Storage

Abstract

To provide a storage formed by modification of a used vending machine, in particular a beverage vending machine.SOLUTION: A storage according to the present invention comprises a body formed by modification of a beverage vending machine, an outer door, an article storage part provided inside the body, a cooling part for cooling a space of the article storage part, a heating part for heating the space of the article storage part, a temperature regulation part for adjusting the temperature of the space of the article storage part, and a blowing part for sending air. The temperature regulation part comprises dedicated temperature control means for cooling or heating an article in the article storage part and temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of the space of the article storage part. The space temperature of the article storage part is adjustable based on a detection temperature preset in the temperature detection means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage facility that is made by converting used vending machines, particularly beverage vending machines. [Background technology]

[0002] The number of vending machines installed across Japan steadily increased throughout the 20th century, peaking at 5.6 million in 2000 (Heisei 12), but has been on a downward trend since the beginning of the 21st century, reaching 5.4 million at the end of 2007 (Heisei 19) (of which 48.8% were for selling beverages, according to a survey by the Japan Vending Machine Manufacturers Association), and 5.26 million at the end of 2008 (Heisei 20), a downward trend that continues. Meanwhile, installed vending machines, regardless of whether they are new or old, will be disposed of. Used vending machines are disposed of properly as industrial waste by their owners, such as product manufacturers and operators, who act as waste generators and comply with the Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Act. The general disposal method involves pre-sorting parts containing hazardous substances, then shredding them in a shredder. Iron and aluminum are recycled as recyclable resources, while the rest is disposed of as shredder dust in a controlled landfill. The waste generators, such as product manufacturers, issue and manage vending machine manifests (industrial waste management slips) to ensure that this entire process has been carried out properly. Pre-sorting here refers to removing parts and devices containing hazardous substances from waste and disposing of them properly in accordance with the Ministry of the Environment's pre-sorting guidelines. Regarding vending machines, fluorescent tubes containing mercury, nickel-cadmium batteries containing cadmium, and chlorofluorocarbons are pre-sorted.

[0003] This means that the owners, the product manufacturers and operators, will have to dispose of a large number of vending machines in the proper way. However, collecting and properly disposing of a large number of vending machines is not only costly and time-consuming, but also goes against the SDGs' philosophy of conserving the Earth's limited resources. In other words, there is the issue of reusing used vending machines.

[0004] Inventions have been proposed in which commercially available beverage vending machines are modified for use in new forms. Patent document 1 proposes a PET bottle dispenser that enables vending machines to sell various shapes of PET bottles available on the market, and that can sell various shapes of PET bottle drinks using the electrical control mechanism of commercially available beverage vending machines as is. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 proposes an emergency beverage dispenser that is a modified version of a commercially available vending machine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-022708 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5444494 DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, although Patent Documents 1 and 2 propose modifying a commercially available beverage vending machine to add new functions, they are limited to use as a vending machine.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a storage cabinet that is made by modifying a used vending machine, particularly a beverage vending machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The item storage cabinet of the present invention comprises a housing formed by modifying a beverage vending machine, an outer door, an item storage section provided within the housing, a cooling section for cooling the space in the item storage section, a heating section for heating the space in the item storage section, a temperature adjustment section for adjusting the temperature of the space in the item storage section, and an air blowing section for blowing air, and the temperature adjustment section comprises a dedicated temperature adjustment means for cooling or heating items in the item storage section and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the space in the item storage section, and the space temperature of the space in the item storage section is configured to be adjustable based on a detected temperature previously set by the temperature detection means. The storage cabinet may be a refrigerator specifically designed for storing food ingredients.

[0009] The item storage cabinet of the present invention comprises a housing formed by modifying a beverage vending machine, an outer door, an item storage section provided within the housing, a cooling section for cooling the space in the item storage section, a heating section for heating the space in the item storage section, a temperature adjustment section for adjusting the temperature of the space in the item storage section, and an air blowing section for blowing air, and the temperature adjustment section comprises a dedicated temperature adjustment means for heating and drying items in the item storage section, and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the space in the item storage section, and the space temperature of the space in the item storage section is configured to be adjustable based on a detected temperature previously set by the temperature detection means.

[0010] The item storage cabinet of the present invention is a storage cabinet for storing items that is made by modifying a beverage vending machine, and is characterized by having a housing, an outer door, and an item storage section provided within the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The storage cabinet obtained by modifying a beverage vending machine according to the present invention can be used as a storage cabinet for storing items, a refrigerator, or a drying cabinet by modifying the vending machine through a simple process, and has the effect of increasing convenience for use in outdoor facilities and at home. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a commercially available beverage vending machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a housing part of a commercially available beverage vending machine. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing an article storage cabinet 100 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an article storage cabinet 101 according to a modified embodiment of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an article storage 102 according to another modified embodiment of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an article storage cabinet 200 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an article storage cabinet 300 according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below. The inventors of the present invention have conducted extensive research into the problem, focusing on the housing structure of the main body of the vending machine and the electrical functions of the vending machine, and have come to the conclusion that led to the present invention, which will be explained in detail below. [Example]

[0014] Please refer to Fig. 3. The storage cabinet 100 according to the first embodiment is a refrigerator that has been modified from a beverage vending machine, and includes a housing 1, an outer door D, storage sections 10a and 10b provided within the housing 1, a heating section 13 that heats the space within the storage section, a cooling section 14 that cools the space within the storage section, a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature within the storage cabinet 100, and a blower section 16 having a plurality of blowers 160 provided near the heating section 13. The temperature heating section 13 includes a dedicated heater 130 for heating the space of the item storage section. In the item storage cabinet 100 according to Example 1, the heater 130 is attached to the front of each fan 160. The temperature cooling section 14 includes a cooling unit 140, which is a dedicated temperature adjustment means for cooling the space of the item storage section. Therefore, when it is desired to cool the space of the item storage section, the cooling unit 140 is turned on, the heater 130 is left off, and the fan 160 is driven; when it is desired to heat the space of the item storage section, the cooling unit 140 is turned off, the heater 130 is turned on, and the fan 160 is driven. The temperature adjustment unit is also equipped with a temperature detection sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the space in the item storage unit, and the space temperature of the space in the item storage unit can be adjusted based on a temperature detected in advance by the temperature detection sensor. Note that this temperature adjustment unit may be a unit built into a general beverage vending machine.

[0015] Here, the article storage cabinet 100 according to the first embodiment, which is a modified version of a general beverage vending machine X, will be described in detail. First, we will explain how to remove the internal rack and chute. Hereafter, the beverage vending machine will be referred to simply as the "used vending machine." The removal of the components was carried out in the following order: The outer door D of the used vending machine is opened, and the inner doors 80a and 80b are removed. (Removal from right compartment 81a) The wiring of the product discharge bending mechanism (hereinafter simply referred to as "bending mechanism"; no reference numeral is given) is removed from the bottom of the product storage rack 82a in the right-hand storehouse 81a. The rack cover (not shown) in the right compartment 81a is removed. The rack fixing screws (numbers not shown) in the right storage 81a are removed, and the front row product storage rack 82a is removed. Remove the bending mechanism wiring in the middle row inside the right bay 81a. The product storage rack 82a in the middle row in the right storage room 81a is removed. Remove the rear row bending mechanism wiring in the right compartment 81a. The rear product storage rack 82a in the right storage room 81a is removed. Remove the shooter fixing screws in the right compartment 81a and remove the shooter part (no symbol is given). Remove the fixing screws of the rack guide (number not shown) in the right compartment 81a and remove the rack guide. (Removal from inside the middle storehouse 81b) Remove the rack cover in the middle storehouse 81b. The ventilation mechanism wiring is removed from the bottom of the product storage rack 82b in the middle storehouse 81b. The rack fixing screws in the middle storage 81b are removed, and the front row product storage rack 82b is removed. The wiring for the ventilation mechanism in the middle row of the middle warehouse 81b is disconnected, and the product storage rack 82b is removed. The wiring for the rear row of the ventilation mechanism in the middle storehouse 81b is disconnected, and the product storage rack 82b is removed. Remove the shooter fixing screws inside the middle storage 81b and remove the shooter part. Remove the fixing screws of the rack guide in the middle storehouse 81b and remove the rack guide. Remove the inner door bucket. (Removal from left compartment 81c) Remove the rack cover in left storage 81c. The ventilation mechanism wiring is removed from the bottom of the product storage rack 82c in the left warehouse 81c. The rack fixing screws in the left storage 81c are removed, and the front row product storage rack 82c is removed. The wiring for the middle row of the ventilation mechanism in the left warehouse 81c is disconnected, and the product storage rack 82c is removed. The wiring for the rear row of the ventilation mechanism in the left storage 81c is disconnected, and the product storage rack 82c is removed. Remove the shooter fixing screws inside the left compartment 81c and remove the shooter part. Remove the fixing screws of the rack guide in the left compartment 81c and remove the rack guide. Remove the left door bucket. It is also possible to leave one or two of the right room 81a, the middle room 81b, and the left room 81c and use the conventional racks as they are.

[0016] Next, the interior remodeling will be described in detail. The article storage cabinet (refrigerator) 100 according to Example 1 was carried out according to the following procedure. 1. Fix the left and right side panels to the top of the cabinet using four screws. 2 Secure the "windshield bottom plate" with four screws. Furthermore, maintenance can be performed simply by removing the "windshield bottom plate." 3 Attach the shelf support parts to the left and right side panels in four places. 4 Install the partition and then install the insulated door. 5 Remove the draft shield from the interior fan motor. 6 Turn the interior fan motor upside down and install it so that the airflow is directed from the front to the back. 7 Install the windshield for the interior fan motor. As mentioned above, before the modification, the airflow direction was to draw in air from the rear wind tunnel (top) and flow cool air to the front (bottom), but after the modification, the airflow direction changed to draw in air from the front (bottom) and flow cool air to the rear wind tunnel (top).

[0017] Please refer to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a diagram showing an article storage cabinet 101 that is a modified form of Example 1. The article storage cabinet 101 is a refrigerator that is a modified beverage vending machine X, and includes a housing 1, an outer door D, article storage sections 10a and 10b provided within the housing 1, a temperature heating section 13 that heats the space of the article storage section, a temperature cooling section 14 that cools the space of the article storage section, a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature within the article storage cabinet 100, and an air blowing section 16 that has multiple air blowers 161 provided near the temperature heating section 13. The temperature heating section 13 includes a heater 131, which is a heating unit dedicated to heating the space of the item storage section. In the item storage cabinet 101 according to Example 1, the heater 131 is provided at an arbitrary position in front of the blower 161. The temperature cooling section 14 includes a cooling unit 140, which is a temperature adjustment means dedicated to cooling the space of the item storage section. Therefore, when it is desired to cool the space of the item storage section, the cooling unit 140 is turned on, the heater 131 is kept off, and the blower 161 is driven, and when it is desired to heat the space of the item storage section, the cooling unit 140 is turned off, the heater 131 is turned on, and the blower 161 is driven. That is, the item storage cabinet 101 differs from the item storage cabinet 100 in that the blower 161 and the heater 131 are installed independently of each other, but the other configurations are the same as those of the item storage cabinet 100, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0018] Please refer to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an item storage cabinet 102 that is another modified form of Example 1. The item storage cabinet 101 is a refrigerator that is a modified version of a beverage vending machine X, and includes a housing 1, an outer door D, item storage sections 10d and 10e provided within the housing 1, a beverage rack 18c, a temperature heating section 13 that heats the space of the item storage section, a temperature cooling section 14 that cools the space of the item storage section, a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature within the item storage cabinet 100, and an air blowing section 16 having multiple air blowers 160 provided near the temperature heating section 13. That is, the article storage cabinet 102 is an embodiment in which the left cabinet 81c is retained and used as is out of the right cabinet 81a, middle cabinet 81b, and left cabinet 81c of the beverage vending machine X before modification. The item storage cabinet 102 retains the left cabinet 81c of the original beverage vending machine X before modification and is designed to be used as is. The space in the item storage sections 10d and 10e is narrower, but this is different from the item storage cabinet 100. The other configurations are the same as those of the item storage cabinet 100, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0019] It is also possible to create shelves using materials that can be purchased at home improvement stores, such as erector pipes, and attach simple adjustable shelves to create a simple outdoor refrigerator with a lock.

[0020] In Example 1, the used vending machine is converted into a refrigerator to serve as storage cabinet 100. By utilizing the existing cooling unit 14, beer and other beverages can be stored and cooled on the left rack, and food ingredients can be stored on the newly installed height-adjustable shelves. Furthermore, by converting the used vending machine into a lockable outdoor refrigerator, the existing locking function can be utilized. Furthermore, by turning off the cooling unit and using the heater, it can also be used as a non-refrigerated warm storage cabinet. [Example]

[0021] Please refer to Figure 6. The article storage cabinet 200 according to the second embodiment is a dry cabinet obtained by modifying a beverage vending machine X, and includes a housing 2, an outer door D, an article storage section 20a provided within the housing 2, a temperature heating section 23 that heats the space of the article storage section, a temperature cooling section 24 that cools the space of the article storage section, a temperature adjusting section 25 (not shown) that adjusts the temperature within the article storage cabinet 200, and an air blowing section 26 having a plurality of air blowers 260 provided near the temperature heating section 23. The temperature heating section 23 includes a dedicated heater 230 for heating the space of the item storage section. In the item storage cabinet 200 according to the second embodiment, the heater 230 is attached to the front of each fan 260. The temperature cooling section 24 includes a cooling unit 240, which is a dedicated temperature adjustment means for cooling the space of the item storage section. The temperature adjustment unit is also equipped with a temperature detection sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the space in the item storage unit, and the space temperature of the space in the item storage unit can be adjusted based on a temperature detected in advance by the temperature detection sensor. Note that this temperature adjustment unit may be a unit built into a general beverage vending machine.

[0022] Here, with regard to the storage cabinet 100 according to Example 2, which is a modification of a general beverage vending machine X, the removal of the internal rack / shooter and the interior modification are almost the same as in Example 1. Therefore, the explanation of the overlapping contents will be omitted, and only the contents different from Example 1 will be explained.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the storage cabinet 100 is used as a refrigerator using the cooling unit 14, but in the main use of the second embodiment, the storage cabinet 200 generates and controls hot air using the heater unit 24. Therefore, the storage cabinet 200 can be used for drying clothes at golf courses, etc. [Example]

[0024] A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The storage cabinet 300 according to the third embodiment is a storage unit obtained by modifying a beverage vending machine X, and includes a housing 3, an outer door D, and housing units 30a, 30b, and 30c provided in the housing.

[0025] The goods storage cabinet 300 according to the third embodiment is a locked storeroom from which all vending machine parts have been removed, with the racks, cooling unit, inner door, sample door, etc. removed, leaving only the outer door and outer box.

[0026] While the preferred embodiment of the storage cabinet according to the present invention has been illustrated and described above, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0027] The present invention can be used as a "lockable vending machine type outdoor refrigerator" to store food at campsites, etc., and as a "lockable vending machine type warming cabinet" it can be used to dry clothes at golf courses, etc., and further as a "lockable vending machine type outdoor storage shed" it can be used as a storage shed in private homes, so it can be widely used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0028] 100 101 102 200 300 Storage 1 2 3 Case 10a 10b 10d 10e Item storage section 20a 20c 20d Item storage section 30a 30b 30c Item storage section 11a 11b 11c 11d Interior partition 21b 21c Inner partition 31a 31b 31c Inner compartment divider 130 131 230 Heating unit 140 Cooling Unit 16. Blower 160 161 Blower 80a 80b Inner door 81a Ukou 81b Middle warehouse 81c left warehouse 82a 82b 82c Product storage rack 83 Inner door bucket 84 Condenser 801 Side plate 802 Top plate 803 Bottom plate 804 Back plate 805 Inner partition 806 Partition plate support member 90 Display Door 91 Operation section 92 Outlet X Beverage vending machine D Outer door

Claims

1. An article storage facility made by modifying a beverage vending machine, a housing, an outer door, an article storage section provided in the housing, a cooling section that cools the space of the article storage section, a heating section that heats the space of the article storage section, a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature of the space of the article storage section, and a blower that blows air; the temperature adjustment unit includes a dedicated temperature adjustment means for cooling or heating the items in the item storage unit, and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the space in the item storage unit; An article storage facility characterized in that the space temperature of the article storage section is configured to be temperature adjustable based on a detected temperature preset by the temperature detection means.

2. A goods drying cabinet made by modifying a beverage vending machine, a housing, an outer door, an article storage section provided in the housing, a cooling section that cools the space of the article storage section, a heating section that heats the space of the article storage section, a temperature adjusting section that adjusts the temperature of the space of the article storage section, and a blower that blows air; the temperature adjustment unit includes a dedicated temperature adjustment means for heating and drying the items in the item storage unit, and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the space in the item storage unit; An article drying cabinet characterized in that the space temperature of the article storage section is configured to be temperature adjustable based on a detected temperature preset by the temperature detection means.

3. A food storage facility for storing food ingredients, which is made by modifying a beverage vending machine, The food storage device includes a housing, an outer door, a food storage section provided in the housing, a cooling section for cooling the space in the food storage section, a heating section for heating the space in the food storage section, a temperature adjusting section for adjusting the temperature of the space in the food storage section, and a blowing section for blowing air, The temperature adjustment unit includes a dedicated temperature adjustment means for cooling the items in the food storage unit and a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the space in the food storage unit, A food storage facility characterized in that the space temperature of the space in the food storage section is configured to be temperature adjustable based on a detected temperature previously set by the temperature detection means.

4. A storage facility for storing items, which is made by modifying a beverage vending machine, An article storage cabinet comprising a housing, an outer door, and an article storage section provided within the housing.

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