JP7258644B2 - Goods ordering device and goods ordering system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an article ordering device and an article ordering system.

Conventionally, there has been known an article using device in which a new article is installed after the article has been used. For example, in the water servers disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the user installs a new water container each time the water in the water container runs out.

JP 2016-85521 A JP 2017-79344 A

However, when the inventory of water containers runs out, the water server cannot be used. On the other hand, if the inventory of water containers is excessive, the storage space for the water containers becomes large. For this reason, it is necessary to maintain an adequate number of water containers in stock.

On the other hand, in the water servers disclosed in Patent Literatures 1 and 2, the user can place an order for a water container by operating an operation unit provided in the water server. However, such work takes time and imposes a burden on the user. In addition, in order to place an order for a water container at an appropriate time, the user must frequently monitor the inventory of water containers, which also increases the burden on the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to reduce the user's burden of ordering goods.

The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

(1) An article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in an article using device, comprising: a communication unit capable of communicating with a server provided outside the article using device; and an order unit that transmits an order instruction for the items to the server via the communication unit when the number of items reaches a threshold.

(2) The article ordering device according to (1) above, wherein the threshold value is input by a user of the article ordering device.

(3) The goods ordering apparatus according to (2) above, further comprising an input device for inputting an instruction from the user, wherein the threshold is input by the user via the input device.

(4) The article ordering device according to (2) above, wherein the communication unit can communicate with a terminal used by the user, and the threshold is input by the user via the terminal.

(5) The article ordering device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, further comprising an output device that outputs information about the number of articles.

(6) The communication unit can communicate with a terminal used by a user of the article ordering device, and the detection unit transmits information regarding the number of articles to the terminal via the communication unit. An article ordering device according to any one of (1) to (4) above.

(7) Any one of (1) to (6) above, wherein the order instruction for the item includes at least one of the desired delivery time slot and the desired day of the week for delivery of the item input by the user of the item using device. Item ordering device according to .

(8) The article ordering device according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the article is a liquid container.

(9) The article ordering device according to (8) above, wherein the detecting unit detects the number of the articles used in the article using device, and detects the number of times the articles have been discarded as the number of the articles. .

(10) The detection unit detects the number of the articles used in the article using device, and the number of times the article is connected to the liquid supply mechanism that supplies the liquid in the article as the number of the articles. The article ordering device according to (8) above, which detects.

(11) The detection unit according to (8) above, wherein the detection unit detects the number of the articles used in the article using device, and detects the number of times the discharge of the liquid in the article is completed as the number of the articles. goods ordering device.

(12) The article ordering device according to (8) above, wherein the detection unit detects the number of the articles used in the article using device, and detects the number of times the article is reduced in volume as the number of the articles. .

(13) The article ordering device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the article using device is a liquid dispenser.

(14) The article ordering device according to any one of (1) to (12) above, wherein the article using device is a water server.

(15) An article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in the article using device; a detecting unit for detecting the number of the articles used or held in the article using device; and transmitting an instruction to order the articles to the server via the communication unit when the number of the articles reaches a threshold value. and an ordering unit.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the user's burden regarding ordering of goods can be reduced.

1 is a front view of a liquid dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser along line AA of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser along line BB of FIG. 2; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an article ordering system according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the article ordering device according to the first embodiment of the invention. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the processor of the article ordering device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control routine for the number-of-use calculation process in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control routine for order processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control routine for inventory quantity calculation processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control routine for order processing in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an article ordering device according to the third embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements.

<Item use device>
First, an article using device to which the article ordering device is applied will be described. The article using device holds at least one article and uses the article. For example, an article using device holds a plurality of articles and uses the articles one by one. Articles are used only once and ejected from the article-using device after use. When all the articles are used in the article-using device, it is necessary to replenish the article-using device with new articles.

In this embodiment, a liquid dispenser using a liquid container as an article will be described as an example of the article using apparatus. 1 is a front view of a liquid dispenser according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser along line AA of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view of the liquid dispenser along line BB of FIG. 2; FIG.

The liquid dispenser 1 holds at least one liquid container 2 and supplies the liquid in the liquid container 2 to the outside of the liquid dispenser 1 according to user's operation. In this embodiment, the liquid dispenser 1 holds 17 liquid containers 2 .

The liquid container 2 is a plastic bottle made of plastic such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE). The liquid container 2 has a capacity of, for example, 700mL-1L. Further, in this embodiment, the liquid stored in the liquid container 2 is drinking water. That is, the liquid dispenser 1 is a so-called water server.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, liquid dispenser 1 comprises housing 3 . The housing 3 has a vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shape. A container holder space 4 , a liquid supply space 5 , a container passage space 6 , a container disposal space 7 , and a container storage space 8 are formed in the housing 3 . The container passage space 6 communicates the container holder space 4 and the container disposal space 7 .

The liquid dispenser 1 also includes a holding plate 41 that holds the liquid container 2 . Holding plates 41 are provided in the container holder space 4 , and one holding plate 41 holds one liquid container 2 . In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the holding plates 41 are arranged in two rows with a space therebetween in the vertical direction. Four holding plates 41 are arranged in one row, and three holding plates 41 are arranged in the other row. Therefore, the liquid dispenser 1 has seven holding plates 41 and seven liquid containers 2 are accommodated in the container holder space 4 .

Also, the seven holding plates 41 each extend diagonally with respect to the horizontal direction in the front-rear direction of the liquid dispenser 1 . As a result, the seven liquid containers 2 each extend obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction in the front-rear direction of the liquid dispenser 1 .

A front portion of the housing 3 that covers the front surface of the container holder space 4 is configured as an opening/closing door 31 that opens and closes in a hinged manner. A user of the liquid dispenser 1 can set the liquid container 2 on the holding plate 41 of the container holder space 4 by opening the opening/closing door 31 . Specifically, after opening the opening/closing door 31 , the user inserts the liquid container 2 onto the holding plate 41 with the liquid outlet side of the liquid container 2 facing forward.

The liquid dispenser 1 also includes a liquid supply mechanism 50 that supplies the liquid in the liquid container 2 to the outside of the liquid dispenser 1 . The liquid supply mechanism 50 includes a connector 51, a cooling tank 52, a cooling device 53, a heating tank 54, a heating device 55, a first pipe 56, a second pipe 57, a third pipe 58, a fourth pipe 59, a discharge pipe 60 and Includes outlet 61 . The liquid supply mechanism 50 is provided inside the housing 3 .

In this embodiment, the liquid container 2 has a valved cap 21 . A valved cap 21 is attached to the liquid container 2 so as to cover the liquid outlet of the liquid container 2 . The valved cap 21 has a known configuration as described in Japanese Patent No. 4464290, for example, and allows liquid to flow from the liquid container 2 to the liquid supply mechanism 50 and from the liquid supply mechanism 50 to the liquid container 2. configured to prevent the ingress of liquids from

When the liquid container 2 is placed on the lowermost holding plate 41, the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 by gravity. Specifically, the valved cap 21 of the liquid container 2 is connected to the connector 51 of the liquid supply mechanism 50 . When the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50, the liquid in the liquid container 2 flows out. As a result, the liquid in the liquid container 2 is supplied from the liquid container 2 to the cooling tank 52 via the first pipe 56 and is supplied from the liquid container 2 to the heating tank 54 via the second pipe 57 .

The liquid supplied to the cooling tank 52 is cooled to an appropriate temperature (for example, 10° C. or lower) by the cooling device 53 provided in the cooling tank 52 . On the other hand, the liquid supplied to the heating tank 54 is heated to an appropriate temperature (for example, 80° C. or higher) by the heating device 55 provided in the heating tank 54 .

The cooling tank 52 is connected to a third pipe 58, and the third pipe 58 is provided with a first on-off valve (not shown). The first on-off valve is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and opens and closes the channel inside the third pipe 58 . For example, the user installs a container for receiving the liquid on the bottom surface of the liquid supply space 5 and instructs the supply of cooling liquid via an operation button (not shown) provided on the front surface of the housing 3 . As a result, the first on-off valve is opened, and the cooling liquid is discharged through the third pipe 58 and the discharge pipe 60 from the discharge port 61 toward the container.

The heating tank 54 is connected to a fourth pipe 59, and the fourth pipe 59 is provided with a second on-off valve (not shown). The second on-off valve is, for example, an electromagnetic valve, and opens and closes the flow path inside the fourth pipe 59 . For example, the user installs a container for receiving the liquid on the bottom surface of the liquid supply space 5 and instructs the supply of the heated liquid via an operation button (not shown) provided on the front surface of the housing 3 . As a result, the second on-off valve is opened, and the heated liquid is discharged through the fourth pipe 59 and the discharge pipe 60 from the discharge port 61 toward the container.

The third pipe 58 may be connected to the first outlet, and the fourth pipe 59 may be connected to the second outlet. That is, cooling liquid and heating liquid may be discharged from separate outlets. Alternatively, the cooling liquid and the heating liquid may be discharged by user's operation of a lever.

In this embodiment, the liquid container 2 is configured to decrease in volume when the amount of liquid in the liquid container 2 decreases. The volume reduction of the liquid container 2 means that the volume of the liquid container 2 is reduced.

For example, the liquid container 2 is configured to reduce in volume by reducing the pressure within the liquid container 2 as the amount of liquid within the liquid container 2 decreases. In this case, the liquid container 2 is crushed by the atmospheric pressure. Further, the liquid container 2 may have a shape (for example, a bellows shape) that naturally reduces in volume as the amount of liquid in the liquid container 2 decreases.

Therefore, as the liquid in the liquid container 2 is supplied to the liquid supply mechanism 50, the volume of the liquid container 2 is reduced. When the volume of the liquid container 2 is reduced, the length in the radial direction (transverse direction) of the liquid container 2 is shortened. As a result, the liquid container 2 is dropped by gravity from the lateral gap of the holding plate 41 , passes through the container passing space 6 and is received in the container disposal space 7 . Therefore, in the liquid dispenser 1, when all the liquid in the liquid container 2 is discharged, the liquid container 2 is automatically reduced in volume and discarded.

The housing 3 defining the container disposal space 7 is formed as a first drawer 32 open at the top. A first handle 33 is attached to the front surface of the first drawer 32 . A user can take out the first drawer 32 from the liquid dispenser 1 by pulling the first handle 33 . This allows the user to easily discard the liquid container 2 whose volume has been reduced. For example, a user can easily dispose of a plurality of liquid containers 2 without getting the user's hands dirty by placing a garbage bag in the first drawer 32 and disposing of the garbage bag containing the plurality of liquid containers 2 . can be done.

Further, in this embodiment, the lowermost liquid container 2 , that is, the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 is supported by the holding plate 41 and the connector 51 . On the other hand, the other liquid container 2 is supported by the holding plate 41 and the obliquely lower liquid container 2 . For example, the liquid container 2 second from the bottom (bottom right row in FIG. 3) is supported by the bottommost liquid container 2 (bottom left row in FIG. 3). Therefore, when the lowermost liquid container 2 drops from the holding plate 41 , the liquid container 2 second from the bottom moves to the lowermost holding plate 41 . Similarly, the third to seventh liquid containers 2 from the bottom also move to the obliquely lower holding plate 41 . Therefore, in the liquid dispenser 1 , when the liquid container 2 is discarded, the next liquid container 2 is automatically connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 .

However, when the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 runs out and the liquid in the liquid supply mechanism 50 becomes empty, the liquid dispenser 1 cannot be used. Therefore, the user needs to refill the container holder space 4 with the liquid container 2 in order to use the liquid dispenser 1 continuously.

On the other hand, in the liquid dispenser 1 , the liquid container 2 is accommodated in the container storage space 8 formed below the container disposal space 7 . The liquid containers 2 are arranged horizontally in two rows in a vertical posture in the container storage space 8 . Five liquid containers 2 are arranged in each of the two rows. Therefore, ten liquid containers 2 are accommodated in the container storage space 8 . Therefore, the liquid dispenser 1 can hold a total of 17 liquid containers 2 .

The housing 3 defining the container storage space 8 is formed as a second drawer 34 open at the top. A second handle 35 is attached to the front surface of the second drawer 34 . The user can remove the second drawer 34 from the liquid dispenser 1 by pulling the second handle 35 . This allows the user to easily store the spare liquid container 2 in the container storage space 8 and to easily take out the liquid container 2 from the container storage space 8 .

As described above, the liquid dispenser 1 holds a large number (seven in this embodiment) of liquid containers 2 in the container holder space 4 , and the liquid containers 2 are automatically connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 . As a result, the capacity of each liquid container 2 can be reduced without increasing the replacement frequency of the liquid container 2 . As a result, the liquid container 2 becomes lightweight, and the handling of the liquid container 2 becomes easier. For example, even weak women and elderly people can easily install the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 .

<Item ordering system>
As described above, in the liquid dispenser 1 , even if the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 runs out, the container holder space 4 can be replenished with the liquid container 2 in the container storage space 8 . However, when all the liquid containers 2 in the liquid dispenser 1 have been used, the user needs to order a new liquid container 2 to use the liquid dispenser 1 . For example, a user can order a liquid container 2 by calling an operator, entering on the web, or the like. However, such work takes time and imposes a burden on the user. In addition, in order to place an order for the liquid container 2 at an appropriate time, the user must frequently check the inventory of the liquid container 2, which also increases the burden on the user.

Therefore, in this embodiment, an article to be used in an article using apparatus such as the liquid dispenser 1 is automatically ordered by the article ordering device. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an article ordering system 100 according to the first embodiment of the invention. The goods ordering system 100 comprises a goods ordering device 10 and a server 80 .

The article ordering device 10 is provided in the article using device, and is provided in the liquid dispenser 1 in this embodiment. The server 80 is provided outside the article ordering device 10, that is, outside the article using device. Server 80 and article ordering device 10 can communicate with each other.

The article ordering device 10 orders articles to be used in the article using device. In this embodiment, the article ordering device 10 orders the liquid container 2 used in the liquid dispenser 1 . The server 80 performs an order processing for an article based on an instruction for ordering an article from the article ordering device 10 . In this embodiment, the server 80 performs ordering processing for the liquid container 2 based on an order instruction for the liquid container 2 from the article ordering device 10 .

The server 80 comprises a communication interface 81, a storage device 82, a memory 83 and a processor 84, as shown in FIG. The communication interface 81, storage device 82 and memory 83 are connected to the processor 84 via signal lines. The server 80 may further include an input device such as a keyboard and mouse, an output device such as a display, and the like. Also, the server 80 may be composed of a plurality of computers.

Communication interface 81 has an interface circuit for connecting server 80 to communication network 20 . Server 80 communicates with article ordering device 10 via communication interface 81 and communication network 20 .

The storage device 82 has, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), an optical recording medium, and the like. The storage device 82 stores various data, such as computer programs for the processor 84 to execute various processes. The computer program may be recorded on a recording medium such as an optical recording medium or a magnetic recording medium and distributed.

The memory 83 comprises semiconductor memory such as random access memory (RAM). The memory 83 stores, for example, various data used when various processes are executed by the processor 84 .

The processor 84 has one or more CPUs and their peripheral circuits, and executes various processes. Note that the processor 84 may further have an arithmetic circuit such as a logical operation unit or a numerical operation unit.

A user who uses the liquid dispenser 1 as an article using device uses the terminal 90 to register user information in advance. A terminal 90 used by a user can communicate with the server 80, and is, for example, a smart phone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or the like. The user information includes, for example, the name or company name, the identification number of the liquid dispenser 1 (for example, the product number of the liquid dispenser 1, etc.), the address of the place where the liquid dispenser 1 is installed (for example, home, office, etc.). The registered user information is stored in the storage device 82 of the server 80 . At this time, other information is associated with the identification number of the liquid dispenser 1 .

The server 80 can also communicate with the manufacturing plant 95 of the liquid container 2 via the communication interface 81 and the communication network 20 . Note that server 80 may communicate with manufacturing plant 95 via a dedicated communication line instead of communication network 20 . Also, the server 80 may be provided in the manufacturing plant 95 .

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the article ordering device according to the first embodiment of the invention. The article ordering device 10 has a circuit board 70 and a sensor 77 . A communication interface 71 , a memory 72 and a processor 73 are mounted on the circuit board 70 . The circuit board 70 is arranged, for example, in the housing 3 of the liquid dispenser 1, and is supplied with power from an outlet via a power cord.

Communication interface 71 has an interface circuit for connecting article ordering device 10 to communication network 20 . The goods ordering device 10 communicates with the server 80 via the communication interface 71 and the communication network 20 . The communication interface 71 is connected to the processor 73 via signal lines. Communication interface 71 is an example of a communication unit.

The communication interface 71 may have a wireless LAN function such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark), and the article ordering device 10 may be connected to the communication network 20 via an access point installed at home, office, or the like. good. Also, the communication interface 71 can communicate with a wireless base station, and the article ordering device 10 may be connected to the communication network 20 via the wireless base station.

The memory 72 has, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (eg, RAM) and a non-volatile semiconductor memory (eg, ROM). The memory 72 stores programs executed by the processor 73, various data used when various processes are executed by the processor 73, and the like. The memory 72 is connected to the processor 73 via signal lines. The memory 72 is an example of a storage unit.

The processor 73 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits, and executes various processes. Note that the processor 73 may further have an arithmetic circuit such as a logic operation unit or a numerical operation unit.

A sensor 77 detects that an article has been used in the article using device. In this embodiment, the sensor 77 detects that the liquid container 2 has been used in the liquid dispenser 1 . The sensor 77 is arranged, for example, in the housing 3 of the liquid dispenser 1 and electrically connected to the circuit board 70 . The output of sensor 77 is transmitted to circuit board 70 .

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the processor 73 of the article ordering device 10 according to the first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the processor 73 has a detection section 74 and an ordering section 75 . Specifically, the processor 73 functions as the detection unit 74 and the ordering unit 75 by executing programs stored in the memory 72 .

The detector 74 detects the number of articles used in the article using device. In this embodiment, the detection unit 74 detects the number of liquid containers 2 used in the liquid dispenser 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the number of used liquid containers 2").

Specifically, the detection unit 74 uses the sensor 77 to detect the number of times the liquid container 2 has been discarded as the number of times the liquid container 2 has been used. The sensor 77 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor that detects the dropping of the liquid container 2 into the container disposal space 7, and is provided in the container passing space 6 so that the liquid container 2 that is falling is irradiated with light.

For example, sensor 77 is a retroreflective or transmissive photoelectric sensor. In a retroreflective photoelectric sensor, a light emitter and a light receiver are integrated, and light from the light emitter is reflected by a reflector such as a mirror and returned to the light receiver. On the other hand, in a transmissive photoelectric sensor, a light emitter and a light receiver are arranged facing each other, and light from the light emitter enters the light receiver.

When the liquid container 2 falls and passes in front of the sensor 77, the light from the light projector of the sensor 77 is blocked by the liquid container 2, and the amount of light received by the light receiver of the sensor 77 is reduced. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections.

The sensor 77 may be provided in the container holder space 4 so that the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 is irradiated with light. In this case, when the liquid container 2 falls toward the container disposal space 7, the light blocked by the liquid container 2 is directly applied to the light receiver, and the amount of light received by the light receiver of the sensor 77 increases. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections.

Moreover, the sensor 77 may be a weight sensor that detects the dropping of the liquid container 2 into the container disposal space 7 . Specifically, the sensor 77 may be a weight sensor provided in the container disposal space 7 to detect the weight of the liquid container 2 contained in the container disposal space 7 . In this case, when the liquid container 2 is housed in the container disposal space 7, the weight detected by the sensor 77 increases. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections.

The sensor 77 is a weight sensor provided on the holding plate 41 in the container holder space 4 so as to detect the weight of the lowermost liquid container 2, that is, the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50. may In this case, when the liquid container 2 falls toward the container disposal space 7, the weight detected by the sensor 77 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections.

When the number of articles used in the article using device increases and the inventory of articles decreases, it is necessary to order new articles. For this reason, the ordering unit 75 transmits an article ordering instruction to the server 80 via the communication interface 71 when the number of articles used in the article using device reaches the threshold value. In this embodiment, the ordering unit 75 transmits an instruction to order the liquid container 2 to the server 80 via the communication interface 71 when the number of used liquid containers 2 detected by the detecting unit 74 reaches a threshold. The order instruction includes the identification number of the liquid dispenser 1 corresponding to the article ordering device 10 .

When the server 80 receives an order instruction for the liquid container 2 from the ordering unit 75 , the server 80 performs order processing for the liquid container 2 . For example, when manufacturing, packing, and delivering the liquid container 2 are automated in the manufacturing factory 95, the server 80 stores necessary information (such as an address corresponding to the identification number of the liquid dispenser 1 transmitted from the product ordering device). It is sent to the controller of factory 95 . As a result, the control device of the manufacturing plant executes control for delivering the predetermined number of liquid containers 2 to the designated address.

The server 80 may transmit the necessary information to the terminal of the manufacturing plant 95 and the operator of the manufacturing plant 95 may arrange delivery of the liquid container 2 .

In this embodiment, by placing an order for an article using the article ordering device 10 as described above, it is possible to automatically order an article at an appropriate timing. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the user's burden of ordering goods.

<Usage Count Calculation Processing>
Hereinafter, control by the processor 73 of the article ordering device 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control routine for the number-of-use calculation process in the first embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined execution intervals by the processor 73 (specifically, the detection unit 74) of the article ordering device 10. FIG.

First, in step S101, the detector 74 receives the output of the sensor 77. As shown in FIG. Next, in step S102, the detection unit 74 determines whether or not the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the output of the sensor 77. FIG.

If it is determined in step S102 that the liquid container 2 has not been discarded, that is, if it is determined in step S102 that the liquid container 2 has not been used, this control routine ends. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S102 that the liquid container 2 has been discarded, that is, if it is determined in step S102 that the liquid container 2 has been used, the control routine proceeds to step S103.

In step S<b>103 , the detection unit 74 updates the usage count UN of the liquid container 2 . Specifically, the detection unit 74 adds 1 to the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 . The number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 is stored in the memory 72 of the article ordering device 10, for example. After step S103, the control routine ends.

In addition, in the liquid dispenser 1 , the liquid container 2 may be discarded by an actuator provided in the liquid dispenser 1 . For example, the lowermost holding plate 41 may be rotated by an actuator such as a motor so as to drop the liquid container 2 , whereby the liquid container 2 may be disposed of in the container disposal space 7 . Alternatively, the liquid container 2 may be discarded in the container disposal space 7 by moving the liquid container 2 with an actuator such as an air cylinder or an electric cylinder.

In these cases, the sensor 77 may be omitted from the goods ordering device 10, and the detection unit 74 may detect the number of times the liquid container 2 is discarded as the number of times the liquid container 2 is used without using the sensor 77. FIG. Specifically, the detection unit 74 detects that the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator. In this case, step S101 in FIG. 7 is omitted, and in step S102 in FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 determines whether or not the liquid container 2 has been discarded based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator. judge.

Further, the detection unit 74 may detect the number of times the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 as the number of times the liquid container 2 is used, using the sensor 77 . In this case, in step S102 of FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 determines whether or not the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 based on the output of the sensor 77. FIG.

In this case, the sensor 77 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor that detects the connection of the liquid container 2 to the liquid supply mechanism 50, and the container holder space is arranged such that the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 is irradiated with light. 4. When the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50, the light from the light from the sensor 77 is blocked by the liquid container 2 moved to the lowermost holding plate 41, and the light quantity from the light receiver of the sensor 77 is reduced. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 based on the output of the sensor 77, and detects the number of times the liquid container 2 is used by accumulating the number of detections. be able to.

Alternatively, the sensor 77 may be a weight sensor that detects connection of the liquid container 2 to the liquid supply mechanism 50 . Specifically, the sensor 77 detects the weight of the lowermost liquid container 2 , that is, the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 . It may be a sensor. In this case, when the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50, the liquid container 2 moves to the lowermost holding plate 41 and the weight detected by the sensor 77 increases. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 based on the output of the sensor 77, and detects the number of times the liquid container 2 is used by accumulating the number of detections. be able to.

Also, in the liquid dispenser 1 , the liquid container 2 may be connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 by an actuator provided in the liquid dispenser 1 . For example, the liquid container 2 may be connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 by linearly moving the liquid container 2 toward the connector 51 on the holding plate 41 using an actuator such as an air cylinder or an electric cylinder.

In this case, the sensor 77 is omitted from the article ordering device 10, and the detection unit 74 detects the number of times the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 as the number of uses of the liquid container 2 without using the sensor 77. good too. Specifically, the detection unit 74 detects that the liquid container 2 is connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator. In this case, step S101 in FIG. 7 is omitted, and in step S102 in FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 connects the liquid container 2 to the liquid supply mechanism 50 based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator. It is determined whether or not

The detection unit 74 may also detect the number of times the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been completely discharged as the number of times the liquid container 2 has been used, using the sensor 77 . In this case, in step S102 of FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 determines whether or not the discharge of the liquid in the liquid container 2 is completed based on the output of the sensor 77. FIG.

In this case, the sensor 77 is, for example, a liquid level sensor that detects completion of discharge of the liquid in the liquid container 2, and is provided in the cooling tank 52 so as to detect the liquid level in the cooling tank 52. be done. Since the cooling tank 52 is not replenished with liquid from the liquid container 2 when the liquid in the liquid container 2 is completely discharged, the liquid level detected by the sensor 77 drops below a predetermined value as the liquid in the cooling tank 52 decreases. become. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been discharged based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections. can be done.

Further, the sensor 77 is a liquid level sensor that detects when the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been completely discharged. good. Since the heating tank 54 is not replenished with liquid from the liquid container 2 when the liquid in the liquid container 2 is completely discharged, the liquid level detected by the sensor 77 drops below a predetermined value as the liquid in the heating tank 54 decreases. become. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been completely discharged based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections. can be done.

Alternatively, the sensor 77 may be a weight sensor that detects when the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been discharged. Specifically, the sensor 77 is a weight sensor provided on the holding plate 41 in the container holder space 4 so as to detect the weight of the lowermost liquid container 2 , that is, the liquid container 2 connected to the liquid supply mechanism 50 . It may be a sensor. In this case, when the liquid in the liquid container 2 is completely discharged, the weight detected by the sensor 77 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the liquid in the liquid container 2 has been completely discharged based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of uses of the liquid container 2 by accumulating the number of detections. can be done.

Further, the detection unit 74 may detect the number of times the liquid container 2 has been reduced in volume using the sensor 77 as the number of times the liquid container 2 has been used. In this case, in step S102 of FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 determines whether or not the volume of the liquid container 2 has decreased based on the output of the sensor 77. FIG.

In this case, the sensor 77 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor that detects the volume reduction of the liquid container 2. The sensor 77 is, for example, a photoelectric sensor that illuminates the liquid container 2 before volume reduction and prevents the liquid container 2 after volume reduction from being irradiated with light. It is provided in the container holder space 4 . When the volume of the liquid container 2 is reduced, the light that has been blocked by the liquid container 2 is directly applied to the light receiver, and the amount of light received by the light receiver of the sensor 77 increases. Therefore, the detection unit 74 can detect that the volume of the liquid container 2 has decreased based on the output of the sensor 77, and can detect the number of times the liquid container 2 has been used by accumulating the number of detections.

Further, in the liquid dispenser 1 , an actuator provided in the liquid dispenser 1 may reduce the volume of the liquid container 2 . For example, the volume of the liquid container 2 may be reduced by crushing the liquid container 2 with an actuator such as a roller, an air cylinder, or an electric cylinder.

In this case, the sensor 77 may be omitted from the article ordering device 10, and the detection unit 74 may detect the number of times the liquid container 2 has been reduced as the number of times the liquid container 2 has been used without using the sensor 77. FIG. Specifically, the detection unit 74 detects that the liquid container 2 has decreased in volume based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator without using the sensor 77 . In this case, step S101 in FIG. 7 is omitted, and in step S102 in FIG. 7, the detection unit 74 determines whether the volume of the liquid container 2 has decreased based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator. judge.

<Order processing>
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control routine for order processing in the first embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined execution intervals by the processor 73 (specifically, the ordering unit 75) of the article ordering device 10. FIG.

First, in step S201, the ordering unit 75 determines whether or not the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 detected by the detecting unit 74 is equal to or greater than the threshold TH. The threshold TH is predetermined and set to be equal to or less than the number of liquid containers 2 delivered per order. If it is determined in step S201 that the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 is less than the threshold TH, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S201 that the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 is greater than or equal to the threshold TH, the control routine proceeds to step S202. In step S<b>202 , the ordering unit 75 transmits an order instruction for the liquid container 2 to the server 80 .

Next, in step S203, the ordering unit 75 resets the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 to zero. After step S203, the control routine ends.

<Second embodiment>
The configuration and control of the goods ordering system according to the second embodiment are basically the same as those of the goods ordering system according to the first embodiment. For this reason, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the second embodiment, sensor 77 detects that an article is being held in the article use device. If the article use device is the liquid dispenser 1 , the sensor 77 detects that the liquid container 2 is held in the liquid dispenser 1 .

The detector 74 detects the number of articles held in the article using device. When the article using device is the liquid dispenser 1, the detection unit 74 detects the number of liquid containers 2 held in the liquid dispenser 1, that is, the number of liquid containers 2 in stock.

Specifically, the detection unit 74 uses the sensor 77 to detect the number of liquid containers 2 in stock. The sensors 77 include, for example, a plurality of photoelectric sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container holder space 4 of the liquid dispenser 1 and a weight sensor for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container storage space 8 of the liquid dispenser 1 .

A plurality of photoelectric sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 are provided in the container holder space 4 so that the liquid container 2 on the holding plate 41 is irradiated with light. For example, seven photoelectric sensors are provided in the container holder space 4 to respectively detect seven liquid containers 2 in the container holder space 4 . When the liquid container 2 is held by the holding plate 41, the liquid container 2 blocks the light from the light projector of the photoelectric sensor, and the amount of light received by the light receiver of the photoelectric sensor decreases. Therefore, the detection section 74 can detect the number of liquid containers 2 in the container holder space 4 based on the outputs of the plurality of photoelectric sensors provided in the container holder space 4 .

A weight sensor for detecting the liquid container 2 in the container storage space 8 is provided in the container storage space 8 so as to detect the weight of the liquid container 2 stored in the container storage space 8 . As the number of liquid containers 2 housed in the container storage space 8 increases, the weight of the liquid containers 2 housed in the container storage space 8 increases. Therefore, the detection section 74 can detect the number of liquid containers 2 in the container storage space 8 based on the output of the weight sensor provided in the container storage space 8 . Further, the detection unit 74 can detect the number of liquid containers 2 in stock by adding the number of liquid containers 2 in the container storage space 8 to the number of liquid containers 2 in the container holder space 4 .

The sensor 77 includes a plurality of weight sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container holder space 4 of the liquid dispenser 1 and a weight sensor for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container storage space 8 of the liquid dispenser 1. You can A plurality of weight sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 of the liquid dispenser 1 are provided on the holding plate 41 so as to detect the weight of the liquid container 2 on the holding plate 41 in the container holder space 4. be done. When the liquid container 2 is held by the holding plate 41, the weight detected by the weight sensor is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. Therefore, the detection section 74 can detect the number of liquid containers 2 in the container holder space 4 based on the outputs of the multiple weight sensors provided on the holding plate 41 .

Further, when the liquid container 2 in the container storage space 8 of the liquid dispenser 1 can be detected by the photoelectric sensor, for example, when the liquid containers 2 are arranged in a line in the container storage space 8, the sensor 77 It includes a plurality of photoelectric sensors or weight sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container holder space 4 of the liquid dispenser 1 and a plurality of photoelectric sensors for detecting the liquid container 2 within the container storage space 8 of the liquid dispenser 1. good too.

When the inventory of items in the item using apparatus is reduced, it is necessary to order new items. Therefore, the ordering unit 75 transmits an article ordering instruction to the server 80 via the communication interface 71 when the number of articles held in the article using device reaches the threshold value. In the present embodiment, the ordering unit 75 transmits an order instruction for the liquid container 2 to the server 80 via the communication interface 71 when the stock quantity of the liquid container 2 detected by the detecting unit 74 reaches a threshold. The order instruction includes the identification number of the liquid dispenser 1 corresponding to the article ordering device 10 .

<Stock quantity calculation process>
FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a control routine for inventory quantity calculation processing in the second embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined execution intervals by the processor 73 (specifically, the detection unit 74) of the article ordering device 10. FIG.

First, the detector 74 receives the output of the sensor 77 in step S301. Next, in step S302, the detection unit 74 detects the number of liquid containers 2 in stock based on the output of the sensor 77. FIG. After step S302, the control routine ends.

In addition, in the liquid dispenser 1 , the container storage space 8 may be omitted, and the liquid container 2 may be installed in the container holder space 4 by an actuator such as a robot arm provided in the liquid dispenser 1 . In this case, the sensor 77 may be omitted from the article ordering device 10 and the detection section 74 may detect the stock quantity of the liquid container 2 without using the sensor 77 . Specifically, the detection unit 74 detects the stock quantity of the liquid container 2 based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator without using the sensor 77 . In this case, step S301 in FIG. 9 is omitted, and in step S302 in FIG. 9, the detection unit 74 detects the stock quantity of the liquid container 2 based on the control signal transmitted from the actuator control device to the actuator.

<Order processing>
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control routine for order processing in the second embodiment. This control routine is repeatedly executed at predetermined execution intervals by the processor 73 (specifically, the ordering unit 75) of the article ordering device 10. FIG.

In step S401, the ordering unit 75 determines whether or not the inventory quantity of the liquid container 2 detected by the detecting unit 74 has decreased to a threshold. The threshold is predetermined and set to be less than the number of liquid containers 2 delivered by one order. The ordering unit 75 determines that the inventory quantity of the liquid container 2 has decreased to the threshold value when the inventory quantity of the liquid container 2 changes from a value greater than the threshold value to a value equal to or less than the threshold value. If it is determined in step S401 that the stock quantity of liquid containers 2 has not decreased to the threshold value, this control routine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the stock quantity of liquid containers 2 has decreased to the threshold, the control routine proceeds to step S402. In step S<b>402 , the ordering unit 75 transmits an order instruction for the liquid container 2 to the server 80 .

Next, in step S403, the order unit 75 resets the number of uses UN of the liquid container 2 to zero. After step S403, the control routine ends.

<Third embodiment>
The configuration and control of the goods ordering system according to the third embodiment are basically the same as those of the goods ordering system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an article ordering device according to the third embodiment. The article ordering device 10' is provided in the article using device, and is provided in the liquid dispenser 1 in this embodiment. In the third embodiment, the article ordering device 10 ′ comprises an input device 78 and an output device 79 in addition to the circuit board 70 and the sensor 77 .

The input device 78 includes operation buttons or a touch screen for the user of the article using device to perform input operations, a microphone for receiving the voice of the user of the article using device, and the like. The input device 78 is arranged on the front surface of the housing 3 of the liquid dispenser 1 , for example, between the opening/closing door 31 and the liquid supply space 5 .

The input device 78 receives an instruction from the user of the article using device (hereinafter simply referred to as "user"). The input device 78 is electrically connected to the circuit board 70 and instructions from the user are transmitted to the processor 73 of the circuit board 70 via the input device 78 .

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the ordering unit 75 sends an order-ordering instruction to the server 80 via the communication interface 71 when the number of articles used in the article using device reaches the threshold value. Send to However, the optimum value of the threshold will change depending on how often the user uses the article usage device. For example, if the article using device is used frequently, the remaining articles will be used up in a short period of time. Therefore, in order to use the article using device continuously, it is necessary to place an order for articles before the number of articles in stock becomes small.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the user inputs a desired threshold into the input device 78 , and the ordering unit 75 determines the number of articles used in the article using device as the threshold entered by the user via the input device 78 . When it reaches , an order instruction for goods is transmitted to the server 80 . As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

In addition, there are cases where the time period or days of the week during which the user can receive the delivered items are limited. In this case, the user's desired delivery time zone or desired delivery day of the week is often constant regardless of the date. For this reason, in the third embodiment, the user inputs at least one of the desired delivery time period and the desired delivery day of the week to the input device 78, and the ordering unit 75 receives the delivery request input by the user via the input device 78. An article ordering instruction including at least one of the time period and desired day of the week for delivery is transmitted to the server 80 .

If the item ordering instruction includes the desired delivery time period, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user during the desired delivery time period. If the item ordering instruction includes the desired day of the week for delivery, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user on the desired day of the week for delivery. When a desired delivery time slot and a desired delivery day are included in the item ordering instruction, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user during the desired delivery time slot on the desired delivery day of the week. As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

In addition, if the user cannot receive the item for a long period of time due to the user's circumstances, it is desirable that the user can specify the desired delivery date of the item. For this reason, the input device 78 may be configured such that the desired delivery date of the article is input by the user. In this case, the user inputs the desired delivery date of the item to the input device 78 , and the ordering unit 75 transmits to the server 80 an instruction to order the item including the desired delivery date input by the user via the input device 78 . The server 80 carries out order processing of goods so that the goods will be delivered to the user on the desired delivery date. As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

Note that the control routines of FIGS. 7 and 8 are executed also in the third embodiment. At this time, in the third embodiment, the value input by the user via the input device 78 is used as the threshold value TH in step S201 of FIG. In step S202 of FIG. 8, the order instruction for the article includes at least one of the desired delivery time period and the desired day of the week for the article input by the user via the input device 78. FIG. In step S202 of FIG. 8, the product ordering instruction may include the desired delivery date of the product input by the user via the input device 78. FIG.

The output device 79 includes a display for displaying information, a speaker for generating sound, and the like. The output device 79 is arranged on the front surface of the housing 3 of the liquid dispenser 1 , for example, between the opening/closing door 31 and the liquid supply space 5 . The output device 79 is electrically connected to the circuit board 70 and signals from the processor 73 of the circuit board 70 are transmitted to the output device 79 .

As described above, the item ordering device 10' automatically orders items to be used in the item using device. However, in this case, it becomes difficult for the user to grasp the usage status of the article. Therefore, it is desirable that the user can easily check the usage status of the article in order to know the timing of delivery of the article.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the output device 79 outputs information regarding the number of articles used in the article using device. This allows the user to easily check the usage status of the article through the output device 79 . Therefore, user convenience can be further enhanced.

For example, the output device 79 outputs the number of items used in the item using device after delivery of the item, the number of items used in one week, one month or one year, the number of items used until the next order, etc. to output These pieces of information are detected by the detector 74 .

Note that the input device 78 or the output device 79 may be omitted. Also, the input device 78 and the output device 79 may be integrated. For example, the input device 78 and the output device 79 may be configured as input/output devices such as touch panels.

<Fourth embodiment>
The configuration and control of the goods ordering system according to the fourth embodiment are basically the same as those of the goods ordering system according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the communication interface 71 of the article ordering device 10 can communicate with the terminal 90 used by the user. Therefore, the article ordering device 10 communicates with the terminal 90 via the communication interface 71 and the communication network 20 .

In the fourth embodiment, the user inputs a desired threshold into the terminal 90, and when the number of items used in the item using device reaches the threshold input by the user via the terminal 90, the ordering unit 75 to the server 80. As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the user inputs at least one of the desired delivery time period and the desired delivery day of the week to the terminal 90, and the ordering unit 75 A product ordering instruction including at least one of the desired days of the week for delivery is transmitted to the server 80 .

If the item ordering instruction includes the desired delivery time period, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user during the desired delivery time period. If the item ordering instruction includes the desired day of the week for delivery, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user on the desired day of the week for delivery. When a desired delivery time slot and a desired delivery day are included in the item ordering instruction, the server 80 performs the item ordering process so that the item is delivered to the user during the desired delivery time slot on the desired delivery day of the week. As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

Also, the terminal 90 may be configured so that the user inputs the desired delivery date of the article. In this case, the user inputs the desired delivery date of the item to the terminal 90 , and the ordering unit 75 transmits to the server 80 an instruction to order the item including the desired delivery date input by the user via the terminal 90 . The server 80 carries out order processing of goods so that the goods will be delivered to the user on the desired delivery date. As a result, user convenience can be further enhanced.

Note that the control routines of FIGS. 7 and 8 are also executed in the fourth embodiment. At this time, in the fourth embodiment, the value input by the user via the terminal 90 is used as the threshold value TH in step S201 of FIG. In addition, in step S202 of FIG. 8, at least one of the desired delivery time zone and the desired delivery day of the week of the item input by the user via the terminal 90 is included in the order instruction for the item. In step S202 of FIG. 8, the product ordering instruction may include the desired delivery date of the product input by the user via the terminal 90. FIG.

Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the detection unit 74 transmits information regarding the number of articles used in the article using device to the terminal 90 via the communication interface 71 . For example, the detection unit 74 detects the number of items used in the item using device after delivery of the item, the number of items used in one week, one month, or one year, the number of items used until the next order, etc. to the terminal 90. As a result, the information transmitted to terminal 90 is displayed to the user via terminal 90 . Therefore, the user can easily check the usage status of the article via the terminal 90 . Therefore, user convenience can be further enhanced.

<Other embodiments>
Although preferred embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims.

For example, the number of liquid containers 2 held by the liquid dispenser 1 may be other than 17 (eg, 1). Also, the arrangement of the liquid container 2 in the container holder space 4 may be different from the arrangement shown in FIG.

Also, the liquid container 2 may be a can, a paper pack, a bag-in-box, a capsule, or the like. Also, the liquid contained in the liquid container 2 may be beverages other than water (for example, coffee, juice, tea, etc.), chemicals, and the like. Also, the second drawer 34 defining the container storage space 8 may be omitted from the liquid dispenser 1 . That is, the liquid container 2 may be held only in the container holder space 4 .

Also, the article using device may be other than the liquid dispenser 1 . For example, the article use device may be a vending machine. In this case, use of the item means that the item is ejected from the vending machine. Also, the article may be other than a liquid container. For example, the article may be a food container or the like.

In addition, the embodiments described above can be implemented in arbitrary combinations. For example, the second embodiment can be combined with the third embodiment. In this case, in step S401 of FIG. 10, the value input by the user via the input device 78 is used as the threshold value. In addition, at step S402 in FIG. 10, at least one of the desired delivery time zone and the desired delivery day of the week of the item input by the user via the input device 78 is included in the order instruction for the item. In step S402 of FIG. 10, the product ordering instruction may include the desired delivery date of the product input by the user via the input device 78. FIG. The output device 79 also outputs information about the number of articles held in the article using device. For example, the output device 79 outputs the number of articles held in the article using device, a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from the number of articles held in the article using device, and the like.

Also, the second embodiment can be combined with the fourth embodiment. In this case, the value input by the user via the terminal 90 is used as the threshold in step S401 of FIG. In addition, in step S402 of FIG. 10, at least one of the desired delivery time period and the desired delivery day of the week of the item input by the user via the terminal 90 is included in the order instruction for the item. In step S402 of FIG. 10, the product ordering instruction may include the desired delivery date of the product input by the user via the terminal 90. FIG. The detection unit 74 also transmits information about the number of articles held in the article using device to the terminal 90 via the communication interface 71 . For example, the detection unit 74 transmits to the terminal 90 the number of articles held in the article using device, a value obtained by subtracting a threshold value from the number of articles held in the article using device, and the like.

1 liquid dispenser (article use device)
2 Liquid containers (articles)
10, 10' article ordering device 70 circuit board 71 communication interface (communication section)
73 processor 74 detector 75 ordering unit 77 sensor 100 article ordering system

Claims (14)

An article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in an article using device,
a communication unit capable of communicating with a server provided outside the article using device;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold ;
the article is a liquid container;
The article ordering device, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the article is connected to a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the liquid in the article as the number of articles. An article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in an article using device,
a communication unit capable of communicating with a server provided outside the article using device;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold;
with
the article is a liquid container;
The goods ordering device, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the liquid in the goods has been completely discharged as the number of the goods. An article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in an article using device,
a communication unit capable of communicating with a server provided outside the article using device;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold;
with
the article is a liquid container;
The goods ordering device, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the goods have been reduced in volume as the number of the goods. 4. The article ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said threshold value is input by a user of said article using device. further comprising an input device for inputting an instruction from the user;
5. The article ordering device according to claim 4 , wherein said threshold is input by said user via said input device. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a terminal used by the user,
5. The article ordering device according to claim 4 , wherein said threshold is input by said user via said terminal. 7. The article ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising an output device that outputs information about the number of articles. The communication unit is capable of communicating with a terminal used by a user of the article ordering device,
7. The article ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein said detection unit transmits information regarding the number of said articles to said terminal via said communication unit. 9. The article ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein said instruction for ordering said article includes at least one of a desired delivery time period and a desired day of the week for delivery of said article input by a user of said article using apparatus. . 10. An item ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein said item using device is a liquid dispenser. 10. The article ordering device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein said article using device is a water server. an article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in the article using device;
a server provided outside the article using device,
The article ordering device
a communication unit capable of communicating with the server;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold ;
the article is a liquid container;
The article ordering system, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the article is connected to a liquid supply mechanism that supplies the liquid in the article as the number of articles. an article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in the article using device;
a server provided outside the article using device;
with
The article ordering device
a communication unit capable of communicating with the server;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold;
with
the article is a liquid container;
The goods ordering system, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the liquid in the goods has been completely discharged as the number of the goods. an article ordering device for ordering articles to be used in the article using device;
a server provided outside the article using device;
with
The article ordering device
a communication unit capable of communicating with the server;
a detection unit that detects the number of articles used in the article using device;
an ordering unit that transmits an instruction to order the goods to the server via the communication unit when the number of the goods reaches a threshold;
with
the article is a liquid container;
The goods ordering system, wherein the detection unit detects the number of times the goods have been reduced in volume as the number of the goods.

Images