Showcase-style refrigerated locker

Abstract

To provide a showcase-type refrigerated locker suitable for outdoor installation for displaying and selling fresh flowers, etc. [Solution] The locker comprises a display compartment 4 for storing contents, which has a display compartment door 41 made of a transparent plate on the front and a coin-operated locking mechanism that locks the display compartment door; a storage shelf body 2 with a transparent, openable front door 21 on the front and incorporating a display shelf 3 made up of multiple display compartments; and a cooling device that supplies cool air to the interior of the storage shelf body, with an insulating layer on the surface of the storage shelf body that comes into contact with the outside air to prevent the heat from the outside air from being transferred to the interior. When conventional showcase-type refrigerated lockers are installed outdoors, such as in a cemetery, they solve the problems of difficulty in maintaining the freshness of fresh flowers due to temperature rise caused by direct sunlight, as well as the problem of light reflecting off the translucent material of the door, causing a mirror effect that makes it difficult to check the condition of the fresh flowers inside, and the complicated payment system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a showcase-type refrigerated locker suitable for outdoor installation to display and sell fresh flowers and other items. [Background technology]

[0002] When visiting a grave, users need to prepare and bring fresh flowers in advance, which is extremely convenient for users if a flower vending machine is installed adjacent to a cemetery or graveyard. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a packaging container for Buddhist flowers, etc., that can store multiple pre-tied bouquets of Buddhist flowers, etc., in an upright and aligned state, allowing them to be transported as is and even displayed and sold without losing their commercial value. Patent Document 2 also discloses an invention relating to a flower cooling showcase that includes a cool air passage housing an evaporator and a blower that generate a forced circulation airflow, a storage chamber for storing cut flowers cooled by the forced circulation airflow, a cooling water tank located in the storage chamber and having a cooler connected in parallel to the evaporator at its bottom, in which the cut ends of the cut flowers are immersed, a humidifier that operates in the storage chamber when the evaporator is in cooling operation and is stopped when the evaporator is in defrosting operation, and a drainage device that drains water from the tank.

[0003] However, the packaging container disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the flower cooling showcase disclosed in Patent Document 2 had the problem that when they were installed outdoors, such as in a cemetery, the temperature rose significantly due to direct sunlight, making it difficult to maintain the freshness of the flowers.

[0004] Meanwhile, Non-Patent Document 1 discloses an unmanned store-based refrigerated locker-type vending machine with a refrigeration function, which has an outer door and an inner door. This refrigerated locker-type vending machine has a multi-layered structure of glass or acrylic panels on the front to ensure visibility inside. However, while this prevents temperature increases due to direct sunlight, there is a problem in that, outdoors during the day, external light is reflected by the translucent material of the door, causing a mirror effect, making it difficult to check the condition of the fresh flowers inside. Furthermore, in environments where there is no manager, such as cemeteries, a system that easily and reliably completes payment collection and product delivery is essential. However, although this refrigerated locker-type vending machine has a payment unit, it requires extra space and the payment system is complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-170981 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 7-30992 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. "Refrigerated Locker-Type Vending Machine for Unmanned Stores" Catalog https: / / www.fujielectric.co.jp / products / food / vending / product_series / vending_locker.html Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problems that this invention aims to solve are that when a showcase-type refrigerated locker for displaying and selling fresh flowers is installed outdoors in a place such as a cemetery, it is difficult to maintain the freshness of the flowers due to the temperature rise caused by direct sunlight.In addition, light is reflected by the translucent material in the door, causing a mirror effect, making it difficult to check the condition of the flowers inside, and the complicated payment system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of this invention comprises a display compartment for storing contents, the display compartment having a transparent display compartment door on the front and a coin-operated unlocking mechanism that can lock the display compartment door; a storage shelf body having a transparent openable front door on the front and incorporating a display shelf made up of a plurality of display compartments; a cooling device that supplies cold air to the inside of the storage shelf body, This showcase-type refrigerated locker is characterized by having a heat insulating layer on the surface of the storage shelf body that comes into contact with the outside air to prevent the heat from the outside air from being transferred to the inside.

[0009] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of this invention can prevent temperature increases due to direct sunlight, even when installed outdoors at a cemetery, and can maintain the freshness of fresh flowers, and also provides a simple payment system.

[0010] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of the present invention is characterized in that the display compartment is equipped with lighting fixtures that illuminate the interior of the display compartment.

[0011] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of this invention prevents sunlight from reflecting off the translucent material in the door, causing a mirror effect that makes it difficult to check the condition of the fresh flowers inside.

[0012] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of the present invention is characterized in that the partition walls that separate each display compartment are provided with ventilation holes.

[0013] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of this invention ensures that cold air circulates reliably within the refrigerated locker. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] The showcase-type refrigerated locker of this invention can prevent temperature increases due to direct sunlight, even when installed outdoors in a cemetery, and can maintain the freshness of fresh flowers.It also prevents the mirror effect caused by light reflecting off the translucent material in the door, making it easier to check the condition of the fresh flowers inside and providing a simple payment system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of the showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention with the front door open. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention, seen from the front. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of the showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention, seen from the right side. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along CC line in a plan view of the showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a mock-up plan view of a display shelf of a showcase-type refrigerated locker according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of a showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as "locker" 1) according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the locker 1 according to the present invention with the front door 21 open, showing the display shelf 3 built into the storage shelf body 2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the locker 1 taken along line AA as viewed from the front, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the locker 1 taken along line BB as viewed from the right side. Note that the illustration of the ventilation opening 32 provided in the vertical partition wall 31A is omitted. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the locker 1 taken along line CC as viewed from the top, and FIG. 6 is a mock plan view showing the display compartment door 41 of the display shelf 3 of the locker 1 in open and closed states. Note that in FIG. 6, the ventilation opening 32 provided in the horizontal partition wall 31B of the display compartment 4 is only shown in the left display compartment 4, and is not shown in the center and right display compartments 4.

[0018] The showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 according to the present invention comprises a display compartment 4 for storing contents, a storage shelf body 2 incorporating a display shelf 3 made up of multiple display compartments 4, and a cooling device 5 for supplying cool air to the inside of the storage shelf body 2. The display compartment 4 can be used to refrigerate flowers, fruits and vegetables, eggs, perishable foods, etc., to maintain their freshness.

[0019] The display compartment 4 is a rectangular parallelepiped divided by vertical partition walls 31A on both sides and horizontal partition walls 31B above and below (collectively referred to as "compartment walls" 31). It has a display compartment door 41 made of a transparent plate on the front, and a lighting fixture 43 on the horizontal partition wall 31 adjacent to the display compartment door 41 that illuminates the interior. The display shelf 3 is composed of multiple display compartments 4 lined up in both the left-right and up-down directions. Each figure shows an example of an embodiment of the present invention in which three display compartments 4 are lined up in each of the left-right and up-down directions. The number of display compartments 4 constituting the display shelf 3 may be any number depending on the number of items to be stored and displayed in the display shelf 3. The size of the display compartments 4 may be determined to be appropriate for the size of the items.

[0020] The partition wall 31 is provided with a plurality of vents 32 so that cool air can circulate within the display shelf 3. It is not necessary to provide a partition wall 31 on the top surface (ceiling) of the top display compartment 4. The partition wall 31 is preferably made of a material that can prevent corrosion due to moisture from the contents. The partition wall 31 must be strong enough not to deform due to the weight of the contents stored within the display compartment 4, and must be provided with vents 32 that can circulate cool air that can maintain the temperature within the display compartment 4; for example, the partition wall 31 may be made of stainless steel or aluminum punched metal or wire mesh.

[0021] The display room door 41 has a coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42 and a display room handle 44 that allows the display room door 41 to be easily opened and closed by hand. The display room door 41 can be locked by the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42, which can be unlocked by inserting a predetermined amount of coins. A coin box 33 is disposed in the partition wall 31 at a position corresponding to the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42, and inserted coins can be stored in the coin box 33. The coins may be 100 yen or 500 yen coins or coins specifically designed for the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42.

[0022] The display room door 41 is a transparent plate-like body that allows the contents stored in the display room 4 to be seen from the outside, and is strong enough not to be easily broken, and may be made of, for example, an acrylic plate or a glass plate.

[0023] The lighting fixtures 43 only need to have a brightness that can illuminate the inside of the display room 4 brighter than external light (sunlight), and can prevent the mirror effect in which external light is reflected and the inside becomes obscured. If the contents inside the display room 4 can be seen from the outside, the contents can be reliably confirmed. For example, LEDs are preferable for the lighting fixtures 43, as they generate little heat and have little effect on the temperature inside the display room 4.

[0024] When displaying flowers (bouquets) in the display room 4, it is preferable to place a vase or a container in which the flowers can be propped up inside the display room 4, as this allows the flowers to be stored in an upright position closer to their natural state rather than lying down, making it possible to store them for a long period of time.

[0025] The storage shelf body 2 has a built-in display shelf 3 and has a front door 21 made of a transparent plate on the front side. The front door 21 is made of double-glazed glass, and dry air or the like is sealed in the air space between the two panes of glass, forming an insulating layer. Furthermore, if the glass surface facing the air space is coated with a Low-E film (low-emissivity film), a high insulating and heat-blocking effect can be obtained, which is more preferable.

[0026] Additionally, heat insulating layers are arranged on the side walls 22, top plate 23, floor plate 24 and back wall 28 of the storage shelf body 2 to prevent heat from the outside air from being transmitted to the inside of the storage shelf body 2. It is preferable to insert a heat insulating material such as glass wool or rock wool into the heat insulating layer, as this will ensure a good heat insulating effect.

[0027] A cooling device 5 is disposed above the storage shelf main body 2. A panel 29 is disposed above the storage shelf main body 2 and in front of the cooling device 5, preventing direct sunlight from hitting the cooling device 5. It is preferable to install the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 so that it is embedded in the exterior wall of a building, as this can reduce the effect of outside air temperature on the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1.

[0028] The cooling device 5 is connected via an exhaust pipe (not shown) to an exhaust port 26 provided at one end of the top plate 23 of the storage shelf main body 2. The air inside the storage shelf main body 2 that has been exhausted from the exhaust port 26 is sent to the cooling device 5, cooled, and then supplied into the storage shelf main body 2 from an air inlet 25 provided at the other end of the top plate 23 of the storage shelf main body 2 via an air inlet pipe (not shown). The cool air that has been supplied into the storage shelf main body 2 circulates inside the storage shelf main body 2, and is then exhausted again from the exhaust port 26. It is preferable to provide a blower fan 27 at the exhaust port 26, as this will ensure that the cool air is circulated.

[0029] The outdoor unit (not shown) of the cooling device 5 may be installed at any position near the storage shelf main body 2.

[0030] Next, a method of using the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 according to the present invention will be described.

[0031] First, the method of storing the contents will be described.

[0032] With the display room door 41 and front door 21 closed in advance, the cooling device 5 is operated to cool the storage shelf main body 2. Next, the contents (such as a bouquet of flowers) to be stored in the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 are prepared and the front door 21 is opened. Then, the display room door 41 of the display room 4 that does not contain any contents is opened and the contents are stored in the display room 4.

[0033] After the contents are stored in the display room 4, the conditions for unlocking by the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42 (type and number of coins) are determined, and the display room door 41 is closed and locked. By determining the conditions for unlocking by the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42, the price for the contents can be determined arbitrarily.

[0034] Next, a method for removing the contents stored in the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 will be described.

[0035] In front of the showcase-type refrigerated locker 1, the contents are checked and selected through the front door 21 and display room door 41. After selecting the contents, the front door 21 is opened. Then, after checking the contents again, a predetermined number of coins of a predetermined type are inserted into the coin-operated unlocking mechanism 42 of the display room 4 containing the contents to be removed to unlock it. After unlocking, the display room door 41 is opened and the contents are removed. The display room door 41 and front door 21 are then closed.

[0036] Furthermore, if the front door 21 is left open for a long period of time, there is a risk of the temperature rising inside the storage shelf main body 2. If the temperature inside the storage shelf main body 2 exceeds a predetermined level and is left as is, the contents will be damaged and it will become difficult to maintain their freshness, so an alarm will sound to prompt the user to close the front door 21.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. It is clear from the description of the scope of the utility model registration claims that such modifications and improvements can also be included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0038] The showcase-type refrigerated locker 1 of this invention can prevent temperature increases due to direct sunlight and maintain the freshness of fresh flowers even when installed outdoors, such as in a cemetery.It also prevents the mirror effect caused by light reflecting off the translucent material in the door, making it easier to check the condition of the fresh flowers inside and providing a simple payment system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 1. Showcase-style refrigerated locker 2 Storage shelf body 3 display shelves 4 Display room 5 Cooling device 21 Front door 22 Side wall 23 Top plate 24 Floorboards 25 Air supply port 26 Exhaust port 27 Fans 28 Back wall 29 Curtain board 31 Compartment wall 31A Vertical partition wall 31B Horizontal partition wall 32 Ventilation hole 33 Coin Box 41 Display Room Door 42 Coin-operated unlocking mechanism 43 Lighting fixtures 44 Display door handle

Claims

1. a display room for storing contents, the display room having a display room door made of a transparent plate on the front and a coin-operated unlocking mechanism for locking the display room door; a storage shelf body having a transparent, openable front door on the front side and incorporating a display shelf made up of a plurality of the display chambers; a cooling device that supplies cold air to the inside of the storage shelf body, A showcase-type refrigerated locker characterized in that an insulating layer is arranged on the surface of the storage shelf body that comes into contact with the outside air to prevent heat from the outside air from being transferred to the inside.

2. 2. The showcase-type refrigerated locker according to claim 1, wherein the display room has a lighting fixture for illuminating the interior of the display room.

3. A showcase-type refrigerated locker as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that ventilation holes are provided in the partition walls that separate each of the display rooms.

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