PAPER HOLDER DEVICE

Abstract

A paper holder device to simplify the structure and reduce the cost and size of a paper holder device in which paper is fed from a paper roll and cut automatically by electrically-driven means. The paper holder device includes a paper supporting mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism, a paper receiving part, and a paper cutting mechanism for cutting paper, and the paper feeding mechanism and the paper cutting mechanism are configured to be alternatively driven by a single driving gear mechanism.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a paper holder device which holds a paper roll made by rolling toilet paper, and can feed the paper from the paper roll and fold and cut the paper automatically in response to a request from a user.

BACKGROUND ART

A variety of technologies for assisting and supporting the daily activities of elderly people has been proposed based on the awareness of welfare growing with the progress of the aging society. For example, a technology for making it easier to take paper out of a paper holder device for a toilet paper has been proposed (refer to Patent Literatures 1 and 2).

A paper holder device disclosed in Patent Literature 1 is configured such that paper is pinched and pulled from a paper roll supported on a mandrel by a pair of feed rollers, folded sequentially, and cut by a cutter disposed between the folding part and the pinching part. In this case, a motor for driving the feed rollers and a motor for driving the cutter are separately provided as driving sources (two-motor system). In addition, the cutter is constituted of a stationary cutter that is fixedly disposed and a movable cutter that is reciprocated horizontally by a crank mechanism, and the oscillating mechanism for the movable cutter is complicated.

A paper holder device disclosed in Patent Literature 2 is also configured, as is the case with the paper holder device disclosed in Patent Literature 1, such that paper is pinched and pulled out of a paper roll supported on a roll shaft by a pair of feed rollers, folded sequentially, and cut by a cutter disposed between the folding part and the pinching part. Also, a motor for driving the feed rollers and a motor for driving the cutter are separately provided as driving sources (two-motor system). The cutter is constituted of a stationary blade and a movable blade that is swung into contact with and away from the stationary blade, and the oscillating mechanism for the movable blade is complicated.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

[Patent Literature 1]

• JP-A-2000-287872

[Patent Literature 2]

• JP-A-2003-72998

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the paper holder devices disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, a series of operations including pulling paper from the paper roll, folding the paper and cutting the folded paper to separate it from the paper roll is automatically carried out. Thus, compared to a conventionally ordinary paper holder device which compels the user to pull paper from a paper roll, fold the paper and tear the folded paper off the paper roll with his or her hands, for example, the paper can be taken out easily. This is favorable especially to elderly people.

On the other hand, the paper holder devices disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, which employ a two-motor system having a motor for feeding the paper and a motor for cutting the paper as driving sources separately, need a large installation space for the motors and a complicated mechanism for driving the motors and are therefore not favorable as a paper holder device required to be compact because of their installation sites. Another problem is that the use of a plurality of motors leads to an increase in cost.

The present invention has therefore been made for the purpose of simplifying the structure of a paper holder device in which paper is automatically fed from a paper roll and cut on electricity and reducing the cost therefor.

Solution to Problem

The present invention adopts the following configuration as specific means for solving the problems.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a paper holder device, including a paper supporting mechanism 5 for unrollably supporting a paper roll 10, a paper feeding mechanism 6 for unrolling paper 10a from the paper roll 10 and feeding the paper 10a, a paper receiving part 3 for folding the paper 10a fed out of the paper feeding mechanism 6 in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper 10a, and a paper cutting mechanism 7 for cutting the paper 10a between the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper receiving part 3, characterized in that the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper cutting mechanism 7 are alternatively configured to be driven by a single driving gear mechanism 9.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a paper holder device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the driving gear mechanism 9 includes a reversibly rotatable motor 61, and a driving gear 64 which receives the driving force from the motor 61 and is driven to rotate selectively in a forward direction or a reverse direction and which is swung between a first position and a second position by the driving force, and in that the driving gear 64 is in mesh with a feeding gear unit 68 of the paper feeding mechanism 6 and drives the paper feeding mechanism 6 to rotate when set in the first position, and is in mesh with a cutting drive gear 59 of the paper cutting mechanism 7 and drives the paper cutting mechanism 7 to rotate when set in the second position.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a paper holder device according to the first aspect, further including a first sensor 101 for detecting the presence or absence of the approach of a human hand, and a second sensor 102 for detecting whether or not a paper 10a is present in the paper receiving part 3, characterized in that the driving gear mechanism 9 is configured to be activated when the first sensor 101 detects the approach of a human hand and the second sensor 102 detects the absence of the paper 10a.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a paper holder device including a holder main body 2 having a generally rectangular box-like appearance and attached to a vertical wall W in a toilet space, a paper supporting mechanism 5 for unrollably supporting a paper roll 10, a paper feeding mechanism 6 for unrolling paper 10a from the paper roll 10 and feeding the paper 10a, a paper receiving part 3 for folding the paper 10a fed out of the paper feeding mechanism 6 in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper in such a manner that the paper can be taken out of an outlet port 34 thereof, and a paper cutting mechanism 7 for cutting the paper 10a between the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper receiving part 3 which are housed in the holder main body 2, and an access cover 4 provided as one side wall 2a of four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2 and configured to open vertically, characterized in that the three side walls 2b to 2d of the four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2 except the side wall 2a as the access cover 4 can be selectively used as a mating surface to the vertical wall W.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a paper holder device according to the fourth aspect, characterized in that the outlet port 34 is provided in a part corresponding to any one side wall 2a, each of any two side walls 2a and 2b, each of any three side walls 2a, 2b and 2c or each of all the side walls 2a to 2d of the four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The present invention provides the following effects.

(a) According to the paper holder device according to the first invention of the present invention, in a paper holder device, including a paper supporting mechanism 5 for unrollably supporting a paper roll 10, a paper feeding mechanism 6 for unrolling paper 10a from the paper roll 10 and feeding the paper 10a, a paper receiving part 3 for folding the paper 10a fed out of the paper feeding mechanism 6 in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper 10a, and a paper cutting mechanism 7 for cutting the paper 10a between the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper receiving part 3, the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper cutting mechanism 7 are alternatively driven by a single driving gear mechanism 9. Thus, a decrease in external size and a cost reduction can be achieved and simplification of the driving mechanism can be promoted because of the reduction in the number of motors compared to the conventional paper holder devices having a two-motor type driving mechanism as disclosed in Patent Literatures described above.

(b) The paper holder device according to the second aspect of the present invention provides, in addition to the effect described in above (a), a particular effect as described below. In the paper holder device of this invention, the driving gear mechanism 9 includes a reversibly rotatable motor 61, and a driving gear 64 which receives the driving force from the motor 61 and is driven to rotate selectively in a forward direction or a reverse direction and which is swung between a first position and a second position by the driving force, and the driving gear 64 is in mesh with a feeding gear unit 68 of the paper feeding mechanism 6 and drives the paper feeding mechanism 6 to rotate when set in the first position, and is in mesh with a cutting drive gear 59 of the paper cutting mechanism 7 and drives the paper cutting mechanism 7 to rotate when set in the second position. Thus, the object of driving by the motor 61 can be switched automatically only by switching the direction in which the motor 61 is rotated. Therefore, simplification and reduction in cost of the control system for the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper cutting mechanism 7 can be promoted, and the reliability of the operation in switching the object of driving can be improved compared to the configuration in which the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper cutting mechanism 7 are driven by separate motors and the operations of the motors are controlled separately, for example.

(c) The paper holder device according to the third aspect of the present invention provides, in addition to the effect described in above (a), a particular effect as described below. The paper holder device of this invention further includes a first sensor 101 for detecting the presence or absence of the approach of a human hand, and a second sensor 102 for detecting whether or not a paper 10a is present in the paper receiving part 3, and the driving gear mechanism 9 is configured to be activated when the first sensor 101 detects the approach of a human hand and the second sensor 102 detects the absence of the paper 10a. Thus, a situation in which an operation to form a paper 10a is started in spite of the fact that there is no one who wants to use a paper 10a or a paper 10a in a folded state is present in the paper receiving part 3, for example, is reliably prevented from occurring, and the convenience and reliability in use of the paper holder device 1 can be improved accordingly.

(d) The paper holder device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes a holder main body 2 having a generally rectangular box-like appearance and attached to a vertical wall W in a toilet space, a paper supporting mechanism 5 for unrollably supporting a paper roll 10, a paper feeding mechanism 6 for unrolling paper 10a from the paper roll 10 and feeding the paper 10a, a paper receiving part 3 for folding the paper 10a fed out of the paper feeding mechanism 6 in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper in such a manner that the paper can be taken out of an outlet portion 34, and a paper cutting mechanism 7 for cutting the paper 10a between the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper receiving part 3 which are housed in the holder main body 2, and an access cover 4 provided as one side wall 2a of four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2 and configured to open vertically, and is configured such that the three side walls 2b to 2d of the four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2 except the side wall 2a as the access cover 4 can be selectively used as a mating surface to the vertical wall W. Thus, the orientation in which the paper holder device is attached to the vertical wall W can be selectively set in view of the location of the toilet bowl in the toilet space in which the paper holder device will be installed (the orientation of the toilet bowl with respect to the vertical wall W in the toilet space or the distance from the toilet bowl to side walls, for example) or the convenience of a person seated on the toilet seat in taking the paper 10a out of the paper holder device. This significantly improves the convenience in use of the paper holder device and contributes to the enhancement of the marketability of the paper holder device accordingly compared to the case where the orientation in which the paper holder device can be attached to the vertical wall W is fixed, for example.

(e) The paper holder device according to the fifth aspect provides, in addition to the effect described in above (d), a particular effect as described below. In the paper holder device of this invention, the outlet portion 34 is provided in a part corresponding to any one side wall 2a, each of any two side walls 2a and 2b, each of any three side walls 2a, 2b and 2c or each of all the side walls 2a to 2d of the four side walls 2a to 2d of the holder main body 2. Thus, because the user of the paper holder device can take the paper 10a out of an outlet portion 34 at a location that is most convenient for him or her, the convenience of the user in using the paper holder device can be further improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a paper holder device according to a first embodiment of the present invention while in use.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 1 with its access cover opened.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a rotary blade unit with its rotary blade retracted.

FIG. 6 is a view as viewed in the direction of arrow VI in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rotary blade unit with its rotary blade exposed.

FIG. 8 is a view as viewed in the direction of arrow VIII in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view seen from a different viewpoint from that of the perspective view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a stationary blade unit with its stationary blade retracted.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XI-XI in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the stationary blade unit with its stationary blade projected.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating the manner of positioning the rotary blade unit and the stationary blade unit.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 1 with one of its side covers removed.

FIG. 16 is perspective view illustrating the overall structure of a driving gear mechanism shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the driving gear mechanism shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating the operation of the driving gear mechanism to drive a paper feeding part.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating the operation of the driving gear mechanism to drive a paper cutting part.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a motor control system.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of operation control during the use of the paper holder device.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a paper holder device according to a second embodiment of the present invention while in use.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 22 with its cover opened.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view illustrating another installation example of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a paper holder device according to a third embodiment of the present invention while in use.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 25 with its cover opened.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view illustrating a first installation example of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view illustrating a second installation example of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 25.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a paper holder device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention while in use.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 29 with its cover opened.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view illustrating another installation example of the paper holder device shown in FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of a paper holder device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention while in use.

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the paper holder device in FIG. 32 seen from a different viewpoint.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Description is hereinafter made of the present invention in detail based on preferred embodiments.

I: First Embodiment

FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 show a paper holder device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The paper holder device 1, which is attached, for example, to a vertical wall W of a toilet, holds therein a paper roll 10 made by rolling toilet paper, feeds a predetermined length of paper 10a from the paper roll 10 in response to a request from a user, folds the paper 10a in a zigzag fashion, and cuts the folded paper 10a at a position close to the paper roll 10 to make it usable, and is configured to perform the series of operations from feeding to cutting of the paper 10a automatically. The automation saves the user the time and effort to pull, fold and tear the paper 10a with his or her hands. This is favorable especially to elderly people.

The paper holder device 1, which performs the series of operations automatically, includes a holder main body 2, which is described below, a paper receiving part 3 disposed in a lower part of the holder main body 2, and an access cover 4 for opening or closing a part of the holder main body 2 from front to top as needed. The configuration of each of the elements is described in detail below.

Holder Main Body 2

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the holder main body 2 has a pair of right and left side walls 21 and 21, a back wall 23, and side covers 22 and 22 for covering the outside of the respective side walls 21 and 21. The holder main body 2 has a continuous opening extending across the front and top thereof, and the access cover 4, which is described below, is attached to the opening. In addition, the opening extends into the bottom of the holder main body 2, and the paper receiving part 3, which is described later, is disposed at the bottom of the holder main body 2.

A paper supporting mechanism 5, a paper feeding mechanism 6, a paper cutting mechanism 7 and a paper folding mechanism 8 as described below are disposed in an inner chamber 20 of the holder main body 2 (in other words, the space defined by the paired right and left side walls 21 and 21, the back wall 23, the paper receiving part 3 and the access cover 4). Reference numeral 113 indicates a viewing window provided in the access cover 4 so that the status of the paper roll 10 in the inner chamber 20 can be checked through the viewing window 113 with the access cover 4 closed.

Paper Supporting Mechanism 5

The paper supporting mechanism 5, which unrollably supports the paper roll 10 from below, is composed primarily of a pair of front and rear support rolls 11 and 11 rotatably supported between the paired right and left side walls 21 and 21 in a lower part of the inner chamber 20, and also includes, as auxiliary members for preventing the paper roll 10 supported by the support rolls 11 and 11 from oscillating in the front-back direction, a curved plate-like roll guide 15 attached to the front side of the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2, and a curved plate member 16 attached to a rotary blade unit 7A of the paper cutting mechanism 7, which is described later.

Paper Feeding Mechanism 6

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the paper feeding mechanism 6 includes an upper driving roller 51 and a lower driven roll 52 disposed in a vertically adjacent relationship between the paired right and left side walls 21 and 21 in an upper front part of the inner chamber 20 of the holder main body 2, and a presser roll 53 disposed to extend laterally in the vicinity of a corner portion of the access cover 4.

The driving roller 51 is driven to rotate by a driving gear mechanism 9, which is described later, disposed outside one of the side walls 21 of the holder main body 2. The driven roll 52 receives torque from the driving roller 51 via a belt 54 and rotates together with and in the same direction as the driving roller 51. The presser roll 53 is held in pressure contact with the driving roller 51 and rotated in the opposite direction from the driving roller 51 by torque from the driving roller 51 when the access cover 4 is closed as shown in FIG. 4.

Thus, when the paper 10a pulled from the paper roll 10 supported by the support rolls 11 and 11 of the paper supporting mechanism 5 is drawn downward through the outside of the driving roller 51 and the driven roll 52 (refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 4) with the access cover 4 opened and the access cover 4 is then closed to bring the presser roll 53 into pressure contact with the driving roller 51, the paper 10a is pinched between the driving roller 51 and the presser roll 53 (set state of the paper 10a). When the driving roller 51 is rotated from the set state, the paper 10a is sequentially fed downward by the driving roller 51 and the presser roll 53. The driven roll 52 prevents the paper 10a fed by the driving roller 51 and the presser roll 53 from shaking.

Paper Folding Mechanism 8

The paper folding mechanism 8 is attached to a lower end of the holder main body 2 and folds the paper 10a fed from the paper feeding mechanism 6 alternately in the thickness direction thereof to make it useable. As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the paper folding mechanism 8 is constituted of a flat bottom wall 31 inclined downward from front to rear, and a paper receiving part 3 surrounding the bottom wall 31 and having an outlet portion 34, which is a cutout having a predetermined width and extending from an upper end of the paper receiving part 3 into the bottom wall 31.

A regulating plate 35 for determining the fold width of the paper 10a is disposed at a rear part of the paper receiving part 3. The regulating plate 35 is selectively fitted into one of a plurality of fitting grooves 37 of respective adjusting parts 36 provided on a peripheral wall 33 so that the fold width of the paper 10a can be increased or decreased.

Paper Cutting Mechanism 7

As shown in FIG. 4, the paper cutting mechanism 7 includes a rotary blade unit 7A and a stationary blade unit 7B.

Rotary Blade Unit 7A

As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 9, the rotary blade unit 7A is constructed by assembling a rotating part 69 to a supporting bracket 70.

The supporting bracket 70 includes a horizontally long curved plate member 16 having a generally S-shaped curved cross-section, and extended portions 72 extending on the convex side of the curved plate member 16 from both right and left ends of an intermediate portion of the curved plate member 16 in the curving direction thereof. The curved plate member 16 has an upper end portion 16a curved toward the side on which the extended portion 72 extend to be opposed to the extended portions 72 in a vertically spaced relationship therewith. Thus, the supporting bracket 70 defines a required space between the extended portions 72 and the upper end portion 16a of the curved plate member 16. The rotating part 69, which is described later, is housed in this space.

In addition, each of the paired right and left extended portions 72 and 72 has a protrusion 73 protruding upward and having a wedge-like shape. The curved plate member 16 has receiving grooves 79 extending vertically at both right and left ends of the upper end portion 16a. In addition, a stopper 78 consisting of a face inclined downward forward is provided on one side of one of the extended portions 72 as shown in FIG. 9.

The rotating part 69 includes a blade holder 74 constituted of an irregularly-shaped bar obtained by cutting a part of a round bar into a generally L-shape along its entire axial length (refer to FIG. 14) and having a pivot shaft 75 extending axially outward from both ends thereof. A strip-shaped rotary blade 71 is attached to the portion of the blade holders 74 having an arcuate outer periphery (in other words, non-cut off portion) of the blade holder 74 with a predetermined rotational phase provided between one end and the other end thereof so that the rotary blade 71 can have a predetermined shear angle when the rotating part 69 is rotated. It is needless to say that the rotary blade 71 is attached in such a state that the locus circle along which its blade edge 71a moves is the same at any location in the axial direction of the rotary blade 71.

A circular-ring shaped guide wheel 77 is coaxially attached to one end of the blade holder 74. The guide wheel 77 has an outer peripheral surface 77a set to coincide with the locus circle along which the blade edge 71a of the rotary blade 71 moves.

In addition, a protector 76 having a generally T-shaped cross-section is attached to the generally L-shaped cut-off face of the blade holder 74, and the rotary blade 71 is located on the opposite side of the protector 76 with respect to the axis of the blade holder 74. Thus, the rotary blade 71 is always located behind the protector 76 as viewed from the side of the protector 76, and is covered with the protector 76 and prevented from being exposed to the outside as shown in FIG. 6 when the protector 76 is in a rotational position in which it is on the front side.

The rotating part 69 is set to rotate in such a direction that the rotary blade 71 moves from the top through the front to the bottom of the rotating part 69 (in arrow r direction) as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. The rotating part 69 is driven to make one revolution at a time by a driving mechanism (not shown), and is rotated from a start position (in other words, stop position) in which the protector 76 is upright in front of the supporting bracket 70 and the rotary blade 71 extends rearward behind the protector 76 as shown in FIG. 6. The rotating part 69 is driven to rotate from the stop position and make only one revolution, during which the rotary blade 71 moves downward in front of the supporting bracket 70 as shown in FIG. 8 and reaches the stop position shown in FIG. 6 again. Thus, the rotary blade 71 is prevented from being exposed to the outside by the protector 76 when the rotating part 69 is in the stop position.

The rotating part 69 starts to be driven to rotate when the feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism 6 is stopped or a predetermined period of time earlier than the feeding operation of the paper feeding mechanism 6 is stopped, and the rotation of the rotating part 69, which is operatively synchronized with the paper feeding mechanism 6, is automatically controlled by control means (not shown) of the driving gear mechanism 9, which is described later.

Stationary Blade Unit 7B

The stationary blade unit 7, which is located on the access cover 4 and cuts the paper 10a in conjunction with the rotary blade 71 of the rotary blade unit 7A when the access cover 4 is closed, in other words, the paper holder device 1 is in use, is constructed by attaching a stationary blade 83 to a supporting bracket 80 as shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 13.

The supporting bracket 80 includes a main body part 81 composed of a curved plate portion 81a having a horizontally long and curved plate-like configuration and provided with a horizontally long opening 93 at the generally center thereof in its curving direction and a flat plate-like guide plate portion 81b extending upward from an upper end of the curved plate portion 81a, and vertical wall portions 82 and 82 extending forward from both right and left ends of the curved plate portion 81a. The curved plate portion 81a has a recess 95 recessed toward the back side thereof from a lower end of the guide plate portion 81b in its upper inner surface.

In addition, each of the vertical wall portions 82 and 82 of the supporting bracket 80 has a fitting groove 90 extending upward from its bottom surface, and a guide protrusion 89 extending downward from an upper end thereof and having a wedge-like shape.

The stationary blade 83 is formed as a unitary member from a predetermined length of strip material, and has a blade edge 83a along one side thereof. The stationary blade 83 has pivot shafts 84 extending axially outward from both longitudinal ends thereof, and the stationary blade 83 is attached to the supporting bracket 80 via the pivot shafts 84, which are rotatably supported by the vertical wall portions 82 and 82 of the supporting bracket 80.

A swing lever 88 is rotatably attached to one of the pivot shafts 84 of the stationary blade 83. The stationary blade 83 is biased by the biasing force of a spring 85 attached to the pivot shaft 84 so that the blade edge 83a side face of the stationary blade 83 is held in contact with a stopper 91 of the swing lever 88, whereby the maximum rotational position of the stationary blade 83 relative to the swing lever 88 in the direction in which the blade edge 83a protrudes forward from the recess 95 is determined. When an external force which pushes back the blade edge 83a of the stationary blade 83 is applied thereto with the maximum rotational position of the stationary blade 83 determined by the contact with the stopper 91, for example, the stationary blade 83 is rotated toward the recess 95 against the biasing force of the spring 85.

The swing lever 88 is biased to swing, by the biasing force of a spring 87 attached to a pivot shaft 86 provide at a location appropriately away from the pivot point, in such a direction that the stationary blade 83 is received in the recess 95 of the supporting bracket 80. An end of the swing lever 88 is engaged with the stopper 78 of the rotary blade unit 7A to receive an external pressing force from the stopper 78 when the access cover 4 is closed.

Thus, when no external force is applied to the end of the swing lever 88, in other words, when the access cover 4 is open and the end of the swing lever 88 is in a free state as shown in FIG. 11, the swing lever 88 is biased to rotate in arrow b direction about the pivot shaft 84 by the spring 85, and the stationary blade 83 coupled to the swing lever 88 is rotated in arrow d direction and received in the recess 95 of the main body part 81 with the blade edge 83a of the stationary blade 83 being generally flush with the rim of the recess 95.

On the other hand, when the access cover 4 is closed and the end of the swing lever 88 is engaged with the stopper 78 of the rotary blade unit 7A as shown in FIG. 13, the swing lever 88 is pressed by the stopper 78 and rotated in arrow a direction. Along with the rotation of the swing lever 88, the stationary blade 83 is rotated in arrow c direction about the pivot shaft 84 and protrudes forward from the recess 95, whereby the blade edge 83a of the stationary blade 83 becomes contactable with the blade edge 71a of the rotary blade 71 of the rotary blade unit 7A (refer to FIG. 14).

The stationary blade unit 7B constituted as described above is attached to the access cover 4 by fixing an attaching boss 92 protruding from the back side of the supporting bracket 80 to an attaching portion 41 of the access cover 4 with a screw 43 as shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. In this case, a spring 42 is interposed between the attaching boss 92 and the attaching portion 41, and the stationary blade unit 7B is relatively movable toward and away from the access cover 4 in accordance with elastic deformation of the spring 42.

Positioning of Rotary Blade Unit 7A and Stationary Blade Unit 7B

The positioning of the rotary blade unit 7A and the stationary blade unit 7B relative to each other is made as shown in FIG. 14. In other words, the rotary blade unit 7A is fixed to the holder main body 2, and the installation position of the rotary blade unit 7A relative to the holder main body 2 is fixedly set in advance. In contrast, the stationary blade unit 7B is attached to the access cover 4, and the installation position of the stationary blade unit 7B to the access cover 4 can be changed within the range of elastic deformation of the spring 42 and is not fixedly set. Thus, the rotary blade unit 7A and the stationary blade unit 7B must be maintained in an appropriate positional relationship relative to each other when the access cover 4 is closed.

Thus, the paper holder device 1 of this embodiment adopts the following two positioning techniques.

First Positioning Technique

Each of the paired right and left extended portions 72 and 72 of the supporting bracket 70 of the rotary blade unit 7A has a protrusion 73, and each of the paired right and left vertical wall portions 82 of the stationary blade unit 7B has a fitting groove 90 extending upward, and the protrusions 73 and 73 of the rotary blade unit 7A are fitted into the fitting grooves 90 of the stationary blade unit 7B when the access cover 4 is closed from an open state so that the rotary blade unit 7A and the stationary blade unit 7B can be placed in position in the vertical direction and the front-back direction.

Second Positioning Technique

The supporting bracket 70 of the rotary blade unit 7A has receiving grooves 79 at both right and left ends thereof and the supporting bracket 80 of the stationary blade unit 7B has guide protrusions 89 at both right and left ends thereof. The guide protrusions 89 of the stationary blade unit 7B are fitted into the receiving grooves 79 of the rotary blade unit 7A when the access cover 4 is closed from an open state so that the rotary blade unit 7A and the stationary blade unit 7B can be placed in position in the lateral direction (width direction).

Because of two positioning techniques, the blade edge 83a of the stationary blade 83 protrudes forward and is held in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the guide wheel 77 of the rotary blade unit 7A as shown in FIG. 14, whereby the blade edge 71a of the rotary blade 71 and the blade edge 83a of the stationary blade 83 are properly positioned relative to each other, when the access cover 4 is in a closed state, in other words, when the paper holder device 1 is in use.

Driving Gear Mechanism 9

The driving gear mechanism 9, which alternatively drives the paper feeding mechanism 6 and the paper cutting mechanism 7, is located on the outside of one of the side walls 21 of the holder main body 2 as shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, the driving gear mechanism 9 is constituted by arranging, on the side wall 21, a reversibly rotatable motor 61 having a worm gear 62; a driving gear unit 60 including a worm wheel 63 having a large gear 63A in mesh with the worm gear 62 and a small gear 63B coaxially and integrally formed with the large gear 63A, a driving gear 64 in mesh with the small gear 63B, and a swing arm 67 to which the driving gear 64 is attached; a feeding gear unit 68 including a feeding gear 68A attached to an end of the shaft of the driving roller 51 of the paper feeding mechanism 6, and an idle gear 68B in mesh with the feeding gear 68A and meshable with the driving gear 64; and a cutting drive gear 59 attached to the pivot shaft 75 of the rotary blade unit 7A and meshable with the driving gear 64.

The swing arm 67 is rotatably attached to a gear shaft 65 on which the worm wheel 63 is mounted. The driving gear 64 is mounted on a gear shaft 66 attached to an end of the swing arm 67.

Thus, in the driving gear mechanism 9, when the motor 61 is rotated forward, the torque of the motor 61 is transmitted from the worm gear 62 to the worm wheel 63 and the rotation of the worm wheel 63 (in arrow L direction) is transmitted to the driving gear 64, whereby the driving gear 64 is driven to rotate in the arrow R direction as shown in FIG. 18. At this time, because torque about the pivot shaft 65 is applied to the driving gear 64, the driving gear 64 is rotated together with the swing arm 67 in arrow N direction and brought into mesh with the idle gear 68B. Thus, because the feeding gear 68A is consequently driven to rotate by the motor 62, the paper feeding mechanism 6 is activated to feed the paper 10a. The position of the driving gear 64 in this state is hereinafter referred to as “first position.”

On the other hand, when the motor 62 is rotated in reverse, the torque of the motor 61 is transmitted from the worm gear 62 to the worm wheel 63 and the rotation of the worm wheel 63 (in arrow R direction) is transmitted to the driving gear 64, whereby the driving gear 64 is driven to rotate in arrow L direction as shown in FIG. 19. At this time, because torque about the pivot shaft 65 is applied to the driving gear 64, the driving gear 64 is rotated in arrow M direction together with the swing arm 67 and brought into mesh with the cutting drive gear 59. Thus, because the cutting drive gear 59 is consequently driven to rotate by the motor 61, the paper cutting mechanism 7 is activated to cut the paper 10a. The position of the driving gear 64 in this state is hereinafter referred to as “second position.”

Operation of Paper Holder Device 1

As shown in FIG. 20, a first sensor 101, a second sensor 102 and a controller 100 are disposed in the paper holder device 1. The first sensor 101 detects the approach of a user's hand that holds out toward the paper receiving part 3 to take out a folded paper 10a held in a folded state in the paper receiving part 3. The second sensor 102 detects whether or not a folded paper 10a is present in the paper receiving part 3.

In the paper holder device 1 of this embodiment, the operation of the motor 61 is controlled based on detection signals from the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102 so that a series of operations including feeding and folding the paper 10a and cutting the folded paper 10a can be automatically carried out. This is described in detail below.

As shown in FIG. 20, detection signals from the sensors 101 and 102 are input into the controller 100. The controller 100 outputs a control signal to the motor 61 to control the operation of the motor 61 based on the detection signals from the sensors 101 and 102 so that a “paper feeding operation” and a “paper cutting operation” can be carried out in a preset control mode.

The fundamental concept of the control mode is described here.

(a) The operation of the paper holder device 1 (in other words, the paper feed operation performed by rotating the motor 61 forward) is started when the first sensor 101 detects the approach of a human hand. This is to eliminate the need for a direct switch operation by a person to ensure convenience and ease in use.

However, the operation is started on condition that the second sensor 102 detects the absence of a folded paper 10a in the paper receiving part 3. This is to prevent activation of the paper holder device 1 caused by an unnecessary action of a person.

(b) Even if a detection signal is output from the first sensor 101 after the operation to feed the paper 10a, which is performed by rotating the motor forward in response to detection signals from the first sensor 101 and the second sensor 102, has been stated, the control signal is neglected for reasons of control until the operation (e) below is completed. This is to prevent the operation of the paper holder device 1 from being disrupted by an action of a person after the activation of the paper holder device 1 and to allow the paper holder device 1 to perform the series of operations smoothly.
(c) The length to which the paper 10a is fed out (in other words, the fold width of the paper 10a) is adjusted by setting the length of time for which the motor 61 drives the paper feeding mechanism 6. While the driving time is set through a software-based approach by the controller 100 in this embodiment, the driving time may be set using a manually-operated timer in another embodiment.
(d) The paper cutting operation after the completion of the feed of the paper 10a is performed by rotating the motor 61 in reverse. This is to utilize the motor 61 for both “feeding drive” and “cutting drive” because the “feed” and “cut” of the paper 10a is performed not simultaneously but alternatively without exception.
(e) After the paper 10a is cut by the paper cutting mechanism 7, the motor 61 is driven to rotate forward to feed the paper 10a by a predetermined length. This is to feed the cut end of the paper 10a beyond the paper cutting mechanism 7 because the cut end of the paper 10a may be caught on the paper cutting mechanism 7 and prevented from being fed properly when the paper 10a is fed next time if the cut end of the paper 10a is in the paper cutting mechanism 7. The amount by which the paper 110a is fed (in other words, prefeed amount) is adjusted by setting the length of time for which the motor 61 drives the paper cutting mechanism 7. While the driving time is set through a software-based approach by the controller 100 in this embodiment, the driving time may be set using a manually-operated timer in another embodiment.

The actual operation of the paper holder device 1 is described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

Prior to the use of the paper holder device 1, the access cover 4 is opened and a paper roll 10 is set in the paper supporting mechanism 5. Then, the paper 100a pulled out of the paper roll 10 is passed over the driving roller 51 and pulled downward beyond the paper cutting mechanism 7 such that the paper 10a passes between the rotary blade unit 7A and the stationary blade unit 7B thereof. Then, the access cover 4 is closed. When the access cover 4 is closed, the presser roll 53 is brought into contact with the driving roller 51 with the paper 10a pinched therebetween. The paper holder device 1 is thereby brought into a usable state.

The motor 61 is controlled as described below when the paper holder device 1 is used.

As shown in FIG. 21, control is started on condition that the first sensor 101 outputs a first-time detection signal in step S1 and no detection signal is output from the second sensor 102 in step S2.

When the above condition is fulfilled, the motor 61 is driven to rotate forward. When the motor 61 is driven to rotate forward, the driving gear 64 is swung in arrow N direction in FIG. 18 to the “first position” and brought into mesh with the idle gear 68B. Thus, the driving roller 51 is driven to rotate via the feeding gear 68A in mesh with the idle gear 68B, and the paper 10a is fed from the paper roll 10.

The feed of the paper 10a is continued for a set time “Ta” set in advance corresponding to a required feed amount (step S4). When the set time “Ta” elapses, the motor 61 is stopped rotating (step S5). The motor 61 is kept stopped for a preset set time “Tb.” This is to ensure proper start of the reverse drive of the motor 61, which is performed next, in view of the inertial rotation of the motor 61 and the driving roller 51.

While the paper 10a is fed out by the paper feeding mechanism 6, the paper 10a, which is successively delivered in a hung state from above, is folded in a zigzag fashion in the paper folding mechanism 8.

When the predetermined time “Tb” elapses, the motor 61 is driven to rotate in reverse (step S7) and the driving gear 64 of the driving gear mechanism 9 is swung in arrow M direction in FIG. 19 to the “second position” and brought into mesh with the cutting drive gear 59. Thus, the paper cutting mechanism 7 attached to the cutting drive gear 59 is activated to cut the paper 10a.

The operation to cut the paper 10a is continued for a set time “Tc” (step S8), and is ended when the motor 61 is stopped rotating with the elapse of the set time “Tc” (step S9).

The motor 61 is kept stopped for a preset set time “Td.” This is to ensure proper start of the forward drive of the motor 61, which is performed next, in view of the inertial rotation of the motor 61 and the driving roller 51.

When the set time “Td” elapses, the motor 61 is driven to rotate forward (step S11) to rotate the driving roller 51 again to “prefeed” the paper 10a for a set time “Te.” As a result, the cut end of the paper 10a cut by the paper cutting mechanism 7 is fed downward beyond the paper cutting mechanism 7 by a predetermined length.

When the set time “Te” elapses, the motor 61 is stopped rotating (step S13), whereby a series of operations of the paper holder device 1 is completed and the paper holder device 1 turns into a standby state in preparation for the next use.

As described above, the paper holder device 1 is activated when a person holds out a hand toward the paper receiving part 3 in the hope of using a folded paper 10a, and a folded paper 10a is automatically formed in the paper receiving part 3 in a predetermined period of time. Thus, the paper holder device 1 enables a person to obtain the paper 10a with little need for an action or operation, and its function is very helpful especially to elderly people.

II: Second Embodiment

FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 show the paper holder device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The paper holder device 1, which is slightly different in appearance (for example, the shape of the paper receiving part 3) from the paper holder device according to the first embodiment but is the same in basic configuration as the paper holder device according to the first embodiment, includes a holder main body 2, a paper receiving part 3 located in a lower part of the holder main body 2, and an access cover 4 for opening and closing a part of the holder main body 2 from one side to top as needed, and the paper supporting mechanism 5, the paper feeding mechanism 6, the paper cutting mechanism 7 and the paper folding mechanism 8 are disposed in the inner chamber 20 of the holder main body 2.

Because the configuration and function of the paper supporting mechanism 5, the paper feeding mechanism 6, the paper cutting mechanism 7 and the paper folding mechanism 8 as substantive constituent elements are all the same as those of the first embodiment, their description is omitted here by incorporating the corresponding description of the first embodiment.

The differences of the paper holder device 1 according to the second embodiment from the paper holder device 1 according to the first embodiment are the structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W, the structure of the paper receiving part 3, and the location of an outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3.

The structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W is first described. Only the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 in the case of the paper holder device 1 according to the first embodiment, whereas the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 and the back wall 23 can be selectively used as a mating surface to vertical wall W in the second embodiment.

FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 show a first attachment structure example in which the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. In the first attachment structure example, the driving gear mechanism 9 is housed in the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 whereas no such mechanism is disposed in the side cover 22 on the left side. Thus, the thickness of the side cover 22 on the left side can be smaller than that of the side cover 22 on the right side. Therefore, when the side cover 22 on the left side is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W, the distance to which the paper holder device 1 extends from the vertical wall W can be reduced and the degree of freedom of layout design in a limited space in a toilet can be improved.

FIG. 24 shows a second attachment structure example in which the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. The second attachment structure example is the same as the attachment structure in the first embodiment.

The structure of the paper receiving part 3 and the location of the outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3 are next described.

As shown in FIG. 22, the paper receiving part 3 has a rectangular tray-like configuration as a whole, and the distance between a front wall 33a and a back wall 33b of the peripheral wall 33 is fixed. Thus, the fold width of the folded paper 10a folded in the paper receiving part 3 and placed on the bottom wall 31 is constant. The paper receiving part 3 is different in this respect from that of the first embodiment, in which the regulating plate 35 adjustable in position in a front-back direction (refer to FIG. 4) is provided in the paper receiving part 3 so that the fold width of the folded paper 10a can be variably adjusted.

However, the fact that the paper receiving part 3 is formed in a rectangular tray-like configuration without providing the regulating plate 35 makes it possible to form the outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3 in a variety of location. In other words, the outlet 34 is formed not in the front wall 33a of the paper receiving part 3 but in the side wall 33c on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 in this embodiment.

The setting of the location of the outlet port 34 makes it easier to take the folded paper 10a out of the outlet port 34. In other words, in the case of the first attachment structure example, the outlet port 34 and the vertical wall W are so close to each other that it may be difficult to take the folded paper 10a out of the outlet port 34 if the outlet port 34 is formed in the front wall 33a corresponding to the access cover 4 of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3 because the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. However, because the outlet port 34 is formed in the side wall 33 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 as described above, a large operation space is created in front of the outlet port 34, making it easier to take the folded paper 10a out of the outlet port 34.

In this case, a cutout opening 110 opening downward is formed in the side cover 22 located on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 at a location corresponding to the outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3 so that the folded paper 10a placed on the bottom wall 31 of the paper receiving part 3 in a folded state can be taken out of the outlet port 34 through the cutout opening 110.

On the other hand, in the case of the second attachment structure example shown in FIG. 24, the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. Thus, even when the outlet port 34 is formed in the right side wall 33c of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3, a relatively large space can be created outside the outlet port 34 and the folded paper 10a can be therefore taken out of the outlet port 34 easily.

In connection with the structure by which the holder main body 2 is attached to the vertical wall W, a sensor device 111 incorporating the first sensor 101 (refer to FIG. 20) for detecting the approach of a hand the user holds out toward the paper receiving part 3 to take out a folded paper 10a held in a folded state in the paper receiving part 3 and the second sensor 102 (refer to FIG. 20) for detecting whether or not a folded paper 10a is present in the paper receiving part 3, and an alarm lamp 112 for indicating that the paper holder device 1 is in operation are installed in the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2.

In addition, the attachment or removal of the paper roll 10, which is performed with the access cover 4 opened, can be carried out without difficulty in either the first attachment structure example and the second attachment structure example because a sufficient operation space is created in front of the access cover 4 toward which the access cover 4 opens.

III: Third Embodiment

FIG. 25 to FIG. 28 show the paper holder device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

The paper holder device 1, which is slightly different in appearance from the paper holder device according to the first embodiment as is the case with paper holder device 1 according to the second embodiment but is the same in basic configuration as the paper holder device according to the first embodiment, includes a holder main body 2, a paper receiving part 3 located in a lower part of the holder main body 2, and an access cover 4 for opening and closing a part of the holder main body 2 from one side to top as needed, and the paper supporting mechanism 5, the paper feeding mechanism 6, the paper cutting mechanism 7 and the paper folding mechanism 8 are disposed in the inner chamber 20 of the holder main body 2.

Because the configuration and function of the paper supporting mechanism 5, the paper feeding mechanism 6, the paper cutting mechanism 7 and the paper folding mechanism 8 as substantive constituent elements are all the same as those of the first embodiment, their description is omitted here by incorporating the corresponding description of the first embodiment.

The differences of the paper holder device 1 according to the third embodiment from the paper holder device 1 according to the first embodiment are the structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W, and the location of an outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3.

The structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W is first described. Only the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4 in the case of the paper holder device 1 according to the first embodiment, whereas a first attachment structure example in which the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, a second attachment structure example in which the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 27, and a third attachment structure example in which the holder main body 2 on the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 28 can be arbitrarily selected in the third embodiment.

The location of the outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3 is next described. In the case of the first attachment structure example shown in FIG. 25, it may be slightly difficult to take the folded paper 10a out of the outlet port 34 because the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as described above. However, this attachment structure example places a higher priority on the reduction of the distance to which the paper holder device 1 extends from the vertical wall W, in other words, on the ease of layout in a limited toilet space, than on how easily the folded paper 10a can be taken out.

In the case of the second attachment structure example shown in FIG. 27, because the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as described above, a sufficient operation space is created in front of the outlet port 34 formed in the front wall 33a of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3 and the folded paper 10a can be therefore easily taken out of the outlet port 34.

In the case of the third attachment structure example shown in FIG. 28, because the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W and because the outlet port 34 opens in a direction parallel to the plane of the vertical wall W, a large operation space is created in front of the outlet port 34. The third attachment structure example is the same in this regard as the first attachment structure example.

In connection with the structure by which the holder main body 2 is attached to the vertical wall W, the sensor device 111 is installed in the access cover 4 and the alarm lamp 112 is installed in the front face of the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2.

IV: Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 29 to FIG. 31 shows the paper holder device 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

This paper holder device 1 is regarded as a combination of the paper holder device 1 according to the second embodiment and the paper holder device 1 according to the third embodiment.

In other words, the structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W can be arbitrarily selected from a first attachment structure example in which the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 29 and a second attachment structure example in which the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 31.

As for the location of the outlet port 34 of the paper receiving part 3, each of the front wall 33a and the back wall 33b of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3 has an outlet port 34 in the form of an opening extending into the bottom wall 31 as shown in FIG. 29, and the right side wall 33c of the peripheral wall 33 has an outlet port 34 in the form of a groove extending from an upper end thereof into the bottom wall 31.

In addition, the holder main body 2 has a cutout opening 110 at a location corresponding to the outlet port 34 formed in the right wall of the paper receiving part 3 at a lower end of the side cover 22 on the right side as viewed facing the holder main body 2.

In the first attachment structure example shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. Thus, when the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W, the above three outlet ports 34 of the paper receiving part 3 are all exposed to the outside and the folded paper 10a can be therefore taken out of any of the outlet ports 34.

In contrast, in the second attachment structure example shown in FIG. 31, a back wall 2d of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W. Thus, when the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W, the outlet port 34 formed in the back wall 33b of the peripheral wall of the paper receiving part 3 faces the vertical wall W and cannot be used whereas the other two outlet ports 34 are both exposed to the outside and the folded paper 10a can be taken out of either of the two outlet ports 34.

V: Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 show the paper holder device 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

This paper holder device 1 is regarded as a modification of the paper holder device 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

The paper holder device 1 according to the fourth embodiment can arbitrarily select a structure by which the paper holder device 1 is attached to the vertical wall W from a first attachment structure example in which the side cover 22 on the left side as viewed facing the holder main body is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W and a second attachment structure example in which the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W, and the paper receiving part 3 thereof has outlet ports 34 at three locations, namely, in the front wall 33a, the back wall 33b and the right wall 33c of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3.

However, with this configuration, the outlet port 34 formed in the back wall 33b of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3 cannot be used when the second attachment structure example is employed.

Thus, in this fifth embodiment, the paper holder device 1 is configured to be able to employ only an attachment structure in which the back wall 23 of the holder main body 2 is used as the mating surface to the vertical wall W as shown in FIG. 32 and FIG. 33, and the paper receiving part 3 thereof has outlet ports 34 at three locations, namely, in the front wall 33a, the right wall 33c and the left wall 33d of the peripheral wall 33 of the paper receiving part 3, as shown in FIG. 32 so that the three outlets 34 can be always used selectively.

Because the paper receiving part 3 of this embodiment does not have to have an outlet port 34 through the part opposed to the front wall 33a of the peripheral wall 33 (the part of the back wall 33b in the fourth embodiment), the part opposed to the front wall 33a is open and adjusting parts are provided on the right wall 33c and the left wall 33d so that the fold width of the folded paper 100a can be variably adjusted with the regulating plate 35 as described above (refer to FIG. 4).

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• 1: paper holder device
• 2: holder main body
• 3: paper receiving part
• 4: access cover
• 5: paper supporting mechanism
• 6: paper feeding mechanism
• 7: paper cutting mechanism
• 7A: rotary blade unit
• 7B: stationary blade unit
• 8: paper folding mechanism
• 9: driving gear mechanism
• 10: paper roll
• 11: support roll
• 15: roll guide
• 16: curved plate member
• 20: inner chamber
• 21: side wall
• 22: side cover
• 23: back wall
• 31: bottom wall
• 33: peripheral wall
• 34: outlet port
• 35: regulating plate
• 36: adjusting part
• 37: fitting groove
• 51: driving roller
• 52: driven roll
• 53: presser roll
• 54: belt
• 59: cutting drive gear
• 60: driving gear unit
• 61: motor
• 62: worm gear
• 63: worm wheel
• 64: driving gear
• 65: gear shaft
• 66: gear shaft
• 67: swing arm
• 68: feeding gear unit
• 69: rotating part
• 70: supporting bracket
• 71: rotary blade
• 72: extended portion
• 73: protrusion
• 74: blade holder
• 75: pivot shaft
• 76: protector
• 77: guide wheel
• 78: stopper
• 79: receiving groove
• 80: supporting bracket
• 81: main body part
• 82: vertical wall portion
• 83: stationary blade
• 84: pivot shaft
• 85: spring
• 86: pivot shaft
• 87: spring
• 88: swing lever
• 89: guide protrusion
• 90: fitting groove
• 91: stopper
• 92: attaching boss
• 93: opening
• 95: recess
• 100: controller
• 101: first sensor
• 102: second sensor
• 110: cutout opening
• 111: sensor device
• 112: alarm lamp
• 113: viewing window

Claims

1. A paper holder device, comprising

a paper supporting mechanism for unrollably supporting a paper roll,

a paper feeding mechanism for unrolling paper from the paper roll and feeding the paper,

a paper receiving part for folding the paper fed out of the paper feeding mechanism in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper, and

a paper cutting mechanism for cutting the paper between the paper feeding mechanism and the paper receiving part,

wherein the paper feeding mechanism and the paper cutting mechanism are configured to be alternatively driven by a single driving gear mechanism.

2. A paper holder device according to claim 1,

wherein the driving gear mechanism comprises a reversibly rotatable motor, and a driving gear which receives a driving force from the motor and is driven to rotate selectively in a forward direction or a reverse direction and which is swung between a first position and a second position by the driving force,

and the driving gear is in mesh with a feeding gear unit of the paper feeding mechanism and drives the paper feeding mechanism to rotate when set in the first position, and is in mesh with a cutting drive gear of the paper cutting mechanism and drives the paper cutting mechanism to rotate when set in the second position.

3. A paper holder device according to claim 1,

further comprising a first sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the approach of a human hand, and a second sensor for detecting whether or not a paper is present in the paper receiving part,

wherein the driving gear mechanism is configured to be activated when the first sensor detects the approach of a human hand and the second sensor detects the absence of the paper.

4. A paper holder device, comprising

a holder main body having a generally rectangular box-like appearance and attached to a vertical wall,

a paper supporting mechanism for unrollably supporting a paper roll, a paper feeding mechanism for unrolling paper from the paper roll and feeding the paper, a paper receiving part for folding the paper fed out of the paper feeding mechanism in a zigzag fashion sequentially and holding the paper in such a manner that the paper can be taken out of an outlet port thereof, and a paper cutting mechanism for cutting the paper between the paper feeding mechanism and the paper receiving part which are housed in the holder main body, and

an access cover provided as one side wall of four side walls of the holder main body and configured to open vertically,

wherein the three side walls of the four side walls of the holder main body except the side wall as the access cover can be selectively used as a mating surface to the vertical wall.

5. A paper holder device according to claim 4,

wherein the outlet port is provided in a part corresponding to any one side wall, each of any two side walls, each of any three side walls or each of all the side walls of the four side walls of the holder main body.