JP7649537B2 - Container storage device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container storage device.

Container storage devices are known in the art. Patent Document 1 discloses a wine cellar that can store multiple wine bottles and has a temperature-controllable storage chamber.

JP 2017-15296 A

Different wines have different suitable temperatures, but in the case of the wine cellar shown in Patent Document 1, multiple wine bottles end up at the same temperature, which creates the problem of making it difficult to maintain the appropriate temperature for each wine.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a container storage device that can individually manage the temperature of each container that holds a beverage.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a container storage device is provided that includes a plurality of container storage units that store containers containing beverages for each of the containers, and a control unit that controls the plurality of container storage units. The container storage units include a storage section that stores the containers, and a temperature adjustment section that is provided in the storage section and adjusts the temperature of the beverage in the container stored in the storage section by heating or cooling the air inside the storage section while the container is stored in the storage section. The control unit includes a container temperature detection section that detects the temperature of the container for each of the plurality of container storage units, a set temperature specification section that specifies a temperature set for the beverage in the container for each of the plurality of container storage units, and a temperature control section that controls the temperature adjustment section so that the difference between the detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection section and the set temperature specified by the set temperature specification section for each of the plurality of container storage units is within a threshold value.

The control unit may further include a set time specification section that specifies a time set for the container for each of the plurality of container storage units, and the temperature control section may control the temperature adjustment section so that the difference between the detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection section at the set time specified by the set time specification section for each of the plurality of container storage units and the set temperature specified by the set temperature specification section is within the threshold value.

The control unit may further include a container temperature detection time identification unit that identifies the time when the container temperature detection unit detected the temperature of the container for each of the multiple container storage units, and the temperature control unit may control the temperature adjustment unit to adjust the rate at which the temperature of the beverage in the container increases or decreases based on the interval between the set time identified by the set time identification unit and the container temperature detection time identified by the container temperature detection time identification unit for each of the multiple container storage units.

The device may further include a power storage unit that stores power to operate the temperature adjustment unit, the temperature adjustment unit including a Peltier element that generates or absorbs heat to heat or cool the air inside the storage unit when the container is stored in the storage unit, and a fan unit for cooling the Peltier element, and the temperature control unit may cool the Peltier element by operating the fan unit using the power stored in the power storage unit during a power outage.

The control unit may further have an operation mode specification unit that specifies a set operation mode from among a first mode in which the temperature adjustment unit operates at a first power consumption and a second mode in which the temperature adjustment unit operates at a second power consumption smaller than the first power consumption, and the temperature control unit may operate the temperature adjustment unit in the operation mode specified by the operation mode specification unit.

The present invention has the advantage that the temperature of each container containing a beverage can be individually controlled in the container storage device.

1 shows a configuration of a container storage system having a container storage device according to the present embodiment. 1 shows a state in which a plurality of container storage units are supported on a support portion. 1 shows a configuration of a container storage device according to the present embodiment. 1 shows the container storage unit with the lid open. The structure near the temperature control section of the container storage unit is shown. The configuration of the control unit is shown. 13 shows an example of an input screen in the wireless communication terminal. 13 shows an example of an information output screen of the wireless communication terminal. 4 shows the results of a performance test of a container storage device. An example of a control method of the temperature control unit will be described. 13 shows a configuration of a container storage system having a modified container storage device. The configuration of the control device is shown.

[Overview of Container Storage System A]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a container storage system A having a container storage device S according to this embodiment.
The container storage system A has a container storage device S and a wireless communication terminal T. The container storage device S is a device that stores a plurality of containers each containing a beverage, for each container. The beverages include, for example, wine. The container storage device S has a plurality of container storage units 1-1e and a control unit 5. The plurality of container storage units 1-1e store containers each containing a beverage, for each container. The plurality of container storage units 1-1e have the same structure. Details of the container storage unit 1 will be described later.

The control unit 5 controls the multiple container storage units 1-1e. Details of the control unit 5 will be described later. Note that, for example, the container storage device S has six container storage units 1-1e, and the control unit 5 controls the six container storage units 1-1e in the example shown, but this is not limited to this. The number of container storage units that the container storage device S has, and the number of container storage units that the control unit 5 controls are arbitrary.

The wireless communication terminal T is a device that communicates with the container storage device S. The wireless communication terminal T includes, for example, a touch panel type tablet. The wireless communication terminal T can operate the container storage device S and display information held by the container storage device S. Details of the wireless communication terminal T will be described later.

[Configuration of the container storage device S]
Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which a plurality of container storage units 1 to 1b are supported by a support portion 22. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the container storage device S according to this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 3, the container storage units 1c to 1e are omitted.

The container storage device S has a housing 21, a support section 22, and a power storage section 4. The housing 21 houses multiple container storage units 1-1e, the support section 22, the power storage section 4, and a control unit 5. The support section 22 is a member for supporting the multiple container storage units. As shown in FIG. 2, the support section 22 supports the multiple container storage units 1-1b in a vertical row in the height direction of the container storage device S.

The power storage unit 4 stores electricity to operate the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b (described below) during a power outage.

[Configuration of container storage unit 1]
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the lid 116 of the container storage unit 1 is open. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a structure in the vicinity of the temperature adjustment unit 12 of the container storage unit 1.

The container storage unit 1 has a storage section 11, a temperature adjustment section 12, a container detection sensor 13, and a container temperature detection sensor 14. The storage section 11 stores a container B. For example, in the case of a wine container B, the storage section 11 is supported by the support section 22 and is inclined by 4° to 15° with respect to the horizontal direction so that the side on which the lid section 116 of the storage section 11 is provided is located higher in the height direction of the container storage device S than the opposite side to the side on which the lid section 116 of the storage section 11 is provided.

By providing the storage section 11 at an angle in this manner, the container B containing the beverage can be stored in the storage section 11 at an angle of 4° to 15° from the horizontal so that the tip of the container B is positioned above the bottom of the container B with the bottom of the container B facing the back side of the storage section 11. By storing the container B in the storage section 11 in this manner, the cork provided at the tip of the container B is prevented from drying out, and the dregs of the beverage in the container B can be kept at the bottom of the container B.

The storage section 11 has a storage section main body 111, an installation section 114, a container stopper section 115, and a lid section 116. The storage section main body 111 stores a container B. The storage section main body 111 has an inner cylindrical section 112 and an outer cylindrical section 113. The inner cylindrical section 112 stores a container B. The inner cylindrical section 112 is made of a metal with good thermal conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. By having such an inner cylindrical section 112, the storage section 11 can easily maintain a uniform temperature inside the storage section 11. The outer cylindrical section 113 is provided radially outside the inner cylindrical section 112. The outer cylindrical section 113 is made of a heat insulating material.

The installation section 114 is a component that is installed when the container B is housed in the storage section 11. The installation section 114 extends in the longitudinal direction of the storage section 11. A plurality of installation sections 114 are arranged side by side on the lower side in the height direction of the container storage device S on the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical section 112. By providing the installation sections 114 in this manner in the storage section 11, the container B is installed in the installation section 114 while housed in the storage section 11, and therefore the container B can be prevented from contacting the inner circumferential surface of the inner cylindrical section 112.

The container stopper portion 115 is a part for preventing the container B from coming into contact with the temperature control plate 122 described below when it is housed in the housing portion 11. The container stopper portion 115 is provided on the surface of the temperature control plate 122 described below on the inner space side of the housing portion 11. By providing the container stopper portion 115 in this manner in the housing portion 11, the bottom of the container B housed in the housing portion 11 comes into contact with the container stopper portion 115, thereby preventing the bottom of the container B from coming into contact with the temperature control plate 122.

The lid 116 is a part that covers the space inside the storage body 111. The lid 116 is provided on the storage body 111 in a state that allows it to be opened and closed.

The temperature adjustment unit 12 is provided in the storage unit 11. The temperature adjustment unit 12 is provided at the end of the storage unit 11 opposite the end where the lid unit 116 is provided in the longitudinal direction. The temperature adjustment unit 12 adjusts the temperature of the beverage in the container B stored in the storage unit 11 by heating or cooling the air inside the storage unit 11 while the container B is stored in the storage unit 11. The temperature adjustment unit 12 has a Peltier element 121, a temperature adjustment plate 122, a heat sink 123, a fan unit 124, and a retaining plate 125.

The Peltier element 121 generates or absorbs heat to heat or cool the air inside the storage unit 11 when the container B is stored in the storage unit 11. The Peltier element 121 generates heat on one side by passing an electric current through it, and absorbs heat on the other side. The Peltier element 121 can change the heat generating side and heat absorbing side by changing the polarity of the electric current, and can change the amount of heat generated and absorbed by changing the magnitude of the electric current. In the container storage device S, the air inside the storage unit 11 can be heated or cooled, and the degree of heating or cooling can be adjusted, by controlling the electric current passed through the Peltier element 121.

The temperature control plate 122 is made of, for example, copper or aluminum. The temperature control plate 122 is provided on the opposite side of the inner cylindrical portion 112 from the side on which the lid portion 116 is provided in the longitudinal direction of the inner cylindrical portion 112, and is thermally conductively connected to the inner cylindrical portion 112. In other words, the air inside the inner cylindrical portion 112 is covered with the thermally conductively connected metal. The Peltier element 121 is in contact with the outer surface of the temperature control plate 122 of the storage portion 11. The surface of the temperature control plate 122 opposite to the surface on which the Peltier element 121 is in contact has an area exposed to the space inside the inner cylindrical portion 112. The Peltier element 121 heats or cools the air inside the storage portion 11 via the temperature control plate 122.

The heat sink 123 includes, for example, heat dissipation fins. The heat sink 123 is a component for cooling the Peltier element 121. The heat sink 123 is provided at a position farther from the storage section 11 than the Peltier element 121. The heat sink 123 dissipates heat transferred from the Peltier element 121 by exchanging the heat with the air outside the container storage unit 1.

The fan unit 124 is a component for cooling the Peltier element 121. The fan unit 124 is provided at a position farther from the housing unit 11 than the heat sink 123. The fan unit 124 has a fan for generating an air current for circulating air. The fan unit 124 cools the Peltier element 121 by circulating air through the heat sink 123 to improve the heat dissipation performance of the heat sink 123.

The pressing plate 125 is a part for pressing the Peltier element 121 against the temperature control plate 122. Since the Peltier element 121 does not have a hole for inserting a fastening part such as a screw, the Peltier element 121 is fixed to the temperature control plate 122 by being pressed against the temperature control plate 122 by the pressing plate 125. The pressing plate 125 is provided between the Peltier element 121 and the heat sink 123.

The container detection sensor 13 detects whether or not a container B is stored in the storage section 11. The container detection sensor 13 notifies the container detection section 511 (described later) of information indicating whether or not a container B is stored in the storage section 11 that it has detected. The container detection sensor 13 is provided in the storage section 11 such that a portion of the container detection sensor 13 protrudes inwardly from the storage section 11.

The container temperature detection sensor 14 detects the temperature of the container B stored in the storage unit 11. The container temperature detection sensor 14 notifies the container temperature detection unit 512 (described later) of information indicating the detected temperature of the container B stored in the storage unit 11. The container temperature detection sensor 14 is provided inside the storage unit 11. The container temperature detection sensor 14 may be provided, for example, on the surface of the installation unit 114 that comes into contact with the container B.

[Configuration of control unit 5]
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 5. In Fig. 6, the container storage units 1c to 1e are omitted.

The control unit 5 has a control unit 51, a memory unit 53, an operation unit 54, a display unit 55, and a communication unit 56. The control unit 51 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and executes a program stored in the memory unit 53 to cause the container detection unit 511, the container temperature detection unit 512, the set temperature identification unit 514, the set time identification unit 515, the container temperature detection time identification unit 516, the power outage detection unit 517, the operation mode identification unit 518, the temperature control unit 519, the Peltier element control unit 520, the fan unit control unit 521, and the power storage unit control unit 522 to function. Details of the control unit 51 will be described later.

The memory unit 53 includes a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The memory unit 53 stores the programs executed by the control unit 51. The memory unit 53 stores various data used by the control unit 51 to control the container storage device S.

The memory unit 53 stores data, for example, that associates the storage temperature of beverages in containers stored in the container storage device S, the types of beverages in multiple containers stored in the container storage device S, and the ideal drinking temperature for each beverage. The memory unit 53 also stores various types of wine information, including the wine brand for each type of wine. The information stored in the memory unit 53 may be input from the operation unit 54 each time a new type of beverage is stored in the container storage device S.

The operation unit 54 inputs the set temperature and set time described below. The operation unit 54 also notifies the set temperature identification unit 514 described below of information indicating the set temperature inputted by the operation unit 54. The operation unit 54 also notifies the set time identification unit 515 described below of information indicating the set time inputted by the operation unit 54. Some of the items inputted from the operation unit 54 can be omitted if data associated with each brand is stored in advance in the memory unit 53.

The display unit 55 displays information indicating whether or not a container B is contained in the storage unit 11 detected by a container detection unit 511 described later, the container temperature detected by a container temperature detection unit 512 described later, the set temperature identified by a set temperature identification unit 514 described later, the set time identified by a set time identification unit 515 described later, the container temperature detection time identified by a container temperature detection time identification unit 516 described later, and information indicating an operation mode identified by an operation mode identification unit 518 described later.

The communication unit 56 may communicate with the wireless communication terminal T or another system. The communication unit 56 may transmit information indicating the container temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 described later, information indicating the set temperature identified by the set temperature identification unit 514 described later, and information indicating the set time identified by the set time identification unit 515 described later to the wireless communication terminal T. The communication unit 56 may also transmit various information about the wine, including, for example, the wine brand, stored in the storage unit 53 to the wireless communication terminal T. The communication unit 56 may also receive information indicating the set temperature described later and information indicating the set time input by the wireless communication terminal T from the wireless communication terminal T. In this case, the communication unit 56 notifies the set temperature identification unit 514 and the set time identification unit 515 of the received information indicating the set temperature and information indicating the set time, respectively.

The container detection unit 511 detects whether or not containers B to Bb are stored in the storage sections 11 to 11b for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1b. The container detection unit 511 acquires information indicating whether or not containers B to Bb are stored in the storage sections 11 to 11b from the container detection sensors 13 to 13b. The container detection unit 511 then notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the acquired information indicating whether or not containers B to Bb are stored in the storage sections 11 to 11b.

The container temperature detection unit 512 detects the temperature of containers B to Bb for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1b. The container temperature detection unit 512 acquires information indicating the container temperature from the container temperature detection sensors 14 to 14b. The container temperature detection unit 512 then notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the acquired information indicating the container temperature.

The set temperature specifying unit 514 specifies the temperature set for the beverage in the containers B to Bb for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1b. The set temperature specifying unit 514 acquires information indicating the set temperature from the operation unit 54. The set temperature specifying unit 514 then notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the acquired information indicating the set temperature.

The set time identifying unit 515 identifies the time set for the containers B to Bb for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1b. The set time identifying unit 515 acquires information indicating the set time from the operation unit 54. The set time identifying unit 515 then notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the acquired information indicating the set time.

The container temperature detection time identifying unit 516 identifies the time when the container temperature detection unit 512 detected the temperature of the containers B to Bb for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1b. The container temperature detection time identifying unit 516 acquires information indicating the container temperature detection time from the container temperature detection sensors 14 to 14b. The container temperature detection time identifying unit 516 then notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the acquired information indicating the container temperature detection time.

The power outage detection unit 517 detects whether a power outage has occurred. For example, the power outage detection unit 517 detects whether a power outage has occurred by determining whether power is being supplied to the control unit 5. The power outage detection unit 517 notifies the temperature control unit 519 of the detected power outage information.

The operation mode specification unit 518 specifies a set operation mode from a first mode in which the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b operate at a first power consumption, and a second mode in which the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b operate at a second power consumption. The second power consumption is smaller than the first power consumption. The operation mode specification unit 518 acquires power outage/power supply information from the power outage detection unit 517 via the temperature control unit 519, and selects a set operation mode. Then, the operation mode specification unit 518 notifies the temperature control unit 519 of information indicating the selected set operation mode.

The temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature adjustment units 12-12b for each of the multiple container storage units 1-1b so that the difference between the detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 and the set temperature specified by the set temperature specification unit 514 is within a threshold value. The temperature control unit 519 acquires information indicating the detected temperature from the container temperature detection unit 512 and acquires information indicating the set temperature from the set temperature specification unit 514. The temperature control unit 519 then generates a command value that causes the difference between the acquired detected temperature and the set temperature to be within a threshold value. The temperature control unit 519 then notifies the generated command value to the Peltier element control unit 520 and the fan unit control unit 521, which will be described later.

In the container storage device S, as described above, the temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature adjustment units 12-12b, thereby adjusting the temperature of the containers B-Bb stored in the storage units 11-11b for each of the multiple container storage units 1-1b.

Specifically, in the container storage device S, for example, the temperature of the wine in the wine bottles stored in the storage sections 11-11b for each of the multiple container storage units 1-1b can be adjusted to a storage temperature described below, or to a drinking temperature for the wine depending on the type of wine described below. Note that in the container storage device S, since it is difficult to directly detect the temperature of the beverage in the containers B-Bb, the temperature of the beverage in the containers B-Bb is detected by the container temperature detection section 512, and the temperature of the beverage in the containers B-Bb is adjusted via the temperature control section 519.

The temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature adjustment units 12-12b so that the difference between the detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 and the set temperature specified by the set temperature specification unit 514 at the set time specified by the set time specification unit 515 for each of the multiple container storage units 1-1b is within a threshold value. The temperature control unit 519 acquires information indicating the set time from the set time specification unit 515, acquires information indicating the detected temperature from the container temperature detection unit 512, and acquires information indicating the set temperature from the set temperature specification unit 514. The temperature control unit 519 then generates a command value that causes the difference between the detected temperature and the set temperature at the acquired set time to be within a threshold value. The temperature control unit 519 then notifies the Peltier element control unit 520 and the fan unit control unit 521, which will be described later, of the generated command value.

As a result, specifically, in the container storage device S, for example, the temperature of the wine can be adjusted to the ideal drinking temperature for each type of wine, as described below, according to the time when the customer drinks the wine for each customer who visits the store.

The temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature adjustment units 12-12b to adjust the temperature increase or decrease rate of the beverage in the containers B-Bb based on the interval between the set time specified by the set time specification unit 515 and the container temperature detection time specified by the container temperature detection time specification unit 516 for each of the multiple container storage units 1-1b. The control method of the temperature control unit 519 will be described later. The temperature control unit 519 acquires information indicating the set time from the set time specification unit 515 and acquires information indicating the container temperature detection time from the container temperature detection time specification unit 516. The temperature control unit 519 then generates a command value to adjust the temperature increase or decrease rate of the beverage in the containers B-Bb based on the interval between the acquired set time and the container temperature detection time. The temperature control unit 519 then notifies the generated command value to the Peltier element control unit 520 and the fan unit control unit 521, which will be described later.

As a result, specifically, in the container storage device S, for each customer who visits the store, even if the time between the time the container temperature is detected and the time the customer drinks the wine is short, it is easy to adjust the wine temperature to the ideal drinking temperature for the type of wine, as described below.

The control pattern of the temperature control unit 519 described above is an example, and the temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature individually for each container storage unit by combining the difference between the container temperature when the container temperature is detected and the set temperature, the difference between the container temperature detection time and the set time, and the set temperature threshold.

The temperature control unit 519 cools the Peltier elements 121-121b by operating the fan units 124-124b with the power stored in the power storage unit 4 during a power outage. The temperature control unit 519 acquires power outage information from the power outage detection unit 517, transfers the information to the operation mode specification unit 518, and acquires information indicating the operation mode selected by the operation mode specification unit 518. The temperature control unit 519 then generates a command value based on the acquired information indicating the operation mode, and notifies the generated command value to the Peltier element control unit 520, the fan unit control unit 521, and the power storage unit control unit 522, which will be described later. In the container storage device S, as described above, by cooling the Peltier elements 121-121b during a power outage, the temperature change of the beverage in the containers B-Bb stored in the storage units 11-11b during a power outage can be mitigated.

The temperature control unit 519 operates the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b in the operation mode selected by the operation mode specification unit 518. The temperature control unit 519 acquires information indicating the operation mode from the operation mode specification unit 518. The temperature control unit 519 then generates a command value based on the acquired information indicating the operation mode. The temperature control unit 519 then notifies the generated command value to the Peltier element control unit 520 and the fan unit control unit 521, which will be described later. In the container storage device S, power consumption can be reduced by operating the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b as described above.

For example, in the second mode, in the event of a power outage in the summer, the power storage unit 4 may operate the Peltier element 121 at 15% to 35% of its maximum operating speed, and the fan unit 124 may be operated at a slightly lower speed than normal. In addition, in the second mode, how the power storage unit 4 operates the Peltier element 121 and the fan unit 124 may be changed depending on the season of the power outage. In addition, in the case of long-term storage or when a set time has not been input, the temperature control unit 519 may generate a command value to control the temperature of the container B within a specific temperature threshold, and notify the generated command value to the Peltier element control unit 520 and the fan unit control unit 521, which will be described later.

The Peltier element control unit 520 controls the Peltier elements 121 to 121b. The Peltier element control unit 520 generates a drive signal corresponding to the command value obtained from the temperature control unit 519 and supplies it to the Peltier elements 121 to 121b.

The fan unit control unit 521 controls the fan units 124 to 124b. The fan unit control unit 521 generates a drive signal corresponding to the command value obtained from the temperature control unit 519 and supplies it to the fan units 124 to 124b.

The power storage unit control unit 522 controls the power storage unit 4. The power storage unit control unit 522 generates a drive signal corresponding to the command value obtained from the temperature control unit 519 and supplies the drive signal to the power storage unit 4.

[Configuration of wireless communication terminal T]
7 is a diagram showing an example of an input screen in the wireless communication terminal T. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an information output screen in the wireless communication terminal T.

As shown in FIG. 7, the input screen of the wireless communication terminal T allows the input of, for example, the brand, temperature control mode, serving time, and recommended drinking temperature for a container that holds a beverage stored in the container storage device S. Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the output screen of the wireless communication terminal T displays, for example, the brand, temperature control mode, current temperature, serving time, and recommended drinking temperature for a container that holds a beverage stored in the container storage device S. Also, the input screen and output screen display various information, for example, about wine. By outputting such information on the wireless communication terminal T, it becomes easier for the restaurant to recommend dishes that go well with wine to customers.

[Performance test of container storage device S]
In the performance test of the container storage device S, three types of tests (1. Cooling performance test at high temperature, 2. Temperature control test at room temperature, 3. Temperature control test at low temperature) were conducted to confirm the performance of the container storage device S.

1. Cooling performance test under high temperature In the cooling performance test under high temperature, the containers containing beverages in the container storage device S were cooled by the container storage device S when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S was 30 to 35°C.
2. Temperature Control Test at Room Temperature In the temperature control test at room temperature, the temperature of the containers containing beverages in the container storage device S was controlled by the container storage device S when the air temperature outside the container storage device S was 28°C.
3. Temperature Control Test at Low Temperature In the temperature control test at low temperatures, the temperature of a container containing a beverage in the container storage device S was controlled by the container storage device S when the air temperature outside the container storage device S was 2 to 32°C.

Table 1 shows the storage and drinking temperatures for wine.

The optimum storage temperature for wine is 12.7°C. If the storage temperature is 14°C or higher, the wine will oxidize too quickly. On the other hand, if the storage temperature is 11°C or lower, the wine will almost completely stop oxidizing. The wine is first removed from the large storage facility according to the amount recently used, and then stored in the container storage device S at the appropriate storage temperature.

The ideal drinking temperature for wine varies depending on the type of wine. For example, an aged red wine should be served at 16-18°C. A full-bodied red wine with a soft astringency should be served at 13-16°C. A light-tasting red wine should be served at 10-14°C. A full-bodied, mellow white wine should be served at 12-14°C. A refreshing, dry white wine should be served at 6-11°C. Rose wine should be served at 8-10°C. Champagne should be served at 6-8°C. Sparkling wine should be served at 4-5°C.

Figure 9 shows the results of a performance test of the container storage device S. Figure 9(a) shows the results of a cooling performance test at high temperatures. Figure 9(b) shows the results of a temperature control test at room temperature. Figure 9(c) shows the results of a temperature control test at low temperatures. The horizontal axis shows the elapsed time [h], and the vertical axis shows the temperature [°C].

As shown in Figure 9(a), when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S was 30-35°C, it took approximately 8 hours to cool the container (23°C-24°C) containing the beverage in the container storage device S to 5°C. This result demonstrated that when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S was 30-35°C, the container storage device S can cool the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S to 5°C, which is the lowest drinking temperature for wine shown in Table 1.

As shown in FIG. 9(b), when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S was 28°C, the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S was adjusted from 28.3°C to 12.7°C as setting 1. It took 2 hours and 10 minutes for the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S to drop from 28.3°C to 12.7°C. Then, as setting 2, the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S was maintained at 12.7°C for 1 hour. Then, as setting 3, the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S was adjusted from 12.7°C to 18°C. It took 45 minutes for the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S to drop from 12.7°C to 18°C.

These results demonstrate that when the air temperature outside the container storage device S is 28°C, the container storage device S can maintain the temperature of the container holding the beverage inside the container storage device S at 12.7°C, which is the storage temperature for wine shown in Table 1, and can heat the beverage to 18°C, which is the highest drinking temperature.

As shown in FIG. 9(c), when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S is 2-32°C, the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S is cooled from 26°C to 5°C. Then, the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S is heated from 5°C to 18°C. It took 56 minutes for the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S to rise from 5°C to 18°C. This result demonstrates that when the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S is 2-32°C, the container storage device S can cool the temperature of the container containing the beverage in the container storage device S to 5°C, which is the minimum temperature of the ideal drinking temperature for wine shown in Table 1, and can heat the container to 18°C, which is the maximum temperature of the ideal drinking temperature.

By conducting these three types of tests, we were able to demonstrate that the container storage device S operates normally within the storage temperature range of beverages in the container and the ideal drinking temperature range for various beverages shown in Table 1, regardless of the temperature of the air outside the container storage device S, for example, in summer or winter.

[Control method of temperature control unit 519]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control method of the temperature control unit 519.
As described above, the temperature control unit 519 controls the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b to adjust the temperature rise or fall rate of the beverage in containers B to Bb based on the interval between the set time identified by the set time identification unit 515 and the container temperature detection time identified by the container temperature detection time identification unit 516.

An example of a control method of the temperature control unit 519 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. The container detection temperature (Td), container temperature detection time, serving time, ideal drinking temperature (Tod), and storage temperature (Th) are used for the control of the temperature adjustment units 12 to 12b by the temperature control unit 519. The container detection temperature (Td) is the temperature of the container detected by the container temperature detection unit 512. The container temperature detection time is the time identified by the container temperature detection time identification unit 516. The serving time is the time at which the wine is served. The serving time is the time identified by the set time identification unit 515. The ideal drinking temperature (Tod) and storage temperature (Th) are the ideal drinking temperature and storage temperature of the wine shown in Table 1.

Conditions for determining temperature control include whether or not a serving time is set, the relationship between the serving temperature (Tod) and the storage temperature (Th), and the relationship between the container detection temperature (Td) and the storage temperature (Th). Whether or not a serving time is set refers to when a serving time is set and when a serving time is not set. The relationship between the serving temperature (Tod) and the storage temperature (Th) includes cases where the drinking temperature (Tod) is higher than the storage temperature (Th) (for example, mature red wine, soft, full-bodied red wine, light-tasting red wine, and full-bodied, mellow white wine in Table 1), and cases where the drinking temperature (Tod) is lower than the storage temperature (Th) (for example, refreshing, dry white wine, rosé, champagne, and sparkling wine in Table 1).

The relationship between the container detection temperature (Td) and the storage temperature (Th) may be such that the container detection temperature (Td) is higher than the storage temperature (Th), the container detection temperature (Td) is close to the storage temperature (Th) (such as when wine is transferred from the wine cellar to the container storage unit 1), or the container detection temperature (Td) is lower than the storage temperature (Th).

Operation modes of the container storage device S include normal operation 1, normal operation 2, and operation during a power outage. Normal operation 1 is when there is sufficient time until the serving time (before Xt1). Xt1 is the time until the serving time (approximately 3 to 4 hours). Xt1 is determined, for example, according to the brand of wine. In normal operation 1, there are cases where the device operates toward the storage temperature (Th) and toward the ideal drinking temperature (Tod). Normal operation 2 is when there is not sufficient time until the serving time (when the container temperature detection time has passed Xt1 (shorter than Xt1), for example, to accommodate a sudden reservation). Operation during a power outage can occur during a power outage or when the power is restored.

As shown in FIG. 10, when operating toward the ideal drinking temperature (Tod) in normal operation 1 and in normal operation 2, the temperature is gradually raised or lowered to the serving temperature by (ideal drinking temperature (Tod) - container detection temperature (Td))/(serving time - container temperature detection time) based on each condition for determining temperature control. Alternatively, for example, if the time interval between the container temperature detection time and the serving time is equal to or longer than a certain time, the temperature may be temporarily set to the storage temperature (Th). When operating toward the storage temperature (Th) in normal operation 1, the Peltier element 121 is fully operated to lower the temperature based on each condition for determining temperature control, or the Peltier element 121 and fan unit 124 are stopped and temperature detection is performed until the storage temperature (Th) is reached.

After that, if the container temperature detection time is a certain amount of time before the serving time, as shown in Figure 10, if the ideal drinking temperature (Tod) is higher than the storage temperature (Th), the temperature will be increased toward the ideal drinking temperature (Tod) toward the serving time.

When the serving time is not set as a condition for determining temperature control, the container temperature is raised or lowered toward the storage temperature (Th) for Xt hours from the time the container temperature is detected. Xt is the time it takes for the container temperature to move close to the storage temperature (Th) when the serving time is not set. Xt is determined, for example, according to the brand of wine. The temperature control for raising or lowering is performed by gradually raising or lowering the temperature by (ideal drinking temperature (Tod) - container detected temperature (Td)) / (serving time - container temperature detected time). After that, the storage temperature (Th) is maintained.

When operating during a power outage, the power storage unit 4 maintains the container detection temperature (Td) at approximately the same level in power outage mode. At this time, the Peltier element 121, which consumes the most power, is operated at low power. When the power outage is restored, normal operation resumes.

The temperature control unit 519 determines the operating mode for each container storage unit in which containers are stored based on the storage temperature (Th), container detection temperature (Td), serving time, a fixed time before serving time (Xt1), container temperature detection time, installation time, the presence or absence of a power outage, etc. Container temperature detection is performed at fixed time intervals.

[Modification 1]
In the above embodiment, since it is difficult to directly detect the temperature of the beverage in the container in the container storage device S, an example is shown in which the temperature of the container is adjusted by detecting the temperature of the container using the container temperature detection unit 512, but this is not limited to this.

The container storage device S may have a function for measuring the difference between the temperature of the container and the temperature of the beverage in the container in advance and setting this as a correction value. This allows the temperature of the beverage in the container that is closer to the actual temperature to be calculated from the container temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 and the correction value. The temperature control unit 519 may then control the temperature adjustment unit so that the difference between the calculated temperature of the beverage in the container and the set temperature specified by the set temperature specification unit 514 for each of the multiple container storage units is within a threshold value. In this case, the container temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 or the calculated temperature of the beverage in the container may be switchably displayed on the display unit 55.

[Modification 2]
In the above embodiment, the set temperature specified by the set temperature specifying unit 514, the set time specified by the set time specifying unit 515, and the various information stored in the memory unit 53 are input from the operation unit 54, but this is not limited to the above. The container storage device S is connected to, for example, an in-store management system of the store in which the container storage device S is installed, and the set temperature, the set time, and the various information stored in the memory unit 53 may be input with information managed by the in-store management system. For example, when a customer's reserved visit time, reserved menu, etc. are input to the in-store management system, they may be input as the set time and set temperature in the container storage device S. With the container storage device S having such a configuration, for example, wine can be served at a drinking temperature according to the customer's visit.

[Modification 3]
Fig. 11 is a diagram showing the configuration of a modified container storage system Aa having a container storage device Sa. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control device 7.
This is useful when multiple container storage devices S are to be controlled simultaneously. The control device 7 has a common memory unit 72, an operation unit 73, a display unit 74, and a communication unit 75 that communicates with multiple container storage devices or other systems, and each container storage device S has its own control unit. The memory unit 53, the operation unit 54, the display unit 55, and the communication unit 56 of each part in each control unit 5 can be read as the memory unit 72, the operation unit 73, the display unit 74, and the communication unit 75. Of course, depending on the purpose and installation environment, for example, the memory unit 72 of the control device 7 may have information linked to all brands, and the memory unit 53 of the container storage device S may have information linked to the brands being stored in a distributed manner. The operation unit 54 and the operation unit 73 may coexist.

[Effects of the container storage device S according to this embodiment]
As described above, the container storage device S comprises a plurality of container storage units 1 to 1e which store containers by container, and a control unit 5 which controls the plurality of container storage units 1 to 1e, where the container storage unit 1 has a temperature adjustment unit 12, and the control unit 5 has a temperature control unit 519 which controls the temperature adjustment unit so that the difference between the detection temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit 512 and the set temperature identified by the set temperature identification unit 514 for each of the plurality of container storage units 1 to 1e is within a threshold value.

Therefore, in the container storage device S, the temperature of the containers stored in the storage section for each of the multiple container storage units 1 to 1e can be adjusted. Therefore, in the container storage device S, the temperature of each container that contains a beverage can be individually managed so that the beverage is at the ideal drinking temperature at a set time according to the type and brand of beverage.

Although the present invention has been described above using embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the invention. For example, all or part of the device can be configured by distributing or integrating functionally or physically in any unit. In addition, new embodiments resulting from any combination of multiple embodiments are also included in the embodiments of the present invention. The effect of the new embodiment resulting from the combination also has the effect of the original embodiment.

A, Aa... Container storage system S, Sa... Container storage device 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1e... Container storage unit 11, 11a, 11b... Storage section 111, 111a, 111b... Storage section main body 112... Inner cylindrical section 113... Outer cylindrical section 114... Installation section 115... Container stopper section 116, 116a, 116b... Lid section 12, 12a, 12b... Temperature adjustment section 121, 121a, 121b... Peltier element 122... Temperature adjustment plate 123... Heat sink 124, 124a, 124b... Fan section 125... Retaining plate 13, 13a, 13b... Container detection sensor 14, 14a, 14b... Container temperature detection sensor 21... Housing 22... Support section 4... Storage section 5... Control unit Unit 51...Control unit 511...Container detection unit 512...Container temperature detection unit 514...Set temperature determination unit 515...Set time determination unit 516...Container temperature detection time determination unit 517...Power outage detection unit 518...Operation mode determination unit 519...Temperature control unit 520...Peltier element control unit 521...Fan unit control unit 522...Power storage unit control unit 53...Memory unit 54...Operation unit 55...Display unit 56...Communication unit T...Wireless communication terminal 6...Communication unit 7...Control device 71...Control unit 711...Temperature data receiving unit 712...Container temperature detection unit 713...Set temperature determination unit 714...Control data transmission unit 72...Memory unit 73...Operation unit 74...Display unit 75...Communication unit B, Ba, Bb...Container

Claims (4)

a plurality of container storage units for storing containers each containing a beverage;
a control unit for controlling the plurality of container storage units;
Equipped with
The container storage unit includes:
A storage section that stores the container;
a temperature adjusting unit provided in the storage unit, the temperature adjusting unit adjusting the temperature of the beverage in the container stored in the storage unit by heating or cooling the air inside the storage unit with the container stored in the storage unit;
having
The control unit
a container temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a set temperature specifying unit that specifies a set temperature for the beverage in the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a set time specifying unit that specifies a time set for the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a container temperature detection time identification unit that identifies a time at which the container temperature detection unit detected the temperature of the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a temperature control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit so that a difference between a detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit at a set time specified by the set time specifying unit and a set temperature specified by the set temperature specifying unit is within a threshold value for each of the plurality of container storage units;
having
the temperature control unit controls the temperature adjustment unit so that the temperature of the container becomes a storage temperature of the beverage when an interval between the set time specified by the set time specifying unit and the container temperature detection time specified by the container temperature detection time specifying unit is longer than a predetermined time, and controls the temperature adjustment unit so as to adjust a temperature increase rate or a temperature decrease rate of the beverage in the container based on a suitable drinking temperature (Tod) of the beverage set as the set temperature, a container detected temperature (Td) which is the detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit, and the interval between the serving time which is the set time specified by the set time specifying unit and the container temperature detection time specified by the container temperature detection time specifying unit when the interval between the set time specified by the set time specifying unit and the container temperature detection time specified by the container temperature detection time specifying unit becomes shorter than the predetermined time, for each of the multiple container storage units;
The temperature increase rate or temperature decrease rate is
(Best drinking temperature (Tod) - container detection temperature (Td)) / (time of serving - time of container temperature detection)
is determined based on
The predetermined time is a time during which the container detection temperature (Td) can be raised or lowered to the optimum drinking temperature (Tod) by the serving time . a plurality of container storage units for storing containers each containing a beverage;
a control unit for controlling the plurality of container storage units;
Equipped with
The container storage unit includes:
A storage section that stores the container;
a temperature adjusting unit provided in the storage unit, the temperature adjusting unit adjusting the temperature of the beverage in the container stored in the storage unit by heating or cooling the air inside the storage unit with the container stored in the storage unit;
having
The control unit
a container temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a set temperature specifying unit that specifies a set temperature for the beverage in the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a set time specifying unit that specifies a time set for the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a container temperature detection time identification unit that identifies a time at which the container temperature detection unit detected the temperature of the container for each of the plurality of container storage units;
a temperature control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit so that a difference between a detected temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit at a set time specified by the set time specifying unit and a set temperature specified by the set temperature specifying unit is within a threshold value for each of the plurality of container storage units;
having
when an interval between the set time identified by the set time identification unit and the container temperature detection time identified by the container temperature detection time identification unit is shorter than a predetermined time, the temperature control unit controls the temperature adjustment unit to adjust a temperature increase rate or a temperature decrease rate of the beverage in the container for each of the multiple container storage units based on a drinking temperature (Tod) of the beverage that is set as the set temperature, a container detection temperature (Td) that is the detection temperature detected by the container temperature detection unit, and an interval between a serving time that is the set time identified by the set time identification unit and the container temperature detection time identified by the container temperature detection time identification unit;
The temperature increase rate or temperature decrease rate is
(Best drinking temperature (Tod) - container detection temperature (Td)) / (time of serving - time of container temperature detection)
is determined based on
The predetermined time is a time during which the container detection temperature (Td) can be raised or lowered to the optimum drinking temperature (Tod) by the serving time . The temperature control unit further includes a power storage unit that stores power for operating the temperature control unit,
The temperature control unit is
a Peltier element that generates or absorbs heat to heat or cool the air inside the storage unit when the container is stored in the storage unit;
A fan unit for cooling the Peltier element;
having
The temperature control unit cools the Peltier element by operating the fan unit using the power stored in the power storage unit during a power outage.
3. A container storage device according to claim 1 or 2. the control unit further includes an operation mode specifying unit that specifies a set operation mode from a first mode in which the temperature adjustment unit operates at a first power consumption and a second mode in which the temperature adjustment unit operates at a second power consumption smaller than the first power consumption;
The temperature control unit operates the temperature adjustment unit in the operation mode specified by the operation mode specifying unit.
4. A container storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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