WO2023075620A1 - A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for preparing thereof and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products - Google Patents

A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for preparing thereof and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023075620A1
WO2023075620A1 PCT/PL2022/050070 PL2022050070W WO2023075620A1 WO 2023075620 A1 WO2023075620 A1 WO 2023075620A1 PL 2022050070 W PL2022050070 W PL 2022050070W WO 2023075620 A1 WO2023075620 A1 WO 2023075620A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bun
preparation
semi
products
industrial manipulator
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/PL2022/050070
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Grzegorz SZYSZKOWSKI
Łukasz DREWNOWSKI
Original Assignee
Veloxalpha Spółka Akcyjna
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Veloxalpha Spółka Akcyjna filed Critical Veloxalpha Spółka Akcyjna
Publication of WO2023075620A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023075620A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22C—PROCESSING MEAT, POULTRY, OR FISH
    • A22C11/00—Sausage making ; Apparatus for handling or conveying sausage products during manufacture
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23P—SHAPING OR WORKING OF FOODSTUFFS, NOT FULLY COVERED BY A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS
    • A23P20/00—Coating of foodstuffs; Coatings therefor; Making laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs
    • A23P20/20—Making of laminated, multi-layered, stuffed or hollow foodstuffs, e.g. by wrapping in preformed edible dough sheets or in edible food containers
    • A23P20/25—Filling or stuffing cored food pieces, e.g. combined with coring or making cavities
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/04—Roasting apparatus with movably-mounted food supports or with movable heating implements; Spits
    • A47J37/048—Sausage grills with rotating rollers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
    • B25J15/06—Gripping heads and other end effectors with vacuum or magnetic holding means
    • B25J15/0616—Gripping heads and other end effectors with vacuum or magnetic holding means with vacuum
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25J—MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
    • B25J15/00—Gripping heads and other end effectors
    • B25J15/08—Gripping heads and other end effectors having finger members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24C—DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES ; DETAILS OF DOMESTIC STOVES OR RANGES, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
    • F24C7/00—Stoves or ranges heated by electric energy
    • F24C7/08—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40—Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/401—Transaction verification
    • G06Q20/4015—Transaction verification using location information
    • G06Q20/40155—Transaction verification using location information for triggering transactions
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F11/00—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles
    • G07F11/02—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines
    • G07F11/04—Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other
    • G07F11/16—Delivery means
    • G07F11/165—Delivery means using xyz-picker or multi-dimensional article picking arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0064—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for processing of food articles
    • G07F17/0078—Food articles which need to be processed for dispensing in a hot or cooked condition, e.g. popcorn, nuts
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/001—Interfacing with vending machines using mobile or wearable devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L13/00—Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L13/60—Comminuted or emulsified meat products, e.g. sausages; Reformed meat from comminuted meat product
    • A23L13/65—Sausages

Definitions

  • the object of the invention is a device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for producing food products, especially hot dogs with the device, and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products for unattended and touchless sales.
  • a machine for producing hot dogs is known from the description of the utility model CN208541161 U, which comprises a hot dog rack and barrel assembly, a safety structure assembly, a hot dog barrel lifting assembly, heating tube assembly and rack-mounted electronics.
  • This structure is easy to install and operate; the hot dog barrels are symmetrical with respect to each other, that is, the length and size of each side of the left and right hot dog barrels are the same and can be used interchangeably; the hot dog holder is movable and installation and removal are convenient and convenient Separate cleaning; the back cover is movable and can be easily installed and fixed without screws. After removing the back cover, the machine cannot operate due to the safety design, the design is simple and easy to use.
  • a rotary wheel type hot dog machine is known from the description of the utility model CN204105783U, which consists of a chest and a heating element and a rotary wheel element, which are mounted in a box.
  • the rotary wheel element consists of a rotary wheel rack and a pendant rack, where the axis of the shaft of the rotary wheel rack is horizontal and the pendant rack is mounted on the rotary wheel rack and is driven by the rotary wheel rack to rotate about the axis of the rotary shaft.
  • the rotary wheel type hot dog machine has the advantage that the heating mechanism of the rotary wheel type hot dog machine can directly heat the hot dogs and is high in heat capacity, the heat retention of the hot dogs is achieved by the box, the grease seeping from the hot dogs placed in the pendant rack drips down, and the hot dogs can be prevented from being contaminated with grease oil.
  • a hot dog dispensing machine is known from the patent description US31 1751 1A.
  • a coinoperated hot dog dispenser having a cooler, a plurality of packaging units conveyed by said storage unit, each said packaging unit comprising a V-shaped bun, a separator at the open end of said V-shaped bun and on which the hot dog rests, a cooking station, dispensing means for conveying the packaging unit from said storage area to said cooking station, mutually movable electric heating pins for piercing the ends of the package for inserting and cooking the hot dog, triangular electromagnets for reciprocally moving said pins, an electric heating element attached to and positioned underneath the heating pin and coin-operated timing means for actuating said dispensing means, said solenoids and - for controlling electric current to said heating pins and heating element.
  • the aim of the invention is to automate the process of preparation and ordering of food products, especially hot dogs, which eliminates the human factor, speeds up the process of ordering, preparation and dispensing of the finished product.
  • the invention achieves this aim by using an industrial manipulator in the device as the main operational tool to carry out the order which is processed by an order placing system consisting of an order station in the form of a kiosk or by ordering via wifi from a mobile device via a dedicated application or by voice commands issued directly to the machine by the person placing the order.
  • the entire device is controlled via a management controller in the form of a main computer located in the device.
  • the industrial manipulator is controlled by a control unit receiving a signal from the management controller.
  • the industrial manipulator is equipped with a gripper with which it grips and transfers semi-finished products, assembles the hot dog and transfers it to dispensing devices.
  • the device has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales forecasting system based on dedicated algorithms.
  • the essence of the invention is a device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, comprising a refrigeration device for storing products, a thermal processing device and a sauce dispenser, characterised in that the device has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products and has an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit together with a manipulator arm control unit connected to a management controller in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone, a product assembly zone, a packaging zone and has at least one dispensing device.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit for handling semi-finished products has a pneumatic or mechanical drive.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit has a scanning device and a mechanical system for gripping buns and has a mechanical system or a vacuum system for gripping sausages and a vacuum system for gripping packages.
  • the product preparation zone has thermal processing devices and at least one sauce dispenser.
  • the thermal processing devices are constituted by a grill and/or a roller or an induction oven.
  • the sauce dispenser has a unit of modules with a nozzle with preferably two holes perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle being selected to form the shape of the hole in the bun after its thermal processing.
  • the product preparation zone has a transparent external safety cover.
  • the product assembly zone is equipped with a positioning prism for the bun and a support for supporting the meat product.
  • the packaging zone is equipped with a prism and a package storage area in the form of a papillote or tray.
  • the dispensing device has a base for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
  • the device has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is communicatively connected to the management controller.
  • the checking system continuously sends information on the remaining time to consumption for the semi-finished concerned, and the main controller controls the process in such a way as to optimise the use of semi-finished products and guarantee that out-of-date semi-finished products are not used in the process.
  • the information on shelf-life is entered manually by the operator during stocking operations in the refrigerated storage area for storing semi-finished products and in sauce dispensers.
  • the device has a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data.
  • the management controller in the form of a computer is connected to a remote management system.
  • the sales forecasting unit and the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products are connected to the management controller in the form of a computer.
  • the essence of the invention is a method for the preparation of hot dogs consisting in heating semi-finished products, assembling, pouring sauce and dispensing the finished product, characterised in that the management controller sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit which takes the semifinished products from the refrigerated storage area and deposits them in the preparation zone in the thermal processing devices with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature.
  • the management controller sends information to the industrial manipulator indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation.
  • the industrial manipulator takes the semi-finished product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices and transfers it to the assembly zone under the sauce dispenser.
  • the industrial manipulator first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, with the sauce being applied to the inside walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator withdraws the bun.
  • the bun with the sauce is then deposited on the positioning prism for the bun, after which the industrial manipulator takes the sausage, which is partly placed in the bun hole and partly on the prism supporting the sausage, and the industrial manipulator inserts the sausage into the bun.
  • the manipulator grips the finished hot dog and moves it to the packaging zone onto the packaging prism and takes the package which it places on the hot dog.
  • the industrial manipulator then grips the hot dog along with the package and transfers it to the dispensing device.
  • the industrial manipulator locates the hole in the bun using a scanning device, then the information on the exact position of the hole (the offset values of the X,Y coordinates for the centre of the hole in the bun) is used to position the sausage relative to the bun in the process of assembling them.
  • the essence of the invention is an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, characterised in that it has at least one external ordering station communicatively networked to the management controller in the form of the main computer of the food preparation device or in the form of a mobile device wirelessly connected to the management controller of the device.
  • the external order placing station is a kiosk, consisting of a touchscreen providing an order placing application.
  • the management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle.
  • the management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS).
  • the management controller is also connected to the system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products and the sales planning system.
  • the device according to the invention allows fully automatic preparation of a food product in the form of a hot dog, in a shortened time, while maintaining fully hygienic conditions and obtaining a reproducible final product and method of preparation thereof.
  • the use of the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit in the device according to the invention allows for the reproducibility of the process, its full automation and the reduction of the time for the preparation of the product in the form of a hot dog, also due to the fact that all the parameters concerning the hot dog, such as the type of sauce, the type of bun, are declared by the customer at the stage of placing an order and do not require communication with the seller.
  • the use of the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products reduces material losses and increases the quality of the finished product, thus eliminating the risk of food poisoning for customers.
  • the use of the hot dog assembling system standardises the quality and appearance of the hot dog dispensed.
  • the device, the preparation method and the automated food distribution and preparation system allow high standards of unattended and touchless service to be maintained while complying with sanitary requirements.
  • the device, the preparation method and the automated product distribution and preparation system allow the problem of applying the sauce to the inside walls of the hole to be solved, which eliminates clogging of the bun's hole and ensures that the sauce is present along the entire length of the bun, while also eliminating its outflow once the sausage has been placed.
  • This problem was eliminated by using a special nozzle with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis.
  • the industrial manipulator first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle and moves it to a pre-set depth.
  • a sauce application is then activated via the management controller and at the same time a robot withdraws the bun.
  • the synchronisation of the delivery of sauce through the lateral holes in the nozzle and of the movement of the bun has the effect of spreading the sauce over the walls of the hole in the bun.
  • the diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof. All these elements contribute to the high quality of the final product.
  • the device can realise the simultaneous assembly of one or more hot dogs at a time.
  • the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products is a database that stores information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products: bun, sausage, sauce.
  • the system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products communicates with the management controller in real time, sending information on the time left for consumption.
  • the information on shelf-life is entered manually by the operator during stocking operations in the refrigerated storage area for storing semifinished products and in sauce dispensers.
  • Fig. 1 shows the device axonometrically in front view
  • Fig. 2 shows the device axonometrically in front view
  • Fig. 3 shows a part of the device in the form of an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit axonometrically
  • Fig. 4 shows parts of the device in the form of an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit axonometrically
  • Fig. 5 shows the gripper unit of the industrial manipulator
  • Fig. 6 shows the gripper unit of the industrial manipulator
  • Fig. 7 shows the device axonometrically with a transparent external safety cover
  • Fig. 8 shows elements present in a packaging zone and in an assembly zone
  • Fig. 9 shows elements in a dispensing zone
  • Fig. 10 shows a sauce dispenser
  • Fig. 11 shows a positioning prism for the bun
  • Fig. 12 shows a refrigerated storage area
  • Fig. 13 shows a diagram of an automated food distribution and preparation system
  • Fig. 14 shows a diagram of an order placing system with a direct connection
  • Fig. 15 shows a diagram of an order placing system with a pre-order direct connection.
  • a device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 is attached to a rail in the upper wall of the device.
  • a device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9.
  • the device has a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on shelf-life of semi-finished products which communicates with the management controller 5, and a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data.
  • a device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a pneumatic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs.
  • a product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of a grill and a roller, and several sauce dispensers 16.
  • a sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof.
  • the product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process.
  • the product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product.
  • the packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23.
  • the dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
  • a device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a hydraulic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs.
  • a product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of a grill and a roller, and several sauce dispensers 16.
  • a sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof.
  • the product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process.
  • the product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product.
  • the packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23.
  • the dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
  • a device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9.
  • the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a pneumatic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs.
  • a product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of an induction furnace, and several sauce dispensers 16.
  • a sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof.
  • the product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process.
  • the product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product.
  • the packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23.
  • the dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
  • the device 1 has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products which communicates with the management controller 5 in the form of a computer constituting an integral part of the device 1 .
  • the device 1 also has a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data.
  • the sales forecasting unit and the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products are connected to the management controller 5 in the form of a computer which is connected to a remote management system.
  • Embodiment VI In the method of preparing hot dogs in a device 1 , a management controller 5 sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 which takes the semi-finished products from the refrigerated storage area 2, deposits the semi-finished products in a preparation zone 6 to thermal processing devices 15 with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature. When the pre-set temperature of the semi-finished product is reached, the management controller 5 sends information to the industrial manipulator 3 indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation.
  • the industrial manipulator 3 takes the semi-product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices 15 and transfers it to an assembly zone 7 under a sauce dispenser 16, wherein the industrial manipulator 3 first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser 16 and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller 5 dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, wherein the sauce is applied to the inner walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator 3 withdraws the bun and then deposits it onto a positioning prism for the bun 19.
  • the industrial manipulator 3 takes a sausage which is partly placed in the hole of the bun and partly on a sausage supporting prism 21 , then the industrial manipulator 3 inserts the sausage into the bun, after which it grips the hot dog and transfers it to a packaging zone 8 onto a packaging prism. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes a package and applies the package onto the hot dog and transfers the finished hot dog with the package to a dispensing device.
  • a management controller 5 sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 which takes the semi-finished products from the refrigerated storage area 2, deposits the semi-finished products in a preparation zone 6 to thermal processing devices 15 with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature.
  • the management controller 5 sends information to the industrial manipulator 3 indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation.
  • the industrial manipulator 3 takes the semi-product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices 15 and transfers it to an assembly zone 7 under a sauce dispenser 16, wherein the industrial manipulator 3 first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser 16 and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller 5 dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, wherein the sauce is applied to the inner walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator 3 withdraws the bun and then deposits it onto a positioning prism for the bun.
  • the industrial manipulator 3 locates the hole in the bun using a scanning device 10, takes a sausage which is partly placed in the hole of the bun and partly on a sausage supporting prism 21 , then the industrial manipulator 3 inserts the sausage into the bun, after which it grips the hot dog and transfers it to a packaging zone 8 onto a packaging prism. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes a package and applies the package onto the hot dog and transfers the finished hot dog with the package to a dispensing device.
  • An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has an external ordering station 25 communicatively networked with a management controller 5 in the form of a main computer of a food preparation device 1 .
  • the external order placing station 25 is a kiosk 27, consisting of a touchscreen providing an order placing application.
  • An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs has an external ordering station 25 in the form of a mobile device 26 connected wirelessly to a management controller 5 in the form of a main computer of a food preparation device 1 .
  • the management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle.
  • the management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS).
  • ERP customer's external system
  • the management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products and a sales planning system.
  • An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs consists in taking an order from an external device 25 of touch panel type - KIOSK 27 through a dedicated order placing algorithm that is directly connected to a management controller 5 and allows viewing the offer for the hot dog preparation device 1 by means of an industrial manipulator 3.
  • the offer visible in an order placing system may also relate to other articles or services that are not directly part of the device, e.g. payment for fuel, ordering coffee.
  • the order placing system accepts an order from external devices of touch panel type - KIOSK 27 for immediate collection - direct order, on site.
  • Algorithm for placing an order Start of order, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, order completion, order dispensing, end.
  • the management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle.
  • the management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS).
  • the management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales planning system.
  • An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs consists in taking an order from an external device 25 in the form of a mobile phone 26 which is indirectly connected to the management controller 5 in the form of a computer in a device 1 which allows viewing the offer for the hot dog preparation device 1 by means of an industrial manipulator 3.
  • the offer visible in an order placing system may also relate to other articles or services that are not directly part of the device, e.g. payment for fuel, ordering coffee.
  • the order placing system can accept an order from an external device, e.g. a mobile phone for immediate collection on site, or at a specific time - an intermediate order.
  • the order information will be stored in the management controller 5 in the form of a computer.
  • Algorithm for placing an order for an external device, e.g. mobile phone 26, to be collected immediately on site Start, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, determination of order collection time, immediate collection, order completion, order dispensing, end.
  • Algorithm for placing an order for an external device, e.g. mobile phone 26, to be collected at a specific time Start, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, determination of order collection time, collection in one hour, information stored in the management controller, order completion, order dispensing, end.
  • the management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle.
  • the management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS).
  • ERP external system
  • POS customer's external system
  • the management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales planning system.

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Abstract

A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, comprising a refrigeration device for storing products, a thermal processing device and a sauce dispenser, characterised in that the device (1) has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products (2), divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products and has an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit (3) together with a manipulator arm control unit (4) connected to a management controller (5) in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone (6), a product assembly zone (7), a packaging zone (8) and has at least one dispensing device (9). A method for preparing food products, especially hot dogs in the device and the automated distribution and preparation system implemented in the device.

Description

A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for preparing thereof and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products.
The object of the invention is a device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for producing food products, especially hot dogs with the device, and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products for unattended and touchless sales.
A machine for producing hot dogs is known from the description of the utility model CN208541161 U, which comprises a hot dog rack and barrel assembly, a safety structure assembly, a hot dog barrel lifting assembly, heating tube assembly and rack-mounted electronics. This structure is easy to install and operate; the hot dog barrels are symmetrical with respect to each other, that is, the length and size of each side of the left and right hot dog barrels are the same and can be used interchangeably; the hot dog holder is movable and installation and removal are convenient and convenient Separate cleaning; the back cover is movable and can be easily installed and fixed without screws. After removing the back cover, the machine cannot operate due to the safety design, the design is simple and easy to use.
A rotary wheel type hot dog machine is known from the description of the utility model CN204105783U, which consists of a chest and a heating element and a rotary wheel element, which are mounted in a box. The rotary wheel element consists of a rotary wheel rack and a pendant rack, where the axis of the shaft of the rotary wheel rack is horizontal and the pendant rack is mounted on the rotary wheel rack and is driven by the rotary wheel rack to rotate about the axis of the rotary shaft. The rotary wheel type hot dog machine has the advantage that the heating mechanism of the rotary wheel type hot dog machine can directly heat the hot dogs and is high in heat capacity, the heat retention of the hot dogs is achieved by the box, the grease seeping from the hot dogs placed in the pendant rack drips down, and the hot dogs can be prevented from being contaminated with grease oil.
A hot dog dispensing machine is known from the patent description US31 1751 1A. A coinoperated hot dog dispenser, having a cooler, a plurality of packaging units conveyed by said storage unit, each said packaging unit comprising a V-shaped bun, a separator at the open end of said V-shaped bun and on which the hot dog rests, a cooking station, dispensing means for conveying the packaging unit from said storage area to said cooking station, mutually movable electric heating pins for piercing the ends of the package for inserting and cooking the hot dog, triangular electromagnets for reciprocally moving said pins, an electric heating element attached to and positioned underneath the heating pin and coin-operated timing means for actuating said dispensing means, said solenoids and - for controlling electric current to said heating pins and heating element.
In the hitherto known method for preparing hot dogs which consists of three basic semifinished products: bun, sausage and sauce, a person who, communicating with the customer, takes the order, also a person who manually performs the thermal processing operations of the semi-finished products and the operations of assembling the hot dog and then dispensing it to the customer are required. Thermal processing operations require manual insertion of the bun and sausage into the heating equipment (roller or grill type) and manual and visual control of the correct temperature of the semi-finished product. Subsequently, the operation of assembling the hot dog requires: pouring the sauce manually into the bun and inserting the sausage manually into the bun, and delivering the finished product to the customer. In each case, the quality and appearance of the delivered hot dog is not reproducible (e.g. different amount of sauce).
In known solutions, sales planning is not combined with dynamic traffic forecasting, i.e. the number of expected customers, based on historical statistics and expected public events.
The above known mechanisms lead to financial losses due to the preparation of excessive quantities of semi-finished products which in turn become out-of-date and therefore unfit for consumption and consequently have to be disposed of. In the case of preparing an insufficient number of semi-finished products, too few semi-finished products and too many customers, the seller does not achieve the maximum financial benefits that could be achieved by planning more semi-finished products.
The aim of the invention is to automate the process of preparation and ordering of food products, especially hot dogs, which eliminates the human factor, speeds up the process of ordering, preparation and dispensing of the finished product. The invention achieves this aim by using an industrial manipulator in the device as the main operational tool to carry out the order which is processed by an order placing system consisting of an order station in the form of a kiosk or by ordering via wifi from a mobile device via a dedicated application or by voice commands issued directly to the machine by the person placing the order. The entire device is controlled via a management controller in the form of a main computer located in the device. The industrial manipulator is controlled by a control unit receiving a signal from the management controller. The industrial manipulator is equipped with a gripper with which it grips and transfers semi-finished products, assembles the hot dog and transfers it to dispensing devices. In addition, the device has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales forecasting system based on dedicated algorithms.
The essence of the invention is a device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, comprising a refrigeration device for storing products, a thermal processing device and a sauce dispenser, characterised in that the device has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products and has an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit together with a manipulator arm control unit connected to a management controller in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone, a product assembly zone, a packaging zone and has at least one dispensing device.
Preferably, the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit for handling semi-finished products has a pneumatic or mechanical drive.
Preferably, the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit has a scanning device and a mechanical system for gripping buns and has a mechanical system or a vacuum system for gripping sausages and a vacuum system for gripping packages.
Preferably, the product preparation zone has thermal processing devices and at least one sauce dispenser.
Preferably, the thermal processing devices are constituted by a grill and/or a roller or an induction oven.
Preferably, the sauce dispenser has a unit of modules with a nozzle with preferably two holes perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle being selected to form the shape of the hole in the bun after its thermal processing.
Preferably, the product preparation zone has a transparent external safety cover.
Preferably, the product assembly zone is equipped with a positioning prism for the bun and a support for supporting the meat product. Preferably, the packaging zone is equipped with a prism and a package storage area in the form of a papillote or tray.
Preferably, the dispensing device has a base for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
Preferably, the device has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is communicatively connected to the management controller. The checking system continuously sends information on the remaining time to consumption for the semi-finished concerned, and the main controller controls the process in such a way as to optimise the use of semi-finished products and guarantee that out-of-date semi-finished products are not used in the process. The information on shelf-life is entered manually by the operator during stocking operations in the refrigerated storage area for storing semi-finished products and in sauce dispensers.
Preferably, the device has a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data.
Preferably, the management controller in the form of a computer is connected to a remote management system.
Preferably, the sales forecasting unit and the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products are connected to the management controller in the form of a computer.
The essence of the invention is a method for the preparation of hot dogs consisting in heating semi-finished products, assembling, pouring sauce and dispensing the finished product, characterised in that the management controller sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit which takes the semifinished products from the refrigerated storage area and deposits them in the preparation zone in the thermal processing devices with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature. When the pre-set temperature of the semi-finished product, which depends on the type of semi-finished product, is reached, the management controller sends information to the industrial manipulator indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation. Then, the industrial manipulator takes the semi-finished product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices and transfers it to the assembly zone under the sauce dispenser. The industrial manipulator first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, with the sauce being applied to the inside walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator withdraws the bun. The bun with the sauce is then deposited on the positioning prism for the bun, after which the industrial manipulator takes the sausage, which is partly placed in the bun hole and partly on the prism supporting the sausage, and the industrial manipulator inserts the sausage into the bun. Afterwards the manipulator grips the finished hot dog and moves it to the packaging zone onto the packaging prism and takes the package which it places on the hot dog. The industrial manipulator then grips the hot dog along with the package and transfers it to the dispensing device.
Preferably, the industrial manipulator locates the hole in the bun using a scanning device, then the information on the exact position of the hole (the offset values of the X,Y coordinates for the centre of the hole in the bun) is used to position the sausage relative to the bun in the process of assembling them.
The essence of the invention is an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, characterised in that it has at least one external ordering station communicatively networked to the management controller in the form of the main computer of the food preparation device or in the form of a mobile device wirelessly connected to the management controller of the device.
Preferably, the external order placing station is a kiosk, consisting of a touchscreen providing an order placing application.
The management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle. The management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS). The management controller is also connected to the system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products and the sales planning system.
The device according to the invention allows fully automatic preparation of a food product in the form of a hot dog, in a shortened time, while maintaining fully hygienic conditions and obtaining a reproducible final product and method of preparation thereof. The use of the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit in the device according to the invention allows for the reproducibility of the process, its full automation and the reduction of the time for the preparation of the product in the form of a hot dog, also due to the fact that all the parameters concerning the hot dog, such as the type of sauce, the type of bun, are declared by the customer at the stage of placing an order and do not require communication with the seller. The use of the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products reduces material losses and increases the quality of the finished product, thus eliminating the risk of food poisoning for customers. The use of the hot dog assembling system standardises the quality and appearance of the hot dog dispensed.
The device, the preparation method and the automated food distribution and preparation system allow high standards of unattended and touchless service to be maintained while complying with sanitary requirements.
The device, the preparation method and the automated product distribution and preparation system allow the problem of applying the sauce to the inside walls of the hole to be solved, which eliminates clogging of the bun's hole and ensures that the sauce is present along the entire length of the bun, while also eliminating its outflow once the sausage has been placed. This problem was eliminated by using a special nozzle with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The industrial manipulator first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle and moves it to a pre-set depth. A sauce application is then activated via the management controller and at the same time a robot withdraws the bun. The synchronisation of the delivery of sauce through the lateral holes in the nozzle and of the movement of the bun has the effect of spreading the sauce over the walls of the hole in the bun. In addition, the diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof. All these elements contribute to the high quality of the final product. In addition, the device can realise the simultaneous assembly of one or more hot dogs at a time. The system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products is a database that stores information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products: bun, sausage, sauce. The system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products communicates with the management controller in real time, sending information on the time left for consumption. The information on shelf-life is entered manually by the operator during stocking operations in the refrigerated storage area for storing semifinished products and in sauce dispensers.
The object of the invention is depicted in the drawing, where Fig. 1 shows the device axonometrically in front view, Fig. 2 shows the device axonometrically in front view, Fig. 3 shows a part of the device in the form of an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit axonometrically, Fig. 4 shows parts of the device in the form of an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit axonometrically, Fig. 5 shows the gripper unit of the industrial manipulator, Fig. 6 shows the gripper unit of the industrial manipulator, Fig. 7 shows the device axonometrically with a transparent external safety cover, Fig. 8 shows elements present in a packaging zone and in an assembly zone, Fig. 9 shows elements in a dispensing zone, Fig. 10 shows a sauce dispenser, Fig. 11 shows a positioning prism for the bun, Fig. 12 shows a refrigerated storage area, Fig. 13 shows a diagram of an automated food distribution and preparation system, Fig. 14 shows a diagram of an order placing system with a direct connection, Fig. 15 shows a diagram of an order placing system with a pre-order direct connection.
Embodiment I
A device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9. The industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 is attached to a rail in the upper wall of the device.
Embodiment II
A device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9. In addition, the device has a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on shelf-life of semi-finished products which communicates with the management controller 5, and a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data.
Embodiment III
A device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9. The industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a pneumatic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs. A product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of a grill and a roller, and several sauce dispensers 16. A sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof. The product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process. The product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product. The packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23. The dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
Embodiment IV
A device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9. The industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a hydraulic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs. A product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of a grill and a roller, and several sauce dispensers 16. A sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof. The product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process. The product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product. The packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23. The dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle.
Embodiment V
A device 1 for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products 2, divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products, an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 together with a manipulator arm control unit 4 connected to a management controller 5 in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone 6, a product assembly zone 7, a packaging zone 8 and has at least one dispensing device 9. The industrial manipulator with the gripper unit 3 for moving semi-finished products has a pneumatic drive and has a scanning device 10 and a mechanical system 1 1 for gripping the buns in the form of grippers, a mechanical system 12 in the form of catches or a vacuum system 13 in the form of suction cups for gripping sausages and a vacuum system 14 in the form of suction cups for gripping packages for the finished hot dogs. A product preparation zone 6 has thermal processing devices 15 in the form of an induction furnace, and several sauce dispensers 16. A sauce dispenser 16 has a unit of modules with a nozzle 17 with two holes perpendicular to the nozzle axis. The diameter of the nozzle is selected so that it forms the shape of a hole in the bun after thermal processing thereof. The product preparation zone 6 has a transparent external safety cover 18 allowing the operation of the industrial manipulator 3 to be monitored during the product preparation process. The product assembly zone 7 is equipped with a positioning prism 19 for the bun and a support 21 for supporting the meat product. The packaging zone 8 is equipped with a prism 22 and a package storage area 23. The dispensing device 9 has a base 24 for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors 25 that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle. The device 1 has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products which communicates with the management controller 5 in the form of a computer constituting an integral part of the device 1 . The device 1 also has a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data. The sales forecasting unit and the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products are connected to the management controller 5 in the form of a computer which is connected to a remote management system.
Embodiment VI In the method of preparing hot dogs in a device 1 , a management controller 5 sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 which takes the semi-finished products from the refrigerated storage area 2, deposits the semi-finished products in a preparation zone 6 to thermal processing devices 15 with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature. When the pre-set temperature of the semi-finished product is reached, the management controller 5 sends information to the industrial manipulator 3 indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes the semi-product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices 15 and transfers it to an assembly zone 7 under a sauce dispenser 16, wherein the industrial manipulator 3 first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser 16 and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller 5 dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, wherein the sauce is applied to the inner walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator 3 withdraws the bun and then deposits it onto a positioning prism for the bun 19. Afterwards, the industrial manipulator 3 takes a sausage which is partly placed in the hole of the bun and partly on a sausage supporting prism 21 , then the industrial manipulator 3 inserts the sausage into the bun, after which it grips the hot dog and transfers it to a packaging zone 8 onto a packaging prism. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes a package and applies the package onto the hot dog and transfers the finished hot dog with the package to a dispensing device.
Embodiment VII
In the method of preparing hot dogs in a device 1 , a management controller 5 sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit 3 which takes the semi-finished products from the refrigerated storage area 2, deposits the semi-finished products in a preparation zone 6 to thermal processing devices 15 with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature. When the pre-set temperature of the semi-finished product is reached, the management controller 5 sends information to the industrial manipulator 3 indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes the semi-product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices 15 and transfers it to an assembly zone 7 under a sauce dispenser 16, wherein the industrial manipulator 3 first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser 16 and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller 5 dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, wherein the sauce is applied to the inner walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator 3 withdraws the bun and then deposits it onto a positioning prism for the bun. Afterwards, the industrial manipulator 3 locates the hole in the bun using a scanning device 10, takes a sausage which is partly placed in the hole of the bun and partly on a sausage supporting prism 21 , then the industrial manipulator 3 inserts the sausage into the bun, after which it grips the hot dog and transfers it to a packaging zone 8 onto a packaging prism. Then, the industrial manipulator 3 takes a package and applies the package onto the hot dog and transfers the finished hot dog with the package to a dispensing device.
Embodiment VIII
An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has an external ordering station 25 communicatively networked with a management controller 5 in the form of a main computer of a food preparation device 1 . The external order placing station 25 is a kiosk 27, consisting of a touchscreen providing an order placing application.
Embodiment IX
An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, has an external ordering station 25 in the form of a mobile device 26 connected wirelessly to a management controller 5 in the form of a main computer of a food preparation device 1 . The management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle. The management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS). The management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semifinished products and a sales planning system.
Embodiment X
An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, consists in taking an order from an external device 25 of touch panel type - KIOSK 27 through a dedicated order placing algorithm that is directly connected to a management controller 5 and allows viewing the offer for the hot dog preparation device 1 by means of an industrial manipulator 3. In addition, the offer visible in an order placing system may also relate to other articles or services that are not directly part of the device, e.g. payment for fuel, ordering coffee. The order placing system accepts an order from external devices of touch panel type - KIOSK 27 for immediate collection - direct order, on site. Algorithm for placing an order: Start of order, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, order completion, order dispensing, end. On external devices of the KIOSK 27, only consumable products or information on products with a short shelf-life which can be included in the promotional offer are displayed. The management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle. The management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS). The management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales planning system.
Embodiment XI
An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, consists in taking an order from an external device 25 in the form of a mobile phone 26 which is indirectly connected to the management controller 5 in the form of a computer in a device 1 which allows viewing the offer for the hot dog preparation device 1 by means of an industrial manipulator 3. In addition, the offer visible in an order placing system may also relate to other articles or services that are not directly part of the device, e.g. payment for fuel, ordering coffee. The order placing system can accept an order from an external device, e.g. a mobile phone for immediate collection on site, or at a specific time - an intermediate order. In the case of a pick-up option at a specific time (so-called preorder), the order information will be stored in the management controller 5 in the form of a computer. Algorithm for placing an order for an external device, e.g. mobile phone 26, to be collected immediately on site: Start, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, determination of order collection time, immediate collection, order completion, order dispensing, end. Algorithm for placing an order for an external device, e.g. mobile phone 26, to be collected at a specific time (so-called preorder): Start, receipt of information with order parameters, order confirmation, determination of order collection time, collection in one hour, information stored in the management controller, order completion, order dispensing, end. On external devices, e.g. mobile phone (26), only consumable products or information on products with a short shelflife which can be included in the promotional offer are displayed. The management controller is responsible for all the operations of the device and also optimises the time of the hot dog preparation and dispensing cycle. The management controller is also a connecting element between the device for the preparation of hot dogs using the industrial manipulator and the customer's external system (ERP,POS). The management controller is also connected to a system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products and a sales planning system.

Claims

Claims A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, comprising a refrigeration device for storing products, a thermal processing device and a sauce dispenser, characterised in that the device (1 ) has a refrigerated storage area for semi-finished products (2), divided into at least two temperature zones for storing bakery products and meat products and has an industrial manipulator with a gripper unit (3) together with a manipulator arm control unit (4) connected to a management controller (5) in the form of a computer and has a product preparation zone (6), a product assembly zone (7), a packaging zone (8) and has at least one dispensing device (9). The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit (3) for handling semi-finished products has a pneumatic or mechanical drive. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit (3) has a scanning device (10) and a mechanical system (11 ) for gripping buns and has a mechanical system (12) or a vacuum system (13) for gripping sausages and a vacuum system (14) for gripping packages. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the product preparation zone (6) has thermal processing devices (15) and at least one sauce dispenser (16). The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the thermal processing devices (15) are constituted by a grill and/or a roller or an induction oven. The device according to claim 4, characterised in that the sauce dispenser (16) has a unit of modules with a nozzle (17) with preferably two holes perpendicular to the axis of the nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle being selected to form the shape of the hole in the bun after its thermal processing. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the product preparation zone (6) has a transparent external safety cover (18). The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the product assembly zone (7) is equipped with a positioning prism (19) for the bun and a support (20) for supporting the meat product. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the packaging zone (8) is equipped with a prism (21 ) and a package storage area (22).
0. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the dispensing device (9) has a base (23) for supporting the finished product, placed on a movable platform, and inner and outer doors (24) that constitute a unit of covers functioning on the sluice principle. 1 . The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the device has a built-in system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is a database storing information on the shelf-life of semi-finished products which is communicatively connected to the management controller (5). 2. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that it has a sales forecasting unit which is a database equipped with Al algorithms which stores historical sales data. 3. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the management controller (5) in the form of a computer is connected to a remote management system. 4. The device according to claim 1 , characterised in that the sales forecasting unit and the system for checking the shelf-life of semi-finished products are connected to the management controller (5) in the form of a computer. 5. A method for the preparation of hot dogs consisting in heating semi-finished products, assembling, pouring sauce and dispensing the finished product, characterised in that the management controller (5) sends a signal about the type of semi-finished product to be taken to the industrial manipulator with the gripper unit (3) which takes the semifinished products from the refrigerated storage area (2) and deposits the semi-finished products in the preparation zone (6) in the thermal processing devices (15) with simultaneous checking of the heating time and temperature, and when the pre-set temperature of the semi-finished product is reached, the management controller (5) sends information to the industrial manipulator (3) indicating the start of the hot dog assembling operation, then, the industrial manipulator (3) takes the semi-product in the form of a bun from the thermal processing devices (15) and transfers it to the assembly zone (7) under the sauce dispenser (16), wherein the industrial manipulator (3) first stuffs the bun onto the nozzle of the sauce dispenser (16) and moves it to a pre-set depth, then the management controller (5) dispenses the appropriate type and amount of sauce into the bun, wherein the sauce is applied to the inner walls of the hole in the bun, and at the same time the industrial manipulator (3) withdraws the bun and then deposits it onto the positioning prism for the bun (19), afterwards, the industrial manipulator (3) takes a sausage which is partly placed in the hole of the bun and partly on the sausage supporting prism (21 ), then the industrial manipulator (3) inserts the sausage into the bun, after which it grips the hot dog and transfers it to the packaging zone (8) onto a packaging prism, then the industrial manipulator (3) takes a package and applies the package onto the hot dog, then the industrial manipulator (3) grips the hot dog and transfers it to the dispensing device (9). The method according to claim 15, characterised in that the industrial manipulator (3) locates the hole in the bun by means of the scanning device (10). An automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, characterised in that it has at least one external ordering station (25) communicatively networked to the management controller (5) in the form of the main computer of the food preparation device (1) or in the form of a mobile device (26) wirelessly connected to the management controller (5) of the device (1 ). The automated system according to claim 17, characterised in that the external order placing station (25) is a kiosk (27), consisting of a touchscreen providing an order placing application.
PCT/PL2022/050070 2021-10-27 2022-10-25 A device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially hot dogs, a method for preparing thereof and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products WO2023075620A1 (en)

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PLP.439340 2021-10-27
PL439340A PL244859B1 (en) 2021-10-27 2021-10-27 Device for the distribution and preparation of food products, especially Hot Dogs, method of their preparation and an automated system for the distribution and preparation of food products

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3117511A (en) 1960-08-24 1964-01-14 Carbob Corp Hot dog dispensing machine
EP2695520A1 (en) * 2012-08-07 2014-02-12 Craftworks B.V. Food vending system
CN204105783U (en) 2014-09-09 2015-01-21 广东新宝电器股份有限公司 A kind of rotary-type Sandwich roaster
CN207792044U (en) * 2017-11-09 2018-08-31 华北电力大学（保定） A kind of novel hot dog automatic making device
US20180326575A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2018-11-15 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Robot and working method by the robot
CN208541161U (en) 2017-11-01 2019-02-26 佛山市东阳五金电器有限公司 A kind of Sandwich roaster
US20190176338A1 (en) * 2017-03-06 2019-06-13 Miso Robotics, Inc. Robotic sled-enhanced food preparation system and related methods
KR20210112857A (en) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-15 주식회사 황금맷돌 Unmanned Hot Dog Manufacturing Equipment

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3117511A (en) 1960-08-24 1964-01-14 Carbob Corp Hot dog dispensing machine
EP2695520A1 (en) * 2012-08-07 2014-02-12 Craftworks B.V. Food vending system
CN204105783U (en) 2014-09-09 2015-01-21 广东新宝电器股份有限公司 A kind of rotary-type Sandwich roaster
US20180326575A1 (en) * 2015-11-16 2018-11-15 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Robot and working method by the robot
US20190176338A1 (en) * 2017-03-06 2019-06-13 Miso Robotics, Inc. Robotic sled-enhanced food preparation system and related methods
CN208541161U (en) 2017-11-01 2019-02-26 佛山市东阳五金电器有限公司 A kind of Sandwich roaster
CN207792044U (en) * 2017-11-09 2018-08-31 华北电力大学（保定） A kind of novel hot dog automatic making device
KR20210112857A (en) * 2020-03-06 2021-09-15 주식회사 황금맷돌 Unmanned Hot Dog Manufacturing Equipment

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