Sensor device and method for detecting a filling status of dispenser for a consumable
AssigneeEssity Hygiene and Health Aktiebolag
InventorsJohan Lissmats, Gunilla Himmelmann
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A sensor device is provided to detect a filling status of a consumable in a dispenser, the consumable being web material, and the filling status relating to a spatial extension of the consumable in the dispenser. The sensor device includes a capacitive sensor having an elongated and planar sensor area; and a first measurement section configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser. The capacitive sensor includes a first channel and a second channel. The first measurement section is configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser based on changes in capacitance detected by the first channel and the second channel.
Claims13
A sensor device arranged to detect a filling status of a consumable in a dispenser, the consumable being web material, the filling status relating to a spatial extension of the consumable in the dispenser, the sensor device comprising:
- a capacitive sensor comprising an elongated and planar sensor area;
- and
- a first measurement section configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser;
- wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a first channel and a second channel;
- and
- wherein the first measurement section is configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser based on changes in capacitance detected by the first channel and the second channel.
A dispenser for dispensing consumable, the consumable being web material, the dispenser comprising:
- a storage section arranged to hold and support the consumable;
- a loading opening arranged for filling up the dispenser with the consumable;
- a dispensing opening from which the consumable is arranged to be lead for dispensing thereof;
- and
- a sensor device arranged to detect a filling status of the consumable in the dispenser, the filling status relating to a spatial extension of the consumable in the dispenser, the sensor device comprising:
- a capacitive sensor comprising an elongated and planar sensor area;
- and
- a first measurement section configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser;
- wherein the capacitive sensor is configured with a first channel and a second channel;
- and
- wherein the first measurement section is configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser based on changes in capacitance detected by the first channel and the second channel.
A method for detecting a filling status of a consumable in a dispenser, the consumable being web material, the filling status relating to a spatial extension of the consumable in the dispenser, the method comprising the steps of:
- detecting changes in capacitance by a capacitive sensor comprising an elongated and planar sensor area;
- and
- measuring, by a first measurement section, the filling status of the dispenser depending on the detected changes in capacitance;
- wherein the capacitive sensor comprises a first channel and a second channel;
- and
- wherein the first measurement section is configured to measure the filling status of the dispenser based on changes in capacitance detected by the first channel and the second channel.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.