JP6021482B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to a vending machine that can carry out a product even when a commercial power supply fails.

  In a vending machine, a storage battery is provided as an emergency power supply, and when the commercial power supply is interrupted due to a disaster or the like, the storage battery is used so that products in the vending machine can be taken out to the outside. Patent Documents 1, 2 and the like. According to this type of vending machine, it is possible to supply products such as beverages in the vending machine even when the commercial power supply fails due to a disaster or the like.

  In this type of vending machine, the storage battery is disposed in a place where outside air circulates, such as a lower part of the main body of the vending machine and the back surface of the outer door. By the way, in a vending machine capable of selling a product such as a beverage cooled to a low temperature (so-called cold product), a compressor for cooling the inside of the vending machine's product storage is provided at the bottom of the vending machine body. It is arranged. Therefore, since the storage battery is disposed at a normal temperature, the storage battery is not only relatively hot in summer, but also when the compressor is in operation, the storage battery is further heated by the heat of the compressor. It may be in a state. In addition, when the vending machine is installed outdoors, if the storage battery is disposed on the back surface of the outer door, the entire front door is heated by the heat of sunlight, so the storage battery also becomes hot. Sometimes. Thus, in a conventional vending machine equipped with a storage battery, the storage battery is disposed in an environment from room temperature to high temperature.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 1-68576 JP-A-10-116379

  In the conventional vending machine equipped with a storage battery in this way, the storage battery is disposed in an environment of normal temperature to high temperature, so even if the commercial power supply does not fail and the storage battery is not used, the storage battery deteriorates. There was a problem that the battery life was extremely shortened to 2 to 3 years or less. That is, since a storage battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery generates electricity by a chemical reaction, Arrhenius's law indicates that the deterioration of the storage battery increases as the temperature of the storage battery increases (for example, the lifetime is approximately ½ in an environment where the temperature is higher by 10 ° C.) In other words, the degree of deterioration was increased in an environment from room temperature to high temperature, and the battery life was extremely shortened to 2 to 3 years or less. For this reason, an expensive storage battery must be replaced in a short period of time, and the maintenance cost as a vending machine becomes high, and the labor and time for replacing the storage battery are also increased.

  In addition, since the storage battery is disposed in an environment from room temperature to high temperature, the self-discharge of the storage battery also increases, and as a result, the number of times the storage battery is charged increases and the burden on the battery increases. It was even shorter. In addition, since the storage battery is charged many times, the charging circuit is complicated in order to reduce the battery deterioration due to overcharging, which increases the manufacturing cost of the vending machine.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a vending machine capable of suppressing deterioration and self-discharge of a battery mounted on the vending machine and extending the battery life. It is.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the vending machine according to the present invention includes a product storage having a low-temperature storage unit that stores products in a low temperature state, and a product in a product storage conveyance path provided in the product storage. A product unloading device for unloading, a control device for controlling the operation of the whole (the whole of the vending machine), and a power supply device including a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device , The container is stored in a waterproof container, and the container is disposed in the low-temperature storage unit . One end of the container is opened inside the container, and the other end is in a location where outside air flows outside the low-temperature storage unit. A communication means arranged to open is provided, and the communication means can discharge air inside the container to a location where the outside air flows .

  With this configuration, since the battery mounted on the vending machine is disposed in the low-temperature storage unit, it is possible to suppress battery deterioration and self-discharge, and to extend the battery life. That is, although the battery is accelerated and deteriorated due to heat, by disposing the battery in the low temperature storage portion, the deterioration of the battery can be greatly suppressed and the battery life can be extended. In addition, since the battery is kept at a low temperature and self-discharge is minimized, this also increases the battery life. In addition, in the case of a storage battery that can be charged, since the number of times of charging associated with discharging can be suppressed, battery deterioration due to overcharging is reduced, and the charging circuit can be simplified.

Further, accommodating the pre-Symbol battery container of the waterproof structure, since the disposed the container to the low-temperature storage unit, by the container that dew condensation water and water generated cold storage portion comes into contact with the battery This can prevent the condensed water and moisture from contacting the battery and corroding.

Also, before Symbol vessel, one end of which is open to the interior of said container, communication means are provided to the other end is arranged so as to open at a position outside air of the cold storage outsider flows, the interior of the container The air can be discharged to the location where the outside air flows, so that even if there is a possibility that a combustible gas such as hydrogen is generated from a battery such as a storage battery, the combustible gas is passed through the communication means. It can be discharged to the place where the outside air flows, and this can minimize the possibility that the inside of the container will be in a high pressure state and the container may be damaged or the container may be filled with flammable gas. .

  Further, in the vending machine of the present invention, the communication means is a tube for communication, and the wiring connected to the battery and the communication tube are connected to the inside of the large-diameter tube having a diameter larger than that of the communication tube. A tube is provided.

  With this configuration, the communication tube can be taken out of the container by a large diameter tube together with the wiring connected to the battery, and the structure is simplified. In addition, since the tube for communication is protected by a large-diameter tube, even if there is a sheet metal part in the vicinity of the installation location, the tube for communication is prevented from coming into contact with the corner part of the sheet metal part and being damaged. it can.

The vending machine according to the present invention includes a product storage having a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state, and a product unloading device for transporting products in a product storage transport path provided in the product storage. A control device that controls the overall operation; and a power supply device that includes a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device. The battery is housed in a waterproof container, and the container is An internal pressure adjustment filter that is disposed in the storage unit and allows air to pass but not liquid to pass through the container. When the internal pressure of the container becomes high, the internal air is discharged to the outside through the internal pressure adjustment filter. Features. With this configuration, the internal pressure adjustment filter can suppress fluctuations in the internal air pressure inside the container due to changes in temperature and the like, and can keep the container waterproof.
The vending machine according to the present invention includes a product storage having a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state, and a product unloading device for transporting products in a product storage transport path provided in the product storage. A control device that controls the overall operation; and a power supply device that includes a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device. The battery is disposed in the low-temperature storage unit and can be charged as the battery. Provided with a storage battery, a capacity detection means for detecting the remaining capacity of the storage battery, and a charge control means for charging the storage battery, wherein the capacity detection means detects the remaining capacity at regular intervals. A first separation circuit is provided between the storage battery and the charge control means to electrically separate the storage battery and the charge control means except during charging, and between the storage battery and the capacity detection means. , Except when the amount detected, wherein a second separation circuit for electrically isolating the capacitance detection unit and the battery are provided.

With this configuration, it is possible to detect that the capacity of the storage battery has decreased, and the charge control means is electrically separated so that the current of the storage battery does not flow except during charging , and the capacity detection means It is electrically separated so that no current flows, and the capacity of the storage battery can be prevented from decreasing early.
The vending machine according to the present invention includes a product storage having a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state, and a product unloading device for transporting products in a product storage transport path provided in the product storage. A chute that is provided below the product delivery device and guides the product delivered from the product delivery device to the product outlet side, a control device that controls the overall operation, and at least a capacity capable of driving the control device. A power supply device including a battery having the battery, wherein the battery is disposed below the chute in the low-temperature storage unit.
In the vending machine of the present invention, a heat exchanger for cooling the internal air is disposed below the chute in the low-temperature storage unit, so that the flow of air passing through the heat exchanger is not obstructed. The battery is disposed at a side portion of the heat exchanger.

  In the vending machine of the present invention, an AC solenoid as a drive source for carrying out the product is provided in the product carry-out device, and a capacitor charged from the power supply device is provided. It is comprised so that it may drive and the said goods carrying-out apparatus may be driven.

  With this configuration, an AC solenoid that requires a large amount of power to be driven can be driven by direct current electricity stored in a capacitor, and a product can be carried out satisfactorily even when a vending machine is controlled by an installed battery.

  The vending machine according to the present invention further includes battery life prediction means for predicting the battery life based on the number of days elapsed from the start of use of the battery or charging.

  By placing the battery installed in the vending machine in a low-temperature storage part with low temperature and little temperature change, the battery life can be predicted almost accurately by the number of days elapsed since the start of use or charging, An operator of a vending machine or the like can be appropriately notified of the battery driveable time and the battery replacement time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by disposing the battery mounted in the vending machine in the low temperature storage unit that stores the product in a low temperature state, it is possible to suppress deterioration and self-discharge of the battery, Battery life can be extended. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the need to replace batteries such as expensive storage batteries, and the maintenance cost as a vending machine can be kept low, and the labor and time for battery replacement are almost unnecessary. Become. In addition, in the case of a rechargeable battery, the number of times of charging associated with discharging can be reduced, so that battery deterioration due to overcharging can be reduced, and the charging circuit can be simplified, thereby producing vending machines. An increase in cost can be minimized.

  In addition, by storing the battery in a waterproof container and disposing the container in the low-temperature storage part, it is possible to prevent the condensed water and moisture generated in the low-temperature storage part from contacting the battery and corroding. This improves reliability.

The container is provided with an internal pressure adjusting filter that allows air to pass but not liquid, and when the internal pressure of the container becomes high, the internal air is discharged to the outside through the internal pressure adjusting filter . The fluctuation of the internal atmospheric pressure in the container due to changes or the like can be suppressed, and the waterproofness of the container can be kept good, improving the reliability.

Further, the container in which the battery is stored is provided with communication means having one end opened to the inside of the container and the other end opened to a location where outside air outside the low-temperature storage unit flows. Even if there is a possibility that flammable gas such as hydrogen may be generated from a battery such as a storage battery by allowing the air inside the container to be discharged to the location where the outside air flows in by the communication means , the flammable gas, The outside air can be discharged from the place through which the outside air flows through the communication means, and thereby the inside of the container may be in a high pressure state, the container may be damaged, or the container may be filled with flammable gas. Can be minimized.

  Further, the communication means is a communication tube, and a wiring connected to the battery and the communication tube are disposed inside a thicker tube having a diameter larger than that of the communication tube. The tube for communication can be taken out from the container together with the wiring connected to the battery by the large diameter tube, the structure is simplified, and the increase in the manufacturing cost can be minimized. In addition, since the tube for communication is protected by a large-diameter tube, even if there is a sheet metal part in the vicinity of the installation location, the tube for communication is prevented from coming into contact with the corner part of the sheet metal part and being damaged. This improves reliability.

In addition, a rechargeable storage battery is provided as the battery, and a capacity detection means for detecting the remaining capacity of the storage battery and a charge control means for charging the storage battery are provided, and the capacity detection means detects the remaining capacity at regular intervals. A first separation circuit that electrically separates the storage battery and the charge control means except when charging is provided between the storage battery and the charge control means, and the storage battery and the capacity detection means In the meantime, by providing a second separation circuit that electrically separates the storage battery and the capacity detection means except when the capacity is detected, it is possible to detect that the capacity of the storage battery has decreased, and to detect the capacity detection means and the charging as needed. By connecting the control means to the storage battery, it is possible to prevent the capacity of the storage battery from being reduced early. As a result, the life of the storage battery can be further extended.

  In addition, an AC solenoid as a drive source for carrying out the product is disposed in the product carry-out device, a capacitor that can be charged from the power supply device is provided, and the AC solenoid is driven by direct current electricity from the capacitor so that the product carry-out device The AC solenoid, which requires a large amount of power to drive, can be driven by direct current electricity stored in the capacitor, and even when the vending machine is controlled by the mounted battery, the product can be carried out well. be able to.

  In addition, a battery life predicting means for predicting the life of the battery based on the number of days elapsed from the start of use of the battery or from the time of charging, by disposing the battery mounted in the vending machine in a low temperature storage portion having a low temperature and little temperature change. The battery life can be estimated almost accurately based on the number of days since the start of battery use or charging, and appropriate battery operating time and battery replacement time can be appropriately set for vending machine operators. I can inform you.

1 is a perspective view of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which opened the front door and the inner door of the vending machine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the vending machine. It is a block diagram of the vending machine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower end part of the goods storage channel | path and the goods storage conveyance apparatus in the same vending machine. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower end part of the goods storage channel | path of the same vending machine, and a goods storage conveyance apparatus, and shows the state at the time of sale standby. It is a rear view of the goods storage and conveyance apparatus of the same vending machine, and shows a state at the time of sales standby. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the lower end part of the goods storage channel | path of the same vending machine, and a goods storage conveyance apparatus, and shows the state at the time of goods delivery. It is a rear view of the goods storage and conveyance apparatus of the same vending machine, and shows a state at the time of goods delivery. It is a circuit diagram of the DC / DC converter of the vending machine. (A) is a figure which shows the fall state of the voltage of the capacitor in the same vending machine, (b) is a figure which shows the state of the voltage at the time of commercial power supply supply in the same vending machine. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the storage battery (container) in the lower part of the low-temperature storage part of the vending machine, respectively, (a) is a principal part perspective view, (b) is required. FIG. (A), (b) is a perspective view which shows the state which respectively accommodated the storage battery with the container of the vending machine, (a) shows the state which closed the container lid, (b) opened the container lid Indicates the state. It is a perspective view which shows the state which has arrange | positioned the tube for communication inside the large diameter tube of the same vending machine. It is a perspective view which shows the state which provided the internal pressure adjustment filter in the container in which the storage battery of the same vending machine is accommodated.

  Hereinafter, a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment shown here is an example to the last, Comprising: It is not necessarily limited to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the vending machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a vending machine main body 3 in which an outer door (front door) 2 is supported so as to be freely opened and closed (this embodiment). In the form, the product storage 4 having a heat insulating structure is provided in the upper part from the center part), and the front opening of the product storage 4 can be opened and closed by an inner door having heat insulating properties. A replenishment opening 6 for replenishing a product in which a container is filled with a beverage or the like is formed in the upper front portion of the product storage 4. In this embodiment, the inner door is divided into an upper inner door 5A that is attached to the upper rear surface of the outer door 2 and closes the replenishment opening 6, and a lower inner door 5B that can be opened and closed independently. An example is shown (FIG. 2). The upper inner door 5A is attached to the upper part of the back surface portion (so-called middle door) of the outer door 2, and when the outer door 2 is opened, the upper inner door 5A is also opened integrally to easily replenish products. It is configured to be able to. The upper inner door 5A and the lower inner door 5B may be integrated. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a product outlet, which is provided at the lower part of the outer door 2. Reference numeral 29 denotes a monetary amount display unit provided at the upper part of the outer door 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inside of the product storage 4 (so-called storage) is partitioned insulatively with respect to the width direction (lateral direction) of the vending machine main body 3 by a partition wall 18 having heat insulating properties. It is divided into a plurality of (three in this embodiment) storage units. As these storage units, there are provided two cold storage units 7, 8 that can be switched between a cooling state and a heating state, and one low temperature storage unit 9 dedicated to cooling (for details, see from the front). The first and second rows from the left are the cold storage units 7, the third column from the left is the cold storage unit 8, and the fourth to sixth columns from the left are the low temperature storage units 9). Note that S in FIG. 3 and the like is a product, and the product S stored in the cold storage units 7 and 8 is sold in a cooled state or a warmed state, and the product S stored in the low temperature storage unit 9 is always in a cooled state (low temperature). Sold in the state, for example, about 0 ° C to 5 ° C. In addition, while warm products are sold only in cold seasons such as winter and autumn, cooling products are sold all year round and are sold in large numbers. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It is formed with a volume larger than 7,8.

  In the product storage 4 (that is, the cold storage units 7 and 8 and the low temperature storage unit 9), there are cooling units such as an evaporator (or heat exchanger) 11, a heater (not shown), a blower 12 and the like of the refrigeration cycle. A warming device and a cooling device are disposed, and the product S is indirectly cooled or warmed by cooling or warming the internal air. Thus, the temperature-controlled product S such as a cooled product (so-called cold product) or a heated product (so-called hot product) is sold by the vending machine 1. In addition, since the low temperature storage part 9 is only for cooling, heating apparatuses, such as a heater, are not arrange | positioned inside. 2 and 3 is arranged at the lower part of the vending machine main body 3 (below the product storage 4 in the vending machine main body 3), and is outside the box (outside the box) where the outside air freely circulates. Space). In the outside (outside space) 13, a condenser (or outside heat exchanger) 14, a compressor 15, a blower 16, and the like of the refrigeration cycle are disposed. Note that the cooling device and the heating device for indirectly adjusting the temperature (cooling / heating) of the product S via the air in the product storage 4 (the cold storage units 7, 8 and the low temperature storage unit 9) are the refrigeration units. Both may be configured in a cycle, or instead, a cooling device may be configured by the refrigeration cycle, and a heating device may be configured by a heater, but is not limited thereto.

  From the upper part to the central part of the product storage 4 (cold temperature storage units 7 and 8 and the low temperature storage unit 9), the product S is stored in a meandering manner to store the product S, and sequentially transported downward. A product storage unit (so-called product stocker) 22 is provided in which a plurality of rows 21 are arranged in front and rear and left and right. The replenishment opening 6 described above is provided at the upper front end of the product storage unit 22 (also the upper front end of the product storage transport path 21), and the replenishment opening is provided in the product storage transport path 21 other than the front row. An inclined introduction path 21 a that is inclined obliquely downward from the portion 6 to the back side is provided, and further, the vertical end of the inclined introduction path 21 a extends vertically while meandering before and after the product storage and conveyance path 21. It is connected to the upper end of the path 21b. At the lower part of the product storage unit 22, a product delivery device 23 is provided, which faces the lower end of the product storage transport path 21 and delivers the products S transported downward one by one downward. A chute 17 for guiding the product S delivered from the product storage unit 22 to the product take-out port 10 side is disposed below the product storage unit 22. A large number of holes are formed. Further, a product passage window 19 provided with a heat insulating door corresponding to the chute 17 is provided at the lower part of the lower inner door 5B, and the product S dropped on the chute 17 passes through the product passage window 19. And discharged to the product outlet 10.

  Inside the vending machine 1, as schematically shown in FIG. 4, there is provided a control device 30 that controls the entire operation of the vending machine 1 and performs various controls. As shown in FIG. 2, the vending machine 1 includes an input display device 26 having an input unit (such as a numeric keypad) 26a and a display unit 26b for input by an attendant of the vending machine 1 and the like. Etc. are also arranged. In this embodiment, the control device 30 is disposed in a control device storage box (so-called control box) 25 disposed outside the warehouse 13 (lower part of the vending machine body 3), and the input display device 26 is disposed outside. It is disposed on the back surface of the door 2. Note that the control device storage box 25 has a breathable box shape, and is configured such that outside air circulates but dust, rainwater, water droplets, and the like are difficult to enter.

  5-9 shows an example of the specific example of the goods carrying-out apparatus 23. FIG. As shown in these drawings, the merchandise carry-out device 23 is provided with an AC solenoid 27 as a carry-out drive source, and a merchandise carry-out mechanism 28 driven by the AC solenoid 27. Then, the product carry-out mechanism 28 is driven in accordance with the suction operation (so-called pull-in operation) by the coil 27b of the iron core portion 27a of the AC solenoid 27, so that the products S in the product storage conveyance path 21 are carried out one by one. . Specifically, at the time of product sales standby, as shown in the right side of FIG. 5, and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the suction operation by the coil 27b is not performed, and the AC solenoid 27 is applied by the tensile force of the spring 28a as the biasing means. The lower side of the iron core portion 27a protrudes downward, so that the lower stopper 28b of the product carry-out mechanism 28 that receives the product S at the lower end receives the product S at the lower end in the product storage conveyance path 21 from below. On the other hand, when there is a sale (dispensing) instruction for the product S, as shown in the left side of FIG. 5 and FIGS. 8 and 9, the coil 27 b of the AC solenoid 27 is energized with a commercial power supply (AC 100 V) and suctioned by the coil 27 b. The operation is performed, and the iron core portion 27a of the AC solenoid 27 is attracted into the space surrounded by the coil 27b (also referred to as the inside of the coil 27b) and moved upward against the urging force of the spring 28a. Further, the lower stopper 28b is tilted downward while receiving the second product (also referred to as upper product) S by the upper stopper 28c, so that only the product S at the lower end is paid out downward.

  Here, the vending machine 1 is normally supplied with the commercial power source A, and the temperature control device 31 including the control device 30, the AC solenoid 27, the refrigeration cycle, and the like (see FIG. 4) are operated. A product sales operation accompanying the carry-out of the product S is performed.

  Further, in addition to such a configuration, the vending machine 1 has at least a sales operation of the product S (even if the charging is not necessary) even when the supply of the commercial power source A is temporarily stopped. Or may be necessary as usual) with the following components. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the vending machine 1 includes a storage battery 33 that stores electricity used in the event of a power failure of the commercial power source A, in addition to the AC / DC converter 52 that converts the commercial power source A into direct current. A capacitor 34 (also referred to as a capacitor, for example, the capacitor 34 is made of an electrolytic capacitor) capable of storing electricity as an electric charge is provided. The vending machine 1 includes a charging circuit 51 for charging the storage battery 33 (charging control means for the storage battery 33), a first separation circuit 53 for disconnecting and connecting the charging circuit 51 and the storage battery 33, and a product. A power source switching device (as in this embodiment) that switches the power source used for the conveyance and control circuit between the commercial power source A side (specifically, the commercial power source A is DC-converted by the AC / DC converter 52) and the storage battery 33. In addition, when the commercial power source A is DC-converted by the AC / DC converter 52, it is constituted by a diode OR circuit) 54, a capacity detection sensor 37 for detecting the remaining capacity of the storage battery 33, and this capacity detection. A second separation circuit 55 for disconnecting or connecting the sensor 37 and the storage battery 33; a DC / DC converter 35 for converting a direct current voltage to be stored in the capacitor 34; The first energization circuit 57 for switching operation / stop of the temperature control device 31, the changeover switch 36 for switching the power source for driving the AC solenoid 27 between the commercial power source A and the electricity from the capacitor 34, and the AC solenoid 27 are energized And a second energization circuit 58. The AC / DC converter 52, the power supply switching device 54, the DC / DC converter 35, the charging circuit 51, the first separation circuit 53, the storage battery 33, the second separation circuit 55, and the capacity detection sensor 37 constitute a power supply device 50. Is done.

  In the event of a power failure of the commercial power source A, the AC solenoid 27 is driven by DC electricity (DC power) from the capacitor 34 to drive the product carry-out mechanism 28 of the product carry-out device 23. FIG. 10 shows an example of a circuit of the DC / DC converter 35. In FIG. 10, L is a coil, D is a diode, and SW is a switching element. FIG. 11A is a diagram showing a voltage drop state of the capacitor when the AC solenoid 27 is driven with a direct current during a power failure, and FIG. 11B is a diagram showing a voltage state when the commercial power supply is energized. is there.

  At the time of a power failure of the commercial power source A, the power switching device 54 configured with a diode OR circuit gives an AC solenoid 27 of the product carry-out device 23 corresponding to the product S to the sales instruction (carry-out instruction) of the product S. Electricity (electric power) from the capacitor 34 is supplied. With this configuration, the general-purpose storage battery 33 can be used, but the AC solenoid 27 can be driven without providing an expensive DC / AC inverter. In addition, since the capacitor 34 supplies power to the AC solenoid 27 at the time of a power failure, the storage battery 33 is configured not to cause a problem such that the storage battery 33 suddenly drops to a discharge end voltage or lower and is damaged. In addition, by providing the DC / DC converter 35 for increasing the voltage, it is possible to drive the capacitor 34 with a relatively high voltage electricity to the AC solenoid 27 for good driving. Further, since it is not necessary to provide a voltage switching circuit for switching the voltage to the AC solenoid 27, the facility cost can be kept relatively low.

  Furthermore, in the embodiment of the present invention, as described above, the vending machine 1 is provided with the capacity detection sensor 37 (capacity detection means of the storage battery 33) that detects the capacity of the storage battery 33 based on the voltage or the like. Yes. That is, in the vending machine 1, the storage battery 33, the capacity detection sensor 37, and the charging circuit 51 are normally connected regularly every certain period (for example, several days to several weeks) except during a power failure. It is comprised so that. That is, by the first separation circuit 53 and the second separation circuit 55, the storage battery 33, the charging circuit 51, and the capacity detection sensor 37 are electrically connected except when the capacity is detected, when the commercial power supply is interrupted, and when the storage battery is charged. It is separated.

  Further, in the vending machine 1, when the capacity detection sensor 37 detects that the capacity of the storage battery 33 has decreased (discharged) by a certain rate (for example, 10%), it is always fully charged (100% charge) by trickle charging or the like. ), The voltage at the time of decrease is monitored, and the power corresponding to the reduced capacity is charged by the product of current and time.

  By the way, as described in the prior art, a vending machine equipped with a storage battery to be used in the event of a power outage has already been proposed, but in this type of conventional vending machine, the storage battery is not connected to the outside of the vending machine ( Lower part) and the back of the outer door, etc. For this reason, even when the commercial power supply does not fail and the storage battery is not used, there has been a problem that the deterioration of the storage battery has greatly progressed and the battery life is extremely shortened to 2 to 3 years or less. As a result, in the conventional vending machine, expensive storage batteries had to be replaced in a short period of time (for example, since vending machines are generally used for about seven years, for example, using vending machines) I had to change it at least a few times until I finished it). As a result, the maintenance cost for the vending machine is high, and the labor and time for replacing the storage battery are also increased.

  In order to deal with such a problem, in the vending machine 1 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12A, 12B, 13A, and 13B, the storage battery 33 is stored in the product storage. It is disposed in a low-temperature storage unit 9 dedicated to cooling in the storage 4. Further, the storage battery 33 is housed in a container 38 that is isolated from the outside, and the condensed water and moisture are prevented from coming into contact with the storage battery 33 and being corroded. That is, the low temperature storage unit 9 is kept at a low temperature throughout the year, but when the outer door 2 is opened and the product S is replenished, or when the lower inner door 5B is opened for maintenance or the like. Since the warm outside air flows into the low-temperature storage unit 9 and the subsequent cooling operation may cause the low-temperature storage unit 9 to be in a high moisture state or generate dew condensation water. It is intended that water and moisture do not contact the storage battery 33 and corrode. The container 38 includes, for example, a container body 38a, a container lid body 38b that seals the upper surface opening of the container body 38a, a close contact locking mechanism 38c that locks the container body 38a and the container lid body 38b in close contact with each other, A sealing material 38d (also referred to as packing) made of silicon or the like disposed on the joint surface between the main body 38a and the container lid 38b is used. The container lid 38b is covered with the storage battery 33 in the container main body 38a, and the container body 38a can be accommodated in a close contact state by the close contact locking mechanism 38c.

  Here, the place where the container 38 containing the storage battery 33 is disposed is not particularly limited as long as it is in the low temperature storage unit 9, but the lower part of the chute 17 in the low temperature storage unit 9 is relatively disposed as the installation space. It is preferable because there is a space. Further, since the low temperature storage unit 9 is formed with a larger volume than the cold storage units 7 and 8, there is an advantage that the container 38 for storing the storage battery 33 can be easily arranged. As a more specific arrangement place, for example, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, side portions such as the evaporator (or heat exchanger) 11 and the blower 12 below the chute 17, etc. It is preferable to arrange in a place where the flow of air by the evaporator (or heat exchanger) 11 or the blower 12 is not obstructed. In addition, when a relatively large space is required as an arrangement space for the container 38, such as when the capacity of the storage battery 33 is large, the height dimension from the chute 17 to the bottom of the product storage 4 (low temperature storage unit 9). Is suitable for the rear position in the lower part of the low-temperature storage unit 9 (location shown by E1 and E2 in FIG. 12), corresponding to the installation position of the evaporator (or heat exchanger) 11 and the blower 12, What is necessary is just to select and arrange | position the location shown by E1-E4 in Fig.12 (a), (b).

  The container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is housed is connected to a communication means as an example of an internal pressure adjusting mechanism that adjusts the internal pressure of the container 38 in communication with a place where the outside air flows. As a specific example of the communication means, a communication tube 39 made of rubber or synthetic resin is used (see FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14). Then, one end portion of the communication tube 39 is opened inside the container 38, and the other end portion of the communication tube 39 is inside the control device storage box 25 (see FIG. 2). And it arrange | positions so that it may open to the location which rainwater, a water droplet, etc. do not apply. In addition, as the thickness of the tube 39 for communication, what is necessary is just to have air permeability, and the small diameter whose inner diameter is 1 mm or less (for example, about 0.3-0.5 mm) may be sufficient.

  In this embodiment, the power supply device 50 (excluding the storage battery 33) including the charging circuit 51 that charges the storage battery 33, the capacitor 34, the changeover switch 36, and the like are also arranged in the control device storage box 25. It is installed. And as shown in FIG. 14, the tube 39 for communication is arrange | positioned inside the large diameter tube 40 larger diameter than the tube 39 for communication with various wiring 42 for charging / discharging the storage battery 33, etc. A large-diameter tube 40 disposed through the wiring 42 and the communication tube 39 is disposed from the inside of the container 38 to the inside of the control device storage box 25. As shown in FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), for example, a sealing cap 41 is attached to a portion where the large-diameter tube 40 is extracted from the container 38, and a portion where the large-diameter tube 40 is extracted from the container 38 is provided. Therefore, water or air containing moisture is prevented from entering the container 38.

  According to the said structure, since the storage battery 33 is arrange | positioned in the low temperature accommodating part 9, deterioration and the self-discharge of the storage battery 33 can be suppressed, and a battery life can be lengthened. That is, since the storage battery 33 such as a nickel metal hydride battery generates electricity by a chemical reaction, the deterioration proceeds as the temperature increases, and conversely, the deterioration is suppressed as the temperature decreases (for example, an environment whose temperature is 10 ° C. lower). (This will double the life). Therefore, when the storage battery 33 is disposed in a temperature environment of 20 ° C. to 25 ° C. equivalent to that in the room as in the prior art (actually, in the lower part of the vending machine main body or the back surface of the outer door). In the case of being arranged, it is considered that the temperature may be higher due to the influence of the compressor or sunlight), and the low temperature storage unit 9 is in a temperature environment of about 0 ° C to 5 ° C. Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the deterioration of the storage battery 33 is greatly suppressed, and the battery life can be extended to four times or more than the conventional one.

  Further, since the storage battery 33 is kept at a low temperature, the self-discharge is also minimized, and this also increases the battery life. For example, based on data showing the discharge characteristics of a battery, the period of self-discharge by 10% capacity is only 15 days in a 25 ° C. environment and 2-3 days in a 40 ° C. environment. On the other hand, in an environment of 0 ° C., it becomes about 5 months (about 150 days), the self-discharge becomes very small, and the period until discharging to the same rate is extended about 10 times or more.

  Thus, since the battery life can be greatly extended, it is possible to hardly replace the expensive storage battery 33 after the introduction of the vending machine 1, and the maintenance cost as the vending machine 1 can be reduced. The time and labor for replacing the storage battery 33 are almost unnecessary. In addition, since the number of times of charging associated with discharging can be suppressed, battery deterioration due to overcharging can be reduced, and the charging circuit can be simplified, thereby minimizing the increase in the manufacturing cost of the vending machine 1. Can do.

  Further, in the vending machine 1, when the capacity detection sensor 37 detects that the capacity of the storage battery 33 has decreased (discharged) by a certain rate, for example, 10%, it is always fully charged (100% charge) by trickle charging or the like. For example, the voltage when the voltage is reduced by about 10% is monitored, and the power corresponding to the reduced 10% is controlled to be charged by the product of current and time. Thereby, since the storage battery 33 is hardly overcharged, the deterioration of the storage battery 33 due to overcharge can be further prevented.

  In the vending machine 1, the storage battery 33, the charging circuit 51, and the capacity detection sensor 37 are electrically connected by the first separation circuit 53 and the second separation circuit 55 except for the capacity detection time and the charge time. The storage battery 33 is configured so that electricity does not flow from the storage battery 33, and the storage battery 33 and the capacity detection sensor 37 are electrically connected periodically after a certain period of time (for example, several days to several weeks). Capacity is detected. As a result, the current flowing from the storage battery 33 to the capacity detection sensor 37 for detecting the capacity can be greatly reduced. Therefore, the capacity reduction accompanying the detection of the capacity of the storage battery 33 can be minimized, and the capacity reduction of the storage battery 33 can be performed only by the self-discharge.

  As described above, since the vending machine 1 has very little self-discharge, there is little need to charge immediately even when the capacity is reduced by a certain percentage such as 10% as described above. Therefore, the charging may be performed at night when the electricity charge is low, and there is also an advantage that the electricity charge used by the vending machine 1 can be reduced.

  The vending machine main body 3 is also provided with a power source for transforming the commercial power source A. This power source also functions as a power source for charging the storage battery 33. May be configured to charge when these devices are stopped. With this configuration, it is not necessary to increase the capacity of the power source provided in the vending machine 1 or to prepare a power source dedicated to charging, and as a result, the manufacturing cost of the vending machine 1 can be reduced. There is.

  However, in the vending machine 1, when the AC solenoid 27 is driven by the commercial power source A (AC power source), it is necessary to flow 600 to 800 VA at a time. However, in the vending machine 1, the capacitor 34 that can be charged by the power supply device 50 is provided, and the electric power necessary for paying out the product S is slowly accumulated in the capacitor 34. The product discharge device 23 can be driven by discharging electric power from 34 and driving the AC solenoid 27 with direct current electricity from the capacitor 34.

  In addition, if a battery having a relatively long life is used as the storage battery 33, the storage battery 33 tends to have a small capacity and output current. However, as described above, the power required for paying out the product S is reduced. Since the capacitor 34 is slowly stored in the capacitor 34, the storage battery 33 with a small output current can be used.

  In addition, if a battery having a relatively long life is used as the storage battery 33, a battery having a small capacity may be used, but this is dealt with as follows. That is, in the present invention, since the AC solenoid 27 is driven by direct current, the switching loss as in the case of DC / AC conversion of power from the storage battery can be eliminated. In addition, in order to reduce power consumption during power outages such as disasters, checkers (also referred to as coin mechanisms and coin mech) and checkers (banknote recognition unit, bill validator) are not related to the carry-out operation of the product S. The power consumption can be minimized by separating a device such as a bill validator from the energizing circuit. As a result, the storage battery 33 having a small capacity can be used.

  Further, when the product is carried out by DC power, the suction start operation of the AC solenoid 27, the operation of receiving and holding the second product S (also referred to as the upper product) from the bottom by the upper stopper 28c, and the upper stopper 28c The received product S may be individually controlled in three operations, that is, receiving and holding the product S by the lower stopper 28b.

  First, at the time of the suction start operation of the AC solenoid 27, it is necessary to strongly attract the iron core portion 27a by the coil 27b of the AC solenoid 27. Therefore, a voltage of 100V is required for both AC and DC. When the upper product S is received and held by the upper stopper 28c, since the iron core 27a of the AC solenoid 27 is already in the coil 27b, as shown in FIG. Even when the power is supplied, the current decreases, and the iron core 27a is held with a certain force. At this time, since there is vibration or the like when the upper product S falls on the upper stopper 28c, the holding force at the time of dropping needs to be the same regardless of AC or DC. When this force is generated by a DC power source, the voltage can be about 50 V. Thus, the capacitor 34 can be used so that the upper product S is about 50 V during the holding operation. In addition, during the holding operation of the last upper product S (the lower product S has already been paid out at this time, the upper product S becomes the lower product S), the dropped product S is simply received. Just do it. Therefore, even if the DC voltage at this time is suppressed to a low level, there is no problem, and the power consumption can be suppressed by suppressing the DC voltage to a low level in this way.

  Further, according to the above configuration, the storage battery 33 is stored in the container 38 that is isolated from the outside, and the container 38 is disposed in the low-temperature storage unit 9, so that dew condensation water and moisture generated in the low-temperature storage unit 9 are stored in the storage battery. The container 38 can be prevented from coming into contact with the container 33, thereby preventing the condensed water and moisture from coming into contact with the storage battery 33 and being corroded, thereby improving the reliability of the vending machine 1.

  Moreover, according to the said structure, the communication means (The tube 39 for communication in the said embodiment) which connects with the location where external air flows in is connected to the container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is accommodated as an example of an internal pressure adjustment mechanism. Therefore, even if there is a possibility that flammable gas such as hydrogen may be generated from the storage battery, the flammable gas can be discharged to the place where the outside air flows through the communication tube 39, and thereby the inside of the container 38 is discharged. It is possible to minimize the possibility that the container 38 is damaged due to a high pressure state or the container 38 is filled with a combustible gas.

  Further, the communication tube 39 is adopted as the communication means, and the communication tube 39 is taken out from the container 38 by the large diameter tube 40 together with the wiring 42 connected to the storage battery 33, thereby simplifying the structure. An increase in manufacturing cost can be minimized. Further, since the communication tube 39 is also protected by the large-diameter tube 40, even if there is a sheet metal portion or the like in the vicinity of the arrangement location, the communication tube 39 contacts the corner portion or the like of the sheet metal portion and is damaged. Can be prevented, and this also improves the reliability.

  In the above-described embodiment, the other end of the communication tube 39 connected to the container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is stored is arranged so as to open to the inside of the control device storage box 25 disposed outside the storage 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this as long as it is a place where outside air can be communicated outside the warehouse 13, and it may be opened in front of the inner door (lower inner door 5 </ b> B) using the product passage window 19 or the like. Good. In the above embodiment, the case where the container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is stored is disposed at the lower portion of the chute 17 in the low temperature storage unit 9 is described. Any place can be used as long as it is kept in place. Further, only a part of the container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is accommodated may be formed so as to face the outside space, and an exhaust valve or the like for exhausting the internal atmosphere when the atmospheric pressure becomes high may be provided at this location. In this case, the exhaust valve functions as a communication means. In addition, instead of connecting a tube 39 for communication as a communication means that communicates with a place where the outside air flows into the container 38 in which the storage battery 33 is stored, as shown in FIG. An internal pressure adjusting filter 61 that does not allow liquid to pass therethrough may be provided, and the internal pressure adjusting filter 61 may be configured to discharge the internal air to the outside when the internal pressure of the container 38 becomes high.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the DC / DC converter 35 that increases the DC voltage at the time of a power failure is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the DC / DC converter 35, a capacitor is connected in parallel. And a parallel / series switching circuit for switching between a series state and a capacitor state, when charging the capacitor, the storage battery and the capacitor are connected in parallel, and when the AC solenoid is driven during a commercial power failure, the storage battery and the capacitor are connected. The AC solenoid may be driven by disconnecting and reconnecting the capacitors connected in parallel to each other in series.

  Moreover, in said embodiment, although the case where the storage battery 33 was used as a battery was described, it is not restricted to this, A primary battery, such as a dry battery, may be used as a battery. It is desirable that the storage battery 33 and the primary battery have at least a capacity capable of driving the control device 30.

  In the above embodiment, the container 38 for storing the storage battery 33 is a box-shaped body that does not lose its shape. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a bag-like container or the like can be deformed. Alternatively, the bag-like container may be a so-called breathing bag that allows air to pass through but does not allow liquids such as water to pass through.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the capacitor 34 is charged from the DC / DC converter 35 that is the DC power source of the control device 30 is described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may comprise so that it may charge from a battery.

  In the above embodiment, the power supply switching device 54 that switches the power supply used for the product conveyance and the control circuit between the commercial power supply A side and the storage battery 33 is configured by a diode OR circuit. However, the power supply switching device may be switched to the commercial power supply side or the storage battery side by providing a power failure detection device.

  In addition to the above configuration, a battery life predicting means for predicting the life of the battery based on the number of days elapsed from the start of use or charging is provided, and the input display device 26 provided inside the vending machine 1 The display unit 26b, the money amount display unit 29 provided on the upper portion of the outer door 2, and the like may display information related to the battery life, such as the battery drivable time and the battery replacement time.

  For example, information regarding the life is displayed on the display unit 26b or the money amount display unit 29 of the input display device 26 by performing a predetermined input operation using the input unit (such as a numeric keypad) 26a of the input display device 26. . As an example of display, the above-mentioned input operation is performed to display “Chicken kankanzan 4 kagetsu” (remaining battery replacement 4 months). Further, when the preset remaining period is reached, for example, “Chicken-Chick Kanzan 1 Kagetsu” (remaining battery replacement 1 month) is displayed on the display unit 26b of the input display device 26 as caution information for prompting replacement of the battery. You may comprise. Further, when the replacement time is reached (that is, when the life is reached), a warning display (failure display) of the content of replacement may be displayed on the display unit 26b of the input display device 26 or the like. As a result, it is possible to appropriately inform the operator of the vending machine and the like of the battery driveable time and the battery replacement time, thereby improving the reliability of the vending machine.

1 Vending Machine 2 Outer Door 3 Vending Machine Body 4 Product Storage 5A Upper Inner Door (Inner Door)
5B Lower inner door (inner door)
7, 8 Cold storage unit 9 Low temperature storage unit 13 Out of chamber 17 Chute 18 Partition wall 23 Commodity carry-out device 25 Control device storage box 26 Input display device 26a Input unit 26b Display unit 27 AC solenoid 28 Product carry-out mechanism 29 Amount display unit 30 Control Device 31 Temperature control device 33 Storage battery 34 Capacitor 35 DC / DC converter 36 Changeover switch 37 Capacity detection sensor 38 Container 39 Tube for communication (communication means, internal pressure adjustment mechanism)
40 Large-diameter tube 42 Wiring 54 Power switch A Commercial power S Product

Claims (8)

A product storage with a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state;
A product unloading device for unloading the product in the product storage transport path provided in the product storage;
A control device for controlling the overall operation;
A power supply device including a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device,
The battery is stored in a waterproof container, and the container is disposed in the low temperature storage part .
The container is provided with communication means arranged so that one end is opened inside the container and the other end is opened at a location where the outside air outside the low-temperature storage part flows.
The vending machine characterized in that the communication means can discharge the air inside the container to a location where the outside air flows . The communication means is a communication tube, and a wiring connected to the battery and the communication tube are disposed inside a thicker tube having a diameter larger than that of the communication tube. vending machine according to claim 1, wherein. A product storage with a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state;
A product unloading device for unloading the product in the product storage transport path provided in the product storage;
A control device for controlling the overall operation;
A power supply device including a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device,
The battery is stored in a waterproof container, and the container is disposed in the low temperature storage part .
An internal pressure adjusting filter that allows air to pass but does not allow liquid to pass through is provided in the container, and when the internal pressure of the container becomes high, the internal air is discharged to the outside through the internal pressure adjusting filter. vending machine. A product storage with a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state;
A product unloading device for unloading the product in the product storage transport path provided in the product storage;
A control device for controlling the overall operation;
A power supply device including a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device,
The battery is disposed in the low temperature storage unit;
A rechargeable storage battery is provided as the battery,
Capacity detection means for detecting the remaining capacity of the storage battery and charge control means for charging the storage battery are provided,
The capacity detection means is configured to detect the remaining capacity every certain period,
Between the storage battery and the charge control means, a first separation circuit that electrically separates the storage battery and the charge control means except during charging is provided,
Between the capacitance detection unit and the battery, except when capacitance detection you wherein the <br/> the second isolation circuit for electrically separating the said battery capacity detecting means is provided vending machine. A product storage with a low temperature storage unit for storing products in a low temperature state;
A product unloading device for unloading the product in the product storage transport path provided in the product storage;
A chute for guiding a product delivered from the product delivery device provided below the product delivery device to the product outlet side;
A control device for controlling the overall operation;
A power supply device including a battery having a capacity capable of driving at least the control device,
The vending machine, wherein the battery is disposed below a chute in the low temperature storage unit. A heat exchanger that cools internal air is disposed below the chute in the low-temperature storage unit, and the battery is located at a side portion of the heat exchanger so as not to hinder the flow of air that passes through the heat exchanger. The vending machine according to claim 5, wherein the vending machine is disposed on the machine. The product carrying device is provided with an AC solenoid as a drive source for carrying the product,
A capacitor charged from the power supply device is provided,
The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the vending machine is configured to drive an AC solenoid by direct current electricity from a capacitor to drive the commodity carry-out device. The automatic sales according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising battery life prediction means for predicting the life of the battery based on the number of days elapsed from the start of use or charging of the battery. Machine.

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