Small temperature-controlled storage apparatus and novel vending machine

Abstract

A small temperature-controlled storage apparatus (4) and a novel vending machine. The small temperature-controlled storage apparatus (4) comprises a storage box (41), a heating mechanism (42), and a temperature control mechanism. The storage box (41) is provided with a meal retrieval opening (411) and is correspondingly provided with a box door (412). The box door (412) is movably connected to the storage box (41), and a locking structure (413) for locking the box door (412) is mounted on the storage box (41). The heating mechanism (42) is mounted on the storage box (41). The temperature control mechanism comprises a first thermoelectric cooler (43), and the first thermoelectric cooler (43) is mounted on the storage box (41). The novel vending machine comprises a cabinet body (1), a control apparatus (2), a refrigeration apparatus (3), and a plurality of small temperature-controlled storage apparatuses (4). A temperature-controlled cavity (14) is provided within the cabinet body (1), and the storage boxes (41) of the small temperature-controlled storage apparatuses (4) are arranged in an orderly manner within the temperature-controlled cavity (14). The refrigeration apparatus (3) is mounted in the interior of the cabinet body (1) and is used for controlling the temperature of the temperature-controlled cavity (14). The control apparatus (2) is mounted on the cabinet body (1) and is electrically connected to the refrigeration apparatus (3) and each of the small temperature-controlled storage apparatuses (4).

Description

A small temperature-controlled storage device and a new vending machine Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automatic vending equipment, and in particular to a small temperature-controlled storage device and a novel vending machine. Background Art

[0002] At present, diet is an indispensable part of people's lives. In order to adapt to the fast-paced lifestyle, people have created various fast food meals (such as rice meals, fruit meals, noodle meals, bread meals, etc.), which are packaged in advance and customers go to the sales staff to choose and buy. However, this method still has disadvantages. It requires special personnel to manage on-site, cannot achieve 24-hour sales, and is difficult to ensure food hygiene and quality, which is not conducive to human health. For crowded places such as office buildings, stations, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, and residential areas, the supply of food is huge and there are many potential customers. Setting up a food vending machine inside or in the hall can greatly solve the problem of people buying food.

[0003] Referring to the utility model patent with publication number CN219758876U, there is an existing food vending machine. When serving food, the vending machine needs to first take out the appropriate lunch box through the corresponding mechanical equipment according to the user's order information, and send the lunch box to the heating mechanism for heating. After the lunch box is heated, it is sent to the food outlet. Through the above process, the corresponding hot meal is delivered to the user. However, during the food serving process, because the heating mechanism needs to heat the lunch boxes one by one, when there are many users ordering food, a large number of users need to queue up to pick up the food, which increases the time required for users to pick up the food and reduces the user experience.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a technical solution to solve the above problems.

[0005] Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides a small temperature-controlled storage device and a new vending machine, which aim to solve the problem that existing vending machines have slow food delivery efficiency. When there are many users ordering food, a large number of users need to queue up to pick up their food, which increases the time required for users to pick up their food and reduces the user experience.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides a small temperature-controlled storage device, comprising a storage box, a heating mechanism and a temperature control mechanism, wherein:

[0008] The storage box is provided with a food taking opening connected to its inner cavity on the front side, and a door is provided on the outside of the storage box at a position corresponding to the food taking opening. The door is movably connected to the storage box, and a locking structure for locking the door is installed on the storage box; the heating mechanism is installed on the storage box; the temperature control mechanism includes a first semiconductor refrigerator, which is installed on the storage box.

[0009] More specifically, the heating mechanism includes a waveguide tube, a magnetron and a heat dissipation fan; the waveguide tube is installed on the storage box, and its inner cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the storage box, the magnetron is installed on the waveguide tube, its microwave transmitting head is arranged in the waveguide tube, and the heat dissipation fan is installed on the magnetron.

[0010] More specifically, a heat-insulating layer is provided on the outside of the storage box.

[0011] More specifically, the small temperature-controlled storage device also includes an electrical control mechanism, which includes a main controller and a first control screen. The main controller is electrically connected to the temperature control mechanism and the heating mechanism. The first control screen is installed on the storage box and is electrically connected to the main controller.

[0012] More specifically, the first semiconductor refrigerator is replaced by a third compressor.

[0013] More specifically, the temperature control mechanism further includes a first compressor, which is arranged on the outside of the first semiconductor refrigerator and is used to control the temperature of the periphery of the first semiconductor refrigerator.

[0014] More specifically, the temperature control mechanism includes a second semiconductor refrigerator, which is arranged outside the first semiconductor refrigerator and is used to control the temperature of the periphery of the first semiconductor refrigerator.

[0015] A novel vending machine includes a cabinet, a control device, a refrigeration device, and several of the aforementioned small temperature-controlled storage devices, wherein:

[0016] A temperature control cavity is provided in the cabinet, and the storage boxes of each of the small temperature-controlled storage devices are arranged in order in the temperature control cavity and fixedly connected to the cabinet; the refrigeration device is installed inside the cabinet, and is used to control the temperature of the temperature control cavity; the control device is installed on the cabinet, and is electrically connected to the refrigeration device and each of the small temperature-controlled storage devices.

[0017] More specifically, a heat dissipation cavity is further provided in the cabinet, the temperature control cavity and the heat dissipation cavity are not communicated with each other, and the heating mechanism of each small temperature-controlled storage device is provided in the heat dissipation cavity.

[0018] More specifically, the control device includes an electric control box and a second control panel. The electric control box is installed inside the cabinet, and the second control panel is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet and is electrically connected to the electric control box.

[0019] The technical effects of the present invention are:

[0020] 1. This application sets up multiple independent small temperature-controlled storage devices in the vending machine, and each storage box can be used to place food. During the storage process, the cooling end of the first semiconductor refrigerator faces one side of the storage box, so that the inside of the storage box remains at a low temperature, thereby preserving the food. When the user places an order, the heating mechanism on the small temperature-controlled storage device containing the corresponding food heats the food. After the heating is completed, the locking structure unlocks the door of the box, and the user can take out the food. The design of this application makes the various food items in the vending machine independent of each other, and their heating and cooling processes do not affect each other. There is no order in which the food items are heated. After placing an order, the user only needs to wait for the food they have purchased to be heated, which greatly shortens the user's waiting time, thereby improving the user experience.

[0021] 2. Each small temperature-controlled storage device in the vending machine of the present application is exclusively for one user. The user can place an order for the food of his choice in advance on a mobile terminal device (mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.). After receiving the purchase information, the control device selects the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device for the user. Before picking up the food, the user can control the heating mechanism in his exclusive small temperature-controlled storage device through the mobile terminal device to start, so that when the user arrives at the vending machine, there is no need to wait for the food to be heated, and the food can be picked up directly. When picking up the food, one person is in one cabinet and does not affect each other, which further improves the user experience. In addition, from the time when the heating mechanism completes heating the food to the time when the user picks up the food, in order to avoid cooling of the food, the heating end of the first semiconductor refrigerator can be controlled to face the storage box, so that the inside of the storage box maintains a higher temperature, thereby keeping the food warm and ensuring that the food is still warm when the user picks up the food.

[0022] 3. The present application provides a refrigeration device on the vending machine, which is used to change the ambient temperature outside each small temperature-controlled storage device. Through the cooperation of the refrigeration device and the semiconductor, the controllable temperature range inside each small temperature-controlled storage device is made to be in the range of -30°C to 100°C, thereby ensuring that the food inside the small temperature-controlled storage device can achieve low-temperature preservation and heating and heat preservation effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a novel vending machine according to the present invention;

[0024] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a novel vending machine according to the present invention from another perspective;

[0025] FIG3 is a schematic structural diagram of a novel placement rack in a vending machine according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a novel vending machine according to the present invention;

[0027] FIG5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a novel vending machine according to the present invention;

[0028] FIG6 is a schematic structural diagram of a first embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0029] FIG7 is a structural diagram of the first embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention from another perspective;

[0030] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of a third embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0031] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of a storage box in a third embodiment of a small-sized temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0032] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a third embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0033] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of a fourth embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0034] FIG12 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a fourth embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention;

[0035] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of a temperature control mechanism in a fourth embodiment of a small temperature-controlled storage device according to the present invention.

[0036] Markings in the figure: 1. Cabinet; 2. Control device; 3. Refrigeration device; 4. Small temperature-controlled storage device; 11. Placement rack; 12. Installation compartment; 14. Temperature control chamber; 15. Heat dissipation chamber; 16. Refrigeration cabinet; 17. Electric control cabinet; 18. Exhaust mechanism; 19. Partition structure; 21. Electric control box; 22. Second control panel; 23. Information identification device; 41. Storage box; 411. Food taking port; 412. Box door; 413. Locking structure; 414. Insulation layer; 42. Heating mechanism; 421. Magnetron; 422. Waveguide tube; 423. Cooling fan; 43. First semiconductor refrigerator; 44. Electric control mechanism; 441. Main controller; 442 First control panel; 45. Insulation box; 46. First compressor; 47. Second semiconductor refrigerator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] 6-7, a small temperature-controlled storage device includes a storage box 41, a heating mechanism 42 and a temperature control mechanism, wherein:

[0040] The front side of the storage box 41 is provided with a food taking port 411 connected to its inner cavity, and the outside of the storage box 41 is provided with a box door 412 at a position corresponding to the food taking port 411. The box door 412 is movably connected to the storage box 41, preferably hinged; a locking structure 413 for locking the box door 412 is installed on the storage box 41; the heating mechanism 42 is installed on the storage box 41, and its heating end is arranged inside the storage box 41; the temperature control mechanism includes a first semiconductor refrigerator 43, and the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 is installed on the storage box 41.

[0041] It should be understood that when the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 includes a connected N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor, when current passes through the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, heat transfer will occur between the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor. Depending on the direction of the current passing through the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, heat can be transferred from the N-type semiconductor to the P-type semiconductor, or from the P-type semiconductor to the N-type semiconductor. A temperature difference will be generated at both ends of the N-type semiconductor and the P-type semiconductor, forming hot and cold ends. The small temperature-controlled storage device 4 also includes a controller connected to the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, and the controller can control the current size and current direction passing through the first semiconductor refrigerator 43.

[0042] The small temperature-controlled storage device 4 of the present invention can be used in vending machines as a storage structure for storing meals in the vending machines, and can also be set up in the home for use as a refrigerator, microwave oven, lunch box, etc.

[0043] The case where the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is used in a vending machine is used to illustrate that the storage box 41 is used to place food (such as fast food, salad, fruit, etc.); during the storage process, the cooling end of the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 is facing the side of the storage box 41, so that the inside of the storage box 41 remains at a low temperature, thereby preserving the food. After the user places an order, the heating mechanism 42 on the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 containing the corresponding food heats the food. After the heating is completed, the locking structure 413 unlocks the door 412, and the user can take out the food by himself. The design of this application makes the various food items in the vending machine independent of each other, and their heating and cooling processes do not affect each other. There is no order in which the food items are heated. After the user places an order, he only needs to wait for the food he has purchased to be heated, which greatly shortens the user's waiting time, thereby improving the user experience.

[0044] Preferably, the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is exclusively for one user. The user can place an order for the food of his choice in advance on a mobile terminal device (mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.). After receiving the purchase information, the control device 2 selects the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4 for the user. Before picking up the food, the user can control the heating mechanism 42 in his exclusive small temperature-controlled storage device 4 to start through the mobile terminal device. Then, when the user arrives at the vending machine, he does not need to wait for the food to be heated and can directly pick up the food. When picking up the food, one person uses one cabinet and does not affect each other, which further improves the user experience. In addition, from the time when the heating mechanism 42 completes heating the food to the time when the user picks up the food, in order to avoid cooling of the food, the heating end of the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can be controlled to face the storage box 41, so that the inside of the storage box 41 maintains a higher temperature, thereby keeping the food warm and ensuring that the food is still in a warm state when the user picks up the food.

[0045] Preferably, the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can be used independently by the user. That is, the user can select the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 as a personal locker to store their own food or other items that require low or high temperature storage. Based on actual needs, the user can adjust the first semiconductor cooler 43 to control the storage box 41 to a temperature suitable for storing personal items, or control the heating mechanism 42 to heat personal items. This design expands the scope of use of the vending machine and improves the utilization rate of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 when it is idle before refilling a meal.

[0046] It should be understood that when the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is used in a household as a refrigerator, microwave oven, lunch box, etc., it can also be cooled and preserved through the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, and heated through the heating mechanism 42, thereby creating low-temperature and high-temperature environments at the same time to meet the different usage needs of users.

[0047] As a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the heating technology employed by the heating mechanism 42 in this application can be one or a combination of electromagnetic heating, steam heating, electric heating rod heating, water circulation heating, and microwave heating. In this embodiment, the heating mechanism 42 uses microwave heating to heat the food. The heating mechanism 42 includes a waveguide 422, a magnetron 421, and a cooling fan 423. The waveguide 422 is mounted on the storage box 41, and its inner cavity is connected to the inner cavity of the storage box 41. The magnetron 421 is mounted on the waveguide 422, and its microwave transmitter is located within the waveguide 422. The cooling fan 423 is mounted on the magnetron 421. In actual application, the microwave transmitting head of the magnetron 421 emits microwaves into the waveguide tube 422, and the microwaves enter the storage box 41 under the guidance of the waveguide tube 422, and under the action of refraction, continuously pass through the inside of the food, thereby causing the food to generate "internal friction heat" and heat up. Compared with other heating methods, the microwave heating method has high heating efficiency and low energy consumption, and the wall surface of the storage box 41 is not affected by microwaves, which can prevent users from being scalded when taking food, and is safe.

[0048] Furthermore, storage box 41 is provided with a support plate, a deflector, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the deflector. The support plate is made of ceramic or glass, and the deflector is disposed below the support plate. The deflector has several irregular folds. In practice, when food is placed on the support plate and heated, the rotating mechanism rotates the deflector. When microwaves strike the deflector, they are affected by the folds and refracted in different directions, reaching all parts of the food, resulting in more even heating of the food.

[0049] In this embodiment, the locking structure 413 comprises an electric lock. A locking plate is provided on the door 412, and a lock hole is provided on the locking plate. The movable end of the electric lock is inserted into the lock hole. In actual use, after the staff member who is providing the meal replenishment places the meal into the storage box 41, the electric lock and the locking plate cooperate to lock the door 412 and the storage box 41. When the user wants to retrieve the meal, the vending machine's control system drives the movable end of the corresponding electric lock out of the lock hole, allowing the user to open the door 412 and retrieve the meal.

[0050] As another preferred solution, the locking structure 413 may also be a password lock. When the user places an order, the user will be provided with the number and unlocking password of the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4, and the user can unlock and take the meal according to the corresponding information.

[0051] As another preferred solution, the locking structure 413 may be a magnet or other fastening structure. When the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is used at home as a refrigerator, microwave oven, lunch box, etc., the door 412 does not need to be locked. It only needs to be kept stably closed during the storage process. The use of a magnet or fastening structure can achieve this effect, and it is also more convenient to control the opening and closing of the door 412.

[0052] In this embodiment, the storage box 41 is provided with an insulation layer 414. The design of the insulation layer 414 can reduce the interference of the external environment on the internal temperature of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4, so that the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can independently perform high-temperature heating and low-temperature preservation.

[0053] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor is provided within the storage box 41, and a display is provided on the outer wall of the storage box 41. The temperature sensor and the display are electrically connected. In actual use, the temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature inside the storage box 41 and feedback the corresponding temperature information to the display. The user or staff can intuitively see on the display whether the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is properly performing high-temperature heating or low-temperature preservation.

[0054] Furthermore, a beam sensor is provided in the storage box 41 and is electrically connected to the display. In actual use, the beam sensor is used to detect whether there is still food in the small temperature-controlled storage device 4. The staff can intuitively see which storage boxes 41 are empty based on the information displayed on the display, making it easier for the staff to replenish food.

[0055] Furthermore, the through-beam sensor is electrically connected to the locking structure 413. In actual use, after the locking structure 413 unlocks the door 412, if the through-beam sensor does not detect the output of the food, the locking structure 413 will not lock the door 412, thereby preventing the door 412 from being accidentally closed and preventing the user from accessing the food.

[0056] In this embodiment, the storage box 41 is provided with an automatic door closing mechanism; the automatic door closing mechanism includes a slide rod and a driver for driving the slide rod to move laterally. The slide rod is sleeved with an elastic sleeve, which can be made of silicone or foam material. Under normal conditions, the slide rod is located on the side of the hinge between the door 412 and the storage box 41, away from the locking structure 413, to avoid affecting the rotation of the door 412. When the through-beam sensor detects that there is no food in the storage box 41 for a long time and the door 412 is not closed, the driver drives the slide rod toward the door 412, thereby contacting and pushing the door 412 until the door 412 rotates to contact the storage box 41 and is locked by the locking structure 413. The driver then drives the slide rod to reset. It should be understood that a camera is installed on the cabinet 1 to detect the situation at the front of the cabinet 1. The door closing action is only performed when no one is in front of the cabinet 1 to avoid bumping the user.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first semiconductor cooler 43 is electrically connected to the locking structure 413. It should be understood that the heating end of the first semiconductor cooler 43 is oriented toward the storage box 41, so that when the storage box 41 is in a heat-insulating state for food, the internal temperature of the storage box 41 is between 50°C and 60°C. The wall surface of the storage box 41 is also within this temperature range. Therefore, when the user touches the storage box 41 to pick up food, the hand will feel a burning discomfort. The above design allows the locking structure 413 to release the lock on the door 412, and the hot and cold ends of the first semiconductor cooler 43 are quickly switched, causing the wall surface of the storage box 41 to drop below 30°C in a short period of time. This avoids discomfort when the user picks up food and improves the user experience.

[0058] In this embodiment, the small temperature-controlled storage device also includes an electronic control mechanism 44, which includes a main controller 441 and a first control screen 442. The main controller 441 is electrically connected to the temperature control mechanism and heating mechanism 42. The first control screen 442 is mounted on the storage box 41 and is electrically connected to the main controller 441. When the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is used at home as a refrigerator, microwave oven, lunch box, etc., the first control screen 442 can be used to control the cooling and heating of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4. When the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is used in a vending machine, the user can control their own dedicated storage box 41 through the first control screen 442.

[0059] Example 2

[0060] Referring to Figures 6-7 , this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the first semiconductor cooler 43 is replaced with a third compressor. Each storage box 41 is cooled by an independent third compressor. Compared to temperature control using the first semiconductor cooler 43, this compressor offers a wider temperature control range, making the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 more practical. However, this also results in higher energy consumption. Therefore, in actual application, those skilled in the art will be able to select components based on specific application requirements.

[0061] Example 3

[0062] Referring to Figures 8-10 , based on the first embodiment, the temperature control mechanism further includes a first compressor 46, which is disposed outside the first semiconductor cooler 43 and is used to control the temperature around the first semiconductor cooler 43. Preferably, an insulating box 45 is provided outside the storage box 41, and the first compressor 46 is mounted on the insulating box 45 to control the internal temperature of the insulating box 45.

[0063] It should be understood that the temperature control range of the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 is limited by the outside temperature, and its controllable range is ±20℃ to ±30℃ of the outside temperature. The outside ambient temperature has a great span in different seasons. In summer, the outside ambient temperature is usually above 30℃. At this time, the lowest temperature that the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can produce is about 0℃. At this temperature, the food in the storage box 41 cannot be well preserved. On the contrary, in winter, the outside ambient temperature is usually 0℃ or even below zero. At this time, the highest temperature that the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can produce is about 30℃. At this temperature, the food in the storage box 41 cannot be kept warm enough to be eaten. Therefore, the present application uses a compressor in conjunction with the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, and controls the temperature in the insulation box 45 through the first compressor 46 to create a suitable external environment for the small temperature-controlled storage device 4. The first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can further regulate the external environment by ±20°C to ±30°C based on the external environment created by the first compressor 46, thereby ensuring that in winter, the interior of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for food preservation, and the lowest environment can be -30°C. In summer, the interior of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for food consumption, and specifically, an environment of 100°C. It can be seen that the design of this embodiment prevents the external environment from having a substantial impact on the food. Even if the external environment temperature is extremely high or extremely low, the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for preservation or keep the food suitable for use. Compared with the second embodiment, the design energy consumption and cost of this embodiment are lower.

[0064] Example 4

[0065] Referring to Figures 11-13 , based on the first embodiment, the temperature control mechanism further includes a second semiconductor cooler 47. This second semiconductor cooler 47 is disposed outside the first semiconductor cooler 43 and is used to control the temperature around the first semiconductor cooler 43. This embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it uses another semiconductor cooler to change the external temperature of the first semiconductor cooler 43, resulting in lower manufacturing costs compared to solutions using a compressor.

[0066] As a preferred solution, a temperature-controlled space is provided on the storage box or the insulation layer, the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 is placed in the temperature-controlled space, and the second semiconductor refrigerator 47 is installed on the storage box or the insulation layer, which is used to control the temperature of the temperature-controlled space, thereby creating a suitable external temperature for the first semiconductor refrigerator 43.

[0067] As another preferred solution, a heat conducting plate is installed on the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 , and the second semiconductor refrigerator 47 is fixed on the heat conducting plate, so as to control the temperature of the heat conducting plate, and the heat conducting plate transfers heat, thereby affecting the external temperature of the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 .

[0068] Example 5

[0069] 1 to 8 , a novel vending machine includes a cabinet 1, a control device 2, a refrigeration device 3, and several small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 according to the first embodiment, wherein:

[0070] A temperature-controlled cavity 14 is provided in the cabinet 1, and the storage boxes 41 of each small temperature-controlled storage device 4 are arranged in order in the temperature-controlled cavity 14 and fixedly connected to the cabinet 1. Preferably, the cavity wall of the temperature-controlled cavity 14 is provided with an insulation structure; the refrigeration device 3 is installed inside the cabinet 1, which is used to control the temperature of the temperature-controlled cavity 14. Preferably, the refrigeration device 3 includes at least one second compressor; the control device 2 is installed on the cabinet 1, and is electrically connected to the refrigeration device 3 and each small temperature-controlled storage device 4.

[0071] The new vending machine of the present invention has the following differences compared to existing vending machines:

[0072] First, the present application provides a plurality of independent small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 .

[0073] In actual application, each storage box 41 can be used to place food. During the storage process, the temperature control mechanism cools the storage box 41 to keep the interior of the storage box 41 at a low temperature, thereby preserving the food. After the user orders food, the heating mechanism 42 on the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 containing the corresponding food heats the food. After the heating is completed, the locking structure 413 unlocks the box door 412, and the user can take out the food by himself. The design of the present application makes the meals in the vending machine independent of each other, and their heating and cooling processes do not affect each other. There is no order in which the meals are heated, and then after the user orders the meal, he only needs to wait for the meal he has selected to be heated, which greatly shortens the user's waiting time, thereby improving the user's experience; in addition, the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is an external structure, and the user can take the meal by himself after the box door 412 is opened. In this way, there is no need to set up any conveying device to push and store the meal, which greatly reduces the number of components inside the vending machine, thereby reducing the failure rate of the vending machine, and when any small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is damaged, it will not affect the use of other small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 at all, ensuring that other small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 can still serve meals normally, thereby protecting the rights and interests of users to the greatest extent.

[0074] Secondly, each small temperature-controlled storage device 4 in the vending machine of the present application is exclusively for one user. The user can place an order for the food of his choice in advance on a mobile terminal device (mobile phone, tablet computer, etc.). After receiving the purchase information, the control device 2 selects the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4 for the user. Before picking up the food, the user can control the heating mechanism 42 in his exclusive small temperature-controlled storage device 4 through the mobile terminal device to start, so that when the user arrives at the vending machine, he does not need to wait for the food to be heated and can pick up the food directly. When picking up the food, one person has one cabinet and does not affect each other, which further improves the user experience. In addition, from the time when the heating mechanism 42 completes heating the food to the time when the user picks up the food, in order to avoid cooling of the food, the temperature control mechanism can be controlled to heat the storage box 41, so that the inside of the storage box 41 maintains a high temperature, thereby keeping the food warm and ensuring that the food is still in a warm state when the user picks up the food. It should be understood that the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can be used independently by the user. That is, the user can select the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 as a personal locker to store their own meals or other items that require low or high temperature storage. Based on actual needs, the user can adjust the temperature control mechanism to control the storage box 41 to a temperature suitable for storing personal items, or control the heating mechanism 42 to heat personal items. This design expands the scope of use of the vending machine and improves the utilization rate of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 when it is idle before refilling a meal.

[0075] Furthermore, each small temperature-controlled storage device 4 is provided with a first semiconductor refrigerator 43. Each first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can control the temperature change inside the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4. According to the different meals placed, different storage boxes 41 can be controlled to have different temperatures. For example, the storage temperature of the lunch box with meat products is controlled to be below 0°C, while the fruit can be kept fresh in the range of 0°C to 10°C, so as to meet the storage needs of different items and make the variety of meals in the vending machine richer.

[0076] Second, in addition to providing a small temperature-controlled storage device 4 with a first semiconductor refrigerator 43 , the present application also provides a refrigeration device 3 in the cabinet 1 .

[0077] It should be understood that the temperature control range of the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 is limited by the ambient temperature, ranging from ±20°C to ±30°C. The ambient temperature varies greatly depending on the season. For example, in summer, the ambient temperature is typically above 30°C. At this temperature, the lowest temperature that the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can produce is approximately 0°C. At this temperature, the food in the storage box 41 cannot be properly preserved. Conversely, in winter, the ambient temperature is typically 0°C or even below zero. At this temperature, the highest temperature that the first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can produce is approximately 30°C. At this temperature, the food in the storage box 41 cannot be kept warm enough for consumption. The compressor is also affected by the ambient temperature. Therefore, the present application uses a compressor in conjunction with the first semiconductor refrigerator 43, and controls the temperature in the installation compartment through the second compressor to create a suitable external environment for the small temperature-controlled storage device 4. The first semiconductor refrigerator 43 can further regulate the external environment by ±20°C to ±30°C based on the external environment created by the second compressor, thereby ensuring that in winter, the interior of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for food preservation, and the lowest environment can be -30°C. In summer, the interior of the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for food consumption, and the highest environment can be 100°C. It can be seen that the design of the present application makes it possible for the external environment temperature outside the vending machine to have no direct and substantial impact on the food. Even if the temperature outside the vending machine is extremely high or extremely low, the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 can still produce a temperature suitable for food preservation or keep the food at a temperature suitable for use.

[0078] Third, the present application uses microwave heating as the heating method. In actual use, the microwave emitter of the magnetron 421 emits microwaves into the waveguide 422. The microwaves are guided into the storage box 41 by the waveguide 422 and continuously pass through the food under the action of refraction, thereby generating "internal friction heat" and heating the food. Compared with other heating methods, microwave heating has high heating efficiency and low energy consumption. The wall surface of the storage box 41 is not affected by microwaves, which can prevent users from being burned when taking food, and is safe. In addition, microwaves can heat up to 250°C. In actual use, raw food can also be placed in the storage box 41. When the user orders the food, the microwaves will directly cook the fresh food, thereby improving the freshness of the food and enhancing the user's taste.

[0079] In this embodiment, a heat dissipation cavity 15 is further provided in the cabinet 1. The temperature control cavity 14 and the heat dissipation cavity 15 are not interconnected, and the heating mechanism 42 of each small temperature-controlled storage device is provided in the heat dissipation cavity 15. It should be understood that the heating mechanism 42 generates heat when heating, and when any heating mechanism 42 operates and causes heat to be transferred to the temperature control cavity 14, it will cause the temperature in the temperature control cavity 14 to rise, thereby affecting the internal temperature of other small temperature-controlled storage devices 4. Therefore, the present application provides a temperature control cavity 14 and a heat dissipation cavity 15 that are separated from each other in the vending machine, thereby isolating the heating mechanism 42 from the storage box 41 and reducing the interference of the heating mechanism 42 on other small temperature-controlled storage devices 4.

[0080] Furthermore, the cabinet 1 is provided with an exhaust mechanism 18, which connects the heat dissipation cavity 15 to the outside world. In actual application, the hot air inside the heat dissipation cavity 15 is quickly discharged by the exhaust mechanism 18 to prevent the hot air from affecting the temperature of the temperature control cavity 14.

[0081] Preferably, a shelf 11 is provided inside the cabinet 1, and a plurality of mounting grids 12 are arranged in an orderly manner on the shelf 11. The mounting grids 12 are provided with openings at the front and rear, and the length and width of the front opening are adapted to the length and width of the storage box 41, and the length and width of the rear opening are smaller than the length and width of the storage box 41. Each storage box 41 is installed in a corresponding mounting grid 12, and after the storage box 41 is placed in the mounting grid 12, the front and rear openings of the mounting grid 12 are blocked, thereby forming a relatively closed independent cavity inside the mounting grid 12, and the heating mechanism 42 is located at the rear side of the shelf 11. The mounting grids 12 are interconnected to form a temperature control cavity 14, and the rear side of the shelf 11 forms a heat dissipation cavity 15. By adopting the above design, the plate on the rear side of the cabinet 1 and the insulation layer on the rear side of the plurality of storage boxes 41 cooperate to form a partition structure 19, thereby dividing the interior of the vending machine into two front and rear cavities, the front cavity being the temperature control cavity 14 and the rear cavity being the heat dissipation cavity 15; this design makes the processing and assembly of various components more convenient.

[0082] In this embodiment, the cabinet 1 includes a refrigeration cabinet 16 and an electrical control cabinet 17. The control device 2 and the refrigeration device 3 are both installed in the electrical control cabinet 17, while a plurality of small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 are all disposed in the refrigeration cabinet 16. The refrigeration cabinet 16 is provided with a temperature control chamber 14 and a heat dissipation chamber 15. The refrigeration device 3 is used to cool the interior of the refrigeration cabinet 16. In actual applications, one or more refrigeration cabinets 16 may be provided, and a single electrical control cabinet 17 can control multiple refrigeration cabinets 16. The number of small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 can be controlled by changing the number of refrigeration cabinets 16. The number of refrigeration cabinets 16 can be set based on the actual application scenario.

[0083] In this embodiment, the control device 2 includes an electrical control box 21 and a second control screen 22. The electrical control box 21 is mounted inside the cabinet 1, and the second control screen 22 is mounted on the outer wall of the cabinet 1 and is electrically connected to the electrical control box 21. In practice, the second control screen 22 is used to display information about available meals, allowing users to select and order. Furthermore, depending on usage requirements, the refrigeration unit 3 may include multiple second compressors, and the electrical control box 21 may be connected to the multiple second compressors in series or in parallel to achieve control of the multiple second compressors.

[0084] It should be understood that when the first control screen 442 is provided on the small temperature-controlled storage device 4, the control device 2 may be simply the electrical control box 21, which is electrically connected to the main controller 441 on each small temperature-controlled storage device 4. In actual use, the first control screen 442 can display the type of food in its corresponding storage box 41. Users can place orders directly on the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4 by operating the first control screen 442 according to their purchasing needs. In this way, users do not need to wait in line to use the second control screen, effectively improving ordering efficiency.

[0085] In this embodiment, the cabinet 1 is provided with an information recognition device 23, which is electrically connected to the control device 2. The information recognition device 23 is used to recognize information such as a QR code or a barcode. When the corresponding information is recognized, the locking structure 413 on the corresponding small temperature-controlled storage device 4 unlocks the door 412, allowing the user to open the corresponding storage box 41 and retrieve the food.

[0086] Example 6

[0087] 1 to 13 , a novel vending machine includes a cabinet 1, a control device 2, and several small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 according to the second embodiment, the third embodiment, or the fourth embodiment, wherein:

[0088] A temperature-controlled cavity 14 is provided in the cabinet 1, and the storage boxes 41 of each small temperature-controlled storage device 4 are arranged in order in the temperature-controlled cavity 14 and fixedly connected to the cabinet 1. Preferably, the cavity wall of the temperature-controlled cavity 14 is provided with an insulation structure; the control device 2 is installed on the cabinet 1 and is electrically connected to each small temperature-controlled storage device 4.

[0089] Unlike the fourth embodiment, the mutual influence between the small temperature-controlled storage devices 4 of the present application is small, and the internal temperature of each storage box 41 can achieve a greater difference. For example, the internal temperature of any storage box 41 is -30°C, while the internal temperature of its adjacent storage box 41 can reach 60°C, thereby meeting different usage requirements.

[0090] The remaining beneficial effects of the novel vending machine involved in the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment, so they will not be described again.

[0091] Example 7

[0092] 1 to 13 , a novel vending machine includes a cabinet 1 , a control device 2 , a refrigeration device 3 , and a small temperature-controlled storage device 4 , wherein:

[0093] A temperature control cavity 14 is provided in the cabinet 1, and the storage boxes 41 of each small temperature-controlled storage device 4 are arranged in order in the temperature control cavity 14 and fixedly connected to the cabinet 1. Preferably, the cavity wall of the temperature control cavity 14 is provided with an insulation structure; the refrigeration device 3 is installed inside the cabinet 1, which is used to control the temperature of the temperature control cavity 14; the control device 2 is installed on the cabinet 1, and is electrically connected to each small temperature-controlled storage device 4; the small temperature-controlled storage device 4 involved in this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the storage box 41 is not provided with a temperature control mechanism, but is provided with a conduction mechanism. In actual application, the inner cavity of the storage box 41 and the temperature control cavity 14 are controlled by the conduction mechanism to switch between the conduction state and the separation state. When the storage box 41 and the temperature control cavity 14 are connected, cold air can enter the temperature control cavity 14, so that the storage box 41 is in a refrigeration and fresh-keeping state. Conversely, when the heating mechanism 42 is started to heat the food, the storage box 41 is separated from the temperature control cavity 14 so that the food can be heated normally.

[0094] Preferably, the conduction mechanism is an electrically movable heat-insulating door or an electrically controlled conduction valve.

[0095] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and its structure is not limited to the shapes listed above. Any modifications, equivalent replacements and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A small temperature-controlled storage device, characterized in that: It includes a storage box, a heating mechanism and a temperature control mechanism, wherein: The storage box is provided with a food taking opening connected to its inner cavity at the front side, and a box door is provided on the outer side of the storage box at a position corresponding to the food taking opening, the box door is movably connected to the storage box, and a locking structure for locking the box door is installed on the storage box; the heating mechanism is installed on the storage box; the temperature control mechanism includes a first semiconductor refrigerator, and the first semiconductor refrigerator is installed on the storage box.

2. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating mechanism comprises a waveguide tube, a magnetron and a heat dissipation fan; the waveguide tube is installed on the storage box, and its inner cavity is communicated with the inner cavity of the storage box, the magnetron is installed on the waveguide tube, its microwave transmitting head is arranged in the waveguide tube, and the heat dissipation fan is installed on the magnetron.

3. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A heat-insulating layer is arranged outside the storage box.

4. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The small temperature-controlled storage device also includes an electric control mechanism, which includes a main controller and a first control screen. The main controller is electrically connected to the temperature control mechanism and the heating mechanism. The first control screen is installed on the storage box and is electrically connected to the main controller.

5. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The first semiconductor refrigerator is replaced by a third compressor.

6. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The temperature control mechanism further includes a first compressor, which is disposed outside the first semiconductor refrigerator and is used to control the temperature of the periphery of the first semiconductor refrigerator.

7. A small temperature-controlled storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The temperature control mechanism comprises a second semiconductor refrigerator, which is arranged outside the first semiconductor refrigerator and is used to control the temperature of the periphery of the first semiconductor refrigerator.

8. A new type of vending machine, characterized by: The device comprises a cabinet, a control device, a refrigeration device and a small temperature-controlled storage device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A temperature control cavity is provided in the cabinet, and the storage boxes of each of the small temperature control storage devices are arranged in order in the temperature control cavity and fixedly connected to the cabinet; the refrigeration device is installed inside the cabinet, and is used to control the temperature of the temperature control cavity; the control device is installed on the cabinet, and is electrically connected to the refrigeration device and each of the small temperature control storage devices.

9. A novel vending machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cabinet is also provided with a heat dissipation cavity, the temperature control cavity and the heat dissipation cavity are not communicated with each other, and the heating mechanism of each small temperature control storage device is arranged in the heat dissipation cavity.

10. The novel vending machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The control device comprises an electric control box and a second control panel. The electric control box is installed inside the cabinet, and the second control panel is installed on the outer wall of the cabinet and is electrically connected to the electric control box.

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