WO2013108912A1

WO2013108912A1 - Food preparation apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2013108912A1
Application number: PCT/JP2013/051011
Authority: WO
Inventors: 小野　純夫
Original assignee: 兵神装備株式会社
Priority date: 2012-01-20
Filing date: 2013-01-20
Publication date: 2013-07-25
Also published as: JP2013146228A

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a food preparation apparatus with which a plurality of food constituent materials can be prepared as if cooked by consumers, enabling food to be prepared in line with the preferences or tastes of consumers; and with which the flavor of a food can be adjusted or controlled with good accuracy without depending on rules of thumb. [Solution] A food preparation apparatus (10) is capable of forming a food by preparing a plurality of types of food constituent materials comprising ingredients or seasonings constituting the food. The food preparation apparatus (10) is provided with material discharge pumps (40), which are provided for each food constituent material; a preparation ratio setting means (120) with which a preparation ratio for the food constituent materials can be set; and a discharge quantity control means (130) for controlling the discharge quantities of the food constituent materials in each material discharge pump (40) in accordance with the preparation ratio set by the preparation ratio setting means (120).

Description

Food preparation equipment

The present invention relates to a food preparation device capable of automatically creating a food having a desired taste by preparing a plurality of food constituent materials composed of ingredients or seasonings.

Conventionally, an apparatus such as a cup-type beverage vending machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 below has been provided. This cup-type beverage vending machine provides beverages obtained by diluting syrup with carbonated water or cold water in cups, and by making it possible to select the syrup concentration and carbonated strength, it is possible to meet the user's preference. Beverages can be provided.

JP 2003-141625 A

Here, in general, the taste standards are only possessed as know-how or experience values by companies or individuals that produce food, and there is a fact that there is no uniform thing. For this reason, the adjustment of the taste of food largely depends on the rule of thumb of the food production worker, and there is a problem that it is difficult to set and manage the management standard.

Moreover, in the cup-type beverage vending machine described above, it is only possible to finely adjust the syrup concentration and the carbonic acid strength based on the taste of the beverage prepared in advance. In other words, in the prior art, ingredients such as a beverage stock solution (hereinafter also referred to as “base ingredients”) that determine the taste that serves as a standard for beverages (food) are prepared. It can only be adjusted, and it does not mean that it can be adjusted to a taste exceeding the range of taste such as beverage stock solution.

In recent years, consumer preferences tend to diversify, so it is desirable to be able to reflect consumer preferences for food taste. However, simply adopting a technique for finely adjusting the standard taste as in a cup-type beverage vending machine cannot sufficiently reflect the diversifying consumer preferences. In other words, in order to satisfy all of the diversifying consumer tastes, it is necessary to cope with high-mix low-volume production. However, although the cup-type beverage vending machine of the prior art can cope with small-quantity and large-scale production, it can only finely adjust the taste of several types of beverages and cannot cope with small-quantity production of various types. . Therefore, foods that can be made with conventional cup-type beverage vending machines, etc., do not leave the taste area of base ingredients such as beverage stock solutions, and do not fully reflect consumer preferences. There is.

In addition, in an apparatus such as a cup-type beverage vending machine according to the prior art, it is necessary to prepare a large amount of base food varieties such as beverage stock solutions when trying to cope with small-lot production of various varieties. Even if it is a case where it is set as such an aspect, in order to ensure the stock of a base foodstuff, a big space is needed and there exists a limit in the quantity of the base foodstuff which can be prepared. In addition, if a variety of base foods are prepared to deal with a wide variety of small-quantity production, the base foods that are used infrequently may have a risk of quality deterioration due to long-term storage.

Therefore, the present invention prepares a plurality of food constituent materials as if the consumer cooks himself and makes it possible to create a food that conforms to the consumer's hobbies or preferences, while accurately adjusting the food without depending on the rule of thumb. The object was to provide a food preparation device capable of adjusting and managing the taste.

The food preparation device of the present invention provided to solve the above-described problems is a food preparation device capable of forming a food by preparing a plurality of food constituent materials consisting of ingredients or seasonings constituting the food. , A material discharge pump provided for each food constituent material, a preparation ratio setting means capable of setting a preparation ratio of the food constituent material, and each material according to the preparation ratio set in the preparation ratio setting means Discharge amount control means for controlling the discharge amount of the food constituent material in the discharge pump is provided.

In the food preparation device of the present invention, a material discharge pump is provided for each food constituent material, and the preparation ratio of the food constituent material can be adjusted by adjusting each discharge amount. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, if the food can be prepared by preparing foods or seasonings prepared in advance, the taste can be adjusted to match the consumer's taste or taste. It becomes possible.

Further, in the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, the discharge amount in each material discharge pump can be accurately controlled by the discharge amount control means according to the preparation ratio of each food constituent material set in the preparation ratio setting means. it can. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to adjust and manage the taste of food with high accuracy regardless of empirical rules.

Furthermore, in the food preparation device of the present invention, since the material discharge pump is provided for each food constituent material, it is possible to reliably prevent the food constituent materials prepared as food materials from being mixed. Thereby, food constituent materials can be managed hygienically. Moreover, in the food preparation apparatus of this invention, the unexpected change of the taste or quality of the food constituent material accompanying preparation can be prevented. Thereby, it becomes possible to maintain the taste of the food obtained by preparing food constituent materials at a constant quality.

In this specification, “preparation” of food means creation of food based on a set preparation ratio, and unless otherwise specified, “preparation” of food or “mixing” of food "Refers to a concept that includes

The food preparation device of the present invention described above has history storage means capable of storing the setting history of the preparation ratio of the food constituent material as preparation history data, and the preparation ratio setting means is read from the history storage means. It is preferable that the preparation ratio can be set based on the preparation history data.

In the food preparation device of the present invention, the setting ratio setting history is stored in the history storage means as the preparation history data, and the taste of the food previously created by reading the preparation history data is determined by the operator's intuition and empirical rules. It is possible to reproduce quantitatively and accurately without relying on. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to provide a food preparation apparatus that is excellent in terms of taste reproducibility while accommodating multi-product small-quantity production.

The food preparation apparatus of the present invention described above has preparation ratio input means capable of inputting the preparation ratio of the food constituent material, and the preparation ratio input via the preparation ratio input means is set in the preparation ratio setting means And according to the said preparation ratio, the discharge amount of the said foodstuff constituent material in each said material discharge pump can be controlled by the discharge amount control means.

In the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, each food material is prepared according to the preparation ratio input via the preparation ratio input means. Therefore, according to the food preparation device of the present invention, it is possible to provide a food adjusted to a desired taste as if it was made to order according to the consumer's preference.

Moreover, the food preparation device of the present invention described above includes a recipe storage means capable of storing the preparation ratio of the food constituent material defined in accordance with a predetermined recipe for each recipe, and a recipe selection capable of selecting the recipe. A preparation ratio of the food constituent material is set in the preparation ratio setting means according to the recipe selected by the recipe selection means, and the food in each of the material discharge pumps according to the preparation ratio It is also possible to control the discharge amount of the constituent material.

In the food preparation device of the present invention, by selecting the recipe stored in the recipe storage means by the recipe selection means, the food constituent materials necessary for reproducing the recipe are adjusted to the preparation ratio specified in the recipe. In general, it can be discharged and prepared. Therefore, the taste of the food provided by the recipe can be reproduced with high accuracy.

In the food preparation device of the present invention described above, the discharge amount control means is based on the difference between the general characteristics assumed for the food constituent material and the characteristics of the food constituent material used for food preparation. It is desirable to be able to control the discharge amount of the food constituent material in the material discharge pump.

According to such a configuration, each food constituent material can be prepared and food can be created in consideration of individual differences in the food constituent materials. Therefore, according to the food preparation device of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the taste of the food from being varied due to individual differences among the respective food constituent materials, and to provide a food of stable quality.

Further, in the food preparation device of the present invention described above, the discharge amount control means is configured to adjust the amount of the food constituent material in each of the material discharge pumps so as to correct an error in the discharge amount of the food constituent material due to temperature conditions. It is preferable that the discharge amount can be controlled.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the discharge amount of the food constituent material from fluctuating due to temperature conditions, and to keep the taste of the prepared food constant.

The food preparation device of the present invention is connected to each of the material discharge pumps, a material passage part through which the discharged food constituent material passes, a cleaning liquid supply means capable of supplying a cleaning liquid to the material passage part, It is preferable to include a cleaning liquid discharger that can discharge the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the material passage portion.

In the food preparation device of the present invention, after supplying the cleaning liquid using the cleaning liquid supply means to the material passage section through which the discharged food constituent material passes, the liquid containing the cleaning liquid from the material passage section using the cleaning liquid discharge means Can be removed and the food constituent material remaining in the apparatus can be removed and kept clean. Therefore, according to the food preparation device of the present invention, food can be provided in a sanitary manner. Moreover, if it is set as the above-mentioned structure, it can prevent that a food will become the taste which is not assumed by the influence of the food constituent material which remains in an apparatus.

In the food preparation device of the present invention described above, it is desirable that the material discharge pump is constituted by a rotary positive displacement pump.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to adjust the discharge amount of the food constituent material with high accuracy and prepare each food constituent material so that the food has a desired taste.

In the present invention, the rotary positive displacement pump used as the material discharge pump may be any conventionally known one. For example, a uniaxial eccentric screw pump, a rotary pump, a vane pump, or the like can be selected. Among these rotary positive displacement pumps, when a single-shaft eccentric screw pump is used as a material discharge pump, the discharge rate of food constituent materials can be adjusted more easily and accurately than when other pumps are used. It becomes possible.

In the food preparation device of the present invention described above, the material discharge pump includes a male screw type rotor that rotates eccentrically upon receiving power, and a uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism having a stator whose inner peripheral surface is formed into a female screw type. It is even more desirable to pump the food constituent material.

According to such a configuration, it is possible to freely adjust the discharge amount and discharge pressure of the coating agent by controlling the rotation of the male screw type rotor that rotates in the stator formed in the female screw type. In addition, the uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism is configured with a rotor and a stator as main members, and has a very simple structure. As a result, maintenance such as disassembly and cleaning of the material discharge pump can be performed more easily, and food constituent materials can be handled hygienically.

In addition, the food adjustment device of the present invention has network connection means capable of performing information communication with an external device via a communication network, and receives data relating to the preparation ratio from a server connected via the network connection means. And based on the said data, the discharge amount of the said food constituent material can be controlled by the said discharge amount control means, It may be characterized by the above-mentioned.

Such a configuration makes it possible to centrally manage data relating to the preparation ratio on the server side. Thereby, it is possible to prepare a desired food in a food preparation apparatus installed or added at any place. In addition, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to minimize the maintenance work of the food adjustment device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prepare a plurality of food constituent materials as if the consumer cooks himself, and to create a food that conforms to the consumer's hobbies or preferences, while accurately adjusting the food without depending on the rule of thumb. A food preparation device capable of adjusting and managing the taste can be provided.

It is a perspective view which shows the food preparation apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows the state which fractured | ruptured partially the food preparation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a side view which shows the internal structure of the food preparation apparatus shown in FIG. It is a top view which shows the structure of a material passage part. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of a uniaxial eccentric screw pump. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a control apparatus.

Subsequently, a food preparation device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The food preparation apparatus 10 is an apparatus capable of forming a food by preparing a plurality of food ingredients, seasonings and the like (hereinafter also referred to as “food constituent materials”) that constitute the food. The food preparation device 10 prepares the food constituent material according to the preparation ratio of the food constituent material input using the input device 20 provided on the front side of the housing 12 or the recipe, and is provided on the front surface of the housing 12. It can supply toward the food dispensing part 14 which was made (refer FIG. 1).

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the food preparation device 10 adjusts the temperature of the food constituent material and the supply mechanism 30 for supplying the food constituent material into the housing 12 toward the food dispensing unit 14. Temperature control device 80 for cleaning, cleaning device 90 for cleaning supply mechanism 30, and control device 100 for performing operation control. The supply mechanism 30 includes a material storage container 32, a material discharge pump 40, and a material passage part 70. The material storage container 32 and the material discharge pump 40 are provided separately for each type of food constituent material prepared for food formation.

The material discharge pump 40 is composed of a rotary displacement pump. The material discharge pumps 40 are arranged side by side by the number of types of food constituent materials used for food preparation. In the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, seven material discharge pumps 40 are provided side by side so that seven types of food constituent materials can be handled.

As shown in FIG. 5, the material discharge pump 40 includes a uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism 45 having a male screw type rotor 42 that rotates eccentrically upon receiving power, and a stator 44 having an inner peripheral surface formed into a female screw type. The so-called uniaxial eccentric screw pump P is provided. The uniaxial eccentric screw pump P is configured such that a rotor 42, a stator 44, a power transmission mechanism 48, and the like are accommodated in a casing 46. The casing 46 is a metal-made cylindrical member, and the first opening 50 is provided on one end side in the longitudinal direction. A second opening 52 is provided in the outer peripheral portion of the casing 46. The second opening 52 communicates with the internal space of the casing 46 at an intermediate portion 54 positioned at the intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the casing 46.

The first opening 50 and the second opening 52 are portions that function as a suction port and a discharge port of the uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism 45, respectively. The uniaxial eccentric screw pump P can function the first opening 50 as a discharge port and the second opening 52 as a suction port by rotating the rotor 42 in the forward direction. Further, by rotating the rotor 42 in the reverse direction, the first opening 50 can function as a suction port and the second opening 52 can function as a discharge port. In this embodiment, the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P is used in a state where the first opening 50 functions as a discharge port (discharge portion) and the second opening 52 functions as a suction port.

The stator 44 is a member having a substantially cylindrical outer shape formed of an elastic body such as rubber or a resin. The inner peripheral wall 56 of the stator 44 has a single-stage or multi-stage female thread shape with n strips. In the present embodiment, the stator 44 has a multistage female screw shape with two threads. Further, the through hole 58 of the stator 44 is formed so that its cross-sectional shape (opening shape) is substantially oval when viewed in cross section at any position in the longitudinal direction of the stator 44.

The rotor 42 is a metal shaft, and has a single-stage or multi-stage female screw shape with n-1 strips. In the present embodiment, the rotor 42 has a male screw shape that is eccentric with a single thread. The rotor 42 is formed so that its cross-sectional shape is substantially a perfect circle when viewed in cross section at any position in the longitudinal direction. The rotor 42 is inserted into the through hole 58 formed in the stator 44 described above, and can be freely eccentrically rotated inside the through hole 58.

When the rotor 42 is inserted into the stator 44, the outer peripheral wall 60 of the rotor 42 and the inner peripheral wall 56 of the stator 44 are in close contact with each other at the tangent line therebetween, and the inner peripheral wall 56 of the stator 44 and the outer peripheral wall 60 of the rotor 42 are A fluid conveyance path 62 (cavity) is formed between the two. The fluid conveyance path 62 extends in a spiral shape in the longitudinal direction of the stator 44 and the rotor 42.

When the rotor 42 is rotated in the through hole 58 of the stator 44, the fluid conveyance path 62 advances in the longitudinal direction of the stator 44 while rotating in the stator 44. Therefore, when the rotor 42 is rotated, fluid is sucked into the fluid conveyance path 62 from one end side of the stator 44, and is transferred toward the other end side of the stator 44 in a state of being confined in the fluid conveyance path 62. It is possible to discharge at the other end side of the stator 44. The uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism 45 of the present embodiment is used by rotating the rotor 42 in the forward direction, and pumps the food constituent material (fluid) sucked from the second opening 52, from the first opening 50. It is possible to discharge.

The power transmission mechanism 48 is for transmitting power from the drive machine 64 to the rotor 42 described above. The power transmission mechanism 48 includes a power transmission unit 66 and an eccentric rotation unit 68. The power transmission unit 66 is provided on one end side of the casing 46 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the eccentric rotating part 68 is provided in the intermediate part 54. The eccentric rotation part 68 is a part which connects the power transmission part 66 and the rotor 42 so that power transmission is possible. The eccentric rotating portion 68 includes a connecting shaft 88 constituted by a conventionally known coupling rod, screw rod, or the like. Therefore, the eccentric rotating unit 68 can transmit the rotational power generated by operating the driving machine 64 to the rotor 42 to rotate the rotor 42 eccentrically.

The material discharge pump 40 described above is installed with the first opening 50 used for discharging the food constituent material facing downward. A material passage portion 70, which will be described in detail later, is connected to the first opening 50 by piping. The material storage container 32 is connected to the second opening 52. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the material storage container 32 is a cassette type and can be directly connected to the second opening 52. Therefore, the material discharge pump 40 can suck the food constituent material stored in the material storage container 32 from the second opening 52 and discharge the food constituent material toward the material passage 70 via the first opening 50. . Further, the discharge amount (sucking amount) of the food constituent material can be adjusted by adjusting the rotation amount of the rotor 42.

The material passage portion 70 is a portion where the food constituent materials discharged from the material discharge pumps 40 flow and gather. The material passage portion 70 is installed substantially horizontally below each material discharge pump 40. The material passage part 70 is formed of a metal plate, is flat, and has a box-like appearance. The material passage portion 70 is provided with a jacket (not shown) that allows a temperature adjusting heat medium to flow in and out.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first opening 50 (discharge port) of each material discharge pump 40 is connected to the top surface side of the material passage unit 70. As shown in FIG. 4, a material flow path 72 is formed inside the material passage portion 70 so as to correspond to each material discharge pump 40. Each material discharge pump 40 communicates with one end (upstream end) side of each material flow path 72. Further, the other end (downstream end) side of each material flow path 72 is gathered in a gathering portion 74 provided in the material passage portion 70. Each material passage 72 may be installed substantially horizontally. However, from the viewpoint of preventing the backflow of the cleaning liquid supplied by the food constituent material and the cleaning liquid supply pump 92 described in detail later, the collecting section 74 is provided. It is preferable to be installed so as to have a downward slope toward the side. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the collecting portion 74 is located substantially directly above the food dispensing portion 14 provided on the front side of the housing 12.

The derivation | leading-out part 76 for deriving | leading-out food constituent material is provided in the bottom face of the material passage part 70, and the position corresponded to the gathering part 74. The derivation unit 76 communicates with the assembly unit 74, and a lower end portion projects downward (inside the food dispensing unit 14) from the top surface of the food dispensing unit 14 provided on the front surface of the housing 12. Therefore, it is possible to supply the food constituent materials collected in the collecting part 74 via the material flow paths 72 in the material passing part 70 toward the food dispensing part 14 via the lead-out part 76. In addition, a mixer 78 is built in the derivation unit 76. Therefore, when the food is supplied to the food dispensing unit 14 via the lead-out unit 76, the food constituent material can be sufficiently stirred using the mixer 78.

Also, the material passage part 70 is provided with a temperature control device 80 for adjusting the temperature of the food constituent material. Specifically, the temperature control device 80 includes a heat medium temperature control device 82 and a heat medium circulation channel 84. The temperature control device 80 uses the heat medium circulating flow path 84 to adjust the temperature of the heat medium by the heat medium temperature control device 82 and the jacket mounted on the material discharge pump 40 and the material passage unit 70 and the heat medium temperature control. It is possible to circulate with the device 82. Therefore, the food medium supplied to the material discharge pump 40 and the material passage part 70 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature by adjusting the heat medium to an appropriate temperature for the temperature control of the food material by the heat medium temperature control device 82. Can be maintained.

The cleaning apparatus 90 includes a cleaning liquid supply pump 92 (cleaning liquid supply means), a cleaning liquid supply flow path 94, and a cleaning liquid discharge flow path 96. The cleaning liquid supply pump 92 is a pump for supplying a liquid containing water or a cleaning agent used as the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid supply pump 92 may be constituted by any pump, but in this embodiment, the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P is adopted as the cleaning liquid supply pump 92 in the same manner as the material discharge pump 40 described above.

The cleaning device 90 is desirably provided with, for example, an air injection device (not shown) so that the cleaning liquid can be discharged from the material passage portion 70 after the cleaning operation. Further, in the case where cleaning is not essential as in the case where mixing is not performed without providing the mixer 78 in the lead-out unit 76, the cleaning device 90 may not be provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the cleaning liquid supply pump 92 is installed at a position adjacent to the material discharge pump 40. The first opening 50 (discharge port) of the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P constituting the cleaning liquid supply pump 92 is connected to the top surface side of the material passage part 70 and is formed in the material passage part 70. The supply channel 94 is connected to one end side (upstream side). The other end side (downstream side) of the cleaning liquid supply flow path 94 is connected to the collecting portion 74 described above. Therefore, by feeding the cleaning liquid into the cleaning liquid supply flow path 94, the cleaning liquid can flow into the collecting portion 74 and each material flow path 72 connected thereto, and can be cleaned. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, one end side of the cleaning liquid discharge channel 96 is connected to the collecting portion 74 in the same manner as the cleaning liquid supply channel 94, and the other end side is used for cleaning each material channel 72 and the collecting portion 74. Is connected to a discharge port 96 for discharging the cleaning liquid used in the above.

The control device 100 is for controlling the operation of each part constituting the food preparation device 10, and is realized in the computer by installing a control program. Further, the input device 20 provided on the front side of the housing 12 can be used as external input means for inputting information necessary for the user or the like to the control device 100. As the input device 20, an input device such as a touch panel display, operation buttons, a keyboard, and a mouse can be used. In this embodiment, a touch panel display is adopted. The input device 20 has a function as means (preparation ratio input means 22) for inputting the preparation ratio of the food constituent materials used when the food preparation apparatus 10 creates food. The input device 20 also has a function as means (recipe selection means 24) for inputting a user ID number and the like, and for selecting a recipe registered in the preparation ratio storage means 110 described in detail later.

As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 100 includes a preparation ratio storage means 110, a preparation ratio setting means 120, and a discharge amount control means 130. The preparation ratio storage unit 110 includes a temporary storage unit 112, a history storage unit 114, and a recipe storage unit 116. The temporary storage unit 112 is a memory for temporarily storing the food component preparation ratio data (hereinafter also referred to as “input preparation data”) input via the input device 20. The preparation ratio data (hereinafter also referred to as “preparation data”) stored in the temporary storage unit 112 is used for food preparation, and is also stored in the history storage unit 114 and stored in a database.

The history storage means 114 stores the preparation data in a database (hereinafter also referred to as “preparation history database”) as described above, and can read the preparation data as appropriate. The preparation history database is classified and stored based on the ID number assigned to each user. Therefore, instead of the user inputting the preparation ratio with the input device 20, by selecting the preparation data registered in the preparation history database (hereinafter also referred to as “preparation history data”), the preparation data is used to prepare the food preparation. Can be used for.

The recipe storage means 116 stores a database (hereinafter also referred to as “recipe database”) of the preparation data of food constituent materials (hereinafter also referred to as “recipe preparation data”) defined in accordance with a predetermined recipe. It is for keeping. The recipe preparation data may be registered in advance, or may be sequentially registered during the process of using the food preparation device 10. Specifically, the control device 100 can have a communication function so that recipe preparation data can be replenished or corrected sequentially via the Internet or the like.

The preparation ratio setting means 120 is for setting the actual preparation ratio (hereinafter also referred to as “actual preparation ratio”) of the food constituent material based on the preparation data read from the preparation ratio storage means 110. Specifically, when preparation data is input using the input device 20 (preparation ratio input means 22), the actual preparation ratio is determined based on the preparation data stored in the temporary storage means 112 by the input. . Further, when a recipe registered in the recipe database is selected using the input device 20 (recipe selection means 24), the actual preparation ratio is determined based on the recipe preparation data read from the recipe storage means 116. Is done. In addition, when using previously used preparation data, the preparation history data registered in the preparation history database stored in the history storage unit 114 is read, and the actual preparation ratio is determined based on this. .

Here, the preparation ratio setting means 120 does not use the above-mentioned input preparation data, recipe preparation data, or preparation history data as an actual preparation ratio as they are, but considers individual differences in food constituent materials and temperature conditions. Has a function to adjust. Specifically, the preparation ratio setting means 120 has a function (individual difference adjustment) for controlling the preparation ratio based on the difference between the general characteristics assumed for the food constituent materials and the characteristics of the food constituent materials used for food preparation. Function). Moreover, it has the function (temperature difference adjustment function) which controls a preparation ratio so that the error of the discharge amount of the food constituent material resulting from temperature conditions may be corrected.

The discharge amount control means 130 controls the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each material discharge pump 40. The discharge amount control means 130 controls the discharge amount in accordance with the actual preparation ratio adjusted in consideration of individual differences in food constituent materials or temperature conditions in the preparation ratio setting means 120. Thereby, the variation in the taste of the food prepared by preparing the food constituent material can be minimized.

As described above, in the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, the preparation ratio of the food constituent materials can be adjusted by adjusting the discharge amount in the material discharge pump 40 provided for each food constituent material. It is. Therefore, according to the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, food or seasoning prepared in advance is prepared as requested by the consumer, and a food whose taste is adjusted to match the taste or taste is provided. Is possible.

Further, in the food preparation device 10, the discharge amount in each material discharge pump 40 is accurately controlled by the discharge amount control means 130 according to the preparation ratio of each food constituent material set in the preparation ratio setting means 120. Can do. Specifically, the discharge amount of each food constituent material can be adjusted with high accuracy only by controlling the rotation amount of the rotor 42 in the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P constituting the material discharge pump 40. Therefore, according to the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to accurately adjust and manage the taste of food without depending on empirical rules.

Furthermore, in the food preparation device 10, since the material discharge pump 40 is provided for each food constituent material, it is possible to prevent the food constituent materials from being mixed before the food is prepared. Thereby, food constituent materials can be managed hygienically. Moreover, it can prevent reliably that the taste and quality of a food constituent material fall, and the taste of the food obtained by preparing a food constituent material falls below a certain standard.

The food preparation device 10 can prepare each food material in accordance with the preparation ratio input via the preparation ratio input means 22 and provide food. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus 10, the food adjusted to the desired taste can be provided as if it was made to order according to the consumer's preference. Therefore, according to the food preparation device 10, it is possible to cope with a large variety of small-quantity production.

In the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, the setting ratio setting history is stored in the history storage means 114 as preparation history data. Therefore, when food is adjusted, it is possible to reproduce the taste of the previously created food by reading the preparation history data quantitatively and accurately without depending on the intuition and empirical rules of the operator. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus 10, it is possible to reproduce the taste of food with high accuracy while supporting multi-product small-volume production.

Moreover, the food preparation apparatus 10 of this embodiment mentioned above selects the recipe memorize | stored in the recipe memory | storage means 116 by the recipe selection means 24, and the food constituent material prescribed | regulated according to the recipe according to each recipe It can be made to discharge and prepare by the preparation ratio. Therefore, the taste of the food provided by the recipe can be reproduced with high accuracy.

The food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment includes a history storage unit 114 and a recipe storage unit 116, and adjusts the preparation ratio of the food constituent materials based on the recipe preparation data or the preparation history data stored therein. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the food preparation device 10 may be configured not to include one or both of the history storage unit 114 and the recipe storage unit 116.

In the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, the discharge amount control means 130 is used for individual differences caused by differences in production lots of food constituent materials, that is, general characteristics assumed for the food constituent materials and food preparation. Based on the difference from the characteristics of the food constituent material, the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each material discharge pump 40 can be controlled. Moreover, the discharge amount control means 130 can control the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each material discharge pump 40 on the assumption that an error occurs in the discharge amount of the food constituent material due to the temperature condition. Specifically, when setting the preparation ratio in the preparation ratio setting means 120, input preparation data, recipe preparation data, or preparation history data is not used as an actual preparation ratio as it is, but individual differences in food constituent materials, and The discharge amount control means 130 controls the discharge amount of the food constituent material based on the actual preparation ratio finely adjusted in consideration of the temperature condition. Therefore, according to the food preparation device 10, it is possible to prevent the taste of the food from being varied due to individual differences in each food constituent material, and to provide a food with stable quality.

In the present embodiment, the example in which the discharge amount control is executed using the finely adjusted actual preparation ratio in consideration of individual differences of food constituent materials and temperature conditions is shown, but the present invention is limited to this. However, the actual preparation ratio may be finely adjusted in consideration of other conditions. On the contrary, in controlling the discharge amount of the food constituent material, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which either one or both of the individual differences of the food constituent material and the temperature condition are not taken into consideration.

In the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, the cleaning device 90 cleans the material flow path 72 and the collecting portion 74 in the material passage portion 70 through which the food constituent material discharged from each material discharge pump 40 passes, The food constituent material remaining inside can be removed. Therefore, it is possible to provide food in a sanitary manner by performing cleaning as needed by the cleaning device 90. Moreover, if it wash | cleans with the washing | cleaning apparatus 90 whenever it adjusts a foodstuff, it can prevent that a foodstuff becomes the taste which is not assumed by the influence of the foodstuff constituent material which remains. The cleaning device 90 described above is merely an example of the present invention, and may have other configurations. In addition, the food preparation device 10 may be configured not to include the cleaning device 90. Even in the case where the cleaning device 90 is not provided, it is desirable that the material flow path 72 and the collecting portion 74 can be easily cleaned.

In addition, the timing for cleaning the inside of the material passage portion 70 by the cleaning device 90 can be set as appropriate, but the timing for cleaning the food preparation operation can be taken into consideration at an appropriate timing. It is desirable. Specifically, after the food constituent material is dispensed from the food dispensing unit 14, the food constituent material may partially adhere to each material passage 72 and remain. Therefore, it is desirable to clean the material passage 72 when the next dispensing is not performed for a predetermined time or more after the food constituent material is dispensed first. On the other hand, when the next food constituent material is dispensed within a short period of time without any sanitary problems after the food constituent material is dispensed first, the material passage 72 may not be washed. good. From such a viewpoint, it is good also as washing | cleaning by the washing | cleaning apparatus 90 on the condition that the preparation of the following foodstuff is not performed before the predetermined time passes from preparation of the foodstuff implemented previously. By adopting such a configuration, the inside of the material passage portion 70 can be maintained in a sanitary manner, and an excessive cleaning operation is performed, and the amount of food constituent materials discarded due to the cleaning operation is minimized. Is possible.

Further, as described above, the material passage part 70 and the like may be cleaned by a method different from the method of supplying the cleaning liquid prepared separately by the cleaning device 90. Specifically, the collecting unit 74 is cleaned by the cleaning liquid supplied by the cleaning device 90, and the material passage 72 is subjected to food from the material discharge pump 40 for cleaning as if so-called “co-washing” is performed. It is also possible to supply a constituent material and remove the substance adhering to the inside using the food constituent material.

In the food preparation device 10 of the present embodiment, a uniaxial eccentric screw pump P is employed as a rotary displacement pump constituting the material discharge pump 40. Therefore, in the food preparation device 10, it is possible to adjust the preparation ratio of the food constituent materials easily and with high accuracy only by adjusting the rotation amount of the rotor 42. Moreover, since the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P has a very simple structure, maintenance such as disassembly and cleaning can be easily performed.

In the present embodiment, an example in which means for storing the preparation ratio such as the preparation ratio storage means 110, the history storage means 114, the recipe storage means 116, etc. is provided in the control device 100 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and these storage means may be formed in an external storage device. Specifically, a storage means such as a preparation ratio storage means 110, a history storage means 114, and a recipe storage means 116 is provided in a non-contact IC card that employs a magnetic storage type card, RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification), etc., and food preparation A configuration in which a reader / writer for reading and writing data on the preparation ratio from an external storage device may be provided on the apparatus 10 side. In such a configuration, for example, a member card, prepaid card, credit card, or electronic money card can be used as the external storage device. Thus, by using cards owned by individual users as an external storage device, it is possible to smoothly set a preparation ratio suitable for each user.

In addition, when using a prepaid card, a credit card, an electronic money card, or the like as an external storage device as described above, a price for collecting the value (price) for providing food by the food preparation device 10 It is desirable to provide collection means in the control device 100 or the like. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to smoothly process the payment of the price in addition to the setting of the preparation ratio.

In addition, an application that operates in electronic devices (hereinafter also referred to as “client terminals”) owned by a user such as a mobile phone, a so-called smartphone, or a personal computer is formed, and the preparation ratio input unit 22 or the recipe selection unit 24 is formed. It is also possible to mount such functions. If the preparation ratio or recipe information input at the client terminal can be input to the food preparation device 10 side by communication while having such a configuration, the convenience for the user is further improved.

In addition, on the book or magazine describing the recipe, the homepage where the recipe is posted, etc., the bar code or the identification mark such as the number indicating the preparation ratio of the food constituent material is described together with the food recipe, and this bar code is utilized. Thus, the preparation ratio may be input. Specifically, a configuration in which a reading device such as a barcode reader for reading the identification mark is installed in the food preparation device 10 may be adopted. In addition, as described above, an identification mark is read using a camera mounted on a client terminal such as a mobile phone, and an application installed on the client terminal can decode recipe information (preparation ratio) based on the read information. Also good. In such a configuration, if the recipe information (preparation ratio) decrypted by the application can be input to the food preparation device 10 side by communication, the convenience of the user can be improved.

In addition, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 6, a network connection unit 140 may be provided so that the control device 100 provided in the food preparation device 10 can be connected from the outside via a network such as the Internet. good. In such a configuration, it is possible to select or input the preparation ratio and recipe of the food preparation device to the control device 100 via the network connection means 140 from a client terminal such as a personal computer connected to the Internet. In such a configuration, the user selects or inputs the preparation ratio and recipe in advance at home or the like, and the food preparation apparatus 10 installed in the nearest food retailer or the like can receive food. It is also possible. In addition, if the preparation ratio and the like can be input to the control device 100 via the Internet, food preparation is also provided for services such as ordering food that suits the user's preference at a remote location and delivering the food by mail or home delivery. The apparatus 10 can be used. As a result, even for a user who does not have the food preparation device 10 installed in the vicinity, it is possible to order food that suits each person's preference.

Further, when the network connection means 140 as described above is provided, the preparation ratio storage means 110 is provided on the server side connected via a network such as the Internet, and the preparation history database or recipe preparation is provided on the server side. Data or the like may be stored and centrally managed. In such a configuration, the food preparation apparatus 10 installed or added at any location can prepare food by reading the preparation history database and recipe preparation data from a server connected to the Internet. In addition, by performing centralized management of various data in the server as described above, maintenance work can be minimized.

The food preparation device 10 described above can adjust food for various uses. Hereinafter, the Example concerning the usage example of the food preparation apparatus 10 is described.

≪About an example as an ice cream sale device≫
Next, an ice cream sales apparatus that is an embodiment of the food preparation apparatus 10 will be described. When the food preparation device 10 is used as an ice cream sales device, ice creams having different tastes are prepared and stored in the material storage containers 32. The material discharge pump 40 is associated with each type (taste) of ice cream stored in each material storage container 32. In addition to the type and amount of the desired ice cream, the input device 20 determines whether to mix ice creams with different tastes, whether to stack ice creams with different tastes in a container such as a cup, etc. Cream preparation conditions can be set.

With the configuration as described above, it is possible to dispense the ice cream with the taste desired by the user into the container set in the food dispensing unit 14 as much as desired. Further, by discharging ice creams having different tastes from the material discharge pumps 40 at the same time, it is possible to provide an ice cream having an original taste in which two or more kinds of tastes are combined. Further, by adjusting the preparation ratio (discharge ratio) of ice creams with different tastes, it is possible to create infinite variations in taste. Furthermore, when two or more types of ice creams having different tastes are mixed according to the preparation ratio set by the user, the ice cream is prepared to have a substantially uniform taste regardless of the part by stirring with the mixer 78 provided in the outlet unit 76. Ice cream can be provided.

In addition to mixing two or more types of ice creams as described above, the so-called overlays in which ice creams with different tastes are placed on ice creams with different tastes are dispensed at different timings. It becomes possible to provide ice cream in the state of.

In addition, by installing a charging system that collects a charge when the food is dispensed in the food preparation device 10, automatic food can be sold. Specifically, as shown in the above-described embodiment, the food can be settled using a payment card such as a prepaid card, a credit card, or an electronic money card, or money. Can be sold automatically. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to minimize the cost required for selling food.

≪About example as seasoning preparation device≫
Then, the Example which uses the food preparation apparatus 10 as a seasoning preparation apparatus is described. When the food preparation device 10 is used as a seasoning preparation device, various seasonings are prepared in each material storage container 32. Specifically, seasonings such as dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, sauce, soy sauce, miso, and carrero are classified by type as food constituent materials and prepared in the material storage container 32.

The uniaxial eccentric screw pump used as the material discharge pump 40 in the food preparation apparatus 10 described above is not only a low-viscosity seasoning such as dressing, sauce or soy sauce, but also mayonnaise, ketchup, miso, curry roux, etc. Such high-viscosity seasonings can be pumped while adjusting the pumping amount with high accuracy. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus 10, there are many variations of the seasoning which can be handled, and it becomes possible to respond appropriately to the user's hobbies or preferences.

When the food preparation device 10 is used as a seasoning preparation device as in this embodiment, not only the seasoning preparation ratio and recipe are directly specified, but also the name of the food that uses the prepared seasoning. Alternatively, the preparation ratio or recipe may be indirectly specified from the dish name or the recipe of the dish. For example, by selecting the type of salad that uses the seasoning, the preparation ratio of the seasoning may be automatically set so as to adjust the taste of the dressing to a taste suitable for this salad. Moreover, you may enable it to finely adjust the preparation ratio of the seasoning set automatically according to a user preference.

As described above, if the food preparation device 10 is used as a seasoning preparation device, it is possible to prepare seasonings at a preparation ratio that reflects taste tastes that vary depending on each individual or home. In addition, if the seasoning is prepared by the food preparation device 10, the necessary amount can be adjusted when necessary, so that waste of the seasoning can be prevented and freshly prepared always It becomes possible to use seasonings.

Further, in the food preparation device 10, by storing the preparation history in the history storage means 114, it becomes possible to accurately prepare the seasoning so as to have a taste of each individual or each household. Further, if the history of the preparation ratios stored in the history storage unit 114 is aggregated, it is possible to obtain the seasoning preparation ratios required in the market. Analyzing the preparation ratio of seasonings in this way, data that generalizes the taste required in the market can be used as an index for determining the taste of foods such as dressings sold as ready-made products .

Further, if the food preparation device 10 is used, it is possible to provide the amount of food required by the user, the necessity of packaging a seasoned preparation such as ready-made food, or a packaged product. There is no need to distribute. Therefore, according to the food preparation apparatus 10, the cost required for packaging or distribution can be reduced.

In addition, even when the food preparation device 10 is used as a seasoning preparation device, it is possible to mount a billing system that collects a fee when the food is dispensed. By adopting such a configuration, it becomes possible to automatically sell the prepared seasonings, and it is possible to minimize the cost of selling food.

≪About example as taste sample making apparatus≫
The food preparation device 10 is not only an example of use premised on use by general users, like the ice cream sales device exemplified in Example 1 or the seasoning preparation device exemplified in Example 2, It is also applicable to usage examples in food manufacturers. As described above, the food preparation device 10 can accurately adjust the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each material discharge pump 40 according to the designated preparation ratio. Further, in the food preparation device 10, the history of the preparation ratio is stored in the history storage unit 114, whereby the taste of the food can be converted into data and managed. Furthermore, the food preparation device 10 can sequentially reproduce the tastes of foods created in the past based on the preparation ratio data. In view of such characteristics, the food preparation device 10 can be applied to a usage example as a sample preparation device performed for product development in a food manufacturer or the like. As a result, it is possible to adjust or reproduce the taste of the food according to a certain standard without depending on the sensitivity or intuition of the craftsman, and it is possible to contribute to improving the efficiency of new product development in the food manufacturer.

In addition, when the taste of the food prototype manufactured as described above is converted into data based on the preparation ratio, not only can this data be used for the purpose of adjusting the taste of the food, but the data itself can be sold as a product. It becomes possible. In other words, the food preparation device 10 can be used not only to create the food itself as a product, but also to create preparation ratio data necessary to create the food.

≪About example as seasoning device≫
The food preparation apparatus 10 can be used for a single process, such as a seasoning process in a food manufacturer or a food distributor, in addition to a use used to create a finished food product. That is, when selling confectionery such as candy, gum or chocolate, frozen confectionery such as ice cream or shaved ice, beverages such as coffee, tea, juice and cocktail, noodles such as buckwheat, udon, ramen, etc. It can be used for the purpose of seasoning and selling according to the purchaser's wishes in stores and the like.

Specifically, when selling confectionery such as candy, gum, or chocolate, when coating the surface of these confectionery, the taste of the coating is adjusted by the food preparation device 10 according to the purchaser's preference. It is possible. Moreover, when selling frozen confectionery such as ice cream and shaved ice, it is possible to appropriately adjust the taste of the syrup sprinkled on the surface. In addition, the food preparation apparatus 10 can be used for adjusting the taste by blending different types of beverages, adjusting the taste of creams floating on the surface of the beverage, and the like in a coffee shop or a bar.

Also, noodles such as buckwheat, udon, and ramen vary greatly in consumer taste regarding the taste of soup and soup. Therefore, as for the soup or soup used for noodles, the noodles can be prepared by soup or soup with a taste customized to one's own taste by providing a combination of different kinds of foods by the food preparation device 10 or by changing the preparation ratio. It becomes possible to provide.

As described above, the food preparation device 10 is effective for small-lot production of various varieties, and can provide a food with a desired taste immediately at the site where the food is prepared. For this reason, even in situations where foods are sold face-to-face, it is possible to smoothly provide foods with a taste as desired by the purchaser without any effort. If a product number is assigned for each taste of food, the preparation ratio can be easily managed, and the labor and time required for providing food can be further reduced.

≪About an example as a sales device of food containing ingredients≫
Since the food preparation device 10 uses the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P as the material discharge pump 40, the food preparation device 10 can pump the solid food constituent material without crushing. Therefore, the food preparation device 10 can also be used for selling foods containing solid food constituent materials such as soup and oden.

Specifically, if the food preparation device 10 is used in a business situation in which soup is put in a container such as a cup, the ingredients to be put into the soup are discharged in addition to the material discharge pump 40 for discharging various soups. By separately providing the material discharge pump 40 for this purpose, it becomes possible to prepare and provide soup containing ingredients preferred by consumers. Moreover, by using the uniaxial eccentric screw pump P for the material discharge pump 40, it is possible to put the ingredients (food constituent materials) into the soup without crushing them.

Moreover, the food preparation device 10 can also be used in a sales form in which oden ingredients (food constituent materials) are sold in one or more containers. When the food preparation apparatus 10 is used for selling oden, in addition to providing the material discharge pump 40 for each ingredient, various flavors (taste) are prepared by preparing various soups such as Kanto-style and Kansai-style. ) Oden can be provided.

In addition, when the food preparation device 10 handles food that is desired to be provided without breaking the shape of the food constituent material, such as soup with ingredients or oden, the food constituent material sufficiently passes through the inner diameter of the lead-out portion 76. It is preferable that the mixer 78 be built in as much as possible.

According to the food preparation device of the present invention, by preparing a plurality of food constituent materials composed of food ingredients or seasonings, food can be formed while making subtle taste adjustments as if they were cooking by themselves. . Moreover, according to the food preparation apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to qualitatively manage the taste of food. Therefore, the food preparation apparatus of the present invention can be used for various applications such as face-to-face sales or automatic sales of food, manufacture or seasoning of food by a food manufacturer, and preparation of food samples.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Food preparation apparatus 22 Preparation ratio input means 24 Recipe selection means 30 Supply mechanism 40 Material discharge pump 42 Rotor 44 Stator 45 Uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism 100 Controller 110 Preparation ratio storage means 114 History storage means 116 Recipe storage means 120 Preparation ratio Setting means 130 Discharge amount control means P Uniaxial eccentric screw pump

Claims

A food preparation device capable of forming a food by preparing a plurality of food constituent materials consisting of ingredients or seasonings constituting the food,
A material discharge pump provided for each food constituent material;
A preparation ratio setting means capable of setting the preparation ratio of the food constituent material;
A food preparation apparatus, comprising: a discharge amount control unit that controls a discharge amount of the food constituent material in each of the material discharge pumps according to a preparation ratio set in the preparation ratio setting unit.
A history storage means capable of storing the setting history of the preparation ratio of the food constituent material as preparation history data,
The food preparation device according to claim 1, wherein the preparation ratio setting means can set the preparation ratio based on preparation history data read from the history storage means.
Having a preparation ratio input means capable of inputting the preparation ratio of the food constituent material;
The preparation ratio input via the preparation ratio input means is set in the preparation ratio setting means,
The food preparation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a discharge amount of the food constituent material in each of the material discharge pumps is controlled by a discharge amount control means in accordance with the preparation ratio.
Recipe storage means capable of storing for each recipe the preparation ratio of the food constituent material defined in accordance with a predetermined recipe;
It has a recipe selection means that enables selection of the recipe,
The preparation ratio of the food constituent material is set in the preparation ratio setting means in accordance with the recipe selected by the recipe selection means, and the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each of the material discharge pumps is set in accordance with the preparation ratio. The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the food preparation device is controlled.
Based on the difference between the general characteristics assumed for the food constituent material and the characteristics of the food constituent material used for food preparation, the discharge amount control means The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the discharge amount is controllable.
The discharge amount control means is capable of controlling the discharge amount of the food constituent material in each of the material discharge pumps so as to correct an error in the discharge amount of the food constituent material due to a temperature condition. The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A material passage portion that communicates with each of the material discharge pumps and through which the discharged food constituent material passes,
Cleaning liquid supply means capable of supplying a cleaning liquid to the material passage part;
The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cleaning liquid discharger capable of discharging a liquid containing a cleaning liquid from the material passage portion.
The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the material discharge pump is constituted by a rotary positive displacement pump.
The material discharge pump pumps the food constituent material by a uniaxial eccentric screw pump mechanism having a male screw type rotor that rotates eccentrically under power and a stator having an inner peripheral surface formed into a female screw type. The food preparation device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the food preparation device is provided.
Having network connection means capable of performing information communication with an external device via a communication network;
The data relating to the preparation ratio is received from a server connected via the network connection means, and the discharge amount of the food constituent material can be controlled by the discharge amount control means based on the data. The food preparation device according to any one of 1 to 9.