JP2008021526A - Food heating device and vending machine equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a food heating device capable of heating the food in a container to the predetermined temperature precisely, and to provide a vending machine equipped with the same. <P>SOLUTION: The food heating device includes a temperature difference calculation means for calculating the temperature difference per unit time, based on the top surface temperature of plastic bottles which is measured by an infrared emission thermometer 23a; and an estimated time calculation means for calculating the estimated time, taken from the start of heating of a plastic bottle beverage X up to the time when the drink in the plastic bottle reaches the setup temperature, by dividing the difference between the set-up temperature of the drink in the plastic bottle and the top surface temperature of the container which is measured by a temperature measurement means, prior to the start of heating of the plastic bottle beverage X by the temperature difference per unit time which is calculated by the temperature difference calculation means during the predetermined time of heating of the plastic bottle beverage X; and a heating control means for completing heating of the plastic bottle beverage X, once the heating time measured by a heating timer 22 reaches the estimated time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a food heating apparatus that heats food contained in a container such as a plastic bottle beverage by microwaves and a vending machine including the same.

  In general, when heating foods in containers such as cans and plastic bottles, these foods in containers are stored in a showcase and heated, or stored in a vending machine and heated. We sell food in containers.

  However, in such showcases and vending machines, the food contained in the container to be stored or stored is always heated and stored, which is not necessarily an effective heating means in terms of energy efficiency. In addition, long-time high-temperature heat storage causes deterioration of food quality, and there is a problem that food in a container is discarded at an early stage or the expiry date is shortened.

For such problems, in a vending machine equipped with a food heating device using microwaves as a heating means, the food in the container carried out from the storage unit provided at the upper part of the vending machine main body has a gently inclined portion. While being rolled, while being conveyed to the take-out part provided in the lower part of the vending machine main body, what heated to predetermined temperature with a microwave is known (for example, refer patent document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-275273

  However, in the conventional food heating apparatus, the temperature of the container surface is measured in order to heat the food in the container to a predetermined temperature. However, the microwave heating increases the temperature from the food in the container, and the temperature of the container surface. Since the temperature rises later than the temperature of the food in the container, the temperature of the food in the container is higher than the predetermined temperature when the surface of the container reaches the predetermined temperature.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a food heating apparatus capable of accurately heating food in a container to a predetermined temperature and a vending machine equipped with the same. There is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the container surface of the food in a container, and a time measuring means for measuring the heating time from the start of heating the food in the container. A temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference per unit time based on the temperature of the surface of the container measured by the temperature measuring means in the food heating apparatus for heating the contained food to set the food in the container to a set temperature; and the container The difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface measured by the temperature measuring means before the start of the heating of the food in the container is calculated by the temperature difference calculating means at a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Divide by the temperature difference per hour to calculate the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature, and the time measured by the time measuring means Time to propose a food heating device having a heating control means for terminating the heating of the containers food when it is predicted time.

  According to this food heating apparatus, the unit between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface measured before the start of heating of the food in the container is calculated for a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Dividing by the temperature difference per time, the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature was calculated, and the heating time from the start of heating the food in the container became the predicted time Sometimes heating of the food in the container is terminated. Here, before the heating of the food in the container, the temperature of the container surface is equal to the temperature of the food in the container. While the temperature of the food in the container is constant during the heating of the food in the container, the temperature on the surface of the container changes later than the temperature of the food in the container. Then, the temperature change on the surface of the container becomes constant, and the temperature change on the container surface and the food in the container become equal. Therefore, divide the difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface before starting the heating of the food in the container by the temperature difference per unit time of the container surface for a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Can calculate the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature, so when the heating time from the start of the food in the container reaches the predicted time, By finishing the heating of the food, the food in the container can be accurately heated to the set temperature.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention proposes a vending machine equipped with the food heating device in a vending machine that sells food in containers.

  According to this vending machine, the difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface measured before the start of the heating of the food in the container is calculated in a unit calculated for a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Dividing by the temperature difference per time, the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature was calculated, and the heating time from the start of heating the food in the container became the predicted time Sometimes heating of the food in the container is terminated. Here, before the heating of the food in the container, the temperature of the container surface is equal to the temperature of the food in the container. While the temperature of the food in the container is constant during the heating of the food in the container, the temperature on the surface of the container changes later than the temperature of the food in the container. Then, the temperature change on the surface of the container becomes constant, and the temperature change on the container surface and the food in the container become equal. Therefore, divide the difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface before starting the heating of the food in the container by the temperature difference per unit time of the container surface for a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Can calculate the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature, so when the heating time from the start of the food in the container reaches the predicted time, By finishing the heating of the food, the food in the container can be accurately heated to the set temperature.

  According to the food heating device and the vending machine according to the present invention, the food in the container is accurately obtained by ending the heating of the food in the container when the heating time from the start of heating the food in the container reaches the predicted time. Since it can be heated to the set temperature, the food in the container is not overheated or not heated, and the quality of the food in the container can be prevented from deteriorating due to heating, and the heating time The service for the user can be improved without becoming too long.

  1 to 10 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a food heating apparatus, FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional side view of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which a plastic bottle beverage is stored in the heating unit illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a pipe and temperature measurement provided in the heating unit illustrated in FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the unit, FIG. 6 is a top view of the heating unit shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 7 is a top view showing a modification of the pipe and the temperature measuring unit provided in the heating unit shown in FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the control system configuration of the food heating device shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the heating operation of the food heating device shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 10 is a graph showing the temperature change of the PET bottle beverage being heated. is there. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, a description will be given using a plastic bottle beverage X as a food in a container.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a display device 11, a speaker 12, a food inlet 13, and a food outlet 14 are provided on the front surface of the food heating device 10 from the upper part to the lower part.

  The display device 11 is for displaying characters, graphics, symbols, still images, moving images, and the like, and is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. As long as the same display is possible, a known CRT display, plasma display, organic EL display, or the like may be used.

  The speakers 12 are for outputting sound, signal sound, and the like, and are disposed on both lower sides of the display device 11. Two or more speakers 12 are preferably provided in order to obtain a three-dimensional sound effect by a stereo method or the like, but may be one. Moreover, it is not limited to the case where both the display device 11 and the speaker 12 are provided, and either one may be provided.

  The food inlet 13 is for feeding a plastic bottle drink X heated by the food heating device 10 from the outside, and is arranged at the lower center of the speaker 12. Moreover, the food inlet 13 is formed in the circular shape which has a diameter a little larger than the outer diameter of the plastic bottle drink X thrown in. Thereby, the plastic bottle drink X is thrown in to a longitudinal direction.

  The food outlet 14 is for taking out the heated plastic bottle beverage X, and is disposed below the food inlet 13. In addition, the food outlet 14 is provided with an open / close door 14a that can be opened manually.

  As shown in FIG. 2, inside the food heating apparatus 10, a transport unit 15, a heating unit 16, a carry-out unit 17, and a power source 18 are provided.

  The transport unit 15 is for transporting the plastic bottle drink X introduced from the food input port 13 to the heating unit 16, and communicates between the food input port 13 and the heating unit 16.

  The carry-out unit 17 is for carrying out the plastic bottle drink X heated by the heating unit 16 to the food take-out port 14, and communicates between the heating unit 16 and the food take-out port 14.

  The power source 18 is for supplying electric power to the whole food heating apparatus 10, and a general household power source is used in this embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the heating unit 16 is a known microwave heating apparatus including a heater 16 a and an applicator.

  The heater 16a is a well-known magnetron, and generates a microwave by the electric power supplied from the power source 18 and emits it from the antenna 16a1.

  The applicator includes a waveguide 16b, a storage cylinder 16c (microwave irradiation chamber), an upper lid 16d, and a lower lid 16e.

  The waveguide 16b opens a part of the upper plate surface 16f and is connected to the storage cylinder 16c, and propagates the microwave emitted from the heater 16a in the direction of the storage cylinder 16c.

  The storage cylinder 16c has a cylindrical shape with an upper surface and a lower surface opened. The upper surface opening is connected to the transport unit 15 and the lower surface opening is connected to the waveguide 16b. Further, an upper lid 16d is provided at the top opening of the storage cylinder 16c so as to be freely opened and closed. By opening and closing the top lid 16d, the transported plastic bottle drink X is carried from the top opening, and from the storage cylinder 16c. The microwave is prevented from leaking. In the present embodiment, the storage cylinder 16c has a cylindrical shape, but is not limited to this, and may have a shape other than a cylinder, for example, an ellipse or a polygon.

  The lower lid 16e is provided so that a part of the lower plate surface 16h of the waveguide 16b can be opened and closed. By opening and closing the lower lid 16e, the plastic bottle drink X is carried out to the carry-out portion 17 and is carried in. The plastic bottle beverage X is supported and stored in the storage cylinder 16c, and microwaves are prevented from leaking from the storage cylinder 16c.

  The hole 16j is provided by opening a part of the upper plate surface 16f of the waveguide 16b, and the antenna 16a1 of the heater 16a is inserted therein.

  The stub 16g is made of a non-magnetic metal such as aluminum, and is provided on the inner side of the upper plate surface 16f. The stub 16g functions as a matching unit for efficiently causing the microwaves emitted from the antenna 16a1 to enter the plastic bottle beverage X. is doing.

  In the heating unit 16 configured as described above, the inside of the plastic bottle is stored in the storage tube 16c from the direction of the spout of the plastic bottle beverage X, and the microwave 16 is irradiated from the antenna 16a1 to the throttle portion X1 of the plastic bottle beverage X. Thus, the convection of the beverage can be efficiently guided, and the plastic bottle beverage X can be heated uniformly.

  In this embodiment, one heater 16a and one waveguide 16b are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of heaters 16a and waveguides 16b may be provided. Thereby, a microwave is irradiated to the plastic bottle drink X from a plurality of directions, and it becomes possible to heat in a shorter time.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the temperature measurement unit 23 is composed of a known infrared radiation thermometer 23a, a case 23b, and a screw 23c, and the temperature of the surface of the squeezed portion X1 of the plastic bottle beverage X stored in the storage cylinder 16c. Is measuring. Here, since the plastic bottle drink X is stored in the storage cylinder 16c from the spout direction, the air layer in the plastic bottle exists on the bottom surface of the plastic bottle and does not exist in the squeezed portion X1. In general, the narrowed portion X1 does not have a label covering the plastic bottle or has no gap (air layer) even if it exists. Furthermore, the thickness of the narrowed portion X1 is not thicker than other portions such as the bottom surface and the cap. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the surface of the squeezed portion X1 of the plastic bottle beverage X, a temperature closer to the temperature of the beverage in the plastic bottle can be measured.

  In the present embodiment, the plastic bottle drink X is stored in the storage cylinder 16c from the spout direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is stored in the storage cylinder 16c from the bottom direction to measure the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1. You may do it. Moreover, it is not limited to the case of measuring the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1, but may be any surface of a plastic bottle (container).

  The infrared radiation thermometer 23a can change the measurement angle θ, receives infrared radiation emitted from the measurement range A on the surface of the aperture X1, and outputs a temperature signal.

  The case 23b covers the infrared radiation thermometer 23a and is attached to the pipe 24 with a screw 23c. As described above, the infrared radiation thermometer 23a is covered with the case 23b to reduce the influence of infrared rays other than the measurement range A, and the case 23b is attached to the pipe 24 with the screw 23c, so that the attachment / detachment is facilitated.

  When the case 23 b is attached to the pipe 24, the infrared radiation thermometer 23 a is disposed on the central axis C 1 of the pipe 24. Thereby, the measurement angle θ can be maximized.

  The pipe 24 is provided in the horizontal direction of the plastic bottle beverage X stored in the storage cylinder 16c, and communicates the storage cylinder 16c with the temperature measurement unit 23.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6, the temperature measurement unit 23 is provided in the position which opposes the heater 16a regarding the plastic bottle drink X stored in the storage cylinder 16c. The heater 16a emits a microwave from the antenna 16a1 and irradiates the squeezed portion X1 of the plastic bottle beverage X, and the microwave is absorbed by the beverage inside the plastic bottle. Thereby, the electric field by a microwave becomes weak on the opposite side to the heater 16a1 regarding the plastic bottle drink X.

  In the present embodiment, one temperature measurement unit 23 and one pipe 24 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of each may be provided.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7, two temperature measurement units 23 and pipes 24 are provided on the opposite side of the heater 16a with respect to the plastic bottle beverage X stored in the storage cylinder 16c. The heater 16a emits microwaves from the antenna 16a1a and irradiates the squeezed part X1 of the plastic bottle beverage X. Each temperature measuring unit 23 measures the temperature of the squeezed part X1 surface at the same time, and averages the temperatures. A signal is being output. Thereby, it can reduce by averaging the error (a minute temperature difference or noise) by the convection which generate | occur | produces in the drink in a PET bottle. In addition, the temperature signal measured by each temperature measurement unit 23 may be output, and the control unit described later may calculate the average temperature of each temperature.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 20 is for controlling the food heating apparatus 10 as a whole, and is a known computer including a CPU, a memory such as a RAM and a ROM, and the like. The control unit 20 is connected with a storage unit 21, a heating time clock 22, an infrared radiation thermometer 23a, a display device 11, a speaker 12, a heater 16a, an upper lid 16d, and a lower lid 16e. A control signal is output based on a program stored in the computer.

  The storage unit 21 includes a rewritable storage element such as an EEPROM, and stores character data 21a, audio data 21b, set temperature data 21c, and the like. Further, the storage unit 21 outputs character data 21 a, voice data 21 b, or set temperature data 21 c to the control unit 20 based on a control signal input from the control unit 20. The set temperature data 21c is a temperature set for a beverage in a plastic bottle heated by the food heating device 10.

  The heating time clock 22 is for measuring the elapsed time since the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X, that is, the heating time, and starts measuring the heating time by a control signal input from the control unit 20. The heating time is output to the control unit 20.

  The infrared radiation thermometer 23a outputs a temperature signal on the surface of the aperture X1 to the controller 20.

  The display device 11 displays character data 21 a input from the control unit 20, and the speaker 12 outputs voice data 21 b input from the control unit 20.

  The heater 16a emits microwaves from the antenna 16a1 based on the control signal input from the control unit 20, and the upper lid 16d opens and closes the upper surface opening of the storage cylinder 16c based on the control signal input from the control unit 20. The lower lid 16e opens and closes a part of the lower plate surface 16h based on a control signal input from the control unit 20.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the food heating apparatus 10 is activated, the control unit 20 performs an initial process (step S11). That is, the control unit 20 opens the upper lid 16d, closes the lower lid 16e, reads the character data 21a or the voice data 21b from the storage unit 21, and says, for example, “Put a plastic bottle drink from the spout direction”. Is displayed on the display device 11 or outputted from the speaker 12 by voice.

  Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the plastic bottle beverage X is introduced from the food inlet 13 and stored in the storage cylinder 16c (step S12), and the process of step S12 is performed until the plastic bottle beverage X is stored. Repeat. In the present embodiment, a micro switch (not shown) is provided on the lower lid 16e to output detection data of the PET bottle beverage X to the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 is input from the micro switch (not shown). It is determined whether or not the plastic bottle beverage X is stored based on the detection data.

  As a result of the determination, when the plastic bottle beverage X is stored in the storage cylinder 16c, the control unit 20 closes the upper lid 16d (step S13). Here, the control unit 20 stores the temperature of the surface of the throttle unit X1 before starting heating from the temperature signal input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a in its own memory. Note that the control unit 20 may store it in the storage unit 21 instead of storing it in its own memory.

  Next, the control unit 20 drives the heater 16a to start heating the plastic bottle beverage X, and drives the heating time clock 22 to start measuring the heating time (step S14).

  Next, the control unit 20 calculates a temperature difference per unit time based on a temperature signal input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a during a predetermined time during heating of the plastic bottle beverage X (step S15).

 Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the temperature of the surface of the plastic bottle is equal to the temperature of the beverage in the plastic bottle before the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is started. While the temperature change of the beverage in the plastic bottle is constant during the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X, the temperature on the surface of the plastic bottle changes later than the temperature of the beverage in the plastic bottle. When the predetermined time elapses, for example, the temperature change on the surface of the plastic bottle becomes constant between time t1 and time t2, and the temperature change is equal between the surface of the plastic bottle and the beverage in the plastic bottle (T2-T1 = T4-T3). ). Accordingly, the difference between the set temperature Ts of the beverage in the plastic bottle and the temperature T0 of the plastic bottle surface before the start of heating is divided by the temperature difference per unit time of the plastic bottle surface during a predetermined time during the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X. By doing this, it is possible to calculate the predicted time ty from the start of heating the plastic bottle beverage X until the beverage in the plastic bottle reaches the set temperature Ts.

  As a specific example of calculating the temperature difference per unit time in the process of step S15, data of times t1 and t2 obtained from experiments or the like are stored in the memory of the storage unit 21 or the control unit 20, respectively. 20 is a time per unit time based on the temperatures T1 and T2 input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a when the heating time input from the heating time clock 22 reaches the time t1 and t2 read in advance. The case where a temperature difference is calculated can be considered.

  As another specific example, the memory of the storage unit 21 or the control unit 20 stores a temperature difference rate per unit time that can be regarded as a constant temperature difference per unit time, which is obtained from an experiment or the like. The controller 20 calculates the temperature difference per unit time based on the temperature signal input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a from the start of heating, and calculates the temperature difference rate per unit time. It is conceivable to use the temperature difference per unit time when the temperature difference rate per unit time is equal to or less than the previously read temperature difference rate.

  As yet another specific example, data of temperatures T1 and T2 obtained from experiments or the like are respectively stored in the memory of the storage unit 21 or the control unit 20, and the control unit 20 is input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a. It is conceivable that the temperature difference per unit time is calculated based on the heating times t1 and t2 input from the heating time clock 22 when the temperature signal becomes the previously read temperatures T1 and T2.

  As another specific example, the memory of the storage unit 21 or the control unit 20 stores data of temperature T1 and time t2 obtained from experiments, etc., and the control unit 20 inputs from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a. The heating time t1 input from the heating time clock 22 and the heating time input from the heating time clock 22 when the temperature signal to be read reaches the temperature T1 previously read from the storage unit 21. There may be a case where the temperature difference per unit time is calculated based on the temperature T2 input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a when the time t2 is reached.

  As still another specific example, the memory of the storage unit 21 or the control unit 20 stores data of time t1 and temperature T2 obtained from experiments or the like, and the control unit 20 inputs from the heating time clock 22. The temperature T1 input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a and the temperature signal input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a when the heating time to be read reaches the time t1 previously read, and the temperature T2 previously read. In this case, the temperature difference per unit time may be calculated based on the heating time t2 input from the heating time clock 22.

  In any case, it is desirable to use the method of least squares when calculating the temperature difference per unit time, and the order of a linear function, a quadratic function, etc. does not matter. Thereby, the temperature difference per unit time can be calculated accurately.

  In addition, since the temperature difference per unit time varies depending on the volume and water content of the beverage (food) inside the PET bottle (container), time t1, t2 and temperature T1, T2 for each type of PET bottle beverage X (food). It is desirable to memorize.

  Next, the control unit 20 sets the set temperature Ts of the set temperature data 21c read from the storage unit 21, the temperature T0 of the surface of the throttle unit X1 before heating stored in the process of step S13, and the unit time calculated in the process of step S15. The predicted time ty is calculated from the perimeter temperature difference Tc as shown in the following equation (1) (step S16).

ty = (Ts−T0) / Tc (1)
Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the heating time input from the heating time clock 22 has reached the predicted time ty calculated in the process of step S16 (step S17) until the heating time reaches the predicted time ty. The process of step S17 is repeated. As a result of this determination, when the heating time reaches the predicted time ty, the control unit 20 stops the heater 16a and ends the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X (step S18). At this time, the control unit 20 stops the heating time clock 22 and ends the measurement of the heating time. Thereby, when the heating time from the start of heating of the plastic bottle beverage X reaches the predicted time ty, the beverage in the plastic bottle can be accurately heated to the set temperature Ts by ending the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X. it can.

  After the heating is completed, the control unit 20 opens the lower lid 16e (step S19), and carries out the plastic bottle drink X from the storage cylinder 16c to the food outlet 14 via the carry-out unit 17.

  At the same time, the control unit 20 reads the character data 21a or the voice data 21b from the storage unit 21 and displays, for example, a message “heating is completed” on the display device 11 or outputs it from the speaker 12 by voice ( Step S20).

  After the process of step S20, the control part 20 repeatedly performs the process of step S11-step S20 until the food heating apparatus 10 stops.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, the difference between the set temperature Ts of the beverage in the plastic bottle and the temperature T0 of the surface of the squeezed portion X1 measured before the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is calculated. By dividing by the temperature difference Tc per unit time calculated for a predetermined time during heating, a predicted time ty from the start of heating the PET bottle beverage X until the beverage in the PET bottle reaches the set temperature Ts is calculated. When the heating time from the start of heating the bottle beverage X reaches the predicted time ty, the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is terminated. Here, before the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is started, the temperature of the surface of the plastic bottle is equal to the temperature of the beverage in the plastic bottle. While the temperature change of the beverage in the plastic bottle is constant during the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X, the temperature on the surface of the plastic bottle changes later than the temperature of the beverage in the plastic bottle. When the predetermined time elapses, the temperature change on the surface of the PET bottle becomes constant, and the temperature change is equal on the surface of the PET bottle and the beverage in the PET bottle. Therefore, the difference between the set temperature Ts of the beverage in the plastic bottle and the temperature T0 on the surface of the plastic bottle before the start of heating is the temperature difference Tc per unit time on the surface of the plastic bottle during the predetermined time during the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X. By dividing, it is possible to calculate the predicted time ty from the start of heating the plastic bottle beverage X until the beverage in the plastic bottle reaches the set temperature Ts, so the heating time from the start of heating the plastic bottle beverage X is predicted. Since the beverage in the plastic bottle can be accurately heated to the set temperature Ts by terminating the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X at the time ty, the beverage in the plastic bottle is overheated or heated enough. It is possible to prevent deterioration of beverage quality due to excessive or insufficient heating, and the heating time may be too long. Ku, it is possible to improve the service to the user.

  In addition, since the temperature difference per unit time is calculated using the least square method, the temperature difference per unit time can be calculated with high accuracy, so that the beverage in the plastic bottle is heated to the set temperature Ts more accurately. be able to.

  11 and 12 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the heating operation of the food heating apparatus, and FIG. 12 is a graph showing the temperature change of the plastic bottle beverage being heated.

  The difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is that when the heating time from the start of heating the plastic bottle beverage X reaches the predicted time, the pet bottle surface temperature reaches the set temperature. This is to end the heating of the bottle beverage X. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 11, after performing the process of step S11-step S16 similarly to 1st Embodiment, as a result of determination of step S17, the heating time input from the clock 22 for heating time is step S15. When the predicted time ty calculated in the process is not reached, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the temperature signal input from the infrared radiation thermometer 23a, that is, the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1 is the set temperature Ts (step). S21).

  As a result of the determination, if the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1 is not the set temperature Ts, the heating time reaches the predicted time ty calculated in the process of step S15, or the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1 reaches the set temperature Ts. Steps S17 and S21 are repeated.

  When the temperature of the surface of the throttle portion X1 reaches the set temperature Ts, the control unit 20 stops the heater 16a and ends the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X (step S18). At this time, the control unit 20 stops the heating time clock 22 and ends the measurement of the heating time.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the temperature T5 of the beverage inside the PET bottle exceeds the set temperature Ts at time t4 when the temperature of the PET bottle surface reaches the set temperature Ts. Therefore, when the temperature of the PET bottle surface reaches the set temperature Ts, the heating of the PET bottle beverage X is ended, so that there is a defect in the calculation of the predicted time, and the heating is performed even when the time t3 when the heating should be ended is reached. The heating of the plastic bottle beverage can be finished even when the beverage inside the plastic bottle becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature Ts.

  Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 20 performs the processes of step S19 and step S20, and repeatedly performs the processes of step S11 to step S20 until the food heating device 10 stops.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, when the temperature of the surface of the plastic bottle reaches the set temperature Ts, the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is terminated, thereby predicting the estimated time. The heating of the PET bottle beverage can be terminated even when the beverage inside the PET bottle becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature Ts even when the time t3 when the heating should be terminated is insufficient. Therefore, the quality deterioration of the drink accompanying overheating can be reduced.

  FIGS. 13 and 16 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the control system configuration of the food heating apparatus, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the heating operation of the food heating apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a modification of the control system configuration of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. 13.

  The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is that the theoretical time that is a guideline for the beverage in the PET bottle to reach the set temperature from the start of heating the PET bottle beverage X is calculated, and the PET bottle beverage X is heated. In addition to the time when the heating time from the start becomes the predicted time, the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is ended when the heating time has passed a predetermined percentage of the theoretical time. Note that the same components as those of the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 13, the storage unit 21B stores weight data 21d of the plastic bottle drink X in addition to the character data 21a, the voice data 21b, and the set temperature data 21c, and is input from the control unit 20B. Based on the control signal, character data 21a or voice data 21b, set temperature data 21c, or weight data 21d is output to the control unit 20B.

  As shown in FIG. 14, after performing the processing of step S11 to step S13 as in the first embodiment, the control unit 20B sets the set temperature Ts and weight data 21d of the set temperature data 21c read from the storage unit 21B. The weight G, the temperature T0 of the surface of the throttle portion X1 before starting heating stored in the process of step S13, the output power W of the heater 16a stored in advance in its own memory, and a predetermined coefficient (for example, 4.185 W · s / cal) As shown in the following formula (2) from the use), the theoretical time tr is calculated as a guide for ending the heating. The output power W and the predetermined coefficient may be stored in the storage unit 21B instead of being stored in the memory of the control unit 20B.

tr = (Ts−T0) × G × 4.185 / W (2)
Then, as shown in the following equation (3), the end time ts is calculated by multiplying the theoretical time tr by a predetermined ratio (for example, 1.2) (step S22).

ts = 1.2 × tr (3)
Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the processes in steps S11 to S16 are performed. Note that the time t2 (or temperature T2) in the process of step S15 is set so that the predicted time ty is calculated until a predetermined ratio (for example, 0.8) of the theoretical time tr elapses in the process of step S16. . Here, by setting the predetermined ratio to an appropriate value, the temperature of the beverage in the PET bottle does not reach the set temperature Ts at the predetermined ratio of the theoretical time tr. Therefore, the predicted time does not elapse before calculating the predicted time ty.

  As a result of the determination in step S17, when the heating time input from the heating time clock 22 is not the predicted time ty calculated in the process of step S15, the control unit 20B ends the heating time calculated in the process of step S22. It is determined whether or not the time has passed (step S23).

  As a result of this determination, when the heating time has not passed the end time, the processing of step S17 and step S23 is repeated until the heating time reaches the predicted time ty calculated by the processing of step S15 or the end time has passed. Do.

  If the heating time has passed the end time, the control unit 20B stops the heater 16a and ends the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X (step S18). At this time, the control unit 20B stops the heating time clock 22 and ends the measurement of the heating time.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 15, the temperature T6 of the beverage inside the plastic bottle exceeds the set temperature Ts at the end time ts. Therefore, when the heating time has passed the end time ts, the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is terminated, so that there is a defect in the calculation of the predicted time and the heating is terminated even when the time t3 when the heating should be terminated is reached. The heating of the plastic bottle beverage can be completed even when the beverage inside the plastic bottle becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature Ts.

  Thereafter, similarly to the first embodiment, the control unit 20 performs the processes of step S19 and step S20, and repeatedly performs the processes of step S11 to step S20 until the food heating device 10 stops.

  In this embodiment, the weight data 21d of the PET bottle beverage X is stored in the storage unit 21B. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 16, for example, a weight sensor 25 is embedded in the lower lid 16e. Thus, the weight signal of the plastic bottle beverage X stored in the storage cylinder 16c may be output to the control unit 20B.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the time t2 (or the temperature T2) is set so that the predicted time ty is calculated before the predetermined ratio of the theoretical time tr elapses. Is done. Here, by setting the predetermined ratio to an appropriate value, the temperature of the beverage in the PET bottle does not reach the set temperature Ts at the predetermined ratio of the theoretical time tr. Therefore, since the predicted time does not elapse before the predicted time is calculated, the heating can be ended when the heating time from the start of the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X becomes the predicted time, and overheating is ensured. Can be prevented.

  Further, when the heating time has exceeded the theoretical time tr, the heating of the plastic bottle beverage X is terminated, so that there is a defect in the calculation of the predicted time, and the heating is performed even when the heating time t3 is to be terminated. Since the heating of the PET bottle beverage can be ended even when the beverage in the PET bottle becomes the set temperature Ts or higher without ending, the quality deterioration of the beverage due to overheating can be reduced.

  17 to 20 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a front view of the food heating apparatus, FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a control system configuration of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. Is a block diagram showing a modification of the control system configuration of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. 17, and FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the heating operation of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG.

  The difference between the fourth embodiment and the third embodiment is that the theoretical time tr is calculated based on the identification information given to the plastic bottle beverage X. The same components as those in the first embodiment or the third embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 17, the barcode reader 26 is a well-known barcode reader composed of a laser-type or CCD-type scanner, and the like, and the food inlet 13 provided on the front surface of the food heating device 10C. It is arranged horizontally and reads the barcode printed on the plastic bottle drink X.

  In the present embodiment, the barcode reader 26 is provided to read the barcode of the plastic bottle beverage X. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the QR code or ST code can be used as long as the plastic bottle beverage X can be identified. May be.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 20C includes a storage unit 21C, a heating time clock 22, an infrared radiation thermometer 23a, a display device 11, a speaker 12, a heater 16a, an upper lid 16d, and a lower lid 16e. A code reader 26 is connected.

  The barcode reader 26 outputs the barcode data read from the plastic bottle beverage X to the control unit 20C.

  The storage unit 21C stores, in addition to the character data 21a and the voice data 21b, the theoretical basic data 21e composed of the set temperature Ts, the weight G, the output power W, and a predetermined coefficient as a basis for calculating the theoretical time of the PET bottle beverage X. Each bar code is stored, and the theoretical basic data 21e is output after the control signal input from the control unit 20C.

  In this embodiment, the barcode reader 26 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 19, a food data receiver 27 may be provided at a predetermined position of the food heating device 10C. .

  In the figure, a plurality of vending machines 30 installed outside the food heating device 10C sells plastic bottle drinks X, respectively, and are set in each column of the vending machine 30 when selling food. The unique food data given to the food stored in each column is transmitted. The food data receiver 27 receives food data transmitted from each vending machine 30 and outputs it to the control unit 20C. Note that the food data transmission / reception method may be wired or wireless, and there may be one vending machine 30.

  As shown in FIG. 20, after performing the processing of step S11 to step S13 as in the third embodiment, the control unit 20C determines whether or not the barcode data input from the barcode reader 26 is a predetermined barcode. Determination is made (step S24).

  As a result of this determination, when a predetermined barcode is input, the control unit 20C reads the temperature T0 of the surface of the throttle unit X1 before starting heating stored in step S13 and the barcode input from the barcode reader 26. Based on the theoretical basic data 21e read from the storage unit 21C, the theoretical time tr is calculated as shown in the formula (2), and the theoretical time tr is calculated as a predetermined ratio (for example, 1.2) as shown in the formula (3). ) To calculate the end time ts (step S22). Thereby, a different theoretical time tr can be calculated for each barcode of the plastic bottle beverage X.

  Thereafter, similarly to the third embodiment, the control unit 20C performs steps S14 to S20, and repeatedly performs steps S11 to S20 until the food heating device 10 stops.

  When the predetermined barcode is not input as a result of the determination in step S24, the control unit 20C opens the lower lid 16e (step S25), and the plastic bottle drink X is supplied from the storage cylinder 16c to the food outlet 14 via the carry-out unit 17. Take it out.

  At the same time, the control unit 20C reads the character data 21a or the voice data 21b from the storage unit 21C and, for example, “Please hold the barcode of the plastic bottle beverage over the barcode reader and then insert the plastic bottle beverage”. The message is displayed on the display device 11 or outputted from the speaker 12 by voice (step S26).

  Thereafter, similarly to the third embodiment, the control unit 20C repeatedly performs the processes of Steps S11 to S20 until the food heating device 10C stops.

  Thus, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the third embodiment, the barcode reader 26 that reads the barcode given to the plastic bottle beverage X is provided, and the barcode read by the barcode reader 26 is provided. Since the theoretical time tr can be calculated based on the code, a different theoretical time tr can be calculated for each barcode of the plastic bottle beverage X. Therefore, the theoretical time tr can be accurately calculated for each type of the plastic bottle beverage X. Further, it is possible to reduce the quality deterioration of the beverage due to overheating.

  In addition, when the food heating device 10C is provided inside the bucket type vending machine that sells the plastic bottle beverage X, and the plastic bottle beverage X is sold, the bucket (conveying mechanism) causes the plastic bottle beverage X from the spout direction. When the food data is input to the food input port 13 and the food data is transmitted from the vending machine main body to the food data receiver 27, the same effect as the present embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, the structure of this invention may combine the structure of each said embodiment, or may replace a one part structure part.

  The configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Front view of food heating device Schematic side sectional view of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. Side view of the heating unit shown in FIG. Sectional drawing explaining the state which stored the plastic bottle drink in the heating part shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of a pipe and a temperature measuring unit provided in the heating unit shown in FIG. Top view of the heating unit shown in FIG. The top view which shows the modification of the pipe provided in the heating part shown in FIG. 3, and a temperature measurement unit The block diagram which shows the control system structure of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the heating operation of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. Graph showing temperature change of PET bottle beverage during heating Flow chart showing the heating operation of the food heating device Graph showing temperature change of PET bottle beverage during heating Block diagram showing control system configuration of food heating device Flow chart showing the heating operation of the food heating device Graph showing temperature change of PET bottle beverage during heating The block diagram which shows the modification of the control system structure of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. Front view of food heating device The block diagram which shows the control system structure of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. The block diagram which shows the modification of the control system structure of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG. The flowchart which shows the heating operation of the food heating apparatus shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10,10C ... Food heating apparatus, 20, 20B, 20C ... Control part, 22 ... Clock for heating time, 23a ... Infrared radiation thermometer, 25 ... Weight sensor, 26 ... Bar code reader, 27 ... Food data receiver, X ... Pet bottle drinks.

Claims (14)

A temperature measuring means for measuring the temperature of the container surface of the food in the container and a time measuring means for measuring the heating time from the start of the heating of the food in the container are provided, and the food in the container is heated by heating the food in the container. In the food heating device to set temperature,
A temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference per unit time based on the temperature of the container surface measured by the temperature measuring means;
The difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface measured by the temperature measuring means before the heating of the food in the container was calculated by the temperature difference calculating means at a predetermined time during the heating of the food in the container. Divided by the temperature difference per unit time to calculate the estimated time from the start of heating the food in the container until the food in the container reaches the set temperature,
A food heating apparatus, comprising: a heating control unit that terminates heating of the food in the container when the heating time measured by the time measuring unit reaches an estimated time. The prediction time calculation means predicts based on the temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculation means from the passage of one predetermined time after the start of heating the food in the container to the passage of another predetermined time. The food heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for calculating time. A temperature difference rate calculating means for calculating a temperature difference rate per unit time based on the temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculating means;
The predicted time calculation unit calculates the predicted time based on the temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculation unit when the temperature difference rate per unit time calculated by the temperature difference rate calculation unit becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value. The food heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: means for calculating The means for calculating the predicted time based on the temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculating means from when the container surface reaches one predetermined temperature until it reaches another predetermined temperature. The food heating apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: The predicted time calculating means includes means for calculating a predicted time based on a temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculating means until the predetermined time elapses after the container surface reaches a predetermined temperature. The food heating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is a food heating apparatus. The predicted time calculating means calculates the predicted time based on the temperature difference per unit time calculated by the temperature difference calculating means until the container surface reaches a predetermined temperature after the predetermined time has elapsed after the heating of the food in the container. The food heating apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a calculating unit. The food heating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the temperature difference calculating means includes means for calculating a temperature difference per unit time using a least square method. The heating control means has means for terminating the heating of the food in the container when the temperature of the container surface measured by the temperature measuring means reaches a set temperature. Food heating equipment. Multiplying the difference between the set temperature of the food in the container and the temperature of the container surface measured by the temperature measuring means before the heating of the food in the container, the weight of the food in the container, and a predetermined coefficient, Dividing by output power, equipped with theoretical time calculation means to calculate the theoretical time that is a guideline for the food in the container to reach the set temperature from the start of heating the food in the container,
The food heating apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the predicted time calculation means calculates the predicted time from the start of heating the food in the container until a predetermined proportion of the theoretical time elapses. . The food heating apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the heating control means includes means for terminating the heating of the food in the container when the heating time measured by the time measuring means has passed a predetermined percentage of the theoretical time. Comprising weight detection means for detecting the weight of the food in the container;
The food heating apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the theoretical time calculation means includes means for calculating a theoretical time based on the weight of the food in the container detected by the weight detection means. Comprising identification information detecting means for detecting identification information given to the food in the container,
The food heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the theoretical time calculation means includes means for calculating a theoretical time based on the identification information of the food contained in the container detected by the identification information detection means. . An identification information receiving means for receiving identification information given to the containerized food from at least one vending machine that sells the containerized food;
The food heating apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the theoretical time calculating means includes means for calculating a theoretical time based on the identification information of the food contained in the container received by the identification information receiving means. In vending machines that sell food in containers,
A vending machine comprising the food heating device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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