Food product forming apparatus and method of controlling a food product forming apparatus

Abstract

The present application provides a food shaping device and a control method of the food shaping device. The food shaping device (1) comprises: a discharge port for discharging rice shaped into a plate; a sliding tray (52) advancing and retreating in a front-rear direction below the discharge port; a curling unit (6, 7) detachably connected to the sliding tray and used for placing the shaped rice; a first detection body (652, 752) and a second detection body (653, 753) formed on the curling unit and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction; a sensor (83) for detecting the first detection body and the second detection body; and a unit detection part (108) for identifying the type of the curling unit based on the detection result of the sensor. The unit detection part identifies the type of the curling unit according to the distance between the first detection body and the second detection body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a food forming apparatus and a method for controlling the food forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A food forming apparatus is known that forms rice into a plate-like shape, called a vinegar rice plate, by rolling it into a column shape.

[0003] Previously, a food forming apparatus was also known, which included a forming part for forming, for example, a sheet-shaped food ingredient into a cylindrical shape, and a winding drive motor that stopped winding when the load applied to the motor while the food ingredient was wound reached a predetermined load (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Nori rolls, formed by rolling vinegared rice into a cylindrical shape, come in various diameters, such as thick and thin rolls. Therefore, it is desirable to replace the rolling unit used to roll the vinegared rice. In a device that performs different rolling and rice-forming actions depending on the type of rolling unit, a structure capable of identifying the type of rolling unit is needed. Furthermore, by appropriately displaying which rolling unit is installed on a display unit, the risk of the user installing the wrong type of rolling unit can be reduced. Therefore, a food forming device with a simple structure is needed to identify the type of rolling unit installed.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-154454 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a food forming apparatus that can identify the type of the curling unit with a simple structure.

[0009] The food forming apparatus of the present invention includes: a discharge port for discharging rice formed into a plate shape; a sliding tray that moves forward and backward in a front-back direction below the discharge port; a curling unit detachably connected to the sliding tray and for holding the formed rice; a first test object and a second test object formed on the curling unit and spaced apart from each other in the front-back direction; a sensor for detecting the first test object and the second test object; and a unit detection unit for determining the type of the curling unit based on the detection result of the sensor, wherein the unit detection unit determines the type of the curling unit based on the distance between the first test object and the second test object.

[0010] The food forming apparatus of the present invention comprises: a discharge port for discharging rice formed into a plate shape; a sliding tray that moves back and forth in a front-rear direction below the discharge port; a curling unit detachably connected to the sliding tray and for holding the formed rice; a first detection body and a second detection body formed on the curling unit and spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction; and a sensor for detecting the first detection body and the second detection body. The control method of the food forming apparatus includes a discrimination step for determining the type of the curling unit based on the detection result of the sensor. In the discrimination step, the type of the curling unit is determined based on the distance between the first detection body and the second detection body.

[0011] Invention Effects

[0012] According to the present invention, the type of the coiled unit can be identified with a simple structure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a food forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal sectional view showing the main parts of the internal structure of the aforementioned food forming apparatus.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the winding section of the food forming apparatus described above.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the winding section of the aforementioned food forming device.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the aforementioned food forming apparatus, showing the lifting device at the origin and the curling unit in an unfolded state.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the aforementioned food forming apparatus, showing the lifting device raised and the curling unit folded.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the aforementioned food forming apparatus, showing the lifting device at the origin and the curling unit in an unfolded state.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the aforementioned food forming apparatus, showing the lifting device raised and the curling unit folded.

[0021] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing the upper surface of the curling unit of the food forming apparatus described above.

[0022] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface of the curling unit of the food forming apparatus described above.

[0023] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the upper surface side of a modified example of the above-mentioned coiled unit.

[0024] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the lower surface side of a modified example of the above-mentioned coiled unit.

[0025] Figure 13 This is a block diagram illustrating the hardware structure of the aforementioned food forming apparatus.

[0026] Figure 14 This is a block diagram representing the software structure of the aforementioned food forming apparatus.

[0027] Figure 15 These are perspective views showing the rolling action performed by the food forming apparatus described above. (a) shows the rolled unit in an unfolded state, (b) shows the rolled unit in a partially folded state, and (c) shows the rolled unit in a fully folded state.

[0028] Figure 16 This is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing the actions of the coiling unit during the discrimination process. (a) shows the state where the sliding tray of the coiling unit is kept at the origin; (b) shows the state where the sliding tray is retracted; (c) shows the state where the sliding tray is forward and the target pin is detected by the unit sensor; (d) shows the state with... Figure 16 (c) is a diagram showing the state where the sliding tray is moving further forward compared to the previous state, and (e) is a diagram showing the state where the sliding tray is moving further forward compared to the previous state. Figure 16 The diagram (d) shows the state where the sliding tray is moving further forward compared to the previous state.

[0029] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram showing the magnetic field conditions of the magnetic bodies arranged on the connecting pin and the target pin.

[0030] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the winding section of a food forming apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0032] 1. Food forming apparatus

[0033] 2 hoppers

[0034] 3. Rolling section

[0035] 4. Cut-off section

[0036] 5. Tightening section

[0037] 53 Lifting device

[0038] 531 First clamping section

[0039] 532 Second clamping section

[0040] 5311 First inspected item

[0041] 5312 Second inspected item

[0042] 6. Curling Unit

[0043] 652 Connecting pin (first tested object)

[0044] 653 Target Pin (Second Subject to Inspection)

[0045] 7. Curling Unit Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following is a reference to the appendix. Figure 1 The embodiments of the food forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below. Furthermore, in the following description, the mounting surface of the food forming apparatus 1 will be referred to as the xy plane, and the direction perpendicularly upward relative to the xy plane will be referred to as the +z direction. Additionally, the surface facing the +z direction will be referred to as the upper surface, and the surface facing the -z direction will be referred to as the lower surface. Moreover, the surface facing the -y direction will be referred to as the front surface, and the surface facing the +y direction will be referred to as the back surface.

[0047] ●Food forming device 1

[0048] Next, refer to the appendix Figure 1 The embodiments of the present invention will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the food forming apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic sectional view showing its internal structure. Furthermore, detailed details are appropriately omitted in the sectional view.

[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the food forming apparatus 1 includes a hopper 2, a rolling section 3, a cutting section 4, a winding section 5, a rolling unit 6, and an operating section 14. Furthermore, as described later, the rolling unit 6 is detachably mounted to the winding section 5. This food forming apparatus 1 shapes rice into seaweed rolls using these mechanisms.

[0050] ● Hopper 2

[0051] Hopper 2 holds the added rice and supplies it to the rolling section 3. For example... Figure 2As shown, the hopper 2 includes: a storage section 21 that opens towards the upper part of the main body of the device and stores rice inside; and a stirring section 22 that pushes the rice downstream while stirring the rice in the storage section 21. A storage container 23 for supplying rice to the hopper 2 is detachably provided on the upper part of the food forming apparatus 1. A detachable lid 23a is provided on the upper end of the storage container 23.

[0052] The storage section 21 is formed in the shape of a funnel, with its volume decreasing as it moves from the top to the bottom of the main body of the device. In addition, the downstream side of the storage section 21 is open to the rolling section 3, which will be described later.

[0053] The stirring unit 22 has two stirring arms 221, 222 that are rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown). Multiple stirring rods are mounted on each stirring arm 221, 222 at predetermined intervals. Figure 2 In the middle, stirring arms 221 and 222 rotate to the left (counterclockwise).

[0054] ● Rolling section 3

[0055] The rolling section 3 rolls the rice supplied from the hopper 2, shaping it into a plate-shaped vinegar rice plate. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the calendering section 3 is located below the hopper 2, i.e., on the downstream side.

[0056] The calendering section 3 has multiple calendering rollers 30 for calendering the rice supplied from the hopper 2. The calendering rollers 30 include, for example, an upper calendering roller pair 31 and a lower calendering roller pair 32.

[0057] The upper-stage calendering roll pair 31 and the lower-stage calendering roll pair 32 are arranged in parallel to each other. The lower-stage calendering roll pair 32 is located downstream (on the feed side) of the upper-stage calendering roll pair 31 and further calenders the rice that has been calendered by the upper-stage calendering roll pair 31.

[0058] The upper rolling rollers 31 have rice sandwiched between them (in front and back). Figure 2 The first upper calendering roll 31a and the second upper calendering roll 31b (left and right in the middle) are arranged opposite each other at a predetermined interval.

[0059] The lower-stage calendering rollers 32 have rice sandwiched between them (in front and back). Figure 2 The first lower calender roll 32a and the second lower calender roll 32b (left and right in the middle) are arranged opposite each other at a predetermined interval.

[0060] The first upper calender roll 31a, the second upper calender roll 31b, the first lower calender roll 32a, and the second lower calender roll 32b are molded articles made of synthetic resin. The surface of each calender roll 30 has a plurality of ribs arranged parallel to each other along the axial direction at predetermined intervals in a gear-like shape. Furthermore, regardless of this embodiment, the shape of the ribs formed on each calender roll 30 may differ from one another.

[0061] Furthermore, a roller distance adjustment unit for adjusting the roller distance of the upper calendering roller pair 31 can also be provided inside the food forming apparatus 1. The roller distance adjustment unit can, for example, consist of a swing arm rotatably mounted within the apparatus body and a crank arm connected at one end to the swing arm and at the other end to a drive motor. If the drive motor rotates in one direction, the swing arm rotates in that direction, increasing the roller distance of the upper calendering roller pair 31; if the drive motor rotates in the opposite direction, the swing arm rotates in the opposite direction, narrowing the roller distance of the upper calendering roller pair 31. Moreover, the mechanism for adjusting the roller distance of the upper calendering roller pair 31 is not limited to the above structure and any structure can be adopted.

[0062] ● Cut-off section 4

[0063] The cutting section 4 cuts the vinegared rice board fed from the rolling section 3 to a specified length. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the cutting section 4 is located below the outlet of the lower calendering roll pair 32, i.e., the calendering section 3.

[0064] The cutting section 4 includes a guide plate 41 and a cutter 42. The guide plate 41 is disposed adjacent to the exit of the next stage calendering roll pair 32. The cutter 42 is driven by a cutter drive motor 43 (see reference). Figure 13 And drive, moving forward and backward toward guide plate 41.

[0065] Thus, the rice sheet fed from the lower calendering roll pair 32 is transported along the guide plate 41 to a cutting position where it is cut based on the cutter 42. After the rice sheet has been pulled out to a predetermined length, the cutter 42 moves downward toward the guide plate 41. As a result, the cutter 42 is pressed against the rice sheet, and the rice sheet is cut to a predetermined length.

[0066] ●Tightening section 5

[0067] Together with the rolling unit 6 (described later), the rolling section 5 rolls the vinegar rice board cut by the cutting section 4 tightly into a cylindrical shape. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the winding section 5 has a base plate 51 horizontally disposed at the lower part of the front of the housing, a sliding tray 52 that moves horizontally back and forth along the upper surface of the base plate 51, and a lifter 53. A winding unit 6 is detachably mounted on the upper surface of the sliding tray 52.

[0068] At the center of the base plate 51, clearance holes 51a and 51b, described later, are formed separately along the front-rear direction for the upward movement of the lifter 53. The clearance holes 51a and 51b are respectively formed with the same shape as the upper end faces of the clamping portions 531 and 532 of the lifter 53, and their opening area is limited to the minimum size required for the lifter 53 to protrude upwards. Additionally, at the center of the sliding tray 52, overlapping with the clearance holes 51a and 51b, a slit-shaped clearance hole 52a with a length in the front-rear direction is formed.

[0069] The sliding tray 52 is located below the cutter 42. The sliding tray 52 is horizontally arranged to extend through the main body of the food forming apparatus 1 from the rear side toward the front surface side.

[0070] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a pair of connecting portions 521 and 522 for connecting the curling units 6 are provided on the upper surface of the sliding tray 52. ​​The pair of connecting portions 521 and 522 are generally rectangular parallelepipeds and are spaced apart along the width direction of the sliding tray 52. ​​Connecting holes 521a and 522a corresponding to the connecting pins 652 and 662 of the curling units 6 are formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of connecting portions 521 and 522, respectively. The connecting pins 652 and 662 of the curling units 6, described later, are inserted into the connecting holes 521a and 522a, whereby the curling units 6 are mounted onto the sliding tray 52. ​​Furthermore, the connecting pins 652 and 662 of the curling units 6 are detachably mounted in the connecting holes 521a and 522a of the connecting portions 521 and 522. This allows for appropriate replacement of the curling units 6.

[0071] Sliding tray 52 and tray drive motor 54 (see reference) Figure 13 The rotational drive of the calender roll 30 moves forward and backward (in the y-direction). This forward and backward movement is coordinated with the calender roll 30 or the cutter 42. As a result, the rice slab cut by the cutting section 4 is fed onto the coiling unit 6 mounted on the sliding tray 52. ​​Furthermore, the moving mechanism of the sliding tray 52 can be, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism, or a suitable structure such as a linear drive.

[0072] The sliding range of the sliding tray 52 is from a forward position where the front end of the sliding tray 52 is roughly aligned with the front end of the food forming device 1, to a backward position where the curling unit 6 can collect the vinegared rice board cut by the cutting part 4. At the forward position of the sliding tray 52, as described later, the vinegared rice board is curled up by the curling unit 6 using the up-and-down movement of the lifting device 53.

[0073] ● Lifter 53

[0074] like Figure 2As shown, the lifting device 53 is positioned below the base plate 51. The lifting device 53 is U-shaped and consists of a rear first clamping part 531, a front second clamping part 532, and a connecting part 533 that connects the lower ends of the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532 in the front-rear direction.

[0075] Both the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532 are upward-pointing rod-shaped portions, arranged opposite each other. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the upper ends of the clamping parts 531 and 532 move linearly in the vertical direction via clearance holes 51a and 52a respectively formed on the base plate 51 and the sliding tray 52. ​​When the lifter 53 is in the lower limit position (lower stop), the upper end surfaces of the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532 are flush with the upper surface of the base plate 51. On the other hand, when the lifter 53 is in the upper limit position (upper stop), as described later, the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532 clamp while folding the curling unit 6 into a cylindrical shape.

[0076] like Figures 5 to 8 As shown, the vertical movement of the elevator 53 is controlled by the elevator drive motor 55 (see reference). Figure 13 The drive arm 552 and drive pin 553 receive the rotary drive control.

[0077] exist Figure 5 In this configuration, the drive arm 552, connected to the lifting drive motor 55, rotates counterclockwise in the yz plane, for example, as shown in the figure, with the connection part 551 to the lifting drive motor 55 as the center. A drive pin 553 is mounted at the front end of the drive arm 552. The drive pin 553 has a length in the +x direction and rotates as the drive arm 552 rotates.

[0078] A cam groove 53a with a length in the forward and backward direction of the curling unit 6 is formed on the connecting part 533 of the elevator 53. Using a cam follower formed by the drive pin 553 being embedded in the cam groove 53a, the rotational motion based on the elevator drive motor 55 is converted into a linear reciprocating motion of the elevator 53 in the up and down direction.

[0079] As described later, during the outward movement, the lifting device 53 uses a pair of clamping parts 531 and 532 to clamp and tighten the rice plate while folding the curling unit 6 into a cylindrical shape. Specifically, the upper surfaces of the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532, which constitute the upper surface of the lifting device 53, abut against the receiving parts 67 and 68 of the curling unit 6 during the tightening action of the rice plate. If the lifting device 53 rises, the receiving parts 67 and 68 are automatically lifted upwards. Thus, if the curling unit 6 is folded, the rice plate placed on the curling unit 6 will be tightened.

[0080] Furthermore, during its return stroke, the lifting device 53 unfolds the folded curling unit 6. This allows the tightly rolled seaweed roll to be removed from the curling unit 6.

[0081] Furthermore, the first clamping part 531, the second clamping part 532, and the connecting part 533 of the lifting device 53 are integrated into one unit. Thus, if the lifting device drive motor 55 rotates, the first clamping part 531 and the second clamping part 532 move up and down at the same time and with the same stroke.

[0082] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the food forming apparatus 1 includes a lift sensor 84 for detecting the position of a vertically moving lift 53. Additionally, on the side of the first clamping portion 531 of the lift 53, a first inspection piece 5311 and a second inspection piece 5312 are provided at vertical intervals. The lift sensor 84 is, for example, a proximity sensor. Furthermore, the inspection pieces 5311 and 5312 are, for example, stop screws, threadedly fastened to countersunk holes formed at predetermined positions on the side of the lift 53.

[0083] Regarding the positional relationship between the lifting sensor 84 and the inspected parts 5311 and 5312, the lifting sensor 84 is positioned as follows: Figure 5 As shown, when the lift 53 is in the lower limit position, it can detect the position of the first inspected item 5311 above. Furthermore, this position is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, when the lifter 53 is in the upper limit position, the lifter sensor 84 cannot detect the position of the second inspected item 5312 below, which is above the lifter sensor 84.

[0084] As described later, the lift sensor 84 can determine the position and state of the lift 53 that moves up and down by detecting the inspected items 5311 and 5312.

[0085] ●Curling Unit 6

[0086] like Figure 9 As shown, the curling unit 6 is a unit used to curl the vinegar rice board, and it moves forward and backward in response to the forward and backward movement of the sliding tray 52.

[0087] The curling unit 6 has a total of four plates: a fixed plate 60, a first rotating plate 61 and a second rotating plate 62 rotatably connected to both sides of the fixed plate 60, and a third rotating plate 63 rotatably connected to the second rotating plate 62.

[0088] The four plates 60, 61, 62, and 63 are obtained by forming a polypropylene-based resin film on the upper surface of a substrate, for example, made of metal. Positioning protrusions 632 and 633 are provided at the front edge of the third rotating plate 63. These positioning protrusions 632 and 633 are formed in a way that they stand upright from the upper surface of the rotating plate 63, thus restricting the position of the front side of the seaweed placed on the curling unit 6. Furthermore, in this embodiment, two positioning protrusions 632 and 633 are provided, but it is not limited to this, and an appropriate number may be formed.

[0089] At each end of the metal plate substrate of each plate 60, 61, 62, 63 along the length direction, there are respectively a bent portion 601, 611, 621, 631 erected on the upper surface side.

[0090] Regarding these folded portions 601, 611, 621, and 631, they are connected by connecting shafts 641, 642, and 643, which are inserted in the overlapping portions, in a manner that allows them to rotate independently inward relative to the fixed plate 60. Thus, each plate 60 to 63 is folded with its upper surface facing inward.

[0091] like Figure 10 As shown, a pair of support plates 65 and 66 are fixed to the lower surface of the fixed plate 60. Each support plate 65 and 66 has a length in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the fixed plate 60, that is, in the front-rear direction of the food forming device 1. This length spans the three plates 60, 61, and 62, excluding the third rotating plate 63.

[0092] At the upper surface end of the deep side (+y side) of each support plate 65, 66, stoppers 651, 661 are fixed to restrict the position of the seaweed placed on the deep side of the curling unit 6 (see reference). Figure 9 Each stop 651 and 661 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the first rotating plate 61 through through holes 61a and 61b respectively.

[0093] On the lower surface of each support plate 65, 66, at the intersection with the fixing plate 60, there are connecting pins 652, 662 with conical front ends fixed. Figure 4 As shown, connecting pins 652 and 662, which have conical front ends, are respectively installed in the connecting holes 521a and 522a of the connecting portions 521 and 522 provided on the sliding tray 52. ​​Thus, the curling unit 6 can be detached from the sliding tray 52.

[0094] Furthermore, although in this embodiment the connecting pins 652 and 662 are designed to protrude towards the lower surface of the curling unit 6, the protruding direction of the connecting pins 652 and 662 is arbitrary as long as it is a structure connected to the sliding tray 52. ​​For example, the connecting pins 652 and 662 can be provided on the side of the curling unit 6. In this case, for example, suitable connecting holes are provided on the ribs on both sides of the sliding tray 52 in the width direction, and the connecting pins 652 and 662 protruding to the side of the curling unit 6 are installed in these connecting holes. In addition, although the curling unit 6 is designed to have a convex portion and the sliding tray 52 has a concave portion, it is not limited to this. The curling unit 6 can also have a concave portion and the sliding tray 52 can have a convex portion, and a suitable structure in which the curling unit 6 and the sliding tray 52 are connected can be used.

[0095] Furthermore, a rod-shaped target pin 653 is fixed on the lower surface of the support plate 65, in the forward and backward direction of the curling unit 6 and in front of the connecting pin 652. The protruding direction of the target pin 653, like that of the connecting pin 652, is not limited to the lower surface but is arbitrary. Moreover, the protruding directions of the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 are preferably the same. According to this structure, both the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 can be detected using a single unit sensor 83, thus saving on the number of sensors that need to be configured. Furthermore, since the structure uses the same unit sensor 83 to detect both the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, no deviation in sensor sensitivity occurs between the sensor detecting the connecting pin 652 and the sensor detecting the target pin 653, which is therefore preferred.

[0096] In this embodiment, the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 generate a magnetic field that can be detected by the unit sensor 83. The magnetic field is generated by placing magnets inside the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, or by making the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 themselves magnets. By detecting the magnetic field emitted by the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, the position of the sliding tray 52 on the base plate 51, as described later, can be determined, or the type of the curling unit 6 can be determined. The type of the curling unit 6 can be determined by changing the distance between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 in advance for each different type of curling unit 6, and by measuring the distance between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 using the magnetic field emitted by the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653.

[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, a receiving portion 67 for receiving the lifting device 53 is fixed on the lower surface of the first rotating plate 61 at its central portion along its length. The receiving portion 67 has a pair of upright mounting pieces 671 and 672 that stand parallel to each other from the lower surface of the first rotating plate 61, and an abutting portion 673 provided inside the pair of upright mounting pieces 671 and 672.

[0098] The abutment portion 673 is formed by bending a rectangular plate into a U-shape. The abutment portion 673 has a pair of side pieces 6731, 6732 that stand parallel to each other from the lower surface of the first rotating plate 61 and an abutment piece 6733 that connects the lower ends of the pair of side pieces 6731, 6732 to each other.

[0099] When the curling unit 6 is folded due to the tightening action, the outer surface of the abutment piece 6733 becomes the surface that the clamping portion 531 of the lifter 53 abuts against. Furthermore, the height of the abutment piece 6733 and the pair of side pieces 6731 are correspondingly positioned at a predetermined length away from the lower surface of the first rotating plate 61. Thus, the width of the curling unit 6 clamped by the lifter 53 is adjusted to the distance between the clamping portions 531 and 532 of the lifter 53.

[0100] On the lower surface of the third rotating plate 63, a receiving portion 68 for receiving the lifting device 53 is fixed in the center of its length direction. The receiving portion 68 has a pair of opposing support plates 681, 682 and a roller 683 supported between the pair of support plates 681, 682.

[0101] If the lifting device 53 rises during the winding action, the upper end face of the clamping part 532 will come into contact with the roller 683 from below.

[0102] During the rolling action described later, if the lifting device 53 rises and raises the receiving parts 67 and 68, the first rotating plate 61, the second rotating plate 62, and the third rotating plate 63 are folded with their upper surfaces facing inwards. As a result, the rolling unit 6 is folded into a column with a quadrilateral cross-section, and the inner rice sheet is rolled tightly to conform to the shape of the folded rolling unit 6. Consequently, the rice sheet is formed into a seaweed roll.

[0103] Figure 11 and Figure 12 A coiled unit 7 is shown, which has a different structure from the coiled unit 6.

[0104] Curling unit 7 is used to make thicker nori rolls (coarse rolls) compared to curling unit 6. Conversely, curling unit 6 is used to make thinner nori rolls (fine rolls) compared to curling unit 7.

[0105] The curling unit 7, like the curling unit 6 described above, has a total of four plates: a fixed plate 70, a first rotating plate 71 and a second rotating plate 72 rotatably connected to both sides of the fixed plate 70, and a third rotating plate 73 rotatably connected to the second rotating plate 72.

[0106] In the curling unit 7, at least the widths of the fixing plate 70, the second rotating plate 72, and the third rotating plate 73 are wider than the widths of the fixing plate 60, the second rotating plate 62, and the third rotating plate 63 of the curling unit 6. Therefore, if the curling unit 7 is used, it is possible to produce thicker seaweed rolls compared to the curling unit 6.

[0107] On the front edge of the third rotating plate 73, positioning protrusions 732 and 733 are formed to restrict the front position of the seaweed placed in the curling unit 7. The positioning protrusions 732 and 733 are formed in such a way that they stand upright from the upper surface of the rotating plate 73.

[0108] At each of the two ends of the substrate made of metal plate in the length direction of each of the plates 70 to 73, there are respectively a bent portion 701, 711, 721, 731 erected on the upper surface side.

[0109] Regarding these folded portions 701, 711, 721, and 731, they are connected by connecting shafts 741, 742, and 743, which are inserted into the overlapping portions, in a manner that allows them to rotate independently relative to the fixed plate 70. As a result, each plate 70 to 73 is folded with its upper surface facing inward.

[0110] like Figure 12 As shown, a pair of support plates 75 and 76 are fixed to the lower surface of the fixed plate 70. Each support plate 75 and 76 has a length in a direction orthogonal to the length direction of the fixed plate 70, that is, in the front-rear direction of the food forming apparatus 1. This length spans the three plates 70, 71, and 72, excluding the third rotating plate 73.

[0111] Stoppers 751 and 761 are fixed to the deep ends of each support plate 75 and 76, respectively. The stoppers 751 and 761 protrude upwards from the upper surface of the first rotating plate 71, wrapping back from its rear end, thus restricting the position of the seaweed placed on the curling unit 7 on its deep side. The distance between the stoppers 751 and 761 and the positioning protrusions 732 and 733 constitutes the length of the seaweed placed on the curling unit 7. This length is longer than the distance between the stoppers 651 and 661 and the positioning protrusions 632 and 633 in the curling unit 6. Therefore, the curling unit 7 can produce thicker seaweed rolls compared to the curling unit 6.

[0112] On the lower surfaces of each support plate 75, 76, at the intersection with the fixing plate 70, are fixed connecting pins 752, 762 with conical front ends. Similar to the curling unit 6, the conical connecting pins 752, 762 are respectively installed in the connecting holes 521a, 522a of the connecting portions 521, 522 provided on the sliding tray 52. ​​Thus, the curling unit 7 can be detachably installed relative to the sliding tray 52.

[0113] Additionally, on the lower surface of the support plate 75, a rod-shaped target pin 753 is fixed in the forward and backward direction of the curling unit 7 and in front of the connecting pin 752.

[0114] In this embodiment, the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753, like the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 of the curling unit 6 described above, generate a magnetic field that can be detected by the unit sensor 83. By detecting the magnetic field emitted by the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753 by the unit sensor 83, the position of the sliding tray 52 on the base plate 51 or the type of the curling unit 7 can be determined.

[0115] In this embodiment, the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753 are arranged such that the distance between them is longer than the distance between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 of the coiling unit 6. In this way, by setting the distance between the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753 to be different from that of the coiling unit 6 in advance, the distance between the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753 can be measured using the magnetic field emitted by the connecting pin 752 and the target pin 753, thereby distinguishing the coiling unit 6 and the coiling unit 7.

[0116] like Figure 12 As shown, on the lower surface of the first rotating plate 71, at its central portion in the longitudinal direction, a receiving portion 77 for receiving the lifting device 53 is fixed. The receiving portion 77 has a pair of upright mounting pieces 771 and 772 that stand parallel to each other from the lower surface of the first rotating plate 71, and an abutting portion 773 provided between the pair of upright mounting pieces 771 and 772.

[0117] The abutment portion 773 is formed by bending a rectangular sheet into a U-shape. This abutment portion 773 has a pair of side pieces 7731 and 7732 that stand parallel to each other from the lower surface of the first rotating plate 71, and an abutment piece 7733 that connects the lower ends of the pair of side pieces 7731 and 7732 to each other. When the curling unit 7 is folded due to the curling action, the outer surface of the abutment piece 7733 becomes the surface that the clamping portion 531 of the lifter 53 abuts against. Furthermore, the height of the abutment piece 7733 and the pair of side pieces 6731 are correspondingly set at a position a predetermined length away from the inner side of the first rotating plate 61. Thus, the width of the curling unit 7 clamped by the lifter 53 is adjusted to the distance between the clamping portions 531 and 532 of the lifter 53.

[0118] Furthermore, compared to the curling unit 6, the curling unit 7 is used to make thicker seaweed rolls, and the height of the pair of side pieces 7731, 7732 is lower than that of the pair of side pieces 6731, 6732 in the curling unit 6. As a result, the abutting piece 7733 is located closer to the lower surface of the first rotating plate 61 than the abutting piece 6733 in the curling unit 6.

[0119] On the lower surface of the third rotating plate 73, a receiving portion 78 for receiving the lifting device 53 is fixed in the center of its length direction. This receiving portion 78 has a pair of opposing support plates 781, 782 and a roller 783 supported between the pair of support plates 781, 782. If the lifting device 53 rises during the winding operation, the upper end face of the clamping portion 532 abuts against the roller 783 from below.

[0120] In the rolling action described later, similar to the case of rolling unit 6, if the lifting device 53 rises and lifts the receiving parts 77 and 78, the first rotating plate 71, the second rotating plate 72, and the third rotating plate 73 are folded with their upper surfaces facing inwards. As a result, a thicker seaweed roll is formed compared to the case using rolling unit 6.

[0121] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure and operation are described using the case where the curling unit 6 is used as an example, but the curling unit 7 can be used in the same way as the curling unit 6.

[0122] By arbitrarily selecting and using the curling unit 6 and the curling unit 7, seaweed rolls of different thicknesses can be made. In addition, since seaweed rolls of different thicknesses can be made separately by changing the curling units 6 and 7, it is not necessary to input settings corresponding to the size of the seaweed rolls into the food forming apparatus 1, or to perform different actions according to the size of the seaweed rolls.

[0123] In addition, while two types of curling units are described in this instruction, it is also possible to prepare three or more different curling units to further produce nori rolls of different thicknesses.

[0124] ●Operations Section 14

[0125] The operation unit 14 is an operating component for operating the food forming apparatus 1, and has an operation panel 141 and a switch 142.

[0126] In this embodiment, the operation panel 141 is located on the left side of the front surface of the food forming apparatus 1, and includes various setting buttons and displays for setting the amount of rice and the number of rice plates formed, as well as a power switch and an emergency stop switch. Furthermore, although the operation panel 141 is equipped with a liquid crystal display in this embodiment, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this; for example, it could also be composed of a seven-segment display or suitable LEDs. Additionally, the operation panel 141 could also be composed of a touch panel display.

[0127] Switch 142 is used to indicate the start and stop of an action. For example, by pressing the switch 142, it is possible to indicate the start of the action of forming rice into seaweed rolls.

[0128] ●Function Block

[0129] Figure 13This is a block diagram showing the structure of the food forming apparatus 1. The food forming apparatus 1 mainly consists of a CPU 11, ROM 12, RAM 13, an operation unit 14, a sensor unit 8, a roller drive motor assembly 33, a cutter drive motor 43, a tray drive motor 54, and a lifting device drive motor 55.

[0130] CPU 11 is the central processing unit that controls the operation of the food forming device 1. It reads the program from ROM 12 and executes it to realize the operation of the food forming device 1 according to the program. ROM 12 is a read-only memory that stores the program. RAM 13 is a read-write memory that stores temporary data, etc.

[0131] The sensor unit 8 includes a rice sensor 81, a lid sensor 82, a unit sensor 83, and a lifter sensor 84.

[0132] Furthermore, regardless of this embodiment, the sensor unit 8 can also be equipped with a color recognition sensor or the like to identify the color of the rice in the storage unit 21, thereby enabling the identification of the type of rice.

[0133] The rice sensor 81 is located near the open end on the lower side of the storage section 21 and detects the rice supplied to the rolling section 3.

[0134] The lid sensor 82 is a sensor located on the storage container 23 or the lid 23a to detect when the storage container 23 is closed by the lid 23a.

[0135] Unit sensor 83 detects the connecting pin 652 and target pin 653 of the curling unit 6 mounted on the sliding tray 52. ​​This allows the determination of the position and distance between the connecting pin 652 and target pin 653. Connecting pins 652 and 752 are examples of a first detected object. Target pins 653 and 753 are examples of a second detected object.

[0136] The unit sensor 83 is, for example, a magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic field generated by the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653. The unit sensor 83 is an ON state when the magnetic field strength is above a specified value and an OFF state when it is below a specified value. The unit sensor 83 may also not be a sensor capable of detecting the orientation (S / N) and intensity of the magnetic field. By configuring it with a structure that does not refer to the orientation and intensity of the magnetic field, the production cost of the food forming apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0137] The unit sensor 83 is positioned on the lower surface of the base plate 51, corresponding to the origin of the connecting pin 652 of the curling unit 6 mounted on the sliding tray 52. ​​Because the unit sensor 83 is positioned on the lower surface of the base plate 51 to detect the connecting pin 652 and target pin 653 on the base plate 51 without direct contact, the structure does not protrude to the upper surface of the base plate 51. Therefore, the base plate 51 is easy to clean and hygienic. In the food forming apparatus 1, oil, ingredients, and rice easily adhere to the periphery of the base plate 51. According to the structure of this application, the unit sensor 83 will not become dirty, thus preventing malfunctions and false detections.

[0138] Furthermore, the origin position of the connecting pin 652 is the position of the connecting pin 652 when the winding action begins (standby state). According to this structure, the presence of the sliding tray 52 at the origin can be confirmed by detecting the connecting pin 652, thus eliminating the need for a sensor to confirm the position of the sliding tray 52 and reducing costs. Additionally, reducing the number of sensors reduces the possibility of malfunctions and improves reliability.

[0139] In addition, such as Figure 18 As in other embodiments shown, the unit sensor 183 can be a proximity sensor disposed on the upper surface side of the base plate 51. This unit sensor 183 detects when a portion of the curled unit 6, such as the folded portion 701, approaches. The folded portion 701 varies in length depending on the type of curled unit 6 or 7; by detecting the length of time the proximity sensor remains in the ON state, the type of curled unit 6 or 7 can be determined. With this structure, the shape of the curled units 6 or 7 is simplified, reducing costs. Furthermore, the proximity sensor can be constructed as a magnetically detected sensor.

[0140] The lifting sensor 84 detects the inspected parts 5311 and 5312 of the lifting device 53 that are lifting. As a result, the position of the lifting device 53 in the vertical direction can be determined.

[0141] The lift sensor 84 is, for example, an inductive proximity sensor that detects the presence of inspected items 5311 and 5312 made of metal.

[0142] The roller drive motor assembly 33 is a drive mechanism that rotates the calendering roll 30. The roller drive motor assembly 33 includes, for example, an upper drive motor 331 that drives the upper calendering roll pair 31, and a lower drive motor 332 that drives the lower calendering roll pair 32. The roller drive motor assembly 33 controls the start and stop of the rotation of the calendering roll 30, as well as its rotational speed. Additionally, the roller drive motor assembly 33 can also control the rotation direction of the calendering roll 30. The upper drive motor 331 can also independently control the first upper calendering roll 31a and the second upper calendering roll 31b. Similarly, the lower drive motor 332 can also independently control the first lower calendering roll 32a and the second lower calendering roll 32b. The motors constituting the roller drive motor assembly 33 are, for example, stepper motors.

[0143] The tool drive motor 43 is a drive mechanism that moves the tool 42 forward and backward in response to the rotational motion. The tool 42 moves forward and backward repeatedly towards the guide plate 41 in response to the rotation of the tool drive motor 43, cutting the rice plate on the guide plate 41.

[0144] The tray drive motor 54 is a drive mechanism that moves the sliding tray 52 forward and backward in accordance with the rotary drive. By adjusting the position of the sliding tray 52 and moving it forward and backward, the tray drive motor 54 can place the rice plate onto the appropriate position on the curling unit 6. In addition, during the curling operation, the tray drive motor 54 moves the sliding tray 52 to the forward position, which is the position where the curling operation is performed.

[0145] The lifting drive motor 55 is a drive mechanism that raises and lowers the lifting device 53 in accordance with the rotation drive. The clamping parts 531 and 532 of the lifting device 53 rise above the base plate 51 or descend to the lower surface of the base plate 51 in accordance with the rotation of the lifting drive motor 55.

[0146] ●Functional Department

[0147] like Figure 14 As shown, the food forming apparatus 1 utilizes a computing unit such as a CPU 11 and storage devices such as a ROM 12 and RAM 13 to construct functional blocks such as an input / output control unit 101, a roller control unit 102, a cutter control unit 103, a tray control unit 104, a lifter control unit 105, a lid detection unit 106, a rice detection unit 107, a unit detection unit 108, and a lifter detection unit 109. Furthermore, some or all of the functional units can be implemented in a higher-level device connected via wired or wireless means. The higher-level device can be, for example, a server or a cloud computer.

[0148] The input / output control unit 101 is a functional unit that receives instructions received via the operation unit 14. The input / output control unit 101 receives start or stop instructions for various actions and processes. In addition, the input / output control unit 101 also handles settings such as the thickness or density of the rice to be formed into a flat plate. Furthermore, the input / output control unit 101 outputs appropriate information to the liquid crystal display (LCD) on the operation panel 141. For example, the operation mode set for the food forming apparatus 1 is displayed on the LCD. Appropriate error messages can also be displayed on the LCD.

[0149] The roll control unit 102 is a functional unit that controls the rotation of the calendering rolls 30. The roll control unit 102 controls the roll drive motor assembly 33 so that the upper calendering roll pair 31 and the lower calendering roll pair 32 rotate independently of each other.

[0150] Furthermore, the density of the calender rolls can be changed by controlling the rotational speed of the calender rolls 30 through the roll control unit 102. The rotational speed can be controlled, for example, by changing the rotational speed of the upper calender rolls 31a and 31b based on the load torque applied to the lower drive motors 332 of the lower calender rolls 32a and 32b. The load torque can be obtained, for example, by counting the number of pulses output from the motor driver connected to the roll drive motor assembly 33 that correspond to the load.

[0151] The tool control unit 103 is a functional unit that controls the tool drive motor 43 to move the tool 42 forward and backward. The tool control unit 103 causes the tool drive motor 43 to rotate forward or backward. The tool 42 is configured to repeatedly move forward and backward in response to the forward or reverse rotation of the tool drive motor 43.

[0152] Furthermore, whether the forward or reverse rotation of the cutter 42 corresponds to the forward or backward movement of the cutter drive motor 43 varies depending on the rotation angle of the cutter drive motor 43 at that point in time. For example, if the motor is reversed at a point where it is moving forward by rotating forward, the cutter 42 will move backward. Conversely, if the motor is reversed at a point where it is moving backward by rotating forward, the cutter 42 will move forward. In this embodiment, the forward movement of the cutter 42 corresponds to its downward movement, and the backward movement of the cutter 42 corresponds to its upward movement. The vinegared rice plate discharged from the outlet is located below the cutter 42; if the cutter 42 moves forward and then downward, the cutter 42 is pressed against the vinegared rice plate.

[0153] The pallet control unit 104 is a functional unit that controls the pallet drive motor 54 to move the sliding pallet 52 forward and backward. The sliding pallet 52 moves in conjunction with the calendering roller 30 or the cutter 42.

[0154] The lifting control unit 105 is a functional unit that controls the lifting drive motor 55 to move the lifting unit 53 up and down. When the lifting unit 53 rises, the curling unit 6 is folded into a cylindrical shape, and the rice roll is tightly rolled. When the lifting unit 53 descends, the folded curling unit 6 unfolds, and the seaweed roll formed by tightly rolling the rice roll can be taken out.

[0155] The lid detection unit 106 is a functional unit that detects when the lid 23a of the storage container 23 is closed using the lid sensor 82. The input / output control unit 101 can accept a start command for forming based on the food forming apparatus 1 when the lid 23a is detected to be closed by the lid sensor 82. Furthermore, the input / output control unit 101 can disable or invalidate the input of the forming start command if the lid 23a is not closed. In this case, the input / output control unit 101 can display a message urging the lid 23a to be closed on the LCD screen. With this structure, forming can begin when the lid 23a is reliably closed.

[0156] The rice detection unit 107 is a functional unit that uses the rice sensor 81 to detect when rice is supplied to the storage unit 21. The input / output control unit 101 can accept the start command for forming based on the food forming device 1 when rice is supplied to the storage unit 21, and disable or invalidate the input of the start command when rice is not supplied.

[0157] The unit detection unit 108 uses the unit sensor 83 to detect the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 of the curling unit 6. By detecting the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 while moving the sliding tray 52 forward and backward using the tray control unit 104, the position and distance of the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 can be determined.

[0158] In addition, the unit detection unit 108 determines whether the sliding tray 52 is located at the origin by detecting the connecting pin 652. Based on the structure that detects the connecting pin 652 that connects the sliding tray 52 and the curling unit 6, the position of the sliding tray 52 and whether the curling unit 6 is installed can be confirmed by a single unit sensor 83.

[0159] The unit detection unit 108 can also determine the position and type of the curling unit 6 based on the determined information. The determination operation can be performed at any time and frequency, in addition to the time when the curling unit 6 is set, the time when it recovers from an error, or the initial setting time.

[0160] The elevator detection unit 109 uses the elevator sensor 84 to detect the first inspected item 5311 and the second inspected item 4312. By detecting the first inspected item 5311 and the second inspected item 5312 while moving the elevator 53 up and down, the position and state of the elevator 53 can be determined.

[0161] ● Overview of the rice-forming process

[0162] The forming operation of the vinegar rice board is explained in conjunction with the steps of using the food forming device 1.

[0163] First, the curling unit 6 is installed on the sliding tray 52 and the power switch is turned on. The food forming apparatus 1 uses the detection action of the sliding tray 52 (described later) to determine the type and position of the curling unit 6 and makes adjustments.

[0164] The user feeds rice into hopper 2. Seaweed is then placed on plates 60, 61, 62, and 63 of the unfolded curling unit 6. The user then presses switch 142 to initiate the forming operation of the food forming device 1. Correspondingly, the rice in hopper 2 is stirred by stirring arms 221 and 222 while being fed to the rolling section 3. As the rolling section 3 rolls the rice and the cutting section 4 cuts the rolled rice to a predetermined length, the vinegared rice plate is fed onto the curling unit 6. While the vinegared rice plate is being fed onto the curling unit 6, the tray control section 104 slides the sliding tray 52 in accordance with the speed at which the vinegared rice plate is fed. Thus, the vinegared rice plate is placed on the seaweed on the curling unit 6, and the user appropriately adds toppings to the vinegared rice plate. Furthermore, when the user presses switch 142 again, the food forming device 1 switches to the curling operation of the vinegared rice plate.

[0165] Figure 15 (a) shows the initial state of the winding action. The upper surfaces of the four plates 60, 61, 62, and 63 constituting the winding unit 6 are on the same plane, and the winding unit 6 is in a flat, unfolded state. At this time, the lifting device 53 is in the position of maximum descent, and the receiving portions 67 and 68 of the winding unit 6 move away from the upper end faces of the clamping portions 531 and 532 of the lifting device 53, respectively.

[0166] Figure 15 (b) shows Figure 15 The drive arm 552 shown in (a) has rotated approximately 90 degrees from its initial state. In this state, the receiving parts 67 and 68 are pushed up by the upper surfaces of the clamping parts 531 and 532.

[0167] From Figure 15 The state shown in (a) is towards Figure 15 During the state transition shown in (b), the third rotating plate 63 is connected to the shaft 643 (see reference). Figure 9 , Figure 10 The first rotating plate 61 rotates counterclockwise around the connecting shaft 642, and further pulls up the front side of the second rotating plate 62 via the connecting shaft 643. As a result, the second rotating plate 62 rotates counterclockwise around the connecting shaft 642. On the other hand, the first rotating plate 61 rotates clockwise around the connecting shaft 641.

[0168] Figure 15 (c) shows the drive arm 552 from Figure 15 The state of (b) is further rotated, and the state is rotated halfway from the initial state. The second rotating plate 62 and the third rotating plate 63 are further rotated in the counterclockwise direction, and the first rotating plate 61 is further rotated in the clockwise direction.

[0169] As a result, the first rotating plate 61 and the second rotating plate 62 are positioned approximately perpendicular to the fixed plate 60. In addition, the third rotating plate 63 is positioned to cover the upper part of the U-shaped cross-section space surrounded by the fixed plate 60, the first rotating plate 61 and the second rotating plate 62.

[0170] In this way, by folding four plates 60, 61, 62, and 63, a space with a quadrilateral cross-section is formed on the inside.

[0171] Thus, the vinegar-rice plate and the four plates 60, 61, 62, and 63 are shaped into a prism with a quadrilateral cross-section. In this state, the reaction force of the vinegar-rice plate is applied to the pair of clamping parts 531 and 532 constituting the lifting device 53 in a manner that expands from the inside to the outside. Regarding this aspect, for example, if the pair of clamping parts 531 and 532 are driven by independent drive motors, the reaction force of the vinegar-rice plate will be applied to the drive motors as a rotational load. Furthermore, if the rotational load continues to increase, there is a risk that the drive motor will lose synchronization.

[0172] In this embodiment, since the pair of clamping parts 531 and 532 are integrally formed by the connecting part 533, the stress of the rice plate is applied to the lifting device 53, but not to the lifting device drive motor 55. As a result, the curling unit 6 is mechanically locked, and no load is applied to the lifting device drive motor 55, so the driving force can be fully utilized. Since the same operation is performed even without setting according to the type and size of the curling unit 6 (7), and the load applied to the lifting device drive motor 55 does not change, damage to the equipment is also prevented.

[0173] If from Figure 15 Starting from the state shown in (c), the drive arm 552 begins to rotate more than 180 degrees from its initial state, then the elevator 53, after passing through... Figure 15 After the state shown in (b), return to Figure 15 The initial state is shown in (a). As a result, the four plates 60, 61, 62, and 63 that constitute the curling unit 6 return to the unfolded state, and the seaweed roll can be taken out.

[0174] ● Determining the type and position of curling units 6 and 7

[0175] The unit detection unit 108 determines the type of the curling units 6 and 7, for example, based on the distance between the connecting pins 652 and 752 and the target pins 653 and 753. More specifically, the unit detection unit 108 can determine the type of the curling units 6 and 7 based on the time difference between the detection time of the connecting pins 652 and 752 and the detection time of the target pins 653 and 753. In this case, at least the operating speed of the sliding tray 52 in the detection process of the curling units is constant or known.

[0176] Figure 16 This is a rough partial longitudinal sectional view showing the action status of the discriminative processing of curling units 6 and 7. Figure 16 In (a), the sliding tray 52 is at the origin, and the connecting pin 652 is located above the unit sensor 83. At this time, the unit sensor 83 detects the connecting pin 652 and becomes ON.

[0177] Next, as Figure 16 As shown in (b), the sliding tray 52 moves backward at a predetermined time, and the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 disengage from the detection range of the unit sensor 83, causing the unit sensor 83 to become OFF. Then, the sliding tray 52 moves forward.

[0178] like Figure 16 As shown in (c), the unit sensor 83 becomes ON again after the connecting pin 652 reaches the detection range of the unit sensor 83.

[0179] like Figure 16 As shown in (d), if the connecting pin 652 passes over the unit sensor 83, the unit sensor 83 is located between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, and becomes OFF.

[0180] If the sliding tray 52 advances further, the target pin 653 passes over the unit sensor 83. During this time, the unit sensor 83 becomes ON. Figure 16 As shown in (e), if the sliding tray 52 moves further forward, the target pin 653 moves in front of the unit sensor 83, and the unit sensor 83 becomes OFF. Then, the sliding tray 52 moves backward and stops at the origin. Based on this series of actions, by moving the sliding tray 52 forward and backward above the unit sensor 83, the positional relationship between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 can be detected by means of the movement time of the sliding tray 52.

[0181] Figure 17This is a schematic diagram illustrating the magnetic field conditions of the magnetic materials disposed on the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653. Around the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, magnetic fields 652H and 653H extend in a generally radial pattern. The strength of these magnetic fields 652H and 653H varies depending on temperature, humidity, and the surrounding electromagnetic field conditions. Furthermore, the strength of the magnetic field also varies depending on deviations in mass-produced products. Additionally, changes in the magnetic force of the magnetic material over time may occur. Moreover, sensor sensitivity in mass production varies, and the detection range also changes due to individual differences in sensor sensitivity. As a result, the range at which the unit sensor 83 detects the connecting pin 652 or the target pin 653 varies depending on the strength of the magnetic fields 652H and 653H and the sensitivity of the sensor.

[0182] The result is that, under conditions of strong magnetic fields (652H, 653H) or high sensor sensitivity, unit sensor 83 detected the pin over a wide range. That is, in... Figure 16 In the series of discrimination actions described above, the detection time t652 for the connecting pin 652 and the detection time t653 for the target pin 653 detected by the unit sensor 83 become longer. Furthermore, when the magnetic fields 652H and 653H are weak or the sensor sensitivity is low, the detection range by the unit sensor 83 becomes narrower, and the detection time t652 for the connecting pin 652 and the detection time t653 for the target pin 653 detected in the series of discrimination actions become shorter. Therefore, even when referring to the ON or OFF state time, it is difficult to distinguish the curling units 6 and 7.

[0183] Therefore, the unit sensor 83 can detect the time band in which the connecting pin 652 is detected (also called the "first time band") and the time band in which the target pin 653 is detected (also called the "second time band"), and the unit detection unit 108 can determine the type of the curling units 6 and 7 based on the movement time T from the center of the first time band to the center of the second time band. More specifically, for example, as shown in equation (1), the unit detection unit 108 can calculate the movement time T by adding the detection time t652, half of t653 of the two ON states detected during the movement of the sliding tray 52, and the non-detection time t100 during the period when the ON state is OFF.

[0184] T=t652 / 2+t653 / 2+t100···(1)

[0185] Magnetic fields 652H and 653H extend symmetrically to the left and right of the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653. Therefore, by using half the detection time t652 and t653 of the ON state, the point in time when the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 are located on the unit sensor 83 can be estimated. Based on this structure, regardless of the magnitude of magnetic fields 652H and 653H, the movement time between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653 can be calculated. Furthermore, regardless of the magnitude of magnetic fields 652H and 653H and the deviation in sensor sensitivity caused by environmental changes such as temperature and humidity and individual differences, the type of coiled units 6 and 7 can be identified.

[0186] Furthermore, in the process of moving the sliding tray 52 to the origin, by retracting the sliding tray 52 within half of the detection time t652 in the ON state, the sliding tray 52 can be moved to the center of the magnetic field 652H. That is, the connecting pin 652 of the sliding tray 52 can be positioned directly above the unit sensor 83. Moreover, the retraction time of the sliding tray 52 can also use a value that is corrected for half of the detection time t652 considering hysteresis.

[0187] ● Error detection based on unit detection unit 108

[0188] The unit detection unit 108 checks whether the connecting pin 652 is detected by the unit sensor 83 at a predetermined time when the food forming apparatus 1 stops. The predetermined time may be, for example, the start of operation of the sliding tray 52 during food forming, the start of the movement of the sliding tray 52 during judgment, or the time when the installation or removal of the curling unit 6 is detected. The unit sensor 83 detects the connecting pin 652 when the sliding tray 52 is at its origin and the curling unit 6 is installed.

[0189] The unit detection unit 108 reports an error if the unit sensor 83 is in an OFF state at the start of the sliding tray 52's forward and backward movement. This is because if the unit sensor 83 is in an OFF state, it is assumed that the curling unit 6 is not set, or that the sliding tray 52 is not at its origin. As a notification method, for example, a message urging the setting of the curling unit 6 or the movement of the sliding tray 52 to its origin can be displayed on the operation panel 141. Alternatively, the notification method can be appropriate, such as voice or flashing. The movement of the sliding tray 52 can be, for example, manually or automatically.

[0190] When the unit detection unit 108 is in the ON state at the start of the sliding tray 52's forward and backward movement, the tray control unit 104 is allowed to operate. Furthermore, when determining the forward and backward movement of the sliding tray 52, the unit detection unit 108 refers to the detection result of the unit sensor 83 and reports an error if the sensor is not in the ON state within a predetermined time from the start of the forward and backward movement of the sliding tray 52. ​​If the sliding tray 52 starts moving forward and backward from the origin, the target pin 653 should be detected within the predetermined time. On the other hand, if the sensor is not in the ON state within the predetermined time from the start of the forward and backward movement, the target pin 653 detected by the unit sensor 83 at the start of the forward and backward movement is likely not at the origin. Therefore, according to this structure, the detection processing of the curling unit 6 can reliably start from the origin.

[0191] ● Slide tray 52 recovers from error.

[0192] The food forming apparatus 1 stops operating when an appropriate error is detected by means of the sensor unit 8, etc. Then, when recovering from the error and returning to normal operation, it is necessary to move the sliding tray 52 back to the origin. Regarding this structure, the unit detection unit 108 can estimate the position of the sliding tray 52 by referring to the state of the unit sensor 83.

[0193] The unit detection unit 108 can estimate the position of the sliding tray 52 by counting the number of times the unit sensor 83 switches between the ON and OFF states. Furthermore, the unit detection unit 108 can change the counting method of this variable according to the direction in which the sliding tray 52 moves forward or backward. That is, when the sliding tray 52 moves backward, the unit detection unit 108 counts upward the number of times the unit sensor 83 switches from the OFF state to the ON state (i.e., rises). Conversely, when the sliding tray 52 moves forward, the unit detection unit 108 counts downward the number of times the unit sensor 83 switches from the ON state to the OFF state (i.e., falls).

[0194] According to this structure, the unit detection unit 108 can estimate the positional relationship between the unit sensor 83, the connecting pin 652, and the target pin 653 by using a reference variable. For example, the variable becomes 1 when the unit sensor 83 is located between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, and becomes 2 when the unit sensor 83 is located in a position forward of the target pin 653. Furthermore, the unit detection unit 108 can also report an error if the variable becomes any other value.

[0195] When the food forming apparatus 1 stops due to an error and the variable is 2 (i.e., the target pin 653 is located behind the unit sensor 83), the tray control unit 104 moves the sliding tray 52 forward. When the unit sensor 83 is positioned between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, the unit sensor 83 becomes OFF, and the variable becomes 1. Then, the tray control unit 104 continues to move the sliding tray 52 forward and stops it when the unit sensor 83 becomes ON. Through this action, the sliding tray 52 stops at the origin when the unit sensor 83 detects the connecting pin 652.

[0196] When the variable is 1 at the point when the food forming apparatus 1 stops due to an error, i.e., when the unit sensor 83 is present between the connecting pin 652 and the target pin 653, and when the unit sensor 83 is in the OFF state, the tray control unit 104 moves the sliding tray 52 forward. The tray control unit 104 stops the sliding tray 52 at the point when the unit sensor 83 becomes the ON state.

[0197] When the variable is 1 and the unit sensor 83 is in the ON state, the unit sensor 83 can be presumed to have detected the connecting pin 652. Therefore, the tray control unit 104 does not operate the sliding tray 52. ​​Furthermore, in this case, the position determination operation can be performed according to the above steps to move the sliding tray 52 to the origin. Although it is not necessary when the sliding tray 52 does not move at all, a movement to the origin operation can be performed, for example, when the unit sensor 83 remains in the ON state and the sliding tray 52 moves slightly.

[0198] According to the present invention, the type of the coiled unit can be identified with a simple structure.

Claims

1. A food forming apparatus, characterized in that, have: The outlet for discharging rice that has been shaped into a plate; A sliding tray that moves forward and backward in the front-back direction below the outlet; A curling unit that can be detachably connected to the sliding tray and is used to hold the shaped rice; The first and second test objects formed in the curling unit and spaced apart from each other along the front-back direction; Sensors that detect the first and second objects being detected; and A unit detection unit that determines the type of the curling unit based on the detection results of the sensor. The unit detection unit determines the type of the curled unit based on the distance between the first detected object and the second detected object.

2. The food forming apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second objects to be detected move within the detection range of the sensor in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the sliding tray. The unit detection unit determines the type of the curling unit based on the time elapsed from when the sensor detects the first subject to when it detects the second subject.

3. The food forming apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second objects to be detected move within the detection range of the sensor in accordance with the forward and backward movement of the sliding tray. The sensor detects the first time band when the first subject is detected and the second time band when the second subject is detected. The unit detection unit determines the type of the curled unit based on the time elapsed from the center of the first time band to the center of the second time band.

4. The food forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one of the first and second test objects is a connecting pin that protrudes toward the lower surface of the curling unit and connects to the connecting hole of the sliding tray.

5. The food forming apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a tray control unit that enables the sliding tray to move forward and backward. The tray control unit moves the sliding tray forward or backward after the unit detection unit determines the curling unit. The unit detection unit allows the tray control unit to operate if the sensor detects the first or second detected object at the start point of the advance or retreat of the sliding tray involved in the determination, and reports an error if the sensor does not detect the first or second detected object.

6. The food forming apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, If the unit detection unit fails to detect the second object within a predetermined time from the start of the sensor's movement of the sliding tray, it will report an error.

7. A control method for a food forming apparatus, wherein the food forming apparatus comprises: The outlet for discharging rice that has been shaped into a plate; A sliding tray that moves forward and backward in the front-back direction below the outlet; A curling unit that can be detachably connected to the sliding tray and is used to hold the shaped rice; The first and second test objects, formed in the curling unit and spaced apart from each other along the front-back direction; and Sensors that detect the first and second objects being detected; The control method of the food forming apparatus is characterized in that... It includes a discrimination step that determines the type of the curling unit based on the detection results of the sensor. In the discrimination step, the type of the curling unit is determined based on the distance between the first test object and the second test object.

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