JP4360775B2 - Course change mechanism in the circulation transport path for food and drink supply - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
The present invention relates to a course changing mechanism for a food table that moves on a conveyance path in a circulation conveyance path that conveys food and drink, in particular, sushi and the like and supplies the food and drink to customers.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, an endless circulating transport path for food and drink is provided along a counter and other dining table, and a container such as a plate with food and drink, such as sushi, is placed on this circulating transport path. Since the transporting and eating counter that feeds and feeds can be eaten or cooked without the need for food or drinkers or chefs to move, and the food and drinks can be eaten and drink while choosing their desired products while in the seat. Widely used.
[0003]
In recent years, stores and the like tend to be enlarged to accommodate more food and drinks, and the supply efficiency of food and drinks to food and drinks in a predetermined position is reduced particularly in a time zone with few food and drinks. For this reason, a bypass path for connecting the conveyance path is provided in the circulation conveyance path, and the path length of the circulation conveyance path is changed.
[0004]
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a route changing mechanism in a conventional food and beverage supply circulation conveyance path capable of changing the path length of the circulation conveyance path. In FIG. 6, the course changing mechanism 01 transports a table on which food and drink such as sushi are placed in the direction indicated by the arrow X on the circulation transport path 02a shown on the right side, and the circulation transport shown on the left side. The endless transport path that is transported on the path 02b in the direction indicated by the arrow Y and returns to the circulating transport path 02a is shortened through the bypass path 03, or the path length of the circulating transport path is shortened, or Return to the original long endless conveyance path.
[0005]
This course changing mechanism 01 includes a position (bypass position I) that obliquely crosses the circulation conveyance paths 02a and 02b arranged in a C shape, and a closed position (passage position II) parallel to the circulation conveyance paths 02a and 02b. It is composed of a pair of guide members 05a and 05b that swing about the support shafts 04a and 04b, and a power-operated transport roller R that is bridged to the bypass path 03.
[0006]
In a situation where a large number of customers are always in the store, such as during busy periods, the pair of guide members 05a and 05b are set to the passing position (II), and the entire circulation conveyance path is driven. On the other hand, when the number of food and drinks entering the store is reduced, if the table on which food and drink are placed is transported to the entire circulation conveyance path, the food and drink in a state where food is not eaten moves through the long circulation conveyance path as it is. The pair of guide members 05a and 05b are used as the bypass position (I) to shorten the circulation conveyance path.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, such a course changing mechanism supplies power to the motor to drive the conveying roller R of the bypass path 3 when the pair of guide members 05a and 05b is switched from the passing position (II) to the bypass position (I). In contrast, when the guide members 05a and 05b are switched from the bypass position (I) to the passing position (II), the pair of guide members 05a and 05b is simply returned to the passing position (II), and the conveyance roller motor Often forgotten to turn off the power and leave it wasted, wasting energy.
[0008]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such problems. When the bypass path is used, the power of the transport body arranged on the bypass path is driven, and when the bypass path is not used, the power of the transport body is always cut off. It is an object to provide a course changing mechanism in a circulating supply path for supplying food and drink that can reduce costs.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the route changing mechanism in the food and beverage supply circulation conveyance path according to the present invention has a circulation conveyance path and a bypass path connecting between the circulation conveyance paths to supply food and drink to the food and drink. The route change mechanism in the food and beverage supply circulation conveyance path that can change the route of the food / drink mounting table to the circulation conveyance path via the circulation conveyance path or the bypass path, It comprises a movable guide member that changes the path of the pedestal and a power-driven carrier disposed in the bypass path, and the guide member is provided in a pair at the inlet and outlet of the bypass path, It is movable between a passing position that passes through the circulation conveyance path and a bypass position that prevents the mounting table from passing and guides it to the bypass path, and both the pair of guide members are in the bypass position. By detecting at the detector, the carrier is characterized in that it is power driven.
According to this feature, only when the route is changed to the bypass path by the guide member, the conveyance body arranged on the bypass path is driven by power, so when the bypass path is switched to the steady conveyance path, the bypass path is changed. The carrier arranged in (1) is not driven by power, and driving power can be saved. In addition, the course can be changed reliably at the inlet and the outlet of the bypass path, and the carrier disposed in the bypass path is not driven unless the pair of guide members are aligned with the regular bypass position, so that a safe path change can be realized.
[0013]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a circulation transport path for supplying food and drink in one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a course changing mechanism of the present invention in the vicinity of a bypass path, and FIG. 3A is AA in FIG. Sectional view, (b) is a partially enlarged exploded view of (a), FIG. 4 (a) shows the switch state when the pair of guide members are in the bypass position, and (b) is a normal travel of the pair of guide members. It is the schematic plan view which showed the switch state when it exists in a position.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1, the food and beverage supply circulation conveyance path 1 (hereinafter referred to as a circulation conveyance path) according to the present embodiment is formed in an endless shape so as to largely protrude from the kitchen to both sides of the store, and is entirely U-shaped. A dining table 2 and a chair 3 are arranged along the endless circulation conveyance path 1 around the circulation conveyance path 1 arranged in the store from the kitchen, and is a food and drink in the kitchen. Various types of sushi are placed on a placing table 4 that is a sushi plate, and are conveyed and supplied to food and beverage customers through a circulation conveyance path 1.
[0015]
In the vicinity of the circulation conveyance path 1a arranged in the kitchen of the circulation conveyance path 1, a circulation conveyance path 1b on the downstream eating and drinking side, which is a part of the circulation conveyance path 1, is arranged in parallel and opposite to each other. Has been transported to. These circulation transport paths 1a and 1b are connected so that their longitudinal centers are perpendicular to each other by a bypass path 5 (indicated by arrows P and Q in FIG. 2), and both circulation transport paths connected by the bypass path 5. A course changing mechanism 7 is provided at the branch portions 6a and 6b of 1a and 1b.
[0016]
As shown in FIG. 2, the route changing mechanism 7 includes a pair of guide members 8 a and 8 b that slidably guide so that the food table 4 (shown by phantom lines) can move on the bypass 5. It has a power-driven roller R that communicates the branch portions 6a and 6b of both the circulating conveyance paths 1a and 1b.
[0017]
The pair of guide members 8a and 8b can swing and move in the horizontal direction in a range between a closed position (normal traveling position) parallel to the circulation conveyance paths 1a and 1b and a C-shaped position (bypass position) shown in the figure. The end portions of the guide shafts 8a and 8b on the support shaft side are configured as detection end portions 8a 'and 8b' of a limit switch 10 to be described later.
[0018]
As shown in FIG. 3A, the driving mechanism for the roller R is supported across the bases B of both circulation conveyance paths 1a and 1b and is provided in a holding frame 12 having a U-shaped cross section. A plurality of rollers R are rotatably supported on the upper surfaces of inner frames F1 and F2 provided in the holding frame 12, and the plurality of rollers R are rolled through a gear group G driven by a motor M. It is configured.
[0019]
The guide members 8a and 8b pivotally attached to the support shaft 9 are held by a course changing unit frame 13, and the course changing unit frame 13 is mounted on a base via two holding shafts 14 inserted through the horizontal ribs 13a. Attached to B.
[0020]
As shown in FIG. 3B, the limit switch 10 is attached to the upper corner of the gear case 15 covering the gear group G, the contact roller 11b at the tip protrudes from the gear case 14, and the guide member 8b is in the bypass position. It faces the detection end 8b 'when operated. Further, the limit switch 10 is provided with a contact roller 11a (see FIG. 4) for the other guide member 8a along with the contact roller 11b.
[0021]
FIG. 4A shows a switch state when the pair of guide members 8a and 8b are in the bypass position. The contact rollers 11a and 11b of the limit switch 10 are detected end portions 8a ′ and 8b of the guide members 8a and 8b. Driven by 'the switch is on. When the limit switch 10 senses that both guide members 8a and 8b are in the bypass position, the signal is transmitted to the controller 17 of the motor M via the signal line 16, as shown in FIG. Then, the motor M is started.
[0022]
The switch may be a system in which the motor M is driven if one of the contact rollers 11a or 11b is turned on. However, as in the present embodiment, the motor M is activated by turning on both of the contact rollers 11a and 11b. Since the roller R is not driven even if one of the guide members is accidentally operated, the safety as the conveying device can be secured.
[0023]
FIG. 4B shows a switch state when the pair of guide members 8a and 8b are in the normal travel position. The contact rollers 11a and 11b of the limit switch 10 are the detection end portions 8a ′ of the guide members 8a and 8b, 8b 'and the switch is off. Therefore, when the pair of guide members 8a and 8b is switched from the bypass position where the roller R is driven to the normal traveling position, the driving of the roller R is surely stopped.
[0024]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described on the premise of a pair of guide members. However, the pair of guide members is not necessarily required, and a normal conveyance path is changed to another path with one guide member. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a course changing device.
[0025]
Next, operation | movement of the course change mechanism in the circulation conveyance path for food and drink supply of this embodiment is demonstrated.
[0026]
That is, in a situation where a large number of restaurants are always in the store, such as during busy periods, the pair of guide members 8a and 8b are in the normal travel position shown in FIG. The mounting table 4 is transported to the entire circulation transport path 1, and the roller R stops driving because the limit switch 10 is in an OFF state.
[0027]
On the other hand, when the number of restaurants entering the store is reduced, the circulation transfer path 1 is shortened by the route changing mechanism 7. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, before and after the bypass path 5 connecting the circulating transport path 1a disposed in the kitchen and the circulating transport path 1b disposed in parallel to the customer side. The pair of guide members 8a and 8b arranged in the respective branch portions 6a and 6b are rotated and positioned at a bypass position obliquely crossing each circulation conveyance path 1a and 1b.
[0028]
At this time, since the pair of guide members 8a and 8b are in the bypass position shown in FIG. 4A, the limit switch 10 is in the ON state and the roller R is activated by the motor M. Therefore, in FIG. 2, when the mounting table is successively conveyed in the direction of the arrow X along the circulation conveyance path 1a, it is moved in the direction of the arrow P by contact with the guide member 8a on the inlet side of the bypass path 5. After the direction is changed and introduced into the bypass path 5 and transported by the roller R, the guide member 8b on the outlet side of the bypass path 5 is put into the other circulating transport path 1b from the direction of the arrow Q, and finally the arrow It is conveyed in the Y direction.
[0029]
Here, even when the mounting table 4 conveyed on the bypass path 5 meanders in the horizontal direction during the conveyance, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame of the guide frame 18 facing the course changing unit frame 13. It is guided by the arc-shaped guide part 18a formed in the above, and is prevented from falling off the bypass path 5.
[0030]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a course changing mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention, and another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 20 denotes a course changing mechanism, which includes a pair of detachable course changing plates 21a and 21b, and a transfer section 22 including rubber rollers 22a and 22b.
[0031]
Since each circulation conveyance path 23a, 23b can be independently operated by an independent driving device, the route change plates 21a, 21b are removed during the busy period, and each circulation conveyance path 23a, 23b is independently operated. Thus, it is possible to efficiently supply sushi and the like to restaurants. At this time, the rubber rollers 22a and 22b are not driven.
[0032]
During busy periods, the route changing plates 21a and 21b are inserted, and the circulation conveyance paths 23a and 23b are connected and used. Although not shown, the limit switch is turned on in response to the turning-on of both the course changing plates 21a and 21b (cannot be turned on only by turning on one of the course changing plates). Thus, the rubber rollers 22a and 22b are driven.
[0033]
Therefore, the mounting table that has been circulated only by the circulation conveyance path 23a is conveyed to the rubber roller 22a while being guided by the route changing plates 21a and 21b, and is transferred to the adjacent circulation conveyance path 23b. And the mounting table which circulated through the circulation conveyance path 23b is conveyed by the transfer part 22 to the rubber roller 22b, returns to the circulation conveyance path 23a again, and can ask many food and drink customers.
[0034]
In a situation where the number of restaurants is low, when the route change plate on the circulation conveyance path side to be used, such as 21a, is removed, the limit switch is turned off and the driving of the rubber rollers 22a and 22b is stopped. Then, the operation of the circulation conveyance path 23b is stopped and only the circulation conveyance path 23a is circulated, so that driving power can be saved, or each circulation conveyance path 23a, 23b is alternately paused for cleaning. Maintenance can also be performed.
[0035]
As described above, in the previous embodiment, the bypass route is used when the number of eating and drinking customers entering the store decreases. However, the present embodiment is different in that the bypass route is used during busy periods. However, the use of the bypass route is common in that the roller that relays the bypass route is driven by the operation of the route changing mechanism.
[0036]
As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments. For example, a proximity switch may be used instead of the limit switch. For example, a conveyance belt may be used instead of the roller.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention has the following effects.
[0038]
(A) According to the invention of claim 1, since the transport body arranged in the bypass path is driven by power only when the course is changed to the bypass path by the guide member, the bypass path is switched to the steady transport path. In this case, the conveyance body arranged in the bypass path is not driven by power, and driving power can be saved. In addition, the course can be changed reliably at the inlet and the outlet of the bypass path, and the carrier disposed in the bypass path is not driven unless the pair of guide members are aligned with the regular bypass position, so that a safe path change can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a circulation conveyance path for supplying food and drink according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the course changing mechanism of the present invention in the vicinity of the bypass path.
3A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of FIG. 2, and FIG. 3B is a partially enlarged exploded view of FIG.
4A is a schematic plan view showing a switch state when a pair of guide members are in a bypass position, and FIG. 4B is a schematic plan view showing a switch state when the pair of guide members are in a normal travel position. .
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a course changing mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a course changing mechanism in a conventional food and beverage supply circulation conveyance path capable of changing the path length of the circulation conveyance path.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Circulation conveyance path (circulation conveyance path for food and beverage supply)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1a, 1b Kitchen and restaurant side circulation conveyance path 2 Eating and drinking stand 3 Chair 4 Mounting base 5 Bypass path 6a, 6b Branch part 7 Path change mechanism 8a, 8b Guide member 9 Support shaft 10 Limit switch 11a, 11b Contact roller 12 Holding Frame 13 Course change unit frame 13a Horizontal rib 14 Holding shaft 15 Gear case 16 Signal line 17 Controller 18 Guide frame 18a Guide part 20 Course change mechanisms 21a, 21b Course change plates 22 Transfer parts 22a, 22b Rubber rollers 23a, 23b Circulation conveyance path B Base F1, F2 Inner frame G Gear group M Motor R Roller

Claims (1)

In order to supply food and drink to the eating and drinking customers, it has a circulation conveyance path and a bypass path connecting between the circulation conveyance paths, and the course of the table for food and drink is changed to the circulation conveyance path via the circulation conveyance path or the bypass path It is a course change mechanism in the circulation conveyance path for food and drink supply that can be made,
The path changing mechanism includes a movable guide member that changes the path of the mounting table, and a power-driven carrier disposed in the bypass path, and the guide members are provided in pairs at the inlet and the outlet of the bypass path. The mounting table is movable between a passing position where the mounting table passes through the circulation conveyance path and a bypass position which prevents the mounting table from passing and guides it to the bypass path, and the pair of guide members The course changing mechanism in the circulating supply path for supplying food and drink , wherein the transport body is driven by power by detecting that both are in the bypass position .

Images