vending machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a vending machine equipped with a cleaning tool that allows for cleaning the fins of the heat exchanger of the vending machine. [Solution] The vending machine 1 has a door 2 that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage compartment 21 and a machine room 31, and at least a condenser 30 which is a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, and the fins F of the condenser are installed in a position where they can be seen and / or exposed when the door is opened, and the vending machine is equipped with a cleaning tool 80 that can clean the fins without being affected by the opening and closing of the door.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a technique for cleaning heat exchangers such as condensers of vending machines.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 for example, it is known that a large amount of dust and dirt accumulate on the numerous fins on the surface of the condenser and in the gaps between the fins, and it is necessary to clean them in order to prevent a decrease in the efficiency of heat exchange.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cleaning device for a condenser of a vending machine that can automatically and surely remove the dust on the condenser.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the opening and closing of the door (main door) is interlocked with the brush for removing the surface of the condenser (heat exchanger), but a space for providing a driving member for the interlock is required. Also, a large amount of force is required to operate the brush via the driving member when opening and closing the main door, that is, the opening and closing operation becomes heavy. Further, since the structure becomes complicated, not only is there a risk of failure, but it also leads to a serious obstacle that the door cannot be opened and closed due to a failure.

[0006] Another problem is that depending on the situation of the installation location of the vending machine, there are concerns that restrictions such as not being able to fully open the door may occur.

[0007] Another challenge is that cleaning the surface of the heat exchanger is crucial to prevent a decrease in heat exchange efficiency. Ideally, this should be done each time products are restocked. However, for workers, restocking takes priority, and cleaning tends to be neglected.

[0008] Another challenge is that in actual work, vehicles must be temporarily stopped and tasks must be completed efficiently within a limited time. However, taking cleaning equipment out of the vehicle and taking it back after the work is completed increases the burden on the workers. This also increases the burden of managing the cleaning equipment.

[0009] In view of the above problems, this invention proposes a novel technology for cleaning heat exchangers such as condensers in vending machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The problems that this invention aims to solve are as described above, and the means for solving these problems will now be explained.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage compartment and a machine room, and at least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, and the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position that is visible and / or exposed when the door is opened, and the vending machine is equipped with a cleaning tool that can clean the fins without being affected by the opening and closing of the door.

[0012] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage compartment and a machine room, and at least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, and the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position that is visible and / or exposed when the door is opened, and the vending machine is equipped with a cleaning tool that allows the fins to be cleaned by hand.

[0013] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage compartment and a machine room, and at least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, and the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position where they can be seen and / or exposed when the door is opened, and the vending machine is equipped with a cleaning tool that can clean the fins, and the cleaning tool is a brush that allows the cleaning work to be done by hand.

[0014] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning tool is placed between the door and the product storage area, or between the door and the machine room.

[0015] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning tool is arranged around the fin.

[0016] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the cleaning tool is installed on the door.

[0017] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the fins of the heat exchanger are positioned opposite the outside air intake port provided in the door.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a product storage compartment is located at the top of the vending machine, and a machine room is located at the bottom. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] This invention provides the following effects: In other words, according to one aspect of this invention, there is no need for space to provide a drive member that is linked to the opening and closing of the door, and the presence of a drive member does not hinder the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, since the cleaning tool and the door are not linked, cleaning is possible even in cases where there are constraints such as the fact that the door cannot be fully opened and can only be opened halfway due to the location where the vending machine is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1] A diagram showing an embodiment of a vending machine. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the state with the door open. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the internal structure of the housing. [Figure 4] A diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the fins of the heat exchanger and the cleaning tool. [Figure 5] A diagram for explaining the cleaning situation by the cleaning tool. [Figure 6] A diagram for explaining another example of the arrangement of the cleaning tool.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] The device of the present application can be implemented, for example, in the vending machine 1 in the form shown in FIG. 1. The vending machine 1 includes a housing 6 and a door 2 provided to be openable and closable with respect to the housing 6. The vending machine 1 has a control unit 100 for controlling the temperature of the products and the operations of various drive units, and is configured to be able to sell products unmanned according to the payment of the price by the user and the selection of the selection means.

[0022] The vending machine 1 includes not only those that have already been installed and are in operation, but also those during manufacturing before the manufacturing is completed and those of the finished products before the manufacturing is completed and the installation is carried out. In addition, the "existing" used in this specification means not only the state existing in the vending machine that has already been installed and is in operation, but also the state existing in the vending machine during manufacturing before the manufacturing is completed and the state existing in the finished product before the manufacturing is completed and the installation is carried out.

[0023] On the door 2, a product display section 60 for displaying the products sold by the vending machine to the user is provided. In the product display section 60, a plurality of dummies 61 and selection means 62a arranged at positions corresponding to each dummy 61 are provided.

[0024] In door 2, the side with the product display area 60 and product dispensing opening 7 is considered the outside (front side). Also, in door 2, the side facing the opening of the housing 6 is considered the inside (back side). Furthermore, in the vending machine 1 with door 2 closed, the space outside the vending machine 1 is considered the outside of the storage area, and the space inside the vending machine 1 is considered the inside of the storage area.

[0025] On the outer surface of door 2, a product display section 60 is visible, presenting a selection of products that the user can choose from. As an indication of the selection options, dummy products 61 of the products stored inside the warehouse are displayed.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 1, the product display section 60 forms three levels of display space, and in each display space, multiple dummies 61 and a selection means 62a corresponding to each dummy 61 are arranged. The appearance of the dummies 61 is designed to mimic the appearance of products and presents products that are for sale. The selection means 62a are so-called push buttons, and by pressing them, users can select the product corresponding to the dummy 61. Each selection means 62a constitutes an existing product selection unit 62 for selecting the product corresponding to the dummy 61 displayed in the product display section 60.

[0027] Furthermore, the number of tiers in the display space of the product display section 60 and the configuration of the dummy items are not particularly limited, and the entire product display section 60 may be configured as a touchscreen display with images of the dummy items and selection options.

[0028] On the outer surface of door 2, a card reader 63a, a banknote slot 63b, and a coin slot 63c are arranged to form a payment section 63 for settling payments. Below the coin slot 63c, there is a coin return slot 63e for returning coins.

[0029] A handle 74 for opening and closing the door 2 is provided on the outer surface of the door 2. The handle 74 is equipped with a locking mechanism, and by unlocking it with a key (not shown), the handle 74 can be operated and the door 2 can be opened.

[0030] As shown in Figure 2, the vending machine casing 6 houses multiple column devices 52 that function as dispensing mechanisms. Each column device 52 contains six columns, and products such as PET bottles filled with beverages are inserted through product input openings 52F leading to each column. Once payment is completed, the products are dispensed from the column device 52 and fall into the product chute 54, where they are placed into the product retrieval opening 7 formed in the door 2.

[0031] Below the product chute 54, the fins F of the heat exchanger, the condenser 30, are exposed. As shown in Figure 3, the interior of the housing 6 is divided into a product storage compartment 21 located on the upper side and a machine room 31 located on the lower side. The product storage compartment 21 houses the column device 52 described above.

[0032] The machine room 31 is equipped with a condenser 30, which acts as a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the outside air and the refrigerant, a fan 33, a capillary tube 34 (an expansion valve may also be used), and a compressor 35. For example, when cooling the inside of the product storage area 21, the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipes is compressed into a high-pressure gas by the compressor 35, becoming hot and easier to heat exchange with, before being sent to the condenser 30. In the condenser 30, the heat from the refrigerant is released by the outside air drawn in from outside the vending machine 1 by the fan 33, cooling the refrigerant and causing it to liquefy. The liquefied refrigerant is then pressure-reduced in the capillary tube 34 to make it easier to vaporize (evaporate), and is sent to the evaporator 26 (heat exchanger) of the product storage area 21. In the evaporator 26, the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the surrounding air, cooling the surrounding air, and the cooled air is circulated inside the product storage area 21 by the internal fan 25. This circulation of cooling air lowers the temperature inside the product storage compartment 21, cooling and maintaining the product 22 to a predetermined temperature.

[0033] Furthermore, when heating the heated chamber of the product storage area 21, the principle of a heat pump is used to absorb heat in the condenser 30, supply high-temperature refrigerant from the compressor 35 to the evaporator 26, and use the heat released from the evaporator 26 to heat the inside of the storage area.

[0034] The fan 33 primarily draws in outside air through an outside air intake 9 located at the bottom of the door 2. Additionally, a ventilation opening 91 is provided on the rear side of the enclosure 6 (opposite the door 2), and the airflow created by the fan 33 expels the air inside the machine room 31 to the outside.

[0035] In the above configuration, as shown in Figure 2, the fins F of the condenser 30 are positioned to be visible and exposed when the door 2 is opened. In other words, they are positioned within the worker's field of vision when the worker opens the door 2 to replenish goods, and the fins F are not covered by other components when the door 2 is opened. For example, the fins F may be positioned to be visible when the door 2 is opened but covered by other components, or they may be exposed in a position that is not visible when the door 2 is opened.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the exposed surface of the fins F of the condenser 30 has fine irregularities to ensure a large surface area in order to increase the amount of heat exchanged, and dust and debris accumulate in the gaps between these fine irregularities. The accumulation of dust and debris leads to a decrease in the efficiency of heat exchange. Therefore, a cleaning tool 80 is installed to allow the fins F to be cleaned.

[0037] The cleaning tool 80 can be used independently of the opening and closing of the door 2 (Figure 2). This eliminates the need for space to install a drive mechanism that is linked to the opening and closing of the door, and the presence of a drive mechanism does not interfere with the opening and closing of the door. Furthermore, since the cleaning tool 80 and the door 2 are not linked, cleaning is possible even if there are constraints such as the fact that the door 2 cannot be fully opened and can only be opened halfway due to the location where the vending machine is installed.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cleaning tool 80 can be a cleaning tool that allows the fins F to be cleaned by hand. In other words, it enables manual cleaning by workers, making the work easy for them to perform. Moreover, this manual work can be easily performed by simply sweeping the surface of the fins F, thus minimizing the burden on the workers.

[0039] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cleaning tool 80 can take the form of a brush that allows cleaning to be performed by hand. Specifically, it is composed of a handle 81 that can be grasped by hand and a bundle of bristles 82 made of multiple thread-like members planted on the handle 81, and can be made entirely of plastic material. This allows workers to perform the work easily and the cleaning tool 80 can be manufactured inexpensively, making it easy to implement. In particular, vending machines are installed in a large number of places, such as inside buildings like commercial facilities, offices, and schools, as well as on the streets of town, so being able to manufacture them inexpensively is important.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cleaning tool 80 can be installed in a position where it is visible when the door 2 is opened. As shown in Figure 2, the vending machine 1 has a door 2 that is rotatably connected to the housing 6 by hinges (not shown) which are spaced apart vertically. When the door 2 is closed, the back surface of the door 2 and the front surface of the housing 6 overlap to create a sealed surface, and when the door 2 is opened, the back surface of the door 2 and the front surface of the housing 6 are exposed. In this configuration, the cleaning tool 80 can be placed on the back surface of the door 2 or on the front surface of the housing 6.

[0041] In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 4, a tray 31b is provided on a cover 31a that forms the front wall of the housing 6, which partitions the machine room 31 located at the bottom of the inside of the vending machine, and cleaning tools 80 are placed on the tray 31b. As a result, when the door 2 is opened, the cleaning tools 80 placed on the tray 31b become visible. This allows the worker to see the cleaning tools 80 when opening the door 2 to perform tasks such as replenishing products, thereby motivating the worker to clean the fins F.

[0042] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cleaning tools 80 may be placed between the door 2 and the product storage area 21. For example, the location on the cover 21a that forms the front wall partitioning the product storage area 21 is a possible location. Also, as mentioned above, the cleaning tools 80 may be placed between the door 2 and the machine room 31 (on the tray 31b of the cover 31a).

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 4, the cleaning tool 80 can be positioned around the fin F. For example, by positioning it next to the fin F, the worker can intuitively recognize that the cleaning tool 80 is used to clean the fin F. Also, as shown in Figure 5, cleaning can be done without moving the cleaning tool 80 much, thus reducing the workload on the worker and providing motivation for more active cleaning due to its ease of use. In addition to being next to the fin F, the cleaning tool 80 may also be positioned around the fin F at positions above, below, diagonally, directly to the side, directly above, or directly below.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the cleaning tool 80A is installed on the door 2, and may be provided, for example, on the panel portion 7a below the product dispensing opening 7 formed in the door 2.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the door 2 is closed, the cleaning tools 80 are not exposed to the outside and can be stored inside the vending machine. This prevents problems such as the theft of the cleaning tools 80 due to malicious vandalism, or the cleaning tools 80 falling outside the vending machine and spoiling the surrounding aesthetics. In particular, vending machines are often installed in unmanned environments, so measures against theft and aesthetics are important.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the cleaning tool 80 can be connected to a connecting band 84 of a predetermined length. Specifically, for example, one end of the connecting band 84, which is made up of a chain with a length of 240 mm, is connected to the side of the fin F (cover 31a), and the other end is connected to the gripping part 81 of the cleaning tool 80. This makes it possible to reach the fin F with the cleaning tool 80 during cleaning, while preventing the cleaning tool 80 from being lost when it moves away from the vending machine.

[0047] Furthermore, this configuration prevents workers from accidentally taking the cleaning tools 80 home or from leaving them in another location on the vending machine, thus making it easier to manage the cleaning tools 80.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above configuration, the vending machine has a product storage compartment and a machine room inside, at least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, and the fins F of the heat exchanger are installed in a position where they are visible and / or exposed when the door 2 is opened, and the cleaning method is configured so that the fins F can be cleaned with a cleaning tool without being affected by the opening and closing of the door.

[0049] This encourages workers to more actively clean the fins in conjunction with replenishing products, preventing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency and ultimately contributing to reduced power consumption and CO2 emissions.

[0050] In the above embodiment, the fins F of the condenser 30, which is a heat exchanger, are positioned facing the outside air intake 9 from which outside air is drawn in to cool the condenser 30. In other words, when the door 2 is closed and the vending machine is viewed from the front, the fins F of the condenser 30 are positioned behind the outside air intake 9. However, the positional relationship between the outside air intake 9 and the fins F is not limited to this. For example, the outside air intake 9 may be provided at the bottom of the door 2 as shown in Figure 2, or at a position above the product dispensing opening 7, so that the outside air intake 9 and the fins F of the condenser 30 do not face each other. Alternatively, the outside air intake 9 may not be provided on the door 2 but on the side wall of the housing 6, or the gap between the door 2 and the housing 6 may perform the same function as the outside air intake 9.

[0051] Furthermore, especially in the embodiment described above, when the fins F of the condenser 30, which is a heat exchanger, are positioned facing the outside air intake port 9 through which outside air is taken in to cool the condenser 30, the fins F are located directly behind the outside air intake port 9. As a result, dust and debris contained in the outside air tend to adhere to and accumulate on the fins F, making cleaning with the cleaning tool 80 necessary and highly effective. [Explanation of symbols]

[0052] 1 Vending machine 2 doors 6 cabinets 7. Product dispensing opening 7a Panel section 9. Outside air intake 21 Product storage 21a Cover 26 Evaporator 30 Condenser 31 Machine room 31a Cover 31b Tray 33 Fans 34 Capillary tubes 35 Compressor 80 Cleaning tools 81 Gripping part 82 hair bundles 84 Connecting strip F Fin

Claims

1. The vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage area and a machine room. At least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, A vending machine in which the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position where they are visible and / or exposed when the door is opened, A vending machine equipped with a cleaning tool that allows the fins to be cleaned without being affected by the opening and closing of the door.

2. The vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage area and a machine room. At least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, A vending machine in which the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position where they are visible and / or exposed when the door is opened, A vending machine equipped with a cleaning tool that allows the fins to be cleaned by hand.

3. The vending machine has a door that can be opened and closed when replenishing products, and inside it there is a product storage area and a machine room. At least a heat exchanger is installed in the machine room, A vending machine in which the fins of the heat exchanger are installed in a position where they are visible and / or exposed when the door is opened, A vending machine equipped with a cleaning tool capable of cleaning the fins, wherein the cleaning tool is a brush that allows cleaning to be performed by hand.

4. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is It is installed in a position where it can be seen when the aforementioned door is opened. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The cleaning equipment is placed between the door and the product storage area, or between the door and the machine room. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is Arranged around the fin, The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The cleaning tool is installed on the door. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The fins of the heat exchanger are positioned opposite the outside air intake port provided in the door. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. Inside the aforementioned vending machine, the product storage compartment is located at the top and the machine room is located at the bottom. The vending machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The cleaning equipment is placed between the door and the product storage area, or between the door and the machine room. The vending machine according to feature 4.

11. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is Arranged around the fin, The vending machine according to feature 4.

12. The cleaning tool is installed on the door. The vending machine according to feature 4.

13. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is It is installed in a position where it can be seen when the aforementioned door is opened. The vending machine according to feature 8.

14. The cleaning equipment is placed between the door and the product storage area, or between the door and the machine room. The vending machine according to feature 8.

15. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is Arranged around the fin, The vending machine according to feature 8.

16. The cleaning tool is installed on the door. The vending machine according to feature 8.

17. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is It is installed in a position where it can be seen when the aforementioned door is opened. The vending machine according to feature 9.

18. The cleaning equipment is placed between the door and the product storage area, or between the door and the machine room. The vending machine according to feature 9.

19. The aforementioned cleaning equipment is Arranged around the fin, The vending machine according to feature 9.

20. The cleaning tool is installed on the door. The vending machine according to feature 9.

21. The fins of the heat exchanger are positioned opposite the outside air intake port provided in the door. The vending machine according to feature 9.

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