JP3026417B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

[0002] The present invention relates to a vending machine having means for cooling or heating goods such as cans or bottled beverages (hereinafter referred to as cooling / heating means), and more particularly to operation control thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art A vending machine that sells products such as beverages in cans or bottles generally has a rectangular parallelepiped product storage. Insulation members, for example, urethane foam, are filled in upper and lower, left and right, and rear walls of the product storage and the inside of the front door, so that heat is shielded from the inside of the product storage to the outside. Further, the product storage is divided into a plurality of product storage rooms by a heat insulating member, for example, a partition wall filled with urethane foam, and each room stores and carries out products such as cans or bottled beverages in each room. One or more merchandise racks, which are well known in the art, specifically, extend vertically. Each product storage room is provided with a cooling source such as an evaporator constituting a refrigeration circuit, a heat source such as a nichrome wire electric heater, and an electric motor fan for circulating air in the room. It should be noted that an electric motor is generally used as a drive source of the refrigerant compressor constituting the refrigeration circuit.

[0003] Therefore, when the above-described vending machine is operated, electric power (for example, electric power of a commercial power supply) for operating the electric motor fan, the nichrome wire electric heater, and the electric motor is consumed.

Further, the above-mentioned vending machine is provided with a refrigeration circuit, a nichrome wire electric heater based on temperature detection means provided in each product storage room and based on the detected temperature of the product storage room connected to the temperature detection means. And control means for controlling the operation of the electric motor fan and thereby controlling the temperature of the product storage room.

[0005]

The sales volume of merchandise per unit time in a vending machine fluctuates throughout the day. Moreover, the fluctuation state differs depending on the day of the week, the season, the installation location of the vending machine, and the like. However, in a conventional vending machine, the electric motor fan is continuously operated at the same rotation despite the fluctuating product sales quantity per unit time, thereby making the temperature in the product storage room uniform. At a predetermined value. However, in the case where the product sales volume per unit time is small, it is sufficient if only the products placed in the product rack near the exit are cooled or heated. Unnecessarily, the temperature in the product storage room was kept at a predetermined value evenly. This results in unnecessary energy (electrical energy)
Was sometimes consumed.

In another conventional vending machine, in order to save energy consumption, in synchronization with the operation-stop of a cooling source (refrigeration circuit including an evaporator) or a heat source (nichrome wire electric heater). The electric motor fan for air circulation is operated and stopped. However, such control increases the time required for the temperature in the product storage room to uniformly reach the predetermined value. As a result,
When the product sales volume per unit time is large, there is a risk that products that have not been cooled or heated to a predetermined temperature may be carried out of the product storage room and sold.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned conventional problems, in the present invention, energy consumption is saved by skillfully responding to fluctuations in the sales volume of goods per unit time, and the goods are sold in a state of insufficient cooling and heating. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine that does not need to do so.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a product storage in which at least one product storage room for storing products is defined, and a temperature control means for controlling a temperature in the product storage room. And a vending machine having a circulation electric fan for circulating air in the product storage room, a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature in the product storage room, and a product sales quantity per unit time in the product storage room. A first operation in which the circulation electric fan is continuously operated at the first rotation speed regardless of the operation of the temperature control means, based on the sales status detection means to be detected, and the detected temperature of the temperature detection means and the quantity detected by the sales status detection means. And a second operation mode in which the circulating electric fan is operated and stopped at the first rotation speed in accordance with the operation of the temperature control means, and a first operation mode in which the circulating electric fan is operated in accordance with the operation of the temperature control means. The rotation speed of And a control unit which operates in either one mode of the third mode of operation to operate and stop by even small second speed. In claim 2,
2. The circulation electric fan according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined temperature or when the detected quantity of the sales status detecting means exceeds a first predetermined quantity. Is operated in the first operation mode,
When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature or when the detected quantity of the sales status detecting means is equal to or less than the first predetermined quantity,
The circulation fan is operated in the second operation mode when the quantity is equal to or more than the predetermined quantity. When the detected temperature of the temperature detection means is less than the predetermined temperature and the quantity detected by the sales status detection means is less than the second predetermined quantity, the circulation fan is circulated. Control means for operating the electric fan for use in the third operation mode. According to a third aspect, in the vending machine according to the first or second aspect, the temperature control means includes an evaporator constituting a refrigeration circuit. According to a fourth aspect, in the vending machine according to the third aspect, the refrigeration circuit of the temperature control means includes a compressor driven by an electric motor. Further, in claim 5, claims 1, 2,
5. The vending machine according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the temperature control means includes a nichrome wire electric heater. Claim 6
Then, in the vending machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, the temperature detecting means includes a thermistor. According to a seventh aspect, in the vending machine according to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth or sixth aspect, the sales status detecting means includes a product selecting means. In claim 8,
8. The vending machine according to claim 7, wherein said product selection means comprises a product selection button.

[0009]

As described above, based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the number of sales detected by the sales status detecting means, the circulation electric fan is switched between the first, second and third electric fans.
It operates in any one of the modes.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a vending machine. The vending machine 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped product storage (not shown). Insulation members, for example, urethane foam, are filled in upper and lower, left and right, and rear walls of the product storage and the inside of the front door, so that heat is shielded from the inside of the product storage to the outside. Further, the product storage is partitioned into a plurality of product storage rooms (three in this embodiment) by a heat insulating member, for example, a partition wall (not shown) filled with urethane foam. A generally well-known means for storing and carrying out a product such as a can or a bottled beverage, specifically, one or more product racks (not shown) extending in a vertical direction are provided. In FIG. 1, the product storage room is defined by a two-dot chain line, and reference numerals 1-3 are provided.
Indicated by

In each of the product storage chambers 1-3, a cooling source such as an evaporator 8 constituting a refrigeration circuit 20, a heat source such as a nichrome wire electric heater 12 and an electric motor fan 13 for circulating air in the room are provided. Have been. The evaporator 8, the nichrome wire electric heater 12 and the electric motor fan 13 are preferably arranged below the respective product storage rooms 1-3.

The refrigeration circuit 20 includes a refrigerant compressor 4, a condenser 5, an expansion valve (or a capillary tube) 6, and an evaporator 8 driven by a motor, each of which is shown by a solid line in FIG. Are linked. As can be seen from FIG. 1, three evaporators 8 are arranged in parallel between the compressor 4 and the expansion valve 6. Further, an electromagnetic valve 7 is arranged between each evaporator 8 and the expansion valve 6. The general operation of the refrigeration circuit is well known to those skilled in the art, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The vending machine 10 further includes a comparison / determination means 1
10, storage means 111 and first to sixth timer circuits 1
It has a control device 100 including 21-126, a product storage room temperature detecting means 14, and a product sales status detecting means 15.

As shown by a broken line in FIG.
Is electrically connected to each of the heater 12, the fan 13, the compressor 4, and the solenoid valve 7, and the control signal generated by the control device 100 is transmitted to these. The temperature detecting means 14 is, for example, a thermistor (not shown), and is disposed in each of the product storage rooms 1-3. The temperature detecting means 14 is electrically connected to the control device 100 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, and a temperature detection signal created by the temperature detecting means 14 is transmitted to the control device 100 and processed. The temperature detecting section (not shown) of the temperature detecting means 14 is arranged near the lowermost end of the above-mentioned commodity rack (not shown).

The sales status detecting means 15 has a device (not shown) for processing information of an operation for selecting a product (for example, pressing a product selection button), and is provided in each of the aforementioned product racks (not shown). Per unit time (in this embodiment, 1
(Per hour). The sales status detection means 15 is electrically connected to the control device 100 as shown by a broken line in FIG. 1, and a sales status detection signal created by the sales status detection means 15 is transmitted to the control device 100.
To be processed.

The control device 100 further includes three cooling / heating changeover switches (not shown) corresponding to the respective product storage rooms 1-3. The changeover switch is operated by a person in charge of supplying goods to the vending machine (hereinafter referred to as a salesperson), thereby selecting whether to cool or heat the goods in the goods storage room. In the present embodiment, the changeover switch is operated so that the product storage room 1-2 cools the product and the storage room 3 heats the product. Further, in response to the above selection, the temperature setting means (not shown) included in the control device 100 is operated by the sales clerk, and the temperature of the product storage room 1-3 is set to a predetermined value. In the present embodiment, the set temperature T _S for the commodity storage chamber 1-2 7 ° C., the set temperature T _S for the commodity storage chamber 3 is 53 ° C..

When a product rack (not shown) in each product storage room 1-3 is fully filled with products such as cans or bottled beverages having substantially the same temperature as the outside air, the sales clerk switches. After operating a switch (not shown) and a temperature setting means (not shown), the main power supply of the vending machine 10 is turned on. When the main power supply (not shown) of the vending machine 10 is turned on, the control device 100 operates the solenoid valve 7 based on the operation of the changeover switch (not shown). In the present embodiment, the solenoid valve 7 is opened with respect to the product storage room 1-2, and the evaporator 8 can exhibit its function.
On the other hand, regarding the product storage room 3, the solenoid valve 7 is closed, and the evaporator 8 cannot perform its function.

At the same time, temperature setting means (not shown)
, The set temperature T _S and the set temperature T _S
The first and second values obtained by increasing or decreasing a predetermined value to
1 is stored. The above first and second values will hereinafter be referred to as an upper limit value T _U and a lower limit value _TL , respectively. In the present embodiment, with respect to the commodity storage chamber 2, the set temperature T _S (= 7 ℃) limit is increased or decreased to 2 ℃ to T _U (= 9 ℃), the lower limit T _L (= 5 ℃ ) Is stored in the storage means 111, and the set temperature T
Upper limit T _U (= 55) obtained by increasing or decreasing _S (53 ° C.) by 2 ° C.
° C) and the lower limit _TL (= 51 ° C) are stored in the storage means 111.

The operation of the vending machine 10 having the above configuration will be described below. For convenience of explanation, a case related to the product storage room 1-2 for cooling the product and a case related to the product storage room 3 for heating the product will be described separately. Further, in the description relating to the product storage room 1-2, the product storage room 1 will be taken up as a representative.

First, the operation of the vending machine 10 relating to the product storage room 1-2 will be described. 2 and 3, the operation of the vending machine 10 related to the product storage room 1-2,
In particular, the operation of the compressor 4 will be described in detail below.

The start of the flowchart shown in FIG.
In (00), the main power of the vending machine 10 is turned on, and the solenoid valve 7 is opened. By subsequently proceeds to step 1 (301), the temperature detecting means 14 commodity storage chamber 1 of the temperature T _R is the upper limit T _U (= 9 ° C.) whether exceeds the one of the determination comparison determination unit 110 detected by the Done.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, usually, immediately after the main power is turned on, the temperature of the product storage room 1 is almost the same as the outside air temperature, and is much higher than the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.). For example, 20 ° C. Therefore, it is determined in step 1 that the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.) <T _R , and the process proceeds from step 1 to step 3 (303). Step 3 activation signals S ₁ and case operated compressor 4, it is generated creation by the controller 100,
The operation of the compressor 4 is started. Step 3 is Step 1
Therefore, as long as the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.) <T _R , the operation of the compressor 4 is continued.

[0024] continue the operation of the compressor 4 is followed by cooling commodity storage chamber 1, the product storage chamber 1 of the temperature T _R is the upper limit T _U (= 9
° C), the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C) in step 1 ≧
T _R is determined, and Step 1 to Step 2 (302)
Proceed to. Step 2 In the lower limit _{T L (= 5 ℃)>} T determination of _R is performed, when it is determined that the lower limit _{T L (= 5 ℃) ≦} T R, the process proceeds from step 2 to step 3. Since step 3 loops to step 1, the upper limit value T _U (=
9 ° C.) ≧ T be a _R lower limit T _L (= 5 ℃) as long as ≦ T _R, the operation of the compressor 4 is continued further. Accordingly, the product storage room 1 is further cooled. In this process, the temperature T _R is the set temperature T _S of the commodity storage chamber 1 (= 7 ℃)
, The timer of the first timer circuit 121 is started.

The operation of the compressor 4 is continued, and the product storage room 1
Temperature T _R is below the lower limit T _L (= 5 ℃) of Step 2
If it is determined that the lower limit value T _L (= 5 ° C.)> T _R , the process proceeds from step 2 to step 4 (304), and the control device 100
Activation signals S ₁ of creation ceased, thereby operation of the compressor 4 is stopped at. When the process of step 4 is completed, the process proceeds to step 5 (305), where the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.)
≧ T determination of _R is performed. Here, the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.)
As long as it is determined that ≧ T _R, Step 5 Step 4
And the operation stop of the compressor 4 is maintained. on the other hand,
If the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.) <T _R is determined, step 5
Loops to step 1. Thus, once the determination of the lower limit _{T L (= 5 ℃)>} T R is performed in step 2, the operation of the compressor 4 is stopped at step 4, the temperature T of the stop state commodity storage chamber 1 _R is maintained until it exceeds the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.).

When the operation stop of the compressor 4 is maintained, the temperature T _R of the product storage room 1 gradually starts to rise, and when the temperature exceeds the upper limit value T _U (= 9 ° C.), the start signal S ₁ is controlled. Apparatus 10
It is created again at 0. Thereby, the operation of the compressor 4 is restarted. Consequently, commodity storage chamber 1 is started to be cooled again, the temperature T _R of the commodity storage chamber 1 decreases gradually again. When the temperature of the product storage room 1 falls again below the lower limit value T _L (= 5 ° C.), the generation of the activation signal S ₁ in the control device 100 stops again.
As a result, the operation of the compressor 4 is stopped, and the temperature of the product storage room 1 starts to rise again. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation flow of the electric motor fan 13 is independent of the operation flow of the compressor 4 shown in FIG.

The start of the flowchart shown in FIG.
In (00), the main power of the vending machine 10 is turned on, and the solenoid valve 7 is opened. T having Proceeding to step 1 (401), slightly higher than the temperature T _R is the upper limit T _U of commodity storage chamber 1 detected by the temperature detecting means 14 (9 ° C.)
_1. For example, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the temperature exceeds 10 ° C. The above-mentioned 10 ° C. is stored in the storage unit 111. Here, 10 ° C <T
_If it is determined to be _R , the process proceeds to step 8 (408). In step 8, the start signal S ₃ is generated creation by the controller 100, whereby the electric fan motor 13 is given 1
, For example, at 2600 rpm.

On the other hand, the process proceeds when it is determined that 10 ° C. ≧ T _R in Step 1 to Step 2 (402). In step 2, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the product sales quantity M per hour detected by the sales status detection means 15 exceeds a predetermined first value M ₁ (= 4 pieces / hour). Done. Note that the first value M ₁ is stored in the storage unit 111.

If it is determined in step 2 that 4 <M, the process proceeds to step 8 (408). Therefore, the sustained creation start signal S ₃ in the control apparatus 100, an electric fan motor 13 is a predetermined first rotational speed, for example, the operation at 2600rpm continues.

When it is determined in step 2 that 4 <M, the time counting of the first timer circuit 121 is reset. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 2 that 4 ≧ M, the process proceeds to step 3 (403).

In step 3, the first timer circuit 12
The determination of whether or not the time measurement of 1 has passed two hours is performed by the comparison determination means 110. Here, it is determined not to have passed 2 hours and proceeds to step 8, is sustained creation of the start signal S ₃ in the control apparatus 100, an electric fan motor 13 is a predetermined first rotational speed, for example, 2600rpm The operation is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that two hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 4 (404).

In step 4, the determination unit 110 determines whether or not the start signal S ₁ for operating the compressor 4 is generated by the control device 100. Launches the signals S ₁ is determined not to be generated creation by the controller 100, the routine proceeds to step 5 (405). In step 5, the start signal whether the judgment one minute has passed since ceased the creation of S ₁ is performed by the comparison determination unit 110. The elapsed time after the creation of the activation signal S ₁ has stopped is measured by the second timer circuit 122. If it is determined that one minute has passed since the creation of the activation signal S ₁ stopped,
Step 10 proceeds to (410), operation of the electric fan motor 13 is generated creation at the stop signal S ₅ is the control apparatus 100 is stopped. At the same time, the second timer circuit 122 is reset.

On the other hand, after the creation of the activation signal S ₁ stops, 1
If it is determined that the minutes have not elapsed, step 6 (406)
Proceed to. In step 6, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the product sales quantity per hour M detected by the sales status detection means 15 is less than a predetermined second value M ₂ (= 2 pieces / hour). Done. The first value M
₂ is stored in the storage unit 111. Where 2 ≦ M
If the control device 1 determines that
Activation signal S ₃ is generated wounds in 00. Therefore, the electric fan motor 13 has a predetermined first rotation speed, for example, 26.
At 00 rpm, the operation is started.

Next, if it is determined in step 6 that 2> M, the third timer circuit 123 starts counting time and proceeds to step 7 (407). In step 7, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the time counted by the third timer circuit 123 has passed two hours. Here, if it is determined that two hours have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 8, and the activation signal S ₃ in the control device 100
Creation is continued. Therefore, the electric fan motor 13
The operation at a predetermined first rotation speed, for example, 2600 rpm, is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 7 that two hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 9 (409). In step 9, the start signal S ₄ is produced wounds in the control device 100, thereby an electric fan motor 13 a predetermined second rotational speed, for example at 2100 rpm, the operation is started.
Note that the second rotation speed is a value smaller by 500 rpm than the first rotation speed.

In step 4, the start signal S ₁
Is determined to have been created by the control device 100, the above-described processing of step 6-9 is executed.

By the way, each of the steps 8, 9 and 10 is looped to the step 1, and the processing from the step 1 is repeatedly executed during the operation of the vending machine.

Further description will be made with reference to FIG. Now,
As can be understood from the above, (1) the temperature of the product storage room 1 exceeds 10 ° C., (2) the product sales quantity M per hour exceeds 4 (pieces / hour), 3)
Time count of the first timer circuit 121 has not exceeded the 2 hours, if they meet by at least one of the three conditions that, Whether or activation signals S ₁ is generated creation by the controller 100 No, that is, the operation of the compressor 4
Regardless of the stop, the electric motor fan 13 is set to the predetermined first
Is continuously operated at the rotation speed (2600 rpm). This is referred to as a first operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

Next, the case where all of the above three conditions are not satisfied, that is, when the temperature of
° C or less, the amount of merchandise sold per hour M is 4 (pieces / hour) or less, and the first timer circuit 121
Is 2 hours has passed, and (1) 1
One of the following two conditions is satisfied: the product sales quantity per hour M is 2 (pieces / hour) or more; and (2) the time of the third timer circuit 123 has not elapsed two hours. If the start signal S ₁ is
The electric motor fan 13 is operated intermittently at a predetermined first rotation speed (2600 rpm) based on whether or not it is created at 0.

More specifically, the start signal S ₁ is output from the control device 1.
In the case where the electric motor fan 13 is created at 00, or when the creation of the activation signal S ₁ in the control device 100 has stopped and one minute has not yet elapsed, the electric motor fan 13 rotates the electric motor fan 13 at a predetermined first rotation speed (2600 rpm) in the operation, when the creation of the activation signals S ₁ has passed one minute ceased, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 are repeated operation of the stop. This is called a second operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

Further, the case where all of the above three conditions are not satisfied, that is, the temperature of the product storage room 1 is 1
0 ° C or less, and the amount of goods sold per hour M is 4
(Pieces / hour) or less and the first timer circuit 1
21 is a case where 2 hours have passed,
(1) Product sales quantity M per hour is 2 (pieces / hour)
And less than (2) when the count of the third timer circuit 123 has passed the two hours, the start signal S ₁ is based on whether or not produced wounds in the control device 100, an electric motor fan 13 is a predetermined second rotation speed (2100 rpm
m) intermittent operation.

More specifically, the start signal S ₁ is output from the control unit 1.
In the case where the electric motor fan 13 is created at 00, or when the creation of the activation signal S ₁ in the control device 100 has stopped and one minute has not yet elapsed, the electric motor fan 13 rotates the electric motor fan 13 at a predetermined second rotation speed (2100 rpm) in the operation, when the creation of the activation signals S ₁ has passed one minute ceased, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 are repeated operation of the stop. This is called a third operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

Next, the vending machine 1 related to the product storage room 3
The operation of 0 will be described. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the operation of the vending machine 10 related to the product storage room 3, particularly, the operation of the temperature detecting means 14 and the heater 12 will be described in detail below.

The start of the flowchart shown in FIG.
In (00), the main power of the vending machine 10 is turned on, and the solenoid valve 7 is closed. By subsequently proceeds to step 1 (501), the temperature detecting means 14 the temperature T _R of the commodity storage chamber 3 detected by the lower limit temperature T _L (= 51 ° C.) whether below the one of the determination comparison determination unit 110 Done.

Normally, as shown in FIG. 7, immediately after the main power is turned on, the temperature of the product storage room 3 is almost the same as the outside air temperature, and is much lower than the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.). For example, 20 ° C. Therefore, it is determined that the lower limit value _{T L (= 51 ℃)>} T R in Step 1, Step 3
Proceed to (503). Start signal S ₂ and case on the heater 12 at step 3 is generated creation by the controller 100,
The heater 12 is turned on. Since step 3 loops to step 1, the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.)> T _R
, The process always proceeds from step 1 to step 3 and the ON state of the heater 12 is maintained.

When the heater 12 is kept on and the product storage room 3 continues to be heated, and the temperature T _R of the product storage room 3 reaches the lower limit value _TL (= 51 ° C.), the lower limit value _TL ( = 51 ° C.) is determined ≦ T _R, the process proceeds from step 1 to step 2 (502). In step 2, the upper limit T
_U (= 55 ° C.) <T _R is determined, and the upper limit value T _U (= 5
5 ° C.) when it is determined that ≧ T _R, the process proceeds from step 2 to step 3. Step 3 as long as the fact that the loop in Step 1, which is the lower limit _{T L (= 51 ℃) ≦} T be a _R upper limit _{T U (= 55 ℃) ≧} T R, further heater 1
2 is maintained. Along with this, product storage room 3
Is further heated. In this process, the product storage room 3
When the temperature T _R reaches the set temperature T _S (= 53 ° C.), the fourth timer circuit 124 starts counting time.

The ON state of the heater 12 is maintained, and the temperature T _R of the product storage room 3 exceeds the upper limit value T _U (= 55 ° C.).
If it is determined in step 2 that the upper limit value T _L (= 55 ° C.) <T _R , the process proceeds from step 2 to step 4 (504), in which the generation of the activation signal S ₂ in the control device 100 is stopped, and as a result, the heater 12 turns off. When the process of step 4 has been completed processing proceeds to step 5 (505), the determination of the lower limit _{T L (= 51 ℃) ≦} T R is performed. Here, as long as it is determined that the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.) ≦ T _R , Step 5 loops to Step 4 and the off state of the heater 12 is maintained. On the other hand, the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.)> T _R
Is determined, step 5 loops to step 1. Thus, once in step 2, the upper limit value T _U (= 55)
° C) <T _R is determined.
Is turned off, the off state is maintained until the temperature T _R of the product storage room 3 falls below the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.).

When the heater 12 is maintained in the off state, the temperature T _R of the product storage room 3 gradually decreases, and when the temperature falls below the lower limit value T _L (= 51 ° C.), the heater 12 is activated to be turned on. signal S ₂ is generated creation again by the control unit 100. As a result, the heater 12 is turned on again. Consequently, commodity storage chamber 3 begins to be heated again, the temperature of the commodity storage chamber 3 is T _R increases gradually again. When the temperature of the product storage room 3 exceeds the upper limit value T _U (= 55 ° C.) again, the control device 1
Creation of the signal S ₂ at 00 ceased again. As a result, the heater 12 is turned off, and the temperature of the product storage room 3 starts to decrease again. Thereafter, the above operation is repeated as shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 will be described with reference to FIG. The operation flow of the electric motor fan 13 is independent of the operation flow of the heater 12 shown in FIG.

The start of the flowchart shown in FIG.
In (00), the main power of the vending machine 10 is turned on, and the solenoid valve 7 is closed. Proceeding to step 1 (601), T ₂ having a slightly lower value than the temperature T _R is the lower limit T _L (= 51 ℃) of commodity storage chamber 3 detected by the temperature detection means 14, such as 50 ° C. The determination as to whether or not it is lower is made by the comparison determination means 110. The above-mentioned 50 ° C. is stored in the storage unit 111. Where 5
If it is determined that 0 ° C.> T _R , the process proceeds to step 8 (608). In step 8, the start signal S ₃ is generated creation by the controller 100, thereby to start the electric fan motor 13, a predetermined first rotational speed, starts rotating, for example, 2600 rpm.

Meanwhile, the process proceeds when it is determined that 50 ° C. ≦ T _R in Step 1 to Step 2 (602). In step 2, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the product sales quantity M per hour detected by the sales status detection means 15 exceeds a predetermined first value M ₁ (= 4 pieces / hour). Done. Note that the first value M ₁ is stored in the storage unit 111.

If it is determined in step 2 that 4 <M, the process proceeds to step 8 (608). Therefore, the sustained creation of the start signal S ₃ in the control apparatus 100, an electric fan motor 13 is a predetermined first rotational speed, for example, the operation at 2600rpm continues. If it is determined in step 2 that 4 <M, the timing of the fourth timer circuit 124 is reset. On the other hand, if 4 ≧ M is determined in step 2, the process proceeds to step 3 (603).

In step 3, the fourth timer circuit 12
The comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the time measurement of 4 has passed two hours. Here, it is determined not to have passed 2 hours and proceeds to step 8, is sustained creation of the start signal S ₃ in the control apparatus 100, an electric fan motor 13 is a predetermined first rotational speed, for example, 2600rpm The operation is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 4 that two hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 4 (604).

In step 4, the comparing and judging means 110 judges whether or not the start signal S ₂ for turning on the heater 12 is generated by the control device 100. When the activation signal S ₂ is determined not to be generated creation by the controller 100, the routine proceeds to step 5 (605). Step 5
So start signal whether the judgment was passed 7 minutes ceased the creation of S ₂ is performed by the comparison determination unit 110. The elapsed time from when the creation of the activation signal S ₂ stops is measured by the fifth timer circuit 125. When the activation signal is creation of S ₂ is determined to have elapsed 7 minutes ceased,
Step 10 proceeds to (610), operation of the electric fan motor 13 is generated creation at the stop signal S ₅ is the control apparatus 100 is stopped. At the same time, the fourth timer circuit 124 is reset.

On the other hand, after the creation of the activation signal S ₂ stops, 7
If it is determined that the minutes have not elapsed, step 6 (606)
Proceed to. In step 6, the comparison determining means 110 determines whether or not the merchandise sales quantity M per hour detected by the sales status detecting means 15 is less than a predetermined second value M ₂ (= 2 pieces / hour). Done by The above first value M ₂ is stored in the storage unit 111. Where 2 ≦
If it is determined to be M, the process proceeds to step 8 (608),
Activation signal S ₃ is generated wounds in the control device 100. Therefore, the electric fan motor 13 has a predetermined first rotation speed,
For example, the operation is started at 2600 rpm.

Next, if it is determined in step 6 that 2> M, the timer of the sixth timer circuit 126 is started and the process proceeds to step 7 (607). In step 7, the comparison determination means 110 determines whether or not the time counting by the sixth timer circuit 126 has passed two hours. Here, if it is determined that two hours have not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 8, and the activation signal S ₃ in the control device 100
Creation is continued. Therefore, the electric fan motor 13
The operation at a predetermined first rotation speed, for example, 2600 rpm, is continued. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 7 that two hours have elapsed, the process proceeds to step 9 (609). In step 9, the start signal S ₄ is produced wounds in the control device 100, an electric fan motor 13 a predetermined second rotational speed, for example 2
At 100 rpm, the operation is started. Note that the second rotation speed is a value smaller by 500 rpm than the first rotation speed.

In step 4, the start signal S ₂
Is determined to have been created by the control device 100, the above-described processing of step 6-9 is executed.

By the way, each of the steps 8, 9 and 10 is looped to the step 1, and the processing from the step 1 is repeatedly executed during the operation of the vending machine.

The description will be further advanced with reference to FIG. Now,
As can be understood from the above, (1) the temperature of the product storage room 3 is lower than 50 ° C., (2) the product sales quantity M per hour exceeds 4 (pieces / hour),
(3) has not passed the fourth clocking 2 hours of the timer circuit 124, if they meet by at least one of the three conditions that, whether the activation signal S ₂ is generated creation by the controller 100 The heater 12
Regardless of the ON / OFF state of the motor, the electric motor fan 13
Is continuously operated at a predetermined first rotation speed (2600 rpm). This is referred to as a first operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

Next, the case where all of the above three conditions are not satisfied, that is, when the temperature of the product storage room 3 is 50
° C or more, the product sales quantity M per hour is 4 (pieces / hour) or less, and the fourth timer circuit 124
Is 2 hours has passed, and (1) 1
One of the two conditions is satisfied, that is, the product sales quantity M per hour is 2 (pieces / hour) or more, and (2) the time of the sixth timer circuit 126 has not elapsed 2 hours. If it is, the start signal S ₂ is the control device 10
The electric motor fan 13 is operated intermittently at a predetermined first rotation speed (2600 rpm) based on whether or not it is created at 0.

More specifically, the start signal S ₂ is output from the control unit 1.
If being produced wounds with 00, or if the creation of the start signal S ₂ in the control apparatus 100 has not yet elapsed 7 minutes ceased, the electric motor fan 13 is a predetermined first rotational speed (2600 rpm) in the operation, when the creation of the start signal S ₂ has passed 7 minutes ceased, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 are repeated operation of the stop. This is called a second operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

Further, the case where all of the above three conditions are not satisfied, that is, when the temperature of the product storage room 5 is 5
0 ° C or higher, and the quantity of goods sold per hour M is 4
(Number / time) or less, and the fourth timer circuit 1
When the time of 24 has passed 2 hours,
(1) Product sales quantity M per hour is 2 (pieces / hour)
And less than (2) when the counting of the sixth timer circuit 126 has passed the two hours, the start signal S ₂ is based on whether or not produced wounds in the control device 100, an electric motor fan 13 is a predetermined second rotation speed (2100 rpm
m) intermittent operation.

More specifically, the start signal S ₂ is output from the control device 1.
00, or when the generation of the activation signal S ₂ in the control device 100 has stopped and seven minutes have not yet elapsed, the electric motor fan 13 rotates the electric motor fan 13 at a predetermined second rotation speed (2100 rpm). in the operation, when the creation of the start signal S ₂ has passed 7 minutes ceased, the operation of the electric motor fan 13 are repeated operation of the stop. This is called a third operation mode of the electric motor fan 13.

[0064]

As described above, according to the vending machine according to the present invention, the electric motor fan for circulating air in the product storage room according to the temperature in the product storage room and the quantity of product sold per unit time in the product storage room. Are operated in three different operation modes. As a result, it has become possible to provide a vending machine which saves energy consumption and does not sell products in a state of insufficient cooling and heating.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing a configuration of a vending machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the compressor when the product storage room is used as a cooling room.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the compressor when the product storage room is used as a cooling room.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric motor fan when the product storage room is used as a cooling room.

FIG. 5 is a time chart for explaining an operation mode of the electric motor fan when the product storage room is used as a cooling room.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of a heater when a product storage room is used as a heating room.

FIG. 7 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the heater when the product storage room is used as a heating room.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the electric motor fan when the product storage room is used as a heating room.

FIG. 9 is a time chart for explaining an operation mode of the electric motor fan when the product storage room is used as a heating room.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 2, 3 Commodity storage room 4 Compressor 5 Condenser 6 Expansion valve 7 Solenoid valve 8 Evaporator 10 Vending machine 12 Nichrome wire electric heater 13 Electric motor fan 14 Temperature detecting means 15 Sales status detecting means 100 Control device 110 Comparison Judging means 121-126 Timer circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-6-84060 (JP, A) JP-A-6-231351 (JP, A) JP-A-2-148387 (JP, A) 104874 (JP, U) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07F 9/10

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A product storage having at least one product storage room for storing products, a temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the product storage room, and a circulating electric fan for circulating air in the product storage room. A vending machine comprising: a temperature detection means for detecting a temperature in the product storage room; a sales status detection means for detecting a product sales quantity per unit time in the product storage room; and a detected temperature of the temperature detection means. And a first operation mode in which the circulation electric fan is continuously operated at a first rotation speed regardless of the operation of the temperature control means, based on the quantity detected by the sales status detection means, and the circulation electric fan is controlled by the temperature control means. A second operation mode for operating and stopping at the first rotation speed according to the operation, and operating and circulating the electric fan for circulation at the second rotation speed smaller than the first rotation speed according to the operation of the temperature control means. Third to stop A vending machine comprising: control means operating in any one of the operation modes. 2. When the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means exceeds a predetermined temperature or when the quantity detected by the sales situation detecting means exceeds a first predetermined quantity, the electric fan for circulation is operated in a first operation. Operating in the mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature or when the detected quantity of the sales status detecting means is equal to or less than the first predetermined quantity and is equal to or more than the second predetermined quantity, the circulation electric fan is set to the second Operating in the operation mode, and when the detected temperature of the temperature detecting means is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature and the detected quantity of the sales status detecting means is less than the second predetermined quantity, the control means for operating the circulation electric fan in the third operating mode. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine is provided. 3. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said temperature control means includes an evaporator constituting a refrigeration circuit. 4. The vending machine according to claim 3, wherein the refrigeration circuit of the temperature control means includes a compressor driven by an electric motor. 5. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said temperature control means includes a nichrome wire electric heater. 6. A vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said temperature detecting means includes a thermistor. 7. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein said sales status detecting means includes a commodity selecting means. 8. The vending machine according to claim 7, wherein said product selection means comprises a product selection button.