JP2020039846A - Rice molding device and rice processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To move a regulation panel forming regulation holes of a rice formation part by a small number of motors.SOLUTION: A rice molding device comprises: a regulation unit 22 which is formed of a plurality of regulation panels 22a arranged in parallel to one another, and forms regulation holes 21 by an aggregate of regulation surfaces 22a-1 being formed on the plurality of regulation panels 22a respectively; a plurality of screw shafts 26 corresponding to respective regulation panel 22a, and reciprocating the regulation panels 22a in a forward/rearward movement direction of the regulation surfaces 22a-1 by screw coupling; a rotary mechanism 27 which has a first motor 27a for selectively fitting to the screw shaft 26, rotating the screw shaft 26 to move the regulation panels 22a; a movement mechanism 28 which has a second motor 28a for moving the rotary mechanism 27 along the arrangement direction of the plurality of regulation panels 22a; and a control part for intermittently moving the rotary mechanism 27 by the movement mechanism 28 and fitting the rotary mechanism 27 to the plurality of screw shafts 26 and rotating the rotary mechanism, thereby moving the regulation panels 22a to prescribed positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a cooked rice forming apparatus and a cooked rice processing apparatus, and more particularly to a technology that is effective when applied to a formed shape of cooked rice.

  Predetermined set weight value by volumetric measurement of cooked rice put into the hopper (a technology to measure cooked rice in a volume defined by the horizontal cross-sectional area of the measuring box through which the cooked rice passes and the thickness (height) of the divided cooked rice) 2. Description of the Related Art A cooked rice processing apparatus for dividing rice into rice is known. Then, the cooked rice obtained by the cooked rice processing apparatus is placed on a cooked rice mounting portion of a container such as a lunch box.

  Here, the cooked rice obtained by the cooked rice processing device is formed along the shape of the horizontal cross section of the restriction hole formed in the measuring box (cooked rice forming device). On the other hand, the shape and size (hereinafter, simply referred to as “shape”) of the rice-plated portion vary depending on the type of container.

  Therefore, if the shape of the obtained cooked rice is the same as the shape of the cooked rice portion of the container, it can be served as it is, but if not the same, the shape of the cooked rice is adjusted again using a means such as a press. In addition, a special measuring basin that matches the shape of the cooked portion is used, or the operator prepares cooked rice manually according to the shape of the cooked portion.

  In addition, as for the cooked rice measuring device by volume measurement, for example, a technology described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-253840) is known.

JP 2000-253840 A

  However, even if an attempt is made to readjust the shape of cooked rice, once cooked into a predetermined shape, the cooked rice cannot be easily changed to a desired shape.

  In addition, when a dedicated measuring basin is used, a measuring basin is required for each shape of the portion of the container with rice sashimi, so it is difficult to cope with such a case, or even if it can be coped with, This increases the cost of the device. In particular, at the site of lunch box production, the type of lunch box and the type of lunch box container are often changed and abolished, which makes it more difficult to respond.

  Furthermore, if the operator manually shapes the shape of cooked rice, labor costs will be incurred.

  And the problem of re-adjusting the shape of cooked rice is not only caused when the cooked rice is made to correspond to the shape of the cooked rice portion of the container, but also occurs, for example, when shaping rice balls and shari for nigiri sushi with cooked rice. It is.

  In view of such a problem, the inventor of the present invention has come up with the idea of shaping cooked rice into various shapes by freely changing the horizontal cross-sectional shape of the regulating hole, which is the internal space of the measuring chamber. Specifically, a measuring basin is constituted by a plurality of regulating panels (regulating members) which are arranged in parallel with each other and can be individually moved forward and backward, and are formed by regulating surfaces which are end faces of these regulating panels. The regulation hole of the measuring basin has a desired shape.

  Here, since a large number of regulating panels are required to form the measuring basin, if the operator moves them one by one to obtain a desired shape, the operator will need new work. As a result, convenience as a device is impaired.

  In view of this, it is conceivable to use a motor as a technique for freely moving a plurality of regulation panels without bothering the operator. However, as described above, a large number of regulating panels (for example, if the number of regulating panels is 10 on one side, a total of 20 on both sides) is required to configure the measuring basin. If a motor is to be arranged, not only a large space for arranging a large number of motors is required, but also the cost is greatly increased by providing a large number of motors.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above technical background, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of moving a regulating member forming a regulating hole of a cooked rice forming apparatus with a small number of motors.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the cooked rice forming apparatus of the present invention according to claim 1 is configured to form cooked rice formed in a predetermined shape by passing cooked rice supplied from above through a regulating hole and downward through a regulating hole. A regulating device, comprising: a plurality of regulating members arranged in parallel with each other and reciprocating in a reciprocating direction of a formed regulating surface, wherein regulating means for forming at least a part of the regulating hole by a set of the regulating surfaces. And a plurality of screw shafts provided corresponding to the respective regulating members, for reciprocating the regulating member in the reciprocating direction of the regulating surface by screw connection, and selectively engaging with the screw shaft, A rotation unit including a first motor for rotating a shaft to move the regulating member, and a moving unit including a second motor for moving the rotating unit along an arrangement direction of the plurality of regulating members; Previous Control means for intermittently moving the rotating means with the moving means, fitting the rotating means to the screw shaft, and rotating the plurality of screw shafts to move the regulating member to a predetermined position; It is characterized by having.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the rotating means transmits a rotational force of the first motor to the screw shaft to drive the drive shaft. Comprising.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein a first end of the drive shaft and an end of the screw shaft on the drive shaft side are fitted to each other. And a second fitting portion are formed respectively, and the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted to each other to transmit the rotational force of the first motor to the screw shaft. Be characterized.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the third aspect, one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion has a minus groove, and the other has a minus groove. Is a flat portion that fits into the minus groove, and the control means controls the first motor such that the minus groove and the flat portion stop at a rotational position facing the moving direction of the rotating means. , Characterized in that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein on both sides of the drive shaft, the screw shaft located adjacent to the screw shaft fitted with the drive shaft is provided. A projection is provided which is fitted with the minus groove to prevent rotation of the screw shaft.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the rotation means does not engage with the screw shaft. Is further provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the blocking means includes a pin hole formed to extend in a radial direction of the screw shaft, and A pin provided so as to be able to be inserted and withdrawn, and the pin is removed from the pin hole of the screw shaft in which the rotating means is fitted, and the pin is inserted into the pin hole of the screw shaft in which the rotating means is not fitted. And an insertion / extraction unit for inserting the.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the insertion / extraction section includes a spring member for inserting the pin into the pin hole by a resilient force, and movement of the rotating means. A withdrawal portion that is provided so as to be movable together with the rotation means, and removes the pin of the screw shaft fitted with the rotating means from the pin hole against the elastic force of the spring member. I do.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the blocking means includes a pressing portion provided to be able to press the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft, and the rotating means being fitted. A pressing unit driving unit configured to release the pressing of the screw shaft by the pressing unit and to press the screw shaft to which the rotating unit is not fitted by the pressing unit.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the second aspect, wherein one of the screw shaft and the end of the drive shaft is minus. A flat portion is formed on the other side of the groove so as to fit with the minus groove, and the control means controls the rotation of the first motor at a position where the minus groove and the flat portion face the moving direction of the rotating means. And stopping means for stopping rotation of the screw shaft by engaging with the end of the screw shaft on the drive shaft side.

  In the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, the moving means is disposed along a moving direction of the rotating means. A shaft that penetrates a block provided in the rotating means, is screw-coupled to the block, is rotated by the second motor, and moves the rotating means, and is disposed along a moving direction of the rotating means; And a guide member for guiding the movement of the means.

  The rice cooker of the present invention according to claim 12 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a plurality of the rotating units are provided, and one or a plurality of the moving units are provided. A plurality of the rotating means are moved in the same direction or different directions.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the cooked rice forming apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects guides the movement of the regulating member so as to reciprocate in the direction of movement of the regulating surface. And a guiding means for performing the operation.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice forming apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, further comprising supporting means disposed on both sides of the regulating means, wherein the guiding means is provided on each of the regulating members. It is characterized by comprising a rod attached and a holding member fixed at both ends to the support means and penetrating the rod slidably to hold the rod.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice molding apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, wherein the regulating means is spaced apart such that the regulating surfaces face each other. Are provided as a pair.

  In order to solve the above problems, the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the present invention according to claim 16 is a cooked rice supply apparatus that drops the supplied cooked rice while dropping it down, and the cooked rice supplied from the cooked rice supply apparatus. The cooked rice forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cooked rice is passed through the regulating hole downward to form a horizontal cross section of the cooked rice into a predetermined shape, and the cooked rice passed through the cooked rice molding apparatus has a predetermined thickness. And a rice-splitting device for dropping the rice.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the cooked rice processing device according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that the cooked rice dividing device includes a shutter for dividing the cooked rice from the cooked rice forming device, and a shutter below the shutter. And a thickness adjusting means for opening and closing a falling path of the cooked rice having passed through the cooked rice forming apparatus, wherein the shutter is configured to close the cooked rice from the cooked rice forming apparatus with the thickness adjusting means closed. The thickness is adjusted to a predetermined thickness, and after the division, the cooked rice is dropped with the thickness adjusting means in the open position.

  An eighteenth aspect of the present invention is the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the thickness adjusting means is movable in a vertical direction.

  A rice processing apparatus according to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention is the rice cooking apparatus according to the eighteenth aspect, further comprising a third motor for moving the thickness adjusting unit in a vertical direction, wherein the control unit sets the weight of the cooked rice. And controlling the thickness adjusting means to move to a position defined by the specific gravity of the cooked rice and the horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole via the third motor.

  In the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the present invention described in claim 20, in the invention described in claim 19, the control means is configured to control the thickness of the regulating member and a plurality of the regulating holes from a fully opened state or a fully closed state. A horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole is obtained based on a total movement amount of the regulating member.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, the control unit is configured to control the regulation hole in a horizontal direction based on an image of the regulation hole captured by an imaging unit. Determining a cross-sectional area.

  The cooked rice processing apparatus of the present invention according to claim 22 is the invention according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the height of cooked rice in the regulation hole of the cooked rice forming apparatus is measured in a non-contact manner. Measuring means is further provided, and the control means controls the operation of the cooked rice supply device so that the height of the cooked rice measured by the measuring means becomes a predetermined set value.

  According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the measuring unit includes an ultrasonic wave disposed above the cooked rice forming apparatus so that a sound axis is in a vertical direction. A sensor or an optical sensor arranged above the cooked rice forming apparatus such that the optical axis is in a vertical direction.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the cooked rice processing apparatus according to the twenty-second aspect, wherein the measuring means includes an ultrasonic wave disposed above the cooked rice forming apparatus such that a sound axis is in a vertical direction. A sensor, or an optical sensor arranged above the cooked rice forming apparatus such that the optical axis is in the vertical direction, and an ultrasonic sensor arranged so that the sound axis is in the horizontal direction through the regulation hole, Alternatively, the optical sensor is characterized in that the optical sensor is arranged so that an optical axis passes through the restriction hole and is in a horizontal direction.

  According to the present invention, there is provided a rotating unit including a first motor that selectively fits with a screw shaft provided on each of a plurality of regulating members arranged in parallel with each other and rotates the screw shaft. Since the rotating means and the screw shaft are fitted while intermittently moving the rotating means by the second motor of the moving means, a small number of regulating members forming the regulating holes of the cooked rice forming apparatus are required. It can be moved by a motor.

It is a perspective view showing the cooked rice processing device which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upper part of the front side. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the cooked rice part of FIG. 3 with an exterior panel removed. It is a perspective view which shows the rice cooked part which is one Embodiment of this invention from the diagonally lower part of the front side with the exterior panel removed. It is a perspective view which shows the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upper part of the back side with the exterior panel removed. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a screw shaft, a rotation mechanism, and a movement mechanism of the cooked rice forming unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the screw shaft and rotation mechanism of the rice cooked part which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the state where the screw shaft of the cooked rice molding part which is one embodiment of the present invention and the rotation mechanism were fitted. It is a perspective view showing the rotation mechanism of the cooked rice molding part which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view which shows the screw shaft and drive shaft provided in the cooked rice shaping | molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the peripheral structure of the screw shaft provided in the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the pin for preventing rotation of the screw shaft provided in the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view showing the removal part attached to the rotating mechanism of the cooked rice part which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of the extraction part of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which formed the circular regulation hole in the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention, removing the exterior panel. FIG. 17 is a plan view of FIG. 16. It is a perspective view which shows the state which formed the square regulation hole in the cooked rice molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention, removing the exterior panel. (A)-(h) is a conceptual diagram showing a layout pattern of a rotation mechanism and a moving mechanism in a cooked rice forming unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a modified example thereof. It is explanatory drawing which shows the position of a shutter and a gate plate in the cooked rice processing apparatus which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows at the time of the full opening and the deformation | transformation to the predetermined shape in the regulation hole of the rice cooked part which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic sensor and rice cooker | molding part provided in the cooked rice processing apparatus as a modification of this invention. FIGS. 23A and 23B are explanatory diagrams showing two types of measurable ranges by the ultrasonic sensor of FIG. (A) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the height of cooked rice that can be measured by the ultrasonic sensor having the measurable range of FIG. 23 (b). (A) and (b) are explanatory views showing heights of cooked rice that cannot be measured by the ultrasonic sensor having the measurable range of FIG. 23 (b). It is a perspective view which shows the ultrasonic sensor provided in the cooked rice processing apparatus as another modification of this invention, an optical sensor, and a cooked rice part. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the height of cooked rice which can be measured by the ultrasonic sensor and optical sensor of FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the optical sensor and rice cooker | molding part provided in the cooked rice processing apparatus as another modification of this invention. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the height of cooked rice which can be measured by the optical sensor of FIG. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing which shows the height of cooked rice which cannot be measured by the optical sensor of FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for describing the embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals in principle, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cooked rice processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a front view of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooked rice processing apparatus M according to the present embodiment is supplied from the supply unit 10 with a supply unit (cooked rice supply device) 10 that drops the supplied rice while dropping it. A cooked rice forming unit (cooked rice forming apparatus) 20 for forming the horizontal cross section of the cooked rice into a predetermined shape by passing the cooked rice downward, and the cooked rice passed through the cooked rice forming unit 20 is divided into a thickness corresponding to a set weight value. Rice dividing unit (rice dividing device) 30 for dropping rice, an auxiliary weighing unit 40 for dropping rice of an insufficient weight relative to a set weight value, a conveyer 50 for transporting rice, and a worker operating the device. An input unit 60 for inputting setting conditions.

  These components of the cooked rice processing apparatus M are provided on a pedestal B to which a caster Bc and a lifting jack Bj are attached on the bottom surface.

  The supply unit 10 includes a hopper 11 into which cooked rice is put, a unwind roller (not shown) that unloads the cooked rice in the hopper 11 and supplies the cooked rice, and a part of the cooked rice dropped from the unwind roller. And a transport roller (not shown) for feeding to the auxiliary weighing section 40.

  The input unit 60 includes an operation switch 61 for driving, stopping, and restarting the cooked rice processing apparatus M, and an operation panel 62 for setting a set weight and a production quantity of the cooked rice. Further, a control unit (control unit) (not shown) for controlling the operation of the cooked rice processing apparatus M including the cooked rice dividing unit 30 is provided in the housing of the input unit 60.

  As shown in the figure, a regulation hole 21 (FIGS. 16 to 18) through which cooked rice supplied from the upper supply unit 10 passes downward is formed in the cooked rice molding unit 20, and the regulation hole 21 passes through the regulation hole 21. The cooked rice is formed into a shape having a horizontal cross section along the regulation hole 21. The details of the cooked rice molding section 20 will be described later.

  The cooked rice dividing section 30 includes a shutter 31 disposed below the cooked rice forming section 20, and a thickness adjusting section (thickness adjusting means) 32 disposed below the shutter 31 at a predetermined interval from the shutter 31. ing. The shutter 31 is composed of a pair of shutter plates that perform an operation of moving toward and away from each other in the horizontal direction, and divides the cooked rice from the cooked rice forming unit 20 by the operation of the shutter plate. The thickness adjusting unit 32 is movable in the vertical direction, and has a gate plate 32a that opens and closes a falling path of the cooked rice by a sliding operation in a horizontal direction, and a load cell that measures the weight of the cooked rice on the gate plate 32a ( (Not shown)). Then, with the gate plate 32a in the closed position, the cooked rice from the cooked rice forming section 20 is divided into a predetermined thickness by the shutter 31 and weighed, and then the gate plate 32a is opened and dropped on the conveyor 50.

  At this time, the cooked rice of the set weight value is weighed by the volume defined by the horizontal sectional area of the regulating hole 21 of the cooked rice forming section 20 and the thickness (height) of the cooked rice divided by the cooked rice dividing section 30. . Therefore, the weight of the cooked rice dropped depends on the horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole 21 of the cooked rice forming section 20 and the distance between the shutter 31 and the gate plate 32a constituting the cooked rice dividing section 30. Note that the thickness adjustment unit 32 may be fixed so that it cannot be moved up and down, and the weight of the cooked rice may be adjusted only by the horizontal cross-sectional area of the restriction hole 21 of the cooked rice molding unit 20.

  The conveyor 50 rotates to convey cooked rice from right to left in the drawing. The cooked rice dividing unit 30 is disposed directly above the transport conveyor 50 at a substantially central portion, and the cooked rice from the cooked rice dividing unit 30 falls onto the transport conveyor 50 and is transported.

  Further, the above-described auxiliary weighing unit 40 is disposed upstream of the position where the cooked rice falls from the cooked rice dividing unit 30 in the transport direction. If the weight of the cooked rice measured by the load cell provided in the thickness adjusting unit 32 is less than a predetermined weight with respect to the set weight of the cooked rice set by the operator, the insufficient weight of the cooked rice is added to the auxiliary weighing unit. It is weighed at 40 and dropped on the conveyor 50.

  Here, the position where the rice weighed auxiliary by the auxiliary weighing unit 40 (auxiliary weighed rice) falls onto the conveyor 50 is transferred to the conveyor 50 of the rice weighed by the rice divide unit 30 (main weighed rice). Is located on the upstream side of the falling position, a relatively large amount of the main weighing rice is dropped and supplied on a relatively small amount of the auxiliary weighing rice. Therefore, since the main weighed rice is covered by the auxiliary weighed rice, the auxiliary weighed rice is difficult to understand, and there is no visual unnaturalness when the auxiliary weighed rice is on the main weighed rice.

  In addition, the cooked rice processing apparatus M may have a structure in which the main weighed rice falls on the upstream side in the transport direction of the conveyor 50 than the auxiliary weighed rice. Further, the measurement of cooked rice may be one-time measurement instead of the two-step measurement using the main measurement and the auxiliary measurement.

  Next, the cooked rice forming section 20 provided in the cooked rice processing apparatus M of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cooked rice forming part according to an embodiment of the present invention from an obliquely upper front side, FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an cooked rice cooked part of FIG. 3 with an exterior panel removed, and FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cooked rice molding part according to an embodiment of the present invention from an obliquely lower front side with an exterior panel removed, and FIG. 6 shows a cooked rice molding part according to an embodiment of the invention with an exterior panel removed. It is a perspective view shown from the diagonally upper part of the back side.

  As shown in these drawings, the cooked rice forming section 20 is provided with a regulating unit (regulating means) 22. The regulating unit 22 is composed of a plurality of regulating panels (regulating members) 22a formed of rectangular plate-like bodies arranged in parallel with each other, and the regulating panel 22a has a regulating surface 22a-1 formed thereon. . Then, the above-described regulating holes 21 for regulating the shape of the horizontal cross section of the cooked rice are formed by the aggregation of the regulating surfaces 22a-1 of the regulating panels 22a.

  In the present embodiment, the regulating units 22 are provided as a pair at intervals so that the regulating surfaces 22a-1 of the regulating panel 22a face each other, and the regulating surfaces 22a-1 of these two regulating units 22 are provided. The restriction hole 21 through which the cooked rice from the supply unit 10 passes downward is formed.

  However, only one regulating unit 22 may be provided, and a member having a wall surface for forming the regulating hole 21 with the regulating unit 22 may be arranged opposite the regulating unit 22. In this case, a set of the regulation surfaces 22a-1 of the regulation unit 22 forms a part of the regulation hole 21.

  Exterior panels 23 are provided on both sides of the regulating panel 22a in the arrangement direction so as to sandwich the regulating panel 22a.

  A guide portion (guide means) 24 for guiding the movement of the control panel 22a so as to reciprocate in the direction of movement of the control surface 22a-1 is provided at the rear of the control panel 22a. The guide portion 24 is attached to a surface of the regulation panel 22a opposite to the regulation surface 22a-1 to support the regulation panel 22a, and a rod attached to two upper and lower portions of the support plate 24a and extending in the movement direction. 24b and a holding plate (holding member) 24c through which the rod 24b slidably penetrates and holds the rod 24b. Therefore, when the control panel 22a is moved back and forth via the rod 24b and the support plate 24a held by the holding plate 24c, the control surface 22a-1 formed on the control panel 22a moves in the forward and backward directions.

  Both ends of the holding plate 24c are fixed to the frame plate 25. A stopper 24b-1 for preventing the sliding rod 24b from coming out of the hole of the holding plate 24c is provided at a rear end of the rod 24b opposite to the support plate 24a.

  In the present embodiment, the rod 24b is attached to the regulation panel 22a via the support plate 24a. However, the rod 24b may be attached directly to the regulation panel 22a without providing the support plate 24a.

  Here, a plurality of screw shafts 26 corresponding to each control panel 22a are provided at a rear portion of the control panel 22a. The screw shaft 26 is rotatably held through a screw shaft holding plate 26 a having both ends fixed to the frame plate 25, and is formed on the support plate 24 a so as to extend in the moving direction of the regulating panel 22 a. 24b-2. Therefore, when the screw shaft 26 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the regulating panel 22a reciprocates in the direction of movement of the regulating surface 22a-1.

  In the present embodiment, the screw shaft 26 is screw-connected by a nut (not shown) fitted into the arm portion 24b-2. For example, a female screw is formed on the arm portion 24b-2 itself to form a screw. They may be combined.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the screw shaft 26 is screwed to the regulating panel 22a via the support plate 24a (specifically, the arm portion 24b-2 of the support plate 24a), but the support plate 24a is not provided. Alternatively, the control panel 22a may be directly screwed to the control panel 22a.

  Now, in order to rotate such a screw shaft 26, a rotation mechanism (rotation means) 27 which is selectively fitted to the screw shaft 26 is provided on the side of the screw shaft 26 opposite to the regulating panel 22a. Further, a moving mechanism (moving means) 28 for moving the rotating mechanism 27 along the arrangement direction of the regulating panels 22a arranged in parallel is provided.

  Then, under the control of the control unit described above, the rotating mechanism 27 is intermittently moved by the moving mechanism 28 from the one end regulating panel 22a to the other end regulating panel 22a, and the rotating mechanism 27 is moved to each regulating panel 22a. By rotating the screw shaft 26 by sequentially fitting with the corresponding screw shaft 26, the regulating panel 22a moves to a predetermined position.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation mechanism 27 is controlled so as to be sequentially fitted and rotated with the screw shafts 26 corresponding to the respective regulation panels 22a, but is limited to such control. is not.

  That is, the screw shafts 26 to which the rotation mechanisms 27 are fitted may be random, not in the order in which the regulating panels 22a are arranged. For example, after fitting with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the foremost (first) regulating panel 22a, instead of fitting with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the adjacent (second) regulating panel 22a, the third fitting is performed. Alternatively, control may be performed so as to fit with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the other regulating panel 22a and then fit with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the second regulating panel 22a.

  Further, since the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the regulating panel 22a that does not need to be moved does not need to be rotated, the rotation mechanism 27 may be fitted with the screw shaft 26 but not rotated, or the fitting itself may be omitted. It may not be performed.

  Therefore, next, the rotating mechanism 27 and the moving mechanism 28 constituting the cooked rice part 20 and their related mechanisms will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 15 in addition to FIGS. 3 to 6 described above.

  Here, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a screw shaft, a rotation mechanism, and a moving mechanism of the cooked rice forming unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a screw diagram of the cooked rice forming unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a shaft and a rotation mechanism, FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a screw shaft and a rotation mechanism of a cooked rice forming section according to an embodiment of the present invention are fitted, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a rotating mechanism of a cooked rice forming unit according to the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side view showing a screw shaft and a drive shaft provided in the cooked rice forming unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a peripheral structure of a screw shaft provided in a cooked rice forming section according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 prevents rotation of a screw shaft provided in a cooked rice forming section according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a pin for mounting a rice cooker on a rotating mechanism of a rice cooker according to an embodiment of the present invention. Perspective view of a removal unit that, FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the removal unit in FIG. 14.

  As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the rotation mechanism 27 has a first motor 27a for rotating the screw shaft 26 attached to a base plate 27c fixed to a block 27b. As the first motor 27a, a servomotor capable of controlling the rotation angle is used. This allows the regulating panel 22a to be accurately moved to a predetermined position, and the screw shaft 26 moves to the desired rotation position as described later. It is possible to stop at. It should be noted that another kind of motor (for example, a stepping motor) that can control the rotation angle may be used as the first motor 27a.

  A drive pulley 27d is attached to a rotation shaft of the first motor 27a protruding from the base plate 27c. Further, a drive shaft 27e for fitting and rotating the screw shaft is rotatably mounted on the block 27b, and a driven pulley 27f is mounted on the drive shaft 27e.

  An endless belt 27g is stretched between the driving pulley 27d and the driven pulley 27f, and the rotational force of the first motor 27a is transmitted from the driving pulley 27d to the driven pulley 27f via the endless belt 27g. As a result, the drive shaft 27e rotates. Therefore, when the rotational force of the first motor 27a is transmitted to the drive shaft 27e fitted with any of the screw shafts 26, the corresponding screw shaft 26 rotates and the regulating panel 22a moves as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 11, a flat part (first fitting part) 27e-1 is formed at the tip of the drive shaft 27e, and a flat part 27e-1 is formed at the end of the screw shaft 26 on the drive shaft 27e side. A minus groove (second fitting portion) 26-1 is formed so as to fit with the groove.

  Therefore, the flat portion 27e-1 formed on the drive shaft 27e and the minus groove 26-1 formed on the screw shaft 26 fit together, and the rotational force of the first motor 27a is transmitted from the drive shaft 27e to the screw shaft 26e. Will be communicated to

  Then, the control unit controls the first motor 27a so that the flat portion 27e-1 of the drive shaft 27e and the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 stop at a rotation position facing the moving direction of the rotation mechanism 27. are doing. When the rotation is stopped at such a position, the rotation mechanism 27 simply moves to the screw shaft 26 along the arrangement direction of the regulating panel 22a, and the flat portion 27e-1 of the drive shaft 27e is It can fit with the minus groove 26-1 of the shaft 26.

  Note that both sides of the flat portion 27e-1 and both sides of the minus groove 26-1 are chamfered. Thereby, even if the drive shaft 27e or the screw shaft 26 has a slight positional deviation in the rotational direction (positional deviation with respect to the rotational position facing the moving direction of the rotating mechanism 27), the positional deviation is absorbed by the chamfer, and the flat The portion 27e-1 can smoothly fit into the minus groove 26-1.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the flat portion 27e-1 is formed on the drive shaft 27e and the minus groove 26-1 is formed on the screw shaft 26. Conversely, the minus groove is formed on the drive shaft 27e. A flat portion may be formed on the screw shaft 26. Even in this case, the minus groove of the drive shaft 27e can be fitted with the flat portion of the screw shaft 26 only by moving the rotation mechanism 27 to the position of the adjacent screw shaft 26 along the arrangement direction of the regulating panel 22a. become.

  Further, the fitting between the drive shaft 27e and the screw shaft 26 is not limited to such fitting between the flat portion and the minus groove.

  That is, the shapes of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion can adopt various shapes that can fit each other. For example, one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion may be a plus groove, and the other may be a cross-shaped portion fitted with the plus groove. Alternatively, one of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion may be a square hole, and the other may be a prismatic portion that fits into the square hole.

  In these cases, the drive shaft 27e cannot be fitted with the screw shaft 26 only by moving the rotation mechanism 27 along the arrangement direction of the regulating panels 22a. Therefore, once the drive shaft 27e is retracted, the rotation mechanism 27 is moved, and when the rotation mechanism 27 reaches the position of the target screw shaft 26, the drive shaft 27e is advanced to fit the screw shaft 26. To do.

  Now, even if the control unit stops the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 at the rotation position facing the moving direction of the rotation mechanism 27, if it is not fitted with the rotation mechanism 27 (in detail, the rotation mechanism 27 It is assumed that the screw shaft 26 is rotated due to vibration or the like, and the minus groove 26-1 is oriented differently from the moving direction of the rotating mechanism 27. . Therefore, in the present embodiment, a blocking mechanism (blocking means) 29 for blocking rotation of the screw shaft 26 that is not fitted with the rotating mechanism 27 is provided.

  The blocking mechanism 29 includes a pin hole 29a extending in the radial direction of the screw shaft 26, a plurality of pins 29b provided to be insertable into and removable from the pin hole 29a, and a pin 29b with respect to the pin hole 29a. And an insertion / extraction section 29c for insertion / extraction.

  In FIG. 12, the pin 29b has a thin tip, and both ends are fitted into a pin holder 29b-1 fixed to the frame plate 25 so as to be vertically movable, and are disposed immediately below the pin hole 29a. As shown in FIG. 13, a coil spring (spring member) 29ca that raises the pin 29b by a resilient force and urges the pin 29b to the position inserted into the pin hole 29a of the screw shaft 26 is fitted into the pin 29b. . Therefore, the rotation of the screw shaft 26 is prevented by the pin 29b being inserted into the pin hole 29a by the elastic force of the coil spring 29ca. In the present embodiment, the pin hole 29a penetrates the screw shaft 26 in the radial direction, but does not have to penetrate.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a stopper 29ba extending in the lateral direction is provided below the pin 29b, and the stopper 29ba comes into contact with the upper end of a slit 29b-1a formed in the lower part of the pin holder 29b-1. The rising end of the pin 29b is regulated.

  The insertion / extraction portion 29c removes the pin 29b from the pin hole 29a of the screw shaft 26 fitted with the rotation mechanism 27, and inserts the pin 29b into the pin hole 29a of the screw shaft 26 not fitted with the rotation mechanism 27. It has become. More specifically, the insertion / extraction section 29c includes the above-described coil spring 29ca, and the extraction section 29cb attached to the block 27b of the rotation mechanism 27 and movable with the movement of the rotation mechanism 27 (FIG. 10). reference).

  As shown in detail in FIGS. 14 and 15, the removal portion 29 cb is formed of a pair of members joined to each other, the upper portion is opened, extends along the moving direction of the rotation mechanism 27, and extends below the pin 29 b. Is formed in the groove 29cba. Further, the groove 29cba is formed with a projection 29cbb projecting in a substantially V shape from both sides inward, and the stopper 29ba of the pin 29b is engaged with the groove 29cba.

  Therefore, when the removal part 29cb moves with the movement of the rotation mechanism 27, the lower part of the pin 29b enters the groove 29cba. Then, the stopper 29ba is lowered along the inclined surface of the V-shaped projection 29cbb, and the pin 29b inserted into the pin hole 29a of the screw shaft 26 gradually descends against the elastic force of the coil spring 29ca. Then, when the rotation mechanism 27 is fitted with the screw shaft 26 and the stopper 29ba is lowered to the lowermost end of the V-shaped projection 29cbb, the pin 29b moves to the lower end against the elastic force of the coil spring 29ca. As a result, the screw shaft 26 is removed from the pin hole 29a, and the rotation inhibition of the screw shaft 26 is released.

  When the removal portion 29cb further moves together with the rotation mechanism 27, the stopper 29ba rises along the inclined surface of the V-shaped projection 29cbb, and the pin 29b gradually rises due to the elastic force of the coil spring 29ca. When the lower part of the pin 29b comes out of the groove 29cba, the pin 29b is inserted into the pin hole 29a again by the elastic force of the coil spring 29ca.

  Here, when the stopper 29ba becomes the lowermost end of the protrusion 29cbb and the pin 29b is pulled out of the pin hole 29a and rotation inhibition of the screw shaft 26 is released, the screw shaft 26 located next to the screw shaft 26 is released. The stopper 29ba of the pin 29b corresponding to is located on the inclined surface of the V-shaped projection 29cbb. This is a state in which the pin 29b is slightly lowered, and there is a possibility that the pin 29b has slipped out of the pin hole 29a. Then, the rotation of the screw shaft 26 may occur without the rotation of the screw shaft 26 being prevented by the pin 29b.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent such a possibility from occurring, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, on both sides of the drive shaft 27e, adjacent to the screw shaft 26 fitted with the drive shaft 27e. Is provided with a projection 27h that fits with the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 and that prevents the screw shaft 26 from rotating.

  If the inclined surface of the protrusion 29cbb is made steep or the interval between the screw shafts 26 is widened, if the above-described fear does not occur in the screw shaft 26 adjacent to the screw shaft 26 from which rotation inhibition has been released, The protruding piece 27h is unnecessary.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, a second motor 28a for moving the rotation mechanism 27 along the arrangement direction of the regulating panels 22a is attached to the inside of the frame plate 25 on the moving mechanism 28. The moving mechanism 28 includes a shaft 28b disposed along the moving direction of the rotating mechanism 27. The shaft 28b is rotatably supported by the frame plate 25, passes through the block 27b of the rotation mechanism 27, and is screwed to the block 27b.

  Further, a driving pulley 28c is attached to a rotation shaft of the second motor 28a protruding outside the frame plate 25. On the other hand, a driven pulley 28d is attached to the shaft 28b. An endless belt 28e is stretched between the driving pulley 28c and the driven pulley 28d, and the rotational force of the second motor 28a is transmitted from the driving pulley 28c to the driven pulley 28d via the endless belt 28e. Then, the shaft 28b rotates. Therefore, when the rotation force of the second motor 28a is transmitted to the shaft 28b and rotates, the rotation mechanism 27 moves in the arrangement direction of the regulating panels 22a by the screw action of the shaft 28b.

  Further, the moving mechanism 28 includes a rod (guide member) 28f for guiding the movement of the rotating mechanism 27. In the present embodiment, two rods 28f are provided and both ends thereof are fixed to the frame plate 25, and slidably penetrate the block 27b of the rotating mechanism 27 and are arranged along the moving direction of the rotating mechanism 27. Have been. Accordingly, the rotation mechanism 27 can be smoothly moved along the arrangement direction of the restriction panels 22a by being guided by the rods 28f.

  In the present embodiment, the rod 28f is used as a member for guiding the movement of the rotation mechanism 27, but a rail or the like on which the rotation mechanism 27 can travel may be used, for example.

  Next, the operation of cooked rice forming section 20 of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described.

  The operator operates the input unit 60 to select and determine a desired shape from a plurality of shapes stored in the memory in advance as to the shape of the restriction hole 21 formed by the restriction panel 22a. Then, the control unit controls the rotation of the first motor 27a of the rotating mechanism 27 and the second motor 28a of the moving mechanism 28 to operate the cooked rice molding unit 20, and the regulating hole 21 having the selected shape is formed. .

  Note that the shape of the restriction hole 21 may be configured so that an operator can set an arbitrary shape. Further, the set shape may be stored in a memory.

  By the way, at the start of the operation, the rotation mechanism 27 is fitted with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the regulation panel 22a located at one end. Further, since the screw shaft 26 is fitted with the rotation mechanism 27, the pin 29b is pulled out from the pin hole 29a formed in the screw shaft 26, and the screw shaft 26 is rotatable.

  In such a state, when the drive shaft 27e is rotated by the first motor 27a provided in the rotation mechanism 27, the screw shaft 26 fitted with the drive shaft 27e is rotated to move the regulating panel 22a to a predetermined position. Move to. When the movement is completed, the flat portion 27e-1 of the drive shaft 27e and the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 are stopped at the rotation position facing the movement direction of the rotation mechanism 27 so as to stop at the first position. The rotation of the motor 27a is controlled.

  Here, depending on the shape of the selected restriction hole 21, it may not be necessary to move the restriction panel 22a. In this case, the operation of moving the regulation panel 22a by the rotation mechanism 27 is skipped.

  In this way, when the one end regulation panel 22a is moved by the rotation mechanism 27, the rotation mechanism 27 is moved by the second motor 28a of the movement mechanism 28, and is moved next to the one end regulation panel 22a. It stops at the position where it fits with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the located regulating panel 22a. At this time, since the flat portion 27e-1 of the drive shaft 27e and the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 are stopped at the rotation position facing the moving direction of the rotation mechanism 27, the rotation mechanism 27 only moves. The flat portion 27e-1 of the drive shaft 27e fits into the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26.

  Then, similarly to the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the regulation panel 22a at one end, the screw shaft 26 is rotated by the drive shaft 27e driven by the first motor 27a of the rotation mechanism 27, and the regulation panel 22a is moved to a predetermined position. Move to the position.

  When the rotation mechanism 27 moves away, the pin 29b is inserted into the pin hole 29a to prevent rotation of the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the regulation panel 22a at one end, and the minus groove 26-1 of the screw shaft 26 is rotated by the rotation mechanism 27. Is held at a rotational position facing the moving direction of the camera.

  In this way, if the regulation panel 22a located next to the regulation panel 22a at one end is moved, the rotation mechanism 27 is moved again by the second motor 28a of the movement mechanism 28, and the position of the rotation mechanism 27 is moved to the position next to the regulation panel 22a. The control panel 22a stops at a position where it fits with the screw shaft 26 corresponding to the regulating panel 22a, and the first motor 27a of the rotating mechanism 27 moves the regulating panel 22a to a predetermined position.

  Hereinafter, when such an operation is repeated for each of the control panels 22a and the movement to the control panel 22a at the other end is completed, the target control hole 21 is formed by the control surface 22a-1 of the control group 22a. It is formed.

  One example of the formed restriction hole 21 is shown in FIGS. Here, FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a state in which a circular regulating hole is formed in the cooked rice forming section according to one embodiment of the present invention, with an outer panel removed, FIG. 17 is a plan view of FIG. 16, and FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the state which formed the square regulating hole in the cooked rice shaping | molding part which is one Embodiment of this invention, removing the exterior panel.

  As shown in these drawings, by setting each of the regulation panels 22a at various movement positions, a circular regulation hole 21 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 and a square regulation hole 21 as shown in FIG. Thus, it is possible to freely form the restriction holes 21 having various shapes.

  According to the present embodiment, the first motor 27a that selectively fits the screw shafts 26 provided on the plurality of regulating panels 22a arranged in parallel with each other and rotates the screw shafts 26 is used. Since the rotating mechanism 27 is provided and the rotating mechanism 27 is intermittently moved by the second motor 28a of the moving mechanism 28, the rotating mechanism 27 and the screw shaft 26 are fitted. In the present embodiment in which a small number of motors (a plurality of control panels 22a arranged in parallel are provided as a pair), two first motors 27a are used. And two second motors 28a for a total of four motors).

  In addition, since it is possible to form the rice into various shapes by freely forming the regulation holes 21 of various shapes, the rice can be formed into various shapes of the rice-plated portion (not shown) of the container. It can be formed into a shaped shape.

  In addition, since the cooked rice can be formed into a shape corresponding to various shapes of the cooked rice mounting portion of the container, it is not necessary to adjust the shape of the formed cooked rice by a press or the like in a later process.

  Further, since the cooked rice can be formed into a shape corresponding to various shapes of the cooked rice mounting portion of the container, it is not necessary for an operator to adjust the shape of the cooked rice manually, thereby reducing labor and reducing labor costs. be able to.

  Since the cooked rice can be formed into a shape corresponding to various shapes of the cooked rice mounting portion of the container, it is not necessary to use a special part for the cooked rice of a specific shape.

  Since the cooked rice of a desired shape can be formed only by changing the movement position of the regulating panel 22a, it is possible to quickly respond to the remodeling of the type of lunch and the remodeling of the lunch box container. Will be possible.

  Here, in the case where the regulating hole 21 is formed in a predetermined shape, it is necessary to adjust the vertical position of the thickness adjusting unit 32 while dropping the rice on the conveyor 50 each time so that the set weight of rice can be obtained. There is. In this case, it takes time to obtain the target weight of cooked rice, and the production efficiency deteriorates.

  In such a case, the thickness adjustment unit 32 is moved in the vertical direction using a third motor (not shown), and the thickness adjustment unit 32 is moved up and down through the third motor by the control unit described above. Can be moved.

  Specifically, the thickness adjusting unit 32 is moved to a position where a rice weighing the set weight of the rice input by the input unit 60 is dropped on the conveyor 50. That is, the weight (W) of the cooked rice depends on the volume corresponding to the weight, that is, {[horizontal sectional area (S) of regulating hole 21] × [distance (D) from shutter 31 to gate plate 32a]}. (See FIG. 20). Since the specific gravity (apparent specific gravity) of rice is about 0.8, D = W / (S × 0.8) is obtained. For example, if the set weight (W) of cooked rice is 200 g and the horizontal cross-sectional area (S) of the regulating hole 21 is 10,000 mm2, D = (200 × 1,000) / (10,000 × 0.8). ) = 25 mm. Therefore, if the thickness adjustment unit 32 is moved by the control unit so that the distance between the gate plate 32a and the shutter 31 becomes 25 mm, the set weight of 200 g of cooked rice falls on the transport conveyor 50.

  The horizontal cross-sectional area of the restriction hole 21 can be obtained by, for example, the following two methods. The first method is to obtain the thickness based on the thickness and the movement amount of the regulation panel 22a. In other words, in FIG. 21, the horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole 21 is determined by the difference between the area of the regulating hole 21 indicated by a two-dot chain line when fully opened and the area obtained by the thickness and the total movement amount of these regulating panels 22a. Is required. The area of the regulating hole 21 when it is fully opened may be replaced with the area when it is fully closed. The second method is based on an image of the restriction hole 21 captured by an imaging unit (not shown) such as a CCD camera. However, it goes without saying that the horizontal cross-sectional area of the restriction hole 21 may be obtained by a method other than these.

  If the thickness adjustment unit 32 is moved up and down by the control unit as described above, cooked rice according to the set weight of cooked rice can be obtained quickly. That is, the amount adjustment can be performed quickly.

  Now, in the cooked rice processing apparatus M, in order to stabilize the weight of cooked rice finally put on the cooked rice mounting portion of the container, the cooked rice supplied to the control hole 21 formed in the control unit 22 of the cooked rice forming section 20 is removed. It may be necessary to measure the height. That is, if the amount of cooked rice in the regulation hole 21 increases, the density of the cooked rice located below the regulation hole 21 becomes relatively high due to the load from above (weight of the cooked rice). Lower. Therefore, even if the thickness of the cooked rice in the cooked rice dividing section 30 is the same, the weight of the cooked rice differs depending on the amount of cooked rice in the regulating hole 21.

  To eliminate this problem, as shown in FIG. 22, the cooked rice processing apparatus M is provided with an ultrasonic sensor (measuring means) Ss for measuring the height of the cooked rice supplied to the regulating hole 21 in a non-contact manner. Then, the control unit causes the height of the cooked rice measured by the ultrasonic sensor Ss to be a predetermined set value (a value of the height of the cooked rice preset in the cooked rice processing apparatus M), that is, the restriction hole. In order to always apply substantially the same load to the cooked rice located at the lower part of the cooker 21, the unwinding roller provided in the supply unit 10, which is a cooked rice supply device, is operated to control the amount of cooked rice dropped into the regulating hole 21. I do.

  In FIG. 22 and FIGS. 23 to 30, which will be described later, the components (the guide portion 24, the screw shaft 26, the rotating mechanism 27, the moving mechanism 28, the blocking mechanism 29, etc.) provided on both sides of the regulating panel 22a are the housing H. Is stored inside.

  In the case shown in the figure, the ultrasonic sensor Ss is disposed above the cooked rice molding unit 20, and the sound axis Ssa is in the vertical direction. Then, a transmitter (not shown) transmits an ultrasonic wave toward the cooked rice as an object, and a reflected wave is received by a receiver (not shown), so that a distance to the cooked rice, that is, a restriction hole is obtained. The height of the cooked rice at 21 is measured.

  In this way, the height of the cooked rice supplied to the regulating hole 21 is maintained at the set value, and the density of the cooked rice located at the lower part of the regulating hole 21 is stabilized, so that the cooked rice is put on the cooked rice portion of the container. The weight of cooked rice can be kept constant.

  The set value of the height of the cooked rice may be set in advance in the cooked rice processing apparatus M as described above, but the height of the cooked rice can be set in the input unit 60, and the cooked rice of a desired density can be arranged. You may do so. At this time, the input unit 60 may be configured to input a specific height of the cooked rice as a set value. However, “soft” (low density), “normal”, which conceptually represents the density of the cooked rice to be served. "(Medium density)," solid "(high density), etc. In the latter case, the setting value is the height of cooked rice associated with these perspective expressions in the device. Further, the set value may or may not have a numerical range.

  Here, the measurable range by the ultrasonic sensor Ss is shown in FIG. In FIG. 23, the measurable range is displayed in accordance with the sound axis Ssa.

  As shown in FIG. 23A, if the measurable range of the ultrasonic sensor Ss extends from the lower end of the restriction hole 21 to the sensor position, it is possible to measure the rice R at any height. .

  However, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), there are some ultrasonic sensors Ss whose measurable range is limited in the vertical direction of the restriction hole 21. With such an ultrasonic sensor Ss, as shown in FIGS. 24A and 24B, the measurement can be performed if the height of the cooked rice R is within the measurable range. However, as shown in FIG. 25, the amount of cooked rice R rapidly increases due to, for example, a lump of cooked rice R falling into the regulating hole 21 from the supply unit 10 and falls below the shortest detectable distance of the ultrasonic sensor Ss. 25 (FIG. 25 (a)) or because the supply of the cooked rice R from the supply unit 10 is temporarily delayed, the cooked rice R in the regulation hole 21 is reduced more than expected, and the ultrasonic sensor Ss detects it. When the distance is out of the measurable range, such as when the distance exceeds the maximum possible distance (FIG. 25B), the height of the cooked rice R cannot be measured by the ultrasonic sensor Ss.

  When using such an ultrasonic sensor Ss, a sensor may be further added. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, for example, the optical sensor (measuring unit) Sp is arranged so that the optical axis Spa passes through the restriction hole 21 and is in the horizontal direction. In this manner, when the distance is shorter than the shortest detectable distance of the ultrasonic sensor Ss, the amount of the cooked rice R can be detected by the optical sensor Sp as shown in FIG. 27A. When the distance exceeds the maximum detectable distance of the ultrasonic sensor Ss, as shown in FIG. 27B, neither the ultrasonic sensor Ss nor the optical sensor Sp detects the cooked rice R. To detect the amount of cooked rice R.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 28, for example, using an optical sensor Sp, the optical axis Spa of the optical sensor Sp is disposed so as to pass through the inside of the regulating hole 21 and is horizontally arranged. The height of R may be measured in a non-contact manner.

  However, in such a structure, a part of the regulation panel 22a and the exterior panel 23 (FIG. 3) must be cut out to secure a path through which the optical axis Spa passes. Then, there is a possibility that the cutout portion is clogged with cooked rice R and interrupts the optical axis Spa.

  Further, since the position of the optical sensor Sp is fixed, the height of the cooked rice R can be measured only when the cooked rice R reaches the height of the optical axis Spa of the optical sensor Sp. Therefore, in order to measure the cooked rice R at a plurality of heights, it is necessary to arrange a plurality of optical sensors Sp. For example, when two optical sensors Sp are arranged as shown in FIG. 28, when rice rice R reaches the height of the optical axis Spa of the lower optical sensor Sp1, as shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 29B, the measurement can be performed when the cooked rice R reaches the height of the optical axis Spa of the upper optical sensor Sp2. However, as shown in FIG. 30A, when the cooked rice R does not exist in the regulation hole 21, or as shown in FIG. 30B, the cooked rice R is higher than the optical axis Spa of the lower optical sensor Sp1. If the rice does not reach the height, the height of the cooked rice R cannot be measured.

  Therefore, the sensor layout shown in FIG. 22 or FIG. 26 in which the height of the rice R in the regulation hole 21 can be measured with a minimum number of sensors without the risk of the rice R being clogged in the cutout portion is superior. I think that the.

  The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described based on the embodiment. However, the embodiment disclosed in this specification is an exemplification in all respects, and is limited to the disclosed technology. is not. That is, the technical scope of the present invention is not to be interpreted restrictively based on the description in the above embodiment, but should be interpreted according to the description of the claims. And any modifications that do not depart from the gist of the claims and the technology equivalent to the technology described in the claims.

  For example, with respect to a structure for preventing rotation of the screw shaft 26, in the present embodiment, the pin 29b is inserted into a pin hole 29a formed in the screw shaft 26, but the outer surface of the screw shaft 26 is pressed. The rotation may be prevented.

  More specifically, a rotation mechanism 27 is fitted with a component of a blocking mechanism (blocking means) for blocking rotation of the screw shaft 26, with a pressing portion provided to be able to press the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft 26. The pressing unit can be configured by pressing unit driving means for releasing the pressing of the screw shaft 26 by the pressing unit and pressing the screw shaft 26 to which the rotating mechanism 27 is not fitted by the pressing unit. As the structure of the pressing portion and the pressing portion driving means, the structure of the pin 29b and the insertion / extraction portion 29c of the present embodiment may be applied.

  Further, a minus groove 26-1 is formed at the end of the screw shaft 26 on the drive shaft 27e side, and the rotation of the screw shaft 26 stops at a position where the minus groove 26-1 faces the moving direction of the rotating mechanism 27. In this case, the pin 29b is inserted into the pin hole 29a of the screw shaft 26 or the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft 26. Instead of pressing the member, a member that fits into the minus groove 26-1 can be used as the blocking mechanism. Specifically, a blocking mechanism having a structure in which the protruding pieces 27h shown in FIG. 10 are formed to extend long on both sides of the drive shaft 27e can be considered. In the case where a flat portion is formed at the end of the screw shaft 26 on the drive shaft 27e side, it is a matter of course that the blocking mechanism is fitted to the flat portion.

  Further, the guide portion 24 for guiding the movement of the regulation panel 22a can be omitted. That is, if the screw shaft 26 can guide the movement of the regulation panel 22a, the guide portion 24 may not be provided.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the regulating member is the regulating panel 22a formed of a square plate, but it is sufficient that the regulating hole is provided with the regulating surface, and the regulating member is limited to the square plate. It is not something to be done. As an example, a member made of a rectangular material that extends vertically, a member that is bent in an L shape, or the like can be used as the regulating member. However, when the regulating member is a regulating panel 22a made of a rectangular plate as in the present embodiment, a side surface of the regulating panel 22a (a side surface adjacent to the regulating surface 22a-1 of the regulating panel 22a). Can be used, so that it is possible to greatly shift the adjacent regulation panels 22a, and as a result, the degree of freedom of the shape of the regulation holes 21 formed is increased.

  In the present embodiment, the rotating mechanism 27 and the moving mechanism 28 for moving the rotating mechanism 27 are configured such that one moving mechanism 28 moves one rotating mechanism 27 as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a structure in which a plurality of rotating mechanisms 27 are provided and one or a plurality of moving mechanisms 28 are provided may be employed. Note that, in FIG. 19, the symbol L indicates the movement locus of the rotation mechanism 27.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 19B, a structure in which two rotation mechanisms 27 are provided side by side and moved by the movement mechanism 28, and as shown in FIG. 19 (d), the rotation mechanism 27 is provided at each end of the movement trajectory L, and the movement mechanism 28 is used to move the movement mechanism 28 in the same direction. 19 (e), a structure in which two rotating mechanisms 27 are provided side by side at the center of the movement locus L and moved in a direction away from each other by the moving mechanism 28, as shown in FIG. Conceivable.

  When the moving mechanisms 28 are provided at both ends of the moving trajectory L, as shown in FIG. 19 (f), the rotating mechanisms 27 are provided at the ends and the center of the moving trajectory L, and A structure for moving in the same direction, as shown in FIG. 19 (g), a structure in which rotating mechanisms 27 are provided at both ends of a movement trajectory L and moving in a direction approaching each other by each moving mechanism 28, FIG. 19 (h). As shown in (2), a structure is conceivable in which two rotation mechanisms 27 are provided side by side at the center of the movement trajectory L and are moved by the respective movement mechanisms 28 in directions away from each other.

  If a plurality of rotation mechanisms 27 are provided, a plurality of screw shafts 26 can be rotated at the same time, so that the time required for forming the restriction holes 21 is reduced.

  Further, a sensor (ultrasonic sensor Ss, optical sensor Sp) for measuring the height of cooked rice R in the regulation hole 21 described above is not essential.

  In the case where one sensor is arranged above the cooked rice forming section 20, either the ultrasonic sensor Ss or the optical sensor Sp may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, the ultrasonic sensor Ss may be arranged above the cooked rice part 20 so that the sound axis Ssa is in the vertical direction. The optical sensor Sp may be arranged above the cooked rice part 20. And when adding a sensor, either the ultrasonic sensor Ss or the optical sensor Sp may be used. That is, as shown in FIG. 26, the optical sensor Sp may be arranged so that the optical axis Spa passes through the regulation hole 21 and is horizontal, but the sound axis Ssa passes through the regulation hole 21 and is horizontal. The ultrasonic sensor Ss may be arranged in the direction. Similarly, in FIG. 28, an ultrasonic sensor Ss may be used instead of the optical sensor Sp.

  Note that, of course, the type of the ultrasonic sensor Ss and the type of the optical sensor Sp can be freely selected.

  In the cooked rice forming apparatus and the cooked rice processing apparatus described above, the formed cooked rice is placed on the cooked rice portion of a container such as a lunch box, but is not limited thereto. Applicable to shari.

10 Supply unit (rice cooker)
20 Rice cooker (rice cooker)
21 regulation hole 22 regulation unit (regulation means)
22a Regulation panel (regulation member)
22a-1 Regulatory surface 23 Exterior panel 24 Guide part (guide means)
24a Support plate 24b-1 Stopper 24b-2 Arm 24b Rod 24c Holding plate 25 Frame plate 26 Screw shaft 26-1 Minus groove (second fitting part)
26a Screw shaft holding plate 27 Rotation mechanism (rotation means)
27a First motor 27b Block 27c Base plate 27d Drive-side pulley 27e Drive shaft 27e-1 Flat portion (first fitting portion)
27f Followed pulley 27g Endless belt 27h Projection piece 28 Moving mechanism (moving means)
28a Second motor 28b Shaft 28c Drive side pulley 28d Driven side pulley 28e Endless belt 28f Rod (guide member)
29 Blocking mechanism (blocking means)
29a Pin hole 29b Pin 29ba Stopper 29b-1 Pin holder 29b-1a Slit 29c Insertion / extraction section 29ca Coil spring (spring member)
29cb Removal unit 29cba Groove 29cbb Projection 30 Rice dividing unit (Rice dividing device)
31 shutter 32 adjustment unit (thickness adjustment means)
32a Gate plate 40 Auxiliary weighing unit 50 Conveyor 60 Input unit H Housing L Movement trajectory M Rice processing unit R Rice Ss Ultrasonic sensor (measuring means)
Ssa Sound axis Sp Optical sensor (measuring means)
Spa optical axis

Claims (24)

A cooked rice forming apparatus that forms a horizontal cross section of the cooked rice into a predetermined shape by passing cooked rice supplied from above downward from a regulation hole,
A regulating means comprising a plurality of regulating members which are arranged in parallel with each other and reciprocate in the reciprocating direction of the formed regulating surface, and which form at least a part of the regulating hole in a set of the regulating surfaces,
A plurality of screw shafts provided corresponding to each of the regulating members, for reciprocating the regulating member in the reciprocating direction of the regulating surface by screw connection,
A rotating unit including a first motor that selectively fits with the screw shaft and rotates the screw shaft to move the regulating member;
Moving means comprising a second motor for moving the rotating means along the arrangement direction of the plurality of regulating members;
Control means for controlling the movement means to intermittently move the rotation means with the screw shaft while intermittently moving the rotation means and to rotate the plurality of screw shafts to move the regulating member to a predetermined position; ,
A rice cooker comprising: The rotating means,
A drive shaft that transmits the torque of the first motor to the screw shaft to drive the screw shaft;
The rice cooker according to claim 1, wherein A first fitting portion and a second fitting portion that are fitted to each other are formed at a tip of the drive shaft and an end of the screw shaft on the drive shaft side, respectively.
The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion are fitted to each other, and a rotational force of the first motor is transmitted to a screw shaft.
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: One of the first fitting portion and the second fitting portion is a minus groove, and the other is a flat portion fitted with the minus groove,
The control means controls the first motor so that the minus groove and the flat portion stop at a rotation position facing the moving direction of the rotation means,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that: On both sides of the drive shaft, there are provided protrusions that fit into the minus grooves of the screw shaft located adjacent to the screw shaft that fits with the drive shaft and prevent rotation of the screw shaft. ,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that: Further comprising a blocking means for blocking rotation of the screw shaft to which the rotating means is not fitted,
The cooked rice molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The blocking means,
A pin hole extending in the radial direction of the screw shaft,
A pin provided to be insertable into and removable from the pin hole,
An insertion / extraction unit that removes the pin from the pin hole of the screw shaft in which the rotating unit is fitted, and inserts the pin into the pin hole of the screw shaft in which the rotating unit is not fitted;
The rice cooker according to claim 6, further comprising: The insertion / extraction section,
A spring member for inserting the pin into the pin hole by an elastic force;
A removing portion that is provided so as to be movable with the movement of the rotating means and removes the pin of the screw shaft to which the rotating means is fitted from the pin hole against the elastic force of the spring member;
The rice cooker according to claim 7, further comprising: The blocking means,
A pressing portion provided so as to press the outer peripheral surface of the screw shaft,
Pressing part driving means for releasing the pressing by the pressing part of the screw shaft to which the rotating means is fitted, and pressing the screw shaft to which the rotating means is not fitted by the pressing part;
The rice cooker according to claim 6, further comprising: At the end of the drive shaft side of the screw shaft and at the tip of the drive shaft, a minus groove is formed on one of them, and a flat portion that fits with the minus groove is formed on the other,
The control means stops the rotation of the first motor at a position where the minus groove and the flat portion face the moving direction of the rotating means,
Further comprising a blocking unit that fits with the end of the screw shaft on the drive shaft side to prevent rotation of the screw shaft.
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that: The moving means,
A shaft that is arranged along the moving direction of the rotating means and penetrates a block provided in the rotating means, is screw-coupled to the block, and is rotated by the second motor to move the rotating means;
A guide member arranged along the moving direction of the rotating means, for guiding the movement of the rotating means,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: A plurality of the rotating means are provided,
One or more moving means are provided to move the plurality of rotating means in the same direction or different directions,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that: Guide means for guiding the movement of the regulating member so as to reciprocate in the direction of movement of the regulating surface,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: Further comprising supporting means arranged on both sides of the regulating means,
The guide means includes a rod attached to each of the regulating members, and a holding member that has both ends fixed to the support means and the rod slidably penetrates and holds the rod.
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that: The regulating means is provided in a pair at an interval such that the regulating surfaces face each other,
The cooked rice molding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: A cooked rice supply device that drops the cooked rice while dropping it down,
The cooked rice molding device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the cooked rice supplied from the cooked rice supply device is passed downward from the restriction hole to form a horizontal cross section of the cooked rice into a predetermined shape.
A cooked rice dividing device that divides cooked rice that has passed through the cooked rice forming device into predetermined thicknesses and drops the cooked rice,
A rice processing apparatus comprising: The rice cooking device,
A shutter for dividing the cooked rice from the cooked rice forming apparatus,
Thickness adjustment means disposed below the shutter at a predetermined interval from the shutter and opening and closing a falling path of cooked rice that has passed through the cooked rice molding device,
With the thickness adjusting means in the closed position, the rice from the cooked rice forming apparatus is divided into predetermined thicknesses by the shutter, and after the division, the rice is dropped in the open position with the thickness adjusting means in an open position.
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that: The thickness adjusting means is movable vertically.
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that: A third motor for moving the thickness adjusting means in the vertical direction,
The control unit further performs a control of moving the thickness adjusting unit via the third motor to a position defined by a set weight of the cooked rice, a specific gravity of the cooked rice, and a horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole.
19. The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The control means calculates the horizontal cross-sectional area of the regulating hole based on the thickness of the regulating member and the total movement amount of the plurality of regulating members from when the regulating hole is fully opened or fully closed,
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that: The control unit determines a horizontal cross-sectional area of the restriction hole based on an image of the restriction hole captured by an imaging unit.
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that: Measuring means for measuring the height of the cooked rice of the regulating hole of the cooked rice device in a non-contact manner, further comprising:
The control means controls the operation of the cooked rice supply device such that the height of the cooked rice measured by the measurement means is a predetermined set value,
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to any one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that: The measuring means comprises:
An ultrasonic sensor disposed above the cooked rice forming apparatus such that a sound axis is in a vertical direction, or an optical sensor disposed above the cooked rice forming apparatus such that an optical axis is in a vertical direction,
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that: The measuring means comprises:
An ultrasonic sensor arranged above the cooked rice forming apparatus so that the sound axis is oriented vertically, or an optical sensor arranged above the cooked rice molding apparatus such that the optical axis is oriented vertically,
An ultrasonic sensor arranged so that a sound axis passes through the regulating hole in a horizontal direction, or an optical sensor arranged such that an optical axis passes through the regulating hole in a horizontal direction,
The cooked rice processing apparatus according to claim 22, characterized in that:

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