Automatic drinking water vending system

Abstract

Conventional cup-dispensing vending machines had the problem that it was not possible to set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage to suit one's preferences. [Solution] This invention uses a QR code created by inputting the desired alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage into the QR code creation screen 21 of the display screen 9 of a mobile terminal 8. By having the QR code read by the QR code reader of a beverage vending machine, the user can drink beverages with a pH value and temperature that suit them.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a drinking water supply vending machine that supplies cold or normal temperature water as alkaline water for drinking water.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a drinking water supply vending machine for supplying drinking water has been known. As this type of drinking water supply vending machine (cup supply type vending machine A), selection buttons 102 for selecting the type of drinking water are provided on the front of a case 101 having a substantially vertically long box shape (see FIG. 10). Then, when money is inserted into the coin slot 104 and the selection button 102 is pressed by a drinking water purchaser, a cup D is supplied to the product outlet 103. That is, first, the solenoid valve 172 corresponding to the selection button 102 of the concentrated juice supply unit 173 is opened, and a predetermined amount of concentrated juice is injected from the concentrated juice tank 170 into the cup D. Next, the solenoid valves 112 and 132 are opened, and alkaline water generated by the water purification device C from the water supply pipe 110 and sent through the alkaline water lead-out pipe 167, and carbonated water supplied from the carbon dioxide dissolution tank 130 from the carbonated water supply pipe 133 are each injected into the cup D by a predetermined amount, and a predetermined amount of ice is put into the cup D from the ice maker 120 through the chute 123, resulting in a cup of drinking water with ice using alkaline water as a product (see FIG. 11) (for example, see Patent Document 1). Here, FIG. 10 is an overall perspective view of a conventional cup supply type vending machine, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional drinking water supply system.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional cup-dispensing vending machines allow customers to select the type of beverage they want by pressing selection button 102, but they have the problem that they cannot set the pH value or temperature of the beverage. In other words, slightly alkaline beverages (pH 9.0-9.5) are effective in alleviating digestive problems (excess stomach acid and indigestion) and fatigue, but the optimal pH level of beverage varies depending on each individual's constitution, physical condition, and health status, and the temperature of the beverage also varies depending on each individual's preference. However, conventional cup-dispensing vending machines have the problem, as mentioned above, that they do not allow users to set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage. Furthermore, even if a beverage vending machine existed that allowed users to set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage, and such a vending machine were installed in hospitals or convenience stores, it would not only increase the hassle of having to set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage to one's liking each time, but many people would also forget what their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature were.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide an automatic beverage vending machine that allows users to easily set the alkaline pH value and temperature of beverage water, and to ensure that even if they forget their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, they can always drink beverage water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems and achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic beverage vending machine that supplies alkaline water as drinking water, cold or room temperature water to a beverage purchaser, and comprises an identification information code reading unit that reads an identification information code displayed on the display screen of an information terminal, a beverage water content setting unit that, upon reading the identification information code by the identification information code reading unit, sets the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage water to those pre-entered in the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal, and a spout that dispenses the beverage water with the alkaline pH value and temperature set by the beverage water content setting unit into a container, wherein, upon reading the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal by the identification information code reading unit, the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage water are set by the beverage water content setting unit, so that a beverage purchaser can easily set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage water, and even if they forget their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, they can always drink beverage water with their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature.

[0007] According to the present invention, when the identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen is read by the identification information code reading unit, the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water are set by the drinking water content setting unit. As a result, drinking water purchasers can easily set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and even if they forget their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, they can always drink drinking water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature. This ensures that even when drinking water vending machines are installed in convenience stores and other locations, drinking water purchasers can always drink drinking water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention relates to an automatic beverage vending machine that supplies drinking water to a drinking water purchaser, which includes an identification information code reading unit that reads an identification information code displayed on the display screen of an information terminal, a beverage water content setting unit that, upon reading the identification information code by the identification information code reading unit, sets the pH value and temperature of the drinking water to the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water that have been pre-entered in the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal, and a spout that dispenses the drinking water with the pH value and temperature set by the beverage water content setting unit into a container. The identification information code reading unit reads the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal, which sets the pH value and temperature of the drinking water by the beverage water content setting unit. This allows the drinking water purchaser to easily set the pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and even if they forget their preferred pH value and temperature, they can always drink the beverage at their preferred pH value and temperature.

[0009] According to the present invention, when the identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen is read by the identification information code reading unit, the drinking water content setting unit sets the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water. As a result, drinking water purchasers can easily set the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and even if they forget their preferred pH value and temperature, they can always drink drinking water that suits their needs. This ensures that even when drinking water vending machines are installed in convenience stores and other locations, drinking water purchasers can always drink drinking water that suits their needs.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage vending machine according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal is a QR code (registered trademark).

[0011] According to the present invention, by using a QR code as the identification information code displayed on the display screen of an information terminal, various information such as the alkaline (neutral) pH value and temperature of drinking water and user information can be read by the identification information code reader.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage vending machine according to the second aspect, wherein the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage, set by the beverage content setting unit, can be input from an application displayed on the display device of an information terminal.

[0013] According to the present invention, the pH value and temperature of drinking water (neutral or alkaline) can be input from an application displayed on the display device of an information terminal, thus enabling easy and reliable input of the pH value and temperature of drinking water.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a beverage vending machine according to the first aspect, further comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the inside of the water outlet with ultraviolet light.

[0015] According to the present invention, since the spout has an ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the inside of the spout with ultraviolet light, even if bacteria or other contaminants are attached to the spout, these bacteria and other contaminants are sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit, and the sterilized bacteria can be flushed out of the spout by "preliminary drainage" performed before putting drinking water into a container. Furthermore, conventionally, in order to clean bacteria and other contaminants that had entered the inside, the pipes through which drinking water flows were cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, but in the present invention, since bacteria and other contaminants inside the spout are sterilized by the ultraviolet irradiation unit that irradiates the inside of the spout with ultraviolet light, there is no need to clean the pipes with sodium hypochlorite, and equipment necessary for cleaning the pipes, such as a tank for holding chemicals and a chemical water pump to send the chemicals from the tank, is no longer needed, allowing for a more compact structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the automatic beverage vending device of the present invention, the alkaline pH value and temperature of the beverage can be easily set, and even if you forget your preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, you can always drink beverage at your preferred alkaline pH value and temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a drinking water vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows the content displayed on the operation display unit of the automatic beverage vending machine. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the QR code reader displayed on the operation display unit of the beverage vending machine. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the QR code displayed on the screen of a mobile device used with the beverage vending machine. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the login screen displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal used with the beverage vending machine. [Figure 6]It is a diagram showing a QR code creation screen incorporating the pH value and water temperature value of the drinking water used in the drinking water supply vending machine. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a QR code displayed after the next login used in the drinking water supply vending machine. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of the pipeline configuration for supplying drinking water and the like in the drinking water supply vending machine. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a flowchart of a drinking water purchase method using the drinking water supply vending machine. [Figure 10] It is an overall perspective view of a conventional cup supply type vending machine. [Figure 11] It is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a conventional drinking water supply system.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] The drinking water supply vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drinking water supply vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The drinking water supply vending machine 1 is a device that supplies drinking water of cold water or normal temperature water, which is neutral water or alkaline water, to drinking water purchasers, and has an operation display unit 2, a liquid crystal monitor unit 3, a translucent resin door unit 4, a coin insertion hole 5, and a bill insertion hole 6. Here, the phrase "drinking water of cold water or normal temperature water, which is neutral water or alkaline water" means that it includes "drinking water of cold water with alkaline water", "drinking water of normal temperature water with alkaline water", "drinking water of cold water with neutral water", and "drinking water of normal temperature water with neutral water". In this embodiment, the drinking water supply vending machine 1 is a device that supplies drinking water of cold water or normal temperature water, which is neutral water or alkaline water, to drinking water purchasers. However, it is not limited to this. As will be described later, the drinking water supply vending machine 1 may also be a device that supplies cold water or normal temperature water with alkaline water as drinking water to drinking water purchasers.

[0020] The operation display unit 2 consists of a touch panel display (display unit) and is located at the front center upper part of the drinking water vending machine 1. This operation display unit 2 is the display screen that customers use when purchasing drinking water to select the drinking water they wish to purchase and when paying for the drinking water purchase using an app.

[0021] The LCD monitor unit 3 is a display screen that explains the operating procedure and shows the operating status of the beverage vending machine 1.

[0022] The translucent resin door section 4 is equipped with a container stand 7b (bottle stand) (see Figure 8) and a water outlet 7a (see Figure 8) inside. When a drinking water purchaser buys drinking water, the translucent resin door section 4 is opened by the purchaser, the container (bottle) is placed on the container stand 7b, and the drinking water is poured into the container from the water outlet 7a. After the drinking water has been poured into the container from the water outlet 7a, the translucent resin door section 4 can be opened by the purchaser, and the container containing the drinking water inside the translucent resin door section 4 can be removed. In this embodiment, the drinking water is poured into the container (bottle) from the water outlet 7a, but it is not limited to this, and the water may be poured into other containers such as plastic cups, glass cups, or paper cups. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the translucent resin door 4 is opened by the drinking water purchaser to place the container (bottle) on the container stand 7b. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the beverage vending machine 1 may be configured to automatically place the container (bottle) on the container stand 7b after the drinking water purchaser has paid for the beverage (or after being instructed to pay).

[0023] The coin slot 5 allows customers to purchase drinking water by inserting coins such as 100 yen coins and 500 yen coins, while the banknote slot 6 allows customers to purchase drinking water by inserting banknotes such as 1,000 yen bills and 10,000 yen bills. In this way, even those who are not monthly drinking water purchase members (as described later) can purchase drinking water by inserting the drinking water fee into the coin slot 5 or banknote slot 6. The amount inserted into the coin slot 5 or banknote slot 6 is displayed on the operation display unit 2. The function of paying for drinking water using the coin slot 5 or banknote slot 6 can be omitted at the customer's request.

[0024] Next, the operation display unit 2 of the beverage vending machine 1 in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 2. Here, Figure 2 is a diagram showing the display content shown on the operation display unit of the beverage vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The operation display unit 2 consists of an operation display screen, which displays an alkaline water cold water button 11, an alkaline water room temperature button 12, a purified water cold water button 13, a purified water room temperature button 14, a monthly payment member QR code reading button 15, an optional member QR code reading button 16, and an app payment button 17 (see Figure 2).

[0026] The alkaline water cold water button 11 is pressed by a drinking water purchaser when they purchase alkaline water cold water as drinking water. When the alkaline water cold water button 11 is pressed by the drinking water purchaser, alkaline water cold water is dispensed to the purchaser from the beverage vending machine 1. The alkaline water (cold water) used is alkaline ionized water with a pH of 8 to 10 and a water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius or lower. In this embodiment, alkaline ionized water with a pH of 8 to 10 and a water temperature of 12 degrees Celsius or lower is used as the alkaline water cold water, but it is not limited to this, and the pH value may be 8.0 to 9.0 (preferably 8.0 to 8.5), and the water temperature may be 5 to 12 degrees Celsius (preferably 5 to 8 degrees Celsius or 8 to 12 degrees Celsius (more preferably 7 to 10 degrees Celsius)).

[0027] The alkaline water room temperature button 12 is pressed by a drinking water purchaser when they purchase alkaline water at room temperature for drinking. When the alkaline water room temperature button 12 is pressed by the drinking water purchaser, alkaline water at room temperature is dispensed to the purchaser from the beverage vending machine 1. The alkaline water (room temperature water) used is alkaline ionized water with a pH of 8 to 10, and is served at room temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. In this embodiment, alkaline ionized water with a pH of 8 to 10, served at room temperature of 15 to 30 degrees Celsius, is used as the room temperature water for alkaline water. However, the "note" for alkaline water (cold water) applies to alkaline water, and the water temperature may be 20 to 30 degrees Celsius.

[0028] The purified cold water button 13 is pressed by a drinking water purchaser when they purchase purified cold water for drinking. When the purified cold water button 13 is pressed by the drinking water purchaser, purified cold water is dispensed to the purchaser from the drinking water vending machine 1. This purified water (cold water) has a pH of approximately 7.0 and is served at a temperature of 12 degrees Celsius or lower. The "note" regarding the temperature of alkaline water (cold water) applies to the temperature of this purified water (cold water).

[0029] The purified water at room temperature button 14 is pressed by customers when they purchase purified water at room temperature for drinking. When the purified water at room temperature button 14 is pressed by a customer, the beverage vending machine 1 dispenses purified water at room temperature to the customer. This purified water (at room temperature) is purified water with a pH of approximately 7.0 and is used at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius. The "notes" regarding the temperature of alkaline water (at room temperature) apply to the temperature of this purified water (at room temperature).

[0030] The monthly payment member QR code reading button 15 is a button that reads a QR code 10 containing the details of the drinking water purchased by a monthly payment member who has contracted to pay for their drinking water purchases on a monthly basis. When this monthly payment member QR code reading button 15 is pressed, a QR code reading unit 18 is displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1 (see Figure 3). Then, by pointing the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 towards the QR code reading unit 18 of the operation display unit 2, the QR code reading unit 18 reads the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 (see Figure 4). Here, Figure 3 is a diagram showing the QR code reading unit displayed on the operation display unit of a drinking water vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 is a diagram showing the QR code displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal used in the drinking water vending machine in the same embodiment. In this way, when the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 is read by the QR code reading unit 18, the alkaline pH value and water temperature value of the drinking water that have been pre-entered in the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 are set by the drinking water content setting unit (not shown). Here, the drinking water content setting unit (not shown) consists of an internal control means (not shown) and a storage device (memory) (not shown) within the drinking water vending machine 1. In this way, when the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 is read by the QR code reading unit 18, the alkaline pH value and water temperature value of the drinking water that have been pre-entered in the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 are set by the drinking water content setting unit (control means) and stored in the storage device (memory). In this embodiment, the alkaline pH value and water temperature of the drinking water, which are pre-entered in the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8, are set by the drinking water content setting unit (not shown). However, the invention is not limited to this, and as will be described later, the neutral or alkaline pH value and water temperature of the drinking water, which are pre-entered in the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8, may also be set by the drinking water content setting unit (not shown).In other words, as will be described later, a beverage purchaser may input the pH value (neutral or alkaline) and temperature value of the beverage to create a QR code 10 that is displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8. In this embodiment, the QR code reader 18 is the QR code reader 18 displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the beverage vending machine 1, but it is not limited to this and may be a camera unit provided in the beverage vending machine 1. In this case, if the QR code reader 18 is the camera unit displayed on the operation display unit 2, the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 will be pointed at the camera unit, and the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 will be read by the camera unit. In addition, the beverage content setting unit (not shown) may be configured outside the beverage vending machine 1, rather than inside the beverage vending machine 1. Then, the beverage water with the set alkaline pH value and temperature value is poured into the container from the spout 7a. In this embodiment, a "smartphone" is used as the mobile terminal 8, but other information terminals such as a "notebook computer" or "tablet" may also be used. Also, in this embodiment, a "QR code 10" is used, so it is referred to as the "monthly payment member QR code reading button 15" and the "QR code reading unit 18". However, if an "identification information code" including the QR code 10 is used, it will be referred to as the "monthly payment member identification information reading button" and the "identification information code reading unit". The method for creating a QR code incorporating the contents of the beverage purchased by a monthly payment beverage purchase member will be described later.

[0031] The optional member QR code reading button 16 is a button that reads a QR code containing the details of the drinking water purchased by an optional drinking water purchase member who has not contracted to pay for their drinking water purchases on a monthly basis. This optional member QR code reading button 15 can only be pressed and operated after the drinking water fee has been paid via the app by inserting the drinking water fee into the coin slot 5 and banknote slot 6 described above, or by pressing the app payment button 17 described later. When this optional member QR code reading button 15 is pressed, a QR code reading unit 18 is displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1. Then, by pointing the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 towards the QR code reading unit 18 on the operation display unit 2, the QR code reading unit 18 reads the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8. In this embodiment, as described above, a "smartphone" is used as the mobile terminal 8, but other information terminals such as a "notebook computer" or "tablet" may also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, since a "QR code 10" is used, it is referred to as the "Optional Member QR Code Reading Button 16." However, if an "identification information code" including the QR code 10 is used, it becomes the "Optional Member Identification Information Reading Button." Also, in this embodiment, it has been explained that the Optional Member QR Code Reading Button 15 can only be pressed and operated after inserting the beverage fee into the coin slot 5 and banknote slot 6, or after pressing the app payment button 17 to pay for the beverage using the app. However, this is not limited to this, and the Optional Member QR Code Reading Button 15 may be pressed to have the QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 read by the QR code reading unit 18 of the operation display unit 2, after which the beverage fee may be inserted into the coin slot 5 and banknote slot 6, or the app payment button 17 may be pressed to pay for the beverage using the app. The method for creating a QR code incorporating the beverage details by an optional beverage purchasing member will be described later.

[0032] The app payment button 17 is a button that a drinking water purchaser presses when paying for the drinking water using electronic money or the like (see Figure 2). When this app payment button 17 is pressed, the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1 displays app selection options (such as "Rakuten Pay® app display" or "PayPay® app display") within the electronic money display screen 20. The drinking water purchaser then selects the app they want to use for payment using electronic money from the app selection options displayed on the electronic money display screen 20. Specifically, when the right app display movement button 20a-1 on the right is pressed, the app display on the electronic money display screen 20 moves from the current app display to the app display on the left. Similarly, when the left app display movement button 20a-2 on the left is pressed, the app display on the electronic money display screen 20 moves from the current app display to the app display on the right. In this way, the app display on the app selection options moves, allowing the user to select a specific payment app. When a specific payment app is selected, a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark) is displayed on the electronic money display screen 20. The user can then read the QR code using the QR code reader (not shown) on the display screen 9 of their mobile device 8 and perform the payment operation, thereby paying for the drinking water using electronic money or the like.

[0033] Next, a method for creating a QR code incorporating the pH value and water temperature value of drinking water using a mobile terminal 8 will be described. Here, Figure 5 shows the login screen displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal used in a drinking water vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 shows the screen for creating a QR code incorporating the pH value and water temperature value of drinking water used in the drinking water vending machine in the same embodiment.

[0034] The QR code creation screen 21 is displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 and is used to create a QR code that incorporates the pH value and water temperature value used in the beverage vending machine 1 (see Figure 6). In order to display this QR code creation screen 21 on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8, it is first necessary to log in from the login screen 22 (see Figure 5), so we will explain starting with the login screen 22.

[0035] On the login screen 22, if you have not yet registered, press the initial registration button 7. When the initial registration button 7 is pressed, the initial registration screen (not shown) will be displayed. On this initial registration screen, you will enter your address, name, phone number, password, etc., and also scan and input your identification document such as a driver's license. If you wish to become a monthly payment beverage purchase member, press the monthly payment member button (not shown) and enter your credit card number, etc. If you do not wish to become a monthly payment member, do not press the monthly payment member button (not shown), and instead press the initial registration input completion button (not shown) to be issued a member ID.

[0036] Once a member ID is issued, the user enters their member ID and the password they set during initial registration on the login screen 22 and presses the login button 23 to proceed from the login screen 22 to the QR code creation screen 21.

[0037] On the QR code creation screen 21, when the beverage to be dispensed by the beverage vending machine 1 is selected and set, a QR code 10 incorporating the contents of that beverage is created. Specifically, when selecting "Alkaline Cold Water," "Alkaline Room Temperature Water," "Purified Cold Water," or "Purified Room Temperature Water" without setting detailed alkali strength pH values ​​or water temperature values, pressing either the Alkaline Cold Water setting button 24, Alkaline Room Temperature setting button 25, Purified Cold Water setting button 26, or Purified Room Temperature setting button 27, and then pressing the QR code creation button 28, a QR code 10 incorporating one of the beverages "Alkaline Cold Water," "Alkaline Room Temperature Water," "Purified Cold Water," or "Purified Room Temperature Water" is created (see Figure 4). Here, if you have entered that you will become a monthly beverage purchase member during the initial setup, the QR code 10 will also incorporate that you are a monthly beverage purchase member. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the QR code displayed on the display screen of a mobile terminal used in the beverage vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention, as described above. Then, by having the QR code 10, which incorporates one of the following beverage types—"alkaline water chilled," "alkaline water at room temperature," "purified water chilled," or "purified water at room temperature"—read by the QR code reader 18 on the operation display unit 2 of the beverage vending machine 1, one of the beverage types set by the beverage vending machine 1—"alkaline water chilled," "alkaline water at room temperature," "purified water chilled," or "purified water at room temperature"—is dispensed.

[0038] Furthermore, to set the detailed alkalinity pH value and water temperature of the drinking water, clicking the square box next to the alkalinity pH value will display a touch panel keypad (not shown). Using this keypad, enter an alkalinity pH value of "pH8.0~pH10" in the square box next to the alkalinity pH value, and a water temperature value of "5°C~30°C" in the square box next to the water temperature value. Pressing the QR code creation button 28 will create a QR code 10 incorporating the drinking water with those "alkalinity pH value" and "water temperature value". Similarly, if you selected to become a monthly drinking water purchase member during the initial setup, the QR code 10 will also incorporate the information that you are a monthly drinking water purchase member. Then, by having the QR code 10, which incorporates the "alkaline strength pH value" and "water temperature value" of the drinking water, read by the QR code reader 18 on the operation display unit 2 of the automatic drinking water vending machine 1, the drinking water with the "alkaline strength pH value" and "water temperature value" is set in the automatic drinking water vending machine 1, and the drinking water with the set "alkaline strength pH value" and "water temperature value" is dispensed by the automatic drinking water vending machine 1. Here, as shown in Figure 6, the QR code 10 created by pressing each button for the drinking water setting and the QR code 10 created by inputting the "alkaline strength pH value" and "water temperature value" in the detailed settings for the drinking water are referred to as QR code 10 using the same code, but in reality, different QR codes 10 are created depending on the contents of each individual drinking water. In this way, the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water can be set by the drinking water content setting unit (not shown), so that drinking water purchasers can easily set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and even if they forget their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, they can always drink drinking water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature. As a result, even if a drinking water vending machine is installed in a convenience store or similar location, drinking water purchasers can always drink drinking water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature.In this embodiment, an alkaline pH value of "pH 8.0 to pH 10" is entered as the alkaline pH value, but it is not limited to this. It is also possible to input a neutral or alkaline pH value of "pH 6.0 to pH 10 (preferably pH 6.5 to pH 10)" as the pH value, and create a QR code 10 incorporating drinking water with that "neutral or alkaline pH value". In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to select "alkaline water chilled water", "alkaline water room temperature water", "purified water chilled water", and "purified water room temperature water", but it is not limited to these. Instead of providing "Alkaline Water Cold Water Button 11," "Alkaline Water Room Temperature Button 12," "Purified Water Cold Water Button 13," and "Purified Water Room Temperature Button 14" for selecting "Room Temperature Water," the alkaline strength pH value and water temperature value of the drinking water may be set using the "Square frame next to the Alkali Strength pH Value" and the "Square frame next to the Water Temperature Value." Alternatively, as described above, the square frame may be made available for inputting a neutral or alkaline pH value such as "pH 6.0 to pH 10 (preferably pH 6.5 to pH 10)," and a QR code 10 incorporating the drinking water with that neutral or alkaline pH value may be created.

[0039] As described above, once the QR code 10 is created, the next time the app (application) is launched from the login screen 22, the QR code 10 will be displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8. The QR code 10 displayed on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 can then be read by the QR code reader 18 of the operation display unit 2 of the beverage vending machine 1 (see Figure 7). Here, Figure 7 is a diagram showing the QR code that will be displayed after the next login in a beverage vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, if you wish to change the type of beverage you want to dispense from the vending machine 1 after the QR code 10 has been set, you can press the water selection button 29 (see Figure 7) to display the QR code creation screen 21, and then use the QR code creation screen 21 to change the type of beverage you want to dispense from the vending machine 1 using the procedure described above (see Figure 6).

[0041] The water dispensing history button 30 is a button that displays the history of water dispensed from the beverage vending machine 1. When this water dispensing history button 30 is pressed, the history of the beverage dispensed from the beverage vending machine 1 is displayed, including the usage time such as "September 6, 2024, 13:10", the usage location such as "Seven-Eleven in Uehonmachi 6-chome, Tennoji-ku, Osaka City", and the type of beverage such as "Alkaline cold water (pH value 9.0, water temperature value 15 degrees)" or "Drinking water with a pH value of 8.7, water temperature value 14 degrees". In addition, My Page 30a contains information about the drinking water purchaser, and after My Page 30a is pressed and the drinking water purchaser information is displayed, it is also possible to change the drinking water purchaser information using My Page 30a.

[0042] Next, the methods for supplying "alkaline chilled water," "alkaline room temperature water," "purified chilled water," and "purified room temperature water" will be explained using Figure 8. Here, Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram of the pipeline configuration for supplying drinking water, etc., in an automatic beverage vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] First, let's explain the pipeline configuration for supplying drinking water.

[0044] Drinking water is supplied from the upstream side of the water supply solenoid valve 31. By opening this water supply solenoid valve 31, tap water can be supplied to the pipeline. Here, the water supply solenoid valve 31 is a valve that opens and closes its valve body using the force of an electromagnet.

[0045] The washing water solenoid valve 32, like the water supply solenoid valve 31, is a valve that uses the force of an electromagnet to open and close its valve body. By opening this washing water solenoid valve 32, washing water for washing the container is supplied.

[0046] The ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 consists of an ultraviolet LED light installed inside the water outlet 7a, and by irradiating with ultraviolet light, the inside of the water outlet 7a inside the translucent resin door 4 can be sterilized. In this way, since the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 that irradiates the inside of the water outlet 7a with ultraviolet light is provided, even if bacteria or other substances adhere to the inside of the water outlet 7a, these bacteria and other substances are sterilized by the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33, and the sterilized bacteria can be flushed out of the water outlet 7a by the "preliminary drainage" performed before drinking water is put into the container. Furthermore, conventionally, in order to clean bacteria and other substances that had entered the inside, the pipes through which drinking water flows were cleaned with sodium hypochlorite, but since bacteria and other substances inside the water outlet 7a are sterilized by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 that irradiates with ultraviolet light installed inside the water outlet 7a, there is no need to clean the pipes with sodium hypochlorite, and the tank for holding the chemicals necessary for cleaning the pipes and the chemical water pump that sends the chemicals from the tank are no longer necessary. As a result, the drinking water vending machine 1 can be made into a compact structure. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 constantly irradiates the spout 7a except when a drinking water purchaser is purchasing drinking water. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 is also provided in the space inside the translucent resin door 4, in addition to the inside of the spout 7a. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 is composed of an ultraviolet LED light, but it is not limited to this, and may be composed of an ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 that emits ultraviolet light other than an ultraviolet LED light. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 constantly irradiates the spout 7a except when a drinking water purchaser is purchasing drinking water, but it is not limited to this, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 may irradiate the spout 7a only when sterilization of the spout 7a is necessary. In this embodiment, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 that irradiates the inside of the spout 7a with ultraviolet light is provided inside the spout 7a, but it is not limited to this, and may be provided at the tip (outside) of the spout 7a, and ultraviolet light may be irradiated into the spout 7a from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 provided at the tip (outside) of the spout 7a.

[0047] The filter 34 removes chlorine, organic substances, and odors contained in tap water by allowing tap water to pass through it.

[0048] The flow sensor 35 measures the flow rate of tap water that has passed through the filter 34. By installing the flow sensor 35 downstream of the filter 34 in this way, it is possible to know how much water has been purified and to determine when to replace the filter 34. Furthermore, by detecting that tap water is flowing through the flow sensor 35, current can be supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) only when tap water that has passed through the filter 34 is flowing into the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate), that is, only when it is necessary to convert the tap water that has passed through the filter 34 into alkaline ionized water.

[0049] The room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36, like the water supply solenoid valve 31, is a valve that uses the force of an electromagnet to open and close its valve body. By opening this room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36, room temperature water that has passed through the filter 34 can be supplied to the electrolytic cell 39, which will be described later.

[0050] The chilled water chiller 37 consists of an ice bank type chiller, and by using the chilled water chiller 37, room temperature water can be chilled without using a chilled water tank. This allows the drinking water vending machine 1 to have a compact structure.

[0051] The chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38, like the water supply solenoid valve 31, is a valve that uses the force of an electromagnet to open and close its valve body. By opening this chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38, chilled water that has passed through the chilled water chiller 37 can be sent to the electrolytic cell 39, which will be described later.

[0052] The electrolytic cell 39 is a device that generates alkaline ionized water from tap water purified by the filter 34. Specifically, the electrolytic cell 39 has a cathode chamber 39a and an anode chamber 39b separated by a diaphragm 39c that allows ions in the water to pass through but not water molecules. The cathode chamber 39a is equipped with a cathode plate connected to the negative terminal of a power supply (not shown), and the anode chamber 39b is equipped with an anode plate connected to the positive terminal of a power supply (not shown). Then, room temperature water that has passed through the filter 34 or chilled water that has passed through the filter 34 and a chilled water chiller 37 is sent into the electrolytic cell 39, and alkaline water (electrolyzed water) can be produced by passing an electric current between the anode plate and the cathode plate. That is, on the anode chamber 39b side, water molecules are H + (Hydrogen ions), O2 (oxygen molecules), and e - By being separated into (electrons), the hydrogen ions increase, and in the cathode chamber 39a, e - (Electrons) act on OH - The amount of hydroxide ions increases. In this way, alkaline ionized water can be produced by passing through the cathode chamber 39a of the electrolytic cell 39. The water that passes through the anode chamber 39b of the electrolytic cell 39 becomes acidic water. The alkaline ionized water is discharged from the outlet 7a, and the acidic water is drained from the drain outlet 40. As described above, current is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) only when the flow sensor 35 detects that tap water is flowing. The power supply unit (not shown) of the electrolytic cell 39 is connected to a control unit (not shown), and the voltage of the power supply unit (not shown) is controlled by the control unit. When the control unit (not shown) increases the voltage of the power supply unit (not shown), the amount of OH in the alkaline ionized water increases. - The (hydroxide ion) concentration increases, and the alkalinity of the alkaline ionized water is increased (the pH value is increased). In response to this, if the control device (not shown) lowers the voltage of the power supply device (not shown), the OH in the alkaline ionized water increases. - The (hydroxide ion) concentration decreases, lowering the alkalinity of the alkaline ionized water (lowering the pH).

[0053] The non-contact switch 41 is a switch that detects whether a container is placed on the container stand 7b inside the translucent resin door section 4. Specifically, a container detection ray is projected from the non-contact switch 41 toward the translucent resin door section 4. When a container is placed on the container stand 7b inside the translucent resin door section 4, the container detection ray projected from the non-contact switch 41 collides with the container, and the non-contact switch 41 can detect that a container is placed on the container stand 7b inside the translucent resin door section 4 by receiving the reflected light of the container detection ray that has hit the container. Water is then supplied from the spout 7a only when the non-contact switch 41 has detected that the container is placed on the container stand 7b. In other words, if the non-contact switch 41 detects that the container is not placed on the container stand 7b, water is not supplied from the spout 7a. The non-contact switch 41 can be omitted at the customer's request.

[0054] The pH meter 42 is connected to the outlet of the cathode chamber 39a of the electrolytic cell 39 and measures the pH value of the water (alkaline water (electrolyzed water), etc.) discharged from the electrolytic cell 39. When the pH value of the water (alkaline water (electrolyzed water), etc.) discharged from the electrolytic cell 39 is measured by the pH meter 42, that pH value is transmitted to the control device (not shown), and the control device (not shown) controls the voltage value applied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate), thereby controlling the pH value of the water (alkaline water (electrolyzed water), etc.) discharged from the electrolytic cell 39. In other words, as described above, the power supply unit (not shown) of the electrolytic cell 39 is connected to the control device (not shown), the voltage of the power supply unit (not shown) is controlled by the control device (not shown), and when the control device (not shown) increases the voltage of the power supply unit (not shown), the OH in the alkaline ionized water - The (hydroxide ion) concentration increases, and the alkalinity of the alkaline ionized water is increased (the pH value is increased). In response to this, if the control device (not shown) lowers the voltage of the power supply device (not shown), the OH in the alkaline ionized water increases. -The hydroxide ion concentration decreases, lowering the alkalinity of the alkaline ionized water (lowering the pH). In this way, the pH value of the water (alkaline water (electrolyzed water), etc.) discharged from the electrolytic cell 39 can be controlled. The pH meter 42 can be omitted at the customer's request.

[0055] The temperature measuring device 43 is connected to the outlet of the chilled water chiller 37 and measures the water temperature of the chilled water discharged from the outlet of the chilled water chiller 37. Specifically, the temperature measuring device 43 is connected to a control device (not shown) and can transmit the measured temperature of the chilled water to the control device (not shown). In this way, when the temperature measuring device 43 measures the water temperature of the chilled water discharged from the outlet of the chilled water chiller 37, that water temperature is transmitted to the control device (not shown), and the control device controls the current value supplied to the chilled water chiller 37, thereby controlling the water temperature of the chilled water discharged from the chilled water chiller 37. The temperature measuring device 43 can be omitted at the customer's request.

[0056] Next, we will explain the case where "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1.

[0057] When "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the automatic beverage vending machine 1, the water supply solenoid valve 31 is first opened, allowing tap water to be sent into the pipeline, and then the washing water solenoid valve 32 is opened, supplying washing water (tap water) for washing the container. This washes the container, and the alkaline chilled water can then be supplied to the washed container. The same procedure applies when supplying "alkaline room temperature water," "purified chilled water," or "purified room temperature water," which will be described later, to the container. In this embodiment, it has been explained that "the water supply solenoid valve 31 is first opened," but the water supply solenoid valve 31 may be kept open at all times.

[0058] Next, with the water supply solenoid valve 31 open, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed, and the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened. As a result, the tap water supplied by the opening of the water supply solenoid valve 31 is sent to the electrolytic cell 39 via the filter 34 and the cold water chiller 37, and cold water from which chlorine, organic substances, and odors contained in the tap water have been removed is sent to the electrolytic cell 39. Then, the cold water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed sent to the electrolytic cell 39 is supplied as alkaline cold water from the outlet 7a via the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode chamber 39a). Here, when "alkaline cold water" is supplied, the flow sensor 35 is set to control the supply of current to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) when it detects water that has passed through the filter 34. In this way, the flow sensor 35 detects the water that has passed through the filter 34, and current is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate), thus preventing unnecessary current supply. In addition, an ultraviolet irradiation unit 33 is provided inside the water outlet 7a to irradiate the inside of the water outlet 7a with ultraviolet light, so even if bacteria or other substances adhere to the inside of the water outlet 7a, these bacteria and other substances are sterilized by the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 33, and the sterilized bacteria can be flushed out of the water outlet 7a by "preliminary drainage" performed before putting drinking water into the container. As a result, clean alkaline chilled water free of bacteria can be supplied to the container. Furthermore, of the chilled water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed that has been sent to the electrolytic cell 39, the chilled water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed that has passed through the electrolytic cell 39 (anode chamber 39b) is drained out from the drain port 40 as acidic water.

[0059] Next, we will explain the case where "alkaline room temperature water" is dispensed from the beverage vending machine 1.

[0060] The difference between when "alkaline room temperature water" and when "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1 is that when "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed and the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened, whereas when "alkaline room temperature water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 are closed and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 is opened. Here, even when "alkaline room temperature water" is supplied, the system is set to supply current to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) when the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, just as when "alkaline room temperature water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1.

[0061] Thus, when "alkaline room temperature water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 are closed, and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 is opened. As a result, the tap water supplied by the opening of the water supply solenoid valve 31 is sent directly to the electrolytic cell 39 without passing through the filter 34 and the cold water chiller 37. This removes chlorine, organic substances, and odors contained in the tap water, and room temperature water is sent to the electrolytic cell 39. When "alkaline room temperature water" is supplied, the flow sensor 35 is set to supply current to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) when it detects water that has passed through the filter 34. As a result, the room temperature water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode chamber 39a) and then supplied to the container as alkaline room temperature water from the outlet 7a.

[0062] Next, we will explain the case where "purified chilled water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1.

[0063] When "purified chilled water" or "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, if "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed, and the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened. Then, with the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 open, the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, and the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) In contrast to the case where current is supplied to the ) when "purified cold water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed, the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened, and even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34 while the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is open, the control is set so that current is not supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate). In other words, when the "Alkaline Water Cold Water Button 11" or "Alkaline Water Room Temperature Button 12" is pressed and alkaline ionized water is supplied, the system is set to supply current to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) when the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34. However, when the "Purified Water Cold Water Button 13" or "Purified Water Room Temperature Button 14" is pressed and purified water that is not alkaline ionized water is supplied, the system is set so that even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, no current is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate).

[0064] Thus, when "purified chilled water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed, and the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened. As a result, the tap water supplied by opening the water supply solenoid valve 31 passes through the filter 34 and the chilled water chiller 37 to remove chlorine, organic substances, and odors contained in the tap water, becoming chilled water. This purified chilled water is then sent to the electrolytic cell 39. However, when "purified chilled water" is supplied, even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) is not supplied with current. Therefore, the chilled water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 and then dispensed into the container as purified chilled water from the outlet 7a.

[0065] Next, we will explain the case where "purified room-temperature water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1.

[0066] When "purified room temperature water" or "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, if "alkaline chilled water" is supplied from the beverage vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 are closed, and the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 is opened. Then, with the chilled water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 open, when the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) In contrast to the system where current is supplied to the filter 34, when "purified room temperature water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 are closed, the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 is opened, and even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34 while the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 is open, the system is set up so that current is not supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate). In other words, as described above, when the "alkaline water cold water button 11" or the "alkaline water room temperature button 12" is pressed and alkaline ionized water is supplied, the system is set so that when the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, current is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate). However, when the "purified water cold water button 13" or the "purified water room temperature button 14" is pressed and purified water that is not alkaline ionized water is supplied, the system is set so that even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, current is not supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate).

[0067] Thus, when "purified room temperature water" is supplied from the drinking water vending machine 1, the washing water solenoid valve 32 and the cold water electrolysis solenoid valve 38 are closed, and the room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 36 is open. As a result, the tap water supplied by opening the water supply solenoid valve 31 is filtered through the filter 34 to remove chlorine, organic substances, and odors contained in the tap water, becoming room temperature water. This purified room temperature water is then sent directly (without going through the cold water chiller 37) to the electrolytic cell 39. However, when "purified room temperature water" is supplied, even if the flow sensor 35 detects water that has passed through the filter 34, the electrolytic cell 39 (cathode plate and anode plate) is not supplied with current. Therefore, the room temperature water from which chlorine, organic substances, etc. have been removed is supplied to the electrolytic cell 39 and then dispensed into the container as purified room temperature water from the outlet 7a.

[0068] Next, we will explain the case where drinking water is purchased using a QR code 10 that has been set with the pH value and water temperature value of the drinking water, by a "drinking water purchase member" or "optional drinking water purchase member," etc. However, even in this case, the tap water (drinking water) flows through the pipes in the same way as the "alkaline water chilled water," "alkaline water at room temperature," "purified water chilled water," and "purified water at room temperature" described above, so the explanation for this case will be omitted.

[0069] Next, a method for purchasing drinking water using the automatic drinking water vending machine 1 will be described. Here, Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a method for purchasing drinking water using the automatic drinking water vending machine in one embodiment of the present invention. Before the method for purchasing drinking water using the automatic drinking water vending machine is implemented, the drinking water purchaser installs a drinking water purchase application on their mobile terminal 8, presses the initial registration button 7 on the login screen 22 of the drinking water purchase application, and first enters their name, password, etc., on the initial registration screen (not shown), and sets whether they want to become a monthly drinking water purchase member, and a member ID is issued. Then, the drinking water purchaser enters their member ID and password on the login screen 22 of the drinking water purchase application on their mobile terminal 8, and on the QR code creation screen 21, enters the drinking water they want to purchase from the automatic drinking water vending machine 1, thereby creating a QR code 10 incorporating the contents of that drinking water. This method for purchasing drinking water using the automatic drinking water vending machine 1 will be explained on the premise that a QR code 10 incorporating the contents of the drinking water that the drinking water purchaser wants to purchase from the automatic drinking water vending machine 1 has been created.

[0070] In S1, the beverage purchase payment process is carried out. In this beverage purchase payment process, if the beverage purchaser has not installed the beverage purchase app on their mobile terminal 8 and is not a monthly beverage purchase member, they can complete the payment for the beverage by inserting the beverage fee into the coin slot 5 or banknote slot 6, or by using the app payment button 17 on the operation display unit 2 of the beverage vending machine 1. In this embodiment, the beverage purchase payment process is carried out first, but this is not limited to this. If the beverage vending machine 1 sells beverages with different prices, the beverage may be selected from the menu and then the beverage fee corresponding to that beverage may be paid. Then, the process proceeds to S2.

[0071] In S2, the purchased drinking water setting process is performed. In this purchased drinking water setting process, the drinking water to be purchased by the drinking water purchaser is set. Specifically, by pressing one of the "alkaline water cold water button 11", "alkaline water room temperature button 12", "purified water cold water button 13", or "purified water room temperature button 14" displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1, the type of drinking water selected by the pressed button is set. Alternatively, if the user is a "monthly drinking water purchase member" or an "optional drinking water purchase member", the "monthly purchase member QR code reading button 15" or "optional member QR code reading button 16" displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1 is pressed, and the QR code 10 on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 is read by the QR code reader 18 displayed on the operation display unit 2 of the drinking water vending machine 1, thereby setting the drinking water with the pH value and water temperature set for the monthly purchase member or optional drinking water purchase member. Here, if you are a "monthly drinking water purchase member" or an "optional drinking water purchase member," as mentioned above, do not use the "alkaline water cold water button 11," "alkaline water room temperature button 12," "purified water cold water button 13," or "purified water room temperature button 14." Instead, use the "QR code 10 incorporating alkaline pH drinking water" generated by entering the alkaline pH value and water temperature of the drinking water into the "square box next to the alkaline strength pH value" and "square box next to the water temperature value" on the QR code creation screen 21 of the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8, and drink that QR code 10. The QR code may be read by the operation display unit 2 of the water supply vending machine 1. Alternatively, as described above, a QR code 10 containing a neutral or alkaline pH value may be generated by inputting a neutral or alkaline pH value such as "pH 6.0 to pH 10 (preferably pH 6.5 to pH 10)" into the "square frame next to the alkali strength pH value" on the QR code creation screen 21 of the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8, and this QR code 10 may be read by the operation display unit 2 of the water supply vending machine 1. Then, proceed to S3.

[0072] In S3, the drinking water injection process is carried out. In this drinking water injection process, a container is set on the container stand 7b, and drinking water is injected into the container. Specifically, the drinking water set in the purchased drinking water setting process is injected into the container from the spout 7a. Then, the process proceeds to S4.

[0073] In S4, the process of removing the containers filled with drinking water is carried out. In this process, the containers into which drinking water has been filled in the drinking water filling process are removed. Specifically, the translucent resin door 4 is opened by the drinking water purchaser, and the container placed on the container stand 7b is removed.

[0074] As explained above, if you are a "monthly drinking water purchase member" or an "optional drinking water purchase member" (if you are a purchase member), you can set the pH value and water temperature of the drinking water in detail. As a result, when the QR code 10 on the display screen 9 of the mobile terminal 8 is read by the QR code reader 18, the drinking water purchaser can easily set the pH value and temperature of the drinking water in detail, and even if they forget their preferred pH value and temperature, they can always drink drinking water at their preferred pH value and temperature. As a result, even if a drinking water vending machine 1 is installed in a convenience store or similar location, the drinking water purchaser can always drink drinking water at their preferred pH value and temperature.

[0075] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalence to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1. Automatic vending machine for dispensing drinking water 2 Operation display section 3. LCD monitor section 4. Translucent resin door section 5 Coin slot 6 Bill slot 7. Initial registration button 7a Spout 7b Container stand 8 Mobile devices 9 Display screen 10 QR codes 11. Alkaline water / cold water button 12 Alkaline water room temperature button 13. Water filter / cold water button 14. Purified water (room temperature) button 15 Monthly Payment Member QR Code Scan Button 16. Optional Member QR Code Scan Button 17. App payment button 18 QR code reader 20 Electronic money display screen 20a-1 App display right movement button 20a-2 App display left movement button 21 QR code creation screen 22 Login screen 23 Login button 24 Alkaline water cooling setting button 25 Alkaline water room temperature setting button 26. Water purification / cold water setting button 27. Water purification room temperature setting button 28 QR code creation button 29 Water selection button 30 Water supply history button 30a My Page 31 Water supply solenoid valve 32. Wash water solenoid valve 33. UV irradiation area 34 filters 35 Flow Sensor 36 Room temperature water electrolysis solenoid valve 37. Chilled water chiller 38. Cold water electrolytic solenoid valve 39 Electrolytic cell 39a Cathode chamber 39b Anode chamber 39c septum 40 Drain 41. Contactless switch 42 pH meter 43 Temperature measuring instrument

Claims

1. A beverage vending machine that supplies alkaline water as drinking water, either cold or at room temperature, to customers purchasing drinking water, An identification information code reader unit reads the identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen, When the identification information code is read by the identification information code reading unit, the drinking water content setting unit sets the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water to the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal, It has a spout that dispenses drinking water with an alkaline pH value and temperature set by the drinking water content setting unit into a container. The identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen is read by the identification information code reading unit, and the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water are set by the drinking water content setting unit. This allows drinking water purchasers to easily set the alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and ensures that they can always drink drinking water at their preferred alkaline pH value and temperature, even if they forget their preferred settings. This is a drinking water vending machine characterized by this feature.

2. A beverage vending machine that supplies drinking water at cold or room temperature using neutral or alkaline water to customers purchasing drinking water, An identification information code reader unit reads the identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen, When the identification information code is read by the identification information code reading unit, the drinking water content setting unit sets the pH value (neutral or alkaline) and temperature of the drinking water to the identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen, which have been pre-entered in the system. It has a spout that dispenses drinking water with a neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature set by the drinking water content setting unit into a container. The identification information code displayed on the information terminal's display screen is read by the identification information code reading unit, and the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water are set by the drinking water content setting unit. This allows drinking water purchasers to easily set the neutral or alkaline pH value and temperature of the drinking water, and even if they forget their preferred pH value and temperature, they can always drink drinking water at their preferred pH value and temperature. This is a beverage vending machine characterized by this feature.

3. The beverage vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification information code displayed on the display screen of the information terminal is a QR code.

4. The beverage vending machine according to claim 2, wherein the pH value of the beverage, whether neutral or alkaline, and the temperature of the beverage, as set by the beverage content setting unit, can be input from an application displayed on the display device of the information terminal.

5. The beverage vending machine according to claim 1, further comprising an ultraviolet irradiation unit for irradiating the inside of the water outlet with ultraviolet light.

Images