JP3234647B2 - Vending machine using midnight power - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a vending machine using midnight power.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a vending machine which sells stored goods by cooling or heating them, the temperature inside the refrigerator is detected by a temperature detector such as a thermostat, and the detected temperature is compared with a preset reference refrigerator. The cooling device or the heating device is operated based on the result of comparison with the internal temperature to cool or heat the inside of the refrigerator. Further, a blower for circulating the air in the refrigerator was provided, and the blower was constantly driven to keep the temperature in the refrigerator uniform.

[0003]

In recent years, the standard of consumer life has increased, and vending machines have been installed in various places, so that consumers can purchase their favorite products anytime and anywhere. Further, canned soft drinks and the like are cooled or heated in a vending machine as described above, and are sold at an appropriate temperature preferred by consumers. Also, since many vending machines are installed outdoors, the power consumption of the vending machines also increases, and the total power consumption by the vending machines is said to be equivalent to one nuclear power plant.

[0004] For this reason, the demand for electric power is increasing year by year, and particularly in the summer season, the power consumption is the maximum supply of electric power during a time period when almost all air conditioners and cooling devices such as homes, offices, department stores and the like are operated. May exceed
At this time, some areas were blackouted.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a vending machine using late-night power, which reduces power consumption in a time zone where power demand is high.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the temperature in the refrigerator is controlled so that the temperature in the refrigerator becomes a predetermined reference temperature in the refrigerator. Set a late-night power time zone in a late- night power utilization vending machine that uses electricity to cool products stored in the refrigerator
Means for setting a time zone during which power demand is high,
A blower for circulating air in the refrigerator in the refrigerator;
Time zone other than both the time zone and the time zone with high power demand
Performs internal temperature control based on the standard reference internal temperature.
During the midnight power hours, the standard
Lower than the predetermined temperature, set the temperature in the reference
Performing temperature control in the refrigerator based on the temperature,
During times of high demand, the temperature is higher than the standard reference chamber temperature.
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature
Temperature control means for controlling the temperature in the refrigerator based on the depth;
During the night power hours, the blower has a larger air volume than during normal operation.
Driving, and during the day and night, the blower is
Or stop, or blower drive that alternates between low wind operation and stop
A vending machine using electric power at night provided with a control means is proposed.

Further, in the present invention, the temperature in the refrigerator is controlled so that the temperature in the refrigerator becomes a preset reference refrigerator temperature, and heating of the goods stored in the refrigerator is performed by using electric power at midnight. in the midnight power use vending machines to do, midnight power time
Means for setting the time zone and setting the time zone when power demand is high
Means, a blower for circulating air in the refrigerator in the refrigerator,
Other than both late-night power hours and power-hungry hours
In the time zone, the temperature inside the refrigerator is controlled based on the standard temperature inside the refrigerator.
During the midnight power hours,
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature higher than the
In addition to controlling the internal temperature based on the semi-internal temperature,
Note that during times of high power demand, the standard
Lower than the predetermined temperature, set the temperature in the reference
Temperature control means for controlling the temperature in the refrigerator based on the temperature,
In the midnight power time zone, the blower is operated more than during normal operation.
Operate a large air volume, and blow the blower from daytime to night
Operation or stoppage, or airflow that alternates between low-wind operation and stoppage
We propose a vending machine using late-night electric power, which is provided with a heater driving control means .

[0008] In claim 3, claim 1 or claim 1
Check the outside air temperature at the vending machine using midnight power described in 2.
An outside air temperature detecting means, and a cooling device for the outside air temperature.
Operation control table in which the operation rate of the
And a temperature control means, at least
After the end of the time period when the power demand is high, the midnight power time
In the time period before the start of the band, the operation control table
Means for operating the cooling device or the heating device based on the
We propose a vending machine that uses midnight electric power.

[0009]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature control means is provided.
Therefore, the temperature in the standard chamber at midnight power hours is
It is set to a predetermined temperature lower than the internal temperature,
In the belt, the inside of the refrigerator is cooled to a lower temperature than usual. This
The temperature of the stored goods in the refrigerator is also cooled to lower than normal.
Therefore, after the end of the midnight power hours,
Energy stored during midnight power hours until the temperature reaches
The rise of the inside temperature and the product temperature is suppressed by the lug.
You. Further, during the time period when the power demand is high, the temperature control is performed.
By means of control, the standard internal temperature is the standard internal temperature
Is set to a predetermined temperature higher than
Then, the temperature inside the refrigerator is controlled. As a result, the
During periods of high power demand, the operating rate of the cooling system is reduced,
Energy stored during late night power hours
The rise in the internal temperature and the product temperature is suppressed. Furthermore, before
The air in the refrigerator is circulated by the blower, and the blower is
The midnight power time zone is controlled by the blower drive control means.
Is operated at a higher air volume than during normal operation,
Light wind operation or stop, or light wind operation and stop alternately
Done in As a result, the product is conveyed by the convection of
At the time of sale, it flows into the warehouse from the product exit or packing
The amount of external air generated is reduced.

According to the second aspect, the temperature control means is
Therefore, the temperature in the reference chamber during the midnight power hours is
Set to a predetermined temperature that is higher than the semi-internal temperature, and
In the interzone, the inside of the refrigerator is heated to a higher temperature than usual. This
The temperature of the stored goods in the refrigerator is also raised to a higher temperature than normal.
Therefore, after the end of the midnight power hours,
Energy stored during midnight power hours until the temperature reaches
The lowering of the internal temperature and the product temperature is suppressed
You. Further, during the time period when the power demand is high, the temperature control is performed.
By means of control, the standard internal temperature is the standard internal temperature
Lower than the specified temperature, and
Then, the temperature inside the refrigerator is controlled. As a result, the
During periods of high power demand, the operating rate of the heating device is reduced,
Energy stored during late night power hours
A decrease in the internal temperature and the product temperature is suppressed. Furthermore, before
The air in the refrigerator is circulated by the blower, and the blower is
The midnight power time zone is controlled by the blower drive control means.
Is operated at a higher air volume than during normal operation,
Light wind operation or stop, or light wind operation and stop alternately
Done in As a result, the product is conveyed by convection
At the time of sale, it flows into the warehouse from the product exit or packing, etc.
The amount of external air that is generated is reduced.

According to the third aspect, the outside air temperature detecting means
The outside temperature is detected by the
An operation system that sets the operation rate of the cooling device or heating device in advance
A control table is provided. Further, the temperature control means
Therefore, at least after the end of the time period when the power demand is high.
In the time period from the start to the midnight power time zone,
Based on the operation control table, the cooling device or the heating
The device is operated. This allows for external product replenishment
Sudden increase in operating rate of cooling or heating equipment
Is avoided.

[0012]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes a vending machine main body (hereinafter, referred to as a main body) having an inner door 1a and an outer door 1b on a front surface, which is surrounded by a wall 2 made of a heat insulating material, and has a cooling cabinet 3 A warming room 4 is provided, and the cooling room 3 and the heating room 4 are separated by a heat insulating wall 5.

Each of the cooling box 3 and the heating box 4 has a plurality of serpentine columns (hereinafter referred to as columns) 6.
Extend vertically to form a product storage section, for example, products such as canned soft drinks are stacked and stored.
The commodities delivered from each column 6 are carried out to a commodity take-out port 1c formed in the outer door 1b by a delivery shooter 7 having a large number of ventilation holes. Further, the inner door 1a is provided with a carry-out door 1d for preventing the inflow of outside air, facing the product outlet 1c. Further, a machine room 8 is provided below the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4, and a cooling device, a heating device, a control device, and the like, which will be described later, are provided.

FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the inside of the cooling box 3.
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of the heating chamber 4, and FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration related to the inside temperature control. In the figure,
Reference numeral 11 denotes a cooling device, a compressor 111, a compressor driving circuit 112, a four-way switching valve 113, an internal heat exchanger 114, an expansion valve 115, an external heat exchanger 116, a fan 117 for cooling the external heat exchanger 116, and Fan drive circuit 11 that drives fan 117
These are connected by pipes to form a refrigeration circuit as is well known. The in-compartment heat exchanger 114 is arranged below the delivery shooter 7 of the cooling cabinet 3, and the rest is arranged in the machine room 8.

Reference numeral 12 denotes a heating device, which comprises a heater 121 and a heater driving circuit 122. The heater 121 is disposed below the delivery shooter 7 in the heating chamber 4, and the heater driving circuit 122 is disposed in the machine room 8. ing.

Reference numerals 13a and 13b denote circulating fans. One circulating fan 13a is arranged in the cooling cabinet 3, and the other circulating fan 13b is arranged in the heating cabinet 4. Reference numeral 14 denotes a circulation fan drive circuit that drives each of the circulation fans 13a and 13b.

Reference numerals 15a, 15b and 15c denote temperature detectors.
They are arranged so that the outside air temperature, the temperature inside the cooling cabinet 3 and the temperature inside the heating cabinet 4 can be detected. Reference numeral 16 denotes a timer, which includes a crystal oscillator, a digital counter, and the like, and outputs digital data representing a standard time in seconds. Reference numeral 17 denotes a dip switch for setting a start time and an end time of a time zone where power demand is high. Reference numeral 18 denotes a temperature control unit, which comprises a well-known CPU or the like.
The detected temperatures a to 15c, the standard time output from the timer 16, and the set time of the DIP switch 17 are read, and the cooling device 11, the heating device 12, and the circulating fan drive circuit 14 are driven and controlled based on these. Library 3
And temperature control is performed so that the temperature in the heating chamber 4 becomes a predetermined temperature.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration, particularly, the operation of temperature control will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the outside air temperature and the operation rates of the cooling device and the heating device, FIGS. 6 to 9 are flowcharts of the temperature control, and FIG. 10 explains the operation of each part in the temperature control in the cooling cabinet 3. Timing diagram, FIG.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of each unit in temperature control in the inside. In the present embodiment, the cooling device 11, the heating device 12, and the circulation fans 13a and 13b are used so as to utilize the power in the late night power time zone where the power demand is small and to reduce the power consumption in the time zone where the power demand is high. Drive control is performed so that the temperatures in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 become a predetermined temperature. In other words, when the power consumption is large, the start time and the end time, for example, when the power consumption is large from 12:30 in the daytime to 18:00 in the evening, the start time is 12:30 and the end time is 12:30. 18:00 is set in the dip switch 17 in advance.
Further, since the midnight power time zone is currently 8 hours from 23:00 in the night to 7:00 in the next morning, these times are set in advance in the program of the temperature control unit.
Further, the operation rates of the cooling device 11 and the heating device 12 with respect to the outside air temperature are obtained in advance through experiments and the like, and are set as an operation control table in the program of the temperature control unit 18. In this operation control table, as shown in FIG. 5, the outside air temperature and the operation rate are in a substantially proportional relationship, and the inside temperature can be maintained within the allowable temperature range by the minimum necessary power consumption with respect to the fluctuation of the outside air temperature. The operation rate for the outside temperature is set as described above. From the above, in this embodiment,
Energy for maintaining the temperature in the refrigerator is stored to some extent during the late night power hours when power demand is low, so that power consumption in vending machines during the daytime, particularly during times when power demand is high, is reduced.

When the vending machine according to the present embodiment is started, the temperature controller 18 reads the start time ts and the end time te set in the dip switch 17 in the time zone where the power demand is high (S1, S2). Then, the current time tn is read from the timer 16 (S3). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the current time tn is in the midnight power time zone, that is, whether or not the current time tn is between the start time tms and the end time tme of the midnight power time zone (S4). As a result of this determination, when the current time tn is in the midnight power time zone, the process proceeds to S20 described later, and when the current time tn is not in the midnight power time zone, the current time tn is in a time zone with high power demand. It is determined whether or not the current time tn is between the start time ts and the end time te set in the dip switch 17 (S5).

If the result of this determination is that the current time tn is in a time zone during which power demand is high, the flow shifts to the processing of S33 described later. If the current time tn is not in a time zone where power demand is high, it is determined whether the current time tn is a time from evening to night, that is, whether or not the time is between time te and time tm (S6). If the current time tn is between the time te and the time tm, the process proceeds to S46 described below. If the current time tn is not between the time te and the time tm, the process proceeds to the step S46.
Assuming that n is in the time period from 7:00 to noon, the reference inside temperature Tc of the cooling room 3 is set to the standard reference cooling room temperature T11, and the standard inside temperature Th of the heating room 4 is set to the standard temperature. (T7, S7)
8). Further, the circulation fan 1 in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4
3a and 13b are driven by the standard air volume operation (S
9) together with the temperature detectors 15b and 15c
And the temperatures T1 and T2 in the heating chamber 4 are detected (S1
0, S11).

Next, the temperature controller 18 determines whether or not the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is equal to or higher than a temperature obtained by adding a predetermined allowable value ΔT to the reference cooling cabinet temperature T11 (S12). As a result of this determination, the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 becomes equal to the temperature (T11 + Δ
T) or more, after driving the cooling device 11 (S1
3), the process proceeds to S16 to be described later.

Further, the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is changed to the temperature (T11).
If it is not equal to or more than (+ ΔT), it is determined whether or not the temperature T1 in the refrigerator 3 is equal to or lower than a temperature obtained by subtracting the allowable value ΔT from the reference refrigerator temperature T11 (S14). As a result of this judgment,
If the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is not lower than the temperature (T11−ΔT), the process proceeds to S16 described below. If the temperature T1 is lower than the temperature (T11−ΔT), the cooling device 11 is stopped (S15). It is determined whether the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature obtained by subtracting the allowable value ΔT from the reference heating chamber temperature T12 (S16). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T12- [Delta] T), the heating device 12 is driven (S17), and the process proceeds to S1.

The temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to the temperature (T12
If not, it is determined whether the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or higher than the temperature obtained by adding the allowable value ΔT to the reference heating chamber temperature T12 (S18). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is not equal to or higher than the temperature (T12 + ΔT), the processing shifts to the process of S1, and the temperature T2 becomes equal to the temperature (T12 + ΔT).
ΔT) or more, after stopping the heating device 12 (S
19), and the process proceeds to S1.

Thus, between 7:00 in the morning and daytime, the cooling device 11 and the heating device 12 are operated with the same settings as before, and the temperatures in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 are maintained at the standard temperature. Is done.

As a result of the determination in S4, when the current time tn is in the midnight power time zone, the temperature control unit 18 determines that the current time tn is a time during the midnight power time zone, The inside temperature Tc is set to a predetermined reference cooling room temperature T21 lower than the standard, and the reference inside temperature Th of the heating room 4 is set.
Is set to a predetermined reference heating chamber temperature T22 higher than the standard (S20, S21). Furthermore, each of the circulation fans 13a and 13b in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 is driven by a large air volume operation (S22), and the temperature detector 15 is operated.
b, 15c, the temperature T in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4
1, T2 is detected (S23, S24).

Next, the temperature controller 18 determines whether or not the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is equal to or higher than the temperature obtained by adding the allowable value ΔT to the reference cooling cabinet temperature T21 (S25). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is equal to or higher than the temperature (T21 + ΔT), the cooling device 11 is driven (S26).
The process proceeds to S29 described below. When the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is not higher than the temperature (T21 + ΔT), the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is changed from the reference cooling cabinet temperature T21 to the allowable value Δ.
It is determined whether the temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature obtained by subtracting T (S2).
7). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is not lower than the temperature (T21−ΔT), the processing shifts to the processing of S29 described later, and if the temperature T1 is lower than the temperature (T21−ΔT), the cooling device 11 After stopping (S28), it is determined whether or not the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T22-ΔT) obtained by subtracting the allowable value ΔT from the reference heating chamber temperature T22 (S29). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T22- [Delta] T), the heating device 12 is driven (S30), and then the process proceeds to the aforementioned S1.

The temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to the temperature (T22
If not, it is determined whether or not the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or higher than the temperature obtained by adding the allowable value ΔT to the reference heating chamber temperature T22 (S31). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is not equal to or higher than the temperature (T22 + ΔT), the processing shifts to the processing of S1, and the temperature T2 becomes equal to the temperature (T22 + ΔT).
ΔT) or more, after stopping the heating device 12 (S
32), and the process proceeds to S1.

Thus, during the late night power hours when power demand is low, the products in the cooling cabinet 3 are cooled to a temperature within the product storage allowable temperature range and lower than the standard temperature, and the products in the heating cabinet 4 are cooled. Since the product is warmed to a temperature within the product storage allowable temperature range and higher than the standard temperature, it is necessary to maintain the products in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 within the allowable temperature range after the end of the midnight power hours. Part of the heat energy is stored in the refrigerator and in the product itself.

As a result of the determination in S5, when the current time tn is between the start time ts and the end time te set in the DIP switch 17, that is, during a time period when power demand is high, the temperature control unit 18 sets the cooling The reference internal storage temperature Tc of the storage 3 is set to a predetermined reference cooling internal temperature T31 higher than the standard, and the reference internal temperature Th of the heating storage 4 is set to a predetermined standard heating internal storage temperature T32 lower than the standard. Set (S33, S3
4). Further, the circulation fan 1 in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4
While stopping each of 3a and 13b (S35),
The temperatures T1 and T2 in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 are detected by the temperature detectors 15b and 15c (S36, S3).
7).

Next, the temperature controller 18 determines whether or not the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is equal to or higher than a temperature obtained by adding the allowable value ΔT to the reference cooling cabinet temperature T31 (S38). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is equal to or higher than the temperature (T31 + ΔT), the cooling device 11 is driven (S39).
The process proceeds to the process of S42 described later. When the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is not higher than the temperature (T31 + ΔT), the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is changed from the reference cooling cabinet temperature T31 to the allowable value Δ.
It is determined whether the temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature (T31-ΔT) obtained by subtracting T (S40). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T1 in the cooling cabinet 3 is not lower than the temperature (T31- [Delta] T), S will be described later.
The process proceeds to the process 42, and when the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T31-ΔT), the cooling device 11 is stopped (S41).

Thereafter, the temperature controller 18 determines whether or not the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T32-ΔT) obtained by subtracting the allowable value ΔT from the reference heating chamber temperature T32. (S42). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is equal to or lower than the temperature (T32- [Delta] T), the heating device 12 is driven (S43), and then the processing shifts to the process of S1. If the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is not lower than the temperature (T32-ΔT), is the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 equal to or higher than the temperature obtained by adding the allowable value ΔT to the reference heating chamber temperature T32? It is determined whether or not it is (S44). If the result of this determination is that the temperature T2 in the heating chamber 4 is not equal to or higher than the temperature (T32 + ΔT), the processing shifts to the process of S1, and if the temperature T2 is equal to or higher than the temperature (T32 + ΔT), the heating device 12 is stopped ( S45), the S
Move to the processing of 1.

Thus, in the summer time, the operation rate of the cooling device 11, the heating device 12, and the circulation fans 13a and 13b is reduced in a time period when the power demand is high such that the total power consumption exceeds the supply amount of the power plant. Therefore, the power consumption in the vending machine can be reduced. In addition, since the circulation fans 13a and 13b are stopped, the amount of outside air that flows into the refrigerator from the outside via the product outlet 1c during product sales can be reduced. That is, it is possible to suppress a rise in the temperature in the cooling cabinet 3 and a decrease in the temperature in the heating cabinet 4, thereby also reducing power consumption. At this time, since the circulation fans 13a and 13b are stopped, the entire inside of the refrigerator does not reach a uniform temperature, but is located below the column 6 and close to the internal heat exchanger 114 or the heater 121 immediately before sale. Since the product is cooled or heated more than the product at the top, it is possible to sell the product at the same temperature as usual.

As a result of the determination in S6, when the current time tn is between the time te and the time tm, that is, in the time zone from evening to night, the temperature control unit 18 detects the outside air temperature Tex by the temperature detector. (S46), the cooling device 11 corresponding to the outside air temperature Tex detected based on the operation control table
And the operation rate of the heating device 12 is obtained (S47). Thereafter, the operation rates of the cooling device 11 and the heating device 12 are changed based on the obtained operation ratio (S48, S49), and the circulation fans 13a, 13b in the cooling cabinet 3 and the heating cabinet 4 are operated in a weak wind. (S50), and shifts to the process of S1.

As a result, the operation rate of the cooling device 11 and the heating device 12 is minimized after the time period when the power demand is high, so that the power consumption can be reduced. In addition, since the amount of air blown by the circulation fans 13a and 13b is made lower than the standard, the product outlet
c, the amount of outside air flowing from the outside to the inside of the refrigerator can be reduced, so that the temperature inside the refrigerator fluctuates due to product sales, that is, the temperature inside the cooling refrigerator 3 rises, and the temperature inside the heating refrigerator 4 drops. Can be suppressed, thereby also reducing power consumption.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the cooling device 11 and the heating device 11 are configured to utilize the power in the late-night power time zone where the power demand is low and to reduce the power consumption in the time zone where the power demand is high. Device 12 and circulation fan 13
Since the temperature control is performed such that the temperatures in the cooling box 3 and the heating box 4 become the predetermined temperatures by controlling the driving of a and 13b,
It is possible to reduce the power consumption of the vending machine during a time period when power demand is high while keeping the products in the refrigerator within the allowable temperature range.

The configuration and control flow in this embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.

[0037]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, during the midnight power hours, the temperature of the stored goods in the storage is cooled to a lower temperature than usual, and after the midnight power hours end. Since the amount of heat required for the product to reach its normal storage temperature is increased , the cooling system must be turned on during times of high power demand.
Even if the operation rate decreases,
Energy and product temperature rise
Power consumption during daytime hours when power demand is high.
Power consumption of the vending machine can be reduced.
In addition, products are carried out at the time of product sales by convection of air in the refrigerator
The amount of external air flowing into the chamber from the mouth is reduced.
In this way, the fluctuation of the internal temperature due to the inflow of external air is reduced,
Avoids an increase in the operating rate of the cooling system due to temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator
Power consumption can be further reduced.

[0038] According to the second aspect, the temperature of the stored commodities in the refrigerator is warmed to a higher temperature than usual during the midnight power hours, and the commodities reach the normal storage temperature after the end of the midnight power hours. since the amount of heat radiating is increased to the power
Even if the operating rate of the heating device is reduced during the time of high demand,
Energy stored during late night power hours
Electricity demand is reduced because the temperature in the refrigerator and the
Power consumption of vending machines during daylight hours
Expenses can be reduced. Furthermore, the convection of air in the refrigerator
Flowed into the warehouse from the product exit during product sales
As the amount of external air is reduced,
Heating based on fluctuations in the internal temperature
The increase in the operation rate of the device is avoided, and the power consumption is further increased.
Can be reduced.

According to the third aspect of the invention, in addition to the above-described effects, a cooling device or an additional device for externally replenishing the product is provided.
A rapid increase in the operating rate of the thermal equipment is avoided, so
Increased power consumption during the daytime hours when
Can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the inside of a refrigerator according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the inside of a heating chamber in one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration related to internal temperature control in one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the outside air temperature and the operation rates of the cooling device and the heating device in one embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of temperature control in one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of temperature control in one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of temperature control in one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of temperature control in one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of each part in controlling the temperature in the cooling chamber in one embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of each unit in the temperature control in the heating chamber in one embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Vending machine main body, 1a ... Inner door, 1b ... Outer door, 1c ...
Commodity take-out, 1d ... Export door, 2 ... Wall, 3 ... Cooler, 4
... Heating chamber, 5 ... Insulated wall, 6 ... Serpentine column, 7
... Delivery shooter, 8 ... Machine room, 11 ... Cooling device, 11
1… Compressor, 112… Compressor drive circuit, 113…
Four-way switching valve, 114: internal heat exchanger, 115: expansion valve, 116
... External heat exchanger, 117 ... Fan, 118 ... Fan drive circuit,
12: heating device, 121: heater, 122: heater drive circuit,
13a, 13b: circulation fan, 14: circulation fan drive circuit, 15a to 15c: temperature detector, 16: timer, 1
7 Dip switch, 18 Temperature control unit.

Continuation of the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G07F 5/00-9/10 F25D 11/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An automatic midnight power use system that controls the temperature in the refrigerator so that the temperature in the refrigerator becomes a preset reference refrigerator temperature, and cools the products stored in the refrigerator by using the late-night power. In a vending machine, a means for setting a time zone for midnight power , a means for setting a time zone with high power demand, a blower for circulating air in the refrigerator in the refrigerator, and a demand for the midnight power time zone and power demand Both time zones
During the outside hours, the temperature in the refrigerator is based on the standard reference refrigerator temperature.
Level control, and in the midnight power hours, the standard
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature lower than the internal temperature.
When the inside temperature control is performed based on the reference inside temperature,
In the time period when the power demand is high, the standard
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature higher than the
Temperature controller that controls the temperature inside the warehouse based on the temperature inside the semi-warehouse
And during the late night power hours, the blower is operated more than during normal operation.
Operate a large air volume, and blow the blower from daytime to night
Operation or stoppage, or airflow that alternates between low-wind operation and stoppage
A vending machine using electric power at midnight, comprising a vending machine drive control means . 2. An automatic midnight power use system that controls the temperature in the refrigerator so that the temperature in the refrigerator becomes a preset reference refrigerator temperature, and heats the products stored in the refrigerator by using the late night power. In a vending machine, a means for setting a time zone for midnight power , a means for setting a time zone with high power demand, a blower for circulating air in the refrigerator in the refrigerator, and a demand for the midnight power time zone and power demand Both time zones
During the outside hours, the temperature in the refrigerator is based on the standard reference refrigerator temperature.
Level control, and in the midnight power hours, the standard
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature higher than the internal temperature.
When the inside temperature control is performed based on the reference inside temperature,
To, in many time zone of the power demand in the reference box of the standard
Set the reference internal temperature to a predetermined temperature lower than the temperature and
Temperature controller that controls the temperature inside the warehouse based on the temperature inside the semi-warehouse
And during the late night power hours, the blower is operated more than during normal operation.
Operate a large air volume, and blow the blower from daytime to night
Operation or stoppage, or airflow that alternates between low-wind operation and stoppage
A vending machine using electric power at midnight, comprising a vending machine drive control means . An outside air temperature detecting means for detecting an outside air temperature;
The operating rate of the cooling device or heating device with respect to the outside air temperature
In addition to providing a preset operation control table,
The temperature control means is provided at least during a time period when the power demand is high.
In the time period from the end to the start of the midnight power time zone
Is based on the operation control table, the cooling device or
Or means for operating the heating device
3. The vending machine using midnight power according to claim 1 or 2.