EP2934259B1 - Dispenser - Google Patents
Dispenser Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2934259B1 EP2934259B1 EP12890337.4A EP12890337A EP2934259B1 EP 2934259 B1 EP2934259 B1 EP 2934259B1 EP 12890337 A EP12890337 A EP 12890337A EP 2934259 B1 EP2934259 B1 EP 2934259B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- tissue paper
- blocking
- sensor device
- control unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/42—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked
- A47K10/424—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a store of single sheets, e.g. stacked dispensing from the bottom part of the dispenser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
- A47K10/3836—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge with roll spindles which are supported at one side
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3226—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper collecting data of usage
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/324—Jumbo rolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K2010/3253—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper with one or more reserve rolls
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K10/00—Body-drying implements; Toilet paper; Holders therefor
- A47K10/24—Towel dispensers, e.g. for piled-up or folded textile towels; Toilet-paper dispensers; Dispensers for piled-up or folded textile towels provided or not with devices for taking-up soiled towels as far as not mechanically driven
- A47K10/32—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper
- A47K10/34—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means
- A47K10/38—Dispensers for paper towels or toilet-paper dispensing from a web, e.g. with mechanical dispensing means the web being rolled up with or without tearing edge
- A47K2010/389—Accessories or combination with other devices, e.g. music boxes, clocks, heating devices or shelfs
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a dispenser for tissue paper.
- a dispenser for tissue paper may typically be arranged in a washroom.
- the tissue paper may be provided in rolls of tissue paper or in stacks of tissue paper.
- a dispenser arranged in a public or commercial facility which is highly frequented may be provided with a large reserve of tissue paper.
- the tissue paper may be provided from two seats, or positions, inside the dispenser.
- US 6364245 discloses a dispenser for selectively dispensing first and second rolls of sheet material respectively wrapped around first and second cores.
- the dispenser includes a housing defining a storage compartment for the first and second rolls and an opening, a first and second core support structures disposed in the housing for respectively supporting differently sized first and second cores and a divider slidably carried by the housing and covering a portion of the opening.
- the divider is movable between a first dispensing position, wherein a first portion of the opening is uncovered to allow access to the first roll and a second portion of the opening is covered to prevent access to the second roll, and a second position, wherein the first portion of the opening is covered and the second portion the opening is uncovered to allow access to the second roll.
- the divider includes an adjustable blocking plate for preventing movement of the divider from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing portion until substantially all the sheet material has been exhausted from the first roll.
- a dispenser for tissue paper has to be replenished more or less regularly.
- An indication of a tissue paper filling state of a dispenser may facilitate the work of service personnel responsible for replenishing the dispenser with tissue paper.
- WO 2005/065509 discloses a system and method for measuring, monitoring and controlling washroom dispensers and products.
- An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided.
- the apparatus includes a dispenser sensor unit.
- the dispenser sensor unit is configured for detecting information about the product and for varying a dispensing parameter of the dispenser.
- a data communications unit in communication with the dispenser sensor unit is provided and is configured for receiving information from the dispenser sensor unit.
- a washroom monitoring station in communication with the data communications unit may be present and may be configured for receiving information from the data communications unit.
- the dispenser sensor unit may be configured for receiving a communication so as to vary a dispensing parameter of the dispenser.
- WO 2012/034590 SCA discloses a solution for detecting a level of a consumable tissue product in a tissue dispenser located in a washroom. This is provided in a number of aspects such as a tissue dispenser, a method, system, and a sensor unit utilizing two sensor elements each arranged to measure light reflected from a reflection field located on the tissue product itself, and arranged to measure absence of the tissue product. Data from the sensor elements are wirelessly transmitted to a server for further handling, such as for instance notification to a janitor in charge of service of the washroom.
- US-A-5 954 256 discloses a dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1.
- a dispenser comprising two seats, or positions, from which tissue paper may be dispensed may be provided with a blocking arrangement.
- the blocking arrangement blocks access to one of the two seats such that dispensing of tissue paper takes place from only one of the seats until that particular seat is empty. Only then the blocking arrangement may be manipulated to provide access to the other seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for tissue paper with an alternative arrangement for assisting service personnel in replenishing the dispenser.
- a dispenser for tissue paper comprising a housing.
- the housing comprises a first seat for a first roll or a first stack of tissue paper and a second seat for a second roll or a second stack of tissue paper.
- the housing is provided with a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position, from which first and second dispensing positions tissue paper is graspable for dispensing thereof.
- the dispenser comprises a blocking arrangement for selectively blocking either the first dispensing position or the second dispensing position.
- the dispenser comprises a sensor device arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement.
- the sensor device is connected to a control unit arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement.
- the control unit Since the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement is utilized by the control unit to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser, service personnel are able to utilize the tissue paper filling state as a basis for planning replenishing of the dispenser with tissue paper. As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.
- the dispenser may be adapted to be arranged in a washroom.
- the dispenser may be arranged to be attached to a structure such as a wall or a door.
- the housing may comprise one compartment, inside which the first and second seats are provided.
- the dispenser may comprise two compartments, one for each of the first and second seats.
- the term "seat" is herein to be interpreted as any structure or arrangement suitable for supporting a roll of tissue paper or a stack of tissue paper.
- An example of a seat for a roll of tissue paper is a peg, which fits into a core of the roll and about which the roll may pivot.
- An example of a seat for a stack of tissue paper is a frame provided with a dispensing opening.
- the frame is sized such that the stack abuts against the frame around the dispensing opening.
- the term "dispensing position" is intended to define a portion of the housing from which a user is intended to dispense tissue paper. Accordingly, the blocking arrangement prevents dispensing of tissue paper from either the first dispensing position or the second dispensing position.
- the blocking arrangement may comprise a movable lid arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position, wherein in the first blocking position the movable lid prevents access to the first dispensing position and permits access the second dispensing position, and wherein in the second blocking position the movable lid prevents access to the second dispensing position and provides access to the first dispensing position.
- the lid may be arranged to slide between the first and second blocking positions.
- the blocking arrangement may prevent the movable lid from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless the second seat is substantially empty. In this manner it may be ensured that the movable lid is only movable to the second blocking position when the second seat is empty, i.e. all tissue paper in the second seat has been used. Thus, the second seat is emptied before access is provided to the first seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom. Replenishing of the dispenser may thus be performed of a completely empty second seat.
- the blocking arrangement may prevent the movable lid from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat is substantially empty. In this manner it may be ensured that the movable lid is only movable to the first blocking position when the first seat is empty, i.e. all tissue paper in the first seat has been used. Thus, the first seat is emptied before access is provided to the second seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom. Replenishing of the dispenser may thus be performed of a completely empty first seat.
- the blocking arrangement may comprise a lever mechanism adapted to bear against rolls or stacks of tissue paper arranged in the first and second seats.
- the lever mechanism may be arranged to engage and release the movable lid.
- a level of tissue paper in the first and/or second seats may affect the movable lid and its movability between the first and second blocking positions.
- the lever mechanism may comprise a first linkage arranged to bear against the first roll or stack of tissue paper and a second linkage arranged to bear against the second roll or stack of tissue paper. In this manner a level of tissue paper in the first seat and the second seat may be detected.
- the at least one position of the blocking arrangement sensed by the sensor device may relate to one position of the lever mechanism.
- the at least one position of the blocking arrangement sensed by the sensor device may relate to one position of the movable lid.
- the dispenser may comprise a sensing unit arranged to acknowledge replenishing of the dispenser with tissue paper. In this manner a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser may be reset to a state representing filled first and second seats.
- the sensing unit may be connected to the control unit.
- the sensor device may comprise an optical sensor device.
- the optical sensor device may comprise a light source and a photosensitive element.
- a light source may comprise a light source and a photosensitive element.
- the control unit may comprise a light source and a photosensitive element.
- light sensed by the optical sensor indicates a filled seat and absence of light indicates an empty seat, or light sensed by the optical sensor indicates an empty seat and absence of light indicates a filled seat.
- difference in light sensed by the optical sensor indicates a filled or an empty seat.
- a change in intensity of light from the light source received by the photosensitive element indicates that a seat has been emptied, either an increase in light intensity or a decrease in light intensity.
- the blocking arrangement may comprise a light reflecting surface arranged to reflect light from the light source towards the photosensitive element. In this manner reliability of the sensor device may be ensured by the light being reflected from the light source towards the photosensitive element.
- the sensor device and at least part of the blocking arrangement may be arranged in an enclosure separate from the first and second seats. In this manner the sensor device may be protected from damage, e.g. when the dispenser is replenished. Moreover, if the sensor device is an optical sensor device, the sensor device is not accidentally affected by light nor related to the sensor.
- the senor device may be arranged to sense at least two positions of the blocking arrangement, and the control unit may be arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser based on the sensed at least two positions of the blocking arrangement.
- control unit may be arranged to indicate a first tissue paper filling state indicating either an empty first seat or an empty second seat, and a second tissue paper filling state indicating empty first and second seats.
- control unit may be arranged to indicate a third tissue paper filling state indicating at least partially filled first and second seats.
- the control unit may be arranged to indicate a fourth tissue paper filling state indicating filled first and second seats.
- control unit may be arranged separate from the dispenser and the sensor device may be arranged to communicate with the control unit.
- the sensor device may communicate wirelessly with the control unit.
- control unit may be arranged in the dispenser.
- a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser may be indicated directly on the dispenser, e.g. by one or more light sources indicating different tissue paper filling states.
- the control unit may communicate with, or may form part of, a data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator. In this manner the operator may be informed of tissue paper filling states of the dispenser.
- the data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states may for instance comprise a visual indication of a relevant tissue paper filling state of the dispenser.
- the data collection system may be provided on the dispenser itself or remote from the dispenser. In these embodiments the data collection system need not necessarily have any data storage capacity. The data collection system may only have the possibility to indicate a current tissue paper filling state of the dispenser.
- the data collection system may be configured to store data for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator.
- the operator may be informed of tissue paper filling states of the dispenser in a location remote from the dispenser, e.g. via message from the data collection system to a handheld device used by the operator.
- the operator may for instance upon demand retrieve the tissue paper filling state of the dispenser.
- the data collection system configured to store data may for instance be a data server.
- Fig. 1 illustrates a dispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a housing 4.
- the housing 4 comprises a first seat 6 for a first roll 8 of tissue paper and a second seat 10 for a second roll 11 of tissue paper.
- the housing 4 is provided with a first dispensing position 12 and a second dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a blocking arrangement 16 for selectively blocking either the first dispensing position 12 or the second dispensing position 14.
- the blocking arrangement 16 comprises a movable lid 18 arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position. In the first blocking position the movable lid 18 prevents access to the first dispensing position 12 and permits access the second dispensing position 14. In the second blocking position the movable lid 18 prevents access to the second dispensing position 14 and provides access to the first dispensing position 12. In Fig. 1 the movable lid 18 is illustrated in the first blocking position. The movable lid 18 is slidably attached to the housing 4 for sliding between the first and second blocking positions.
- the blocking arrangement 16 is arranged to prevent the movable lid 18 from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless the second seat 11 is substantially empty. That is, when substantially all tissue paper has been dispensed from the second roll 11 of tissue paper the movable lid 18 may be moved to the second blocking position. Conversely, should the movable lid 18 be in the second blocking position then the blocking arrangement 16 prevents the movable lid 18 from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat is substantially empty.
- the blocking arrangement 16 comprises a lever mechanism 20 adapted to bear against the first and second rolls 8, 11 of tissue paper.
- the lever mechanism 20 of the blocking arrangement 16 is arranged to engage and release the movable lid 18.
- the movable lid 18 is prevented from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position, or vice versa.
- the movable lid 18 may be moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position, or vice versa.
- the lever mechanism 20 comprises a first linkage 22 arranged to bear against the first roll 8 and a second linkage 24 arranged to bear against the second roll 11.
- the first and second linkages 22, 24 are identical. In the following the function of the first and second linkages will be discussed, primarily with reference to the second linkage 24.
- the second linkage 24 comprises a first arm 26 arranged to bear against the second roll 11 of tissue paper.
- the first arm 26 is pivotably and slidably connected to the housing 4 at a pivot point 27.
- the second linkage 24 further comprises a second arm 28.
- the second arm 28 is connected to the first arm 26 at a first end portion 30 of the first arm 26 and is arranged to engage with the movable lid 18 at a second end portion 32 of the second arm 28.
- the second end portion 28 engages with the movable lid 18 by the second arm 28 being immovable in a direction along the movable lid 18 and its sliding direction 33.
- a straight edge 35 of the second end 32 abutting against a straight edged recess 37 of the movable lid 18 prevents the movable lid 18 from being moved to the second blocking position.
- the second arm 28 is slidably connected to the housing 4.
- the second arm 28 is slidable along a longitudinal direction of the second arm 28, substantially perpendicularly to the sliding direction 33 of the movable lid 18.
- the connection between the second arm 28 and the first arm 26 at the first end portion 30 is a sliding connection.
- the first end portion 30 may be provided with a pin 34 and the first arm 26 may be provided with a slot 36 such that the pin 34, arranged in the slot 36, may slide along the slot 36.
- the first arm 26 bearing against the second roll 11 is displaced by the diameter of the second roll 11 decreasing.
- the first arm 26 pivots and slides in relation to the housing 4 at the pivot point 27.
- the first arm 26 slides with its slot 36 along the pin 34 from a first slot end 38 to a second slot end 40.
- the second arm 28 thus, remains immovable until the pin 34 reaches the second slot end 40.
- the length of the slot 36 is adapted to the diameter of the second roll 11.
- the first arm 26 engages with the pin 34 in the slot 36 and slides the second arm 28 away from the movable lid 18.
- the movable lid 18 is thus released from the engagement with the second arm 28 and may be moved to the second blocking position to provide access to the first dispensing position 12.
- a corresponding second arm 28' of the first linkage 22 is in a position to engage with the movable lid 18.
- the second arms 28, 28' are each provided with a slanted edge 42, 42' opposite to the straight edge 35, 35'.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a sensor device 50 arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16.
- the sensor device 50 is connected to a control unit (not shown) arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16.
- Fig. 2 illustrates schematically the sensor device 50 and a portion of the dispenser 2 illustrated in Fig. 1 .
- the movable lid 18 is illustrated in the second blocking position in Fig. 2 .
- the sensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16. In these embodiments, the at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16 sensed by the sensor device 50 relates to one position of the lever mechanism 20.
- the sensor device 50 is arranged in a vicinity of the first and second linkages 22, 24 more particularly in a vicinity of the second arms 28, 28'of the two linkages 22, 24.
- the sensor device 50 and the second arms 28, 28' are arranged in an enclosure 52 separate from the first and second seats 6, 10 of the first and second rolls 8, 11 of tissue paper.
- the enclosure 52 is attached to the housing 4 of the dispenser 2. In these embodiments the sensor device 50 is separate from the first and second seats 6, 10 in the sense that the enclosure 52 delimits the sensor device 50 from the housing 4 of the dispenser 2.
- the sensor device 50 comprises an optical sensor device.
- the optical sensor device comprises a light source 54 and a photosensitive element 56.
- the second arm 28 of the second linkage 24 of the blocking arrangement 16 comprises a light reflecting surface 58 arranged to reflect light from the light source 54 towards the photosensitive element 56.
- the light reflecting surface 58 may be constituted by any kind of surface having reflective properties, at least to some degree.
- the sensor device 50 is connected to a control unit 60.
- the control unit 60 is arranged separate from the dispenser 2.
- the sensor device 50 is arranged to communicate with the control unit 60.
- the control unit 60 is provided in a data server 62.
- the data server 62 forms an example of a data collection system configured to store data.
- the data server 62 may e.g. be arranged for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator.
- the control unit 60 may be a dedicated control unit provided separately in the server, e.g. on a PCI card inserted in the data server 62.
- the control unit 60 may be implemented as a computer program executed by a processor of the data server 62.
- the control unit 60 may alternatively be provided in a separate device, which separate device in turn may communicate with the data server 62.
- control unit 60 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2.
- the tissue paper filling state is based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16. Accordingly, in the dispenser illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 may e.g. be that the second seat 10 of the dispenser 2 is not empty.
- the second arm 28 of the second linkage 24 moves away from the movable lid 18, i.e. upwardly in Figs. 1 and 2 .
- the light reflecting surface 58 is thus moved away from the sensor device 50.
- No light, or light at a lower intensity, from the light source 54 is now received by the photosensitive element 56.
- the control unit 60 now indicates a different tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2, e.g. that the second seat 10 of the dispenser 2 is empty, or that one of the first and second seats 6, 10 is empty.
- the sensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least two positions of the blocking arrangement 16, and the control unit 50 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 based on the sensed at least two positions of the blocking arrangement 16.
- the sensor arrangement 50 may comprise a further light source and a further photosensitive element.
- the second arm 28 of the first linkage 22 may also be provided with a light reflecting surface.
- a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 may also indicate whether the first roll 8 in the first seat 6 comprises tissue paper or is empty.
- the sensor device 50 of these embodiments is arranged to sense at least two positions of the blocking arrangement 16, and the control unit 50 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 based on the sensed at least two positions of the blocking arrangement 16.
- Fig. 3 illustrates a dispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a housing 4.
- the housing 4 comprises a first seat 6 for a first stack of tissue paper and a second seat 10 for a second stack 70 of tissue paper.
- the first seat 6 is empty, i.e. the first stack of tissue paper has been dispensed.
- the housing 4 is provided with a first dispensing position 12 and a second dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper.
- the dispenser 2 of these embodiments works in the same manner as the dispenser 2 of the Fig. 1 and 2 embodiments.
- elements have been omitted in Fig. 3 .
- the lever mechanism 20 of the blocking arrangement 16 is adapted to bear against the first and second stacks of tissue paper.
- the first linkage 22 of the lever mechanism 20 is illustrated in Fig. 3 in a position where the first arm 26' has followed the now empty first stack.
- the second arm 28' has thus been slid upwardly in Fig. 3 and permitted the movable lid 18 to be moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position. Dispensing of the tissue paper may now be performed from the second stack 70 at the second dispensing position 14.
- Fig. 4 illustrates a dispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a housing 4.
- the housing 4 comprises a first seat 6 for a first roll 8 of tissue paper and a second seat 10 for a second roll 11 of tissue paper.
- the housing 4 is provided with a first dispensing position 12 and a second dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a blocking arrangement 16 for selectively blocking either the first dispensing position 12 or the second dispensing position 14.
- the blocking arrangement 16 comprises a movable lid 18 arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position. In the first blocking position the movable lid 18 prevents access to the first dispensing position 12 and permits access the second dispensing position 14. In the second blocking position the movable lid 18 prevents access to the second dispensing position 14 and provides access to the first dispensing position 12. In Fig. 4 the movable lid 18 is illustrated in the second blocking position. The movable lid 18 is slidably attached to the housing 4 for sliding between the first and second blocking positions.
- the blocking arrangement 16 is arranged to prevent the movable lid 18 from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat 6 is substantially empty. That is, when substantially all tissue paper has been dispensed from the first roll 8 of tissue paper the movable lid 18 may be moved to the first blocking position. Conversely, should the movable lid 18 be in the first blocking position then the blocking arrangement 16 prevents the movable lid 18 from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless the second seat 10 is substantially empty.
- the blocking arrangement 16 comprises a stud 80 adapted to bear against the first roll 8 of tissue paper or the second roll 11 of tissue paper.
- the stud 80 extends from the movable lid 18 in a direction perpendicularly to a sliding direction 33 of the movable lid 18.
- the stud 80 has a length such that it will bear against the tissue paper of the first roll 8.
- the stud 80 has a length such that it will pass the first seat 6.
- the stud 80 is attached to a first socket 82 provided at one end portion of the movable lid 18.
- the stud 80 may be removed from the first socket 82 and may be place in a second socket 83 provided at an opposite end portion of the movable lid 18.
- An operator may do so when the first seat 6 has been replenished with a roll of tissue paper while dispensing of tissue paper takes place from the second roll 11.
- the movable lid 18 will be prevented from being moved from the first blocking position until the second seat 10 is empty. Accordingly, tissue paper from one roll at a time will be dispensed from the dispenser 2.
- the dispenser 2 comprises a sensor device 50 arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16.
- the sensor device 50 is connected to a control unit 60 arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16.
- the control unit 60 is arranged in the dispenser 2.
- the sensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16.
- the at least one position of the blocking arrangement 16 sensed by the sensor device 50 relates to one position of the movable lid 18.
- the sensor device 50 comprises a Hall Effect sensor 85 attached to the housing 4 and a first magnet 84 and a second magnet 86 attached to opposite end portions of the movable lid 18.
- the Hall Effect sensor 85 is arranged to sense the first or the second magnet 84, 86. Sensing of the first or the second magnet 84, 86 allows the control unit 60 to indicate a paper tissue filling state of the dispenser 2 based on at least one position of the movable lid 18.
- the sensor device 50 is connected to the control unit 60.
- the sensor device 50 is arranged to communicate with the control unit 60.
- the control unit 60 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2.
- the control unit 60 is connected to two light sources such as two LEDs 87 for indicating a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2.
- the control unit 60 may thus, be referred to as forming part of a data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser 2 to an operator.
- a sensing unit 88 is positioned in the housing 4 and arranged to acknowledge replenishing of the dispenser 2 with tissue paper.
- the sensing unit 88 is connected to the control unit 60.
- the sensing unit 88 may sense the opening and/or closing of a replenishing lid (not shown) of the dispenser 2. It is assumed that the dispenser 2 is replenished when the replenishing lid is opened.
- the control unit 60 may reset the tissue paper filling state of the dispenser 2 based on input from the sensing unit 88.
- the control unit 60 may communicate with a remotely located data server 62.
- the data server 62 is an example of a data collection system configured to store data.
- the data server 62 may be arranged for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser 2 to an operator.
- the tissue paper filling states may be presented on a display screen of the data server 62.
- the data server 62 may present the tissue paper filling states of the dispenser 2 in a location remote from the data server 62, e.g. via messages from the data server 62 to a handheld device used by the operator.
- the data server 62 has been described to be a remotely located data server 62, which encompasses a data server 62 located outside a facility, such as a restroom, wherein the dispenser 2 is located, as well as a data server 62 located in a different building than wherein the dispenser 2 is located.
- the data server 62 may be locally arranged, i.e. in the facility, such as a restroom, wherein the dispenser 2 is located.
- the data server 2 may thus form a locally arranged information system for providing an operator with paper tissue filling states of the dispenser 2.
- the light reflecting surface 58 may alternatively be positioned to reflect light onto the photosensitive element 56 when a seat is empty.
- the second arms 28, 28' may be shaped such that light from the light source 54 does not hit the second arms 28, 28' in one position thereof, i.e. in which one position light will not be reflected from the light reflecting surface 58 to the photosensitive element 56.
- Parts of the lever mechanism 20 may be provided on a rear side of the dispenser 2, e.g.
- the enclosure 52 and the sensor device 50 may be provided on the rear side of the dispenser 2. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only the appended claims.
Description
- The present invention relates to a dispenser for tissue paper.
- A dispenser for tissue paper may typically be arranged in a washroom. The tissue paper may be provided in rolls of tissue paper or in stacks of tissue paper. A dispenser arranged in a public or commercial facility which is highly frequented may be provided with a large reserve of tissue paper. For instance, the tissue paper may be provided from two seats, or positions, inside the dispenser.
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US 6364245 discloses a dispenser for selectively dispensing first and second rolls of sheet material respectively wrapped around first and second cores. The dispenser includes a housing defining a storage compartment for the first and second rolls and an opening, a first and second core support structures disposed in the housing for respectively supporting differently sized first and second cores and a divider slidably carried by the housing and covering a portion of the opening. The divider is movable between a first dispensing position, wherein a first portion of the opening is uncovered to allow access to the first roll and a second portion of the opening is covered to prevent access to the second roll, and a second position, wherein the first portion of the opening is covered and the second portion the opening is uncovered to allow access to the second roll. The divider includes an adjustable blocking plate for preventing movement of the divider from the first dispensing position to the second dispensing portion until substantially all the sheet material has been exhausted from the first roll. - A dispenser for tissue paper has to be replenished more or less regularly. An indication of a tissue paper filling state of a dispenser may facilitate the work of service personnel responsible for replenishing the dispenser with tissue paper.
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WO 2005/065509 discloses a system and method for measuring, monitoring and controlling washroom dispensers and products. An apparatus for the dispensing of product is provided. The apparatus includes a dispenser sensor unit. The dispenser sensor unit is configured for detecting information about the product and for varying a dispensing parameter of the dispenser. A data communications unit in communication with the dispenser sensor unit is provided and is configured for receiving information from the dispenser sensor unit. A washroom monitoring station in communication with the data communications unit may be present and may be configured for receiving information from the data communications unit. The dispenser sensor unit may be configured for receiving a communication so as to vary a dispensing parameter of the dispenser. -
WO 2012/034590 SCA discloses a solution for detecting a level of a consumable tissue product in a tissue dispenser located in a washroom. This is provided in a number of aspects such as a tissue dispenser, a method, system, and a sensor unit utilizing two sensor elements each arranged to measure light reflected from a reflection field located on the tissue product itself, and arranged to measure absence of the tissue product. Data from the sensor elements are wirelessly transmitted to a server for further handling, such as for instance notification to a janitor in charge of service of the washroom. -
US-A-5 954 256 discloses a dispenser according to the preamble of claim 1. - A dispenser comprising two seats, or positions, from which tissue paper may be dispensed may be provided with a blocking arrangement. The blocking arrangement blocks access to one of the two seats such that dispensing of tissue paper takes place from only one of the seats until that particular seat is empty. Only then the blocking arrangement may be manipulated to provide access to the other seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom.
- An object of the present invention is to provide a dispenser for tissue paper with an alternative arrangement for assisting service personnel in replenishing the dispenser.
- According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a dispenser for tissue paper comprising a housing. The housing comprises a first seat for a first roll or a first stack of tissue paper and a second seat for a second roll or a second stack of tissue paper. The housing is provided with a first dispensing position and a second dispensing position, from which first and second dispensing positions tissue paper is graspable for dispensing thereof. The dispenser comprises a blocking arrangement for selectively blocking either the first dispensing position or the second dispensing position. The dispenser comprises a sensor device arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement. The sensor device is connected to a control unit arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement.
- Since the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement is utilized by the control unit to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser, service personnel are able to utilize the tissue paper filling state as a basis for planning replenishing of the dispenser with tissue paper. As a result, the above mentioned object is achieved.
- The dispenser may be adapted to be arranged in a washroom. The dispenser may be arranged to be attached to a structure such as a wall or a door. The housing may comprise one compartment, inside which the first and second seats are provided. Alternatively the dispenser may comprise two compartments, one for each of the first and second seats. The term "seat" is herein to be interpreted as any structure or arrangement suitable for supporting a roll of tissue paper or a stack of tissue paper. An example of a seat for a roll of tissue paper is a peg, which fits into a core of the roll and about which the roll may pivot. An example of a seat for a stack of tissue paper is a frame provided with a dispensing opening. The frame is sized such that the stack abuts against the frame around the dispensing opening. The term "dispensing position" is intended to define a portion of the housing from which a user is intended to dispense tissue paper. Accordingly, the blocking arrangement prevents dispensing of tissue paper from either the first dispensing position or the second dispensing position. For each dispensing position there may be provided a separate dispensing opening. Alternatively, there may be provided one dispensing opening for both dispensing positions.
- According to embodiments, the blocking arrangement may comprise a movable lid arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position, wherein in the first blocking position the movable lid prevents access to the first dispensing position and permits access the second dispensing position, and wherein in the second blocking position the movable lid prevents access to the second dispensing position and provides access to the first dispensing position. The lid may be arranged to slide between the first and second blocking positions.
- According to embodiments, the blocking arrangement may prevent the movable lid from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless the second seat is substantially empty. In this manner it may be ensured that the movable lid is only movable to the second blocking position when the second seat is empty, i.e. all tissue paper in the second seat has been used. Thus, the second seat is emptied before access is provided to the first seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom. Replenishing of the dispenser may thus be performed of a completely empty second seat.
- According to embodiments, the blocking arrangement may prevent the movable lid from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat is substantially empty. In this manner it may be ensured that the movable lid is only movable to the first blocking position when the first seat is empty, i.e. all tissue paper in the first seat has been used. Thus, the first seat is emptied before access is provided to the second seat for dispensing tissue paper therefrom. Replenishing of the dispenser may thus be performed of a completely empty first seat.
- According to embodiments, the blocking arrangement may comprise a lever mechanism adapted to bear against rolls or stacks of tissue paper arranged in the first and second seats. The lever mechanism may be arranged to engage and release the movable lid. Thus, a level of tissue paper in the first and/or second seats may affect the movable lid and its movability between the first and second blocking positions.
- According to embodiments, the lever mechanism may comprise a first linkage arranged to bear against the first roll or stack of tissue paper and a second linkage arranged to bear against the second roll or stack of tissue paper. In this manner a level of tissue paper in the first seat and the second seat may be detected.
- According to embodiments, the at least one position of the blocking arrangement sensed by the sensor device may relate to one position of the lever mechanism.
- According to embodiments, the at least one position of the blocking arrangement sensed by the sensor device may relate to one position of the movable lid.
- According to embodiments, the dispenser may comprise a sensing unit arranged to acknowledge replenishing of the dispenser with tissue paper. In this manner a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser may be reset to a state representing filled first and second seats. The sensing unit may be connected to the control unit.
- According to embodiments, the sensor device may comprise an optical sensor device.
- According to embodiments, the optical sensor device may comprise a light source and a photosensitive element. Several alternative operations of the optical sensor and the control unit are envisaged. Depending on how the optical sensor is arranged in relation to the blocking arrangement, either light sensed by the optical sensor indicates a filled seat and absence of light indicates an empty seat, or light sensed by the optical sensor indicates an empty seat and absence of light indicates a filled seat. Alternatively, difference in light sensed by the optical sensor indicates a filled or an empty seat. A change in intensity of light from the light source received by the photosensitive element indicates that a seat has been emptied, either an increase in light intensity or a decrease in light intensity.
- According to embodiments, the blocking arrangement may comprise a light reflecting surface arranged to reflect light from the light source towards the photosensitive element. In this manner reliability of the sensor device may be ensured by the light being reflected from the light source towards the photosensitive element.
- According to embodiments, the sensor device and at least part of the blocking arrangement may be arranged in an enclosure separate from the first and second seats. In this manner the sensor device may be protected from damage, e.g. when the dispenser is replenished. Moreover, if the sensor device is an optical sensor device, the sensor device is not accidentally affected by light nor related to the sensor.
- According to embodiments, the sensor device may be arranged to sense at least two positions of the blocking arrangement, and the control unit may be arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser based on the sensed at least two positions of the blocking arrangement.
- According to embodiments, the control unit may be arranged to indicate a first tissue paper filling state indicating either an empty first seat or an empty second seat, and a second tissue paper filling state indicating empty first and second seats.
- According to embodiments, the control unit may be arranged to indicate a third tissue paper filling state indicating at least partially filled first and second seats.
- The control unit may be arranged to indicate a fourth tissue paper filling state indicating filled first and second seats.
- According to embodiments, the control unit may be arranged separate from the dispenser and the sensor device may be arranged to communicate with the control unit. For instance, the sensor device may communicate wirelessly with the control unit.
- According to embodiments, the control unit may be arranged in the dispenser. In this manner a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser may be indicated directly on the dispenser, e.g. by one or more light sources indicating different tissue paper filling states.
- According to embodiments, the control unit may communicate with, or may form part of, a data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator. In this manner the operator may be informed of tissue paper filling states of the dispenser. The data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states may for instance comprise a visual indication of a relevant tissue paper filling state of the dispenser. The data collection system may be provided on the dispenser itself or remote from the dispenser. In these embodiments the data collection system need not necessarily have any data storage capacity. The data collection system may only have the possibility to indicate a current tissue paper filling state of the dispenser.
- According to embodiments, the data collection system may be configured to store data for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator. In this manner the operator may be informed of tissue paper filling states of the dispenser in a location remote from the dispenser, e.g. via message from the data collection system to a handheld device used by the operator. The operator may for instance upon demand retrieve the tissue paper filling state of the dispenser. The data collection system configured to store data may for instance be a data server.
- Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will realize that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.
- The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
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Fig. 1 illustrates a dispenser for tissue paper according to embodiments, -
Fig. 2 illustrates schematically a sensor device and a portion of the dispenser illustrated inFig. 1 , and -
Figs. 3 and 4 each illustrates a dispenser for tissue paper according to different embodiments. - The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments are shown. However, this invention should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Disclosed features of example embodiments may be combined as readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.
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Fig. 1 illustrates adispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments. Thedispenser 2 comprises ahousing 4. Thehousing 4 comprises afirst seat 6 for afirst roll 8 of tissue paper and asecond seat 10 for asecond roll 11 of tissue paper. Thehousing 4 is provided with afirst dispensing position 12 and asecond dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper. - The
dispenser 2 comprises a blockingarrangement 16 for selectively blocking either thefirst dispensing position 12 or thesecond dispensing position 14. The blockingarrangement 16 comprises amovable lid 18 arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position. In the first blocking position themovable lid 18 prevents access to thefirst dispensing position 12 and permits access thesecond dispensing position 14. In the second blocking position themovable lid 18 prevents access to thesecond dispensing position 14 and provides access to thefirst dispensing position 12. InFig. 1 themovable lid 18 is illustrated in the first blocking position. Themovable lid 18 is slidably attached to thehousing 4 for sliding between the first and second blocking positions. The blockingarrangement 16 is arranged to prevent themovable lid 18 from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless thesecond seat 11 is substantially empty. That is, when substantially all tissue paper has been dispensed from thesecond roll 11 of tissue paper themovable lid 18 may be moved to the second blocking position. Conversely, should themovable lid 18 be in the second blocking position then the blockingarrangement 16 prevents themovable lid 18 from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat is substantially empty. - The blocking
arrangement 16 comprises alever mechanism 20 adapted to bear against the first andsecond rolls lever mechanism 20 of the blockingarrangement 16 is arranged to engage and release themovable lid 18. Thus, when engaged, themovable lid 18 is prevented from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position, or vice versa. Conversely, when released, themovable lid 18 may be moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position, or vice versa. - The
lever mechanism 20 comprises afirst linkage 22 arranged to bear against thefirst roll 8 and asecond linkage 24 arranged to bear against thesecond roll 11. The first andsecond linkages second linkage 24. Thesecond linkage 24 comprises afirst arm 26 arranged to bear against thesecond roll 11 of tissue paper. Thefirst arm 26 is pivotably and slidably connected to thehousing 4 at apivot point 27. Thesecond linkage 24 further comprises asecond arm 28. Thesecond arm 28 is connected to thefirst arm 26 at afirst end portion 30 of thefirst arm 26 and is arranged to engage with themovable lid 18 at asecond end portion 32 of thesecond arm 28. Thesecond end portion 28 engages with themovable lid 18 by thesecond arm 28 being immovable in a direction along themovable lid 18 and its slidingdirection 33. Thus, astraight edge 35 of thesecond end 32 abutting against a straight edgedrecess 37 of themovable lid 18 prevents themovable lid 18 from being moved to the second blocking position. - The
second arm 28 is slidably connected to thehousing 4. Thesecond arm 28 is slidable along a longitudinal direction of thesecond arm 28, substantially perpendicularly to the slidingdirection 33 of themovable lid 18. The connection between thesecond arm 28 and thefirst arm 26 at thefirst end portion 30 is a sliding connection. For instance, thefirst end portion 30 may be provided with apin 34 and thefirst arm 26 may be provided with aslot 36 such that thepin 34, arranged in theslot 36, may slide along theslot 36. - As tissue paper is dispensed from the
second roll 11, thefirst arm 26 bearing against thesecond roll 11 is displaced by the diameter of thesecond roll 11 decreasing. During the displacing, thefirst arm 26 pivots and slides in relation to thehousing 4 at thepivot point 27. As thefirst arm 26 is displaced in this manner, thefirst arm 26 slides with itsslot 36 along thepin 34 from afirst slot end 38 to asecond slot end 40. Thesecond arm 28 thus, remains immovable until thepin 34 reaches thesecond slot end 40. The length of theslot 36 is adapted to the diameter of thesecond roll 11. Thus, when substantially all tissue paper has been dispensed from thesecond roll 11, thesecond slot end 40 reaches thepin 34. Upon a further decrease of the diameter of thesecond roll 11, thefirst arm 26 engages with thepin 34 in theslot 36 and slides thesecond arm 28 away from themovable lid 18. Themovable lid 18 is thus released from the engagement with thesecond arm 28 and may be moved to the second blocking position to provide access to thefirst dispensing position 12. - Since in the illustrated example a
first roll 8 of tissue paper is provided in thefirst seat 6, a corresponding second arm 28' of thefirst linkage 22 is in a position to engage with themovable lid 18. However, thesecond arms 28, 28' are each provided with aslanted edge 42, 42' opposite to thestraight edge 35, 35'. Thus, as themovable lid 18 being moved to the second blocking position pushes against the slanted edge 42', the second arm 28' slides away from thelid 18 in a direct substantially perpendicularly to the sliding direct 33 of thelid 18. When themovable lid 18 has reached the second blocking position, the straight edge 35' of the second arm 28' of thefirst linkage 22 engages with a straight edged recess 37' at an opposite end of themovable lid 18. - The
dispenser 2 comprises asensor device 50 arranged to sense at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. Thesensor device 50 is connected to a control unit (not shown) arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 based on the sensed at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. -
Fig. 2 illustrates schematically thesensor device 50 and a portion of thedispenser 2 illustrated inFig. 1 . Themovable lid 18 is illustrated in the second blocking position inFig. 2 . Thesensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. In these embodiments, the at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16 sensed by thesensor device 50 relates to one position of thelever mechanism 20. Thesensor device 50 is arranged in a vicinity of the first andsecond linkages second arms 28, 28'of the twolinkages sensor device 50 and thesecond arms 28, 28' are arranged in anenclosure 52 separate from the first andsecond seats second rolls enclosure 52 is attached to thehousing 4 of thedispenser 2. In these embodiments thesensor device 50 is separate from the first andsecond seats enclosure 52 delimits thesensor device 50 from thehousing 4 of thedispenser 2. - The
sensor device 50 comprises an optical sensor device. The optical sensor device comprises alight source 54 and aphotosensitive element 56. Thesecond arm 28 of thesecond linkage 24 of the blockingarrangement 16 comprises a light reflecting surface 58 arranged to reflect light from thelight source 54 towards thephotosensitive element 56. The light reflecting surface 58 may be constituted by any kind of surface having reflective properties, at least to some degree. - When the
second arm 28 of thesecond linkage 24 is in a position in which thesecond arm 28 may engage with themovable lid 18 in the first blocking position, the light from thelight source 56 is reflected by light reflecting surface 58 towards thephotosensitive element 56. This is the situation illustrated in bothFigs. 1 and2 , i.e. when there is tissue paper on thesecond roll 11 in thesecond seat 10. Thesensor device 50 thus, senses at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. - The
sensor device 50 is connected to acontrol unit 60. Thecontrol unit 60 is arranged separate from thedispenser 2. Thesensor device 50 is arranged to communicate with thecontrol unit 60. For instance, thesensor device 50 may communicate wirelessly with thecontrol unit 60. In these embodiments thecontrol unit 60 is provided in adata server 62. Thedata server 62 forms an example of a data collection system configured to store data. Thedata server 62 may e.g. be arranged for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator. Thecontrol unit 60 may be a dedicated control unit provided separately in the server, e.g. on a PCI card inserted in thedata server 62. Alternatively, thecontrol unit 60 may be implemented as a computer program executed by a processor of thedata server 62. However, thecontrol unit 60 may alternatively be provided in a separate device, which separate device in turn may communicate with thedata server 62. - In any event, the
control unit 60 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2. The tissue paper filling state is based on the sensed at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. Accordingly, in the dispenser illustrated inFigs. 1 and2 the tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 may e.g. be that thesecond seat 10 of thedispenser 2 is not empty. - As mentioned above, when all tissue paper of the
second roll 11 in thesecond seat 10 has been dispensed, thesecond arm 28 of thesecond linkage 24 moves away from themovable lid 18, i.e. upwardly inFigs. 1 and2 . The light reflecting surface 58 is thus moved away from thesensor device 50. No light, or light at a lower intensity, from thelight source 54 is now received by thephotosensitive element 56. Thecontrol unit 60 now indicates a different tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2, e.g. that thesecond seat 10 of thedispenser 2 is empty, or that one of the first andsecond seats sensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least two positions of the blockingarrangement 16, and thecontrol unit 50 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 based on the sensed at least two positions of the blockingarrangement 16. - The
sensor arrangement 50 may comprise a further light source and a further photosensitive element. Thesecond arm 28 of thefirst linkage 22 may also be provided with a light reflecting surface. Thus, a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 may also indicate whether thefirst roll 8 in thefirst seat 6 comprises tissue paper or is empty. Thus, also in this sense thesensor device 50 of these embodiments is arranged to sense at least two positions of the blockingarrangement 16, and thecontrol unit 50 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 based on the sensed at least two positions of the blockingarrangement 16. -
Fig. 3 illustrates adispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments. Thedispenser 2 comprises ahousing 4. Thehousing 4 comprises afirst seat 6 for a first stack of tissue paper and asecond seat 10 for asecond stack 70 of tissue paper. Thefirst seat 6 is empty, i.e. the first stack of tissue paper has been dispensed. Thehousing 4 is provided with afirst dispensing position 12 and asecond dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper. - Other than being adapted for dispensing of tissue paper from a stack of tissue paper, the
dispenser 2 of these embodiments works in the same manner as thedispenser 2 of theFig. 1 and2 embodiments. To avoid repetition, elements have been omitted inFig. 3 . Thelever mechanism 20 of the blockingarrangement 16 is adapted to bear against the first and second stacks of tissue paper. Thefirst linkage 22 of thelever mechanism 20 is illustrated inFig. 3 in a position where the first arm 26' has followed the now empty first stack. The second arm 28' has thus been slid upwardly inFig. 3 and permitted themovable lid 18 to be moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position. Dispensing of the tissue paper may now be performed from thesecond stack 70 at thesecond dispensing position 14. - For a further description of the
dispenser 2 reference is made to the description relating toFigs. 1 and2 . -
Fig. 4 illustrates adispenser 2 for tissue paper according to embodiments. Thedispenser 2 comprises ahousing 4. Thehousing 4 comprises afirst seat 6 for afirst roll 8 of tissue paper and asecond seat 10 for asecond roll 11 of tissue paper. Thehousing 4 is provided with afirst dispensing position 12 and asecond dispensing position 14. A user may grasp tissue paper from the first and second dispensing positions 12, 14 for dispensing tissue paper. - The
dispenser 2 comprises a blockingarrangement 16 for selectively blocking either thefirst dispensing position 12 or thesecond dispensing position 14. The blockingarrangement 16 comprises amovable lid 18 arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position. In the first blocking position themovable lid 18 prevents access to thefirst dispensing position 12 and permits access thesecond dispensing position 14. In the second blocking position themovable lid 18 prevents access to thesecond dispensing position 14 and provides access to thefirst dispensing position 12. InFig. 4 themovable lid 18 is illustrated in the second blocking position. Themovable lid 18 is slidably attached to thehousing 4 for sliding between the first and second blocking positions. The blockingarrangement 16 is arranged to prevent themovable lid 18 from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless thefirst seat 6 is substantially empty. That is, when substantially all tissue paper has been dispensed from thefirst roll 8 of tissue paper themovable lid 18 may be moved to the first blocking position. Conversely, should themovable lid 18 be in the first blocking position then the blockingarrangement 16 prevents themovable lid 18 from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless thesecond seat 10 is substantially empty. - The blocking
arrangement 16 comprises astud 80 adapted to bear against thefirst roll 8 of tissue paper or thesecond roll 11 of tissue paper. Thestud 80 extends from themovable lid 18 in a direction perpendicularly to a slidingdirection 33 of themovable lid 18. Thestud 80 has a length such that it will bear against the tissue paper of thefirst roll 8. When thefirst roll 8 of tissue paper has been dispensed, thestud 80 has a length such that it will pass thefirst seat 6. Thus, themovable lid 18 is prevented from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position until thefirst roll 8 of tissue paper is substantially empty. - The
stud 80 is attached to afirst socket 82 provided at one end portion of themovable lid 18. Thestud 80 may be removed from thefirst socket 82 and may be place in asecond socket 83 provided at an opposite end portion of themovable lid 18. An operator may do so when thefirst seat 6 has been replenished with a roll of tissue paper while dispensing of tissue paper takes place from thesecond roll 11. Thus, themovable lid 18 will be prevented from being moved from the first blocking position until thesecond seat 10 is empty. Accordingly, tissue paper from one roll at a time will be dispensed from thedispenser 2. - The
dispenser 2 comprises asensor device 50 arranged to sense at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. Thesensor device 50 is connected to acontrol unit 60 arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 based on the sensed at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. Thecontrol unit 60 is arranged in thedispenser 2. - The
sensor device 50 is arranged to sense at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16. In these embodiments, the at least one position of the blockingarrangement 16 sensed by thesensor device 50 relates to one position of themovable lid 18. Thesensor device 50 comprises aHall Effect sensor 85 attached to thehousing 4 and afirst magnet 84 and asecond magnet 86 attached to opposite end portions of themovable lid 18. TheHall Effect sensor 85 is arranged to sense the first or thesecond magnet second magnet control unit 60 to indicate a paper tissue filling state of thedispenser 2 based on at least one position of themovable lid 18. - The
sensor device 50 is connected to thecontrol unit 60. Thesensor device 50 is arranged to communicate with thecontrol unit 60. Thecontrol unit 60 is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2. Thecontrol unit 60 is connected to two light sources such as twoLEDs 87 for indicating a tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2. Thecontrol unit 60 may thus, be referred to as forming part of a data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states of thedispenser 2 to an operator. Asensing unit 88 is positioned in thehousing 4 and arranged to acknowledge replenishing of thedispenser 2 with tissue paper. Thesensing unit 88 is connected to thecontrol unit 60. For instance, thesensing unit 88 may sense the opening and/or closing of a replenishing lid (not shown) of thedispenser 2. It is assumed that thedispenser 2 is replenished when the replenishing lid is opened. Thus, thecontrol unit 60 may reset the tissue paper filling state of thedispenser 2 based on input from thesensing unit 88. - Purely provided as an example of indication of tissue paper filling states of the
dispenser 2, the following example is provided: - Tissue paper is dispensed from the
first roll 8 by users until thefirst seat 6 is empty. - A user desiring to dispense tissue paper moves the
movable lid 18 from the illustrated second blocking position to the first blocking position in order to dispense tissue paper form thesecond roll 11. - Thus, the
sensor device 50 senses thefirst magnet 84 being moved away from theHall Effect sensor 85 and thesecond magnet 86 is moved to theHall Effect sensor 85, which in turn is sensed by theHall effect sensor 85. - The
control unit 60 thus lights one of theLEDs 87 to indicate that one of theseats - When all tissue paper has been dispensed from the
second roll 11, a user will move themovable lid 18 to the second blocking position in an attempt to find tissue paper at thefirst dispensing position 12. - Again, the
sensor device 50 senses a magnet being moved away from theHall Effect sensor 85 and a magnet being moved to theHall Effect sensor 85. - In response thereto the
control unit 60 lights also theother LED 87 to indicate that bothseats - An operator responsible for replenishing the
dispenser 2 will see one or two litLEDs 87 and in response thereto may replenish thedispenser 2, in one or bothseats dispenser 2, thesensing unit 88 resets thecontrol unit 60, which in turn shuts off the one or twoLEDs 87. Thecontrol unit 60 may communicate with a remotely locateddata server 62. Thedata server 62 is an example of a data collection system configured to store data. - The following may relate to all embodiments disclosed herein:
- The
control unit 60 may be arranged to indicate a first tissue paper filling state indicating either an emptyfirst seat 6 or an emptysecond seat 10, and a second tissue paper filling state indicating empty first andsecond seats dispenser 2 with tissue paper. In the second tissue paper filling state it is required that thedispenser 2 is replenished with tissue paper. Thecontrol unit 60 may be arranged to indicate a third tissue paper filling state indicating at least partially filled first andsecond seats dispenser 2 is required. - The
data server 62 may be arranged for communicating tissue paper filling states of thedispenser 2 to an operator. The tissue paper filling states may be presented on a display screen of thedata server 62. In addition thereto, or alternatively, thedata server 62 may present the tissue paper filling states of thedispenser 2 in a location remote from thedata server 62, e.g. via messages from thedata server 62 to a handheld device used by the operator. - The
data server 62 has been described to be a remotely locateddata server 62, which encompasses adata server 62 located outside a facility, such as a restroom, wherein thedispenser 2 is located, as well as adata server 62 located in a different building than wherein thedispenser 2 is located. Alternatively, thedata server 62 may be locally arranged, i.e. in the facility, such as a restroom, wherein thedispenser 2 is located. Thedata server 2 may thus form a locally arranged information system for providing an operator with paper tissue filling states of thedispenser 2. - Example embodiments described above may be combined as understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the
Fig. 4 embodiments may be provided with an optical sensor instead of the Hall Effect sensor. Although the invention has been described with reference to example embodiments, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. The light reflecting surface 58 may alternatively be positioned to reflect light onto thephotosensitive element 56 when a seat is empty. Thesecond arms 28, 28' may be shaped such that light from thelight source 54 does not hit thesecond arms 28, 28' in one position thereof, i.e. in which one position light will not be reflected from the light reflecting surface 58 to thephotosensitive element 56. Parts of thelever mechanism 20 may be provided on a rear side of thedispenser 2, e.g. thesecond arms 28, 28'. Accordingly, also theenclosure 52 and thesensor device 50 may be provided on the rear side of thedispenser 2. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only the appended claims.
Claims (17)
- A dispenser (2) for tissue paper comprising a housing (4), the housing (4) comprising a first seat (6) for a first roll (8) or a first stack of tissue paper and a second seat (10) for a second roll (11) or a second stack (70) of tissue paper, wherein the housing (4) is provided with a first dispensing position (12) and a second dispensing position (14), from which first and second dispensing positions (12, 14) tissue paper is graspable for dispensing thereof, and wherein the dispenser (2) comprises a blocking arrangement (16) for selectively blocking either the first dispensing position (12) or the second dispensing position (14),
characterized in that the dispenser (2) comprises a sensor device (50) arranged to sense at least one position of the blocking arrangement (16), wherein the sensor device (50) is connected to a control unit (60) arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser (2) based on the sensed at least one position of the blocking arrangement (16). - The dispenser (2) according to claim 1, wherein the blocking arrangement (16) comprises a movable lid (18) arranged to be positioned in a first blocking position and in a second blocking position, wherein in the first blocking position the movable lid (18) prevents access to the first dispensing position (12) and permits access the second dispensing position (14), and wherein in the second blocking position the movable lid (18) prevents access to the second dispensing position (14) and provides access to the first dispensing position (12).
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 2, wherein the blocking arrangement (16) prevents the movable lid (18) from being moved from the first blocking position to the second blocking position unless the second seat (10) is substantially empty.
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the blocking arrangement (16) prevents the movable lid (18) from being moved from the second blocking position to the first blocking position unless the first seat (6) is substantially empty.
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 4, wherein the blocking arrangement (16) comprises a lever mechanism (20) adapted to bear against rolls (8, 11) or stacks (70) of tissue paper arranged in the first and second seats (6, 10), and wherein the lever mechanism (20) is arranged to engage and release the movable lid (18), wherein preferably the lever mechanism (20) comprises a first linkage (22) arranged to bear against the first roll (8) or stack of tissue paper and a second linkage (24) arranged to bear against the second roll (11) or stack (70) of tissue paper.
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one position of the blocking arrangement (16) sensed by the sensor device (50) relates to one position of the lever mechanism (20).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, wherein the at least one position of the blocking arrangement (16) sensed by the sensor device (50) relates to one position of the movable lid (18).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser (2) comprises a sensing unit (88) arranged to acknowledge replenishing of the dispenser (2) with tissue paper.
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (50) comprises an optical sensor device, preferably the optical sensor device comprises a light source (54) and a photosensitive element (56), preferably the blocking arrangement (16) comprises a light reflecting surface (58) arranged to reflect light from the light source (54) towards the photosensitive element (56).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (50) and at least part of the blocking arrangement (16) are arranged in an enclosure separate from the first and second seats (6, 10).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor device (50) is arranged to sense at least two positions of the blocking arrangement (16), and wherein the control unit (60) is arranged to indicate a tissue paper filling state of the dispenser (2) based on the sensed at least two positions of the blocking arrangement (16).
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 11, wherein the control unit (60) is arranged to indicate a first tissue paper filling state indicating either an empty first seat (6) or an empty second seat (10), and a second tissue paper filling state indicating empty first and second seats (6, 10), preferably the control unit (60) is arranged to indicate a third tissue paper filling state indicating at least partially filled first and second seats (6, 10).
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 12, wherein the control unit (60) is arranged to indicate a fourth tissue paper filling state indicating filled first and second seats (6, 10).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (60) is arranged separate from the dispenser (2) and the sensor device (50) is arranged to communicate with the control unit (60).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 13, wherein the control unit (60) is arranged in the dispenser (2).
- The dispenser (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (60) communicates with, or forms part of, a data collection system configured for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser (2) to an operator.
- The dispenser (2) according to claim 16, wherein the data collection system is configured to store data for communicating tissue paper filling states of the dispenser to an operator.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/SE2012/051444 WO2014098672A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2012-12-20 | Dispenser |
Publications (4)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2934259A1 EP2934259A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
EP2934259A4 EP2934259A4 (en) | 2016-06-22 |
EP2934259B1 true EP2934259B1 (en) | 2017-06-14 |
EP2934259B8 EP2934259B8 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
Family
ID=50978822
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP12890337.4A Not-in-force EP2934259B8 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2012-12-20 | Dispenser |
Country Status (10)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20150327735A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2934259B8 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104869880B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2012397325B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2893982A1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2633862T3 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2015007956A (en) |
PL (1) | PL2934259T3 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2613168C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014098672A1 (en) |
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EP4021262A4 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2023-04-26 | Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser for rolls of absorbent paper |
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US10130221B2 (en) | 2015-01-23 | 2018-11-20 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Optimizing a dispensing parameter of a product dispenser based on product usage data |
US10213068B2 (en) * | 2015-10-23 | 2019-02-26 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Power consumption management methods and systems for product dispensers |
US10420445B2 (en) * | 2015-11-16 | 2019-09-24 | Essity Hygiene And Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser for dispensing a paper roll |
US11412900B2 (en) | 2016-04-11 | 2022-08-16 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Sheet product dispenser with motor operation sensing |
US11395566B2 (en) | 2016-04-11 | 2022-07-26 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Sheet product dispenser |
US10660486B2 (en) | 2017-03-17 | 2020-05-26 | Valve Solutions, Inc. | Monitoring system for dispenser |
US10874265B2 (en) | 2017-05-10 | 2020-12-29 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Sheet product level sensor calibration and indication systems and methods |
US10506901B2 (en) * | 2017-06-23 | 2019-12-17 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Sheet product dispenser with product level indicator calibration |
CA179934S (en) | 2018-02-23 | 2020-03-05 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Dispenser |
CA179935S (en) | 2018-02-23 | 2020-03-05 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Dispenser |
US10835086B2 (en) | 2018-04-09 | 2020-11-17 | Charles A. Osborne, JR. | Sheet material transfer system/assembly for a dispenser |
CA181664S (en) | 2018-05-29 | 2021-03-08 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Paper dispenser |
CA181663S (en) | 2018-05-29 | 2021-03-08 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Paper dispenser |
CA181854S (en) | 2018-06-07 | 2020-03-05 | Cascades Canada Ulc | Paper dispenser |
WO2020123491A1 (en) | 2018-12-12 | 2020-06-18 | Osborne Charles Agnew Jr | Dispensing assembly for selectively dispensing a plurality of supplies of rolled sheet material |
CA3142926A1 (en) | 2019-06-14 | 2020-12-17 | Charles Agnew Osborne, Jr. | Loading and transfer system/assembly for sheet material dispensers |
US11617478B2 (en) | 2019-10-09 | 2023-04-04 | Gpcp Ip Holdings Llc | Systems and methods for product level tracking of sheet product rolls |
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-
2012
- 2012-12-20 ES ES12890337.4T patent/ES2633862T3/en active Active
- 2012-12-20 CA CA2893982A patent/CA2893982A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-12-20 US US14/653,916 patent/US20150327735A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2012-12-20 EP EP12890337.4A patent/EP2934259B8/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-12-20 PL PL12890337T patent/PL2934259T3/en unknown
- 2012-12-20 MX MX2015007956A patent/MX2015007956A/en unknown
- 2012-12-20 RU RU2015129494A patent/RU2613168C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2012-12-20 WO PCT/SE2012/051444 patent/WO2014098672A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-12-20 AU AU2012397325A patent/AU2012397325B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2012-12-20 CN CN201280077776.2A patent/CN104869880B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP4021262A4 (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2023-04-26 | Essity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag | Dispenser for rolls of absorbent paper |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2934259A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
CN104869880B (en) | 2018-04-20 |
EP2934259A4 (en) | 2016-06-22 |
AU2012397325A1 (en) | 2015-07-16 |
MX2015007956A (en) | 2015-10-08 |
EP2934259B8 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
PL2934259T3 (en) | 2017-09-29 |
AU2012397325B2 (en) | 2016-05-12 |
CA2893982A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
RU2613168C2 (en) | 2017-03-15 |
US20150327735A1 (en) | 2015-11-19 |
WO2014098672A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
ES2633862T3 (en) | 2017-09-25 |
RU2015129494A (en) | 2017-01-26 |
CN104869880A (en) | 2015-08-26 |
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