JP7499441B2 - Storage device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a storage device that can store items at room temperature, in a refrigerator, or in a freezer.

Patent Document 1 discloses a vending machine capable of refrigerating and freezing items. This vending machine is equipped with an outer door and a small door that is arranged inside the outer door and closes the front of each product storage chamber in an openable and closable manner. The small door has a rotation center that extends widthwise at the top, and is configured to close the front of the product storage chamber or be lifted forward of the product storage chamber to open the front of the product storage chamber. The small door in Patent Document 1 can rotate under its own weight to a position that closes the front of the product storage chamber. A solenoid is arranged on the side of the product storage chamber, and a configuration is described in which a plunger descends and the small door is locked when the power supply is turned off.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-86121

This disclosure provides a storage device that can suppress the occurrence of condensation by utilizing heat generated by the electric locking mechanism of the inner door without substantially affecting the locked/unlocked state of the inner door.

The storage device according to the present disclosure includes a housing equipped with a refrigerant circuit and having an opening on the front side, a storage chamber formed within the housing capable of storing items, an outer door that closes the opening in an openable and closable manner, an inner door that closes the storage chamber in an openable and closable manner and is covered by the outer door when the outer door is closed, an electric locking mechanism that locks and unlocks the inner door, and a control unit that controls the electric locking mechanism. When the outer door is closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied, the control unit executes condensation suppression control by passing electricity through the electric locking mechanism.

In the storage device disclosed herein, when the outer door is closed, the inner door cannot be operated from outside the housing, regardless of whether it is locked or unlocked. Therefore, when the outer door is closed and a specific condensation occurrence condition is met, condensation suppression control is executed to energize the electric locking mechanism, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation by utilizing heat generated by the electric locking mechanism of the inner door, without substantially affecting the locked or unlocked state of the inner door.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device according to a first embodiment, in which an outer door is omitted. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an internal structure of a storage device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit in the first embodiment, showing a state in which the inner door is moved to a closed position; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit in the first embodiment, showing a state in which the inner door has been moved to an open position; FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device according to the first embodiment, showing a pivoted state of the inner door; FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit according to the first embodiment, seen from the left and right inner side, showing a state in which the inner door has been moved to an open position. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit according to the first embodiment, seen from the left and right inner sides, showing a state in which the inner door has been moved to a closed position. Schematic diagram of an electric lock mechanism according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a storage equipment management system according to a first embodiment. A flowchart showing the control of the standby operation of the lock control in the normal state in the first embodiment. A flowchart showing the control of the interrupt discrimination operation of the lock control in the first embodiment. A flowchart showing control of an interrupt operation of the lock control in the first embodiment. A flowchart showing the control of the standby operation of the lock control during removal in the first embodiment.

(Knowledge and other information that forms the basis of this disclosure)
At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, an electric locking mechanism that unlocks an inner door by passing electricity through it was already known. Since the electric locking mechanism generates heat when electricity is passed through it, if the heat could be utilized to suppress condensation, the heater component could be reduced. However, since the original purpose of the electric locking mechanism is to lock and unlock the inner door, the inventors discovered a problem that even if the heat generated by the electric locking mechanism is utilized, it is necessary not to substantially affect the locking and unlocking of the inner door. In order to solve this problem, the inventors came up with the subject of the present disclosure.
Therefore, the present disclosure provides a storage device that can suppress the occurrence of condensation by utilizing heat generated by the electric locking mechanism of the inner door, without substantially affecting the locked/unlocked state of the inner door.

Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.
It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[1-1. Configuration]
[1-1-1. Configuration of storage device]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a storage device 1 according to the first embodiment.
The storage device 1 is a room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen storage device capable of storing items stored therein at a predetermined temperature. The storage device 1 can be used as a sales showcase for displaying and selling items, or as a locker for receiving items. The storage device 1 is installed in stores such as supermarkets and convenience stores.

The storage device 1 includes a box-shaped housing 2 with thermally insulated walls. The housing 2 includes a machine chamber 3 at a lower portion and a storage chamber 4 above the machine chamber 3.
The machine chamber 3 houses devices that make up the refrigeration circuit, such as a compressor 31 (see Figure 10), a condenser, an expander, an evaporator, etc., and the temperature of the storage chamber 4 is regulated by operating these devices.

An opening 4A that opens forward is formed on the front surface of the storage chamber 4. The opening 4A is closed by a pair of outer doors (opening doors) 5, 6 in the width direction so as to be openable and closable. The outer doors 5, 6 are supported by hinges at the left and right outer ends of the opening 4A so as to be rotatable at the top and bottom ends. The outer doors 5, 6 are so-called double doors.
The outer doors 5, 6 include rectangular frame bodies 5A, 6A, transparent plates 5B, 6B fitted into the frame bodies 5A, 6A, and handles 5C, 6C provided at positions where the outer doors 5, 6 are close to each other when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed. The storage device 1 is configured so that the inside of the storage chamber 4 can be seen from the outside through the transparent plates 5B, 6B when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed.

A touch panel 7 that functions as an input unit and a display unit for workers and users is provided on the front of the right-side outer door 6. The touch panel 7 displays various information, and is configured so that various information, such as setting information for the storage device 1, can be input by touching the areas of the displayed information.
An acquisition unit 8 that acquires authentication information for performing authentication processing of an operator or user is provided below the touch panel 7. The acquisition unit 8 acquires authentication information of an operator from, for example, a mobile information terminal (such as a smartphone) carried by the operator. Based on the authentication information, electronic locks 9 (see FIG. 10) of the outer doors 5 and 6 are unlocked and locked.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the storage device 1 in the first embodiment with the outer doors 5 and 6 omitted.
The housing 2 has a rear heat insulating wall 20, left and right heat insulating walls 21, 22, upper and lower heat insulating walls 23, 24, and upper and lower front walls 25, 26.
A plate-shaped deck pan 27 is disposed on the upper part of the lower front wall 26. The deck pan 27 divides the inside of the housing 2 into upper and lower sections. Within the housing 2, a machine room 3 is formed below the deck pan 27. Furthermore, a storage room 4 is formed above the deck pan 27. An opening 4A that opens at the front of the storage room 4 is formed by the surrounding shape of the left and right insulating walls 21, 22 and the upper and lower front walls 25, 26.

At the rear of the deck pan 27, a cold air duct, a cold air blowing pipe, and an air recovery pipe (not shown) are provided, which extend upward. The cold air cooled in the machine room 3 is sent to the top of the storage room 4 by the cold air blowing pipe, guided to the top of the storage room 4 through the cold air duct, and introduced into the storage room 4 by an upper fan (not shown). After cooling the storage room 4, the cold air introduced into the storage room 4 returns to the machine room 3 by the air recovery pipe. The cold air can be circulated within the housing 2.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the internal structure of the storage device 1 according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, vertically extending support frames 41 are arranged at the four corners of the storage chamber 4. A vertically extending support frame, so-called a center pillar 42, is arranged at the center of the width of the storage chamber 4. A pair of center pillars 42 are arranged at the front and rear of the storage chamber 4. The center pillars 42 divide the storage chamber 4 into a left storage chamber 4L (see FIG. 2) and a right storage chamber 4R (see FIG. 2). In the left and right storage chambers 4L and 4R, a plurality of mesh-plate-shaped net shelves 43 (see FIG. 3) are supported between the center pillars 42 and the support frames 41. The net shelves 43 are arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction. As a result, a plurality of storage chambers 44 (see FIG. 3) with the net shelves 43 as the bottoms are formed in each storage chamber 4L and 4R. Items can be arranged in the storage chambers 44. In this embodiment, the storage chambers 44 are formed in two rows in the left-right direction (width direction) and six rows in the up-down direction, but the number of storage chambers 44 can be configured as appropriate. The center pillar 42 is formed with guide holes 42A that penetrate in the thickness direction in accordance with each storage chamber 44. The guide holes 42A are formed in a triangular shape with their tips pointing toward the storage chambers 44.

Figure 4 is an oblique view of one of the right inner door units 51 in embodiment 1, showing the state in which the inner door 61 has been moved to the closed position. Figure 5 is an oblique view of the right inner door unit 51 in embodiment 1, showing the state in which the inner door 61 has been moved to the open position. Figure 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the storage device 1 in embodiment 1, showing the rotational state of the inner door 61. In Figure 6, the top inner door 61 is shown in a state in which it has been moved to the open position, the bottom inner door 61 is shown in a state in which it has been moved to the closed position, and the middle inner door 61 is shown in a state in which it has been rotated between the open position and the closed position.

An inner door unit 51 is disposed in each storage chamber 44 of the left and right storage chambers 4L and 4R. The inner door units 51 are configured approximately symmetrically between the left storage chamber 4L and the right storage chamber 4R, but because the basic configuration is the same, the right inner door unit 51 will be described below.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the inner door unit 51 has a plate-shaped top plate 52 extending in the left-right direction. Rectangular plate-shaped side plates 53, 54 are supported on both the left and right ends of the top plate 52. Connecting frames 56, 57 extending in the front-rear direction are connected to the left and right side plates 53, 54. As shown in Figure 3, the left and right inner connecting frames 56 are supported by the front and rear center pillars 42. The left and right outer connecting frames 57 are supported by the front and rear support frames 41. This positions the inner door unit 51 in the storage chamber 44. The surrounding shape formed by the top plate 52, the left and right side plates 53, 54, and the mesh shelf 43 forms a front opening 44A of the storage chamber 44.

An inner door (door of the storage chamber) 61 is disposed in the front opening 44A. The inner door 61 includes a door body 62 extending in a rectangular shape in the left-right direction. An inner side wall portion (see FIG. 5) 63 extending rearward is formed at the left and right inner ends of the door body 62. An outer side wall portion (see FIG. 4) 64 extending rearward is formed at the left and right outer ends of the door body 62.
The inner side wall 63 and the outer side wall 64 are formed in a trapezoidal plate shape, and when the inner door 61 is closed, the lower edges 63A, 64A are inclined upward as they proceed toward the rear of the storage device 1. The rear ends of the inner side wall 63 and the outer side wall 64 of the storage device 1 are rotatably supported by rotation shafts 53A, 54A extending to the left and right. The rotation shafts 53A, 54A are supported by the side plates 53, 54. The rotation shafts 53A, 54A are arranged on the same axis. The inner door 61 is rotatably supported with the rotation shafts 53A, 54A as the rotation center (virtual axis) L0.

The inner door 61 therefore moves about the pivots 53A and 54A between a closed position shown in FIG. 4 in which the front opening 44A is closed, and an open position shown in FIG. 5 in which the front opening 44A is open. The inner door 61 is supported rotatably by an inner side wall 63 and an outer side wall 64 extending radially in the direction of movement, so that when the inner door 61 moves to the open position, it is positioned above the storage chamber 44 and can be stored in the storage chamber 44 with the inner door 61 facing the underside of the top plate 52.

Stopper pins 53B, 54B are supported on the inner surfaces of the side plates 53, 54 of the inner door unit 51, corresponding to the front and lower sides of the pivot shafts 53A, 54A. The stopper pins 53B, 54B protrude toward the inside of the storage chamber 44 relative to the side wall portions 63, 64. The stopper pins 53B, 54B are arranged on the same axis. When the stopper pins 53B, 54B come into contact with the lower edges 63A, 64A of the inner door 61, they restrict the inner door 61 from rotating under its own weight. This holds the inner door 61 in a blocking position that blocks the front opening 44A of the storage chamber 44.

A grip portion 62A extending in the width direction is formed at the bottom of the door body 62. As shown in FIG. 6, the grip portion 62A is inclined forward as it progresses downward in a side view. As shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the grip portion 62A protrudes forward beyond the front opening 44A in the closed position. The grip portion 62A is formed in a rectangular shape in the left-right direction, and a recessed cutout portion 62A1 is formed in the left-right center. It is possible to touch the inner side of the grip portion 62A through the cutout portion 62A1.

The gripping portion 62A extends sufficiently far below the front opening 44A of the storage chamber 44, and closes the front opening 44A. In the radial direction of the movement direction of the rotation shafts 53A and 54A, the distance from the tip of the gripping portion 62A to the rotation shafts 53A and 54A is smaller than the distance from the front surface of the storage chamber 44 to the inner ends L1 of the outer doors 5 and 6. Therefore, even if the inner door 61 rotates with the outer doors 5 and 6 closed, the inner door 61 does not come into contact with the outer doors 5 and 6, as shown in the middle part of FIG. 6. This allows a force to be naturally applied to the inner door 61 due to vibration, etc., and the outer door 6 is not subjected to loads such as scratches even when it moves from the open position to the closed position.
When the gripping portion 62A is moved to the open position, it comes into contact with the top plate 52 and restricts the inner door 61 from rotating under its own weight. This holds the inner door 61 in the open position that opens the front opening 44A.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit 51 in embodiment 1 as viewed from the left and right inner side, showing a state in which the inner door 61 has been moved to a closed position. Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the right inner door unit 51 in embodiment 1 as viewed from the left and right inner side, showing a state in which the inner door 61 has been moved to an open position.
The left and right inner side plates 53 are formed with arc-shaped holes 53C penetrating the side plates 53 in the thickness direction. The arc-shaped holes 53C are formed in an arc shape centered on the rotation shaft 53A. A connecting shaft 53D extending in the left-right direction is disposed in the arc-shaped holes 53C. The connecting shaft 53D is fixed to the inner side wall portion 63 of the inner door 61 through the arc-shaped holes 53C.

A bent plate-like locking member 66 is fixed to the inner left-right end of the connection shaft 53D. The locking member 66 includes a fixing portion 67 extending along the side plate 53, an engaging plate portion 68 extending inward in the left-right direction from the upper end of the fixing portion 67, and a guide portion 69 bent downward from the inner left-right end of the engaging plate portion 68.

The fixed portion 67 of the locking member 66 is supported at its rear end so as to be rotatable on the pivot shaft 53A. The fixed portion 67 is also connected at its front end to the connecting shaft 53D. Therefore, the locking member 66 can rotate around the pivot shaft 53A as the center of rotation L0, and can also rotate integrally with the inner door 61 via the connecting shaft 53D.

As shown in FIG. 6, a virtual line extending in the direction of gravity that passes through the pivot shafts 53A and 54A is defined as the center of gravity line L2. In this case, the center of gravity 61G of the inner door 61, i.e., the center of gravity 61G of the entire inner door 61 and the locking member 66 that rotate together, is set so that the center of gravity 61G exceeds the center of gravity line L2 when the inner door 61 moves from the closed position to the open position. In other words, the inner door 61 is configured to rotate under its own weight toward the closed position when the center of gravity 61G is forward of the center of gravity line L2, and to rotate under its own weight toward the open position when the center of gravity 61G is rearward of the center of gravity line L2.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the electric lock mechanism 71 in the first embodiment.
An electric locking mechanism 71 is disposed on the rear upper side of the locking member 66. The electric locking mechanism 71 is fixed to the side plate 53 via an electrical equipment frame 81 (see Figs. 7 and 8). The electric locking mechanism 71 has a cylindrical electromagnet body 72. The electromagnet body 72 is fixed to a housing frame 73. The housing frame 73 is formed in an L-shaped cross section and includes a base 73A and an extension 73B that bends and extends from the upper end of the base 73A in the left-right direction. A bottom 72A of the electromagnet body 72 is fixed to the base 73A. The extension 73B is disposed along the cylindrical side surface of the electromagnet body 72 and extends in the axial direction of the electromagnet body 72. A flat stopper plate 74 is supported by a hinge mechanism 75 at the tip of the extension 73B so as to be swingable. The stopper plate 74 is manufactured from a material that can be attracted by magnetic force, for example, made of iron. The stopper plate 74 is disposed facing the magnetically attracted portion 72B of the electromagnet main body 72. The stopper plate 74 is supported so as to be swingable toward and away from the magnetically attracted portion 72B.

One end of a tension spring 76, which is an example of a biasing member, is connected to the base end of the stopper plate 74. The other end of the tension spring 76 is connected to a base 73A of the housing frame 73. The tension spring 76 is disposed between the stopper plate 74 and the housing frame 73 in an elastically deformed state.
When the electromagnet body 72 is OFF and not energized, the elastic force of the tension spring 76 pulls the base of the stopper plate 74, so that the tip side of the stopper plate 74 moves away from the attraction portion 72B of the electromagnet body 72. Therefore, when the electromagnet body 72 is OFF and not energized, the stopper plate 74 moves to the locked position shown by the solid line in Fig. 9. On the other hand, when the electromagnet body 72 is turned ON and energized, the stopper plate 74 is attracted to the attraction portion 72B by the electromagnetic force against the elastic force of the tension spring 76, and moves to the released position shown by the dashed line in Fig. 9.

A pair of front and rear protrusions 74A are formed on the tip side of the stopper plate 74 corresponding to both ends of the side of the stopper plate 74 (see FIG. 7). The protrusions 74A are arranged so that the stopper plate 74 can enter rearward and upward into the engagement plate portion 68 of the locking member 66. The stopper plate 74 can abut on both ends of the side of the engagement plate portion 68, and can abut over a wider area than when the stopper plate 74 can abut on the engagement plate portion 68 at a point.
The stopper plate 74 of the electric locking mechanism 71 is configured to retreat from the rotation area of the locking member 66 when the electromagnet body 72 is turned ON, and to enter the rotation area of the locking member 66 when the electromagnet body 72 is turned OFF.
The electric lock mechanism 71 of this embodiment is a so-called solenoid, in which the stopper plate 74 is moved by a tension spring 76 and an electromagnet body 72 .

The electric lock mechanism 71 is fixed to the electrical frame 81. The electrical frame 81 is a bent plate-shaped frame. The electrical frame 81 has an upper extension 82 that is fixed to the center pillar 42 of the inner door unit 51. The upper extension 82 extends inward in the left-right direction. A plate-shaped solenoid fixing portion 83 extending downward is formed at the left and right inner ends of the upper extension 82. A lower extension 84 is formed at the lower end of the solenoid fixing portion 83, which is bent in a stepped shape toward the inner door 61 and extends downward. The lock member 66 is disposed on the left-right inner side of the lower extension 84. In the electrical frame 81, the solenoid fixing portion 83 protrudes furthest inward in the left-right direction. The solenoid fixing portion 83 is set to protrude less than half the left-right width of the center pillar 42 from the side plate 53.

A second electrical frame 91 that has a width in the left and right directions and extends downward is fixed to the lower extension 84. A guide light 92 is supported on the front surface of the second electrical frame 91. The guide light 92 is, for example, composed of an LED (Light Emitting Diode) light source. The guide light 92 is disposed on the rear surface of the center pillar 42, and is disposed so as to overlap the guide hole 42A in a front view. For example, when receiving an item, the guide light 92 of the storage chamber 44 in which the item is stored is turned on, and the light of the guide light 92 reaches the worker through the guide hole 42A, making it possible to show the worker the storage chamber 44 in which the target item is stored.

The electrical frame 81 and the second electrical frame 91 are positioned between the front and rear center pillars 42, making it possible to effectively utilize the space between the front and rear center pillars 42, which tends to become dead space.

[1-1-2. Configuration of Storage Equipment Management System]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the storage equipment management system 100 according to the first embodiment.
The storage equipment management system 100 is a system that processes information for managing the storage equipment 1. The storage equipment management system 100 includes the storage equipment 1, a storage equipment management server 110, and a payment gateway server 112. In this embodiment, a case will be described in which one storage equipment 1 and one each of the servers are provided, but this is not limiting, and each of the devices managed by the storage equipment management system 100 may be provided in multiples.

In the storage equipment management system 100 of this embodiment, the storage equipment 1 is installed in a store facility 105 such as a convenience store or a kiosk.
The storage equipment management server 110 is a server that stores information on whether or not an item is stored in each storage room 44, i.e., the inventory status of the storage equipment 1. The storage equipment management server 110 also stores various information related to the items stored in the storage rooms 44, such as the price and the date the items were stored in each storage room 44, as well as information on the qualifications required to operate the storage equipment 1.

The payment gateway server 112 is a payment server operated by a financial institution, a payment service provider, etc., and performs, for example, withdrawals from a bank account, credit card payments, and payment of the price of goods using electronic money or virtual currency.

The storage equipment management system 100 is configured to be connectable to a user terminal 114 held by a user U who purchases products stored inside the storage equipment 1 and a worker terminal 116 held by a worker S. The user terminal 114 and the worker terminal 116 have a data communication function and execute data communication between the storage equipment 1 and each of the above-mentioned servers.
The user-held terminal 114 and the worker-held terminal 116 are mobile terminals capable of communicating with the payment gateway server 112 to process payments for goods, and the user-held terminal 114 and the worker-held terminal 116 are, for example, mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. The user-held terminal 114 and the worker-held terminal 116 are capable of executing a predetermined application program related to the storage equipment management system 100. In this embodiment, the user-held terminal 114 and the worker-held terminal 116 are configured to be capable of displaying a two-dimensional code, which is authentication information.
The number of user-held terminals 114 and worker-held terminals 116 included in the storage equipment management system 100 is not particularly limited.

The communication network 120 connects each device included in the storage equipment management system 100, such as the storage equipment 1 and the storage equipment management server 110, so that they can communicate data with each other. The communication network 120 may include a public line network, a dedicated line, or various wireless communication lines, and may also include devices such as a server, a router, and a wireless communication access point. The connection between each device included in the storage equipment management system 100 and the communication network 120 may be wireless or wired.

10, the storage device 1 includes a control device (control unit) 95. The control device 95 includes a computer having a processor such as a CPU or an MPU, and memory devices such as a ROM or a RAM, and controls each part of the storage device 1.
The control device 95 functions as a control unit that controls each part of the storage device 1 by the processor executing a program recorded in the memory device.
The control device 95 controls the operation of each device constituting the refrigeration circuit, such as controlling the rotation speed of the compressor 31 and the blower 32, and maintains the internal temperature of the storage chamber 4 at a predetermined temperature.

The control device 95 is electrically connected to an electronic lock 9, which is a mechanism for locking and unlocking the outer doors 5 and 6. When the electronic lock 9 is locked, the outer doors 5 and 6 are kept in a state in which they cannot be opened.

In addition, an outer door opening/closing sensor 10 that functions as a door opening/closing detection means for detecting the opening and closing of the outer doors 5, 6 is electrically connected to the control device 95. The outer door opening/closing sensor 10 is, for example, a sensor component such as a proximity sensor provided near the outer doors 5, 6.
However, without being limited to this, the outer door opening/closing sensor 10 may detect the opening and closing of the outer doors 5, 6, for example, by receiving a signal that causes the electronic lock 9 to lock or unlock.

A temperature sensor 97 is electrically connected to the control device 95. The temperature sensor 97 is disposed in the vicinity of the center pillar 42. The temperature sensor 97 is a sensor that measures the temperature in the vicinity of the electric lock mechanism 71 and the guide lamp 92.
In this embodiment, two temperature sensors 97 are provided adjacent to each of the left and right storage chambers 4L, 4R. These temperature sensors 97 may be disposed at any position in the up-down direction of the center pillar 42.

The control device 95 is electrically connected to the electric locking mechanism 71 of each inner door unit 51. The control device 95 is configured to be able to control energization and de-energization of the electric locking mechanism 71. The control device 95 controls the locking and unlocking of the inner door 61 of the storage room 44.
The control device 95 is also electrically connected to the guide lights 92 of each inner door unit 51. The control device 95 controls the lighting of the guide lights 92.

The control device 95 receives signals sent from the outer door opening/closing sensor 10 and controls the locking and unlocking of the electronic lock 9.

The control device 95 executes an authentication process to determine whether or not the operator who operated the touch panel 7 or the acquisition unit 8 is a predetermined worker S or user U, based on, for example, information input by operating the touch panel 7 or authentication information acquired by the acquisition unit 8. In this embodiment, the authentication information is a two-dimensional code such as a QR code (registered trademark).
Based on this information, the control device 95 also transmits the stock status to the storage equipment management server 110. Furthermore, the control device 95 controls the display of the touch panel 7.
The control device 95 makes a payment request to the payment gateway server 112 when a product is purchased, and also processes various signals sent from the payment gateway server 112 .

The control device 95 functions as a communication unit. That is, the control device 95 transmits and receives information to each server and terminal of the storage equipment management system 100 via the communication network 120, and functions as a transceiver having a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit.

Here, the inner door 61 of this embodiment is held in the closed position by its own weight. Therefore, even if the electric locking mechanism 71 is turned on to unlock the door, the inner door 61 will not move to the open position unless an operator or user performs the operation. In addition, the electric locking mechanism 71 generates heat when it is energized. Therefore, the control device 95 of this embodiment executes condensation suppression control to intentionally open the electric locking mechanism 71 by energizing it when a predetermined condition is met. By executing the condensation suppression control, the electric components such as the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide light 92 are heated. This makes it difficult for condensation to occur on the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide light 92. Therefore, the electric components such as the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide light 92 are prevented from rusting or malfunctioning.

[1-2. motion]
The operation of the storage device 1 configured as above will now be described.

[1-2-1. Operation of the outer and inner doors of the storage device]
The storage device 1 stores items with the outer doors 5 and 6 closed. When the authentication information of the worker is authenticated via the acquisition unit 8, the outer doors 5 and 6 to be the target of the work are unlocked and the outer doors 5 and 6 can be opened, and the inner door unit 51 of the item to be handled by the worker is unlocked and the inner door unit 51 can be opened.
That is, in the inner door unit 51 of the target article, the guide lamp 92 is turned on to guide the worker to the target storage room 44. Also, the electric lock mechanism 71 is operated to unlock the target inner door 61.

In the inner door unit 51, the inner door 61 is held in a closed position. The inner door 61 can be moved to an open position by an operator gripping the gripping portion 62A of the inner door 61, for example, and rotating the inner door 61 upward. At this time, the center of gravity 61G of the inner door 61 moves to the open position beyond the center of gravity line L2. Therefore, even if the operator releases the inner door 61, the moment keeps the gripping portion 62A in contact with the top plate 52, and the inner door 61 is held in the open position by its own weight. Therefore, the inner door 61 can be maintained in an open state without the operator having to keep touching it, making it easier for the operator to take out items.

When the worker moves the inner door 61 from the open position to the closed position after removing the article, the center of gravity 61G of the inner door 61 exceeds the center of gravity line L2. Therefore, even if the worker releases the door, the lower edges 63A, 64A of the inner door 61 are kept in contact with the stopper pins 53B, 54B, and the inner door 61 is kept in the closed position by its own weight.
Here, when the storage device 1 determines that the predetermined work completion condition is satisfied, the electric locking mechanism 71 is turned OFF. When the electric locking mechanism 71 is turned OFF, the stopper plate 74 enters behind the locking member 66 that has moved to the closed position due to the elastic force of the tension spring 76. Therefore, even if an attempt is made to open the inner door 61, the locking member 66 comes into contact with the stopper plate 74 and movement is restricted, so that the inner door 61 is in a locked state in which it cannot be moved.

In addition, if the operator does not move the inner door 61 to the closed position and the electric lock mechanism 71 is turned off while the inner door 61 is in the open position, the side of the stopper plate 74 comes into surface contact with the side of the guide portion 69 of the locking member 66. Therefore, the stopper plate 74 cannot enter the rotation area of the locking member 66 and is not locked. In this case, it is possible to move the inner door 61 to the closed position, and it is possible to move the inner door 61 to the closed position while the stopper plate 74 and the guide portion 69 are in contact with each other. When the inner door 61 moves to the closed position, the locking member 66 moves to the closed position, so that the stopper plate 74 enters behind the locking member and the inner door 61 is locked. In other words, the inner door 61 is locked by the electric locking mechanism 71 and the locking member 66, so-called an auto-lock mechanism.

Even if an operator tries to close the outer doors 5 and 6 without closing the inner door 61, the inner door 61 is held at the top inside the storage chamber 44 as shown in the upper part of FIG. 6, so the inner door 61 does not interfere with the outer doors 5 and 6. Therefore, the outer doors 5 and 6 can be closed. Note that, when the inner door 61 is moved to the closed position as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, the outer doors 5 and 6 can be closed. Therefore, although the inner door 61 has a simple structure that rotates by its own weight, if an operator releases the inner door 61, the inner door 61 moves to either the open position or the closed position, so that the outer doors 5 and 6 can be closed without interfering with the inner door 61.

[1-2-2. Normal lock control standby operation]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing control of the standby operation of the lock control during normal operation in the first embodiment.
The control device 95 starts control of standby operation of lock control under normal circumstances when a predetermined input is received from the touch panel 7 of the storage device 1 or when control of the interrupt operation of lock control shown in Fig. 13 ends. When the control device 95 starts control of standby operation of lock control under normal circumstances, it starts standby mode (step ST11). The standby mode in the standby operation of lock control under normal circumstances ends when the interrupt operation of lock control shown in Fig. 13 starts, and control of standby operation of lock control under normal circumstances ends.

When the standby mode is started, the control device 95 determines whether or not a power supply start condition (a condensation occurrence condition) is satisfied (step ST12). The power supply start condition is set based on whether or not the environment in the storage chamber 4 is in an environmental state in which condensation is likely to occur.
In this embodiment, whether or not the energization start condition is satisfied is determined by determining that the energization start condition is satisfied when the temperature inside the storage chamber 4 is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature based on the temperature sensor 97, and determining that the energization start condition is not satisfied when the temperature inside the storage chamber 4 is not lower than the predetermined lower limit temperature. The predetermined lower limit temperature is set based on the temperature at which the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently cooled and condensation is likely to occur.
In addition, whether or not the energization start condition is satisfied may be determined, for example, based on a timer, such that if the elapsed time from the start of the standby mode exceeds a predetermined start time, it is determined that the energization start condition is satisfied, and if the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined start time, it is determined that the energization start condition is not satisfied. The predetermined start time is set based on the time when the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently cooled and condensation is likely to occur.

When the control device 95 determines that the energization start condition is not satisfied (step ST12; NO), the control device 95 repeats the process of step ST12 until the energization start condition is satisfied.
When the control device 95 determines that the energization start condition is satisfied (step ST12; YES), it turns on the electric locking mechanism 71 and energizes the electromagnet body 72 (step ST13). As a result, a current flows through a coil portion (not shown) of the electromagnet body 72, causing the electromagnet body 72 to heat up. The heat generated by the electromagnet body 72 warms the electromagnet body 72 and its surroundings, and warms the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide lamp 92. As a result, condensation is less likely to occur on the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide lamp 92. This prevents electrical components such as the electric locking mechanism 71 and the guide lamp 92 from rusting or malfunctioning. The heat generated by the electric locking mechanism 71 can also warm the center pillar 42 and the electrical frames 81 and 91.

When the control device 95 energizes the electric lock mechanism 71, the control device 95 determines whether or not a power supply end condition is satisfied (step ST14). The power supply end condition is set based on whether or not the environment in the storage chamber 4 is in an environment state in which condensation is likely to occur.
In this embodiment, whether or not the power distribution end condition is satisfied is determined based on the temperature sensor 97 in such a way that if the temperature inside the storage chamber 4 is higher than a predetermined upper limit temperature, the power distribution end condition is satisfied, and if the temperature inside the storage chamber 4 is not lower than the predetermined upper limit temperature, the power distribution end condition is not satisfied. The predetermined upper limit temperature is set based on the temperature at which the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently heated to make it difficult for condensation to occur.
In addition, the determination of whether the power supply end condition is satisfied may be made, for example, based on a timer, so that if the time elapsed since the start of power supply to the electric locking mechanism 71 exceeds a predetermined power supply time, it is determined that the power supply end condition is satisfied, and if the elapsed time does not exceed the predetermined power supply time, it is determined that the power supply end condition is not satisfied. The predetermined power supply time is set based on the time when the electric locking mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently warmed up to prevent condensation from occurring.

When the control device 95 determines that the power distribution end condition is not satisfied (step ST14; NO), the control device 95 repeats the process of step ST14 until the power distribution end condition is satisfied.
When the control device 95 determines that the power distribution end condition is satisfied (step ST14; YES), it turns off the electric lock mechanism 71 to end the power distribution to the electromagnet body 72 and de-energize it (step ST15).
When the control device 95 stops supplying electricity to the electric locking mechanism 71, the process returns to step ST11.
Therefore, the control device 95 of this embodiment performs condensation suppression control by passing current through the electric locking mechanism 71 when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed through the processing of steps ST12-ST15 and when the current start condition set based on the likelihood of condensation occurring is satisfied.

[1-2-3. Lock control interrupt discrimination operation]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control of an interrupt determination operation of the lock control in the first embodiment.
When the control device 95 starts the control of the standby operation of the lock control in the normal state, the control device 95 also starts the control of the interruption determination operation of the lock control. That is, the control device 95 performs the control process shown in FIG. 11 and the control process shown in FIG. 12 in parallel. When the control device 95 starts the control of the interruption determination operation of the lock control, it determines whether or not there is an input for mode selection (step ST21). The input for mode selection may be, for example, an input on the touch panel 7, or may be input based on input information transmitted from the server based on the authentication information read by the acquisition unit 8. As a result, a management mode for an operator to perform maintenance or replenishing of items on the storage device 1, or an item removal mode for a user to remove items stored in the storage device 1 is input.

If no mode selection is input (step ST21; NO), the control device 95 repeats the process of step ST21 until a mode selection is input.
When a mode selection is input (step ST21; YES), the control device 95 starts control of the interrupt operation of the lock control (see FIG. 13) (step ST30).
When the control of the interrupt operation of the lock control is completed, the control device 95 returns to step ST21.

[1-2-4. Lock control interrupt operation]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the control of the interrupt operation of the lock control in the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of a subroutine of the interrupt determination operation of the lock control.
When the control device 95 starts controlling the interrupt operation of the lock control, it unlocks the electronic locks 9 of the outer doors 5 and 6 (step ST31).
When the control device 95 unlocks the electronic locks 9 of the outer doors 5, 6, it determines whether or not the management mode has been selected by the mode selection input (step ST32).
When the control device 95 determines that the management mode has been selected (step ST32; YES), it turns on the electric locking mechanisms 71 of all the inner doors 61 of the storage device 1 to unlock all the inner doors 61 (step ST33). This allows the worker to move any of the inner doors 61 from the closed position to the open position, allowing the worker to perform maintenance work on the storage device 1, installation and replacement of items in the storage chambers 44, and the like.

When all the inner doors 61 are unlocked, the control device 95 determines whether or not there is an input to end the management mode (step ST34). The input to end the management mode is input, for example, from the touch panel 7. When the control device 95 determines that there is no input to end the management mode (step ST34; NO), it repeats the process of step ST34 until there is an input to end the management mode.
When the control device 95 determines that an input to end the management mode has been received (step ST34; YES), it turns off the electric locking mechanisms 71 of all the inner doors 61 of the storage device 1, making all the inner doors 61 lockable (step ST35).

When all the inner doors 61 are made lockable, the control device 95 determines whether or not both outer doors 5, 6 are closed based on the outer door opening/closing sensor 10 (step ST36). When the control device 95 determines that both outer doors 5, 6 are not closed (step ST36; NO), it repeats the process of step ST36 until both outer doors 5, 6 are closed.
When the control device 95 determines that both outer doors 5, 6 are closed (step ST37; NO), it locks the electronic locks 9 of the outer doors 5, 6 (step ST37).
When the control device 95 has locked the electronic locks 9 of the outer doors 5 and 6, the control returns to the control of the interruption determination operation of the lock control shown in FIG.

When the control device 95 determines that the management mode has not been selected, i.e., that the removal mode has been selected (step ST32; NO), it identifies the target inner door unit 51 in which the item to be removed is stored based on input information from the server based on authentication information, etc. (step ST38). This identifies the target outer doors 5, 6 and inner door 61 to be opened. Therefore, the target outer doors 5, 6 and inner doors 61 that are not to be opened are also identified.

When the control device 95 identifies the target outer doors 5, 6 and inner door 61, it processes steps ST41-ST43 and step ST50 in parallel.
The control device 95 turns on the electric lock mechanism 71 of the target inner door 61 to unlock the target inner door 61 (step ST51). This allows the user to move the target inner door 61 from the closed position to the open position, and to take out the item to be taken out from the storage room 44.

The control device 95 determines whether the locking conditions are met (step ST42). In this embodiment, the control device 95 determines whether the locking conditions are met by checking whether a predetermined removal time has elapsed using a timer. Alternatively, the control device 95 may determine whether the locking conditions are met by checking, for example, whether a removal completion input has been made using the touch panel 7.

When the control device 95 determines that the locking condition is not satisfied (step ST42; NO), the control device 95 repeats the process of step ST42 until the locking condition is satisfied.
When the control device 95 determines that the locking condition is satisfied (step ST42; YES), it turns off the electric locking mechanism 71 to enable locking of the target inner door 61 (step ST43). As a result, the stopper plate 74 engages with the locking member 66 due to the elastic force of the tension spring 76.

The control device 95 starts control of the standby operation of the lock control during removal (step ST50).
When the parallel processing of steps ST41-ST43 and step ST50 is completed, the control device 95 proceeds to step ST36.

[1-2-5. Lock control standby operation during removal]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control of the standby operation of the lock control during removal in the first embodiment, and is a flowchart of a subroutine of the interrupt operation of the lock control.
When the control device 95 starts the control of the standby operation of the lock control at the time of removal, the control device 95 starts the standby mode (step ST51). The standby mode in the standby operation of the lock control at the time of removal ends when the process of step ST43 shown in Fig. 13 is executed, and the control of the standby operation of the lock control at the time of removal ends. The control target of the standby operation of the lock control at the time of removal is the control of the inner door unit 51 on the side of the storage chambers 4L, 4R that is closed by the outer doors 5, 6 that are not the target.

When the standby mode is started, the control device 95 determines whether or not a second power supply start condition (condensation occurrence condition) is satisfied (step ST52). The second power supply start condition is set based on whether or not the environment in the storage chamber 4 is in an environmental state in which condensation is likely to occur.
In this embodiment, whether or not the second current-flow start condition is satisfied is determined based on the temperature sensor 97 when the temperature in the storage chamber 4 is lower than a predetermined second lower limit temperature. Also, when the temperature in the storage chamber 4 is not lower than the predetermined second lower limit temperature, it is determined that the second current-flow start condition is not satisfied. The predetermined second lower limit temperature is set based on the temperature at which the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently cooled. The predetermined second lower limit temperature may be different from the predetermined lower limit temperature or may be the same as the lower limit temperature.
In addition, whether or not the second energization start condition is satisfied may be determined, for example, based on a timer, such that if the time elapsed since the start of the standby mode exceeds a predetermined second start time, the second energization start condition is satisfied. If the elapsed time does not exceed the second start time, the second energization start condition is not satisfied. The predetermined second start time is set based on the time it takes for the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, and the like to be sufficiently cooled down. The predetermined second start time may be different from the predetermined start time, or may be the same as the start time.

When the control device 95 determines that the second current-flow start condition is not satisfied (step ST52; NO), the control device 95 repeats the process of step ST52 until the second current-flow start condition is satisfied.
When the control device 95 determines that the second power supply start condition is satisfied (step ST52; YES), it determines whether the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are closed or not based on the outer door opening/closing sensor 10 (step ST53).
When the control device 95 determines that the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are closed (step ST53; YES), it turns on the electric locking mechanism 71 and energizes the electromagnet body 72 (step ST54). This causes the electromagnet body 72 of the electric locking mechanism 71 of the outer doors 5, 6 for which no removal work is being performed to heat up. This makes it easier to prevent condensation from occurring even when a user performs a removal work and outside air enters.

When the control device 95 turns on the electric lock mechanism 71, it determines whether or not the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are closed based on the outer door opening/closing sensor 10 (step ST55).
When the control device 95 determines that the non-target outer doors 5 and 6 are closed (step ST55; YES), it determines whether or not a second power supply end condition is satisfied (step ST56). The second power supply end condition is set based on whether or not the environment in the storage chamber 4 is in an environment state in which condensation is likely to occur.

In this embodiment, whether or not the second power distribution end condition is satisfied is determined based on the temperature sensor 97, when the temperature in the storage chamber 4 is higher than a predetermined second upper limit temperature, and it is determined that the second power distribution end condition is satisfied. Also, when the temperature in the storage chamber 4 is not lower than the predetermined second upper limit temperature, it is determined that the second power distribution end condition is not satisfied. The predetermined second upper limit temperature is set based on the temperature at which the electric lock mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. are sufficiently heated. The predetermined second upper limit temperature may be different from the predetermined upper limit temperature, or may be the same as the upper limit temperature.
In addition, whether or not the second current supply end condition is satisfied may be determined, for example, based on a timer, such that if the time elapsed since the start of current supply to the electric locking mechanism 71 exceeds a predetermined second current supply time, it is determined that the second current supply end condition is satisfied, and if the time elapsed does not exceed the second current supply time, it is determined that the current supply end condition is not satisfied. The predetermined second current supply time is set based on the time required for the electric locking mechanism 71, the guide lamp 92, etc. to be sufficiently heated. The predetermined second current supply time may be different from the predetermined current supply time or may be the same as the current supply time.

When the control device 95 determines that the second current supply end condition is not satisfied (step ST56; NO), the control device 95 returns to the processing of step ST55 until the second current supply end condition is satisfied.
When the control device 95 determines that the second current supply end condition is satisfied (step ST56; YES), it turns off the electric lock mechanism 71 to end the current supply to the electromagnet body 72 and de-energize it (step ST57).

Furthermore, when the control device 95 determines that the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are not closed, i.e., when the control device 95 determines that the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are open (step ST53; NO, step ST55; NO), it turns off the electric lock mechanism 71 and stops energizing the electromagnet body 72, thereby de-energizing the electromagnet body 72 (step ST57). As a result, when the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are open, the inner door 61 of the non-target inner door unit 51 is locked, and the non-target article is prevented from being taken out of the storage chamber 44.
When the control device 95 stops supplying electricity to the electric locking mechanism 71, the process returns to step ST51.
Therefore, the control device 95 of this embodiment performs condensation suppression control by passing current through the electric locking mechanism 71 of the inner door 61 covered by the non-target outer doors 5, 6 when the non-target outer doors 5, 6 are closed and the second power start condition set based on the likelihood of condensation occurring is satisfied through the processing of steps ST52-ST57.

[1-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in this embodiment, the storage device 1 comprises a housing 2 equipped with a refrigerant circuit and having an opening 4A opening to the front, a storage chamber 44 formed within the housing 2 and capable of storing items, outer doors 5, 6 which close the opening 4A in an openable and closable manner, an inner door 61 which closes the storage chamber 44 in an openable and closable manner and is covered by the outer doors 5, 6 when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed, an electric locking mechanism 71 which locks and unlocks the inner door 61, and a control device 95 which controls the electric locking mechanism 71.
When the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied, the control device 95 executes condensation suppression control to energize the electric locking mechanism 71. As a result, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the inner door 61 cannot be operated from outside the housing 2 regardless of whether it is locked or unlocked. Therefore, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the electric locking mechanism 71 can be used for purposes other than locking and unlocking without substantially affecting the locking and unlocking state of the inner door 61. Therefore, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied, the control device 95 executes condensation suppression control to energize the electric locking mechanism 71, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation by utilizing heat generated by the electric locking mechanism 71 of the inner door 61.

Also, as in this embodiment, the control device 95 may stop the condensation suppression control when the outer doors 5 and 6 are open. This allows the electric locking mechanism 71 to properly perform its original locking function.

Also, as in this embodiment, the outer doors 5, 6 are composed of multiple outer doors 5, 6, and the control device 95 may execute condensation suppression control for the electric lock mechanism 71 of the inner door 61 covered by the closed outer door 5, 6 when any of the outer doors 5, 6 is open. This makes it easier to suppress the occurrence of condensation when any of the outer doors 5, 6 is open and outside air enters the housing 2.

Also, as in this embodiment, the control device 95 may determine whether the condensation occurrence condition is met based on whether a predetermined start time and a second start time have elapsed. This allows condensation suppression control to be executed at predetermined time intervals.

Also, as in the present embodiment, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the housing 2 may be provided, and the control device 95 may determine whether or not the condensation occurrence condition is satisfied based on the detection value of the temperature sensor 97. This makes it easier to appropriately suppress condensation based on the temperature sensor 97.
(Embodiment 2)
[2-1. Configuration]
The storage device 1 of the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the control device 95 executes the condensation suppression process only on the electric lock mechanism 71 of the inner door unit 51 at the bottom (the sixth from the top). That is, the process shown in Fig. 11 in the first embodiment targets the electric lock mechanisms 71 of all the inner door units 51, and the process shown in Fig. 14 targets the electric lock mechanisms 71 of all the inner door units 51 on the non-target outer doors 5, 6 side. In contrast, the process shown in Fig. 11 in the second embodiment targets only the electric lock mechanism 71 of the inner door unit 51 at the bottom as an example of a portion, and the process shown in Fig. 14 targets only the electric lock mechanism 71 of the inner door unit 51 at the bottom as an example of a portion on the non-target outer doors 5, 6 side.
[2-2. motion]
The operation of the storage device 1 configured as above will now be described.

In the control device 95 of the second embodiment, in steps ST13 and ST15 of the process shown in FIG. 11 and steps ST54 and ST57 of FIG. 14, condensation suppression control is performed only on the electric lock mechanism 71 of the inner door unit 51 on the lowest level. This makes it possible to efficiently heat the electric lock mechanisms 71 and guide lights 92 on levels that are easier to cool, and efficiently suppress condensation, compared to when the electric lock mechanisms 71 on all levels are turned on and heat up.

[2-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in this embodiment, the storage device 1 comprises a housing 2 equipped with a refrigerant circuit and having an opening 4A opening to the front, a storage chamber 44 formed within the housing 2 and capable of storing items, outer doors 5, 6 which close the opening 4A in an openable and closable manner, an inner door 61 which closes the storage chamber 44 in an openable and closable manner and is covered by the outer doors 5, 6 when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed, an electric locking mechanism 71 which locks and unlocks the inner door 61, and a control device 95 which controls the electric locking mechanism 71.
When the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied, the control device 95 executes condensation suppression control to energize the electric locking mechanism 71. As a result, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the inner door 61 cannot be operated from outside the housing 2 regardless of whether it is locked or unlocked. Therefore, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed, the electric locking mechanism 71 can be used for purposes other than locking and unlocking without substantially affecting the locking and unlocking state of the inner door 61. Therefore, when the outer doors 5 and 6 are closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied, the control device 95 executes condensation suppression control to energize the electric locking mechanism 71, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation by utilizing heat generated by the electric locking mechanism 71 of the inner door 61.

Also, as in this embodiment, a plurality of storage chambers 44 are provided in the vertical direction at positions that are covered when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed, an inner door 61 is provided for each storage chamber 44, an electric locking mechanism 71 is provided for each inner door 61, and the control device 95 may execute condensation suppression control on the electric locking mechanisms 71 of some of the inner doors 61 when the outer doors 5, 6 are closed. This allows parts at heights that are prone to getting cold to be heated preferentially, and improves energy consumption efficiency compared to when all of the electric locking mechanisms 71 are energized.
In this embodiment, the operation has been described as being targeted only at the electric locking mechanism 71 of the inner door unit 51 on the lowest level, but it is also possible for the electric locking mechanism 71 of not only one level but also levels at a height that are more likely to get cold to operate.

Other Embodiments
As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first and second embodiments to create a new embodiment.
Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

In the first embodiment, the storage device 1 has been described as having a pair of outer doors 5, 6 on the left and right, but the number of outer doors may be one, or three or more.
In the first embodiment, a solenoid configuration has been described as an example of the electric lock mechanism 71, but an electric motor or the like may also be used.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

The storage device disclosed herein can be used in sales showcases that display and sell items that require storage at room temperature, refrigerated storage, or frozen storage, as well as in lockers for receiving such items.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Storage device 2 Housing 4A Opening 5 Outer door 6 Outer door 44 Storage chamber 61 Inner door 71 Electric lock mechanism 95 Control device (control unit)
97 Temperature Sensor

Claims (5)

A housing including a refrigerant circuit and having an opening on a front surface thereof;
A storage chamber formed within the housing and capable of storing an item;
an outer door that closes the opening in an openable and closable manner;
an inner door that closes the storage chamber in an openable and closable manner, the inner door being covered by the outer door when the outer door is closed;
an electric lock mechanism for locking and unlocking the inner door;
A control unit that controls the electric lock mechanism,
The control unit executes condensation suppression control to energize the electric lock mechanism when the outer door is closed and a predetermined condensation occurrence condition is satisfied. The storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops the condensation suppression control when the outer door is opened. The storage chamber is provided in a plurality of locations in the vertical direction and is covered when the outer door is closed,
The inner door is provided for each of the storage chambers,
The electric lock mechanism is provided for each of the inner doors,
The storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to execute the condensation suppression control on an electric lock mechanism of the inner door at the lowest level when the outer door is closed. The outer door is composed of a plurality of outer doors,
The storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, when any of the outer doors is open, the control unit executes the condensation suppression control for the electric lock mechanism of the inner door that is covered by the closed outer door. a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature inside the housing;
The control unit determines whether or not the condensation occurrence condition is satisfied based on the detection value of the temperature sensor.
5. The storage device according to claim 1 , wherein the storage device is a storage unit.

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