Processing device module for a food processing station

Abstract

The present invention provides a processing device module for a food processing station. The processing device module includes: a main body, a fixed platform, a movable platform, and a locking mechanism. The processing device module is arranged adjacent to other processing device modules of the food processing station longitudinally. The fixed platforms of each processing device module together form a first operation platform for an operator located on one side of the food processing station longitudinally to prepare food, and the movable platforms of each processing device together form a second operation platform for an operator located on the other side of the food processing station longitudinally to prepare food when in a horizontal position. Compared with the prior art, a food processing station composed of the processing device modules of the present invention can effectively improve production efficiency and save kitchen space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of commercial food processing, and particularly to food processing equipment and its processing device modules applicable to the fast food field. Background Art

[0002] In the field of commercial food processing in the prior art, such as in fast food restaurants, the processing devices for operators to prepare food are usually arranged against the wall. At the same time, various storage mechanisms are arranged against the wall above and below the processing devices, leaving more space in the central area of the back kitchen for operators to pass through, etc.

[0003] Although the above-mentioned back kitchen layout in the prior art can leave a relatively large activity space for the staff, due to the usually limited available area of the back kitchen in fast food restaurants, how to further improve the utilization rate of the back kitchen area and the work efficiency of the back kitchen has always been an important topic in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a processing device module for a food processing station, and the processing device module includes:

[0005] A main body, which extends a certain height in the vertical direction;

[0006] A fixed platform, which is composed of the top surface of the main body;

[0007] A movable platform, which is pivotally connected to the fixed platform longitudinally and allows movement between a horizontal position and a vertical position by means of operation; and

[0008] A locking mechanism, which supports and positions the movable platform at least when the movable platform rotates to the horizontal position;

[0009] Wherein, the processing device modules are arranged adjacent to each other longitudinally with other processing device modules of the food processing station, and the fixed platforms of each processing device module jointly form a first operation platform for operators located on one side along the longitudinal direction of the food processing station to prepare food, and the movable platforms of each processing device jointly form a second operation platform for operators located on the other side along the longitudinal direction of the food processing station to prepare food when in the horizontal position.

[0010] Compared with the prior art, the food processing station composed of the processing device modules of the present invention is not arranged against the wall. Instead, spaces are left on both longitudinal sides of the food processing station. At the same time, a fixed operating platform and a movable operating platform are provided on the opposite sides along the longitudinal direction of the food processing station, thereby allowing staff to be arranged on both sides of the processing station for food preparation, so that it can be used by operators to prepare food during, for example, peak dining periods, improving production efficiency. At the same time, during non-peak dining periods, the movable operating platform can be rotated from the horizontal position to the vertical position and fixed, thereby leaving more space in the kitchen to facilitate activities such as restaurant tidying or cleaning by personnel.

[0011] Advantageously, the locking mechanism includes:

[0012] A rotating structure, which includes a triangular frame composed of a vertical rod, a horizontal rod, and support rods respectively connecting the vertical rod and the horizontal rod at both ends, wherein one end of the vertical rod is pivotally connected to the side surface of the main body of the processing device module; and

[0013] A fixing structure, which is arranged on the bottom surface of the movable platform and, when the rotating structure rotates to a predetermined position with the vertical rod as the rotation axis, clamps the horizontal rod to fix the rotating structure.

[0014] Advantageously, a support and a sleeve are provided on the side surface of the main body of the processing device, wherein one end of the vertical rod is rotatably supported by the support and the other end is rotatably sleeved in the sleeve, so as to allow the rotating structure to rotate with the vertical rod as the rotation axis.

[0015] Advantageously, a clamping seat is provided on the bottom surface of the movable platform. The clamping seat is provided with a clamping groove, and the position of the clamping groove corresponds to the predetermined rotation position of the horizontal rod. The height of the clamping groove is set such that when the rotating structure rotates until the horizontal rod is in the same direction as the clamping groove, the horizontal rod is snapped into the clamping groove to fix the rotating structure.

[0016] Advantageously, when the movable platform is in the vertical position, the movable platform is located below the fixed platform, and the vertical rod is snapped into the clamping groove of the clamping seat to lock the movable platform to the vertical position.

[0017] Advantageously, the processing device module is a heat preservation device, and the heat preservation device includes a heat preservation container located between the fixed platform and the movable platform.

[0018] Advantageously, the processing device module is a refrigeration device, and the refrigeration device includes a cold well area located between the fixed platform and the movable platform. The cold well area includes a plurality of cold wells that are open at the top, and a cover is provided at the top of the cold well. The cover is at the same horizontal plane as the first operating platform and is jointly used for food preparation.

[0019] Advantageously, the covering includes opposite first and second cover doors, wherein the first and second cover doors are each pivotally connected to the first operating platform in a transverse direction.

[0020] Advantageously, both the first and second cover doors each include two cover plates pivotally connected to each other in a transverse direction.

[0021] Advantageously, the refrigeration device further includes a drawer-type refrigerator disposed below the fixed platform. Description of the Drawings

[0022] Other details and advantages of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a food processing station applicable to a processing device module according to the present invention, showing a plurality of processing devices such as a potato frying device 10, a heat preservation device 30, and a refrigeration device 50 arranged side by side in a longitudinal direction;

[0024] Figure 2 FIG. Figure 1 2 is a side view of the food processing station shown, mainly showing the first processing device 10 therein, wherein the first movable platform 13 is in a horizontal position;

[0025] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 2, mainly showing a positioning mechanism 20 for positioning the first movable platform 12 in a horizontal position therein;

[0026] Figure 4 FIG. Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of the second processing device (heat preservation device) 30 in FIG. 3;

[0027] Figure 5 FIG. Figure 4 5 is a side view of the second processing device 30 in FIG. 4;

[0028] Figure 6 FIG. Figure 1 6 is a perspective view of the third processing device (refrigeration device) 50 in FIG. 5;

[0029] The content shown in the above drawings is only for example and illustration, and is not drawn strictly to scale, nor are all components or details related to the specific use environment completely drawn. Those skilled in the art will be able to think of the relevant technical content well known in the art that needs to be added for the specific implementation of the present invention in a specific use environment after understanding the principles and concepts of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030] In the following description, terms such as "first", "second", etc. that may be used are not intended to limit any order. Their purpose is merely to distinguish each independent component, part, structure, element, etc., and these independent components, parts, structures, elements may be the same, similar, or different. At the same time, descriptions of directions that may be used in the following description, such as "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "left", "right", "radial", "axial", etc., unless clearly stated, are only for convenience of description and are not intended to impose any limitations on the technical solution of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 A food processing station to which the processing device module according to the present invention is applied is shown. The food processing station is assembled in the form of modules by a plurality of individual processing devices. For convenience of description, taking Figure 1 the shown orientation as an example, the direction from left to right or from right to left is the longitudinal or length direction of the food processing station or each module, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the transverse direction of the food processing station or each module, the direction from top to bottom or from bottom to top is the height direction or the vertical direction, and the direction perpendicular to the height direction is the horizontal direction.

[0032] In the figure, the food processing station shown is successively arranged longitudinally with three processing device modules such as a frying device 10, a heat preservation device 30, and a refrigeration device 50. According to the specific production needs, the type, quantity, and position of the processing devices can be adjusted. That is to say, the food processing station according to the present invention can select other types of processing devices different from those in the figure according to actual needs. For example, although the number of each type of processing device in the figure is one, it can also be two or more. In addition, in addition to the types of processing devices shown in the figure, other types of processing devices can also be reduced or increased according to specific production needs, such as a bread slice processing device, etc.

[0033] In addition to the multiple processing devices arranged longitudinally in the processing station shown in the figure, it also includes a plurality of storage racks 80 arranged in the height direction. Specifically, a first storage rack is fixedly installed above the heat preservation device 30 and the refrigeration device 50 through a support plate or a support rod 60, and a second storage rack is further fixedly installed above the first storage rack through a support plate. The top surface of each storage rack can place appropriate equipment according to needs. For example, the upper surface of the first storage rack in the figure can place a heating device, a storage device, and a sauce squeezer bottle 70, etc. Various tools and foods stored at room temperature can be hung on the lower surface of each storage rack. For example, a plurality of hanging storage devices 90 are provided on the lower surface of the second storage rack in the figure. In addition, each storage rack can be used as a crossbar for setting sockets. For example, a plurality of sockets 81 are provided on the second storage rack in the figure, so that the power cord can be directly hung from the roof to the processing station to facilitate the setting of operation platforms on both longitudinal sides of the processing station.

[0034] Figure 2 For the above-mentioned Figure 1 side view of the food processing station. In combination with Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen, operation platforms for operators to prepare food are provided on both longitudinal sides of the food processing station, so that operators can perform operations such as raw material preparation and food packaging. Among them, the right side in Figure 2 is a fixed operation platform, and the left side in Figure 2 is a movable operation platform. The fixed operation platform is jointly formed by the fixed table surfaces (i.e., top surfaces) of the main bodies of each processing device module arranged adjacent to each other longitudinally, and the movable operation platform is jointly composed of movable table surfaces pivotally connected to the fixed table surfaces of each processing device module. Each processing device module is provided with a locking mechanism to support and position the movable platform when the movable platform rotates to the horizontal position. Specific descriptions will be given below.

[0035] In the prior art, the food processing station is usually fixedly installed against the wall of a building, so that only an operation platform located on a single side in the longitudinal direction of the food processing station can be provided. In contrast, the food processing station of the present invention is not arranged against the wall, but spaces are left on both longitudinal sides of the food processing station, and a fixed operation platform and a movable operation platform are arranged on opposite sides in the longitudinal direction of the food processing station, so that workers can be arranged on both sides of the processing station to prepare food, so that it can be used by operators to prepare food during, for example, peak dining periods, improving production efficiency. At the same time, during non-peak dining periods, the movable operation platform can be rotated from the horizontal position to the vertical position and fixed, so as to leave more space for the kitchen to facilitate activities such as restaurant tidying or cleaning by personnel.

[0036] Further referring to Figure 3 , which is a partial enlarged view of Figure 2 , mainly showing the first example of a processing device therein, that is, the frying device 10. As shown in the figure, the frying device 10 includes a main body 11, which extends a certain height in the vertical direction to facilitate the operation of workers. Components such as a heating device and a fryer are arranged inside the main body 11. The top table surface of the main body 11 forms a fixed platform 13, and a movable platform 12 is pivotally connected to the fixed platform 13 longitudinally. The fixed platform 13 and the movable platform 12 are used as operation platforms for operators to prepare food. The movable platform 12 is, for example, in the shape of a flat plate and is connected to the fixed platform by hinges on opposite sides, so that it can move between the horizontal position and the vertical position by means of operation.

[0037] To support and position the movable platform 12 to the horizontal position, Figure 3The frying device is also provided with a locking mechanism 20. The locking mechanism 20 includes a rotating structure, which includes a vertical rod 21, a horizontal rod 22, and a support rod 23 connecting the vertical rod and the horizontal rod at both ends, and the three together form a triangular frame. The two ends of the support rod 23 can be fixedly connected to the ends of the horizontal rod 22 and the vertical rod 21 respectively, or can be fixedly connected to positions at a certain distance from the ends of the two.

[0038] A support 24 and a sleeve 25 are provided on the side of the main body 11. One end of the vertical rod 21 is rotatably supported by the support 24, and the other end is rotatably sleeved in the sleeve 25 to allow the rotating structure to rotate about the vertical rod 21 as the rotation axis. The sleeve 25 is shown in the figure as having an axial length close to half of the vertical rod 21. As an alternative, the sleeve 25 can also have a longer or shorter axial length, and even can be provided as a plurality of collars. At the same time, the sleeve can be provided as a tube body with a closed circumference, or can have an opening in the circumferential direction. In other words, the sleeve can surround the entire circumference of the vertical rod, or can surround the vertical rod together with the side wall of the main body 11. For this reason, the sleeve has a broad meaning in the present invention, including various structural forms that can limit the rotation of the vertical rod about a substantially fixed axis.

[0039] A clamping seat 26 is provided on the bottom surface of the movable platform 12. The clamping seat 26 is, for example, a protrusion or a tab extending from the movable platform. A clamping groove is opened on the bottom surface of the clamping seat 26, and the position of the clamping groove corresponds to a predetermined rotation position of the horizontal rod. The height of the clamping seat, that is, the length of the clamping seat extending from the bottom surface of the movable platform, is set so that when the horizontal rod 22 of the rotating structure rotates to be in the same direction as the clamping groove, it is snapped into the clamping groove to fix the rotating structure. Advantageously, a protruding rod 27 or a protruding structure or the like can be provided at a position corresponding to the slot opening of the horizontal rod 22. In addition, an elastic member can also be provided on the rotating structure or the clamping seat to provide a better operating feel.

[0040] When it is necessary to lift the movable platform 12 to a horizontal position for the operator to provide an operating platform, the operator first lifts the movable platform 12 from the vertical position to a substantially horizontal position, and then rotates the rotating structure. When the horizontal rod 22 rotates to be in the same direction as the clamping groove of the support 26, the protruding rod 27 on the horizontal rod 22 falls into the slot. After that, the movable platform 12 is released, and it is pressed against the horizontal rod 22 under the action of gravity. At this point, the movable platform 12 is reliably supported by the rotating structure and can be used as an operating platform for the operator. At the same time, because the rotating structure is locked by the clamping seat 26, it always remains in a horizontal position.

[0041] If more space needs to be left on one side of the movable platform, the movable platform can be moved from the horizontal position to the vertical position. To this end, the operator lifts the movable platform 12 to a certain height so that the card seat 26 leaves the horizontal rod 22 of the rotating structure, and then rotates the rotating structure to a position close to the side of the main body 11. After that, the operator releases the movable platform and allows it to fall to the vertical position. Advantageously, the card seat 26 can be arranged to cooperate with the vertical rod 21 or a protruding structure provided on the vertical rod, etc., so as to lock the movable platform to the vertical position in a suitable manner such as by clamping.

[0042] As an alternative form, various processing devices of the present invention can also select other forms of locking structure forms to allow the movable platform to rotate relative to the fixed platform and lock its rotation position. For example, the locking structure can be replaced with a pneumatic rod. When the movable platform is needed for food processing, the movable platform is turned up to a horizontal position at the same height as the fixed platform, and the pneumatic rod then falls into the locking position, thereby fixing the position of the movable platform, and thus can be used for food preparation operations. Similarly, when the space where the movable platform is located is needed, by unlocking the pneumatic rod, the movable platform is turned over under the fixed platform, thereby leaving a larger activity space for the staff. Again, the pneumatic rod can also be replaced with other unlockable locking mechanisms, such as a linkage mechanism, etc.

[0043] Figure 4 and Figure 5 shows Figure 1 the heat preservation device 30 in, which is another example of a processing device module according to the present invention. The heat preservation device is generally square to facilitate splicing with other processing devices. The heat preservation device has a fixed platform 32 on one side along the longitudinal direction at the top, a movable platform 33 on the other side, and a heat preservation container area composed of a plurality of heat preservation containers 35 between the fixed platform and the movable platform. The fixed platform 32 is configured as the top or tabletop of the heat preservation device, and an open part is formed in the central area of the fixed platform for arranging the heat preservation containers 35. The heat preservation containers can be used to store various foods that need to be stored in heat preservation, such as cooked foods, etc.

[0044] The movable platform 33 of the heat preservation device 30 locks its rotation position through the locking mechanism 40, especially locks it in the horizontal position when used as an operating platform. The locking mechanism 40 can select the same or similar structure as the above-mentioned locking mechanism 20, and will not be elaborated here.

[0045] A heating device is provided inside the heat preservation device to provide heat to the heat preservation containers. The heat preservation device can also be provided with a drawer-type heat preservation cabinet under the operating platform as needed. Similar to the frying device, wheels and brake wheels can be provided at the bottom of the heat preservation device to facilitate moving the heat preservation device and fixing its position.

[0046] Figure 6 shows Figure 1 the refrigeration device 50 in Figure 1 , which is another example of a processing device module according to the present invention. The refrigeration device has a similar shape to the frying device 10 and the heat preservation device 30, all of which are roughly square to facilitate fitting with other processing devices. The refrigeration device 50 has a fixed platform 52 located on one side along the longitudinal direction at the top, a movable platform 53 located on the other side, and a cold well area composed of a plurality of cold wells 55 located between the fixed platform and the movable platform. The fixed platform 52 is configured as the top or tabletop of the refrigeration device, and an open part is formed in the central area of the fixed platform for arranging the cold wells.

[0047] A cover is provided on the top of the cold well area. The cover includes opposite first cover doors 56 and second cover doors 57, and each cover door is pivotally connected to the fixed platform along the transverse direction respectively. The first cover door and the second cover door respectively include a plurality of cover plates 59 pivotally connected to each other along the transverse direction. When the first cover door and the second cover door are spread out, each cover plate is at the same horizontal plane as the fixed platform, so as to jointly form a complete food processing operation platform.

[0048] A refrigeration device or a heat preservation device is provided inside the refrigeration device to provide refrigeration to the cold wells. The refrigeration device can also be provided with a drawer-type refrigeration structure under the operation platform according to needs, and even a foot-operated trash can can be provided as shown in the figure. In addition, wheels and brake wheels are provided at the bottom of the refrigeration device to facilitate moving the refrigeration device and fixing its position.

[0049] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of the spirit and principle of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can understand that various changes can be made to the described examples without departing from the spirit and principle, and these changes and their various equivalent forms are all contemplated by the present inventors and fall within the scope defined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A food processing station, characterized in that, The food processing station includes a processing device module, and the processing device module includes: A main body that extends a certain height in the vertical direction; A fixed platform that is formed by the top surface of the main body; A movable platform that is pivotally connected to the fixed platform longitudinally and allows movement between a horizontal position and a vertical position by means of operation; and A locking mechanism that supports and positions the movable platform at least when the movable platform rotates to the horizontal position, wherein the locking mechanism includes: A rotating structure that includes a triangular frame formed by a vertical rod, a horizontal rod, and support rods connecting the vertical rod and the horizontal rod at both ends, wherein the vertical rod is pivotally connected to the side surface of the main body of the processing device module; and A fixed structure that is provided on the bottom surface of the movable platform and engages the horizontal rod to fix the rotating structure when the rotating structure rotates to a predetermined position with the vertical rod as the rotation axis; Wherein, the processing device modules are arranged adjacent to each other longitudinally, the fixed platforms of the processing device modules together form a first operation platform for an operator located on one side along the longitudinal direction of the food processing station to prepare food, and the movable platforms of the processing device modules together form a second operation platform for an operator located on the other side along the longitudinal direction of the food processing station to prepare food when in the horizontal position. The food processing station further includes a plurality of storage racks arranged in the height direction.

2. The food processing station according to claim 1, characterized in that, A support and a sleeve are provided on the side surface of the main body of the processing device module, wherein one end of the vertical rod is rotatably supported by the support and the other end is rotatably sleeved in the sleeve to allow the rotating structure to rotate with the vertical rod as the rotation axis.

3. The food processing station according to claim 2, characterized in that, A clamping seat is provided on the bottom surface of the movable platform, the clamping seat is provided with a clamping groove, the position of the clamping groove corresponds to the predetermined rotation position of the horizontal rod, and the height of the clamping groove is set such that when the rotating structure rotates to the direction of the horizontal rod being consistent with the clamping groove, the horizontal rod is snapped into the clamping groove to fix the rotating structure.

4. The food processing station according to claim 3, wherein When the movable platform is in the vertical position, the movable platform is located below the fixed platform, and the vertical rod is snapped into the clamping groove of the clamping seat to lock the movable platform to the vertical position.

5. The food processing station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The processing device module is a heat preservation device, and the heat preservation device includes a heat preservation container located between the fixed platform and the movable platform.

6. The food processing station according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The processing device module is a refrigeration device, and the refrigeration device includes a cold well area located between the fixed platform and the movable platform. The cold well area includes a plurality of cold wells that are open at the top, and a cover is provided at the top of the cold well. The cover is at the same horizontal plane as the first operation platform and is jointly used for food preparation.

7. The food processing station according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cover includes an opposite first cover door and a second cover door, wherein the first cover door and the second cover door are each pivotally connected to the first operation platform transversely.

8. The food processing station according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first cover door and the second cover door include two cover plates that are pivotally connected to each other transversely.

9. The food processing station according to claim 6, wherein, The refrigeration device further includes a drawer-type refrigerator provided below the fixed platform.

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