JP7373116B2 - Paper roll and toilet management system - Google Patents

Description

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

To prevent theft, toilet booths in public spaces may not have replacement toilet paper. In such cases, managers such as cleaning staff regularly visit and replenish toilet paper.

However, with such a method, in order to prevent a situation where there is no toilet paper, the manager needs to make frequent visits, which increases the burden on the manager. Furthermore, this method requires the manager to go around and inspect even toilet booths where toilet paper does not need to be replaced, which is inefficient. In particular, in Japan, there are concerns about labor shortages due to population decline in the future, so toilet management systems that can efficiently replace toilet paper will become increasingly important.

In Patent Document 1, a light-emitting diode and a light-receiving sensor are provided at opposing positions inside a folder that stores toilet paper, and the light-receiving sensor receives light from the light-emitting diode that was blocked by the toilet paper, thereby removing the remaining toilet paper. A device has been proposed that detects when the amount has fallen below a predetermined amount. However, since these devices use a transmission type sensor, they can only detect whether the remaining amount of toilet paper is below a predetermined amount, and the amount of remaining toilet paper gradually decreases. cannot be detected. In other words, detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper cannot be detected. Furthermore, when using a transmission type sensor, it is necessary to constantly perform a sensing operation, which increases the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation, resulting in increased power consumption.

Patent No. 5411218

The present invention was made based on the recognition of such problems, and is capable of detecting detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper, reducing the amount of electricity used for sensing operations, and enabling management outside the toilet booth. To provide a paper roll machine and a toilet management system that can notify people when it is time to replace toilet paper.

A first invention includes a holding section that holds toilet paper, an electromagnetic wave transmitting section that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper, and an electromagnetic wave receiver that receives the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section and reflected by the toilet paper. and a reflective sensor that performs a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic waves and detects the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section, and the detection results of the reflective sensor. an information transmitter configured to transmit information to an external device, the reflective sensor performs the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold, and the reflective sensor performs the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is less than the first threshold. The paper winder is characterized in that, when , the sensing operation is performed in a second period shorter than the first period.

According to this paper roll machine, by providing a reflective sensor, detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected. In addition, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is high (above the first threshold), the sensing operation is performed in a long cycle (first cycle), and when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is small (below the first threshold), the sensing operation is performed in a short cycle (second cycle). By performing the sensing operation in cycles), it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when there is a large amount of toilet paper remaining with simple control. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption compared to the case of using a transmission type sensor. In addition, by providing an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to an external device, it is possible to notify the administrator outside the toilet booth of the time to replace the toilet paper via the external device. . This eliminates the need for the administrator to make inspection rounds and allows for efficient replacement of toilet paper. Moreover, as a result, the possibility of paper shortages occurring can be reduced, making it possible to create a toilet space that is convenient for users who use the toilet.

In a second invention based on the first invention, when the intensity is less than the first threshold and equal to or higher than a second threshold, which is smaller than the first threshold, the reflective sensor performs the sensing in the second period. The paper winder is characterized in that when the sensing operation is performed and the intensity is less than the second threshold, the sensing operation is performed at a third period shorter than the second period.

According to this paper roller, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is even lower (less than the second threshold), the sensing operation is performed at an even shorter cycle (third cycle), so that a large amount of toilet paper remains with simple control. It is possible to more reliably detect the remaining amount of toilet paper when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low, while sometimes reducing the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation.

A third invention is based on the second invention, wherein a ratio of a decrease rate from the second period to the third period with respect to the difference between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is determined by the maximum value of the intensity and the rate of decrease from the second period to the third period. The paper winder is characterized in that the rate of decrease from the first cycle to the second cycle is greater than the ratio of the difference from one threshold value.

According to this paper roller, the rate of decrease from the second period to the third period with respect to the difference between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is determined from the rate of decrease from the first period to the third period with respect to the difference between the maximum value of intensity and the first threshold value. By making the rate of decrease greater than the rate of 2 cycles, the sensing operation can be performed at shorter cycles as the remaining amount of toilet paper decreases. Thereby, when the remaining amount of toilet paper is small, the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected more reliably.

A fourth invention is the paper roll according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the reflective sensor performs the sensing operation in the first period when the intensity is a minimum value. It is.

According to this paper roller, by performing the sensing operation in the first cycle when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is at its minimum value, it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when the remaining amount of toilet paper runs out.

A fifth invention is the paper roller according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, characterized in that the reflective sensor is provided behind the holding section.

According to this paper roller, by providing a reflective sensor behind the holding part, it is possible to prevent the reflective sensor from receiving unintended interference from the user's hand, etc., and more accurately determine the remaining amount of toilet paper. Can be detected.

A sixth invention is the one according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising at least one of a paper-cutting plate and a top plate provided above the holding part, and the reflective sensor is arranged above the holding part. This paper roller is characterized in that it is provided below the section.

When a paper roll machine is equipped with a paper cutting board or a top plate, paper dust generated from the toilet paper tends to accumulate between the paper cutting board or top plate and the toilet paper. If a reflective sensor is provided in a location where paper dust is likely to accumulate, detection accuracy may decrease due to the influence of the paper dust. In contrast, according to this paper winder, by providing a reflective sensor below the holding part, the reflective sensor is affected by paper dust even when the paper winder is equipped with a paper cutting board or a top plate. can be suppressed. This allows the remaining amount of toilet paper to be detected more accurately.

A seventh invention is the paper roll machine according to the sixth invention, wherein the reflective sensor is provided such that the central axis of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is directed diagonally upward.

According to this paper roller, by installing a reflective sensor so that the central axis of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter points diagonally upward, it is possible to more accurately roll the toilet paper even when the remaining amount of toilet paper is low. The remaining amount of paper can be detected.

An eighth invention is a paper roll based on the seventh invention, wherein the reflective sensor is provided such that a central axis of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section is directed downward relative to the holding section. It is a vessel.

According to this paper roller, detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected by installing a reflective sensor so that the central axis of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is directed downward from the axis of the toilet paper. At the same time, when the remaining amount of toilet paper falls below a predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section decreases significantly, making it possible to more reliably detect that the remaining amount of toilet paper is low.

A ninth invention includes a paper roller and an external device, and the paper roller includes a holding part that holds the toilet paper, an electromagnetic wave transmitter that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper, and an electromagnetic wave transmitter. an electromagnetic wave receiving section that receives the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the toilet paper and reflected by the toilet paper, the sensor is configured to perform a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving the electromagnetic waves, and to detect the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section. and an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor to the external device, and the reflective sensor detects when the intensity is equal to or higher than a first threshold. , the sensing operation is performed in a first period, and when the intensity is less than the first threshold, the sensing operation is performed in a second period shorter than the first period, and the external device detects that the intensity is less than or equal to a predetermined value. This is a toilet management system characterized by notifying when the toilet paper should be replaced.

According to this toilet management system, detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper can be detected by providing a reflective sensor on the paper roll. In addition, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is high (above the first threshold), the sensing operation is performed in a long cycle (first cycle), and when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is small (below the first threshold), the sensing operation is performed in a short cycle (second cycle). By performing the sensing operation in cycles), it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity used for the sensing operation when there is a large amount of toilet paper remaining with simple control. This makes it possible to reduce power consumption compared to the case of using a transmission type sensor. In addition, the paper roller is equipped with an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to an external device. By notifying the toilet paper replacement time, it is possible to notify the manager outside the toilet booth via an external device of the toilet paper replacement period. This eliminates the need for the administrator to make inspection rounds and allows for efficient replacement of toilet paper.

According to aspects of the present invention, it is possible to detect detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper, reduce the amount of electricity used for sensing operation, and notify a manager outside the toilet booth of the time to replace the toilet paper. A paper roll and toilet management system is provided that can be used to

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a paper winder according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically representing a toilet management system according to an embodiment. 3(a) and 3(b) are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a paper winder according to an embodiment. FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a paper winder according to a modification of the embodiment. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation of a paper roll machine of a restroom management system concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart showing an example of operation of external equipment of the restroom management system concerning an embodiment. FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating another example of the operation of the paper roll machine of the toilet management system according to the embodiment. It is a flow chart showing another example of operation of external equipment of the restroom management system concerning an embodiment. It is a flowchart showing a part of operation of the paper roll machine of the toilet management system concerning an embodiment. It is a timing chart showing an example of the period of sensing operation in the paper roll machine concerning an embodiment. It is a graph showing the relationship between the intensity of electromagnetic waves and the period in the paper roll machine according to the embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations are omitted as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a paper winder according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically representing 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 paper roll 100 and an external device 200. The paper roll 100 transmits information about the remaining amount of toilet paper TP to the external device 200. The external device 200 notifies the user of the time to replace the toilet paper TP based on information about the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP.

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

The holding section 10 holds the toilet paper TP. More specifically, the holding part 10 is inserted into the core of the toilet paper TP, and thereby holds the toilet paper TP in a rotatable state. For example, the holding part 10 may be inserted into each of the left and right ends of the core of the toilet paper TP, or may be inserted so as to penetrate the inside of the core of the toilet paper TP in the left and right direction. The holding part 10 is supported by the outer shell 20.

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

In this specification, when viewed from the user facing the paper roll 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 "down". ”, the left side is called the “left side”, and the right side is called the “right side”.

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

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

The reflective sensor 30 detects the intensity of electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiver 32. The reflective sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of toilet paper TP by detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section 32. When the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is greater than a predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section 32 is greater than a predetermined value. When the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is less than a predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section 32 is smaller than the predetermined value.

The information transmitter 40 transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor 30 to the external device 200. The information transmitter 40 is electrically connected to the electromagnetic wave receiver 32 of the reflective sensor 30. The information transmitter 40 transmits information to the external device 200 by, for example, wireless communication. The information transmitter 40 may transmit information to the external device 200 via wired communication. That is, the information transmitter 40 may be electrically connected to the external device 200.

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

The operations of the reflective sensor 30 and the information transmitter 40 are controlled by, for example, a controller. The control unit controls, for example, the cycle of sensing operation in the reflective sensor 30 and the timing at which information is transmitted from the information transmitting unit 40. Any one of the reflective sensor 30, the information transmitting section 40, and the control section may include a receiving section that receives a signal from the external device 200.

The reflective sensor 30, the information transmitter 40, and the controller operate by receiving power from a battery provided in the paper roller 100, for example. The outer shell 20 has, for example, a battery attachment part for attaching a battery. Note that the reflective sensor 30, the information transmitter 40, and the controller may operate by receiving power from an external power source supplied through an outlet. In this case, the battery attachment part 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 board 50 is provided above the holding part 10. The paper cutting board 50 is rotatably supported on the upper portions of the side plates 22 and 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 board 50. That is, the top plate 60 is provided above the holding part 10. The top plate 60 has, for example, a flat surface on which articles can be placed. The top plate 60 functions as a shelf, for example. The top plate 60 is provided as needed and can be omitted.

External device 200 is a device located outside the toilet booth. External device 200 includes an information receiving section that receives information transmitted from information transmitting section 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 connectable from the administrator's personal computer or the administrator's mobile phone. The external device 200 may receive the information transmitted from the information transmitter 40, for example, via a gateway provided inside the toilet booth. That is, the information transmitter 40 may receive information to the external device 200 via a gateway provided inside the toilet booth, for example.

When the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section 32 of the reflective sensor 30 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value, the external device 200 notifies the user that it is time to replace the toilet paper TP. The external device 200 includes, for example, a display section that displays the time to replace the toilet paper TP.

3(a) and 3(b) are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a paper winder according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3(b) is a sectional view taken along line A1-A2 shown in FIG. 3(a).
As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided behind the holding part 10. Further, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided below the holding part 10. More specifically, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided below the back plate 21 of the outer shell 20 located behind the holding part 10 on the wall WL of the toilet booth.

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

Further, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed diagonally upward. Here, "diagonally upward" is a direction that includes at least an upward component and a forward component. “Diagonally upward” may be a direction that includes a left-right component in addition to an upward component and a front component.

Further, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is deviated from the axis AX of the toilet paper TP. The reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is deviated from the core of the toilet paper TP. More specifically, the reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed downward from the axis AX of the toilet paper TP. Thereby, the reflective sensor 30 detects the remaining amount of toilet paper TP in a portion below the axis AX.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a front view and a side sectional view schematically showing a paper winder according to a modification of the embodiment.
FIG. 4(b) is a sectional view taken along the line B1-B2 shown in FIG. 4(a).
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided at the lower part of the back plate 21 of the outer shell 20 located behind the holding part 10. In this way, when the back plate 21 extends below the toilet paper TP, the reflective sensor 30 may be provided on the back plate 21.

Further, in this example, the reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed toward the axis AX of the toilet paper TP. In this way, the reflective sensor 30 may be provided such that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed toward the core of the toilet paper TP.

The operations of the toilet management system 500 and paper roll machine 100 according to the embodiment will be described below.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the paper roll machine of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of external equipment of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, when the flow starts, the control section of the paper winder 100 performs a sensing operation using the reflective sensor 30 (step S101). In the sensing operation, the reflective sensor 30 transmits electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 toward the toilet paper TP, and receives the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 and reflected by the toilet paper TP at the electromagnetic wave receiver 32.

The reflective sensor 30 continuously transmits and receives electromagnetic waves a plurality of times (for example, 10 times) for one sensing operation. By transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves multiple times, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of false detections. For example, the reflective sensor 30 takes the average value of the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received a plurality of times as the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, the reflective sensor 30 uses, for example, a value that matches the intensity a predetermined number of times among the intensities of the electromagnetic waves received a plurality of times as the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received in one sensing operation. Alternatively, for example, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves falls within a certain range, the reflective sensor 30 may set the median value between the maximum value and the minimum value as the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received in one sensing operation. do. Hereinafter, the intensity of electromagnetic waves received in one sensing operation will be referred to as "intensity of received electromagnetic waves."

If the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves exceeds the predetermined value (step S102: No), the control unit ends the flow. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of toilet paper TP exceeds the predetermined amount and that it is not necessary to replace the toilet paper TP. The predetermined value is, for example, a value smaller than a second threshold TH2, which will be described later. The predetermined value is, for example, the strength when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is 15%.

If the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is less than or equal to the predetermined value (step S102: Yes), the control unit changes the cycle of the sensing operation (step S103). Changing the cycle of the sensing operation will be described later.

When the cycle of the sensing operation is changed, the control unit transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor 30 from the information transmitting unit 40 to the external device 200 (step S104). As described above, in this example, the information transmitting unit 40 transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor 30 to the external device 200 when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is below a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is below a predetermined amount and that the toilet paper TP needs to be replaced.

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

Hereinafter, the effects of the paper roll machine 100 and the toilet management system 500 according to the embodiment will be explained.
As mentioned above, for example, when trying to detect the remaining amount of toilet paper using a transmission type sensor, there is a problem that detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper cannot be detected. In contrast, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30, detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected. That is, in the embodiment, it is possible to detect that the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is gradually decreasing. This allows the administrator to more efficiently replace the toilet paper TP.

Further, in the embodiment, an information transmitter 40 is provided that transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor 30 to the external device 200, and when the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiver 32 becomes less than a predetermined value, the external device 200 notifies the user when it is time to replace the toilet paper. Thereby, the administrator located outside the toilet booth can be notified of the time to replace the toilet paper TP via the external device 200. Therefore, there is no need for the administrator to make rounds for inspection, and the toilet paper TP can be replaced efficiently. Moreover, as a result, the possibility of paper shortages occurring can be reduced, making it possible to create a toilet space that is convenient for users who use the toilet.

Further, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 behind the holding part 10, the reflective sensor 30 can be prevented from receiving unintended interference from the user's hand, etc., and the toilet paper TP can be more accurately detected. The remaining amount can be detected.

Further, when the paper roll 100 includes the paper cutting board 50 and the top plate 60, paper dust generated from the toilet paper TP tends to accumulate between the paper cutting board 50 and the top plate 60 and the toilet paper TP. If the reflective sensor 30 is provided in a location where paper dust is likely to accumulate, the detection accuracy may decrease due to the influence of the paper dust. In contrast, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 below the holding part 10, even when the paper winder 100 includes the paper cutting board 50 and the top plate 60, the reflective sensor 30 can detect paper dust. It is possible to suppress the influence of Thereby, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately. Further, by providing the reflective sensor 30 below the holding part 10, maintenance of the reflective sensor 30 is easy even when the toilet paper TP is attached to the holding part 10.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, by providing the reflective sensor 30 so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed diagonally upward, even when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is low, The remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more accurately.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, the reflective sensor 30 is provided so that the central axis CL of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter 31 is directed downward from the axis AX of the toilet paper TP. In addition to being able to detect detailed changes in the amount of toilet paper TP, when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP falls below a predetermined amount, the intensity of the electromagnetic waves received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section 32 decreases significantly. It can be detected that there is a small amount of

Hereinafter, a modified example of the operation of the toilet management system 500 and the paper roll machine 100 according to the embodiment will be described.
FIGS. 7A and 7B are flowcharts illustrating another example of the operation of the paper roll machine of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of the operation of the external equipment of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7(a), in this example, when the flow is started, the control unit of the paper roller 100 performs a sensing operation using the reflective sensor 30 (step S301), and the information transmitting unit 40 performs a sensing operation on the external device 200. Information about the detection results of the reflective sensor 30 is transmitted to the reflective sensor 30 (step S302). That is, in this example, the information transmitter 40 transmits information about the detection result of the reflective sensor 30 to the external device 200 regardless of the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, the external device 200 waits until it receives information from the information transmitter 40 of the paper winder 100 (step S401: No). Upon receiving the information from the information transmitter 40 (step S401: Yes), the external device 200 determines whether the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiver 32 exceeds a predetermined value (step S402).

If the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves exceeds the predetermined value (step S402: No), the external device 200 ends the flow. That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves exceeds a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of toilet paper TP exceeds the predetermined amount and that it is not necessary to replace the toilet paper TP.

If the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is less than or equal to the predetermined value (step S402: Yes), the external device 200 transmits a signal about changing the cycle of the sensing operation to the paper winder 100 (step S403).

When the external device 200 sends a signal to the paper roll machine 100, it notifies the user of the time to replace the toilet paper TP (step S404). That is, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is below a predetermined value, it is determined that the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is below a predetermined amount and that the toilet paper TP needs to be replaced.

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

In this manner, in the embodiment, the determination as to whether the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves exceeds a predetermined value may be made by the paper roll machine 100 or may be made by the external device 200.

Hereinafter, changing the cycle of the sensing operation by the reflective sensor 30 will be explained.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing part of the operation of the paper roll machine of the toilet management system according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing an example of the cycle of sensing operation in the paper winder according to the embodiment.
FIG. 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the intensity and period of electromagnetic waves in the paper roll machine according to the embodiment.

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

As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is equal to or higher than the first threshold TH1 (step S601: No), the reflective sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in the first period P1 (step S602). The first period P1 is, for example, 60 minutes. The first threshold TH1 is, for example, the intensity of electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) when the thickness from the core to the outer periphery of the toilet paper TP becomes 3/4 of the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is the first threshold value TH1, the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is, for example, about 50%.

If the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is less than the first threshold TH1 (step S601: Yes) and greater than or equal to the second threshold TH2 (step S603: No), the reflective sensor 30 performs the sensing operation in the second cycle P2. (Step S604). The second period P2 is shorter than the first period P1. The second period P2 is, for example, 10 minutes. The second threshold value TH2 is, for example, the intensity of electromagnetic waves (reflected waves) when the thickness from the core to the outer periphery of the toilet paper TP becomes 1/2 of the thickness when the remaining amount is 100%. When the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is the second threshold value TH2, the remaining amount of the toilet paper TP is, for example, about 25%.

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

In this way, the reflective sensor 30 performs sensing operation in a long cycle (first cycle P1) when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is high (greater than or equal to the first threshold TH1), and performs sensing operation in a long cycle (first cycle P1) when the intensity of the received electromagnetic wave is low (the second When the threshold value TH2 is greater than or equal to the first threshold value TH1), the sensing operation is performed in a short cycle (second cycle P2). This makes it possible to reduce the amount of electricity used for sensing operation when there is a large amount of toilet paper TP remaining through simple control. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced compared to the case of using a transmission type sensor.

Furthermore, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves is even smaller (less than the second threshold TH1), the reflective sensor 30 performs the sensing operation at an even shorter cycle (third cycle P3). This allows simple control to reduce the amount of electricity used for sensing operations when there is a large amount of toilet paper TP remaining, while more reliably detecting the remaining amount of toilet paper TP when there is little remaining toilet paper TP. be able to.

Note that although the case where the number of cycles of the sensing operation is three has been explained here as an example, in the embodiment, the number of cycles of the sensing operation may be two or four or more. Good too. The number of sensing operation cycles can be set to any number as necessary.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves reaches the minimum value Rmin, the reflective sensor 30 may return the sensing operation cycle to the first cycle P1. Alternatively, when the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves reaches the minimum value Rmin, the reflective sensor 30 may make the period of the sensing operation longer than the first period P1, or may stop the sensing operation. Thereby, the amount of electricity used for sensing operation can be reduced when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP runs out.

Further, in this example, the ratio DR2/X2 of the reduction rate DR2 from the second period P2 to the third period P3 with respect to the difference X2 between the first threshold value TH1 and the second threshold value TH2 is the maximum value Rmax and the first threshold value TH1. The ratio of the decrease rate DR1 from the first period P1 to the second period P2 with respect to the difference X1 is larger than DR1/X1 ((DR2/X2)>(DR1/X1)).

The difference X1 between the maximum value Rmax of the intensity of the received electromagnetic waves and the first threshold TH1 is expressed as Rmax-TH1. The difference X2 between the first threshold TH1 and the second threshold TH2 is expressed as TH1-TH2. In this example, the difference X1 and the difference X2 are the same and are each expressed as (Rmax-Rmin)/4.

The rate of decrease DR1 from the first period P1 to the second period P2 is expressed as (P1-P2)/P1. The rate of decrease DR2 from the second period P2 to the third period P3 is expressed as (P2-P3)/P2. In this example, the first period P1 is 60 minutes, the second period P2 is 10 minutes, and the third period P3 is 1 minute. In this case, the reduction rate DR1 from the first period P1 to the second period P2 is 5/6 (approximately 83%), and the reduction rate DR2 from the second period P2 to the third period P3 is 9/10 (approximately 83%). 90%).

In this way, the ratio DR2/X2 of the decrease rate DR2 from the second period P2 to the third period P3 with respect to the difference X2 between the first threshold value TH1 and the second threshold value TH2 is set to the maximum intensity value Rmax and the first threshold value TH1. By making the ratio of the decrease rate DR1 from the first cycle P1 to the second cycle P2 to the difference X1 larger than DR1/X1, the sensing operation can be performed at a shorter cycle as the remaining amount of toilet paper TP decreases. . Thereby, when the remaining amount of toilet paper TP is small, the remaining amount of toilet paper TP can be detected more reliably.

As described above, according to the embodiment, it is possible to detect detailed changes in the remaining amount of toilet paper, reduce the amount of electricity used for sensing operation, and ask an administrator outside the toilet booth to replace the toilet paper. It is possible to provide a paper roll machine and a toilet management system that can notify the timing.

The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the invention is not limited to these descriptions. Appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art with respect to the above-described embodiments are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the shape, size, material, arrangement, etc. of each element included in the paper roll machine etc. are not limited to those illustrated, and can be changed as appropriate.
Furthermore, the elements of each of the embodiments described above can be combined to the extent technically possible, and combinations of these are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they include the features of the present invention.

10 holding part, 20 outer shell, 21 back plate, 22, 23 side plate, 30 reflective sensor, 31 electromagnetic wave transmitting part, 32 electromagnetic wave receiving part, 40 information transmitting part, 50 paper cutting board, 60 top plate, 100 paper winder, 200 External equipment, 500 Toilet management system, AX axis, CL center axis, TP toilet paper, WL wall surface

Claims (10)

a holding part that holds toilet paper;
A reflective sensor comprising: an electromagnetic wave transmitting section that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper; and an electromagnetic wave receiving section that receives the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section and reflected by the toilet paper. the reflective sensor that performs a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section;
an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to an external device;
Equipped with
The reflective sensor is
performing the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold;
When the intensity is less than the first threshold, performing the sensing operation in a second period shorter than the first period,
A paper winder, characterized in that the sensing operation is performed in the first period when the intensity is a minimum value . The reflective sensor is
When the intensity is less than the first threshold and greater than or equal to a second threshold smaller than the first threshold, performing the sensing operation in the second cycle;
The paper winder according to claim 1, wherein when the intensity is less than the second threshold, the sensing operation is performed in a third period shorter than the second period. The rate of decrease from the second period to the third period with respect to the difference between the first threshold value and the second threshold value is the rate of decrease from the first period to the third period with respect to the difference between the maximum value of the intensity and the first threshold value. 3. A paper winder as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the rate of decrease is greater than the rate of decrease to the second cycle. The paper winder according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the reflective sensor is provided at a rear side of the holding section. further comprising at least one of a paper cutting board and a top plate provided above the holding part,
The paper winder according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the reflective sensor is provided below the holding section. 6. The paper roll machine according to claim 5 , wherein the reflective sensor is provided so that the central axis of the electromagnetic wave transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitter is directed diagonally upward. 7. The paper winder according to claim 6 , wherein the reflective sensor is provided such that the central axis of the electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section is directed downward relative to the holding section. A paper roll and
external equipment and
Equipped with
The paper roll machine is
a holding part that holds toilet paper;
A reflective sensor comprising: an electromagnetic wave transmitting section that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper; and an electromagnetic wave receiving section that receives the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section and reflected by the toilet paper. the reflective sensor that performs a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section;
an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to the external device;
has
The reflective sensor is
performing the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold;
When the intensity is less than the first threshold, performing the sensing operation in a second period shorter than the first period,
performing the sensing operation in the first period when the intensity is a minimum value;
The toilet management system is characterized in that the external device notifies the time to replace the toilet paper when the intensity falls below a predetermined value. a holding part that holds toilet paper;
A reflective sensor comprising: an electromagnetic wave transmitting section that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper; and an electromagnetic wave receiving section that receives the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section and reflected by the toilet paper. the reflective sensor that performs a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section;
an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to an external device;
Equipped with
The reflective sensor is
performing the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold;
When the intensity is less than the first threshold, performing the sensing operation in a second period shorter than the first period,
A paper winder characterized in that, when the intensity is at a minimum value, the sensing operation is performed at a cycle longer than the first cycle . a holding part that holds toilet paper;
A reflective sensor comprising: an electromagnetic wave transmitting section that transmits electromagnetic waves toward the toilet paper; and an electromagnetic wave receiving section that receives the electromagnetic waves that are transmitted from the electromagnetic wave transmitting section and reflected by the toilet paper. the reflective sensor that performs a sensing operation of transmitting and receiving and detecting the intensity of the electromagnetic wave received by the electromagnetic wave receiving section;
an information transmitter that transmits information about the detection results of the reflective sensor to an external device;
Equipped with
The reflective sensor is
performing the sensing operation in a first cycle when the intensity is greater than or equal to a first threshold;
When the intensity is less than the first threshold, performing the sensing operation in a second period shorter than the first period,
A paper winder, characterized in that the sensing operation is stopped when the intensity is at a minimum value .

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