U.S. patent application number 17/122238 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for dispenser, retrofit kit for a dispenser, a method for provision of portions of a tissue web and method for upgrading a dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to CWS International GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is CWS International GmbH. Invention is credited to Markus Rueckheim, Christoph Zimmermann.
Application Number | 20210186275 17/122238 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005323612 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210186275 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rueckheim; Markus ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
DISPENSER, RETROFIT KIT FOR A DISPENSER, A METHOD FOR PROVISION OF
PORTIONS OF A TISSUE WEB AND METHOD FOR UPGRADING A DISPENSER
Abstract
A dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue web, a
retrofit kit for a dispenser, a method for provision of portions of
a tissue web, and a method for upgrading a dispenser. The dispenser
comprises a first transport arrangement for unused tissue and a
second transport arrangement for used tissue, a housing with a
dispensing opening through which a tissue portion located between
the first transport arrangement and the second transport
arrangement protrudes, a detection arrangement comprising at least
one sensor unit, preferably comprising a first sensor and a second
sensor, for detecting a user change, and a control unit adapted to
activate the second transport arrangement when a user change is
detected.
Inventors: |
Rueckheim; Markus;
(Griesheim, DE) ; Zimmermann; Christoph;
(Birkenau, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CWS International GmbH |
Duisburg |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
CWS International GmbH
Duisburg
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000005323612 |
Appl. No.: |
17/122238 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47K 2010/3668 20130101;
A47K 10/36 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47K 10/36 20060101
A47K010/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2019 |
EP |
19218314.3 |
Claims
1.-15. (canceled)
16. A dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue web,
comprising: a first transport arrangement for unused tissue and a
second transport arrangement for used tissue; a housing with a
dispensing opening through which a tissue portion located between
the first transport arrangement and the second transport
arrangement protrudes; a detection arrangement comprising at least
one sensor unit for detecting a user change; and a control unit
adapted to activate the second transport arrangement when a user
change is detected.
17. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the control unit
is adapted to activate the first transport arrangement when a user
change is detected.
18. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the at least one
sensor unit comprises a first sensor and a second sensor.
19. The dispenser according to claim 18, wherein the at least one
sensor unit comprises a third sensor for detecting a user
change.
20. The dispenser according to claim 19, wherein: the first sensor,
the second sensor, and the third sensor have the same detection
principles; the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third
sensor have the same detection fields; the at least one sensor unit
has a detection field in the direction of a user; the at least one
sensor unit has a detection field in the direction of the tissue
web; or the at least one sensor unit is positioned on a front face
of the dispenser, adjacent the dispensing opening, or on an
intermediate part of the dispenser housing.
20. (canceled)
21. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the at least one
sensor unit is chosen from the group of sensors consisting of: an
acceleration sensor; a motion sensor; a thermal sensor; an infrared
sensor; an electromagnetic radiation sensor; an optic sensor; a
time-of-flight sensor; a capacitive sensor; an image sensor; a
reflective sensor; a pyroelectric (passive) infrared sensor; or a
thermopile sensor.
22. The dispenser according to claim 19, wherein at least two of
the first sensor, the second sensor, or the third sensor are
arranged on a single circuit board.
23. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein the second
transport arrangement comprises a blocking element, and wherein
activation of the second transport arrangement via the control unit
triggers a release of the blocking element.
24. The dispenser according to claim 23, wherein: the blocking
element is a time controlled blocking element; and the second
transport arrangement comprises a release element adapted to
release the blocking element.
25. The dispenser according to claim 23, wherein the blocking
element is a mechanical blocking element.
26. The dispenser according to claim 24, wherein the release
element comprises a valve.
27. The dispenser according to claim 26, wherein the valve is
selected from the group consisting of an electric valve, a solenoid
valve, or an electric drive.
28. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein: the first
transport arrangement comprises a manual transport mechanism or an
automatic transport mechanism; and the second transport arrangement
comprises a manual transport mechanism or an automatic transport
mechanism.
29. The dispenser according to claim 16, wherein: the detection
arrangement is adapted to an energy-saving sleeping mode by default
and is adapted to raise to an active mode upon activation of the
first transport arrangement; the control unit is adapted to
activate the second transport arrangement when a repeated
activation of the first transport arrangement by a single user is
detected; and the control unit is adapted to activate the second
transport arrangement when a departure speed of a user is detected
that is above a threshold value.
30. A retrofit kit for a dispenser according to claim 16, the
retrofit kit comprising: a detection arrangement comprising at
least one sensor unit for detecting a user change; and a control
unit adapted to activate a second transport arrangement of the
dispenser when a user change is detected.
31. The retrofit kit according to claim 30, further comprising: a
release element adapted to release a blocking element of the second
transport arrangement of the dispenser.
32. A method for provision of portions of a tissue web, the method
comprising: transporting unused tissue and transporting used tissue
such that a tissue portion located between a first transport
arrangement and a second transport arrangement protrudes through a
dispensing opening in a housing of a dispenser; detecting a user
change; and activating the second transport arrangement when a user
change is detected.
33. A method for upgrading a dispenser for provision of portions of
a tissue web, the method comprising: installing a retrofit kit
comprising a detection arrangement comprising at least one sensor
unit for detecting a user change and a control unit adapted to
activate a second transport arrangement of the dispenser when a
user change is detected; wherein the dispenser comprises a first
transport arrangement for unused tissue, a second transport
arrangement for used tissue, and a housing with a dispensing
opening through which a tissue portion located between the first
transport arrangement and the second transport arrangement
protrudes.
34. The dispenser according to claim 19, wherein: the first sensor,
the second sensor, or the third sensor have different detection
principles; or the first sensor, the second sensor, or the third
sensor have different detection fields.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO FOREIGN PRIORITY APPLICATION
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn..sctn. 119(b), 119(e), 120, and/or 365(c) of European
Application No. EP 19218314.3 filed Dec. 19, 2019.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a dispenser for provision of
portions of a tissue web, a retrofit kit for a dispenser, a method
for provision of portions of a tissue web, and a method for
upgrading a dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Dispensers and methods for provision of portions of a tissue
web are known, for example, from EP1191872B1, EP2810259B1,
EP0283554B1, EP0483314B1. Existing dispensers and methods, however,
in practice still have room for improvement regarding reliability
and trouble-free operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue
web, an improved retrofit kit for a dispenser, an improved method
for provision of portions of a tissue web, and an improved method
for upgrading a dispenser. In particular, it is an object of the
present invention to provide a dispenser for provision of portions
of a tissue web, a retrofit kit for a dispenser, a method for
provision of portions of a tissue web, and a method for upgrading a
dispenser, which are highly reliable and/or reduce troubles and/or
faults during operation.
[0005] According to a first aspect, it is provided a dispenser for
provision of portions of a tissue web, comprising a first transport
arrangement for unused tissue and a second transport arrangement
for used tissue, a housing with a dispensing opening through which
a tissue portion located between the first transport arrangement
and the second transport arrangement protrudes, a detection
arrangement comprising at least one sensor unit, preferably
comprising a first sensor and a second sensor, for detecting a user
change, a control unit adapted to activate the second transport
arrangement when a user change is detected.
[0006] The dispenser is preferably suitable for washrooms and other
hygienic environments. The dispenser comprises a housing. The
housing preferably comprises a back part and an openable housing
cover with a front face. The housing further has a dispensing
opening.
[0007] The tissue to be dispensed from the dispenser can be a
multiuse tissue, such as a cloth towel or microfiber towel, or a
single-use tissue, such as a paper tissue or a reinforced paper
tissue, for example. The tissue is preferably provided as a
continuous web, for example, coiled up to a tissue roll or folded
in a stack, e.g., concertina-like.
[0008] Portions of the tissue web, which preferably means a certain
length of tissue to be used by a user, often for drying hands, are
provided by the dispenser. The portion to be used by a user
protrudes through dispensing opening in the housing, such that the
user can access the portion. Preferably, the portion is provided as
a hanging loop of tissue web. For example, the dispensing opening
may have a front and a back slot, preferably separated by an
intermediate part of the housing. For example, a part of the tissue
portion facing the user may protrude through the front slot and a
part of the tissue portion facing the wall (in a wall-mounted
dispenser) may protrude from the back slot.
[0009] Preferably, the dispensed and used portions of tissue can be
retrieved and coiled, for example, within the dispenser. Usually,
the used multiuse tissue is removed by service personnel, washed
and recycled, and then provided for a further use cycle. Once a
tissue roll is empty, usually a new tissue roll, which also can be
a recycled tissue roll, is inserted into the dispenser and received
there by some form of holding arrangement.
[0010] The dispenser comprises a first transport arrangement for
unused tissue and a second transport arrangement for used tissue.
The tissue portion protruding through the dispensing opening is
located between the first transport arrangement and the second
transport arrangement. Preferably, the first transport arrangement
is adapted to provide unused tissue in the form of a continuous web
by uncoiling it from a roll of unused tissue. Further preferably,
the second transport arrangement is adapted to retrieve used
tissue, preferably by coiling it to a used tissue roll.
[0011] Dispensers with a first and second transport arrangement, in
particular, dispensers with a multiuse tissue web that is retrieved
after use, can also be referred to as retracting dispensers.
[0012] The dispenser further comprises a control unit adapted to
activate the second transport arrangement. Preferably, the control
unit is further adapted to activate the first transport arrangement
and/or to deactivate the first transport arrangement and/or to
deactivate the second transport arrangement. Further preferably,
the control unit can be adapted to control further elements of the
dispenser.
[0013] The dispenser further comprises a detection arrangement. The
detection arrangement has at least one sensor unit for detecting a
user change. In particular, the detection of a user change is meant
as a detection of a change in the person using the dispenser. For
example, the detection of a user change can comprise the detection
of a change in the position of a person using the dispenser in
combination with the detection of the end of a use and/or the
beginning of a new use. Preferably, the detection of a user change
can comprise the detection of the departure of a user, possibly
including the departure speed of a user, and/or the approach of a
user, possibly including an approach speed.
[0014] Preferably, the sensor unit comprises a first sensor. This
first sensor can be the only sensor of the sensor unit. Further
preferably, the sensor unit comprises a first sensor and a second
sensor. In particular, the first sensor and the second sensor can
be employed together for detecting a user change; for example,
having a first sensor detecting a change in the position of the
person using the sensor and the second sensor detecting the end
and/or beginning of a use.
[0015] The sensor unit can comprise one or more sensors, e.g., a
first sensor and possibly further sensors like a second, third,
fourth or further sensors. The sensor(s) of the sensor unit can be
separate sensors. The sensor(s) of the sensor unit also can be
integral and/or an integrated sensor and/or integrated into one
single sensor element. For example, the sensor unit and/or one of
its sensor(s) can be adapted to generate one or more sensor
signals, e.g., based on one or more detection principles and/or one
or more detection fields, wherein the detection principles may be
the same or different ones and/or the detection fields may be the
same or different ones.
[0016] Preferably, the detection arrangement and/or the sensor
unit, in particular, the first sensor and/or a second sensor, is
connected to further components of the dispenser, for example, the
control unit, in a wired or wireless way. The sensor(s) of the
detection arrangement and/or the sensor unit can be connected to
each other and/or to further components of the dispenser, for
example the control unit, in a wired or wireless way.
[0017] The control unit of the dispenser is adapted to activate the
second transport arrangement upon detection of a user change by the
detection arrangement. In particular, it is preferred that such an
activation of the second transport arrangement results in the at
least partial retraction of the tissue portion protruding through
the dispensing opening back into the housing of the dispenser, in
particular, by coiling the used tissue on a used tissue roll by the
second transport arrangement.
[0018] The solution as described herein is based on the finding
that existing dispensers and methods for providing portions of
tissue have drawbacks, in particular, in high-frequency operating
situations. High-frequency operating situations typically are
situations where a high number of users intends to use the
dispenser in quick succession. Existing dispensers, in particular,
retracting dispensers, may not be adapted for such a high-frequency
use. In particular, the retrieving of used tissue by a second
transport arrangement may be too slow or too delayed for such a
quick succession of uses. Typically, in retracting dispensers, the
retrieval of used tissue by the second transport mechanism takes
place after a certain time after unused tissue has been provided to
the dispensing opening. The reason for this delay of the retrieval
of the used tissue portion is to give a user sufficient time to use
the portion of tissue protruding through the dispensing opening.
The use of this tissue portion typically takes place by a user
grabbing the tissue portion and moving it over his hands for drying
hands. A retrieval of used tissue by the second transport
arrangement directly after provision of the tissue portion by the
first transport arrangement would result in the user not having a
large enough portion protruding from the dispensing opening for
actually accessing this tissue portion and using it for drying the
hands.
[0019] While this operating principle has a number of advantages
and makes sense in a number of regular or low-frequency operating
situations, it does have drawbacks in high-frequency operating
situations. When a quick succession of users activates the
provision of tissue portions from a reservoir of unused tissue, in
particular, via the first transport arrangement, to protrude
through the dispensing opening in a higher frequency than the used
tissue is retrieved by the second transport arrangement, the tissue
portion protruding from the dispensing opening will get larger and
larger over time. It often happens that the tissue portion
protruding from the dispensing opening in such a situation gets too
large and thus too heavy to be retrieved by the second transport
arrangement. This can lead to so-called "floor loops," in which the
tissue portion protruding from the dispensing opening becomes so
large that it reaches the floor of a washroom.
[0020] The solution as described herein is based on the finding
that such drawbacks can be avoided when the second transport
arrangement is activated as soon as the person using the dispenser
changes. Thus, the solution as described herein provides for a
detection arrangement for detecting a user change and a control
unit for activating the second transport arrangement upon such
detection. When in a high-frequency operating situation the user
takes shorter time to dry his or her hands than the usual delay for
retrieving the used tissue, the solution described herein detects
such a user change and activates the second transport arrangement.
This has the advantage that as soon as a user change occurs, the
retrieval of the used portion can be initiated. In this way, it can
be avoided that two or even more times an unused tissue portion is
provided through the dispensing opening before a used tissue
portion is retrieved. Increasingly large loops, and even floor
loops, can be avoided in this way.
[0021] The control unit preferably is connected to various
components of the dispenser using a wired or wireless connection in
order to transfer signals, e.g., sensor signals, activation
signals, deactivation signals, control signals, and the like, and
to generate and/or process and/or receive and/or transmit such
signals. Further preferably, the control unit may, using either a
wireless or wired connection, also be connected to external
components, for example, a washroom information system, an external
communication unit, and/or a backend unit.
[0022] The control unit preferably is adapted to communicate with
an external communication unit and/or with a backend unit,
preferably in a bidirectional way and/or in a wireless way.
Preferably, information can be transferred from the control unit to
the external communication unit and/or to the backend unit. Further
preferably, information, such as software updates and/or settings
and/or update of (operational) parameters, can be received from the
external communication unit and/or from the backend unit by the
control unit. It is further preferred that the external
communication unit and/or the backend unit is adapted and arranged
to communicate, preferably in a bidirectional way, with a plurality
of arrangements and/or a plurality of dispensers. For example, the
wireless communication can be realized by a Bluetooth connection.
Further preferably, the external communication unit and/or the
control unit is adapted and arranged to communicate, preferably in
a wireless way, such as Bluetooth, to a backend unit, in
particular, in order to exchange client specific and/or process
related information. Further preferably, the control unit and/or
the external communication unit and/or the backend unit is adapted
and arranged to communicate with one or more mobile devices like
tablets and/or smart phones, preferably in a bidirectional way
and/or in a wireless way.
[0023] Preferably, the dispenser can be part of a system further
comprising an external communication unit and/or a backend unit
and/or one or more mobile devices.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is adapted to
activate the first transport arrangement when a user change is
detected. In this embodiment, the event of a user change can also
trigger the activation of the first transport arrangement, which
preferably results in dispensing a further unused portion of tissue
web through the dispensing opening. In this way, the new user does
not need to activate, for example manually or via an automatic,
e.g., non-touch, activation mechanism, the provision of a new
portion of tissue web. Rather, by activating the first transport
arrangement upon detection of a user change, the new user will be
provided with an unused tissue portion without the need for further
action from his or her side.
[0025] Preferably, the detection arrangement, in particular, the
sensor unit, comprises a third and/or fourth and/or further
sensor(s) for detecting a user change. Preferably, also the third
and/or fourth and/or further sensor(s) for detecting a user change
can have the features, characteristics, and advantages as described
herein for the first and/or second sensor. Further, it is preferred
that a combination of the sensors of the detection arrangement
and/or the sensor unit or all sensors of the detection arrangement
and/or the sensor unit contribute to the detection of a user
change. For example, some or all of the sensors of the detection
arrangement and/or the sensor unit, in particular, their individual
sensor signals, may be used and/or assessed as a whole, and/or
interdependently, in order to detect a user change. In particular,
the detection arrangement and/or the sensor unit and/or the control
unit can be adapted to detect a user change and/or to activate the
second transport arrangement upon detection of a user change
depending on a combination of signals from a plurality or all of
the sensors of the detection arrangement and/or the sensor
unit.
[0026] Preferably, the first sensor and/or the second sensor and/or
the third sensor and/or the fourth sensor and/or the further
sensor(s) can have the same or different detection principles. For
example, the sensors can be of the same or different types. In this
way, the accuracy and reliability of the detection of a user change
can be improved.
[0027] Further preferably, the first sensor and/or the second
sensor and/or the third sensor and/or the fourth sensor and/or the
further sensor(s) can have the same or different detection fields.
For example, the detection fields of the sensor(s) can vary, e.g.,
regarding their size and/or range and/or direction and/or
sensibility. Again, in this way, the accuracy and reliability of
the detection of a user change can be improved. Further preferably,
a detection field can be directed upwards, downwards, sideward,
forward, rearward, or any combination thereof.
[0028] Preferably, the detection arrangement and/or the sensor unit
and/or at least one of or all of the sensor(s) can be arranged such
that the detection field can be adjusted. For example, the
detection arrangement and/or the sensor unit and/or at least one of
or all of the sensor(s) can be pivotable, e.g., about a horizontal
and/or about a vertical pivot axis. This has the advantage that the
detection arrangement can be adjusted, for example for different
operating situations.
[0029] In particular, it can be preferred that at least one of the
sensors and/or the sensor unit has a detection field in the
direction of a user. A detection field in the direction of a user
can be directed towards the torso of a user and/or towards the
(likely) position of the user's hands during the drying process.
For example, a detection field in the direction of a user can be
substantially horizontal and/or angled downwards and/or angled
upwards.
[0030] Further, it can be preferred that at least one of the
sensors and/or the sensor unit has a detection field in the
direction of the tissue web, in particular, in the direction of the
protruding portion of the tissue web, in particular, its part
facing the user.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment at least one of the sensors and/or
the sensor unit is positioned on a front face of the dispenser, in
particular, on a lower part thereof. Preferably, at least one of
the sensors and/or the sensor unit can be positioned adjacent or
near the dispensing opening.
[0032] Further preferably, at least one of the sensors and/or the
sensor unit is positioned on an intermediate part of the dispenser
housing. Further preferably, at least one of the sensors and/or the
sensor unit is positioned inside the housing and/or arranged at the
housing, in particular, on its outside or on its inside, and/or
separate from the dispenser, e.g., next to the dispenser.
[0033] In particular, different combinations of the details of
individual sensors can be preferred to create a detection
arrangement and/or a sensor unit having a high speed and/or high
accuracy and/or high reliability and/or short reaction time in
detecting a user change while at the same time having a low energy
consumption.
[0034] For example, the first sensor and/or the second sensor
and/or the third sensor and/or the fourth sensor and/or the further
sensor(s) can be chosen from the following group of sensors,
comprising or consisting of: acceleration sensor, motion sensor,
thermal sensor, infrared sensor, radiation sensor, in particular,
electromagnetic radiation sensor, optic sensor, time-of-flight
sensor, capacitive sensor, image sensor, reflective sensor,
pyroelectric (passive) infrared sensor, thermopile sensor.
[0035] In particular, sensors are preferred having sharp signals
and/or low noise and/or fast response time and/or low energy
consumption.
[0036] For example, a sensor unit can be preferred having an
infrared sensor and an acceleration sensor. As described above,
these two sensors of the sensor unit can be separate sensors or
implemented as an integrated sensor, providing for both infrared
detection and acceleration detection, for example. An acceleration
sensor with a low energy consumption can be used, for example, for
continuously detecting whether a user pulls the tissue or not. If
it is detected that a user pulls a tissue, the infrared sensor (and
possibly also a control unit) preferably is switched from an
inactive, energy-saving mode, to an active mode. The infrared
sensor then preferably detects whether a user approaches and/or
leaves the dispenser. The infrared sensor and the control unit can
be arranged on a single circuit board, for example.
[0037] In general, the sensor(s) and/or detection principles and/or
detection fields used herein are preferably adapted to detect a
user change independent from and/or despite possibly interfering
factors such as light, e.g., sunlight, artificial light, UV light,
and/or radiation, in particular electromagnetic radiation, and/or
electromagnetic fields and/or reflective and/or colored surfaces
and/or heat sources like radiators.
[0038] Further, it is preferred that the sensitivity and/or the
detection field of the detection arrangement and/or the
sensor/and/or at least one of or all of the sensor(s) can be
adjusted. For example, the detection field of a sensor, e.g., of an
infrared sensor, can be enlarged or reduced. This can be realized,
for example, by positioning a sensor, e.g., an infrared sensor,
behind a plate with a hole, acting as an aperture. By varying the
distance between the sensor and the plate with a hole, the
sensitivity and/or the detection field can be varied.
[0039] Further preferably, at least two of the first sensor and/or
the second sensor and/or the third sensor and/or the fourth sensor
or the further sensor(s), preferably three or more or all of the
sensors, are arranged on a single circuit board, in particular, a
single printed circuit board.
[0040] Preferably, also the control unit can be arranged on the
same single circuit board, in particular, on the same single
printed circuit board. Alternatively, the control unit can be
provided on a separate (printed) circuit board. The provision of
several components on a single circuit board has the advantage of a
compact solution which is easy to manufacture and/or to install
and/or to exchange and/or to service. A single circuit board also
has a cost advantage and can be less susceptible to interference
than a cable connection, since unshielded cables may act as
antennas and may emit interference signals.
[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, the second transport
arrangement comprises a blocking element, wherein the activation of
the second transport arrangement via control unit comprises the
release of the blocking element. The blocking element of the second
transport arrangement preferably is adapted to block the activation
of the second transport arrangement, preferably for a certain time.
In particular, it is preferred that the blocking element is adapted
to block the second transport arrangement for a certain period of
time after the activation of the first transport arrangement.
Further preferably, the blocking element is adapted to be released
after a certain period of time. Further preferably, the second
transport arrangement is adapted to automatically, for example, via
a biasing mechanism, such as a spring or an electrically driven
mechanism, to retrieve the used portion of tissue web once the
blocking element is released.
[0042] When such a blocking element is present, it is particularly
preferred that the activation of the second transport arrangement
via the control unit comprises the release of the blocking element.
In particular, in case the second transport arrangement is adapted
to retrieve the used portion of tissue web once the blocking
element is released, the activation of the second transport
arrangement may consist simply in the release of the blocking
element. Further preferably, the blocking element can be coupled
with the activation of the first transport arrangement such that
the second transport arrangement will automatically be blocked once
the first transport arrangement has been activated.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking element is a time
controlled, preferably mechanical, blocking element. A time
controlled blocking element preferably is released after a
predetermined amount of time. The blocking element can be a
mechanical and/or an electric blocking element and/or a blocking
element based on a different blocking principle.
[0044] In a further preferred embodiment, the second transport
arrangement comprises a release element adapted to release the
blocking element.
[0045] In particular, the release element is adapted to release the
blocking element before the predetermined time of a time controlled
blocking element. The activation of the second transport
arrangement, for example, can comprise the activation of the
release element, which then in turn releases the blocking element
and thus enables the automatic retrieval of the used portion of
tissue web by the second transport arrangement.
[0046] For example, the release element comprises a valve, in
particular, an electric valve and/or a solenoid valve, and/or a
drive, in particular, an electric drive.
[0047] For example, the release element can comprise an
electrically driven solenoid valve which interacts with, for
example, a pneumatic blocking element in order to release it.
Preferably, the release element has a low energy consumption and/or
is adapted to be battery-supplied.
[0048] The first transport arrangement can comprise a manual
transport mechanism and/or an automatic transport mechanism, in
particular, a driven transport mechanism, preferably electrically
driven, e.g., via a battery supply and/or other energy supply. A
manual transport mechanism for the first transport arrangement
preferably is operated by action of a user, only, e.g., by a user
pulling the tissue, which preferably leads to a corresponding
provision of tissue, e.g., by decoiling and possibly guiding the
tissue via rolls to the dispensing opening. Preferably, a manual
transport mechanism does not need any energy supply, e.g., in the
form of batteries or a power line.
[0049] The second transport arrangement can comprise a manual
transport mechanism and/or an automatic transport mechanism, in
particular, a driven transport mechanism, preferably electrically
driven, e.g., via a battery supply and/or other energy supply. A
manual transport mechanism for the second transport arrangement
preferably is independent from, in particular, electric, energy
supply, e.g., in the form of batteries or a power line. Preferably,
the manual transport mechanism for the second transport arrangement
operates by tensioning and releasing a biasing element, such as a
spring, and/or via a, preferably mechanical, coupling with the
first transport mechanism.
[0050] For example, the dispenser can be a so-called "non-touch"
dispenser where the activation of the first transport arrangement
for dispensing a portion of unused tissue is realized without
having the user making contact with the dispenser of the tissue.
For example, a user's presence in front of the dispenser can be
detected and the first transport arrangement can be activated
thereupon. The detection of a user's presence can be detected, for
example, via the detection arrangement described herein and/or via
a separate detection unit, which may be specifically adapted for
detecting whether a user holds his or her hand in front of a
detection area of the dispenser, for example.
[0051] In a further preferred embodiment the detection arrangement
is in an energy-saving sleeping mode by default and preferably is
adapted to raise to an active mode upon activation of the first
transport arrangement. This embodiment is particularly preferred to
save energy consumption. For example, the control unit can be
adapted to raise the detection arrangement from the energy saving
sleeping mode to an active mode upon activation of the first
transport arrangement. Alternatively or additionally, a switch can
be provided, for example, a reed switch. Preferably, such a switch
is switched upon activation of the first transport arrangement. The
switching of the switch preferably results in raising the detection
arrangement from energy saving sleeping mode to an active mode. For
example, a reed switch can be positioned in the vicinity of the
blocking element. A magnet can be positioned on the blocking
element such that when the blocking element reaches its blocking
position (in particular, when or after the first transport
arrangement has been activated), the magnet on the blocking element
switches the reed switch and thus initiates the raising of the
detection arrangement to the active mode.
[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment the control unit
is adapted to activate the second transport arrangement when a
repeated activation of the first transport arrangement by a single
user is detected. In practice, situations can arise where a user
wants to use more than one portion of tissue web and thus
repeatedly activates the first transport arrangement. In such a
situation, it is preferred that increasingly large loops, in
particular "floor loops," are avoided. Thus, it is advantageous to
detect the repeated activation of the first transport arrangement
by the same user, i.e., a repeated activation of the first
transport arrangement without detecting a user change, and to
activate the second transport arrangement, in particular, for
retrieval of the used tissue portion, in such a situation. In
addition, maintenance and service calls and costs can be reduced,
and the availability of the dispenser for the operator can be
increased.
[0053] Increasingly large loops are heavy and harder to retrieve by
the second transport arrangement and thus put additional wear on
the second transport arrangement. By providing solutions for
avoiding increasingly large loops, the lifespan and reliability of
the second transport arrangement can be increased.
[0054] In a further preferred embodiment the control unit is
adapted to activate the second transport arrangement when a
departure speed of a user is detected that is above a threshold
value, in particular, in case such a departure speed is detected
after a certain amount of time has elapsed after a manual
activation of the first transport arrangement by a user.
[0055] When the first transport arrangement is a manual activation
mechanism, such as in dispensers where the user actively pulls the
tissue web, movements may occur right after the pulling of the
tissue by the user that resemble a high departure speed. Therefore,
the activation of the second transport arrangement in case of a
high departure speed is particularly preferred only after a certain
amount of time after a manual activation of the first transport
arrangement.
[0056] Individual or all embodiments relating to the dispenser, in
particular, the detection arrangement and/or the control unit, can
be combined and have particular advantages, also in the specific
combinations.
[0057] According to a further aspect, it is provided a retrofit kit
for a dispenser according to at least one of the preceding claims,
the retrofit kit comprising a detection arrangement comprising at
least one sensor unit, preferably comprising a first sensor and a
second sensor, for detecting a user change a control unit adapted
to activate a second transport arrangement of the dispenser when a
user change is detected.
[0058] It is particularly preferred that the retrofit kit comprises
a release element adapted to release a blocking element of the
second transport arrangement of the dispenser.
[0059] According to a further aspect, it is provided a method for
provision of portions of a tissue web, the method comprising
transporting unused tissue and transporting used tissue such that a
tissue portion located between a first transport arrangement and a
second transport arrangement protrudes through a dispensing opening
in a housing of a dispenser, detecting a user change, in
particular, with a detection arrangement comprising at least one
sensor unit, preferably comprising a first sensor and a second
sensor; activating the second transport arrangement when a user
change is detected.
[0060] According to a further aspect, it is provided a method for
upgrading a dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue web,
the method comprising installing a retrofit kit as described herein
in a dispenser for provision of portions of a tissue web, the
dispenser comprising a first transport arrangement for unused
tissue and a second transport arrangement for used tissue and a
housing with a dispensing opening through which a tissue portion
located between the first transport arrangement and the second
transport arrangement protrudes.
[0061] As to the advantages, preferred embodiments and details of
these further aspects and their preferred embodiments, reference is
made to the corresponding advantages, preferred embodiments and
details described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] Preferred embodiments shall now be described with reference
to the attached drawings, in which
[0063] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wall-mounted dispenser with
three users in a high-frequency operating situation;
[0064] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an example of a dispenser with
first and second transport arrangements;
[0065] FIG. 3 shows examples of two dispensers with two different
detection principles;
[0066] FIG. 4 shows examples of three sensors with three different
detection principles;
[0067] FIG. 5 shows an example of a dispenser in different stages
of use and a possible detection principle;
[0068] FIG. 6 shows a detail of a section of an example of a
dispenser with a second transport arrangement and a front slot of a
dispensing opening;
[0069] FIG. 7 shows side views of examples of three dispensers with
different positions of sensors having detection fields in different
directions;
[0070] FIG. 8 shows an example of a dispenser over a washbasin;
[0071] FIG. 9 shows an example of a dispenser with a sensor having
a detection field in the direction of a user;
[0072] FIG. 10a shows a further example of a dispenser with a
sensor having a detection field in the direction of a user;
[0073] FIG. 10b shows an example of a dispenser with a sensor
having a detection field in the direction of a user where three
users queue in line;
[0074] FIG. 11 shows an example of a dispenser with a sensor having
a detection field in the direction of the hands of a user;
[0075] FIG. 12 shows a further example of a dispenser with a sensor
having a detection field in the direction of the hands of a
user;
[0076] FIG. 13 shows an example of a dispenser over a washbasin
having a detection field in the direction of the hands of a
user;
[0077] FIG. 14 shows an example of a blocking element of a second
transport arrangement and a release element;
[0078] FIG. 15 shows an example of a first schematic set up of a
detection arrangement and a control unit;
[0079] FIG. 16 shows an example of a second schematic set up of a
detection arrangement and a control unit;
[0080] FIG. 17 shows an example of a schematic basic set up of
sensors on a printed circuit board;
[0081] FIG. 18 shows an example of a schematic flow diagram of an
activation of the second transport arrangement;
[0082] FIG. 19 shows two examples of a sensor output
evaluation;
[0083] FIG. 20 shows an example of an evaluation of sensor data of
a first sensor;
[0084] FIG. 21 shows an example of an evaluation of sensor data of
a second sensor;
[0085] FIG. 22 shows an example of a schematic flow diagram of a
method for provision of portions of a tissue roll; and
[0086] FIG. 23 shows an example of a schematic flow diagram of a
method for upgrading a dispenser for provision of portions of a
tissue web.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0087] In the figures, elements with the same or comparable
functions are indicated with the same reference numerals.
[0088] FIG. 1 shows an example of a wall-mounted dispenser 1 with
three users U in a high-frequency operating situation. FIG. 2 shows
a dispenser 1 in a side view.
[0089] The dispenser 1 for provision of portions of a tissue web 30
has a first transport arrangement 41 and a second transport
arrangement 42. In the figures, only schematic parts of the first
and second transport arrangement 41, 42 are shown. Further, the
dispenser 1 has a housing 10 with a back part 13, in particular,
for wall mounting the dispenser 1, and an openable housing cover 11
with a front face 12. The dispenser 1 further has a dispensing
opening 20 comprising a front slot 21 and a back slot 22. The front
slot 21 and the back slot 22 are separated by an intermediate part
14 of the housing 10.
[0090] A tissue portion 33 located between the first transport
arrangement 41 and the second transport arrangement 42 protrudes
through the dispensing opening 20. The tissue portion 33 protruding
through the dispensing opening 20 has the form of a loop, as can be
seen in FIG. 1, for example. A part 33a of the tissue portion 33
faces the user U and a part 33b of the tissue portion 33 faces the
wall or away from the user. Typically, the part 33a of the tissue
portion 33 facing the user is unused. The part 33b of the tissue
portion 33 facing the wall may be used.
[0091] Preferably, unused tissue 31 is provided in a coiled form as
a roll and dispensed through the front slot 21 of the dispensing
opening 20 by the first transport arrangement 41. Once a user U has
dried his or her hands, the part 33b of the tissue portion 33
facing the wall is retracted through the back slot 22 of the
dispensing opening 20 via the second transport arrangement 42 and
coiled up to a roll of used tissue 32.
[0092] In the next dispensing cycle, when the first transport
arrangement 41 is activated and provides tissue web 30 through the
front slot 21 of the dispensing opening 20, the former part 33a of
the tissue portion facing the user U, which has just been used,
becomes the part 33b of the tissue portion facing the wall. In this
way, the part 33a of the tissue portion 33 facing the user U is
usually freshly dispensed from the unused tissue 31 through the
front slot 21 of the dispensing opening 20 via the first transport
arrangement 41. Once this part 33a of the tissue portion 33 has
been used and the part 33b of the tissue portion 33b facing the
wall has been retracted through the back slot 22 of the dispensing
opening 20 by the second transport arrangement 42, the former user
facing part 33a of the tissue portion 33 becomes the new wall
facing part of the tissue portion 33b.
[0093] The dispenser 1 further comprises a detection arrangement
100 with a sensor unit 120 comprising a first sensor 101 and a
second sensor 102 for detecting a user change. Preferably, the
detection arrangement can comprise a third sensor 103 and possibly
a fourth sensor and possibly further sensor(s). Further, a control
unit 50 is provided, which is adapted to activate the second
transport arrangement 42 when a user change is detected. Further
preferably, the control unit 50 is also adapted to activate the
first transport arrangement 41 when a user change is detected.
[0094] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 show dispensers 1 with different detection
arrangements 100 having at least a first and a second sensor 101,
102, for detecting a user change. For example, the detection
arrangement 100 in the left-hand dispenser 1 in FIG. 3 is arranged
at the intermediate part 14 of the housing 10 of the dispenser 1
and adapted to detect movements of the hands H of a user U and the
resulting movements of the portion 33 of tissue web 30 protruding
from the dispensing opening 20. On the right-hand side of FIG. 3,
the detection arrangement 100 of the dispenser 1 is adapted to
detect the proximity of a user U or of his or her hand H in front
of the sensor 1.
[0095] The left-hand dispenser 1 in FIG. 4 has a detection
arrangement 100 comprising a first sensor 101 in the form of a
passive infrared sensor for detecting the proximity of a user's U
hand H. In the middle of FIG. 4, a dispenser 1 is depicted
comprising a second sensor 102 in the form of a capacitive sensor,
which is also adapted to detect the presence of a user's U hands H.
On the right-hand side of FIG. 4, a dispenser 1 is depicted with a
detection arrangement 100 having a third sensor 103 in the form of
a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor adapted for detecting a user's U
presence, as well as his or her arrival and/or departure to or from
the dispenser 1.
[0096] FIG. 5 shows a dispenser 1 with different forms of the
portions 33 of tissue web 30 protruding from the dispensing opening
20 during use. On the left-hand side of FIG. 5 the portion 33
protruding from the dispensing opening 20 of the dispenser 1 is
small. In the second depiction of the dispenser 1 in FIG. 5 the
first transport arrangement 42 has been activated by pulling the
tissue and the portion 33 protruding from the dispensing opening 20
has increased and clearly shows a user facing part 33a and a wall
facing part 33b. In the third depiction of the dispenser 1 in FIG.
5, the loop of the portion 33 of tissue web is hanging freely from
the dispensing opening 20. The right-hand side depiction of the
dispenser 1 in FIG. 5 shows a situation similar to the second
depiction of the dispenser 1 in FIG. 5, where the loop of the
portion 33 of the tissue web is tilted towards the right-hand side,
which means in the direction towards the user U. In particular,
when a user U uses a dispenser 1, he would draw the loop of the
portion 33 of tissue web, in particular, the part 33a towards him
or her, leading to a situation as depicted in the second and fourth
depiction of the dispenser 1 in FIG. 5. For the detection of the
movement of the tissue, a sensor can be deployed, for example,
detecting the varying distance between the user facing part 33a of
the portion 33 protruding from the dispensing opening 20 and the
intermediate portion 14 of the housing, as indicated in the second
and third depiction of the dispenser 1 in FIG. 5. Alternatively or
additionally, the detection arrangement 100 may comprise a sensor
104 depicted on the right-hand side in FIG. 5, adapted to detect
the position of the wall facing part 33b of the tissue portion 33
protruding from the dispensing opening.
[0097] The individual sensors and detection principles shown herein
are preferably combined in a detection arrangement and/or in a
sensor unit 120 having at least a first and a second sensor 101,
102, which together produce a combination of sensor signals based
on which a change user can be detected.
[0098] FIG. 6 shows a detail of a section of an example of the
dispenser 1 with a roll 41a of a first transport arrangement 41 and
a front slot 21 of a dispensing opening 20. A first sensor 101 of a
detection arrangement 100 is positioned in the front face 12 of the
housing cover 10. In FIG. 6, two different positions of the user
facing part 33a of the tissue web is shown. 33a' schematically
shows the position when a user pulls the user facing part 33a of
the tissue web. 33a'' indicates a situation where the loop of
tissue web can hang freely and the front facing part 33a'' hangs
downward through the front such 21 of the dispensing opening
20.
[0099] FIG. 7 shows three dispensers 1 with different positions of
sensors 101 having different detection fields 110 oriented in
different directions. On the left-hand side, the sensor 101 is
positioned at a lower end of the intermediate housing part 14 and
has a detection field 110 directed towards the lower end of the
user facing part 33a of the portion 33 of tissue web protruding
from the dispensing opening 20. In the middle of FIG. 7, the sensor
101 is positioned at an upper end of the intermediate housing part
14 and has a detection field 110 directed towards the inner side of
the loop of the tissue portion 33. On the right side of FIG. 7, the
sensor 101 is located at a lower part of the front face 12 of the
housing 10 and has a detection field 110 directed towards a likely
position of a user's U hands H during use of the dispenser 1.
[0100] FIG. 8 shows a dispenser 1 with a sensor having a similar
detection field 110 as on the right-hand side of FIG. 7 in a
situation where a dispenser 1 is wall-mounted over a washbasin
2.
[0101] FIG. 9 shows a dispenser 1 with a detection arrangement
having at least one sensor with a detection field 110 in a
substantially horizontal direction towards a user U.
[0102] FIG. 10a shows a dispenser 1 having a detection arrangement
with at least one sensor having a detection field 110 in the
direction of a user U. FIG. 10b shows a similar situation as FIG. 8
but with a queue of three users U, i.e., a high-frequency
situation.
[0103] FIG. 11 shows a dispenser 1 with a detection arrangement
having at least one sensor with a detection field 110 directed
towards the likely position of the hands H of a user U during use
of the dispenser 1.
[0104] FIG. 12 shows a dispenser 1 similar to the dispenser
depicted in FIG. 11 in a top view.
[0105] FIG. 13 shows a dispenser 1 similar to the dispenser
depicted in FIG. 11. In FIG. 13, additional washroom components are
shown, which are common in practice and often pose challenges to
the correct detection of a user change, in particular, a washbasin
2 with metallic surface, ceiling mounted elements 3 like heat
radiators, light bulbs, or heaters, and underfloor heating 4.
[0106] FIG. 14 shows an example of a blocking element 210 of a
second transport arrangement 42 and a release element 220. The
blocking element 210 is in the form of a time controlled,
mechanical blocking element having a spring 211 and a pneumatic
component 212 controlled by a time controlled valve 215.
[0107] When the first transport arrangement 41 is activated, the
blocking element 210 is moved against the force of spring 211 into
its blocking position, where the pneumatic element 212 is brought
against the wall 213 having a hole 214. The pneumatic element 212
is sucked there against and will be released only after a certain
amount of time, which is defined by the time controlled valve 215.
For example, the certain amount of time, after which the pneumatic
element 212 will be released, can be changed by adjusting or
exchanging the time controlled valve 215.
[0108] On the other side of the wall 213, the opening 214 is closed
by a closure element 222 connected to a release valve 221 in the
form of a solenoid valve. This release element 220 is adapted to
release the blocking element 210 by moving the closure element 222
away from the hole 214. In this way, the pneumatic element 212
relaxes prematurely, i.e., before the determined time of the time
controlled valve 215 of the blocking element 210 is over.
[0109] Once the pneumatic element 212 is released (either after a
certain time via the time controlled valve 215 or prematurely via
the release valve 221), the blocking element 210 moves back into
its unblocked position shown on the left-hand side in FIG. 14 via
the force of spring 211. The detail on the right-hand side on FIG.
14 shows the blocking element 210 in its blocking position.
[0110] FIGS. 15 and 16 show examples of schematic setups of a
detection arrangement 100 and a control unit 50. In principle, a
retrofit kit 300 as described herein can comprise or consist of
such a detection arrangement and a control unit. For example, in
FIG. 15, a first printed circuit board 51 as well as a second and
third printed circuit board 52 and 53 are provided. The first
printed circuit board 51 is the main board comprising the central
processing unit (CPU) and the batteries and is connected via for
spring connectors 54 to the third printed circuit board 53 the
which the release valve 221 of the release element 220 and a
switch, preferably a magnetic switch 230 are connected to activate
the release element. Further, the first printed circuit board 51 is
connected to a second printed circuit board 52 housing a sensor
101, for example, a TOF sensor, and having a detection field
110.
[0111] FIG. 16 shows an example where a first sensor 101, for
example, a TOF sensor having a detection field 110, a second sensor
102, for example, an infrared sensor having a detection field 110,
and a third sensor 103, for example, an acceleration sensor, are
all located on one single printed circuit board 51 together with
the control unit 50. In this case, on the main printed circuit
board the CPU and the battery are also positioned having a
detection field 110. The release valve 221 of the release element
is connected to this single printed circuit board 51.
[0112] FIG. 17 shows a further example of a printed circuit board
with a first sensor, for example, a time of flight sensor 101 with
a detection field 110, a second sensor 102, for example, in the
form of an infrared sensor with a detection field 110, a third
sensor 103, in the form of an accelerometer.
[0113] FIG. 18 shows a schematic flow diagram of an example
activation of the second transport arrangement. On the right-hand
side, the steps related to the blocking element 210 are shown, on
the left-hand side the steps related to the detection arrangement
100 are shown. Step 401 depicts the start, which can be the
activation of the first transport arrangement. This moves the
blocking elements 210 in the blocking position and thereby switches
the switch 230. This leads to the raising of the detection
arrangement 100 from energy-saving sleeping mode to an active mode
in step 403. In the following steps, the sensors of the detection
arrangement 100 are detecting whether the user change takes place
or not. Firstly, in step 404 it is detected whether a user is
present in front of the dispenser. In step 408 the value is stored
in case a user is present in front of the sensor. In step 406 it is
determined whether the user moves away from the sensor. This is
done as long as the user does not move away. As soon as the user
does move away, the release element is activated in step 407 and
the blocking element 210 is released. Subsequently, in step 408,
the detection arrangement goes back into energy-saving sleeping
mode.
[0114] Further, after step 403 and parallel to step 404, a timer
countdown is started in step 409, wherein in step 410 a time value
can be set for this timer countdown. This timer countdown
preferably corresponds to the predetermined time of the time
controlled locking element 210. Step 411 checks whether the timer
has counted down to zero. Once the timer is counted down to zero,
the detection arrangement 100 is also put into energy-saving
sleeping mode again, possibly without activating the release
element in step 407, in case the timer has counted down to zero
before a user change has been detected in steps 404, 406, and
408.
[0115] FIG. 19 shows an example of two different sensor outputs
over time. For the reliability and accuracy of the detection of a
user change it is advantageous when the sensor output gives a clear
indication of an event to be detected. In the left-hand example of
FIG. 19, the sensor signal indicates the use of the dispenser when
the sensor output is larger than a threshold for certain period of
time. On the right-hand side of FIG. 19, a use is detected when the
sensor output, for example, resembling a proximity of a user, is
below a certain threshold for certain period of time. Sensors are
preferred, which produce a reliable sensor signal allowing to
indicate an event in a very short amount of time, i.e., having a
short response time.
[0116] FIGS. 20 and 21 show examples on how sensor signals can be
interpreted for further assessment, in particular in order to have
the control unit act upon detected events. In FIG. 20, the line S
shows the sensor signal indicating the end of usage, and line I
shows the interpretation thereof that the user is out of range.
FIG. 21 shows with S1 a peak in the sensor signal indicating that a
new tissue portion is released and a second peak S2 that the tissue
portion is swinging. The vertical portion in dashed line I shows
the interpretation of the end of usage.
[0117] FIGS. 22 and 23, finally, show schematic flow diagrams of
the following methods.
[0118] FIG. 22 shows a method 1000 for provision of portions of a
tissue web, the method comprising transporting 1001 unused tissue
and transporting used tissue such that a tissue portion located
between a first transport arrangement and a second transport
arrangement protrudes through a dispensing opening in a housing of
a dispenser, detecting 1002 a user change; activating 1003 the
second transport arrangement when a user change is detected.
[0119] The method 2000 for upgrading a dispenser for provision of
portions of a tissue web, depicted in FIG. 23 comprises installing
2001 a retrofit kit 300 in a dispenser for provision of portions of
a tissue web, the dispenser comprising a first transport
arrangement for unused tissue and a second transport arrangement
for used tissue and a housing with a dispensing opening through
which a tissue portion located between the first transport
arrangement and the second transport arrangement protrudes.
* * * * *