindle (110) defining an inner volume (114) within the spindle (110) in the first spindle end portion (112); a motor (120) disposed within the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110), the motor (120) operable to rotate the spindle (110) about the axis (X);a support (130) for supporting the motor (120) within the spindle (110), the support (130) comprising a plate (132), a first leg (134), and a second leg (136), the plate (132) of the support (130) positioned within the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110) adjacent to a first end portion (126) of the motor (120), each of the first and second legs (134, 136) having a respective proximal end portion (140, 144) and a respective distal end portion (142, 146), the proximal end portions (140, 144) of the first and second legs (134, 136) positioned on the plate (132), each of the first and second legs (134, 136) extending away from the plate (132) to the distal end portions (142, 146) of the; QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi first and second legs (134, 136); and a bushing (150) positioned close to a second end portion (128) of the motor (120), the bushing (150) defining a first opening (152) and a second opening (154), the distal end portion (142) of the first leg (134) positioned within the first opening (152) of the bushing (150) such that the distal end portion (142) of the first leg (134) can slide into the first opening (152) along a lateral direction (L), the distal end portion (146) of the second leg (136) positioned within the second opening (154) of the bushing (150) such that the distal end portion (146) of the second leg (136) can slide into the second opening (154) along the lateral direction (L), the lateral direction (L) being parallel to the axis (X). Second illustrative embodiment: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the first illustrative embodiment, further comprising a drive gear assembly (160) comprising a first gear (162) and a second gear (163), the first gear (162) arranged within the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110) and coupled to the spindle (110), the second gear (163) meshed with the first gear (162) and coupled to a rotor (122) of the motor (120). Third illustrative modality: The spindle assembly QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi motor-driven (100) of the second illustrative modality, wherein the first gear (162) comprises a plurality of teeth (164) extending radially inwards, the second gear (163) comprises a plurality of teeth (165) extending radially outwards, and the plurality of teeth (164) of the first gear (162) mesh with the plurality of teeth (165) of the second gear (163). Fourth illustrative embodiment: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the third illustrative embodiment, wherein the first gear (162) comprises a pitch (166) extending radially inwards from a ring (168) of the first gear (162), the plurality of teeth (164) of the first gear (162) are arranged in the ring (168) of the first gear (162), the second gear (163) comprises a pitch (167) extending radially inwards from a ring (169) of the second gear (163), the plurality of teeth (165) of the second gear (163) are arranged in the ring (169) of the second gear (163), and a spacer (170) is arranged between the pitch (166) of the first gear (162) and the pitch (167) of the second gear (163). Fifth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the fourth illustrative modality, wherein the rotor (122) of the motor (120) extends at least partially into the separator (170). QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Sixth illustrative embodiment: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the second illustrative embodiment, wherein the spindle (110) comprises a plurality of grooves (172) arranged within the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110), and an outer surface of the first gear (162) meshes with the plurality of grooves (172) to couple the first gear (162) to the spindle (110). Seventh illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the second illustrative modality, wherein the support plate (132) (130) is arranged between the motor (120) and the first gear (162) along the lateral direction (L). Eighth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to seventh illustrative modality, further comprising a damping pad (190) disposed between the motor (120) and the support plate (132) (130) along the lateral direction (L). Ninth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to the eighth illustrative modality, wherein the distal end portions (140, 144) of each of the first and second legs (134, 136) comprise a respective stop (180, 182), the stop (180) of the first leg (134) being coupleable with the QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi bushing (150) in the first opening (152) and the stop (182) of the second leg (136) couple with the bushing (150) in the first and second openings (152, 154) to block the translation of the motor (120) along the lateral direction (L) outside the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110). Tenth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the ninth illustrative modality, wherein the distal end portion (142) of the first leg (134) comprises a tongue (310) that engages with the bushing (150) in the first opening (152) to block the translation of the motor (120) against the drive gear assembly (160) within the inner volume (114) of the spindle (110). Eleventh illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the tenth illustrative modality, wherein the stop (180) of the first leg (134) is positioned on a first side of the bushing (150), and the tongue (310) of the first leg (134) is positioned on a second side of the bushing (150). Twelfth illustrative embodiment: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of the eleventh illustrative embodiment, wherein the stop (180) of the first leg (134) is separated from the tongue (310) of the first leg (134) by a distance (D) along the lateral direction (L), and the distance (D) is selected so that the motor (120) can move along QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi long lateral direction (L) within the spindle (110). Thirteenth illustrative embodiment: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to twelfth illustrative embodiments, further comprising a first damping cover (192) and a second damping cover (194), the first damping cover (192) disposed within the first opening (152) of the bushing (150) between the distal end portion (142) of the first leg (134) and the bushing (150), the second damping cover (194) disposed within the second opening (154) of the bushing (150) between the distal end portion (146) of the second leg (136) and the bushing (150). Fourteenth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to thirteenth illustrative modality, wherein the support (130) is a metal support, and the first and second legs (134, 136) are bent relative to the plate (132) to form the metal support. Fifteenth illustrative modality: The motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to the fourteenth illustrative modality, wherein the support (130) is U-shaped, and the motor (120) is positioned between the first and second legs (134, 136) of the support (130). QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi Sixteenth illustrative embodiment: A dispenser (200), comprising: a housing (210); a roll holder (220) disposed within the housing (210); and the motor-driven spindle assembly (100) of any one of the first to the fifteenth illustrative embodiments, disposed within the housing (210), the motor-driven spindle assembly (100) operable to dispense paper into the roll holder (220) of the housing (210). Seventeenth illustrative modality: The dispenser of the sixteenth illustrative modality, wherein the cap (150) is attached to the housing (210). Reference characters 100 Motor-driven spindle assembly 110 Spindle 112 First spindle end portion 113 Second spindle end portion 114 Interior Volume 115 Spindle opening 116 Cylindrical wall 117 Interior wall 118 Spindle outer surface 119 Inner surface of the spindle 120 Motor 122 Rotor 124 Stator 126 First motor end portion 5 128 130 132 134 Second motor end portion Support Plate First leg 136 140 Second leg Proximal end portion of first leg 142 Distal end portion of first leg 144 Proximal end portion of second leg 10 146 Distal end portion of second leg 15 150 152 154 160 162 Bushing First opening Second opening Drive gear assembly First gear 20 163 164 165 166 167 Second gear Teeth of first gear Teeth of second gear Pitch of first gear Pitch of second gear 25 168 169 170 172 174 Ring of first gear Ring of second gear Spacer Splines Outer surface of first gear 180 Limit 184 Hook 190 Shock-absorbing pad 192 First shock absorber sleeve 194 Second shock absorber sleeve 200 Dispenser 210 Housing 212 Side walls 214 Top wall 216 Bottom wall 218 Interior 220 Roll holder 230 Paper guide rollers 300 Motor-driven spindle assembly 310 Tongue X-axis L Lateral Direction Paper Roll D Distance N Length of opening F Difference It is noted that with regard to this date, the method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the one that is clear from the description of the invention. the best practice present

Claims

1. A motor-driven spindle assembly for a dispenser characterized in that it comprises: a spindle rotating about an axis, the spindle extending longitudinally between a first spindle end portion and a second spindle end portion, the spindle defining an inner volume within the spindle at the first spindle end portion; a motor disposed within the inner volume of the spindle, the motor operable to rotate the spindle about the axis;a support for holding the motor within the spindle, the support comprising a plate, a first leg, and a second leg, the plate of the support positioned within the inner volume of the spindle near a first end portion of the motor, each of the first and second legs having a respective proximal end portion and a respective distal end portion, the proximal end portion of the first and second legs positioned on the plate, each of the first and second legs extending away from the plate to the distal end portion of the first and second legs;and a bushing positioned close to a second motor end portion, the bushing defining a first opening and a second opening, the distal end portion of the first leg positioned within the first opening of the bushing so that the distal end portion of the first leg can slide within the first opening along a lateral direction, the distal end portion of the second leg positioned within the second opening of the bushing so that the distal end portion of the second leg can slide within the second opening along the lateral direction, the lateral direction being parallel to the axis.

2. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a drive gear assembly comprising a first gear and a second gear, the first gear disposed within the inner volume of the spindle and coupled to the spindle, the second gear meshed with the first gear and coupled to a motor rotor.

3. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the first gear comprises a plurality of teeth extending radially inwards, the second gear comprises a plurality of teeth extending radially outwards, and the plurality of teeth of the first gear mesh with the plurality of teeth of the second gear.

4. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the first gear comprises a pitch extending radially inwards from a ring of the first gear, the plurality of teeth of the first gear are arranged in the ring of the first gear, the second gear comprises a pitch extending radially inwards from a ring of the second gear, the plurality of teeth of the second gear are arranged in the ring of the second gear, and a spacer is arranged between the pitch of the first gear and the pitch of the second gear.

5. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the motor rotor extends at least partially into the separator.

6. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the spindle comprises a plurality of splines arranged within the inner volume of the spindle, and an outer surface of the first gear meshes with the plurality of splines QRbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi to couple the first gear to the spindle.

7. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the support plate is arranged between the motor and the first gear along the lateral direction.

8. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a damping pad disposed between the motor and the support plate along the lateral direction.

9. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the distal end portion of each of the first and second legs comprises a respective stop, the stop of the first leg being engageable with the bushing in the first opening and the stop of the second leg being engageable with the bushing in the second opening to block the translation of the motor along the lateral direction out of the inner volume of the spindle.

10. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the distal end portion of the first leg comprises a tongue that can be engaged with the bushing in the first opening to block the translation of the motor against the drive gear assembly within the interior volume QAbRnn / eznz / B / YiAi of the spindle.

11. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the first leg stop is positioned on a first side of the bushing, and the first leg tongue is positioned on a second side of the bushing.

12. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the first leg stop is separated from the first leg tongue by a distance along the lateral direction, and the distance is selected so that the motor can be moved along the lateral direction within the spindle.

13. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a first damping sleeve and a second damping sleeve, the first damping sleeve disposed within the first opening of the bushing between the distal end portion of the first leg and the bushing, the second damping sleeve disposed within the second opening of the bushing between the distal end portion of the second leg and the bushing.

14. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is a metal support, and the first and second legs are bent relative to the plate to form the metal support.

15. The motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the support is U-shaped, and the motor is positioned between the first and second legs of the support.

16. A dispenser characterized in that it comprises: a housing; a roll holder disposed within the housing; and the motor-driven spindle assembly according to claim 1 disposed within the housing, the motor-driven spindle assembly operable to dispense paper into the roll holder from the housing.

17. The dispenser according to claim 16, characterized in that the sleeve is fixed to the housing.

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