Paper dispenser with moistening device

Abstract

A paper dispenser 1 has an outer housing with an upwardly pivoting flap 10. A motor can be activated, particularly by contactless actuation of a switch, causing the dispenser 1 to dispense a moistened section of a paper web P through a dispensing opening 14. Alternatively, the user can pull an unmoistened section of the paper web P out of the opening 14.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application relates to a dispenser for dispensing moistened paper for hygiene purposes, comprising: a liquid reservoir; a deflection roller for deflecting the paper web; and a transfer roller partially immersed in the liquid reservoir.

[0002] Dispensers for dispensing moistened paper are known from the prior art, see WO 99 / 53816 A1 and DE 10 2008 006599 A1. PRIOR ART: Dry or moist paper, such as toilet paper, is used for hygiene purposes.

[0003] When used, it's common for only one type of paper to be offered: either dry or moist paper. If both dry and moist paper are offered, they are usually sold separately. In this case, two separate storage containers must be provided.

[0004] Another problem is that moist cleaning wipes can dry out quickly. Therefore, systems have been developed in which dry paper is moistened only shortly before use. Moistening can be done manually, e.g., by spraying with a liquid, or automatically. For example, there are machines that dispense a moistened piece of paper manually or by operating a switch with a motor.

[0005] The disadvantage of the known wet paper dispensers, however, is that there is no choice between dry or moistened paper, and the mechanics are relatively complex, for example when individual paper towels are dispensed. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Based on this, it is an object of the invention to provide a mechanically reliable automatic paper dispenser for hygiene purposes, which allows optional removal of dry and moist paper. TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0007] The object is achieved by a dispenser according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments result from the features of the dependent claims.

[0008] A dispenser according to the invention for dispensing moistened paper from a paper web for hygiene purposes comprises: a liquid reservoir; a deflection roller for deflecting the paper web; a transfer roller which is partially immersed in the liquid reservoir and which has a pinion; wherein the transfer roller is arranged at a distance from the deflection roller in a first position (rest position) and is pressed against the deflection roller in a second position (working position). In the first position, the transfer roller therefore does not touch the paper web guided between it and the deflection roller. In this case, a user can pull a paper web section out of a removal opening and remove it. In the second position, the transfer roller is pressed against the deflection roller and thus against the paper web section guided between it and the deflection roller.As the transfer roller rotates, driven by a motor, the paper web is both transported toward the discharge opening and simultaneously moistened. As it rotates, the transfer roller transfers fluid from the fluid reservoir to the paper web.

[0009] Preferably, the dispenser is designed in such a way that either moistened paper or unmoistened paper is dispensed or can be removed from a paper web, wherein the transfer roller is in the rest position when unmoistened paper is removed, while it is arranged in the working position when moistened paper is dispensed.

[0010] The transfer roller is movable and / or pivotable, in particular, between the rest position and the working position. If a work or output cycle is initiated by a preferably contactless switch, the transfer roller is automatically moved by the motor to the deflection roller. The power for this translation can be transmitted, for example, via a transfer pinion. This engages with another pinion that is rotationally fixed to the transfer roller. When the transfer pinion rotates, a torque is transmitted to the pinion of the transfer roller. This torque initially moves the pinion of the transfer roller and thus the transfer roller itself, thanks to the pivoting or guided bearing of the transfer roller, into a position in which the transfer roller is pressed against the deflection roller.In this position, the pinion of the transfer roller is blocked and is therefore subsequently set in a rotary movement around itself. As a result of this rotary movement, the transfer roller feeds a section of paper web towards the removal opening for as long as the working cycle lasts. At the same time, this section is at least partially moistened with liquid from the liquid reservoir by the transfer roller. When the movement of the drive is stopped, the transfer pinion goes into freewheel mode and the transfer roller pivots or moves back to the rest position, for example under the influence of gravity or a suitable return element, e.g. a spring. However, the return movement can also be actively generated by the drive.

[0011] According to the invention, the dispenser has a drive, wherein the drive transmits a force and / or a torque to the transfer roller, which moves or pivots the transfer roller in order to move it from the rest position to the working position, and / or sets it in rotation in order to generate a rotary movement of the transfer roller. For the mechanism to function properly, it is necessary that the resistances of the pivoting movement of the transfer roller and its rotation are coordinated with one another. For example, the pivoting movement (translation) must generally be easier than the rotation around its own axis. The drive can exert both a force on the transfer roller that presses it against the deflection roller and a torque that sets the transfer roller in rotation.

[0012] Preferably, the transfer roller moves back from the working position to the rest position when the drive does not exert any force or torque on the transfer roller.

[0013] The dispenser may have a switch that, when actuated, particularly contactlessly, triggers a working cycle (also known as a dispensing or dispensing cycle) of the dispenser. The switch may comprise an infrared sensor, a light barrier, or a sensor for measuring an electric field when the user approaches. However, the invention is not limited to contactless switches.

[0014] The dispenser, in particular, comprises a holding roller on which a rolled-up paper web can be arranged. An unrolled portion of the paper web is guided around the deflection roller, between the deflection roller and the transfer roller, to a (removal) opening. Depending on the position of the transfer roller, the paper web is in or out of contact with the transfer roller, while it is always in contact with the deflection roller when pulling out or conveying paper.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispenser can have a monitoring pinion and / or a limit switch for detecting the paper length for a working cycle. This allows the conveyed paper length to be monitored and, if necessary, the conveyance to be stopped.

[0016] The dispenser may also include a transmission pinion for transmitting torque from the drive to the transfer roller.

[0017] In particular, the transfer roller may have means at its peripheral region for receiving and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir to the paper web. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE CHARACTERS

[0018] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. They show: Figure 1A representation of an embodiment of a dispenser according to the invention with a closed cover; Figure 2A representation of the embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention from Figure 1 without front flap; and Figure 3A schematic representation of the embodiment of the dispenser according to the invention in a side view without side cover. DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] The Figure 1shows an embodiment of a paper dispenser 1 according to the invention, in particular a toilet paper dispenser, with a moistening device. Figure 2 the paper dispenser 1 is shown with the flap 10 removed.

[0020] The paper dispenser 1 has an outer housing with an upwardly pivotable flap 10, side walls 11a, 11b, a bottom wall 12, and a rear wall attachment 13. The flap 10 has an approximately vertical front section 101 and an approximately horizontal upper section 102 connected thereto. The upper section 102 has a sensor area 1020 with a sensor opening 1021 arranged centrally therein. The sensor area 1020 can have a wave shape in radial section, for example with concentric elevations and depressions.

[0021] Below the flap 10, a removal opening 14 is provided through which moistened or unmoistened paper P, provided as a paper web, can be selectively removed. In the lower area of ​​the opening 14, projections 15 are arranged, which are intended for tearing off the paper P. Furthermore, RGB LEDs 2 can be arranged to the right and left of the flap 10 or below the flap. These LEDs indicate certain states, e.g., the state of a liquid tank (e.g., a fill level), a state concerning the current paper supply, etc.

[0022] The flap 10 can be pivoted forward and then removed upwards. Once the flap 10 is open, the housing can be screwed to the wall, toilet paper can be refilled, batteries can be changed, and a fluid tank can be filled and / or removed. Once the flap 10 is closed, the sensor opening 1021 is positioned congruently over an infrared sensor 3 attached to the housing (see Fig. Figure 3). A limit switch 100 (cf. Figure 3 ) for the flap 10 can detect whether the flap 10 is open or closed, or whether it is inserted or not. This prevents false triggering of the IR sensor 3 and prevents the risk of injury from rotating or moving components (e.g., a rotating transfer roller) when the flap 10 is not closed.

[0023] With a view to the Figure 3 The internal technology of the paper dispenser 1 is described in more detail.

[0024] The infrared sensor 3 is arranged below the flap 10 in the center of the wave-shaped sensor surface 1020. An opening 1021 in the area of ​​the sensor 3 can, but does not have to, be provided. The important thing is only that the sensor 3 can trigger a process or conveying cycle if, for example, a user's hand is brought into the area above or onto the sensor surface 1020 or approaches it. If the sensor 3 detects such an approach, a section of the paper web P is moistened and automatically dispensed through the opening 14. If the sensor 3 is not actuated, the user can pull an unmoistened section of the paper web P out of the opening 14 and tear it off.

[0025] The paper web P is wound in a paper roll and is rotatably arranged on a holding roll 4. The section of the paper web P unwound from the paper roll or holding roll 4 is guided around a deflection roll 5 and out of the housing via the opening 14.

[0026] A transport and moistening device 6, which is arranged in the housing, has a liquid tank 60 and a liquid reservoir 61. An IR (infrared) sensor 62 detects the fill level of the reservoir 61 and, if necessary, issues a message (e.g., to the LEDs 2) when the tank 60 is empty. The tank 60 contains a liquid (approx. 150 ml) for moistening the paper. The tank 60 can be filled and sealed with a film upon delivery, or it can be empty. The film must be removed upon first use, or liquid must be poured into the tank 60. When the tank 60 is inserted into the device, a plunger, for example, penetrates a valve of the tank 60 so that the liquid can be distributed in the reservoir 61.

[0027] In addition, the transport and moistening device 6 has a geared motor 63, e.g., a 6 V electric motor, with a gear pinion 630, a drive shaft 64 for double-sided drive, a transfer roller 65 extending approximately or at least across the width of the paper web, and a gear 66. The motor 63 drives, via a pinion 640 of the drive shaft 64, a further pinion 641 of the drive shaft 64, which is concentrically connected to the pinion. The further pinion 641 engages with the gear 66. The gear 66 transmits a force or torque to the transfer roller 65 as follows. When the gear 66 rotates, the transfer roller 65, which in the rest state is not in contact with the paper web P and the deflection roller 5, performs a translational movement (which can be linear but also curved), as indicated by the arrow T, in such a way that it comes into contact with the paper web P or is pressed against the deflection roller 5.The translational movement T can be generated, for example, by guiding an axis of the transfer roller 65 in a groove or slotted guide, or by pivoting the transfer roller 65 until the roller 65 abuts the deflection roller 5. The torque of the gear 66 is then transmitted to the transfer roller 65 as a rotary movement. The transfer roller 65 accordingly transports a section of the paper web P out of the opening 14. At the same time, this paper section P is moistened, since the roller 65 absorbs liquid from the reservoir 61, into which the roller 65 is immersed, and transports it to the deflection roller 5 (and thus to the paper web P).

[0028] A dispensing cycle or output cycle is thus initiated by triggering the IR sensor 3. Initially, the motor 63 drives the drive shaft 64, which in turn drives the large gears 66 (located on both sides of the paper roll) (these are located to the left and right above the deflection roller 5). The transfer roller 65 pivots approximately 2° and presses against the deflection roller 5. Then the transfer roller 65 begins to rotate and pushes approximately a predefined length of paper out of the device. In the process, fluid is transferred from the reservoir 61 to the paper P by the transfer roller 65.

[0029] The gear 66 also drives another pinion 67 for monitoring the length of the moistened paper section P. The pinion 67 has a cam and activates the limit switch 670 after one revolution. The limit switch 670 for detecting the paper length signals a control system when the paper length dispensed in one cycle has been reached. Motor 63 is then switched off, and the transport and moistening process of a cycle is completed. The transfer roller 65 can now pivot back on its own thanks to the pivoting bearing (assisted, for example, by gravity or another restoring force). This also occurs particularly when the user removes the moistened paper, as it is "clamped" between the deflection roller 5 and the transfer roller 65. When the paper is pulled in, the transfer roller 65 also pivots back (analogous to a technical freewheel).

[0030] Softening of the paper P by the liquid is prevented by choosing a liquid that does not contain water. The liquid can be rather "oily" and, in particular, not electrically conductive.

[0031] If the liquid has a very high electrical resistance, an IR sensor 62 can be located directly in the reservoir 61 to monitor the fill level. As the liquid level drops, the "optical length" changes, and the IR sensor 62 detects a rib in the reservoir and emits the "tank empty" signal. As feedback for the user or operator, an RGB LED 2 is provided to the left and right of the paper outlet 14, each emitting an optical signal (e.g., through defined colors, e.g., red / green, flashing, or a combination). When the liquid level rises again, the optical path of the IR sensor 62 to the rib is extended, causing it to no longer be detected.

[0032] If a user or operator of dispenser 1 accidentally fills the tank with water instead of the specified liquid, the IR sensor 62 will be short-circuited. This is not a problem, as the IR LED and the IR phototransistor each have a series resistor, limiting the current flow to a few milliamperes. Neither the batteries nor the cables are overloaded.

[0033] A dispensing cycle can be triggered, for example, by activating infrared sensor 3. The user holds their hand over the wave-shaped sensor surface 1020 when a sheet of toilet paper is to be moistened and dispensed. Similarly, sensor 3 can be an IR motion detector or similar.

[0034] In this way, a moistened section of the paper roll P is dispensed. The length of the section depends on the angle by which the roll 65 is rotated during a dispensing process or cycle. The sheet length of a conventional toilet paper roll is approximately 125 mm to 130 mm. The moistening length should roughly correspond to the sheet length and is determined by the transmission ratios of transfer roller 65 to gear 66 and gear 66 to a monitoring pinion 67.

[0035] After completion of a dispensing cycle, the roller 65 comes to a standstill and then moves, for example under the influence of gravity or an elastic force (not shown), in the reverse direction -T (opposite to T) back to a rest position.

[0036] Regardless, the user can always remove a non-moistened paper.

[0037] In addition, the dispenser 1 has a battery compartment 7 for batteries 70 (e.g., 3 x AA), which provide a voltage of 4.5 V, or corresponding accumulators. The power supply 7, 70 operates the electrical components of the dispenser, e.g., the LEDs 2, sensors such as sensors 3 and 62, the motor 63, limit switches 100 and 670, and / or a circuit board 8. The circuit board 8 controls all electronic components of the dispenser 1.

Claims

1. A dispenser (1) for dispensing moistened paper (P), comprising: a liquid reservoir (61); a deflection roller (5); a transfer roller (65) which is partially immersed in the liquid reservoir (61) and has a pinion; wherein the transfer roller (65) is arranged in a first position at a distance from the deflection roller (5) and is pressed against the deflection roller (5) in a second position, characterized in that the dispenser (1) has a drive (63) with a motor (63), wherein the drive (63) transmits a torque to a gear wheel (66), and the gear wheel (66) meshes with the pinion of the transmission roller (65) and is arranged such that that, by rotation, it moves or swivels the transfer roller (65) from the first position to the second position and then makes the transfer roller (65) arranged in the second position rotate.

2. The dispenser (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the dispenser (1) is designed such that either moistened paper or unmoistened paper is dispensed from a paper web (P), wherein the transfer roller (65) is in the first position when unmoistened paper is taken and is arranged in the second position when moistened paper is taken.

3. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer roller is movable and / or pivotable between the first position and the second position.

4. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer roller (65) moves back from the second position to the first position when the drive (63) does not exert any force or torque on the transfer roller (65).

5. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive (63) exerts both a force on the transfer roller (65) which presses it against the deflection roller (5) and a torque which causes the transfer roller (65) to rotate.

6. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (1) has a switch (3) which, in particular when actuated without contact, triggers a working cycle of the dispenser (1).

7. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (1) has a holder roller (4) on which a rolled-up paper web (P) can be arranged, wherein an unrolled part of the paper web (P) is guided around the deflection roller (5), between the deflection roller (5) and the transfer roller (65), to a (removal) opening (14).

8. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (1) has a monitoring pinion (67) and / or a limit switch (670) for detecting the length of paper conveyed during a working cycle.

9. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (1) has a transmission pinion (66) for transmitting torque from the drive (63) to the transmission roller (65).

10. The dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer roller (65) has means on its peripheral area for receiving and transferring liquid from the liquid reservoir (61) to the paper web.

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