Holding arrangement and method for holding a tissue roll in a dispenser, and dispenser

Abstract

A holding arrangement for holding a tissue roll in a dispenser, to a dispenser and a method is disclosed. The holding mechanism comprises a holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in a first tissue roll position; wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor; and a shift mechanism adapted for shifting the holding mechanism, in particular the first and second holding elements, from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position.

Claims

1. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; wherein the first tissue roll position is a first dispensing position for dispensing tissue from the tissue roll and the first tissue roll position is a receiving position for receiving a new tissue roll; wherein the first holding element is horizontally or axially spaced from the first end of the axle of the tissue roll in the release position and the second holding element is horizontally or axially spaced from the second end of the axle of the tissue roll in the release position and the holding mechanism remains substantially within the same horizontal plane in the hold position and in the release position; wherein the shift mechanism extends in a substantially horizontal plane in the release position and in the hold position and is arranged such that a movement of the shift mechanism from the hold position to the release position and vice versa is substantially horizontal; wherein the holding mechanism is arranged such that a movement of the first holding element and the second holding element of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position and vice versa is substantially horizontal, and the first holding element and the second holding element are adapted to provide operative support for the tissue roll during operation of the dispenser to dispense a portion of the continuous web of tissue; wherein the first holding element and the second holding element of the holding mechanism is biased in the release position; and wherein the shift mechanism comprises at least one first biasing element biasing the holding mechanism in the release position.

2. The dispenser pursuant to claim 1, wherein: the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the release position to the hold position when the diameter sensor detects a full tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position.

3. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; wherein the shift mechanism comprises a transition element pivotably connected to the diameter sensor; wherein the diameter sensor comprises a locking element for locking the holding mechanism in the hold position and for locking the diameter sensor to a housing of a dispenser, and the diameter sensor comprises a guide element for activating the shift mechanism by unlocking the locking element; and wherein the guide element is adapted to engage a guide frame of the dispenser.

4. The dispenser pursuant to claim 3, wherein: the diameter sensor is adapted to change its position with a changing diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position and is adapted to rest upon an outer periphery of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; the transition element is adapted to rest upon an outer periphery of the tissue roll; the diameter sensor or the transition element change their relative position to each other with a changing diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein an angle between the diameter sensor and the transition element is larger in the release position of the holding mechanism or in the free position of the transition element than in the hold position of the holding mechanism or in the locked position of the transition element, respectively; and the guide element or the locking element of the diameter sensor can be adjusted.

5. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; wherein the shift mechanism comprises a toggle mechanism; wherein the shift mechanism comprises a first connection arm projecting from the diameter sensor, a first holding arm projecting from the first holding element, a first transition piece pivotably connecting the first holding arm and the first connection arm, a second connection arm projecting from the diameter sensor, a second holding arm projecting from the second holding element, and a second transition piece pivotably connecting the second holding arm and the second connection arm; wherein the first transition piece or the second transition piece are connected to the support insert via at least one first biasing element; and wherein the first holding arm is connected to the first transition piece via at least one second biasing element or the second holding arm is connected to the second transition piece via at least one second biasing element.

6. The dispenser pursuant to claim 5, wherein: one or both of the first holding element and the second holding element is exchangeable; one or both of the first holding element and the second holding element is variable with respect to form or shape or by adding, removing, or shifting variation elements; one or both of the first holding element and the first holding arm is releasably connected to the shift mechanism or the second holding element or the second holding arm is releasably connected to the shift mechanism; and the first holding arm is releasably connected to the first transition piece or the first connection arm or the second holding arm is releasably connected to the second transition piece or the second connection arm.

7. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; wherein the first holding element comprises a first captive piece for interaction with a part of the tissue roll or the second holding element comprises a second captive piece for interaction with a part of the tissue roll; wherein the first holding element comprises a first identification element for identifying the tissue roll or the second holding element comprises a second identification element for identifying the tissue roll; and wherein the first holding element comprises a first form fit piece for engaging the axle or an axle cap of the tissue roll in a form fit or the second holding element comprises a second form fit piece for engaging the axle or the axle cap of the tissue roll.

8. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; a housing with an openable housing cover and a housing base for wall-mounting the dispenser; a dispensing opening; a cutting unit; a control unit; a user interface; a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of a user; an output mechanism comprising at least two output rollers, including a driven roller and tension roller; and a transfer mechanism for releasably holding and transferring an end of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; and wherein the transfer mechanism is adapted to transfer the end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism when the second tissue roll position is empty.

9. The dispenser pursuant to claim 8, wherein the housing cover comprises a first protrusion adapted to contact a contact flap of the diameter sensor when the housing is closed.

10. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; and a level indicator having a filled position and an empty position, wherein the level indicator is adapted such that the level indicator is in its filled position when the holding mechanism is in its hold position and the level indicator is in its empty position when the holding mechanism is in its release position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; and wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position.

11. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; and a tissue roll axle receptacle, wherein the tissue roll axle receptacle is openable and is pivotably connected to the housing base; wherein the tissue roll axle receptacle is open when the housing cover is open and comprises a retention element retaining the tissue roll axle when the tissue roll axle receptacle is open; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; and wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position.

12. A dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll comprising a holding mechanism for holding the tissue roll in the dispenser, the dispenser comprising: a second tissue roll position for receiving the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position; the holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting a diameter of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa; wherein a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the release position is larger than a distance between the first holding element and the second holding element in the hold position; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from the hold position to the release position when the diameter sensor detects a reduced tissue roll diameter in the first tissue roll position; wherein the first tissue roll position and the second tissue roll position comprise an axle opening through which the axle of the tissue roll can pass; and wherein a stop element is provided for stopping the axle of the tissue roll from passing the axle opening, wherein the stop element is arranged to let the axle of the tissue roll pass through the axle opening when a further tissue roll enters the first tissue roll position or the second tissue roll position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred embodiments shall now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser with an open housing cover and with a holding arrangement in the release position;

(3) FIG. 2 is a front view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a section along A-A as indicated in FIG. 2;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

(6) FIG. 5 is a side view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

(7) FIG. 6 is a further side view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

(8) FIG. 7 is an enlarged detail of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

(9) FIG. 8 is an enlarged detail of the dispenser according to FIG. 3;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a holding arrangement in the release position;

(11) FIG. 10 is a top view of the holding arrangement in the hold position;

(12) FIG. 11 is a top view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 9 with a level indicator;

(13) FIG. 12 is a top view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 10 with a level indicator;

(14) FIG. 13 is a side view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 9 with the diameter sensor and the transition element in different positions;

(15) FIG. 14 is a full tissue roll with the diameter sensor;

(16) FIG. 15 is a reduced diameter tissue roll with the diameter sensor;

(17) FIG. 16 depicts both the full and the reduced diameter tissue roll with the diameter sensor in different positions;

(18) FIG. 17 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a support insert;

(19) FIG. 18 is a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a full tissue roll and a reduced diameter tissue roll;

(20) FIG. 19 is a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a full tissue roll and two different directions of unrolling the tissue roll;

(21) FIG. 20 is a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with the housing in the closed and in the open position and an empty tissue roll in different positions;

(22) FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a dispenser;

(23) FIG. 22 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a holding arrangement; and

(24) FIG. 23 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a dispenser module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(25) In the Figures, elements with the same or comparable functions are indicated with the same reference numerals.

(26) In the F, a dispenser 1 is shown with a housing 2 comprising a housing base 21 for wall mounting the dispenser 1 and an openable housing cover 22. The housing cover 22 is connected pivotably to the housing base 21. FIGS. 1 to 6 show the housing cover 22 in its open position.

(27) As can be seen in FIG. 1, for example, on the inner upper side of the housing cover 22 a first protrusion 23 is provided and on the lower inner side of the housing cover 22 a second protrusion 24 is provided. The function of these two protrusions 23, 24 will be explained in detail below. Further, on the inside of one of the sidewalls of the housing cover 22 a level indicator 30 is provided. The level indicator 30 will also be described in further detail below. Further, on the front side of the housing cover 22 an indicator opening 25 is provided, through which an indication surface 33 of a level indicator 30 can be seen, as will be described further below. As can be seen from FIG. 21, the indicator opening 25 is covered by a cover glass 26. Optionally, a front panel 27 can be provided on the housing cover 22.

(28) The dispenser 1 further comprises a holding arrangement 200 with a holding mechanism 210, a shift mechanism 300, and an output mechanism 400, a transfer mechanism 500, and a diameter sensor 600, which will be discussed in more detail below.

(29) As can be seen from FIG. 21, the housing cover 22 is pivotably mounted to the housing base 21 via a bracket 61, housing spring 62, and cover magnet 64, and secured against unintentional release via safety catches 63. The housing cover 22 can be locked to the housing base 21 via a closure mechanism (see FIG. 21), which can be operated via a key by service personnel. The closure mechanism comprises a flat steel 51, lock springs 52, lock catches 55, a lock lever 53, and a lock plug 54.

(30) As can be seen in FIG. 18, for example, the dispenser 1 has a first tissue roll position 119 with a refill tissue roll with a continuous web of tissue 40 and a second tissue roll position 129 with a spare tissue roll with a further continuous web of tissue 40″. The tissue roll 100 in FIG. 18 has a counterclockwise direction of unrolling 102 and the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 has a clockwise direction of unrolling 102″.

(31) At the lower end of the second tissue roll position 129, an axle opening 820 is provided through which an empty axle of the tissue roll can pass to enter a tissue roll axle receptacle 800, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 20. The axle opening 820 has a stop element 830, which is an elastic element. The stop element 830 stops the empty axle of the tissue roll from passing the axle opening 820 only by the force of gravity. Rather, when a tissue roll is being released from the first tissue roll position 119 and falls down to the second tissue roll position 129, a downward directed force is exerted on to the empty axle 110 of the tissue roll, which then can temporarily move the stop element 830 and pass the axle opening 820 to enter the tissue roll axle receptacle 800. The tissue roll axle receptacle 800 has a retention element 810 retaining the axle 110 of the tissue roll when the tissue roll axle receptacle 800 is open, as can be seen in FIG. 20. Preferably, the tissue roll axle receptacle 800 is in its open position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 20), when the housing cover 22 is in its open position (shown in FIG. 20, also in broken lines).

(32) In FIGS. 7 and 8, as well as in FIGS. 18, 19, and 23, a dispenser module 90 and the output mechanism 400 and the transfer mechanism 500 are shown in more detail. The dispenser module 90 preferably comprises a module body 91, a module center 92, and a module cover 93. The elements of a dispenser module 90 can be connected by screws 440, for example.

(33) As can be seen in FIG. 8, for example, the output mechanism 400 for supplying portions of tissue from a tissue roll in the first or second tissue roll position to a dispensing opening 12 comprises two output rollers 410. A continuous web of tissue can be supplied to the dispensing opening 12 by a rotation of the output rollers 410 through an output gap 420 between the output rollers 410. The output mechanism 400 is suitable for supplying portions of tissue from a continuous web tissue regardless of whether the tissue roll is in the first tissue roll position 119 or in the second tissue roll position 129 (see FIG. 18). As depicted in FIG. 23, the output mechanism 400 and/or the transfer mechanism 500 and/or the dispenser module 90 can comprise a battery module 81, a drive unit 82 with a gear transmission 83, and a holder 84 for driving the output rollers 410.

(34) In FIG. 18, a tissue roll with a reduced diameter is present in the second tissue roll position 129, and tissue 40″ is supplied by the output mechanism 400 to the dispensing opening 12. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 18, a tissue roll can be held in the second tissue roll position 129 by a trough-like receiving section 130 in a lower portion of the dispenser 1. When the spare tissue roll with a very reduced diameter as shown in FIG. 18 has a tissue 40″ connection to the output mechanism 400, the tissue roll can be at an upper portion of the trough-like receiving section 130 in the second tissue roll position 129. In case the spare tissue roll still has a slightly larger diameter than shown in FIG. 18, this spare tissue roll is heavier and can thus be positioned in a lower portion of the trough-like receiving section 113 for the second tissue roll position. When the spare tissue roll is completely empty and only the axle remains, the axle 110 usually by gravity moves to the lower part of the trough-like receiving section 130, where the tissue roll axle opening 820 is located, as can be seen from FIG. 20.

(35) As can be seen in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 holds an end of a tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the transfer mechanism 500 is adapted to hold and transfer an end of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 independent from its unrolling direction, which can be counterclockwise 102 or clockwise 102′ (broken lines). The transfer mechanism 500 is shown in its service position in FIG. 18 and in its handover position in FIG. 19.

(36) Further, FIGS. 7 and 8 also show the transfer mechanism 500 in its service position. The transfer mechanism 500 is adapted for releasably holding and transferring an end of tissue 40, 40′ from a tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119 to the output mechanism 400. The transfer mechanism 500 comprises a transfer plate 510 and two retainer flaps 520. The retainer flaps 520 are mounted on the transfer plate 510. The transfer plate 510 is pivotally connected to a transfer rod 530, which is movable to bring the transfer mechanism 500 from the service position into the handover position. Transfer rod 530 is driven by drive 452. Each of the retainer flaps 520 comprises a transfer projection 540. Between the retainer flaps 520 a middle flap 511 (see FIG. 23) can be provided.

(37) At least one of the rollers 410 of the output mechanism 400 comprises several axially spaced recesses 430 in the form of a reduced diameter of the output roller 410. The transfer projections 540 of the retainer flaps 520 are adapted to project into the recesses 430 of the output roller 410 in order to transfer the end of the tissue into the gap 420 between the output rollers 410 in the handover position, as can be seen, for example, from FIG. 19.

(38) The end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position can be inserted into the transfer mechanism 500 by inserting the end of the tissue roll between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510. The end of a tissue roll can be biased in between. In the service position, the transfer plate 510 projects from the transfer rod 530 in direction toward a user when the housing is open. This facilitates the insertion of an end of the tissue roll into the transfer mechanism 500, in particular, between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510, by a user. When the housing cover is closed, preferably the second projection 24 on the lower inner side of the housing cover 22 contacts the transfer plate 510 and slightly lifts the transfer plate 510 from its service position shown in FIG. 8 into a slightly higher position shown in FIG. 18. From this position shown in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 can move into the handover position shown in FIG. 19, in which the transfer projections 514 project into the recesses of the output roller 410. Once the end of the tissue roll is inserted into the gap 420 between the upper rollers 410, and, in particular, when the output rollers 410 start rotating in order to supply tissue, the end of the tissue roll is released from in between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510.

(39) As can be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 8 and 18, a detector 700 detecting whether the second tissue position is empty is provided. In the example depicted, the detector 700 is in the form of an optical tissue sensor 710 for detecting the presence of a tissue connection between the second tissue roll position and the output mechanism 400. The optical tissue sensor 710 is covered with an infrared glass 711.

(40) This optical sensor 710 detects whether a tissue connection 41 is present between a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 and the output mechanism 400. In case such a tissue connection 41 is present, as shown in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 remains in the elevated service position as shown in FIG. 18, releasably holding the end of the tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position. Preferably, the transfer mechanism 500 is activated only when the detector 700 in the form of optical tissue sensor 710 detects that no tissue connection is present between the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 and the output mechanism 400.

(41) Preferably, a cutting unit 11 (see FIG. 8) is provided between the dispensing opening 12 and the output rollers 410 for cutting off portions of tissue from the continuous web of tissue. As can be seen in detail in FIG. 23, a cutting unit preferably comprises a blade 11a, a blade shield 11b and a blade cover 11c. A blade switch 453 is provided for detecting whether the blade 11a has been activated, which indicates that a user has taken a portion of tissue from the dispenser.

(42) Further, preferably, a control unit 16 (see FIGS. 8, 23) is provided for performing various control functions to realize the various features described herein. The control unit 16 preferably comprises a microcontroller and further, preferably, performs all control functions necessary to operate the dispenser 1.

(43) A user interface 15 with a user interface unit 19 and user interface sticker 17 provides information to a user. The status LED 18 can indicate a fault status, for example, to a user. Preferably, the user interface unit 19 does not comprise a microcontroller.

(44) Further, preferably, the output mechanism 400 is an automatic output mechanism 400 which is activated by a signal from a proximity sensor 14 for detecting the presence of a user. A dispenser 1 with such a functionality can also be described as a non-touch dispenser.

(45) The dispenser 1 further features a holding arrangement 200 with a holding mechanism 210 comprising a first holding element 211 for engaging a first end of an axle 110 of the tissue roll 100 and a second holding element 212 for engaging a second end of an axle 110 of the tissue roll 100. The holding mechanism 210 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. As can be seen from these Figures in particular, a horizontal distance 232 in an axial direction of the tissue roll axis 113 between the first holding element 211 and the second holding element 212 in the release position is larger than a horizontal distance 231 in an axial direction of the tissue roll axis 113 in the hold position. In addition, these Figures show that the first and second holding elements 211, 212 are spaced from the axle 110 of the tissue roll 100 in the release position. In the hold position, however, the holding mechanism 210, in particular, the first and second holding arms 311, 321 and the first and second holding elements 211, 212 provide full operative support for the tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position during operation of the dispenser and, in particular, during supply of tissue from the tissue roll by unrolling the tissue roll in an unrolling direction about the tissue roll axis 113.

(46) As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, a level indicator 30 with a base arm 32 and a level arm 31 is provided. At one end of the level arm 31 an indication surface 33 is provided. As can be seen when comparing FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the level arm 31 is moved by the first holding arm 311 and the first holding element 211 to an outer position corresponding to an empty position of the first tissue roll position, while the level arm 31 is biased in an inner, filled position when the holding mechanism 210 is in the hold position, as shown in FIG. 12.

(47) The indication surface 33 is preferably viewable through the indicator opening 25 in the housing cover 22 such that service personnel can see through the indicator opening 25 whether or not there is a tissue roll 100 at the first tissue roll position, i.e., whether the holding mechanism 210 is in the hold position or in the release position without having to open the housing cover 22 of the dispenser 1.

(48) The holding arrangement 200 further comprises a shift mechanism 300 for shifting the holding mechanism 210, in particular, the first and second holding elements 211, 212, from the hold position to the release position and vice versa. The shift mechanism 300 comprises a transition element 900, which is pivotably connected to a diameter sensor 600. The shift mechanism 300 is mounted on the housing base 21, preferably via the support insert 910. The shift mechanism 300 further comprises a toggle mechanism. In particular, the shift mechanism 300 further comprises first and second connection arms 312, 322 projecting from the transition element 900 and first and second transition pieces 313, 323 pivotably connecting the first and second holding arms 311, 321 to the first and second connection arms 312, 322.

(49) The diameter sensor 600 is adapted to change its position with the changing, in particular, decreasing, diameter of the tissue roll 100, as can be seen in particular in FIGS. 13 through 16. Therein, the diameter sensor is shown in a full diameter position 600 and a reduced diameter position 600′. An angle 630 between the diameter sensor 600′ and the transition element 900′ in the release position is larger than the respective angle in the hold position. These Figures further show a guide frame 920 with a contoured guide surface 621, which can be adjusted by an adjustment element 921. A guide element 620 is provided on the diameter sensor 600. As can be seen, the diameter sensor 600 changes its position and the guide element 620 moves towards the contoured guide surface 621 and makes contact with it as the diameter of the tissue roll 100 decreases. Due to the contour of this guide surface 621, the guide element 620 slides along the guide surface 621 and effects an upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600. This upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600 effected by the interaction of the guide element 620 with the contoured guide surface 621 unlocks the locking element 610 of the diameter sensor.

(50) The diameter sensor 600 has two locking elements 610 (see FIGS. 9 and 10, for example) for locking the diameter sensor 600 in the housing base 21, in particular, in a support insert 910 on the housing base 21. When the housing cover 22 and the first projection 23 thereon contacts the contact flip 601 on the diameter sensor 600, the locking elements 610 are snapped into their locked position in the support insert 910.

(51) Once the locking elements 610 are unlocked by the upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600 effected by the interaction of the guide element 620 with the contoured guide surface 621 in the reduced diameter position 600′, the shift mechanism 300 shifts to hold mechanism 210 into the release position. In the release position, the tissue roll 100 is released from the first tissue roll position and falls into the second tissue roll position. In order to decelerate this movement, stoppers 71 can be provided, as depicted in FIG. 21.

(52) The shift mechanism 300 is biased in the release position, by two first biasing elements 241 in the form of springs, which connect the first transition piece 313 and the second transition piece 323 to the support insert 910 (see FIG. 22). As can be further seen from FIG. 22, the first holding arm 311 is connected to the first transition piece 313 via a second biasing element 242 and also the second holding arm 321 is connected to the second transition piece 323 via a second biasing element 242. Both second biasing elements 242 are in the form of springs. Pins 250 are preferably used for connecting various components. The two second biasing elements 242 are dimensioned smaller than the first biasing elements 241 and exert less force than the at least one first biasing element 241 and into a different direction than the two first biasing elements 241 in order to brake or stop a movement initiated by the two first biasing elements 241. FIG. 22 further shows a number of pins for connecting the different elements of the holding arrangement 200.

(53) A switch 260 is provided, which is generates a signal indicating whether the hold mechanism 210 is in the hold position of in the release position. This signal is transferred to the dispenser module via a connector 451. In particular, in can be preferred that the transfer mechanism cannot be activated as long as the switch 260 indicates that the hold mechanism 210 is in the release position.

(54) In the release position, the diameter sensor 600 and the lower end of the transition element 900 are spaced from the housing base 21, in particular, the support insert 910. When a new tissue roll 100 is inserted into the first tissue roll position, the tissue roll 100 is pushed against the diameter sensor 600 and the transition element 900 and thus the shift mechanism 300 and the hold mechanism 210 are brought against the biasing force into the hold position and the locking elements 610 are locked, preferably in the support insert 910 and further snapped therein by pressure exerted by the first protrusion 23 on the housing cover 22 upon closing of the housing 2. The insertion of a new tissue roll into the first tissue roll position can be facilitated by providing lead wings 72, as depicted in FIG. 21.

(55) In summary, a dispenser 1 is provided, featuring several advantages. By providing the output mechanism 400 and the transfer mechanism 500 together with the detector 700 for checking whether the second tissue roll position is empty, as described herein, a resource efficient solution is provided to transfer the end of a new referral tissue roll to the output mechanism only when the second tissue roll position is empty. Thus, double tissue usage is avoided.

(56) Further, by providing a holding arrangement 200, as described herein, a very easy and time-saving service of the dispenser 1 is possible, while at the same time providing reliable and full operative support for the tissue in the hold position and allowing a freefall of the tissue roll from the release position to the second tissue roll position, whilst maintaining the tissue connection from the tissue roll to the output mechanism 400.

(57) As soon as the tissue roll has been released from the first tissue roll position and has fallen into the second tissue roll position, the dispenser 1 can be provided with a new tissue roll by service personnel in the first tissue roll position regardless of the direction of unrolling. By inserting the end of the new refill tissue roll into the transfer mechanism, the dispenser 1 is ready for firstly completely using up the remaining tissue on the spare tissue roll in the second tissue roll position and subsequently transferring the end of the new refill tissue roll to the output mechanism automatically and without the need for service personnel or user interaction. Thus, the dispenser 1 is reliable, has a high dispensing capacity, and is resource, time, and cost efficient.