Intelligent unmanned kitchen food material preservation and conveying mechanism

Abstract

This invention proposes an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism, comprising one or more hoppers for storing food or seasonings. Each hopper is equipped with a weighing device at its lower part, and a conveying device at the output end of each hopper. The conveying device mixes the food in the hopper and conveys it to a designated location. The weighing device precisely controls the weight of the food, and the conveying device delivers the required weight of food to the designated location. This mechanism enables precise and controllable feeding, is easy to operate, fast, and is not easily corroded. A cold air circulation system is provided on the side of the conveying device away from the hopper, which circulates the cold air inside the entire installation chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic cooking technology, and more specifically, to an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] In modern society, the fast pace of life has led to a growing demand for quick and large-volume supply of fresh and hot food. Suppliers of such large-volume meals include canteens in businesses, schools, and the military, as well as fast-food restaurants. They often use large-capacity cooking equipment, commonly known as "big pot cooking." The quality of the ingredients is often quite poor. Other methods involve multiple chefs cooking in multiple pots simultaneously, but this requires a large workforce and a heavy workload for the chefs. A current challenge lies in the need for small, automated, and large-volume production of complex, multi-course dishes tailored to individual tastes.

[0003] The existing Chinese patent publication number CN104856556B discloses a large-scale intelligent small-pot continuous cooking machine. The refrigerated cabinet is equipped with multiple food preparation bins, and two ambient temperature cabinets are each equipped with multiple granular seasoning tanks and liquid seasoning tanks. A belt conveyor is located in the middle of the refrigerated cabinet. The two ends of the belt conveyor extend from two insulated windows and pass through the ambient temperature cabinets into the left and right cooking machines. The outlets of all food preparation bins, granular seasoning tanks, and liquid seasoning tanks are located directly above the belt conveyor. This equipment directly puts a fixed amount of food into the food preparation bins and cannot perform precise quantity control of the food preparation bins themselves.

[0004] Similarly, Chinese Patent Publication No. CN208876009U discloses an automatic cooking system with a food preparation function, including an ordering device, a main controller, a cooking machine, and a food preparation scale. The ordering device and the food preparation scale are connected to the main controller, and at least one of each is provided. The food preparation scale includes a weighing pan, a controller, and a display. The controller is connected to the main controller, and multiple weighing pans are provided. The weighing sensors of the weighing pans and the display are connected to the controller. In this system, the food is weighed in advance before cooking, rather than the precise control of the amount of food prepared in the food preparation container when cooking is needed.

[0005] Furthermore, it is not possible to maintain freshness in real time during transportation.

[0006] In view of this, the present invention proposes a conveying mechanism that can accurately weigh itself and transport food while maintaining its freshness. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In view of this, the present invention proposes an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism, comprising a hopper 10, which may be one or more, for storing food or seasonings. Each hopper 10 is equipped with a weighing device 20 at its lower part, and a conveying device 40 at the output end of the hopper 10. The conveying device 40 is used to mix and convey the food in the hopper 10 to a designated location. The weighing device 20 precisely controls the weight of the food, and the conveying device 40 conveys the required weight of food to the designated location. This mechanism enables precise and controllable feeding, is easy to operate, fast, and is not easily corroded. A cold air circulation system 50 is provided on the side of the conveying device 40 away from the hopper 10, which circulates the cold air inside the entire installation chamber 70.

[0008] An intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism includes: an installation chamber 70, wherein the installation chamber 70 is equipped with a hopper 10, and there are one or more hoppers 10. The hoppers 10 are used to store food or seasonings. The feature is that: each hopper 10 is provided with a weighing device 20 at its lower part, and a conveying device 40 is provided at the output end of the hopper 10. The conveying device 40 is used to mix the food in the hopper 10 and convey it to a designated location. A cold air circulation system 50 is provided on the side of the conveying device 40 away from the hopper 10. The cold air circulation system 50 is used to circulate the cold air inside the entire installation chamber 70.

[0009] In some embodiments, the cold air circulation system 50 includes a fan assembly 51, the upper part of which is connected to the bottom of a cooling chamber 52. A refrigeration unit is provided inside the cooling chamber 52, and an air outlet 54 is provided at the top of the cooling chamber 52. The fan assembly 51 draws air from the mounting chamber 70 into the cooling chamber 52, and the refrigeration unit cools the air before it is sent out through the air outlet 54, so that the cold air inside the entire mounting chamber 70 is circulated.

[0010] Furthermore, the upper part of the air outlet 54 is provided with a guide plate 55 for conveying cold air upwards.

[0011] Furthermore, the guide plate 55 is tilted upward at 45°.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hopper 10 includes a hopper body 13 and a door panel structure 14. The hopper body 13 and the door panel structure 14 are movably connected. The door panel structure 14 is used to prevent the hopper body 13 from swaying left and right when weighing and to support the hopper body 13 when it is being filled with material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the weighing device 20 includes a support column 22 and a weight sensor 21. At least one support column 22 is provided at the bottom of each hopper 10, and a weight sensor 21 is provided below each support column 22. An output module 30 is provided on the inner side of the hopper body 13. The weight sensor 21 and the output module 30 are both connected to a control device. The control device sends the required weight of the food to the weight sensor 21 and the conveying module. The weight sensor 21 performs precise weight control on the food. The output module 30 conveys the required weight of the food to the conveying device 40.

[0014] In some embodiments, the hopper 10 further includes a mounting frame 15, the door panel structure 14 being hinged to the mounting frame 15 to ensure the refrigeration temperature of the refrigerator.

[0015] In some embodiments, the door panel structure 14 is symmetrically provided with support frames 16 for the hopper body 13 on both sides near the mounting frame 15. At least one first slot 17 is provided at the support frame 16, and the hopper body 13 is provided with a first block 18 corresponding to the first slot 17. When the support column 22 contacts the weight sensor 21 for weighing, the first block 18 disengages from the bottom of the corresponding first slot 17. The first slot 17 only limits the first block 18 to the left and right, so that the hopper body 13 will not sway left and right, resulting in inaccurate weighing. When the hopper body 13 needs to be filled with food, the first block 18 engages with the bottom of the corresponding first slot 17 and moves in the same way as the door panel structure 14 opens.

[0016] In some embodiments, there are two support columns 22 located on the left and right sides of the lower part of the hopper body 13. The weight sensor 21 is fixedly installed on the mounting frame 15, with one weight sensor 21 on each side, so that the weight weighing inside the hopper body 13 is more accurate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conveying device 40 includes a horizontally arranged first spiral conveying mechanism 41 and a vertically arranged second spiral conveying mechanism 42. The input end of the first spiral conveying mechanism 41 receives the food or seasoning output from the hopper 10, and the output end of the first spiral conveying mechanism 41 is connected to the input end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42. The output end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42 conveys the food or seasoning to a designated location.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first spiral conveying mechanism 41 includes a first spiral transport device 411 and an upwardly opening first bearing chamber 412, wherein the first spiral transport device 411 is placed inside the first bearing chamber 412 and is arranged parallel to the first bearing chamber 412.

[0019] Furthermore, the output module 30 of the hopper 10 is provided with a discharge port 11 at its outlet. The discharge port 11 is located above the first bearing chamber 412. The ingredients fall into the first bearing chamber 412 through the discharge port 11 and mix. The first spiral conveying device 411 transports the ingredients to the input end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42.

[0020] Furthermore, the second spiral conveying mechanism 42 includes a second spiral conveying device 421 and a second bearing chamber 422. The second spiral conveying device 421 is placed inside the second bearing chamber 422 and is arranged parallel to the second bearing chamber 422. The food is transported to the second bearing chamber 422 through the output port of the first bearing chamber 412. The second spiral conveying device 421 lifts and transports the food to the input end of the third spiral conveying mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments, the hopper 10 and the conveying device 40 are separated by a baffle 60. A cleaning device is provided on the upper part of the baffle 60 near the conveying device. The bottom of the baffle 60 and the conveying device are placed in a water tank 61. The cleaning device delivers cleaning liquid to the conveying device. After cleaning the conveying device, the cleaning liquid flows the wastewater to the water tank 61 and is pumped out by a water pump.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper part of the fan assembly 51 is provided with a downwardly inclined baffle plate 56. One end of the baffle plate 56 is connected to the outer wall of the cooling chamber 52, and the other end extends to the first bearing chamber 412, so that the cleaning wastewater will not damage the fan assembly 51 during cleaning.

[0023] In some embodiments, the upper part of the cleaning device and located on the mounting frame are further provided with a sterilization system and a humidification system for sterilizing and preserving food ingredients.

[0024] Furthermore, the humidification system employs an ultrasonic atomizer for atomized humidification.

[0025] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention proposes an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism, comprising a hopper 10, which may be one or more, for storing food or seasonings. Each hopper 10 is equipped with a weighing device 20 at its lower part, and a conveying device 40 at the output end of the hopper 10. The conveying device 40 is used to mix and convey the food from the hopper 10 to a designated location. The weighing device 20 precisely controls the weight of the food, and the conveying device 40 conveys the required weight of food to the designated location. This mechanism enables precise and controllable feeding, is easy to operate, fast, and is not easily corroded. A cold air circulation system 50 is provided on the side of the conveying device 40 away from the hopper 10, which circulates the cold air inside the entire installation chamber 70. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the conveying device of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the second spiral conveying mechanism and the first spiral conveying mechanism of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the weight sensor in the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cold air circulation system of the intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism of the present invention.

[0033] Explanation of main component symbols

[0034] silo 10 discharge port 11 Silo body 13 Door panel structure 14 Mounting Frame 15 support frame 16 First card slot 17 First block 18 Weighing device 20 Weight sensor 21 Support column 22 Output module 30 Conveying device 40 First spiral conveyor mechanism 41 First spiral conveyor device 411 First bearing chamber 412 Second spiral conveyor mechanism 42 Second spiral conveyor device 421 Second bearing chamber 422 Cooling air circulation system 50 Fan assembly 51 Cooling chamber 52 air outlet 54 Guide plate 55 Water baffle 56 baffle 60 sink 61 Installation chamber 70

[0035] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will further illustrate the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Specific implementation examples:

[0037] like Figure 1 , Figure 7As shown, an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism includes: an installation chamber 70, wherein the installation chamber 70 is equipped with one or more hoppers 10, which are used to store food or seasonings. Each hopper 10 is equipped with a weighing device 20 at its lower part. The output end of each hopper 10 is equipped with a conveying device 40, which is used to mix and convey the food in the hopper 10 to a designated location. A cold air circulation system 50 is provided on the side of the conveying device 40 away from the hopper 10, which is used to circulate cold air throughout the entire installation chamber 70. The cold air circulation system 50 includes a fan assembly 51, the upper part of which is connected to the bottom of a cooling chamber 52. A refrigeration unit is installed inside the cooling chamber 52, and an air outlet 54 is provided at the top of the cooling chamber 52. The fan assembly 51 draws air from the installation chamber 70 into the cooling chamber 52, and the refrigeration unit cools the air before it is sent out through the air outlet 54, so that the cold air inside the entire installation chamber 70 is circulated. A guide plate 55 is provided at the upper part of the air outlet 54 to deliver the cold air upwards. The guide plate 55 is inclined upwards at 45°.

[0038] like Figure 5 , Figure 6As shown, the hopper 10 includes a hopper body 13 and a door panel structure 14. The hopper body 13 and the door panel structure 14 are movably connected. The door panel structure 14 is used to prevent the hopper body 13 from swaying left and right during weighing and to support the hopper body 13 when it is being filled. The weighing device 20 includes a support column 22 and a weight sensor 21. Each hopper 10 has at least one support column 22 at its lower part, and a weight sensor 21 is located below each support column 22. The inner side of the hopper body 13 has an external output module 30. Both the weight sensor 21 and the output module 30 are connected to a control device. The control device sends the required weight of the food to the weight sensor 21 and the conveying module. The weight sensor 21 precisely controls the weight of the food. The output module 30 conveys the required weight of food to the conveying device 40. The hopper 10 also includes a mounting frame 15. The door panel structure 14 is hinged to the mounting frame 15 to ensure the refrigerator's stability. For refrigeration temperature, the door panel structure 14 is symmetrically provided with support frames 16 for the hopper body 13 on both sides near the mounting frame 15. At least one first slot 17 is provided at the support frame 16. The hopper body 13 is provided with a first block 18 corresponding to the first slot 17. When the support column 22 contacts the weight sensor 21 for weighing, the first block 18 disengages from the bottom of the corresponding first slot 17. The first slot 17 only limits the first block 18 to the left and right, so that the hopper body 13 will not sway left and right, resulting in inaccurate weighing. When the hopper body 13 needs to be filled with food, the first block 18 engages with the bottom of the corresponding first slot 17 and moves in the same way as the door panel structure 14 opens. There are two support columns 22, located on the left and right sides of the lower part of the hopper body 13. The weight sensor 21 is fixedly installed at the mounting frame 15, with one weight sensor 21 on each side, making the weight weighing inside the hopper body 13 more accurate.

[0039] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4As shown, the conveying device 40 includes a horizontally arranged first spiral conveying mechanism 41 and a vertically arranged second spiral conveying mechanism 42. The input end of the first spiral conveying mechanism 41 receives the food or seasoning output from the hopper 10, and the output end of the first spiral conveying mechanism 41 is connected to the input end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42. The output end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42 conveys the food or seasoning to a designated position. The first spiral conveying mechanism 41 includes a first spiral transport device 411 and an upwardly opening first bearing chamber 412. The first spiral transport device 411 is placed inside the first bearing chamber 412 and is arranged parallel to the first bearing chamber 412. The conveying device 411 of the hopper 10... The outlet of the output module 30 is provided with an outlet 11, which is located above the first bearing chamber 412. The food ingredients fall into the first bearing chamber 412 through the outlet 11 and mix. The first spiral conveying device 411 transports the food ingredients to the input end of the second spiral conveying mechanism 42. The second spiral conveying mechanism 42 includes a second spiral conveying device 421 and a second bearing chamber 422. The second spiral conveying device 421 is placed inside the second bearing chamber 422 and is arranged parallel to the second bearing chamber 422. The food ingredients are transported to the second bearing chamber 422 through the output port of the first bearing chamber 412. The second spiral conveying device 421 lifts and transports the food ingredients to the input end of the third spiral conveying mechanism.

[0040] The hopper 10 and the conveying device 40 are separated by a baffle 60. A cleaning device is provided on the upper part of the baffle 60 near the conveying device. The bottom of the baffle 60 and the conveying device are placed in a water tank 61. The cleaning device delivers cleaning liquid to the conveying device. After cleaning the conveying device, the cleaning liquid flows the wastewater to the water tank 61 and is pumped out by a water pump. The upper part of the fan assembly 51 is provided with a downwardly inclined baffle 56. One end of the baffle 56 is connected to the outer wall of the cooling chamber 52, and the other end extends to the first bearing chamber 412, so that the cleaning wastewater will not damage the fan assembly 51 during cleaning. The upper part of the cleaning device and located on the mounting frame are also provided with a sterilization system and a humidification system for sterilizing and preserving food. The humidification system uses an ultrasonic atomizer for atomization humidification.

[0041] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention proposes an intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism, comprising a hopper 10, which may be one or more, for storing food or seasonings. Each hopper 10 is equipped with a weighing device 20 at its lower part, and a conveying device 40 at the output end of the hopper 10. The conveying device 40 is used to mix and convey the food from the hopper 10 to a designated location. The weighing device 20 precisely controls the weight of the food, and the conveying device 40 conveys the required weight of food to the designated location. This mechanism enables precise and controllable feeding, is easy to operate, fast, and is not easily corroded. A cold air circulation system 50 is provided on the side of the conveying device 40 away from the hopper 10, which circulates the cold air inside the entire installation chamber 70.

[0042] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism, comprising: The installation chamber (70) is equipped with a hopper (10), which has one or more hoppers (10) for storing ingredients or seasonings. The hoppers (10) are characterized by: a weighing device (20) at the bottom of each hopper (10); a conveying device (40) at the output end of each hopper (10) for mixing and conveying the ingredients in the hopper (10) to a designated location; and a cold air circulation system (50) on the side of the conveying device (40) away from the hopper (10) for circulating the cold air within the entire installation chamber (70). The silo (10) includes a silo body (13) and a door panel structure (14). The silo body (13) and the door panel structure (14) are movably connected. The door panel structure (14) is used to prevent the silo body (13) from swaying left and right during weighing and to support the silo body (13) when it is being filled. The weighing device (20) includes a support column (22) and a weight sensor (21). Each silo (10) has at least one support column (22) at its lower part, and a weight sensor (21) is provided below each support column (22). The silo body (13) has an external output module (30) on its inner side. The weight sensor (21) and output module (30) are both connected to the control device. The control device sends the weight of the required ingredients to the weight sensor (21) and the conveying module. The weight sensor (21) precisely controls the weight of the ingredients. The output module (30) conveys the required weight of ingredients to the conveying device (40). The hopper (10) also includes an installation frame (15). The door panel structure (14) is hinged to the installation frame (15) to ensure the refrigeration temperature of the refrigerator. The door panel structure (14) has symmetrical support frames (16) for the hopper body (13) on both sides near the installation frame (15). The support frames (16) have openings. At least one first slot (17) is provided. The hopper body (13) is provided with a first block (18) corresponding to the first slot (17). When the support column (22) contacts the weight sensor (21) for weighing, the first block (18) disengages from the bottom of the corresponding connected first slot (17). The first slot (17) only limits the first block (18) to the left and right, so that the hopper body (13) will not sway left and right, resulting in inaccurate weighing. When the hopper body (13) needs to add food, the first block (18) engages with the bottom of the corresponding connected first slot (17) and moves in the same way as the door panel structure (14) is opened.

2. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The cold air circulation system (50) includes a fan assembly (51), the upper part of which is connected to the bottom of a cooling chamber (52). A refrigeration unit is provided in the cooling chamber (52), and an air outlet (54) is provided at the top of the cooling chamber (52). The fan assembly (51) draws air from the installation chamber (70) into the cooling chamber (52), and the refrigeration unit cools the air before sending it out through the air outlet (54), so that the cold air inside the entire installation chamber (70) is circulated.

3. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The upper part of the air outlet (54) is provided with a guide plate (55) for conveying cold air upwards.

4. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The conveying device (40) includes a horizontally arranged first spiral conveying mechanism (41) and a vertically arranged second spiral conveying mechanism (42). The input end of the first spiral conveying mechanism (41) receives the food or seasoning output from the hopper (10). The output end of the first spiral conveying mechanism (41) is connected to the input end of the second spiral conveying mechanism (42). The output end of the second spiral conveying mechanism (42) conveys the food or seasoning to a designated position.

5. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The first spiral conveying mechanism (41) includes a first spiral conveying device (411) and an upward-opening first bearing chamber (412). The first spiral conveying device (411) is placed inside the first bearing chamber (412) and is arranged parallel to the first bearing chamber (412).

6. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The second spiral conveying mechanism (42) includes a second spiral conveying device (421) and a second bearing chamber (422). The second spiral conveying device (421) is placed inside the second bearing chamber (422) and is arranged parallel to the second bearing chamber (422). The food is transported to the second bearing chamber (422) through the output port of the first bearing chamber (412). The second spiral conveying device (421) lifts and transports the food to the input end of the third spiral conveying mechanism.

7. The intelligent unmanned kitchen food preservation and conveying mechanism as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The hopper (10) and the conveying device (40) are separated by a baffle (60). A cleaning device is provided on the upper part of the baffle (60) near the conveying device. The bottom of the baffle (60) and the conveying device are placed in a water tank (61). The cleaning device delivers cleaning liquid to the conveying device. After cleaning the conveying device, the cleaning liquid flows the wastewater to the water tank (61) and is pumped out by a water pump.

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