JP7211141B2 - vending machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to vending machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a vending machine, it is common that a product storage box for storing products is provided inside a main body cabinet, which is a heat insulating housing. Such vending machines are provided with cooling means, such as a refrigerator, for cooling the products stored in the product storage compartment, and heating means, such as a heater, for heating the products ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-150673 A

By the way, in the above-described vending machine, when the target temperature of the commodity storage is set to 20° C., the on/off temperatures of the cooling means and the heating means are set so that the internal temperature of the vending machine approximates the target temperature. That is, the cooling means operates when the internal temperature is 22° C. or higher, and stops when the internal temperature is 18° C. or lower, for example, so that the cooling-on temperature is 22° C. and the cooling-off temperature is 22° C. Set to 18°C. In addition, the heating means is driven when the internal temperature is 18° C. or lower, for example, and is stopped when the internal temperature is 22° C. or higher, for example, so that the heating-on temperature is 18° C. and the heating-off temperature is 22° C. °C.

According to this, even if the ambient temperature (for example, the outside air temperature) is separated from the target temperature, such as 30° C. or 10° C., it is possible to approximate the internal temperature of the commodity storage to the target temperature.

However, if the on/off temperatures of the cooling means and the heating means are set to, for example, a target temperature of ±2° C., driving of the cooling means and driving of the heating means are not performed when the ambient temperature is separated from the target temperature. Sometimes they alternated.

That is, when the internal temperature is 22° C. or higher, the cooling means is driven, and when the internal temperature is 18° C. or lower, the cooling means is stopped and the heating means is driven, and the internal temperature is 22° C. C. or higher, the heating means is stopped and the cooling means is repeatedly driven.

If the driving of the cooling means and the driving of the heating means are alternately repeated in this manner, power consumption will increase as a result, which is not preferable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a vending machine capable of adjusting the temperature of commodities to a target temperature without being affected by the ambient temperature and capable of reducing power consumption. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the vending machine according to the present invention is driven when the internal temperature of a product storage container for storing products is equal to or higher than the cooling-on temperature. and a cooling means that stops driving when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature lower than the heating-on temperature, and operates when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, and is equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature higher than the heating-on temperature. and a heating means that stops driving when the target temperature of the commodity storage is higher than the ambient temperature, the target temperature is in the range of the heating on temperature or higher and the heating off temperature or lower. while shifting the cooling on temperature and the cooling off temperature in such a manner that the cooling off temperature is higher than the heating off temperature, while if the target temperature is below the ambient temperature, the target temperature is reduced to the cooling A controller is provided for shifting the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature in such a manner that the heating-off temperature is lower than the cooling-off temperature while being included in a range between the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-on temperature. do.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, when the target temperature exceeds the ambient temperature, the control unit sets the cooling-off temperature and the cooling-on temperature to the heating-off temperature and the heating-on temperature, respectively. The shift is performed in such a manner that only the temperature difference is added.

Further, in the vending machine according to the present invention, when the target temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, the controller adjusts the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature to the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature, respectively. The shift is performed in such a manner that only the temperature difference is subtracted.

According to the present invention, the cooling means is driven when the internal temperature of the commodity storage housing the commodity is equal to or higher than the cooling-on temperature, and is stopped when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature, The heating means is driven when the inside temperature is below the heating on temperature, and stopped when the inside temperature is above the heating off temperature. temperature can be maintained. Moreover, when the target temperature exceeds the ambient temperature, the control unit controls the cooling-on temperature and While shifting the cooling-off temperature, when the target temperature is below the ambient temperature, the target temperature is included in the range of the cooling-off temperature to the cooling-on temperature, and the heating-off temperature is lower than the cooling-off temperature. Since the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature are shifted, it is possible to avoid repeating the driving of the cooling means and the driving of the heating means alternately. Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily adjust the product to the target temperature without being affected by the ambient temperature, and to reduce power consumption.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of a vending machine that is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a characteristic control system of the vending machine that is the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing details of a temperature setting process performed by the control unit shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a chart showing changes in the internal temperature when the ambient temperature is 10°C. FIG. 5 is a chart showing changes in the internal temperature when the ambient temperature is 10°C. FIG. 6 is a chart showing changes in the internal temperature when the ambient temperature is 30°C.

Preferred embodiments of a vending machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of a vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 schematically shows a characteristic control system of the vending machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a block diagram shown in FIG. The vending machine illustrated here includes a main body cabinet 1 , an internal temperature sensor 31 , an ambient temperature sensor 32 and a control section 40 .

The main body cabinet 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with an open front surface. The body cabinet 1 is provided therein with a commodity storage box 3 having a heat-insulating structure. The commodity storage 3 is for storing commodities such as beverages put in containers such as cans and PET bottles while maintaining a desired temperature.

An outer door 4 and an inner door 5 are provided on the front surface of the main body cabinet 1 . The outer door 4 is for opening and closing the front opening of the main body cabinet 1 , and the inner door 5 is for opening and closing the front of the commodity storage 3 . The inner door 5 is divided into upper and lower parts, and the upper door 5a is opened and closed when goods are replenished.

The commodity storage box 3 is provided with a commodity storage rack 6 , a carry-out mechanism 7 and a chute 8 . The product storage rack 6 is for storing products in a manner lined up in the vertical direction. The carry-out mechanism 7 is provided below the product storage rack 6 and is for carrying out the products at the bottom of the product group stored in the product storage rack 6 one by one. The chute 8 guides the product carried out from the carry-out mechanism 7 to the product outlet 4 a provided in the outer door 4 .

An evaporator 24 and a heater 9 are arranged below the chute 8 . The evaporator 24 is arranged on the front side of the rear duct 10, and is sequentially connected to the compressor 21, the condenser 22, and the expansion mechanism 23 installed in the machine room 2 through a refrigerant pipe line 25 to form a refrigeration cycle (cooling means). ). The compressor 21 is driven according to a command given from the control unit 40. When driven, the compressor 21 sucks refrigerant through a suction port, compresses the sucked refrigerant, and converts it into a high-temperature and high-pressure state (high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant). is ejected from the ejection port. The condenser 22 condenses the passing refrigerant. More specifically, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21, discharged from the discharge port and delivered through the refrigerant pipe 25 is condensed by exchanging heat with the surrounding air. The expansion mechanism 23 decompresses and adiabatically expands the refrigerant passing therethrough.

By circulating the refrigerant in these refrigerating cycles, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 21 is condensed by the condenser 22 , then adiabatically expanded by the expansion mechanism 23 and passes through the evaporator 24 . When the refrigerant passes through the evaporator 24, it exchanges heat with the internal air of the product storage 3 in which the evaporator 24 is arranged, and evaporates itself to cool the internal air. The evaporated refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 21 .

The cooled internal air is driven by the internal ventilation fan 11 to move inside the commodity storage 3, whereby the commodities stored in the commodity storage racks 6 of the commodity storage 3 are cooled to a desired temperature. become.

The heater 9 is arranged on the front side of the evaporator 24 . The heater 9 is driven according to a command given from the control unit 40, and is heating means for heating the surrounding air by being energized when driven.

The air heated by the heater 9 is driven by the internal blower fan 11 to move inside the commodity storage 3, thereby heating the commodities stored in the commodity storage racks 6 of the commodity storage 3 to a desired temperature. will be

The internal temperature sensor 31 is provided inside the product storage 3 to detect the internal temperature of the product storage 3 and output the detection result to the control unit 40 .

The ambient temperature sensor 32 is provided outside the main body cabinet 1 , detects the ambient temperature of the vending machine, and outputs the detection result to the control section 40 .

The control unit 40 comprehensively controls the temperature management of the vending machine according to the programs and data stored in the memory 41 . The control unit 40 may be incorporated in a main control unit (not shown) that controls basic operations of the vending machine, or may be provided independently of the main control unit. The control unit 40 includes an input processing unit 40a, a setting processing unit 40b and an output processing unit 40c.

It should be noted that the control unit 40 may be implemented by software, for example, by causing a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a program, or may be implemented by hardware such as an IC (Integrated Circuit). Alternatively, software and hardware may be used together.

The input processing unit 40 a receives detection results from the internal temperature sensor 31 and the ambient temperature sensor 32 . The input processing section 40a receives an input signal from an input section 33 such as a controller.

The setting processing unit 40 b sets the target temperature (for example, 20° C.) of the commodity storage 3 input from the input unit 33 through the input processing unit 40 a and stores it in the memory 41 . The setting processing unit 40 b also sets the cooling-on temperature, the cooling-off temperature, and the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature from the set target temperature, and stores them in the memory 41 . Here, the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature are, for example, the target temperature ±2°C, the cooling-on temperature is 22°C, and the cooling-off temperature is 18°C. The heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature are, for example, the target temperature ±2°C, the heating-on temperature being 18°C, and the heating-off temperature being 22°C.

Further, the setting processing unit 40b compares the ambient temperature input from the ambient temperature sensor 32 through the input processing unit 40a with the target temperature, performs temperature setting processing described later, shifts the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature, Alternatively, the heating on temperature and the heating off temperature are shifted.

The output processing unit 40c gives a drive command and a drive stop command to the compressor 21 and the heater 9, respectively. It is to make it energized.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing details of the temperature setting process performed by the control unit 40 shown in FIG. The operation of the vending machine according to the present embodiment will be explained while explaining the contents of such processing.

In the temperature setting process, the control unit 40 waits for input of the ambient temperature from the ambient temperature sensor 32 through the input processing unit 40a (step S101). The target temperature is read from the memory 41 through the processing section 40b (step S102).

After reading the target temperature, the control unit 40 compares the target temperature with the ambient temperature through the setting processing unit 40b (steps S103 and S104). If the target temperature exceeds the ambient temperature (step S103: Yes), the control unit 40 sets the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature through the setting processing unit 40b to the temperature difference (for example, 4° C.) between the heating-off temperature and the heating-on temperature. ) is added (step S105). That is, the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature are shifted such that the cooling-off temperature is higher than the heating-off temperature while the target temperature is within the range of the heating-on temperature or more and the heating-off temperature or less. Specifically, the cooling-on temperature is shifted to 26°C, and the cooling-off temperature is shifted to 22°C. After shifting the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature in this way, the control unit 40 returns the procedure to end the current processing.

On the other hand, if the target temperature is lower than the ambient temperature (step S103: No, step S104: Yes), the control unit 40 changes the heating on temperature and the heating off temperature through the setting processing unit 40b to the cooling on temperature and the cooling off temperature, respectively. (step S106). That is, the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature are shifted in such a manner that the heating-off temperature is lower than the cooling-off temperature while the target temperature is included in the range of the cooling-off temperature to the cooling-on temperature. Specifically, the heating-on temperature is shifted to 14°C, and the heating-off temperature is shifted to 18°C. After shifting the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature in this manner, the control unit 40 returns the procedure to end the current processing.

On the other hand, if the target temperature matches the ambient temperature (step S103: No, step S104: No), the control unit 40 returns the procedure without executing the above-described processing, and terminates the current processing.

After performing the temperature setting process in this way, the control unit 40 can maintain the products stored in the product storage box 3 at the target temperature as follows.

For example, when the ambient temperature is 10° C. and the target temperature (20° C.) exceeds the ambient temperature, as shown in FIG. causes the heater 9 to be energized through the output processing unit 40c. Then, at time t2 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature (22° C.), the control unit 40 causes the heater 9 to be in a non-energized state through the output processing unit 40c. After that, at time t3 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, the controller 40 turns on the heater 9, and at time t4 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature, the controller 40 turns off the heater 9. At time t5 when the temperature inside the refrigerator is equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, the controller 40 switches the heater 9 to an energized state. 9 is de-energized. In this way, the heater 9 is driven at times t1-t2, t3-t4, and t5-t6, and by repeating this, the products stored in the product storage 3 are maintained at the target temperature (20° C.). can do.

By the way, even if the ambient temperature is 10° C. and the target temperature exceeds the ambient temperature, as shown in FIG. At time u1 when the temperature reaches the cooling-on temperature (26° C.) or higher, the control unit 40 drives the compressor 21 through the output processing unit 40c. Then, at time u2 when the temperature inside the cold storage becomes equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature (22° C.), the control unit 40 causes the compressor 21 to stop driving through the output processing unit 40c. After that, at time u3 when the inside temperature becomes equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, the control unit 40 energizes the heater 9, and at time u4 when the inside temperature becomes equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature, the control unit 40 turns off the heater 9. At a time point u5 when the energized state is activated and the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, the control unit 40 energizes the heater 9, and at a time point u6 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature 9 is de-energized, and at time u7 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, the control unit 40 energizes the heater 9, and at time u8 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature, the controller 40 makes the heater 9 non-energized. Thus, the cooling means (compressor 21) is driven at time points u1 to u2, the heater 9 is driven at time points u3 to u4, time points u5 to u6, and time points u7 to u8, and thereafter the heater 9 is driven and driven. By repeating the stop, the products stored in the product storage 3 can be maintained at the target temperature (20°C).

Next, for example, when the ambient temperature is 30° C. and the target temperature (20° C.) is lower than the ambient temperature, as shown in FIG. The control unit 40 drives the compressor 21 through the output processing unit 40c. As a result, the air is cooled by the evaporator 24, and the air cooled by the drive of the inside air blowing fan 11 circulates in the commodity storage 3, and the temperature inside the store can be lowered. Then, at time point v2 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature (18° C.), the control unit 40 causes the compressor 21 to stop driving through the output processing unit 40c. After that, at time v3 when the inside temperature reaches the cooling-on temperature or higher, the control unit 40 drives the compressor 21. at time point v5 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or higher than the cooling-on temperature, the control unit 40 drives the compressor 21, and at time point v6 when the temperature inside the refrigerator becomes equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature, the control unit 40 , the compressor 21 is deactivated. In this way, the compressor 21 is driven at time points v1-v2, time points v3-v4, and time points v5-v6. can be maintained.

As described above, according to the vending machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the controller 40 drives the compressor 21 when the inside temperature is equal to or higher than the cooling-on temperature. The compressor 21 is stopped when the temperature is below the cooling-off temperature, the heater 9 is driven when the inside temperature is below the heating-on temperature, and the heater is when the inside temperature is above the heating-off temperature. 9 is deactivated, the products in the product storage 3 can be maintained at the target temperature regardless of the ambient temperature. Moreover, when the target temperature of the commodity storage 3 exceeds the ambient temperature, the control unit 40 determines that the cooling-off temperature is higher than the heating-off temperature while the target temperature is within the range of the heating-on temperature or more and the heating-off temperature or less. While shifting the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature in a manner, when the target temperature is below the ambient temperature, the heating-off temperature is reduced while the target temperature is included in the range between the cooling-off temperature and the cooling-on temperature. Since the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature are shifted so as to be lower than the temperature, it is possible to prevent the compressor 21 from being driven and the heater 9 to be driven alternately. Therefore, it is possible to favorably adjust the product to the target temperature without being affected by the ambient temperature, and to reduce power consumption.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made.

In the above-described embodiment, the heater 9 is used to heat the internal air of the product storage 3, but the present invention is not limited to the heating by the heater, and the condenser for condensing the refrigerant compressed by the compressor. inside the corresponding commodity storage, the internal air may be heated. That is, heat pump operation may be applied.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 main body cabinet 3 product storage 6 product storage rack 9 heater 21 compressor 22 condenser 23 expansion mechanism 24 evaporator 31 internal temperature sensor 32 ambient temperature sensor 40 control unit 40a input processing unit 40b setting processing unit 40c output processing unit 41 memory

Claims (3)

a cooling means that is driven when the internal temperature of the commodity storage housing the commodity is equal to or higher than the cooling-on temperature, and stops driving when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the cooling-off temperature, which is lower than the cooling-on temperature; ,
a heating means that is driven when the internal temperature is equal to or lower than the heating-on temperature, and is stopped when the internal temperature is equal to or higher than the heating-off temperature, which is higher than the heating-on temperature. hand,
When the target temperature of the commodity storage is higher than the ambient temperature, the cooling-off temperature is higher than the heating-off temperature while the target temperature is within the range of the heating-on temperature or more and the heating-off temperature or less. While shifting the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature, if the target temperature is below the ambient temperature, the target temperature is included in the range of the cooling-off temperature or more and the cooling-on temperature or less, and the heating-off temperature is A vending machine, comprising: a controller for shifting the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature so as to be lower than the cooling-off temperature. When the target temperature exceeds the ambient temperature, the control unit shifts the cooling-off temperature and the cooling-on temperature by adding a temperature difference between the heating-off temperature and the heating-on temperature. A vending machine as claimed in Claim 1. When the target temperature is lower than the ambient temperature, the control unit shifts the heating-on temperature and the heating-off temperature by subtracting a temperature difference between the cooling-on temperature and the cooling-off temperature. A vending machine as claimed in Claim 1.

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