Intelligent food storage device and control method thereof

Abstract

The present invention discloses an intelligent meal storage device and a control method thereof, which include a conveyor, a column storage cabinet, an elevator and several insulation cabins arranged on the column storage cabinet. The processor controls the conveyor to send the meal box onto the elevator, and the elevator sends the meal box into the insulation cabin to realize automatic meal storage. When the meal is served, the processor controls the micromotor in the insulation cabin to drive the roller to send the meal box out of the insulation cabin. The processor then controls the elevator and the conveyor to send the meal box to the meal outlet, and the processor controls the meal delivery code scanner to update the order status, thereby realizing automatic meal storage and automatic meal retrieval, saving manpower and improving work efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent kitchen automation, and in particular to an intelligent meal storage device and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the emergence of the smart kitchen at the Beijing Winter Games, people all over the world have been amazed. Smart kitchens will be a development trend in the future. How to use machines to complete tasks that require manual labor has become the focus of technological breakthroughs. Nowadays, there are robots that can cook automatically, but how to automatically store the dishes in the storage cabinet after the robot finishes cooking, and how to automatically take the dishes out of the storage cabinet and deliver them to the user without manual labor need to be solved urgently. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem that after cooking, the robot cannot automatically store the dishes in a storage cabinet for insulation and automatically take out the dishes from the storage cabinet and then automatically deliver them to the food outlet when taking out the dishes, so as to realize fully automatic and unmanned storage and retrieval of dishes. It is necessary to have an intelligent device for storing and retrieving dishes and a control method for the device. To achieve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: An intelligent food storage device includes a conveyor, a column storage cabinet, an elevator and several insulation chambers arranged on the column storage cabinet, and also includes a processor and a signal acquisition unit and a signal output unit connected to the processor. The signal output unit is respectively connected to a power control module and a temperature control module. The signal acquisition unit collects signals from various components in real time and sends the collected data to the processor, which helps the processor monitor and control various components. The processor realizes intelligent storage and intelligent retrieval of the lunch box by controlling the power control module. The temperature control module can maintain the temperature in the insulation chamber constant, so that the flavor of the dishes is close to that when they are taken out, and the taste of the dishes will not change due to storage time.

[0004] Preferably, the column storage cabinet is a hollow column, the elevator is arranged in the hollow part of the column storage cabinet, and is connected to the power control module, a temperature sensor is provided in the insulation cabin, the temperature sensor is connected to the signal acquisition unit, a heating device is provided on the lower surface of the insulation cabin, the heating device is connected to the temperature control module, the column storage cabinet is a hollow column, and the elevator is provided in the center of the storage cabinet, so that when storing the lunch box, the elevator only needs to change direction by rotating, and the implementation process is simple. The heating device arranged on the lower surface of the insulation cabin is controlled by the temperature control module and is used to maintain the temperature in the insulation cabin during insulation. The temperature sensor arranged inside the insulation cabin can feed back the temperature data in the insulation cabin to the processor, and the processor controls the temperature control module to maintain the temperature in the insulation cabin.

[0005] Preferably, the conveyor is provided with a plurality of rollers, which are driven by a motor, and a pressure sensor is provided at the position supporting the roller. The pressure sensor is connected to the signal acquisition unit. The pressure sensor is used to detect whether a lunch box is placed on the conveyor. If no lunch box is placed, the conveyor is in a dormant standby state to save energy. The conveyor starts working only when a lunch box is placed.

[0006] Preferably, the elevator is provided with a transfer plate, and the transfer plate is provided with a number of parallel distributed micro-motor driven rollers and limiters. The micro-motor driven rollers provided on the transfer plate are used to transfer the lunch box between the conveyor and the transfer plate. The parallel distribution can keep the lunch box balanced during transfer, thereby achieving smooth transfer of the lunch box between the two. During the transfer process, when the lunch box touches the limiter, the micro-motor driven rollers stop rotating to prevent the lunch box from falling out of the transfer plate.

[0007] Preferably, the tail of the conveyor is provided with several micro-motor driven rollers, and the output end of the conveyor is also provided with a meal delivery code scanner, which is connected to the signal acquisition unit. When the meal box is delivered, it slides to the meal delivery port through a tilted slide rail at the tail of the conveyor under the action of gravity. The several micro-motor driven rollers arranged at the tail can buffer and decelerate the sliding meal box, so that the meal box is transported to the meal delivery port at a relatively slow speed. The meal delivery code scanner at the meal delivery port is used to register that the meal has been delivered and send a signal to the processor, which updates the order status of the meal.

[0008] Preferably, the micromotor driven roller is also arranged in the thermal insulation cabin, and the micromotor driven roller is connected to the power control module. The micromotor driven roller in the thermal insulation cabin is used to transfer the lunch box from the transfer plate to the thermal insulation cabin when storing meals, and is also used to transfer the lunch box from the thermal insulation cabin to the transfer plate when serving meals. It is controlled by the power control module and changes the rotation direction according to different situations.

[0009] A control method for the intelligent food storage device according to claim 1, wherein the support portion of the conveyor roller is provided with a pressure sensor, the elevator is provided with a transfer plate, the transfer plate, the insulation chamber and the conveyor output end are provided with a micro-motor driven roller, the temperature control module is connected to the heating device, and the signal acquisition unit is connected to the food delivery code scanner, characterized in that it includes:

[0010] Step S1: The processor controls the signal acquisition unit to collect real-time temperature, pressure and lunch box information;

[0011] Step S2: If the pressure sensor detects pressure, the power control module controls the meal storage part of the conveyor to transport the meal box to the transfer tray;

[0012] Step S3: The power control module controls the micromotor to drive the roller to transfer the lunch box to the transfer plate;

[0013] Step S4: The power control module controls the elevator to deliver the lunch box into the idle insulation cabin according to the position signal. During the operation of the elevator, the conveyor stops working.

[0014] Step S5: When the lunch box is transported to the thermal insulation cabin, the temperature control module controls the heating device to control the cabin temperature at 55-65 degrees Celsius;

[0015] Step S6: When the user scans the code to pick up the meal, the power control module controls the elevator to raise the transfer tray to the door of the insulation compartment where the meal is to be picked up. The micromotor in the insulation compartment drives the roller to move the meal box onto the transfer tray.

[0016] Step S7: The power control module controls the elevator to transfer the lunch box from the transfer tray to the meal discharging portion of the conveyor, and the conveyor delivers the lunch box to the meal discharging port;

[0017] Step S8: The meal delivery code scanner scans the QR code on the lunch box and sends the signal to the signal acquisition unit. The meal delivery is completed and the temperature control module controls the heating device to stop working.

[0018] The processor monitors the signals from each sensor in real time. When it detects the signal from the pressure sensor on the conveyor, the control signal output unit outputs the transmission signal to the power control module. The power control module controls the conveyor to work and transports the lunch box to the transfer plate through the roller on the conveyor. When the lunch box is sent to the vicinity of the transfer plate, the power control module controls the micro-motor on the transfer plate to drive the roller to rotate, and transfers the lunch box from the conveyor to the transfer plate. Then the power control module controls the elevator to rise and rotate to align the transfer plate with the insulation cabin to be stored. After alignment, the power control module controls the micro-motor on the transfer plate to drive the roller to rotate in the opposite direction, and also controls the micro-motor in the insulation cabin to rotate, and transfers the lunch box from the transfer plate to the insulation cabin. Then the processor controls the signal output unit to output the insulation signal to the temperature control module. The temperature control module controls the heating device to heat the insulation cabin. The temperature is controlled at 60 degrees Celsius; when picking up food, after the user scans the code, the processor controls the signal output unit to output a meal pickup signal to the power control system, and the power control system controls the elevator to raise the transfer plate and rotate it to align with the insulation chamber where the food is to be served. The power control system controls the insulation chamber and the micro-motor-driven rollers on the transfer plate to transfer the food box from the insulation chamber to the transfer plate, and then the elevator lowers the transfer plate to the bottom and rotates it to align with the food delivery part of the conveyor, and then controls the micro-motor-driven rollers to move the food box from the transfer plate to the food delivery part structure of the conveyor, and then the food box passes through the slide rail at the end of the conveyor, and then the micro-motor-driven roller controls the speed of the food box, and the food box is smoothly delivered to the food delivery port. At the same time, the food delivery code scanner at the food delivery port scans the QR code on the food box, and sends the signal to the processor through the signal acquisition unit. The processor updates the status of the meal order to completed, and the food delivery is completed.

[0019] Preferably, the specific process of step S4 further includes:

[0020] The processor detects the location of the most recently served holding compartment;

[0021] The detected insulation chamber position signal is sent to the signal output unit, and the signal output unit sends the insulation chamber position signal to the power control module.

[0022] The insulation chamber consumes a lot of energy. The previous meal has just been served, and the insulation chamber that stores the meal still retains a certain temperature. Storing it in this insulation chamber can reduce the energy required to raise the temperature to 60 degrees Celsius. Therefore, during the storage process, it is preferred to store it in the insulation chamber that has just been served, which is more energy-saving and electricity-saving.

[0023] Preferably, the specific process of step S7 further includes:

[0024] The backend generates a user order QR code based on the user's order information and identity;

[0025] If the user is a food delivery driver, if he / she comes to pick up the food more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, the food delivery platform will pay the fees incurred based on the excessive storage time;

[0026] If the user is the customer who ordered the food, if they come to pick up the food more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, the user will be charged the fee generated by the excessive storage time;

[0027] After the meal is delivered, the processor receives the signal from the signal acquisition unit and updates the status of the meal to "completed." If the user takes longer than the scheduled pickup time, an additional insulation fee will be charged based on the excess time, which will be borne by the user or the food delivery platform. After the meal is picked up, the order is completed and the delivery code scanner is used to register the delivery. This allows users to know whether their meal has been picked up, improving safety.

[0028] Preferably, the insulation cabin position signal includes the layer number of the insulation cabin and the number of the insulation cabin. The insulation cabin position information consists of the layer number and the number. For example, 0101 represents the insulation cabin No. 1 on the first layer. The position information of the insulation cabin allows the power control module to accurately find the insulation cabin to be stored, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0029] The substantial effect of the present invention is that, by controlling various parts of the device through a processor, the working status is determined according to the signals collected by different sensors, and the working mode of each component is controlled according to the working status, thereby realizing intelligent control of automatic meal storage and automatic meal delivery, saving manpower and improving work efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1is a system block diagram of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 It is a top view of a portion of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 It is an enlarged view of a part of the structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of a control method for an intelligent food storage device in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0035] In the figure: 1-column storage cabinet; 2-insulation cabin; 3-conveyor; 4-elevator; 5-micromotor driven roller; 6-meal delivery barcode scanner; 7-temperature sensor; 8-pressure sensor; 9-signal acquisition unit; 10-processor; 11-signal output unit; 12-power control module; 13-temperature control module; 14-heating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] Example 1:

[0038] An intelligent food storage device includes a conveyor 3, a column storage cabinet 1, an elevator 4 and several insulation cabins 2 arranged on the column storage cabinet 1, and also includes a processor 10 and a signal acquisition unit 9 and a signal output unit 11 connected to the processor 10, and the signal output unit 11 is respectively connected to a power control module 12 and a temperature control module 13.

[0039] This embodiment provides a smart food storage device, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes a column storage cabinet 1, an elevator 4, a conveyor 3 and several insulation cabins 2 arranged on the column storage cabinet 1, and a transfer plate is provided on the elevator 4, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, a micro-motor driven roller 5 is provided on the adapter plate, and the adapter plate can rotate freely 360 degrees. A limiter is provided on the adapter plate, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, a plurality of parallel micro-motor driven rollers 5 are also provided in the insulation chamber 2, a heating device 14 is provided in the insulation chamber 2 for keeping the food warm, and a temperature sensor 7 is also provided in the insulation chamber 2; a plurality of micro-motor driven rollers 5 are provided at the tail end of the conveyor 3, and a meal barcode scanner 6 is also provided at the end of the conveyor 3. Each meal will be scanned by the meal barcode scanner 6. Only after the code is scanned can the meal be taken out and the order is completed; Figure 1As shown, it also includes a processor 10 and a signal acquisition unit 9 and a signal output unit 11 connected to the processor 10. The signal output unit 11 is respectively connected to a power control module 12 and a temperature control module 13. The signal acquisition unit 9 is respectively connected to a temperature sensor 7, a food delivery code scanner 6 and a pressure sensor 8. The temperature control module 13 is connected to a heating device 14. The power control module 12 is respectively connected to a conveyor 3, an elevator 4 and a micro-motor driven roller 5; the pressure sensor 8 is installed on the support structure position of the roller of the conveyor 3;

[0040] This embodiment also provides a control method for the intelligent food storage device described in this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, it includes: step S1: the processor controls the signal acquisition unit to collect real-time temperature, pressure and lunch box information;

[0041] Step S2: If the pressure sensor detects pressure, the power control module controls the meal storage part of the conveyor to transport the meal box to the transfer tray;

[0042] Step S3: The power control module controls the micromotor to drive the roller to transfer the lunch box to the transfer plate;

[0043] Step S4: The power control module controls the elevator to deliver the lunch box into the idle insulation cabin according to the position signal. During the operation of the elevator, the conveyor stops working.

[0044] Step S5: When the lunch box is transported to the thermal insulation cabin, the temperature control module controls the heating device to control the cabin temperature at 55-60 degrees Celsius;

[0045] Step S6: When the user scans the code to pick up the meal, the power control module controls the elevator to raise the transfer tray to the door of the insulation compartment where the meal is to be picked up. The micromotor in the insulation compartment drives the roller to move the meal box onto the transfer tray.

[0046] Step S7: The power control module controls the elevator to transfer the lunch box from the transfer tray to the meal discharging portion of the conveyor, and the conveyor delivers the lunch box to the meal discharging port;

[0047] Step S8: The meal delivery code scanner scans the QR code on the lunch box and sends the signal to the signal acquisition unit. The meal delivery is completed and the temperature control module controls the heating device to stop working.

[0048] When the lunch box is not placed on the conveyor 3, the signal acquisition unit 9 does not sense the signal through the pressure sensor 8, so it sends a signal to the processor 10. After the processor 10 receives the signal, the power control module 12 controls the conveyor 3 to stop working, so as not to waste electricity and save energy. When the lunch box is placed on the conveyor 3, the power control module 12 controls the conveyor 3 to work and send the lunch box to the transfer plate. At this time, the power control module 12 controls the micro-motor on the transfer plate to drive the roller 5 to take the lunch box off the conveyor 3. The processor 10 detects the position of the insulation cabin 2 that has recently taken out the meal; the detected insulation cabin 2 position signal is sent to the signal output unit 11. The signal output unit 11 sends the position signal of the insulation cabin 2 to the power control module 12. The power control module 12 controls the elevator 4 to raise the adapter plate and rotate it to the door of the insulation cabin 2. Then the power control module 12 controls the micro-motor driven roller 5 on the adapter plate and the micro-motor driven roller 5 in the insulation cabin 2 to rotate and send the lunch box from the adapter plate into the insulation cabin 2. After the lunch box is completely sent into the insulation cabin 2, the temperature control module 13 controls the heating device 14 to work and increase the temperature in the insulation cabin 2. At the same time, the temperature sensor 7 detects the temperature in the insulation cabin 2 and sends the signal to the processor 10. After the judgment of the processor 10, the temperature control module 13 controls the heating The working power of the device 14 keeps the temperature in the insulation chamber 2 constant; when picking up the food, the background generates a user order QR code based on the user's order information and the user's identity, and the user scans the code to pick up the food; if the user is a takeaway deliveryman, if he comes to pick up the food 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, the takeaway platform will pay the fees generated by the excessive storage time; if the user is a customer who orders food, if he comes to pick up the food 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, the user will pay the fees generated by the excessive storage time; the processor 10 sends a pick-up signal to the signal output unit 11, and the power control module 12 controls the elevator 4 to make the transfer plate rise It also rotates to the door of the insulation cabin 2 where the meal is to be picked up, and at the same time controls the micro-motor driven roller 5 in the insulation cabin 2 and the micro-motor driven roller 5 on the transfer plate to rotate in opposite directions to transfer the meal box from the insulation cabin 2 to the transfer plate. After the meal box is completely delivered to the transfer plate, the transfer plate drops to its initial position, and the meal box is sent from the transfer plate to the meal delivery part of the conveyor 3. The power control module 12 controls the micro-motor driven roller 5 at the tail of the conveyor to rotate slowly, so that the meal box can be transported to the meal delivery port at a steady speed. The meal delivery code scanner 6 at the meal delivery port scans the QR code behind the meal box and sends the information to the processor 10. The processor 10 updates the status of the meal order to completed, and the meal delivery is completed.

[0049] The above content is merely a specific embodiment of the present application, but the scope of protection of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present application should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent food storage device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a conveyor (3), a column storage cabinet (1), an elevator (4) and a plurality of insulation chambers (2) arranged on the column storage cabinet (1), and further comprises a processor (10) and a signal acquisition unit (9) and a signal output unit (11) connected to the processor (10), wherein the signal output unit (11) is connected to a power control module (12) and a temperature control module (13) respectively. The column storage cabinet is a hollow column, and the elevator is arranged in the hollow part of the column storage cabinet. A transfer plate is provided on the elevator, and a micro-motor driven roller is provided on the transfer plate, the insulation chamber and the output end of the conveyor. When storing a lunch box, the lunch box is transferred from the conveyor to the transfer plate, and then the power control module controls the elevator to rise and rotate to align the transfer plate with the insulation chamber to be stored.

2. The intelligent food storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The column storage cabinet (1) is hollow and cylindrical. The elevator (4) is arranged in the hollow part of the column storage cabinet (1) and is connected to the power control module (12). A temperature sensor (7) is provided in the heat preservation chamber (2). The temperature sensor (7) is connected to the signal acquisition unit (9). A heating device (14) is provided on the lower surface of the heat preservation chamber (2). The heating device (14) is connected to the temperature control module (13).

3. The intelligent food storage device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conveyor (3) is provided with a plurality of rollers, the rollers being driven by a motor, and a pressure sensor (8) is provided at a portion supporting the rollers, the pressure sensor (8) being connected to a signal acquisition unit (9).

4. The intelligent food storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The elevator (4) is provided with a transfer plate, and the transfer plate is provided with a plurality of parallel distributed micro-motor driven rollers (5) and a limiter.

5. The intelligent food storage device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The output end of the conveyor (3) is provided with a plurality of micro-motor driven rollers (5), and a meal dispensing code scanner (6) is also provided above the meal dispensing port of the conveyor (3), and the meal dispensing code scanner (6) is connected to the signal acquisition unit (9).

6. The intelligent food storage device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The micro-motor driven roller (5) is also arranged in the heat preservation chamber (2), and the micro-motor driven roller (5) is connected to the power control module (12).

7. A control method for the intelligent food storage device according to claim 1, wherein the supporting portion of the conveyor roller is provided with a pressure sensor, the elevator is provided with a transfer plate, the transfer plate, the insulation chamber and the conveyor output end are provided with a micro-motor driven roller, the temperature control module is connected to the heating device, and the signal acquisition unit is connected to the food delivery code scanner, characterized in that: include: Step S1: The processor controls the signal acquisition unit to collect real-time temperature, pressure and lunch box information; Step S2: If the pressure sensor detects pressure, the power control module controls the meal storage part of the conveyor to transport the meal box to the transfer tray; Step S3: The power control module controls the micromotor to drive the roller to transfer the lunch box to the transfer plate; Step S4: The power control module controls the elevator to deliver the lunch box into the idle insulation cabin according to the position signal. During the operation of the elevator, the conveyor stops working. Step S5: When the lunch box is transported to the thermal insulation chamber, the temperature control module controls the heating device to control the temperature in the chamber to 55-65 degrees Celsius; Step S6: When the user scans the code to pick up the meal, the power control module controls the elevator to raise the transfer tray to the door of the insulation compartment where the meal is to be picked up. The micromotor in the insulation compartment drives the roller to move the meal box onto the transfer tray. Step S7: The power control module controls the elevator to transfer the lunch box from the transfer tray to the meal discharging portion of the conveyor, and the conveyor delivers the lunch box to the meal discharging port; Step S8: The meal delivery code scanner scans the QR code on the lunch box and sends the signal to the signal acquisition unit. The meal delivery is completed and the temperature control module controls the heating device to stop working.

8. The control method of the intelligent food storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The specific process of step S4 also includes: The processor detects the location of the holding compartment where the meal was recently served; The detected insulation chamber position signal is sent to the signal output unit, and the signal output unit sends the insulation chamber position signal to the power control module.

9. The control method of the intelligent food storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The specific process of steps S6-S8 also includes: The backend generates a user order QR code based on the user's order information and identity; If the user is a food delivery driver, if he / she arrives to pick up the food more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, the food delivery platform will pay the fees incurred based on the excess storage time; If the user is the customer who ordered the food, if they come to pick up the food more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, the user will be charged the fee generated by the excessive storage time; After the meal is served, the processor receives the signal sent by the signal acquisition unit and updates the status information of the meal to completed.

10. The control method of the intelligent food storage device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The thermal insulation cabin position signal includes the layer number where the thermal insulation cabin is located and the number to which the thermal insulation cabin belongs.

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