Water Server

Abstract

To provide a water server capable of assessing a use limit of a user.SOLUTION: A water server of this invention includes: a read-out section 72 that reads out use limit information from an external use limit release key 71 in which the use limit information is recorded; and a control section 73 that, when the control section determines that an available use limit is exceeded based on the use limit information read out by the read-out section 72, performs control so that discharge of drinking water is restricted even though an operation section in a housing 1 is operated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water server capable of limiting usage by users. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, water servers have been used mainly in offices and hospitals, but in recent years, due to increased awareness of water safety and health, water servers are becoming more common in ordinary households as well.

[0003] A water server generally comprises a housing, a cold water tank placed inside the housing, a replaceable water bottle filled with drinking water to be supplied to the cold water tank, a cold water outlet pipe that dispenses low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank to the outside of the housing, a cold water outlet valve that opens and closes the cold water outlet pipe, and an operating unit that is operated by the user to dispense low-temperature drinking water from the cold water outlet pipe. By operating the operating unit, delicious cold water can be enjoyed at any time, making it highly convenient (e.g., Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0004] Here, the water bottles of the water server are purchased by the user from a water supplier. That is, when the drinking water in the water bottle set in the housing runs out, the user replaces the empty water bottle with a new water bottle that is full of water. The new water bottle is purchased by the user from the water supplier and set in the housing by the user.

[0005] On the other hand, the main body of the water server (other than the water bottle) is generally rented from the operator, which has the advantage that the user can use the water server without having to make the initial investment of purchasing the main body of the water server.

[0006] Also known as a water server is a water purification filter type having a housing, a cold water tank arranged inside the housing, a water purification filter, a pump that sends drinking water to the cold water tank through the water purification filter, a cold water outlet pipe that pours low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank to the outside of the housing, a cold water outlet valve that opens and closes the cold water outlet pipe, and an operation unit that the user operates to pour low-temperature drinking water from the cold water outlet pipe (Patent Document 3). It is conceivable that this water purification filter type water server may also be rented by the user from a business operator for use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-228807 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-169120 A [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 2542528 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, when the water server rental contract between the operator and the user expires, or when the user continues to be in arrears with payments, the user may lose the right to further use the rented water server.

[0009] In this case, unless the business operator collects the water server from the user, the water server itself remains with the user, and the user cannot claim against the business operator for the water server. The problem is that it is possible to continue using the water server without paying any compensation such as bar rental fees.

[0010] Furthermore, if the number of users who rent water servers without having any legitimate right to use them and without paying any compensation increases, the economic losses that result from this will have to be borne by the business operator or other users, which is unreasonable.

[0011] The inventors of the present application then came up with the idea that the above problem could be solved if the water server were able to manage the user's usage limit and restrict water usage that exceeds the usage limit.

[0012] The problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a water server capable of restricting the usage limit of each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a water server having the following configuration. A housing and A cold water tank disposed inside the housing; a cold water outlet pipe for outletting the low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank to the outside of the housing; a cold water outlet valve for opening and closing the cold water outlet pipe; An operating unit operated by a user to dispense low-temperature drinking water from the cold water dispensing pipe; a reading unit for reading the usage limit information from an external usage limit release key in which the usage limit information of the user is recorded; a control unit which executes: a usage limit reaching determination means which determines whether or not a user's usage limit has been reached based on the usage limit information read by the reading unit; and a dispensing permission / prohibition control means which, when it is determined by the usage limit reaching determination means that the usage limit has been reached, sets the device to a water dispensing restricted state in which dispensing of drinking water is restricted even when the user operates the operation unit, and, when it is determined by the usage limit reaching determination means that the usage limit has not been reached, sets the device to a water dispensing permitted state in which dispensing of drinking water is permitted when the user operates the operation unit; A water server having the following features.

[0014] In this way, the user causes the reading unit to read the user's usage limit information recorded in the usage limit release key, and when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has already been reached based on the usage limit information, the dispense permission control means restricts the dispensing of drinking water even when the user operates the operation unit, whereas when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has not yet been reached, the dispense permission control means allows the dispensing of drinking water when the user operates the operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the use of the water server by the user who has exceeded the usage limit.

[0015] When an electromagnetic valve that opens and closes in response to a cold water dispensing operation of the operating unit by a user is used as the cold water dispensing valve, The dispensing permission control means can be adapted to, when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has been reached, keep the cold water dispensing valve closed as the water dispensing restricted state even when the operating unit is operated to dispense cold water, and, when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has not been reached, open the cold water dispensing valve in response to the cold water dispensing operation of the operating unit as the water dispensing permitted state.

[0016] In this way, when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has already been reached, the cold water dispensing valve is kept closed even when the user operates the operating unit to dispense cold water. Therefore, when the user exceeds the usage limit, it is possible to immediately restrict the use of cold water.

[0017] an internal tank disposed inside the housing and configured to store water; a water level sensor for detecting a water level in the internal tank; A pump for pumping drinking water into the internal tank; When a configuration further including: When the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has been reached, the pouring permission control means can be configured to maintain the pump in a stopped state as the water pouring restriction state even when the water level in the internal tank falls below a predetermined lower limit water level, while when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has not been reached, the pouring permission control means can be configured to drive the pump when the water level in the internal tank falls below the lower limit water level as the water pouring permission state.

[0018] In this way, when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has already been reached, the pump will remain stopped even when the water level in the cold water tank falls below a predetermined lower limit, so drinking water will not be replenished to the cold water tank. Therefore, when the usage limit is exceeded by a user, it is possible to reliably restrict continued use of drinking water through tampering with the cold water dispensing valve, etc.

[0019] a cold water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank; A cooling device controlled by the control unit to cool the drinking water in the cold water tank; When a configuration further including: It is preferable that the control unit is configured to operate the cooling device when the temperature detected by the cold water temperature sensor exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature, regardless of whether the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the user's usage limit has been reached.

[0020] In this way, even when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has already been reached and the user's use of cold water is restricted, the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank is maintained at a low temperature below a predetermined upper limit temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the growth of bacteria in the cold water tank while the user's use of cold water is restricted. In addition, when the user has the reading unit read the usage limit information newly recorded in the usage restriction release key, the user can quickly use low-temperature drinking water when the water dispensing restricted state is switched to the water dispensing permitted state.

[0021] In the case where the device further includes a water meter for measuring the amount of drinking water dispensed by the user, The use limit information includes information corresponding to a remaining amount of drinking water that the user can use, The control unit may be configured to update the usage limit information in accordance with the amount of water measured by the water meter.

[0022] In this way, it is possible to limit the user's use of the water server based on the amount of water used by the user.

[0023] A clock unit is further provided for outputting date and time data, The use limit information includes information corresponding to the number of days remaining for which the user can use drinking water, The control unit can be configured to update the usage limit information by an amount equivalent to the number of days the user has used drinking water, based on the date and time data output from the clock unit and whether or not the user has operated the operating unit.

[0024] In this way, the user's water server usage limit can be set based on the user's drinking It is possible to limit water use based on the number of days it has been used.

[0025] A clock unit is further provided for outputting date and time data, The use limit information includes information corresponding to a period during which the user can use drinking water, The control unit can be configured to control the water dispensing to be allowed for the period after reading the usage limit information with the reading unit, and to switch to the water dispensing restricted state after the period has elapsed.

[0026] In this way, it is possible to limit the user's use of the water server based on the period during which the user can use drinking water.

[0027] The use limit information contained in the use limit release key may enable the use of the water server for a limited period of time, such as one week, 30 days, or one month, or may enable the use of the water server for a limited amount of water, such as a certain number of liters. When the user uses the water server within the scope of the authority given to him / her, the control unit controls the water server to be in the water dispensing permitted state, and when the use limit is exceeded, the control unit controls the water dispensing restricted state.

[0028] In addition, the following method can be used to prevent the water server from being used with an illegal unlock key. The use restriction release key has a unique identification number for identifying each individual key and a serial number, The reading unit reads the unique identification number and the serial number in addition to the usage limit information, The control unit reads one of the use restriction release keys to set the water dispensing permitted state, When another use restriction release key having a different unique identification number is read, if the serial number of the previous use restriction release key and the serial number of the next use restriction release key do not satisfy a predetermined condition, the water dispensing is restricted.

[0029] Furthermore, in order to prevent the water server from being used with an illegal unlock key, the following method is also possible. The water server has a memory unit capable of recording and reading information, the use restriction release key has a common identification number that is set in common for each of the housings, The storage unit stores the common identification number, The reading unit reads the common identification number in addition to the usage limit information, The control unit places the device in the water dispensing restricted state when the common identification number recorded in the newly read usage restriction release key does not match the common identification number stored in the memory unit.

[0030] It is also possible to use an IC chip for short-distance wireless communication as the usage restriction release key, and the reader can update the usage limit information in the IC chip through short-distance wireless communication. This allows the usage limit information in the IC chip to be freely increased or decreased according to the user's bill, water usage, etc.

[0031] It is also possible for the usage limit information to include points that are charged to the IC chip in response to a billing process by the user, and when the control unit reads the usage limit information with the reading unit, the control unit determines whether or not the points are equal to or greater than a minimum processing unit value, and if the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value, subtracts the points and sets the water dispensing permitted state, and if the points are less than the minimum processing unit value, the usage limit information is not subtracted and sets the water dispensing restricted state.The appropriate amount billed can be held in the usage restriction release key as charged points.The user can If you have the necessary points, you can use the water server.

[0032] The IC chip can be an IC chip for short-distance wireless communication built into a mobile phone terminal. Users can now use drinking water using the mobile phone terminal they normally carry around, without having to carry a separate key such as a card.

[0033] A water server compatible with IC chips, the mobile phone terminal including the IC chip for short-range wireless communication that serves as the usage restriction release key; a management server that manages a user management database that records data including the usage limit information for each user; Equipped with The management server and the mobile phone terminal execute a point synchronization means for synchronizing the points of the user recorded in the user management database with the points recorded in the IC chip of the mobile phone terminal of the user, thereby constructing a water server utilization system. The points owned by the user can be managed by the management server, and fraudulent use can be prevented.

[0034] Furthermore, the management server can employ a method for executing a billing information reflecting means for updating the use limit information in response to a billing process performed by the user on the billing server. The water server can be used appropriately by billing via a network using a credit card, prepaid card, or the like. Effect of the Invention

[0035] In the water server of this invention, a user causes a reading unit to read the user's usage limit information recorded in a usage limit release key, and when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has already been reached based on the usage limit information, the dispense permission control means restricts the dispensing of drinking water even when the user operates the operation unit, whereas when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has not yet been reached, the dispense permission control means allows the dispensing of drinking water when the user operates the operation unit. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the use of the water server by a user who has exceeded the usage limit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a control unit of the water server according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] Control flow diagram for updating usage limit information [Diagram 3] Control flow diagram in an embodiment using period-type usage limit information [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a water server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a water server according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a water server according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A functional block diagram of a system for using a water server by charging an amount according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] A control flow diagram for an embodiment in which a water server is made available for use by charging a fee. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram relating to the control of a water server according to an embodiment of the present invention. A pump 6, a cold water dispensing valve 19, a hot water dispensing valve 21, a cooling device 18, and a heating device 20 are provided inside the housing 1 of the water server. These components are controlled by a control unit 73, which is a computing device equipped with software. The control unit 73 also includes a cold water dispensing operation switch 61, a hot water dispensing operation switch 62, a water level sensor 24, a water gauge 65, a cold water temperature sensor 26, a water level sensor 28, a water level sensor 29, a water level sensor 30, a water level sensor 31, a water level sensor 32, a water level sensor 33, a water level sensor 34, a water level sensor 35, a water level sensor 36, a water level sensor 37, a water level sensor 38, a water level sensor 39 ... Signals from the water temperature sensor 28, the hot water temperature sensor 29, the clock unit 75, and the reading unit 72 are input.

[0038] This water server may also have a memory unit 74, which is a storage device that records and stores the necessary information to process changes to the usage limit information and user authentication. It is preferable that the information be recorded on a magnetic disk or non-volatile memory so that it will not be reset due to a power outage or unplugging the power cord. Non-volatile memory is particularly preferable in terms of shock resistance.

[0039] Furthermore, the water server has a clock unit 75 that outputs date and time data.

[0040] This embodiment uses a usage limit release key 71 that is carried outside the housing 1 of the water server. The business that provides the water server sends the usage limit release key 71 to the user periodically or upon order, or transmits the necessary information electronically and sets some kind of medium in the usage limit release key 71. The usage limit release key 71 records usage limit information. This usage limit information is information on the time and amount of water that the user who has been sent the usage limit release key 71 can use the water server. The user can dispense drinking water from the water server within the range of this usage limit information, and if the range is exceeded, drinking water will no longer be able to be dispensed from the water server.

[0041] The method of defining the usage limit information can be set appropriately according to the contract between the business operator and the user. An example of setting the usage limit information by time is a method of defining the period from the start of use in days, weeks, months, or years, and stopping the function when the specified period has passed since the start of use. Another setting method is a method of defining the number of times that can be used in hours or days. In the case of an hourly unit, the time during which drinking water is dispensed is counted, and the function is stopped when the total time has passed a predetermined period. In the case of a day unit, a method of adding the number of days for each day of actual use and restricting the dispensing of drinking water when the limit number of days is reached may be used, or a method of subtracting the number of days from an initial value for each day of actual use and restricting the dispensing of drinking water when it reaches 0 may be used.

[0042] As an example of setting the usage limit information based on the amount of water, it may be defined as the amount of drinking water provided from the start of use, and the amount of drinking water that has passed a designated point in the housing 1 may be subtracted from the amount of water provided until it reaches zero, at which point the dispensing of drinking water is restricted; alternatively, the amount of drinking water that has passed a designated point in the housing 1 may be added until the amount of water provided is reached, at which point the dispensing of drinking water is restricted.

[0043] The usage limit information can also be set as points that are charged to an IC chip held by the user (such as an IC chip for short-range wireless communication built into the user's mobile phone terminal or an IC chip for short-range wireless communication built into an IC card previously distributed to the user) in response to the user's billing process. In this case, if the remaining points are equal to or greater than a minimum processing unit value that is preset to be subtracted for each dispense of drinking water, the points are subtracted as payment, allowing drinking water to be dispensed for a preset amount or time. If the remaining points are less than the minimum processing unit value, the points remain as they are and drinking water cannot be dispensed.

[0044] Furthermore, in addition to the use limit information, use limit release key 71 may have a unique identification number that identifies each individual key. This makes it easier for the business operator to manage each individual use limit release key 71. Furthermore, when control unit 73 of the water server receives a use limit release key 71 that is different from the use limit release key 71 that was being used up until that point, it becomes possible to determine this fact.

[0045] In addition, the usage restriction release key 71 is a common key that is common to each water server used. It is preferable that each water server has an identification number. In this case, memory unit 74 stores collatable information such as the common identification number itself or a hash value derived from the common identification number. The business operator manages which common identification number is assigned to which water server under which user, and sends a usage restriction release key 71 having a common identification number corresponding to that water server to the relevant user. The common identification number is collated with the information in memory unit 74, and if they match, it is treated as a legitimate use, and if they do not match, it is treated as an unauthorized use, thereby preventing unauthorized use of usage restriction release key 71.

[0046] Furthermore, the use restriction release key 71 may have a serial number. This serial number corresponds to the order of the use restriction release keys 71 used in each water server. For example, the serial number of the use restriction release key 71 used next to the use restriction release key 71 with serial number 1 may be 2, and the serial number of the use restriction release key 71 used next may be 3. When a use restriction release key 71 with a serial number out of sequence is recognized, it is treated as an illegal use and the dispensing of drinking water is restricted, thereby preventing the illegal use of the use restriction release key 71. Note that the serial number does not need to start with 1, and may be any number or character string. Also, the difference between the serial numbers of the individual use restriction release keys 71 does not need to be an arithmetic progression of +1, but may be in accordance with a predetermined rule. For example, it may be an arithmetic progression with different values, or may be in any other relationship of a sequence such as a geometric progression, as long as it satisfies a predetermined condition that can be specified.

[0047] The use restriction release key 71 needs to be a medium that is portable and capable of storing information. Depending on the embodiment, the medium may be one in which the stored information can be rewritten. Specific examples include a prepaid card-type use restriction release key such as a magnetic card or IC card, a use restriction release key for a general-purpose computer that is made of a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a USB memory or an SD card (registered trademark; includes miniSD card or microSD card; the same applies below), and an internal storage device of a portable device such as a smartphone or smartwatch.

[0048] This water server has a reading unit 72 that reads usage limit information and the like in response to these usage limit release keys 71. Reading unit 72 is a card reader (or card reader / writer) with a magnetic reading function for magnetic cards, and an NFC reader (or NFC reader / writer) with an NFC (Near field communication) function for IC chips such as IC tags and IC cards. For USB memory, it is a USB terminal. For SD cards, it is an SD card reader / writer slot. The usage limit information is recorded in the USB memory or SD card as a file or as part of a file, and specified files are read in accordance with the standard, and writing is performed as necessary.

[0049] Furthermore, when the usage limit release key 71 is a portable device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, the transmission method is not particularly limited and depends on the functions of the portable device. For example, when a coded image such as a QR code that encodes the usage limit information is displayed on the monitor of the portable device, the reading unit 72 that reads this is a camera, and the control unit described below decodes it to extract the usage limit information. On the other hand, when the usage limit information is transmitted via short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) that the portable device has, The corresponding reader 72 serves as a wireless interface.

[0050] In either case, it is preferable that the reading unit 72 be capable of reading the unique identification number, the common identification number, and the serial number recorded in the usage restriction release key 71 in addition to the usage limit information.

[0051] The control unit 73 executes a usage limit reaching determination means for determining whether or not the user's usage limit has been reached based on the usage limit information read by the reading unit 72. "Reached" refers to, for example, the remaining period or remaining water volume being 0, the added period or water volume reaching the limit of the available value, or the points being less than the minimum processing unit value. When the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has been reached, a water dispensing restricted state is set in which the dispensing of drinking water is restricted even when the user operates the operation unit, and on the other hand, when the usage limit reaching determination means determines that the usage limit has not been reached, a dispensing permission control means is executed to set the state to a water dispensing permitted state in which the dispensing of drinking water is permitted when the user operates the operation unit.

[0052] Here, the operating unit refers to a part that the user operates to switch between a dispensing state in which drinking water is dispensed from a dispensing tube that dispenses the drinking water to the outside of the housing, and a dispensing stop state in which the dispensing is stopped. Examples include a mechanical cock that starts dispensing water when pressed, and a switch (19, 21, 61, 62) that sends an electric signal to the control unit 73 when pressed to open a solenoid valve or a solenoid lock.

[0053] Information and logs for the control unit 73 to make a judgment, software for execution, etc. are recorded in the memory unit 74. The information stored includes the common identification number of the casing 1 used by the user, the start date of use of the water server and the contract renewal date, the unique identification number and serial number of the currently used usage restriction release key 71, and progressive information such as the number of days according to the usage situation and the accumulated water volume from a certain point in time out of the usage limit information of the currently used usage restriction release key 71.

[0054] An example of the processing flow performed by control unit 73 is shown in Fig. 2. In the initial state (S101), the water server according to this embodiment cannot be used without usage restriction release key 71, but can be used within the specified usage limit by having reading unit 72 read the usage limit information recorded in genuine usage restriction release key 71.

[0055] First, the reading unit 72 reads information from the use restriction release key 71 (S102). The information to be read includes information stipulated by standards, such as the unique identification number, the common identification number, and the serial number, in addition to the use limit information. The control unit 73 executes a genuine key determination means for determining whether the use restriction release key 71 is a genuine key from the read information (S103). For example, the standards of the use limit information and the unique identification number are different or cannot be read at all, the common identification number cannot be matched with the information in the storage unit 74, or the serial number does not conform to a predetermined standard. If the information is not genuine as described above (S103→No), it is highly likely that the use restriction release key 71 was not issued in a genuine procedure by the business that rents the water server, and therefore the control unit 73 performs control to set the state to a water dispensing restricted state in which dispensing of drinking water is restricted (S104). Since the water dispensing restricted state is already in place at the start point, the water dispensing restricted state continues in this case.

[0056] On the other hand, if it is determined that the information such as the usage limit information and the unique identification number is legitimate (S103→Yes), a usage limit reaching determination means is executed to determine whether the usage limit information is within the range in which drinking water is available (S105). If there are still days remaining in which drinking water is available or there is still remaining water in the available water supply volume, it is determined that the usage limit has not been reached (S105→Yes). Conversely, if the remaining days remaining are 0, the available period has elapsed, or the remaining water volume is 0, it is determined that the usage limit has been reached (S105→No).

[0057] A dispense permission control means is executed to switch between restricting and permitting the dispense of drinking water (S104, S106) depending on the result of the determination by the use limit reaching determination means.

[0058] If it is determined that the available limit has not been reached (S105→Yes), the control unit 73 The water dispensing is permitted (S106). At the start, the water dispensing restricted state is switched to the water dispensing permitted state, and if the water dispensing is already permitted, the state is continued. In addition, a usage limit information update means is executed to update the usage limit information stored in the usage limit release key 71 or the storage unit 74 (S107). If the remaining days are the number of days, they are subtracted, if the remaining water amount is the amount of water used that can be detected by the water meter, they are subtracted according to the amount of water used, and if the points are points, a predetermined number of points that is the minimum processing unit value is subtracted each time one serving of drinking water is dispensed. At this time, if the update date and time are registered, they can be used for judgment in the case of specifying the period. In addition to this, it is preferable to store the unique identification information and serial number of the usage limit release key 71 that has been used once in the storage unit 74. These pieces of information can be used when judging whether the usage limit release key 71 to be used next is genuine or not.

[0059] Thereafter, when the water server is used with the same usage restriction release key 71, in S103, it is determined from the unique identification number that the usage restriction release key 71 has already been recognized as genuine (S103→Yes), and it is then determined whether the usage limit has been reached even after the usage limit information has been updated (S105).

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined that the usage limit has been reached (S105→No), the control unit 73 switches to a water dispensing restricted state (S104). In this case, since the state was once a water dispensing permitted state in which drinking water could be dispensed, the state is switched to a water dispensing restricted state.

[0061] When the control unit 73 determines whether or not the permission is granted in S105, the control unit 73 refers to the usage limit information, and, if necessary, information recorded in the storage unit 74 and date and time data obtained from the clock unit 75.

[0062] As an embodiment for updating the usage limit information, when writing the remaining days to the memory unit 74 or the usage limit release key 71, there is a method of reading the remaining days already recorded and writing a value obtained by subtracting 1 from it. In this case, the water server is used with the usage limit release key 71 set in the reading unit 72. Here, it is conceivable that the water server is used multiple times in a day with the same usage limit release key 71 recognized by the reading unit 72, and if the remaining days are subtracted by 1 each time the server is used, the count will not be correct. For this reason, it is recommended that the control unit 73 advances the count only at the first use of a day that can be grasped by the clock unit 75. When the remaining days reach 0, the limit is exceeded and the server transitions to a water dispensing restricted state in S105.

[0063] Conversely, when writing the count of the number of days of use, one method is to read the number of days already recorded and write a value incremented by +1. However, even in this case, it is conceivable that the water server will be used multiple times in a day with the same usage restriction release key 71 recognized by the reading unit 72, and the count will be incorrect if the number of days of use is incremented by +1 each time it is used. For this reason, it is advisable for the control unit 73 to advance the count only at the first use in a day that can be tracked by the clock unit 75. When the number of days of use reaches the number of usable days that was initially registered, the usable limit will be exceeded and the system will transition to a water dispensing restricted state in S105.

[0064] Next, as an embodiment for updating the use limit information, when the amount of water used or the time is written in the memory unit 74 or the use limit release key 71, the amount (liters) or time (seconds, minutes) at the start time is read, and after use, the value obtained by adding the amount of use is written. The count is simply based on the amount of use, and when the amount of use reaches the initially determined use limit, a dispense possibility control means is executed to restrict the water dispense. In the case of the amount of water, the amount of drinking water that has passed through a predetermined point in the housing 1 is counted, and this is input to the control unit 73 to update the remaining water amount. For example, a water meter 65 that counts the amount of water pumped up by the pump 6 is provided, and the difference in the data of this water meter 65 is used as the water amount. Specifically, it is preferable to use the accumulated amount of water from the beginning of use for one use limit release key 71.

[0065] It is also possible to set the usage restriction release key 71 to have usage limit information for a set period, such as 30 days or six months. In other words, once the information on the usage restriction release key 71 is read by the reading unit 72, the use of the water server can be permitted for a preset period, regardless of the actual amount of water used or the number of days the water was actually used.

[0066] The flow in this case is shown in Fig. 3. The point that the reading unit 72 reads the information of the use restriction release key 71 (S202) is the same as S102 described above. The authentic key determination means (S203) that determines whether the key is authentic is also the same as S103 described above. The steps from S205 onwards are different. First, the start date and time when the use starts is set based on the use limit information possessed by the use restriction release key 71 (S205). This start date and time is stored in the memory unit 74. After that, the clock data from the clock unit 75 is read, and the number of remaining days from the start date and time to the use end date when the initially set period has elapsed is calculated. This corresponds to the use limit reaching determination means. If the remaining number of days is not 0, it is determined that the limit has not been reached (S206 → Yes) and the water dispensing permitted state continues (S207), and if the remaining number of days becomes 0, it is determined that the limit has been reached (S206 → No) and control is performed to switch to the water dispensing restricted state (S204), and the dispensing permission control means is executed.

[0067] Once the state has been switched to the water dispensing restricted state, the user has the reading unit 72 read the new usage restriction release key 71 sent by the business operator (S202). If the control unit 73 determines that this is a legitimate key (S203→Yes), it sets the start date and time (S205), executes the usage limit reaching determination means (S206), and executes the dispensing permission control means to switch to the water dispensing permitted state (S207).

[0068] In the embodiment of Fig. 3, once usage restriction release key 71 has been recognized, it is no longer necessary. Thereafter, the user is free to use the water server for a set period of time without performing any special operations. However, to prevent the same usage restriction release key 71 from being used with another water server, it is advisable to write the start date of use or information indicating that the key has already been used in usage restriction release key 71 to prevent duplicate use.

[0069] Furthermore, in determining whether or not the key is genuine in S103 or S203, the following authentication method can be adopted. The business assigns a unique identification number unique to each use restriction release key 71, a common identification number that identifies each water server, and a serial number to the use limit information recorded in the use restriction release key 71 sent to a specific user. Once the use restriction release key 71 is read and the use of the water server is started, the unique identification number, common identification number, and serial number are stored in the storage unit 74. The business assigns a common identification number and a number that is changed from the previous serial number according to a predetermined condition to the new use restriction release key 71 that the business next sends to the user. For example, the number is the previous serial number plus 1. When the control unit 73 recognizes that a use restriction release key 71 with a different unique identification number has been read, it executes a common identification number confirmation means that confirms whether or not the common identification number recorded in the new use restriction release key 71 is the same as the common identification number recorded in the storage unit 74. Furthermore, a serial number checking means is executed to check whether the serial number recorded in the new usage restriction release key 71 satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to the serial number of the previous usage restriction release key 71 recorded in the memory unit 74. If both checks are True, the water dispense is permitted, and if they are False, the water dispense is restricted as it has expired. The state is switched after the determination in the same manner as the dispense permission control means. When this authentication method is adopted, even if an attempt is made to illegally use the water server by loading an illegal usage restriction release key 71 generated by a third party, it is difficult to generalize the continuity of the common identification number and serial number, so the common usage restriction release key 71 cannot break through the authentication method, and only legitimate use with the genuine usage restriction release key 71 sent by the business operator is allowed. Although a certain degree of security can be ensured by authenticating only one of the two, higher security can be ensured by using an authentication method that verifies both.

[0070] When the control unit 73 of the water server according to this embodiment detects unauthorized use or determines that the limit in the use limit information has been exceeded, in order to realize a water dispensing restriction state that restricts the use of the water server, either one of the following can be controlled to not function any of the parts in the housing 1 necessary for dispensing, or one of the parts in the housing 1 is activated to prevent the dispensing of drinking water. However, even if the function is to be disabled, it is preferable to control the water server itself to be maintained without being turned off. If the power is turned off, the next use restriction release key 71 cannot be confirmed, which is undesirable from the viewpoint of user convenience. Also, if the power is left on, the parts related to the quality control of drinking water can continue to operate, and the water dispensing permission control means is executed to switch to a water dispensing permission state, making it possible to quickly respond when use is resumed.

[0071] The type of water server is not particularly limited. It may be a water bottle type in which drinking water is dispensed from a water bottle filled with drinking water, or a water purifier type in which water from a tap water tank filled with tap water is introduced into a water purification filter cartridge and purified water is dispensed.

[0072] The parts of the water server according to this embodiment that control unit 73 controls to limit water dispensing are illustrated by taking an embodiment of the water server. Note that the following explanation is merely an example, and does not prevent control of parts not shown in the explanation. Also, even in the case of an embodiment other than the one described below, as long as the water server dispenses drinking water outside the housing 1, it can basically be controlled in the same way.

[0073] A water server that performs the above-mentioned control is shown in Figure 4. This water server has a vertically elongated housing 1, a water bottle holder 2 provided at the bottom of the housing 1, a joint part 5 that is detachably connected to a water outlet 4 of a water bottle 3 placed on the water bottle holder 2, a pump 6 that draws up water from the water bottle 3 through the joint part 5, a cold water tank 7 that introduces the water drawn up by the pump 6 and cools it, a cold water outlet pipe 8 that pours low-temperature water in the cold water tank 7 out of the housing 1, a hot water tank 9 that introduces the water drawn up by the pump 6 and heats it, and a hot water outlet pipe 10 that pours high-temperature water in the hot water tank 9 out of the housing 1.

[0074] The housing 1 has a cylindrical wall 13 extending in the vertical direction, a top plate 14 provided at the upper end of the cylindrical wall 13, and a bottom plate 15 provided at the lower end of the cylindrical wall 13. An opening 16 for inserting and removing the water bottle 3, and a front door 17 for opening and closing the opening 16 are provided at the lower front surface of the cylindrical wall 13.

[0075] A cooling device 18 that cools the water in the cold water tank 7 is attached to the cold water tank 7. A cold water temperature sensor 28 that detects the temperature of the drinking water inside the cold water tank 7 is also attached to the cold water tank 7. When the temperature detected by the cold water temperature sensor 28 exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature, the cooling device 18 is operated, and the drinking water in the cold water tank 7 is kept at a low temperature (about 5°C). This control is performed by a control unit 73 that receives a signal from the cold water temperature sensor 28. A cold water dispensing pipe 8 is connected to the bottom of the cold water tank 7. A cold water dispensing valve 19 is provided to the cold water dispensing pipe 8, and by opening this cold water dispensing valve 19, low-temperature drinking water can be dispensed from the cold water tank 7 into a cup or the like.

[0076] The hot water tank 9 is fitted with a heating device 20 that heats the water in the hot water tank 9. The hot water tank 9 is also fitted with a hot water temperature sensor 29 that detects the temperature of the drinking water inside. When the temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor 29 falls below a predetermined lower limit temperature, the heating device 20 is activated, and the drinking water in the hot water tank 9 is kept at a high temperature (about 90°C). A hot water outlet pipe 10 is connected to the top surface of the hot water tank 9. A hot water outlet valve 21 is provided on the hot water outlet pipe 10, and by opening this hot water outlet valve 21, high-temperature drinking water can be poured from the hot water tank 9 into a cup or the like.

[0077] On the front of the main body, a cold water dispensing operation switch 61 and a hot water dispensing operation switch 62 are provided. These constitute the operation units. When the user presses these operation units, a signal indicating the pressing is transmitted to the control unit 73, and a command to open the valve is transmitted from the control unit 73 to the cold water dispensing valve 19 or the hot water dispensing valve 21, and drinking water, which is cold water or hot water, is dispensed.

[0078] Although not shown, an embodiment may be adopted in which the cold water dispensing valve 19 and the hot water dispensing valve 21 are opened by a physically operated cock.

[0079] Inside the housing 1, a buffer tank 22 is provided so as to be aligned horizontally with the cold water tank 7. The buffer tank 22 and the cold water tank 7 are in communication with each other via a cold water tank water supply pipe 23. The cold water tank 7 is also provided with a water level sensor 24 for detecting the water level in the cold water tank 7. When the water level sensor 24 detects that the water level in the cold water tank 7 has dropped to a preset lower limit water level, the electric motor 30 for driving the pump 6 is operated, and the water pumped up by the pump 6 is introduced into the cold water tank 7 through the buffer tank 22 and the cold water tank water supply pipe 23 in that order. Note that the internal tank in which the water level sensor 24 is provided to detect the water level is not limited to the cold water tank 7, but may be the buffer tank 22. In that case, too, the water pumped up by the pump 6 is introduced into the buffer tank 22, which is an internal tank, depending on the conditions. In this water server, the buffer tank 22 or the cold water tank 7 is an internal tank that is arranged inside the housing, stores water, and has a water level detected by the water level sensor 24.

[0080] The hot water tank 9 is disposed below the buffer tank 22. The buffer tank 22 and the hot water tank 9 are in communication with each other via a hot water tank water supply pipe 25, and when drinking water is poured out from the hot water tank 9, an equal amount of drinking water flows from the buffer tank 22 through the hot water tank water supply pipe 25 into the hot water tank 9, so that the hot water tank 9 is always kept full.

[0081] The pump 6 is provided midway along the pumping pipe 26 extending from the joint portion 5. One end of the pumping pipe 26 is connected to the joint portion 5, and the other end of the pumping pipe 26 is connected to the buffer tank 22. The pumping pipe 26 is provided so as to extend downward from the joint portion 5 and pass through a position lower than the joint portion 5, and then turn upward. The pump 6 is provided at the lowest position of the pumping pipe 26.

[0082] Water bottle 3 has a cylindrical body 40, a bottom 41 provided at one end of body 40, a neck 43 provided at the other end of body 40 via a shoulder 42, and a cap 44 attached to the tip of neck 43. Drinking water is filled inside water bottle 3. Water outlet 4 of water bottle 3 is provided in the center of cap 44. Body 40 of water bottle 3 is formed to be flexible so that it shrinks as the amount of water remaining in it decreases. Water bottle 3 can be formed by blow molding, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin or polyethylene (PE) resin. Water bottle 3 has a capacity of about 7 to 15 liters when full of water.

[0083] The water bottle receiver 2 is provided so as to be horizontally movable between a storage position where the water bottle 3 is stored in the housing 1 and an extraction position where the water bottle 3 is pulled out from the housing 1 with the water bottle 3 placed on the water bottle receiver 2.

[0084] The water bottle receiver 2 is slidably attached to the bottom plate 15 of the housing 1. Specifically, a fixed side slide member 45 fixed to the bottom plate 15 of the housing 1 and a movable side slide member 46 slidably connected to the fixed side slide member 45 are assembled between the water bottle receiver 2 and the bottom plate 15 of the housing 1, and the water bottle receiver 2 is attached to the movable side slide member 46. The water bottle 3 is placed on the water bottle receiver 2 with its neck portion 43 horizontal so that the water outlet 4 faces the joint portion 5 provided inside the housing 1.

[0085] The joint part 5 is fixed inside the housing 1 so that the water outlet 4 of the water bottle 3 is connected to the joint part 5 when the water bottle receiver 2 is moved to the stored position, and the water outlet 4 of the water bottle 3 is disconnected from the joint part 5 when the water bottle receiver 2 is moved to the pulled-out position.

[0086] A water bottle 3 is placed on the water bottle receiver 2, and a water outlet 4 of the water bottle 3 is connected to a joint part 5. When the pump 6 is operated in this state, the water in the water bottle 3 is pumped up by the pump 6, and the pumped drinking water is introduced into the cold water tank 7 through the buffer tank 22 and the cold water tank water supply pipe 23.

[0087] In the water server according to this embodiment, the control unit 73 determines the use limit information by reading the use limit release key 71, which is a prepaid card, into the reading unit 72, which is a card reader. If the use limit is reached by referring to the information in the memory unit 74 and the clock unit 75, the control unit 73 instructs the water dispensing to be in a water dispensing restricted state. As an example of the water dispensing restricted state, the pump 6, which is electrically operated, is not driven even if the water level sensor 24 reaches a predetermined lower limit water level. In this way, when the use limit reaching determination means S105, S206 determines that the use limit has already been reached, the pump 6 is kept stopped even when the water level in the cold water tank 7 falls below the predetermined lower limit water level, so that drinking water is not replenished to the cold water tank 7. Therefore, when the use limit by the user is exceeded, it is possible to reliably restrict continued use of drinking water by unauthorized operation of the cold water dispensing valve 19, etc.

[0088] Another form of the water dispensing restriction state is a method of prohibiting the opening of the cold water dispensing valve 19, the hot water dispensing valve 21, or both of them and maintaining the valves closed. These are electromagnetic on-off valves that open and close in response to the operation of the cold water dispensing operation switch 61 and the hot water dispensing operation switch 62 by the user. By maintaining the electromagnetic on-off valves closed, it becomes impossible to dispense cold water or hot water even when the user performs a dispensing operation. In this way, when it is determined by the usage limit reaching determination means S105, S206 that the usage limit has already been reached, the cold water dispensing valve 19 and the hot water dispensing valve 21 are maintained closed, so that cold water and hot water are not dispensed even when the user performs a cold water dispensing operation of the cold water dispensing operation switch 61 or a hot water dispensing operation of the hot water dispensing operation switch 62. Therefore, it is possible to immediately restrict the use of cold water and hot water when the usage limit by the user is exceeded.

[0089] It is preferable to control the cooling device 18 of the cold water tank 7 so as to operate when the temperature detected by the cold water temperature sensor 28 exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature, regardless of whether the use limit reaching determination means S105, S206 determine that the user's use limit has been reached. In this way, even when the use limit reaching determination means S105, S206 determine that the use limit has already been reached and the user's use of cold water is restricted, the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank 7 is maintained at a low temperature below the predetermined upper limit temperature. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the proliferation of bacteria in the cold water tank 7 while the user's use of cold water is restricted. In addition, when the user causes the reading unit 72 to read the use limit information newly recorded in the use restriction release key 71, low-temperature drinking water can be used immediately when the water dispensing restricted state is switched to the water dispensing permitted state.

[0090] A water server according to another embodiment is shown in Fig. 5. The parts corresponding to those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] This water server comprises a housing 1, a tap water tank 12 for storing tap water, a replaceable water purification filter cartridge 50, a raw water pipe 51 connecting the tap water tank 12 and the water purification filter cartridge 50, a pump 6 provided midway along the raw water pipe 51, a cold water tank 7 for storing purified water filtered by the water purification filter cartridge 50, a cooling device 18 for cooling the purified water in the cold water tank 7, a purified water pipe 54 connecting between the water purification filter cartridge 50 and the cold water tank 7, and a cold water outlet pipe 8 for dispensing low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank 7, cooled by the cooling device 18, to the outside of the housing 1.

[0092] The tap water tank 12 is detachably attached to the housing 1. A tank housing recess 14a for housing the tap water tank 12 is provided on a top plate 14 of the housing 1. A raw water inlet 52 at the upstream end of a raw water pipe 51 is provided on the inner surface of the tank housing recess 14a.

[0093] The tap water tank 12 is composed of a tank body 53 that stores tap water, and a lid body 54 that opens and closes a water supply opening formed in the tank body 53. The tank body 53 has a tank opening / closing valve 55 at a position corresponding to the raw water inlet 52 when the tap water tank 12 is attached to the tank accommodating recess 14a. The tank opening / closing valve 55 is an opening / closing valve that blocks communication between the inside and outside of the tap water tank 12 when the tap water tank 12 is removed from the tank accommodating recess 14a, and that connects the inside of the tap water tank 12 to the raw water inlet 52 when the tap water tank 12 is attached to the tank accommodating recess 14a.

[0094] The pump 6 draws in tap water from the tap water tank 12 side and discharges it to the water purification filter cartridge 50 side, thereby transferring the tap water in the raw water pipe 51 from the tap water tank 12 side to the water purification filter cartridge 50 side. In this water server, the internal tank in which the water level is detected by the water level sensor 24 to determine whether the pump 6 is operating is the cold water tank 7.

[0095] The water purification filter cartridge 50 is a replacement cartridge with a built-in water purification filter that removes substances contained in tap water by filtering the tap water. As the water purification filter, a hollow fiber membrane filter, an activated carbon filter, an ion exchange resin filter, etc. can be used. The water purification filter cartridge 50 is detachably attached to the cartridge head 56.

[0096] Next, an embodiment in which the control unit stops the use of another water server will be described with reference to Fig. 6. This water server also has a housing 1, a cold water tank 7 housed inside the housing 1, a cold water dispensing pipe 8 for dispensing low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank 7 to the outside of the housing 1, a cold water dispensing valve 19 for opening and closing the cold water dispensing pipe 8, a cold water dispensing operation switch 61 operated by the user to open the cold water dispensing valve 19, a hot water tank 9 housed inside the housing 1, a hot water dispensing pipe 10 for dispensing high-temperature drinking water in the hot water tank 9 to the outside of the housing 1, a hot water dispensing valve 21 for opening and closing the hot water dispensing pipe 10, and a hot water dispensing operation switch 62 operated by the user to open the hot water dispensing valve 21. The cold water dispensing operation switch 61 and the hot water dispensing operation switch 62 correspond to the operation unit. The cold water dispensing valve 19 and the hot water dispensing valve 21 in this embodiment are electromagnetic on-off valves that open when an electromagnetic coil 63 is energized and close when the electromagnetic coil 63 is de-energized.

[0097] A replaceable water bottle 3 is removably set in the water bottle receiver 2 inside the top plate 14 of the housing 1. The water bottle 3 is placed on the water bottle receiver 2 with the water outlet 4 facing downward. The water bottle 3 is formed to be flexible so that it shrinks as the amount of water remaining inside decreases. The water bottle receiver 2 holds a raw water outlet 4 for introducing drinking water from the water bottle 3 to the cold water tank 7. An inlet pipe 27 is provided.

[0098] One end of the raw water inlet pipe 27 is detachably connected to the water bottle 3, and the other end of the raw water inlet pipe 27 is fixedly connected to the cold water tank 7. A float valve 24a that opens and closes depending on the water level in the cold water tank 7 is provided at the end of the raw water inlet pipe 27 on the cold water tank 7 side.

[0099] The water server according to this embodiment uses an IC card type usage restriction release key 71. An IC card type reading unit 72 capable of reading and writing usage limit information of the usage restriction release key 71 by short distance wireless communication is provided on the front side of the housing 1. The reading unit 72 reads the usage limit information of the usage restriction release key 71, and executes a usage limit reaching determination means for determining whether the remaining number of days included in the usage limit information has reached the limit of 0 or not. If the remaining number of days has reached 0, a water dispensing restricted state is set, and if it has not reached 0, a dispensing permission control means is executed for setting the water dispensing permitted state for that day or for 24 hours from that point in time. Then, a usage limit information update means is executed for newly writing the remaining number of days minus 1 as the remaining number of days of the usage restriction release key 71.

[0100] When the control unit 73 restricts the functions based on the usage limit information read by the reading unit 72, it cuts off the power supply to the electromagnetic coil 63. This stops the cold water dispensing valve 19 and the hot water dispensing valve 21 from operating, and only the dispensing of cold water and hot water is disabled. In this embodiment, cold water is supplied from the water bottle 3 by gravity, so it is not possible to stop the pump as in the above embodiment. As another embodiment, a solenoid valve is provided in the water outlet 4 to stop the supply of water from the water bottle 3. Also, a configuration in which the float valve 24a is replaced with a water level sensor 24, the value of the water level sensor 24 is transmitted to the control unit 73, and the solenoid valve is closed according to the water level is also available.

[0101] Next, another embodiment of a water server in which usage is suspended by a control unit using a mobile phone terminal 84 having a usage restriction release key 71 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, a billing server 81 that handles billing and a management server 82 that manages users are connected to the mobile phone terminal 84 via a network 83.

[0102] The billing server 81 executes a billing information processing means for processing information on a user's deposit and transmitting to the management server 82, together with information identifying the user, the fact that the deposit has been made and the amount of the deposit (hereinafter collectively referred to as "deposit information"). The specific form of the billing server 81 is not particularly limited, but an example thereof is a server of a credit card operating company that manages the payment of fees for a credit card registered by the user (hereinafter referred to as a "credit card server"). Another example is a platform server (hereinafter referred to as a "platform server") operated by a smartphone app operating company that accepts payments by prepaid card deposit or other methods and allocates points added according to the amount of the payment or other processing to billing processing for smartphone apps of other companies. Another example is a proprietary server operated by a water server rental business company that confirms that a deposit processing has been made by bank transfer to a specified account or other settlement service using a two-dimensional code. The billing server 81 is not limited to one, and a combination of these types of servers may be used, or a server that serves multiple types of servers may be used.

[0103] When a credit card or prepaid card is used, the billing process to the billing server 81 is performed according to the operation of a mobile phone terminal 84 or a personal computer used by the user, and the result is transmitted to the management server 82. When an independent server is used, the billing performed according to other procedures is obtained as data and transmitted to the management server 82.

[0104] The management server 82 is a user server that records data including the usage limit information for each individual user. The user management database 86 is not only for managing the points, but may also be used as a database server for other user management information.

[0105] This management server 82 executes a billing information reflecting means for receiving the payment information from the billing server 81 and updating the usage limit information so as to add the available points held by each user. Adding the points according to the payment information is called "charging."

[0106] Furthermore, the management server 82 executes a point synchronization means for synchronizing the points of each user recorded in the user management database 86 with the points recorded in the IC chip of the mobile phone terminal 84 owned by the user. In addition to periodic execution, the timing for executing this point synchronization means may be, for example, immediately after the billing information reflection means is executed, or immediately after the water unit purchase means described below is executed and the points in the mobile phone terminal 84 are subtracted. In the synchronization immediately after the billing information reflection means is executed, the points on the mobile phone terminal 84 side are added in accordance with the addition of the value in the user management database 86. In the synchronization immediately after the water unit purchase means is executed, the value in the user management database 86 is subtracted in accordance with the subtraction of the points on the mobile phone terminal 84 side. By managing the points owned by the user in the management server 82, it is possible to prevent fraudulent use.

[0107] The network 83 includes the Internet, but is not limited to this. It may also include a mobile phone communication network because it is connected by a mobile phone terminal 84. It may also include a wireless LAN network, and part of it may belong to a carrier network.

[0108] The mobile phone terminal 84 has a built-in IC chip that can be read and written by short-distance wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). The points synchronized with the user information of the mobile phone terminal 84 in the management server 82 are recorded in this IC chip and can be updated. This IC chip is used as the usage restriction release key 71. That is, in this embodiment, the points become the usage limit information. Since the usage restriction release key 71 is built into the mobile phone terminal 84, the user can use drinking water from the water server using the mobile phone terminal 84 that he or she normally carries around, without having to carry a separate key card or the like.

[0109] Furthermore, when the billing server 81 is a credit card server or a platform server, the mobile phone terminal 84 communicates with the billing server 81 via a web browser or a dedicated application. This dedicated application may be one that can be installed later as necessary.

[0110] The housing 1 of the water server used in the system according to this embodiment has a short-range wireless communication module such as an NFC reader as a reading unit 72. That is, this is a module that can read and write to the above-mentioned IC chip via short-range wireless communication to update it.

[0111] The reading unit 72 has an NFC reader function that can read and update the usage limit information recorded in the IC chip (usage restriction release key 71) via short-range wireless communication such as NFC, which has a standard between the mobile phone terminal 84.

[0112] When the reading unit 72 reads the usage limit information from the IC chip built into the mobile phone terminal 84, the control unit 73 executes a necessary points confirmation means for determining whether the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value. The minimum processing unit value corresponds to the necessary points for purchasing a unit amount of water or a unit time. The control unit 73 executes a necessary points confirmation means for determining whether the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value. If the number of points is equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value, the points are subtracted and the water dispensing is permitted, and if the points are less than the minimum processing unit value, the points are not subtracted and the water dispensing is restricted. The amount appropriately charged as electronic money can be held in the usage restriction release key as the usage limit information in the mobile phone terminal 84. If the user has the necessary points, they can use the water server.

[0113] An example of a flow when using the system according to this embodiment is shown in Fig. 8. First (S301), user registration is performed for a user of the system (S302). Through this user registration, the user is registered in billing server 81 and management server 82, and user information is linked. In other words, billing processing performed on billing server 81 is transmitted to management server 82 by identifying the user. Specifically, in user management database 86 of management server 82, user registration is performed and billing information such as credit card information is also registered. Also, software that enables communication with billing server 81 and management server 82 is installed and information is registered in mobile phone terminal 84, which performs the user registration operation.

[0114] The user then performs billing processing on billing server 81 (S303). Specifically, the payment is made to management server 82 and the operating company of the water server. Billing server 81 executes billing information processing means for transmitting this deposit information to management server 82 along with information for identifying the user (S304). Management server 82 executes billing information reflection means for adding points to reflect this deposit information (S305). Next, management server 82 executes point synchronization means for synchronizing the points with the mobile phone terminal 84 of the user (S306). At this timing, the points are added to the IC chip of mobile phone terminal 84 through synchronization, and the water server becomes available for use.

[0115] Meanwhile, the operator of management server 82 installs water server housing 1 in advance at a location where service is required. The user receives drinking water from this installed water server housing 1. Specifically, the user performs a touch operation in which the IC chip (corresponding to usage restriction release key 71) of mobile phone terminal 84 is brought close to reading unit 72 of housing 1 (S311). This causes reading unit 72 to read the usage limit information including points stored in the IC chip.

[0116] The subsequent determination of whether the key is genuine (S312) is the same as S103 in FIG. 2. If the key is not genuine, the water dispensing state is set to the restricted state (S313). Also, in this embodiment, instead of the determination of whether the usage limit has been reached in S105 in FIG. 2, a point confirmation means is executed to determine whether the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value (S314). That is, it is determined whether the points are sufficient to purchase water. If the points are insufficient to the minimum processing unit value, the water dispensing state is set to the restricted state, and drinking water cannot be supplied (S313). However, the points are not subtracted at this time. If the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value, the control unit 73 sets the water dispensing state to the permitted state (S315), and executes a water unit purchase means to subtract the points (S316).

[0117] Thereafter, the point synchronization means is executed, and the subtracted points are reflected in the user information in the user management database 86 (S317). If the user then charges (S318→Yes), the process continues from S303. If the user does not charge (S318→No), the process remains as it is until the next touch operation (S311). [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1 Case 2 Water bottle holder 3. Water bottle 4 water outlet 5 Joint 6. Pump 7. Cold Water Tank 8 Cold water spout pipe 9. Hot Water Tank 10 Hot water spout pipe 12 Tap water tank 14 Tabletop 15 Bottom plate 18 Cooling device 19 Cold water dispensing valve 20 Heating device 21 Hot water outlet valve 22 Buffer Tank 23 Cold water tank supply pipe 24 Water level sensor 24a Float valve 25 Hot water tank supply pipe 26 Pumping Pipe 27 Raw water inlet pipe 28 Cold water temperature sensor 29 Hot water temperature sensor 30 Electric motor 50 Water Purifier Filter Cartridges 61 Cold water dispensing switch 62 Hot water dispensing switch 63 Electromagnetic Coil 65 Water meter 71 Usage restriction release key 72 Reading unit 73 Control Unit 74 Memory section 75 Clock section 81 Billing Server 82 Management Server 83 Network 84 Mobile phone terminals 86 User Management Database

Claims

1. A housing (1), A cold water tank (7) disposed inside the housing (1); a cold water outlet pipe (8) for outletting the low-temperature drinking water in the cold water tank (7) to the outside of the housing (1); a cold water outlet valve (19) for opening and closing the cold water outlet pipe (8); an operating unit (61) operated by a user to dispense low-temperature drinking water from the cold water dispensing pipe (8); A storage unit (74) for storing user usage limit information; a control unit (73) which executes: a usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) which determines whether or not a user's usage limit has been reached based on the usage limit information; and a dispensing permission control means (S104, S106, S204, S207) which, when it is determined by the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) that the usage limit has been reached, sets the device to a water dispensing restriction state in which dispensing of drinking water is restricted even when the user operates the operation unit (61), and, when it is determined by the usage limit reaching determination means that the usage limit has not been reached, sets the device to a water dispensing permission state in which dispensing of drinking water is permitted when the user operates the operation unit (61); a cold water temperature sensor (28) for detecting the temperature of the drinking water in the cold water tank (7); a cooling device (18) controlled by the control unit (73) for cooling the drinking water in the cold water tank (7); having The control unit (73) is configured to operate the cooling device (18) when the temperature detected by the cold water temperature sensor (28) exceeds a predetermined upper limit temperature, regardless of whether the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) determines that the user's usage limit has been reached. This water server is not connected to a server.

2. The cold water dispensing valve (19) is an electromagnetic on-off valve that opens and closes in response to a cold water dispensing operation of the operating unit (61) by a user, 2. The water server according to claim 1, wherein, when the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) determines that the usage limit has been reached, the dispensing permission control means (S104, S106, S204, S207) keeps the cold water dispensing valve (19) closed as the water dispensing restricted state even when a cold water dispensing operation is performed on the operating unit (61), while, when the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) determines that the usage limit has not been reached, the water dispensing permission state is opened by opening the cold water dispensing valve (19) in response to the cold water dispensing operation on the operating unit (61).

3. An internal tank (7, 22) arranged inside the housing (1) and storing water; a water level sensor (24) for detecting a water level in the internal tank (7, 22); a pump (6) for pumping drinking water into the internal tank (7, 22); Further comprising: The water server of claim 1, wherein when the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) determines that the usage limit has been reached, the dispensing permission control means (S104, S106, S204, S207) maintains the stopped state of the pump (6) even when the water level in the internal tank (7, 22) falls below a predetermined lower limit water level, as the water dispensing restricted state, while when the usage limit reaching determination means (S105, S206) determines that the usage limit has not been reached, the water dispensing permission state is set by driving the pump (6) when the water level in the internal tank (7, 22) falls below the lower limit water level.

4. The device further includes a water meter (65) for measuring the amount of drinking water dispensed by the user; The use limit information includes information corresponding to a remaining amount of drinking water that the user can use, 4. The water server according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (73) updates the usage limit information according to the amount of water measured by the water meter (65).

5. A clock unit (75) that outputs date and time data, The use limit information includes information corresponding to the number of days remaining for which the user can use drinking water, The water server of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (73) updates the usage limit information by an amount corresponding to the number of days the user has used drinking water, based on the date and time data output from the clock unit (75) and whether or not the user has operated the operation unit (61).

6. a reading unit (72) for reading the usage limit information from an external usage limit release key (71) in which the usage limit information of a user is recorded; A clock unit (75) that outputs date and time data, The use limit information includes information corresponding to a period during which the user can use drinking water, The water server of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (73) controls the water dispensing to be allowed for the period after reading the usage limit information with the reading unit (72), and to be restricted from dispensing when the period has elapsed.

7. A reading unit (72) for reading the usage limit information from an external usage limit release key (71) in which the usage limit information of a user is recorded, The use restriction release key (71) has a unique identification number for identifying each individual key and a serial number, The reading unit (72) reads the unique identification number and the serial number in addition to the usage limit information, The control unit (73) reads one of the use restriction release keys (71) and performs control to set the water dispensing permitted state, When another use restriction release key (71) having a different unique identification number is read, if the serial number of the previous use restriction release key (71) and the serial number of the next use restriction release key do not satisfy a predetermined condition, control is performed to put the water dispensing into the restricted state. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A reading unit (72) for reading the usage limit information from an external usage limit release key (71) in which the usage limit information of a user is recorded, The use restriction release key (71) has a common identification number that is set in common for each of the housings (1), The memory unit (74) stores the common identification number, The reading unit (72) reads the common identification number in addition to the usage limit information, When the common identification number recorded in the newly read use restriction release key (71) does not match the common identification number stored in the memory unit (74), the control unit (73) sets the water dispensing restriction state. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A reading unit (72) for reading the usage limit information from an external usage limit release key (71) in which the usage limit information of a user is recorded, The usage restriction release key (71) is an IC chip for short-distance wireless communication, The reading unit (72) is capable of updating the usage limit information in the IC chip by short-range wireless communication. The water server according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the usage limit information is points charged to the IC chip in response to a billing process by the user, The control unit (73) judges whether or not the points are equal to or greater than a minimum processing unit value when the reading unit (72) reads the usage limit information, The water server of claim 9, wherein when the points are equal to or greater than the minimum processing unit value, the points are subtracted and the water dispensing is permitted, and when the points are less than the minimum processing unit value, the usage limit information is not subtracted and the water dispensing is restricted.

11. 11. The water server according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the IC chip is an IC chip for short-range wireless communication built into a mobile phone terminal.

12. The water server according to claim 10, wherein the IC chip is an IC chip for short-distance wireless communication built into a mobile phone terminal; The mobile phone terminal (84) is provided with the IC chip for short-distance wireless communication that serves as the usage restriction release key; a management server (82) for managing a user management database (86) for recording data including the usage limit information for each user; Equipped with A water server utilization system in which the management server (82) and the mobile phone terminal (84) execute a point synchronization means for synchronizing the points of the user recorded in the user management database with the points recorded in the IC chip of the mobile phone terminal (84) of the user.

13. 13. The water server utilization system according to claim 12, wherein the management server (82) executes a billing information reflecting means for updating the usage limit information in response to a billing process performed by the user on the billing server (81).

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