JP6668805B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a vending machine, and more particularly, to a vending machine having a plurality of inside temperature adjustment units for adjusting the inside temperature of each of a plurality of product storages.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a vending machine including a plurality of inside temperature adjustment units for adjusting the inside temperature of each of a plurality of product storages (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine provided with a control unit that determines a priority when stopping the temperature control of each of a plurality of product storages. In the vending machine described in this patent document 1, the inside temperature of each of the plurality of product storages, or both the inside temperature and the outside air temperature of each of the plurality of product storages, or the plurality of product storages A temperature control unit (heater or cooling device) for adjusting the temperature in the storage of the product storage to be stopped based on any one of the indexes of the sales volume of each product in the storage. It is configured to be determined by the unit.

JP-A-9-265568

  However, in the vending machine described in Patent Literature 1, the control unit controls the inside temperature of each of the plurality of product storages or both the inside temperature and the outside air temperature of each of the plurality of product storages. Alternatively, a determination process of stopping the temperature control preferentially only on the basis of one preset index (judgment criterion) of the sales quantity of each product in the plurality of product storages is executed. Can not do. For this reason, when it is not possible to accurately (appropriately) determine the inside temperature adjustment unit of the product storage to be stopped based on the preset determination process, it is not necessary for a specific product. There is a problem that the heating or cooling is continued, and the product cannot be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to accurately (appropriately) determine an inside temperature adjustment unit of a product storage to be stopped in operation. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine capable of maintaining a product at an appropriate temperature.

In a vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of product storages for storing products, a plurality of temperature control units for adjusting the temperature in each of the plurality of product storages, A control unit that controls the priority of the stop of the temperature adjustment unit, wherein the control unit operates the plurality of internal temperature adjustment units, so that the electric load of the vending machine main body exceeds the first load. The configuration is such that, based on one of a plurality of determination processes for determining the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit to be stopped with priority, the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit to be stopped is determined. As one of the processes, it is configured to select and perform a process of determining the internal temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped based on the electric load of the internal temperature adjusting unit .

  In the vending machine according to one aspect of the present invention, as described above, the internal temperature to be stopped based on one of the plurality of determination processes for determining the internal temperature adjusting unit to be stopped with priority. By providing a control unit that determines the adjustment unit, the most appropriate determination process is selected from among a plurality of determination processes, and an in-chamber temperature adjustment unit (such as a heater or a cooling device) corresponding to a product storage to be stopped. ) Can be accurately (appropriately) determined. As a result, the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit of the commodity storage that does not require the most temperature control can be reliably stopped, so that the commodity can be maintained at an appropriate temperature.

  In the vending machine according to the one aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to select any one of the plurality of determination processes according to an operation state of the vending machine body. According to this configuration, an optimum determination process according to the operation state of the vending machine is selected from the plurality of determination processes, and the internal temperature adjustment unit corresponding to the product storage to be stopped is easily provided. Can be determined. This makes it possible to easily stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit of the commodity storage that does not require the most temperature control.

  In the vending machine according to the above one aspect, preferably, the control unit includes, as one of the plurality of determination processes, an operation stop temperature, which is a threshold value of a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjustment unit is stopped, and a storage stop temperature. It is configured to select and perform a process of determining the internal temperature adjusting unit of the product storage having the smallest difference from the internal temperature as the internal temperature adjusting unit to be stopped preferentially. If such a determination process is selected from a plurality of determination processes, the temperature control of the product storage having the smallest difference between the inside temperature and the operation stop temperature and requiring the lowest temperature control can be easily stopped. be able to. In contrast, the difference between the inside temperature and the operation stop temperature is relatively large, and it is possible to continue the temperature control of the product storage where the necessity of continuing the temperature control is relatively high. The storage can be easily maintained at an appropriate temperature.

  In the vending machine according to the one aspect, the control unit may preferably include, as one of the plurality of determination processes, the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit of the product storage having the smallest change rate of the in-compartment temperature in a predetermined time. Is selected and performed as a process for determining as the internal temperature adjustment unit that is to be stopped preferentially. If such a determination process is selected from a plurality of determination processes, the temperature control of the product storage having the smallest change rate of the internal temperature and having the least influence by continuing the temperature control is easily stopped. be able to. In contrast to this, the temperature control of the product storage can be continued since the rate of change of the internal temperature is relatively large and the effect of continuing the temperature control is relatively large. The temperature control for the product storage can be efficiently performed by the amount by which the temperature change is suppressed from becoming intense.

  In the vending machine according to the above aspect, preferably, the control unit performs, as one of the plurality of determination processes, a threshold value of an outside air temperature and a threshold value of a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjustment unit is stopped. Based on both the stop temperature and the difference between the inside temperature and the process, the process of determining the inside temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped is selected and performed. If such a determination process is selected from among a plurality of determination processes, when the outside air temperature is high and the heating control of the product storage is relatively unnecessary, the internal temperature of the product storage for heating is used. And the temperature at which the temperature of the operation stop temperature is the smallest, and the temperature control of the product storage for heating which requires the least heating control can be stopped. Also, when the outside air temperature is low and cooling control of the product storage is relatively unnecessary, the difference between the inside temperature and the operation stop temperature of the cooling product storage is the smallest, and the necessity of the cooling control is reduced. The temperature control of the lowest cooling product storage can be stopped. As a result, the products in the product storage can be stored at an appropriate temperature.

  In the vending machine according to the above aspect, preferably, the control unit performs, as one of the plurality of determination processes, an operation stop which is a threshold value of a season and a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjustment unit is stopped. Based on both the temperature and the difference between the inside temperature and the inside temperature, a process for determining the inside temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped is selected and performed. If such a determination process is selected from a plurality of determination processes, in summer when the outside air temperature is relatively high, when the heating control of the product storage becomes relatively unnecessary, the Among them, the difference between the internal temperature and the operation stop temperature is the smallest, and it is possible to stop the temperature control of the product storage for heating that requires the least heating control. Also, in the winter season when the outside air temperature is relatively low, if the cooling control of the product storage is relatively unnecessary, the difference between the inside temperature and the operation stop temperature of the cooling product storage is the smallest, and the cooling control is performed. It is possible to stop the temperature control of the cooling product storage, which is the least necessary. In the middle season such as the spring or autumn, the temperature control of the commodity storage having the lowest necessity of the temperature control among all the storages of the commodity storage can be stopped. As a result, the products in the product storage can be stored at an appropriate temperature throughout the year. In addition, since there is no need to control the inside temperature of the product storage while monitoring the temperature of the product storage as needed, the processing load on the control unit can be reduced.

  In the vending machine according to the one aspect, preferably, the control unit stops the electric load of the vending machine main body smaller than the first load by stopping the operation as one of the plurality of determination processes. It is configured to select and execute a process of determining the internal temperature control unit to be preferentially stopped based on the electrical load of the internal temperature control unit that is equal to or less than the load of the internal temperature control unit. If such a determination process is selected from a plurality of determination processes, the electric load of the vending machine main body can be surely made smaller than the first load.

  In the vending machine according to the one aspect, preferably, the control unit is configured to determine at least one of a season, a time zone, or an outside air temperature and a sales of a product among the plurality of determination processes. It is configured to select and execute a process for determining the internal temperature adjustment unit to be stopped preferentially based on the process. If such a determination process is selected from a plurality of determination processes, the heating control of the product storage or the control of the product storage based on at least one index (reference) of the season, the time zone, or the outside air temperature is performed. The necessity of the cooling control is determined, and the temperature control of the merchandise storage of the worst-selling merchandise among the merchandise storages in which the control determined to be relatively low in necessity is performed can be stopped. As a result, it is possible to continue the temperature control of the product storage for products that are relatively in demand for the user, and thus it is possible to store products that are in relatively high demand for the user at an appropriate temperature.

  In the vending machine according to the above one aspect, preferably, the control unit preferentially sets, as one of the plurality of determination processes, the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit of the product storage having the largest estimated stock quantity of the product. It is configured to select and perform a process to be determined by the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit to be temporarily stopped. Here, the commodity storage with a small inventory quantity has a relatively large rate of change in the internal temperature. Therefore, by selecting the determination process of preferentially stopping the internal temperature adjustment unit of the product storage having the largest estimated stock quantity of the product, the temperature control of the product storage having a small change rate of the internal temperature can be performed. Since the temperature can be stopped and the temperature control of the product storage having a large rate of change in the internal temperature (the product storage having a small stock quantity) can be continued, it is possible to maintain the product storage at an appropriate temperature. it can.

  In the vending machine according to the above aspect, preferably, the control unit may perform, as one of the plurality of determination processes, an internal temperature adjustment unit of a product storage having the largest number of types of sold-out products. Is selected and performed by the internal temperature adjustment unit that is to be stopped preferentially. If such a determination process is selected from among a plurality of determination processes, the temperature control of the product storage with a large number of types of sold-out products and few opportunities for sale can be stopped, and the types of sold-out products can be stopped. , The temperature control of the product storage in which the sales opportunity is left with a relatively small number can be continued. As a result, the temperature control of the commodity storage, which is relatively in demand for the user, can be continued, so that the commodity, in which the user has a relatively high demand, can be stored at an appropriate temperature.

  According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to maintain the product at an appropriate temperature by accurately (appropriately) determining the temperature control unit in the product storage to be stopped.

It is a perspective view showing the whole vending machine composition by one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow A of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow B of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow C of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow D of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow E of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow F of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow G of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination process flow H of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow I of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which showed the determination processing flow J of the control part regarding the determination of the stop priority of the internal temperature control part by one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment]
First, a configuration of a vending machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Overall configuration of vending machine)
As shown in FIG. 1, a vending machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that sells a product 105 such as a canned beverage (a PET bottle beverage) by cooling or heating the vending machine 105. A door 2, an inner door 3, a partition member 4, a product storage 5, a refrigerant circuit device 6, a machine room 7 for storing the refrigerant circuit device 6, and a control unit 8 are provided. The product storage 5 includes a right storage 5a disposed on the X1 side, a middle storage 5b disposed in the center, and a left storage 5c disposed on the X2 side. The right storage 5a and the middle storage 5b are storages exclusively for heating, and the left storage 5c is configured as a storage only for cooling. The right storage 5a, the middle storage 5b, and the left storage 5c are partitioned from each other by a partitioning member 5d having heat insulation. Further, the main body cabinet 1 is vertically separated (in the direction of the arrow Z) by the partition member 4, so that the upper (Z1 side) product storage 5 and the lower (Z2 side) machine room 7 are partitioned from each other. I have. The product storage 5 is an example of “a plurality of product storages” in the claims.

  The vending machine 100 has a product take-out port 2a for taking out the product 105 and a carry-out shooter 9 for guiding the product 105 to the product take-out port 2a. Thereby, in the goods storage 5, the horizontally placed goods 105 are stored in a state of being stacked from the lower part (Z2 side) to the upper part (Z1 side), and the goods 105 on the lower layer side are sequentially passed through the unloading shooter 9 via the unloading shooter 9. To the product outlet 2a. Further, the unloading shooter 9 is provided with a plurality of through holes (not shown) through which cooling air or heated air flows along the thickness direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, each of the right storage 5a, the middle storage 5b, and the left storage 5c is provided with a storage temperature sensor 15a to 15c. Each of the right storage 5a, the middle storage 5b, and the left storage 5c is provided with a weight sensor 25a to 25c. An outside air temperature sensor 10 for detecting an ambient temperature is provided near the opening 7a (see FIG. 1) on the front side (Y1 side) of the machine room 7 (see FIG. 1) (back side of the outer door 2). Have been.

  The vending machine 100 is provided with a ROM 8a and a RAM 8b in addition to the control unit 8 including a CPU. The ROM 8a stores a control program executed by the control unit 8, a table (not shown) in which the operating frequency of a compressor (not shown) is specified, and the like. Further, the RAM 8b temporarily stores control parameters used when the control program is executed, detected values of the outside air temperature (temporary change data), and the like. The control unit 8 performs a predetermined determination based on input signals from the internal temperature sensors 15a to 15c, and based on the determination result, controls the temperature of each of the right warehouse 5a, the middle warehouse 5b, and the left warehouse 5c. It is configured to perform. Specifically, the control unit 8 controls the refrigerant circuit device 6 or an electric heater (not shown) for heating, and thereby controls each of the right store 5a, the middle store 5b, and the left store 5c. Temperature control is being performed.

  The product storage 5 is provided with a temperature control unit 35 for adjusting the temperature of the product storage 5. The in-compartment temperature adjustment section 35 includes a right-compartment heating section 35a (for example, a heater), a middle-compartment heating section 35b (for example, a heater), and a left-compartment cooling section 35c (for example, a refrigeration cycle including an evaporator or the like). including. The right warehouse 5a is provided with a right warehouse heating unit 35a for heating the product 105 (see FIG. 1) in the right warehouse 5a. Further, the middle storage 5b is provided with a middle storage heating unit 35b for heating the product 105 in the middle storage 5b. The left storage 5c is provided with a left storage cooling unit 35c that cools the product 105 in the left storage 5c. The internal temperature adjusting unit 35 is an example of “a plurality of internal temperature adjusting units” in the claims.

  Here, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 8 determines that the electric load of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A by operating the internal temperature adjusting unit 35, the right indoor heating unit 35a, It is configured to determine which of the middle storage heating unit 35b and the left storage cooling unit 35c is to be stopped with priority based on one of a plurality of determination processes. Specifically, the control unit 8 selects one of the determination processes A to J to be described later, and, based on the selected determination process, the right storage heating unit 35a, the middle storage heating unit 35b, Alternatively, control is performed so as to stop at least one of the left warehouse cooling units 35c. 15A and the determination processes A to J are respectively examples of the “first load” and the “plurality of determination processes” in the claims.

  In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 is configured to select any one of the plurality of determination processes A to J according to the operation state of the vending machine 100 main body. More specifically, the control unit 8 determines a later-described determination stored in the ROM 8a based on the operation state of the vending machine 100 main body (for example, the ambient temperature of the vending machine 100) based on data or the like in the RAM 8b. Control is performed so as to select the most optimal determination process from among the processes A to J.

  The priority when selecting the determination processes A to J is set higher in the order of the determination processes A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, and J. For example, when the control unit 8 determines that the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 to be stopped in the determination process A cannot be accurately determined, the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 to be stopped in the determination process B is accurately determined. It is configured to determine whether it can be determined. Also, the determination processes B to J are configured to be similarly determined by the control unit 8.

(Determination processing A)
First, in the present embodiment, as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J, the control unit 8 sets the inside temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 having the smallest difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the inside temperature. Is determined and selected as the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 that is to be stopped preferentially. The thermo-OFF temperature indicates a temperature at which heating or cooling of the product storage 5 is stopped when the temperature in the refrigerator reaches this temperature. The thermo-OFF temperature is an example of the “operation stop temperature” in the claims. Hereinafter, the determination processes A to J will be described.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in step S1, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. If it is determined in step S1 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, then in step S2, based on a command from the control unit 8, the product storage having the smallest difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the internal temperature. 5 (see FIG. 1) is controlled to stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35. For example, the inside temperature and the thermo OFF temperature of the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) based on the detection result of the inside temperature sensor 15a (see FIG. 2) are 45 ° C. and 50 ° C., respectively, and the inside temperature sensor 15b (see FIG. 2). 2) is 47 ° C. and 50 ° C., respectively, based on the detection result of the inner storage 5b (see FIG. 2) based on the detection result of the internal storage 5b (see FIG. 2). It is assumed that the temperature inside the refrigerator 5c (see FIG. 2) and the thermo-OFF temperature are 12 ° C. and 10 ° C., respectively. In this case, control is performed such that the left-storage cooling unit 35c (see FIG. 2) of the left-storage 5c having the smallest difference between the inside temperature and the thermo-OFF temperature (2 ° C.) is stopped.

(Judgment process B)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J, a product storage having the smallest change rate of the in-chamber temperature for the latest five minutes from the current time. It is configured to select and perform processing to determine the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) of the internal storage 5 (see FIG. 1) as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. Note that five minutes is an example of the “predetermined time” in the claims.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, in step S11, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. If it is determined in step S11 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, in step S12, based on a command from the control unit 8, the rate of change of the in-compartment temperature for the latest 5 minutes from the current time is the highest. Control is performed so as to stop the inside temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) of the small product storage 5. For example, in the latest 5 minutes from the current time, the internal temperature of the right storage 5a (see FIG. 2) increases from 45 ° C. to 47 ° C., and the internal temperature of the middle storage 5b (see FIG. 2) changes from 47 ° C. to 50 ° C. C., and the inside temperature of the left storage 5c (see FIG. 2) drops from 14C to 10C. In this case, the right warehouse heating unit 35a of the right warehouse 5a in which the rate of change of the inside temperature is the smallest (2 ° C./5 minutes) is stopped.

(Judgment process C)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) performs, as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J, based on both the outside air temperature and the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the inside temperature. Thus, the processing for determining the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) to be stopped with priority is selected and performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, in step S21, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. If it is determined in step S21 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, in step S22, it is determined whether or not the outside air temperature based on the detection result of the outside air temperature sensor 10 (see FIG. 2) is 10 ° C. or less. It is determined by the control unit 8. If it is determined in step S22 that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than 10 ° C., in step S23, it is determined whether the internal temperature of each of the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) and the middle warehouse 5b (see FIG. 2) is 50 ° C. or higher. The control unit 8 determines whether or not it is not. If it is determined in step S23 that the inside temperature of each of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b is equal to or higher than 50 ° C., in step S24, whether the inside temperature of the left warehouse 5c (see FIG. 2) is equal to or lower than 15 ° C. The control unit 8 determines whether or not it is not. If it is determined in step S24 that the inside temperature of the left warehouse 5c is higher than 15 ° C., the thermo OFF temperature and the inside of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b are determined in step S25 based on the command of the control unit 8. Control is performed so as to stop the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 having a small difference from the temperature.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the outside air temperature is higher than 10 ° C., the controller 8 determines in step S26 whether the internal temperature of the left storage 5c is equal to or lower than 15 ° C. If it is determined in step S26 that the inside temperature of the left warehouse 5c is equal to or lower than 15 ° C., in step S27, it is determined whether or not the inside temperature of each of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b is 45 ° C. or higher. 8. If it is determined in step S27 that the inside temperature of at least one of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b is lower than 45 ° C., the process proceeds to step S28, where the left warehouse 5c is Control is performed to stop the left warehouse cooling unit 35c. In addition, in step S23, when it is determined that the inside temperature of at least one of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b is less than 50 ° C., and in step S24, the inside temperature of the left warehouse 5c is When it is determined that the temperature is 15 ° C. or less, the process proceeds to step S28. Also, in step S26, when it is determined that the inside temperature of the left warehouse 5c is higher than 15 ° C, and in step S27, it is determined that the inside temperature of each of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse 5b is 45 ° C or higher. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S25. Note that 10 ° C., 15 ° C., 45 ° C., and 50 ° C. are merely examples, and different temperature references may be provided.

(Determination processing D)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) performs, as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J, based on both the season and the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the internal temperature. The processing for determining the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 (see FIG. 2) to be stopped preferentially is selected and performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in step S31, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. When it is determined in step S31 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the current season is summer in step S32. If it is determined in step S32 that the current season is the summer season, then in step S33, based on a command from the control unit 8, the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) or the middle warehouse 5b (see FIG. 2) Control is performed such that the inside temperature adjusting unit 35 of the product storage 5 (see FIG. 1) in which the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the inside temperature is small is stopped. If it is determined in step S32 that the current season is not summer, the controller 8 determines in step S34 whether the current season is winter. If it is determined that the current season is winter, control is performed in step S35 to stop the left storage cooling unit 35c (see FIG. 2) of the left storage 5c (see FIG. 2) based on a command from the control unit 8. Is performed. In step S34, when it is determined that the current season is not winter but an intermediate season such as spring or autumn, the right store 5a, the middle store 5b, or the left store 5 is determined in step S36 based on a command from the control unit 8. Among the refrigerators 5c, control is performed so as to stop the refrigerator temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 where the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the refrigerator temperature is the smallest.

  The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) is configured to determine March to May as spring, June to August as summer, September to November as autumn, and December to February as winter. ing. Note that the above seasonal determination method is an example, and a different determination method may be set.

(Determination processing E)
In the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) stops the electric load of the main body of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) by stopping it as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J. Based on the electrical load of the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) that is equal to or less than 13 A, the process of determining the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be preferentially stopped is selected and performed. 13A is an example of the “second load” in the claims.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, in step S41, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) is increased to 13.5 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). Is determined by the controller 8 (see FIG. 2). If it is determined in step S41 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 13.5 A, in step S42, the total amount of current of the vending machine 100 is reduced to 13 A by stopping the operation based on a command from the control unit 8. Control is performed to stop one or a combination of the internal temperature adjustment units 35 having the smallest electric load among the internal temperature adjustment units 35 that will be described below. For example, assume that the electric load of the right store 5a (see FIG. 2) is 5A, the electric load of the middle store 5b (see FIG. 2) is 6A, and the electric load of the left store 5c (see FIG. 2) is 7A. In this case, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 is 13 A or less regardless of which one of the inside temperature adjusting units 35 is stopped. Is controlled to stop the right warehouse heating unit 35a (see FIG. 2). Further, for example, it is assumed that the electric load of the right store 5a is 2A, the electric load of the middle store 5b is 3A, and the electric load of the left store 5c is 12A. In this case, when the right warehouse heating unit 35a of the right warehouse 5a and the middle warehouse heating unit 35b of the middle warehouse 5b are stopped, the reduced electrical load (5A) becomes the smallest. Based on the command, a control is performed to stop the right storage heating section 35a of the right storage 5a and the middle storage heating section 35b of the middle storage 5b. Note that 13.5A is an example of the “first load” in the claims.

(Judgment process F)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) performs one of the plurality of determination processes A to J based on both the season and the sales of the product 105 (see FIG. 1). The processing for determining the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 (see FIG. 2) to be stopped preferentially is selected and performed.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S51, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. When it is determined in step S51 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, in step S52, the control unit 8 determines whether the current season is spring or summer. When it is determined in step S52 that the current season is spring or summer, in step S53, based on a command from the control unit 8, the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) or the middle warehouse 5b (see FIG. 2). In addition, control is performed to stop the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 of the merchandise storage 5 (see FIG. 1) that is not selling well. If it is determined in step S52 that the current season is not spring or summer, in step S54, the control unit 8 determines whether the current season is winter. If it is determined in step S54 that the current season is winter, in step S55, the left storage cooling unit 35c (see FIG. 2) of the left storage 5c (see FIG. 2) is stopped based on a command from the control unit 8. The control is performed so that If it is determined in step S54 that the current season is not winter but autumn, then in step S56, based on a command from the control unit 8, the right store 5a, the middle store 5b, or the left store 5c is selected. Control is performed so as to stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35 of the poorly sold product storage 5.

(Determination processing G)
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in step S61, by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15A. Is determined by the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2). When it is determined in step S61 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the current day is in daytime in step S62. If it is determined in step S62 that the current day is during the day, in step S63, based on a command from the control unit 8, the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) or the middle warehouse 5b (see FIG. 2) is sold. Control is performed so as to stop the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 of the worse product storage 5 (see FIG. 1). If it is determined in step S62 that the current day is not during the day, then in step S64, the control unit 8 determines whether the current time is during the night. If it is determined in step S64 that the current time is night, in step S65, the left-storage cooling unit 35c (see FIG. 2) of the left-storage 5c (see FIG. 2) is stopped based on a command from the control unit 8. Control is performed. If it is determined in step S64 that the current time is not nighttime, then in step S66, based on a command from the control unit 8, the accommodation of the worst-selling product among the right warehouse 5a, the middle warehouse 5b, or the left warehouse 5c. Control is performed so as to stop the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 of the storage 5.

  Further, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) controls the daytime from 10:00 to 16:00, the evening from 16:00 to 19:00, the evening from 19:00 to 4:00, and the time from 4:00 to 14:00. It is configured to determine morning until 10 am. Note that the method of determining daytime, evening, nighttime, and morning based on the above time is an example, and a different determination method may be set.

(Judgment process H)
Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in step S71, by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2), it is determined whether or not the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15A. Is determined by the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2). When it is determined in step S71 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the outside air temperature is higher than 10 ° C. in step S72. If it is determined in step S72 that the outside air temperature is higher than 10 ° C., in step S73, based on a command from the control unit 8, the right warehouse 5a (see FIG. 2) or the middle warehouse 5b (see FIG. 2) sells. Is controlled so as to stop the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 of the product storage 5 (see FIG. 1), which is worse. If it is determined in step S72 that the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than 10 ° C., in step S74, the left-storage cooling unit 35c (see FIG. 2) of the left-storage 5c (see FIG. 2) is controlled based on a command from the control unit 8. Control to stop is performed. Note that 10 ° C. is an example, and a different temperature reference may be provided.

(Determination processing I)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J, the product storage having the largest inventory quantity of the estimated product 105 (see FIG. 1). 5 (see FIG. 1) is configured to select and perform processing to determine the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped with priority.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, in step S81, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. If it is determined in step S81 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, then in step S82, based on a command from the control unit 8, the commodity storage 5 having the largest estimated inventory quantity (see FIG. 1) The control for stopping the in-compartment temperature adjusting section 35) is performed.

  Further, the weight sensors 25a to 25c (see FIG. 2) are configured to detect the weight of each of the products 105 in the right storage 5a, the middle storage 5b, and the left storage 5c, respectively. The control unit 8 is configured to estimate the respective stock quantities of the right warehouse 5a, the middle warehouse 5b, and the left warehouse 5c based on the weight detected by the weight sensors 25a to 25c.

(Judgment process J)
Further, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) has the largest number of types of sold-out products 105 (see FIG. 1) as one of the plurality of determination processes A to J. It is configured to select and execute processing to determine the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2) of the product storage 5 (see FIG. 1) as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped with priority.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, in step S91, the total current amount of the vending machine 100 (see FIG. 2) exceeds 15 A by operating the in-chamber temperature adjusting unit 35 (see FIG. 2). The control unit 8 (see FIG. 2) determines whether or not this is the case. If it is determined in step S91 that the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A, then in step S92, the type of the sold-out product 105 (see FIG. 1) is the most based on the instruction of the control unit 8. Control is performed so as to control so as to stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35 of the small number of product storages 5 (see FIG. 1).

  The control unit 8 is configured to perform control such that one determination process is selected from the determination processes A to J and executed at each predetermined control cycle (for example, 5 minutes).

  When the minimum value of the difference between the thermo-OFF temperature and the internal temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 10 ° C.), the control unit 8 determines that it is inappropriate to select the determination process A. In addition, a configuration other than the determination process A may be selected.

  When the minimum value of the rate of change of the internal temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 2 ° C./min), the control unit 8 determines that the selection of the determination process B is inappropriate. Alternatively, a configuration other than the determination process B may be selected.

  When the rate of change of the outside air temperature is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 2 ° C./h), the control unit 8 determines that it is inappropriate to select the determination process C or H, and A configuration other than the process C or H may be selected.

  When the determination process D, F, or G is continuously performed a predetermined number of times (for example, five times) or more, the control unit 8 does not select the determination process D, F, or G. It may be configured such that it is determined that it is appropriate and that a process other than the determination process D, F, or G is selected.

  When the total current amount of the vending machine 100 in the combination with the smallest electric load is equal to or less than a predetermined value (for example, 7 A), it is inappropriate to select the determination processing E by the control unit 8. It may be configured such that the determination process E and the process other than the determination process E are selected.

(Effects of the embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the plurality of in-compartment temperature adjustment sections 35 (the right compartment heating section 35a, the middle compartment heating section 35b, and the left compartment cooling section 35c) are operated, and the entire vending machine 100 is operated. When the current amount exceeds 15 A, the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped based on one of a plurality of determination processes (A to J) for determining the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. The control unit 8 is configured to determine. This makes it possible to select the most appropriate determination process from among the plurality of determination processes, and accurately determine the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 corresponding to the product storage 5 to be stopped. As a result, it is possible to reliably stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 that does not require the most temperature control, and thus it is possible to maintain the product 105 at an appropriate temperature.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 selects any one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J) according to the operation state of the vending machine 100 main body. , The vending machine 100. As a result, an optimum determination process according to the operation state of the vending machine 100 is selected from the plurality of determination processes, and the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 corresponding to the product storage 5 whose operation should be stopped is easily determined. can do. This makes it possible to easily stop the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 that does not require the most temperature control.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines the operation of the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit 35 as the thermo-OFF temperature and the in-compartment temperature as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J). The vending machine 100 is configured so as to select and perform processing for determining the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 of the product storage 5 having the smallest difference as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. This makes it possible to easily stop the temperature control of the product storage 5 in which the difference between the inside temperature and the thermo-OFF temperature is the smallest and the temperature control is the least necessary. In contrast to this, the difference between the inside temperature and the thermo-OFF temperature is relatively large, and the temperature control of the product storage 5 where it is relatively necessary to continue the temperature control can be continued. The product storage 5 can be easily maintained at an appropriate temperature.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J), the product storage 5 having the smallest change rate of the internal temperature for the last 5 minutes. The vending machine 100 is configured so as to select and execute a process to determine the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. This makes it possible to easily stop the temperature control of the product storage 5 in which the rate of change in the internal temperature is the smallest and the effect of continuing the temperature control is the smallest. In contrast to this, since the rate of change of the temperature in the refrigerator is relatively large, and the temperature control of the product storage 5 that has a relatively large effect by continuing the temperature control can be continued, the product storage can be continued. The temperature control of the product storage 5 can be performed efficiently because the temperature change of the storage 5 is suppressed from becoming intense.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 performs, as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J), both the outside air temperature and the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the inside temperature. The vending machine 100 is configured to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 to be preferentially stopped based on the. Accordingly, when the outside air temperature is high and the heating control of the product storage 5 is relatively unnecessary, the difference between the inside temperature and the thermo OFF temperature of the right storage 5a or the middle storage 5b is the smallest, and the heating is performed. It is possible to stop the temperature control of the product storage 5 where the necessity of the control is low. Further, when the outside air temperature is low and the cooling control of the product storage 5 is relatively unnecessary, the temperature control of the left storage 5c can be stopped. As a result, the product 105 in the product storage 5 can be further stored at an appropriate temperature.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J), both the season and the difference between the thermo OFF temperature and the internal temperature. The vending machine 100 is configured so as to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 to be preferentially stopped based on the process. Accordingly, in summer when the outside air temperature is relatively high, when the heating control of the product storage 5 becomes relatively unnecessary, the difference between the inside temperature and the thermo OFF temperature of the right storage 5a or the middle storage 5b becomes the smallest. It is possible to stop the temperature control of the product storage 5 which is small and needs the least heating control. Further, in the winter season when the outside air temperature is relatively low, when the cooling control of the product storage 5 becomes relatively unnecessary, the temperature control of the left storage 5c can be stopped. In the middle season such as spring or autumn, the temperature control of the commodity storage 5 having the lowest necessity of temperature control among all the storages of the commodity storage 5 can be stopped. As a result, the product 105 in the product storage 5 can be stored at an appropriate temperature throughout the year. In addition, since it is not necessary to control the inside temperature of the product storage 5 while monitoring the temperature of the product storage 5 as needed, the processing load on the control unit 8 can be reduced.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 stops one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J) so that the electric load of the main body of the vending machine 100 becomes 13 A or less. The vending machine 100 is configured so as to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35 to be preferentially stopped based on the electrical load of the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit 35. Thus, the electric load of the vending machine 100 can be reliably reduced to 15A or less.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines whether at least one of the season, the time zone, or the outside air temperature, among the plurality of determination processes (A to J), The vending machine 100 is configured to select and execute the process of determining the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 to be stopped preferentially based on both the sales and the sales. Thereby, the necessity of the heating control or the cooling control of the commodity storage 5 is determined based on at least one index (standard) of the season, the time zone, or the outside air temperature, and the necessity is relatively high. The temperature control of the merchandise storage 5 of the merchandise 105 having the worst sales among the merchandise storages 5 in which the control determined to be low is performed can be stopped. As a result, the temperature control of the product storage 5 for the product 105 that is relatively in demand for the user can be continued, so that the product 105 that is in relatively high demand for the user can be stored at an appropriate temperature.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J), the storage of the product storage 5 in which the estimated quantity of the product 105 is the largest. The vending machine 100 is configured so that the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 selects and performs a process to be determined by the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. Here, the commodity storage 5 having a small stock quantity has a relatively large change rate of the inside temperature. Therefore, by selecting the determination process for preferentially stopping the internal temperature adjustment unit 35 of the product storage 5 having the largest estimated stock quantity of the product 105, the product storage 5 having a small rate of change in the internal temperature is selected. Can be stopped, and the temperature control of the product storage 5 having a large rate of change in the internal temperature (the product storage 5 with a small stock quantity) can be continued. Temperature can be maintained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, the control unit 8 determines, as one of the plurality of determination processes (A to J), the product storage in which the number of types of the sold-out products 105 is the largest. The vending machine 100 is configured so as to select and execute processing to determine the fifth internal temperature adjusting unit 35 as the internal temperature adjusting unit 35 to be stopped preferentially. This makes it possible to stop the temperature control of the product storage 5 in which the number of types of sold-out products 105 is large and the number of sales opportunities is small, and the number of types of sold-out products 105 is relatively small and sales opportunities remain. The temperature control of the stored product storage 5 can be continued. As a result, the temperature control of the product storage 5 that is relatively in demand for the user can be continued, so that the product 105 that is in relatively high demand for the user can be stored at an appropriate temperature.

[Modification]
It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example is shown in which the weight sensors 25a to 25c are used as a method for estimating the stock quantity, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of times that the product 105 has been put into the product storage 5 and the number of times that the product 105 has been sold are counted, and the stock quantity is estimated based on each value. .

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the determination process is performed when the total current amount of the vending machine 100 exceeds 15 A or 13.5 A has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A current value other than 15 A or 13.5 A may be used as a reference.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the right storage 5a and the middle storage 5b are the product storages 5 for heating and the left storage 5c is the product storage 5 for cooling, but the present invention is not limited to this. Absent. For example, the right storage 5a and the middle storage 5b may be the cooling product storage 5, and the left storage 5c may be the heating product storage 5.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which the product storage 5 is configured by the three product storages 5 of the right storage 5a, the middle storage 5b, and the left storage 5c, but the present invention is not limited thereto. I can't. For example, the product storage 5 may be constituted by a plurality of product storages 5 other than three.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the control unit 8 is configured to preferentially select the determination process A from the determination processes A to J, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, it may be configured to randomly select from the determination processes A to J.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the example in which the heating control uses the electric heater has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which heating by heat pump heating may be performed.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the processing of the control unit 8 has been described using the “flow-driven” flowchart for convenience of description, but the present invention is not limited to this. The processing of the control unit 8 may be performed by an “event driven type” in which the processing is performed in event units. In this case, it may be performed in a completely event-driven manner, or may be performed in a combination of event-driven and flow-driven.

5 Product storage (multiple product storage)
5a Right storage (commodity storage)
5b Middle storage (commodity storage)
5c Left storage (commodity storage)
Reference Signs List 8 control unit 10 outside air temperature sensor 15a to 15c inside temperature sensor 25a to 25c weight sensor 35 inside temperature adjusting unit (a plurality of inside temperature adjusting units)
35a Right warehouse heating unit (inside temperature control unit)
35b Central warehouse heating unit (inside temperature control unit)
35c Left compartment cooling unit (compartment temperature adjustment unit)
100 Vending machines 105 Products

Claims (10)

A plurality of product storages for storing products;
A plurality of internal temperature adjustment units for adjusting the internal temperature of each of the plurality of product storages,
A control unit that controls the priority regarding the stop of the plurality of internal temperature adjustment units,
The control unit operates the plurality of internal temperature adjusting units to determine the internal temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped when the electric load of the vending machine main body exceeds the first load. For determining, based on one of a plurality of determination processes, the in-compartment temperature adjustment unit to be stopped, and as one of the plurality of determination processes, the A vending machine configured to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped based on an electric load of the adjusting unit .   The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to select any one of the plurality of determination processes according to an operation state of the vending machine body.   The control unit may include, as one of the plurality of determination processes, the product in which a difference between an operation stop temperature that is a threshold value of a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjusting unit is stopped and an internal temperature is the smallest. 3. The vending machine according to claim 1, wherein the vending machine according to claim 1, configured to select and perform a process of determining the internal temperature adjusting unit of the storage as the internal temperature adjusting unit to be stopped preferentially.   The control unit, as one of the plurality of determination processes, preferentially stops the in-chamber temperature adjustment unit of the product storage in which the change rate of the in-chamber temperature in a predetermined time is the smallest. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and execute a process determined as an internal temperature adjusting unit.   The control unit may include, as one of the plurality of determination processes, an outside air temperature, a difference between an operation stop temperature that is a threshold value of a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjustment unit is stopped and an internal temperature. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped based on both.   The control unit may determine, as one of the plurality of determination processes, a season and a difference between an operation stop temperature, which is a threshold value of a temperature at which the operation of the internal temperature adjusting unit is stopped, and a difference between the internal temperature and the internal temperature. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and execute a process of determining the in-compartment temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped based on both.   As one of the plurality of determination processes, the control unit may stop the vending machine main body so that an electrical load of the vending machine main body becomes equal to or less than a second load smaller than the first load. The automatic processing according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a process for determining the internal temperature adjusting unit to be preferentially stopped based on an electric load of the unit is selected and performed. Vending machine.   The control unit, based on at least one of a season, a time zone, or an outside air temperature and the sales of the product, among the plurality of determination processes, preferentially stops the storage. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and perform a process of determining an internal temperature adjustment unit.   The control unit, as one of the plurality of determination processes, the internal temperature that preferentially stops the internal temperature adjustment unit of the product storage with the estimated inventory quantity of the product being the largest. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and execute a process determined as an adjustment unit.   The control unit, as one of the plurality of determination processes, preferentially stops the in-chamber temperature adjustment unit of the product storage having the largest number of sold-out product types. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the vending machine is configured to select and perform a process to be determined as a refrigerator temperature adjusting unit.

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