JP2018089229A - Roll paper remaining amount detection device and system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a roll paper remaining amount detecting device capable of accurately grasping the remaining amount of paper, and a system using the same. A remaining amount detecting device 1 includes a fixed unit 11 and a rotating unit 12. The fixing unit 11 includes a mandrel 110, a piezoelectric element 111, and a wireless module 112. The rotating unit 12 includes a stopper 121, an elastic body 122 connecting the stoppers, and a protrusion 123 formed on the stopper. The other ends of the stopper 121 extend toward the piezoelectric element, and the protrusion 123 is formed so as to hit the piezoelectric element 111 when the stopper 121 is at a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element 111. There is. Further, the system receives the remaining amount detection device 1 that operates by rotating the paper and wirelessly transmits the control signal to the outside, the receiving device that receives the control signal and transmits it to the network, and the control signal from the receiving device. It is provided with a display device that calculates and displays the remaining amount of paper based on the calculation. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a roll paper remaining amount detection device and a system using the same.

  Technology to know the remaining amount of roll paper has been developed. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a remaining amount detection device that is used by being inserted into a toilet paper core. The remaining amount detecting device has a cavity inside, a plurality of piezoelectric elements are installed on the inner wall of the cavity, and one steel ball is accommodated in the cavity. As the toilet paper rotates, the steel ball jumps and collides randomly with a plurality of piezoelectric elements. The piezoelectric element deformed by the collision generates electric power. With this power, the remaining amount detecting device wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside, and the remaining amount of paper is displayed on the display.

JP 2009-282879 A

  However, the conventional remaining amount detection device generates power by randomly hitting a plurality of piezoelectric elements with steel balls, so that the number of rotations of the paper is unclear, and there is a problem that an accurate remaining amount of paper is not known.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a roll paper remaining amount detection device capable of accurately grasping the remaining amount of paper and a system using the same. To do.

  Hereinafter, a plurality of modes will be described as means for solving the problems. These embodiments can be arbitrarily combined as necessary.

The roll paper remaining amount detection device of the present invention is a roll paper remaining amount detection device that is used by being inserted into a roll paper core,
The roll paper remaining amount detection device
It consists of a fixed unit fixed to the paper holder and a rotating unit that is rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit.
The fixed unit is
With a mandrel,
A piezoelectric element fixed eccentrically with respect to the mandrel;
It consists of a wireless module that is fixed to the mandrel, is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, operates when power is supplied from the piezoelectric element, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside.
The rotating unit is
Two plate-like stoppers,
An elastic body for connecting opposite ends of the two plate-shaped stoppers;
It consists of a protrusion formed on the other end of one of the two plate-shaped stoppers,
Two plate-like stoppers, each other end extends toward the piezoelectric element,
The protrusion is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element when the two plate-like stoppers are at a position orthogonal to the surface to which the piezoelectric element is fixed.

Preferably, a reset mechanism is further fixed to the mandrel, and the reset mechanism is
A switch arranged to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper;
A control circuit that generates and transmits a reset signal that resets the rotation speed of the roll paper when the switch is pressed;
An output circuit that receives the reset signal from the control circuit and outputs the reset signal to the wireless module.

  More preferably, the wireless module further includes a capacitor for storing electric power generated by the piezoelectric element, and a determination circuit that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and determines that a predetermined amount of electric power has been accumulated. It is.

The roll paper remaining amount detection system of the present invention is
Roll paper remaining amount detection device that operates by rotating the roll paper and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside, a receiving device that receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to the network, and receives and controls the control signal from the receiving device A display device that calculates and displays the remaining amount of roll paper based on the signal,
The roll paper remaining amount detection device
It consists of a fixed unit fixed to the paper holder and a rotating unit that is rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit.
The fixed unit is
With a mandrel,
A piezoelectric element fixed eccentrically with respect to the mandrel;
It consists of a wireless module that is fixed to the mandrel, is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, operates when power is supplied from the piezoelectric element, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside.
The rotating unit is
Two plate-like stoppers,
An elastic body for connecting opposite ends of the two plate-shaped stoppers;
It consists of a protrusion formed on the other end of one of the two plate-shaped stoppers,
Two plate-like stoppers, each other end extends toward the piezoelectric element,
The protrusion is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element when the two plate-like stoppers are at a position orthogonal to the surface to which the piezoelectric element is fixed.

Preferably, the roll paper remaining amount detection device further includes a reset mechanism that generates a reset signal for resetting the rotation speed of the roll paper and transmits the reset signal to the wireless module,
The reset mechanism
A switch arranged to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper;
A control circuit that generates and transmits a reset signal when the switch is pressed;
It consists of an output circuit that receives the reset signal from the control circuit and outputs it to the wireless module,
The wireless module receives the reset signal from the output circuit and transmits it to the receiving device,
The receiving device receives the reset signal from the wireless module and transmits the reset signal to the display device via the network.
The display device resets and displays the number of rotations based on the reset signal.

More preferably, the wireless module stores electric power generated by the piezoelectric element, operates when a predetermined amount of electric power is stored, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside.
The receiving device receives the control signal from the wireless module and transmits the control signal to the display device via the network.
The display device calculates and displays the rotational speed based on the control signal,
Wireless module
A capacitor for storing electric power generated by the piezoelectric element and a determination circuit that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and determines that a predetermined amount of electric power has been accumulated are further provided.

  The roll paper remaining amount detection device of the present invention is a roll paper remaining amount detection device that is used by being inserted into a roll paper core. The roll paper remaining amount detection device includes a fixed unit fixed to a paper holder, and a fixed unit. The fixed unit is composed of a rotation unit that is rotatably coupled to one end of the shaft, the fixed unit being eccentrically fixed to the mandrel, and the piezoelectric element fixed to the mandrel and electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. It is composed of a wireless module that operates when power is supplied from and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside. The rotating unit connects two plate-like stoppers and opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers. It consists of an elastic body and a protrusion formed on the other end of one of the two plate-like stoppers. Each of the two plate-like stoppers has its other end facing the piezoelectric element. Biteori, projections, when the plate-like two stops is in a position perpendicular to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element, is configured as being formed to strike the piezoelectric element.

  Accordingly, the roll paper remaining amount detection device of the present invention can accurately grasp the paper remaining amount.

  The roll paper remaining amount detection system of the present invention is a roll paper remaining amount detection device that operates by rotation of roll paper and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside, and receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to the network. A receiving device; and a display device that receives a control signal from the receiving device and calculates and displays the remaining amount of roll paper based on the control signal, the remaining amount of roll paper detecting device is a fixed unit fixed to the paper holder; The rotating unit is rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit. The fixed unit is fixed to the mandrel, the piezoelectric element fixed eccentric to the mandrel, and electrically connected to the piezoelectric element. And a wireless module that operates when electric power is supplied from the piezoelectric element and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside. Two stoppers, an elastic body that connects opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers, and a protrusion formed on the other end of the two plate-like stoppers. Each other end extends toward the piezoelectric element, and the protrusion is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element when the two plate-like stoppers are in a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element. It was configured as follows.

  Therefore, according to the roll paper remaining amount detection system of the present invention, the remaining amount of paper can be accurately grasped.

It is the top view and front view which show one Embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is AA sectional drawing of FIG. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the case where the positional relationship of the protrusion formed in the piezoelectric element, the stopper, and the stopper is not correct. It is a perspective view which shows the fixed form to the paper holder of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is sectional drawing which shows one Embodiment of a mandrel. It is a perspective view which shows another fixed form to the paper holder of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is a top view which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is a top view which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is a top view which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is a top view which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a roll paper residual amount detection system. It is the top view and front view which show the roll paper residual amount detection apparatus provided with the reset mechanism. It is a block diagram which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection system. It is a block diagram which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection system. It is a block diagram which shows another embodiment of a roll paper residual amount detection system.

  Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings regarding a roll paper remaining amount detection device of the present invention and a roll paper remaining amount detection system using the same.

<First embodiment>
(Roll paper remaining amount detection device)
The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 of the present invention is used by being inserted into a roll paper core. The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 includes a fixed unit 11 fixed to a paper holder and a rotating unit 12 rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit 11. The fixed unit 11 includes a mandrel 110 and a mandrel 110. The piezoelectric element 111 is fixed eccentrically with respect to the mandrel 110, and is fixed to the mandrel 110. The piezoelectric element 111 is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111 and operates when electric power is supplied from the piezoelectric element 111, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside. The rotary unit 12 includes a wireless module 112, and the rotating unit 12 is one of two plate-like stoppers 121, an elastic body 122 that connects opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers 121, and two plate-like stoppers 121. The two stoppers 121 formed on the other end of each of the two plate-like stoppers 121 extend toward the piezoelectric element 111. The protrusion 123 is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element 111 when the two plate-like stoppers 121 are at a position orthogonal to the surface to which the piezoelectric element 111 is fixed. Yes (see FIG. 1).

  The fixing unit 11 is fixed to the mandrel 110, the piezoelectric element 111 eccentrically fixed to the mandrel 110, and fixed to the mandrel 110, and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111 and supplied with electric power from the piezoelectric element 111. The wireless module 112 operates and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside.

  The mandrel 110 is for fixing both ends to the paper holder. The material of the mandrel 110 is not particularly limited, and resin, metal, wood, or the like can be used. The shape of the cross section orthogonal to the axis of the mandrel 110 is not particularly limited, and may be a polygon such as a triangle or a quadrangle, a circle or an ellipse.

  The piezoelectric element 111 is an element that generates electric power by the piezoelectric effect by being deformed by an external force. The power generation amount per deformation of the piezoelectric element 111 can be 50 μW to 100 μW. Since the piezoelectric element 111 is eccentric with respect to the mandrel 110, when the rotary unit 12 makes one rotation with the rotation of the roll paper, the protrusion 123 always contacts the piezoelectric element 111 only once. In other words, power generation always occurs once per roll paper rotation.

  The wireless module 112 includes a control circuit and a transmission circuit (see FIG. 11). The control circuit is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111. The projection 123 hits the piezoelectric element 111 as the roll paper rotates, and the generated power is supplied to the control circuit. The control circuit generates a control signal, and wirelessly transmits the control signal to the outside via the transmission circuit. The control signal is generated and transmitted every time the protrusion 123 hits the piezoelectric element 111.

  The rotation unit 12 is formed at the other end of one of the two plate-like stoppers 121, the two plate-like stoppers 121, the elastic body 122 connecting the opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers 121, and the two plate-like stoppers 121. And a protrusion 123.

  The two plate-like stoppers 121 extend toward the piezoelectric element 111 at the ends not connected by the elastic body 122. The material of the stopper 121 is not particularly limited, and resin, metal, wood, or the like can be used. When the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 is inserted into the core of the roll paper, the stopper 121 comes into contact with the inner wall of the core at the end not connected by the elastic body 122. By contacting, it is possible to prevent the rotating unit 12 from moving in the left-right direction in the figure. Moreover, the rotating unit 12 containing the stopper 121 can rotate with roll paper by contacting.

  The elastic body 122 connects opposite ends of the stopper 121. In the present embodiment, a spring is used as the elastic body 122, but is not limited to this, and rubber, sponge, or the like can also be used. Two elastic bodies 122 may be used so as to sandwich the mandrel 110 (see FIG. 1B). In this way, since the two elastic bodies 122 sandwich the mandrel 110, even if the rotating unit 12 rotates with the rotation of the roll paper, the rotating unit 12 can be prevented from being displaced in the vertical direction in the figure. . Further, since the mandrel 110 is simply sandwiched between the two elastic bodies 122, the rotating unit 12 can be easily separated from the fixed unit 11.

  The protrusion 123 is one of the two stoppers 121 and is formed at the end of the stopper 121 that is not connected by the elastic body 122. The protrusion 123 may be integrally formed of the same material as the stopper 121, or may be formed separately from the stopper 121 using the same material or a different material and fixed to the stopper 121. The protrusion 123 is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element 111 when the two plate-like stoppers 121 are at a position orthogonal to the surface to which the piezoelectric element 111 is fixed (see FIG. 2). FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 1 for schematically explaining the positional relationship between the piezoelectric element 111, the stopper 121, and the protrusion 123 formed on the stopper. As shown in FIG. 2, the protrusion 123 is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element 111 when the stopper 121 is at a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element 111. If the protrusion 123 is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element 111 when the stopper 121 is not orthogonal to the surface to which the piezoelectric element 111 is fixed (see FIG. 3A), the rotating unit is When rotating, the protrusion 123 and the stopper 121 hit the piezoelectric element 111 (see FIG. 3B), and it becomes difficult to accurately grasp the remaining amount of paper, or the rotating unit 12 cannot be rotated smoothly. There is sex.

  As described above, in the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 of the present invention, power generation always occurs once per roll paper rotation, and a control signal is generated and transmitted by the power. Is equal to the number of revolutions. Therefore, the rotation speed of the roll paper can be accurately grasped.

  Next, an example of the fixed form to the paper holder 4 of the roll paper remaining amount detection apparatus 1 of this invention is demonstrated (refer FIGS. 4-6).

  The paper holder 4 shown in FIG. 4 includes a back plate 41, two side plates 42 fixed to be perpendicular to the back plate 41, and a cover 40 that is installed so as to be rotatable between the two side plates 42. It consists of a hook 43 which is installed on two side plates 42 and is rotatable. The hooks 43 can be stored in the storage unit 44 by rotating in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

  The roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 is attached to the paper holder 4 after being inserted into the core of the roll paper. The broken line in the figure indicates the core of the roll paper. The core of the roll paper is supported by the two hooks 43. The roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 can be attached to the lower side of the hook 43 (see FIG. 4A), and both ends of the mandrel 110 can be fixedly attached to the tip portions of the hooks 43 on both sides (see FIG. 4). 4 (b)). In FIG. 4A, the roll paper is supported by the hook 43 in order to fix the mandrel 110 to the lower side of the hook 43. That is, the weight of the roll paper is applied to the hook 43. On the other hand, in FIG. 4B, the roll paper is supported by the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 in order to fix the mandrel 110 to the tip portions of the hooks 43 on both sides. That is, the weight of the roll paper is applied to the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1. Therefore, when fixing as shown in FIG. 4B, the elastic body 122 is not easily stretched. In this case, even if a tensile force is applied to the elastic body 122 due to the weight of the roll paper applied to the stopper 121, the elastic body 122 is difficult to extend and thus the stopper 121 is difficult to fall. Since the distance between the protrusion 123 formed on the stopper 121 and the piezoelectric element 111 is not too close, the rotating unit 12 can rotate smoothly.

  When fixing both ends of the mandrel 110 of the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 to the tip of the side plate 42 or the hook 43, for example, shallow concavities are formed in the tip of the side plate 42 or the hook 43 on both sides, and the mandrel is inserted into the concavity. The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 can be fixed by fitting both ends of 110. At this time, if the process of increasing the frictional resistance is applied to the bottom of the recess, the fixing unit 11 can be more firmly fixed.

  When the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is attached to the paper holder 4 in which the bearing hole 45 is formed in the side plate 42, the mandrel 110 has a thickness that fits into the bearing hole 45 (see FIG. 6). At this time, as in FIG. 4B, the elastic body 122 is not easily stretched. In this way, even if a tensile force is applied to the elastic body 122 due to the weight of the roll paper applied to the stopper 121, the elastic body 122 is not easily stretched, so that the two stoppers 121 are not closed. Since the distance between the protrusion 123 formed on the stopper 121 and the piezoelectric element 111 is not too close, the rotating unit 12 can rotate smoothly. The mandrel 110 may be an existing one.

  Moreover, the roll paper remaining amount detection apparatus 1 can also be fixed by using a telescopic mandrel 110 having a built-in elastic body 110a (see FIG. 5). The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 can be fixed by pressing both ends of the mandrel against the tip portions of the side plates 42 or the hooks 43 on both sides by the restoring force when the elastic body 110a is compressed and returns to its original shape. it can. When such a mandrel 110 is used, the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 can be easily fixed and removed by contracting the mandrel 110.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the number of elastic bodies 122 of the rotary unit 12 is two has been described, but the number of elastic bodies 122 may be one (see FIG. 7). The elastic body 122 passes through the rotating portion 124 of the mandrel 110 and connects one ends of the two stoppers 121. The rotating part 124 is formed so as to be able to rotate together with the rotating unit 12. At least a part of the elastic body 122 in the rotation unit 124 is fixed to the rotation unit 124. In this way, even when the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 is inserted into the roll paper and attached to the paper holder 4, the weight of the roll paper is added to the stopper 121, or the rotation unit 12 is accompanied by the rotation of the roll paper. Is rotated, the position of the rotary unit 12 is not easily displaced.

  In addition, the direction in which the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is attached may be opposite to that in FIGS. 4 and 6 describing the above embodiment. Further, the arrangement of the piezoelectric element 111 and the wireless module 112 may be different from those in FIGS. 1 to 7 (see FIG. 8). In that case, the end of the stopper 121 where the protrusion 123 is formed has a length extending to the piezoelectric element 111 so that the protrusion 123 contacts the piezoelectric element 111.

  A plurality of piezoelectric elements 111 may be installed (see FIG. 9). At this time, each piezoelectric element is fixed to the mandrel 110 in the same manner. Further, the same number of protrusions 123 as the piezoelectric elements 111 are formed on the other end of one of the stoppers 121. In the form as shown in FIG. 9, the power generation amount per rotation can be increased.

  In addition, you may form the protrusion 123 in the other end of both of two stoppers (FIG. 10). Since the piezoelectric element 111 is eccentrically fixed, when one protrusion hits the piezoelectric element, the other protrusion does not hit the piezoelectric element. In this embodiment, since power generation occurs once in half rotation, the power generation amount per rotation can be increased.

  In the above embodiment, the number of stoppers is 2, but it may be 3 or more. Preferably it is 2-4. When the number of stoppers increases, the number of stoppers that come into contact with the inner wall of the core of the roll paper increases, and the frictional force increases, so that the positional deviation of the rotating unit 12 can be more effectively prevented. Even when the number of stoppers is three or more, a protrusion can be formed on the other end of each stopper. If the number of stoppers is 2 to 4, the exact amount of roll paper used per rotation can be grasped, and the amount of power generation per rotation can be increased.

  Next, an example of an embodiment of a roll paper remaining amount detection system using the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Roll paper remaining amount detection system)
The roll paper remaining amount detection system according to the present invention includes a roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 that operates by rotation of roll paper and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside, and reception that receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to the network. A device 2 and a display device 3 that receives a control signal from the receiving device 2 and calculates and displays the remaining amount of roll paper based on the control signal, and the remaining roll paper amount detecting device 1 is fixed to a paper holder. A fixed unit 11 and a rotary unit 12 rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit 11. The fixed unit 11 includes a mandrel 110, a piezoelectric element 111 that is eccentrically fixed to the mandrel 110, and a mandrel. 110, and is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111 and operates when electric power is supplied from the piezoelectric element 111. The rotating unit 12 includes two plate-like stoppers 121, an elastic body 122 that connects opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers 121, and two plate-like stoppers 121. The plate-like two stoppers 121 each have a projection 123 formed on one of the other ends. The other ends of the two stoppers 121 extend toward the piezoelectric element 111, and the projection 123 has two plate-like stoppers 121. Is formed so as to come into contact with the piezoelectric element 111 when it is at a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element 111 (see FIGS. 11 and 1).

  The configuration of the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is, for example, as shown in FIG. The piezoelectric element 111 and the wireless module 112 are electrically connected. As the roll paper rotates, the stopper 121 rotates, the projection 123 formed on the stopper 121 hits the piezoelectric element 111, and the piezoelectric element 111 deforms to generate electric power. The electric power is supplied to the control circuit of the wireless module 112, and the wireless module 112 operates (see FIG. 11). A CPU or the like can be used as the control circuit. Here, the protrusion 123 hitting the piezoelectric element 111 once means that the roll paper has rotated once. Therefore, the control circuit of the wireless module 112 generates a control signal that the roll paper has rotated once by one power generation by the piezoelectric element 111. The generated control signal is output to the transmission circuit of the wireless module 112. The transmission circuit modulates the control signal with a pre-assigned frequency and wirelessly transmits the signal to the reception device 2 through the antenna 114. As the transmission frequency, for example, 4 MHz to 5 GHz can be used. When the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is installed in a plurality of paper holders in, for example, public toilets or toilets in welfare facilities, the control signal includes the identification ID of the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1. Good. If it does in this way, it can grasp | ascertain how much roll paper was used with which roll paper residual amount detection apparatus 1. FIG.

The receiving device 2 receives a control signal from the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 and transmits it to the network. The reception device 2 includes a reception circuit, a control circuit, a network transmission circuit, and a power supply circuit that supplies power to these circuits. The power supply circuit receives a voltage supply from a DC or AC plug and supplies power to each circuit. A battery power supply may be used as the power supply circuit. The receiving circuit receives and demodulates the control signal from the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 by the antenna 21 and outputs the demodulated control signal to the control circuit of the receiving device 2.
The control circuit performs a predetermined display operation and control operation based on reception of a control signal from the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1. A CPU or the like can be used as the control circuit. The network transmission circuit transmits a control signal to the display device 3 via the network.

  The display device 3 calculates the usage amount of the roll paper based on the rotation speed information of the roll paper included in the control signal, and displays the remaining amount. The display device 3 includes a receiving circuit, a control circuit, an output circuit, and a display unit. As the display device 3, a fixed terminal such as a personal computer or a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet can be used. The receiving circuit receives and demodulates the control signal via the network, and outputs the demodulated control signal to the control circuit. A storage unit is disposed in the control circuit. In the storage unit, the total length and diameter of unused roll paper are input in advance, and the remaining amount after the most recent roll paper is used is stored. When the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is used by inserting it into unused roll paper, the control circuit of the display device 3 reads the total length and diameter of the roll paper from the storage unit and includes them in the control signal. Based on the number of rotations of the roll paper, the usage amount of the roll paper is calculated and the remaining amount is output. When the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is used by being inserted into a roll paper that has used a certain amount, the control circuit of the display device 3 reads the diameter of the unused roll paper from the storage unit. Moreover, the remaining amount after using roll paper most recently from a memory | storage part is read, and it converts into a diameter. The difference between the two diameter values is converted into the remaining length of the current roll paper. Based on the remaining length and the rotation speed information of the roll paper included in the control signal, the usage amount of the roll paper is calculated and the remaining amount is output. A CPU or the like can be used as the control circuit. The calculation result is stored in the storage unit and displayed on the display unit via the output circuit. The display content can be a meter display or a percentage display.

  A server may be connected to the network. In this case, a control signal including the rotation speed information of the roll paper is transmitted to the server. Therefore, a person who uses the system of the present invention can display the remaining amount of roll paper on the display unit of the display device 3 by accessing the server from the display device 3 when necessary.

  The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 can accurately grasp the amount of roll paper used per rotation since the protrusion 123 always hits the piezoelectric element 111 every time the roll paper rotates once. Therefore, the roll paper remaining amount detection system can accurately grasp the remaining amount of roll paper even when the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is inserted into a roll paper core having a different full length.

  Further, the usage frequency of the roll paper for each hour can be known from the time when the control signal is wirelessly transmitted from the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 to the receiving device 2. For example, when the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is installed in a toilet paper holder, it is possible to grasp the time zone when the toilet is crowded.

<Second embodiment>
(Roll paper remaining amount detection device)
In the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 of the second embodiment, the reset mechanism 13 is further fixed to the mandrel 110, and the reset mechanism 13 is arranged to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121. From the switch 131, a control circuit 13a that generates and transmits a reset signal that resets the rotation speed of the roll paper when the switch 131 is pressed, and an output circuit 13b that receives the reset signal from the control circuit 13a and outputs the reset signal to the wireless module 112 (See FIGS. 12 and 13).

  The reset mechanism 13 includes a power supply circuit connected to a switch, a control circuit, and an output circuit (see FIG. 13). As the power supply circuit, a primary battery or a secondary battery can be used. The switch 131 of the reset mechanism 13 is disposed so as to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121 (see FIG. 12A). When inserting the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 into the core of the roll paper, the other ends of the two stoppers 121 are inserted close to each other so as to be smaller than the diameter of the core. At this time, the elastic body 122 is extended by the two stoppers 121. At the same time, the elastic body 122 has a restoring force to return to the original shape. When the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is removed from the core, one end close to the connecting portion of the two stoppers 121 is pulled in a direction approaching by the restoring force of the elastic body 122. As a result, the switch 131 is pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121.

  When the switch 131 is pressed, the control circuit 13a generates and transmits a reset signal for resetting the rotation speed of the roll paper. A CPU or the like can be used as the control circuit 13a. The output circuit 13b receives the reset signal from the control circuit 13a and outputs it to the wireless module 112. Therefore, the output circuit 13b and the control circuit of the wireless module 112 are electrically connected.

  In addition to the switch 131 described above, for example, a switch that generates electricity by a piezoelectric element or electromagnetic induction can be used as the switch 131. Since such a switch does not need to use a battery, the reset mechanism 13 can be miniaturized. In the case of a switch that generates electricity with a piezoelectric element, it may be installed on the mandrel 110 with reference to FIG. As the switch that generates power by electromagnetic induction, it is preferable to use a switch that can wirelessly transmit a reset signal to the wireless module 112. In the case of this form, wiring connecting the reset mechanism 13 and the wireless module 112 can be eliminated.

  Note that a plurality of switches 131 may be provided around the mandrel 110 so as to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121. In this manner, the switch 131 can be pressed when the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 is removed from the core, regardless of the position where the rotating unit 12 stops. That is, it is not necessary to remove the roll paper remaining amount detecting device 1 from the core after aligning one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121 with the position of the switch 131.

(Roll paper remaining amount detection system)
The roll paper remaining amount detection apparatus 1 in the roll paper remaining amount detection system according to the second embodiment further includes a reset mechanism 13 that generates a reset signal for resetting the rotation speed of the roll paper and transmits the reset signal to the wireless module 112. Includes a switch 131 disposed so as to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one stopper 121, a control circuit 13a that generates and transmits a reset signal when the switch 131 is pressed, and a reset signal that is transmitted to the control circuit 13a. The wireless module 112 receives the reset signal from the output circuit 13b and transmits the reset signal to the receiving device 2, and the receiving device 2 receives the reset signal from the wireless module 112. Receive and display reset signal via network Transmitted to the device 3, the display device 3 is to display to reset the rotational speed on the basis of a reset signal (see FIG. 13).

  Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  The wireless module 112 receives the reset signal generated by the control circuit 13a of the reset mechanism 13 from the output circuit 13b. The wireless module 112 includes a power supply circuit connected to the control circuit and the transmission circuit. As the power supply circuit, a primary battery or a secondary battery can be used. When power generation by the piezoelectric element 111 is occurring, power supply from the power supply circuit is interrupted, and when power generation by the piezoelectric element 111 is not occurring, power supply from the power supply circuit is received. When a reset signal is input to the control circuit of the wireless module 112, the control circuit determines that power generation by the piezoelectric element 111 has not occurred, outputs the reset signal to the transmission circuit, and the transmission circuit receives the reset signal from the antenna 114. Wireless transmission to the device 2.

  The display device 3 receives a reset signal from the receiving device 2 via the network. The reset signal received and demodulated by the receiving circuit is output to the control circuit. Based on the reset signal, the control circuit reads the accumulated number of rotations of the roll paper stored in the storage unit, and performs an operation to make it zero. The calculation result is stored in the storage unit and displayed on the display unit via the output circuit.

  In the second embodiment, since the switch 131 is pressed by at least one stopper 121 and the cumulative number of rotations of the roll paper becomes zero, the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is removed from the roll paper core, and the roll paper is replaced. I can understand what happened. At this time, if the identification ID of the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 is included in the reset signal, it is possible to grasp which paper holder has been replaced with the roll paper.

<Third embodiment>
In the roll paper remaining amount detection system of the third embodiment, the wireless module 112 stores the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element 111, operates when a predetermined amount of electric power is accumulated, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside. The receiving device 2 receives the control signal from the wireless module 112 and transmits the control signal to the display device 3 via the network, and the display device 3 calculates and displays the rotational speed based on the control signal. The wireless module 112 further includes a capacitor 112a for storing power generated by the piezoelectric element 111, and a determination circuit 112b that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111 and determines that a predetermined amount of power has been stored. (See FIG. 14).

  Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the second embodiment.

  The capacitor 112a is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element 111, and stores the electric power generated by the protrusion 123 hitting the piezoelectric element 111. The determination circuit 112b operates by receiving supply of electric power generated by the piezoelectric element 111. The determination circuit 112b is also connected to the capacitor 112a, and determines whether or not a predetermined amount of power has been accumulated in the capacitor 112a. If it is determined that a predetermined amount of power has been stored, the determination circuit 112b outputs an instruction signal instructing that the stored power may be used to the control circuit of the wireless module 112. If it is determined that the predetermined amount of power is not stored, the determination circuit 112b continues to determine the amount of power stored in the capacitor 112a.

  The predetermined amount of electric power can be arbitrarily set. For example, consider a case where the projection hits the piezoelectric element 111 ten times. At this time, for example, a piezoelectric element 111 that generates power of 100 μW per time is used. In this example, since electric power generation occurs 10 times, the generated electric energy is 1000 μW. When 1000 μW is set as the predetermined power amount, if 1000 μW of power is stored in the capacitor 112a, the determination circuit 112b sends an instruction signal instructing that the power of the capacitor 112a may be used to the control circuit of the wireless module 112. Output.

  The control circuit calculates and outputs the number of rotations of the roll paper from the relationship between the power generation amount per deformation of the piezoelectric element 111 and a predetermined power amount. In the case of the above example, since a predetermined power amount of 1000 μW is accumulated using a piezoelectric element with a power generation amount of 100 μW per time, and a voltage corresponding to that is generated in the capacitor 112a, the control circuit detects the voltage of the capacitor 112a. As a result, a control signal indicating that the roll paper has rotated 10 times is generated. The control signal is wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 114 via the transmission circuit.

  The display device 3 receives a control signal from the receiving device 2 via the network. The control signal received and demodulated by the receiving circuit is output to the control circuit. A storage unit is disposed in the control circuit. The storage unit stores the remaining amount after the most recent roll paper is used. The control circuit reads the diameter of the unused roll paper from the storage unit. Moreover, the remaining amount after using roll paper most recently from a memory | storage part is read, and it converts into a diameter. The difference between the two diameter values is converted into the remaining length of the current roll paper. Based on the remaining length and the rotation speed information of the roll paper included in the control signal, the usage amount of the roll paper is calculated and the remaining amount is output. The calculation result is stored in the storage unit and displayed on the display unit via the output circuit.

  In the third embodiment, when a predetermined amount of power is accumulated, a signal including the rotation speed information of the roll paper is wirelessly transmitted. In other words, when the amount of power that can be wirelessly transmitted is accumulated, the signal is wirelessly transmitted. Therefore, even a piezoelectric element with a small amount of power generation per deformation can be used.

  The roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 and a system using the roll paper remaining amount detection device 1 may include all of the reset mechanism 13, the capacitor 112a, and the determination circuit 112b described above (see FIG. 15).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Roll paper residual amount detection apparatus 11: Fixed unit 110: Mandrel 110a: Elastic body 111: Piezoelectric element 112: Wireless module 113: Weight 114: Antenna 112a: Capacitor 112b: Judgment circuit 12: Rotation unit 121: Stopper 122: Elasticity Body 123: Protrusion 124: Rotating part 13: Reset mechanism 131: Switch 13a: Control circuit 13b: Output circuit 2: Reception device 21: Antenna 3: Display device 4: Paper holder 40: Cover 41: Back plate 42: Side plate 43: Hook 44: Storage part 45: Bearing hole

Claims (6)

A roll paper remaining amount detection device that is used by being inserted into a roll paper core,
The roll paper remaining amount detection device is:
A fixed unit fixed to the paper holder, and a rotating unit rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit;
The fixing unit is
With a mandrel,
A piezoelectric element fixed eccentrically with respect to the mandrel;
A wireless module that is fixed to the mandrel, is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, operates when power is supplied from the piezoelectric element, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside;
The rotating unit is
Two plate-like stoppers,
An elastic body for connecting opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers;
A projection formed on the other end of one of the two plate-like stoppers,
Each of the two plate-like stoppers has the other end extending toward the piezoelectric element,
The protrusion is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element when the two plate-like stoppers are at a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element. apparatus. A reset mechanism is further fixed to the mandrel, and the reset mechanism is
A switch arranged to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one of the stoppers;
A control circuit that generates and transmits a reset signal that resets the rotation speed of the roll paper when the switch is pressed;
The roll paper remaining amount detection device according to claim 1, comprising: an output circuit that receives the reset signal from the control circuit and outputs the reset signal to the wireless module.   The wireless module further includes a capacitor for storing electric power generated by the piezoelectric element, and a determination circuit that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and determines that a predetermined amount of electric power has been accumulated. The roll paper remaining amount detection apparatus in any one of Claim 1 or 2. A roll paper remaining amount detecting device that operates by rotation of roll paper and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside, a receiving device that receives the control signal and transmits the control signal to a network, and the control signal from the receiving device And a display device for calculating and displaying the remaining amount of roll paper based on the control signal,
The roll paper remaining amount detection device is:
A fixed unit fixed to the paper holder, and a rotating unit rotatably combined with one end of the fixed unit;
The fixing unit is
With a mandrel,
A piezoelectric element fixed eccentrically with respect to the mandrel;
A wireless module that is fixed to the mandrel, is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element, operates when power is supplied from the piezoelectric element, and wirelessly transmits a control signal to the outside;
The rotating unit is
Two plate-like stoppers,
An elastic body for connecting opposite ends of the two plate-like stoppers;
A projection formed on the other end of one of the two plate-like stoppers,
Each of the two plate-like stoppers has the other end extending toward the piezoelectric element,
The protrusion is formed so as to contact the piezoelectric element when the two plate-like stoppers are at a position orthogonal to the fixed surface of the piezoelectric element. system. The roll paper remaining amount detection device further includes a reset mechanism that generates a reset signal for resetting the rotation speed of the roll paper and transmits the reset signal to the wireless module,
The reset mechanism is
A switch arranged to be pressed by one end close to the connecting portion of at least one of the stoppers;
A control circuit that generates and transmits the reset signal when the switch is pressed;
An output circuit that receives the reset signal from the control circuit and outputs the reset signal to the wireless module;
The wireless module receives the reset signal from the output circuit and transmits it to the receiving device;
The receiving device receives the reset signal from the wireless module and transmits the reset signal to the display device via the network;
The roll paper remaining amount detection system according to claim 4, wherein the display device resets and displays the rotation speed based on the reset signal. The wireless module stores the power generated by the piezoelectric element, operates when a predetermined amount of power is stored, and wirelessly transmits the control signal to the outside.
The receiving device receives the control signal from the wireless module and transmits the control signal to the display device via the network;
The display device calculates and displays the rotational speed based on the control signal,
The wireless module is
5. A capacitor for storing the electric power generated by the piezoelectric element, and a determination circuit that is electrically connected to the piezoelectric element and determines that a predetermined amount of electric power has been accumulated. The roll paper remaining amount detection system according to claim 5.

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