초록 ▼

The present invention is direct to a system and method for electronically controlling the refrigeration and/or heating of the product storage compartment in a vending machine. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the product storage compartment, and a door sensor f

The present invention is direct to a system and method for electronically controlling the refrigeration and/or heating of the product storage compartment in a vending machine. The system includes a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature in the product storage compartment, and a door sensor for sensing whether the door is open or closed. The control method includes the steps of activating a defrost mode, which is a timed period with no heating or cooling activity, when the door to the vending apparatus is open. The defrost mode is also activated whenever the cooling element has been running continuously for several hours. Further, the control method includes a step of cycling the cooling element "on" whenever a predetermined high temperature is reached. When the cooling element is "off" for more than 6 hours and the predetermined high temperature has not been reached, the heater is turned "on" to prevent the products in the vending machine from freezing.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [9.]9. A method for refrigerating and heating a storage compartment in a vending machine which has a door, said method comprising the steps of:sensing a temperature in the storage compartment;sensing whether the door is open or closed;maintaining refrigeration and heating of the

[ What is claimed:] [9.]9. A method for refrigerating and heating a storage compartment in a vending machine which has a door, said method comprising the steps of:sensing a temperature in the storage compartment;sensing whether the door is open or closed;maintaining refrigeration and heating of the storage compartment inactive for a first predetermined defrost time period;refrigerating the storage compartment for a predetermined refrigerating time period when the first predetermined defrost time period is reached and the storage compartment is determined to be closed;switching to maintaining refrigeration and heating of the storage compartment inactive for the first predetermined defrost time period when the temperature of the storage compartment during said refrigerating of the storage compartment reaches a predetermined refrigeration cut-out temperature;switching to maintaining refrigeration and heating of the storage compartment inactive for a second predetermined defrost time period when said refrigerating of the storage compartment reaches the predetermined refrigerating time period;heating the storage compartment when the temperature of the storage compartment drops to a predetermined heating cut-in temperature and until a predetermined heating cut-out temperature is reached; andswitching to refrigerating the storage compartment after said heating when the temperature of the storage compartment reaches the predetermined refrigeration cut-in temperature.