Dispenser for dispensing absorbent article

Abstract

To provide a dispenser for dispensing absorbent articles capable of suppressing intrusion of a hand, etc. from a dispensing port to the inside.SOLUTION: A dispenser 100 for dispensing absorbent articles includes a housing 10 having a dispensing port 17 for dispensing absorbent articles such as napkins 200, a first storage part 51 provided inside the housing for storing the absorbent articles, a tray 30 as an example of a transport member that transports an absorbent article in the first storage part through the dispensing port to the outside of the housing, and a drive part that moves the transport member from a first position inside the housing to a second position where at least a part of the transport member protrudes outside the housing. The transport member has a lid member 31 of the dispensing port at a position corresponding to the dispensing port when the transport member is at the first position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to a dispenser for dispensing absorbent articles. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent No. 7192154 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1) discloses a dispenser for providing sanitary products to a user. The dispenser has a storage compartment for storing the sanitary products and dispenses the sanitary products stored in the storage compartment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7192154 Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a demand for dispensers that provide absorbent articles such as baby diapers, adult diapers, and pet sheets in addition to sanitary products such as sanitary napkins and tampons. However, when dispensers are installed in public places, there is a risk that malicious hands or other objects may insert their hands or other objects through the dispensing opening and steal or tamper with the absorbent articles inside. This not only causes financial losses to the absorbent article provider, but also poses the problem of absorbent articles not reaching all users who need them. Inserting hands or other objects through the dispensing opening is also undesirable from the standpoint of hygiene for the absorbent articles inside. Furthermore, water droplets splashing from the floor or sink, or hands accidentally reaching inside the dispenser out of curiosity or unintentional access, even if unintentional, are also undesirable from the standpoint of hygiene. Therefore, there is a demand for an absorbent article dispenser that can prevent hands or other objects from entering the dispenser through the dispensing opening.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the dispenser for providing absorbent articles comprises a housing having a dispensing opening for dispensing absorbent articles, a first storage section for storing absorbent articles provided inside the housing, a transport member for transporting the absorbent articles in the first storage section through the dispensing opening to the outside of the housing, and a drive unit for moving the transport member from a first position inside the housing to a second position where at least a portion of the transport member protrudes outside the housing. When the transport member is in the first position, the transport member has a cover member for the dispensing opening at a position corresponding to the dispensing opening.

[0006] Further details will be described in the following embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an absorbent article dispenser (hereinafter abbreviated as dispenser) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the dispenser with the front door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic six-view diagram of the dispenser, including a front view (A), a left side view (B), a right side view (C), a rear view (D), a top view (E), and a bottom view (F). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a part of the cross section taken along line II in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a tray included in the dispenser. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the driving of the driving unit of the dispenser. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the control board of the dispenser. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of drive control executed by the control unit of the control board. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a tray 30 according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] <1. Overview of the absorbent article dispenser> (1) An absorbent article dispenser according to an embodiment includes a housing having a dispensing opening for dispensing absorbent articles, a first storage section provided inside the housing for storing absorbent articles, a transport member that transports the absorbent articles in the first storage section through the dispensing opening to the outside of the housing, and a drive unit that moves the transport member from a first position inside the housing to a second position where at least a portion of the transport member protrudes outside the housing. When the transport member is in the first position, it has a cover member for the dispensing opening at a position corresponding to the dispensing opening.

[0009] The lid member may be integrally molded with the carrying member, or may be a separate member attached to the carrying member, or may be detachable from the carrying member. The position corresponding to the dispensing port when the carrying member is in the first position refers to a position where the lid member of the carrying member in the first position generally covers the dispensing port. Therefore, when the carrying member is in the first position, that is, when no absorbent articles are being dispensed, the dispensing port is covered by the lid member. This prevents hands and other objects from entering the dispenser through the dispensing port, such as maliciously inserting a hand or object through the dispensing port, or by reaching inside out of curiosity or unintentionally. It also prevents water droplets that splash onto the floor or sink from entering through the dispensing port. This allows the absorbent article dispenser according to the embodiment to prevent theft or tampering of absorbent articles inside and to dispense absorbent articles hygienically.

[0010] (2) In the dispenser for providing absorbent articles of (1), preferably, the first position is the bottom of the first storage section. By storing the absorbent articles flat in the first storage section, the bottom absorbent article is placed on the upper surface of the carrying member. In this state, by moving the carrying member from the first position to the second position, the absorbent articles are carried out of the housing.

[0011] (3) In the absorbent article providing dispenser of (2), preferably, the conveying member has a moving mechanism that moves the absorbent article that is in contact with the upper surface at the first position in accordance with the movement of the conveying member by the drive unit.

[0012] (4) In the absorbent article dispenser of (3), preferably, the moving mechanism includes an upwardly convex edge portion provided at the rear end in the conveying direction, so that when the conveying member moves from the first position to the second position, the edge portion comes into contact with the absorbent article placed on the upper surface of the conveying member, pushing it out of the first storage section, and the absorbent article is placed on the upper surface of the conveying member and conveyed.

[0013] (5) In the dispenser for providing absorbent articles of (4), preferably, the height of the edge is equal to or less than the thickness of the absorbent articles. As a result, when the carrying member moves from the first position to the second position, the edge contacts the lowest absorbent article in the first storage section, but does not contact the absorbent article immediately above it. Therefore, when the carrying member moves from the first position to the second position, only the lowest absorbent article is pushed out of the first storage section by the edge and placed on the upper surface of the carrying member for transportation.

[0014] (6) In the absorbent article dispenser of (5), preferably, the distance traveled by the carrying member from the first position to the second position is shorter than the length of the absorbent articles in the transport direction when stored in the first storage section. As a result, even when the carrying member is at the second position, the edge does not pass the leading edge of the lowest absorbent article in the transport direction, and the lowest absorbent article does not fall from the first storage section. Furthermore, when the carrying member returns from the second position to the first position, the lowest absorbent article is placed on the upper surface of the carrying member. As a result, as the carrying member moves back and forth between the first and second positions, the absorbent articles stored in the first storage section are pushed out one by one from the bottom out of the first storage section and transported to the outside of the housing.

[0015] (7) The absorbent article dispenser of (6) preferably further comprises a control unit that controls the driving of the drive unit. The control unit is configured to determine the movement distance of the conveying member depending on the size of the absorbent article. This allows the absorbent article dispenser to reduce the movement distance of the conveying member when the absorbent article is small in size. Therefore, excessive movement of the conveying member is suppressed. This also allows the absorbent article dispenser to dispense absorbent articles of different sizes.

[0016] (8) The absorbent article dispenser according to any one of (1) to (7) preferably further comprises a control unit that controls the driving of the drive unit. The control unit is configured to drive the drive unit to move the carrying member from the first position to the second position by detecting a predetermined first trigger. The first trigger may be, for example, a user operation or receipt of a signal indicating a request from another device. As a result, the absorbent article dispenser dispenses absorbent articles in response to the first trigger.

[0017] (9) The absorbent article dispenser according to any one of (1) to (8), preferably further comprising a control unit for controlling the driving of the drive unit. The control unit is configured to drive the drive unit to return the carrying member from the second position to the first position upon detecting a predetermined second trigger. As a result, in the absorbent article dispenser, the carrying member returns to the first position upon detection of the second trigger.

[0018] (10) The absorbent article dispenser of (9) preferably further comprises a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of an absorbent article on the upper surface of the carrying member at the second position. The second trigger includes the sensor detecting the absence of an absorbent article on the carrying member at the second position. As a result, in the absorbent article dispenser, when it is detected that an absorbent article has been removed from the carrying member, the carrying member returns to the first position.

[0019] (11) In the absorbent article dispenser of (9) or (10), preferably, the second trigger includes the time elapsed since the carrying member was moved from the first position reaching a specified time. As a result, in the absorbent article dispenser, when the time elapsed since the carrying member was moved from the first position reaches the specified time, the carrying member returns to the first position. Note that the second trigger may be, for example, the time elapsed since the carrying member was moved from the first position, the removal of the absorbent article from the carrying member, receipt of an instruction from another device such as a server or a user terminal, an operation by a user, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0020] (12) In the absorbent article dispenser of (1) to (11), preferably, the carrying member has a notch penetrating the area that protrudes outside the housing when carrying the absorbent article to the outside of the housing. A user can lift the absorbent article up through the notch with a finger or the like, making it easy to receive the absorbent article.

[0021] (13) The absorbent article dispenser according to any one of (1) to (12) above, preferably further comprising a second storage section for storing a power source, which is provided inside the housing. This allows the absorbent article dispenser to be installed even in a location where power cannot be supplied from outside the housing.

[0022] (14) In the absorbent article dispenser according to any one of (1) to (13), the housing preferably has a door for opening and closing the first storage section. The door has a convex member on its inner surface that comes into contact with the absorbent articles stored in the first storage section when the first storage section is closed. This allows the absorbent articles to be stored in an aligned state in the first storage section when the door is closed.

[0023] (15) In the absorbent article dispenser according to any one of (1) to (14), the housing preferably has a curved upper surface, which prevents objects from being placed on or people from sitting on the upper surface of the absorbent article dispenser.

[0024] (16) In the absorbent article dispenser according to (1) to (15), the housing preferably has a light-transmitting window between the outside and the inside of the first storage section, so that the amount of absorbent articles stored in the first storage section can be visually confirmed from outside the housing with the door closed.

[0025] <2. Examples of dispensers for providing absorbent articles> Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dispenser for providing absorbent articles (hereinafter abbreviated as dispenser) 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of dispenser 100 with the front door open. Fig. 3 is a schematic six-view diagram of dispenser 100. In Fig. 3, (A) is a front view, (B) is a left side view, (C) is a right side view, (D) is a rear view, (E) is a plan view, and (F) is a bottom view. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a part of the cross section taken along line II in Fig. 3.

[0026] The dispenser 100 dispenses absorbent articles. The absorbent articles are sanitary absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, tampons, baby diapers, adult diapers, pet sheets, etc. In the following description, the absorbent article is a sanitary napkin (hereinafter referred to as napkin) 200. Even if the absorbent article is not a napkin but a tampon or diaper, the dispenser 100 dispenses it in the same manner as described below.

[0027] The dispenser 100 has a housing 10 having a dispensing opening 17 for dispensing napkins 200, a first storage section 51 for storing absorbent articles provided inside the housing 10, and a tray 30 which is an example of a transport member.

[0028] The tray 30 moves through the dispensing opening 17 between the inside of the housing 10 (first position) and a position (second position) where at least a portion of the tray 30 protrudes outside the housing 10. When the tray 30 is in the first position, it forms the bottom of the first storage section 51. Therefore, when the napkins 200 are stored flat in the first storage section 51, the bottommost napkin 200A in the first storage section 51 is placed on the upper surface of the tray 30.

[0029] The tray 30 moves between the first position and the second position, thereby transporting the napkins 200A placed on its upper surface when it is in the first position through the dispensing opening 17 to the outside of the housing 10. The direction in which the tray 30 moves from the first position to the second position is the transport direction A of the napkins 200. A user takes out the napkins 200 from the tray 30 in the second position. As the tray 30 moves in the transport direction A, the dispenser 100 dispenses the napkins 200.

[0030] 1 and 4 show dispenser 100A in a first state and dispenser 100B in a second state. In dispenser 100A, tray 30 is in a first position, and in dispenser 100B, tray 30 is in a second position. Dispenser 100 changes from the first state (dispenser 100A) to the second state (dispenser 100B) when dispensing napkins 200, and then returns to the first state (dispenser 100A). This operation of dispenser 100 is also referred to as the dispensing operation.

[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the tray 30. The tray 30 has a lid member 31 for the provision port 17 at a position corresponding to the provision port 17 when in the first position. The position corresponding to the provision port 17 refers to a position where the lid member 31 of the tray 30 in the first position generally covers the provision port 17. The lid member 31 generally covering the provision port 17 includes not only the lid member 31 completely covering the provision port 17 without any gaps, but also a state where there is a gap between the lid member 31 and the provision port 17 that is large enough to prevent hands or fingers from entering the first storage section 51 through the provision port 17, or a gap large enough to prevent water droplets that splash onto the floor or sink from entering through the provision port 17 and thus prevent water droplets from entering through the provision port 17. As an example, the position corresponding to the provision port 17 when the tray 30 is in the first position is the leading edge of the tray 30 in the transport direction A. In the following examples, the lid member 31 is assumed to be provided at the leading edge of the tray 30 in the transport direction A. The shape of the lid member 31 may be any shape that generally covers the supply port 17 when it is in a position corresponding to the supply port 17. As an example, the tray 30 moves along the lower side of the rectangular supply port 17, and the lid member 31 has an upwardly convex shape.

[0032] As one example, the lid member 31 is molded integrally with the tray 30. As another example, the lid member 31 may be formed as a separate member from the tray 30 and attached to the tray 30, or may be detachable from the tray 30. In this case, the tray 30 may have an attachment mechanism for the lid member 31. The attachment mechanism for the lid member 31 is not limited to a specific structure and may have any structure that allows the lid member 31 to be attached corresponding to the structure of the lid member 31. Furthermore, the attachment mechanism for the lid member 31 may be a structure that detachably attaches the lid member 31. Alternatively, the lid member 31 may have an attachment mechanism for the tray 30. The attachment mechanism for the lid member 31 of the tray 30 may be capable of attaching only a lid member 31 that has an attachment mechanism for the tray 30, or may also be capable of attaching a lid member 31 that does not have an attachment mechanism for the tray 30. Furthermore, the attachment mechanism of the lid member 31 to the tray 30 may be attachable only to trays 30 that have an attachment mechanism for the lid member 31, or may be attachable to trays 30 that do not have an attachment mechanism for the lid member 31.

[0033] Preferably, the tray 30 has a cutout 37. The cutout 37 is provided in and penetrates an area that protrudes outside the housing 10 when the tray 30 is in the second position. This allows a user to remove a napkin 200 placed on the top surface of the tray 30 in the second position by pushing it up with a finger or the like from below the cutout 37. Preferably, the tray 30 also has a sensing hole 34 used for sensing by a sensor 55 described below. The sensing hole 34 may also be used to remove a napkin 200 placed on the top surface of the tray 30 in the second position by pushing it up with a finger or the like from below. The tray 30 may be provided with both the cutout 37 and the sensing hole 34, or may be provided with only one hole that serves as both the sensing hole 34 and the cutout 37.

[0034] The tray 30 has a moving mechanism that moves the lowest napkin 200A, which is in contact with the upper surface at the first position, as the tray 30 moves. One example of the moving mechanism is an upwardly convex edge 32 provided at the rear end in the conveying direction A. Another example of the moving mechanism may be a region with a high friction coefficient provided on the upper surface of the tray 30, which moves the napkin 200A by frictional force with respect to the napkin 200A, or a region with adhesive force provided on the upper surface of the tray 30, which moves the napkin 200A by adhesive force with respect to the napkin 200A, or a combination of these. In the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the moving mechanism is an upwardly convex edge 32 provided at the rear end of the tray 30 in the conveying direction A.

[0035] The housing 10 has a top surface 12, a right side surface 13, a left side surface 14, a back surface 15, and a bottom surface 16. The top surface 12 has a curved surface that is convex upward, which prevents objects from being placed on or sat on the top surface 12 of the dispenser 100.

[0036] The rear surface 15 may be provided with screw holes 23 and recesses 24 for hooks. The dispenser 100 can be installed by fixing the rear surface 15 to a wall surface or the like.

[0037] The housing 10 has a door 11 attached to the left side surface 14 with a hinge 21. The door 11 is not limited to being attached to the left side surface 14, but may also be attached to the right side surface 13. In addition, the door 11 may be provided on a surface other than the front, for example, the top surface 12 may also serve as the door 11.

[0038] The door 11 opens and closes the first storage section 51. By opening the door 11, napkins 200 are replenished in the first storage section 51. By closing the door 11, access to the first storage section 51 from outside the housing 10 is blocked.

[0039] Door 11 has a convex member 22 provided on its inner surface. Member 22 is convex inward to the extent that it comes into contact with napkins 200 stored in first storage section 51 when door 11 is closed. As a result, when door 11 is closed, napkins 200 are stored in first storage section 51 in an aligned manner.

[0040] The door 11 is provided with a dispensing opening 17. The dispensing opening 17 is not limited to being provided on the door 11, but may also be provided on the left side surface 14 or the right side surface 13. The height L1 of the dispensing opening 17 is greater than the sum of the thickness of the portion of the tray 30 on which the napkins 200 are placed and the thickness of the napkins 200 themselves. This allows the tray 30 with the napkins 200 placed on top to pass through the dispensing opening 17, and the dispenser 100 can dispense the napkins 200. Preferably, the height L1 of the dispensing opening 17 is smaller than the thickness of a person's finger. This prevents mischief such as inserting a finger through the dispensing opening 17 in the second state.

[0041] The door 11 has a first window 18. The first window 18 is transparent to light between the outside of the housing 10 and the inside of the first storage section 51. The first window 18 may be a cutout provided in the door 11, or may be a cutout to which a transparent member is attached. The first window 18 is not limited to being provided in the door 11, and may be provided on the left side surface 14 or the right side surface 13 where the door 11 is not provided. Preferably, the first window 18 is provided on the front or side surface (left side surface 14 or right side surface 13) of the housing 10. This allows the amount of napkins 200 stored in the first storage section 51 (hereinafter also referred to as inventory) to be visible from outside the housing 10 with the door 11 closed.

[0042] The right side surface 51A and the left side surface 51B of the first storage section 51 each extend downward from the bottom of the first storage section 51 (tray 30 in the first position). Guides 59 are provided on the inner surfaces of the right side surface 51A and the left side surface 51B below the tray 30. The guides 59 are grooves extending in the conveying direction A. The tray 30 has left and right rollers 36 arranged near the right side surface 51A and the left side surface 51B on the bottom surface, respectively. The left and right rollers 36 are fitted into the guides 59 on the right side surface 51A and the left side surface 51B, respectively. Therefore, the tray 30 is allowed to move only in the conveying direction A and is fixed in other directions.

[0043] A second storage section 52 for storing the power supply 300 may be provided inside the housing 10. This allows the dispenser 100 to be installed even in a location where power cannot be supplied from outside the housing 10.

[0044] The dispenser 100 may have a display 53. The display 53 is an example of an output device of the dispenser 100. As another example, the output device may be a speaker or the like. As yet another example, the output device may be a communication unit that communicates with other devices and transmits data. As one example, the display 53 is disposed inside the housing 10. In this case, the door 11 has a second window portion 19 at a position corresponding to the display 53. This allows the dispenser 100 to transmit information via the display 53.

[0045] Sensors 55 and 57A are installed inside the housing 10. These sensors 55 and 57A are connected to a control board 54, which will be described later, and input sensor signals to the control board 54. In the example of FIG. 4, the sensor 55 is installed below the tray 30, and detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 on the upper surface of the tray 30 through a sensing hole 34 provided in the tray 30 when it is in the second state. The sensor 57A is installed inside the first storage section 51, and detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 up to that position. The sensor 57A detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 at a position where the inventory is 0, that is, when there are no napkins 200 in stock.

[0046] A sensor for detecting the presence or absence of napkins 200 may be arranged in addition to sensor 57A. For example, in the example of Fig. 4, sensor 57B for detecting that the stock of napkins 200 is low is further arranged inside housing 10. Furthermore, a sensor (not shown) for detecting that the stock of napkins 200 is at its maximum may be arranged inside housing 10. Alternatively, when managing the stock of napkins 200 based on the number of times napkins 200 are discharged in drive control 411 described below, a sensor for detecting the stock amount of napkins 200 does not need to be arranged inside housing 10.

[0047] The dispenser 100 has a drive unit 60. The drive unit 60 moves the tray 30 between a first position and a second position. A support member 35 fixed to the tray 30 is connected to the drive unit 60.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram for explaining the driving of the driving unit 60. (A) of FIG. 6 shows the state of the driving unit 60 in the dispenser 100 in a first state. When the driving unit 60 is driven, the state changes in the order of (A) → (B) → (C) → (D). (D) of FIG. 6 shows the state of the driving unit 60 in the dispenser 100 in a second state. When the driving unit 60 is subsequently driven, the state changes in the order of (D) → (C) → (B) → (A). The driving in which the state of the driving unit 60 changes from (A) → (B) → (C) → (D) is called supply driving, and the driving in which the state changes from (D) → (C) → (B) → (A) is called return driving.

[0049] An example of the drive unit 60 is a crank. The drive unit 60 has a first member 61 and a second member 64. The first member 61 has a rotating shaft 62 near one end thereof that is connected to a motor M. The other end 63 of the first member 61 is connected to one end 65 of the second member 64 by a hinge 66 that allows only relative rotational movement. The other end 67 of the second member 64 is connected to the support member 35 by a hinge 68 that allows only relative rotational movement.

[0050] The first member 61 swings around the rotation shaft 62 in accordance with the rotation of the motor M. The end 63 of the first member 61 rotates a predetermined angle in a rotation direction B (first rotation direction) around the rotation shaft 62 to the position shown in FIG. 6(D) during supply drive due to the rotation of the motor M. The end 63 of the first member 61 rotates a predetermined angle in a rotation direction C (second rotation direction) opposite to the rotation direction B to the position shown in FIG. 6(A) during return drive. In FIG. 6, the rotation direction B is counterclockwise, and the rotation direction C is clockwise. In FIG. 6(A), the end 63 is rotated to the extreme end of the rotation direction C, which is the farthest from the door 11 (i.e., the rear side). In FIG. 6(D), the end 63 is rotated to the extreme end of the rotation direction B, which is the closest to the door 11.

[0051] In accordance with the swinging motion of the end 63, the end 65 of the second member 64 swings in rotation directions B and C around the rotation axis 62. The end 67 of the second member 64 is not permitted to move in any direction other than the conveying direction A, which is not permitted for the tray 30 fixed to the support member 35, by the support member 35 connected by the hinge 68. Therefore, the second member 64 converts the swinging motion of the end 65 into a reciprocating motion in the conveying direction A. In other words, the end 67 of the second member 64 moves in the conveying direction A from the farthest position from the door 11 to the nearest position by the supply drive of the drive unit 60, and moves in the opposite direction to the conveying direction A from the nearest position to the farthest position from the door 11 by the return drive.

[0052] The reciprocating movement of the end 67 of the second member 64 in the conveying direction A causes the tray 30 to move back and forth in the conveying direction A via the support member 35 connected by the hinge 68. As a result, the dispenser 100 is driven by the drive unit 60 to perform a dispensing operation.

[0053] The length (height) L2 in the height direction of the edge 32 of the tray 30 is equal to or less than the thickness N1 of the napkin 200. As a result, when the tray 30 moves from the first position to the second position, the edge 32 comes into contact with the lowest napkin 200A in the first storage section 51, but does not come into contact with the napkin 200B immediately above it. Therefore, when the tray 30 moves from the first position to the second position, only the napkin 200A is pushed out of the first storage section 51 by the edge 32 and placed on the upper surface of the tray 30 for transport.

[0054] Movement of the napkin 200A in the conveying direction A on the top surface of the tray 30 during transport is prevented by the lid member 31 at the leading end of the tray 30 in the conveying direction A. Furthermore, when the tray 30 reaches the second position, movement of the napkin 200A in the conveying direction A due to inertial force is prevented by the lid member 31. This prevents the napkin 200A from sliding off the top surface of the tray 30 in the conveying direction A during transport. Furthermore, as will be described later, when the tray 30 returns from the second position to the first position with the napkin 200A placed on its top surface, the lid member 31 prevents the napkin 200A from sliding off the top surface of the tray 30 in the conveying direction A.

[0055] The distance L3 traveled by the tray 30 from the first position to the second position is shorter than the length N2 of the napkin 200 in the conveying direction A when it is stored in the first storage section 51. As a result, even when the tray 30 is at the second position, the rear edge 32 of the tray 30 does not pass the leading edge of the napkin 200B in the conveying direction A, and the napkin 200B does not fall out of the first storage section 51. Furthermore, when the tray 30 returns from the second position to the first position, the napkin 200B is placed on the upper surface of the tray 30. As a result, as the tray 30 moves back and forth between the first and second positions, the napkins 200 stored in the first storage section 51 are pushed out one by one from the bottom out of the first storage section 51 and transported to the outside of the housing 10.

[0056] The dispenser 100 has a control board 54. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the control board 54. The control board 54 has a control unit 41 that controls the driving of the drive unit 60, and a memory 42. The control unit 41 is connected to the motor M and controls the rotation of the motor M. As an example, the control unit 41 controls the timing and amount of rotation of the motor M. Preferably, the control unit 41 is connected to a display 53 and controls the display on the display 53.

[0057] The control board 54 has an input unit 43 that receives an input of a signal from outside. The input unit 43 is, for example, a communication unit that receives a signal from another device and inputs it to the control unit 41. The input unit 43 may also be a button, a touch panel, or the like that receives a user operation and inputs an operation signal to the control unit 41.

[0058] The control unit 41 is connected to sensors 55, 57A, and 57B installed in the housing 10 and receives input of sensor signals. Based on the sensor signal from the sensor 55, the control unit 41 detects whether the transported napkins have been removed from the tray 30. Based on the sensor signals from the sensors 57A and 57B, the control unit 41 detects the inventory of napkins 200 up to the positions where the sensors 57A and 57B are installed inside the first storage unit 51.

[0059] The control unit 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The memory 42 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The memory 42 stores a program 421 to be executed by the control unit 41. The control unit 41 executes the program 421 to perform drive control 411 of the drive unit 60.

[0060] 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of drive control 411 executed by control unit 41. Control unit 41 does not drive drive unit 60 until it detects a predetermined first trigger, which is a request to dispense napkins 200 (NO in step S101). Therefore, dispenser 100 maintains the first state. The first trigger is, for example, input of an operation signal from input unit 43 by a user's operation, or input of a signal indicating a request by input unit 43 from another device such as a user's terminal device or a server to control unit 41.

[0061] When the dispenser 100 is in the first state, the cover member 31 largely covers the dispensing port 17. This prevents hands and other objects from entering the interior through the dispensing port 17. It also prevents water droplets that have splashed onto the floor or sink from entering through the dispensing port 17. This allows the dispenser 100 to prevent the theft or tampering of the napkins 200 stored inside, and also allows the napkins 200 to be stored hygienically in the first storage section 51, allowing the napkins 200 to be dispensed hygienically.

[0062] When the first trigger is detected (YES in step S101), the control unit 41 drives the drive unit 60 (step S105). In step S105, the control unit 41 rotates the motor M by a predetermined rotation angle in the rotation direction B. As a result, in step S105, the drive unit 60 performs supply driving, and the tray 30 moves in the conveying direction A from the first position to the second position.

[0063] 4, the edge 32 comes into contact with the lowest napkin 200A in the first storage section 51 and is carried to the outside of the housing 10 as the tray 30 moves. As a result, the dispenser 100 dispenses the napkin 200 when it detects the first trigger.

[0064] At this time, the lid member 31 prevents the napkins 200 from moving in the conveying direction A on the upper surface of the tray 30. This prevents the napkins 200 from sliding off the upper surface of the tray 30 in the conveying direction A. Therefore, the dispenser 100 can provide the napkins 200 in a manner that makes them easy for the user to pick up. In addition, the user can lift the napkins 200 up through the notches 37 of the tray 30 with their fingers or the like, making it easy for the user to pick up the napkins 200.

[0065] Preferably, when the control unit 41 detects the first trigger (YES in step S101), it determines whether or not there are napkins 200 in stock based on a sensor signal from the sensor 57A that detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 installed inside the first storage unit 51. If it is determined that there is stock (YES in step S103), the control unit 41 drives the drive unit 60 in step S105. If the sensor 57A detects that there are no napkins 200 in stock (NO in step S103), the control unit 41 does not perform step S105 and ends the process. In this way, when the dispenser 100 detects the first trigger, it can dispense napkins 200 when they are in stock and not dispense them when they are out of stock.

[0066] At this time, the control unit 41 may also perform processing to output an error (step S117). In step S117, the control unit 41 may, for example, cause the display 53 to display an error. This allows the dispenser 100 to notify the user that the napkins 200 will not be dispensed and the reason for this. If the dispenser 100 has the above-mentioned communication device as an output device, in step S117, for example, the control unit 41 may notify another device, such as a server, of the occurrence of the error. In this case, the server may notify another device, such as a user's terminal device, from which the input unit 43 has received a signal indicating a request as the first trigger, of the error.

[0067] In addition, if the dispenser 100 further includes a sensor 57B for detecting that the stock of napkins 200 is low, the control unit 41 preferably determines whether the stock is low using the sensor 57B even when it determines that the napkins 200 are in stock. Furthermore, the control unit 41 may determine whether the stock is low using the sensor 57B at a timing independent of the detection of the first trigger. When the control unit 41 detects that the stock of napkins 200 is low, the control unit 41 may display on the display 53 that the stock of napkins 200 is low, as in step S117, or may notify another device such as a server. The same applies when the dispenser 100 further includes another sensor for detecting the stock of napkins 200, such as a sensor for detecting that the stock of napkins 200 is at its maximum, or when the control unit 41 detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 on the upper surface of the tray 30. This allows the dispenser 100 to prompt the user to replenish the napkins 200 before the stock of napkins 200 runs out, to notify the user of the stock of napkins 200, or to notify the user that a napkin 200 has been left behind on the tray 30, at the time of detection of the first trigger or at a timing unrelated to detection of the first trigger.

[0068] When a predetermined second trigger is detected, the control unit 41 drives the drive unit 60 (step S115). The second trigger may be, for example, the passage of a predetermined time since the tray 30 has moved from the first position, the removal of the napkins 200 from the top surface of the tray 30, the reception by the input unit 43 of an instruction from another device such as a server or a user terminal, a predetermined user operation on the input unit 43, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0069] As an example, the control unit 41 starts timing when driving the driving unit 60 in step S105 (step S109). In addition, the control unit 41 detects the presence or absence of napkins 200 on the tray 30 based on a sensor signal from the sensor 55.

[0070] When a napkin 200 is detected on the upper surface of the tray 30 (NO in step S111), the control unit 41 continues timing until a specified time has elapsed. If it is detected that the napkin 200 has disappeared from the upper surface of the tray 30 before the specified time has elapsed (YES in step S111), the control unit 41 ends timing and drives the drive unit 60 (step S115). Also, if the specified time has elapsed while a napkin 200 is detected on the upper surface of the tray 30 (NO in step S111 and YES in step S113), the control unit 41 ends timing and drives the drive unit 60 (step S115).

[0071] In step S115, the control unit 41 rotates the motor M by a predetermined rotation angle in the rotation direction C. As a result, in step S115, the drive unit 60 is driven to return, and the tray 30 moves in the opposite direction to the transport direction A from the second position to the first position.

[0072] As a result, in dispenser 100, when a napkin 200 is removed from the top surface, tray 30 returns to inside housing 10. Also, in dispenser 100, if a napkin 200 is not removed from the top surface for a specified time after being transported, tray 30 returns to inside housing 10. Therefore, even if dispenser 100 is installed in a narrow space such as a toilet stall, it is unlikely to get in the way of a user and is unlikely to be damaged by a collision.

[0073] [Variation 1] Preferably, the control unit 41 determines the movement distance L3 of the tray 30 according to the size of the napkin 200. The size of the napkin 200 indicates the length N2 of the napkin 200 in the conveying direction A when stored in the first storage unit 51. As an example, the control unit 41 stores in advance the correspondence between the length N2 of the napkin 200 and the movement distance L3, and determines the movement distance L3 according to the length N2 of the napkin 200.

[0074] The length N2 of the napkin 200 may be detected by providing a detection sensor (not shown) in the dispenser 100 and input to the control unit 41. Alternatively, the length N2 of the napkin 200 may be input by a user operation to the input unit 43. When the type of napkin 200 is input by a user operation, the control unit 41 may pre-store the correspondence between the type of napkin 200 and the length N2, and determine the length N2 according to the type of napkin 200 input from the input unit 43. Alternatively, the control unit 41 may pre-store the correspondence between the type of napkin 200 and the movement distance L3, and determine the movement distance L3 according to the input type of napkin 200.

[0075] The control unit 41 drives the motor M at an angle according to the movement distance L3 in the rotation directions B and C. In other words, the determination of the movement distance L3 by the control unit 41 corresponds to the determination of the predetermined rotation angle in steps S105 and S115.

[0076] In the dispenser 100 according to the first variant, the travel distance L3 may be determined at the time when the napkin 200 is stored in the first storage section 51, or the travel distance L3 may be determined each time a napkin 200 is requested and the provision action is performed.

[0077] As a result, in the dispenser 100 according to the first modified example, the movement distance L3 of the tray 30 can be made smaller as the length N2 of the napkin 200 becomes smaller. As a result, the dispenser 100 according to the first modified example can prevent the tray 30 from protruding excessively. Furthermore, the dispenser 100 according to the first modified example can provide napkins 200 of different sizes.

[0078] [Variation 2] In the above example, the movement distance L3 of the tray 30 from the first position to the second position is shorter than the length N2 of the napkins 200 in the conveying direction A. However, the greater the movement distance L3 of the tray 30, the more the tray 30 protrudes from the housing 1, which may make it easier for some users to receive the napkins 200 that are offered. Therefore, the movement distance L3 may be longer than the length N2 of the napkins 200 in the conveying direction A.

[0079] 9 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the cross section taken along line II in FIG. 3, illustrating the general configuration of tray 30 according to a second modified example. In this case, tray 30 has bottom plate portion 32A extending from the tip of upwardly convex edge portion 32 in the opposite direction to conveyance direction A. Bottom plate portion 32A protrudes toward rear surface 15 beyond first storage portion 51 when tray 30 is in the first position (dispenser 100A).

[0080] When the tray 30 moves from the first position to the second position (dispenser 100B), the bottom plate portion 32A moves to the bottom of the first storage section 51 as the tray 30 moves. At this time, the napkins 200A that were placed on the upper surface of the tray 30 in the first state are transported outside the housing 10 together with the tray 30, and the napkins 200B are placed on the bottom plate portion 32A that has moved to the bottom of the first storage section 51. As a result, even if the movement distance L3 of the tray 30 becomes longer than the length N2 of the napkins 200 in the transport direction A, the napkins 200B are held by the bottom plate portion 32A and do not fall from the first storage section 51. The napkins 200B are placed on the upper surface of the tray 30 when the tray 30 returns from the second position to the first position.

[0081] The longer the length L4 of the bottom plate portion 32A in the conveying direction A, the longer the movement distance L3 of the tray 30. Therefore, the tray 30 can be protruded further from the housing 10 in the second state, and the napkins 200 can be provided so that they are easier for the user to pick up. On the other hand, the longer the length L4, the longer the length L5 (thickness) from the door 11 (front) to the back surface 15 of the housing 10 is required to store the bottom plate portion 32A inside in the first state, and the larger the size of the housing 10 becomes. Therefore, it is desirable to design the length L4 of the bottom plate portion 32A in the conveying direction A according to the installation location of the dispenser 100, etc.

[0082] [Variation 3] The drive unit 60 may be any drive mechanism that moves the tray 30 at least from the first position to the second position. The tray 30 may automatically return from the second position to the first position, for example, by elastic force. The drive unit 60 is not limited to a crank, and may be any drive mechanism that moves the tray 30 at least from the first position to the second position.

[0083] <3. Notes> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10: Housing, 11: Door, 12: Top, 17: Dispensing port, 18: First window (window), 22: Member (convex member), 30: Tray (transport member), 31: Lid member, 32: Edge, 37: Notch, 41: Control unit, 51: First storage unit, 52: Second storage unit, 55, 57A, 57B: Sensor, 60: Drive unit, 100: Dispenser, 200: Napkin (absorbent article), 300: Power supply

Claims

1. a housing having a dispensing opening for dispensing absorbent articles; a first storage section provided inside the housing for storing the absorbent article; a conveying member that conveys the absorbent articles in the first storage section to the outside of the housing through the dispensing opening; a drive unit that moves the carrying member from a first position inside the housing to a second position where at least a portion of the carrying member protrudes outside the housing; The carrying member has a lid member for the dispensing port at a position corresponding to the dispensing port when the carrying member is in the first position. A dispenser for providing absorbent articles.

2. The first location is the bottom of the first storage section. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

3. The transport member has a movement mechanism that moves the absorbent article that is in contact with the upper surface at the first position in accordance with the movement of the transport member by the drive unit.

3. A dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 2.

4. The moving mechanism includes an upwardly convex edge portion provided at a rear end in the conveying direction.

4. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 3.

5. The height of the edge is equal to or less than the thickness of the absorbent article.

5. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 4.

6. A moving distance of the carrying member from the first position to the second position is shorter than a length of the absorbent article in the carrying direction when the absorbent article is stored in the first storage section.

6. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 5.

7. Further, a control unit is provided to control the driving of the driving unit, The control unit is configured to determine the travel distance of the conveying member depending on the size of the absorbent article.

7. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 6.

8. Further, a control unit is provided to control the driving of the driving unit, The control unit is configured to drive the drive unit to move the carrying member from the first position to the second position by detecting a predetermined first trigger. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

9. Further, a control unit is provided to control the driving of the driving unit, The control unit is configured to detect a second predetermined trigger and thereby drive the drive unit to return the carrying member from the second position to the first position. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

10. a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of the absorbent article on the carrying member at the second position; The second trigger includes the sensor detecting the absence of the absorbent article on the carrying member at the second position.

10. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 9.

11. The second trigger includes a predetermined time elapsed since the conveying member was moved from the first position.

10. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 9.

12. The carrying member has a notch that penetrates through an area that protrudes to the outside of the housing when carrying the absorbent article to the outside of the housing. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

13. The device further includes a second storage section provided inside the housing for storing a power supply. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

14. the housing has a door that opens and closes the first storage section, The door has a convex member provided on an inner surface thereof that comes into contact with the absorbent articles stored in the first storage section when the first storage section is closed. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

15. The housing has a curved top surface. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

16. The housing has a window portion that is light-transmitting between the outside and the inside of the first storage portion. The dispenser for providing absorbent articles according to claim 1.

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