Meal delivery module and meal cabinet

Abstract

The application discloses a meal conveying module and a meal cabinet, which comprise a base, a transmission structure, a first stepless adjusting and detecting device and a second stepless adjusting and detecting device; wherein the transmission structure is installed on the base, and a conveying surface of the transmission structure conveys tableware along an X-axis direction; the first stepless adjusting and detecting device and / or the second stepless adjusting and detecting device are movably installed on the base and are spaced apart along a Y-axis direction; and the first stepless adjusting and detecting device and the second stepless adjusting and detecting device form at least one detection line on the conveying surface of the transmission structure, which can move along the conveying direction of the tableware. Thus, the meal conveying module can adjust the detection line to adapt to tableware of different sizes, and the transmission structure can smoothly move the tableware of different sizes into the meal conveying module, so that the meal is successfully served.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automated food delivery and storage equipment, and more particularly to a food transport module and a food cabinet. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing integration of the internet into daily life and the rapid development of online supermarkets and logistics, people's lives have been significantly improved. As the quality of life improves, people's demands for convenience and comfort are also increasing. In particular, there is a need to develop catering cabinets for centralized meal preparation and unified distribution in places such as hospitals, office buildings, and schools. These cabinets can keep meals warm and store them, and can quickly prepare meals to meet the needs of standardized group meal supply.

[0003] Currently, the dining cabinets on the market have multiple storage spaces for storing tableware, as well as a food delivery module that can be moved to the corresponding storage space. Each storage space also has a dispensing module that pushes the tableware out of the storage space and onto the food delivery module.

[0004] The existing food dispensing module is equipped with a detection line. When the tableware touches the detection line, the dispensing module uses the friction between itself and the bottom of the tableware to move the tableware further towards the center of the food transport module. At this point, no part of the tableware is still in contact with the dispensing module. After this is completed, the tableware is then sent out through the dispensing module to serve the food, preventing the tableware from being spilled.

[0005] However, the position of the detection line is fixed, and the distance that the food dispensing module pushes the tableware is also fixed. Once the size of the tableware increases, the proportion of the bottom contact surface of the tableware in contact with the food dispensing module to the total bottom contact surface area of ​​the tableware is small. At this time, the friction generated between the food dispensing module and the bottom contact surface of the tableware is insufficient to move the larger tableware towards the center of the food dispensing module. If food is dispensed at this time, the tableware will be overturned and the food dispensing will fail. This is why the food cabinets on the market cannot dispense tableware of various different sizes.

[0006] Therefore, existing kitchen cabinets are not very compatible, and manufacturers need to customize different kitchen cabinets according to different sizes of tableware. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention provides a food delivery module and a food cabinet to solve the problem that existing food delivery modules cannot transport various types of tableware.

[0008] The technical solution of the present invention is a meal transport module, comprising: a base, a transmission structure, a first stepless adjustment detection device, and a second stepless adjustment detection device;

[0009] The transmission structure is mounted on the base, and its transmission surface conveys tableware along the X-axis direction; the first stepless adjustment detection device and / or the second stepless adjustment detection device are movably mounted on the base and spaced apart along the Y-axis direction; and the first stepless adjustment detection device and the second stepless adjustment detection device form at least one detection line on the transmission surface of the transmission structure that can move along the transmission direction of the tableware.

[0010] Furthermore, a first stepless adjustment detection device is provided on one side of the base along the X-axis and at one end near the Y-axis, and a second stepless adjustment detection device is provided on the other side of the base along the X-axis and at the other end near the Y-axis, and the detection line is inclined.

[0011] Furthermore, the first continuously variable adjustment detection device includes a first displacement actuator, a first rotary actuator, and a first optical sensor;

[0012] The moving end of the first displacement actuator is connected to the first rotary actuator, and the rotating end of the first rotary actuator is connected to the first optical sensor;

[0013] The first displacement actuator is used to drive the first optical sensor to move along the Y-axis, and the first rotation actuator is used to drive the first optical sensor to rotate.

[0014] Furthermore, a first positioning block is provided on one side of the base along the X-axis direction. The first positioning block is also provided with a first displacement actuator and a first rotation actuator. A first guide rail is provided on the first positioning block, and a first optical sensor is matched and installed on the first guide rail.

[0015] The first displacement actuator can drive the first optical sensor to slide along the first guide rail.

[0016] Furthermore, the second continuously variable adjustment detection device includes a second rotary actuator and a second optical sensor;

[0017] A second rotary actuator is provided on the other side of the base along the X-axis, and the rotating end of the second rotary actuator is connected to the second optical sensor.

[0018] The second rotary actuator is used to drive the second optical sensor to rotate.

[0019] Furthermore, the second continuously variable adjustment detection device includes a second displacement actuator, a third rotary actuator, and a third optical sensor;

[0020] The moving end of the second displacement actuator is connected to the third rotary actuator, and the rotating end of the third rotary actuator is connected to the third optical sensor;

[0021] The second displacement actuator is used to drive the third optical sensor to move along the Y-axis, and the third rotation actuator is used to drive the third optical sensor to rotate.

[0022] Furthermore, a second positioning block is provided on the other side of the base along the X-axis, and a second displacement actuator and a third rotary actuator are provided inside the second positioning block; a second guide rail is provided on the second positioning block, and a third optical sensor is matched and installed on the second guide rail;

[0023] The second displacement actuator can drive the third optical sensor to slide along the second guide rail.

[0024] Furthermore, the transmission structure includes a roller and a first drive device;

[0025] The base has multiple rollers along the Y-axis at its bottom, and each roller is connected to the rotating end of the first driving device.

[0026] The first driving device is used to drive all the rollers to rotate, so as to move the tableware pushed into the food delivery module to the preset safe area of ​​the food delivery module.

[0027] Furthermore, a push plate is provided on one side of the base along the X-axis direction. The push plate is connected to the pushing end of a pushing device, which is used to push the push plate along the Y-axis direction of the base.

[0028] The present invention also proposes a food cabinet, which includes the food transport module described above.

[0029] Furthermore, the aforementioned food cabinet also includes:

[0030] Multiple storage spaces for storing tableware, each of which is equipped with a corresponding food dispensing module;

[0031] An X-axis track is provided along the X-axis direction of the food cabinet, and a food transport module is slidably connected to the X-axis track;

[0032] A lifting module is provided along the Z-axis direction of the dining cabinet, and the moving end of the lifting module is connected to the X-axis track;

[0033] The lifting module moves the food transport module to the corresponding storage space via the X-axis track, and the food dispensing module pushes the tableware in the storage space to the food transport module.

[0034] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0035] The present invention sets up at least one detection line that can move along the conveying direction of tableware through a first stepless adjustment detection device and a second stepless adjustment detection device, thereby adapting to tableware of different sizes, so that the transmission structure can smoothly move tableware of different sizes into the food conveying module, thereby successfully serving the food. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains; the terminology used herein in the specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, or foregoing drawings are used to distinguish different objects and not to describe a particular order.

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a meal delivery module proposed in this invention;

[0039] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of reference numeral A in the attached diagram;

[0040] Figure 3 for Figure 1 An enlarged view of reference numeral B in the attached diagram;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the first stepless adjustment detection device proposed in this invention;

[0042] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another meal delivery module proposed in this invention;

[0043] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Enlarged schematic diagram of reference numeral C in the attached figure;

[0044] Figure 7 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second stepless adjustment detection device proposed in this invention;

[0045] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the food cabinet proposed in this invention;

[0046] Figure 9 This is a partial top view of the internal structure of the food cabinet proposed in this invention.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 10. Base; 101. First positioning block; 102. First guide rail; 103. Second positioning block; 104. Second guide rail; 105. Push plate; 106. Pushing device;

[0049] 20. Transmission structure; 201. Roller; 202. First drive device;

[0050] 30. First continuously variable adjustment detection device; 301. First displacement actuator; 302. First rotary actuator; 303. First optical sensor;

[0051] 40. Second continuously variable adjustment detection device; 401. Second rotary actuator; 402. Second optical sensor; 403. Second displacement actuator; 404. Third rotary actuator; 405. Third optical sensor;

[0052] 50. Testing line;

[0053] 60. Storage space;

[0054] 70. Food serving module;

[0055] 80. X-axis track;

[0056] 81. Second drive unit;

[0057] 90. Lifting module. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Therefore, a feature pointed out in this specification is used to illustrate one feature of one embodiment of the invention, and does not imply that every embodiment of the invention must have the described feature. Furthermore, it should be noted that this specification describes many features. Although certain features may be combined to illustrate possible system designs, these features may also be used in other combinations not explicitly stated. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the described combinations are not intended to be limiting.

[0059] The principles and structure of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0060] Example 1

[0061] See attached document Figure 1 The present invention proposes a meal delivery module, comprising: a base 10, a transmission structure 20, a first stepless adjustment detection device 30, and a second stepless adjustment detection device 40;

[0062] The transmission structure 20 is mounted on the base 10, and its transmission surface conveys tableware along the X-axis direction; the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 and / or the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 are movably mounted on the base 10 and are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction; and the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 form at least one detection line 50 on the transmission surface of the transmission structure 20 that can move along the transmission direction of the tableware.

[0063] It should be noted that the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 is located on one side of the base 10 along the X-axis, and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 is located on the other side of the base 10 along the X-axis.

[0064] It should be noted that the food delivery module proposed in this embodiment is used to transport tableware, snacks, beverages, or other easily transportable items. For ease of understanding, the food delivery module in this embodiment is illustrated by transporting tableware; and the tableware in this embodiment is illustrated by a rectangular lunchbox.

[0065] Furthermore, the meal delivery module proposed in this embodiment also includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the transmission structure 20, the first stepless adjustment detection device 30, and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40.

[0066] Thus, when the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is larger than the previous size (referred to as large-sized tableware, the same throughout the text), if the position of the detection line 50 does not move along the middle of the food delivery module, the large-sized tableware will not have enough contact area with the transmission structure 20, causing the transmission structure 20 to be unable to move the large-sized tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module and transport it to the food outlet. In this case, the food will be spilled and the food will fail to be delivered. Therefore, in order to enable the food transport module to transport various sizes of tableware, the present invention sets at least one detection line 50 that can move along the conveying direction of the tableware through the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40. In this way, when the size of the tableware transported to the food transport module is larger than the previous size, the detection line 50 will move away from the food inlet of the food transport module (the food inlet of the food transport module is the opening through which the tableware enters the food transport module). When the large-sized tableware blocks the detection line 50, the contact area between the large-sized tableware and the transmission structure 20 meets the transmission requirements. Then, the control unit activates the transmission structure 20, causing the transmission structure 20 to move the large-sized tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food transport module to move to the outlet to complete the food dispensing.

[0067] Similarly, when the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is smaller than that of the previous one (referred to as small-sized tableware, the same throughout the text), the detection line 50 will move closer to the food inlet of the food delivery module to prevent the tableware from having too large a contact area with the transmission structure 20. After the small-sized tableware blocks the detection line 50, the control unit will activate the transmission structure 20, causing the transmission structure 20 to move the small-sized tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit will control the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet to complete the food delivery.

[0068] Therefore, the present invention provides at least one detection line 50 that can move along the conveying direction of the tableware by means of the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40, so as to adapt to tableware of different sizes by adjusting the detection line 50, thereby enabling the transmission structure 20 to smoothly move tableware of different sizes into the food conveying module, thereby successfully serving the food.

[0069] To improve the detection accuracy of detection line 50 and reduce the risk of false triggering, please refer to the appendix. Figure 1 The base 10 is provided with a first stepless adjustment detection device 30 on one side along the X-axis and near the Y-axis, and a second stepless adjustment detection device 40 on the other side along the X-axis and near the Y-axis, and the detection line 50 is inclined.

[0070] It should be noted that the first continuously variable adjustment detection device 30 and the second continuously variable adjustment detection device 40 are arranged diagonally at this time.

[0071] In order to enable the first stepless adjustment detection device 30 to better detect whether the tableware has reached the designated position, refer to the attached document. Figure 2 and 4 This embodiment proposes a structure for a first stepless adjustment detection device 30:

[0072] The first continuously variable adjustment detection device 30 proposed in this embodiment includes a first displacement actuator 301, a first rotary actuator 302, and a first optical sensor 303;

[0073] The moving end of the first displacement actuator 301 is connected to the first rotary actuator 302, and the rotating end of the first rotary actuator 302 is connected to the first optical sensor 303.

[0074] The first displacement actuator 301 is used to drive the first optical sensor 303 to move along the Y-axis, and the first rotation actuator 302 is used to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate.

[0075] It should be noted that the first optical sensor 303 proposed in this embodiment is preferably an infrared sensor; the first rotary actuator 302 is preferably a stepper motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the first displacement actuator 301, the first rotary actuator 302, and the first optical sensor 303, respectively.

[0076] In this way, the first optical sensor 303 emits infrared rays to the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 to form a detection line 50. If a piece of tableware blocks the detection line 50, it indicates that the tableware has reached the designated position in the food transport module. At this time, the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 cannot receive the infrared rays emitted by the first optical sensor 303. Then, the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 sends a first warning signal to the control unit to make the control unit activate the transmission structure 20, so that the transmission structure 20 drives the tableware to move to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module and transport it to the food outlet.

[0077] When the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is larger than the previous size, the control unit first uses the first displacement actuator 301 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide away from the food inlet of the food delivery module, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food inlet of the food delivery module, thus increasing the contact area between the larger tableware and the transmission structure 20, and increasing the friction between the larger tableware and the transmission structure 20. At the same time, the control unit uses the first rotary actuator 302 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 is always on the same straight line during the movement. Then, after the larger tableware blocks the detection line 50, the control unit will activate the transmission structure 20 to smoothly move the larger tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet to complete the food delivery.

[0078] To enable the food transport module to transport various sizes of tableware, this embodiment includes a detection line 50 that can move along the transport direction of the tableware. (See attached diagram.) Figure 4 Specifically:

[0079] The base 10 is provided with a first positioning block 101 on one side along the X-axis. The first positioning block 101 is also provided with a first displacement actuator 301 and a first rotation actuator 302. The first positioning block 101 is provided with a first guide rail 102, and a first optical sensor 303 is matched and installed on the first guide rail 102.

[0080] The first displacement actuator 301 can drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide along the first guide rail 102.

[0081] When the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is larger than the previous size, the control unit will first drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide along the first guide rail 102 away from the food delivery module's inlet via the first displacement actuator 301, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food delivery module's inlet. At the same time, the control unit will drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate via the first rotary actuator 302, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the second continuously variable adjustment detection device 40 remains on the same straight line during the movement. When the large tableware blocks the detection line 50, the control unit will activate the transmission structure 20 to smoothly move the large tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit will control the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet to complete the food delivery.

[0082] In order to enable the second stepless adjustment detection device 40 to better detect whether the tableware has reached the designated position, refer to the attached document. Figure 3 This embodiment proposes a structure for a second stepless adjustment detection device 40:

[0083] The second stepless adjustment detection device 40 proposed in this embodiment includes a second rotary actuator 401 and a second optical sensor 402;

[0084] The base 10 is provided with a second rotary actuator 401 on the other side along the X-axis, and the rotating end of the second rotary actuator 401 is connected to the second optical sensor 402.

[0085] The second rotary actuator 401 is used to drive the second optical sensor 402 to rotate.

[0086] It should be noted that the second optical sensor 402 proposed in this embodiment is preferably a photoelectric sensor; the second rotary actuator 401 is preferably a stepper motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the second rotary actuator 401 and the second optical sensor 402 respectively.

[0087] In this way, the first optical sensor 303 emits infrared light to the second optical sensor 402 to form a detection line 50, while the second optical sensor 402 also emits visible or invisible light to the first optical sensor 303 to form another detection line 50, so as to further improve the detection accuracy and reduce the risk of false triggering.

[0088] When a piece of tableware blocks the detection line 50, it indicates that the tableware has reached the designated position within the food transport module. At this time, the second optical sensor 402 cannot receive the infrared light emitted by the first optical sensor 303 and / or the second optical sensor 402 receives the light emitted by itself. Then, the second optical sensor 402 will send a first warning signal and / or a second warning signal to the control unit, so that the control unit can activate the transmission structure 20, so that the transmission structure 20 can move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module and transport it to the food outlet.

[0089] When the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is larger than the previous size, the control unit first uses the first displacement actuator 301 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide away from the food inlet of the food delivery module, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food inlet of the food delivery module, thus increasing the contact area between the larger tableware and the transmission structure 20, and increasing the friction between the larger tableware and the transmission structure 20. At the same time, the control unit uses the first rotary actuator 302 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate, and the second rotary actuator 401 to drive the second optical sensor 402 to rotate, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the second optical sensor 402 remains on the same straight line during the movement. Then, after the larger tableware blocks the detection line 50, the control unit activates the transmission structure 20 to smoothly move the larger tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet to complete the food delivery.

[0090] In order to ensure that the transmission structure 20 can smoothly move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module, refer to the attached document. Figure 1 This embodiment proposes a transmission structure 20:

[0091] The transmission structure 20 proposed in this embodiment includes a roller 201 and a first driving device 202;

[0092] The base 10 has a plurality of rollers 201 along the Y-axis at its bottom, and each roller 201 is connected to the rotating end of the first driving device 202.

[0093] The first driving device 202 is used to drive all the rollers 201 to rotate, so as to move the tableware pushed into the food delivery module to the preset safe area of ​​the food delivery module.

[0094] It should be noted that the control unit is also electrically connected to the first drive device 202, which is preferably a motor.

[0095] When a piece of tableware blocks the detection line 50, part of the bottom of the tableware will be above the roller 201. Then the control unit will activate the first drive device 202, which will drive all the rollers 201 to rotate counterclockwise. The rollers 201 will then move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module.

[0096] Among them, refer to the appendix Figure 1 The base 10 is also provided with a push plate 105 on one side along the X-axis direction. The push plate 105 is connected to the pushing end of the pushing device 106. The pushing device 106 is used to push the push plate 105 along the Y-axis direction of the base 10.

[0097] It should be noted that the control unit is also electrically connected to the pusher 106. Furthermore, the first continuously variable adjustment detection device 30 will not obstruct the extension of the pusher 105 on the same side.

[0098] When the control unit moves the entire food transport module to the food outlet, the control unit will activate the push device 106, which will then control the push plate 105 to push along the Y-axis of the base 10 to push the tableware out of the food transport module to the food outlet, thus completing the food dispensing.

[0099] Therefore, the operation flow of the meal delivery module proposed in this embodiment is as follows:

[0100] First, the first optical sensor 303 emits infrared light to the second optical sensor 402 to form a detection line 50. At the same time, the second optical sensor 402 also emits visible or invisible light to the first optical sensor 303 to form another detection line 50. Then, if tableware is transported to the food conveying module and causes the tableware to block the detection line 50, the control unit will receive a first warning signal and / or a second warning signal sent by the second optical sensor 402. Then, the control unit will activate the first drive device 202, which will drive all rollers 201 to rotate counterclockwise to move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food conveying module. Then, the control unit will move the entire food conveying module to the food outlet and then activate the push device 106, which will control the push plate 105 to push along the Y-axis of the base 10 to push the tableware out of the food conveying module to the food outlet, completing the food dispensing.

[0101] If, during the process of transporting tableware to the food delivery module, it is found that the tableware being transported this time is larger than the tableware being transported last time, the control unit will first use the first displacement actuator 301 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide away from the food delivery module's inlet, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food delivery module's inlet; at the same time, the control unit will use the first rotary actuator 302 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate, and use the second rotary actuator 401 to drive the second optical sensor 402 to rotate, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the second optical sensor 402 remains on the same straight line during the movement.

[0102] When the large-sized tableware blocks the detection line 50, the contact area between the large-sized tableware and the roller 201 will increase. Then, the control unit will activate the first drive device 202 to smoothly move the large-sized tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food transport module to move to the food outlet. Then, the control unit activates the push device 106, which controls the push plate 105 to push along the Y-axis of the base 10 to push the tableware out of the food transport module to the food outlet, thus completing the food dispensing.

[0103] Example 2

[0104] Based on Example 1, refer to Appendix Figure 5 and 7 This embodiment proposes another structure for the second stepless adjustment detection device 40:

[0105] The second continuously variable adjustment detection device 40 proposed in this embodiment includes a second displacement actuator 403, a third rotary actuator 404, and a third optical sensor 405;

[0106] The moving end of the second displacement actuator 403 is connected to the third rotary actuator 404, and the rotating end of the third rotary actuator 404 is connected to the third optical sensor 405;

[0107] The second displacement actuator 403 is used to drive the third optical sensor 405 to move along the Y-axis, and the third rotation actuator 404 is used to drive the third optical sensor 405 to rotate.

[0108] It should be noted that the third optical sensor 405 proposed in this embodiment is preferably a photoelectric sensor; the third rotary actuator 404 is preferably a stepper motor. The control unit is electrically connected to the second displacement actuator 403, the third rotary actuator 404 and the third optical sensor 405 respectively.

[0109] In this way, the first optical sensor 303 emits infrared light to the third optical sensor 405 to form a detection line 50, while the third optical sensor 405 also emits visible or invisible light to the first optical sensor 303 to form another detection line 50, so as to further improve the detection accuracy and reduce the risk of false triggering.

[0110] When a piece of tableware blocks the detection line 50, it indicates that the tableware has reached the designated position within the food transport module. At this time, the third optical sensor 405 cannot receive the infrared light emitted by the first optical sensor 303 and / or the third optical sensor 405 receives the light emitted by itself. Then, the third optical sensor 405 will send a first warning signal and / or a second warning signal to the control unit. After receiving the warning signal, the control unit will activate the first drive device 202, which will drive all rollers 201 to rotate counterclockwise to move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module. Then, the control unit will move the entire food transport module to the food outlet and then activate the push device 106, which will control the push plate 105 to push along the Y-axis of the base 10 to push the tableware out of the food transport module to the food outlet, thus completing the food dispensing.

[0111] If, during the process of conveying tableware to the food delivery module, it is found that the size of the tableware being conveyed this time is larger than that of the previous tableware, the control unit will first use the first displacement actuator 301 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide away from the food delivery module's inlet side. At the same time, the control unit will also use the second displacement actuator 403 to drive the third optical sensor 405 to slide away from the food delivery module's inlet side, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food delivery module's inlet. Simultaneously, the control unit will use the first rotary actuator 302 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate, and the third rotary actuator 404 to drive the third optical sensor 405 to rotate, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the third optical sensor 405 remains on the same straight line during the movement.

[0112] When the large-sized tableware blocks the detection line 50, the contact area between the large-sized tableware and the roller 201 will increase. Then the control unit will activate the first drive device 202 to smoothly move the large-sized tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food transport module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food transport module to move to the food outlet.

[0113] To enable the food transport module to transport various sizes of tableware, this embodiment includes another detection line 50 that can move along the transport direction of the tableware. (See attached diagram.) Figure 6 Specifically:

[0114] The base 10 is provided with a second positioning block 103 on the other side along the X-axis. The second positioning block 103 is provided with a second displacement actuator 403 and a third rotary actuator 404. The second positioning block 103 is provided with a second guide rail 104, and a third optical sensor 405 is matched and installed on the second guide rail 104.

[0115] The second displacement actuator 403 can drive the third optical sensor 405 to slide along the second guide rail 104.

[0116] When the size of the tableware delivered to the food delivery module is larger than the previous size, the control unit first uses the first displacement actuator 301 to move the first optical sensor 303 away from the food delivery module's inlet. Simultaneously, the control unit also uses the second displacement actuator 403 to move the third optical sensor 405 away from the food delivery module's inlet, thus moving the detection line 50 away from the food delivery module's inlet. This ensures that both detection lines 50 formed between the first and third optical sensors 303 are away from the food delivery module's inlet. Simultaneously, the control unit uses the first rotary actuator 302 to rotate the first optical sensor 303, ensuring that the two detection lines 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the second continuously variable adjustment detection device 40 remain aligned during movement. When the larger tableware blocks the detection line 50, the control unit activates the first drive device 202 to smoothly move the larger tableware to a preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet.

[0117] Example 3

[0118] Based on the same inventive concept, refer to the appendix Figure 8-9 The present invention also proposes a food cabinet, which includes the food transport module described above.

[0119] The dining cabinet also includes:

[0120] Multiple storage spaces 60 for storing tableware, each of the storage spaces 60 is equipped with a corresponding food dispensing module 70;

[0121] An X-axis track 80 is provided along the X-axis direction of the food cabinet, and a food transport module is slidably connected to the X-axis track 80.

[0122] A lifting module 90 is provided along the Z-axis direction of the food cabinet, and the moving end of the lifting module 90 is connected to the X-axis track 80;

[0123] The lifting module 90 drives the food transport module to the corresponding storage space 60 via the X-axis rail 80, and the food dispensing module 70 pushes the tableware in the storage space 60 to the food transport module.

[0124] It should be noted that a second drive device 81 is also provided on the X-axis track 80. The second drive device 81 is used to drive the food delivery module to slide along the X-axis track 80. The storage space 60 has multiple columns along the Z-axis direction, and each column has multiple horizontally arranged storage spaces 60. In addition, a detection module (not shown, the same throughout) is also provided in the food cabinet. The detection module is used to detect the size of the tableware sent into the storage space and upload the detection data to the control unit so that the control unit can move the detection line 50 along the tableware conveying direction, so that tableware of different sizes can be smoothly sent into the food delivery module, ensuring successful food dispensing.

[0125] The control unit is electrically connected to the lifting module 90, the second drive device 81, and the detection module, respectively.

[0126] In this way, when the food cabinet is in normal use and no food is being served, the X-axis track 80 is located in front of the storage space 60 and at the bottom of the storage space 60, and the lifting module 90 is located on one side of the storage space 60 along the X-axis direction.

[0127] When any storage space 60 needs to dispense food, the control unit first uses the lifting module 90 to raise the X-axis track 80 to the corresponding column of the storage space 60 that needs to dispense food. Then, the control unit uses the second drive device 81 to move the food delivery module to the storage space 60 that needs to dispense food. At this time, the food dispensing port of the storage space 60 and the food inlet of the food delivery module are at the same level. Then, the food dispensing module 70 pushes the tableware in the storage space 60 into the food delivery module until the tableware blocks the detection line 50. Only then does the control unit shut down the food dispensing module 70 and reset. The control unit then restarts the first drive device 202, causing it to drive all rollers 201 to rotate counterclockwise. The rollers 201 then move the tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. The control unit then shuts off the first drive device 202 and sequentially starts the second drive device 81 and the lifting module 90 to move the food delivery module to the food outlet of the food cabinet. The control unit then starts the push device 106, causing it to control the push plate 105 to push along the Y-axis of the base 10 to push the tableware out of the food delivery module to the food outlet, thus completing the food delivery.

[0128] When the tableware is being transported to the food delivery module and it is found that the tableware being transported this time is larger than the tableware from the previous time, the control unit will first use the first displacement actuator 301 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to slide away from the food delivery module's inlet, thereby moving the detection line 50 away from the food delivery module's inlet; at the same time, the control unit will use the first rotary actuator 302 to drive the first optical sensor 303 to rotate, and the third rotary actuator 404 to drive the third optical sensor 405 to rotate, so that the detection line 50 formed between the first optical sensor 303 and the third optical sensor 405 remains on the same straight line during the movement.

[0129] When a large piece of tableware blocks the detection line 50, the contact area between the large piece of tableware and the roller 201 increases. Then, the control unit activates the first drive device 202 to smoothly move the large piece of tableware to the preset safe area in the middle of the food delivery module. Finally, the control unit controls the entire food delivery module to move to the food outlet, thus successfully dispensing the food. This solves the problem that the food cabinet cannot dispense tableware of various sizes and improves the compatibility of the food cabinet.

[0130] Obviously, the embodiments described above are merely some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. The accompanying drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, but do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. The present invention can be implemented in many different forms; rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing specific embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any equivalent structures made using the content of this specification and drawings, directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, are similarly within the patent protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A meal delivery module, characterized in that, include: Base (10), transmission structure (20), first stepless adjustment detection device (30), and second stepless adjustment detection device (40); The transmission structure (20) is mounted on the base (10), and its transmission surface transmits tableware along the X-axis direction; the first stepless adjustment detection device (30) and / or the second stepless adjustment detection device (40) are movably mounted on the base (10) and are spaced apart along the Y-axis direction; The first continuously variable adjustment detection device (30) includes a first displacement actuator (301), a first rotary actuator (302), and a first optical sensor (303). The moving end of the first displacement actuator (301) is connected to the first rotary actuator (302), and the rotating end of the first rotary actuator (302) is connected to the first optical sensor (303); The first displacement actuator (301) is used to drive the first optical sensor (303) to move along the Y-axis direction, and the first rotary actuator (302) is used to drive the first optical sensor (303) to rotate, so that the first optical sensor (303) and the second stepless adjustment detection device (40) form at least one detection line (50) that can move along the conveying direction of the tableware on the conveying surface of the transmission structure (20).

2. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) is provided with a first stepless adjustment detection device (30) on one side along the X-axis and near the Y-axis, and a second stepless adjustment detection device (40) is provided on the other side along the X-axis and near the Y-axis, and the detection line (50) is set at an angle.

3. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) has a first positioning block (101) on one side along the X-axis. The first positioning block (101) also has a first displacement actuator (301) and a first rotation actuator (302). The first positioning block (101) has a first guide rail (102) and a first optical sensor (303) is matched and installed on the first guide rail (102). The first displacement actuator (301) can drive the first optical sensor (303) to slide along the first guide rail (102).

4. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second continuously variable adjustment detection device (40) includes a second rotary actuator (401) and a second optical sensor (402); The base (10) is provided with a second rotary actuator (401) on the other side along the X-axis direction, and the rotating end of the second rotary actuator (401) is connected to the second optical sensor (402); The second rotary actuator (401) is used to drive the second optical sensor (402) to rotate.

5. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second continuously variable adjustment detection device (40) includes a second displacement actuator (403), a third rotary actuator (404), and a third optical sensor (405). The moving end of the second displacement actuator (403) is connected to the third rotary actuator (404), and the rotating end of the third rotary actuator (404) is connected to the third optical sensor (405); The second displacement actuator (403) is used to drive the third optical sensor (405) to move along the Y-axis, and the third rotation actuator (404) is used to drive the third optical sensor (405) to rotate.

6. The meal delivery module according to claim 5, characterized in that, The base (10) is provided with a second positioning block (103) on the other side along the X-axis. The second positioning block (103) is provided with a second displacement actuator (403) and a third rotary actuator (404). The second positioning block (103) is provided with a second guide rail (104), and a third optical sensor (405) is matched and installed on the second guide rail (104). The second displacement actuator (403) can drive the third optical sensor (405) to slide along the second guide rail (104).

7. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission structure (20) includes a roller (201) and a first drive device (202); The base (10) has a plurality of rollers (201) along the Y-axis at its bottom, and each roller (201) is connected to the rotating end of the first driving device (202). The first driving device (202) is used to drive all the rollers (201) to rotate, so as to move the tableware pushed into the food delivery module to the preset safe area of ​​the food delivery module.

8. The meal delivery module according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base (10) is also provided with a push plate (105) on one side along the X-axis direction. The push plate (105) is connected to the pushing end of the pushing device (106). The pushing device (106) is used to push the push plate (105) along the Y-axis direction of the base (10).

9. A food cabinet, characterized in that, The food cabinet includes the food transport module as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The food cabinet according to claim 9, characterized in that, The food cabinet also includes: Multiple storage spaces (60) for storing tableware, each of the storage spaces (60) is provided with a corresponding food dispensing module (70); An X-axis track (80) is provided along the X-axis direction of the food cabinet, and a food transport module is slidably connected to the X-axis track (80); A lifting module (90) is provided along the Z-axis direction of the food cabinet, and the moving end of the lifting module (90) is connected to the X-axis track (80); The lifting module (90) drives the food transport module to the corresponding storage space (60) via the X-axis rail (80), and the food dispensing module (70) pushes the tableware in the storage space (60) to the food transport module.

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