A public place paper towel limited access device and method

Abstract

The application provides a public place paper towel limited taking device, which comprises a sealed shell, a paper towel box arranged in the shell, a moving mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a sensing mechanism, a control mechanism and a baffle, the lower end of the shell is provided with an opening, the baffle is rotatably arranged at the lower end of the moving mechanism to open or close the opening, the bottom of the paper towel box is provided with a paper outlet, the paper towel box moves up and down through the moving mechanism, the linkage mechanism is arranged between the bottom of the paper towel box and the baffle to rotate up and down along with the up and down movement of the paper towel box, and the control mechanism is connected with the moving mechanism and the sensing mechanism respectively. The application also provides a public place paper towel limited taking method. The application can limit the number of paper sheets taken each time and the number of times of taking paper, effectively reduces the behavior of continuously taking paper and avoids the waste phenomenon.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device and method for limiting the use of tissues in public places. Background Technology

[0002] Paper is an essential part of our daily lives, and we should cultivate the good habit of saving paper.

[0003] In various public places, especially at the entrance of public restrooms, there are tissue boxes for hand towels that can be pulled out. These tissue boxes open at the bottom, and the tissues are folded inside and require a certain amount of force to pull out. For ease of use, these tissue boxes are usually fixed to the wall, with the tissues dispensed from the bottom. Although many tissue boxes have signs such as "Save Paper," some people still take out multiple tissues at once, and some even take them home repeatedly, causing the tissue boxes to quickly become empty. This not only wastes paper but also leaves more people who need it without access to it. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a device and method for limiting the amount of tissue paper taken in public places. This method can limit the number of tissues taken each time and the number of times tissues can be taken, effectively reducing the behavior of constantly pulling out tissues and avoiding waste.

[0005] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] A public place tissue dispenser includes a sealed outer shell, a tissue box disposed within the outer shell, a moving mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a sensing mechanism, a control mechanism, and a baffle. The lower end of the outer shell has an opening, and the baffle is rotatably disposed at the lower end of the moving mechanism to open or close the opening. The tissue box has a paper outlet at its bottom. The tissue box moves up and down via the moving mechanism. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the bottom of the tissue box and the baffle, rotating up and down as the tissue box moves. The control mechanism is connected to both the moving mechanism and the sensing mechanism. Based on the sensing signal from the sensing mechanism, the control mechanism controls the moving mechanism to move the tissue box down to the opening and remain there for a first period of time. After the tissue box moves up, the control mechanism continues to control the moving mechanism based on the sensing signal only after a second period of time.

[0007] Furthermore, the first time period is 2-3 seconds.

[0008] Furthermore, the second segment lasts for 30-60 seconds.

[0009] Furthermore, the moving mechanism includes a vertical plate, a lead screw, a slider, a motor, and two limit switches. The motor is mounted on the vertical plate, one end of the lead screw is connected to the output end of the motor, the slider is threadedly mounted on the lead screw, the side of the tissue box is connected to the slider, the vertical plate has a vertically extending first strip hole, the lead screw and the tissue box are respectively mounted on both sides of the vertical plate, the slider is arranged through the first strip hole, and the two limit switches are respectively mounted on the upper and lower parts of the vertical plate. The two limit switches and the motor are respectively connected to the control mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the linkage mechanism includes two connecting plates spaced apart on the baffle, a connecting rod respectively disposed between the two connecting plates and the tissue box, a first bolt and a first nut. The connecting plates are provided with a second strip-shaped hole extending laterally, and the lower end of the connecting rod is provided with a through hole corresponding to the second strip-shaped hole. After the first bolt passes through the through hole and the second strip-shaped hole, it is locked in the first nut. When the tissue box moves down, the connection point between the connecting rod and the connecting plate moves outward along the second strip-shaped hole, causing the baffle to rotate downward.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes a warning mechanism installed on the outer casing, which is connected to the control mechanism. After receiving the sensing signal during a second period of time, the control mechanism controls the warning mechanism to issue a warning signal.

[0012] Furthermore, the control mechanism includes a microcontroller, CPU, MCU, PLC, or microprocessor.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensing mechanism includes an infrared sensor disposed at the bottom of the housing.

[0014] This invention is also achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0015] A method for limiting the use of tissues in public places includes the following steps:

[0016] A. The control mechanism controls the movement of the moving mechanism based on the sensor signal fed back by the sensor mechanism, so that the tissue box moves down. The movement of the tissue box causes the baffle to rotate downward. When the tissue box moves down to the opening, the baffle opens the opening.

[0017] B. After the tissue box stays at the opening for a certain period of time, the control mechanism controls the movement mechanism to move the tissue box upward, thereby driving the baffle to rotate upward. When the tissue box moves to the predetermined position, the baffle completely closes the opening.

[0018] C. During the second time period, if the control mechanism receives a sensing signal from the sensing mechanism, it does not control the movement of the moving mechanism. After the second time period, if the control mechanism receives a sensing signal, it proceeds to step A.

[0019] Furthermore, between step B and step C, the following steps are also included:

[0020] B1. The outer casing is equipped with a display screen for displaying a countdown and a warning mechanism for issuing a warning signal. After the tissue box moves to the predetermined position, the control mechanism controls the display screen to count down. When the second countdown is completed, step C is entered. During the countdown, the control mechanism receives a signal from the sensing mechanism and controls the warning mechanism to issue a warning signal.

[0021] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0022] 1. When someone needs to take tissues, they move their hand to the outer casing. The sensor detects the signal, and the control mechanism, based on the feedback signal, controls the moving mechanism to lower the tissue box. This downward movement causes the baffle to rotate downwards. When the tissue box reaches the opening, the baffle opens, allowing tissues to be taken. After the tissue box remains at the opening for a certain period, the control mechanism controls the moving mechanism to raise the tissue box, causing the baffle to rotate upwards. When the tissue box reaches a predetermined position, the baffle completely closes the opening, limiting the tissue-taking time to the first period. After the second period, if the control mechanism receives a feedback signal from the sensor, it does not control the moving mechanism. After the mechanism operates, if the control mechanism receives a sensing signal after the second time period, it repeats the process of the tissue box moving downwards. This ensures that no more tissues can be taken during the second time period after the tissues have been taken. Limiting the tissue taking time avoids taking too many tissues at once, as many people do not have the patience to wait for a period of time after taking one. This prevents one person from taking tissues multiple times in a row, thus limiting both the number of tissues taken and the number of times they can be taken, effectively reducing the behavior of constantly pulling out tissues and avoiding waste. The baffle is connected to the tissue box, and when its opening is closed, it cannot be opened by external force, ensuring the smooth achievement of the purpose of limiting tissue taking. This invention has a simple structure, is easy to manufacture, and has low cost.

[0023] 2. Setting the first time interval to 2-3 seconds ensures that 1-2 tissues can be drawn, which is sufficient. Setting the second time interval to 30-60 seconds will meet the needs in most cases.

[0024] 3. A warning mechanism is installed on the outer casing, which can remind the user that the device is not damaged, but requires a short period of time, so as to prevent the user from thinking that the device is damaged and abandoning it. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (with an outer shell and a closed opening).

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (with an outer shell and an open opening).

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (with the outer shell removed, showing the tissue box).

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention (with the outer casing removed, showing the motor).

[0030] The components include: 1. Outer shell; 2. Tissue box; 31. Vertical plate; 32. Lead screw; 33. Slider; 34. Limit switch; 35. First strip hole; 36. Motor; 41. Second horizontal plate; 42. Fourth vertical plate; 43. Connecting rod; 44. First bolt; 45. First nut; 46. Second strip hole; 5. Sensing mechanism; 61. Second vertical plate; 62. First horizontal plate; 63. Third vertical plate; 7. Baffle; 81. Limiting ring; 82. Fixing plate; 9. Warning mechanism; 10. Display screen. Detailed Implementation

[0031] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the public place tissue limited dispensing device includes a sealed outer shell 1, a tissue box 2 disposed inside the outer shell 1, a moving mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a sensing mechanism 5, a control mechanism, a baffle 7, a warning mechanism 9, and a display screen 10. The lower end of the outer shell 1 has an opening. The baffle 7 is hinged to the lower end of the moving mechanism to open or close the opening. The bottom of the tissue box 2 has a paper outlet. Tissues are stacked inside the tissue box 2 and require a certain amount of force to be pulled out. The tissue box 2 moves up and down via the moving mechanism. The linkage mechanism is disposed between the bottom of the tissue box 2 and the baffle 7, rotating up and down as the tissue box 2 moves. The control mechanism is connected to both the moving mechanism and the sensing mechanism 5. The control mechanism controls the moving mechanism based on the sensing signal from the sensing mechanism 5, causing the tissue box 2 to move down to the opening and remain there for a first period of time. After the tissue box 2 moves up, the control mechanism continues to control the moving mechanism based on the sensing signal after a second period of time. In this embodiment, the first period of time is set to 3 seconds, and the second period of time is set to 60 seconds.

[0032] The moving mechanism includes a vertical plate 31, a lead screw 32, a slider 33, a motor 36, two limit switches 34, an auxiliary mechanism, and a limiting mechanism. The motor 36 is located on the upper end of the vertical plate 31. The auxiliary mechanism is located on the vertical plate 31 to help fix the motor 36. One end of the lead screw 32 is connected to the output end of the motor 36. The slider 33 is provided with a through hole, and the inner side of the through hole is provided with a thread that matches the lead screw 32. The motor 36 drives the lead screw 32 to rotate, and the slider 33 can move up and down with the rotation of the lead screw 32. The side of the tissue box 2 is connected to the slider 33. The vertical plate 31 is provided with a vertically extending first strip hole 35. The lead screw 32 and the tissue box 2 are respectively located on both sides of the vertical plate 31. The slider 33 is arranged through the first strip hole 35. The two limit switches 34 are respectively located on the upper and lower parts of the vertical plate 31. The two limit switches 34 and the motor 36 are respectively connected to the control mechanism. The control mechanism controls the motor 36 to move according to the signal fed back by the limit switches 34 so that the tissue box 2 stops accurately at the preset position. In another embodiment, the limit switch 34 may be omitted, and the motor 36 may be replaced with a servo motor 36 to precisely control the position of the tissue box 2.

[0033] The motor 36 is mounted on one side of the vertical plate 31. The auxiliary mechanism includes a second vertical plate 61 mounted on the upper end of the other side of the vertical plate 31, a first horizontal plate 62 mounted on the upper end of the second horizontal plate 61, and a third vertical plate 63 mounted on the end of the first horizontal plate 62 and extending downward. The upper part of the motor 36 is located between the second horizontal plate 41, the third vertical plate 63, and the vertical plate 31. The limiting mechanism includes two limiting rings 81 spaced apart at the upper and lower ends of the first strip hole 35. The limiting rings 81 are fixed to the vertical plate 31 by fixing plates 82 mounted on both sides of them. The lead screw 32 passes through the two limiting rings 81 respectively.

[0034] The linkage mechanism includes two connecting plates spaced apart on the baffle 7, a connecting rod 43 respectively disposed between the two connecting plates and the tissue box 2, a first bolt 44, and a first nut 45. The connecting plates have a second, laterally extending slotted hole 46. The lower end of the connecting rod 43 has a through hole corresponding to the second slotted hole 46. After the first bolt 44 passes through the through hole and the second slotted hole 46, it is locked in the first nut 45. When the tissue box 2 moves downward, the connection point between the connecting rod 43 and the connecting plate moves outward along the second slotted hole 46, causing the baffle 7 to rotate downward. The connecting plate includes a second horizontal plate 41 fixed to the baffle 7 and a fourth vertical plate 42 disposed at one end of the second horizontal plate 41. The second slotted hole 46 is disposed on the fourth vertical plate 42.

[0035] The sensing mechanism 5 includes an infrared sensor located at the bottom of the housing 1.

[0036] Both the warning mechanism 9 and the display screen 10 are connected to the control mechanism. The warning mechanism 9 is specifically an LED light and / or a voice alarm module.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control mechanism includes a 51 microcontroller.

[0038] The method for limiting the use of tissues in public places includes the following steps:

[0039] A. The control mechanism controls the movement of the moving mechanism according to the sensing signal fed back by the sensing mechanism 5, so that the tissue box 2 moves down. The movement of the tissue box 2 causes the baffle 7 to rotate downward. When the tissue box 2 moves down to the opening, the baffle 7 opens the opening.

[0040] B. After the tissue box 2 stays at the opening for a period of time, the control mechanism controls the movement mechanism to move the tissue box 2 upward, thereby driving the baffle 7 to rotate upward. When the tissue box 2 moves to the predetermined position, the baffle 7 completely closes the opening.

[0041] B1. The outer casing 1 is equipped with a display screen 10 for displaying a countdown and an alarm mechanism 9 for issuing an alarm signal. After the tissue box 2 moves to the predetermined position, the control mechanism controls the display screen 10 to count down. When the second countdown is completed, step C is entered. During the countdown period (i.e., the second period), the control mechanism receives a signal from the sensing mechanism 5 and controls the alarm mechanism 9 to issue an alarm signal. The alarm signal includes an LED light turning on or flashing, or a voice alarm module issuing a voice such as "Please wait".

[0042] C. During the second time period, if the control mechanism receives the sensing signal from the sensing mechanism 5, it does not control the movement of the moving mechanism. After the second time period, if the control mechanism receives the sensing signal, it proceeds to step A.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. All equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the scope of the patent application and the contents of the specification of the present invention should still fall within the scope of the patent of the present invention.

Claims

1. A public place paper towel rationing device, characterized by: The device comprises a sealed shell, a tissue box arranged in the shell, a moving mechanism, a linkage mechanism, a sensing mechanism, a control mechanism and a baffle. The lower end of the shell is provided with an opening. The baffle is rotatably arranged at the lower end of the moving mechanism to open or close the opening. The bottom of the tissue box is provided with a paper outlet. The tissue box moves up and down through the moving mechanism. The linkage mechanism is arranged between the bottom of the tissue box and the baffle to rotate up and down with the up and down movement of the tissue box. The control mechanism is connected with the moving mechanism and the sensing mechanism respectively. The control mechanism controls the moving mechanism to act according to the sensing signal of the sensing mechanism to make the tissue box move down to the opening and stay for a first period of time. After the tissue box moves up, the control mechanism continues to control the moving mechanism according to the sensing signal only after a second period of time. The paper towel limited taking method based on the public place paper towel limited taking device comprises the following steps: A. The control mechanism controls the moving mechanism to act according to the sensing signal fed back by the sensing mechanism to make the tissue box move down. The downward movement of the tissue box drives the baffle to rotate downward. When the tissue box moves down to the opening, the baffle opens the opening. B. After the tissue box stays at the opening for a first period of time, the control mechanism controls the moving mechanism to act to make the tissue box move up, thereby driving the baffle to rotate upward. When the tissue box moves up to a predetermined position, the baffle completely closes the opening. C. In the second period of time, the control mechanism does not control the moving mechanism to act if the sensing signal fed back by the sensing mechanism is received. After the second period of time, the control mechanism enters step A if the sensing signal is received. The first period of time is 2-3 seconds. The second period of time is 30-60 seconds. Between step B and step C, the following step is further included: B1. A display screen for displaying time countdown and a warning mechanism for issuing a warning signal are arranged on the shell. After the tissue box moves up to the predetermined position, the control mechanism controls the display screen to count down. When the second period of time is counted down, step C is entered. If the control mechanism receives the signal fed back by the sensing mechanism during the countdown, the control mechanism controls the warning mechanism to issue a warning signal. The linkage mechanism comprises two connecting plates arranged at intervals on the baffle, connecting rods arranged between the two connecting plates and the tissue box respectively, a first bolt and a first nut. The connecting plates are provided with a second slot extending transversely. The lower end of the connecting rod is provided with a through hole corresponding to the second slot. The first bolt is locked in the first nut after passing through the through hole and the second slot. When the tissue box moves down, the connecting point of the connecting rod and the connecting plate moves outward along the second slot, so that the baffle rotates downward.

2. A public place paper towel limited taking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism comprises a vertical plate, a lead screw, a sliding block, a motor and two travel switches. The motor is arranged on the vertical plate. One end of the lead screw is connected with the output end of the motor. The sliding block is arranged on the lead screw in a threaded matching manner. The side surface of the tissue box is connected with the sliding block. The vertical plate is provided with a first slot extending vertically. The lead screw and the tissue box are arranged on both sides of the vertical plate. The sliding block is arranged through the first slot. The two travel switches are arranged on the upper and lower parts of the vertical plate respectively. The two travel switches and the motor are connected with the control mechanism respectively.

3. A public place paper towel limited taking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The alarm mechanism is arranged on the shell and connected with the control mechanism.

4. A public place paper towel limited taking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control mechanism comprises a single-chip microcomputer, a CPU, an MCU, a PLC or a microprocessor.

5. A public place paper towel limited taking device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The sensing mechanism comprises an infrared sensor arranged at the bottom of the shell.

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