showcase

Abstract

To provide a show case which allows a user to efficiently take out a beverage can whose temperature is suitable for drinking.SOLUTION: A show case 10 comprises: a display shelf 12; lanes 14 formed on a top surface of the display shelf 12; guides 16 which are formed along both sides of the lanes 14, for arranging beverage cans C in one row; and a temperature sensor 22 which contacts the beverage can C placed in a foremost side on a take-out port OL side, for measuring a temperature of the beverage can. At a position which can be visually recognized from outside on the take-out port OL side, there are arranged first and second indicators 24, 26. When the temperature of the beverage can C does not reach a set threshold value, on the first indicator 24, a fact that the temperature of the beverage can C is being adjusted is displayed, and when the temperature reaches the threshold, on the second indicator 26, a fact that adjustment of the temperature of the beverage can C is completed is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a showcase for storing and displaying beverage cans.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a means for selling canned beverages with temperature control, for example, it is generally known to arrange beverage cans in an orderly manner on a display shelf in a refrigerated or warmed showcase with a transparent glass front. A purchaser can open the front door of the showcase, take out the product, and purchase it. Patent Document 1 discloses a beverage can display device in which a heating board inclined forward at a low angle is installed in an open frame, and beverage cans can be arranged between a plurality of parallel electric heating partition plates arranged along the inclined direction on the heating board. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a device that sets one of the beverage cans in a refrigerator to measure the surface temperature of the can and display the temperature. According to this device, even when a plurality of beverage cans are simultaneously stored in the refrigerator, temperature management of the beverage cans in the refrigerator can be achieved because the temperature of the one can for which the temperature is measured represents the temperature of all the beverage cans.

[0003] However, according to the device described in Patent Document 1, although the beverage cans arranged in the open frame are heated, the temperature of the beverage contained in the beverage can is not temperature-controlled so as to reach the drinking temperature, that is, a temperature suitable for drinking. Further, since the user cannot visually determine whether the beverage contained in the beverage can is at the drinking temperature, the user has no choice but to judge by directly touching the beverage can. Also, according to the device described in Patent Document 2, in a refrigerator, it is common for beverage cans, foods, etc. to be taken in and out at any time. When the beverage can that the user wants to know the temperature of is not set in the device, it is impossible to judge whether the beverage can is at a temperature suitable for drinking. Further, when trying to set the beverage can in the device instead of the already set beverage can, the user's labor increases and there is a decrease in work efficiency such as a waiting time for measuring the temperature of the beverage can.

Prior Art Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 6-46561 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-75895 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a showcase that can efficiently retrieve beverage cans at a suitable drinking temperature, taking into consideration the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a showcase for storing and displaying beverage cans, comprising: a display shelf on which beverage cans are placed; one or more lanes formed on the upper surface of the display shelf; guides formed along both sides of the lanes to align the beverage cans placed on the lanes in a single row; and a temperature sensor configured to contact the beverage can placed at the front of the lane on the dispensing side and measure its temperature, wherein an indicator is placed at a position visible from the outside on the dispensing side of the display shelf to indicate that the beverage cans are being temperature-adjusted and that the temperature adjustment of the beverage cans is complete, and the indicator is configured to indicate that the temperature adjustment is in progress when the temperature of the beverage cans measured by the temperature sensor has not reached a set threshold, and to indicate that the temperature adjustment is complete when the set threshold is reached.

[0007] Furthermore, in other aspects of this disclosure, the display shelves may be inclined toward the dispensing side, and the lanes may be configured so that the placed beverage cans slide toward the dispensing side by their own weight.

[0008] In another aspect of this disclosure, when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set threshold and the indicator indicates that temperature adjustment is complete, the indicator display may be maintained until the temperature changes beyond a set temperature range from the threshold.

[0009] Furthermore, in another aspect of this disclosure, the system may further include a touch sensor that contacts a beverage can placed at the frontmost end of the lane on the dispensing side, and be configured to measure the elapsed time since the beverage can first made contact with the touch sensor.

[0010] In another aspect of this disclosure, the indicator may display that temperature adjustment is in progress if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor has not reached a set threshold, or if the elapsed time since the beverage can first made contact with the touch sensor has not elapsed to a set time, and the indicator may display that temperature adjustment is complete when the temperature reaches a set threshold and the elapsed time has elapsed to the set time.

[0011] Furthermore, in another form of this disclosure, a gate sensor may be provided in the lane, positioned on the refill side opposite the dispensing side, to detect when a beverage can replenished from the refill side has passed through. The gate sensor may count the number of beverage cans that have passed through and record a count number, and measure the elapsed time since the beverage can passed through the gate sensor for each beverage can corresponding to the count number.

[0012] In another aspect of this disclosure, the touch sensor may count the number of beverage cans that have reached the front of the display shelf based on the number of times it detects that a beverage can has been touched.

[0013] Furthermore, in another form of this disclosure, a gate sensor may be provided in the lane, positioned on the replenishment side opposite the dispensing side, to detect when a beverage can replenished from the replenishment side has passed through. The gate sensor may count the number of beverage cans that have passed through and record a count number, and may also measure the elapsed time since the beverage can passed through the gate sensor for each beverage can corresponding to the count number. The touch sensor may count the number of beverage cans that have reached the front of the display shelf based on the number of times it detects contact with a beverage can. The indicator may indicate that temperature adjustment is in progress if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor has not reached a set threshold, or if the elapsed time since a beverage can in contact with the touch sensor passed through the gate sensor has not exceeded a set time. The indicator may indicate that temperature adjustment is complete when the temperature has reached a set threshold and the elapsed time has exceeded the set time.

[0014] In another form of this disclosure, a fan may be attached to the underside of the lane.

[0015] Furthermore, in another aspect of this disclosure, the fans may be mounted longitudinally along the entire underside of the lane, and the fans may include a first fan that blows air upward and a second fan that blows air downward.

[0016] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the fans are configured to be mounted longitudinally along the entire underside of the lane and to blow air upward, and partitions extending vertically may be placed on the sides of the display shelves. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display shelves are formed with lanes and guides along both sides of the lanes. This allows beverage cans placed on the lanes to be aligned in a single row. As a result, users can retrieve beverage cans that were placed first on the lane and have been temperature-controlled for a relatively longer period than subsequent beverage cans, ensuring they are at a suitable drinking temperature.

[0018] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a showcase is equipped with a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of a beverage can placed at the front of the dispensing area. In addition, an indicator is placed at a position visible from the outside on the dispensing area of ​​the display shelf to indicate that the beverage can is being temperature-adjusted and that the temperature adjustment of the beverage can is complete. The indicator can display that the temperature adjustment is in progress if the temperature of the beverage can measured by the temperature sensor has not reached a set threshold, and can display that the temperature adjustment is complete when the set threshold is reached. As a result, users can visually determine when the beverage can at the front of the lane has reached the drinkable temperature, and can prevent or suppress the accidental removal of a beverage can that has not reached the drinkable temperature. This makes it possible to efficiently remove beverage cans at a drinkable temperature.

[0019] Furthermore, in another aspect of this disclosure, the determination of whether the beverage contained in the beverage can has reached its drinking temperature can be made not only by the temperature of the beverage can, but also by the elapsed time since the beverage can first made contact with the touch sensor. This allows the user to more reliably determine when a beverage can has reached its drinking temperature, preventing or suppressing the accidental removal of a beverage can that has not yet reached its drinking temperature. This enables the efficient removal of beverage cans at a suitable drinking temperature.

[0020] Also, as another aspect of the present disclosure, whether the beverage contained in the beverage can has reached the drinking time can be determined not only by the temperature of the beverage can but also by comparing the elapsed time since the beverage can in contact with the touch sensor passed through the gate sensor with a set time. For this reason, the user can more reliably determine that the frontmost beverage can in the lane has reached the drinking time, and can prevent or suppress taking out a beverage can that has not erroneously reached the drinking time. Also, for subsequent beverage cans after taking out the frontmost beverage can, the drinking time can be determined by comparing the elapsed time measured for each beverage can corresponding to the count number with the set time. Thereby, a beverage can at a temperature suitable for drinking can be efficiently taken out.

[0021] Furthermore, as another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of showcases are attached along the longitudinal direction over the entire lower surface side of the lane, and have a first fan that blows air upward and a second fan that blows air downward. For this reason, the cold air or warm air for temperature adjustment in the showcase circulates through the space between the beverage cans up to the upper side in the showcase. The cold air or warm air that has circulated up to the upper side is sent down to the lower side in the showcase through the space between the beverage cans. For this reason, since the cold air or warm air can be evenly flowed through the space between the beverage cans in the showcase, the efficiency of temperature adjustment can be improved and the temperature adjustment can be performed quickly.

[0022] Also, as another aspect of the present disclosure, a plurality of fans are attached along the longitudinal direction over the entire lower surface side of the lane and are configured to blow air upward, and a partition extending along the vertical direction is arranged on the side portion of the display shelf. For this reason, cooling air can be intensively blown onto the beverage cans placed on the display shelf, and the heat transmitted from the outside of the showcase can be absorbed by the partition and prevented or suppressed from being transmitted to the beverage cans inside the partition. Thereby, the efficiency of temperature adjustment can be improved and the temperature adjustment can be performed quickly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the display shelf according to the present embodiment as viewed from above. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the display shelf of FIG. 1 as viewed from below. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of temperature adjustment according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the display shelf according to the first modification as viewed from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of temperature adjustment according to the first modification. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the display shelf according to the second modification as viewed from above. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of temperature adjustment according to the second modification. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the display shelf according to the third modification as viewed from below. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a front view of the showcase according to the third modification. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a front view of the showcase according to the fourth modification. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a front view of the showcase according to the fifth modification.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, the showcase according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. For ease of understanding, the scale of the drawings may be changed for the description.

[0025] In the following description, as an example, the showcase for storing and displaying beverage cans for personal use or for sale is described as a refrigerated showcase, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a warm storage showcase for storing and displaying beverage cans for personal use or for sale may also be used.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the display shelf 12 of the showcase 10 (see Figure 9). As shown in Figure 9, the showcase 10 according to this embodiment is configured to be compact in size, corresponding to the dimensions of the beverage cans C it stores. Specifically, the showcase 10 is configured so as not to create any excess space when beverage cans C are stored inside. In this respect, it differs from refrigerators, which have a large internal volume to refrigerate a variety of items and have excess space when stored normally. As shown in Figure 1, the display shelf 12 is arranged in one or multiple tiers (two tiers in Figure 9) within the showcase 10, and is configured to hold beverage cans C on its top surface. Furthermore, the display shelf 12 is positioned in the showcase 10 at an angle such that the OL side is lower than the RP side for refilling beverage cans C, in order to allow the beverage cans C to slide by their own weight towards the OL side for removing beverage cans C by opening the front door of the showcase 10. On the upper surface of the display shelf 12, lanes 14 are formed that extend linearly along the front-to-back direction of the showcase 10, from the replenishment opening RP to the dispensing opening OL. Here, four lanes 14 are formed, each with a width set to match the dimensions of the beverage cans C, i.e., the outer diameter of the beverage cans C. Guides 16 are also formed on both sides of the lanes 14, along the front-to-back direction of the showcase 10, i.e., the longitudinal direction of the lanes 14. As a result, beverage cans C placed on the lanes 14 can be aligned in a single row along the longitudinal direction. Although this description assumes that four lanes 14 are formed on the display shelf 12, the number of lanes may be fewer than four, or more, depending on the size and use of the showcase and beverage cans.

[0027] Multiple rollers 18 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of lane 14, each roller having an axis extending in the width direction that is rotatably supported by guides 16 on both sides. As a result, beverage cans C placed on lane 14, i.e., on the rollers 18, can move smoothly along the longitudinal direction of lane 14 while rolling and making contact with the rollers 18 due to their rotation.

[0028] A plate-shaped stopper 20 extending vertically is erected at the end of lane 14 on the side of the dispensing outlet OL. The beverage can C closest to the dispensing outlet OL in lane 14 is configured to contact and lock against the stopper 20. A temperature sensor 22 is positioned below the stopper 20 that the beverage can C contacts, and is configured to measure the temperature of the side surface of the beverage can C that is in contact with the temperature sensor 22, i.e., in close contact with it. The temperature sensor 22 is described below as being positioned on the stopper 20 to measure the temperature of the side surface of the beverage can C, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the temperature sensor may be positioned to contact the bottom surface of the beverage can placed at the front of the lane to measure the temperature of the frontmost beverage can.

[0029] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the display shelf 12 from below. The outer surface of the display shelf 12 on the side of the dispensing opening OL is provided with a first indicator 24 to indicate that preparation is underway, i.e., temperature adjustment is being performed, and a second indicator 26 to indicate that the beverage cans are ready to drink, i.e., temperature adjustment is complete. Here, the first indicator 24 is a light that lights up, for example, red, to indicate that preparation is underway when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 is higher than a set threshold, i.e., the drinkable temperature. The second indicator 26 is a light that lights up, for example, blue, to indicate that the beverages are ready to drink when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 has fallen below a set threshold, i.e., the drinkable temperature.

[0030] In this description, the first indicator 24 and the second indicator 26 are described as lights that illuminate in red and blue, respectively. However, they are not limited to these, and may be liquid crystal panels or displays capable of displaying marks corresponding to the measured temperature (e.g., a circle, an X, etc.) or messages (e.g., "Ready to drink," "Preparing," "Ready," etc.).

[0031] The display shelf 12 includes a control unit 50 electrically connected to a temperature sensor 22. The control unit 50 is configured to record the temperature of the beverage can C detected by the temperature sensor 22. The control unit 50 is also configured to allow the user to input and set a target drinking temperature in advance, and to compare the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 with the set drinking temperature. Furthermore, the control unit 50 is electrically connected to a first indicator 24 and a second indicator 26. Therefore, the control unit 50 compares the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 with the drinking temperature, and if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 is higher than the drinking temperature, it can light up the first indicator 24. Also, if the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 is below the drinking temperature, the control unit 50 can turn off the first indicator 24 and light up the second indicator 26.

[0032] When the internal refrigeration unit of the showcase 10 is turned ON / OFF or defrosted, the temperature inside the showcase 10 fluctuates slightly. In such cases, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 22 also fluctuates, which can cause the "ready to drink" display and the "preparing" display to switch frequently due to temperature changes. To prevent this, the control unit 50 can be configured to have a temperature fluctuation range for the set "ready to drink" temperature. This allows the "ready to drink" display to be maintained even if, for example, the temperature of the temperature sensor 22 temporarily rises after reaching the "ready to drink" temperature, as long as it does not exceed the temperature fluctuation range. Note that this temperature fluctuation range is not limited to a fixed value set during the initial setup of the machine; it may also be adjustable by the user according to the usage of the showcase.

[0033] Next, the operation and effects of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment will be explained below through a description of the temperature control flowchart shown in Figure 3.

[0034] In step S100, the user replenishes the lane 14 with beverage cans C from the replenishment port RP side (start). Here, the display shelf 12 has multiple lanes 14, but since the beverage cans C in each lane 14 are temperature-controlled in the same manner, the following description will focus on one lane 14 and the beverage cans C placed on it. The beverage cans C slide along the lane 14 toward the dispensing port OL side and lock against the stopper 20, coming to rest at the foremost position on the lane 14. Next, the process moves to step S102, where the control unit 50 activates the temperature sensor 22 to measure the temperature of the side of the beverage cans C.

[0035] When the temperature sensor 22 measures the temperature, the system proceeds to step 104, where the measured temperature is compared with the user-pre-set ideal drinking temperature. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 is higher than the ideal drinking temperature, the system proceeds to step 108 to indicate that preparation is underway, and the first indicator 24 lights up red. Next, the system proceeds to step S110, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet finished operating, it proceeds to step S102, and the cycle from step S104 to the case where the elapsed time has not yet reached the ideal drinking time is repeated until the elapsed time has passed. Meanwhile, when the beverage can C has cooled and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 22 falls below the ideal drinking temperature, the control unit 50 proceeds to step 106, where the first indicator 24 is turned off and the second indicator 26 lights up blue to indicate that it is ready to drink. When the frontmost beverage can C, which has fallen below the ideal drinking temperature, is removed from the showcase 10, the process proceeds to step 110. If the next beverage can C does not slide in, that is, if the beverage can C does not come into contact with the temperature sensor 22, the process proceeds to step 112, and the operation of the control unit 50 ends.

[0036] According to the showcase 10 of this embodiment, the display shelf 12 has a lane 14 and guides 16 along both sides of the lane 14. This allows beverage cans C placed on the lane 14 to be aligned in a single row. The lane 14 is configured such that the placed beverage cans C slide towards the dispensing opening OL by their own weight. As a result, the user can retrieve a beverage can C that was placed first on the lane 14 and has been temperature-controlled for a relatively longer period than subsequent beverage cans C, resulting in a beverage can at a suitable drinking temperature. Note that "temperature-controlled to a suitable drinking temperature" has a broad meaning here. That is, it includes not only cases where the temperature of the beverage can C is just right for drinking immediately after the user (consumer) takes it out of the showcase 10, but also cases where the temperature is adjusted so that it is just right for drinking after a predetermined time has elapsed since taking it out of the showcase 10. Specifically, it also includes temperature adjustment when the consumer drinks the beverage can C after moving away from the place of sale, rather than immediately after purchasing it at a store or other retail location. For example, if a consumer purchases a beverage can C at a Shinkansen station and drinks it in their seat after boarding, a certain amount of time will pass between the purchase of the beverage can C and the time spent sitting down. According to the showcase 10 of this embodiment, by adjusting the temperature of the showcase 10 and displaying the temperature using indicators 24 and 26, taking into account the temperature changes of the beverage over time due to transport after purchase, the user can drink a beverage at a suitable temperature even if a certain amount of time has passed since purchasing the beverage can C.

[0037] Furthermore, the showcase 10 according to this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 22 configured to slide along the lane 14 and contact the beverage can C placed at the front of the dispensing outlet OL to measure its temperature. In addition, a first indicator 24 and a second indicator 26 are positioned on the dispensing outlet OL side of the display shelf 12 in a location visible from the outside. If the temperature of the beverage can C measured by the temperature sensor 22 is higher than the ideal drinking temperature, the first indicator 24 can be lit red to indicate that the temperature is being adjusted, i.e., that it is being prepared. If the temperature falls below the ideal drinking temperature, the second indicator 26 can be lit blue to indicate that it is ready to drink. As a result, users can visually determine when the beverage can C at the front of the lane 14 has reached the ideal drinking temperature, preventing or discouraging them from mistakenly picking up a beverage can C that has not yet reached the ideal drinking temperature. This allows for the efficient picking up of beverage cans C at a suitable drinking temperature. Furthermore, by indicating that the beverage can is ready to drink using indicators 24 and 26, it is possible to encourage users (consumers) visiting stores, for example, to purchase beverage cans C.

[0038] As described above, the showcase 10 having the display shelf 12 according to this embodiment allows for the efficient retrieval of beverage cans C at a suitable drinking temperature.

[0039] (First variation) The following describes a first modified example of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the display shelf 12 according to the first modified example, viewed from above. A touch sensor 28 is attached below the temperature sensor 22 to the stopper 20 erected at the end of the lane 14 on the dispensing outlet OL side. As a result, when a beverage can C slides to the very front on the dispensing outlet OL side of the lane 14, it comes into contact with the touch sensor 28, and the touch sensor 28 can detect that the beverage can C has made contact. This allows for confirmation of the presence or absence of a beverage can C at the very front on the dispensing outlet OL side, and then measurement of the temperature of the side of the beverage can C. Here, the touch sensor 28 is described as being attached to the stopper 20, but it is not limited to this; it is sufficient for the presence or absence of a beverage can to be detected at the very front on the dispensing side, and it may be attached, for example, to the side of the guide facing the beverage can, as long as it is in a position that contacts the beverage can at the very front on the dispensing side.

[0041] The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the touch sensor 28. The control unit 50 also includes a timer 50a that works in conjunction with the touch sensor 28. Therefore, the timer 50a is activated from the moment the beverage can C comes into contact with the touch sensor 28, and the timer 50a can measure the elapsed time from that point onward during which the beverage can C continues to be in contact with the touch sensor 28. Furthermore, the control unit 50 is configured to allow the time required for the beverage contained in the beverage can C to become drinkable to be set in advance as the drinkable time. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine whether the elapsed time measured by the timer 50a has reached the drinkable time.

[0042] Next, the operation and effects of the showcase 10 in the first modified example will be explained below through the temperature control flowchart shown in Figure 5.

[0043] In step S200, the user replenishes beverage cans C into lane 14 from the replenishment port RP side (start). Once beverage cans C are replenished into lane 14, the process moves to step S202, where the control unit 50 resets timer 50a to zero. Next, the process moves to step S204, where the control unit 50 determines whether the elapsed time of timer 50a is zero (0 hours). If it is zero, the process moves to step S206. If it is not zero, i.e., if the measurement of elapsed time has started, the process moves to step S208.

[0044] When the process moves to step S206, the control unit 50 determines whether the touch sensor 28 is activated (turned ON), that is, whether the replenished beverage can C is sliding along the lane 14 and making contact with the touch sensor 28. If the touch sensor 28 is not turned ON, the process moves to step S220, where the control unit 50 lights the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. Once the first indicator 24 is lit, the process moves to step S222, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet finished operating, the process moves to step S204, and the cycle from step S206 onwards, when the touch sensor 28 is not turned ON, is repeated until the touch sensor 28 is turned ON.

[0045] On the other hand, if the touch sensor 28 is ON in step S206, that is, if the beverage can C comes into contact with the touch sensor 28, the process moves to step S218, where the control unit 50 activates the timer 50a in conjunction with the activation of the touch sensor 28, and proceeds to step S222. At this point, since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 is operating, the process moves to step S204, where the timer 50a has already started measuring the elapsed time, and proceeds to step S208. In step S208, if the elapsed time is shorter than the ideal drinking time, that is, if the elapsed time has not yet reached the ideal drinking time, the process moves to step S220, where the control unit 50 lights the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. When the first indicator 24 lights up, the process proceeds to step S222, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet stopped operating, the process proceeds to step S204, and the cycle from step S208 to the case where the elapsed time has not yet reached the drinking time is repeated until the elapsed time has passed.

[0046] When the elapsed time exceeds the optimal drinking time, the process moves to step S210, where the control unit 50 determines whether the touch sensor 28 is ON. If the touch sensor 28 is not ON, the process moves to step S220, and until the touch sensor 28 is ON, the cycle from step S210 to the case where the touch sensor 28 is not ON is repeated, similar to the case of step S206. On the other hand, if the touch sensor 28 is ON, that is, if the beverage can C is in contact with the touch sensor 28, the process moves to step S212, where the control unit 50 activates the temperature sensor 22 to measure the temperature of the beverage can C.

[0047] If the temperature of beverage can C has not reached the ideal drinking temperature, i.e., if it is higher than the ideal drinking temperature, the process proceeds to step S220, where the control unit 50 lights up the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. When the first indicator 24 is lit, the process proceeds to step S222, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet finished operating, the process proceeds to step S204, and the cycle from step S214 onwards, in which the temperature of beverage can C is higher than the ideal drinking temperature, is repeated until the temperature of beverage can C cools down to the ideal drinking temperature.

[0048] When the temperature of beverage can C has cooled to the drinkable temperature, the process moves to step S216, where the control unit 50 illuminates the second indicator 26 in blue to indicate that the temperature adjustment is complete and the beverage is ready to drink. When the second indicator 26 is illuminated, the process moves to step S222, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet ceased operation, the process moves to step S204, and the cycle from step S204 is repeated as long as the system is running. On the other hand, when the system ceases operation, the process moves to step S224 and terminates.

[0049] The control unit 50 is configured to reset the touch sensor 28 when the frontmost beverage can C is removed from the dispensing outlet OL and no longer makes contact with the touch sensor 28. In conjunction with the reset of the touch sensor 28, the control unit 50 is also configured to reset the timer 50a to zero and to light up the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. Therefore, when the frontmost beverage can C is removed from the dispensing outlet OL, the control unit 50 proceeds to step S202 and begins temperature adjustment for the beverage can C that slides in next to the stopper 20.

[0050] According to the first modified example of the showcase 10, the determination of whether the beverage in the frontmost beverage can C of lane 14 is ready to drink can be made not only by the temperature of the beverage can C, but also by the time required for temperature adjustment after replenishing the beverage can C to the display shelf 12. As a result, the user can more reliably determine that the frontmost beverage can C of lane 14 has reached the ready-to-drink temperature, and can prevent or suppress the accidental removal of a beverage can C that has not yet reached the ready-to-drink temperature. This allows for the efficient removal of beverage cans C at a suitable drinking temperature.

[0051] (Second variation) A second modified example of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0052] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the display shelf 12 according to the second modified example, viewed from above. A temperature sensor 22 is attached to the upper side and a touch sensor 28 to the lower side of a stopper 20 erected at the end of the lane 14 on the dispensing outlet OL side. The temperature sensor 22 and the touch sensor 28 are electrically connected to the control unit 50. Therefore, the control unit 50 can check for the presence or absence of a beverage can C at the foremost part on the dispensing outlet OL side and then measure the temperature of the side of the beverage can C. Furthermore, a gate sensor 30 is placed on the refilling port RP side of the guide 16, which can detect when a beverage can C has passed the refilling port RP side of the lane 14. The control unit 50 is configured to receive a signal transmitted when a refilled beverage can C passes through the gate sensor 30. The control unit 50 also has a timer 50a that measures the elapsed time for each beverage can refilled in the lane 14. As a result, the control unit 50 is configured to count the number of beverage cans C passing through the gate sensor 30, number each beverage can C as a count number, and simultaneously reset the timer 50a corresponding to each beverage can C to zero. Therefore, the elapsed time measured by the timer 50a can be associated with each beverage can C through the count number. In addition, the touch sensor 28 is configured to count the number of times it detects contact with a beverage can C. This makes it possible to count the number of beverage cans C that have reached the front of the display shelf 12.

[0053] Next, the operation and effects of the showcase 10 in the second modified example will be explained below through the temperature control flowchart shown in Figure 7.

[0054] In step S300, the user replenishes beverage cans C into lane 14 from the replenishment port RP side (start). If the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has just been activated, in step S302, the control unit 50 resets the replenishment can number, which is the number of beverage cans C that have been replenished, and the front can number, which is the replenishment can number of the beverage can C at the front, to zero. Next, the process moves to step S304, where the control unit 50 receives a signal transmitted when the replenished beverage cans C pass through the gate sensor 30, and then moves to step S306 to increment the replenishment can number for each can. Furthermore, the control unit 50 moves to step S308 to reset the elapsed time of the timer 50a corresponding to the replenishment can number to zero, and then moves to step S310 to activate the timer 50a corresponding to this replenishment can number.

[0055] When the timer 50a is activated, the process moves to step S312, where the control unit 50 determines whether the touch sensor 28 has moved from a stopped state to an activated state (from OFF to ON), that is, whether the replenished beverage can C has slid along the lane 14 and made contact with the touch sensor 28. Even when the first beverage can C is removed from the dispensing outlet OL, the touch sensor 28 is reset once, so when a subsequent beverage can C makes contact with the touch sensor 28, the touch sensor 28 moves from the reset state to an activated state, that is, from OFF to ON. If the touch sensor 28 has not moved from OFF to ON, the process moves to step S316, where the control unit 50 determines whether the touch sensor 28 is in an activated state (ON), and if it is not ON, the process moves to step S324. When the process moves to step S324, the control unit 50 lights the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. When the first indicator 24 is lit, the process proceeds to step S326. However, since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet ceased operation, the process proceeds to step S304. Until the touch sensor 28 switches from OFF to ON, the cycle from step S316 to the case where the touch sensor 28 has not switched from OFF to ON is repeated.

[0056] On the other hand, if the touch sensor 28 is switched from OFF to ON in step S312, the process proceeds to step S314, where the control unit 50 increments the frontmost can number so that the replenishment can number of the frontmost beverage can C matches the frontmost can number. Next, the process proceeds to step S316, where if the touch sensor 28 is ON, that is, if the beverage can C is in contact with the touch sensor 28, the process proceeds to step S318, where the control unit 50 activates the temperature sensor 22 to measure the temperature of the beverage can C.

[0057] The control unit 50 moves to step S320 and compares the elapsed time of timer 50a corresponding to the frontmost beverage can C (refill can No.) with the ideal drinking time, and also compares the temperature of beverage can C with the ideal drinking temperature. If the elapsed time of timer 50a has not exceeded the ideal drinking time, or if the temperature of beverage can C is higher than the ideal drinking temperature, the control unit moves to step S324 and lights the first indicator 24 red to indicate that preparation is underway. When the first indicator 24 is lit, the control unit moves to step S326, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not finished operating, it moves to step S304 and repeats the cycle of lighting the first indicator 24 red from step S316 until the elapsed time of timer 50a has exceeded the ideal drinking time and the temperature of beverage can C has cooled to the ideal drinking temperature.

[0058] When the elapsed time on the timer 50a corresponding to the frontmost beverage can C (refill can number) has passed the drinking time and the temperature of beverage can C has cooled to the drinking temperature, the process moves to step S322, where the control unit 50 lights up the second indicator 26 in blue to indicate that the temperature adjustment is complete and the beverage is ready to drink. When the second indicator 26 is lit, the process moves to step S326, but since the temperature control system of the showcase 10 has not yet finished operating, the process moves to step S304, and the cycle from step S304 is repeated as long as the system is operating. On the other hand, when the system has finished operating, the process moves to step S224 and ends.

[0059] According to the second modified example of the showcase 10, whether the beverage in the frontmost beverage can C of lane 14 is ready to drink can be determined not only by the temperature of the beverage can C, but also by comparing the elapsed time since the beverage can C, which is in contact with the touch sensor 28, passed the gate sensor 30 with the ready-to-drink time. Therefore, the user can more reliably determine when the frontmost beverage can C of lane 14 has reached the ready-to-drink temperature, and can prevent or suppress the accidental removal of a beverage can C that is not yet ready to drink. Furthermore, for subsequent beverage cans C after the frontmost beverage can C has been removed, the ready-to-drink temperature can be determined by comparing the elapsed time using the timer 50a corresponding to the replenishment can No. with the ready-to-drink time. This allows for the efficient removal of beverage cans C at a suitable drinking temperature.

[0060] (Third variation) A third modified example of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0061] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the display shelf 12 according to the third modified example, viewed from below. Fans 32a and 32b are attached to the bottom of the display shelf 12. The control unit 50 is electrically connected to the fans 32a and 32b and can operate and rotate the fans 32a and 32b. By rotating the fans 32a and 32b, air from the fans 32a and 32b can be passed upward through the gaps in the lanes 14 and between the rollers 18.

[0062] Figure 9 shows a front view of the showcase 10 when the fan 32 is operating and rotating. Inside the showcase 10, display shelves 12a and 12b, each having four lanes 14 for beverage cans C, are arranged in two tiers, upper and lower. The height of each display shelf 12a and 12b is set to be close to the height of the beverage cans C placed on each shelf; that is, the height of each tier of the showcase 10 where the display shelves 12a and 12b are arranged is configured to be approximately the same as the height of the beverage cans C placed on each tier. As a result, the gap between the beverage cans C and the ceiling of each tier is small. Furthermore, an outlet 34 for cooling air CA sent from a refrigerator (not shown) inside the showcase 10 is formed on the lower side of one end in the width direction inside the showcase 10, and an air intake 36 is formed on the lower side of the other end in the width direction. The first fan 32a on the outlet 34 side of the upper and lower display shelves 12a and 12b is configured to blow air upward (DV in Figure 9), and the second fan 32b on the intake 36 side of the upper and lower display shelves 12a and 12b is configured to blow air downward (DV in Figure 9).

[0063] In the absence of the fan 32, the cooling air CA blown out from the outlet 34 flows directly to the intake port 36 through the lower part of the showcase 10. On the other hand, according to the showcase 10 of the third modification, the first fan 32 on the outlet 34 side blows air upward (DV in Figure 9), so the cooling air CA passes between the beverage cans C and wraps around to the upper part of the showcase 10. Furthermore, the second fan 32 on the intake port 36 side blows air downward (DV in Figure 9), so the cooling air CA passes between the beverage cans C and is sent to the lower part of the showcase 10 and sucked in through the intake port 36. In addition, the height dimension of each shelf on which the display shelves 12a and 12b of the showcase 10 are arranged is configured to be approximately the same as the height dimension of the beverage cans C placed on each shelf, and is formed so that the gap between the top surface of the beverage cans C and the ceiling portion of each shelf of the display shelves 12a and 12b is small. Therefore, cooling air CA can be evenly circulated between the beverage cans C inside the showcase 10, thereby improving cooling efficiency. Furthermore, by efficiently controlling the temperature with airflow, beverages can be adjusted to a suitable drinking temperature in a short time. For example, even in a small space where the sales area is limited, the showcase 10 according to this embodiment can be used to provide a larger quantity of beverages.

[0064] (Fourth variation) A fourth modified example of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0065] Figure 10 shows a front view of the showcase 10 when fans 32a and 32b are operating and rotating. A partition 38 is positioned at one end of the lower display shelf 12a in the width direction, adjacent to the side wall of the showcase 10 and extending vertically. Fans 32a and 32b are both set to blow air upwards. Cooling air CA blown out from the outlet 34 is drawn into fans 32a and 32b and blown inside the interior of the showcase 10 beyond the partition 38, passing between the beverage cans C to the upper side of the display shelf 12b (DV in Figure 10). An air intake 36 is positioned between the side wall of the showcase 10 and the partition 38, and the cooling air CA that has been blown to the upper side of the display shelf 12b is drawn into the air intake 36, passing between the side wall of the showcase 10 and the partition 38.

[0066] The cooling air CA not only transfers heat to the beverage can C, but also to the side wall of the showcase 11. As a result, heat intrusion from the outside occurs through the side wall, which is in contact with the outside air, affecting the cooling of the beverage can C. On the other hand, according to the showcase 10 of the fourth modification, by arranging the partition 38, it is possible to prevent or suppress the transfer of heat entering from the side wall of the showcase 10 to the beverage can C. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the showcase 11 can be improved and the cooling rate can be increased.

[0067] (Fifth variation) A fifth modified example of the showcase 10 according to this embodiment will be described below. Elements similar to or corresponding to those in this embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0068] Figure 11 shows a front view of the showcase 10 when fans 32a and 32b are operating and rotating. A partition 38a is positioned at one end of the lower display shelf 12a in the width direction, adjacent to the side wall of the showcase 10 and extending vertically. Similarly, a partition 38b is positioned at the other end of the upper display shelf 12b in the width direction, adjacent to the side wall of the showcase 10 and extending vertically. Fans 32a and 32b are both set to blow air upwards (DV in Figure 11). The cooling air CA blown out from the outlet 34 is drawn into fans 32a and 32b and blown inside the showcase 10, past the upper partition 38b, through the beverage cans C, to the upper side of the display shelf 12b. The air intake 36 is located between the side wall of the showcase 10 and the lower partition 38a, and the cooling air CA that has been blown up to the upper side of the display shelf 12b is drawn into the air intake through the space between the side wall of the showcase 10 and the lower partition 38a.

[0069] According to the fifth modified example of the showcase 10, by placing partitions 38a and 38b on the upper display shelf 12b and the lower display shelf 12a, respectively, it is possible to prevent or suppress heat entering from the side walls of the showcase 10 from being transferred to the beverage cans C. This improves the cooling efficiency of the showcase 11 and speeds up the cooling rate.

[0070] Although embodiments of the showcase 10 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications of the above embodiments are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 10 showcases 12 Display shelf 12a display shelf 12b Display shelf 14 lanes 16 Guide 20 Stoppers 22 Temperature Sensor 24. The first indicator (indicator) 26. The second indicator (indicator) 28 Touch Sensors 30 Gate Sensors 32 Fans (First fan, Second fan) 38 Folding screen 38a Folding screen 38b Folding screen C Beverage can OL outlet

Claims

1. A display case for storing and displaying beverage cans, A display shelf on which the beverage cans are placed, One or more lanes formed on the upper surface of the display shelf, A guide is formed along both sides of the lane to align the beverage cans placed on the lane in a single row, The system includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the beverage can placed at the frontmost position on the dispensing side of the lane, An indicator is placed on the side of the dispensing opening of the display shelf in a position visible from the outside, which indicates that the beverage cans are being temperature-controlled and that the temperature-controlled beverage cans have been completed. A showcase characterized in that the indicator displays that temperature adjustment is in progress when the temperature of the beverage can measured by the temperature sensor has not reached a set threshold, and displays that temperature adjustment is complete when the set threshold is reached.

2. The display shelf is inclined toward the side of the dispensing opening, The showcase according to claim 1, characterized in that the lane is configured such that the beverage cans placed on it slide toward the dispensing opening by their own weight.

3. The showcase according to claim 1, characterized in that when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor reaches a set threshold and the indicator indicates that temperature adjustment is complete, the display of the indicator is maintained until the temperature changes beyond a set temperature range from the threshold.

4. The lane further comprises a touch sensor that contacts the beverage can placed at the frontmost position on the side of the dispensing outlet, The showcase according to claim 1, characterized in that it is configured to measure the elapsed time since the beverage can first made contact with the touch sensor.

5. The showcase according to claim 4, characterized in that the indicator displays that temperature adjustment is in progress when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor has not reached the set threshold, or when the elapsed time since the beverage can first made contact with the touch sensor has not elapsed to the set time, and the indicator displays that temperature adjustment is complete when the temperature has reached the set threshold and the elapsed time has elapsed to the set time.

6. The lane further includes a gate sensor positioned on the replenishment side opposite to the dispensing side, for detecting when the beverage cans replenished from the replenishment side have passed through. The showcase according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that it counts the number of beverage cans that have passed through the gate sensor and records a count number, and measures the elapsed time since the beverage can passed through the gate sensor for each beverage can corresponding to the count number.

7. The showcase according to claim 4, characterized in that the touch sensor counts the number of beverage cans that have reached the front of the display shelf based on the number of times it detects that the beverage cans have made contact.

8. The lane further includes a gate sensor positioned on the replenishment side opposite to the dispensing side, for detecting when the beverage cans replenished from the replenishment side have passed through. The number of beverage cans that have passed through the gate sensor is counted and a count number is recorded, and the elapsed time since the beverage can passed through the gate sensor is measured for each beverage can corresponding to the count number. The touch sensor counts the number of beverage cans that have reached the front of the display shelf based on the number of times it detects contact with the beverage can. The showcase according to claim 4, wherein the indicator displays that temperature adjustment is in progress when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor has not reached the set threshold, or when the elapsed time since the beverage can in contact with the touch sensor passed the gate sensor has not elapsed to the set time, and the indicator displays that temperature adjustment is complete when the temperature reaches the set threshold and the elapsed time has elapsed to the set time.

9. The showcase according to claim 1, characterized in that a fan is attached to the underside of the lane.

10. Multiple fans are mounted along the longitudinal direction on the entire underside of the lane. The showcase according to claim 9, characterized in that the fan comprises a first fan that blows air upward and a second fan that blows air downward.

11. Multiple fans are mounted along the longitudinal direction across the entire underside of the lane and are configured to blow air upward. The showcase according to claim 9, characterized in that a partition extending vertically is arranged on the side of the display shelf.

Images