JP2021078647A - Paper rolling device and toilet management system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a paper rolling device and a toilet management system capable of detecting a detailed change in a residual quantity of toilet paper, and notifying a manager outside a toilet booth of a toilet paper replacement timing.SOLUTION: A paper rolling device includes: a holding part for holding toilet paper; a reflection type sensor including an electromagnetic wave transmission part for transmitting an electromagnetic wave to the toilet paper, and an electromagnetic wave reception part for receiving the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmission part and reflected by the toilet paper, which executes a sensing operation for transmitting/receiving the electromagnetic wave, and detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave reception part; and an information transmission part for transmitting information on a detection result of the reflection type sensor to an external device. The reflection type sensor is provided on a lateral side of the toilet paper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to cigarettes and toilet management systems.

Toilet paper in public spaces may not have replacement toilet paper to prevent theft. In such a case, a manager such as a cleaning staff regularly patrols to replenish the toilet paper.

However, in such a method, in order to prevent the state where there is no toilet paper, it is necessary to increase the patrol frequency of the administrator, which increases the burden on the administrator. In addition, such a method is inefficient because the administrator needs to patrol and inspect the toilet booths that do not require replacement of toilet paper. In particular, in Japan, there are concerns about labor shortages due to the declining population in the future, so a toilet management system that can efficiently replace toilet paper is becoming more and more important.

In Patent Document 1, a light emitting diode and a light receiving sensor are provided at opposite positions inside a folder for storing toilet paper, and the light receiving sensor receives light from the light emitting diode blocked by the toilet paper, so that the rest of the toilet paper remains. A device for detecting that the amount has fallen below a predetermined amount has been proposed. However, since such a device uses a transmissive sensor, it can only detect whether or not the remaining amount of toilet paper is less than a predetermined amount, and the remaining amount of toilet paper gradually decreases. Cannot be detected. That is, it is not possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper.

Japanese Patent No. 5411218

The present invention has been made based on the recognition of such a problem, and can detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper and notify the manager outside the toilet booth when to replace the toilet paper. The purpose is to provide a paper roll and toilet management system that can be used.

The first invention is an electromagnetic wave reception unit that holds a holding unit for holding a toilet paper, an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit that transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the toilet paper, and an electromagnetic wave receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit and reflected by the toilet paper. About the detection result of the reflection type sensor and the reflection type sensor, which is a reflection type sensor having a unit, performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic wave, and detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit. The reflection type sensor is a paper winder provided on the side of the toilet paper, which includes an information transmission unit for transmitting the information of the above to the external device.

According to this cigarette, by providing a reflective sensor, it is possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper. Further, by providing the reflective sensor on the side of the toilet paper, it is possible to suppress the reflective sensor from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper. As a result, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more accurately. In addition, by providing an information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor to an external device, it is possible to notify the administrator outside the toilet booth of the time to replace the toilet paper via the external device. .. As a result, the patrol for inspection by the administrator becomes unnecessary, and the toilet paper can be replaced efficiently. Further, as a result, the possibility of running out of paper can be reduced, and the toilet space can be made convenient for the user who uses the toilet.

A second invention is a cigarette according to the first invention, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided in front of the holding portion.

According to this cigarette, by providing the reflective sensor in front of the holding portion, the reflective sensor can be more reliably suppressed from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper.

A third invention is a cigarette according to the second invention, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is directed obliquely forward.

According to this cigarette, when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low by providing a reflective sensor in front of the holding part so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting part faces diagonally forward. In addition, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more accurately.

A fourth invention is a cigarette according to the first invention, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided below the holding portion.

According to this cigarette, by providing the reflective sensor below the holding portion, the reflective sensor can be more reliably suppressed from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper.

A fifth invention is a cigarette according to a fourth invention, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is directed obliquely downward.

According to this cigarette, when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low by providing a reflective sensor below the holding part so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting part points diagonally downward. In addition, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more accurately.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the reflective sensor performs the sensing operation in the first cycle when the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, and the intensity is the first. The paper winder is characterized in that when it is less than one threshold value, the sensing operation is performed in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.

According to this paper winder, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is high (above the first threshold value), the sensing operation is performed in a long cycle (first cycle), and when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is low (less than the first threshold value), the sensing operation is performed. By performing the sensing operation in a short cycle (second cycle), it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when the remaining amount of toilet paper is large with simple control. As a result, the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced as compared with the case of using the transmission type sensor.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect of the invention, when the intensity of the reflection sensor is less than the first threshold value and equal to or higher than the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the sensing is performed in the second cycle. It is a paper winder characterized by performing an operation and performing the sensing operation in a third cycle shorter than the second cycle when the intensity is less than the second threshold value.

According to this cigarette, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is even lower (less than the second threshold value), the sensing operation is performed in a shorter cycle (third cycle), so that the remaining amount of toilet paper is large with simple control. Sometimes, while reducing the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation, when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more reliably.

The eighth invention includes a paper winder and an external device, wherein the paper winder includes a holding unit that holds the toilet paper, an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit that transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the toilet paper, and the electromagnetic wave transmitting. A reflection type sensor having an electromagnetic wave receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the unit and reflected by the toilet paper, performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic wave, and the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit. The reflection type sensor is provided with the reflection type sensor and an information transmission unit for transmitting information about the detection result of the reflection type sensor to the external device, and the reflection type sensor is provided on the side of the toilet paper. The external device is a toilet management system characterized in that when the strength becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the time for replacing the toilet paper is notified.

According to this toilet management system, by providing a reflective sensor on the cigarette, it is possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper. Further, by providing the reflective sensor on the side of the toilet paper, it is possible to suppress the reflective sensor from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper. As a result, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more accurately. In addition, the paper winder is provided with an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor to an external device, and when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiver falls below a predetermined value, it is time for the external device to replace the toilet paper. By notifying, it is possible to notify the administrator outside the toilet booth of the time to replace the toilet paper via an external device. As a result, the patrol for inspection by the administrator becomes unnecessary, and the toilet paper can be replaced efficiently.

According to the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper winder and a toilet management system capable of detecting a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper and notifying an administrator outside the toilet booth when it is time to replace the toilet paper. Will be done.

It is a perspective view which shows typically the cigarette which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows typically the toilet management system which concerns on embodiment. 3A and 3B are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing the cigarette according to the embodiment. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a cigarette according to a modified example of the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the operation of the external device of the toilet management system which concerns on embodiment. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are flowcharts showing another example of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the operation of the external device of the toilet management system which concerns on embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a part of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system which concerns on embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows an example of the cycle of the sensing operation in the cigarette according to embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, similar components are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a cigarette according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the toilet management system 500 according to the embodiment includes a cigarette 100 and an external device 200. The cigarette 100 transmits information about the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP to the external device 200. The external device 200 notifies the replacement time of the toilet paper TP based on the information about the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP.

The cigarette 100 includes a holding unit 10, an outer shell 20, a reflective sensor 30, an information transmitting unit 40, a paper cutting plate 50, and a top plate 60. The cigarette 100 is attached to the wall surface WL of the toilet booth.

The holding unit 10 holds the toilet paper TP. More specifically, the holding portion 10 holds the toilet paper TP in a rotatable state by being inserted into the core of the toilet paper TP. The holding portion 10 may be inserted into each of the left-right end portions of the toilet paper TP core, or may be inserted so as to penetrate the inside of the toilet paper TP core in the left-right direction. The holding portion 10 is supported by the outer shell 20.

The outer shell 20 is provided so as to surround the rear and side of the toilet paper TP. In other words, the toilet paper TP is housed inside the outer shell 20. The outer shell 20 extends forward from the back plate 21 attached to the wall surface WL of the toilet booth, the side plate 22 extending forward from one end in the left-right direction of the back plate 21, and the other end in the left-right direction of the back plate 21. It has a side plate 23 and. The holding portion 10 is provided inside at least one of the side plate 22 and the side plate 23. In this example, one of the two holding portions 10 is provided inside the side plate 22, and the other of the two holding portions 10 is provided inside the side plate 23.

In the specification of the present application, when viewed from the user facing the cigarette 100 attached to the wall surface WL of the toilet booth, the front side is "front", the back side is "rear", the upper side is "upper", and the lower side is "lower". , The left side is "left side" and the right side is "right side".

The reflection type sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of toilet paper TP by utilizing the reflection of electromagnetic waves. The reflection type sensor 30 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor such as an infrared sensor or a radio wave sensor such as a microwave sensor or a millimeter wave sensor. The position where the reflection sensor 30 is provided will be described later. The reflection type sensor 30 includes an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 and an electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32.

The electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the toilet paper TP held by the holding unit 10. The electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 is, for example, light or a radio wave. The electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 receives an electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 and reflected by the toilet paper TP. The reflection type sensor 30 performs a sensing operation in which an electromagnetic wave is transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 and the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) reflected by the toilet paper TP is received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32. That is, the reflection type sensor 30 performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves.

The reflection type sensor 30 detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32. The reflection type sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP by detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32. When the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is larger than the predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 is larger than the predetermined value. When the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is less than the predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 is smaller than the predetermined value.

The information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 to the external device 200. The information transmission unit 40 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave reception unit 32 of the reflection sensor 30. The information transmission unit 40 transmits information to the external device 200 by wireless communication, for example. The information transmission unit 40 may transmit information to the external device 200 by wire communication. That is, the information transmission unit 40 may be electrically connected to the external device 200.

The information about the detection result of the reflection type sensor 30 is, for example, information (signal) about the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32. The information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 may be, for example, information (signal) about the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP calculated based on the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave. The information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 may be, for example, information (signal) indicating that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is less than a predetermined amount.

The operation of the reflection sensor 30 and the information transmission unit 40 is controlled by, for example, a control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the cycle of the sensing operation in the reflection sensor 30, the timing of transmitting information from the information transmission unit 40, and the like. Any one of the reflection sensor 30, the information transmitting unit 40, and the control unit may have a receiving unit that receives a signal from the external device 200.

The reflection sensor 30, the information transmission unit 40, and the control unit operate by receiving electric power supplied from, for example, a battery provided in the cigarette 100. The outer shell 20 has, for example, a battery mounting portion for mounting a battery. The reflection sensor 30, the information transmission unit 40, and the control unit may operate by receiving electric power from an external power source supplied via an outlet. In this case, the battery mounting portion can be omitted.

The paper cutting board 50 is used when the user cuts the toilet paper TP. The paper cutting board 50 is provided above the toilet paper TP. That is, the paper cutting plate 50 is provided above the holding portion 10. The paper cutting plate 50 is rotatably supported on the side plate 22 and the upper portion of the side plate 23 of the outer shell 20. The paper cutting board 50 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

The top plate 60 is provided above the outer shell 20 and the paper cutting plate 50. That is, the top plate 60 is provided above the holding portion 10. The top plate 60 has, for example, a flat surface on which an article can be placed. The top plate 60 functions as, for example, a shelf. The top plate 60 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

The external device 200 is a device outside the toilet booth. The external device 200 has an information receiving unit that receives information transmitted from the information transmitting unit 40. The external device 200 is, for example, a terminal such as an administrator's personal computer or an administrator's mobile phone. The external device 200 may be, for example, a server that can be connected from an administrator's personal computer or an administrator's mobile phone. The external device 200 may receive the information transmitted from the information transmission unit 40 via, for example, a gateway provided inside the toilet booth. That is, the information transmission unit 40 may receive information to the external device 200 via, for example, a gateway provided inside the toilet booth.

When the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 of the reflection sensor 30 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the external device 200 notifies the replacement time of the toilet paper TP. The external device 200 has, for example, a display unit that displays the replacement time of the toilet paper TP.

3A and 3B are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing the cigarette according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 shown in FIG. 3A. In FIG. 3B, the position of the reflective sensor 30 is represented by a chain double-dashed line.
As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided on the side of the toilet paper TP. Further, in this example, the reflection type sensor 30 is provided in front of the holding portion 10. More specifically, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided inside the side plate 22 of the outer shell 20 located on the side of the toilet paper TP.

Further, in this example, the reflection type sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 faces diagonally forward. As a result, the reflective sensor 30 detects the remaining amount in the portion of the toilet paper TP in front of the axis AX. Here, the "oblique forward" is a direction including at least a left-right component and a front component. The "diagonal front" may be a direction including a component in the vertical direction in addition to the component in the left-right direction and the component in the front direction.

4 (a) and 4 (b) are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a cigarette according to a modified example of the embodiment.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B2 shown in FIG. 4A.
As shown in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided below the holding portion 10. More specifically, the reflective sensor 30 is provided below the side plate 22 of the outer shell 20 located on the side of the toilet paper TP.

Further, in this example, the reflection type sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 faces diagonally downward. As a result, the reflective sensor 30 detects the remaining amount in the portion of the toilet paper TP below the axis AX. Here, "diagonally downward" is a direction including at least a component in the left-right direction and a component in the lower direction. The "diagonally downward" may be a direction including a component in the front-rear direction in addition to the component in the left-right direction and the component in the lower direction.

Hereinafter, the operations of the toilet management system 500 and the cigarette 100 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the external device of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the flow is started, the control unit of the cigarette 100 performs a sensing operation by the reflection sensor 30 (step S101). In the sensing operation, the reflection type sensor 30 transmits an electromagnetic wave from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 toward the toilet paper TP, and receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 and reflected by the toilet paper TP in the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32.

The reflection type sensor 30 continuously transmits and receives electromagnetic waves a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) per sensing operation. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves multiple times, the occurrence of false positives can be suppressed. The reflection sensor 30 uses, for example, the average value of the intensities of a plurality of received electromagnetic waves as the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, the reflection type sensor 30 uses, for example, a value having the same intensity for a predetermined number of times among the intensities of a plurality of received electromagnetic waves as the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, for example, when the intensity of a plurality of received electromagnetic waves falls within a certain range, the reflection type sensor 30 sets the median value between the maximum value and the minimum value as the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received in one sensing operation. To do. Hereinafter, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received in one sensing operation is referred to as "the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave".

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave exceeds a predetermined value (step S102: No), the control unit ends the flow. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP exceeds the predetermined amount and the replacement of the toilet paper TP is unnecessary. The predetermined value is, for example, a value smaller than the second threshold value TH2 described later. The predetermined value is, for example, the strength when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is 15%.

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S102: Yes), the control unit changes the period of the sensing operation (step S103). The change of the sensing operation cycle will be described later.

When the cycle of the sensing operation is changed, the control unit transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 from the information transmission unit 40 to the external device 200 (step S104). As described above, in this example, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 to the external device 200. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is not more than a predetermined value, the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is not more than the predetermined amount, and it is determined that the toilet paper TP needs to be replaced.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the external device 200 waits until it receives the information from the information transmission unit 40 of the cigarette 100 (step S201: No). Upon receiving the information from the information transmission unit 40 (step S201: Yes), the external device 200 notifies the replacement time of the toilet paper TP (step S202).

Hereinafter, the effects of the cigarette 100 and the toilet management system 500 according to the embodiment will be described.
As described above, for example, when an attempt is made to detect the remaining amount of toilet paper using a transmissive sensor, there is a problem that a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper cannot be detected. On the other hand, in the embodiment, by providing the reflection type sensor 30, it is possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP. That is, in the embodiment, it can be detected that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is gradually reduced. As a result, the administrator can replace the toilet paper TP more efficiently.

Further, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 on the side of the toilet paper TP, it is possible to suppress the reflective sensor 30 from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper TP. As a result, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately.

Further, in the embodiment, an information transmitting unit 40 for transmitting information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 to the external device 200 is provided, and when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the external device is provided. 200 notifies when it is time to replace the toilet paper. As a result, it is possible to notify the administrator outside the toilet booth of the replacement time of the toilet paper TP via the external device 200. Therefore, the patrol for inspection by the administrator becomes unnecessary, and the toilet paper TP can be replaced efficiently. Further, as a result, the possibility of running out of paper can be reduced, and the toilet space can be made convenient for the user who uses the toilet.

Further, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 in front of the holding portion 10, it is possible to more reliably suppress the reflective sensor 30 from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper TP. Further, when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is reduced by providing the reflection type sensor 30 so that the central axis AX of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 faces diagonally forward in front of the holding unit 10. In addition, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately.

Further, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 below the holding portion 10, it is possible to more reliably suppress the reflective sensor 30 from being affected by the paper dust generated from the toilet paper TP. Further, when the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is reduced by providing the reflection type sensor 30 so that the central axis AX of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit 31 faces diagonally downward below the holding unit 10. In addition, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the operation of the toilet management system 500 and the cigarette 100 according to the embodiment will be described.
7 (a) and 7 (b) are flowcharts showing another example of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the external device of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7A, in this example, when the flow is started, the control unit of the cigarette 100 performs a sensing operation by the reflection sensor 30 (step S301), and the information transmission unit 40 to the external device 200 Information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 is transmitted to (step S302). That is, in this example, the information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor 30 to the external device 200 regardless of the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the external device 200 waits until it receives the information from the information transmission unit 40 of the cigarette 100 (step S401: No). Upon receiving the information from the information transmitting unit 40 (step S401: Yes), the external device 200 determines whether or not the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit 32 exceeds a predetermined value (step S402).

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave exceeds a predetermined value (step S402: No), the external device 200 ends the flow. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP exceeds the predetermined amount and the replacement of the toilet paper TP is unnecessary.

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is equal to or less than a predetermined value (step S402: Yes), the external device 200 transmits a signal for changing the cycle of the sensing operation to the cigarette 100 (step S403).

When the signal is transmitted to the cigarette 100, the external device 200 notifies the replacement time of the toilet paper TP (step S404). That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is not more than a predetermined value, the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is not more than the predetermined amount, and it is determined that the toilet paper TP needs to be replaced.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the control unit of the cigarette 100 waits until it receives a signal from the external device 200 (step S501: No). Upon receiving the signal for changing the sensing operation cycle from the external device 200 (step S501: Yes), the control unit changes the sensing operation cycle (step S502). The change of the sensing operation cycle will be described later.

As described above, in the embodiment, the determination of whether or not the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave exceeds a predetermined value may be performed by the cigarette 100 or the external device 200.

Hereinafter, the cycle change of the sensing operation by the reflection sensor 30 will be described.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a part of the operation of the cigarette of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the cycle of the sensing operation in the cigarette according to the embodiment.

The maximum value Rmax of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) is the intensity when the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is 100%. The minimum value Rmin of the intensity of the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) is the intensity when the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is 0%.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the first threshold value TH1 (step S601: No), the reflection sensor 30 performs a sensing operation in the first cycle P1 (step). S602). The first cycle P1 is, for example, 60 minutes. The first threshold value TH1 is, for example, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) when the thickness from the core to the outer circumference of the toilet paper TP becomes 3/4 of the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is the first threshold value TH1, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is, for example, about 50%.

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is less than the first threshold value TH1 (step S601: Yes) and equal to or higher than the second threshold value TH2 (step S603: No), the reflection sensor 30 performs a sensing operation in the second cycle P2. (Step S604). The second period P2 is shorter than the first period P1. The second cycle P2 is, for example, 10 minutes. The second threshold value TH2 is, for example, the intensity of the electromagnetic wave (reflected wave) when the thickness from the core to the outer circumference of the toilet paper TP is halved of the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is the second threshold value TH2, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is, for example, about 25%.

When the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is less than the second threshold value TH2 (step S603: Yes), the reflection sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in the third cycle P3 (step S605). The third period P3 is shorter than the second period P2. The third cycle P3 is, for example, 1 minute.

As described above, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is high (first threshold TH1 or more), the reflection type sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in a long cycle (first cycle P1), and the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is low (second cycle). When the threshold value is TH2 or more and less than the first threshold value TH1, the sensing operation is performed in a short cycle (second cycle P2). As a result, the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation can be reduced when the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is large with simple control. Therefore, the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case of using the transmission type sensor.

Further, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is further small (less than the second threshold value TH1), the reflection type sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in a shorter cycle (third cycle P3). This reduces the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is high with simple control, and more reliably detects the remaining amount of toilet paper TP when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is low. be able to.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave reaches the minimum value Rmin, the reflection sensor 30 may return the sensing operation cycle to the first cycle P1. Alternatively, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave reaches the minimum value Rmin, the reflection type sensor 30 may make the period of the sensing operation longer than the first period P1 or stop the sensing operation. As a result, the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation can be reduced when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is exhausted.

As described above, according to the embodiment, the cigarette and toilet management can detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper and notify the administrator outside the toilet booth when to replace the toilet paper. The system can be provided.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions. With respect to the above-described embodiment, those skilled in the art with appropriate design changes are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the features of the present invention. For example, the shape, dimensions, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the cigarette or the like are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
In addition, the elements included in each of the above-described embodiments can be combined as much as technically possible, and the combination thereof is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as the features of the present invention are included.

10 Holding part, 20 Outer shell, 21 Back plate, 22, 23 Side plate, 30 Reflective sensor, 31 Electromagnetic wave transmitter, 32 Electromagnetic wave receiver, 40 Information transmitter, 50 Paper cutting board, 60 Top plate, 100 Paper winder, 200 External equipment, 500 toilet management system, AX axis, CL center axis, TP toilet paper, WL wall surface

Claims (8)

A holding part that holds the toilet paper and
A reflective sensor having an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit that transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the toilet paper and an electromagnetic wave receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit and reflected by the toilet paper. The reflection type sensor that performs a sensing operation for transmission and reception and detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit.
An information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor to the external device, and
With
The reflective sensor is a cigarette that is provided on the side of the toilet paper. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the reflective sensor is provided in front of the holding portion. The cigarette according to claim 2, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is directed obliquely forward. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided below the holding portion. The cigarette according to claim 4, wherein the reflection type sensor is provided so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is directed obliquely downward. The reflective sensor is
When the intensity is equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the sensing operation is performed in the first cycle.
The cigarette according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the intensity is less than the first threshold value, the sensing operation is performed in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The reflective sensor is
When the intensity is less than the first threshold value and greater than or equal to the second threshold value smaller than the first threshold value, the sensing operation is performed in the second cycle.
The cigarette according to claim 6, wherein when the intensity is less than the second threshold value, the sensing operation is performed in a third cycle shorter than the second cycle. With a cigarette
With external devices
With
The cigarette
A holding part that holds the toilet paper and
A reflective sensor having an electromagnetic wave transmitting unit that transmits an electromagnetic wave toward the toilet paper and an electromagnetic wave receiving unit that receives the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting unit and reflected by the toilet paper. The reflection type sensor that performs a sensing operation for transmission and reception and detects the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving unit.
An information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the reflection sensor to the external device, and
Have,
The reflective sensor is provided on the side of the toilet paper.
The external device is a toilet management system characterized in that when the strength becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the time for replacing the toilet paper is notified.

Images