JP2006053883A - Device for reducing power consumed by vending machine used for drinking water or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power control device for a vending machine capable of reducing electric energy consumed by the machine while keeping the performance of the vending machine. <P>SOLUTION: This power control device has a function for detecting an input voltage and the range of the detection voltage is 100 V ±20%. The detection voltage is set at 97 V. The voltage is outputted at a ratio of 95 V to 90 V when the input voltage is below 97 V, and the voltage is outputted at a ratio of 100 V to 90 V when it is above 97 V. An output circuit uses an auto transformer and is automatically changed over. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting a voltage supplied to a vending machine and reducing power without losing the function of the machine itself.

Since the conventional power reduction device cannot perform the reduction operation when the supplied power becomes 100 V or less, it is not suitable in a place where the supply is in the vicinity of 97 V to 99 V in reality.

Due to the characteristics of the vending machine, the voltage of the device was frequently detected due to the voltage drop due to the start of the compressor during cooling, and the intended power reduction effect could not be obtained. In view of the performance of the equipment that maintains the operation of the vending machine, if the voltage drop width is too large, there is a possibility of malfunction or stoppage. Therefore, a method has been devised in which the voltage on the supply side is detected when the voltage is low and high with respect to 97 V, and the voltage is reduced within each allowable range to change the power reduction rate.

In order to obtain these results, the device of the present invention uses a single-winding transformer provided with a winding ratio capable of obtaining two types of output voltages in consideration of voltage fluctuation. The voltage detection was set to 97V, and a wide range of power reduction was considered. When the input voltage is lower than this set value, the transformer winding tap with the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage of 95 V to 90 V is selected, and when the ratio is higher than the reference value, the ratio is switched to the transformer winding tap with the ratio of 100 V to 90 V.
When the input voltage decreases and falls below the set value, the switching operation works instantaneously. When the input voltage increases, the switching operation is performed after a delay time of 3 minutes elapses from when the set value is reached. This is to prevent relay chattering.
The input voltage is expected to fluctuate below 97 V or above 97 V, and two types of power reduction methods are considered. The device does not need to be operated on a daily basis and operates automatically, and its status can be confirmed with an indicator lamp. In order to eliminate the need for construction, the device is equipped with an attached cord and is an outlet system. Since the vending machine is often installed outdoors, the device itself has a waterproof structure. As a measure to prevent the device from toppling, magnetic seals were installed at four locations on the bottom of the main unit to enhance the adhesive effect with the vending machine. In consideration of theft of the device itself, it was equipped with a chain mounting bracket to be connected to the vending machine.

The present invention includes a circuit that performs the operation as described above. The following effects are brought about.
Based on the power supply specifications of the vending machine manufacturer, the power is reduced by dropping the voltage within the allowable range while detecting the input voltage. In order to reduce the power in a two-stage method by predicting the voltage fluctuation, it is effective to be applied even in a place where the voltage condition is relatively bad. In the method of reducing the voltage and obtaining the effect of reducing power, the operation of the vending machine itself becomes longer by the amount of the drop, so there is a concern about the effect as an integrated value, but the items stored in the warehouse are jammed As a result of an implementation test including frequency, setting range for temperature management, and natural conditions of the installation location, a total power reduction of about 10 to 15% became clear.

Embodiments of the invention will be described based on examples with reference to the drawings.
The connection of the device is completed simply by connecting the power supply outlet to the plug (6) attached to the device and the plug of the vending machine to the receptacle (7). The voltage supplied to the vending machine is stepped down by the single transformer (1) of the apparatus and applied to the vending machine, but the input voltage at this time is not necessarily constant. The voltage detection unit (4) sets 97V as the detection voltage. While detecting the fluctuating voltage, when the voltage falls below the set value, a signal is instantly sent to the voltage switching relay {circle around (2)}, and the winding tap is switched to a winding tap having a ratio of 95:90 of the single-winding transformer {circle around (1)}.
When the voltage rises to 97V or more, the voltage detection unit (4) sends a signal to the switching relay (2) after a delay time of about 3 minutes, and turns the winding transformer (1) to a ratio of 100 to 90. Switch to line tap. The purpose of providing the delay time is to prevent chattering of the switching relay {circle around (2)} and to reduce wear due to repeated contact operation. The control power supply unit {circle around (3)} is converted from AC to DC and supplied as a driving power source for the voltage switching relay {circle around (2)} and the voltage detection unit {circle around (4)}. One possible effect on the vending machine due to the installation of the device is to drop the voltage too much. The power supply conditions for domestic vending machine manufacturers are in the range of 100V ± 10V. Therefore, this apparatus satisfies this condition. Also, since the device is installed in the immediate vicinity of the vending machine, the voltage drop between the electric lines can be ignored.

As a result of adding the device of the present invention to a vending machine, a power reduction of about 10% was confirmed.

The number of vending machines installed in Japan is estimated to be about 6 million. By adding this device, the industrial power saving effect is significant.

It is a circuit diagram of the power control apparatus for vending machines. It is a block diagram of the power control apparatus for vending machines. It is a perspective view of the power control apparatus for vending machines.

Explanation of symbols

(1) Single transformer (2) Voltage switching relay (3) Control power supply unit (4) Voltage detection unit (5) Outer box (waterproof)
▲ 6 ▼ Plug plug ▲ 7 ▼ Receptor ▲ 8 ▼ Power cord ▲ 9 ▼ Rubber base ▲ 10 ▼ Magnetic seal

Claims (2)

The purpose is to reduce the overall power consumption, including standby power for vending machines used in AC single-phase two-wire 100V. It has a function of detecting the input voltage, and the range of the detection voltage is 100V ± 20%. Although the set value varies depending on the input voltage condition, the detection voltage is basically set to 97V. When the input voltage is less than 97V, the voltage is output at a ratio of 95V to 90V. When the input voltage is 97V or more, the voltage is output at a ratio of 100V to 90V. The output circuit uses a single transformer and is automatically switched. In order to eliminate the need for construction, the device of the present invention was inserted between the outlet and the vending machine with an insertion plug to save labor.

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