Sensing device for indicating depletion of coreless roll of absorbent paper web in dispenser, dispenser and method of providing coreless roll

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensing device for indicating coreless roll depletion of absorbent paper web material in a dispenser, the sensing device (100) comprising a roll support (1) configured for supporting an inner circumference of a coreless roll (2) over a roll support length (L), the roll support (1) extending along a longitudinal central axis (X), the reel support (1) comprises at least one reel expansion portion (12, 14) extending over a portion of the reel support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining a first radius (r1) from the central axis (X), and at least one sensing portion (20) extending over a portion of the reel support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining a second radius (r2) from the central axis (X). A sensing element (3) extending longitudinally over another portion of the reel support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining a second radius (r2) from the central axis (X), where the first radius (r1) is greater than the second radius (r2) by a sensing offset length (l); and a sensing portion (20) arranged to sense the amount of web remaining on the reel (2) at the sensing portion (20) when the reel is arranged on the reel support length (L).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application with a filing date of November 18, 2019, an application number of 201980097977.0, an international application number of PCT / SE2019 / 051170, and an invention name of “Sensing device for indicating the exhaustion of a coreless roll of absorbent paper web in a dispenser, a dispenser, and a method for setting a coreless roll”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a sensing device for indicating the exhaustion of a coreless roll of absorbent paper web material in a dispenser, the sensing device comprising: a roll support configured to support the inner circumference of the coreless roll over a roll support length; and a sensing element arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the roll arranged over the roll support length. The present invention also relates to a dispenser comprising such a sensing device. Background Art

[0003] A dispenser for rolls of absorbent paper webs, such as toilet paper or wipes, may include a housing configured to accommodate at least two rolls. In such a dispenser, it may be desirable to initially dispense absorbent paper from one of the two rolls, and only when the first roll is completely or nearly exhausted, present absorbent paper from the other roll to the user.

[0004] To this end, existing dispensers may include a sensing device for sensing when a first roll is exhausted or nearly exhausted. When the sensing device detects that a roll is exhausted or nearly exhausted, dispensing from a new roll may be allowed or triggered.

[0005] The roll that is deemed to be exhausted is discarded. Current sensing devices have accuracy limitations which mean that there is often a small amount of web remaining on a roll that is deemed to be exhausted and then discarded. With the use of a large number of dispensers and / or over long periods of time, the amount of web discarded can become significant.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide a sensing device for indicating the depletion of a coreless roll of absorbent web material in a dispenser with improved accuracy. Summary of the invention

[0007] A sensor device that meets one or more of the above requirements is provided by a sensor device according to claim 1.

[0008] Thus, there is provided a sensing device for indicating exhaustion of a coreless roll of absorbent web material in a dispenser, the sensing device comprising a roll support configured to support an inner circumference of the coreless roll, the roll extending over a roll support length, the roll support extending along a longitudinal center axis, the roll support comprising at least one roll expansion portion extending over a portion of the roll support length and having a maximum radial extension defining a first radius from the center axis, and at least one sensing portion extending longitudinally over another portion of the roll support length and having a maximum radial extension defining a second radius from the center axis, wherein the first radius is greater than the second radius by a sensing offset length, a sensing element being arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the roll at the sensing portion when the roll is disposed over the roll support length.

[0009] Thus, the sensing device is able to keep the last few turns of web material remaining on a nearly exhausted roll at a radius of a first radius r1 from the central axis of the roll support, by the action of the roll expansion portion of the roll support. The sensing element is arranged to sense the amount of web material at the sensing portion. Ideally, when some turns of web material remain on the roll, this means that the turns are also kept at a certain distance of the first radius r1 from the central axis of the roll support at the sensing portion, which position can be sensed by the sensing element. Then, when the last few turns are exhausted, the sensing element will sense the position of the sensing portion, which is at a second radius r2 from the central axis of the roll support, which is smaller than the first radius r1. Therefore, when the roll is finally exhausted, the distance moved by the sensing element is the offset distance r1-r2.

[0010] Thus, the offset distance provides the length used by the sensing element to indicate the difference between a nearly exhausted roll and a completely exhausted roll. Increasing the sensing length - and thus increasing the offset distance - provides better accuracy in the measurement.

[0011] For example, with the sensing device proposed herein, the offset length may be greater than 2 mm, preferably greater than 4 mm. This may be compared to a sensing system in which the sensing element is arranged offset towards the roll support without such an offset distance, where the final exhaustion of the roll - i.e. the difference between the last few turns of web remaining on the roll and complete exhaustion - may involve the sensing element sensing a difference (e.g., perhaps less than 0.2 mm) over a length corresponding only to the thickness of the last few turns of web.

[0012] Although under ideal conditions the last few turns of the web on the roll extending over the sensing portion will remain at a distance of the first radius r1 from the central axis, in practice the last few turns of the web extending over the sensing portion may bend slightly towards the sensing portion. This may occur, for example, when the sensing element applies pressure to the turns extending over the sensing portion. Nevertheless, with the sensing device proposed herein, when the sensing element is slightly pushed, the position difference between the last few turns of the web and the second radius of the sensing portion (i.e. the fully exhausted roll) relative to the central axis will be available for sensing and provide an increased sensing length.

[0013] In view of the above, the size of the offset length to be selected may be determined by taking into account, for example, the characteristics of the web (eg, the strength of the web).

[0014] In particular, the sensing device may be a sensing device for indicating exhaustion of a coreless roll of absorbent web material in a dispenser, the roll being configured for dispensing absorbent web material from an outer circumference of said coreless roll.

[0015] The roll support is configured to support the inner circumference of the coreless roll, and the roll extends over the roll support length, meaning that the roll support length is a length corresponding to the roll length, and the roll extends over this length when the roll is applied to the roll support. However, the entire roll support length of the roll support need not actively support the roll. For example, during most of the dispensing, the sensing portion will not contact the inner circumference of the roll applied to the roll support. Instead, the roll expansion portion will contact the inner circumference of the roll (at the first radius r1).

[0016] The spool support may optionally be formed from a single elongate member having a length corresponding at least to the spool support length.

[0017] Alternatively, the roll support may be formed from a plurality of individual components which, in the assembled state, form an elongated member having a length at least corresponding to the length of the roll support.

[0018] Alternatively, the roll support may be formed from a plurality of separate components that are configured to leave open gaps between the components. For example, the roll support may be formed from two separate components that are configured to support the roll from each longitudinal side of the roll, leaving an open gap between the components. Thus, the sensing portion may be formed by the open gap between the components. In this case, the second radius of the sensing portion would be defined as zero.

[0019] Optionally, the roll support comprises at least a first roll expansion portion and a second roll expansion portion, each of the first and second roll expansion portions extending over a portion of the roll support length and having a maximum radial extension defining a radius from the central axis, the radius being greater than a second radius of the sensing portion, and the first and second roll expansion portions are separated by the sensing portion.

[0020] Thus, the last few turns of web material on the roll will cross the sensing portion via the first and second roll expansion portions.

[0021] Optionally, the first and second spool expansion portions each have said maximum radial extension defining said first radius from the central axis, said first radius being greater than the second radius of said sensing portion.

[0022] It will be appreciated that any number of roll expansion sections and roll sensing sections may be provided at the roll support.

[0023] Optionally, the roll expansion portion comprises at least one roll expansion member providing the first radius.

[0024] Alternatively, the spool expansion member may be integrally formed with the remainder of the spool support.

[0025] Alternatively, the roll expansion member may be formed as a separate component which is assembled to the roll support base to form the roll support.

[0026] Optionally, the at least one spool expansion member extends along the complete circumference of the longitudinal axis of the line spool support.For example, the spool expansion member may form a ring around the spool support, the ring protruding radially to provide the first radius.

[0027] Optionally, the roll expansion portion comprises a plurality of roll expansion members, which are distributed on a circumference around the longitudinal axis of the roll support. Thus, the roll expansion portion may comprise at least two roll expansion members, or at least three roll expansion members, or even at least four roll expansion members. The roll expansion members may be distributed on the circumference of the roll support so as to span the inner circumference of the roll. For example, pairs of roll expansion members may be arranged at diametrically opposite positions.

[0028] Optionally, the roll expansion member is rigid. Thus, for example when a new roll is applied to the roll support or a roll is close to being exhausted, the roll expansion member will constantly provide the first radius from the central axis.

[0029] Optionally, the roll expansion member is elastic.

[0030] When the roll is initially loaded onto the roll support, the resilient roll expansion member may deflect and / or compress. This may be due to a difference between the inner diameter of the roll and the second radius r2. This difference may be intentional, but in addition, the inner circumference of the coreless roll may collapse or deform. The resilient member allows the roll to be applied to the roll support even when the inner circumference of the roll collapses or deforms.

[0031] When only a few turns of web remain on the roll support, the elastic member will apply a sufficiently large biasing force to the inner circumference of the web to expand the roll to its original (or close to its original) inner diameter. Thus, the offset distance (or at least a sufficient portion of the offset distance) will be available for sensing.

[0032] In view of the above, it will be appreciated that the resiliency of the roll expansion member should be understood in relation to the forces exerted by the roll on the roll support.

[0033] The roll expansion member can be configured to be fully curved to allow even a partially collapsed roll to be set onto the roll support, but still produce an offset distance that can be used for sensing when the roll has only a few turns left. To this end, the roll expansion member can be re-expanded when the roll is exhausted.

[0034] Optionally, the roll expansion member is elastic at least in the radial direction of the roll support. The roll expansion member being elastic in the radial direction means that they bend when a force is applied from the radial direction of the roll support toward the central axis.

[0035] Optionally, the roll expansion members are elastic at least in the longitudinal direction of the roll support. The roll expansion members being elastic in the longitudinal direction means that they bend when subjected to a force applied in a direction parallel to the central axis.

[0036] Alternatively, the elastic roll expansion member can be made of a non-deformable material, such as a hard plastic such as PP. In this case, the elasticity can be achieved by the design of the expansion member, such as by forming protruding ribs or similar structures. This option allows the entire roll support to be molded as a whole, for example made of PP plastic.

[0037] Optionally, the elastic reel expansion member can be made of a deformable material. For example, the elastic reel expansion member can be made of an elastomer material or a rubber material. For example, the material can be a thermoplastic elastomer TPE.

[0038] When placing the roll on the roll support, the roll will usually slide longitudinally on the roll support. For this reason, the friction coefficient of the material of the roll expansion member (elastic or inelastic) is preferably relatively low, so that the roll expansion member does not hinder the application of the roll on the roll support. This is particularly important when rubber-like materials are involved.

[0039] Optionally, the sensing portion extends longitudinally over a portion of the roll support length (L) which is less than 50%, preferably less than 40% of the roll support length (L).

[0040] Optionally, the sensing element is arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the roll by indicating a minimum distance between the sensing element and a second radius of said sensing portion.

[0041] Optionally, the sensing element is a mechanical sensing element, preferably the sensing element is pivotably arranged to pivot towards the sensing portion of the roll support.

[0042] Optionally, the sensing element is arranged to be biased towards the sensing portion of the roll support.

[0043] Hence, the sensing element is biased towards the sensing portion of the roll support, meaning that the sensing element applies a pressure at the sensing portion towards the web winding of the roll in the direction of the central axis of the roll support.

[0044] Optionally, the sensing element is configured to indicate that the roll is exhausted when the sensing element is within a threshold distance from the sensing portion. Optionally, the threshold distance is equal to the offset distance. Optionally and preferably, the threshold distance is less than the offset distance.

[0045] Optionally, the sensing element is configured to indicate that the roll is exhausted when the sensing element contacts the sensing portion of the roll support. In other words, when the sensing element is within a threshold distance from the sensing portion, the threshold distance is zero.

[0046] Optionally, the sensing element is arranged to contact a periphery of a portion of the reel, the portion of the reel being arranged to extend over the sensing portion.

[0047] Optionally, the sensing element is arranged to be spaced apart from and out of contact with the periphery of a portion (or portions) of the roll, the portion being arranged to extend over the expanded portion of the roll.

[0048] Optionally, the sensing element is arranged to be spaced out of contact with the roll periphery arranged over the roll support length at any part of the roll except the part arranged to extend over the sensing part of the roll support, thereby ensuring sensing at the sensing part.

[0049] In a second aspect, there is provided a dispenser comprising a sensing device as described herein.

[0050] Optionally, the sensing device is arranged to trigger an indication providing information that the roll is depleted provided on the roll support. The indication may be, for example, an audible or visual signal indicating to the waiter that the dispenser needs to be refilled. Furthermore, the indication may be, for example, a data signal to a computer, mobile phone or other digital device for transmitting the information that the dispenser needs to be refilled.

[0051] Optionally, the sensor device is arranged to control dispensing from an unused roll stored in the dispenser when the sensor element indicates that the roll carried by the supporting element is exhausted.

[0052] Optionally, the sensing means is arranged to control triggering means, when the sensing element indicates that the roll carried by the supporting element is exhausted, so as to trigger automatic replenishment of the exhausted roll with an unused roll stored in the dispenser.

[0053] Optionally, the sensing means is arranged to control the door arrangement to allow movement of the lid to allow dispensing from an unused roll stored in the dispenser when the sensing element indicates that the roll carried by the support element is exhausted.

[0054] Optionally, the sensing means is arranged to trigger an electronic switch. The electronic switch may be arranged to control the dispensing from a new unused roll, for example by means of the trigger means or the gate means described above. Optionally, the electronic switch may be arranged to control the dispensing from a new unused roll by activating a feeding means for feeding the web from the new roll.

[0055] Optionally, the sensing means is arranged to trigger a mechanical switch. The mechanical switch may be arranged to control dispensing from a new unused roll, for example by means of the trigger means or the gate means described above. Optionally, the mechanical switch may be arranged to control dispensing from a new unused roll by activating a feeding means for feeding the web material from the new roll.

[0056] In a third aspect, there is provided a method for arranging a coreless roll of absorbent web material on a roll support included in a sensing device as described herein and / or a dispenser as described herein. The method comprises the following steps: - the coreless roll is arranged on the roll support such that the roll support supports the inner circumference of the roll and the roll extends over the roll support length.

[0057] Furthermore, a sensing device and / or a dispensing device as described herein is provided, comprising a coreless roll arranged on the roll support, arranged such that the roll support supports the inner circumference of the roll and the roll extends over the roll support length. In this case, a sensing element may be arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the roll at the sensing portion.

[0058] Other options and advantages of the dispenser disclosed herein are disclosed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] An example sensing device is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 A first variant of a sensor device is schematically shown;

[0061] Figure 2 A second variant of the sensing device is schematically shown;

[0062] Figure 3a A second variant of the sensor device is schematically shown in a perspective view;

[0063] Figure 3b A second variant of the sensor device is schematically shown in a perspective view with a partially used web of material arranged thereon;

[0064] Figures 4a to 4c A third and a fourth variant of the sensing device are schematically shown;

[0065] Figure 5a and 5b schematically shows a fifth variant of the sensing device; and

[0066] Figure 6a and 6b Two variants of a dispenser having a sensor device as described herein are schematically shown.

[0067] Like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Figure 1 A first variant of a sensing device 10 for indicating exhaustion of a coreless roll of absorbent web material in a dispenser is schematically shown. The sensing device 10 comprises a roll support 1 configured for supporting the inner circumference of said coreless roll 2 over a roll support length L. The roll support 1 extends along a longitudinal centre axis X.

[0069] In the variant shown, the roll support 1 forms a continuous elongated member configured for applying the roll 2 from its longitudinal ends. However, it is conceivable that the roll support 1 may be formed from a plurality of separate members. Preferably, in the use state, the roll support 1 is continuous along the roll support length.

[0070] The roll support 1 comprises at least one roll expansion portion 12 , 14 extending over a portion of the roll support length L and having a maximum radial extension defining a first radius r1 from the central axis X.

[0071] Optionally, as in the illustrated embodiment, the roll support 1 comprises a first roll expansion portion 12 and a second roll expansion portion 14, and each of the first and second roll expansion portions extends over a portion of the roll support length L and has a maximum radial extension defined by the first radius r1 from the center axis X.

[0072] The roll support 1 further comprises at least one sensing portion 20 extending longitudinally over another portion of the roll support length L and having a maximum radial extension defining a second radius r2 from the central axis X, wherein the first radius r1 is greater than the second radius r2 by a sensing offset length l.

[0073] In the variant shown, the first and second roll expansion portions 12 , 14 are separated by said sensing portion 20 .

[0074] Furthermore, the sensing element 3 is arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the reel 2 arranged over the reel support length L at the sensing portion 20 .

[0075] As explained in the summary of the present application above, the provision of the offset length l enables improved accuracy when detecting depletion of a roll 2 arranged on the roll support 1 .

[0076] Optionally, the sensing portion 20 extends longitudinally over a portion of the roll support length L which is less than 50%, preferably less than 40%.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the sensing portion 20 extends longitudinally over a portion of the roll support length, which is approximately 1 / 3 of the roll support length L.

[0078] The sensing element 3 is arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the reel 2 by indicating a minimum distance between the sensing element 3 and the second radius of the sensing portion 20 .

[0079] Optionally, in the variant shown, the sensing element 3 is a mechanical sensing element, preferably arranged to be pivotable towards the sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1 .

[0080] Optionally, in the variant shown, the sensing element 3 is arranged to be biased towards said sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1 .

[0081] The sensing element may be configured to indicate that the roll 2 is exhausted when the sensing element 3 is within a threshold distance from the sensing portion 20. Alternatively, the sensing element 3 may be configured to indicate that the roll 2 is exhausted when the sensing element 3 contacts the sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1 .

[0082] When the sensing element 3 is arranged to pivot towards the sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1 , the threshold distance translates into a threshold pivoting angle.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, in this variant, the roll expansion portions 12 , 14 are substantially cylindrical, providing said first radius r1 over a length along the central axis X of the roll support 1 .

[0084] Figure 2 A second variant of the sensor device 10 is schematically shown.

[0085] In this second variant, the roll expansion portions 12, 14 each comprise a roll expansion member 12', 14'.The roll expansion member 12, 14' provides a first radius r1.

[0086] Figure 3a A second variant of the sensor device is schematically shown in a perspective view, Figure 3b A second variant of the sensor device is schematically shown in a perspective view with a partially used web 2 arranged thereon.

[0087] from Figures 2 to 3b It can be seen how in this variant the sensing element 3 is in the form of a sensing paddle which can advantageously be arranged pivotably relative to the roll support 1. The sensing element comprises a protrusion 33 which is arranged to be able to sense the amount of material on the roll 2 arranged above the sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1. On each side of the protrusion 33, the sensing element extends with side portions 32 and 31. As can be seen in the figure, the side portions 32 and 31 are configured to be spaced apart from the roll support 1. In other words, the sensing element 3 is arranged to sense only the amount of material remaining above the sensing portion 20 (via the protrusion 33). The sensing element 3 is arranged to be spaced apart from the parts of the roll support 1 other than the sensing portion 20.

[0088] In such Figure 2-3b In the second variant of the dispenser shown, the roll expansion members 12', 14' extend along a complete circumference around the longitudinal axis of the roll support 1. In particular, the roll expansion members 12', 14' are annular members. In the shown embodiment, the annular members also have ribs extending radially around the annular members to provide a first radius r1.

[0089] As will be described further below, a variety of types and shapes of roll expansion members may be provided.

[0090] Optionally, the roll expansion member is rigid, as described in the Summary of the Invention section above.

[0091] Optionally, and as Figures 2 to 3b As in the variant described in , the roll expansion member is elastic, as described in the above invention summary section.

[0092] In particular, by means of the above-mentioned radially extending ribs, the roll expansion members 12', 14' can be made resilient in the radial and longitudinal directions of the roll support.

[0093] In particular, if a roll 2 having a deformed inner circumference (meaning that the inner windings of the roll are deformed and not expanded to the maximum circumference) is applied to the roll support 1 by threading the roll 2 in the direction of the central axis X, the roll expansion members 12', 14' may be deformed and bent so as to be able to set the roll 2 on the roll support 1. However, when only a few windings are left on the roll 2, the roll expansion members 12', 14', which strive to restore their original shape, may push the last few windings outwards, thereby expanding the roll 2. Therefore, the offset distance l, or at least a large part of the offset distance l, will be available for sensing.

[0094] In a second variant, the spool expansion member may be made of, for example, an elastomer-like material or a rubber-like material.

[0095] Figure 4a and 4b Another variant of the sensing device 10 is shown, wherein the roll support 1 comprises first and second roll expansion members 12', 14' providing said first radius r1.

[0096] In this case, the extension of the first and second roll expansion members 12 ′, 14 ′ corresponds to the extension of the first and second roll expansion portions 12 , 14 .

[0097] Figure 4b It is from passing through Figure 4a A side view of a cutout of the roll sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1. Figure 4b In the embodiment of the present invention, the roll expansion members 12', 14' extend circumferentially around the circumference of the roll support 1. In particular, the roll expansion members 12', 14' are annular members.

[0098] Figure 4c It is from passing through Figure 4aA similar side view as seen through a cutout of the roll sensing portion 20 of the roll support 1 of FIG. 1 shows another variant of the roll support 1. In this variant, each roll expansion portion 12, 14 comprises a plurality of roll expansion members 12', 14' distributed over a circumference around the longitudinal axis of the roll support. Optionally, as in the variant shown, each roll expansion portion 12, 14 comprises two roll expansion members 12', 14' arranged in a relative radial relationship.

[0099] Figure 5a and 5b Another variant of the sensing device is shown, in which the roll support 1 is equipped with roll expansion members 12', 14'. In this embodiment, the roll expansion members 12', 14' are arranged to form an inclined surface and thus have a radius from the central axis that increases from the longitudinal ends of the roll support to its center. Figure 5b As shown, each roll expansion portion 12, 14 includes two roll expansion members 12', 14' disposed in opposing radial relationship.

[0100] The different variations of the web sensing device described above can be varied in many ways. For example, Figure 4c and 5b The variation may be varied by providing the roll expansion portion 12, 14 with more than two roll expansion members 12', 14', for example three or four roll expansion members 12, 14'.

[0101] In particular, even in Figure 4a-5b The roll expansion members 12', 14' illustrated in FIG. 1 extend perpendicularly to the central axis X, but in other variations, the roll expansion members 12', 14' may be inclined relative to the central axis X. Furthermore, the roll expansion members 12', 14' do not necessarily need to be straight, but may be curved.

[0102] The spool expansion members 12', 14' as shown in the figures and described herein may be configured to be rigid or elastic.

[0103] Figure 6a and 6b Two variants of a dispenser having a sensor device as described herein are schematically shown.

[0104] It will be appreciated that the sensing device as described herein may be used in a variety of dispensers.

[0105] In particular, as in the illustrated dispenser, a dispenser 100 may be provided wherein the sensing device 10 is arranged to control the start of dispensing from a new, unused roll in the dispenser 100 when the sensing element 3 indicates that the roll carried by the supporting element 1 is exhausted.

[0106] Alternatively, if Figure 6a As shown, the sensing device 10 is arranged to control the triggering device 200 when the sensing element 3 indicates that the roll 2 carried by the supporting element 1 is exhausted, so as to trigger the automatic replenishment of the exhausted roll with the unused roll stored in the dispenser.

[0107] Alternatively, if Figure 6b As shown, the sensing means 10 is arranged to control the gate means 300 when the sensing element 3 indicates that the roll carried by the support element 1 is exhausted, so as to allow the lid to move, thereby allowing a new unused roll to be dispensed from the dispenser.

[0108] In another option, the sensing device 10 may be arranged to control the feeding of the web from a new, unused reel.

[0109] The sensing device 10 may be arranged to activate an electronic switch or alternatively a mechanical switch.

[0110] In a method for placing a coreless roll 2 of absorbent paper web material on a roll support 1 included in the sensing device 10 and / or dispenser 100 described herein, the method includes the step of placing the coreless roll 2 on the roll support 1 so that the roll support 1 supports the inner circumference of the roll 2 and the roll 2 extends over the roll support length L.

[0111] Alternatively, as in the variation shown, the coreless roll 2 may pass through the roll support 1 from a longitudinal end of the roll support 1. However, in a variation in which the roll support 1 comprises a plurality of separate members, the roll 2 may pass through the separate members from both longitudinal ends of the roll support 1. The passage of the roll 2 through the roll support 1 or a separate member of the roll support 1 means that the relative movement between the roll 2 and the roll support (member) 1 includes movement of one or both of the roll support 1 and the roll 2.

[0112] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and options of the dispenser disclosed herein may be envisioned.

Claims

1. A sensing device for indicating exhaustion of a roll of absorbent web material in a dispenser, the sensing device (100) comprising: An elongated roll support (1) configured to support the inner circumference of the roll (2) when the roll (2) extends over a roll support length (L), the roll support (1) extending along a longitudinal center axis (X) and configured to apply the roll (2) from its longitudinal ends, The roll support (1) comprises: at least one roll expansion portion (12, 14) extending over a portion of said roll support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining a first radius (r1) from said central axis (X), and at least one sensing portion (20) extending longitudinally over another portion of said roll support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining a second radius (r2) from said central axis (X), wherein the first radius (r1) is greater than the second radius (r2) by a sensing offset length (l), and the size of the sensing offset length (l) is determined according to the characteristics of the web material of the roll (2), as well as a sensing element (3) arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the roll (2) at the sensing portion (20) when the roll is arranged over the roll support length (L), wherein the roll (2) is a coreless roll, and the roll support (1) is a part of the dispenser and is a separate component from the coreless roll, The roll expansion portion (12, 14) comprises at least one roll expansion member (12', 14') providing the first radius (r1), wherein the roll expansion member (12', 14') is elastic, The sensing element (3) is constructed to indicate that the roll (2) is exhausted when the sensing element (3) is within a threshold distance from the sensing portion (20), and the threshold distance is less than or equal to the sensing offset length (l), wherein the sensing element (3) is a mechanical sensing element, the sensing element is pivotally arranged to pivot toward the sensing portion (20) of the roll support (1), and wherein the sensing element (3) is arranged to be biased toward the sensing portion (20) of the roll support (1).

2. A sensing device according to claim 1, wherein the roll support (1) comprises at least a first roll expansion portion (12) and a second roll expansion portion (14), each of the first and second roll expansion portions (12, 14) extending over a portion of the roll support length (L) and having a maximum radial extension defining the first radius (r1) from the central axis (X), The first and second roll expansion portions (12, 14) are separated by the sensing portion (20).

3. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one roll expansion member (12', 14') extends along a complete circumference around the longitudinal axis (X) of the roll support (1).

4. A sensing device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the roll expansion portion (12, 14) comprises a plurality of roll expansion members (12', 14'), which are distributed over the circumference around the longitudinal axis (X) of the roll support (1).

5. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll expansion member (12', 14') is elastic at least in the radial direction of the roll support (1).

6. A sensor device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll expansion member (12', 14') is elastic at least in the longitudinal direction of the roll support (1).

7. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the roll expansion member (12', 14') is made of a deformable material, preferably an elastic material.

8. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing portion (20) extends longitudinally over a portion of the roll support length (L) which is less than 50%, preferably less than 40%, of the roll support length (L).

9. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing element (3) is arranged to sense the amount of web material remaining on the reel (2) by indicating a minimum distance between the sensing element (3) and a second radius (r2) of the sensing portion (20).

10. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing element (3) is configured to indicate that the roll (2) is exhausted when the sensing element (3) contacts the sensing portion (20) of the roll support (1).

11. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing element (3) is arranged to be in contact with the periphery of a portion of the reel (2) which is arranged to extend over the sensing portion (20).

12. A sensing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing element (3) is arranged to be separated from and not in contact with the periphery of a portion of the roll (2) arranged to extend above the roll expansion portion (12, 14), preferably separated from and not in contact with the periphery of the roll (2) arranged above the roll support length (L) at any portion other than the portion arranged to extend above the sensing portion (20) of the roll support (1).

13. A dispenser comprising a sensor device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. Dispenser according to claim 13, wherein the sensor means (10) is arranged to trigger an indication providing information that the roll (2) arranged on the roll support (1) is exhausted.

15. Dispenser according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the sensor device (10) is arranged to control the start of dispensing from unused rolls stored in the dispenser (100) when the sensor element (3) indicates that the roll carried by the support element (1) is exhausted.

16. A dispenser according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the sensing device (10) is arranged to control a trigger device (200) when the sensing element (3) indicates that the roll (2) carried by the supporting element (1) is exhausted, so as to trigger automatic replenishment of the exhausted roll with an unused roll stored in the dispenser.

17. A dispenser according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the sensing device (10) is arranged to control a door setting when the sensing element (3) indicates that the roll carried by the supporting element (1) is exhausted, thereby allowing movement of the lid to allow dispensing from unused rolls stored in the dispenser.

18. Dispenser according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein the sensing means (10) is arranged to activate an electronic switch.

19. Dispenser according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the sensing means (10) is arranged to activate a mechanical switch.

20. A method of arranging a coreless roll (2) of absorbent web material on a roll support (1) comprised in a sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or a dispenser (100) according to any one of claims 13 to 19, the method comprising the steps of: - The coreless roll (2) is arranged on the roll support (1) from the longitudinal end of the elongated roll support so that the roll support (1) supports the inner circumference of the roll (2) and the roll (2) extends over the roll support length (L), and the size of the sensing offset length (l) is determined according to the characteristics of the web on the roll (2).

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