JP2949076B2 - Food and drink retention level determination device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a food staying degree judging device used in a food providing apparatus for providing food to a customer using an endless track transport path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a sushi restaurant or the like today, there is known a food and drink providing apparatus for providing a sushi dish to each table in the store using an endless track transport path. This food and beverage providing apparatus is used as follows.

[0003] The shop places a desired type of sushi on a plate and moves it on the track. Customers at each table,
When a sushi dish of a desired type moves in front of its own table, the sushi dish transported on the transport path is taken out from the endless track transport path. This allows the customer to eat a desired type of sushi.

However, the food and drink providing apparatus using the conventional endless track transport path has the following problems.

[0005] Since the endless track transport path is used for transporting food and drink, sushi dishes that are not taken out of the transport path by the customer of each table will move around the endless track transport path indefinitely. . Therefore, the sushi having a dry surface moves on the endless track transport path.

In order to solve such a problem, a sensor is attached to each dish placed on the endless track transport path and a reading device is provided. If the dish is not taken out even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the reading is performed. It is also conceivable that a worker at the store removes this. Alternatively, a method may be considered in which a bar code is attached to each dish instead of a sensor, the bar code information is read, and the residence time of the dish is measured.

However, any of the above methods is very complicated because it is necessary to attach a bar code or a sensor to each plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a food staying degree determining apparatus which can easily and surely determine the staying degree of food and drinks moving on an endless track transport path.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food retention degree determining apparatus for use in a food providing apparatus for providing food to a customer using an endless track transport path. For the individual placement area divided into a plurality of areas in the endless track transport path, the number of each individual placement area
Calculate and place food and drink on the individual placement area.
To determine whether there is a food and drink placing member
Standing determination means, each individual of the food existence judging means has calculated
Place the food and drink on the placement area number and the individual placement area
Based on whether the food and drink placing member to be
And a staying degree determination unit for determining a staying degree of a certain food staying in the endless track transport path. Food residence determination apparatus according to claim 2, track transportable
A food and beverage provision device that provides food and beverages to customers using a transmission route
The food and drink retention degree determination device to be used, wherein
A reflector is provided at predetermined intervals in the transmission path, and the reflector
By detecting the reflection from the
Is there a food and drink placing member that places food and drink on the lector?
Food existence determining section for determining whether the food there-size
Food and drink placing member on a certain reflector
If it is determined that it is present,
The predetermined time is added to the degree of stay of the food and drink placing member.
And a staying degree determining means for determining the staying degree by
It is characterized by the following.

[0010] food residence determination apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
Item 1. In the food and drink retention degree determination device according to Item 1, the individual placement area
For a certain food or drink existing in the area, the retention degree determination means
If the measured retention exceeds the allowable retention,
And a notifying means for notifying the user. Contract
The food and drink retention degree determining device according to claim 4 is the food and drink retention degree determination device according to claim 2.
In the persistence determination device, the presence of the light on the reflector
Stagnant foods measured by the stagnation degree determination means.
If the degree exceeds the permissible residence degree, a report
And an informing means .

[0011] food residence determination device according to claim 5, wherein
Item 5. The food / drink retention degree judging device according to claim 3 or 4.
In the type determination means for determining the type of the food and drink
Provided, the notification means, the type according to the type of food and drink
Storing another allowable staying degree .

[0012] food residence determination apparatus according to claim 6, infinite
Provision of food and beverages to provide customers with food and drinks using the track transport path
A food retention degree determination device used in the device, wherein the infinite
Multiple individual mounting areas by being installed on the track transport path
And the number of each individual mounting area
Calculate and place food and drink on the individual placement area.
To determine whether there is a food and drink placing member
Standing determination means, each individual of the food existence judging means has calculated
Place the food and drink on the placement area number and the individual placement area
Based on whether the food and drink placing member to be
The food or drink stays in the endless track transport path.
Determining staying determination means Tomedo, and comprising the
I do. The food staying degree determination device according to claim 7 can be transported on an endless track.
A food and beverage provision device that provides food and beverages to customers using a transmission route
The food and drink retention degree determination device to be used, wherein
Multiple individual mounting areas are formed by being installed on the transmission route
The mounting area limiting member to be
A reflector is provided to detect the reflection from this reflector at predetermined intervals.
Put food and drink on the individual placement area
The presence of food to determine whether or not the food placement member is present
A certain individual by the determination means and the food and beverage presence determination means;
It is determined that the food and drink placing member is present on the placing area.
If the food and drink placing member on the individual placing area
The degree of residence is determined by adding the predetermined time to the degree of residence.
And a staying degree determining means for determining the staying degree .

[0013] food residence determination device according to claim 8, wherein
The food / drink retention degree determination device according to claim 6 or 7.
In the individual mounting the conveying distance of the endless track conveyor path
Transport path adjustment that is adjusted to be an integral multiple of the area length of the storage area
Knot means .

[0014] food residence determination apparatus of claim 9, wherein
An apparatus for determining the degree of food and drink retention according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
In, A) had the following a1) to a3) conveying distance reduction means having
Transporting the food and beverage placing member in the endless track transport path
A conveying distance shortening means for substantially shortening the distance, a1) a food and drink placing member conveyed on the endless track conveying path
And at the first position, the food and drink placing member
A take-out unit that takes out the outside of the track-limited conveyance path; a2) places the taken-out food and drink placing member in the first position
To the vicinity of the second position of the endless track transport path away from
Conveying unit, a3) abuts the food placing member during conveyance of the conveying unit,
At the second position, the food and drink placing member is transported to the endless track again.
A transfer section to be placed on a transport route; B) the placing area limiting member, wherein the food and drink placing member is located at the front;
Transfer on the endless track transport path by the transfer unit
When at least a part of the food and drink placing member is
The food and drink, even when climbed on the described placement area limited member
The food and drink placed on the placing member is placed on the food and drink placing member.
Is configured to hold a location state, that
Features.

The food residence determination apparatus according to claim 10, 請
Claim 9: In the food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 9, A) conveying distance shortening means having the following a1) to a3).
Transporting the food and beverage placing member in the endless track transport path
Conveying distance shortening means for substantially shortening the distance, a1) a food and drink placing member conveyed on the endless track conveying path;
And at the first position, the food and drink placing member
A take-out unit that takes out the outside of the track-limited conveyance path;
To the vicinity of the second position of the endless track transport path away from
Conveying unit, a3) abuts the food placing member during conveyance of the conveying unit,
At the second position, the food and drink placing member is transported to the endless track again.
Resynchronizer unit to put the road feeding, B) in the endless track conveyor path, food mounting member is,
Moving from the first individual placement area to the second individual placement area
The food and drink presence determination means
Food residence determination device der provided with association means, for
Therefore, part or all of the conveying distance shortening means may be infinite
Food and drink placement by moving along the road transport path
Moving the member from the first individual mounting area to the desired second individual mounting area;
That it can be moved to the
Sign.

The food residence determination apparatus according to claim 11, 請
Claims 6 to 10 of the food and drink retention degree determination
In the apparatus, a food or drink present in the individual placement area
About the staying degree measured by the staying degree determining means,
When the degree of residence is exceeded, a notification means for notifying this,
It is characterized by having.

The food residence determination apparatus according to claim 12, 請
The food and drink retention level determination device according to claim 11, wherein the food and drink
The kind notifying means for judging the kind of
Stores the permissible residence degree by type according to the type of food and drink
Is characterized by the fact that

The "crawler track transport path" refers to a transport path for seemingly and endlessly moving a food and drink placing member by a circulation method or the like. In the embodiment, FIGS. 3, 4, 21, and 22 are used. It is a conveyor represented by.

The term "transport distance" refers to the shortest distance from the point on the endless track transport path in a certain direction until returning to the point again. In the embodiment,
When the shortcut device is not used, the distances along arrows 86, 87, 88, and 90 in FIG. When the shortcut device is used, the distances along arrows 86, 87, 88, and 89 in FIG.

The "region length" refers to the length of the individual placement region along the endless track transport path, and corresponds to the region length L1 shown in FIG. 21 in the embodiment.

[0021]

According to the food and drink retention degree determining apparatus of the first aspect, the food and drink presence determining means determines each of the individual mounting areas divided into a plurality of areas on the endless track transport path. And calculate the number
There is a food and drink placing member for placing food and drink on the separate placing area
It is determined whether or not . The residence degree determination apparatus, the food
The number of each individual placement area calculated by the object presence determination means and
A food and drink placing member for placing food and drink on the individual placing area is
Based on the determination as to whether or not the food is present, the degree of stay of a certain food or drink in the endless track transport path is determined. to this
Thus, the degree of residence of the food and drink placed on the individual placement area
Can be easily measured. In this device,
Is to easily measure the degree of food and drink retention in this way
At the time,
To accurately place foods that match the tastes of customers
it can. As a result, the use efficiency of the endless track transport path is improved.
Can be higher.

[0022] In the food and drink retention degree determining apparatus according to claim 2,
The food or beverage presence determining means
A reflector is provided at predetermined intervals, and the
By detecting reflections at predetermined intervals, the reflector
It is determined whether there is a food placing member on which food is placed.
to decide. The staying degree determination unit determines the presence of the food or drink.
By means, a food and drink placing member exists on a certain reflector.
If it is determined that there is
Adding the predetermined time to the staying degree of the food and drink placing member
To determine the degree of residence. This allows the reflection
To easily measure the retention of food and drinks placed on the table
Can be.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the notifying unit is configured to determine, for the food existing in the individual placing area, the staying degree determined by the staying degree determining unit:
If the allowable staying degree is exceeded, this is notified. Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify the worker which food or drink exceeds the allowable staying degree. Claim 4
In the persistence determination device, the notifying means may include the
For food and drink present on the kuta, said staying degree determination means
If the degree of residence determined by
Notify them. Therefore, which foods have acceptable residence
Can be informed to workers
You.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the food retention degree determining apparatus, further comprising a type determining means for determining a type of the food,
The notification means stores a type-specific permissible staying degree corresponding to the type of the food and drink. Therefore, the notification according to the type of the food and drink can be made.

In the food and drink retention degree determining apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the placing area limiting member forms a plurality of individual placing areas by being placed on the endless track transport path. The food / drink presence determination means calculates the number of each individual placement area
And place food and drink on the individual placement area.
It is determined whether or not the food placing member exists . The staying degree determination unit is configured to calculate each individual food and beverage presence determination unit.
Place the food and drink on the placement area number and the individual placement area
Based on whether the food and drink placing member to be
The food or drink stays in the endless track transport path.
Determine the degree of retention .

Thus, the individual placing areas are formed on the endless track transport path as areas independent of each other, and the food and drink placing member is placed in the individual placing area. Therefore, the positions of the food and drink placing members do not change due to contact between the food and drink placing members. Therefore, the staying degree of the food and drink placed on the individual placing area can be reliably and easily measured. Also, this device
In this way, the retention of food and
Because it can be measured easily,
Above are food products that match the tastes of customers at that time.
It can be placed securely. This allows the endless orbit
The use efficiency of the transport path can be increased.

[0027] In the food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 7,
The mounting area limiting member is installed on the endless track conveyance path.
This forms a plurality of individual mounting areas. Food and drink
The presence determining means sets a reflector in the individual mounting area.
And the reflection from the reflector is detected at predetermined time intervals.
Food and drink on the individual placement area
It is determined whether or not the mounting member exists. Degree of stay determination means
Is an individual placement area by the food or beverage presence determination means.
When it is determined that food and drink placing members exist in the area
In addition, the degree of residence of the food and
Determining the degree of residence by adding the predetermined time
You. As a result, the individual mounting areas are separated from each other.
Formed on the endless track transport path as an area,
The food and drink placing member is placed on the individual placing area. I
Therefore, the food and drink placing members come into contact with each other and
The position of the food placing member does not change. Yo
The retention degree of the food and drink placed on the individual placement area
Measurement can be performed reliably and easily. In this device,
In this way, the degree of food and drink retention can be reliably and simply measured.
Can be measured on the endless track transport path,
Precisely placing food according to customer's taste at that time
can do. Thereby, the endless track conveyance path
Usage efficiency can be increased.

In the apparatus for judging degree of food and drink retention according to claim 8, the transport path adjusting means adjusts the transport distance of the endless track transport path to be an integral multiple of the area length of the individual placement area. Thereby, the individual mounting area can be formed in the endless track conveyance path without use. Therefore, the endless track transport path can be used efficiently.

Further, when setting up the endless track transport path, it is possible to install the endless track transport path without performing a complicated design or installation work for making the transport distance of the endless track transport path an integral multiple of the area length of the individual mounting area. At the construction site, the transport distance of the endless track transport path can be easily adjusted.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the transport distance shortening means includes: a1) abutting at a first position with a food placing member transported on the endless track transport path; A take-out unit for taking out the food / drink placing member out of the crawler path; a2) transporting the taken food / destination placing member near a second position of the crawler path separated from the first position; A3) a transfer section that abuts the food placing member being transported by the transport portion and places the food placing member on the endless track transport path again at the second position.

Therefore, it is possible to shorten the transport distance of the endless track transport path according to the situation of the customer, and to increase the use efficiency of the endless track transport path.

[0032] Further, at least a part of the food and drink placing member is provided when the food and drink placing member is replaced on the endless track transport path by the transfer portion. The food placed on the food placing member can be maintained in a state of being placed on the food placing member even when the food is placed on the placing region limiting member. As a result, the food and drink do not always lose their commercial value, so that the economic efficiency can be improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the food staying degree judging device, the transport distance shortening means a1) abuts a food placing member transported on the endless track transport path at a first position, and A take-out unit for taking out the food / drink placing member out of the crawler path; a2) transporting the taken food / destination placing member near a second position of the crawler path separated from the first position; A3) a transfer section that abuts the food placing member being transported by the transport portion and places the food placing member on the endless track transport path again at the second position. Further, the transport distance reducing means substantially reduces the transport distance of the food and drink placing member in the endless track transport path.

According to this, it is possible to shorten the transport distance of the endless track transport path according to the situation of the customer, and to increase the use efficiency of the endless track transport path.

Further, by moving part or all of the transport distance shortening means along the endless track transport path, the food and drink placing member can be moved from the first individual placing area to a desired second individual placing area. It is configured so that it can be moved to the area.

Thus, the food and drink placing member placed in the individual placing region before passing through the carrying distance shortening means can reduce the carrying distance without climbing on the placing region limiting member. After passing through the means, it is placed in the individual placing area. Therefore, even when the transport distance shortening means is used, the degree of retention of food and drink can be reliably and easily measured.

In the food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 11, the notifying means is such that, for a certain food and drink present in the individual placing area, the residence degree determined by the residence degree judgment means indicates an allowable residence degree. If it does, this will be reported.
Therefore, it is possible to reliably notify the worker which food or drink exceeds the allowable staying degree.

In a twelfth aspect of the invention, the type determining means determines the type of the food. In addition, the notifying unit stores a permissible staying degree for each type according to the type of the food or drink. Therefore, the notification according to the type of the food and drink can be made.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Description of Functional Block Diagram FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram. Food and drink retention degree determination device 1
Is an apparatus used for a food providing apparatus 9 that provides food to customers using an endless track transport path. The apparatus includes a food existence determining unit 3, a staying degree determining unit 5, a notification unit 7, and a type determining unit 8. Have.

The food presence determining means 3 determines whether there is a food placing member for placing food on the individual placing area in the infinite transport path.

The staying degree judging means 5 judges the staying degree of a certain food staying in the endless track conveyance path based on the judgment of the food existence judging means 3. The type determining means 8
The type of the food or drink is determined. The notification means 7 stores the permissible staying degree for each type according to the type of the food or drink. The notifying unit 7 notifies, when the staying degree determined by the staying degree determining unit 5 exceeds a permissible staying degree for a certain food existing in the individual placing area.

Thus, the degree of stay of food and drink can be determined without adding any means for discriminating the food or drink.

2. About Food and Beverage Providing Apparatus FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a food and beverage providing apparatus. The food and beverage providing apparatus 21 is provided between a kitchen room 26 and a guest room 27, and a plurality of tables 24 are installed in the guest room 27. A dish as a food and drink placing member on which food and drink are placed on the conveyor 23 from the kitchen room 26 is provided. The customers at each table arbitrarily take out and eat the desired food and drink when they pass in front of them.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show the structure of the conveyor 23. FIG. FIG. 3 shows a guide 3 constituting the conveyor 23.
1 shows the shape of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 3W-W. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide body 31 is held rotatably about a shaft 37, whereby the conveyor 23 can move along a predetermined path. A collar 35 is provided between the lower piece 36a and the upper piece 36b of the chain 36. Adjacent lower pieces 36a are connected. The same applies to the upper piece 36b.

The movement of the guide body 31 is performed by driving the chain 36 with a motor (not shown). A reflector 33 is fixed to the upper surface of the guide body 31 so as to be concentric with the collar 35 as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a plate having a diameter slightly larger than the interval between the reflectors is employed. Therefore, depending on the mounting position, like the plate 41, 1
In some cases, two reflectors 33 may be covered with one plate. Further, if the reflector 33 is placed substantially concentrically with the reflector 33, like a plate 42, one reflector 33
May be covered.

3. Overall Structure of Food and Food Degree Determining Apparatus FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams showing the positional relationship of various sensors constituting the food and food retaining degree determining apparatus. As shown in FIG.
An outer plate detection sensor 51 for detecting the reflector 33 moving on the outer periphery of the conveyor 23 and an inner plate detection sensor 52 for detecting the reflector 33 moving on the inner periphery are provided.

The outer plate detecting sensor 51 and the inner plate detecting sensor 52 are optical sensors provided above the conveyor 23 as shown in FIG. In addition, as shown in FIG.
8. A type detection sensor 56 is provided. The synchronization sensor 58 detects the collar 35 shown in FIG. Thus, the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and the inner peripheral plate detection sensor 52
Can obtain a clock signal synchronized with the signal for detecting the reflector 33.

The positions of the outer peripheral dish detecting sensor 51 and the inner peripheral dish detecting sensor 52 are spaced apart by an integral multiple of the period of the synchronous sensor 58.

The relationship between the signal detected by the synchronization sensor 58 and the signal detected by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 7, the reflector 33 is shown thicker than it is for the sake of explanation.
The outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and the inner peripheral plate detection sensor 5
Reference numeral 2 denotes a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a plate, and two sensors are provided for the following reason. From any position of the food providing unit 46 and the food providing unit 47 shown in FIG.
Food and drink may be placed on the conveyor 23. In this case, when the presence / absence of a dish is detected at one place between the case where the dish is supplied from the food providing unit 46 and the case where the plate is provided from the food providing unit 47, an error in the residence time by about a half lap occurs. This is because there is a possibility of occurrence. If such an error does not pose a problem, the presence or absence of the dish may be detected at one location.

As shown in FIG. 7, the conveyor 23
When moving in two directions, the synchronous sensor 58 is used as shown in FIG.
The clock output of the synchronous sensor 58 and the outer peripheral plate detecting sensor 51 shown in FIG. In the β part, the output of the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 is lost because the plate 8
This is because the reflector 33n is covered by placing 3. Therefore, from the state shown in FIG. 7, the reflector 33n is synchronized with the output of the synchronization sensor 58.
Up to −1, reflection from the reflector is detected by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51, and no reflection is detected for the reflector 33n. Then, the reflection is detected again for the reflector 33n + 1. As a result, the plate 83 placed on the conveyor 23 is detected by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 when the conveyor 23 moves by four clock signals of the synchronization sensor 58, and the output as shown in FIG. A signal is obtained.

FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the positional relationship of the type detection sensor 56. The type detection sensor 56 sets the sushi 8
1 is provided at a position higher than that on which it is placed. The type detection sensor 56 does not detect a signal when the dish on which the sushi is placed passes in front of it. This is because the plate on which the sushi is placed is not provided with a belt-like reflector as described later.

Although the relationship between the outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 and the synchronous sensor 58 has been described with reference to FIG. 7, the same applies to the inner peripheral dish detection sensor 52.

Next, a method of detecting the type of dish other than sushi when it is carried will be described. Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the beer bottle 91 is
3 is described. A belt-like reflector 95 is mounted on the outer surface of the bin receiving tray 93. This band-shaped reflector 95 is used for the type detection sensor 5.
6, the type detection sensor 56 is moved.
Then, an output as shown in FIG. 10A is detected.

FIG. 10A shows a detection signal when the bin tray 93 covers two reflectors like the tray 41 shown in FIG. The reason why such a detection signal is obtained will be described.

The diameter of the bin tray 93 is substantially equal to the distance between the two reflectors. In addition, the belt-like reflector 95
It is located substantially at the center of the bin tray 93. Therefore, the detection signal (ON) of the type detection sensor 56 is located substantially in the middle of the synchronization sensor 58. In this case, since the reflected light is not input to the sensor near the end of the belt-like reflector 95, the type detection sensor 56 detects the vicinity of the center of the belt-like reflector 95 in the ON state for a predetermined interval. Further, in the present embodiment, since the diameter of the belt-like reflector 95 is larger than that of the shaft 37, the time during which the type detection sensor 56 is on is longer than the time during which the synchronous sensor is on.

Therefore, when such two reflectors are covered, as shown in FIG. 10A, the type detection sensor 56 is turned on after the clock before the synchronous sensor 58, and the synchronous sensor 58 is turned on. It turns off before 58 turns on.

FIG. 10B shows the plate 4 as shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a detection signal when one reflector is covered. Such a detection signal is obtained because the bin tray 9
This is because the diameter of the reflector 3 is substantially equal to the interval between the two reflectors, and when one reflector is covered, the center of the bin tray 93 and the center of the belt-like reflector 95 substantially match. Note that the time during which the type detection sensor 56 is in the ON state is as described above. In this case, the type detection sensor 56 is turned on slightly before the synchronization sensor 58, and is turned off after the synchronization sensor 56 is turned off.

In the present embodiment, the peripheral dish detecting sensor 5 is used for the clock signal of the synchronous sensor 58 for four clocks.
1 and the type detection sensor 56 are provided separately. This is because the size of the plate placed on the conveyor 23 is
This is because eight clock signals are almost two clocks. Therefore, if provided at least two clocks apart, a signal for determining the type can be obtained by combining the signal detected by the type detection sensor 56 and the signal detected by the synchronization sensor 58.

It is to be noted that foods and drinks other than the beer bottle 91 can be similarly identified as foods and drinks other than sushi by providing a belt-like reflector 95 on the outer periphery of the serving plate 94 as shown in FIG. . This serving dish 94
Is a dish that provides soup stock such as red soup stock.

4. Hardware configuration Regarding the hardware configuration of the food and drink retention degree determination device 1,
This will be described with reference to FIG. The food retention degree determination device 1 includes:
An outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51, an inner peripheral plate detection sensor 52, a type detection sensor 56, a synchronization sensor 58, a system display 61, a programmable controller 63, a warning lamp 65, and a buzzer 67 are provided.

The programmable controller 63 is configured as shown in FIG.
It is provided on the upper part of the shelf as shown in FIG. The system display 61 is installed at a position that is easy to see from the kitchen room. The buzzer 67 is a buzzer that gives a warning to a worker in the kitchen room. The warning lamp 65 is a lamp for indicating which dish has exceeded a predetermined staying degree.

FIG. 13 shows the programmable controller 63.
2 shows the data contents in the register. In this embodiment, the position of the reflector 33 and the data register of the programmable controller 63 are associated one-to-one.

The contents of the register indicate the staying time of the dish existing on the reflector 33. For example, FIG.
The case shown in FIG. 3 indicates that the dish on the top of the reflector has stayed for 12 minutes.

FIG. 14 shows the appearance of the system display 61. The system display 61 has a liquid crystal display surface 92,
A plus switch 96, a minus switch 97, an item selection switch 98, and a mode changeover switch 99 are provided. The mode switch 99 is a switch for switching between various modes.

Specifically, according to the retention alarm setting as shown in FIG. 15A and the type of food and drink as shown in FIG. 15B,
This switch is operated to set the number of alarms. In this embodiment, in the case of sushi, 10
For other than sushi, the buzzer sounds three times. In addition, about this number, once in the case of sushi,
In the case other than sushi, the buzzer may be sounded twice.

Thus, the worker can know whether the sushi has exceeded the residence time or whether food or drink other than sushi has exceeded the residence time. The item selection switch 98
A switch for selecting an item on the display. By sequentially pressing the item selection switch 98, the item to be set can be selected. The plus switch 96 is a switch for increasing the value when changing, and the minus switch 97 is a switch for decreasing the value of the item to be changed.

5. Next, the processing of the programmable controller 63 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the programmable controller 63, the synchronous sensor 58 is turned on from OFF.
Is determined (step ST in FIG. 16).
1). When the synchronization sensor 58 changes from OFF to ON, the programmable controller 63 calculates the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A (FIG. 16, step ST3). The outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is (current reflector number + 1). When the power is turned on, the current reflector number is set to 0. That is, after power-on,
When the synchronization sensor 58 is first turned from OFF to ON, the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A becomes “1”.

Next, the programmable controller 63
Determines whether the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is equal to (the number of all reflectors + 1). In the present embodiment, since the total number of reflectors is set to 130, it is determined whether or not the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is 131. If the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is 131, the process proceeds to step ST7, and the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is set to 1. On the other hand, when the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is not 131, the outer periphery detection unit reflector number A is set to the same value. Thereby, it is possible to cope with the case where the outer circumference detecting unit reflector number A makes one round.

Next, the programmable controller 63
Performs the processing of the inner circumference detecting unit reflector number B. Programmable controller 63 determines whether or not the c flag is set (step ST15). Note that the c flag is a flag for distinguishing whether or not the inner circumference detection unit reflector number B has made one round, as described later.

If the c flag is not set,
The inner circumference detection unit reflector number B is calculated as the inner circumference detection unit reflector number B = (outer circumference detection unit reflector number A + the number of reflectors in the rear half) (step S).
T17). On the other hand, when the c flag is set, the reflector number B = (current reflector number + 1) is set.

Next, the inner circumference detector reflector number B
Is determined to be equal to (the number of all reflectors + 1) (step ST21), and if they are the same, the inner periphery detecting unit reflector number B is set to "1" and the c flag is set (step ST23). When the inner periphery detecting unit reflector number B is not (the total number of reflectors + 1), the inner periphery detecting unit reflector number B is set to the same value.

Next, the programmable controller 63
Sets the a flag if the outer peripheral plate detection sensor is ON when the synchronous sensor 58 is ON,
When the synchronous sensor 58 is ON, the inner peripheral plate detection sensor
If N, the b flag is set (step S
T27).

Next, the programmable controller 63
Determines whether the synchronization sensor 58 is turned off from ON (step ST29 in FIG. 17), and repeats the processing of step ST29 as long as the synchronization sensor 58 is not turned off.

When the synchronous sensor 58 changes from ON to OFF, it is determined whether or not the a flag is set (step ST31). When the a flag is set, “0” is set as the time data of the reflector number A.
Is stored. Then, the a flag is reset (step ST33). If the flag a is not set in step ST31, the latter half passage time is added to the time data of the reflector number A and stored (step ST35). The latter half passage time will be described later.

When the process of step ST35 is completed, the process proceeds to step ST37, where it is determined whether or not the d flag is set. The d flag will be described with reference to FIG. The d flag is a flag for determining whether the plate placed on the reflector 33 is sushi or food and drink other than sushi.

The programmable controller 63 determines whether or not the type detection sensor 56 changes from OFF to ON (step ST61). Type detection sensor 56 is OF
If the signal does not change from F to ON, the synchronization sensor 58
It is determined whether the FF is turned ON (step ST6).
3). If the synchronous sensor 58 does not change from OFF to ON, the process of step ST61 is repeated. Step ST
When the type detection sensor 56 changes from OFF to ON at 61, the e flag is set (see FIG. 10) (FIG. 18).
Step ST62).

In this state, when the synchronous sensor 58 is turned from OFF to ON, the shift register is shifted, and the first bit stores data corresponding to the data of the e flag. Further, the e flag is reset (step ST65). Specifically, the data corresponding to the data of the e-flag is “1” in the first bit of the shift register when the e-flag is set, and the data of the shift register when the e-flag is not set. “0” is stored in the first bit.

Next, the programmable controller 63
Determines whether the first bit is ON ("1") (step ST67), and if the data bit is ON, sets the d flag (step ST69). In this embodiment, since the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and the type detection sensor 56 are separated from each other by the clock signal of the synchronization sensor 58 and four clocks (see FIG. 7), the d flag is set to the value of the synchronization sensor 58. Clock signal is set with a shift of 4 clocks.

If the data bit is not ON in step ST67, the processing from step ST61 is repeated.

As described above, once the type detection sensor 56
The e flag is set when the FF is turned on, and the e flag is reset when the synchronization sensor 58 is turned on from OFF. Therefore, in either case of FIGS. 10A and 10B, a type determination signal corresponding to the clock of the synchronous sensor can be obtained.

Further, by shifting and storing the data in the shift register, the types of dishes to be detected can be sequentially stored corresponding to each clock. In this embodiment, since the reflector number is "130", it is sufficient to provide a shift register of 130 bits.

Returning to step ST37 in FIG. 21, when the d flag is set, it is determined that the dish on the reflector number is food and drink other than sushi, and the time setting value Y other than the sushi and The data is compared with the data stored in the time data of the reflector number (step ST49). If the time data is smaller than the preset non-sushi time setting value Y, the d flag is reset (step ST51), and a warning buzzer is sounded (step ST41). In the present embodiment,
As shown in FIG. 19A, the time setting value Y other than sushi is set to 10
Minutes.

In step ST41, when the synchronous sensor 58 detects the α clock, the warning lamp is turned on and off. This is because when the buzzer 67 sounds, if the worker is performing another work, it is not possible to determine which plate is the one exceeding the time set value, so that the buzzer sounds and the belt conveyor can be seen from the kitchen side. For example, this is so that it is possible to determine that the dish in which the portion of the dish passing through the warning lamp 65 is turned on is the dish that has exceeded the time set value. The α clock is determined based on the installation relationship between the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and the warning lamp 65. In the present embodiment, since the installation interval between the outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 and the warning lamp 65 is set to the clock signal of the synchronization sensor 58 and four clocks, α =
And 4.

When the stay time exceeds the set time, the reflector number and the stay time are displayed as shown in FIG. 19D.

If the time data does not exceed the time set value Y in step ST49, the process proceeds to step ST53 to determine whether or not the b flag is set. If the b flag is set,
The time data of the reflector number B is set to zero (0) and stored. Then, the b flag is reset (step ST55). If the b flag is not set in step ST53, the first half passage time is added to the time data of the reflector number B and stored (step ST57). Then, the processing from step ST1 is repeated.

If the d flag is not set in step ST37, that is, if it is sushi,
It is determined whether or not the sushi time setting value X is larger than the time data, and if it is larger, the process of step ST41 is performed. If it is smaller, the process from step ST53 is performed. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19A, the sushi time set value X is set to 30 minutes.

As described above, in the case where one plate covers one reflector, one plate covers two reflectors, and in any case, if the position of the plate is not shifted, FIG. Using the data register value shown,
It is possible to determine whether or not a certain dish has exceeded the allowable residence degree. For example, when the plate is located directly above the reflector 33, it may be determined whether or not the allowable residence time has been exceeded by using the type determination signal of the reflector. Further, when two reflectors are covered, it may be determined whether or not the residence time has elapsed, corresponding to the later reflector. This is because the type sensor determines that the previous reflector of the two covered reflectors is a sushi plate (FIG. 1).
0A). On the other hand, the latter one of the two covered reflectors is determined to be a dish other than sushi. Here, the allowable residence time is set shorter for dishes other than sushi. Therefore, when the subsequent reflector passes through the detection position, it can indicate that the allowable residence time has elapsed.

As described above, in the food and drink providing apparatus 21 using the endless track transport path, it is possible to reliably determine the food and drink after a predetermined time has elapsed with a simple configuration.

The following describes the second half passage time in step ST35 and the first half passage time in step ST57. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the stay degree (residence time) is measured by using two sensors, an outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 and an inner peripheral dish detection sensor 52. The time required for the food and drink to be passed through the inner peripheral dish detection sensor 52 when the food and drink are placed on the food providing unit 46 is defined as the first half passage time. Also,
The time required to pass the outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 when food or drink is placed on the food providing unit 47 is defined as the second half passing time. As for the elapsed time, the actual working time may be measured in advance.

In the present embodiment, a reflector 33 is provided in a part of the conveyor 23, and when a certain reflector 33 is hidden by a plate, that is, when the plate is placed on the plate, a detection signal from the reflector 33 is provided. Is determined as “there is a dish in the individual placement area”, and if there is no dish in a certain reflector 33, it is determined that “there is no dish in the individual placement area”. The processing is performed by using an outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 and an inner peripheral dish detection sensor 52.
And the residence time is measured. Further, the type of the dish is detected by the type detection sensor 56. This makes it possible to determine the degree of staying while distinguishing between sushi and food and drink other than sushi.

Further, when the predetermined residence time is exceeded, the buzzer 67 is sounded, and in this case, even if the user keeps his / her eyes off, the conveyor 23 is driven for a predetermined clock (four clocks in this embodiment). When moving, the warning lamp 65 is lit at that position. Therefore, even when another operation is being performed when the buzzer sounds, the plate exceeding the staying degree can be reliably taken out from the conveyor 23.

As described above, in the present invention, when the degree of stay of the dishes placed on each reflector exceeds a predetermined time, this is notified. Therefore, it is possible to reliably provide sushi that matches the taste of the customer at that time. Thereby, the endless track transport path in the food and beverage providing apparatus 21 can be used effectively.

As described above, one dish does not always cover one reflector 33 as shown in FIG. However, even in this case, if the dish does not move, the dwell degree of a certain dish can be indicated using two data (having the same value) in the data register shown in FIG.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a dish can be placed at any position on the endless track transport path. At this time, if the dishes are packed and placed at a certain interval, the dishes interfere with each other at a place where the traveling direction of the dishes changes, that is, at a curve of the endless track transport path. Due to this interference, the placement position of the dish may be changed, and may be shifted from the position that originally covered the reflector. Therefore, the measurement of the degree of residence cannot be performed accurately. Therefore, in the second embodiment, a mounting area limiting member is newly provided in order to prevent the mounting position of the plate from being shifted from the position of the reflector that was initially covered. Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Description of Functional Block Diagram FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram showing a second embodiment of the food staying degree determining device according to the present invention. The food retention degree determination device 11 includes a transport path adjusting unit 4, a transport distance shortening unit 6,
It has. In addition, a placing area limiting member (not shown) is installed in the food and beverage providing apparatus.

The transport path adjusting means 4 adjusts the transport distance of the endless track transport path so as to be an integral multiple of the area length of the individual mounting area. The transport path shortening means 6 substantially reduces the transport distance of the food and drink placing member in the endless track transport path. Further, the mounting area limiting member forms a plurality of individual mounting areas by being installed in the endless track conveyance path.

2. About Food and Beverage Providing Apparatus FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a food and beverage providing apparatus. In the present embodiment, the food provision device 21 is newly provided with an adjustment device 71 and a shortcut device 75 which are components of the food retention degree determination device 1. Here, the adjusting device 7
1 is provided as a conveyance path adjusting means, and the shortcut device 75 is provided as a conveyance path shortening means. In FIG. 20, the shortcut device 75 is being used, and the customer cannot use the table 24a and the table 24b.

FIGS. 21 and 22 show the structure of the conveyor 23. FIG. FIG. 21 shows the shape of the guide body 31 constituting the conveyor 23. FIG. 22 shows a cross section taken along the line WW of FIG. In the present embodiment, the partition plate 34 as a placement area limiting portion is substantially concentric with the collar 35 and
It is fixed to the upper surface of.

FIG. 23 is a three-view drawing showing the shape of the partition plate. 23A is a plan view, FIG. 23B is a front view, and FIG. 23C is a side view. The partition plate 34 is shown in FIG.
27 and is attached to the guide body 31 as shown in FIG.
The adhesive surface 34a of the partition plate 34 is provided with a double-sided adhesive with release paper. When the partition plate 34 is bonded to the guide body 31, the release paper is peeled off and the two are bonded.

The end 34T of the partition plate 34 is formed as shown in FIG.
It is machined in a tapered shape as shown in FIG. This is because when using the shortcut device 75, even if the plate runs over the end, the food and drink are not affected.
Similarly, the height 34H of the partition plate 34 is configured to have such a height that foods and drinks are not affected even when the plate gets on.

Note that the partition plate 34 is installed at a position where an individual mounting area required for mounting a plate can be formed. Further, in order to cover one reflector with one dish, the reflector 33 is preferably provided near the center of the formed individual mounting area. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reflectors 33 and the partition plates 34 are alternately provided on the guide body 31 as shown in FIG.

3. Overall Configuration of Food Retention Degree Determining Apparatus The positional relationship between the various sensors constituting the food retention degree determining apparatus is the same as in the first embodiment. However, conveyor 2
Since the reflectors and the partition plates are alternately provided on the guide body 3 above, there is a slight difference in the detection signal from the first embodiment.

The relationship between the signal detected by the synchronization sensor 58 and the signal detected by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 24 and 25. In FIG. 24, the reflector 33 and the partition plate 34 are shown thicker than they actually are for the sake of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 24, when the conveyor 23 moves in the direction of arrow 62, the output signal of the dish detecting sensor corresponding to the clock output signal of the synchronous sensor as shown in FIG. 25 is obtained by the synchronous sensor 58. . In this case, since the reflectors 33 are arranged alternately with the partition plates 34, the detection signal of the reflection by the reflector 33 by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 appears every other clock with respect to the clock of the synchronous sensor 58. (In case of dish detection sensor (without dish)). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 24, when the plate 83 is placed, the reflector 33m is covered. Therefore, from the state shown in FIG. 24, the reflection from the reflector is detected by the outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 up to the reflector 33m-1 in synchronization with the output of the synchronization sensor 58, and no reflection is detected from the reflector 33m. Then, the reflection of the reflector 33m + 1 is detected again.

As described above, the dish 83 placed on the conveyor 23 is detected by the outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 when the conveyor 23 has moved by four clock signals of the synchronization sensor 58, and is shown in FIG. Such an output signal is obtained.

The type detection is the same as in the first embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, since the region on which the plate is placed is limited by the partition plate, one plate covers one reflector. Therefore, the type detection sensor and the detection state of the e flag have a relationship as shown in FIG. 10B.

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20, an adjusting device 71 as a conveyance path adjusting means is provided. The adjusting device 71 will be described with reference to FIG. The endless track conveyance path 21 and the adjusting device 71 are installed so that a part thereof overlaps with each other. The portion between the dotted line and the solid line in FIG. 13 is the overlapping portion. The adjusting device 71 is configured to be movable in the directions of arrows 123 and 125.

The method of using the adjusting device 71 will be described below. The endless track transport path 21 and the adjusting device 71 are installed according to the construction plan. Then, a guide body is set on the conveyor 23. Here, the adjusting device 71 is indicated by an arrow 123.
Alternatively, it is moved in the direction of arrow 125 to adjust the transport distance of the endless track transport path to be an integral multiple of the area length of the individual mounting area.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, the region length L1 corresponds to the length of two guides. Therefore, “adjusting the transport distance so as to be an integral multiple of the area length” has the same meaning as adjusting the position of the adjusting device 71 so that an even number of guide bodies can be installed on the conveyor 23. In the present embodiment, the overlapping portion for adjustment has a length that allows removal or addition of one guide body.

In order to remove one guide body,
The region length may be L1 (see FIG. 21) and the length of L1 / 4 may be variable. Therefore, assuming that the initial overlap value is A and the margin for absorbing the expansion and contraction of the conveyor is α, the length of the overlapping portion is theoretically A to (A + L1 / 4 +
α). In this embodiment, A = 10 mm, L
Calculate as 1 = 150 mm, α = 32.5 mm. As a result, the length of the overlapping portion is 10 mm to 80 mm.

Next, the shortcut device 7 shown in FIG.
5 will be described with reference to FIG. The shortcut device 75 has a take-out section 75a, a transport section 75b, a transfer section 75c, and a support section 75d. In the shortcut device 75, the support portion 75d has a first guide portion 75e. Furthermore, the shortcut device 7
5 has a second guide portion 75f opposite to the first guide portion 75e with the transport portion 75b therebetween. Take-out part 7
5a is supported by the support 75d,
L and 115R are rotatable. Similarly, the transfer portion 75c is pivotally supported by the support portion 75d,
It is rotatable in the directions of 13R and 115L.

The transport section 75b is a conveyor that rotates in the direction of the arrow 105, and is driven by a motor.
Here, FIG. 28 shows an XX cross section of the transport unit 75b, and shows the transport unit 75b in detail. The transport section 75b has a belt 76, a roller 78, and a motor 79. The motor 79 rotates in the direction of arrow 84, and the belt 76
Is rotated in the direction of arrow 85. The tension of the belt 76 is adjusted by two rollers 78.

As described above, the guide 31 constituting the conveyor 23 has the reflector 33 or the partition plate 3.
4 are installed alternately. Here, it is assumed that the conveyor 23 is moving in the direction of arrow 101 at the front of FIG. 27 and is moving in the direction of arrow 103 at the back.

Next, a method of using the shortcut device 75 will be described. Power on the shortcut device 75,
The turning off is performed by a programmable controller described later. First, the user opens the take-out unit 75a and the transfer unit 75c in the direction of the arrow 115. This opening angle is fixed at a constant value. When the power is turned on, the transport unit 75b starts rotating in the direction of the arrow 105 (FIG. 27 shows the power-on state).

[0117] The plate is indicated by an arrow 101 in front of the conveyor 23.
It moves in the direction. Then, it comes into contact with the take-out portion 75a, and changes the direction of movement in the direction of arrow 105. As a result, the plate is replaced by the transport unit 75b and is forcibly moved in the direction of the arrow 105. Then, the plate contacts the transfer portion 75c and changes the direction of movement in the direction of arrow 103. As a result, the plate moves from the near side of the conveyor 23 to the far side. That is, the shortcut device 75
Means that the transport distance is substantially reduced.

Therefore, it is possible to shorten the transport distance of the endless track transport path according to the situation of the customer, and to increase the use efficiency of the endless track transport path.

When the power is turned off, the transport section 75b stops rotating. Then, the take-out section 75a and the transfer section 75c are closed in the direction of arrow 115.

The first guide portion 75e and the second guide portion f are provided to facilitate changing the direction of the plate movement to a desired direction when the plate is transferred from the take-out portion 75a to the transport portion 75b. It plays a supplementary role.

4. Hardware Configuration The hardware configuration of the food and drink retention degree determination device will be described with reference to FIG. The food and drink retention degree determination device includes a shortcut device 75.

When the shortcut device 75 is not used, the relationship between the programmable controller 63 and each hardware component is the same as in the first embodiment. The installation of the partition plate prevents the plates from interfering with each other even at the curved portion of the endless track transport path. Therefore, the dish does not shift from the reflector, and the degree of stay can be measured reliably.

However, when the shortcut device 75 is used, the degree of stay of food and drink may not be measured in some cases.
That is, when the shortcut device 75 is used, the dish cannot always be placed on the individual placement area where the reflector exists. After passing through the shortcut device 75, the plate that was present in the individual placing area may be removed from the individual placing region after passing through the shortcut device 75 and may be lifted up on the partition plate. In order to sufficiently cope with such a situation, as shown in FIG. 23, the left and right sides of the partition plate are tapered or the height is adjusted so as not to damage food and drink on the plate. I have.

The appearance and main functions of the system display 61 are the same as in the first embodiment. However, the power on / off of the shortcut device can be set as shown in FIG. In this case, the ON setting is performed by the plus switch 96 and the OFF setting is performed by the minus switch 97.

[0125] 5. Flowchart The processing of the programmable controller 63 is also the first.
This is the same as the embodiment. However, in the present embodiment, the partition plates and the reflectors are alternately provided on the guide body. Therefore, every other signal of the reflector appears with respect to the clock signal of the synchronous sensor.
Therefore, in the flowchart of the first embodiment, when the signal from the synchronous sensor is considered as a problem, it is assumed that a signal from the reflector is originally obtained. In addition, the signal of the synchronous sensor when the signal is originally obtained from the reflector is extracted by software.

In this way, in the food and drink providing apparatus 21 using the endless track transport path, it is possible to reliably determine the food and drink after a predetermined time has elapsed with a simple configuration. In addition, when the shortcut device is used, even if the plate is lifted on the partition plate, a shape is adopted for the partition plate so that the food or drink on the plate does not fall down. Therefore, food and drink are not damaged, so that economic efficiency can be improved.

In the present invention, when the degree of stay of the dishes placed on the respective reflectors exceeds a predetermined time, this is notified. Therefore, it is possible to reliably provide sushi that matches the taste of the customer at that time. Thereby, the endless track transport path in the food and beverage providing apparatus 21 can be used effectively.

[Third Embodiment] In the second embodiment, when the shortcut device is used, when the plate that has passed through the shortcut device is placed again on the endless track transport path, it is lifted on the partition plate. It may not be possible to cover the reflector. Therefore, it is not always possible to accurately measure the degree of residence. Therefore, in the third embodiment, even when the shortcut device is used, the dish is placed on the individual placement area without being lifted on the partition plate, so that the reflector can be surely covered. This makes it possible to always accurately measure the degree of residence. Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1. Description of Functional Block Diagram FIG. 31 is a functional block diagram according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment is almost the same as the second embodiment, but the food and drink retention degree determination device 13 includes the association unit 2. The associating means 2 includes:
When the food and drink placing member is moved from the first individual placing area to the second individual placing area, the correspondence is notified to the food and drink presence determining means.

[0130] 2. 2. Food and drink providing device 3. Overall configuration of food and drink retention degree determination device 4. Hardware configuration; The flowchart is based on the second embodiment. However, there is a slight difference between the shortcut device of the food and drink retention degree determination device, and the difference will be described below.

In the second embodiment, the fixed position of the shortcut device 75 is arbitrary, but when it is attached, the change of the position becomes very complicated. In the present embodiment, the transport unit 75b, the support unit 75d, the first guide unit 75e, and the second guide unit 75f of the shortcut device 75
However, they are configured to be able to independently move along the endless track transport path. Regarding this configuration, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32 shows a part accommodated in the endless track conveyance path 21 of the shortcut device 75, and the upper part is omitted.

The transport section 75b includes a convex guide rail 77b.
Is provided. Further, a concave guide rail 78b is provided in the endless track transport path 21. The convex guide rail 77b and the concave guide rail 78b are formed so as to engage with each other. Further, a lock screw 79b for fixing the convex guide rail 77b and the concave guide rail 78b is provided. By loosening the lock screw 79b of the position adjusting section 76, the transport section 75b of the shortcut device 75 can be moved in the directions of arrows 107 and 109. The position adjusting portion 73 is formed by the convex guide rail 77b, the concave guide rail 78b, and the lock screw 79b.

The support 75d is provided with a convex guide rail 77d. The endless track transport path 21 is provided with a concave guide rail 78d. The convex guide rail 77d and the concave guide rail 78d are formed so as to engage with each other. Further, a lock screw 79d for fixing the convex guide rail 77d and the concave guide rail 78d is provided. By loosening the lock screw 79d, the support portion 75d of the shortcut device 75 can be moved in the directions of arrows 107 and 109.
The convex guide rail 77d and the concave guide rail 78
A position adjusting section 76 is formed by the lock screw 79d and the lock screw 79d.

The first guide portion 75e of the shortcut device 75 is provided with a moving groove 74e.
A lock screw 79e is provided so as to penetrate the groove, and the first guide portion 75e is fixed by tightening the lock screw 79e. Lock screw 79
By loosening e, the first guide portion 75e can move to the arrows 107 and 109 within the range of the guide groove 76e.

Similarly, a movement groove 74f is provided in the second guide portion 75f. A lock screw 79f is provided so as to penetrate this groove.
By fastening f, the second guide portion 75f is fixed. By loosening the lock screw 79f, the second guide portion 75f can move to the arrows 107 and 109 within the range of the guide groove 76f.

With the above configuration, the time required for the plate to pass through the shortcut device 75 and the time until the individual placement area at the place where the plate having passed the shortcut device 75 is again placed on the endless track transport path have just reached. The position of the shortcut device 75 can be adjusted so that the times are equal. In other words, the dishes placed in the individual placing area before passing through the shortcut device 75 can be placed in the individual placing area even after passing through the shortcut device 75. Thereby, even if the shortcut device 75 is used, it is possible to reliably measure the degree of retention of food and drink. In addition,
In the present embodiment, the transport unit 75 of the shortcut device
b, since the position of the support portion 75d, the first guide portion 75e, and the second guide portion 75f can be individually adjusted, finer fine adjustment can be performed so that the plate can be placed in a predetermined individual placing area. Can be.

Next, the correspondence between the position of the reflector and the data register when the shortcut device 75 is used will be described with reference to FIG. Reflector number # 1
The plate 43 is placed in the individual placing area 4. The conveyor 23 is moving in the direction of the arrow 119. The plate 43 contacts the take-out unit 75a of the shortcut device 75 (FIG. 33A) and moves to the transport unit 75b. After being forcibly moved by the transport unit 75b (FIG. 33B), it comes into contact with the transfer unit 75c and is placed again in the individual placing area of the reflector number # 2 of the conveyor 23 (FIG. 33C). At this time, the position of the shortcut device 75 is adjusted so as to surely move the plate 43 from a certain individual placing area to a certain individual placing area.

As described above, in the case of FIG. 33, the contents of the register may be moved from the reflector numbers # 14 to # 2 and from # 15 to # 3. The amount of this movement may be determined by determining the place where the shortcut device 75 is to be installed, and then counting the number of individual placement areas that are skipped (in FIG. 33, 12).

The timing for moving the contents of the register is determined by the number of clocks from the position of the dish detection sensor (either the internal dish detection sensor or the external dish detection sensor) in front of the shortcut device to the position where the shortcut device is installed. Just check if there is. Specifically, it is the number of guide bodies.

The contents of the register are moved by the programmable controller 63. When the shortcut device 75 is turned on, the amount of movement of the register and the timing of moving the contents of the register may be set. That is, the programmable controller 63 also has a function as an association unit.

As described above, even when the shortcut device is used, the degree of retention of food and drink can be measured almost certainly and easily. In addition, when the shortcut device is used, an unexpected failure may occur such that the condition of the transfer unit 75b deteriorates and the speed at which the plate is transferred is changed, so that the plate cannot be placed in the individual placement area. However, the sushi on the plate does not fall over due to the shape of the partition plate, so that the economic efficiency can be improved.

However, as described above, the shortcut device 7
Even if 5 and the programmable controller 63 are set, the dish may not be at the position of the expected reflector number. In this case, while the plate is passing through the conveyance unit 75b and the slight deviation of the adjustment of each unit of the shortcut device 75,
This is caused by the customer taking the dish.

To solve such a case, FIG.
A sensor 120 and a sensor 121 are provided at predetermined positions of A. The sensor 120 is for detecting whether or not the plate has entered the transport section 75b. Further, the sensor 121 is for detecting whether or not the plate has exited the transport section 75b. The sensors 120 and 121 are connected to the programmable controller 63 and transmit a dish detection signal. The programmable controller 63 performs a predetermined process on this signal.

First, when the plate passes through the shortcut device 75 and is replaced at the position of the expected reflector number (hereinafter, a normal case), the plate is detected by the sensor 120 and then by the sensor 121. The transit time until detection is measured, and the measured time is stored in the programmable controller 63.

As a case where the above problem occurs, a case where the plate does not ride on the position of the expected reflector number is considered. In this case, it is conceivable that the plate rides on the position of the immediately preceding reflector number or on the position of the immediately following reflector number.

[0146] When the plate gets on the position of the previous reflector number, the passage time from the sensor 120 to the sensor 121 becomes shorter than in the normal case. Further, when the plate gets on the position of the next reflector number, the above-mentioned passing time becomes longer than usual. In any case, the length is different from the passing time in the normal case.

Therefore, the moving amount of the register contents is changed by comparing the passing time in the normal case with the passing time between the sensor 120 and the sensor 121 of the dish at that time. If it is earlier than the normal transit time, the moving amount of the register contents is reduced by one, and if it is longer than the normal transit time, the moving amount of the register contents is increased by one.

Next, consider a case where a customer takes a plate passing through the transport device 75b. In this case, the dish is the sensor 12
The value is detected at 0, but not detected by the sensor 121. Therefore, when the detection signals from the sensors 120 and 121 are set as one set and no corresponding detection signal is detected, the other detection signal is ignored. Along with this, the contents of the register corresponding to the reflector number on which the plate was placed before entering the transport section 75b are erased.

As described above, the sensors 120 and 121 are newly added.
Is provided at a predetermined position, and a predetermined process is performed on the movement amount of the register content from the signals detected by both sensors, so that the degree of food and drink staying can be reliably and easily obtained even when using the shortcut device. Can be measured.

[Other Embodiments] In each of the above-described embodiments, a buzzer is sounded when a predetermined residence time is exceeded, and a warning lamp is used to notify the worker. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other notification means may be used.

Further, an extruding cylinder using a solenoid or the like may be provided in place of the notifying means, and a dish exceeding the staying degree may be automatically excluded from the outside.

In the above embodiments, various sensors are arranged in the positional relationship shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the type detection sensor 56 may be provided after the outer peripheral portion detection sensor 51.

Further, it is possible to reliably determine which reflector 33 the dish is placed on using the synchronous clock. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be determined whether or not the plate is placed by another method.

In the above embodiments, two types of sushi and food and drink other than sushi are detected. However, by providing several types of type detection sensors 56, more detailed detection can be performed.

Further, the reflectors 33 are provided on the conveyor at predetermined intervals, and the light reflected from the reflectors 33 is detected by a sensor. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any type may be used as long as it can detect whether or not a dish is present in the individual mounting area on the belt conveyor. Thus, it may be possible to distinguish between the case with food and the case without food.

In the above embodiments, the reflector 3
3, the presence or absence of the dish is detected. Therefore, it is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of the dish with a simpler mechanism. In addition, the type detection sensor 56 detects reflected light from the belt-shaped reflector 95, but when a dish of a predetermined height passes through using a transmission type sensor, the type of the dish is changed. The dish other than sushi may be determined.

[0157] In the above embodiments, the case of sushi and other foods and drinks has been described as an example. However, other foods and drinks can be similarly applied.

In the present embodiment, time is used to represent the degree of stay. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the number of turns may be used as the degree of stay.

In the above embodiments, the positions of the collar 35 and the reflector 33 are matched, but they may be shifted by a predetermined amount.

Although a non-contact type optical sensor is used as a synchronous sensor, a contact type mechanical type sensor may be used. In addition, another non-contact type sensor (for example, a magnetic sensor or the like) may be used. May be used.

In each of the above embodiments, the functions shown in FIGS. 1 and 19 are realized by using a CPU and by software. However, some or all of them may be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

The structure of the transport section 75b of the shortcut device 75 according to the second and third embodiments is as follows.
It is not limited to the illustrated one as long as the tray taken out from the take-out section 75a is transported to the transfer section 75c without fail. Further, in conjunction with turning on / off of the shortcut device 75, the take-out unit 75a and the transfer unit 75c
However, it may be opened and closed automatically.

The take-out unit 75a and the transfer unit 75 of the shortcut device in the second and third embodiments
The shape of c is not limited to the illustrated one as long as the plate can be taken out from the endless track transport path and the plate can be replaced on the endless track transport path again.

For example, the height of the take-out portion 75a and the transfer portion 75c may be about the same height as the plate.

The position adjusting section 76 in the third embodiment
Is a shortcut device 7 for the endless track conveyance path 21.
It is not limited to the illustrated one as long as the position of 5 is changed.

In the third embodiment, the transport section 75b,
Although the support portion 75d, the first guide portion 75e, and the second guide portion 75f are each movable, fine adjustment can be given to each portion so that the plate can be placed in a predetermined individual placing area. If it is a thing, it is not limited to what was illustrated.

That is, the transfer distance reducing means 75 is
5b, a support portion 75d, a first guide portion 75e, and a second
When only the supporting portion 75d is movable, the first guiding portion 75e and the second guiding portion 75
f may be movable, and the transport unit 75b and the support unit 75d may be movable.

Further, in the third embodiment, the first guide 75e and the second guide 75f may not be provided. Further, in this case, only the support 75d may be movable, and the transport unit 75b and the support 75d may be movable.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a first embodiment of a food staying degree determining device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a food and beverage providing apparatus 21.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a guide body 31 constituting the conveyor 23.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line WW in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining mounting positions of various sensors.

FIG. 6 is a side view of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and a type detection sensor 5;
6 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the synchronization sensor 58. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of signals detected by a synchronization sensor 58 and an outer peripheral dish detection sensor 51 (dish detection sensor).

FIG. 9 shows an outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and a type detection sensor 5;
6 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the synchronization sensor 58. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detection signal of a type detection sensor 56.

FIG. 11 is a view showing another embodiment of food and drink other than sushi.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the food and drink retention degree determination device 1;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing correspondence between registers of the programmable controller 63 and data contents.

14 is an external view of a system display 61. FIG.

15 shows a display example displayed on the liquid crystal display surface 92. FIG.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing of the programmable controller 63;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing of the programmable controller 63;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a type determination process in the type detection sensor 56.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the food staying degree determination device according to the present invention.
It is a functional block diagram showing the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a configuration of a food and drink providing apparatus 21 according to the second embodiment and the third embodiment.

21 is a plan view of a guide body 31 and a partition plate 34 that constitute the conveyor 23. FIG.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along line WW in FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is a three-side view showing the shape of the partition plate.

FIG. 24 shows an outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51 and a type detection sensor 5
6 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship of the synchronization sensor 58. FIG.

FIG. 25 shows a synchronous sensor 58 and an outer peripheral plate detection sensor 51;
It is a figure showing an example of a signal which a (plate detection sensor) detects.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view schematically showing an adjusting device 71.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a shortcut device 75.

FIG. 28 is an XX cross section in FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a second example of the food and drink retention degree determination device according to the present invention.
It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions in the embodiment and the third embodiment.

30 shows a display example displayed on a liquid crystal display surface 92. FIG.

FIG. 31 is a third example of the food and drink retention degree determination apparatus according to the present invention.
It is a functional block diagram showing the embodiment.

32 is a perspective view showing a position adjusting unit of the shortcut device 75. FIG.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing correspondence between registers and data contents when using the shortcut device 75;

[Explanation of symbols]

 21: Food and Beverage Providing Device 31: Guide Body 33: Reflector 34: Partition Plate 35: Collar 51: Outer Part Dish Detection Sensor 52: Inner Part Dish Detection Sensor 56 ... Type detection sensor 58 ... Synchronization sensor 65 ... Warning lamp 67 ... Buzzer 71 ... Adjustment device 75 ... Shortcut device 95 ... Strip reflector L1 ... Area length

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Nagami 1-7-131 Nishinomiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Izumi Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Kaoru Umeda 1-7-131 Nishimiyahara, Yodogawa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Izumi Electric Co., Ltd. (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) A47G 23/08

Claims (12)

(57) [Claims] An apparatus for determining the degree of food and drink retention used in a food and beverage providing apparatus for providing food and beverages to a customer using a tracked transportation path, wherein the individual loading section divided into a plurality of areas in the tracked transportation path. For each placement area, calculate the number of each individual placement area
And food and drink on which the individual placement area is to be placed
Food / drink presence determining means for determining whether or not the mounting member is present
Step , the number of each individual placement area calculated by the food and beverage presence determination means
No. and food and drinks on which food and drink are placed on the individual placing area
A food-dwelling degree, comprising: a food-dwelling degree determining unit configured to determine the degree of staying of a certain food and drink on the endless-track conveyance path based on the determination of whether or not the placing member is present. Judgment device. 2. The food and beverages are provided to the customer using the endless track transport path.
Food and drink retention level determination device used in the food and beverage provision device to be served
A reflector is provided at predetermined intervals on the endless track transport path,
Detecting reflection from this reflector every predetermined time
Food and drink placing section for placing food and drink on the reflector
Food and beverage presence determination means to determine whether or not the material is present, by the food and beverage presence determination means, on a certain reflector
If it is determined that the food and drink placing member is present,
The predetermined degree is set to the degree of stay of the food and drink placing member on the reflector.
Degree of stay judgment to determine the degree of stay by adding time
Food residence determination apparatus characterized by comprising a constant means. 3. A food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 1.
The food and drink present in the individual mounting area,
The degree of residence measured by the degree of residence judgment exceeds the allowable degree of residence.
And a notifying means for notifying the user of the presence of the food or drink. 4. A food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 2.
The food or beverage present on the reflector,
The degree of residence measured by the degree of residence judgment exceeds the allowable degree of residence.
And a notifying means for notifying the user of the presence of the food or drink. 5. The food or drink according to claim 3 or 4.
In the food staying degree determining device, a type determining means for determining the type of the food and drink is provided, and the notifying means is configured to permit the type according to the type of the food and drink
An apparatus for determining a food retention degree, wherein the retention degree is stored . 6. A food and drink product is provided to a customer using a crawler path.
Food and drink retention level determination device used in the food and beverage provision device to be served
There is a plurality of individual
The number of each placement area limiting member that forms the placement area, the number of each individual placement area,
Is there a food and drink placement member that places food and drink on the placement area?
Food presence determination means for determining whether or not each of the individual placement areas calculated by the food presence determination means
No. and food and drinks on which food and drink are placed on the individual placing area
A food or drink based on the determination of
Determines the degree of stay in the endless track transport path
Food residence determination apparatus characterized by comprising the staying determining unit. 7. A food and drink product is provided to a customer using an endless track transport path.
Food and drink retention level determination device used in the food and beverage provision device to be served
There is a plurality of individual
A mounting area limiting member for forming a mounting area; a reflector provided in the individual mounting area;
By detecting reflections from the
There is a food and drink placing member for placing food and drink on the separate placing area
Food existence determination means for determining Luke, by the food existence determining section is separate placement area on
If it is determined that the food and drink placing member exists in
Is higher than the degree of stay of the food and drink placing member on the individual placing area.
The stagnation degree is determined by adding the predetermined time.
Food retention degree characterized by comprising retention degree determination means
Judgment device. 8. The food and drink according to claim 6 or 7
In the object retention degree determination device, the transport distance of the endless track transport path is determined by the area of the individual mounting area.
A food staying degree determination device , comprising: conveyance path adjusting means for adjusting the food path so as to be an integral multiple of the area length . 9. The food or drink according to any one of claims 6 to 8
In the apparatus for determining the degree of staying of objects, A) conveying distance reducing means having the following a1) to a3).
Transporting the food and beverage placing member in the endless track transport path
A conveying distance shortening means for substantially shortening the distance, a1) a food and drink placing member conveyed on the endless track conveying path
And at the first position, the food and drink placing member
A take-out unit that takes out the outside of the track-limited conveyance path;
To the vicinity of the second position of the endless track transport path away from
Conveying unit, a3) abuts the food placing member during conveyance of the conveying unit,
At the second position, the food and drink placing member is transported to the endless track again.
A transfer section to be placed on a transport route; B) the placing area limiting member, wherein the food and drink placing member is located at the front;
Transfer on the endless track transport path by the transfer unit
When at least a part of the food and drink placing member is
The food and drink, even when climbed on the described placement area limited member
The food and drink placed on the placing member is placed on the food and drink placing member.
A food and drink retention degree determination device configured to be able to hold the placed state . 10. The food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 9.
Te, A) had the following a1) to a3) conveying distance reduction means having
Transporting the food and beverage placing member in the endless track transport path
Conveying distance shortening means for substantially shortening the distance, a1) a food and drink placing member conveyed on the endless track conveying path;
And at the first position, the food and drink placing member
A take-out unit that takes out the outside of the track-limited conveyance path;
To the vicinity of the second position of the endless track transport path away from
Conveying unit, a3) abuts the food placing member during conveyance of the conveying unit,
At the second position, the food and drink placing member is transported to the endless track again.
Resynchronizer unit to put the road feeding, B) in the endless track conveyor path, food mounting member is,
Moving from the first individual placement area to the second individual placement area
The food and drink presence determination means
A food and drink retention degree determination device, comprising:
By moving the food and drink placing member along the road,
Transfer from the first individual placement area to the desired second individual placement area
A food and drink retention degree determination device, characterized in that it is configured to be able to be moved . 11. The method according to claim 6, wherein:
In the food and drink retention degree determination device, for a certain food existing in the individual placement area,
The degree of residence measured by the degree of residence judgment exceeds the allowable degree of residence.
And a notifying means for notifying the user of the presence of the food or drink. 12. A food and drink retention degree judging device according to claim 11,
And a type judging means for judging the kind of the food and drink, wherein the notifying means comprises a type-specific allowance according to the kind of the food and drink.
An apparatus for determining a food retention degree, wherein the retention degree is stored .