Method of assessing a dispenser status and dispenser

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for assessing a state of a dispenser (1) for dispensing a wiping sheet product, the dispenser (1) comprising a sensor (20), such as a radar sensor (20); the sensor being configured to emit a sensor beam; the method comprising: - providing, using the sensor (20), a sensor echo signal indicative of a distance from the sensor (20) to one or more reflecting surfaces (21) at least partly reflecting the sensor beam, wherein one of the one or more reflecting surfaces is the boundary surface (32) (S100); and, - determining, using the sensor echo signal, a state of the dispenser (10) (S200). The method also relates to a dispenser (1), a control unit and a computer program for performing the method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for evaluating the state of a dispenser for dispensing sheet products for wiping, and to a dispenser for dispensing sheet products. This disclosure also relates to a computer program, a computer-readable medium, and a control unit for implementing the method. Background Technology

[0002] In public or industrial environments, sheet products for wiping, such as paper or nonwoven sheet products, such as toilet paper, household towels, napkins, hand towels, or industrial rags, are typically provided to users in designated sheet product dispensers. When the dispenser runs out of product, it needs to be refilled with new sheet products periodically.

[0003] To assess the remaining amount of sheet product in the dispenser, a level sensor can be placed in the dispenser, and the information from the level sensor can be used to indicate when new sheet product needs to be refilled.

[0004] US2014 / 0367401 describes a dispenser with an ultrasonic product level sensor and a system including such a level sensor.

[0005] However, given the variety of dispenser designs and the numerous alternatives to sheet products, improvements and / or alternatives are still needed when it comes to evaluating the condition of dispensers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One object of the present invention is to meet the need for the aforementioned improvements and / or alternatives.

[0007] In a first aspect, a method is provided for evaluating the state of a dispenser for dispensing sheet products for wiping, the dispenser defining a storage volume for accommodating a source of sheet product supply when the dispenser is in use, the storage volume defining a consumption direction, the position of the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source changing along the consumption direction as the amount of sheet product in the dispenser decreases, the storage volume extending along the consumption direction at least between a minimum storage volume corresponding to a minimum storage volume corresponding to a maximum storage volume corresponding to a maximum storage volume corresponding to a maximum sheet product supply source in the dispenser; and the dispenser including a sensor, such as a radar sensor, configured to emit a sensor beam;

[0008] The method includes:

[0009] - Using the sensor, a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to the boundary surface is provided, and a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to the reflective surface is provided when one or more reflective surfaces that at least partially reflect the sensor beam are located between the sensor and the boundary surface; and

[0010] - Use sensor echo signals to determine the distributor's status.

[0011] Sheet products for wiping can be, for example, paper sheets or nonwoven products. Sheet products can be provided as continuous webs with or without perforations. Such continuous webs can be provided, for example, as folded stacks or rolls. Sheet products can be separate products, such as in the form of individual sheets. For example, such individual sheets can be folded and / or staggered and arranged in a stack. Sheet products for wiping can be, for example, industrial wipes, kitchen paper towels, toilet paper, towels, or napkins.

[0012] The sensor is configured to emit a sensor beam that is at least partially reflected by a boundary surface. Furthermore, the sensor is configured to emit a sensor beam that is at least partially reflected by one or more reflective surfaces located between the sensor and the boundary surface, so as to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to the reflective surface.

[0013] The reflective surfaces can be spaced apart along the consumption direction.

[0014] The reflective surface can have an extension perpendicular to the consumption direction.

[0015] The sensor can be configured to emit a sensor beam that is only partially reflected by one or more reflective surfaces. Thus, the unreflected portion of the beam can propagate through a first reflective surface to the next reflective surface, as observed along the direction of beam propagation, thereby providing a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to one or more reflective surfaces. A portion of the beam can then propagate through the next reflective surface, and so on.

[0016] The sensor can be configured such that after passing through any one or more reflective surfaces present between the sensor and the boundary surface, a portion of the beam will reach the boundary surface, such that the sensor echo signal indicates the distance from the sensor to the boundary surface.

[0017] Therefore, even when one or more reflective surfaces are located between the sensor and the boundary surface, the sensor can provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the surface to the boundary surface.

[0018] The sensor requirements can be adapted to reflective surfaces that the sensor beam is likely to encounter in the distributor.

[0019] For example, a sensor could be a radar sensor that is arranged to transmit a radar beam and sense the echo of the radar beam in order to provide a radar echo signal.

[0020] The state to be determined can be the sheet supply status, indicating the amount of sheet products in the dispenser's storage volume. Alternatively or additionally, the state to be determined can indicate a dispenser error. A dispenser error can be, for example, a breakage of a sheet or web inside the dispenser.

[0021] Determining the state of a distributor using sensor echo signals can include using sensor echo signals that indicate the distance from the surface to the boundary surface and to one or more reflective surfaces located between the sensor and the boundary surface. Therefore, information about not only the boundary surface but also about the reflective surfaces can be used to determine the state of the distributor.

[0022] A dispenser being in use means that it is ready for use, that is, it contains a source of sheet product supply, and, if applicable, the sheet product is threaded through the dispenser. A dispenser being in use does not necessarily mean that sheet products are continuously moving or being actively fed from the dispenser.

[0023] Optionally, the boundary surface is the surface from which the sheet product is supplied when the dispenser is in use. Using a sensor to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to one or more reflective surfaces that at least partially reflect the sensor beam allows the boundary surface, from which the sheet product is supplied, to be used as a basis for evaluating the dispenser's condition. This may be particularly advantageous for certain dispenser designs.

[0024] Optionally, at least one of one or more reflective surfaces is located between the sensor and the boundary surface. The reflective surface may partially reflect, meaning that the sensor can provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to the boundary surface, even if one or more other reflective surfaces are located between the sensor and the boundary surface.

[0025] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces located between the sensor and the boundary surface has a surface extension that at least partially covers the boundary surface as seen along the propagation direction of the sensor beam.

[0026] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces located between the sensor and the boundary surface has a surface extension that completely covers the boundary surface as seen along the propagation direction of the sensor beam.

[0027] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces is located in a storage volume between the minimum and maximum storage volume.

[0028] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces may be a static element. In this context, "static" means an element that is in the same position relative to the sensor and storage volume during dispenser use.

[0029] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces includes a distributor element.

[0030] Such a dispenser element can be a static element, such as part of the dispenser housing, part of the threading device, etc. For example, such a dispenser element can be located inside the dispenser, outside the storage volume.

[0031] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces may be a dynamic element. In this context, "dynamic" means an element whose position relative to the sensor and storage volume may change during the use of the dispenser.

[0032] Dispenser elements can be dynamic elements, such as components inside the dispenser housing, which are configured to present more than one position when the dispenser is in use.

[0033] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces is a sheet product element.

[0034] Optionally, the sheet product element may include a sheet product supplied from a sheet product supply source when the dispenser is in use. For example, the sheet product element may be a sheet product layer.

[0035] For example, the sensor can be configured to emit a sensor beam that is only partially reflected by a sheet product, such as a sensor beam that is only partially reflected by a sheet product supplied from a sheet product supply source. Therefore, if one or more sheet product elements are located between the sensor and a boundary surface, at least a portion of the sensor beam can still reach the boundary surface, and the sensor echo signal can indicate the distance from the sensor to the sheet product element, and the distance from the sensor to the boundary surface.

[0036] Sheet product components can be dynamic components, meaning that the position of the sheet product components can change during the use of the dispenser.

[0037] The distributor can define a web path along which sheet products are supplied from a sheet product supply source to the distributor opening when the distributor is in use. The web path can have such an extension that, when the distributor is in use, a sensor echo signal indicates the position of one or more sheet product elements along the web path.

[0038] For example, the web path can extend at least partially across the storage volume between the minimum and maximum storage volumes.

[0039] Alternatively, the web path can be constant, i.e., the web path has substantially the same extent of extension within the distributor regardless of the location of the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source.

[0040] Alternatively, the web path can be varied, i.e., depending on the location of, for example, the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source, the web path follows several different possible extensions within the distributor.

[0041] Optionally, the step of determining the dispenser state includes identifying boundary surfaces using sensor echo signals. For example, the step of identifying boundary surfaces may include identifying the boundary surfaces from one or more surfaces indicated by the sensor echo signals. This may be the case, for example, when the sensor echo signals indicate at least one reflective surface in addition to the boundary surfaces.

[0042] Optionally, the sensor echo signal indicates the sensor signal amplitude, and the step of determining the distributor state includes determining the state based on the sensor signal amplitude.

[0043] For example, the step of identifying boundary surfaces may include using the amplitude of sensor echo signals. For example, the step of determining the location of boundary surfaces within a storage volume may include using the amplitude of sensor signals to identify the maximum amplitude value.

[0044] For example, the step of identifying any reflective surface may include using the amplitude of a sensor signal to identify the maximum amplitude.

[0045] Optionally, the step of determining the dispenser state includes determining the position of the boundary surface between the maximum storage volume level and the minimum storage volume level in the storage volume along the consumption direction.

[0046] Optionally, the step of determining the distributor state includes comparing the sensor echo signal with one or more reference sensor echo signals.

[0047] For example, the step of identifying boundary surfaces can be performed by comparing sensor echo signals with echo signals from one or more reference sensors.

[0048] For example, the step of determining the distributor state can be performed simply by comparing the sensor echo signal with one or more reference sensor echo signals.

[0049] Optionally, the one or more reference sensor echo signals include empty distributor reference signals obtained from a distributor in which there is no sheet product supply source.

[0050] For example, the empty distributor reference signal can be used to filter out information from the sensor echo signal that is related to the distributor rather than to the source of the sheet product supply.

[0051] For example, information about static elements (e.g., distributor elements) located at the boundary surface between the sensor and the web supply source can be filtered out using an empty distributor reference signal.

[0052] Optionally, the step of determining the distributor status may include comparing the sensor echo signal with an empty distributor reference signal to form a calibrated sensor echo signal, and continuing the evaluation based on the calibrated sensor echo signal.

[0053] Optionally, the one or more reference sensor echo signals include one or more reference signals corresponding to a predetermined state of the distributor.

[0054] Therefore, for reference, it is possible to measure and store the sensor echo signals obtained when the dispenser includes different amounts of sheet product supply sources (i.e., corresponding to different states).

[0055] Optionally, the sheet state can be one of a plurality of predetermined states.

[0056] For example, the one or more reference signals corresponding to the dispenser state correspond to a ready-to-refill state, a fully filled state, and / or a near-depleted state.

[0057] The reference signal mentioned here can be measured and stored using a sensor for measurement on the dispenser itself under different conditions. Alternatively, the reference signal can be obtained from measurements of a sample dispenser with the same design. Therefore, the reference signal obtained from the sample dispenser can be used for several dispensers with the same design.

[0058] The status of the current sheet material supply source can be determined by comparing the current sensor echo signal with the reference sensor echo signal.

[0059] Optionally, the storage volume is divided along the consumption direction by one or more thresholds, and the step of determining the distributor state includes using sensor echo signals to determine whether the position of the boundary surface is above or below the one or more thresholds.

[0060] Optionally, the method includes: one of the one or more thresholds is a refill threshold, and when the location of the boundary surface is determined to be above the refill threshold observed along the consumption direction, determining that the dispenser is ready for refill; and / or

[0061] One of the one or more thresholds is a fill threshold, and the dispenser is determined to be adequately filled when the location of the boundary surface is determined to be below the fill threshold observed along the consumption direction; and / or

[0062] One of the one or more thresholds is a depletion threshold, and when the location of the boundary surface is determined to be above the depletion threshold (as observed along the depletion direction), the state of the allocator is determined to be close to depletion.

[0063] For example, the refill threshold can be set at a distance from the minimum storage volume level to indicate that refilling of the dispenser is appropriate.

[0064] For example, the filling threshold can be set at locations where refilling is no longer required, or alternatively, at locations where refilling is impossible, such as when there is no space in the storage volume to introduce a refilling supply.

[0065] Optionally, the filling threshold can be equal to the refill threshold, meaning the evaluation will use a single threshold level to select between the refilled and fully filled states.

[0066] For example, a near-depletion threshold can be set at a point in the dispenser where only a small amount of sheet material remains, indicating a more urgent need for refilling.

[0067] Thresholds can be set at different intervals along the consumption direction between the minimum and maximum storage levels, depending on their intended use.

[0068] Optionally, the threshold can be set in incremental steps along the consumption direction between the minimum and maximum storage levels to enable determination of the incremental state.

[0069] Optionally, the state can continuously indicate the location of the boundary surface within the storage volume. For example, the sheet state can simply be the current distance from the boundary surface to the minimum or maximum storage level in the dispenser, expressed, for example, in units of length or as a portion of the entire length between the minimum and maximum levels.

[0070] Optionally, the method may further include:

[0071] - Send a signal indicating the status.

[0072] Optionally, when determining the state that has changed compared to the previous state, the step of issuing a signal indicating the state may be performed.

[0073] Alternatively, the step of issuing a signal indicating the state can be performed at regular intervals.

[0074] Alternatively, the step of issuing a signal indicating the state can be performed upon request.

[0075] The signal indicating this status can be transmitted wirelessly or via wired means, for example, to the processing unit.

[0076] In a second aspect, a control unit is provided, configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

[0077] In a third aspect, a computer program is provided, comprising program code means for performing the steps of the method of the first aspect when the program is run on a computer.

[0078] In a fourth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided carrying a computer program, the computer program including program code means for performing steps of the method according to the first aspect when the program is run on a computer.

[0079] In a fifth aspect, a dispenser is provided for dispensing sheet products for wiping. The dispenser defines a storage volume for accommodating a source of sheet product supply when the dispenser is in use. The storage volume defines a consumption direction. When sheet products are supplied from the sheet product supply source, the position of the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source changes along the consumption direction as the amount of sheet product in the storage volume decreases. The storage volume extends along the consumption direction at least from a maximum storage volume level corresponding to the largest sheet product supply source in the dispenser to a minimum storage volume level corresponding to the absence of a sheet product supply source in the dispenser.

[0080] The distributor includes a sensor, such as a radar sensor; the sensor is configured to emit a sensor beam and is arranged to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to a boundary surface, and to indicate the distance from the sensor to one or more reflective surfaces when one or more reflective surfaces that at least partially reflect the sensor beam are located between the sensor and the boundary surface, so as to be able to determine the state of the distributor.

[0081] The sensor can be arranged to provide sensor echo signals from at least a portion of the storage volume, which extends along the consumption direction. This portion of the storage volume can be selected to determine the sheet state of the dispenser.

[0082] Optionally, the sensor is arranged to provide a sensor echo signal from the storage volume, which indicates the distance from the sensor to the boundary surface for all possible locations from the minimum level of the storage volume to the maximum level of the storage volume.

[0083] Optionally, the boundary surface is the surface from which the sheet product is supplied when the dispenser is in use.

[0084] Optionally, for at least one possible location of the boundary surface in the storage volume, when the dispenser is used, at least one of one or more reflective surfaces is located between the sensor and the boundary surface.

[0085] Optionally, for at least one possible location of the boundary surface in the storage volume, when the dispenser is used, at least one of one or more reflective surfaces is located in the storage volume between the minimum level and the maximum level of the storage volume.

[0086] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces includes a distributor element.

[0087] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces is a sheet product element, which includes a sheet product supplied from a sheet product supply source when the dispenser is used.

[0088] Optionally, at least one of the one or more reflective areas includes a web path along which sheet products are supplied from a sheet product supply source when the dispenser is used.

[0089] Optionally, for at least one possible location on the boundary surface within the storage volume, the web path extends between the sensor and the boundary surface.

[0090] Alternatively, the web path can be constant, meaning that the web path has substantially the same extent of extension within the distributor regardless of the location of the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source.

[0091] Alternatively, the web path can be varied, i.e., depending on the location of, for example, the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source, the web path follows several different possible extensions within the distributor.

[0092] In some dispensers, the extent of the web path can vary depending on the location of the boundary surface of the sheet product supply source. For example, the web path can extend between the sensor and the boundary surface for most, or all, possible locations of the boundary surface.

[0093] Optionally, the dispenser includes a dispensing opening, and the web path in the dispenser is such that when the sheet product is present in the storage volume, the sheet product is supplied from the sheet product supply source to the dispensing opening along this path.

[0094] Optionally, the sensor is arranged such that the propagation direction of the sensor beam has a positive component direction along the consumption direction, preferably, the propagation direction is generally parallel to the consumption direction.

[0095] As described above, the sensor emits a sensor beam and receives the echo of the sensor beam. The propagation direction mentioned above refers to the propagation direction of the emitted sensor beam. When the beam is reflected to form a sensor echo signal, the propagation direction of the beam is reversed, i.e., it returns towards the sensor.

[0096] Optionally, the storage volume is configured to contain a source of sheet products in the form of stacked sheet products.

[0097] Optionally, the boundary surface is the upper boundary surface of the stack as observed along the vertical direction when the dispenser is in the use position.

[0098] Alternatively, when the dispenser is in the use position, the consumption direction can generally be parallel to the vertical direction.

[0099] Alternatively, the upper boundary surface may extend in a generally horizontal plane.

[0100] Optionally, the storage volume is configured to contain a source of sheet product supply in the form of sheet product rolls.

[0101] Optionally, the boundary surface is the radial outer surface of the roll.

[0102] Optionally, the boundary surface is the radial inner surface of the roll.

[0103] In a sixth aspect, a system is provided for evaluating the state of a dispenser for dispensing sheet products for wiping, the system comprising the dispenser described above according to the fifth aspect and a control unit according to the second aspect.

[0104] The control unit may be equipped with sensors, and therefore arranged as a unit together with the sensors at the distributor.

[0105] Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to be located away from the sensor and connected to the sensor wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0106] In a seventh aspect, a monitoring system is provided that includes one or more systems according to the sixth aspect, wherein the one or more systems are configured to report the determined status to a local processing unit or an external processing unit.

[0107] Alternatively, a monitoring system is provided that includes one or more distributors according to the fifth aspect, wherein the sensors of the one or more distributors are configured to report sensor echo signals to a local processing unit or an external processing unit to determine the status.

[0108] The features and advantages described herein with respect to any aspect of this disclosure also apply to the other aspects of this disclosure.

[0109] Other advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and dependent claims. Attached Figure Description

[0110] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the following is a more detailed description of embodiments of the present invention cited by way of example.

[0111] In the attached diagram:

[0112] Figure 1 A first variant of a dispenser for sheet products is schematically shown;

[0113] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for evaluating the state of the allocator;

[0114] Figures 3a to 3d It comes from Ru Figure 1 An example of the sensor echo signal from the sensor in the distributor shown;

[0115] Figure 4 A second variant of the dispenser is schematically shown; and

[0116] Figure 5 The third variant of the distributor is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0117] Figure 1 An example of a dispenser 1 for dispensing sheet products for wiping is shown. Dispenser 1 defines a storage volume 100 for accommodating a sheet product supply source 30 when the dispenser 1 is in use. Storage volume 100 defines a consumption direction D along which the position of the boundary surface 32 of the sheet product supply source 30 varies as the amount of sheet product in storage volume 100 decreases when sheet product 34 is supplied from the sheet product supply source 30. Storage volume 100 extends along consumption direction D at least between a maximum storage volume level Max corresponding to the largest sheet product supply source 30 in dispenser 1 and a minimum storage volume level Min corresponding to the absence of a sheet product supply source in dispenser 1.

[0118] exist Figure 1 In the example, the dispenser 1 shows a sheet product supply source 30 with a boundary surface 32 located between the minimum level Min and the maximum level Max of the storage volume, i.e., the storage volume 100 is neither empty nor fully filled.

[0119] The distributor 1 also includes a sensor 20. The sensor 20 is configured to emit a sensor beam to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor 20 to one or more reflective surfaces 21 that at least partially reflect the sensor beam, one of which is a boundary surface 32.

[0120] The sensor can be a sensor adapted to provide the sensor echo signal required for applications in the dispenser. The sensor can be a radar sensor that emits a radar beam and provides a radar echo signal. For example, the radar sensor can be a sensor provided by Acconeer. In particular, the Acconeer sensor XM122 / XB122 is considered suitable for applications in the dispenser and has been used in exemplary embodiments.

[0121] For example, the sensor may be equipped with a hyperbolic lens.

[0122] For example, the sensor could be a 60 GHz pulsed coherent radar (PCR) sensor. This has been found to be useful for applications in dispensers used for sheet products.

[0123] In general, the sensor can be configured to be suitable for the dispenser and the sheet product to be used in the dispenser. For example, in a dispenser that supplies sheet product from a boundary surface, one or more layers of sheet product may be present, at least sometimes, between the sensor and the boundary surface during use of the dispenser, forming one or more reflective surfaces. Therefore, the sensor can be configured to provide sensor echo signals indicating the boundary surface and one or more reflective surfaces. For this purpose, the sensor can be adapted to the characteristics of the sheet product, such as its thickness, surface roughness, or composition. Furthermore, the sensor can be adapted to the configuration of the dispenser. Figure 1 As shown, sensor 20 can be arranged to provide a sensor echo signal from storage volume 100, which indicates the distance from sensor 20 to boundary surface 32 for all possible locations between the minimum storage volume level Min and the maximum storage volume level Max. For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment, sensor 20 is arranged such that the propagation direction of the emitted sensor beam is approximately parallel to the consumption direction D.

[0124] When the sensor is configured to indicate the distance to the boundary surface 32 for all possible positions between the minimum storage level Min and the maximum storage level Max, information about the position of the boundary surface 32 over the entire supply capacity 100 can be used to determine the state.

[0125] However, in some variations, it is sufficient for the distance to the boundary surface 32 to be detectable in a portion of the dispenser 100, such as in a portion selected to be relevant to determining the state of the dispenser. For example, if only the refill state needs to be determined, it may be sufficient to determine the distance to the boundary surface 32 in a portion of the dispenser 100 adjacent to the refill threshold. Therefore, optionally, the sensor may be configured to indicate the distance to the boundary surface 32 for at least a portion of the storage volume 100 extending along the consumption direction D.

[0126] like Figure 1 As shown, boundary surface 32 is the surface from which sheet products are supplied by the dispenser 1 to the sheet product supply source 30 when the dispenser is in use. When boundary surface 32 is the surface from which sheet products are supplied, the sheet products supplied from the sheet product supply source 30 may appear at the position between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32 to be detected when the dispenser is in use.

[0127] As in Figure 1 As can be seen in this example, dispenser 1 includes a web path 14, along which sheet product 34 is supplied from sheet product supply source 30 when the dispenser is in use.

[0128] As shown in the dispenser 1, the dispenser may include a dispensing opening 12, and the web path 14 is the path along which the sheet product 34 is supplied from the sheet product supply source 30 to the dispensing opening 12.

[0129] like Figure 1 As shown in the example, the boundary surface 32 of the web supply source 30 can be the upper surface as observed in the generally vertical direction. The web path 14 can initially extend upward from the boundary surface 32 of the web supply source 30.

[0130] like Figure 1 As shown, the web path 14 can extend between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32, i.e., thus intersecting the propagation direction of the sensor beam. Therefore, when the dispenser 1 is used, one or more sheets of product 34 can be located between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32.

[0131] Therefore, the sheet product 34 can form a reflective surface 21 that at least partially reflects the sensor beam, and is located between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32 when the dispenser is in use. Thus, the sensor echo signal provided by the sensor 20 can indicate the distance from the sensor 20 to the reflective surface 21 of the sheet product 34 and the distance from the sensor 20 to the boundary surface 32.

[0132] Furthermore, as illustrated in claim 1, when the dispenser is in use, at least one of one or more reflective surfaces 21 may be located in the storage volume 100, between the storage volume minimum (min) and the storage volume maximum (max).

[0133] If possible Figure 1 As seen in the diagram, the sheet product 34 along its extended web path 14 can vary depending on the position of the boundary surface 32 between the minimum storage volume (Min) and the maximum storage volume (Max). Therefore, during the consumption of the dispenser 1, the number of layers formed by the sheet product 34 between the boundary surface 32 and the sensor 20, i.e., the number of reflective surfaces 21, can vary.

[0134] In the example shown, storage volume 100 is configured to accommodate a stack of sheet product supply sources 30, such as towels (e.g., paper handkerchiefs).

[0135] As observed vertically when dispenser 1 is in the use position, boundary surface 32 may be a stacked upper boundary surface. Boundary surface 32 may extend in a generally horizontal plane.

[0136] like Figure 1 As shown, the vertical direction can be parallel to the consumption direction.

[0137] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the dispenser may include a housing 10 that surrounds a storage volume 100 and optional other dispenser elements, such as those designed to supply sheet products.

[0138] The housing 10 may include an openable and closable door 16 for filling sheet products into the dispenser 1.

[0139] Dispenser 1 can be configured to refill sheet product from the bottom of dispenser 1. The refill can be connected to the sheet product supply source 30 already present in the dispenser to form a new sheet product supply source 30. Thus, during refilling, sheet product 34, for example in the form of a web, can be maintained, for example, along the web path 14 to the dispensing opening 12.

[0140] Sensor echo signals can also be provided during dispenser refilling and the dispenser's state can be determined. Therefore, the dispenser's state can be evaluated not only during its consumption but also during its refilling process.

[0141] like Figure 1 As shown, the dispenser 1 can form the components of a system including the dispenser 1 and the control unit CU, wherein the control unit CU is configured to perform a method for evaluating the sheet product supply source of the dispenser, as described below.

[0142] The control unit CU can be provided together with the sensor 20, i.e., the sensor 20 and the CU form a single unit. Alternatively, the sensor 20 can be connected to the control unit CU via a wired or wireless connection.

[0143] Furthermore, a monitoring system can be provided, comprising one or more systems including a distributor 1 and a control unit CU. The system can be configured to report the determined status of the distributor to a local processing unit or an external processing unit. The monitoring system can be configured to signal to personnel the determined status of the distributor—e.g., ready to refill or distributor error—so that they are prompted, for example, to replenish the distributor or eliminate the error.

[0144] Figure 2 This is a flowchart schematically illustrating a variation of the method used to evaluate the allocator's state. See below for reference. Figure 1 The method is described using allocator 1. However, it should be understood that the method is not limited to the exemplary allocator, but can be used with a wide range of allocators.

[0145] The method includes:

[0146] - Using the sensor 20, a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor 20 to the boundary surface 32 is provided, and when one or more reflective surfaces 21 that at least partially reflect the sensor beam are located between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32, a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor 20 to the one or more reflective surfaces 21 is provided, S100; and

[0147] - The state of the distributor 10 is determined using the sensor echo signal, S200.

[0148] Figure 2 The method shown also illustrates an optional step, S300, of issuing a signal indicating the state.

[0149] Such signals can be issued, for example, at regular time intervals. Alternatively or additionally, such signals can be issued when a change in state compared to a previous state is determined. Alternatively or additionally, such signals can be issued upon request.

[0150] The status signal can be transmitted to, for example, a local processing unit or an external processing unit via a wired or wireless connection.

[0151] Therefore, the method includes a sensor echo signal that can indicate the distance to the reflective surface 21 in addition to the distance to the boundary surface 32. This may occur, for example, when the boundary surface 32 is the surface from which the sheet product is supplied, because this, at least in some dispenser configurations, means that the sheet product supplied from the supply source 30 may be present between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32.

[0152] exist Figure 1In the example, two reflective surfaces 21 can be seen between the boundary surface 32 and the sensor 20, both of which are made of sheet product 34.

[0153] Figures 3a to 3d From and Figure 1 The example shown is a sensor echo signal obtained by a distributor of a similar type to distributor 1. The sensor echo signal shows the amplitude of the sensor echo signal along the vertical axis vs. the distance from sensor 20 along the horizontal axis.

[0154] Max represents the maximum storage capacity level, and Min represents the minimum storage capacity level.

[0155] An example of a sensor echo signal is that, as described above, it is deployed at Tork Peak. Acquired by the Acconeer sensor in the dispenser. The sheet material was supplied by Essity, using Tork Peak. Product number 100585.

[0156] Figure 3a This is a sensor echo signal diagram obtained when distributor 1 is empty, i.e., when there is no sheet product supply source in the distributor. The maximum amplitude at the minimum storage volume level can, for example, indicate the presence of a floor or support structure in the distributor for the sheet product supply source 30.

[0157] Figure 3a The sensor echo signal map is used as Figures 3b to 3d The filter of the sensor echo signal diagram. Therefore, from Figures 3b to 3d Remove the sensor echo signal from the image that was detected in the air distributor, such as Figure 3a The varying amplitude of the wave indicates the reflecting surface. Therefore, Figures 3b to 3d The amplitude-distance curve represents the reflecting surface in distributor 1, not the reflecting surface including the static distributor elements. Therefore, Figures 3b to 3d This is an example of a calibrated sensor echo signal, achieved by comparing the sensor echo signal with an empty distributor reference sensor echo signal. Further analysis of the sensor echo signal can be based on the calibrated sensor echo signal.

[0158] Figure 3b This is a calibrated sensor echo signal diagram obtained when dispenser 1 is filled with the first quantity of sheet product. In this case, the first quantity of sheet product corresponds to the refill stack introduced into the dispenser, so the sheet material supply source 30 has the size of such a refill stack. Figure 3b The maximum amplitude value seen on the right corresponds to the position of the boundary surface 32 of the sheet product supply 30 in the storage volume 100. Figure 3bThe two smaller amplitude maximum values ​​on the left side can correspond to the positions of other reflective surfaces 21, such as the sheet product layer of the sheet product 34 supplied from the sheet material supply source 30.

[0159] Figure 3c Similar to Figure 3b However, the calibrated sensor echo signal map is obtained when the dispenser is filled with a second quantity of sheet product. In this case, the second quantity of sheet product corresponds to two refill stacks present in dispenser 1, therefore the sheet material supply source 30 has the dimensions of two such refill stacks. Figure 3b In comparison, we can see Figure 3c The maximum amplitude seen on the right side shows how it further moves towards the maximum storage volume (Max). Similarly, in Figure 3c There are two smaller amplitude maximum values ​​on the left side, which can correspond to the positions of other reflective surfaces 21.

[0160] Figure 3d Similar to Figure 3b and Figure 3c However, the calibrated sensor echo signal map was obtained when the dispenser was filled with a third quantity of sheet product. In this case, the third quantity of sheet product corresponds to three refill stacks present in dispenser 1, therefore the sheet material supply source 30 has the dimensions of three such refill stacks. Figure 3c In comparison, we can see Figure 3d How does the maximum amplitude in the figure further move towards the maximum storage volume (Max)? In this example figure, in Figure 3d The left side shows only a small maximum amplitude, and it is outside the range between the minimum storage volume level (Min) and the maximum storage volume level (Max). Similarly, the small maximum amplitude could correspond to the location of another reflective surface 21, such as the surface of the sheet product supplied from inside the dispenser.

[0161] If possible Figures 3a to 3d As can be seen, the distance between sensor 20 and boundary surface 32 (i.e., the position of boundary surface 32 in storage volume 100) can be detected based on the sensor echo signal, even though at least one reflective surface is located between sensor 20 and boundary surface 32.

[0162] In the example shown, there are one or more reflective surfaces 21, which are composed of sheet products supplied from sheet product supply source 30 when the dispenser is used.

[0163] In this context, "when the dispenser is in use" means that it is ready for use under these conditions, i.e., it contains a source of sheet product supply, and, if applicable, the sheet product is threaded through the dispenser. The dispenser being in use does not necessarily mean that the sheet product is continuously moving or actively being fed from the dispenser.

[0164] The steps for determining the distributor state may include identifying the boundary surface using sensor echo signals. This identification can be made, for example, by comparing with one or more reference signals, by removing information from sensor echo signals outside the range of minimum and maximum storage volumes, and / or by evaluating the amplitude and location of the maximum amplitude in the sensor echo signals and / or through other options.

[0165] For example, the sensor echo signal indicates the amplitude of the sensor signal, and the step of determining the distributor state includes determining the state based on the amplitude.

[0166] For example, the step of determining the dispenser state includes determining the position of the boundary surface 32 in the storage volume 100 between the maximum storage level Max and the minimum storage level Min along the consumption direction D.

[0167] Optionally, the storage volume 100 may be divided along the consumption direction D by one or more thresholds, and the step S200 of determining the state of the dispenser 1 includes using sensor echo signals to determine whether the position of the boundary surface 32 is above or below the one or more thresholds.

[0168] For reference Figure 1 and 3a In the example up to 3d, one of the one or more thresholds can be a refill threshold Tr, and when the location of the boundary surface, as seen along the consumption direction D, is above the refill threshold Tr, the method includes determining that the dispenser's state is ready for refilling. For example, when the dispenser is to refill with a refill stack of fixed size, the refill threshold Tr can be set at a distance of one refill stack from the maximum storage capacity Max. Thus, when the state is set to "ready for refilling," this indicates that at least one refill stack can be introduced into the dispenser. In other alternatives, the refill threshold Tr can be set at a distance from the maximum capacity Max, where it is considered suitable for the refill dispenser.

[0169] Alternatively or additionally, one of the one or more thresholds may be as follows: Figure 1 , 3aThe depletion threshold Td is shown in Figure 3d. When the position of the boundary surface 32 is determined to be above the depletion threshold Td, as seen along the consumption direction D, it can be determined that the dispenser is close to depletion. Therefore, the depletion threshold Td can be set at a certain distance from the minimum capacity level Min and corresponding to a relatively small amount of sheet product.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally, other thresholds may be defined, for example, one of the one or more thresholds may be a fill threshold, and the state of the dispenser is determined to be fully filled when the position of the boundary surface 32 is determined to be below the fill threshold observed along the consumption direction D.

[0171] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the refill threshold Tr and the exhaustion threshold Td are indicated. In this example, the thresholds are determined by their function, i.e., corresponding to a selected predetermined state.

[0172] However, the threshold can also be incremental. For example, the storage volume can be divided into multiple equal increments between the maximum storage level (Max) and the minimum storage level (Min), allowing for the determination of progressively increasing states.

[0173] In addition, when the location of the boundary surface 32 is determined, the status can be reported as the location of the boundary surface 32 in the storage volume 100.

[0174] This state can continuously indicate the position of the boundary surface 32 within the storage volume 100.

[0175] As described above, the step of determining the distributor state may include comparing the sensor echo signal with one or more reference sensor echo signals.

[0176] The one or more reference sensor echo signals may include empty distributor reference signals obtained from distributors in which there is no sheet product supply source. (See above reference...) Figures 3a to 3d As explained, an empty distributor reference signal can be used as a filter to provide a calibrated sensor echo signal, thereby, for example, identifying the boundary surface 32 and / or determining its position. In a distributor where no static distributor element exists between the sensor 20 and the boundary surface 32, for example... Figure 1 The dispenser shown (where sheet product 34 is fed on roller 18, as...) Figure 1As shown, roller 18 (distanced from the beam from sensor 20) is still relevant when compared with an empty distributor reference signal to provide a calibrated sensor echo signal, because other distributor elements, such as the floor or wall, may also contribute to the sensor echo signal. In variations where a static distributor element (e.g., roller 18) does exist between sensor 20 and boundary surface 32, the influence of such a static distributor element can be removed from the sensor echo signal by filtering the signal using an empty distributor reference signal to provide a calibrated reference signal for further evaluation.

[0177] However, the state can be determined in various ways by comparing the sensor echo signal with one or more reference sensor echo signals.

[0178] For example, the state can be determined to be empty by comparing the current sensor echo signal with the reference sensor echo signal from an empty sensor.

[0179] Optionally, the echo signals from one or more reference sensors include one or more reference signals corresponding to a predetermined state of the distributor.

[0180] For example, the current state of the dispenser can be determined by comparing the current sensor echo signal with one or more reference signals corresponding to the ready-to-refill state, the fully filled state, and / or the near-depleted state.

[0181] The method may also include sending a signal indicating the status. The signal can be sent wirelessly or via a wired connection. The signal can be sent to a local server associated with the distributor, or it can be sent to a remote server.

[0182] Figure 4 Another example of a dispenser is shown. Apart from the positioning by sensor 20, dispenser 1 is similar to... Figure 1 Distributor 1. In Figure 4 In the dispenser, sensor 20 is located outside the dispenser housing 10.

[0183] Therefore, in addition to Figure 1 Outside the boundary surface 32 and sheet product layer 34 that form the reflective surface 21 in the distributor, the sensor echo signal can indicate the reflective surface 21 formed by a part of the housing 10.

[0184] In such a distributor, a method for evaluating the state can be performed, wherein at least one of one or more reflective surfaces 21 includes a distributor element.

[0185] The distributor element is static, meaning that the effect of the sensor 20 being fixed in place can be eliminated, for example, by filtering the sensor echo signal using an empty distributor reference signal, as per [reference to...]. Figures 3a to 3dAs stated above.

[0186] Figure 5 This shows yet another example of a distributor. This distributor is related to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The difference in the dispenser is that the dispenser opening 12 is located at the bottom of the dispenser. Sheet products are fed from the bottom of the stacked sheet product supply source 30 located in the storage volume 100 through the dispenser opening 12. Sensors are arranged to detect the boundary surface 32 of the sheet product supply source 30 at the top of the sheet product supply source 30. Top and bottom refer to... Figure 5 The vertical direction in the middle.

[0187] Although in this example, boundary surface 32 is not the surface from which the sheet product is supplied, it is still advantageous to use a sensor configured to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor to one or more reflective surfaces 21 compared to a sensor capable of detecting only one surface. For example, errors such as misalignment of stacks in a dispenser, faulty stacking, or tampering with the dispenser can be detected, for example, to indicate that the dispenser status is faulty.

[0188] Although the exemplary distributor is configured to contain sheet product supply sources in stacked form, other alternatives may be used. For example, storage volume 100 may be configured to accommodate sheet product supply sources 30 in the form of sheet product rolls.

[0189] For example, the boundary surface can be the radial outer surface of the roll.

[0190] In another example, the boundary surface can be the radial inner surface of the roll. In both cases, the boundary surface of the roll can be the surface from which the sheet product is supplied when the dispenser is used.

[0191] Sheet product rolls can be, for example, coreless rolls or center-feed rolls. In another example, sheet product rolls can be rolls fed from the periphery of the roll, with or without a core.

[0192] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above and in the accompanying drawings; rather, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating the state of a dispenser (1) for dispensing sheet products for wiping, the dispenser (1) defining a storage volume (100) for accommodating a sheet product supply source (30) when the dispenser (1) is in use. The storage volume (100) defines the consumption direction, and the position of the boundary surface (32) of the sheet product supply source (30) will change along the consumption direction as the amount of sheet product in the dispenser decreases when the sheet product (34) is supplied from the sheet product supply source (30). The storage volume (100) extends along the consumption direction from the maximum storage volume level corresponding to the largest sheet product supply source (30) in the dispenser (1) to the minimum storage volume level corresponding to the no sheet product supply source (30) in the dispenser (1), and The distributor (1) includes a sensor (20) configured to emit a sensor beam; the method includes: - Step S100, which includes providing a sensor echo signal using the sensor (20), the sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor (20) to the boundary surface (32) and indicating the distance from the sensor (20) to the one or more reflective surfaces (21) when at least partially reflecting the sensor beam is located between the sensor (20) and the boundary surface (32); and - Step S200, which includes using the sensor echo signal to determine the state of the distributor (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor (20) is a radar sensor.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the boundary surface (32) is the surface of the sheet product supply source (30) from which the dispenser (1) supplies the sheet product (34) when the dispenser (1) is used.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) is located between the sensor (20) and the boundary surface (32).

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces is located in the storage volume (100) between the minimum storage volume level and the maximum storage volume level.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) comprises a distributor element.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) comprises a sheet product element.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein step S200 of determining the state of the distributor (1) includes identifying the boundary surface (32) using the sensor echo signal.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the step S200 of determining the state of the distributor (1) comprises determining the state based on the amplitude of the sensor echo signal.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein step S200 of determining the state of the dispenser (1) includes determining the position of the boundary surface (32) along the consumption direction in the storage volume (100) between the maximum storage volume level and the minimum storage volume level.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein step S200 of determining the state of the distributor (1) comprises comparing the sensor echo signal with one or more reference sensor echo signals.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more reference sensor echo signals include an empty distributor reference signal obtained from the distributor (1) in which there is no sheet product supply source (30).

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more reference sensor echo signals comprise one or more reference signals, each of the reference signals corresponding to a predetermined state of the distributor.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined state is one of a ready-to-refill state, a fully filled state, and a near-depleted state.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the storage volume (100) is divided along the consumption direction by one or more thresholds, and the step S200 of determining the state of the dispenser (1) includes using the sensor echo signal to determine whether the position of the boundary surface (32) is above or below the one or more thresholds.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein one of the one or more thresholds is a refill threshold, and the state of the dispenser is determined to be ready for refill when the location of the boundary surface as seen along the consumption direction is above the refill threshold; and / or One of the one or more thresholds is a depletion threshold, and the state of the dispenser is determined to be close to depletion when the position of the boundary surface (32) is determined to be above the depletion threshold as seen along the depletion direction.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the state continuously indicates the position of the boundary surface (32) in the storage volume (100).

18. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: - Step S300: Issuing a signal indicating the state.

19. A control unit configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

20. A computer program comprising program code means for performing the steps of any one of claims 1-18 when the program is run on a computer.

21. A computer-readable medium carrying a computer program, the computer program comprising program code means for performing the steps of any one of claims 1-18 when the program is run on a computer.

22. A dispenser (1) for dispensing sheet products for wiping, the dispenser (1) defining a storage volume (100) for accommodating a sheet product supply source (30) when the dispenser (1) is in use. The storage volume (100) defines the consumption direction, and the position of the boundary surface (32) of the sheet product supply source (30) along the consumption direction changes as the amount of sheet product in the storage volume (100) decreases when the sheet product (34) is supplied from the sheet product supply source (30). The storage volume (100) extends along the consumption direction from at least the maximum storage volume level corresponding to the largest sheet product supply source (30) in the dispenser (1) to the minimum storage volume level corresponding to the absence of a sheet product supply source in the dispenser (1); The distributor (1) includes a sensor (20) configured to emit a sensor beam and arranged to provide a sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor (20) to the boundary surface (32) and, when one or more reflective surfaces (21) that at least partially reflect the sensor beam are located between the sensor (20) and the boundary surface (32), the distance from the sensor (20) to the reflective surface (21) is indicated, so as to enable the determination of the state of the distributor.

23. The dispenser according to claim 22, wherein, The sensor (20) is a radar sensor.

24. The dispenser according to claim 22, wherein, The sensor (20) is arranged to provide a sensor echo signal from the storage volume (100), the sensor echo signal indicating the distance from the sensor (20) to the boundary surface (32) for all possible positions of the boundary surface (32) between the minimum level and the maximum level of the storage volume.

25. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The boundary surface (32) is the surface of the sheet product supply source (30) from which the dispenser (1) supplies the sheet product (34) when the dispenser (1) is used.

26. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, For at least one possible location of the boundary surface (32) in the storage volume (30), when the dispenser is used, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) is located between the sensor (20) and the boundary surface (32).

27. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, for at least one possible location of the boundary surface (32) in the storage volume (30), when the dispenser is in use, at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) is located in the storage volume (100) between the minimum storage volume level and the maximum storage volume level.

28. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) comprises a dispenser element.

29. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein at least one of the one or more reflective surfaces (21) is a sheet product element.

30. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the dispenser (1) includes a web path (14) along which the sheet product is supplied from the sheet product supply source (30) when the dispenser is used, and the web path (14) extends between the sensor (20) and the boundary surface (32) for at least one possible location of the boundary surface (32) in the storage volume (30).

31. The dispenser according to claim 30, wherein the dispenser (1) includes a dispensing opening (12), and the web path (14) is a path in the dispenser (10) along which the sheet product is supplied from a sheet product supply source (30) when present in the storage volume (100) to the dispensing opening (12).

32. The dispenser according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein, The sensor (20) is arranged such that the propagation direction of the sensor beam has a positive component along the consumption direction.

33. The dispenser according to claim 32, wherein, The propagation direction is approximately parallel to the consumption direction.

34. The distributor according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the storage volume (100) is configured to accommodate a sheet product supply source (30) in the form of a stack of sheet products.

35. The dispenser according to claim 34, wherein, When the dispenser is in use, the boundary surface (32) is the upper boundary surface of the stack when viewed in the vertical direction.

36. The distributor according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the storage volume (100) is configured to accommodate a sheet product supply source (30) in the form of a sheet product roll.

37. The dispenser according to claim 36, wherein the boundary surface (32) is the radial outer surface of the roll.

38. The dispenser according to claim 36, wherein the boundary surface (32) is the radial inner surface of the roll.

39. A system for assessing the condition of a dispenser (1) for dispensing sheet products for wiping, the system comprising a dispenser according to any one of claims 22-38 and a control unit according to claim 19.

40. A monitoring system comprising one or more systems according to claim 39, wherein the system is configured to report the determined status of the distributor of the system to a local processing unit or an external processing unit.

Images