JPH03253996A - Fluorescent lamp service life discriminating device for automatic vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To find the end of a service life in an early stage to properly decide the replacement time by reading the luminous intensity of a fluorescent lamp by a photodecting sensor and comparing it with the luminous intensity for the end of the service life. CONSTITUTION:A CPU 3 reads the time based on the signal from a clock IC 6; and when the read time is in the lighting period of a fluorescent lamp 1, the CPU 3 reads in the data of a photodetecting sensor 2. The CPU 3 compares read data with a set value for the end of the service life, and a light emitting diode 4 is lit when read data is smaller than the set value, but the diode 4 is extinguished when read data is larger. When the read time is not in the lighting period of the fluorescent lamp 1. That is, when the fluorescent lamp 1 is extinguished, the light emitting diode 4 is kept lit to continuously indicate the end of the service lift. Thus, the end of the service life is easily discriminated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a fluorescent lamp life determination device for a vending machine that detects and displays the lifespan of a fluorescent lamp that produces a display effect in a vending machine.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, the quality of fluorescent lights in this type of vending machine has been inspected by testing whether they turn on when collecting sales or replenishing sales items.

In addition, the service life of the vending machine was determined based on the experience of the vending machine manager based on the operating time from the time the vending machine was installed.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] However, many fluorescent lights are turned off during the day, so inspection must be performed when the lights are on, such as at night.Also, even when the lights are on, it is difficult to measure them due to the effects of sunlight. There was a problem that this could not be done and it took a lot of time and effort.

Furthermore, there is a problem in that it is extremely difficult to determine when it is time for replacement based on experience.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp life determination device for a vending machine that can eliminate the above-mentioned problems and easily determine the lifespan.

[Means for Solving the Problems] As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention includes a luminous intensity detection means for detecting the luminous intensity of a fluorescent lamp, and a luminous intensity setting value at the end of its life by reading the signal of this detection means. It is provided with a discrimination control means for outputting a display signal when it is determined that the life span has reached the end of the comparison, a storage means for storing this display signal, and a display means for displaying based on this storage means.

[Operation] According to the present invention, the CPU ticks time and reads the time based on the signal from the clock IC. Next, if the read time is within the lighting time of the fluorescent lamp, the CPU reads the data of the light detection sensor.

Next, the read data is compared with a set value that is considered to be the end of life, and if the read data is smaller than the set value, the light emitting diode is turned on. If the read data is larger than the set value, the light emitting diode is turned off.

When it is not within the lighting time of the fluorescent lamp, that is, when the fluorescent lamp is turned off, the light emitting diode remains lit to continuously indicate that its life has come to an end.

[Example] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the invention.

In the figure, numeral numeral 1 is a fluorescent light installed in the front of the vending machine, 2 is a light detection sensor such as a CDS, 3 is a calculation,
A CPU performs comparison and discrimination, 4 is a light emitting diode that emits light, 5 is a RAM that stores data, and 6 is a clock IC.

The operation of the apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be explained below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In such a configuration, the luminous intensity data that is considered to be the end of the life of the fluorescent lamp is set using an input device (not shown).

Also, in the RAM 5, a bit indicating lighting of the light emitting diode is cleared.

First, in step 1, the CPU ticks the time based on the signal from the clock IC and reads the time. Next, in step 2, it is confirmed whether the read time is within the lighting time of the fluorescent lamp, and if it is within the lighting time of the fluorescent lamp, the CPU 3 reads the data of the light detection sensor 2 in step 3.

Next, in step 4, the read data is compared with the above set value, which is considered as the lifespan. If the read data is smaller than the set value, in step 5, the light emitting diode lighting bit in RAM 5 is set to 1, and in step 6, the light emitting diode lighting bit is set to 1. Light up the diode.

If the data read in step 4 is larger than the set value, the light emitting diode lighting bit in the RAM 5 is set to 0 in step 7, and the light emitting diode is turned off.

If it is determined in step 2 that the fluorescent lamp lighting time is not within, that is, the light is off, then in step 9 it is determined whether or not the light emitting diode lighting bit in RAM 5 is set, and if it is set, the process proceeds to step 6 and the light emitting diode is turned on. Leave it as it is and display that it has reached the end of its lifespan.

If the light emitting diode lighting bit is not set in step 9, the process returns to step 1.

[Effects of the Invention] According to this invention, the light intensity of the fluorescent lamp is read using a light detection sensor and compared with the luminous intensity at the end of its lifespan, which makes it possible to detect the end of its lifespan early and make it easier to determine when it is time to replace it. This makes it possible to sell products without causing any hindrance to vending machine users.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a claim correspondence diagram of the invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a program of the invention. 1... Fluorescent lamp, 2... Light detection sensor, 3... CP
U, 4...Light emitting diode, 5...RAM, 6...
・Clock IC. Figure 1

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1) A light intensity detection means for detecting the light intensity of the fluorescent lamp, and a signal from this detection means is read and compared with a light intensity setting value at the end of its life. When it is determined that the life has come to an end, a display signal is displayed What is claimed is: 1. A fluorescent lamp life determination device for a vending machine, comprising: a determination control means for outputting a signal; a storage means for storing the display signal; and a display means for displaying the display signal based on the storage means.