JP7290371B1 - Sanitary product dispenser - Google Patents

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To improve user operability and comfort by providing various information in the form of images to a user of a sanitary product providing dispenser that provides sanitary products in a controlled manner. A sanitary product providing dispenser for providing sanitary products to a user includes a storage unit for storing the sanitary products, and for discharging the sanitary products stored in the storage unit from the storage unit. a control unit for operating the discharge unit so as to discharge the sanitary goods when the user requests the provision of the sanitary goods, if the request is valid; and a display for displaying the sanitary goods, wherein the control unit controls a case where a second predetermined period of time or more has elapsed from the most recent time when the sanitary goods were provided to the user, and a case where the sanitary goods were provided to the user during a predetermined period of time. If the number of sanitary articles does not reach a predetermined number and/or the request is determined to be valid. [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

The present invention relates to a sanitary product dispensing dispenser suitable for installation in eg a restroom for dispensing sanitary products such as eg sanitary products and tissue paper.

Women's social advancement has changed women's lifestyles greatly, and there are problems that arise as a result. One of them is a problem related to menstruation, which is a physical phenomenon peculiar to women.

During menstruation, women use sanitary products such as napkins and tampons to prevent leakage of menstrual blood. Therefore, women generally carry these sanitary products with them as their period approaches.

The amount of menstrual blood varies from day to day, and if a sanitary product with menstrual blood is left for a long period of time, it may cause the propagation of bacteria, and may cause stuffiness and odor. Therefore, during the menstrual period, it is usually necessary to replace the sanitary product once every 2 to 3 hours.

Therefore, for example, in restaurants and hotels, for female customers who do not have sanitary products because their menstruation has come earlier than planned, they are placed in a basket in the women's restroom (for example, next to the washbasin). Some places have sanitary products. Those who wish can freely take out sanitary products from the basket and use them.

This is ideal, but the good thing is that you can take it out at will, even if you don't need it. In extreme cases, a person who is not menstruating can take it all away. This is an unfortunate act that ruins the goodwill of the person who placed the item (for example, a restaurant or hotel), and has the ironic result that even if there are people who actually want to use it, they may not be able to use it. There is fear.

In addition, some people hesitate to use sanitary products when they are simply placed in a basket because they can be touched by anyone. Especially in the situation of the current corona disaster, it is very uneasy to touch something that you don't know who touched it.

On the other hand, a dispenser containing sanitary products, as disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, can be used as a means of providing sanitary products to women who need them while dispelling such anxieties.

In fact, as part of welfare programs, such dispensers are installed in private rooms in women's restrooms so that female employees who do not have sanitary products because their period comes earlier than expected can freely use sanitary products. Some companies are doing so.

As a result, the sanitary napkins are usually stored inside the dispenser, and when the sanitary napkins are taken out, they are discharged one by one from the inside, so that the sanitary napkins are not touched by an unspecified number of people. . Therefore, the person who wants to use the sanitary product can use the sanitary product without any discomfort.

This type of dispenser dispenses sanitary napkins one by one according to the user's operation, but there is no limit to the number of sanitary napkins. Therefore, by repeating the operation many times, any number of sanitary products can be taken out.

Therefore, even with this type of dispenser, as mentioned above, even a person who is not menstruating can take out sanitary napkins unlimitedly and take them home.

On the other hand, Patent Literature 1 discloses a providing device that stores absorbent articles corresponding to sanitary products in a controlled state. This providing device is configured to determine whether or not to provide absorbent articles based on user information from the user, and to discharge one absorbent article according to the determination result.

This technique can prevent uncontrolled removal of sanitary products.

JP 2021-99636 A

https://www.goauntflow.com/ (searched on October 15, 2020) https://apps.apple.com/jp/app/clue/id657189652 (searched November 16, 2020)

However, such conventional techniques have the following problems.

That is, the provision device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have a display, and information required for operation is provided via the screen of a terminal device such as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone of the user.

However, when it is considered that the user operates the mobile terminal, receives the sanitary product from the providing device, and puts on the sanitary product, all of which are performed in the toilet, the operation of the mobile terminal is hygienic. I don't like it either, and I want to avoid it as much as possible.

In addition, it cannot be said that operation using a portable terminal is necessarily preferable from the viewpoint of operability, because responsiveness is affected by a limited screen size and communication conditions.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and provides various information in the form of images to a user of a sanitary product providing dispenser that provides sanitary products in a controlled manner. An object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary goods dispensing dispenser having a display capable of improving operability and comfort.

In order to achieve the above objects, the present invention takes the following measures.

That is, a sanitary product providing dispenser according to a first aspect of the present invention is a sanitary product providing dispenser for providing sanitary products to a user, comprising: a storage unit for storing the sanitary products; a discharge unit for discharging the sanitary goods stored in the container from the storage unit; and a discharge unit for discharging the sanitary goods when the user requests the provision of the sanitary goods, if the request is appropriate. and a display for displaying an image, wherein the control unit controls whether or not a second predetermined time or more has elapsed since the most recent time when the sanitary goods were provided to the user. and/or the number of sanitary products provided to the user during a predetermined period does not reach a predetermined number, determining that the request is valid; There are a plurality of said displays, one of said plurality of displays is a built-in display built in a sanitary goods providing dispenser main body, and among said plurality of displays, the displays other than said built-in display are used for said sanitary goods providing A separate display arranged separately from the dispenser body .

The dispenser for providing sanitary goods according to the second aspect of the present invention further comprises a human sensor, and in response to detection by the human sensor, the display of the image is started from the built-in display. A dispenser for providing hygiene products.

A sanitary goods providing dispenser according to a third aspect of the present invention is the sanitary goods providing dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the separate display is arranged in the front direction of the toilet seat in the private room of the toilet.

A sanitary product providing dispenser according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the separate display is arranged at least either inside or outside the cubicle of the toilet.

A sanitary product providing dispenser according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the same image is displayed from the built-in display and the separate display.

A sanitary product providing dispenser of a sixth aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser of the first aspect, wherein different images are displayed from the built-in display and the separate display.

A sanitary product providing dispenser according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the image displayed from the built-in display includes an explanation of how to use the sanitary product providing dispenser. be.

A sanitary product providing dispenser according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser according to the first aspect, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes an advertisement.
A sanitary product providing dispenser according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product providing dispenser according to the eighth aspect, wherein the sanitary product is purchased with the income from the advertisement as a fund.

A tenth aspect of the present invention is a dispenser for providing sanitary products according to the first aspect, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes information on inventory of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit. It is a serving dispenser.

The sanitary product providing dispenser of the eleventh aspect of the present invention is the sanitary product of the first aspect, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes information about the sanitary product stored in the storage part. It is a serving dispenser.

The sanitary goods device dispenser of the present invention can provide various information to the user in the form of images from the display, so that it is possible to improve the operability and comfort of the user.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the outline of the dispenser according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the dispenser. 3 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the internal structure of the dispenser with the sanitary napkin stored in the storage portion; FIG. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom portion of the storage section for explaining the ejection mechanism of the dispenser in this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 illustrating a cylindrical discharge roller. FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of an adjustment plate. FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom portion of the storage portion when the sanitary product is discharged. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example electronic circuit configuration of the dispenser. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a history information table. FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom surface of the storage unit (when the sanitary napkins are stacked) for explaining the discharge mechanism of the dispenser in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom portion of the storage section (when the sanitary napkin has been completely discharged) for explaining the discharge mechanism of the dispenser in this embodiment. FIG. 12 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the internal structure of the dispenser with sanitary napkins stored in the storage portion (when inventory is reduced). FIG. 13A is a processing flow diagram illustrating an operation example of the dispenser according to this embodiment. FIG. 13B is a processing flow diagram illustrating an operation example of the dispenser according to this embodiment. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a dispenser of modification 1. FIG. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example in which the display is separated from the housing of the dispenser and installed at an arbitrary location. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a dispenser of modification 2. FIG. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the display 12b (out) is installed outside the private room 104 of the toilet.

Each embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings are schematic or conceptual, and the relationship between the thickness and width of each portion, the size ratio between portions, and the like are not necessarily the same as the actual ones. Also, even when the same parts are shown, the dimensions and ratios may be different depending on the drawing. In the present specification and each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described above with respect to the previous figures, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

A sanitary product dispensing dispenser according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. For the sake of brevity, the sanitary product dispensing dispenser is hereinafter simply referred to as the "dispenser" in this specification.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the outline of the dispenser according to this embodiment.

The dispenser 10 is a device that stores sanitary products inside a housing 11, and discharges the stored sanitary products from outlets 13R and 13L in response to requests from users.

As sanitary products, sanitary products S such as napkins and tampons are suitable. Therefore, in the following description, the sanitary product S is used as an example of sanitary products. Accordingly, a dispenser 10 is installed in each cubicle of the women's restroom, as illustrated in FIG.

The sanitary goods handled by the dispenser 10 according to the present embodiment are not limited to the sanitary goods S, and any thin and soft material such as tissue paper can be handled in the same manner as the sanitary goods.

A housing 11 of the dispenser 10 is composed of a housing body 11a and a front lid 11b closing the housing body 11a. A display 12, two outlets 13R and 13L, a user information reader 16 such as a card reader, and a human sensor 14 are provided on the outer surface of the front lid 11b. A key 15 is provided on the outer surface of the housing body 11a.

When the dispenser 10 is in operation, the housing body 11a is closed by the front lid 11b, and the front lid 11b is locked with a key 15 so that the front lid 11b cannot be opened.

As described above, the dispenser 10 has a structure for storing the sanitary product S inside, so that the sanitary product S can be managed so that it cannot be touched by someone or taken out without restriction.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the internal structure of the dispenser.

The internal structure of the dispenser 10 is housed in a housing 11 that can be opened and closed. When the key 15 is opened, the dispenser 10 can open the housing 11 as illustrated in FIG. When replenishing the sanitary product S inside or when solving a problem such as repairing a malfunction, the housing 11 is opened by unlocking the key 15 .

Two storage units 21R and 21L having the same specifications are arranged side by side inside the housing body 11a. The storage units 21R and 21L are spaces for storing sanitary products S provided by the dispenser 10. As shown in FIG.

The storage portion 21R is defined between a pair of upright partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr provided in parallel and facing each other. Similarly, the storage portion 21L is also defined between a pair of upright partition plates 20Ll and 20Lr provided in parallel and facing each other.

Note that "R" after the number "21" in the reference numerals of the storage portions 21R and 21L indicates "right" and "L" indicates "left". That is, the storage portion 21R indicates the storage portion 21 on the right side, and the storage portion 21L indicates the storage portion 21 on the left side. Henceforth, when giving a general description common to the right side storage part 21R and the left side storage part 21L, the description will be given by simply attaching numerals such as "storage part 21". Similarly, with respect to parts other than the storage part 21, "R" after the numerals in the reference numerals indicates "right" and "L" indicates "left", and a general explanation common to the right side part and the left side part is given. , the description will be given with the reference numerals only.

3 is a front view corresponding to FIG. 2 showing the internal structure of the dispenser with the sanitary napkin stored in the storage portion; FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sanitary napkins S are stored in a layered manner inside the storage units 21R and 21L. Therefore, both the distance between the partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr, that is, the width hr of the storage portion 21R, and the distance between the partition plates 20Ll and 20Lr, that is, the width hl of the storage portion 21L, both It is adjusted to a size that can be stored.

For example, 20 to 30 sanitary products S can be stored in each of the storage portion 21R and the storage portion 21L having such a configuration. In addition, in order to suppress the upward bulging of the stacked sanitary products S, a weight m of about 100 grams is placed on the sanitary products S stacked at the top.

In response to a reasonable provision request C from the user, the dispenser 10 dispenses the sanitary product S positioned at the bottom among the sanitary products S stored in the storage units 21R and 21L with the bottom surfaces of the storage units 21R and 21L. It is discharged from discharge ports 13R and 13L provided at approximately the same height.

This ejection is performed by rotation of an ejection roller 30 arranged below the storage section 21 . For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2, a hole is formed in a part of the bottom surface of the storage section 21, and the discharge roller 30 is arranged so that a part of the discharge roller 30 is exposed from the hole. FIG. 2 illustrates two ejection rollers 30R exposed from a portion of the bottom surface of the storage portion 21R and two ejection rollers 30L exposed from a portion of the bottom surface of the storage portion 21L.

When the discharge roller 30 rotates in the normal direction, the sanitary product S positioned at the bottom moves to the front side of the dispenser 10 (the front side in FIG. 3). For example, it is preferable to arrange the silicon rubber on the surface of the discharge roller 30 by wrapping the silicon rubber around the outer periphery of the discharge roller 30 . Since silicone rubber has a high coefficient of static friction, it ensures and facilitates the movement of the lowermost sanitary product S when the ejection roller 30 rotates in the positive direction.

FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom portion of the storage section for explaining the ejection mechanism of the dispenser in this embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , part of the lower surface of the lowermost sanitary product S1 in the storage section 21 contacts the ejection roller 30 .

The discharge roller 30 rotates by receiving a driving force from a stepping motor 32 . A stepping motor 32 is directly connected to the ejection roller 30 . Therefore, the stepper motor 32 is also arranged below the housing 21, as shown back in FIG.

When the stepping motor 32 provides the ejection roller 30 with a driving force to rotate the ejection roller 30 in the forward rotation direction D, the ejection roller 30 rotates forward, thereby moving the lowermost sanitary product S1 in the ejection direction E. . The discharge direction E corresponds to the front side of the dispenser 10 (the front side in FIG. 3).

On the other hand, when the stepping motor 32 provides the discharge roller 30 with a driving force to rotate the discharge roller 30 in the reverse rotation direction F, the discharge roller 30 rotates in the reverse direction, so that the lowest sanitary product S1 rotates in the discharge direction E. It moves in the non-ejection direction G, which is the opposite direction. The non-discharging direction G corresponds to the back side of the dispenser 10 (the back side in FIG. 3).

As described above, by arranging both the discharge roller 30 and the stepping motor 32 below the storage section 21, the depth of the housing 11 can be made as thin as possible. Thinning is very preferable from the viewpoint of not narrowing the limited space of the toilet, particularly the distance between the user and the dispenser 10 in the toilet more than necessary. This is because even when the user uses the toilet in which the dispenser 10 is arranged, the user can use the toilet very naturally without feeling oppressed.

FIG. 5 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 3 illustrating a cylindrical discharge roller.

The discharge roller 30 is not limited in its configuration as long as it can move the lowest sanitary product S in the discharge direction E or the non-discharge direction G, and is a three-wheel type discharge roller as shown in FIG. Instead of the rollers 30, for example, as shown in FIG.

In addition, since the operating sound of the stepping motor 32 is very small, even when the stepping motor 32 is operating when the sanitary product S is discharged from the dispenser 10, the operating sound is hardly audible, so the dispenser 10 is used. The person in the next room won't even notice that you're inside.

By the way, the thickness of the sanitary product S varies depending on the manufacturer and brand. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the opening height Tb of the discharge port 13 is determined to be larger than the thickness of the thickest brand of sanitary napkin S so that any brand of sanitary napkin S can pass through. there is

When the sanitary product S is discharged from the discharge port 13 having an opening height Tb higher than the thickness, particularly when the sanitary product S of a thin brand is discharged, in the example shown in FIG. Not only the sanitary product S1, but also the sanitary product S2 stacked on top of the lowest sanitary product S1 is discharged at the same time.

This not only fails to realize the function of discharging the sanitary products S one by one, but also causes the discharge port 13 to become clogged when the two sanitary products S1 and S2 try to come out from the discharge port 13 at the same time. There is also the risk of causing

In order to avoid such a problem, the adjustment plate 23 is arranged in front of the discharge port 13 (on the discharge direction E side).

FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of an adjustment plate.

The adjustment plate 23 is realized by a gate-like plate and has an opening J with a height I determined according to each brand of sanitary product S. As shown in FIG. By arranging such an adjustment plate 23 in front of the discharge port 13 (on the discharge direction E side), only one sanitary product S can be reliably discharged regardless of the brand. Therefore, two sanitary products S (for example, sanitary products S1 and S2) do not pass through the opening J at the same time, so discharge clogging does not occur.

A plurality of types of such adjustment plates 23 are prepared according to each brand of the sanitary product S. As shown in FIG. Further, the adjustment plate 23 is attachable and detachable in front of the discharge port 13 of the dispenser 10 (discharge direction E side).

Therefore, an appropriate adjustment plate 23 is selected from among a plurality of types of adjustment plates 23 according to the brand of the sanitary product S stored in the storage portion 21 , and the selected adjustment plate 23 is placed in front of the discharge port 13 . to be placed.

Since the adjustment plate 23 is detachable, when the sanitary product S stored in the storage part 21 changes to another brand, the adjustment plate 23 can be easily replaced with another suitable adjustment plate 23 accordingly. be able to.

As a result, even when the brand of the sanitary product S to be stored is changed, the height Tb of the discharge port 13 is not changed, that is, the main body of the dispenser 10 is not modified, and only the adjusting plate 23 is replaced. , only one sanitary product S can be reliably discharged at a time.

As shown back in FIG. 4 , an anti-theft lid 24 that closes the opening J of the adjustment plate 23 from the outside of the dispenser 10 is arranged in front of the adjustment plate 23 . The anti-theft lid 24 does not move even if it is pushed from the right side to the left side in FIG. In addition, it is configured such that it cannot be pulled to the right side in FIG. 4 from the outside of the dispenser 10 . Therefore, even if a malicious user attempts to steal the sanitary napkin S stored in the dispenser 10 by inserting his/her hand or tools into the storage portion 21 side through the outlet 13, he or she cannot do so.

On the other hand, the anti-theft lid 24 is designed to open freely against pressure from the inside of the dispenser 10 . Therefore, discharge of the sanitary product S from the storage portion 21 is not hindered. This will be explained using FIG.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the bottom portion of the storage portion when the sanitary product is discharged.

That is, when the anti-theft lid 24 is pressed from the inside by the sanitary product S1 moving in the discharge direction E due to the rotation of the discharge roller 30 in the forward rotation direction D, the anti-theft lid 24 opens as shown in FIG. S1 is discharged outside the dispenser 10 .

Such anti-theft lid 24 prevents the sanitary product S from being stolen from outside the dispenser 10 without hindering discharge of the sanitary product S from the dispenser 10 .

Next, the electronic circuit configuration of the dispenser 10 will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example electronic circuit configuration of the dispenser.

The dispenser 10 further includes, as electronic circuits, a CPU 42, a recording medium reading section 44, a communication section 45, a memory 50, and a storage device 60, which are connected to each other via a bus 41. FIG. In addition to the display 12 , the motion sensor 14 , and the user information reading section 16 described above, an inventory sensor 22 and a discharge sensor 25 , which will be described later, are also connected to the bus 41 .

The memory 50 stores a control program 51 and secures a writable data area 52 .

The communication unit 45 can communicate with the management server 300, an advertisement server (not shown), etc. via a communication network 200 such as the Internet.

The control program 51 is a program for controlling the entire operation of the dispenser 10, and may be stored in advance in the memory 50, or may be read from an external recording medium 43 such as a memory card via the recording medium reading section 44. It may be read and stored in the memory 50 . The control program 51 cannot be rewritten by a user's operation. On the other hand, the writable data area 52 is an area for storing rewritable data.

The CPU 42 is a computer and controls the operation of each part of the circuit according to the control program 51 stored in the memory 50 .

The storage device 60 is, for example, an SSD (Solid State Drive) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores an image data storage section 62 .

The image data storage unit 62 stores advertisements from sponsors and image data such as video or still images for explaining how to use the dispenser 10 .

Image data is displayed from the display 12 . The image data is displayed for about two minutes each time the user enters the private toilet room, and is not displayed longer than that. This prevents the user from staring at the image data displayed on the display 12 and unintentionally staying in the restroom for a long time. For effective display in 2 minutes, the length of the image data is, for example, about 15 seconds. Also, the types of image data are assumed to be about two types, for example, an advertisement and an explanation of how to use the dispenser 10 . That is, when displaying image data from the display 12, two types of image data, each of which is about 15 seconds long, are repeatedly displayed for two minutes.

When registering new image data in the image data storage unit 62, the external recording medium 43 in which the new image data is recorded is read by the recording medium reading unit 44 and written in the image data storage unit 62. . Alternatively, the communication unit 45 acquires image data from the management server 300, an advertisement server (not shown), or the like via a communication network 200 such as the Internet, and stores the acquired image data in the image data storage unit 62. may be done by writing to

The display 12, the human sensor 14, and the user information reader 16 are provided on the outer surface of the front lid 11b, as shown in FIG.

The human detection sensor 14 is realized by, for example, an infrared sensor, detects a user who has entered the private room of the toilet, and outputs a detection signal A. The output sensing signal A is sent to memory 50 via bus 41 .

The control program 51 causes the display 12 to start displaying the image data stored in the image data storage section 62 in response to the sensing signal A being sent to the memory 50 . Further, the communication unit 45 may be used to receive advertisement image data distributed from an advertisement server (not shown) via the communication network 200, and display of the received advertisement image data on the display 12 may be started. .

In this way, since the dispenser 10 can display advertisements from the display 12, the business that provides the sanitary napkins S through the dispenser 10 solicits advertising sponsors and displays the advertisements from the display 12 to obtain advertising revenue. By repeating the cycle of purchasing sanitary products S with part of the income and replenishing the dispenser 10, it is possible to implement a business model in which the sanitary products S are continuously provided to the user free of charge.

Next, an example of a method of requesting the provision of the sanitary product S from the dispenser 10 by the user will be described.

The method by which the user requests the supply of the sanitary product S to the dispenser 10 is not particularly limited in the present specification. (reading method), or a dedicated application AP is installed in the user device 151 such as a smart phone, and this dedicated application AP can be used via the management server 300 (application method).

First, the method of requesting C for provision of sanitary products S by reading will be described below.

When making a request C for provision of the sanitary product S by the reading method, the user can input the user information from the user information reading section 16 by either the non-contact method or the contact method.

An example of contactless user information input is the application of NFC technology. In this case, the user information reading unit 16 is an NFC-compatible receiver, and the user uses an NFC-compatible card 150 (for example, a transportation card, an identification card such as an employee ID card or a student ID card, an IC card such as a credit card, a cash card, etc.). ) or the user device 151 (eg, smart phone) over the user information reading unit 16 . The user information reading unit 16 reads information j (for example, card number, device number, etc.) from the NFC compatible card 150 or the user device 151 . The user information reading unit 16 outputs the read information j to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj. In this way, when NFC technology is applied, not only the NFC compatible card 150 but also the user device 151 such as a smart phone can be used.

Another example of contactless user information input is the application of wireless technologies such as beacons and RFID. When using a beacon, the user information reader 16 is used as a beacon receiver, and the user brings the beacon device 152 that transmits the beacon ID closer to the user information reader 16 . The user information reading unit 16 receives the beacon identification information ID and outputs the received beacon identification information ID to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

When RFID is used, the user information reading section 16 is an RFID reader, and the user brings the RFID tag 153 close to the user information reading section 16 . The user information reading unit 16 receives the RFID identification information id, and outputs the received RFID identification information id to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

Yet another example of a contactless method is the use of QR Codes (registered trademark) 154 . In this case, the user information reading section 16 is a QR code reader, and the user causes the user information reading section 16 to read the QR code 154 embedded with predetermined information. User information reading unit 16 acquires predetermined information q from QR code 154 and outputs this predetermined information q to memory 50 via bus 41 as user information uj.

Another example of contactless methods is the use of biometric authentication. In this case, the user information reading unit 16 is assumed to be a biometric authentication device. The biometric authentication device authenticates the biometric information r of the user U, and outputs the authenticated biometric information r to the memory 50 as user information uj. Examples of biometric information r include fingerprints, hand geometry, retina, iris, face, and vein pattern. Using the authentication device, the user U faces the user information reading unit 16 . Then, the user information reading unit 16 acquires facial feature information, and outputs this facial feature information to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

On the other hand, use of the magnetic card 155 can be mentioned as an example of user information input by the contact method. In this case, the user information reading section 16 is a magnetic reader, and the user causes the user information reading section 16 to read the magnetic card 155 . Then, the user information reading unit 16 acquires magnetic information p such as a card number from the magnetic card 155 and outputs this magnetic information p to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

Another example of a contact method is the use of fingerprint information. In this case, the user information reading section 16 is a fingerprint reader, and the user U places his finger on the user information reading section 16 . Then, the user information reading unit 16 reads the fingerprint information v and outputs the fingerprint information v to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as the user information uj.

Yet another example of the contact method is the use of non-NFC compatible IC cards. In the case of the non-NFC compatible IC card 156, since information cannot be read without contact, the user information reading unit 16 is an IC card reader, and the user can read card information such as a card number stored in the IC card. w is read by the user information reading unit 16 . The user information reading unit 16 outputs this card information w to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

When the user information uj is output to the memory 50, the control program 51 recognizes the user information uj as the provision request C. FIG.

Next, a method of requesting C for provision of sanitary products S by the application method will be described below.

When making a provision request C for sanitary products S using an application method, the user first needs to install a dedicated application AP on his or her user device 151 such as a smartphone or tablet.

The method of installing the dedicated application AP is not particularly limited. The user is notified by attaching a sticker printed with (for example, a QR code (registered trademark) or a bar code) to the housing 11 or by displaying information indicating this site on the display 12 . Then, according to this notification, the user uses his/her own user device 151 to access the site, download the dedicated application AP, and install it.

After installing the dedicated application AP, the user can request the provision of sanitary products S after performing user registration by inputting user information uj from the user device 151 according to the dedicated application AP. In response to this request, the dedicated application management server 300 generates a provision request C based on the user information uj, and the generated provision request C is transmitted via the communication network 200 and received by the communication unit 45. , is output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 .

The control program 51 determines the validity of these provision requests C. FIG. For this purpose, the control program 51 first outputs the provision request C together with the dispenser identification number d assigned to the dispenser 10 from the communication unit 45 to the management server 300 via the communication network 200 for storage.

The supply request C is output to the management server 300 from all the dispensers 10 together with the dispenser identification information d. As described above, the provision request C includes user information uj. Further, as will be described later, when the sanitary product S is correctly provided by the dispenser 10 in response to the provision request C, the control program 51 transmits OK information indicating that the provision has been completed via the communication unit 45. It is sent to server 300 .

On the other hand, when the control program 51 determines that the provision request C is not valid, or when the sanitary product S is not provided due to a malfunction of the dispenser 10 or the like, the control program 51 causes the communication unit 45 to NG information indicating non-provision is sent to the management server 300 via the

Therefore, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the management server 300 includes the time t when the provision request C was transmitted, the user information uj corresponding to the provision request C, the dispenser identification information d of the dispenser 10 as the transmission source, It is possible to manage a history information table 310 that accumulates records R consisting of a status sa of provided or not provided.

The control program 51 accesses the management server 300 via the communication unit 45, refers to the history information table 310 managed by the management server 300, and determines the validity of the provision request C. FIG.

The criteria for judging the appropriateness are, but not limited to, a predetermined period of time (for example, two hours) from the time when the sanitary product S was most recently provided to the user who made the provision request C. If so, the request is determined to be valid (first criterion) and/or the number of sanitary products S provided to this user during a predetermined period of time (e.g., the past month) exceeds a predetermined number. is not reached, the request is determined to be valid (second criterion), and so on.

Regardless of which criterion is adopted, the control program 51 refers to the history information table 310 managed by the management server 300 in order to determine the validity of the provision request C. FIG. For example, the records R related to the user information uj related to the provision request C are extracted from the history information table 310, and the records R whose status sa is "OK" are narrowed down. By referring to this narrowed down record R, it is possible to grasp the most recent time when the sanitary product S was provided to this user and the number of sanitary products S provided in the past month. can determine the validity of

A specific example in which the control program 51 determines whether or not the latest provision request C satisfies the first criteria will be described below with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that the predetermined time used as the first criterion is two hours.

In the example of FIG. 9, record R115 is the latest provision request C. In the example of FIG. The record R115 indicates that the user information uj is "B2346" and the time t at the time of request is "20191204142341", that is, December 4, 2019, 14:23:41.

In FIG. 9, the record whose user information uj is "B2346" and whose status is "OK" is record R107. Therefore, the time at which the user who requested the record R115 most recently received the sanitary product S from the dispenser 10 is the time t recorded in the record R107.

The time t of the record R107 is "20191204093529", that is, December 4, 2019, 9:35:29 am.

The time t indicated by the record R115 is four hours, 48 seconds and 12 seconds after the time t indicated by the record R107, and two hours or more, which is the predetermined time, has elapsed. Therefore, the control program 51 determines that the provision request C of the record R115 satisfies the first criterion.

It should be noted that, from the above specific explanation, it is believed that the judgment as to whether or not the second criterion is satisfied can also be understood. Descriptions used are omitted.

When determining that the provision request C is valid, the control program 51 outputs a drive command to either the stepping motor 32R or the stepping motor 32L.

Normally, the control program 51 operates the right system stepping motor 32R and the left A drive command is alternately output to the stepping motor 32L of the system. That is, when a drive command is output to the stepping motor 32R in response to the previous provision request C and the sanitary product S is discharged from the discharge port 13R, the control program 51 responds to the current provision request C by outputting the discharge port In order to discharge the sanitary product S from 13L, a drive command is output to the stepping motor 32L.

However, as will be described later, when a problem such as discharge clogging occurs in any system, the control program 51 drives only the stepping motor 32 of the normally operating system until the problem is resolved. Output an instruction. As a result, the dispenser 10 has redundancy that, even if one system fails, the sanitary product S can be discharged from the other system in which the failure does not occur, and the service can be continued.

FIG. 3 shows a stepping motor 32R that provides driving force to the discharge roller 30R and a stepping motor 32L that provides driving force to the discharge roller 30L. Accordingly, when a drive command is output to the stepping motor 32R, the stepping motor 32R is driven, and the discharge roller 30R is rotated accordingly. On the other hand, when a drive command is output to the stepping motor 32L, the stepping motor 32L is driven, and the discharge roller 30L is rotated accordingly.

By the way, if the discharge roller 30 rotates only in the forward rotation direction D, all of the sanitary napkins S1 to S5 stacked in the storage section 21 are entirely directed toward the discharge port 13 as shown in FIG. As a result, there is a risk that the upper front end (right side in the drawing) of the lowermost sanitary product S1 may be covered by the lower front part of the sanitary product S2 one level above. When trying to discharge the sanitary product S1 at the bottom in such a state, the sanitary product S2 above it also moves in the discharge direction E while covering the upper end of the front side of the sanitary product S1 at the same time. Two sanitary products S1, S2 attempting to pass through the gate J of the adjustment plate 23 can cause a discharge jam.

In order to avoid such a situation, the drive command from the control program 51 is such that when the sanitary napkin S is discharged from the storage section 21, the stepping motor 32 is driven slightly in the reverse direction and then forward. direction. As a result, the discharge roller 30 is once slightly rotated (for example, about 45 degrees) in the reverse rotation direction F, so that the sanitary napkin S stored in the storage section 21 is swung backward (to the left in FIG. 10). move. This corrects the deviation of the stacked sanitary napkins S1 to S5 toward the discharge port 13 side.

The drive command then drives the stepping motor 32 in the forward direction. As a result, the discharge roller 30 rotates in the forward rotation direction D, and the sanitary product S1 is sent out in the discharge direction E. As shown in FIG.

In this way, when discharging the sanitary product S1, the discharging roller 30 is first rotated slightly in the reverse rotation direction F and then rotated in the normal rotation direction D, thereby achieving reliable discharge without clogging.

A discharge sensor 25 is provided below the discharge port 13. As shown in FIG. 7, when the sanitary product S1 moving in the discharge direction E at the time of discharge is covered, the discharge sensor 25 is turned on and detected. A signal K is output. The output detection signal K is output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 .

The control program 51 recognizes that the sanitary product S1 has started to be discharged in response to the detection signal K as described above.

When the discharge roller 30 continues to rotate in the forward rotation direction D by the stepping motor 32, the discharge of the sanitary product S1 from the discharge port 13 is completed, as shown in FIG. This allows the user to receive the discharged sanitary product S1. Further, since the top of the discharge sensor 25 is no longer covered by the sanitary product S1, the discharge sensor 25 is turned off and the output of the detection signal K is terminated.

When the detection signal K from the discharge sensor 25 ends, the control program 51 recognizes that the discharge of the sanitary product S1 has been completed normally, stops the driving stepping motor 32, and stops the discharge roller 30 from rotating. Along with the termination, the communication unit 45 transmits the dispenser identification information d and the OK information to the management server 300 via the communication network 200 .

The management server 300 receives the dispenser identification information d and the OK information, and in the history information table 310, the latest record R corresponding to this dispenser identification information d (that is, blank) status sa is set to "OK". and write.

When the sanitary product S1 is discharged from the storage unit 21, the remaining sanitary products S are lowered in the storage unit 21 by the gravitational action of the weight m, as shown in FIG. is the lowest. After each remaining sanitary product S is lowered in this way, the control program 51 reversely drives the stepping motor 32 that ejected the sanitary product S1. As a result, the discharge roller 30 rotates in the reverse rotation direction F. As shown in FIG. The purpose of this reverse rotation is also to correct the deviation of the stacked sanitary napkins S2 to S6 toward the discharge port 13 side, similar to the reverse rotation at the time of discharge described above. The amount of reverse rotation at the time of ejection is two to three times greater, for example, 90 to 120 degrees.

When the sanitary product S1 is correctly discharged, the operation is as described above.

Next, a case where the sanitary product S1 is not correctly discharged will be described.

In the unlikely event that the sanitary product S is not discharged from the discharge port 13 due to clogging or the like after the discharge of the sanitary product S1 has started, the discharge sensor 25 is turned off even if the stepping motor 32 continues to be driven. Instead, the detection signal K continues to be output. When the detection signal K continues to be output for a significantly longer time than the time required for normal discharge of the sanitary product S, the control program 51 determines that an abnormal discharge due to clogging or the like has occurred.

For example, normally, after 2 to 3 seconds from the start of the output of the detection signal K, the sanitary product S is discharged and the output of the detection signal K ends. If the detection signal K continues to be output, the control program 51 determines that an ejection abnormality has occurred, stops driving the stepping motor 32, stops the rotation of the ejection roller 30, and instead: The sanitary product S is discharged from the other system, and the maintenance worker is notified of the occurrence of the discharge abnormality. In response to this, the maintenance worker goes to the target dispenser 10 and takes appropriate recovery measures.

Since the operation for discharging the sanitary product S is as described above, redundant explanation will be avoided. , the management server 300 transmits the dispenser identification information d and the OK information to the management server 300, and in response to this, the management server 300 updates the latest record corresponding to this dispenser identification information d in the history information table 310 (that is, the Write "OK" in the entry) status sa.

If the sanitary product S1 is not discharged normally from the other system, that is, if the sanitary product S1 cannot be normally discharged from either of the two systems, the control program 51 sends the , the dispenser identification information d and the NG information are transmitted to the management server 300 .

In response to this, the management server 300 writes “NG” to the (ie, blank) status sa of the latest record corresponding to this dispenser identification information d in the history information table 310 .

Next, inventory management of sanitary napkins S in storage section 21 will be described.

When the sanitary product S is normally discharged from the storage part 21, the inventory of the sanitary product S stored in the storage part 21 is reduced. Therefore, the dispenser 10 has an inventory sensor 22 for grasping the inventory amount of the sanitary napkins S in the storage section 21 .

Specifically, in the dispenser 10, in order to grasp the inventory amount of the sanitary napkins S in the storage section 21R, a pair of inventory sensors 22Rl arranged at the same height in the stacking direction (height direction) Ta, 22Rr are provided at three locations with different heights along the direction Ta.

That is, the inventory amount of the sanitary napkins S stored in the storage section 21R is grasped by the three pairs of inventory sensors. As shown in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 3, the first pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#1) and 22Rr (#1) are embedded in the partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr at a height near the bottom of the storage section 21R. It is established by The second pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#2) and 22Rr (#2) is taller than the first pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#1) and 22Rr (#1) (for example, the height of the storage section 21R). is 100%, the height is 10% from the lower surface) by being embedded in the partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr. The third pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#3) and 22Rr (#3) is higher than the second pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#2) and 22Rr (#2) (for example, from the lower surface of the storage section 21R). 30% of the height) by being embedded in the partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr.

In addition, the paired inventory sensors 22Rl and 22Rr are arranged at the same height from the bottom surface of the storage section 21R so as to face each other, and one of the pair (for example, the inventory sensor 22Rl) is, for example, a light-emitting diode. Secondly, it is a light-emitting portion that emits light, and the other of the pair (for example, inventory sensor 22Rr) is a light-receiving portion, such as a photodiode, that receives light from the light-emitting portion.

Therefore, in the case of the first pair of inventory sensors 22Rl(#1) and 22Rr(#1), the inventory sensor 22Rl(#1) can be the light emitter and the inventory sensor 22Rr(#1) can be the light receiver. Similarly, in the case of the second pair of inventory sensors 22Rl(#2) and 22Rr(#2), the inventory sensor 22Rl(#2) can be the light emitter and the inventory sensor 22Rr(#2) can be the light receiver. , the third pair of inventory sensors 22Rl(#3) and 22Rr(#3), the inventory sensor 22Rl(#3) can be the light emitter and the inventory sensor 22Rr(#3) can be the light receiver.

Conversely, the inventory sensor 22Rr can be used as the light emitting unit, and the inventory sensor 22Rl can be used as the light receiving unit.

The light-emitting section is adjusted so as to emit light toward the light-receiving section, and the light-receiving section is adjusted so as to receive light from the light-emitting section. The light receiving section outputs a detection signal M when receiving the light from the light emitting section.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the inventory of sanitary products S stored in the storage unit 21R is sufficient (the inventory is 30% or more), any inventory sensor 22Rl (#1) which is a light emitting unit , (#2), and (#3) are also blocked by the sanitary product S, and are received by the inventory sensors 22Rr (#1), (#2), and (#3), which are the corresponding light receiving units. not. Therefore, none of the inventory sensors 22Rr(#1), (#2), and (#3) output the detection signal M.

On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when the inventory of sanitary napkins S stored in the storage section 21R decreases and falls below the remaining 30%, the inventory sensor 22Rl (#3), which is a light emitting section, emits light. The light is received by the inventory sensor 22Rr (#3), which is the light receiving portion, and the detection signal M (R#3) is output from the inventory sensor 22Rr (#3).

When the inventory of sanitary napkins S stored in the storage unit 21R further decreases and falls below the remaining 10%, the light emitted by the inventory sensor 22Rl (#2), which is the light-emitting unit, also becomes the inventory sensor, which is the light-receiving unit. 22Rr(#2), and the inventory sensor 22Rr(#2) also outputs the detection signal M(R#2).

When the inventory of sanitary products S stored in the storage section 21R is completely exhausted, the light emitted by the inventory sensor 22Rl (#1), which is the light emitting section, is also received by the inventory sensor 22Rr (#1), which is the light receiving section. As a result, the detection signal M (R#1) is also output from the inventory sensor 22Rr (#1).

The output detection signal M is output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 .

When the detection signal M is not output from any of the inventory sensors 22Rr, which are light receiving units, the control program 51 recognizes that the inventory of the sanitary napkins S stored in the storage unit 21R is sufficient, and activates the inventory sensor 22Rr (# When the detection signal M (R#3) starts to be output from 3), it is determined that the inventory has fallen below 30%. When it is determined that the inventory has fallen below 10% and the detection signal M (R#1) starts to be output from the inventory sensor 22Rr (#1), it is determined that the inventory has run out.

For the storage section 21L as well, in order to perform similar inventory management, the first pair of inventory sensors 22Ll (#1) and 22Lr (#1) are positioned at a height near the bottom surface of the storage section 21L to detect the second pair of inventory sensors. Sensors 22Ll(#2), 22Lr(#2) are level with the second pair of inventory sensors 22Rl(#2), 22Rr(#1) and the third pair of inventory sensors 22Ll(#3), 22Lr. (#3) are provided at the same height as the third pair of inventory sensors 22Rl (#3) and 22Rr (#3) by being embedded in the partition plates 20Rl and 20Rr.

The control program 51 can display the grasped inventory information (for example, 30% or more, 10% to 30%, 10% or less) from the display 12 . Also, these information can be notified to the management server 300 via the communication unit 45 .

In response to this, the management server 300 can request the inventory replenishment worker to replenish the sanitary product S to this dispenser 10, for example, when there is a dispenser 10 whose inventory has fallen below 10%. The control program 51 can also request the stock replenishment worker to replenish the sanitary product S to the dispenser 10 via the communication unit 45 .

In response to this, an inventory replenishment worker goes to the dispenser 10, unlocks the key 15, opens the front lid 11b, turns off the power, and then puts the sanitary product S in the storage section 21 of the housing body 11a. refill. When the replenishment is completed, the power is turned on again, the front cover 11b is closed, the housing body 11a is closed, and the key 15 is locked. As a result, the sanitary product S provision service can be continued for the user who desires the sanitary product S.

It is preferable that the sanitary napkins S to be replenished are of the same brand for each dispenser 10 . This is because, as described above, the sanitary product S has a different height depending on the brand, and there is a possibility that discharge trouble will occur.

Therefore, product information (manufacturer, product name, type, etc.) on the brand of sanitary napkin S designated for each dispenser 10 is stored in the writable data area 52, and the product information is displayed on the display 12. 12 can also be displayed.

As described above, the sanitary napkins S to be replenished can be purchased with part of the advertising income obtained from the advertising sponsor in accordance with the advertisement displayed on the display 12 .

Next, an operation example of the dispenser according to this embodiment configured as described above will be described.

13A and 13B are process flow diagrams illustrating an operation example of the dispenser according to this embodiment.

The dispenser 10 is installed in a private room of a women's restroom, as illustrated in FIG.

A human sensor 14 is arranged on the front lid 11b of the dispenser 10, and when a user enters the private room of the toilet, the user is sensed by the human sensor 14, and a sensing signal A is output from the human sensor 14. (ST1).

A sensing signal A from the human sensor 14 is sent to the memory 50 via the bus 41, and the control program 51 starts displaying image data on the display 12 (ST2).

The image data may be advertisement data stored in the image data storage unit 62 or an explanation of how to use the dispenser 10, or may be delivered from an advertisement server (not shown) using the communication unit 45 via the communication network 200. It may be

The display time of the image data from the display 12 is set to about 2 minutes each time the user enters the private toilet room, and is not displayed longer than that. This prevents the user from lingering in the bathroom because of the image data displayed on the display 12.例文帳に追加For effective display in 2 minutes, the length of the image data is, for example, about 15 seconds. Therefore, when two types of image data are displayed from the display 12, two types of image data, each of which lasts about 15 seconds, are repeatedly displayed for two minutes.

In this way, since advertisements can be displayed from the display 12, the business operator who provides the sanitary napkins S by the dispenser 10 solicits advertising sponsors, obtains advertising income by displaying the advertisements from the display 12, and obtains part of the income. By repeating the cycle of purchasing the sanitary product S at the department and replenishing the dispenser 10, a business model can be implemented in which the sanitary product S is provided free of charge to the user.

The user makes a supply request C for the sanitary product S to the dispenser 10 according to the explanation of how to use the dispenser 10 displayed on the display 12 (ST3).

Although the method for making the provision request C for the sanitary product S is not particularly limited in this specification, for example, a "reading method" performed by the user inputting user information from the user information reading unit 16, or a method using a smartphone or the like. There is an “application method” or the like in which a dedicated application AP is installed in the user device 151 and the dedicated application AP is used from the user device 151 .

As for the reading method, user information can be input from the user information reading unit 16 by a non-contact method or a contact method.

An example of contactless user information input is the application of NFC technology. In this case, the user information reading unit 16 is an NFC-compatible receiver, and the user uses an NFC-compatible card 150 (for example, a transportation card, an identification card such as an employee ID card or a student ID card, an IC card such as a credit card, a cash card, etc.). card) or user device 151 (for example, smart phone) over the user information reading unit 16 . Information (for example, card number, device number, etc.) from the card 150 and user device 151 is read by the user information reading unit 16 and output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj. In this way, when NFC technology is applied, not only the NFC compatible card 150 but also the user device 151 such as a smart phone can be used.

Another example of contactless user information input is the application of wireless technologies such as beacons and RFID. When a beacon is used, the user information reading unit 16 is a beacon receiver. When the user brings the beacon device 152 that transmits the beacon identification information ID close to the user information reading unit 16, the user information reading unit 16 detects the beacon. The identification information ID is received and output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

When RFID is used, the user information reading unit 16 is an RFID reader, and when the user brings the RFID tag 153 close to the user information reading unit 16, the user information reading unit 16 receives the RFID identification information id and reads the user information. uj to the memory 50 via the bus 41 .

Yet another example of a contactless method is the use of QR codes 154 . In this case, the user information reading section 16 is a QR code reader, and the user causes the user information reading section 16 to read the QR code 154 embedded with the predetermined information q. Then, the user information reading unit 16 acquires predetermined information q from the QR code 154 and outputs the acquired information q to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

Another example of contactless methods is the use of biometric authentication. In this case, the user information reading unit 16 is a biometric authentication device, which authenticates the biometric information of the user U and outputs the authenticated biometric information r to the memory 50 as the user information uj.

On the other hand, use of the magnetic card 155 can be mentioned as an example of user information input by the contact method. In this case, the user information reading unit 16 is a magnetic reader, and magnetic information p such as a card number is read by the magnetic reader and output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

Another example of a contact method is the use of fingerprint information v. In this case, the user information reading section 16 is a fingerprint reader. When the user places a finger on the user information reading section 16 , the user information reading section 16 reads the fingerprint information v and outputs it to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

Yet another example of the contact method is the use of non-NFC compatible IC cards. In the case of the non-NFC compatible IC card 156, information cannot be read without contact. The card information w is read by the user information reading unit 16 . The card information w is read by the user information reading unit 16 and output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 as user information uj.

When the user information uj is output to the memory 50 , the user information uj is recognized as the provision request C by the control program 51 .

Next, a method of requesting C for provision of sanitary products S by the application method will be described below.

When making a provision request C for sanitary products S using an application method, the user first installs a dedicated application AP on his or her user device 151 such as a smartphone or tablet.

After installing the dedicated application AP in the user device 151 , the user can request the dispenser 10 to provide sanitary products S by performing user registration using the user device 151 according to the dedicated application AP. In response to this request, the server (for example, the management server 300) that operates the dedicated application AP generates a provision request C based on the user information uj, and the generated provision request C is transmitted via the communication network 200. , received by the communication unit 45 and output to the memory 50 via the bus 41 .

When the provision request C is sent by various methods in this manner, the control program 51 sends the provision request C together with the dispenser identification information d attached to the dispenser 10 from the communication unit 45 via the communication network 200. , is output to the management server 300 and stored.

In this manner, the provision request C is output to the management server 300 from all the dispensers 10 together with the dispenser identification information d. The management server 300 manages a history information table 310 as exemplified in FIG. , a new record R is written (ST4).

Note that when a new record R is written to the history information table 310, the user information uj, the time t, and the dispenser identification information d of the dispenser 10 are written, but the status sa is blank. If the dispenser 10 subsequently transmits OK information indicating that the sanitary product S has been provided, the status sa is written with "OK", indicating that the sanitary product S has not been provided due to a defect or the like. If the information was sent from the dispenser 10, "NG" is written.

The history information table 310 is referenced by the control program 51 to determine the validity of the provision request C (ST5).

The criteria for judging this validity are not limited, but if a predetermined period of time (for example, two hours) has passed since the time when the sanitary product S was most recently provided to the user, it is determined to be valid. If the "first criterion" for determination or the number of sanitary napkins S provided to the user during a predetermined period (for example, the past month) does not reach a predetermined number, the "first 2 criteria” can be adopted.

When judging the validity of the provision request C using such judgment criteria, the control program 51 performs the following processing.

First, from the history information table 310, the past record R regarding the user information uj related to the provision request C is extracted. Next, from the extracted records R, the records R whose status sa is "OK" are narrowed down. From this narrowed down record R, the time t when the sanitary product S was most recently provided to the user and the number of sanitary products S provided in the past month are ascertained.

Therefore, whether or not a predetermined period of time or more has passed from the time when the sanitary product S was most recently provided to this user (whether or not the first criterion is satisfied), and whether the sanitary product S was provided during the predetermined period The control program 51 determines whether or not the number of S has reached a predetermined number (whether or not the second criterion is satisfied).

The control program 51 determines the validity of the provision request C, for example, determining that the provision request C is valid when both the first criterion and the second criterion are satisfied.

When it is determined that the provision request C is valid (ST6: Yes), the control program 51 outputs a drive command to either the stepping motor 32R or the stepping motor 32L (ST7).

On the other hand, if the provision request C is not determined to be valid (ST6: No), no drive command is output from the control program 51, so the sanitary product S is not discharged from the dispenser 10, and the process ends.

When the drive command is output in step ST7, the control program 51 normally instructs the control program 51 to alternately discharge the sanitary product S from the right-side discharge port 13R and the left-side discharge port 13. , the drive command is alternately output to the stepping motor 32R of the right system and the stepping motor 32L of the left system.

However, the control program 51 outputs a drive command only to the stepping motor 32 of the normally operating system until the trouble such as discharge clogging occurs in one of the systems. . In this way, the dispenser 10 has the redundancy that even if one of the systems fails, the sanitary product S can be discharged from the other system in which the failure does not occur, so that the service can be continued. there is

By the way, if the discharge roller 30 rotates only in the forward rotation direction D, all of the stacked sanitary napkins ST1 to ST5 will be biased towards the discharge port 13 as shown in FIG. There is a risk that the upper front end (right side in the drawing) of the lower sanitary product S1 may be covered by the lower front part of the sanitary product S2 one level above.

Since this may lead to discharge clogging, the drive command output from the control program 51 in step ST8 causes the stepping motor 32 to be driven slightly in the reverse direction and then in the forward direction. As a result, the discharge roller 30 rotates slightly (for example, about 45 degrees) in the reverse rotation direction F, and moves the sanitary napkins S stored in the storage section 21 backward. As a result, the bias of the stacked sanitary napkins S1 to S5 toward the outlet 13 is corrected (ST8).

The drive command then drives the stepping motor 32 in the forward direction. As a result, the discharge roller 30 rotates in the forward rotation direction D (ST9), and the sanitary product S1 is discharged in the discharge direction E (ST10).

In this way, when discharging the sanitary product S1, the discharge roller 30 is first rotated slightly in the reverse rotation direction F and then rotated in the normal rotation direction D, thereby enabling reliable discharge without clogging. .

A discharge sensor 25 is provided below the discharge port 13. As shown in FIG. 7, when the sanitary product S1 moving in the discharge direction E at the time of discharge is covered, the discharge sensor 25 is turned on and the sanitary product S1 is discharged. A detection signal K is output from the sensor 25 (ST11).

The detection signal K is output to the memory 50 via the bus 41, and the control program 51 accordingly recognizes the start of discharge of the sanitary product S1.

When the discharge roller 30 starts to rotate in the forward rotation direction D by the stepping motor 32, the discharge of the sanitary product S is completed normally after 2 to 3 seconds (ST13). Item S can be taken. As a result, the discharge sensor 25 is no longer covered by the sanitary product S1, so the discharge sensor 25 is turned off before the discharge of the sanitary product S is completed, and the output of the detection signal K from the discharge sensor 25 is terminated. (ST12: Yes).

In response to the termination of detection signal K from discharge sensor 25 in step ST12, control program 51 recognizes that the discharge of sanitary product S1 has been completed normally, stops stepping motor 32, and terminates the rotation of discharge roller 30. (ST14).

In response to the termination of detection signal K from discharge sensor 25 in step ST12, dispenser identification information d and OK information are further transmitted to management server 300 by control program 51, and this dispenser identification information is stored in history information table 310. "OK" is written in the (that is, blank) status sa of the latest record R corresponding to d, and the history information table 310 is updated (ST15).

In the storage section 21, as the sanitary product S1 is discharged in step ST13, the remaining sanitary products S are lowered by the gravitational action of the weight m as shown in FIG. It becomes the lowest (ST16). After each remaining sanitary product S is lowered in this manner, the control program 51 instructs the stepping motor 32 that ejected the sanitary product S1 to be driven in the reverse direction. As a result, the discharge roller 30 rotates in the reverse rotation direction F (ST17). The purpose of this reverse rotation is also to correct the deviation of the stacked sanitary napkins S2 to S6 toward the outlet 13 side, similar to the reverse rotation performed in step ST8. 2 to 3 times larger than the amount of reverse rotation at , for example, 90 to 120 degrees.

In FIG. 13B, for the sake of convenience, steps ST13, ST14, ST15, and ST16 are shown to be performed continuously after the discharge sensor 25 is turned off in step ST12. Steps ST13, ST14, ST15, and ST16 are performed in parallel. Step ST17 is performed after step ST16.

On the other hand, if the discharge of the sanitary product S1 is not properly performed, for example, the sanitary product S1 is not discharged from the discharge port 13 due to clogging or the like even though the discharge of the sanitary product S1 is started in step ST10, step ST10 is performed. In ST12, even if the stepping motor 32 continues to rotate the discharge roller 30 in the forward rotation direction D, the discharge of the sanitary product S1 from the discharge port 13 is not completed. Since it continues to be covered, the discharge sensor 25 does not turn off and continues to output the detection signal K (ST12: No).

If the time during which the detection signal K continues to be output is significantly longer than the time required for normal discharge of the sanitary product S, the control program 51 determines that an abnormal discharge has occurred (ST18). ), the maintenance operator is notified that an ejection failure has occurred. In response to this, the maintenance worker goes to the target dispenser 10 and takes appropriate recovery measures.

Further, after step ST18, the control program 51 stops driving the stepping motor 32 (for example, the stepping motor 32R) in operation (ST19). ) is started (ST20), and then the process proceeds to step ST7. As a result, the sanitary product S is discharged from the other system instead of the abnormal system.

If the sanitary product S1 cannot be discharged normally from the other system even though the other system is operated in this way, that is, the sanitary product S1 is not discharged from either of the two systems. In this case, the dispenser identification information d and NG information are transmitted from the control program 51 to the management server 300 via the communication unit 45, and in the management server 300, the history information table 310 corresponds to the dispenser identification information d. "NG" is written in the (that is, blank) status sa of the latest record R, and the history information table 310 is updated.

As described above, the dispenser 10 according to the present embodiment can provide the user with various information in the form of images from the display 12, thereby improving the user's operability and comfort. Thereby, the user can smoothly use the dispenser 10 to obtain the sanitary product S. Therefore, the dispenser 10 can provide convenience to a user who has an unscheduled menstruation and does not have a sanitary product S with him/her.

Moreover, the provided sanitary product S is housed in the housing 11 before being provided and is not touched by an unspecified number of people, so the user can use the provided sanitary product S with peace of mind. can be used.

In addition, even when the user requests the provision of the sanitary products S, the dispenser 10 according to the present embodiment does not provide the sanitary products S unlimitedly in response to the request, but checks the validity of the request. Provided only if confirmed. Therefore, a large amount of sanitary products S are never taken away at once, and the sanitary products S are managed so that there is always sufficient inventory, so that the sanitary products S can be reliably provided to users who really need them. It becomes possible.

Furthermore, the dispenser 10 according to the present embodiment has been devised in various ways from the viewpoint of hardware design, as described below.

For example, the dispenser 10 implements operation noise reduction by introducing the stepping motor 32 as a power source for discharging the sanitary product S, so that the user does not notice people outside the toilet cubicle. Dispenser 10 can be used without being

In addition, since the dispenser 10 is made thinner by arranging the stepping motor 32 and the discharge roller 30 under the storage section 21, the user can use the toilet in the private room where the dispenser 10 is installed. Even when entering, the toilet and the dispenser 10 can be used without feeling oppressive.

Furthermore, the dispenser 10 has a very high probability that the user will be able to receive the sanitary product S by correcting the deviation by reverse rotation of the discharge roller 30 and adopting a redundant configuration having two discharge systems. The sanitary product S can be provided with reliability.

Examples of providing various images by the dispenser 10 will now be described in Modifications 1 and 2 below. Note that in Modifications 1 and 2 below, redundant description of the description already given will be avoided, and different points will be described.
(Modification 1)
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the dispenser 10A of Modification 1. As shown in FIG.

Dispenser 10A differs from dispenser 10 in that display 12 can be separated from housing 11 (front lid 11b) of the dispenser body. Therefore, the display 12 can be used while being built in the housing 11, or can be separated from the housing 11 and installed at an arbitrary location as shown in FIG.

The display 12 can be realized by, for example, a tablet terminal.

The configuration, operation, and effects when the display 12 is used while being built in the housing 11 are as described in the above-described embodiment.

On the other hand, when the display 12 is separated from the housing 11 and installed at an arbitrary location, the display 12 communicates with the corresponding dispenser 10A wirelessly or by wire. As a result, even if the display 12 is separated from the main body of the dispenser 10A, the display 12 can display advertisements, instructions on how to use the dispenser 10A, inventory information of the sanitary products S, and image data such as product information can be displayed.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing an example when the display 12 is separated from the housing 11 of the dispenser 10A and installed at an arbitrary location.

FIG. 15 shows an example in which the display 12 is arranged on the front side of the toilet seat 100 in the private room of the toilet. In FIG. 15, the front of the toilet seat 100 is the door 102 of the private room, but it is not limited to the door and may be a wall surface.

By arranging the display 12 on the front side of the toilet seat 100, the user can see the image displayed from the display 12 more comfortably because the display 12 is in front of the user's line of sight while using the toilet cubicle. can be seen in

In this way, the dispenser 10A can provide the user with various information in the form of images from the display 12, so that the user's operability and comfort can be improved.

(Modification 2)
FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the dispenser 10B of Modification 2. As shown in FIG.

The concept of the dispenser 10B of Modification 2 is a combination of the dispenser 10 of the embodiment and the dispenser 10A of Modification 1. FIG.

That is, the dispenser 10B has a plurality of displays 12, one of which is the same display 12a as the display 12 built into the housing 11 (front door 11b) as described in FIG. The display 12 of is the display 12b that can be separated from the housing 11, as described with reference to FIG. The display 12b can be implemented by, for example, a tablet terminal.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the display 12b (out) is installed outside the private room 104 of the toilet.

The display 12b is not limited to the display 12b (in) installed inside the toilet compartment 104 as illustrated in FIG. 12b(out).

Moreover, the number of displays 12b is not limited to one, and a plurality of displays may be provided. Therefore, both display 12b(in) and display 12b(out) can be installed as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 combined.

Thus, even when one or more displays 12b are installed separately from the housing 11, each display 12b communicates wirelessly or by wire with the corresponding dispenser 10B. Thus, even if the display 12b is separated from the dispenser main body, the display 12b, like the display 12a built into the housing 11, can display advertisements, instructions on how to use the dispenser 10B, inventory information of the sanitary products S, sanitary products S, and so on. image data such as product information can be displayed.

Therefore, it is possible to display the same image data from all the displays 12a, 12b.

Also, image data to be displayed from each of the displays 12a and 12b can be shared as follows.

For example, from the display 12b, advertisements, product information of the sanitary napkins S stored in the storage section 21, and stock information thereof are displayed all the time or as needed, while the human sensor 14 is displayed from the display 12a. In response to sensing by the device, the dispenser 10B begins displaying an image of instructions for use of the dispenser 10B.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, when both the display 12b (out) outside the private room 104 and the display 12b (in) inside the private room 104 are installed as the display 12b The display 12b (out) constantly displays the product information and inventory information of the sanitary napkins S stored in the storage section 21, while the display 12b (in) displays, in response to the detection by the human sensor 14, You can also display ads.

Therefore, according to this example, when the user enters the restroom, the user first looks at the display 12b (out) to check the product information and inventory information of the sanitary product S, and enters the private room 104, and the human sensor 14 In response to the perception of the display 12a, the display 12a starts displaying an image explaining how to use the dispenser 10B. can see

By properly using such a plurality of displays 12a and 12b, the dispenser 10B of Modification 2 can display various useful information for the user from an appropriate place at an appropriate timing, so that the user's operability and It is possible to improve comfort.

Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. Within the scope of the invented technical idea of the claims, those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and modifications, and these modifications and modifications are also within the technical scope of the present invention. be understood to belong to

10, 10A, 10B Dispenser 11 Case 11a Case main body 11b Front lid 12, 12a, 12b Display 13 Ejection port 14 Human sensor 15 Key 16 User information reading unit 20 Partition plate 21 Storage unit 22 Inventory sensor 23 Adjustment plate 24 Theft Prevention lid 25 Discharge sensor 30 Discharge roller 32 Stepping motor 41 Bus 42 CPU
43 External recording medium 44 Recording medium reading unit 45 Communication unit 50 Memory 51 Control program 52 Writable data area 60 Storage device 62 Image data storage unit 100 Toilet seat 102 Door 104 Private room 150 NFC compatible card 151 User device 152 Beacon device 153 RFID Tag 154 QR code 155 Magnetic card 156 NFC non-compatible IC card 200 Communication network 300 Management server 310 History information table A Sensing signal AP Dedicated application B Card, etc. C Supply request d Dispenser identification number D Forward rotation direction E Ejection direction F Reverse rotation Direction G Non-ejection direction h Width I Height ID Beacon identification information id RFID identification information J Opening K Detection signal M Detection signal m Weight p Magnetic information q Information from QR code r Biometric information R Record sa Status S Sanitary product t Time Ta direction Tb opening height U user uj user information v fingerprint information w card information

Claims (11)

A hygiene product dispensing dispenser for providing hygiene products to a user, comprising:
a storage unit for storing the sanitary goods;
a discharge unit for discharging the sanitary goods stored in the storage unit from the storage unit;
a control unit for operating the discharge unit to discharge the sanitary goods when the user requests the sanitary goods to be provided, if the request is valid;
a display for displaying an image;
When a second predetermined time or more has passed since the most recent time when the sanitary goods were provided to the user, and when the number of the sanitary goods provided to the user during the predetermined period is determining that the request is valid if at least one of the predetermined number is not reached;
There are a plurality of said displays, one of said plurality of displays is a built-in display built in a sanitary goods providing dispenser main body, and among said plurality of displays, the displays other than said built-in display are used for said sanitary goods providing A hygiene product dispensing dispenser, which is a separate display arranged separately from the dispenser body. Equipped with a human sensor,
2. The sanitary product dispensing dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the display of the image is initiated from the built-in display in response to detection by the human sensor. 2. The hygiene product dispensing dispenser of claim 1, wherein the separate display is positioned in a toilet compartment in front of a toilet seat. 2. The hygiene product dispensing dispenser of claim 1, wherein the separate display is located at least one of inside or outside a toilet cubicle. The hygiene product dispensing dispenser of claim 1, wherein the same image is displayed from the integrated display and the separate display. The hygiene product dispensing dispenser of claim 1, wherein different images are displayed from the integrated display and the separate display. The hygiene product serving dispenser of Claim 1, wherein the image displayed from the built-in display includes instructions on how to use the hygiene product serving dispenser. The hygiene product dispensing dispenser of claim 1, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes an advertisement. 9. The hygiene product serving dispenser of claim 8, wherein the hygiene product is purchased with the proceeds from the advertising. The sanitary product providing dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes information regarding the inventory of the sanitary products stored in the storage unit. The sanitary product providing dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the image displayed from the separate display includes information regarding the sanitary product stored in the storage unit.

Images