초록 ▼

An apparatus and method of installing a slide-in refrigeration unit in a vending machine that automatically aligns and seals the refrigeration unit air flow ducts to the refrigerated compartment of the vending machine, is disclosed. A simple assembly guides movement of the refrigeration unit as it i

An apparatus and method of installing a slide-in refrigeration unit in a vending machine that automatically aligns and seals the refrigeration unit air flow ducts to the refrigerated compartment of the vending machine, is disclosed. A simple assembly guides movement of the refrigeration unit as it is slid backward into the vending machine so as to identically align a pair of mating inclined surfaces of a duct connector assembly into sealing engagement, to automatically effect air flow communication between the refrigeration unit and the refrigerated compartment. The refrigeration unit installation is completed by simple securing the slid-in unit to the floor of the vending machine with several screws or bolts.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A vending machine apparatus comprising:A. a chassis defining an internal cavity;B. a separator wall dividing said internal cavity into first and second chambers, said wall defining an inlet port therethrough, allowing fluid communication between said first and said second chambers;C

[ I claim:] [1.] A vending machine apparatus comprising:A. a chassis defining an internal cavity;B. a separator wall dividing said internal cavity into first and second chambers, said wall defining an inlet port therethrough, allowing fluid communication between said first and said second chambers;C. a refrigeration unit to cool air and to provide said cooled air to an outlet port of said refrigeration unit;D. mounting apparatus slidably mounting said refrigeration unit in said second chamber; andE. self-aligning duct members configured to align and operatively engage said outlet and inlet ports as said refrigeration unit moves in a lateral sliding direction relative to said chassis; said self-aligning duct members being configured to align and engage in directions that are not normal or perpendicular to said lateral sliding direction; rein said cooled air passes from said refrigeration unit through said duct members and to said first chamber.