JPH0410188A - Automatic ticket vending machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To sale merchandise in a state close to a designated temperature as much as possible by selecting whether circulating flow passes through the respective upper and lower blocks of a housing space or mainly passes through this lower block. CONSTITUTION:Respective dampers 14 and 17 are controlled so as to be synchronously opened/closed. At a position displayed by a real line, the circulating flow of hot or cold air generated by a heater 24 or a cooler 25 and an air blower 26 mainly passes through the lower block, which is separated from a rising duct 7 by a cross board 15, in a housing space 6 and a falling duct 8 (lower area circulation). When the respective dampers 14 and 17 are set at a position displayed by a broken line. The circulation flow passes through the rising duct 7, the entire housing space 6 and the falling duct 8 (whole area circulation). Based on a temperature signal from a temperature sensor 21, the opening/closing operations of the respective dampers 14 and 17 are controlled by a control part 20, and either the full-area circulation or the low-area circulation of the cold air is selected.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

This invention enables the target range of products to be cooled or heated to be adjusted based on external fluctuation factors such as outside air temperature and sales volume per unit time, so that products can be sold at a temperature close to a specified temperature. the entire area or only the part near the outlet, and increase/decrease the heating and cooling capacity.
Regarding vending machines that are designed to streamline operation.

[Conventional technology]

In the conventional example of -g, the following driving method is adopted. For example, canned beverages (hereinafter referred to as products) are stored successively adjacent to a meandering storage path, and are sent downward by gravity and sold from a lower outlet. During storage, the products are cooled or heated by circulating cold or hot air, and the temperature is adjusted to the appropriate temperature for sale. In the conventional example described below, the following improvements have been made. When cooling the products, cold air is circulated throughout the stored products. On the other hand, when heating products, warm air is mainly circulated in the lower part of the storage aisle, in other words, in the area of products waiting to be sold, so that the temperature reaches the appropriate temperature of about 60°C at the time of sale. Products in the upper part of the aisle, that is, products in storage, are placed at an angle of approximately 30° to maintain quality.
Make sure it is below C. This conventional example will be explained with reference to FIG. 4, which is a sectional view thereof. In the figure, the main body case 31 is doubly sealed by an inner door 32 and an outer door 33 on its left side. The internal space of the main body case 31, which is sealed by the inner door 32, can be roughly divided into four parts. A storage space 36 in the center, an upward flow passage 37 for circulating flow extending vertically along the right side of the inner door 32 on the left side, and a downward flow passage 38 for circulating flow extending upward and downward along the bottom surface of the main body case 31 on the right side. and a common lower space 39. In the storage space 36, three storage passages 41 formed in a meandering vertical direction are arranged side by side, and the products 10 are successively stored adjacent to each other inside these storage passages 41, and are taken out from the bottom. As it rises, it descends while shifting due to gravity. 42 is a member representing the dispensing mechanism. The ascending flow path 37 communicates with the storage space 36, and a damper 44 is installed in the intermediate portion. This damper 44 closes the rising flow path 37 when it is in the solid line position, and closes the rising flow path 37 when it is in the broken line position.
to open. Although the downward passage 38 communicates with the storage space 36, no damper is installed therein. In the lower space 39, a heater 47. Cooler 48. Blower 4
9 will be installed. This conventional example is a dual use system for heating and cooling, and the heater 47 and cooler 48 are selectively used according to demand. In this conventional example, hot air or cold air generated in the lower space 39 ascends through the ascending passage 37, flows into the storage space 36 at some point along the way, and circulates along a downward route through the descending passage 38. During this circulation process, the products 10 in the storage passage 41 are heated or cooled. In FIG. 4, warm air is represented by solid line arrows, and cold air is represented by broken line arrows.For convenience, they are shown to flow at the same time, but of course, in reality, either hot air or cold air will flow. In the cooling mode, the damper 44 is operated as shown by the broken line and the upward flow passage 37 is opened, so that the cold air circulates throughout the upper and lower parts of the storage passage 41 as shown by the broken line arrow, and the cold air is The product IO is cooled down. In the heating mode, the damper 44 is operated as shown by the solid line to close the upward flow path 37. Therefore, the hot air mainly circulates only in the lower part of the storage passage 41, as shown by the solid line arrow, and mainly heats only the products waiting for sale. As a result, waiting products are heated to an appropriate temperature of approximately 60 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, when products are stored purely in the upper part, warm air does not circulate much, so the temperature stays below about 30°C, which maintains quality and saves energy.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

As explained above, in the conventional technology, when in the heating mode, warm air mainly circulates and heats only the lower part of the storage passage by operating the damper, which contributes to energy saving and to maintaining the quality of the products stored in the upper part. There are advantages that can be achieved. However, it has the following drawbacks. One of them is that because the damper is installed only on the side of the upward flow path, circulation is incompletely limited to the lower part of the storage path, and especially when hot air is used, it tends to cause upward air flow. Because of this, it has a tendency to rise through small gaps in the containment space and break the lower limit of circulation. Another problem is that since the damper is opened and closed manually, there is a risk that when the sales volume increases, cooling or heating may not be done in time, and products that are not at the appropriate temperature may be sold. It should be noted that, along with sales volume, outside temperature is also an external variable factor that prevents products from being kept at an appropriate temperature, but countermeasures for this are insufficient. The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of the conventional technology, and to make it possible to sell products at a temperature close to a specified temperature, even under external fluctuation factors such as outside temperature and sales volume per unit time. , the range of products to be cooled or heated was limited to the entire stored product or only the area near the outlet, and the heating and cooling capacities were increased or decreased to streamline operations. The purpose is to provide vending machines.

[Means to solve vlAB]

In order to solve this problem, the vending machine according to the first invention includes: a storage space in a case; an ascending flow path and a descending flow path for circulating flow, which are provided to sandwich the storage space from both sides; a lower space located below and commonly communicating with the storage space, the ascending channel, and the descending channel; the storage space is such that individual products are successively stored adjacent to each other; A storage passageway for products that is sent downward by gravity and sold from the outlet at the bottom, and has a hollow part for ventilation in the peripheral wall; except for this storage passageway, it crosses the storage space and enters the upper and lower areas. and a cross member that partially suppresses the circulating flow; the ascending flow path communicates with the storage space and is capable of passing through and blocking the circulating flow at a location near the lower part of the cross member. The descending flow path includes a vertical bulkhead between the storage space and the vertical bulkhead, and the vertical bulkhead has a fixed opening at an upper end thereof; a variable opening that can be opened and closed; and the descending flow path is closed and opened by the descending side damper in synchronization with opening and closing of the variable opening, and the lower space is configured to At least one of a heater, a cooler, and a blower are provided to generate a circulating flow, and the ascending side and descending dampers are operated based on a command, so that the circulating flow is generated in the upper and lower parts of the storage space. or is configured such that the flow flows primarily through each region of the region or primarily through this sub-region. A vending machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes, in a case, a storage space; an upward flow path and a downward flow path related to circulation flow, which are respectively provided to sandwich the storage space from both sides; the storage space, the upward flow path, a lower space located below the descending flow path and communicating therewith in common; the storage space is such that individual products are successively stored adjacent to each other and are sent downward by gravity to the lower space; A storage passageway for products sold from the outlet of the storage passageway, which has a hollow part for ventilation in the peripheral wall; a cross member for restraining the flow rate; the ascending passage communicates with the storage space, and the descending passage includes a vertical bulkhead between the storage space and the vertical bulkhead, the vertical bulkhead having an upper end portion; a fixed opening; and a variable opening that can be opened and closed by a descending damper at a location near the bottom of the cross member; and in synchronization with opening and closing of the variable opening, the descending damper causes the descending flow the lower space is configured to close and open the passage, the lower space includes at least one of a heater, a cooler, and a blower to generate the circulating flow, and the descending damper operates based on a command; and the circulating flow is configured to flow through each of the upper and lower sections of the storage space, or mainly through this lower section, by keeping the air flow rate of the blower fixed or increasing or decreasing it. be done. The vending machine according to the third invention is the same as the first invention. In the vending machine according to each of the second inventions, a temperature sensor detects a temperature corresponding to the product temperature at the lower part of the storage passage; Based on the output of the temperature sensor, the product temperature at the lower part of the storage passage is set within a set temperature range. Direct the circulating flow through the upper and lower areas of the containment space, or primarily through these subareas, and increase or decrease the heating or cooling capacity of heaters or coolers and blowers. and a first control section that performs at least one of the following: The vending machine according to the fourth invention is the vending machine according to the third invention, when the temperature of the product at the lower part of the storage passage continues to be within the set temperature range for more than the set time, the heater or the cooler; The blower includes a second control section that stops at least the heater or the cooler. A vending machine according to a fifth invention is the vending machine according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, comprising: an outside temperature sensor that detects outside temperature; When the upper set value is exceeded, the cooling capacity of the cooler and blower is preferentially kept constant or increased so that the circulating flow mainly flows through the lower area, and When the output of the outside air temperature sensor is less than or equal to the lower set value, the heating capacity of the heater and blower is preferentially kept fixed or increased, and the circulating flow is caused to mainly flow through the lower zone. 3 control section; and; A vending machine according to a sixth invention is the vending machine according to any one of the first to fifth inventions, further comprising: a sales amount sensor that detects the amount of product sold per unit time; When the output of the quantity sensor is less than the first set value, the circulating flow is preferentially made to flow mainly through the lower area, or the heating or cooling capacity of the heater or cooler and the blower is reduced or stopped. When the output of the sales volume sensor at each predetermined time point is equal to or higher than a second set value that is larger than the first set value, the circulation flow is preferentially mainly lowered. a fourth control for at least one of causing flow to flow through the area and/or increasing the heating or cooling capacity of the heater or cooler and the blower;

[Effect]

In the vending machine according to the first invention, based on the directive, the rising side,
By activating the dampers on the descending side, the circulating flow is selected to pass through the upper and lower sections of the containment space, or to flow mainly through these lower sections. In the vending machine according to the second invention, the descending damper operates based on the command, and the amount of air blown by the blower remains fixed.
Or by increasing or decreasing, the circulating flow is selected to flow through each of the upper and lower sections of the containment space, or to flow mainly through this lower section. In the vending machine according to the third aspect of the invention, the first controller controls the circulating flow between the upper and lower parts of the storage space so that the product temperature at the lower part of the storage passage is within the set temperature range. The flow may flow through each zone or primarily through this subzone; and/or the heating or cooling capacity of heaters or coolers and blowers may be increased, decreased or stopped. In the vending machine according to the fourth invention, the second control section:
If the product temperature at the bottom of the storage aisle remains within the set temperature range for the set time or longer, the product temperature is stable and there is no need for cooling or heating, and the heater or cooling At least the heater or cooler among the air conditioner and the blower is stopped. In the vending machine according to the fifth invention, the third control section:
When the output of the outside temperature sensor at a given point in time is higher than the upper setting value, the cooling capacity of the cooler and blower is fixed based on the judgment that there is not enough room to cool all the products in the storage aisle. Circulating flow that remains or is increased
Mainly flows through the lower area; when the output of the outside air temperature sensor at each predetermined point in time is below the lower set value, it is prioritized to the heater and The circulating flow, in which the heating capacity of the blower remains fixed or is increased, flows primarily through the lower zone. In the vending machine according to the sixth invention, the fourth control section:
When the output of the sales volume sensor at each predetermined point in time is less than the first set value, that is, when the sales of the product are extremely slow,
Either the circulating flow is preferentially continuous through the sub-regions, or the heating or cooling capacity of heaters or coolers and blowers is reduced or stopped; When the output of the sales volume sensor is equal to or higher than the second set value, that is, when the sales of the product are very good, the circulation flow preferentially flows mainly through the lower area or is caused by the heater or cooler and the blower. Either the heating or cooling capacity is increased or decreased.

[Example] An example of a vending machine according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the purpose or absolute condition is to sell canned beverage products at a specified temperature (appropriate temperature), and the desired condition is to save energy, that is, reduce operating costs. In order to do this, it is difficult to bring the product to the specified temperature due to the influence of external fluctuation factors such as outside temperature and sales volume per unit time, so measures must be taken to suppress the influence of these external factors. It won't happen. In this example, the main body of the vending machine is the control target,
As described above, temperature control, energy saving control, and control for suppressing the effects of outside air temperature 2 and sales volume are performed. First, the basic structure of the main body will be explained based on the sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and then each control operation described above will be explained based on the block diagram showing the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. In particular, temperature control will be explained in detail based on the time chart shown in FIG. 3 showing the relationship among product temperature, cooling zone, and cooler operation in the embodiment. Regarding the main body structure of this example, the first
This will be explained with reference to the figures. In the figure, the main body case 1 is doubly sealed by an inner door 2 and an outer door 3 on its left side. The internal space of the main body case l, which is sealed by the inner door 2, is roughly divided into four parts. A storage space 6 in the center, an upward flow path 7 for circulating flow extending vertically along the right side of the inner door 2 on the left side, and a downward flow path 8 for circulating flow extending vertically along the bottom surface of the main body case 1 on the right side. and a common lower space 9. A payout door 3 for taking out products is provided at the bottom of the inner door 2, and a takeout door 5 for taking out the products is provided at the bottom of the outer door 4. In the storage space 6, three storage passages 11, which are so-called serpentine type and extend vertically in a meandering manner and have ventilation holes in the peripheral wall, are arranged in parallel in the storage space 6, as in the conventional example. Products 10, which are canned beverages, are successively stored in the storage passageway 11 adjacent to each other, and as they are dispensed from the lower part, they are rolled down by gravity. 12 is a member representative of the dispensing mechanism. This storage space 6 is divided into upper and lower sections by a cross plate 15. This cross plate 15 is provided except for the storage passage 11, and is a member for partially suppressing the circulating flow. In other words, if this is not done, the circulation flow will flow avoiding the part of the storage passage 11 that has a large resistance, so to prevent this from happening, the parts other than the storage passage 11 are blocked to allow the circulation flow to flow through the storage passage 11. . The ascending passage 7 communicates with the storage space 6, and a damper 14 is installed near the bottom of the cross plate I5. This damper 14 closes the rising passage 7 when it is in the solid line position, and opens the rising passage 7 when it is in the broken line position. The descending flow path 8 is provided with the storage space 6 and the partition wall 16 separated from each other. This partition wall 16 has a fixed opening 16 at its upper part.
a, which is always in communication with the storage space 6, and a damper 17 is installed near the bottom of the cross plate 15. When in the solid line position, this damper 17 opens the opening 16b of the partition wall 16 and closes the downward passage 8, and when in the broken line position, it closes the opening 16b of the partition wall 16 and opens the downward passage 8. . The lower space 9 is connected to a storage space 6 through a chute 13 with holes for dispensing products. It communicates with the ascending passage 7 and directly with the descending passage 8 . In this lower space 9, a heater 24 is provided.
．． Cooler 25. A blower 26 is installed. This embodiment is a dual use system for heating and cooling, and the heater 24 and cooler 25 are selectively used as required. Note that the cooler 25 is a compressor (not shown). Connected to the condenser through a refrigerant circuit. In this embodiment, various sensors for measuring the state are installed. -21 is a temperature sensor, which is installed in the lower part of the storage space 6 and near the dispensing area 3 in order to measure the temperature corresponding to the temperature of the sold product. Reference numeral 22 denotes an outside air temperature sensor, which is installed at the upper part of the surface of the outer door 4 to measure the outside air temperature. A sales sensor 23 is connected to the product dispensing mechanism 12 in order to measure the amount (number of products) sold per unit time. Now, each damper 14, 17 is controlled to open and close in synchronization, and when in the position indicated by the solid line, the circulating flow of hot or cold air generated by the heater 24 or cooler 25, and the blower 26 rises. Channel 7 and cross plate 1
It mainly flows through the lower section of the storage space 6 divided by 5 and the downward flow path 8. Note that "mainly flowing" means that the circulation flow is not completely blocked by the cross plate 15 and a part of it flows through the storage passage 1.
It means rising through part 1. Hereinafter, this flow will be referred to as the lower circulation. Further, when each damper 14 , 17 is at the position indicated by the broken line, the circulating flow flows through the ascending passage 7 , the entire area of the storage space 6 , and the descending passage 8 . Hereinafter, this flow will be referred to as regional circulation. To switch between the lower region circulation and the whole region circulation mentioned above,
There is another method. In FIG. 1, the damper 14 is not attached, the ascending flow path 7 is kept open at all times, and only the damper 17 is opened and closed. At this time,
In conjunction with the opening and closing operations of the damper 17, the amount of air blown by the blower 26 may remain fixed or may be increased or decreased. In this other method, lower region circulation and whole region circulation cannot be clearly switched from the above method, but since there is only one damper in the movable part, control is simplified and reliability is improved. Helps improve performance and reduce costs. FIG. 2 schematically shows each component of a control system of a vending machine and the flow of signals that connect these components. Here, the same members and blocks representing constituent elements as in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals. The signal is
Broken line arrows represent detection signals from each sensor, and solid line arrows represent control signals from the control unit 20, respectively. The basic temperature control in the cooling mode of this control system will be described below. Note that the same applies to the heating mode, so the explanation thereof will be omitted unless there are special circumstances. Based on the temperature signal from the temperature sensor 21, the control unit 20
The opening/closing operation of each damper 14, 17 is controlled by the above, and either the whole area circulation or the lower area circulation of the cold air is selected. Since the product temperature is initially higher than the specified temperature, the lower region circulation related to the cold air is taken, and only the lower region is cooled relatively quickly so that there is no problem with the products being sold. When the product temperature drops to a lower predetermined value, the entire area circulation is switched to cool the stored products as a whole. In this whole area circulation, the product temperature is usually
Since it gradually rises, when it reaches the upper predetermined value, it is switched to lower circulation again. In addition, in addition to switching between the lower region circulation and the whole area circulation, the cooling capacity of the cooler 25 can also be increased or decreased. Of course, it is also possible to use a cooling system that only increases or decreases the cooling capacity of the cooler 25 without switching between lower region circulation and whole area circulation. Control in the heating mode by the heater 24 is also similar. Product temperature and cooling area in the above temperature control. The relationship between the cooler operations will be explained with reference to the time chart in FIG. In the figure, the horizontal axis shows the common time T, the vertical axis shows the product temperature θ in the lower row, the lower region of the cooling zone and the whole area in the middle row, and the operation and stop of the cooler C in the upper row. . Initially, the product temperature falls within the set temperature range (
Since it is higher than the value θ1 of the upper limit value θ1 to the lower limit value θ2), the cooling zone is switched to the lower zone, and of course the cooler C is operating. Due to the lower region circulation of the cold air, the product temperature θ rapidly decreases, and when it reaches the value θ2, it is switched to the whole region circulation mode. As a result, the product temperature e rises again to a value θ1
reached, and the mode is switched to lower circulation mode. Hereafter, while repeating the circulation modes of the entire area and the lower area in turn,
Product temperature θ is the set temperature range (upper limit 81 to lower limit θ2)
maintain. Furthermore, when the time during which the product temperature e is continuously within the set temperature range exceeds the set time Tz, control is performed based on the judgment that the product temperature θ is sufficiently stable and there is no need for cooling. Of the cooler and the blower, at least the cooler is stopped by the section 20 (see FIG. 2). Product temperature θ
When reaches the value θ1, the cooler is activated again. Therefore, it is possible to obtain customer satisfaction regarding the sold products, and to save energy and reduce operating costs. This section describes control for suppressing the influence of outside temperature. In FIG. 2, when the outside temperature signal from the outside temperature sensor 22 measured at regular time intervals exceeds the upper setting value,
Based on the judgment that there is not enough room to cool all the products in the storage passageway 11, the control unit 20 cools them preferentially, even if the product temperature is within the set temperature range at that time and the entire area circulation mode is in effect. The cold air generated by the container 24 and the blower 26 is switched to the lower circulation mode, and the products for sale are rapidly cooled. Note that this may be combined with an increase in cooling capacity. Note that in the heating mode, if the outside air temperature is extremely low, it will be adversely affected, so unlike in the cooling mode, when the outside air temperature signal falls below the lower set value, the heater 25 is preferentially activated. The hot air generated by the blower 26 is switched to the lower circulation mode, and the products for sale are rapidly heated. Note that this may be combined with an increase in heating capacity. This section describes controls for suppressing the influence of sales volume per unit time. In FIG. 2, when the sales volume signal from the sales volume sensor 23, which is measured at regular time intervals, is equal to or higher than the first set value, that is, when the sales of the product are extremely slow at night, etc., the control unit 20 gives priority to Then, the circulating flow of cold air is switched to lower area circulation mode, and the area to be cooled is limited. or cooler 25. The cooling capacity of the blower 26 may be reduced or stopped. Of course, switching to lower region circulation mode and cooler 25. It is also possible to reduce or stop the cooling capacity of the blower 26. Conversely, when the sales volume signal is equal to or higher than the second set value, which is larger than the first set value, that is, when the product is selling very well, the system preferentially switches to the lower circulation mode to limit the area to be cooled. and move to rapid cooling mode. or cooler 2
5. The cooling capacity of the blower 26 may be increased. Of course, it is also possible to use both switching to the lower region circulation mode and increasing the cooling capacity. [Effects of the Invention] According to the vending machine according to the first invention, the dampers on the ascending side and the descending side operate based on the command, so that the circulating flow flows through the upper and lower sections of the storage space. , or the flow is mainly selected to flow through this sub-region, so that the product can be sold at a temperature as close to the specified temperature as possible, and This makes it possible to reduce costs as much as possible, including energy savings, and rationalize operation. Further, in common with all vending machines according to the invention, by limiting the circulation flow to the lower area, there is an effect that the time required to reach a specified temperature when storing each new or additional product can be shortened. According to the vending machine according to the second invention, the descending damper operates based on the command, and the air flow rate of the blower remains fixed or increases or decreases, so that the circulating flow flows between the upper and lower parts of the storage space. Since the flow is selected to flow through each area or mainly through this sub-area, it is possible to expect the same effect as in the vending machine according to the first invention, and Since a certain rise-side damper is not required, reliability can be improved and costs can be reduced accordingly. According to the vending machine according to the third aspect of the invention, the first control section causes the lower part of the storage passage to Circulating flow flows through the upper and lower sections of the containment space, or primarily through these subareas, and heats the product by heaters or coolers and blowers, so that the product temperature is within the set temperature range. Since each cooling capacity increases, decreases, or stops, the sold products can satisfy customers in terms of temperature, which is an important product characteristic.According to the vending machine according to the fourth invention, the second control section , if the product temperature at the bottom of the storage passage remains within the set temperature range for longer than the set time, the heater is Or, since at least the heater or the cooler among the cooler and the blower is stopped, customer satisfaction regarding the sold products can be obtained, and energy saving or operation cost reduction can be achieved.Vending machine according to the fifth invention According to the above, when the output of the outside temperature sensor at each predetermined point in time is equal to or higher than the upper setting value, the third control unit determines that there is not enough room to cool all the products in the storage aisle, and cools them preferentially. The circulation flow from the chamber and blower mainly flows through the lower area, so even when the outside temperature is high, you can sell cold products and satisfy customers; the output of the outside temperature sensor at each given point in time is lower. When the temperature is below the set value, it is determined that there is not enough room to heat all the products in the storage aisle, and the circulation flow from the heater and blower is given priority to mainly flow through the lower area, even when the outside temperature is low. According to the vending machine according to the sixth aspect of the invention, the output of the sales amount sensor at each predetermined time point is controlled by the fourth control section to be equal to or less than the first set value. In other words, when the sales of a product are extremely slow, we limit the number of products and, if necessary, reduce or stop each cooling and heating capacity. When the output of Since the circulating flow mainly flows through the lower area, it is possible to satisfy both customer satisfaction regarding the temperature of sold products in response to fluctuations in sales volume, and to save energy and reduce operating costs.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment according to the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of this embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a time diagram showing the relationship between product temperature, cooling area, and cooler operation in this embodiment. The chart and FIG. 4 are cross-sectional views of the conventional example. Code explanation 1: Main body case, 2: Inner door, 3: Dispensing field, 4: Outer door, 5
: Takeout door, 6: Storage space, 7: Upward flow path, 8: Downward flow path, 9: Lower space, 10: Product, 11: Storage passage, 12:
Dispensing mechanism, 13: Chute, 14, 17: Damper,
15: Cross plate, 16: Partition wall, 16a, 16b: Opening, 20: Control unit, 21: Temperature sensor, 22: Outside temperature sensor, 23: Sales volume sensor, 24: Heater, 25: Cooler, 26: Air blower . 21° Et-o-hung diagram 1

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) In the case, a storage space; an ascending flow path and a descending flow path related to circulation flow, which are provided to sandwich this from both sides; these storage space, the ascending flow path, and the descending flow path. a lower space located below and communicating with these; the storage space is where individual products are successively stored adjacent to each other and are sent downward by gravity to a lower takeout port; A storage passageway for products sold by the company, which has a ventilating hollow part in the peripheral wall; The storage space is divided into upper and lower areas except for the storage passageway part, and the circulation flow is partially suppressed. a cross member; the ascending flow path communicates with the storage space, and includes an ascending damper near the bottom of the cross member that can pass through and block the circulating flow; the descending flow path communicates with the storage space; , a vertical bulkhead is provided between the storage space and the vertical bulkhead, the vertical bulkhead has a fixed opening at the upper end; and a variable opening that can be opened and closed by a descending damper at a location near the bottom of the cross member; The descending flow path is closed and opened by the descending damper in synchronization with the opening and closing of the variable opening, and the lower space is equipped with a heater and a cooler to generate the circulation flow. and a blower, and the circulating flow flows through each of the upper and lower areas of the storage space by operating the dampers on the rising side and the falling side based on a command, or A vending machine configured to allow flow to flow through this sub-region. 2) Inside the case, there is a storage space; an ascending flow path and a descending flow path related to the circulation flow provided on both sides of the storage space; and a lower space in common communication with the storage space; the storage space includes a peripheral wall in which individual products are successively stored adjacent to each other, sent downward by gravity, and sold from a lower outlet. a product storage passage having a hollow part for ventilation; a cross member that crosses the storage space except for a portion of the storage passage and divides the storage space into upper and lower areas, and partially suppresses the circulating flow; The ascending channel communicates with the storage space, and the descending channel includes a vertical bulkhead between it and the storage space, and the vertical bulkhead has a fixed opening at an upper end; A variable opening that can be opened and closed by a descending damper is provided near the bottom, and the descending flow path is closed and opened by the descending damper in synchronization with opening and closing of the variable opening. The lower space includes at least one of a heater, a cooler, and a blower to generate the circulation flow, and the descending damper operates based on a command and the blowing amount of the blower is fixed. The automatic vending machine is characterized in that the circulating flow is configured to flow through each of the upper and lower sections of the storage space, or mainly through the lower sections, either by increasing or decreasing. Machine. 3) In the vending machine according to claim 1 or 2, the temperature sensor detects a temperature corresponding to the product temperature at the lower part of the storage passage; Based on the output of this temperature sensor, the lower part of the storage passage is In order to keep the product temperature within the set temperature range, circulate the flow through the upper and lower areas of the storage space, or flow mainly through these lower areas, and install heaters, coolers, and blowers. A vending machine characterized by comprising: increasing, decreasing, or stopping heating capacity or cooling capacity; and a first control unit that performs at least one of the following. 4) In the vending machine according to claim 3, when the product temperature at the bottom of the storage passage remains within the set temperature range for more than a set time, the heater or cooler, and the blower, A vending machine characterized by comprising a second control section that stops at least the heater or the cooler. 5) The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an outside temperature sensor that detects outside temperature; the output of this outside temperature sensor at each predetermined time point is set as a higher level. When the value is higher than the specified value, the cooling capacity of the cooler and blower is preferentially kept constant or increased so that the circulating flow mainly flows through the lower area, and the outside air temperature at each given point in time is increased. When the output of the sensor is below the lower set point, a third step is provided which preferentially causes the heating capacity of the heater and blower to remain fixed or to be increased so that the circulating flow mainly flows through the lower zone. A vending machine characterized by comprising a control section; 6) In the vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the sales volume sensor detects the product sales volume per unit time; and the sales volume sensor at each predetermined point in time. If the output of , and when the output of the sales volume sensor at each predetermined time point is equal to or higher than a second set value that is larger than the first set value, the circulating flow mainly flows through the lower area with priority. a fourth control unit that performs at least one of increasing the heating capacity or cooling capacity of the heater or cooler and the blower;
A vending machine characterized by being equipped with.