Variable speed dispenser

Abstract

A dispenser for a roll of material includes a housing. A roll carrier is disposed within the housing. The roll carrier is configured to rotatably support a roll of web material for dispensing. A motor is disposed within the housing and a spindle is also disposed within the housing. The spindle is configured to engage the roll of web material between the roll carrier and a free end of the roll of web material. The dispenser also includes a feature for coupling a rotor of the motor to the spindle such that, during dispensing of the roll of web material with the rotor of the motor rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Various dispensers for paper products are known in the prior art. Some dispensers include a motor-driven spindle operable to dispense paper from a paper roll within the dispenser. Known dispensers operate the motor-driven spindle at a constant angular velocity during paper dispensing. However, dispensing at a constant angular velocity presents challenges. For example, the motor is heavily loaded at the start of dispensing, and the motor load decreases as the motor speed increases. The heavy load at the start of dispensing can shorten motor life. As another example, the motor stops abruptly at the end of dispensing; however, the momentum of the spindle can lead to problems related to over-rotation, such as wrinkling and continuous dispensing.

[0002] Therefore, an allocator with features designed to address the aforementioned challenges would be useful. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, this disclosure relates to a distributor with a variable distributor speed. The spindle speed may be relatively slow at the start of the dispensing operation, increase to a maximum value in the middle of the dispensing operation, and decrease to a relatively slow spindle speed near the end of the dispensing operation. Thus, for example, the spindle may rotate slowly at the start of dispensing, accelerate in the middle phase of dispensing, and then decelerate back to the starting speed. The speed change can be continuous during dispensing, and the speed of the dispensing motor can be constant during the dispensing operation. The drive mechanism of the distributor may have a variable angular velocity gear connection. Alternatively, the motor speed may be electronically controlled.

[0004] In one example embodiment, a dispenser for a roll of material includes a housing. A roll carrier is disposed within the housing. The roll carrier is configured to rotatably support a roll of web material for dispensing. A motor is disposed within the housing. A spindle is also disposed within the housing. The spindle is configured to engage the web material roll between the roll carrier and the free end of the web material roll. A drive connects the rotor of the motor to the spindle, enabling the motor to operate to rotate the spindle for dispensing the web material roll. The drive is configured such that during dispensing the web material roll while the rotor of the motor rotates at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed, and then decreases to a final speed.

[0005] In a first example, the transmission may include a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear. The first non-circular gear may be coupled to the rotor of a motor. The second non-circular gear may be coupled to a spindle. The first non-circular gear may mesh with the second non-circular gear. The first non-circular gear may include a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear may include a second elliptical gear. The first non-circular gear may include a first bevel gear drum, the second non-circular gear may include a second bevel gear drum, and the first bevel gear drum may mesh with the second bevel gear drum along an elliptical path.

[0006] In the second example, the circumference of the spindle can be approximately equal to the length of a single piece of web material on the roll.

[0007] In another example embodiment, a dispenser for a roll of material includes a housing. A roll carrier is disposed within the housing. The roll carrier is configured to rotatably support a roll of web material for dispensing. A motor is disposed within the housing. A spindle is also disposed within the housing. The spindle is configured to engage the web material roll between the roll carrier and the free end of the web material roll. The dispenser also includes a component for coupling a rotor of the motor to the spindle, such that during the dispensing of the web material roll while the rotor of the motor rotates at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed.

[0008] In other example embodiments, a method for dispensing a roll of material includes: starting a motor to rotate a rotor of the motor coupled to a spindle; increasing the rotational speed of the spindle from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed while the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed; and decreasing the rotational speed of the spindle from the second rotational speed to a third rotational speed while the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed.

[0009] In the third example, when the spindle rotates at a first speed, the web material roll can be dispensed at a first rate; when the spindle rotates at a second speed, the web material roll can be dispensed at a second rate; and when the spindle rotates at a third speed, the web material roll can be dispensed at a third rate. The second rate may be greater than the first rate, and the third rate may be less than the second rate.

[0010] In a fourth example, the transmission device may connect the rotor of a motor to a spindle, enabling the motor to operate and rotate the spindle. The transmission device may include a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear, the first non-circular gear being connected to the motor rotor and the second non-circular gear being connected to the spindle, and the first non-circular gear meshing with the second non-circular gear. The first non-circular gear may include a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear may include a second elliptical gear. The first non-circular gear may include a first bevel gear drum, the second non-circular gear may include a second bevel gear drum, and the first bevel gear drum meshes with the second bevel gear drum along an elliptical path.

[0011] In the fifth example, the circumference of the spindle can be approximately equal to the length of a single piece of web material on the roll.

[0012] In some implementations, each of the above example aspects may be combined with one or more of the other example aspects described above. Therefore, in some example implementations, the above example aspects may be used in combination with each other. Alternatively, the above example aspects may be implemented individually in other example implementations. Therefore, it will be understood that various exemplary implementations can be implemented using the above exemplary aspects.

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the principles of the disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The complete and implementable disclosure (including its best mode) for those skilled in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a dispenser according to an example implementation of this disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 It is an example implementation of the present disclosure for use Figure 1 A plan view of the transmission device of the distributor.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a further example embodiment of this disclosure for use Figure 1 A plan view of the transmission device of the distributor.

[0018] The repeated use of reference numerals in this specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or similar features or elements of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Those skilled in the art will understand that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of this disclosure.

[0020] As used herein, the term "includes / including" is 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"). As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative expression that allows for variation without causing a change in the essential function associated with it. Therefore, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximate," and "substantially" is not limited to the specified precise value. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. For example, approximate language may refer to a limit of ten percent (10%).

[0021] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a dispenser 10 for dispensing dispensable products according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the dispenser 10 is configured for dispensing roll-type sheet products, such as roll-type tissues or toilet paper sheets. The dispenser 10 is particularly suitable for dispensing tissues, tissues, etc. Typically, the dispenser 10 is configured for dispensing multiple rolls of material. The dispenser is not limited to any particular type of roll material or any particular application. For illustrative purposes only, the dispenser is shown in the figure as a tissue roll dispenser.

[0022] like Figure 1As shown, dispenser 10 includes a housing 16 having an internal volume 17, configured to accommodate one or more sheet rolls. For example, housing 16 may be configured to accommodate a first sheet roll 18 (e.g., a master roll) and / or a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll). Housing 16 may be formed of any suitable one or more materials. Housing may take any shape or configuration. Typically, dispenser 10 may include a front cover assembly 20 and a back plate 30. Front cover assembly 20 is shown in the open position. In some example embodiments, front cover assembly 20 may define one or more sidewalls of dispenser 10. However, in other example embodiments, front cover assembly 20 may form at least a portion of the sidewalls of the dispenser. However, in other example embodiments, front cover assembly 20 does not form any portion of the sidewalls of the dispenser. Front cover assembly 20 may be pivotally coupled to back plate 30. For example, one or more hinges may pivotally couple front cover assembly 20 to back plate 30. In this respect, any conventional pivot attachment mechanism may be used. For example, in some example embodiments, a simple rotatable bar is provided and held by a bar holder. It should be understood that any number of conventional pivoting devices are known to those skilled in the art and can be used to pivotally mount the front cover assembly 20 to the back panel 30. In other example embodiments, the front cover assembly 20 can be completely removed or detached from the back panel 30.

[0023] Module 40 may be disposed within internal volume 17, and module 40 accommodates dispensing mechanism 50. Typically, dispensing mechanism 50 includes components configured to dispense sheet material from a roll. For example, dispensing mechanism 50 may be configured to dispense sheet material from a first roll and / or a second roll in a controlled manner. For example, dispensing mechanism 50 may include any type of feed roller and / or pressure roller arrangement for advancing sheet material from sheet roll 18 through dispensing openings. Such feed roller arrangements, typically including control circuitry for operating said rollers, are known to those skilled in the art. Any known dispensing component may be used to dispense sheet material from sheet roll 18.

[0024] Distributor 10 also includes a roll retainer 22 configured to hold sheet roll 18. While one roll retainer 22 is shown, this disclosure is not limited thereto. In fact, any number of roll retainers 22 can be used or incorporated into the distributor 10 disclosed herein. For example, in an example embodiment where the distributor 10 is configured to hold at least two sheet rolls 18, at least two roll retainers 22, such as a first roll retainer and a second roll retainer, can be used. In some example embodiments, the first roll retainer can be used to hold a first sheet roll (e.g., a master roll), while the second roll retainer can be used to hold a second sheet roll (e.g., a residual roll). Roll retainers 22 are well known in the art and are capable of supporting sheet rolls such that the sheet can be unrolled and dispensed via a dispensing opening in the distributor. For example, some roll retainers have arms with small pieces and / or hubs thereon that can be inserted into the core diameter of the roll, thereby allowing circumferential movement of the roll to dispense sheet from the roll. Any known configuration of roll retainer can be used herein.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 50 may include a roller assembly. The roller assembly is configured to facilitate dispensing of sheet 18. For example, the roller assembly may engage sheet 18 between roll retainer 22 and the free end of sheet 18. The roller assembly may include a driven spindle 52. The driven spindle 52 may be coupled to a motor 60 such that the motor 60 can be operated to rotate the driven spindle 52. The driven spindle 52 may engage sheet 18 to facilitate dispensing of sheet 18 from dispenser 10 during rotation of the driven spindle 52. As discussed in more detail below, dispenser 10 may also include features for varying the dispensing speed of sheet 18 from dispenser 10.

[0026] Now go to Figure 2The diagram illustrates a drive mechanism 100 for dispenser 10. The drive mechanism 100 can couple a motor 60 to a driven spindle 52. For example, the rotor 62 of the motor 60 can be connected to the drive mechanism 100, and the motor 60 can be operable to rotate the driven spindle 52 to dispense sheet 18 from dispenser 10. The drive mechanism 100 can be configured such that during sheet dispensing from dispenser 10, the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 increases from an initial speed (e.g., continuously) to a maximum speed, and then (e.g., continuously) decreases to a final speed. Conversely, during sheet dispensing from dispenser 10, the rotor 62 of the motor 60 can rotate at a substantially constant speed. By changing the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52, the torque applied to the sheet 18 can also be changed. For example, during the start of dispensing, when the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 is at its initial speed, the output torque of the drive mechanism 100 may be relatively high. Then, as the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 increases to its maximum speed, the output torque of the transmission 100 may decrease and become relatively low. Furthermore, near the end of the dispensing process, when the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 reaches its final speed, the output torque of the transmission 100 may again become relatively high. As can be seen from the above, the driven spindle 52 may rotate relatively slowly at the beginning of dispensing, accelerate in the middle stage of dispensing, and decelerate at the end of dispensing. In contrast, the speed of the motor 60 can be constant during the dispensing operation.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the transmission device 100 may include a pair of non-circular gears, including a first elliptical gear 110 and a second elliptical gear 120. The first elliptical gear 110 may be coupled to the rotor 62 of the motor 60. Therefore, operation of the motor 60 can drive the first elliptical gear 110 to rotate. The second elliptical gear 120 may be coupled to the driven spindle 52. The second elliptical gear 120 may also mesh with the first elliptical gear 110. Therefore, operation of the motor 60 can rotate the driven spindle 52 via the first elliptical gear 110 and the second elliptical gear 120.

[0028] In some example embodiments, the circumference of the driven spindle 52 may be approximately equal to the length of the sheet 18. Thus, for example, a single rotation of the driven spindle 52 may dispense a single sheet of sheet 18.

[0029] Now go to Figure 3Another example embodiment of the drive mechanism 200 of the dispenser 10 is shown. The drive mechanism 200 may couple a motor 60 to a driven spindle 52. For example, the rotor 62 of the motor 60 may be connected to the drive mechanism 200, and the motor 60 may be operable to rotate the driven spindle 52 to dispense sheet 18 from the dispenser 10. The drive mechanism 200 may be configured such that during the dispensing of sheet 18 from the dispenser 10, the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed. Conversely, during the dispensing of sheet 18 from the dispenser 10, the rotor 62 of the motor 60 may rotate at a substantially constant speed. By changing the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52, the torque applied to the sheet 18 may also be changed, for example, as described above.

[0030] The transmission device 200 may include a pair of non-circular gears, including a first bevel gear 210 and a second bevel gear 220. The first bevel gear 210 may be coupled to the rotor 62 of the motor 60. Thus, operation of the motor 60 can drive the first bevel gear 210 to rotate. The second bevel gear 220 may be coupled to the driven spindle 52. The second bevel gear 220 may also mesh with the first bevel gear 210, for example, along an elliptical path. For example, the teeth 230 on the first bevel gear 210 and / or the second bevel gear 220 may be distributed in an elliptical pattern on the surfaces of the first bevel gear 210 and / or the second bevel gear 220. Thus, operation of the motor 60 can rotate the driven spindle 52 via the first bevel gear 210 and the second bevel gear 220.

[0031] In some example embodiments, the circumference of the driven spindle 52 may be approximately equal to the length of the sheet 18. Thus, for example, a single rotation of the driven spindle 52 may dispense a single sheet of sheet 18.

[0032] A method for dispensing a roll of material may include: starting a motor 60 to rotate a rotor 62 of the motor 60 coupled to a driven spindle 52; increasing the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed while the motor 60 is started and the rotor 62 of the motor 60 is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed; and decreasing the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 from the second rotational speed to a third rotational speed while the motor 60 is started and the rotor 62 of the motor 60 is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed. When the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 is the first rotational speed, the sheet 18 may be dispensed at a first rate. When the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 is the second rotational speed, the sheet 18 may be dispensed at a second rate. The second rate may be greater than the first rate. For example, the second rate may be no less than twice the first rate. When the rotational speed of the driven spindle 52 is the third rotational speed, the sheet 18 may be dispensed at a third rate. The third rate may be less than the second rate. For example, the third rate may be no less than half the second rate.

[0033] These and other modifications and variations of the invention may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as more specifically described 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 above description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the invention further described in the appended claims.

[0034] Attached icon number

[0035] 10 Distributors

[0036] 16. Shell

[0037] 17. Internal volume

[0038] 18 sheets

[0039] 20 Front Cover Assembly

[0040] 22-roll retainer

[0041] 30 Backplate

[0042] 40 modules

[0043] 50 Distribution agencies

[0044] 52 Driven Spindle

[0045] 54 pressure rollers

[0046] 60 motors

[0047] 62 axes

[0048] 100 Transmission device

[0049] 110 First Gear

[0050] 120 Second Gear

[0051] 200 Transmission device

[0052] 210 First Gear

[0053] 220 Second Gear

[0054] 230 teeth

[0055] Example Implementation Plan

[0056] First example embodiment: A dispenser for a roll of material, the dispenser comprising: a housing; a roll carrier disposed within the housing and configured to rotatably support a roll of web material for dispensing; a motor disposed within the housing; a spindle disposed within the housing and configured to engage the web material roll between the roll carrier and a free end of the web material roll; and a transmission mechanism that connects a rotor of the motor to the spindle, such that the motor is operable to rotate the spindle to dispense the web material roll. The transmission mechanism is configured such that during the dispensing of the web material roll while the rotor of the motor rotates at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed.

[0057] Second example implementation: A distributor as described in the first example implementation, wherein the transmission device includes a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear, the first non-circular gear being coupled to the rotor of the motor, the second non-circular gear being coupled to the main shaft, and the first non-circular gear meshing with the second non-circular gear.

[0058] Third example implementation: a distributor as described in the second example implementation, wherein the first non-circular gear includes a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear includes a second elliptical gear.

[0059] Fourth example implementation: a dispenser as described in the second example implementation, wherein the first non-circular gear includes a first conical gear drum, the second non-circular gear includes a second conical gear drum, and the first conical gear drum meshes with the second conical gear drum along an elliptical path.

[0060] Fifth example implementation: a distributor as described in any one of the first to fourth implementations, wherein the circumference of the spindle is approximately equal to the length of a piece of the web material on the roll.

[0061] Sixth Example Embodiment: A dispenser for a roll of material, the dispenser comprising: a housing; a roll carrier disposed within the housing and configured to rotatably support a roll of web material for dispensing; a motor disposed within the housing; a spindle disposed within the housing and configured to engage the web material roll between the roll carrier and a free end of the web material roll; and a member for connecting a rotor of the motor to the spindle such that during dispensing the web material roll while the rotor of the motor rotates at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed.

[0062] Seventh example implementation: a distributor as described in the sixth example implementation, wherein the circumference of the spindle is approximately equal to the length of a piece of the web material on the roll.

[0063] Eighth Example Implementation: A method for dispensing a roll of material, the method comprising: starting a motor to rotate a rotor of the motor coupled to a spindle; increasing the rotational speed of the spindle from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed while the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed; and decreasing the rotational speed of the spindle from the second rotational speed to a third rotational speed while the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at the substantially constant rotational speed.

[0064] Ninth Example Implementation: The method as described in the eighth example implementation, wherein: when the rotational speed of the spindle is the first rotational speed, the web material roll is dispensed at a first rate; when the rotational speed of the spindle is the second rotational speed, the web material roll is dispensed at a second rate, and the second rate is greater than the first rate; and when the rotational speed of the spindle is the third rotational speed, the web material roll is dispensed at a third rate, and the third rate is less than the second rate.

[0065] Tenth Example Implementation: The method as described in the ninth example implementation, wherein a transmission device connects the rotor of the motor to the spindle, enabling the motor to operate to rotate the spindle, the transmission device comprising a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear, the first non-circular gear being connected to the rotor of the motor, the second non-circular gear being connected to the spindle, the first non-circular gear meshing with the second non-circular gear.

[0066] Eleventh Example Implementation: The method described in the tenth example implementation, wherein the first non-circular gear comprises a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear comprises a second elliptical gear.

[0067] Twelfth Example Implementation: The method described in the tenth example implementation, wherein the first non-circular gear includes a first conical gear drum, the second non-circular gear includes a second conical gear drum, and the first conical gear drum meshes with the second conical gear drum along an elliptical path.

[0068] Thirteenth Example Implementation: The method of any one of the eighth to twelfth embodiments, wherein the circumference of the spindle is approximately equal to the length of a piece of the web material on the roll.

Claims

1. A dispenser for a material roll, the dispensing comprising: case; A roll carrier, which is disposed within the housing and configured to rotatably support a roll of fiber web material for dispensing; A motor, which is disposed within the housing; A spindle, which is disposed within the housing and configured to engage the web material roll between the roll carrier and the free end of the web material roll; as well as A transmission device connects the rotor of the motor to the main shaft, enabling the motor to operate and rotate the main shaft to dispense the web material rolls. The transmission device includes a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear, the first non-circular gear being connected to the rotor of the motor, and the second non-circular gear being connected to the main shaft, wherein the first non-circular gear meshes with the second non-circular gear; The transmission device is configured such that during each dispensing cycle of the web material roll from the dispenser, while the rotor of the motor is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle increases from an initial speed to a maximum speed and then decreases to a final speed, wherein the maximum speed includes the maximum rotational speed of the spindle during each dispensing cycle of the web material roll from the dispenser. The first non-circular gear includes a first conical gear drum, the second non-circular gear includes a second conical gear drum, and the first conical gear drum meshes with the second conical gear drum along an elliptical path.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the first non-circular gear comprises a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear comprises a second elliptical gear.

3. The distributor of claim 1, wherein the circumference of the spindle is approximately equal to the length of a piece of web material on the web material roll.

4. A method for dispensing material rolls, the method comprising: Start the motor so that the rotor of the motor, which is connected to the main shaft, rotates; During each dispensing cycle of the material roll, when the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at a substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle is increased from a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed; as well as During each dispensing cycle of the material roll, when the motor is started and the rotor of the motor is rotating at the substantially constant rotational speed, the rotational speed of the spindle is reduced from the second rotational speed to the third rotational speed; The transmission device connects the rotor of the motor to the main shaft, enabling the motor to operate and rotate the main shaft. The transmission device includes a first non-circular gear and a second non-circular gear. The first non-circular gear is connected to the rotor of the motor, and the second non-circular gear is connected to the main shaft. The first non-circular gear meshes with the second non-circular gear. The first non-circular gear includes a first conical gear drum, the second non-circular gear includes a second conical gear drum, and the first conical gear drum meshes with the second conical gear drum along an elliptical path.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein: When the rotational speed of the main shaft is the first rotational speed, the fiber web material roll is distributed at a first rate; When the rotational speed of the spindle is the second rotational speed, the fiber web material roll is dispensed at a second rate, and the second rate is greater than the first rate; as well as When the rotational speed of the spindle is the third rotational speed, the fiber web material roll is distributed at a third rate, and the third rate is less than the second rate.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first non-circular gear comprises a first elliptical gear, and the second non-circular gear comprises a second elliptical gear.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the circumference of the spindle is approximately equal to the length of a piece of web material on the material roll.

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