JP2015225566A - Automatic selling machine and operation method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic selling machine capable of extending suspension time of a cooling system free from a problem of over-cooling of commodities.SOLUTION: An automatic selling machine 1 performs a peak shift operation to cool first commodities 15 and second commodities 16 to be sold being cooled for a peak cut operation using a cooling system 18 prior to performing a peak cut operation in which the cooling system 18 is forcedly stopped from operation. For a predetermined period of time to shift to the peak cut operation during the peak shift operation, control means 14 suspends the operation of a first evaporator blower 10 and a second evaporator blower 11 for blowing the air to a first evaporator 5 and a second evaporator 6 of a first commodity storage chamber 3 and a second commodity storage chamber 4 storing the first commodities 15 and second commodities 16 to be sold being cooled.

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine that forcibly stops a cooling system at a predetermined time of day when power demand is relatively high during a day, and an operation method thereof.

  Conventional vending machines of this type perform peak cut operation that forcibly stops the cooling system during the day, and before the peak cut operation, lower the set temperature in the cabinet from that during normal operation. The peak shift operation that cools the interior sufficiently is performed, and the transition time that is determined in advance until shifting to the peak cut operation during peak shift operation forces the cooling system (compressor) regardless of the interior temperature. There has been a vending machine in which the cool time in the cabinet is extended by driving (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-238071 A

  However, in the conventional vending machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling system (compressor) is forcibly driven regardless of the internal temperature during the transition time until the transition to the peak cut operation during the peak shift operation. Therefore, when the product is cooled too much and the quality of the product is deteriorated, or when the product is a beverage product and the beverage is frozen, there is a problem that the product cannot be drunk immediately.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional problems, and has an object to provide a vending machine and a method for operating the vending machine that do not have a problem due to excessive cooling of a product and can extend a cooling system stop time.

  In order to achieve the above object, the vending machine according to the present invention sends a predetermined transition time to the peak cut operation during the peak shift operation to the evaporator in the warehouse storing the products to be sold for cooling. The fan in the cabinet to be stopped is stopped.

  In the above configuration, when the internal fan that blows air to the evaporator in the warehouse is stopped during the transition time, the amount of heat exchange with the air in the evaporator is reduced, and the surface temperature of the evaporator and the internal temperature of the evaporator are reduced. As a result, the temperature difference from the air temperature increases, and as a result, frost formation on the evaporator is promoted, and at the start of the peak cut operation, the evaporator is covered with frost (ice) that is thicker than usual.

  And since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), while the frost (ice) remains in an evaporator, the rise in the internal temperature during peak cut operation can be suppressed.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at a low cost.

  Further, according to the operation method of the vending machine of the present invention, the predetermined transition time until the transition to the peak cut operation at the time of the peak shift operation is the same as that of the evaporator surface in the warehouse storing the products to be cooled and sold. The amount of frost is forcibly increased.

  Another method of operating the vending machine according to the present invention is to start the peak cut operation in a state in which frost is thicker than usual on the surface of the evaporator in the warehouse storing the products to be sold for cooling. .

  Since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), the rise in the internal temperature during the peak cut operation can be suppressed while frost (ice) remains in the evaporator.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at a low cost.

  According to the present invention, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at low cost.

The schematic block diagram which shows the schematic structure inside when the vending machine of embodiment of this invention is cut | disconnected longitudinally back and forth Block diagram of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows the refrigerant | coolant flow path switching operation | movement of the vending machine of embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the switching operation of the operation mode by the time of the vending machine of embodiment of this invention.

  The first invention is a vending machine that performs a peak shift operation in which a product to be cooled and sold is cooled by the cooling system to the amount of the peak cut operation prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system. The predetermined transition time until shifting to the peak cut operation at the time of the peak shift operation is to stop the internal fan that blows air to the evaporator in the storage that stores the product to be cooled and sold. To do.

  In the above configuration, when the internal fan that blows air to the evaporator in the warehouse is stopped during the transition time, the amount of heat exchange with the air in the evaporator is reduced, and the surface temperature of the evaporator and the internal temperature of the evaporator are reduced. As a result, the temperature difference from the air temperature increases, and as a result, frost formation on the evaporator is promoted, and at the start of the peak cut operation, the evaporator is covered with frost (ice) that is thicker than usual.

  And since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), while the frost (ice) remains in an evaporator, the rise in the internal temperature during peak cut operation can be suppressed.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at a low cost.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system, the operation of the vending machine that performs the peak shift operation for cooling the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation by the cooling system. A predetermined transition time until the transition to the peak cut operation at the time of the peak shift operation is a method forcing the amount of frost formation on the surface of the evaporator in the warehouse storing the products to be cooled and sold. It is characterized by increasing.

  Since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), the rise in the internal temperature during the peak cut operation can be suppressed while frost (ice) remains in the evaporator.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at a low cost.

  According to a third aspect of the invention, prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system, the operation of the vending machine that performs the peak shift operation for cooling the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation by the cooling system. The method is characterized in that the peak cut operation is started in a state in which frost is thicker than usual on the surface of an evaporator in a warehouse storing a commodity to be sold for cooling.

  Since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), the rise in the internal temperature during the peak cut operation can be suppressed while frost (ice) remains in the evaporator.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the downtime of the cooling system can be extended at a low cost.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a vending machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by the embodiment.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a vending machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body of the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a first product storage chamber 3 and a second product storage chamber in which a product storage chamber for storing products to be cooled and sold is insulated by a heat insulating partition plate 2. It is divided into four. A first evaporator 5 is installed in the first product storage chamber 3, and a second evaporator 6 is installed in the second product storage chamber 4.

  In addition, a cooling system 18 including a compressor 9 that circulates refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit in which the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 are connected in parallel is installed at the lower part of the main body of the vending machine 1. .

  In order to open and close the refrigerant flow path to the refrigerant flow path for introducing the refrigerant to the first evaporator 5 from the branch point of the refrigerant flow path to the first evaporator 5 and the refrigerant flow path to the second evaporator 6 The first refrigerant channel opening / closing means 7 is provided, and the refrigerant is guided to the second evaporator 6 from a branch point between the refrigerant channel to the first evaporator 5 and the refrigerant channel to the second evaporator 6. The refrigerant flow path for this purpose is provided with second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 for opening and closing the refrigerant flow path.

  In the present embodiment, an electromagnetic valve 17 a is used for the first refrigerant channel opening / closing means 7 and an electromagnetic valve 17 b is used for the second refrigerant channel opening / closing means 8.

  A first product 15 is stored in the first product storage chamber 3, and a first evaporator blower 10 is installed in the vicinity of the first evaporator 5 to circulate the air in the first product storage chamber 3. Yes. The first internal temperature detection means 12 detects the internal temperature in the first product storage chamber 3.

  A second product 16 is stored in the second product storage chamber 4. A second evaporator blower 11 is installed in the vicinity of the second evaporator 6 to circulate the air in the second product storage chamber 4. Yes. Further, the internal temperature in the second product storage chamber 4 is detected by the second internal temperature detection means 13.

  The first evaporator 5 is provided with first evaporator temperature detecting means 19 for detecting the temperature of the first evaporator 5. The second evaporator 6 is provided with second evaporator temperature detecting means 20 for detecting the temperature of the second evaporator 6.

The opening and closing of the first refrigerant flow opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b), the operation of the cooling system 18, the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 The control unit 14 that controls the operation includes a temperature control unit 21, a calendar unit 22, and a timer unit 23.

  Normally, the temperature control means 21 is such that the temperature of the air in the first product storage chamber 3 detected by the first interior temperature detection means 12 is higher than the set temperature range of the first product storage chamber 3 (thermo-off temperature). The temperature of the air in the second product storage chamber 4 detected by the second internal temperature detection means 13 is set in the second product storage chamber 4 so as to be within the following temperature, for example, 5 ° C. ± 2 ° C. The first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (in order to be within a temperature range (temperature higher than the thermo-off temperature and lower than the thermo-on temperature, for example, 5 ° C. ± 2 ° C.) The opening and closing of the solenoid valve 17b), the operation of the cooling system 18 and the operation of the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are controlled.

  When the temperature control means 21 detects that the current time / date information obtained from the calendar means 22 has entered the peak cut set time zone, the cooling system 18, the first evaporator blower 10, and the second A peak cut operation for stopping the operation of the evaporator blower 11 is performed.

  Further, the temperature control means 21 detects the open state of the door by the door state detection means 24 when the service person of the vending machine opens the door for replenishment of goods during the peak cut operation. The timer means 23 is operated and the door opening time (continuous opening time) is measured by the timer means 23. When the door is closed, the door state detection means 24 detects the closing of the door and stops (resets) the timing operation of the timer means 23.

  When the door opening time (continuous opening time) during the peak cut operation measured by the timer means 23 reaches a predetermined time, the temperature control means 21 cancels the peak cut operation and performs a normal operation. The timer means 23 is operated, and the elapsed time from the start of normal operation by the timer means 23 is measured.

  Then, the temperature control means 21 cancels the peak cut operation and starts the normal operation, and from the current date and time information obtained from the calendar means 22 when the timer means 23 detects that a predetermined time has elapsed. When it is determined that the peak cut set time zone (peak cut end time) has not passed, the peak cut operation is resumed.

  Further, when the temperature control means 21 detects that it has entered the peak shift set time zone based on the current date and time information obtained from the calendar means 22, the first product storage room 3 and the second product storage room 4. The peak shift operation is performed in which the thermo-off temperature and the thermo-on temperature of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 are adjusted by lowering the thermo-off temperature and the thermo-on temperature by about 2 ° C. than in the normal operation.

  Further, when the temperature control unit 21 detects that the current month / day / time information obtained from the calendar unit 22 has entered a predetermined transition time until the peak cut operation is performed in the peak shift setting time zone. Stops the blower 10 for the first evaporator and the blower 11 for the second evaporator.

  In addition, the control means 14 includes first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic) so that the refrigerant selectively flows only to one of the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 during the operation of the compressor 9. Control of opening and closing of the valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b), as well as the first refrigerant flow opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b). ) Of the evaporator in which the refrigerant has stopped flowing, the fan corresponding to the evaporator in which the refrigerant has stopped flowing in either the first evaporator blower 10 or the second evaporator blower 11 during the operation of the compressor 9. Operate for defrosting.

  The capacity of the compressor 9 is sufficient to cool either the first product storage chamber 3 or the second product storage chamber 4 with the larger cooling load, but the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage Insufficient capacity to cool both storage chambers 4 simultaneously.

  With respect to the vending machine 1 of the present embodiment configured as described above, an operation of alternately cooling the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  From the state in which the cooling system 18 including the compressor 9 is stopped (start in FIG. 3), first, the first inside temperature detecting means 12 and the second inside temperature detecting means 13 are used to store the inside of each product storage chamber. The internal temperature is detected (STEP 1 in FIG. 3).

  And if the internal temperature detected by at least one of the 1st internal temperature detection means 12 and the 2nd internal temperature detection means 13 is more than the temperature (thermo-on temperature) higher than the goods preservation temperature by the predetermined temperature a (If STEP2 in FIG. 3 branches to the Y side, proceed to STEP3), the cooling of the product storage room with the higher detected internal temperature is given priority (STEP4 or STEP5 in FIG. 3).

  For example, the temperature detected by the first internal temperature detection means 12 and the second internal temperature detection means 13 is equal to or higher than a temperature (thermo-on temperature) higher than the product storage temperature by a predetermined temperature a (STEP 2 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side) If the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12 is higher than the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13 (when STEP3 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side), the control means 14 Thus, the first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is opened, the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b) is closed, the cooling system 18 including the compressor 9, and the first evaporator blower 10 is operated (STEP 4 in FIG. 3).

  At this time, the first evaporator blower 10 rotates to circulate the air in the first product storage chamber 3. When the first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is open and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b) is closed, the refrigerant flows into the first evaporator 5, 2 Since it does not flow into the evaporator 6, only the 1st goods storage chamber 3 is cooled.

  And only the 1st goods storage chamber 3 is cooled, Eventually, the detection temperature of the 1st inside temperature detection means 12 becomes lower than the detection temperature of the 2nd inside temperature detection means 13 (STEP6 of FIG. 3). Later, STEP7 is branched to the Y side).

  And, the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13 and the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12 opens to a predetermined temperature c or more (STEP 8 in FIG. 3 branches to the Y side), Alternatively, cooling of only the first product storage chamber 3 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) (STEP 9 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side), or the first internal temperature detection means 12 and the second internal storage Of the temperature detection means 13, only the temperature detected by the first internal temperature detection means 12 is equal to or lower than the temperature (thermo-off temperature) lower than the product storage temperature by a predetermined temperature b (STEP 10 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side, STEP 11 The first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is closed while the cooling system 18 including the compressor 9 is operated, and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic) The valve 17a) is opened and the second evaporator Operating the blower 11 (STEP 12 in FIG. 3).

  When the first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is closed and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is opened, STEP 3 in FIG. 3 is branched to the N side and proceeds to STEP 5. As in the case, the refrigerant flows into the second evaporator 6 but does not flow into the first evaporator 5, so that only the second product storage chamber 4 is cooled.

  When the opening and closing of the first refrigerant channel opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant channel opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17a) are switched, the liquid refrigerant flowing in the first evaporator 5 before switching and the second refrigerant When the first evaporator 5 is frosted by heat exchange with the air around the first evaporator 5, the time when the refrigerant does not flow through the first evaporator 5 and the air blown by the first evaporator blower 10 are used. Then, the first evaporator 5 is defrosted until the temperature of the first evaporator 5 detected by the first evaporator temperature detecting means 19 reaches a temperature at which it can be determined that the defrosting is completed.

  Usually, the operation of the first evaporator blower 10 allows defrosting if the storage room temperature is equal to or higher than the refrigeration temperature, but the temperature of the first evaporator 5 detected by the first evaporator temperature detecting means 19 is 0 ° C. It is saturating in the vicinity. Alternatively, when the temperature rise of the first evaporator 5 detected by the first evaporator temperature detecting means 19 is slow, it is determined that there is a large amount of frost formation, and the first evaporator fan 10 is rotated at high speed (STEP 13 in FIG. 3). ) To increase the defrosting capacity (the amount of heat exchange with the air passing through the first evaporator 5) to shorten the time required for defrosting.

  After STEP 13 in FIG. 3, the operation after STEP 14 is performed as in the case where STEP 3 in FIG. 3 is branched to the N side and proceeds to STEP 5.

  The first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is closed, the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is opened, and only the second product storage chamber 4 is cooled. The detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13 becomes lower than the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12 (STEP 15 is branched to the Y side after STEP 14 in FIG. 3).

  And, the temperature difference between the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12 and the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13 is larger than a predetermined temperature c (STEP 16 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side), Alternatively, cooling of only the second product storage chamber 4 continues for a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) (STEP 17 in FIG. 3 branches to the Y side), or the first internal temperature detection means 12 and the second internal storage Of the temperature detecting means 13, only the temperature detected by the second internal temperature detecting means 13 is equal to or lower than a temperature (thermo-off temperature) lower than the product storage temperature by a predetermined temperature b (STEP 18 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side, STEP 19 The first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is opened while the cooling system 18 including the compressor 9 is operated, and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic) The valve 17a) is closed and the first steam Operating the blower 10 (STEP 20 in FIG. 3).

  When the first refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is opened and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17a) is closed, STEP 3 in FIG. 3 branches to the Y side and proceeds to STEP 4. As in the case, the refrigerant flows into the first evaporator 5 but does not flow into the second evaporator 6, so that only the first product storage chamber 3 is cooled.

  When the opening and closing of the first refrigerant channel opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant channel opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17a) are switched, the liquid refrigerant flowing in the second evaporator 6 before switching and the second refrigerant channel opening / closing means 8 are switched. When the second evaporator 6 is frosted by heat exchange with the air around the two evaporators 6, the time when the refrigerant does not flow through the second evaporator 6 and the air blown from the second evaporator blower 11 are used. Then, the second evaporator 6 is defrosted until the temperature of the second evaporator 6 detected by the second evaporator temperature detecting means 20 reaches a temperature at which it can be determined that the defrosting is completed.

  Usually, the operation of the blower 11 for the second evaporator allows defrosting if the storage room temperature is equal to or higher than the refrigeration temperature, but the temperature of the second evaporator 6 detected by the second evaporator temperature detection means 20 is 0 ° C. It is saturating in the vicinity. Alternatively, if the temperature rise of the second evaporator 6 detected by the second evaporator temperature detecting means 20 is slow, it is determined that there is a large amount of frost formation, and the second evaporator blower 11 is rotated at a high speed (STEP 21 in FIG. 3). Thus, the defrosting capability (heat exchange amount with the air passing through the second evaporator 6) is increased, and the time required for defrosting is shortened.

  After STEP 21 in FIG. 3, STEP 6 and subsequent operations are performed in the same manner as when STEP 3 in FIG. 3 branches to the Y side and proceeds to STEP 4.

  In this manner, the cooling of one of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 and the defrosting of the other are repeated alternately.

  Then, the detected temperatures of both the first internal temperature detecting means 12 and the second internal temperature detecting means 13 are simultaneously equal to or lower than the temperature (thermo-off temperature) lower than the product storage temperature by a predetermined temperature b (STEP 10 and STEP 11 in FIG. 3). Is branched to the Y side, or STEP 18 and STEP 19 are branched to the Y side), it is determined that cooling of the product storage chambers of both the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 is unnecessary. The cooling system 18 including 9, the first evaporator blower 10, and the second evaporator blower 11 are stopped (STEP 22 in FIG. 3) to complete the cooling (return to the start from the end in FIG. 3).

  Thereafter, the detected temperature of either the first internal temperature detecting means 12 or the second internal temperature detecting means 13 becomes equal to or higher than the temperature (thermo-on temperature) higher than the product storage temperature by a predetermined temperature a (after STEP 1 in FIG. 3). , STEP2 is branched to the Y side), and the product storage room with the higher detected internal temperature is cooled.

  At this time, if the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12 is higher than the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13, STEP 3 in FIG. 3 is branched to the Y side, and STEP 4 Cooling, conversely, if the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detecting means 13 is higher than the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detecting means 12, STEP 3 in FIG. 3 is branched to the N side, and the second commodity storage chamber in STEP 5 4 is cooled.

  If the detected temperature of the first internal temperature detection means 12 and the detected temperature of the second internal temperature detection means 13 are the same, the priority product storage room is cooled. In the example of FIG. 3, the second product storage chamber 4 is prioritized.

  By repeating the above operation (control), the first product 15 in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product 16 in the second product storage chamber 4 are products whose thermo-off temperature is the lower limit temperature and whose thermo-on temperature is the upper limit temperature. Can be stored within the storage temperature.

  Accordingly, since the operation is performed while the refrigerant is alternately supplied to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6, the second evaporator 6 may be defrosted while the refrigerant is being supplied to the first evaporator 5. Yes, and vice versa. Therefore, since the operation can always be started with the defrosted evaporator before the operation of flowing the refrigerant, it is possible to prevent the cooling capacity from being lowered due to frost formation even in the cooling under the high temperature and high humidity condition.

  Further, when it is determined that frost is formed from the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature detection means corresponding to the evaporator, the rotation speed of the evaporator blower corresponding to the evaporator is increased to shorten the defrosting time. I can do it. In addition, when it is determined that the frost is not formed from the temperature detected by the evaporator temperature detecting unit corresponding to the evaporator or the defrosting is completed, the refrigerant is not flowing by switching the refrigerant flow path and the frost is formed. No blown air to the evaporator that has been determined to be absent or defrosted.

In addition, since the operation is performed while the refrigerant is alternately supplied to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 and the refrigerant is not supplied simultaneously, either the first product storage chamber 3 or the second product storage chamber 4 has a high load. The entire vending machine can be cooled with the capacity to cool only Therefore, the compressor 9 and the condenser can be reduced in size, and as a result, the entire cooling system 18 can be reduced in size, thereby reducing the cost.

  Next, the operation mode switching operation according to the time of the vending machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  Before entering the set time zone of the peak shift operation performed before the peak cut operation (the current date and time obtained from the calendar means 22 is a date and time that is neither the peak shift set time zone nor the peak cut set time zone) 4), STEP1, STEP3, and STEP5 in FIG. 4 are branched to the NO side, and then STEP11 is branched to the YES side to perform normal operation (STEP12).

  In this normal operation, the temperature of the air in the first product storage chamber 3 detected by the first internal temperature detection means 12 is higher than the set temperature range during the normal operation of the first product storage chamber 3 (the thermo-on temperature). The temperature of the air in the second product storage chamber 4 detected by the second internal temperature detection means 13 is the normal temperature of the second product storage chamber 4 so as to be within the following temperature, for example, 5 ° C. ± 2 ° C. As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, the temperature control means 21 of the control means 14 is within the set temperature range during operation (temperature higher than the thermo-off temperature and lower than the thermo-on temperature, for example, 5 ° C. ± 2 ° C.) The opening and closing of the first refrigerant flow opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b), the operation of the cooling system 18, the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 Control driving.

  When the time has elapsed and the current date and time obtained from the calendar means 22 enters the peak shift setting time zone, STEP 1 in FIG. 4 is branched to the YES side until the transition time is reached, and the peak shift operation is performed. Perform (STEP 2).

  In this peak shift operation, the temperature of the air in the first product storage chamber 3 detected by the first internal temperature detection means 12 is higher than the set temperature range (the thermo-off temperature) during the peak shift operation of the first product storage chamber 3. The temperature of the air in the second product storage chamber 4 detected by the second internal temperature detection means 13 so that the temperature falls below the thermo-on temperature, for example, 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C., is the second product storage chamber 4. The temperature control means 21 of the control means 14 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 so that it falls within the set temperature range during the peak shift operation (temperature higher than the thermo-off temperature and lower than the thermo-on temperature, for example, 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C.). As described above, the opening and closing of the first refrigerant flow opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b), the operation of the cooling system 18, the blower 10 for the first evaporator, and the second evaporator. Blower 1 1 operation is controlled.

  When time passes and the current date and time obtained from the calendar means 22 becomes a transition time (predetermined transition time until transition to peak cut operation during peak shift operation), a peak cut set time zone ( For example, from 19:00 to 21:00), STEP1 in FIG. 4 is branched to the NO side, STEP3 is branched to the YES side, and the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are forced. The cooling system 18 is operated in the same set temperature range as that during peak shift operation (temperature higher than the thermo-off temperature and lower than the thermo-on temperature, for example, 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C.).

  The first refrigerant flow by the temperature control means 21 of the control means 14 in this transition time operation (peak shift operation in a state where the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are forcibly stopped). Control of the opening / closing of the path opening / closing means 7 (electromagnetic valve 17a) and the second refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 (electromagnetic valve 17b) and the operation of the cooling system 18 is the same as in the flowchart of FIG. 3, but for the first evaporator. The blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are forcibly stopped.

If the current date and time obtained from the calendar means 22 enters the peak cut setting time zone (for example, from 9:00 to 21:00) as time elapses, STEP 1 in FIG. STEP 3 is branched to the NO side, and then STEP 5 is branched to the YES side, and a peak cut operation for stopping the operation of the cooling system 18, the first evaporator blower 10, and the second evaporator blower 11 is performed (STEP 6). .

  During the peak cut setting time period, while the door state detecting means 24 detects the closed state of the door (the door is not in the open state), STEP 7 in FIG. 4 is branched to the NO side, and the process returns to STEP 1 again. , STEP1 and STEP3 are each branched to the NO side, then STEP5 is branched to the YES side, and after STEP6, a loop that branches STEP7 to the NO side is repeated to continue the peak cut operation.

  If the service person of the vending machine opens the door for replenishment of goods during the peak cut operation and detects the open state of the door by the door state detecting means 24, branch STEP7 to YES side. The timer means 23 is operated, and the door opening time (continuous opening time) is measured by the timer means 23.

  While the door open state continues, STEP 8 is branched to NO side to STEP 1 until the door opening time (continuous opening time) during peak cut operation measured by the timer means 23 reaches a predetermined time. When the door is closed before the opening time (continuous opening time) of the peak cut operation measured by the timer means 23 reaches the predetermined time, the door state detecting means 24 detects the door closing. The time counting operation of the timer means 23 is stopped (reset), STEP7 is branched to the NO side, and the process returns to STEP1.

  If the opening time (continuous opening time) of the door during the peak cut operation measured by the timer means 23 reaches a predetermined time, STEP 8 is branched to the YES side, the peak cut operation is canceled, and the process proceeds to STEP 9. In STEP 9, the normal operation is performed, the timer unit 23 is operated, and the elapsed time from the start of the normal operation by the timer unit 23 is measured.

  Until the predetermined time elapses after the peak cut operation is canceled and the normal operation starts after the door opening time (continuous opening time) has reached a predetermined time, STEP 10 is branched to the NO side and returned to STEP 9. When the timer means 23 detects that the predetermined time has elapsed since the peak cut operation was canceled and the normal operation was started when the door opening time (continuous opening time) reached a predetermined time, The timekeeping operation is stopped (reset), STEP10 is branched to the YES side, and the process returns to STEP1.

  The peak cut set time zone (peak cut end time) has passed from the current date and time information obtained from the calendar means 22 when STEP 10 is branched to YES and returned to STEP 1, but the peak shift When it is determined that it is before the set time zone (peak shift disclosure time), STEP1, STEP3, and STEP5 in FIG. 4 are branched to the NO side, and then STEP11 is branched to the YES side to perform normal operation. (STEP 12).

  In addition, when it is determined that the peak cut set time zone (peak cut end time) has not passed from the current date and time information obtained from the calendar means 22 when STEP 10 is branched to YES and returned to STEP 1 After branching STEP1 and STEP3 to the NO side, respectively, STEP5 is branched to the YES side, and a peak cut operation for stopping the operation of the cooling system 18, the first evaporator fan 10, and the second evaporator fan 11 is performed. Restart (STEP 6).

When the peak cut set time zone (peak cut end time) has passed during peak cut operation, STEP 5 is branched to NO side, and STEP 11 is branched to YES side to perform normal operation ( (Step 12).

  In addition, when the peak cut setting time zone and the peak shift setting time zone are set so that the peak shift operation is started immediately after the peak cut operation is finished, STEP 11 is branched to the YES side and the normal operation is performed (STEP 12). Disappears.

  Further, the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are forcibly stopped, and the same set temperature range as that during peak shift operation (temperature higher than the thermo-off temperature and lower than the thermo-on temperature, for example, 3 ° C. The transition time for operating the cooling system 18 at ± 2 ° C is the first chamber temperature detection when the peak cut set time zone (peak cut end time) has passed with no door open during peak cut operation. The temperature of the air in the first product storage chamber 3 detected by the means 12 and the temperature of the air in the second product storage chamber 4 detected by the second internal temperature detection means 13 are 5 ° C. ± 2 ° C. And an appropriate time of about 10 minutes to about 120 minutes immediately before the start of the peak cut operation.

  During the transition time, the cooling system 18 is operated, but the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are stopped, so the inside of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4. The temperature of the air inside rises.

  Therefore, as the transition time becomes shorter, the amount of frost (ice) attached to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 decreases, and the frost attached to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 ( The time required for the ice to melt by heat exchange between the air in the first product storage chamber 3 and the air in the second product storage chamber 4 is shortened, but in the first product storage chamber 3 at the start time of the peak cut operation. And the temperature of the air in the 2nd goods storage room 4 can be made into the low temperature approximated to the setting temperature range (for example, 3 degreeC +/- 2 degreeC) at the time of peak shift operation.

  Conversely, as the transition time becomes longer, the amount of frost (ice) attached to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 increases, and the frost attached to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6. Although it takes a long time for (ice) to melt by heat exchange between the air in the first product storage chamber 3 and the air in the second product storage chamber 4, the inside of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 The peak cut operation is started at a temperature where the temperature of the air rises by the length of the transition time from the set temperature range (for example, 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C.) during the peak shift operation.

  The amount of water vapor in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 (the amount of frost (ice) that can adhere to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6) is finite. Therefore, if the transition time is too long, the growth of frost (ice) adhering to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 stagnate, and the air in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 The peak cut operation is started at a temperature that is higher than the set temperature range (for example, 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C.) during the peak shift operation by the length of the transition time.

  This transition time depends on the heat insulation performance of the vending machine 1, the volume of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4, and the first product 15 and the second product storage chamber 4 stored in the first product storage chamber 3. The optimum value that can maximize the peak cut operation time depends on the size, quantity, shape, material, season, weather, vending machine installation environment, etc. of the second product 16 to be stored. It is preferable to set based on the experimental results.

As described above, the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment has a peak in which the cooling system 18 cools the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system 18. The vending machine 1 that performs shift operation stores the products to be cooled and sold (the first product 15 and the second product 16) during a predetermined transition time until the shift to the peak cut operation during the peak shift operation. The internal fans (the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11) for blowing air to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 are stopped. It is characterized by that.

  In the above configuration, the internal fan (for the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator) that blows air to the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 of the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 during the transition time. When the blower 11) is stopped, the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 reduce the amount of heat exchange between the air in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4, and the first evaporator 5 The temperature difference between the surface temperature of the second evaporator 6 and the temperature of the air in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 increases, and as a result, the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 are attached. The frost is promoted, and at the start of the peak cut operation, the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 are covered with frost (ice) thicker than usual.

  And since ice functions as a cold insulating material (cold storage material), while the frost (ice) remains in the 1st evaporator 5 and the 2nd evaporator 6, the 1st goods storage chamber 3 in peak cut operation | movement. An increase in temperature inside and in the second product storage chamber 4 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the stop time of the cooling system 18 can be extended at a low cost.

  During the transition time, the first evaporator blower 10 and the second evaporator blower 11 are forcibly stopped, and the cooling system 18 is operated in the set temperature range of 3 ° C. ± 2 ° C. to thereby perform the peak cut operation. The time until the air temperature in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 reaches 7 ° C. after the start is about 10 minutes to about 90 minutes longer than the case where this transition time is not provided. Expected to be.

  Further, in the operation method of the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment, prior to the peak cut operation in which the cooling system 18 is forcibly stopped, the product to be cooled is cooled by the cooling system 18 to the peak cut operation. It is an operation method of the vending machine 1 that performs peak shift operation, and a predetermined transition time until the shift to the peak cut operation at the time of the peak shift operation is the product to be sold by cooling (the first product 15 and the second product) 16), the amount of frost formation on the surfaces of the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6 in the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 is forcibly increased.

  Since ice functions as a cold insulator (cold storage material), while frost (ice) remains in the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6, the inside of the first product storage chamber 3 during the peak cut operation and An increase in temperature in the second product storage chamber 4 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the stop time of the cooling system 18 can be extended at a low cost.

  Further, in the operation method of the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment, prior to the peak cut operation in which the cooling system 18 is forcibly stopped, the product to be cooled is cooled by the cooling system 18 to the peak cut operation. It is the operation method of the vending machine 1 that performs peak shift operation, and the first product storage chamber 3 and the second product storage chamber 4 that store the products to be cooled and sold (the first product 15 and the second product 16). The peak cut operation is started in a state where frost is thicker than usual on the surfaces of the evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6.

  Since ice functions as a cold insulator (cold storage material), while frost (ice) remains in the first evaporator 5 and the second evaporator 6, the inside of the first product storage chamber 3 during the peak cut operation and An increase in temperature in the second product storage chamber 4 can be suppressed.

  Therefore, there is no problem due to the product being overcooled, and the stop time of the cooling system 18 can be extended at a low cost.

  As described above, the present invention does not have a problem due to the product being cooled too much, and can extend the cooling system stop time at a low cost. Ideal for beverage vending machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Vending machine 3 1st goods storage room 4 2nd goods storage room 5 1st evaporator 6 2nd evaporator 7 1st refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 8 2nd refrigerant flow path opening / closing means 9 Compressor 10 For 1st evaporator Blower 11 Blower for second evaporator 12 First chamber temperature detection means 13 Second chamber temperature detection means 14 Control means 15 First product 16 Second product 17a Solenoid valve 17b Solenoid valve 18 Cooling system 19 First evaporator temperature detection Means 20 Second evaporator temperature detection means 21 Temperature control means 22 Calendar means

Claims (3)

Prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system, the vending machine performs the peak shift operation for cooling the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation by the cooling system,
The vending machine which stops the fan in a store | warehouse | chamber which blows to the evaporator in the store | warehouse | chamber which accommodated the goods sold by cooling for the transition time predetermined until it transfers to the said peak cut operation | movement at the time of the said peak shift operation | movement. Prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system, the operation method of the vending machine performing the peak shift operation for cooling the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation by the cooling system,
The predetermined transition time until the transition to the peak cut operation at the time of the peak shift operation is that of the vending machine forcibly increasing the amount of frost formation on the surface of the evaporator in the warehouse storing the products to be cooled and sold. how to drive. Prior to the peak cut operation forcibly stopping the cooling system, the operation method of the vending machine performing the peak shift operation for cooling the product to be cooled and sold to the amount of the peak cut operation by the cooling system,
A method of operating a vending machine in which the peak cut operation is started in a state in which frost is thicker than usual on the surface of an evaporator in a warehouse storing products to be sold for cooling.

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