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(11) | EP 1 273 254 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Tissue paper dispenser with a device for separating a roll of tissue paper and method thereof |
| (57) A tissue paper dispenser includes a casing, a first set of rollers and a second set
of rollers rotatably in the casing, a detecting means mounted between the first set
of rollers and the second set of rollers, and a roll of tissue paper carrying a plurality
of sensor marks. The first set of rollers and the second set of rollers are driven
by power devices to rotate at the same speed for moving the roll of tissue paper through
the rollers of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers. The first set
of rollers and the second set of rollers rotate at different speeds when one of the
sensor marks on the roll of tissue paper passes through the detecting means to thereby
tear the tissue paper apart. |
Background of the Invention
1. Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a tissue paper dispenser with a simplified device for separating a roll of tissue paper. The present invention also relates to a method for easy separation of a roll of tissue paper.
2. Description of the Related Art
[0002] Fig. 1 of the drawings illustrates a conventional tissue paper dispenser comprising two sidewalls 90 between which a roller 91, a pressing plate 92, a driving wheel 93, and a cutter 94 are mounted. Tissue paper passes through a gap between the pressing plate 92 and the roller 91 and is dragged downward by the driving wheel 93 and the roller 91. The driving wheel 93 drives the roller 91 and the cutter 94 simultaneously. When the cutter 94 turns, a blade 95 of the cutter 94 cuts the tissue paper and thus separates a piece of tissue paper from the roll of tissue paper when the blade 95 is in contact with an anvil 96. However, the blade 95 wears after a period of time and thus requires maintenance. An extra cost is incurred, and inconvenience to the user is caused during maintenance. Further, the device for cutting the tissue paper is complicated.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a tissue paper dispenser with a device for separating a roll of tissue paper. The tissue paper separating device can be used for a long time without the problem of wear of the blade. Thus, the maintenance burden is relieved, and the dispenser can be used for a longer time, which is more convenient to the user.
[0004] It is another object of the present invention to provide a tissue paper dispenser with a device for separating a roll of tissue paper in an easier manner.
[0005] A method for separating a roll of tissue paper in accordance with the present invention comprising the steps of:
providing a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotating at the same speed for drawing a roll of tissue paper to pass through the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers;
making the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotate at different speed when a pre-determined length of the roll of tissue paper has passed through the first set of rollers, thereby tearing the roll of tissue paper between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers.
[0006] The roll of tissue paper includes a plurality of mark sensors located on a side thereof and spaced at regular intervals. A detecting means is provided for detecting passing of one of the mark sensors and for sending a signal to stop rotation of the first set of rollers, thereby tearing the tissue paper between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers.
[0007] A tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention comprises:
a casing including two sidewalls;
a first set of rollers rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of the casing;
a second set of rollers rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of the casing;
a detecting means mounted between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers; and
a roll of tissue paper carrying a plurality of sensor marks, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotating at different speeds when one of the sensor marks of passes through the detecting means to thereby tear the tissue paper apart.
[0008] Two power devices may be provided for respectively driving the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers. In an alternative embodiment, a clutch wheel is mounted between the first set of the rollers and the second set of rollers, and a controller is provided for controlling engagement/disengagement of the clutch wheel with/from transmitting members for the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers, thereby selectively driving one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers or driving the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers at the same speed.
[0009] A first guide plate is located above the first set of rollers for guiding the tissue paper into the first set of rollers and a second guide plate is located above the second set of rollers for guiding the tissue paper into the second set of rollers. A further guide plate is located below the second set of rollers for guiding a piece of tissue paper separated from the roll of tissue paper.
[0010] One of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having a non-cylindrical surface, the non-cylindrical surfaces of the rollers being adjacent to each other.
[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces of the rollers being adjacent to each other.
[0012] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having a wavelike surface, the wavelike surface including a plurality of bulge sections and a recess section between two of said bulge sections, the bulge sections of the rollers being adjacent to each other.
[0013] The roll of tissue paper includes a plurality of sensor marks and a plurality of breaking lines. Each breaking line includes a relatively longer hole and a plurality of relatively shorter holes. Further, a sprayer is mounted to the casing for wetting the roll of tissue paper.
[0014] Other objects, specific advantages, and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferable embodiments when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0016] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0017] Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0020] Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a modified embodiment of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0023] Fig. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of a second set of rollers of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0024] Fig. 10 is a side view of the tissue paper dispenser of Fig. 9, wherein the tissue paper is not yet separated.
[0026] Fig. 12 is a top view of a third embodiment of the second set of rollers of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] Fig. 13 is a side view of the tissue paper dispenser of Fig. 12, wherein the tissue paper is not yet separated.
[0028] Fig. 14 is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the second set of rollers of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
[0029] Fig. 15 is a side view of the tissue paper dispenser of Fig. 14, wherein the tissue paper is not yet separated.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0030] Preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0031] Referring to Fig. 2, a roll of tissue paper 4 used with a tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention is made of natural fibers, artificial fibers, synthetic fibers, etc. Sensor marks 42 are provided on a side of the roll of tissue paper 4 and spaced at regular intervals. Each sensor mark 42 is a notch or a sensor means attached to the side of the roll of tissue paper 4 by means of printing, bonding, or other suitable means. Breaking lines 41 may be provided on the roll of tissue paper and spaced at regular intervals, allowing flush breaking of the tissue paper. Further, in a case that the tissue paper is made of artificial fibers or synthetic fibers, a pressed portion 43 can be provided on each side of each breaking line 41 by means of hot melting in order to prevent of falling of fibers.
[0032] Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention comprises a casing 3, a first set of rollers 1, and a second set of rollers 2. The tissue paper 4 is passed through the first and second sets of rollers 1 and 2. The casing 3 comprises at least two sidewalls 31 between which the first and second sets of rollers 1 and 2 are rotatably mounted. A detecting means 32 is mounted on the casing 3 for mating with the sensor mark 42 on the roll of tissue paper 4. When a sensor mark 42 is passed through the detecting means 32, the detecting means 32 sends a signal, which will be described in detail later. The detecting means 32 may be a conventional photo sensor. In order to allow easy entrance of the tissue paper 4 into the first and second sets of rollers 1 and 2, two guide plates 33 are mounted between the sidewalls 31 and respectively located above the first and second sets of rollers 1 and 2. A conventional sprayer 34 can be mounted in the casing 3 to wet the tissue paper 4 passing therethrough. Further, in order to guide the tissue paper 4 out of the casing 3, a guide plate 35 is mounted below the second set of the rollers 2.
[0033] The first set of rollers 1 includes at least two rollers 11 and 12 having two ends respectively, rotatably mounted to the sidewalls 31. The surfaces of the rollers 11 and 12 are adjacent to each other; namely, the surface of the roller 11 is in contact with or almost in contact with the surface of the roller 12. Transmitting members 13 such as gears are provided to make the rollers 11 and 12 rotate in opposite directions, thereby urging the tissue paper 4 to pass through the roller 11 and the roller 12 to the second set of rollers 2. The rollers 11 and 12 of the first set of rollers 1 are driven by a power device 14.
[0034] The second set of rollers 2 is located below or behind the second set of rollers 1 and includes at least two rollers 21 and 22 having two ends respectively, rotatably mounted to the sidewalls 31 of the casing 3. The surfaces of the rollers 21 and 22 are adjacent to each other; namely, the surface of the roller 21 is in contact with or almost in contact with the surface of the roller 22. Transmitting members 23 such as gears are provided to make the rollers 21 and 22 rotate in opposite directions, thereby urging the tissue paper 4 to pass through the roller 21 and the roller 22 and to move downward. The rollers 21 and 22 of the second set of rollers 2 are driven by a power device 24.
[0035] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a distal end of the roll of tissue paper 4 is passed through the rollers 11 and 12 of the first set of rollers 1 and through the rollers 21 and 22 of the second set of rollers 2. The distal end of the roll of tissue paper 4 is moved downward by the rotational movements of the first and second sets of rollers 1 and 2. At this time, the first set of rollers 1 rotates at a speed the same as that of the second set of rollers 2. When the sensor mark 42 on the roll of tissue paper 4 passes through the detecting means 32, the detecting means 32 sends a signal to stop or reduce the speed of the power device 14 for the first set of rollers 1. Thus, a tear force is applied to the tissue paper 4 between the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2 such that the tissue paper 4 breaks along the breaking line 41 (Fig. 5). The separated piece of the tissue paper 4 falls as a result of continuous rotation of the rollers 21 and 22 of the second set of rollers 2 and is then guided out of the casing 3 by the guide plate 35.
[0036] Fig. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment of the tissue paper dispenser in accordance with the present invention, wherein a clutch wheel 36 is mounted to the casing 3 and controlled by a controller 37 such as an electromagnetic valve. When the sensor mark 42 passes through the detecting means 32, the detecting means 32 sends a signal to disengage the clutch wheel 36 from the transmission members 13 and 23 of the first set of the rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2. After a predetermined period of time, the clutch wheel 36 is reengaged with the transmission members 13 and 23 of the first set of the rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2.
[0037] In this embodiment, no power device is provided for the first set of rollers 1, yet a power device 24 is provided for the second set of rollers 2. Thus, when the clutch wheel 36 is reengaged with the transmission members 13 and 23 of the first set of the rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2 (Fig. 7), the rollers 11, 12, 21, 22 of the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2 rotate at the same speed. The tissue paper 4 is pulled downward. When the clutch wheel 36 is disengaged from the transmission member 13 of the first set of the rollers 1 and/or the transmission member 23 of the second set of rollers 2 (Fig. 8), the rollers 11 and 12 of the first set of rollers 1 stops rotating, while the second set of rollers 2 keep rotating by the power device 24. Thus, a tear force is applied to the tissue paper 4 between the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2 such that the tissue paper 4 breaks along the breaking line 41. The separated piece of the tissue paper 4 is guided out of the casing 3 by the guide plate 35.
[0038] Fig. 9 is a top view of a second embodiment of the second set of rollers (now designated by 2a). In this embodiment, the second set of rollers 2a is located below or behind the first set of rollers 1 and includes two rollers 21a and 22a that are driven by transmitting members such as gears so as to rotate in opposite directions, thereby driving the tissue paper 4 to pass therethrough. Each roller 21a, 22a, has a non-cylindrical surface. In this embodiment, each roller 21a, 22a is arcuate and includes a bulge section 211 a, 221a at a mediate section thereof. The bulge sections 211a and 221a are adjacent to each other; namely, the bulge section 211a is in contact with or almost in contact with the bulge section 221a. Thus, the rollers 21a and 22a have a relatively small contact surface area (or "adjacent" surface area) therebetween. Further, the contact surface area between the bulge sections 211a and 221a is aligned with a relatively longer hole 411 forming a portion of the breaking line 41 of the tissue paper 4. As a result, when the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2b rotate at different speeds, a small force provided by the power device (such as a motor) is sufficient to tear the tissue paper apart, best shown in Figs. 10 and 11.
[0039] Figs. 12 and 13 illustrates a third embodiment of the second set of rollers (now designated by 2b) comprising two rollers 21b and 22b. Each roller 21b, 22b has a non-cylindrical surface. In this embodiment, each roller 21b, 22b has a cylindrical mediate section 212b, 222b of a relatively larger uniform diameter. Each roller 21b, 22b further includes a conic side section 213b, 223b on each of two sides of the mediate section 212b, 222b. Thus, the surfaces of the rollers 21b and 22b have a relatively smaller contact surface area therebetween. Further, the contact surface area is aligned with the relatively longer hole 411 forming a portion of the breaking line 41 of the tissue paper 4 (Fig. 13). Further, the mediate section 212b, 222b is preferably shorter than the relatively longer hole 411 of the roll of the tissue paper 4. As a result, when the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2b rotate at different speeds, a small force provided by the power device (such as a motor) is sufficient to tear the tissue paper apart.
[0040] Figs. 14 and 15 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the second set of rollers (now designated by 2c) comprising two rollers 21c and 22c. Each roller 21c, 22c has a non-cylindrical surface. In this embodiment, each roller 21c, 22c is wavelike and has plural bulge sections section 214c, 224c and a recess section 215c, 225c between two bulge sections 214c, 224c. Thus, the surfaces of the rollers 21c and 22c have a relatively smaller contact surface area therebetween. Further, the contact surface area is aligned with the relatively longer hole 411 forming a portion of the breaking line 41 of the tissue paper 4. As a result, when the first set of rollers 1 and the second set of rollers 2c rotate at different speeds, a small force provided by the power device (such as a motor) is sufficient to tear the tissue paper apart.
[0041] Thus, the present invention provides a method and device for separating the tissue paper in which the manner for dispensing tissue paper is altered. When compared with the conventional tissue paper dispenser, the cutter and corresponding elements are eliminated. The structure and the maintenance therefor are thus simplified, and the assembling procedure is more convenient. Further, the maintenance resulting from the wear of the cutter is also eliminated. Further, the length of each piece of tissue paper to be dispensed can be set during manufacture of the roll of tissue paper 4, which is convenient when compared with troublesome replacement of gears and motors required in conventional designs.
[0042] Further, in accordance with the method and device for separating tissue paper, when the first and second sets of roller rotate at different speeds, the rollers of the second set of rollers have a relatively small contact surface area therebetween such that the tissue paper between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers can be torn easily. Further, a small force provided by the power device (such as a motor) is sufficient to tear the tissue paper apart; namely, the power consumed by the power device for tearing the tissue paper apart is reduced.
[0043] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment as mentioned above, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is, therefore, contemplated that the appended claims will cover such modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the invention.
1. A method for separating a roll of tissue paper, comprising the steps of:
providing a first set of rollers and a second set of rollers, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotating at the same speed for drawing a roll of tissue paper to pass through the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers;
making the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotate at different speed when a pre-determined length of the roll of tissue paper has passed through the first set of rollers, thereby tearing the roll of tissue paper between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roll of tissue paper includes a plurality
of mark sensors located on a side thereof and spaced at regular intervals, further
comprising a detecting means for detecting passing of one of the mark sensors and
for sending a signal to stop rotation of the first set of rollers, thereby tearing
the tissue paper between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers.
3. A tissue paper dispenser comprising:
a casing including two sidewalls;
a first set of rollers rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of the casing;
a second set of rollers rotatably mounted between the sidewalls of the casing;
a detecting means mounted between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers; and
a roll of tissue paper carrying a plurality of sensor marks, the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers rotating at different speeds when one of the sensor marks of passes through the detecting means to thereby tear the tissue paper apart.
4. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, further comprising two power devices
for respectively driving the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers.
5. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a clutch wheel
between the first set of the rollers and the second set of rollers, further comprising
a controller for controlling engagement/disengagement of the clutch wheel with/from
transmitting members for the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers, thereby
selectively driving one of the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers
or driving the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers at the same speed.
6. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a first guide
plate located above the first set of rollers for guiding the tissue paper into the
first set of rollers and a second guide plate located above the second set of rollers
for guiding the tissue paper into the second set of rollers.
7. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a sprayer mounted
to the casing for wetting the tissue paper.
8. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a guide plate
located below the second set of rollers for guiding a piece of tissue paper separated
from the roll of tissue paper.
9. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the first set of
rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having
a non-cylindrical surface, the non-cylindrical surfaces of the rollers being adjacent
to each other.
10. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the first set of
rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having
an arcuate surface, the arcuate surfaces of the rollers being adjacent to each other.
11. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein one of the first set of
rollers and the second set of rollers includes a plurality of rollers each having
a wavelike surface, the wavelike surface including a plurality of bulge sections and
a recess section between two of said bulge sections, the bulge sections of the rollers
being adjacent to each other.
12. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 3, wherein the roll of tissue paper
includes a plurality of sensor marks and a plurality of breaking lines, each said
breaking line including a relatively longer hole and a plurality of relatively shorter
holes, the relatively longer hole being aligned with an adjacent surface area between
the rollers of the second set of rollers.
13. The tissue paper dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein the adjacent surface area
is shorter than the relatively longer hole of the tissue paper.
14. A roll of tissue paper comprising a plurality of sensor marks on a side thereof and
spaced at regular intervals.
15. The roll of tissue paper as claimed in claim 14, wherein each said sensor mark is
a notch or hole.
16. The roll of tissue paper as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sensor marks are provided
on the roll of tissue paper by one of printing and bonding.
17. The roll of tissue paper as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a plurality of
breaking lines formed on the roll of tissue paper and spaced at regular intervals.
18. The roll of tissue paper as claimed in claim 17, wherein two sides of each said breaking
line is pressed.
19. The roll of tissue paper as claimed in claim 17, wherein each said breaking ling includes
a relatively longer hole and a plurality of relatively shorter holes.