Dispenser for dispensing sheet-like material from at least two containers

Abstract

Dispenser (1) with at least one receiving device (2) for at least two replaceable containers (3, 31, 32), which have a wall (4), preferably made of an at least partially flexible material, wherein the sheet-shaped material (7) can be arranged or is arranged within the wall (4), and the at least two containers (3, 31, 32) each have a container opening (6) for removing the sheet-shaped material (7), wherein the dispenser (1) has at least one cover element (8) for closing and opening the container openings (6) of the at least two containers (3, 31, 32), wherein the at least one cover element (8) is designed as a movement-coupled unit and is - movable into a closed position (S), wherein in the at least one closed position (S) the container openings (6) of the at least two containers (3, 31, 32) can be covered by the at least one cover element (8), and - movable into at least one open position (O),wherein in the at least one open position (O) the container opening (6) of at least one container (3,31,32) can be opened for the removal of sheet-shaped material (7).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dispenser for providing sheet material with at least one receiving device for at least two interchangeable containers and with the at least two interchangeable containers which have a wall, preferably made of an at least partially flexible material, wherein the sheet material can be arranged or is arranged within the wall, and the at least two containers each have a container opening for the removal of the sheet material, wherein the dispenser has at least one cover element for closing and opening the container openings of the at least two containers.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to store sheet material in containers and make it available for sale. In particular, containers made of at least partially flexible material are known, which can be designed, in particular, as flow packs. Such containers can have a dimensionally stable body in which the container opening is arranged. However, the container opening can also be formed by a hole in the flexible material.

[0003] A dispenser for dispensing sheet-like material is known from patent application WO 2008 / 044152 A2. It provides for a container for wet wipes with a dimensionally stable body that can be inserted into the dispenser.

[0004] Dispensers for donating sheet-like material are also known from the documents KR 2011 0008753 U and US 2005 / 051568 A1.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a lid arranged on the dimensionally stable body is also used as a lid for the container during operation of the dispenser. In a second embodiment, the lid is attached to the dispenser itself, with the container not having its own lid. In particular, several such dispenser units can be arranged together on a mounting bracket.

[0006] A disadvantage of the current technology is that only one container is located in each dispenser, thus not creating a redundant system. Multiple dispenser units mounted on a mounting bracket must be operated individually, making operation difficult. For example, a user doesn't know which of the dispenser units is empty.

[0007] The object of the invention is to create a redundant system that is simple to build and easy to operate.

[0008] According to the invention, the at least one cover element is designed as a motion-coupled unit. The at least one cover element is movable into a closed position, wherein, in the at least one closed position, the container openings of the at least two containers can be covered by the at least one cover element. Furthermore, the at least one cover element is movable into at least one open position, wherein, in the at least one open position, the container opening of at least one container can be opened for the removal of sheet material.

[0009] This creates a redundant system with at least two containers, whereby the closing and opening of the container openings can be accomplished by means of a motion-coupled unit, the at least one cover element. Such a cover element is easier to operate, whether by a motor or manually by an operator. In particular, only a single action, for example via a pinion when moved by a motor or a handle when moved by an operator, may be sufficient to move the cover element. In the prior art, however, all cover elements must be operated and engaged individually.

[0010] A single component can be referred to as a motion-coupled unit. However, a motion-coupled unit can also consist of several components that are mounted to one another in a motion-coupled manner.

[0011] In particular, in a first open position, the container opening of at least one first container can be opened. Preferably, in this first open position, the container opening(s) of at least one, preferably all, container(s) other than the first container can be closed by at least one cover element.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that in a second open position the container opening of at least one second container can be opened, in particular wherein the container opening(s) of at least one, preferably all, container(s) other than the second container can be closed by the at least one cover element.

[0013] Depending on the open position, one or more container openings can be opened. In particular, this allows access to the container opening of a non-empty container while leaving the container opening of an empty container unopened.

[0014] A trigger mechanism can be provided in the dispenser, which can be actuated, for example, without contact, in particular optically and / or capacitively.

[0015] It can be provided that in a first operating mode, after the triggering mechanism has been triggered, the at least one cover element is moved from the closed position into a first open position and thus the container opening of the at least one first container is opened.

[0016] In a second operating mode, after the triggering mechanism has been triggered, the at least one cover element can be moved from the closed position into a second open position and thus the container opening of the at least one second container can be opened.

[0017] A control unit can switch from the first operating mode to the second operating mode due to at least one of the following events: an empty state of the first container is detected by means of a, preferably optical, measuring device, and / or after a defined number of openings, wherein the number of openings is counted by a counter, preferably wherein the counter is zeroed upon detection of a new container by a measuring device, and / or after a period of time after the first container has been inserted and / or on a predefined expiration date.

[0018] This ensures that the container opening of the first container is no longer released when the first container is empty, and / or it can be assumed that the first container is empty, and / or the contents of the first container have expired.

[0019] In the second operating mode, the container opening of the second container is released, which is still filled or whose contents have not yet expired.

[0020] In addition, it is preferably provided that after a fixed delay time, and / or after the trigger mechanism no longer responds, and / or after the trigger mechanism responds once more the at least one cover element is moved from the first open position or the second open position to the closed position, thus covering the container opening of the first container or the second container. This eliminates the need to close the container separately.

[0021] The movement of the cover element after the trigger mechanism is activated can be accomplished in various ways. For example, the movement can be generated mechanically using a spring element. However, the movement is preferably provided by means of an electric motor.

[0022] For this purpose, at least one motor is preferably arranged in the dispenser, wherein the motor is designed to open and / or close the at least one cover element. The force is preferably transmitted via a pinion to a gear ring mechanically coupled to the at least one cover element, particularly preferably wherein the gear ring is arranged on a rotational axis of the at least one cover element.

[0023] The movement of the cover element can be carried out in various ways, the only essential thing is that the container openings can be closed or opened as required.

[0024] It is preferably provided that the at least one cover element is mounted displaceably, in particular linearly and / or rotationally.

[0025] A sliding cover element can remain in the housing when moved and is therefore less susceptible to vandalism or accidental damage than, for example, a hinged door.

[0026] Particularly preferably, the at least one cover element is rotatably mounted in a rotational plane which is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the container opening of the at least two containers and can be pushed over the container openings of the at least two containers in a rotary-sliding movement.

[0027] A rotatable cover element has the advantage over a linearly displaceable cover element that less space is required, in particular if, as provided according to the invention, more than one container is arranged in the dispenser.

[0028] Alternatively, the at least one cover element can comprise several segments, with the segments being movably connected to one another. This allows the creation of a cover element similar to a roller shutter. Compared to a fixed, linearly movable cover element, this has the advantage that less space is required when opening, since the cover element can be rolled up and / or guided around a curve, particularly into the interior of the dispenser.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one cover element has a recess, wherein The at least one recess is movable over the container opening(s) of at least one container in the at least one open position, and / or the at least one recess is not movable over any of the container openings in the at least one closed position. By positioning the at least one recess in the docking element, different switching patterns can be created for selectively opening combinations of containers.

[0030] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the at least one cover element is rotatably mounted on the dispenser, with the at least one recess being arranged in at least one angular range of the at least one cover element. By rotating the cover element, the angular range can be shifted, thus exposing container openings of containers located in different azimuthal ranges relative to the rotational axis of the cover element.

[0031] Advantageously, the at least one cover element can be designed as a disc. At least one recess can be formed by leaving the entire at least one angular area outside a radius. The recess does not have to be a hole in the cover element.

[0032] It can be provided that the at least one cover element can be rotated clockwise when transitioning from the closed position to the at least one first open position, and / or can be rotated counterclockwise when transitioning from the first open position to the closed position.

[0033] The opening and closing of a container opening can be achieved by rotating the docking element back and forth. However, the closing movement can also be achieved by rotating it in the same direction as the opening movement.

[0034] It may be provided that can be rotated counterclockwise during the transition from the closed position to the at least one second open position, and / or can be rotated clockwise during the transition from the second open position to the closed position. A movement into the second open position can preferably be directed opposite to the movement into the first open position.

[0035] The at least two containers can each have a dimensionally stable body, with the container opening being arranged in the dimensionally stable body. In such a case, at least one seal can be arranged or is arranged between the at least one cover element of the dispenser and the dimensionally stable body of at least one container. This can protect the sheet-like material from drying out in the closed position.

[0036] It is preferably provided that the at least one cover element or a part of the cover element can be placed or pressed onto the at least one seal in the closed position, preferably wherein the at least one seal can thereby be placed or pressed onto the dimensionally stable body of at least one container.

[0037] The seal can be designed as a separate component. Alternatively, the seal can be arranged on the cover element or on the rigid body of the container.

[0038] The seal can be formed from a soft, compressible material, such as rubber, and can be compressed by the cover element. However, the seal can also be formed from a hard material that is simply pressed against the seal but does not undergo significant deformation.

[0039] To ensure that the cover element is pressed against the at least one seal in the closed position, a lowering device is preferably provided for lowering the cover element or a portion of the cover element. Upon opening, a lifting device can raise the cover element or a portion of the cover element again. The lowering device and / or the lifting device can be implemented using a magnetic means arrangement.

[0040] It can be provided that the at least one cover element has a first part and at least one second part, wherein the two parts are connected to one another in a movement-coupled manner.

[0041] The distance between the two parts can be increased when the cover element moves into the closed position and / or decreased when the cover element moves into the at least one open position. This allows one part to be placed against the seal. The at least one first part is preferably movably mounted on the dispenser, while the at least one second part can be placed against at least one seal.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser has a housing in which the at least two interchangeable containers are arranged. This creates a redundant system with more than one interchangeable container in a particularly simple manner. If an empty first container is replaced before a second container is emptied, the removal of sheet material from a dispenser unit with a housing is possible at any time.

[0043] The at least one dispenser can have a housing, wherein the housing has at least one dispenser opening through which sheet material can be removed from the replaceable container through the container opening. Preferably, the at least one dispenser opening can be closed by at least one cover element. The closure of the dispenser opening occurs simultaneously with the closure of the container opening.

[0044] In addition, it can be provided that in at least one projection direction, preferably orthogonal to a plane defined by the container opening, the outline of the container opening is contained in the outline of the dispenser opening.

[0045] The housing may comprise a base part, preferably wherein the base part is attachable to a stand and / or a wall, and / or wherein the housing comprises a housing cover attachable to the base part. The housing cover can be removed or opened to exchange the replaceable containers in the housing.

[0046] It can preferably be provided that the housing cover is pivotally mounted on the base part, and / or the at least one dispensing opening is arranged in the housing cover, and / or the housing cover is spring-loaded so that the housing cover springs off the base part after being unlocked.

[0047] The at least one receiving device can have a support device by means of which the replaceable container can be pressed by a support plate against at least one stop part. This allows the sheet material to be easily removed even when the container is almost empty, as it is pushed toward the top.

[0048] It is preferably provided that the support device is designed as a scissor lift, by means of which the container can be lifted / compressed.

[0049] The at least one stop part preferably has a recess in the region of the container opening of the container, so that sheet-like material can be removed through the recess of the stop part.

[0050] A sliding seat is also provided into which the dimensionally stable body of the container, which is provided with projections and / or grooves, can be inserted.

[0051] At the end of the inserted position of the container, a viewing window can be provided in the sliding seat, allowing visual inspection to determine whether the container has been fully inserted. This is important to ensure that the seal is fully seated against the rigid body, preventing drying out.

[0052] Preferred embodiments and further details are shown in the figures. Fig. 1a-c Dispenser with linearly movable cover element Fig. 2a,b Dispenser with linearly movable cover element and two recesses Fig. 3a-c Dispenser with rotatably movable cover element Fig. 4a,b Dispenser with rotatably movable cover element and two recesses Fig. 5a-e Dispenser with rotatably movable cover element for four containers Fig. 6 Dispenser for two containers in closed position Fig. 7 Dispenser for two containers in first open position Fig. 8 Dispenser for two containers in second open position Fig. 9 Replaceable container with dimensionally stable body Fig. 10 Seal molded as a separate component Fig. 11a, 11b Cover element and dimensionally stable body of the container in closed and open positions Fig. 12a, 12b Cover element and dimensionally stable body of the container with alternative arrangement of the seals in closed and open positions Fig.13a, 13bCover element and dimensionally stable body of the container with a seal as a separate component in closed position and open position Fig. 14a, 14bTwo-part cover element and dimensionally stable body of the container with a seal as in the . Figures 13a and 13b in closed and open positions Fig. 15a, 15bDispenser with lowering device and lifting device in closed and open positions

[0053] The Figures 1a to 8 show various embodiments of a dispenser with a cover element 8 having at least two interchangeable containers 3 in the closed position and at least one open position. The interchangeable containers 3 have a wall 4, which is preferably made of an at least partially flexible material, such as a plastic film. The sheet-like material 7 is arranged or can be arranged within this wall 4, in the interior of the container 3.

[0054] The sheet-like material can be removed by a user through a container opening 6, which is preferably arranged in the dimensionally stable body 5. The dimensionally stable body 5, if present, is preferably made of a hard plastic.

[0055] Typically, the containers 3 are factory-filled with sheet material 7 and, when emptied, are replaced with a new, factory-filled container 3. The container 3 can be designed as a commercially available flow-pack container with two welds at the ends.

[0056] A top view of a container 3 is also shown in the Fig. 9 There, in particular, the container opening 6 in the dimensionally stable body 5 can be seen, which is not visible in the sectional views.

[0057] The cover element 8 is movably mounted between a closed position S, in which the cover element 8 closes the container opening 6 of the container 3, and at least one open position O, in which the container opening 6 of the container 3 is accessible for removing the sheet-like material 7.

[0058] The cover element 8 is a part of the dispenser 1 and is preferably mounted thereon. In particular, the cover element 8 can be mounted on a housing 19 of the dispenser 1.

[0059] In the Figures 1a-c A dispenser 1 with a housing 19 for two containers 3 with a linearly displaceable cover element 8 is shown. The cover element 8 has a recess 30 and is designed as a motion-coupled unit. Here, the cover element 8 can, in particular, be formed as a single part.

[0060] In the Fig. 1aThe dispenser 1 is shown in the closed position S. The recess 30 is not located over one of the container openings 6, thus preventing removal of sheet material 7. In the closed position S, both container openings 6 can be sealed by means of a seal 9 (not shown), which is arranged between the cover element 8 and the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3. This isolates the sheet material 7 from the outside world, which in particular prevents wet wipes from drying out.

[0061] The container opening 6 of a first container 31 is arranged to the left of the recess 30 in plan view, and the container opening 6 of a second container 32 is arranged to the right of the recess 30 in plan view. To move from this closed position S to an open position O, the cover element 8 is moved to the left or to the right.

[0062] The Fig. 1bshows the dispenser 1 in a first open position O1, in which the container opening 6 of the first container 31 is released for removal. This is achieved by displacing the cover element 8 so that the container opening 6 of the first container 31 lies within the outline of the recess 30.

[0063] In the first open position O1, the container opening 6 of the second container 32 is covered and access is not possible.

[0064] The Fig. 1c shows the dispenser 1 in a second open position O2, in which the container opening 6 of the second container 32 is exposed for removal. The cover element 8 has been displaced such that the container opening 6 of the second container 32 lies within the outline of the recess 30.

[0065] In the second open position O2, the container opening 6 of the first container 31 is covered and access is not possible.

[0066] The dispenser 1 thus implements a redundant system: If the sheet material 7 of the first container 31 is used up, sheet material 7 can still be removed from the second container 32. If the first container 31 is replaced before the second container 32 is emptied, the dispenser 1 is always ready to remove sheet material 7.

[0067] In order to ensure that a first container 31 is emptied first and then the second container 32, or vice versa, a control unit can be provided which is configured in two operating modes: In a first operating mode, in particular after the activation of a trigger mechanism, the first container 31 can be released for removal by transferring the cover element 8 into the first open position O1.

[0068] After the first container 31 is empty or unusable, it is possible to switch to a second operating mode in which the second container 32 is released for removal.

[0069] The switching from the first to the second operating mode can be triggered by various events, for example after the expiration of an expiration date of the first container 31, after it has been determined by a, preferably optical, measuring device that the first container 31 is empty or after a certain number of openings, after which it can be assumed, for example, that the container 31 is probably empty.

[0070] The Figures 2a and 2b show a dispenser 1 with a housing 19 for two containers 3. The linearly displaceable cover element 8 has two recesses 30.

[0071] In the Fig. 2aIn the closed position S shown, both recesses 30 are not arranged above one of the container openings 6 of the container 3, whereby removal of sheet-like material 7 is not possible and the sheet-like material 7 is optionally sealed from the outside world by means of at least one seal 9.

[0072] In the open position O in Fig. 2b a recess 30 is pushed over a container opening 6 of each of the two containers 3, whereby both container openings 6 are released for removal.

[0073] In contrast to the embodiment of the Figures 1a to 1c It is not possible to control here by means of two operating modes from which container 3 the sheet-like material 7 is taken.

[0074] Such an arrangement would make sense, for example, if the containers contain three different products.

[0075] The Figures 3a to 3cshow a dispenser 1 for two containers 3, wherein the cover element 8 is mounted so as to be rotatable and displaceable about a rotation axis 81. The rotatable cover element 8 allows the dispenser 1 to be designed to be particularly space-saving. The cover element 8 is shaped like a disc.

[0076] The Fig. 3a shows, corresponding to the Fig. 1a , the closed position S. In the closed position S, the recess 30 is arranged in an angular range in which none of the container openings 6 are located. This prevents the removal of sheet material 7. The container openings 6 can optionally be sealed by a seal 9.

[0077] The Fig. 3b shows a first open position O1, in which the recess 30 has been rotated over the container opening 6 of the first container 31.

[0078] The Fig. 3cshows a second open position O2, in which the recess 30 has been rotated over the container opening 6 of the second container 32.

[0079] The transition from the closed position S to the first open position O1 occurs by rotating the cover element 8 clockwise. The closed position S can then be reached by rotating it counterclockwise. However, it would also be possible to achieve a second closing position by rotating it further clockwise, which is essentially rotated 180° relative to the first closed position.

[0080] The transition from the closed position S to the second open position O2 is achieved by rotating the cover element 8 counterclockwise.

[0081] As in the Figures 1a to 1c Two operating modes can be provided here, with a first operating mode being opened with the first open position O1 and a second operating mode being opened with the second open position O2.

[0082] The Figures 4a and 4b show a further embodiment of a dispenser 1 for two containers 3. The cover element 8 is rotatably mounted and has two recesses 30. In the closed position S in Fig. 4a no recess 30 is arranged above a container opening 6. In the open position O, however, both recesses 30 are above a container opening 6, thus allowing access to both containers 3.

[0083] The Figures 5a to 5e show a dispenser for four containers 3, wherein the cover element 8 is rotatably mounted and has a recess 30.

[0084] In the closed position S from Fig. 5a the recess 30 is not located over one of the container openings 6, which means that access to the containers 3 is not permitted. Figures 5b to 5e show open positions O, whereby one container 3 is released selectively.

[0085] A container can therefore be selected by selecting the rotational position of the cover element 8.

[0086] The Figures 6 to 8 show a particularly preferred embodiment of a dispenser 1 for two containers 3.

[0087] The Fig. 6 shows the dispenser 1 in the closed position S: the container openings 6 of both containers 3 are closed by a cover element 8.

[0088] The Fig. 7 shows the dispenser 1 in a first open position O1 in which the container opening 6 of the first container 3 is open, while the container opening 6 of the second container 3 is closed by the cover element 8.

[0089] The Fig. 8 shows the dispenser 1 in a second open position O2 in which the container opening 6 of the second container 3 is open, while the container opening 6 of the first container 3 is closed by the cover element 8.

[0090] The cover element 8 is formed as a disc with a recess 30, wherein the cover element 8 is rotatably mounted on the housing 19 of the dispenser 1. The recess 30 can thus be rotated selectively over the container opening 6 of the first container 3 or over the container opening 6 of the second container 3, or over neither of the two container openings 6 to realize the three positions mentioned above.

[0091] The recess 30 is formed here by the disc being recessed in an angular range and outside a certain radius.

[0092] Two pairs of magnetic means 12 with opposite polarity are arranged on the cover element 8. A first pair is in the closed position S ( Fig. 6) are arranged in alignment over a pair of magnetic means 12 of opposite polarity in the receiving device 2 of the first container 3, such that aligned magnets have opposite polarity. This draws the cover element 8 or a part of the cover element 8 toward the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3, so that a seal 9 is pressed between the cover element 8 and the dimensionally stable body 5.

[0093] A second pair of magnetic means is in the closed position S ( Fig. 6 ) arranged in alignment over a pair of magnetic means 12 of opposite polarity in the receiving device 2 of the second container 3, with the same effect as described in the previous paragraph.

[0094] During the opening and / or closing movement of the cover element 8 (from the closed position S to Fig. 6 into an open position O1, O2 in Fig. 7 or 8During the movement (or return), a magnetic means 12 in the cover element 8 and a magnetic means 12 in the receiving device 2 with the same polarity move over each other. This means that the movement of the cover element 8 is not inhibited, meaning that the motor or an operator does not have to exert excessive force. In contrast, a lifting device 11 is provided, which lifts the cover element 8.

[0095] The housing 19 has a housing cover 20, wherein the housing cover 20 can be opened, in particular folded, for changing the containers 3.

[0096] The housing 19 also has a dispensing opening 18, wherein in at least one projection direction, preferably orthogonal to a plane defined by the container opening 6, the outline of the container opening 6 is contained in the outline of the dispensing opening 18. The dispensing opening 19 can be closed together with the container opening 6 by the cover element 8.

[0097] The Figures 11a to 15bshow exemplary embodiments of the sealing mechanism. The exemplary embodiments show only one container 3. The sealing mechanism can be applied to one of the at least two containers 3 of the present invention.

[0098] The Figures 15a and 15b also show a receiving device 2 for a container 3. In the case of several containers 3, such a receiving device 2 can be used for each container 3.

[0099] In the Fig. 11a The open position of the cover element 8 is shown. A dashed arrow schematically represents a possible movement path of the cover element 8 from an open position O to a closed position S. During the movement path, the cover element 8 is pushed over the container opening 6 in the dimensionally stable body 5 (to the right in Fig. 11a ) and lowered on the other hand. The lowering can be carried out by a lowering device 10, an embodiment of which is described in more detail in the Figures 15a and 15bdescribed.

[0100] As in the Fig. 11b As can be seen, the cover element 8, or at least a part of the cover element 8, is lowered into the closed position S, together with the seal 9, and is pressed against or against the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3. This seals the container opening 6 and isolates the interior of the container 3 from the outside world.

[0101] The Figures 12a and 12b show a slightly modified embodiment in which the seal 9 is arranged, preferably fastened, with a sealing point 14 on the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 4. The movement of the cover element 8 is the same as in the Figures 11a and 11b .

[0102] As in the Fig. 12bAs can be seen, the cover element 8, or at least a part of the cover element 8, is placed or pressed against the seal 9 of the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3 by the lowering in the closed position S. This seals the container opening 6 and isolates the interior of the container 3 from the outside world.

[0103] The Figures 13a and 13b show a preferred embodiment in which the seal 9 is formed as a separate component. The seal 9 here has two sealing points 14 and 15. The first sealing point 14 can be sealingly applied to the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3, and the second sealing point 15 can be sealingly applied to the cover element 8.

[0104] In particular, the first sealing point 14 rests against the dimensionally stable body 5 in the open and closed positions of the docking element 8. However, without the docking element 8, preferably no pressure is exerted on the seal 9.

[0105] In particular, the second sealing point 15 rests against the docking element 8 only in the closed position of the docking element 8. The docking element 8 can be pressed against the seal 9, in particular the second sealing point 15, by a lowering device 10, so that the second sealing point 15 rests sealingly against the docking element 8.

[0106] Due to the pressure exerted by the docking element 8 on the seal 9, the first sealing point 14 is also pressed against the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3, so that the first sealing point 14 also seals well.

[0107] The seal 9 does not move with the docking element 8.

[0108] The first sealing point 14 and the second sealing point 15 are located on opposite sides of the seal 9.

[0109] The seal 9 can in particular be as in Fig. 10The seal 9 has a sealing opening 29, which can be substantially aligned with the container opening 6. Sheet material 7 can be removed through this sealing opening 29.

[0110] In Fig. 10 A view of the side of the second sealing point 15, i.e., the side facing the docking element 8 in the closed position, is shown. The first sealing point 14 is located on the rear side and is therefore shown in dashed lines.

[0111] The second sealing point 15 has a larger outline than the first sealing point 14. In particular, the first sealing point 14 is contained in the outline of the second sealing point 15 in a projection direction, which here corresponds to the viewing direction.

[0112] The size and shape of the first sealing point 14 is adapted so that it can be placed on the support surface 13 of the dimensionally stable body 5 of the container 3.

[0113] The size and shape of the second sealing point 15 is adapted so that it can be placed against the docking element 8, or a part of the docking element 8. The size and shape of the second sealing point 15 is also selected so that a receiving space 17 is created for a sheet-like material 7 protruding from the container 3. A protruding sheet-like material 7 can be laid flat onto the seal 9 by the docking element 8 during the closing movement of the docking element 8, in particular in the sliding direction of the docking element 8. If the sheet-like material 7 protrudes through the second sealing point 15, the second sealing point 15 is no longer tight. In particular, the sheet-like material 7 can act like a wick, so that moisture is drained away from the interior of the container via the sheet-like material 7. This can be prevented by the receiving space 17.

[0114] The location of the second sealing point 15 that defines the receiving space 17 is arranged at a spacing L from the edge of the container opening 6, so that the sheet material 7 has sufficient space. The spacing L can be at least 2 centimeters, preferably more than 3 centimeters, and particularly preferably more than 4 centimeters.

[0115] The sealing points 14, 15 can be formed as a sealing bead raised above the rest of the seal 9. They can be made of the same material or a different material than the rest of the seal 9.

[0116] The seal 9 can be made, at least partially, and particularly at the sealing points 14 or 15, of a soft sealing material, such as rubber, and / or a hard sealing material, such as a hard plastic. Both variants can lead to good sealing performance.

[0117] In the Figures 14a and 14bThe docking element 8 comprises a first part 25 and a second part 26, wherein the two parts 25, 26 are connected to one another in a movement-coupled manner. When the cover element 8 moves into the closed position, the distance between the two parts 25, 26 is increased. In particular, the second part 26 is moved toward the dimensionally stable body 5 and / or the seal 9, so that the second part 26 rests against the seal 9 and presses it against it.

[0118] The second part 26 can have an elongated hole 27 in which a pin 28 of the first part 25 is guided. Thus, the second part 26 is mounted on the first part 25 in a motion-coupled manner. In particular, the elongated hole 27 is open, so that the second part 26 can be separated from the first part 25, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0119] The Figures 15a and 15bshow a dispenser 1 with a container 3 inserted into a receiving device 2. The receiving device 2 has a support device 21, which in this embodiment is designed as a scissor lift. The scissor lift has a support plate 22 on which the container 3 rests.

[0120] The scissor lift is preferably preloaded by a torsion spring, so that the support plate 22 of the container 3 presses against a stop part 23. This allows the sheet material 7 to be easily removed through the container opening 6 even when the container 3 is used. The stop part 23 itself has a recess through which sheet material can be removed.

[0121] In particular, the container 3 is inserted into a sliding seat 24, wherein the sliding seat 24 has a projection which engages in a groove between the dimensionally stable body 5 and the wall 4 of the container 3.

[0122] In the Figures 15a and 15b also shows a lowering device 10 realized by magnetic means 12. In particular, two magnetic means 12 with opposite polarity are arranged on the cover element 8, in particular on the second part 26 of the cover element 8, which is fixed to the first part of the cover element 8 as shown in the Figures 14a and 14bis movably mounted. In the receiving device 2, in particular in the stop part 23, two further magnetic means 12 with opposite polarity are arranged. These are arranged such that one magnetic means 12 of the docking element 8 and one magnetic means 12 of the receiving device 2 are aligned with one another in the closed position of the docking element 8. The aligned magnetic means 12 have opposite polarity, so that an attractive force acts on the docking element 8. This is how the lowering device 10 is realized: The attractive magnetic force draws the docking element towards the seal 9 or the dimensionally stable body 5, so that the seal 9 is pressed between the dimensionally stable body 5 and the docking element 8.

[0123] The same arrangement of the magnetic means 12 realizes a lifting device 11 when the docking element 8 moves into the open position. As in Fig. 15bAs shown, a magnetic means 12 in the docking element 8 moves over a magnetic means 12 of the same polarity in the receiving device 2. This lifts the docking element 8 away from the seal 9. In particular, this requires less force when closing the cover element 8. List of reference symbols:

[0124] 1 Dispenser 2 Holding device 3 Container 31 First container 32 Second container 4 Wall 5 Dimensionally stable body 6 Container opening 7 Sheet-like material 8 Cover element 81 Rotation axis of the cover element 9 Seal 10 Lowering device 11 Lifting device 12 Magnetic means 13 Support surface 14 First sealing point 15 Second sealing point 16 Orientation element 17 Holding space 18 Dispenser opening 19 Housing 20 Housing cover 21 Support device 22 Support plate 23 Stop part 24 Sliding seat 25 First part of the cover element (base plate) 26 Second part of the cover element (sealing plate) 27 Slotted hole 28 Pin 29 Sealing opening 30 Recess in the cover element S Closed position O Open position O1 First open position O2 Second Disclosure

Claims

1. Dispenser (1) for supplying sheet-like material (7) with at least one receiving device (2) for at least two replaceable containers (3, 31, 32) and with the at least two replaceable containers (3, 31, 32), which have a wall (4), preferably made of at least partially flexible material, wherein the sheet-like material (7) can be arranged or is arranged inside the wall (4), and the at least two containers (3, 31, 32) each have a container opening (6) for removing the sheet-like material (7), wherein the dispenser (1) has at least one cover element (8) for closing and opening the container openings (6) of the at least two containers (3, 31, 32), wherein the at least one cover element (8) is designed as a motion-coupled unit and - can be moved into a closed position (S), wherein in the at least one closed position (S) the container openings (6) of the at least two containers (3, 31, 32) can be covered by the at least one cover element (8), and - can be moved into at least one open position (0), wherein in the at least one open position (O) the container opening (6) of at least one container (3, 31, 32) can be opened for the removal of sheet-like material (7).

2. Dispenser (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein - in a first open position (01), the container opening (6) of at least one first container (31) can be opened, in particular wherein, in the first open position (01), the container opening(s) (6) of at least one, preferably all, container(s) (3, 32) which is (are) different from the first container (31) can be closed by the at least one cover element (8), and / or - in a second open position (O2), the container opening (6) of at least one second container (32) can be opened, in particular wherein, in the second open position (O2), the container opening(s) (6) of at least one, preferably all, container(s) (3, 31) which is (are) different from the second container (32) can be closed from the at least one cover element (8).

3. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover element (8) is movably mounted, in particular in a linear and / or rotating fashion, preferably wherein the at least one cover element (8) is rotatably mounted in a plane of rotation which is essentially parallel to the plane defined by the container opening (6) of the at least two containers (3, 31, 32), and can be pushed in a rotary sliding movement via the container openings (6) of the at least two containers (3).

4. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover element (8) has a recess (30), wherein - the at least one recess (30) in the at least one open position (O) can be moved over the container opening(s) (6) of at least one container (3, 31, 32), and / or - the at least one recess (30) in the at least one closed position (S) can be moved over none of the container openings (6).

5. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover element (8) is rotatably mounted on the dispenser (1), wherein the at least one recess (30) is arranged in at least one angular region of the at least one cover element (8), preferably wherein the at least one cover element (8) is designed as a disc, particularly preferably wherein the entire at least one angular region is recessed outside a radius.

6. Dispenser according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover element (8) - can be rotated clockwise during the transition from the closed position (S) to the at least one first open position (01), and / or - can be rotated counterclockwise during the transition from the first open position (01) to the closed position (S), and / or - can be rotated counterclockwise during the transition from the closed position (S) to the at least one second open position (O2), and / or - can be rotated clockwise during the transition from the second open position (O2) to the closed position (S).

7. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least two containers (3, 31, 32) each have a dimensionally stable body (5), wherein the container opening (6) is arranged in the dimensionally stable body (5), wherein at least one seal (9) can be arranged or is arranged between the at least one cover element (8) of the dispenser (1) and the dimensionally stable body (5) of at least one container (3, 31, 32).

8. Dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the at least one cover element (8) or a part of the cover element (8) can be placed against or pressed against the at least one seal (9) in the closed position (S), preferably wherein this way the at least one seal (9) can be placed against or pressed against the dimensionally stable body (5) of at least one container (3, 31, 32).

9. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cover element (8) has one first part (25) and at least one second part (26), wherein the two parts (25, 26) are connected to each other in a motion-coupled manner, preferably wherein - a distance between the two parts (25, 26) can be increased when the cover element (8) is moved into the closed position (S) and / or can be reduced when the cover element (8) is moved into the at least one open position (O), and / or - the at least one first part (25) is movably mounted on the dispenser (1), and / or - the at least one second part (26) can be placed against at least one seal (9) that can be placed against or is attached to the container, particularly preferably wherein the at least one second part (26) has a substantially flat surface on that side of the at least one cover element (8) facing the container opening (6).

10. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one dispenser (1) has a housing (19) in which the at least two replaceable containers (3, 31, 32) can be arranged or are arranged, wherein the housing (19) has at least one dispenser opening (18) through which sheet-like material (7) can be removed from the replaceable container (3) through the container opening (6), preferably wherein - the at least one dispenser opening (18) can be closed by the at least one cover element (8), and / or - in at least one projection direction, preferably orthogonal to a plane defined by the container opening (6), the outline of the container opening (6) is contained within the outline of the dispenser opening (18).

11. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a release mechanism for opening the at least one cover element (8) is provided, wherein the release mechanism can be operated preferably without contact, particularly preferably optically and / or capacitively.

12. Dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one motor is arranged in the dispenser (1), wherein the motor (1) is designed to open and / or close the at least one cover element (8), preferably wherein the at least one motor transmits the force via a pinion to a toothed rim mechanically coupled to the at least one cover element (8), particularly preferably wherein the toothed rim is arranged on a rotational axis of the at least one cover element (8).

13. Method for supplying sheet-like material (7) with a dispenser (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a release mechanism is provided in the dispenser (1), wherein in a first operating mode after activating the release mechanism, the at least one cover element is moved from the closed position (S) to a first open position (01), thereby opening the container opening (6) of the at least one first container (31).

14. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein in a second operating mode after activating the release mechanism, the at least one cover element (8) is moved from the closed position (S) to a second open position (O2), thereby opening the container opening (6) of the at least one second container (32).

15. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein a control unit switches from the first operating mode to the second operating mode due to at least one of the following events: - an empty state of the first container (31) is detected by means of a measuring device, preferably an optical measuring device, and / or - after a defined number of openings, wherein the number of openings is counted by a counter, preferably wherein the counter is reset to zero by a measuring device when detecting a new container (3), and / or - after a period of time after the first container (31) has been inserted and / or at a predefined expiry date.

16. Method according to one of claims 14 to 15, wherein - after a specific delay time, and / or - after the release mechanism no longer responds, and / or - after the release mechanism responds again, the at least one cover element (8) is moved from the first open position (01) or the second open position (O2) into the closed position (S), thereby covering the container opening (6) of the first container (31) or second container (32).

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