JP2021078648A - 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 distance measuring type sensor including a detection wave transmission part for transmitting a detection wave to the toilet paper, and a detection wave reception part for receiving the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission part and reflected by the toilet paper, which executes a sensing operation for transmitting/receiving the detection wave, and detects a distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring type sensor; and an information transmission part for transmitting information on a detection result of the distance measuring type sensor to an external device. The distance measuring type sensor is disposed so that a central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission part is oriented to a toilet paper shaft center.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 a holding unit that holds the toilet paper, a detection wave transmission unit that transmits a detection wave toward the toilet paper, and the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit and reflected by the toilet paper. A distance measuring sensor having a detection wave receiving unit for receiving, and performing a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the detection wave, and detecting the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor. The distance measuring sensor includes a sensor and an information transmitting unit that transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor to an external device, and the distance measuring sensor is a central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit. Is a paper winder, which is provided so as to face the axis of the toilet paper.

According to this cigarette, by providing a distance measuring sensor, it is possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper. In addition, by providing a distance measuring sensor so that the central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitter faces the axis of the toilet paper, it is more accurate even when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low. The remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected. In addition, by providing an information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring 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. it can. 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 distance measuring sensor is provided above the holding portion.

According to this cigarette, by providing the distance measuring sensor above the holding portion, it is possible to prevent the distance measuring sensor from erroneously detecting the hanging of the toilet paper.

According to the third invention, in the first or second invention, when the distance is less than the first distance, the distance measuring sensor performs the sensing operation in the first cycle, and the distance is equal to or more than the first distance. The paper winder is characterized in that the sensing operation is performed in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle.

According to this paper winder, when the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor is short (less than the first distance), the sensing operation is performed in a long cycle (first cycle), and the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor are used. When the distance between them is long (1st distance or more), the sensing operation is performed in a short cycle (2nd cycle), and the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when the remaining amount of toilet paper is large with simple control. Can be reduced. As a result, the frequency of battery replacement can be reduced as compared with the case of using the transmissive sensor.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is the third invention, wherein when the distance is equal to or greater than the first distance and less than the second distance longer than the first distance, the distance measuring sensor is described in the second cycle. The paper winder is characterized in that a sensing operation is performed, and when the distance is equal to or greater than the second distance, the sensing operation is performed in a third cycle shorter than the second cycle.

According to this paper winder, when the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor is longer (second distance or more), the sensing operation is performed in a shorter cycle (third cycle) with simple control. While reducing the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when the remaining amount of toilet paper is high, it is possible to more reliably detect the remaining amount of toilet paper when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low.

A fifth invention includes a paper winder and an external device, wherein the paper winder includes a holding unit that holds the toilet paper, a detection wave transmitter that transmits a detection wave toward the toilet paper, and the above. A distance measuring sensor having a detection wave receiving unit that receives the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit and reflected by the toilet paper, and performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the detection wave to the toilet paper. It has the distance measuring sensor that detects the distance between the distance measuring sensor and the information transmitting unit that transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor to the external device. The type sensor is provided so that the central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit faces the axis of the toilet paper, and the external device is provided with the toilet paper when the distance becomes a predetermined distance or more. It is a toilet management system characterized by notifying the replacement time of the toilet.

According to this toilet management system, by providing a distance measuring sensor in the cigarette, it is possible to detect a detailed change in the remaining amount of toilet paper. In addition, by providing a distance measuring sensor so that the central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitter faces the axis of the toilet paper, it is more accurate even when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low. The remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected. In addition, the paper winder is provided with an information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor to an external device, and when the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor exceeds a predetermined distance, the external device becomes a toilet. By notifying the replacement time of the paper, it is possible to notify the administrator outside the toilet booth of the replacement time of 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 distance measuring 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 distance measuring sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP by utilizing the reflection of the detection wave. The position where the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided will be described later. The range-finding sensor 30 includes a detection wave transmission unit 31 and a detection wave reception unit 32.

The detection wave transmission unit 31 transmits the detection wave toward the toilet paper TP held by the holding unit 10. The detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 is, for example, ultrasonic waves, light, or radio waves. The detection wave receiving unit 32 receives the detection wave (reflected wave) transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit 31 and reflected by the toilet paper TP. The ranging sensor 30 transmits a detection wave from the detection wave transmission unit 31 and performs a sensing operation of receiving the detection wave (reflected wave) reflected by the toilet paper TP at the detection wave receiving unit 32. That is, the distance measuring sensor 30 performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving a detection wave.

The distance measuring sensor 30 detects the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30 based on the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit 31 and the detection wave received by the detection wave receiving unit 32. The distance measuring sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP by detecting the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30. When the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is larger than the predetermined amount, the distance detected by the distance measuring sensor 30 is smaller than the predetermined distance. When the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is less than a predetermined amount, the distance detected by the distance measuring sensor 30 is larger than the predetermined distance.

The ranging sensor 30 may detect the distance based on the intensity of the detection wave received by the detection wave receiving unit 32, or may be the time when the detection wave is transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit 31 and the detection wave. The receiving unit 32 may detect the distance based on the time (flight time) between the time when the detection wave is received, or the detection wave and the detection wave received from the detection wave transmission unit 31. The distance may be detected based on the phase difference from the detection wave received by the unit 32. Further, the distance measuring sensor 30 may calculate and output the distance, or output a signal capable of calculating the distance (for example, the intensity of the received detection wave, the flight time, the phase difference, etc.). It may be something to do.

The information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 30 to the external device 200. The information transmitting unit 40 is electrically connected to the detection wave receiving unit 32 of the distance measuring 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 distance measuring sensor 30 is, for example, information (signal) about the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30. The information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 30 is, for example, information (signal) about the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP calculated based on the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30. May be good. The information about the detection result of the distance measuring 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 distance measuring sensor 30 and the information transmitting unit 40 is controlled by, for example, a control unit. The control unit controls, for example, the cycle of the sensing operation in the distance measuring sensor 30 and the timing of transmitting information from the information transmitting unit 40. Any one of the distance measuring 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 range-finding 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 distance between the toilet paper TP detected by the distance measuring sensor 30 and the distance measuring sensor 30 becomes a predetermined distance or more, 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.
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided behind the holding portion 10. Further, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided above the holding portion 10. More specifically, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided on the upper portion of the back plate 21 of the outer shell 20 located behind the holding portion 10.

Further, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided at a position overlapping the center of the cigarette 100 in the left-right direction. The distance measuring sensor 30 may be provided at a position that does not overlap with the center of the cigarette 100 in the left-right direction.

Further, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces diagonally downward. Here, "diagonally downward" is a direction including at least a lower component and a front component. The "diagonally downward" may be a direction including a left-right component in addition to the lower component and the front component.

Further, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces the axial center AX of the toilet paper TP. The distance measuring sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces the core of the toilet paper TP. As a result, the distance measuring sensor 30 detects the remaining amount in the portion between the core of the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30.

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. 4A and 4B, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is the wall surface WL of the toilet booth, and the back plate of the outer shell 20 located behind the holding portion 10. It is provided below 21. As described above, the distance measuring sensor 30 may be provided below the holding portion 10.

Further, also in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces the axial center AX of the toilet paper TP. That is, the distance measuring sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces the core of the toilet paper TP.

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 distance measuring sensor 30 (step S101). In the sensing operation, the distance measuring sensor 30 transmits a detection wave from the detection wave transmission unit 31 toward the toilet paper TP, and receives the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 and reflected by the toilet paper TP. Received in unit 32.

The range-finding sensor 30 continuously transmits and receives detection waves a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) per sensing operation. By transmitting and receiving detection waves multiple times, the occurrence of false positives can be suppressed. The ranging sensor 30 uses, for example, the average value of the intensities of the received multiple detection waves as the intensity of the detection waves received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, the distance measuring sensor 30 uses, for example, a value in which the intensities of the received plurality of detection waves match a predetermined number of times as the intensity of the detected wave received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, the ranging sensor 30 receives, for example, the median value between the maximum value and the minimum value in one sensing operation when the intensity of the received multiple detection waves falls within a certain range. The strength of. The distance measuring sensor 30 uses, for example, the average value of the flight times of a plurality of detected waves transmitted and received as the flight time in one sensing operation. The distance measuring sensor 30 uses, for example, the average value of the phase differences of a plurality of detected waves transmitted and received as the phase difference in one sensing operation. Hereinafter, the intensity of the detected wave received in one sensing operation is referred to as "intensity of the received detection wave", the flight time in one sensing operation is referred to as "flight time", and the phase difference in one sensing operation is referred to as "phase difference". ".

The distance measuring sensor 30 calculates the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30 based on the intensity, flight time, or phase difference of the received detection wave (step S102). The distance may be calculated by the information transmission unit 40 or the control unit.

When the calculated distance is less than a predetermined distance (step S103: No), the control unit ends the flow. That is, when the calculated distance is less than the predetermined distance, 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 distance is, for example, a distance larger than the second distance D2 described later. The predetermined distance is, for example, a distance when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is 15%.

When the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S103: Yes), the control unit changes the sensing operation cycle (step S104). 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 distance measuring sensor 30 from the information transmitting unit 40 to the external device 200 (step S105). As described above, in this example, when the calculated distance becomes a predetermined distance or more, the information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 30 to the external device 200. That is, when the calculated distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, it is determined that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is equal to or less than the predetermined amount and 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 distance measuring 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, the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is provided by providing the distance measuring sensor 30 so that the central axis CL of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit 31 faces the axis AX of the toilet paper TP. Even when the amount of toilet paper is low, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately.

Further, in the embodiment, an information transmission unit 40 for transmitting information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 30 to the external device 200 is provided, and the toilet paper is calculated based on the detection wave received by the detection wave reception unit 32. When the distance between the TP and the distance measuring sensor 30 becomes a predetermined distance or more, the external device 200 notifies the toilet paper replacement time. 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 distance measuring sensor 30 above the holding portion 10, it is possible to prevent the distance measuring sensor 30 from erroneously detecting the hanging of the toilet paper TP.

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 distance measuring sensor 30 (step S301), and the information transmission unit 40 sends an external device. Information about the detection result of the ranging sensor 30 is transmitted to the 200 (step S302). That is, in this example, the distance measuring sensor 30 does not calculate the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30, and the information transmission unit 40 is a signal capable of calculating the distance (for example, received detection). Wave intensity, flight time, phase difference, etc.) are transmitted to the external device 200. Further, in this example, the information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor 30 to the external device 200 regardless of the intensity, flight time, phase difference, etc. of the received detection 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). When the information from the information transmission unit 40 is received (step S401: Yes), the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30 is calculated based on the information from the information transmission unit 40 (step S402).

When the distance is calculated, the external device 200 determines whether or not the calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S403). When the calculated distance is less than the predetermined distance (step S403: No), the external device 200 ends the flow. That is, when the calculated distance is less than the predetermined distance, 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 calculated distance is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance (step S403: Yes), the external device 200 transmits a signal for changing the cycle of the sensing operation to the cigarette device 100 (step S404).

When the signal is transmitted to the cigarette 100, the external device 200 notifies the replacement time of the toilet paper TP (step S405). That is, when the calculated distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance, it is determined that the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is equal to or less than the predetermined amount and 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 calculation of the distance between the toilet paper TP and the distance measuring sensor 30 and the determination of whether or not the calculated distance is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance may be performed by the cigarette 100. It may be performed by the external device 200. When the distance is calculated by the cigarette 100, the information transmission unit 40 transmits information about the distance to the external device 200. When the distance is calculated by the external device 200, the information transmission unit 40 transmits a signal capable of calculating the distance (for example, the intensity of the received detection wave, the flight time, the phase difference, etc.) to the external device 200.

Hereinafter, the cycle change of the sensing operation by the distance measuring 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 minimum distance Dmin is the distance when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is 100%. The maximum distance Dmax is the distance when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is 0%.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the calculated distance is less than the first distance D1 (step S601: No), the distance measuring sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in the first cycle P1 (step S602). ). The first cycle P1 is, for example, 60 minutes. The first distance D1 is, for example, the distance when the thickness from the core of the toilet paper TP to the outer circumference is 3/4 of the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the calculated distance is the first distance D1, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is, for example, about 50%.

When the calculated distance is equal to or greater than the first distance D1 (step S601: Yes) and less than the second distance D2 (step S603: No), the distance measuring 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 distance D2 is, for example, the distance when the thickness from the core of the toilet paper TP to the outer circumference is halved from the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the calculated distance is the second distance D2, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is, for example, about 25%.

When the calculated distance is the second distance D2 or more (step S603: Yes), the distance measuring 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 calculated distance is short (less than the first distance D1), the distance measuring sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in a long cycle (first cycle P1), and the calculated distance is long (first distance D1 or more). When the second distance is less than D2), 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.

Further, when the calculated distance is longer (second distance D2 or more), the distance measuring 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. Therefore, the power consumption can be suppressed as compared with the case of using the transmission type sensor.

Here, the case where the number of cycles of the sensing operation is three has been described as an example, but in the embodiment, the number of cycles of the sensing operation may be two or four or more. May be good. The number of sensing operation cycles can be set to any number as needed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, when the calculated distance reaches the maximum distance Dmax, the distance measuring sensor 30 may return the sensing operation cycle to the first cycle P1. Alternatively, when the calculated distance reaches the maximum distance Dmax, the distance measuring 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 Distance measuring sensor, 31 Detection wave transmitter, 32 Detection wave receiver, 40 Information transmitter, 50 Paper cutting board, 60 Top plate, 100 Cigarette Vessel, 200 external equipment, 500 toilet management system, CL central axis, TP toilet paper, WL wall surface

Claims (5)

A holding part that holds the toilet paper and
A distance measuring sensor having a detection wave transmitting unit that transmits a detection wave toward the toilet paper and a detection wave receiving unit that receives the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit and reflected by the toilet paper. Therefore, the distance measuring sensor that performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the detection wave and detects the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor.
An information transmitter that transmits information about the detection result of the ranging sensor to an external device,
With
The distance measuring sensor is a cigarette, characterized in that the central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit is provided so as to be directed toward the axis of the toilet paper. The cigarette according to claim 1, wherein the distance measuring sensor is provided above the holding portion. The distance measuring sensor is
When the distance is less than the first distance, the sensing operation is performed in the first cycle, and the sensing operation is performed.
The cigarette according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the distance is the first distance or more, the sensing operation is performed in a second cycle shorter than the first cycle. The distance measuring sensor is
When the distance is equal to or greater than the first distance and less than the second distance longer than the first distance, the sensing operation is performed in the second cycle.
The cigarette according to claim 3, wherein when the distance is equal to or greater than the second distance, 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 distance measuring sensor having a detection wave transmitting unit that transmits a detection wave toward the toilet paper and a detection wave receiving unit that receives the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmitting unit and reflected by the toilet paper. Therefore, the distance measuring sensor that performs a sensing operation for transmitting and receiving the detection wave and detects the distance between the toilet paper and the distance measuring sensor.
An information transmission unit that transmits information about the detection result of the distance measuring sensor to the external device, and
Have,
The ranging sensor is provided so that the central axis of the detection wave transmitted from the detection wave transmission unit faces the axis of the toilet paper.
The external device is a toilet management system characterized in that when the distance becomes a predetermined distance or more, the toilet paper replacement time is notified.

Images