Full-automatic production equipment for air catering

Abstract

This invention provides a fully automated airline meal production equipment, including a meal box splitting unit for splitting stacked meal boxes into individual meal boxes; a rice dispensing unit for dispensing rice into the meal boxes; a rice compacting unit, including a pressing plate for compacting the rice and a pushing component for pushing the rice to one side of the meal box; a dish dispensing unit, with the same structure as the rice dispensing unit, for dispensing dishes into the meal boxes; a food compacting unit, including a pressing plate for simultaneously compacting the rice and dishes; and a sealing unit for sealing the dispensed meal boxes. Through the cooperation of these units, the equipment can automatically dispense meals, reducing manual assistance and improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic fast food packaging equipment, and in particular to a fully automatic production equipment for airline meals. Background Technology

[0002] With the advancement of science and technology and the improvement of people's living standards, the pace of life and work is accelerating, and fast food is becoming increasingly popular, often offered to passengers on airplanes. With the emergence of ready-to-eat boxed meals, the side dishes have become particularly important. Existing ready-to-eat boxed meal production lines consist of multiple machines, and the coordination between these machines requires manual assistance. Therefore, the entire production line requires multiple workers to complete production, making it quite labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a fully automated production equipment for airline meals to solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0005] A fully automated airline meal production equipment includes the following units arranged from right to left:

[0006] The lunchbox splitting unit is used to split stacked lunchboxes into individual lunchboxes. The lunchbox splitting unit includes a lunchbox input mechanism, a splitting mechanism, and a pushing mechanism. The lunchbox input mechanism is used to transport the stacked lunchboxes to the splitting mechanism. The splitting mechanism is located on one side of the lunchbox input mechanism and above the transport unit, and is used to split the stacked lunchboxes into individual lunchboxes for them to fall. The pushing mechanism is located on the other side of the lunchbox input mechanism and directly opposite the splitting mechanism, and is used to push the stacked lunchboxes away from the lunchbox input mechanism and into the splitting mechanism.

[0007] A rice dispensing unit is used to dispense rice into a lunchbox. It includes a dispensing mechanism, which comprises a support body, a rotating body, and a slider. The rotating body is horizontally rotatably disposed within the support body and is driven to rotate by a rotary motor. The rotating body has a guide hole that extends through it along its diameter. The top of the support body has an inlet that communicates with the guide hole, and the bottom of the support body has a discharge port that communicates with the guide hole. A slider slides within the guide hole. When the guide hole is vertical, the slider slides down under the influence of gravity, so that the support body, the rotating body, and the slider together form a receiving trough for quantitatively dispensing rice.

[0008] The rice compaction unit includes a pressure plate for compacting rice and a pusher for pushing the rice to one side of the lunch box;

[0009] The food packaging unit is used to package the food into lunch boxes, and its structure is the same as that of the rice packaging unit.

[0010] The food compaction unit includes a pressure plate for simultaneously compacting rice and dishes;

[0011] The sealing unit is used to seal the packaged lunch boxes.

[0012] The transport unit, which runs through the entire device, is used to transport the disassembled lunch boxes one by one to each unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the lunchbox separating mechanism includes guide rods and separating components. There are six guide rods arranged vertically to form a C-shaped enclosure, with the opening of the C-shape facing the lunchbox input mechanism so that the lunchbox can fall into the enclosure. The separating components consist of four studs, which are driven to rotate by a power component. The separating components are located directly above the transport unit. The edge of the lunchbox rests on the threads of the four studs. As the studs rotate, the lunchbox moves downwards along the threads on the studs to separate the lunchbox.

[0014] Furthermore, the pushing mechanism includes a cylinder, a fixed seat, and a push plate. The cylinder is positioned directly opposite the lunchbox separating mechanism, and the extension direction of the cylinder's telescopic rod is perpendicular to the transport direction of the lunchbox input mechanism. The cylinder is fixed to the outside of the lunchbox input mechanism via the fixed seat, and a push plate for pushing the lunchbox is fixed to the end of the cylinder's telescopic rod.

[0015] Furthermore, the length of the rotating body is equal to the thickness of the support body, so that both ends of the rotating body just pass through the support body. The front end of the rotating body is provided with an elongated sliding hole that communicates with the guide hole. A guide post is inserted into the sliding hole and is connected to the slider. The guide post can slide along the sliding hole so that the slider can slide in the guide hole. The front and rear ends of the rotating body are respectively provided with a detachable front mounting cover and a rear mounting cover on the side wall of the support body.

[0016] Furthermore, the top of the dispensing mechanism is connected to the rice hopper via a transport channel, and the transport channel and the dispensing mechanism are locked together by a locking mechanism.

[0017] Furthermore, the slitting mechanism also includes a second cylinder, a third cylinder, a horizontal support, and a longitudinal guide rail. The horizontal support spans across the transport channel, the second cylinder is vertically mounted on the horizontal support, and the end of the telescopic rod of the second cylinder is connected to the cutter. The longitudinal guide rail is located below the horizontal support and is parallel to the transport channel. The horizontal support is slidably mounted on the longitudinal guide rail and is also connected to the horizontally mounted third cylinder.

[0018] Furthermore, the flattening mechanism is located outside the discharge end of the cutting section and directly above the lunch box. The flattening mechanism also includes a first cylinder, a support cylinder, and a fixed frame. The pressure column is slidably inserted into the support cylinder, the fixed frame is set on the support cylinder, the first cylinder is vertically set on the fixed frame, the telescopic rod of the first cylinder is connected to the pressure column, and the support cylinder has a discharge port on the side facing the transport channel.

[0019] Furthermore, the rice compaction unit includes a support, a compaction cylinder, a pressure plate, a fourth mounting bracket, a tossing cylinder, and a tossing component. The compaction cylinder is vertically positioned below the support. The lower end of the telescopic rod of the compaction cylinder is connected to a horizontally positioned pressure plate used for compacting the rice. The pressure plate is located directly above the rice container and facing the rice placement area. A vertically positioned fourth mounting bracket is provided on one side of the compaction cylinder. A vertically positioned tossing cylinder is provided on the fourth mounting bracket. A tossing component for tossing the rice is hinged to the bottom of the fourth mounting bracket. The telescopic rod of the tossing cylinder is connected to the tossing component.

[0020] Furthermore, the transport unit includes a fifth mounting frame and a conveying mechanism mounted on the fifth mounting frame. The conveying mechanism includes a chain, gears, and several lunchbox holders. The chain is looped around the gears at both ends of the fifth mounting frame and is driven to rotate by the gears. Several lunchbox holders are arranged side by side along the direction of the chain's movement. The lunchbox holders have a rectangular frame structure.

[0021] Furthermore, it also includes a soup-refilling unit, which is located between the food compaction unit and the sealing unit, and is used to add soup to the lunchbox; it includes a weighing mechanism and a soup-refilling mechanism. The weighing mechanism is used to weigh the lunchbox and includes a weighing platform and an inclined guide plate for guiding the lunchbox onto the weighing platform. A weighing sensor is provided on the weighing platform; the soup-refilling mechanism is located directly above the weighing platform and includes a dispensing pipe, a dispensing switch for controlling the opening of the dispensing pipe, a connecting pipe connected to the dispensing pipe, and a soup container connected to the connecting pipe.

[0022] Compared with existing technologies, the fully automated airline meal production equipment described in this invention has the following advantages:

[0023] The fully automated airline meal production equipment of the present invention includes a meal box splitting unit for splitting stacked meal boxes into individual meal boxes, a rice dispensing unit for dispensing rice into meal boxes, a rice compacting unit for pushing the rice to one side and compacting it, a dish dispensing unit for dispensing side dishes into meal boxes, a food compacting unit for simultaneously compacting the rice and side dishes, and a sealing unit for sealing the dispensed meal boxes. Through the cooperation of the above units, the automatic dispensing of meals can be realized, reducing manual assistance and improving production efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fully automated airline meal production equipment described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the lunchbox disassembly unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a partial enlarged view of point A of the lunchbox disassembly unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the lunchbox disassembly unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a top view of the lunchbox disassembly unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the power assembly described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rice packaging unit and the dish packaging unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the dispensing mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispensing mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the rice compaction unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a partial enlarged view of point A of the rice compaction unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a side view of the rice compaction unit described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the support plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the mounting bracket described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the actuating component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the soup-refilling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a front view of the soup-refilling unit according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the lunchbox holder according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 19 This is a schematic diagram of the weighing mechanism described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 20 This is a schematic diagram of the soup-refilling mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0046] 1. Lunchbox disassembly unit; 1-1. Chassis; 1-11. Drop-off port; 1-12. Output port; 1-2. Lunchbox input mechanism; 1-21. Conveyor belt; 1-22. Mounting base; 1-23. First motor; 1-3. Baffle mechanism; 1-31. Side baffle; 1-32. Front baffle; 1-33. First mounting bracket; 1-331. Fixed bracket; 1-332. Adjusting rod; 1-333. Fastening bolt; 1-34. Second mounting bracket; 1-341. Through hole; 1-4. Pushing mechanism; 1-41. Push 1-42. Pneumatic cylinder; 1-43. Fixed base; 1-44. Support rod; 1-45. Push plate; 1-46. Protective component; 1-47. Shielding component; 1-48. Limiting plate; 1-5. First position sensor; 1-6. Second position sensor; 1-7. Separating mechanism; 1-71. Guide rod; 1-72. Separating component; 1-73. Power assembly; 1-731. Transmission gear; 1-732. Auxiliary gear; 1-733. Toothed belt; 1-734. Second motor; 1-74. Housing; 1-741. Box drop opening;

[0047] 2. Rice dispensing unit; 2-1. Dispensing mechanism; 2-11. Support body; 2-111. Feed inlet; 2-112. Discharge outlet; 2-12. Rotating body; 2-121. Guide hole; 2-122. Sliding hole; 2-13. Sliding block; 2-14. Rotary motor; 2-15. Front mounting cover; 2-151. Rotation hole; 2-16. Rear mounting cover; 2-17. Guide post; 2-2. Transport channel; 2-3. Locking mechanism; 2-31. Locking screw; 2-32. Fixing component; 2-33. Locking nut;

[0048] 3. Rice compaction unit; 3-1. Support component; 3-11. Slit; 3-2. Support plate; 3-21. Snap-fit ​​part; 3-22. Limiting recess; 3-23. Oblong hole; 3-3. Compaction cylinder; 3-31. Screw; 3-32. Nut; 3-33. Washer; 3-4. Pressure plate; 3-5. Fourth mounting bracket; 3-51. First vertical section; 3-52. S-curve; 3-53. Second vertical section; 3-54. Mounting part; 3-541. Insertion hole; 3-542. Fixing hole; 3-55. Hinge shaft; 3-56. Slot; 3-57. Adjusting bolt; 3-6. Actuating cylinder; 3-7. Connecting component; 3-8. Actuating component; 3-81. Actuating plate; 3-82. Bushing; 3-83. Connecting part;

[0049] 4. Food packaging unit;

[0050] 5. Soup refilling unit; 5-1. Weighing mechanism; 5-11. Weighing platform; 5-111. Groove; 5-112. Second photoelectric sensor; 5-12. Inclined guide plate; 5-13. Support base; 5-2. Soup refilling mechanism; 5-21. Discharge pipe; 5-211. Connection port; 5-22. Discharge switch; 5-221. Valve disc; 5-222. Telescopic rod; 5-223. Adjusting cylinder; 5-23. Connecting pipe; 5-24. Soup container;

[0051] 6. Plastic-encapsulated unit;

[0052] 7. Transport unit; 7-1. Fifth mounting bracket; 7-2. Conveying mechanism; 7-21. Chain; 7-22. Conveying gear; 7-23. Lunch box holder; 7-231. Overflow groove; 7-232. Limiting ring; 7-233. Support block; 7-234. Mounting hole;

[0053] 8. Food compaction unit; 9. Food container. Detailed Implementation

[0054] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0055] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0056] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0057] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0058] Example 1

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, a fully automated airline meal production equipment includes, from right to left, a meal box splitting unit, a rice packaging unit, a rice compacting unit, a dish packaging unit, a meal and dish compacting unit, and a sealing unit.

[0060] Among them, the lunch box splitting unit 1 is used to split the stacked lunch boxes into individual lunch boxes;

[0061] For example, the lunchbox splitting unit includes a lunchbox input mechanism 1-2, a splitting mechanism 1-7, and a pushing mechanism 1-4.

[0062] The lunchbox input mechanism 1-2 is used to transport stacked lunchboxes to the lunchbox sorting mechanism; specifically, the lunchbox input mechanism includes a conveyor belt 1-21 and a first motor 1-23 for driving the conveyor belt, and a mounting seat 1-22 for mounting the conveyor belt is provided on the outer periphery of the conveyor belt.

[0063] The lunchbox separating mechanism is located on one side of the lunchbox input mechanism and above the transport unit, used to separate stacked lunchboxes into individual lunchboxes for drop; specifically, such as... Figure 2-3 As shown, the lunchbox separating mechanism includes guide rods 1-71 and separating components 1-72. There are 6 guide rods arranged vertically to form a C-shaped enclosure. The opening of the C-shape faces the lunchbox input mechanism so that the lunchbox can fall into the enclosure. The separating components are 4 studs. The studs are driven to rotate by a power component. The separating components are located directly above the lunchbox output mechanism. The edge of the lunchbox rests on the threads of the 4 studs. As the studs rotate, the lunchbox moves downwards along the threads on the studs to achieve separation.

[0064] More specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, the power assembly includes a transmission gear 1-731, an auxiliary gear 1-732, a toothed belt 1-733, and a second motor 1-734. Each of the four studs has a transmission gear on its shaft, and several auxiliary gears are arranged around the transmission gears. Specifically, this embodiment has four auxiliary gears. The transmission gears and auxiliary gears are driven by a toothed belt, causing adjacent studs to rotate in opposite directions, while diagonally opposite studs rotate in the same direction. The transmission gears are driven by the second motor. More specifically, the power assembly is surrounded by a housing 1-74, with a dropping opening 1-741 facing the lower opening. The lunchbox input mechanism is located above the housing.

[0065] The pushing mechanism is located on the other side of the lunchbox input mechanism and directly opposite the lunchbox separating mechanism. It is used to push the stacked lunchboxes away from the lunchbox input mechanism and into the lunchbox separating mechanism.

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 2 , 4 As shown in Figure 5, the pushing mechanism includes a cylinder 1-41, a fixed seat 1-42, and a push plate 1-44. The cylinder is positioned directly opposite the lunchbox separating mechanism, and the extension direction of the cylinder's telescopic rod is perpendicular to the transport direction of the lunchbox input mechanism. The cylinder is fixed to the outside of the lunchbox input mechanism via the fixed seat, and a push plate for pushing the lunchbox is fixed to the end of the cylinder's telescopic rod.

[0067] More specifically, the pushing mechanism may also include a support rod 1-43, a protective component 1-45, and a blocking component 1-46; the length of the push plate is greater than the side length of the lunch box, and a support rod parallel to the cylinder telescopic rod is slidably inserted on the fixed base, and the support rod is fixedly connected to the push plate; the push plate is also provided with a vertically arranged protective component, which faces the stacked lunch boxes and is used to push the lunch boxes and prevent them from tipping over; the push plate is also provided with a vertically arranged blocking component, which faces the transport direction of the lunch box input mechanism and is used to block the lunch boxes transported in later.

[0068] More specifically, the protective component can be a vertically installed stop bar, and the blocking component can be a vertically installed cover plate. The cover plate and the stop bar are directly fixedly connected by a connecting rod. When the push plate pushes the lunch box under the drive of the cylinder, the stop bar can block the stacked lunch boxes longitudinally to prevent them from tipping over during the pushing process, and the cover plate also moves with the push plate in a transport direction perpendicular to the lunch box input mechanism.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, a horizontally positioned limiting plate 1-47 is also provided on the lower part of the side of the cover facing the lunch box. The limiting plate rests on the top of the fixed base and serves as a guide.

[0070] For example, the unit also includes a shielding mechanism 1-3, which is disposed on both sides of the lunchbox input mechanism in the transport direction and at the front end of the lunchbox input mechanism in the transport direction, for shielding the lunchbox to prevent it from falling.

[0071] Specifically, the shielding mechanism includes a side baffle 1-31, a front baffle 1-32, a first mounting bracket 1-33, and a second mounting bracket 1-34. There are two side baffles, which are respectively set on both sides of the lunchbox input mechanism via the first mounting bracket. The front baffle is set at the front end of the lunchbox input mechanism in the transport direction via the second mounting bracket. There is a gap between the side baffles and the front baffles directly opposite the lunchbox separating mechanism and the pushing mechanism to form a channel for the movement of the lunchbox.

[0072] More specifically, the first mounting bracket includes a fixed bracket 1-331, an adjusting rod 1-332, and a fastening bolt 1-333. The fixed bracket is fixed to the outside of the lunchbox input mechanism, the adjusting rod is horizontally inserted into the fixed bracket, and one end of the adjusting rod is fixedly connected to the side baffle. The fixed bracket is provided with a screw-in fastening bolt for fixing the adjusting rod.

[0073] More specifically, the second mounting bracket is equipped with a first position sensor 1-5 facing the lunchbox input mechanism and used to detect the position of the lunchbox. The first position sensor can be connected to the controller, and the cylinder is also connected to the controller. When the first position sensor detects that a lunchbox has reached the position facing the cylinder, the controller starts the cylinder to push the lunchbox.

[0074] More specifically, the second mounting bracket can be an L-shaped plate with through holes 1-341, and the first position sensor is installed in the through holes.

[0075] More specifically, a second position sensor 1-6 is provided on the guide rod 1-71 to detect the height of the stacked lunch boxes. When the lunch box falls to the specified height, the second position sensor will transmit a signal to the controller, which will then control the lunch box input mechanism to transport the next batch of lunch boxes.

[0076] Specifically, the power unit is located above the chassis 1-1, the outer shell is covered on the upper surface of the chassis, the lunch box input mechanism is located above the outer shell, the transport unit passes through the chassis, and the side wall of the chassis is provided with an output port 1-12 for the transport unit to pass through. The upper surface of the workbench is provided with a drop port 1-11 for the lunch boxes to fall, and the box-separating mechanism is located at the drop port, with the drop port facing the box-dropping port.

[0077] The rice dispensing unit 2 is used to dispense rice into a lunchbox. It includes a dispensing mechanism 2-1, which comprises a support body 2-11, a rotating body 2-12, and a slider 2-13. The rotating body is horizontally rotatably disposed within the support body and is driven to rotate by a rotary motor 2-14. The rotating body has a guide hole 2-121 extending through its side wall along its diameter. The top of the support body has an inlet 2-111 connected to the guide hole, and the bottom of the support body has a discharge port 2-112 connected to the guide hole. A slider slides within the guide hole. When the guide hole is vertical, the slider slides downward under gravity, so that the support body, the rotating body, and the slider together form a receiving trough for quantitatively dispensing rice. When the rotating body rotates 180°, the rice it holds also rotates 180°. Under the action of the slider's own gravity, the slider slides downward, thus pushing the rice out and into the lunchbox, achieving the dispensing of rice.

[0078] Specifically, the slider is a rectangular block structure with convex arcs at both ends.

[0079] Specifically, the length of the rotating body is equal to the thickness of the supporting body, so that both ends of the rotating body just protrude from the supporting body, such as... Figure 7-8 As shown, the front end of the rotating body has an elongated sliding hole 2-122 communicating with the guide hole. A guide post 2-17 is inserted into the sliding hole and connected to the slider. Specifically, the guide post can be connected to the slider by a thread. The guide post can slide along the sliding hole to facilitate the slider's sliding within the guide hole. Removable front mounting covers 2-15 and rear mounting covers 2-16 are respectively provided on the side walls of the support body directly opposite the front and rear ends of the rotating body. More specifically, the front end of the rotating body has a circular protrusion, and the front mounting cover has a rotating hole 2-151 for the protrusion to pass through and rotate. The rotary motor is mounted on the rear mounting cover. The front and rear mounting covers confine the rotating body within the support body, preventing it from detaching.

[0080] Specifically, the top of the dispensing mechanism is connected to the rice hopper 9 via a transport channel 2-2. The transport channel and the rice hopper can be connected via a flange, and the transport channel and the dispensing mechanism are locked together via a locking mechanism.

[0081] More specifically, the locking mechanism includes a locking screw 2-31, a fixing member 2-32, and a locking nut 2-33. The locking screw is hinged to the upper part of the support body. The conveying channel is provided with a fixing member for locking the locking screw. Specifically, the fixing member can be a U-shaped structure, and a locking nut is screwed onto the locking screw. The locking mechanism facilitates the installation of the conveying channel and the rice hopper, and the rice hopper can be equipped with feeding teeth.

[0082] The rice compaction unit 3 includes a pressure plate for compacting rice and a pusher for pushing rice to one side of the lunch box.

[0083] For example, the rice compaction unit includes a support member (3-1), a compaction cylinder (3-3), a pressure plate (3-4), a fourth mounting bracket (3-5), a tossing cylinder (3-6), and a tossing component (3-7). The compaction cylinder is vertically positioned below the support member. The lower end of the telescopic rod of the compaction cylinder is connected to a horizontally positioned pressure plate used for compacting the rice. The pressure plate is located directly above the rice container and facing the rice placement area. A vertically positioned fourth mounting bracket is provided on one side of the compaction cylinder. A vertically positioned tossing cylinder is provided on the fourth mounting bracket. A tossing component for tossing the rice is hinged to the bottom of the fourth mounting bracket. The telescopic rod of the tossing cylinder is connected to the tossing component.

[0084] Specifically, the support frame includes a horizontally arranged crossbar that spans above the transport unit. The crossbar has a slit 3-11 extending along its length. A screw 3-31 is fixedly connected to the top of the compaction cylinder. The screw passes upward through the slit and is screwed with a nut 3-32. A washer 3-33 is also provided between the nut and the crossbar.

[0085] Specifically, such as Figure 13-14 A horizontally mounted support plate 3-2 is fitted onto the screw, sandwiched between the crossbar and the cylinder. The front sidewall of the support plate has an arc-shaped snap-fit ​​portion 3-21, and the upper and lower surfaces of the support plate have limiting recesses 3-22 near the snap-fit ​​portion. The mounting bracket has slots 3-56 corresponding to the shapes of the snap-fit ​​portion and the limiting recesses. During installation, the snap-fit ​​portion is inserted into the slot to complete the installation of the mounting bracket.

[0086] Specifically, the support plate is provided with elongated holes 3-23, through which the screw passes, and the elongated holes facilitate the adjustment of the support plate's installation position.

[0087] Specifically, the mounting bracket includes a first vertical section 3-51, an S-curve section 3-52, and a second vertical section 3-53 that are integrally connected in sequence, with a slot provided in the first vertical section.

[0088] More specifically, the lower end of the second vertical section is provided with a hinge shaft 3-55, and the actuating component includes an actuating plate 3-81, a bushing 3-82 and a connecting part 3-83. The actuating plate is provided with a bushing, which is sleeved on the hinge shaft. The hinge shaft is also provided with a connecting part. The end of the telescopic rod of the actuating cylinder is provided with a connecting part 7, which is hinged to the connecting part.

[0089] For example, such as Figure 13 The upper part of the mounting bracket is provided with a mounting part 3-54, which has an insertion hole 3-541 for inserting a toggle cylinder. The mounting part is also provided with a fixing hole 3-542 that is perpendicular to and communicates with the insertion hole. A bolt 3-57 for fixing the toggle cylinder is screwed into the fixing hole. This structure facilitates the installation of the toggle cylinder.

[0090] The food dispensing unit 4 is used to dispense food into lunch boxes. Its structure is the same as that of the rice dispensing unit. It can be formed into a receiving slot for quantitatively dispensing food by means of a support, a rotating body and a slider.

[0091] The food compaction unit 8 includes a pressure plate for simultaneously compacting rice and dishes. Its structure is similar to that of the rice compaction unit, except that it only includes a compaction cylinder and a pressure plate. The pressure plate can cover the entire lunch box.

[0092] The sealing unit 6 is used to seal the packaged lunch boxes; the sealing unit can be implemented using the commonly used sealing structure in existing technology, which will not be elaborated here.

[0093] Transport unit 7 runs through the entire device and is used to transport the disassembled lunch boxes one by one to each unit.

[0094] For example, the transport unit includes a fifth mounting frame 7-1 and a conveying mechanism 7-2 mounted on the fifth mounting frame. The conveying mechanism includes a chain 7-21, a conveying gear 7-22, and several lunchbox holders 7-23. The chain is looped around the conveying gears at both ends of the fifth mounting frame and is driven to rotate by the conveying gears. Several lunchbox holders are arranged side by side along the direction of chain movement. The lunchbox holders are rectangular frame structures. The lunchboxes fall on the lunchbox holders, and the lunchbox holders move with the chain to realize the transport of the lunchboxes.

[0095] Specifically, the fifth mounting frame runs through the lunchbox disassembly unit, rice packaging unit, rice compaction unit, dish packaging unit, rice and dish compaction unit, and sealing unit, realizing the conveying of lunchboxes in these units. Specifically, there can be 4 gears, which are rotatably set at both ends of the mounting frame, and 2 chains, which are set on the 2 gears along the length of the mounting frame.

[0096] More specifically, such as Figure 18As shown, the lunchbox holder has a rectangular frame structure, and is mounted on two chains parallel to both sides of the chain. The upper surface of the lunchbox holder has a rectangular anti-overflow groove 7-231, the shape of which matches the shape of the lunchbox, and is located directly below the edge of the lunchbox. Due to errors in filling the food, a small amount of soup may overflow, or soup may overflow when the equipment is started or due to other shaking. In this case, the overflowing soup will enter the anti-overflow groove and will not flow onto the equipment, ensuring the cleanliness of the equipment.

[0097] More specifically, the width of the overflow preventer is greater than the width of the edge of the lunchbox.

[0098] More specifically, support blocks 7-233 are provided at the four top corners or two opposite corners of the overflow preventer, and the support blocks can support the edge of the lunch box.

[0099] More specifically, the outer edge of the top of the overflow tray is provided with a rectangular ring-shaped limiting ring 7-232. The limiting ring can be made of silicone and can limit the position of the lunch box.

[0100] More specifically, the lunchbox holder has mounting holes 7-234, and bolts are installed in the mounting holes. The lunchbox holder is installed on the chain by bolts.

[0101] How does this device work?

[0102] In operation, the lunchboxes are manually placed on the lunchbox input mechanism, which then transports the stacked lunchboxes to the sorting mechanism. A pushing mechanism then pushes the lunchboxes into the sorting mechanism, where they are individually separated into individual lunchboxes. Finally, a transport unit outputs the individual lunchboxes to the rice dispensing unit. Rice from the rice container is transported to the dispensing mechanism via a transport channel, falling into an upward-opening receiving slot formed by a support, a rotating body, and a slider. A rotary motor then rotates the rice 180°. When the slot opening is downward, the slider slides down under gravity, pushing the rice out of the slot and into the lunchbox. At this point, the upper end of the slider, along with the support and rotating body, reforms into an upward-opening receiving slot to continue receiving rice. Next, the rice travels with the transport unit to the rice compaction unit. An actuating component pushes the rice to one side of the lunchbox, while a pressing plate compacts the rice to facilitate the subsequent loading of other dishes. The lunchbox then moves to the food dispensing unit, where the food is dispensed into the lunchbox. The rice and food are then compacted by the food compaction unit, and finally the lunchbox is sealed by the sealing unit.

[0103] Example 2

[0104] Based on the above embodiments, a soup refilling unit can also be provided. For some dishes that may require more soup, an additional soup refilling unit can be added to add the dish and soup separately, so as to avoid adding too much soup and affecting the taste of the boxed meal. At the same time, it can also prevent the equipment from getting dirty during the production process.

[0105] The soup refilling unit is located between the food compaction unit and the sealing unit, and is used to add soup to the lunchbox. It includes a weighing mechanism 5-1 and a soup refilling mechanism 5-2. The weighing mechanism is used to weigh the lunchbox and includes a weighing platform 5-11 and an inclined guide plate 5-12 for guiding the lunchbox onto the weighing platform. A weighing sensor is installed on the weighing platform. The soup refilling mechanism is located directly above the weighing platform and includes a dispensing pipe 5-21, a dispensing switch 5-22 for controlling the opening of the dispensing pipe, a connecting pipe 5-23 connected to the dispensing pipe, and a soup container 5-24 connected to the connecting pipe. When the lunchbox reaches the weighing platform and is aligned with the dispensing pipe, the dispensing switch is opened to add soup. The weight of the added soup can be detected by the weighing sensor.

[0106] Specifically, the weighing platform is located directly below one of the lunchbox holders, and the distance between the upper surface of the weighing platform and the upper surface of the lunchbox holder is less than the height of the lunchbox. Along the direction of chain movement, an inclined guide plate is located behind the weighing platform and is inclined downwards. The inclined guide plate is used to guide the lunchbox behind the weighing platform onto the weighing platform. Support base 5-13 is fixed on the fifth mounting frame, and both the weighing platform and the inclined guide plate are set on the support base. In order to achieve weighing, the distance between the weighing platform and the lunchbox holder is less than the height of the lunchbox. This way, the lunchbox holder will not exert an upward supporting force on the lunchbox during weighing, which would affect the accuracy of the weighing. Therefore, in order to ensure the smooth operation of weighing, an inclined guide plate is set up to guide the lunchbox onto the weighing platform.

[0107] Specifically, along the direction of chain movement, a groove 5-111 is provided on the upper surface of the weighing platform near the front end of the weighing platform. A second photoelectric sensor 5-112 for detecting lunch boxes is provided in the groove. The second photoelectric sensor is located at the front end of the weighing platform. When the lunch box moves to the front end and blocks the second photoelectric sensor, the dispensing switch can be controlled by the controller to start adding soup. The weighing sensor detects the weight of the lunch box, and then the dispensing switch is closed by the controller.

[0108] The photoelectric sensor can be any conventional device from the existing technology that can achieve the purpose of this invention.

[0109] For example, the discharge switch is a type of valve, which may include a valve disc 5-221, a telescopic rod 5-222, and a cylinder 5-223. The connecting pipe is connected to the side wall of the discharge pipe and forms a connection port 5-211 at the side wall. The discharge pipe is provided with a valve disc for blocking the connection port. A cylinder is provided above the discharge pipe. The telescopic rod of the cylinder extends into the discharge pipe and is connected to the valve disc.

[0110] When the cylinder is turned on, it can move the valve disc up and down, thereby blocking or opening the connection port.

[0111] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fully automated aircraft meal production equipment, characterized in that: Including the following units arranged from right to left: The lunchbox splitting unit is used to split stacked lunchboxes into individual lunchboxes. The lunchbox splitting unit includes a lunchbox input mechanism, a splitting mechanism, and a pushing mechanism. The lunchbox input mechanism is used to transport the stacked lunchboxes to the splitting mechanism. The splitting mechanism is located on one side of the lunchbox input mechanism and above the transport unit, and is used to split the stacked lunchboxes into individual lunchboxes for them to fall. The pushing mechanism is located on the other side of the lunchbox input mechanism and directly opposite the splitting mechanism, and is used to push the stacked lunchboxes away from the lunchbox input mechanism and into the splitting mechanism. The lunchbox separating mechanism includes guide rods and separating components. There are six guide rods arranged vertically to form a C-shaped enclosure. The opening of the C-shape faces the lunchbox input mechanism so that the lunchbox can fall into the enclosure. The separating components consist of four studs, which are driven to rotate by a power component. The separating components are located directly above the transport unit. The edge of the lunchbox rests on the threads of the four studs. As the studs rotate, the lunchbox moves downwards along the threads on the studs to separate the lunchbox. The pushing mechanism includes a cylinder, a fixed seat, and a push plate. The cylinder is positioned directly opposite the box-separating mechanism, and the extension direction of the cylinder's telescopic rod is perpendicular to the transport direction of the lunchbox input mechanism. The cylinder is fixed to the outside of the lunchbox input mechanism via the fixed seat, and a push plate for pushing the lunchbox is fixed to the end of the cylinder's telescopic rod. The pushing mechanism also includes a support rod, a protective component, and a shielding component; the length of the push plate is greater than the side length of the lunch box, and a support rod parallel to the cylinder telescopic rod is slidably inserted into the fixed base, and the support rod is fixedly connected to the push plate; the push plate is also provided with a vertically arranged protective component, which faces the stacked lunch boxes and is used to push the lunch boxes and prevent them from tipping over; the push plate is also provided with a vertically arranged shielding component, which faces the transport direction of the lunch box input mechanism and is used to shield the lunch boxes transported in later. A rice dispensing unit is used to dispense rice into a lunchbox. It includes a dispensing mechanism, which comprises a support body, a rotating body, and a slider. The rotating body is horizontally rotatably disposed within the support body and is driven to rotate by a rotary motor. The rotating body has a guide hole that extends through it along its diameter. The top of the support body has an inlet that communicates with the guide hole, and the bottom of the support body has a discharge port that communicates with the guide hole. A slider slides within the guide hole. When the guide hole is vertical, the slider slides down under the influence of gravity, so that the support body, the rotating body, and the slider together form a receiving trough for quantitatively dispensing rice. The rice compaction unit includes a pressure plate for compacting rice and a pusher for pushing the rice to one side of the lunch box; The rice compaction unit includes a support, a compaction cylinder, a pressure plate, a fourth mounting bracket, a tossing cylinder, and a tossing component. The compaction cylinder is vertically positioned below the support. The lower end of the telescopic rod of the compaction cylinder is connected to a horizontally positioned pressure plate used to compact the rice. The pressure plate is located directly above the rice container and facing the rice placement area. A vertically positioned fourth mounting bracket is provided on one side of the compaction cylinder. A vertically positioned tossing cylinder is provided on the fourth mounting bracket. A tossing component for tossing the rice is hinged to the bottom of the fourth mounting bracket. The telescopic rod of the tossing cylinder is connected to the tossing component. The food packaging unit is used to package the food into lunch boxes, and its structure is the same as that of the rice packaging unit. The food compaction unit includes a pressure plate for simultaneously compacting rice and dishes; The sealing unit is used to seal the packaged lunch boxes. The transport unit, which runs through the entire device, is used to transport the disassembled lunch boxes one by one to each unit.

2. The fully automated airline meal production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the rotating body is equal to the thickness of the support body, so that both ends of the rotating body just pass through the support body. The front end of the rotating body is provided with an elongated sliding hole that communicates with the guide hole. A guide post is inserted into the sliding hole and is connected to the slider. The guide post can slide along the sliding hole so that the slider can slide in the guide hole. The front and rear ends of the rotating body are respectively provided with a detachable front mounting cover and a rear mounting cover on the side wall of the support body.

3. The fully automated airline meal production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the dispensing mechanism is connected to the rice hopper via a transport channel, and the transport channel and the dispensing mechanism are locked together by a locking mechanism.

4. The fully automated airline meal production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transport unit includes a fifth mounting frame and a conveying mechanism mounted on the fifth mounting frame. The conveying mechanism includes a chain, gears, and several lunchbox holders. The chain is looped around the gears at both ends of the fifth mounting frame and is driven to rotate by the gears. Several lunchbox holders are arranged side by side along the direction of the chain's movement. The lunchbox holders have a rectangular frame structure.

5. The fully automated airline meal production equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a soup refilling unit, which is located between the food compaction unit and the sealing unit, and is used to add soup to the lunch box; it includes a weighing mechanism and a soup refilling mechanism. The weighing mechanism is used to weigh the lunch box and includes a weighing platform and an inclined guide plate for guiding the lunch box onto the weighing platform. A weighing sensor is provided on the weighing platform; the soup refilling mechanism is located directly above the weighing platform and includes a dispensing pipe, a dispensing switch for controlling the opening of the dispensing pipe, a connecting pipe connected to the dispensing pipe, and a soup container connected to the connecting pipe.

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