A rapid cooling device and method applied to a beverage vending cabinet

Abstract

This invention discloses a rapid cooling device and method for beverage vending machines. By setting up an insulated enclosure structure, the entrance to the dispensing compartment is divided into a rapid cooling compartment entrance and a normal temperature entrance. Movable baffles are installed on the sides of the insulated enclosure structure, allowing beverages to reach the dispensing compartment via either the rapid cooling compartment entrance or the normal temperature entrance, depending on the user's needs. A contact evaporator is installed inside the rapid cooling compartment, and the contact evaporator has a channel for beverages to fall through. A sealed top cover and a locking bottom cover are installed at the bottom of the rapid cooling compartment, ensuring a sealed space and improving cooling efficiency while achieving beverage cooling. The contact evaporator is connected to the compressor. During cooling, the contact evaporator is in close contact with the beverage falling into the rapid cooling compartment, enhancing the heat exchange area and efficiency of the rapid cooling compartment, shortening the cooling time, and improving cooling efficiency while reducing energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of beverage vending machines, specifically relating to a rapid cooling device and method for use in beverage vending machines. Background Technology

[0002] In current technology, beverage vending machines are ubiquitous in daily life. The evaporators in most vending machines are located at the rear, and these machines often employ a high-energy-consuming, real-time refrigeration system throughout the entire machine. This results in a situation where, when customers purchase iced drinks, the fixed order of dispensing means they receive drinks that are warmer at the front of the shelf, while drinks closer to the rear and meeting their temperature requirements are continuously refrigerated. This leads to high energy consumption without achieving effective cooling, resulting in decreased customer satisfaction. Furthermore, traditional evaporators are finned tube evaporators with small heat exchange areas and rely on thermal radiation, leading to low cooling efficiency.

[0003] A new rapid cooling device for beverage vending machines is needed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a rapid cooling device for beverage vending machines, which solves the technical problems of existing beverage vending machines that can only cool the entire machine in real time, have low cooling efficiency, and high energy consumption.

[0005] Another objective of this invention is to provide a rapid cooling method using a rapid cooling device applied to a beverage vending machine.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: A rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine includes a dispensing channel and a dispensing compartment located below the side of the beverage rack. The dispensing channel connects the outlet of the beverage rack to the inlet of the dispensing compartment. An insulated enclosure structure is installed at the connection between the dispensing channel and the inlet of the dispensing compartment. This insulated enclosure structure divides the inlet of the dispensing compartment into a rapid cooling compartment inlet and a normal temperature inlet. A movable baffle is installed on the side of the insulated enclosure structure, and the position of the movable baffle switches between the dispensing channel and the rapid cooling compartment inlet or the normal temperature inlet to achieve either connection or disconnection. An inclined downward dispensing baffle is installed above the rapid cooling compartment inlet and the normal temperature inlet, with the bottom of the dispensing baffle... The bottom of the downward-sloping delivery channel is higher than the bottom of the rapid cooling compartment; a cylindrical rapid cooling compartment covered by an insulated enclosure is set below the inlet of the rapid cooling compartment. The rapid cooling compartment is equipped with a contact evaporator with a channel for beverages to fall. The top of the rapid cooling compartment is equipped with a sealed top flip cover, and the bottom of the rapid cooling compartment is equipped with a sealed bottom flip cover with a locking connection. The contact evaporator is connected to the compressor. The connection or non-connection between the rapid cooling compartment and the rapid cooling compartment inlet is switched by the sealed top flip cover. The connection or non-connection between the rapid cooling compartment and the delivery compartment is switched by the sealed bottom flip cover with a locking connection.

[0007] Preferably, the contact evaporator is a contact spiral evaporator or a contact serpentine evaporator. Preferably, the contact evaporator includes: an evaporator pipe, a low-temperature resistant rubber hose covering the outer surface of the evaporator pipe, and a sealing ring for fixing the low-temperature resistant rubber hose to the evaporator pipe, wherein the space between the evaporator pipe and the low-temperature resistant rubber hose is filled with a refrigerant. By using the refrigerant flowing in the evaporator pipes and the refrigerant filling the space between the evaporator pipes and the hose as the heat transfer medium, the low-temperature resistant rubber hoses come into close contact with the beverages falling into the quick-cooling chamber. This enhances the heat exchange area and efficiency of the quick-cooling chamber, shortens the cooling time, and improves cooling efficiency while reducing cooling energy consumption.

[0008] Preferably, the thermal insulation enclosure structure has an arc-shaped groove at the entrance of the quick-cooling warehouse facing the shipping channel.

[0009] Preferably, the sealed top cover includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover is symmetrically arranged on the heat-insulating enclosure structure in contact with the top of the quick-cooling chamber along the axis center of the quick-cooling chamber via a first torsion spring and the second cover is symmetrically arranged via a second torsion spring. The first cover and the second cover are switched between a parallel state and a downward state via the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring.

[0010] Preferably, the sealed bottom flap is mounted on the insulation enclosure structure that contacts the bottom of the quick-cooling chamber via a third torsion spring. The position of the latch and the position of the third torsion spring are symmetrical with respect to the center of the quick-cooling chamber. The fixed state and the released state of the sealed bottom flap are switched by switching between the latch's pushed-out state and the rebound state. The sealed bottom flap is switched between a parallel state and a downward state by the third torsion spring.

[0011] Preferably, the surface of the thermal insulation enclosure structure that contacts the rapid cooling chamber is covered with a silver reflective material.

[0012] By applying silver reflective material to the surface of the insulation enclosure that contacts the rapid cooling chamber, the cold energy can be reflected and concentrated in the center of the cylindrical cooling area, forming a cylindrical cold trap to cool beverages.

[0013] Preferably, it also includes a solar panel, which is connected to the power supply of the beverage vending machine.

[0014] Preferably, it also includes a support frame, which is disposed on one side of the thermal insulation enclosure structure and fixed to the cabinet wall.

[0015] A rapid cooling method using a rapid cooling device applied to a beverage vending machine includes the following steps: The controller reads the user's purchase information and determines whether the user needs the beverage to be cooled. If so, it starts the compressor, controls the moving baffle to rotate to the room temperature inlet, and after the beverage is cooled according to the set time, it controls the latch to switch from the pushed-out state to the rebound state. After the beverage falls into the dispensing compartment, it turns off the compressor and controls the latch to switch from the rebound state to the pushed-out state. If not, it controls the moving baffle to rotate to the quick-cooling compartment inlet. When beverages need to be cooled, the refrigerant flows through the evaporator pipes, and the refrigerant filling the space between the evaporator pipes and the hoses serves as the heat transfer medium. The beverage bottle comes into close contact with the low-temperature resistant rubber hose, achieving cooling of the beverage through contact heat conduction via the refrigerant.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: By setting up an insulated enclosure structure, the entrance to the shipping compartment is divided into a quick-cooling compartment entrance and a normal temperature entrance. A movable baffle is installed on the side of the insulated enclosure structure, and the position of the movable baffle switches to achieve either connection or disconnection between the shipping channel and the quick-cooling compartment entrance or the normal temperature entrance. This allows beverages to arrive at the shipping compartment via either the quick-cooling compartment entrance or the normal temperature entrance, depending on the user's needs. A contact evaporator is installed inside the quick-cooling compartment, and the contact evaporator has a channel for beverages to fall. A sealed top cover is installed on the top of the quick-cooling compartment, and a locked, sealed bottom cover is installed on the bottom of the quick-cooling compartment, making the space of the quick-cooling compartment airtight, improving cooling efficiency while achieving beverage cooling. The contact evaporator is connected to the compressor. During cooling, the contact evaporator is in close contact with the beverage falling into the quick-cooling compartment, enhancing the heat exchange area and efficiency of the quick-cooling compartment, shortening the cooling time, and improving cooling efficiency while reducing cooling energy consumption. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the position and structure of the rapid cooling device of the present invention in a beverage vending machine; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rapid cooling device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the thermal insulation enclosure structure, the moving baffle, and the rapid cooling chamber in the rapid cooling device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the contact evaporator in the rapid cooling device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealed top flip cover in the rapid cooling device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the sealed bottom flip cover in the rapid cooling device of the present invention; Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Beverage rack; 2. Dispensing channel; 3. Dispensing compartment; 3-1. Quick-cooling compartment inlet; 3-2. Ambient temperature inlet; 4. Insulated enclosure structure; 4-1. Support frame; 5. Moving baffle; 6. Quick-cooling compartment; 6-1. Sealed top flip cover; 6-1. First flip cover; 6-1. Second flip cover; 6-1.2. Contact evaporator; 6-2. Sealed bottom flip cover; 6-3. Low-temperature resistant rubber hose; 6-4. Refrigerant; 6-4.1. Evaporator piping; 6-5. Refrigerant; 6-5.1. First torsion spring; 7-1. Second torsion spring; 7-2. Third torsion spring; 7-3. Lock; 8. Compressor; 9. Dispensing baffle; 10. Sealing ring; 11. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0019] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, this invention discloses a rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine, including a dispensing channel 2, a dispensing compartment 3, and a support frame 4-1 located below the side of the beverage rack. The dispensing channel 2 connects the outlet of the beverage rack 1 and the inlet of the dispensing compartment 3. An insulated enclosure structure 4 is provided at the connection between the dispensing channel 2 and the inlet of the dispensing compartment 3. The support frame 4-1 is located on one side of the insulated enclosure structure 4 and fixed to the cabinet wall to ensure the stability of the insulated enclosure structure 4 and the rapid cooling compartment 6. The insulated enclosure structure 4 divides the inlet of the dispensing compartment 3 into a rapid cooling compartment inlet 3-1 and a normal temperature inlet 3-2. The insulated enclosure structure 4 has an arc-shaped groove at the rapid cooling compartment inlet facing the dispensing channel. The insulated enclosure structure 4 has movable baffles 5 on its sides. The position of the movable baffles 5 switches between the outlet channel 2 and the quick-cooling chamber inlet 3-1 or the ambient temperature inlet 3-2, allowing for either connection or disconnection. Above the quick-cooling chamber inlet 3-1 or the ambient temperature inlet 3-2, a downward-sloping outlet baffle 10 is installed, with its bottom end higher than the bottom end of the downward-sloping outlet channel 2, further preventing beverages requiring quick cooling from falling directly into the outlet 3 during their descent. Below the quick-cooling chamber inlet 3-1, a cylindrical quick-cooling chamber 6, enclosed by the insulated enclosure structure 4, is installed. The surface of the insulated enclosure structure 4 in contact with the quick-cooling chamber 6 is covered with a silver reflective material. This material reflects and concentrates the cold energy at the center of the cylindrical cooling area, forming a cylindrical cold trap to cool the beverages. Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, the quick-cooling chamber 6 is equipped with a contact evaporator 6-2, which has a channel for beverages to fall. The contact evaporator 6-2 includes: an evaporator pipe 6-5, a low-temperature resistant rubber hose 6-4 covering the outer surface of the evaporator pipe 6-5, and a sealing ring 11 that fixes the low-temperature resistant rubber hose 6-4 to the evaporator pipe 6-5. The space between the evaporator pipe 6-5 and the low-temperature resistant rubber hose 6-4 is filled with a refrigerant 6-4-1; the evaporator pipe 6-5 is filled with refrigerant 6-5-1. During the actual refrigeration process, the low-temperature resistant rubber hose 6-4 adheres tightly to the beverage bottle due to its elasticity. At this time, the refrigerant 6-5-1 flows through the evaporator pipe 6-5, and the refrigerant 6-4-1 filling the space between the evaporator pipe 6-5 and the hose acts as the heat transfer medium. The silver reflective material reflects and concentrates the cold energy at the center of the cylindrical cooling area, forming a cylindrical cold trap. This allows the refrigeration within the cooling chamber to utilize both radiative and contact heat conduction, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency and shortening cooling time. Figure 3 , Figure 5As shown, a sealing top cover 6-1 is symmetrically arranged on the top of the rapid cooling chamber 6 along the center of the chamber's axis. The sealing top cover 6-1 includes a first cover 6-1-1 and a second cover 6-1-2. The first cover 6-1-1 is symmetrically arranged on the insulation enclosure structure 4, which contacts the top of the rapid cooling chamber 6, along the center of the chamber's axis via a first torsion spring 7-1 and the second cover 6-1-2 is symmetrically arranged via a second torsion spring 7-2. The first cover 6-1-1 and the second cover 6-1-2 are switched between a parallel state and a downward state via the first torsion spring 7-1 and the second torsion spring 7-2. Figure 3 , Figure 6 As shown, the bottom of the quick-cooling compartment 6 is equipped with a sealed bottom flap 6-3 connected by a latch 8. The sealed bottom flap 6-3 is mounted on the insulation enclosure structure 4, which contacts the bottom of the quick-cooling compartment 6, via a third torsion spring 7-3. The positions of the latch 8 and the third torsion spring 7-3 are symmetrical with respect to the center of the quick-cooling compartment 6. The locking and releasing states of the latch 8 are switched between being extended and retracted, and the third torsion spring 7-3 switches the sealed bottom flap 6-3 between being in a parallel and downward position. In other words, the connection or disconnection between the quick-cooling compartment 6 and the quick-cooling compartment inlet 3-1 is switched via the sealed top flap 6-1, and the connection or disconnection between the quick-cooling compartment 6 and the outlet compartment 3 is switched via the sealed bottom flap 6-3 connected by the bottom latch. The contact evaporator 6-2 is a contact spiral evaporator or a contact serpentine evaporator. The contact evaporator 6-2 is connected to the compressor 9. The compressor 9 can be a micro DC refrigeration compressor, such as a compressor with an input power of 3.0 kW and a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.07.

[0020] In practical applications, solar panels can be installed, connected to the power supply of the beverage vending machine to provide power. Specifically, the solar panels can be installed on the top of the vending machine, not only generating electricity but also creating an effective sunshade / rain shelter. This coupling design avoids direct heat load impact from solar radiation on the machine, significantly reducing the system's cooling load. The solar panels can be bifacial photovoltaic arrays; the bifacial design allows for the simultaneous absorption of direct sunlight and ambient reflected / scattered light, significantly improving photoelectric conversion efficiency. Example

[0021] Taking a beverage vending machine equipped with a miniature DC refrigeration compressor with an input power of 3.0 kW and a coefficient of performance (COP) of 3.07, a 640 W bifacial photovoltaic module, and four 12.8 V / 180 Ah (lithium) battery packs as an example, the energy consumption reduction effect of this invention is illustrated through specific energy consumption calculations: Energy consumption of miniature DC refrigeration compressor: When a user's cooling requirement is detected, the compressor starts operating, taking approximately 6-10 seconds from order placement to shipment. Assuming a production run of 600 bottles of beverages, with one bottle cooling every ten seconds, the compressor only needs to work for 1.67 hours per day, remaining in standby mode for the rest of the time. Therefore, the daily electricity consumption is 5.01 kWh (3 kWh * 1.67 = 6 kWh).

[0022] Power generation of bifacial photovoltaic modules: Assuming a 20% gain on the back side, the total output power can reach 640W×(1+0.88×0.2)=752.64W, which is about 17.6% higher than that of single-sided modules. Taking Henan Province as an example, according to data from the Henan Climate website, the average daily sunshine in Henan Province is 4.9~5.7 hours, and the average daily power generation of the four solar panels is 15.04 kWh (0.752 kWh*5*4=15.04 kWh), which far exceeds the energy consumption for cooling.

[0023] Power supply capacity: Single unit: 12.8 × 180 ÷ 1000 = 2.304 kWh; Four units in parallel: 4 * 2.304 = 9.216 kWh.

[0024] In summary, by using solar panels in conjunction with the power supply for the beverage vending machine, the daily power generation of the solar panels exceeds the actual daily power consumption of the compressor, with a difference of 15.04 - 9 = 6.04 kWh. The excess power is stored in a (lithium) battery (four batteries connected in parallel, capacity: 4 * 2.304 = 9.216 kWh) to cope with situations where power generation is less than power consumption during inclement weather. Furthermore, the peak power generation of 4 to 6 photovoltaic modules can completely cover the power consumption of the micro-compressor and control system, thus enabling the off-grid autonomous operation of the beverage vending machine.

[0025] This invention divides the inlet of the shipping compartment into a quick-cooling compartment inlet and a normal temperature inlet by setting up an insulated enclosure structure. A movable baffle is installed on the side of the insulated enclosure structure, and the position of the movable baffle can switch the connection or disconnection between the shipping channel and the quick-cooling compartment inlet or the normal temperature inlet. This allows beverages to arrive at the shipping compartment via either the quick-cooling compartment inlet or the normal temperature inlet, depending on the user's needs. Inside the quick-cooling compartment, there is a contact evaporator with a channel for beverages to fall. The top of the quick-cooling compartment has a sealed top cover, and the bottom has a locked, sealed bottom cover, ensuring a sealed space and improving cooling efficiency while achieving beverage cooling. The contact evaporator is connected to the compressor. The evaporator pipes are covered with low-temperature resistant rubber hoses, which are fixed to the evaporator pipes by sealing rings. The space between the evaporator pipes and the low-temperature resistant rubber hoses is filled with refrigerant. During refrigeration, the refrigerant flows through the evaporator pipes, and the heat transfer medium is filled between the evaporator pipes and the hose. This allows the low-temperature resistant rubber hose to come into close contact with the beverage falling into the quick-cooling chamber, enhancing the heat exchange area and efficiency of the quick-cooling chamber, shortening the refrigeration time, and improving refrigeration efficiency while reducing refrigeration energy consumption.

[0026] A rapid cooling method using a rapid cooling device applied to a beverage vending machine includes the following steps: The controller reads the user's purchase information and determines whether the user needs the beverage to be cooled. If so, it starts the compressor, controls the moving baffle to rotate to the room temperature inlet, and after the beverage is cooled according to the set time, it controls the latch to switch from the pushed-out state to the rebound state. After the beverage falls into the dispensing compartment, it turns off the compressor and controls the latch to switch from the rebound state to the pushed-out state. If not, it controls the moving baffle to rotate to the quick-cooling compartment inlet. When beverages need cooling, refrigerant flows through the evaporator pipes, and a heat transfer medium, filled between the evaporator pipes and the flexible hose, is used. The beverage bottle comes into close contact with the low-temperature resistant rubber hose, achieving cooling through contact heat conduction via the heat transfer medium. The set time is 6 seconds.

[0027] The controller identifies the user's purchase information and drives the compressor to start or stop. The compressor is only activated when the user needs the beverage to be cooled, and the corresponding refrigeration compartment begins to work; the compressor remains off at other times. This compressor operation mode significantly reduces the power consumption of the beverage vending machine's refrigeration system.

[0028] Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine, comprising a dispensing channel and a dispensing compartment located below the side of the beverage rack, wherein the dispensing channel connects the outlet of the beverage rack and the inlet of the dispensing compartment, characterized in that: An insulated enclosure structure is installed at the connection between the shipping channel and the entrance of the shipping warehouse. This structure divides the shipping warehouse entrance into a quick-cooling warehouse entrance and a normal temperature entrance. Movable baffles are installed on the sides of the insulated enclosure structure, allowing for connection or disconnection between the shipping channel and either the quick-cooling warehouse entrance or the normal temperature entrance by switching the position of the baffles. A downward-sloping shipping baffle is installed above the quick-cooling warehouse entrance and the normal temperature entrance, with the bottom of the baffle higher than the bottom of the downward-sloping shipping channel. An insulated enclosure is installed below the quick-cooling warehouse entrance. The cylindrical quick-cooling compartment is enclosed by a protective structure. Inside the quick-cooling compartment is a contact evaporator with a channel for beverages to fall. The top of the quick-cooling compartment is equipped with a sealed top cover, and the bottom of the quick-cooling compartment is equipped with a sealed bottom cover with a locking mechanism. The contact evaporator is connected to a compressor. The connection or disconnection between the quick-cooling compartment and its inlet is switched by the sealed top cover, and the connection or disconnection between the quick-cooling compartment and its outlet is switched by the sealed bottom cover with a locking mechanism.

2. The rapid cooling device for beverage vending machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact evaporator is either a contact spiral evaporator or a contact serpentine evaporator.

3. The rapid cooling device for beverage vending machines according to claim 2, characterized in that: The contact evaporator includes: evaporator pipes, a low-temperature resistant rubber hose covering the outer surface of the evaporator pipes, and a sealing ring that fixes the low-temperature resistant rubber hose to the evaporator pipes. The space between the evaporator pipes and the low-temperature resistant rubber hose is filled with a refrigerant.

4. The rapid cooling device for beverage vending machines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The thermal insulation enclosure structure has an arc-shaped groove at the entrance of the quick-cooling warehouse facing the shipping channel.

5. The rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed top flap includes a first flap and a second flap. The first flap is symmetrically arranged on the heat-insulating enclosure structure that contacts the top of the quick-cooling chamber along the axis center of the quick-cooling chamber via a first torsion spring and the second flap is symmetrically arranged via a second torsion spring. The first flap and the second flap are switched between a parallel state and a downward state via the first torsion spring and the second torsion spring.

6. The rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealed bottom flap is mounted on the insulation enclosure structure that contacts the bottom of the quick-cooling chamber via a third torsion spring. The position of the latch and the position of the third torsion spring are symmetrical with respect to the center of the quick-cooling chamber. The fixed state and the released state of the sealed bottom flap are switched by switching between the latch's pushed-out state and the spring-back state. The sealed bottom flap is switched between a parallel state and a downward state by the third torsion spring.

7. The rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the thermal insulation enclosure that comes into contact with the rapid cooling chamber is covered with a silver reflective material.

8. The rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes solar panels, which are connected to the power supply for the beverage vending machine.

9. The rapid cooling device for a beverage vending machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a support frame, which is set on one side of the insulated enclosure structure and fixed to the cabinet wall.

10. A rapid cooling method using the rapid cooling device described in any one of claims 1-9 applied to a beverage vending machine, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The controller reads the user's purchase information and determines whether the user needs the beverage to be cooled. If so, it starts the compressor, controls the moving baffle to rotate to the room temperature inlet, and after the beverage is cooled according to the set time, it controls the latch to switch from the pushed-out state to the rebound state. After the beverage falls into the dispensing compartment, it turns off the compressor and controls the latch to switch from the rebound state to the pushed-out state. If not, it controls the moving baffle to rotate to the quick-cooling compartment inlet. When beverages need to be cooled, the refrigerant flows through the evaporator pipes, and the refrigerant filling the space between the evaporator pipes and the hoses serves as the heat transfer medium. The beverage bottle comes into close contact with the low-temperature resistant rubber hose, achieving cooling of the beverage through contact heat conduction via the refrigerant.

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