Vending machine with self-sealing drainage groove
By designing a self-sealing drainage channel and using elastic strips and electric push rods to control the cover, the problems of increased power consumption and reduced heat exchange efficiency caused by the drainage method of vending machines are solved. Automatic sealing and shaking effects are achieved, improving usage efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SUZHOU ZHIMA KAIMEN SELF-SERVICE SHOPPING EQUIP CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-21
AI Technical Summary
The drainage method of existing vending machines causes air convection between the outside and inside of the machine, increasing power consumption and reducing the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator surface due to frost formation.
A self-sealing drainage channel was designed, including first, second and third pipe sections, and an adjustment component. The opening and closing of the cover plate is controlled by an elastic strip and an electric push rod to achieve automatic sealing and shaking effects, thereby reducing the entry of moisture.
It effectively prevents external moisture from entering, reduces condensation residue inside drainage pipes, and improves the efficiency and energy management of vending machines.
Smart Images

Figure CN224153000U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vending machine technology, and in particular to a vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel. Background Technology
[0002] A vending machine, also known as an automated vending machine, is a machine that automatically dispenses goods based on the amount of money inserted. It is a common piece of equipment in commercial automation and a relatively new form of retail. Vending machines are not limited by time or location, saving manpower and facilitating transactions. Its operating mechanism involves recognizing currency, allowing customers to select items, verifying the correct amount inserted, and dispensing the goods when stock is available.
[0003] Vending machines primarily sell beverages and food. These items are kept at a relatively constant temperature to meet user needs, therefore, a refrigeration system is essential. In vending machines with refrigeration systems, humid air entering the machine condenses as it cools. This condensation needs to be drained. Current vending machines typically use a small, 30mm diameter hole at the bottom of the machine for drainage. However, this method allows air outside the machine to convect with the air inside, increasing power consumption. Furthermore, the influx of more humid air causes frost buildup on the evaporator surface, reducing heat exchange efficiency and further increasing energy consumption.
[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to propose an automatic vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel to solve the problem that the existing vending machine drainage method generally involves opening a round hole with a diameter of about 30mm in the lower part of the box for drainage. However, in this way, the air outside the box can convect with the air inside the box, which increases the power consumption. The more humid air entering will cause frost to form on the surface of the evaporator and reduce the heat exchange efficiency, thus leading to further increases in energy consumption.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: an automatic vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel, comprising an automatic vending machine body, wherein a drainage pipe is provided on the outside of the automatic vending machine body;
[0007] The drainage pipe includes a first pipe section, a second pipe section, and a third pipe section in sequence in the direction away from the vending machine body, wherein the first pipe section is connected to the drainage trough of the vending machine body;
[0008] The second pipe section is elastic;
[0009] The second pipe section is equipped with an elastic strip inside;
[0010] The third pipe section is hinged to a cover plate at the end away from the second pipe section. An adjustment component is provided between the cover plate and the first pipe section. The adjustment component is used to control the flipping of the cover plate and the swinging of the third pipe section.
[0011] Preferably, one end of the elastic strip is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the top of the first pipe section, and the other end of the elastic strip is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the top of the third pipe section.
[0012] Preferably, the adjustment assembly includes an arc plate, a vertical plate, a rotating seat, and an electric push rod. The arc plate is fixedly connected to the cover plate, the vertical plate is fixedly connected to the top of the first pipe section, the rotating seat is fixedly connected to the side of the vertical plate facing away from the vending machine body, one end of the electric push rod is hinged to the rotating seat, and the other end of the electric push rod is hinged to the arc plate.
[0013] Preferably, the drainage pipe is inclined, with the end of the drainage pipe away from the vending machine body inclined downward.
[0014] Preferably, a liquid level sensor is installed inside the third pipe section.
[0015] Preferably, a support plate is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first pipe section, and the support plate is fixed to the vending machine body.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0017] 1. This utility model achieves automatic sealing of the drainage pipe by setting a first pipe section, a second pipe section, a third pipe section and an adjustment component, preventing the entry of external moisture. At the same time, it can produce a shaking effect, reducing the condensation residue inside the drainage pipe and improving the efficiency of the vending machine. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automatic vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel according to the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 This utility model Figure 1 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point A in the middle.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first and third pipe sections of this utility model.
[0022] Figure 4 This utility model Figure 3 Enlarged schematic diagram of the structure at point B.
[0023] In the diagram: 1. Vending machine body; 2. Drainage pipe; 201. First pipe section; 202. Second pipe section; 203. Third pipe section; 3. Cover plate; 4. Arc plate; 5. Vertical plate; 6. Rotary seat; 7. Electric push rod; 8. Support plate; 9. Elastic strip; 10. Screw; 11. Liquid level sensor. Detailed Implementation
[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0025] This utility model provides, for example Figures 1-4 The vending machine shown includes a vending machine body 1. A drainage pipe 2 is provided on the outside of the vending machine body 1. The drainage pipe 2 includes a first pipe section 201, a second pipe section 202 and a third pipe section 203 in sequence in the direction away from the vending machine body 1. A support plate 8 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first pipe section 201. The support plate 8 is fixed to the vending machine body 1 by screws 10, so that the position of the first pipe section 201 is fixed and connected to the drainage trough of the vending machine body 1. Condensation can be discharged through the drainage pipe 2.
[0026] Furthermore, the drainage pipe 2 is set at an angle, with the end of the drainage pipe 2 away from the vending machine body 1 tilted downwards, so that a collection point can be placed below the drainage pipe 2 to collect the condensate discharged from the drainage pipe 2.
[0027] The first pipe section 201 and the third pipe section 203 are made of rigid materials, such as rigid plastics. The second pipe section 202 can be made of, but is not limited to, rubber, which has a certain degree of elasticity, allowing the third pipe section 203 to swing.
[0028] The second pipe section 202 is equipped with an elastic strip 9 inside. One end of the elastic strip 9 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the top of the first pipe section 201, and the other end of the elastic strip 9 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the top of the third pipe section 203. The elastic support force of the elastic strip 9 is appropriate so that the third pipe section 203 will not shake at will.
[0029] The end of the third pipe section 203 away from the second pipe section 202 is hinged with a cover plate 3. In actual use, a sealing ring can be set between the cover plate 3 and the inner wall of the third pipe section 203 to improve the sealing performance. When the cover plate 3 closes the third pipe section 203, it can prevent external moisture from entering. When the cover plate 3 flips to open the third pipe section 203, it allows condensate to drain out.
[0030] An adjustment assembly is provided between the cover plate 3 and the first pipe section 201. The adjustment assembly includes an arc plate 4, a vertical plate 5, a rotating seat 6, and an electric push rod 7. The arc plate 4 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 3, the vertical plate 5 is fixedly connected to the top of the first pipe section 201, the rotating seat 6 is fixedly connected to the side of the vertical plate 5 facing away from the vending machine body 1, one end of the electric push rod 7 is hinged to the rotating seat 6, and the other end of the electric push rod 7 is hinged to the arc plate 4.
[0031] In actual use, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 is retracted. With the cooperation of the arc plate 4, the cover plate 3 flips, causing the third pipe section 203 to open and allow condensed water to drain. Then, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 is retracted. Since the cover plate 3 can no longer flip, the end of the third pipe section 203 away from the second pipe section 202 tilts upwards slightly, the top of the second pipe section 202 contracts, and the elastic strip 9 bends. Then, the telescopic end of the electric push rod 7 is extended, and the third pipe section 203 returns to its original position downwards. After multiple operations, the third pipe section 203 vibrates, reducing the amount of condensed water remaining inside the drainage pipe 2.
[0032] After drainage is completed, the telescopic end of the control electric push rod 7 extends, and the cover plate 3 automatically seals the third pipe section 203 to prevent external moisture from entering.
[0033] During the above process, even if the end of the third pipe section 203 away from the second pipe section 202 is tilted upwards, the tilting height is appropriate and will not cause the condensate to flow back into the drainage trough of the vending machine body 1.
[0034] This utility model achieves automatic sealing of the drainage pipe 2 by setting a first pipe section 201, a second pipe section 202, a third pipe section 203 and an adjustment component, preventing the entry of external moisture. At the same time, it can produce a shaking effect, reducing the condensation residue inside the drainage pipe 2 and improving the efficiency of the vending machine.
[0035] The third pipe section 203 is equipped with a liquid level sensor 11. Specifically, a controller can be set to connect between the electric push rod 7 and the liquid level sensor 11. When the liquid level sensor 11 detects that the water accumulation inside the third pipe section 203 exceeds the set threshold, it transmits this information to the controller. The controller then controls the electric push rod 7 to start. The controller and its control principle are common existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.
[0036] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model, but the protection scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. Any equivalent substitutions or changes made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present utility model, based on the technical solution and the inventive concept of the present utility model, should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic vending machine with a self-sealing drainage channel, comprising an automatic vending machine body (1), characterized in that: The vending machine body (1) is provided with a drainage pipe (2) on its exterior; The drainage pipe (2) includes a first pipe section (201), a second pipe section (202) and a third pipe section (203) in sequence in the direction away from the vending machine body (1), wherein the first pipe section (201) is connected to the drainage trough of the vending machine body (1); The second pipe section (202) is elastic; The second pipe section (202) is provided with an elastic strip (9) inside; The third pipe section (203) is hinged to a cover plate (3) at the end away from the second pipe section (202). An adjustment component is provided between the cover plate (3) and the first pipe section (201). The adjustment component is used to control the flipping of the cover plate (3) and the swinging of the third pipe section (203).
2. The vending machine with a self-closing drain according to claim 1, characterized in that: One end of the elastic strip (9) is fixedly connected to the top inner wall of the first pipe section (201), and the other end of the elastic strip (9) is fixedly connected to the top inner wall of the third pipe section (203).
3. The vending machine with a self-closing drain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjustment assembly includes an arc plate (4), a vertical plate (5), a rotating seat (6), and an electric push rod (7). The arc plate (4) is fixedly connected to the cover plate (3). The vertical plate (5) is fixedly connected to the top of the first pipe section (201). The rotating seat (6) is fixedly connected to the side of the vertical plate (5) facing away from the vending machine body (1). One end of the electric push rod (7) is hinged to the rotating seat (6), and the other end of the electric push rod (7) is hinged to the arc plate (4).
4. The vending machine with self-closing drain according to claim 1, wherein: The drainage pipe (2) is inclined, with the end of the drainage pipe (2) away from the vending machine body (1) tilting downwards.
5. The vending machine with self-closing drain according to claim 1, wherein: A liquid level sensor (11) is installed inside the third pipe section (203).
6. The vending machine with self-closing drain according to claim 1, wherein: A support plate (8) is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the first pipe section (201), and the support plate (8) is fixed to the vending machine body (1).