METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING A FILLING LEVEL IN A TISSUE DISPENSER

Abstract

A method and an arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll is adapted for use with. a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of the continuous web of tissue from the tissue roll. The method comprises the steps of counting portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser, determining an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, and determining a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

Claims

1.-15. (canceled)

16. A method for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll, the method comprising the steps of: counting portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser to generate counter data; determining an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information; and determining a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising the further step of: determining a verified tissue type information when the roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising the further step of: adjusting a size of a portion of the tissue roll dispensed by the tissue dispenser after the roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred; or adjusting the size of the portion of the tissue roll dispensed by the tissue dispenser after a refill of the tissue roll to the first tissue roll position has occurred.

19. The method according to claim 16, comprising the further step(s) of: determining a roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement that the holding arrangement has taken a release position; determining that a new tissue roll has been received in the first tissue roll position by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement that the holding arrangement has taken a hold position; determining that the second tissue roll position is empty by receiving a signal from a detector for detecting whether the second tissue roll position is empty; and/or determining that the tissue roll is present in the second tissue roll position by receiving a signal from a detector for detecting that the tissue roll is present in the second tissue roll position.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the step of determining the verified filling level depends on: the presence or absence of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; the presence or absence of the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position; a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and/or the roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position.

21. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step(s) of: communicating with an external communication unit or a backend unit in a bidirectional way or in a wireless way; or determining, saving, or communicating information regarding one or more of the following: the initial filling level, the verified filling level, a time stamp, an initial tissue type information, a verified tissue type information, a portion size, a number of dispensed portions per tissue roll, a dispensing mode, the presence or absence of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, the presence or absence of the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position, a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, a roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position, a setting for a proximity sensor of the tissue dispenser, an energy supply level, a technical status, a number of dispensed portions without portion removal or portion retraction, a number of total dispensed portions over a lifecycle of the tissue dispenser, an alert or a setting for alerts, and/or a location, position, or group assignment of the tissue dispenser.

22. An arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll, the arrangement comprising: a counter adapted to count portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser and adapted to generate counter data; and a control unit adapted to receive counter data from the counter, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

23. The arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a verified tissue type information when the roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

24. The arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the control unit is adapted to adjust a size of a portion of the tissue roll dispensed by the tissue dispenser after a roll exchange of a tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred or after a refill of the tissue roll to the first tissue roll position has occurred.

25. The arrangement according to claim 22, wherein: the control unit is adapted to determine a roll exchange of the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement that the holding arrangement has taken a release position; the control unit is adapted to determine that a new tissue roll has been received in the first tissue roll position by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement that the holding arrangement has taken a hold position; the control unit is adapted to determine that the second tissue roll position is empty by receiving a signal from a detector for detecting whether the second tissue roll position is empty; and/or the control unit is adapted to determine that the tissue roll is present in the second tissue roll position by receiving a signal from a detector for detecting that a tissue roll is present in the second tissue roll position.

26. The arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine the filling level depending on: the presence or absence of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; the presence or absence of a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position; a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and/or a roll exchange of a tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position.

27. The arrangement according to claim 22, wherein: the control unit is adapted to communicate with an external communication unit or with a backend unit in a bidirectional way or in a wireless way; or wherein the control unit is adapted to determine, save, or communicate information regarding one or more of the following: an initial filling level, a verified filling level, a time stamp, an initial tissue type information, a verified tissue type information, a portion size, a number of dispensed portions per tissue roll, a dispensing mode, the presence or absence of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, the presence or absence of a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position, a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position, a roll exchange of a tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to the second tissue roll position, a setting for a proximity sensor of the tissue dispenser, an energy supply level, a technical status, a number of dispensed portions without portion removal or portion retraction, a number of total dispensed portions over a lifecycle of the tissue dispenser, an alert or setting for an alert, and a location, position, or group assignment of the tissue dispenser.

28. A tissue dispenser comprising: an arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser for dispensing portions of a continuous web of tissue from a tissue roll, the arrangement comprising: a counter adapted to count portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser and adapted to generate counter data; and a control unit adapted to receive counter data from the counter, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of the tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred.

29. A tissue dispenser comprising: a first tissue roll position for receiving a tissue roll and a second tissue roll position for receiving a tissue roll, wherein the first tissue roll position is a receiving position for receiving a new tissue roll and the second tissue roll position is a receiving position for receiving the tissue roll from the first tissue roll position, wherein the first tissue roll position is a first dispensing position for dispensing tissue from the tissue roll and the second tissue roll position is a second dispensing position for dispensing tissue from the tissue roll; a housing with an openable housing cover and a housing base for wall-mounting the dispenser; a dispensing opening; a cutting unit; a user interface; a proximity sensor for detecting the presence of a user; an output mechanism for supplying portions of tissue, wherein the output mechanism comprises at least two output rollers comprising a driven roller and a tension roller; a detector for detecting whether the second tissue roll position is empty; a tissue sensor for detecting the presence of a tissue connection from a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position to the output mechanism; a transfer mechanism for releasably holding and transferring an end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism, wherein the transfer mechanism is adapted to transfer the end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism when the second tissue roll position is empty, and wherein the transfer mechanism is adapted to transfer the end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position to the output mechanism independent from the direction of unrolling of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; a counter adapted to count portions of the tissue roll dispensed by the tissue dispenser; a control unit adapted to receive counter data from the counter, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, and wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser has occurred; an operator interface adapted to display or to adjust a setting for the proximity sensor or a setting for a dispensing mode; and a holding arrangement comprising: a holding mechanism for holding a tissue roll in a first tissue roll position, wherein the holding mechanism comprises a first holding element for engaging a first end of an axle of the tissue roll and a second holding element for engaging a second end of the axle of the tissue roll; a diameter sensor for detecting the diameter of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position; and a shift mechanism connecting the holding mechanism and the diameter sensor; wherein the shift mechanism is adapted for shifting the first and second holding elements of the holding mechanism from a hold position to a release position and vice versa.

30. A dispenser system comprising: a plurality of tissue dispensers according to claim 29; a backend unit; a plurality of mobile devices; and an external communication unit.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0132] Preferred embodiments shall now be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which

[0133] FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser with an open housing cover and with a holding arrangement in the release position;

[0134] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

[0135] FIG. 3 shows a section along A-A as indicated in FIG. 2;

[0136] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

[0137] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

[0138] FIG. 6 shows a further side view of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

[0139] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged detail of the dispenser according to FIG. 1;

[0140] FIG. 8 shows an enlarged detail of the dispenser according to FIG. 3;

[0141] FIG. 9 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a holding arrangement in the release position;

[0142] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the holding arrangement in the hold position;

[0143] FIG. 11 shows a top view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 9 with a level indicator;

[0144] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 10 with a level indicator;

[0145] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the holding arrangement according to FIG. 9 with the diameter sensor and the transition element in different positions;

[0146] FIG. 14 shows a full tissue roll with the diameter sensor;

[0147] FIG. 15 shows a reduced diameter tissue roll with the diameter sensor;

[0148] FIG. 16 shows both the full and the reduced diameter tissue roll with the diameter sensor in different positions;

[0149] FIG. 17 shows a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a support insert;

[0150] FIG. 18 shows a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a full tissue roll and a reduced diameter tissue roll;

[0151] FIG. 19 shows a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with a full tissue roll and two different directions of unrolling the tissue roll;

[0152] FIG. 20 shows a partial section of the dispenser according to FIG. 1 with the housing in the closed and in the open position and an empty tissue roll in different positions;

[0153] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a dispenser;

[0154] FIG. 22 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a holding arrangement;

[0155] FIG. 23 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a dispenser module;

[0156] FIG. 24 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser;

[0157] FIG. 25 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser; and

[0158] FIG. 26 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0159] In the Figures, elements with the same or comparable functions are indicated with the same reference numerals.

[0160] In the Figures, a dispenser 1 is shown with a housing 2 comprising a housing base 21 for wall mounting the dispenser 1 and an openable housing cover 22. The housing cover 22 is connected pivotably to the housing base 21. FIGS. 1 to 6 show the housing cover 22 in its open position.

[0161] As can be seen in FIG. 1, for example, on the inner upper side of the housing cover 22 a first protrusion 23 is provided and on the lower inner side of the housing cover 22 a second protrusion 24 is provided. The function of these two protrusions 23, 24 will be explained in detail below. Further, on the inside of one of the sidewalls of the housing cover 22 a level indicator 30 is provided. The level indicator 30 will also be described in further detail below. Further, on the front side of the housing cover 22 an indicator opening 25 is provided, through which an indication surface 33 of a level indicator 30 can be seen, as will be described further below. As can be seen from FIG. 21, the indicator opening 25 is covered by a cover glass 26. Optionally, a front panel 27 can be provided on the housing cover 22.

[0162] The dispenser 1 further comprises a holding arrangement 200 with a holding mechanism 210, a shift mechanism 300, and an output mechanism 400, a transfer mechanism 500, and a diameter sensor 600, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0163] As can be seen from FIG. 21, the housing cover 22 is pivotably mounted to the housing base 21 via a bracket 61, housing spring 62, and cover magnet 64, and secured against unintentional release via safety catches 63. The housing cover 22 can be locked to the housing base 21 via a closure mechanism (cf. FIG. 21), which can be operated via a key by service personnel. The closure mechanism comprises a flat steel 51, lock springs 52, lock catches 55, a lock lever 53, and a lock plug 54.

[0164] As can be seen in FIG. 18, for example, the dispenser 1 has a first tissue roll position 119 with a refill tissue roll with a continuous web of tissue 40 and a second tissue roll position 129 with a spare tissue roll with a further continuous web of tissue 40. The tissue roll 100 in FIG. 18 has a counterclockwise direction of unrolling 102 and the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 has a clockwise direction of unrolling 102.

[0165] At the lower end of the second tissue roll position 129, an axle opening 820 is provided through which an empty axle of the tissue roll can pass to enter a tissue roll axle receptacle 800, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 20, for example. The axle opening 820 has a stop element 830, which is an elastic element. The stop element 830 stops the empty axle of the tissue roll from passing the axle opening 820 only by the force of gravity. Rather, when a tissue roll is being released from the first tissue roll position 119 and falls down to the second tissue roll position 129, a downward directed force is exerted on to the empty axle 110 of the tissue roll, which then can temporarily move the stop element 830 and pass the axle opening 820 to enter the tissue roll axle receptacle 800. The tissue roll axle receptacle 800 has a retention element 810 retaining the axle 110 of the tissue roll when the tissue roll axle receptacle 800 is open, as can be seen in FIG. 20. Preferably, the tissue roll axle receptacle 800 is in its open position (shown in broken lines in FIG. 20), when the housing cover 22 is in its open position (shown in FIG. 20 also in broken lines).

[0166] In FIGS. 7 and 8 as well as in FIGS. 18, 19, and 23, a dispenser module 90 and the output mechanism 400 and the transfer mechanism 500 are shown in more detail. The dispenser module 90 preferably comprises a module body 91, a module center 92, and a module cover 93. The elements of a dispenser module 90 can be connected by screws 440, for example.

[0167] As can be seen in FIG. 8, for example, the output mechanism 400 for supplying portions of tissue from a tissue roll in the first or second tissue roll position to a dispensing opening 12 comprises two output rollers 410. A continuous web of tissue can be supplied to the dispensing opening 12 by a rotation of the output rollers 410 through an output gap 420 between the output rollers 410. The output mechanism 400 is suitable for supplying portions of tissue from a continuous web tissue regardless of whether the tissue roll is in the first tissue roll position 119 or in the second tissue roll position 129 (cf. FIG. 18). As depicted in FIG. 23, the output mechanism 400 and/or the transfer mechanism 500 and/or the dispenser module 90 can comprise a battery module 81, a drive unit 82 with a gear transmission 83, and a holder 84 for driving the output rollers 410.

[0168] In FIG. 18, a tissue roll with a reduced diameter is present in the second tissue roll position 129 and tissue 40 is supplied by the output mechanism 400 to the dispensing opening 12. As can be seen, for example, in FIG. 18, a tissue roll can be held in the second tissue roll position 129 by a trough-like receiving section 130 in a lower portion of the dispenser 1. When the spare tissue roll with a very reduced diameter as shown in FIG. 18 has a tissue 40 connection to the output mechanism 400, the tissue roll can be at an upper portion of the trough-like receiving section 130 in the second tissue roll position 129. In case the spare tissue roll still has a slightly larger diameter than shown in FIG. 18, this spare tissue roll is heavier and can thus be positioned in a lower portion of the trough-like receiving section 130 for the second tissue roll position. When the spare tissue roll is completely empty and only the axle remains, the axle 110 moves, usually by gravity, to the lower part of the trough-like receiving section 130, where the tissue roll axle opening 820 is located, as can be seen from FIG. 20.

[0169] As can be seen in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 holds an end of a tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119. As can be seen in FIG. 19, the transfer mechanism 500 is adapted to hold and transfer an end of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 independent from its unrolling direction, which can be counterclockwise 102 or clockwise 102 (broken lines). The transfer mechanism 500 is shown in its service position in FIG. 18 and in its handover position in FIG. 19.

[0170] Further, FIGS. 7 and 8 also show the transfer mechanism 500 in its service position. The transfer mechanism 500 is adapted for releasably holding and transferring an end of tissue 40, 40 from a tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119 to the output mechanism 400. The transfer mechanism 500 comprises a transfer plate 510 and two retainer flaps 520. The retainer flaps 520 are mounted on the transfer plate 510. The transfer plate 510 is pivotally connected to a transfer rod 530, which is movable to bring the transfer mechanism 500 from the service position into the handover position. Transfer rod 530 is driven by drive 452. Each of the retainer flaps 520 comprises a transfer projection 540. Between the retainer flaps 520 a middle flap 511 (cf. FIG. 23) can be provided.

[0171] At least one of the rollers 410 of the output mechanism 400 comprises several axially spaced recesses 430 in the form of a reduced diameter of the output roller 410. The transfer projections 540 of the retainer flaps 520 are adapted to project into the recesses 430 of the output roller 410 in order to transfer the end of the tissue into the gap 420 between the output rollers 410 in the handover position, as can be seen, for example, from FIG. 19.

[0172] The end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 can be inserted into the transfer mechanism 500 by inserting the end of the tissue roll between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510. The end of a tissue roll can be biased in between. In the service position, the transfer plate 510 projects from the transfer rod 530 in direction toward a user when the housing is open. This facilitates the insertion of an end of the tissue roll into the transfer mechanism 500, in particular, between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510, by a user. When the housing cover is closed, preferably the second projection 24 on the lower inner side of the housing cover 22 contacts the transfer plate 510 and slightly lifts the transfer plate 510 from its service position, shown in FIG. 8, into a slightly higher position, shown in FIG. 18. From the position shown in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 can move into the handover position shown in FIG. 19, in which the transfer projections 540 project into the recesses of the output roller 410. Once the end of the tissue roll is inserted into the gap 420 between the upper rollers 410, and, in particular, when the output rollers 410 start rotating in order to supply tissue, the end of the tissue roll is released from in between the retainer flaps 520 and the transfer plate 510.

[0173] As can be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 8 and 18, a detector 700 detecting whether the second tissue position is empty is provided. In the example depicted, the detector 700 is in the form of an optical tissue sensor 710 for detecting the presence of a tissue connection between the second tissue roll position and the output mechanism 400. The optical tissue sensor 710 is covered with an infrared glass 711.

[0174] This optical sensor 710 detects whether a tissue connection 41 is present between a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 and the output mechanism 400. In case such a tissue connection 41 is present, as shown in FIG. 18, the transfer mechanism 500 remains in the elevated service position as shown in FIG. 18, releasably holding the end of the tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119. Preferably, the transfer mechanism 500 is activated only when the detector 700 in the form of optical tissue sensor 710 detects that no tissue connection is present between the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 and the output mechanism 400.

[0175] Preferably, a cutting unit 11 (cf. FIG. 8) is provided between the dispensing opening 12 and the output rollers 410 for cutting off portions of tissue from the continuous web of tissue. As can be seen in detail in FIG. 23, a cutting unit preferably comprises a blade 11a, a blade shield 11b, and a blade cover 11c. A blade switch 453 is provided for detecting whether the blade 11a has been activated, which indicates that a user has taken a portion of tissue from the dispenser.

[0176] Further preferably, a control unit 16 (cf. FIGS. 8, 23) is provided for performing various control functions to realize the various features described herein. The control unit 16 preferably comprises a microcontroller and further preferably performs all control functions necessary to operate the dispenser 1.

[0177] A user interface 15 with a user interface unit 19 and user interface sticker 17 provides information to a user. The status LED 18 can indicate a fault status, for example, to a user. Preferably, the user interface unit 19 does not comprise a microcontroller.

[0178] Further, preferably, the output mechanism 400 is an automatic output mechanism 400 which is activated by a signal from a proximity sensor 14 for detecting the presence of a user. A dispenser 1 with such a functionality can also be described as a non-touch dispenser.

[0179] The dispenser 1 further features a holding arrangement 200 with a holding mechanism 210 comprising a first holding element 211 for engaging a first end of an axle 110 of the tissue roll 100 and a second holding element 212 for engaging a second end of an axle 110 of the tissue roll 100. The holding mechanism 210 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 9 and 10. As can be seen from these Figures in particular, a horizontal distance 232 in an axial direction of the tissue roll axis 113 between the first holding element 211 and the second holding element 212 in the release position is larger than a horizontal distance 231 in an axial direction of the tissue roll axis 113 in the hold position. In addition, these Figures show that the first and second holding elements 211, 212 are spaced from the axle 110 of the tissue roll 100 in the release position. In the hold position, however, the holding mechanism 210, in particular, the first and second holding arms 311, 321 and the first and second holding elements 211, 212 provide full operative support for the tissue roll 100 in the first tissue roll position 119 during operation of the dispenser and, in particular, during supply of tissue from the tissue roll by unrolling the tissue roll in an unrolling direction about the tissue roll axis 113.

[0180] As can be seen from FIGS. 11 and 12, a level indicator 30 with a base arm 32 and a level arm 31 is provided. At one end of the level arm 31 an indication surface 33 is provided. As can be seen when comparing FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the level arm 31 is moved by the first holding arm 311 and the first holding element 211 to an outer position corresponding to an empty position of the first tissue roll position 119, while the level arm 31 is biased in an inner, filled position when the holding mechanism 210 is in the hold position as shown in FIG. 12.

[0181] The indication surface 33 is preferably viewable through the indicator opening 25 in the housing cover 22 such that service personnel can see through the indicator opening 25 whether or not there is a tissue roll 100 at the first tissue roll position 119, i.e., whether the holding mechanism 210 is in the hold position or in the release position without having to open the housing cover 22 of the dispenser 1.

[0182] The holding arrangement 200 further comprises a shift mechanism 300 for shifting the holding mechanism 210, in particular, the first and second holding elements 211, 212, from the hold position to the release position and vice versa. The shift mechanism 300 comprises a transition element 900, which is pivotably connected to a diameter sensor 600. The shift mechanism 300 is mounted on the housing base 21, preferably via the support insert 910. The shift mechanism 300 further comprises a toggle mechanism. In particular, the shift mechanism 300 further comprises first and second connection arms 312, 322 projecting from the transition element 900 and first and second transition pieces 313, 323 pivotably connecting the first and second holding arms 311, 321 to the first and second connection arms 312, 322.

[0183] The diameter sensor 600 is adapted to change its position with the changing, in particular, decreasing, diameter of the tissue roll 100, as can be seen, in particular, in FIGS. 13 through 16. Therein, the diameter sensor is shown in a full diameter position 600 and a reduced diameter position 600. An angle 630 between the diameter sensor 600 and the transition element 900 in the release position is larger than the respective angle in the hold position. These Figures further show a guide frame 920 with a contoured guide surface 621, which can be adjusted by an adjustment element 921. A guide element 620 is provided on the diameter sensor 600. As can be seen, the diameter sensor 600 changes its position and the guide element 620 moves towards the contoured guide surface 621 and makes contact with it as the diameter of the tissue roll 100 decreases. Due to the contour of this guide surface 621, the guide element 620 slides along the guide surface 621 and effects an upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600. This upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600 effected by the interaction of the guide element 620 with the contoured guide surface 621 unlocks the locking element 610 of the diameter sensor.

[0184] The diameter sensor 600 has two locking elements 610 (cf. FIGS. 9 and 10, for example) for locking the diameter sensor 600 in the housing base 21, in particular, in a support insert 910 on the housing base 21. When the housing cover 22 and the first projection 23 thereon contacts the contact flip 601 on the diameter sensor 600, the locking elements 610 are snapped into their locked position in the support insert 910.

[0185] Once the locking elements 610 are unlocked by the upward and lateral movement of the diameter sensor 600 effected by the interaction of the guide element 620 with the contoured guide surface 621 in the reduced diameter position 600, the shift mechanism 300 shifts to hold mechanism 210 into the release position. In the release position, the tissue roll 100 is released from the first tissue roll position 119 and falls into the second tissue roll position 129. In order to decelerate this movement, stoppers 71 can be provided, as depicted in FIG. 21.

[0186] The shift mechanism 300 is biased in the release position, by two first biasing elements 241 in the form of springs, which connect the first transition piece 313 and the second transition piece 323 to the support insert 910 (cf. FIG. 22). As can be further seen from FIG. 22, the first holding arm 311 is connected to the first transition piece 313 via a second biasing element 242 and also the second holding arm 321 is connected to the second transition piece 323 via a second biasing element 242. Both second biasing elements 242 are in the form of springs. Pins 250 are preferably used for connecting various components. The two second biasing elements 242 are dimensioned smaller than the first biasing elements 241 and exert less force than the at least one first biasing element and into a different direction than the two first biasing elements 241 in order to brake or stop a movement initiated by the two first biasing elements 241. FIG. 22 further shows a number of pins for connecting the different elements of the holding arrangement 200.

[0187] A switch 260 is provided, which generates a signal indicating whether the hold mechanism 210 is in the hold position of in the release position. This signal is transferred to the dispenser module via a connector 451. In particular, it can be preferred that the transfer mechanism cannot be activated as long as the switch 260 indicates that the hold mechanism 210 is in the release position.

[0188] In the release position, the diameter sensor 600 and the lower end of the transition element 900 are spaced from the housing base 21, in particular, the support insert 910. When a new tissue roll 100 is inserted into the first tissue roll position 119, the tissue roll 100 is pushed against the diameter sensor 600 and the transition element 900 and thus the shift mechanism 300 and the hold mechanism 210 are brought against the biasing force into the hold position and the locking elements 610 are locked, preferably in the support insert 910 and further snapped into place by pressure exerted by the first protrusion 23 on the housing cover 22 upon closing of the housing 2. The insertion of a new tissue roll into the first tissue roll position 119 can be facilitated by providing lead wings 72, as depicted in FIG. 21.

[0189] As soon as the tissue roll has been released from the first tissue roll position 119 and has fallen into the second tissue roll position, the dispenser 1 can be provided with a new tissue roll by service personnel in the first tissue roll position 119 regardless of the direction of unrolling. By inserting the end of the new refill tissue roll into the transfer mechanism the dispenser 1 is ready for firstly completely using up the remaining tissue on the spare tissue roll in the second tissue roll position and subsequently transferring the end of the new refill tissue roll to the output mechanism automatically and without the need for service personnel or user interaction.

[0190] In FIG. 24, a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an arrangement 1000 for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser 1 is shown. the arrangement 1000 comprises a counter 1001 and a control unit 1002. The counter 1001 is adapted to count portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser 1. The control unit 1002 is adapted to receive counter data from the counter 1001. It can be preferred that the control unit 1002 is identical to the control unit 16 of the dispenser 1.

[0191] Further, it can be preferred that the control unit 1002 and the control unit 16 are sub units of a higher-level unit, wherein the control unit 1002 and the control unit 16 can be located separately from each other and connected, in a wired or wireless way, or wherein the control unit 1002 and the control unit 16 can be located at the same position or in adjacent positions.

[0192] The control unit 1002 is adapted to determine an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information. Further, the control unit 1002 is adapted to determine a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1 has occurred.

[0193] Further, an external communication unit 1100, a backend unit 1200, and a plurality of mobile devices 1300 is provided. Preferably, the control unit 1002, the external communication unit 1100, the backend unit 1200 and the plurality of mobile devices 1300 can all communicate with each other in a bidirectional and preferably wireless way. This allows for remote maintenance of the dispenser 1, also referred to as Over-The-Air (OTA) maintenance, including software updates and parameter settings. In particular, the inclusion of mobile devices 1300 in this communication system allows for easy access and remote maintenance of the dispenser 1, a preferably a large number of dispenser 1, by service personnel.

[0194] It can also be preferred that the external communication unit 1100 is optional. In such a case, the communication takes place preferably between the control unit and the backend unit 1200 and/or between the control unit the plurality of mobile devices 1300.

[0195] Further preferably, a role management is provided to define which roles have which rights, e.g., regarding software updates, changes of settings, etc. Preferably, the role settings can be stored in the control unit 1002 and/or the external communication unit 1100 and/or the backend unit 1200 and/or the plurality of mobile devices 1300. Further preferably, the role settings can be set up and changed only in the external communication unit 1100 and/or the backend unit 1200. In this way, in the control unit 1002 and the mobile devices 1300, only the operations allowed by the role management can be carried out. This reduces the risk of unwanted manipulation or amendment of certain parameters and/or states and enhances reliability and accuracy in that certain manipulations can only be carried out by a certain role, wherein it is preferably ensured that the persons in these role have the required competence and experience.

[0196] For example, the mobile device 1300 can be used by service personnel in the installation phase, where service personnel equipped with mobile device 1300 walk through the facility where a plurality of tissue dispensers 1 is installed. The service personnel can preferably identify individual tissue dispensers 1 or groups of tissue dispenser 1 with the mobile device 1300, e.g., via scanning of a computer readable code on the tissue dispensers 1 or via image recognition. The identified tissue dispenser(s) 1 can then be assigned a location and/or position and/or group affiliation and/or provided with initial information (e.g., initial tissue type information) and/or initial operating parameters. Further, preferably, during further regular maintenance visits of the tissue dispenser(s) 1, the service personnel can update information about the tissue dispenser(s) 1, e.g., certain fault states or other issue notice in the maintenance visit via the mobile devices 1300.

[0197] At the same time, it can be preferred that software updates and parameter settings can be provided to or amended in individual tissue dispensers 1 or groups of tissue dispensers 1 remotely from the external communication unit 1100 and/or the backend unit 1200. For example, the external communication unit 1100 and/or the backend unit 1200 may be located in a central office location of accessible from such a location, where persons with a role having full rights can enter and/or choose information and/or data and/or signals to be communicated to the tissue dispenser(s) 1.

[0198] In particular, the control unit 1002 is adapted to carry out the steps described in the following with reference to the method 2000 for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser 1.

[0199] FIG. 26 shows a dispenser system 3000 comprising, a plurality 1111 of tissue dispensers 1 as described herein, an (optional) external communication unit 1100, a backend unit 1200, and a plurality of mobile devices 1300.

[0200] FIG. 25 shows a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method 2000 for detecting a filling level in a tissue dispenser 1. The method 2000 comprises counting 2001 portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser 1, determining 2001 an initial filling level depending on the counter data and an initial tissue type information, and determining 2002 a verified filling level depending on the counter data when a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1 has occurred. Preferably, the method 2000 further comprises determining 2003 a verified tissue type information when a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1 has occurred. Preferably, the method 2000 further comprises adjusting 2004 the size of the portions of the tissue dispensed by the tissue dispenser 1; in particular, after a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1 has occurred and/or after a refill of a tissue roll 100 to the first tissue roll position 119 has occurred.

[0201] Optionally and preferably, the method 2000 further comprises determining 2005 a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1, preferably by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement 200 that the holding arrangement 200 has taken a release position, and/or determining 2006 that a new tissue roll 110 has been received in the first tissue roll position 119, preferably by receiving a signal from a holding arrangement 200 that the holding arrangement 200 has taken a hold position; and/or determining 2007 that the second tissue roll position 129 is empty, preferably by receiving a signal from a detector 700 for detecting whether the second tissue roll position 129 is empty; and/or determining 2008 that a tissue roll 110 is present in the second tissue roll position 129, preferably by receiving a signal from a detector 700 for detecting that a tissue roll 110 is present in the second tissue roll position 129.

[0202] Preferably, the method 2000 further comprises determining 2003 the filling level depending on presence and/or absence of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119, and/or presence and/or absence of a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129, and/or a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119, and/or roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position 129.

[0203] These steps 2005 through 2008 preferably take place between steps 2002 and 2003. Since steps 2005 through 2008 and 2003 are optional, they are depicted in broken lines in FIG. 25.

[0204] Preferably, the method 2000 further comprises communicating 2009 with an external communication unit 1100 and/or a backend unit 1200, preferably in a bidirectional way and/or in a wireless way; and/or determining 2010 and/or saving and/or communicating information regarding one or more of the following: initial filling level, verified filling level, time stamp, initial tissue type information, verified tissue type information, portion size, in particular, currently dispensed portion size and/or comfort portion size and/or eco portion size, number of dispensed portions per tissue roll 110, dispensing mode, presence and/or absence of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119, presence and/or absence of a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129, a refill of a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119, roll exchange of a tissue roll from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129, settings for a proximity sensor of the tissue dispenser 1, energy supply level, technical status, number of dispensed portions without portion removal or portion retraction, number of total dispensed portions over product lifecycle, alerts and/or settings for alerts, location and/or position and/or group assignment of the tissue dispenser 1.

[0205] These steps 2009 and 2010 can take place parallel, prior to, or after any of the other steps. Since steps 2009 and 2010 are optional, they are depicted in broken lines in FIG. 25.

[0206] In the following two tables, two examples for a method 2000 carried out with an arrangement 1000 in a tissue dispenser 1 are depicted and will be described below.

TABLE-US-00001 Example 1: Roll fully used Roll Length 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 Portion Counter 0 100 200 300 400 480 520 560 600 630 0 60 120 Potion Size 25 25 25 25 25 25 20 20 20 20 25 25 25 New Roll true true true true true true false false false false true true true Rest Roll active false false false false false false true true true true false false false Rest Length 150 125 100 75 50 30 22 14 6 0 150 135 120 Filling Level Calculat 100% 83% 67% 50% 33% 20% 15% 9% 4% 0% 100% 90% 80% Filling Level Dispaye 100% 83% 67% 50% 33% 20% 15% 9% 4% 0% 100% 90% 80% Used Portions 0 100 100 100 100 80 40 40 40 30 0 60 60

TABLE-US-00002 Example 2: Restroll active + Roll refill Roll Length 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 150 Portion Counter 0 100 200 300 400 480 520 560 600 608 0 60 120 Potion Size 25 25 25 25 25 25 20 25 25 25 25 25 25 New Roll true true true true true true false true true true true true true Rest Roll active false false false false false false true true true true false false false Rest Length 150 125 100 75 50 30 22 12 2 0 150 135 120 Filling Level Calculat 100% 83% 67% 50% 33% 20% 15% 8% 1% 0% 100% 90% 80% Filling Level Dispaye 100% 83% 67% 50% 33% 20% 15% 100% 100% 100% 100% 90% 80% Used Portions 0 100 100 100 100 80 40 40 40 8 0 60 60

[0207] In both tables, the lines contain information about the roll length, the counter data of the portion counter 1001, information with regard to the portion size, whether a tissue roll 110 is present in the first tissue roll position 119 (new roll true or false), whether a tissue roll 110 is present in the second tissue roll position 129 (rest roll active true or false), the tissue length remaining on the tissue roll 110, from which tissue is currently dispensed (rest length), the filling level calculated and the filling level displayed at the tissue dispenser 1 as well as the used portions, i.e., the number of portions of tissue used in the preceding interval of a dispensing cycle.

[0208] The columns of the tables represent information at different times, with the leftmost column being the earliest, initial time and the time increases to the right.

[0209] In the first example, a tissue roll is inserted into the first tissue roll position 119 and, after its transfer to the second tissue roll position 129, fully depleted without a new tissue roll being installed in the first tissue roll position 119. Only when this tissue roll has been fully depleted, a new tissue roll is installed in the first tissue roll position 119 in this first example.

[0210] In the second example, after the tissue roll has been transferred from the first tissue roll position 119 to the second tissue roll position 129, a fresh tissue roll is installed in the first tissue roll position 119.

[0211] The first seven columns of both examples are identical: In both examples, a roll with a roll length of 150 m has been installed in the first tissue roll position 119 with the second tissue roll position 129 being empty. As this is the initial state of the tissue dispenser 1, the counter data of the counter 1001 is zero. The portion size is 25 cm. Thus, the values for the presence of a tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 (new roll) is true and the value for the presence of a tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 (rest roll active) is false. Both calculated and displayed filling levels are 100% and also the rest length is identical to the roll length and is 150 m.

[0212] The number of used portions in this initial state is zero, since a new dispensing cycle has begun and no tissue portions have been dispensed in a preceding interval.

[0213] The next four columns show the development of the values after the counter data has incremented for 100 portions for each column. The counter data of the counter 1001 increases accordingly to 100, 200, 300, and 400, respectively and the rest length decreases accordingly. The roll length in the first line does not decrease, since it is a general information about the maximum roll length of the tissue roll 110. The filling levels decrease accordingly. The number of used portions is 100, since in each of the intervals between the columns, 100 portions have been dispensed.

[0214] The sixth column represents the time when 480 portions have been counted by the counter 1001. The seventh column represents the time when 520 portions have been counted by the counter 1001. Thus, the number of used portions is 80 and 40, respectively, in these columns.

[0215] The tissue dispenser 1 is adapted such that when about 500 portions of a tissue roll 110 with a roll length of 150 m have been dispensed, the diameter of the tissue roll 110 has decreased sufficiently, such that the tissue roll 110 will move from the first tissue roll position 119 to the second tissue roll position 129. This can be seen in the seventh column of the two examples in that the values for new roll and rest roll active have changed.

[0216] Further, when a roll exchange occurs, the portion size is reduced from 25 cm to 20 cm, i.e., from a comfort size to an eco-size such that the remaining length of tissue lasts for longer.

[0217] Once the values for new roll and rest roll active change, i.e., at the time when a roll exchange of a tissue roll 110 from a first tissue roll position 119 to a second tissue roll position 129 in the tissue dispenser 1 has occurred, a verified filling level can be determined.

[0218] For example, in the present two examples, the tissue dispenser 1 and its first and second tissue roll positions 119, 129 and the diameter sensor 600 and the holding arrangement 200 as described above are adapted such that for a tissue roll 110 with a roll length of 150 m, the roll exchange will occur after about 500 portions have been dispensed. In the two examples depicted in the two tables, the tissue roll 110 installed in the tissue dispenser 1 does have a roll length of 150 m, and thus the initial tissue type information corresponds to the verified tissue type information. In the first six columns of the two tables, the filling levels are determined based on the initial tissue type information. In the seventh column, when the roll exchange has occurred, it can be determined whether the initial tissue type information has been correct and thus the filling level in the seventh column now is a verified filling level.

[0219] For example, if instead of a two-layer tissue roll with a roll length of 150 m a three-layer tissue roll with a roll length of 120 m would have been used, the roll exchange would have occurred earlier, i.e., when less than 500 portions would have been counted. In this case, the tissue type information would be adjusted and the filling level would be determined based on this verified tissue type information. In such a case where the roll exchange occurs earlier, the verified filling level would also be determined at the time of the roll exchange, e.g., in column 5 or 6 already.

[0220] In the first example, when the roll exchange has occurred, no new tissue roll is installed into the first tissue roll position 119 and thus the value for new roll remains false in columns 7 through 10. The tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 is fully depleted until the rest length is zero. In the last interval for this tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129, thirty portions have been used.

[0221] After the tissue roll has been fully depleted, a new tissue roll is installed in the first tissue roll position 119 and the values for new roll and rest roll active are changed again. The counter data of the counter 1001 is reset to zero and the filling levels are reset to 100% accordingly. Further, also the portion size is reset to comfort size of 25 cm. Thus, a new dispensing cycle has begun.

[0222] Columns 11 through 13 are identical for both examples again.

[0223] In the second example, a new tissue roll is installed in the first tissue roll position 119 while the original tissue roll is still present in the second roll position 129. This can be seen in the second table in column 8, where the value for new roll changes from false to true. Thus, in column 8 of the second example, a tissue roll is present in both tissue roll positions 119, 129. As long as the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 is not yet fully depleted, the dispenser 1 will continue dispensing tissue from the tissue in the second roll position 129. Therefore, the calculated filling level will decrease accordingly. However, since a new tissue roll is already present in the first tissue roll position 119, the portion size can be increased again to comfort size of 25 cm once this tissue roll has been installed in the first tissue roll position 119. Further, also the displayed filling level is set back to 100%, since a full new tissue roll is present in the first tissue roll position 119. The displayed filling level only starts decreasing from 100% once the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 is fully depleted and the transfer mechanism 500 has transferred the end of the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 to the output mechanism 400 and the tissue dispenser 1 has started dispensing tissue from the tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119, as can be seen in column 11.

[0224] Preferably, the filling level is calculated by dividing the rest length or remaining length by the portion size. The rest length or remaining length is preferably calculated by subtracting the used length (i.e., the number of portions dispensed times the portion size) from the previous rest or remaining length.

[0225] Further preferably, a new calculation of the values occurs at fixed intervals, which may be time intervals or intervals regarding a certain number of counted portions. Further, it is preferred that new calculations are triggered after a roll exchange has occurred and/or after the portion size has been adjusted and/or after the tissue roll in the second tissue roll position 129 is fully depleted and/or after a new tissue roll has been installed in the first tissue roll position 119.

[0226] Preferably, if both values for new roll and rest from active are true, the displayed filling level will always be 100%. Preferably, if rest roll active changes from true to false and new roll is true, the counter 1001 and the remaining length are reset.

[0227] Further preferably, information about better level, time stamp, technical status, etc., can be determined and communicated.

[0228] It is further preferred that alerts can be set if a refill of a tissue roll to the first tissue roll position 119 is not done after a certain amount of time or after a certain amount of portions have been dispensed. Further, repeated alerts can be set until a new tissue roll in the first tissue roll position 119 has been installed.

[0229] Preferably, once a roll exchange has occurred, information can be communicated that a refill roll is needed to be installed in the first tissue roll position 119 of the tissue dispenser 1. Based thereon, alerts to service personnel or their supervisor and management can be initiated.

[0230] In particular, the information about which tissue dispensers 1 need a refill can be used in the planning of maintenance of a large number of tissue dispensers 1 in a facility.

[0231] It is particularly preferred that current, in particular, real-time, information and/or historical information, preferably in the form of an overview, is available and communicated, for example, to the external communication unit 1100 and/or the backend unit 1200 and/or the mobile devices 1300.

[0232] In summary, with the solution described herein, the detection of a filling level can be much more reliable and accurate, since a defined event, namely the exchange of a tissue roll from the first tissue roll position to a second tissue roll position in the tissue dispenser, and the counter data present at this time, is used to verify the filling level which was originally determined based on an initial tissue type information and the counter data at this initial stage. The step of verifying the filling level at a predetermined event improves reliability and accuracy of the filling level detection.

[0233] Further, by including various information in the detection of the filling level and by communicating this information as described herein, the management of large amounts of tissue dispensers 1 in facilities is facilitated.