Automatic packaging method and system applied to meal machine

By using the first and second telescopic pull plates in conjunction with the spring tightening mechanism and suction cups, the problems of automatic bag extraction and food delivery in the food delivery machine are solved, achieving damage-free automatic packaging and efficient food delivery.

CN121799732APending Publication Date: 2026-04-07智慧式有限公司
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-24
Publication Date
2026-04-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing automatic bag retrieval system in food service machines suffers from damage issues, making it impossible to efficiently achieve the automatic retrieval of new-style packaging bags and the delivery of meals.

Method used

It employs first and second telescopic pull plates in conjunction with a spring tightening mechanism, using suction cups to precisely grasp individual pockets and open them instantly, and combines conveyor belts and slide assemblies to achieve automatic transfer of food.

Benefits of technology

It enables the automatic, damage-free opening of packaging bags and precise delivery of food, improving packaging efficiency and making it suitable for automatic packaging applications in food service machines.

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Abstract

The invention provides an automatic packaging method and system applied to a meal machine, and belongs to the field of intelligent packaging, and the method comprises the following steps: S1, obtaining a single pocket through a first telescopic pull disc, and pulling the pocket through a second telescopic pull disc to obtain a pocket with an upward opening; s2, a transfer assembly above the pocket is started, and the food rotates along with the transfer assembly to fall into the pocket; s3, the first telescopic pull disc and the second telescopic pull disc are started, the pocket containing the food is conveyed to the food outlet, multiple devices are integrated, the space is utilized to the maximum, and the operation system is particularly suitable for packaging application in the food machine and further comprises software and hardware programs for controlling the operation system and functional software for forming an automatic operation circuit and transferring the programs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This manual relates to the field of intelligent food delivery, and in particular to an automatic packaging method and system for use in food delivery machines. Background Technology

[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization, people's pace of life is getting faster and faster, and time is becoming increasingly scarce. The fast pace of life leads people to spend more time on work and study. For daily meals, people are considering how to save limited time while pursuing quality. Therefore, fast food has become the choice of most people. However, eating a delicious meal at a fast food restaurant can sometimes be a waste of time. As a result, takeout and delivery services have become more popular. However, during peak hours, restaurants are crowded, and even if people choose takeout, there will be queues. Due to the large volume of customers, restaurants need to manually prepare meals when they receive orders. Manual operation and service are relatively slow. Even if the dishes are prepared in advance, it still takes time to divide and package them.

[0003] An existing Chinese patent, CN116534367A, describes an automatic packaging method for boxed meals. This method is applied to a boxed meal packaging machine, which includes a housing, a chopsticks storage device, an upper support platform, a lower support platform, a packaging bag storage device, a packaging bag shape control device, and a packaging bag perforation and heat-sealing device. The method steps are as follows: 1. Equipment initialization; 2. Tearing the outermost bag from the roll packaging bag; 3. Inserting the boxed meal and chopsticks into the bag; 4. Perforating and sealing the bag. This invention is used for bagging and packaging boxed meals, enabling functions such as bagging, chopsticks dispensing, sealing, and perforation. It features compact size, stability, reliability, convenient operation, good continuity, and high packaging efficiency, meeting the daily boxed meal packaging needs of takeout businesses.

[0004] In the aforementioned technologies, tearing the packaging bag results in damage to the bag, making it impossible to efficiently achieve automatic extraction of the new type of packaging bag.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an automatic packaging method and system for use in food delivery machines, which can not only acquire packaging bags, but also transport the packaged food to a set location. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of this specification provides an automatic packaging method and system for use in a food delivery machine, which can automatically open the bag and put in the food without damaging the packaging bag, and the food can also be automatically transferred to the serving port.

[0007] In some embodiments, an automatic packaging method applied to a food delivery machine includes the following steps: S1: Obtain a single pocket using the first telescopic pull tab, and pull the pocket out using the second telescopic pull tab to obtain a pocket with the opening facing upwards; S2: Activate the transfer component above the pocket; the food will rotate and fall into the pocket. S3: Activate the first and second telescopic trays to transport the bag containing the food to the serving area.

[0008] Furthermore, in step S1, multiple pockets are fixed in the storage area under the pushing force of the spring compression plate. A fixing buckle is provided on the side of the storage area near the first telescopic pull plate. The fixing buckle is fixed around the pocket. A baffle is provided on the side of the pocket that is close to the fixing buckle. The baffle is connected to the drawstring device on the side of the fixing buckle through a fixing rope. A spring is provided on the other side of the frame. Under the reverse pulling force of the spring, the baffle presses the pocket against the fixing buckle in one direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the first telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups. The first telescopic pull plate is located on the opposite side of the storage area, and the second telescopic pull plate is located on the same side of the storage area. The second telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups.

[0010] Furthermore, the first telescopic pull plate includes a first rotating disc, and the second telescopic pull plate includes a second rotating disc. The first rotating disc is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod, and the second rotating disc is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod. The positions of the telescopic rod on the first rotating disc and the positions of the telescopic rod on the second rotating disc are symmetrically arranged.

[0011] Furthermore, a transfer frame is provided between the first telescopic pull tray and the storage area. The transfer frame is hollow on the side near the first telescopic pull tray, and a slide assembly is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame to transport the transfer frame to the serving port.

[0012] Furthermore, the transfer components include a conveyor belt and a motor, which moves the conveyor belt by starting the motor to drop the food into the pocket.

[0013] Furthermore, the transfer component includes a holding component, a telescopic component, a rotating component, and a lifting component. The two ends of the telescopic component are respectively connected to the holding component and the rotating component. The rotating component is fixedly connected to the slider on the lifting component. The holding component is used to hold the food into the pocket, and also includes, but is not limited to, holding the tableware containing the food by holding the food.

[0014] In some embodiments, an automated packaging method for use in a food delivery machine is also included, comprising, The storage area unit is located on one side of the meal receiving unit. Multiple pockets are unidirectionally compressed by a spring mechanism, with the compression direction being towards the meal receiving unit. The first suction cup unit, symmetrical to the storage area unit, is located on the other side of the food receiving unit and uses a telescopic rod to suction out the pocket in the storage area. The second suction cup unit is located on the same side of the storage area. It uses a rotating unit and a telescopic rod to perform a second suction on the bag after suction, and then pulls the bag open. The meal receiving unit receives the meal, which is then transported to the dispensing port via a slide assembly at the bottom after falling into the opened pocket.

[0015] Furthermore, the top of the food receiving unit includes, but is not limited to, at least one set of conveyor belts or robotic arm assemblies, which transport the food to the top of the food receiving unit via the conveyor belts.

[0016] Furthermore, the receiving unit has an opening on the side near the storage area unit, and the size of the opening is determined by the size of the pocket and the size of the second suction cup unit.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The spring tightening mechanism presses the pockets in batches, and the multiple suction cups can accurately pick up individual pockets. Then, the second telescopic pull plate is superimposed to pull the closed pockets open instantly. 2. The integration of multiple devices maximizes space utilization, and this application is particularly suitable for packaging applications in food service machines. Attached Figure Description

[0018] This specification will be further described by way of exemplary embodiments, which will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are not limiting; in these embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same structures, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle according to some embodiments of this specification; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a first telescopic pull plate according to some embodiments of this specification; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of the storage area according to some embodiments of this specification; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the transfer component according to some embodiments of this specification; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another transfer component according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 100, first telescopic pull plate; 101, transfer frame; 102, second telescopic pull plate; 103, storage area; 1031, baffle; 1032, fixing buckle; 401, holding component; 402, telescopic component; 403, rotating component; 404, lifting component. Implementation

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments in this specification, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, these drawings can be applied to other similar scenarios without creative effort. Unless obvious from the context or otherwise specified, the same reference numerals in the drawings represent the same structures or operations.

[0021] It should be understood that the terms “system,” “device,” “unit,” and / or “module” used herein are one way to distinguish different components, elements, parts, sections, or assemblies at different levels. However, if other terms can achieve the same purpose, they may be replaced by other expressions.

[0022] As indicated in this specification and claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the words "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" do not specifically refer to the singular and may also include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "comprising" and "including" only indicate the inclusion of expressly identified steps and elements, which do not constitute an exclusive list, and the method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0023] Flowcharts are used in this specification to illustrate the operations performed by the system according to embodiments of this specification. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the steps can be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations can be added to these processes, or one or more steps can be removed from them. Example

[0024] An automatic packaging method for use in food delivery machines includes the following steps: S1: Obtain a single pocket using the first telescopic pull tab, and pull the pocket out using the second telescopic pull tab to obtain a pocket with the opening facing upwards; S2: Activate the conveyor belt above the pocket, and the food will fall into the pocket as the conveyor belt rotates; S3: Activate the first and second telescopic trays to transport the bag containing the food to the serving area.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S1, multiple pockets are fixed in the storage area under the pushing force of the spring compression plate. A fixing buckle is provided on the side of the storage area near the first telescopic pull plate. The fixing buckle is fixed around the pocket. A baffle is provided on the side of the pocket that is close to the fixing buckle. The baffle is connected to the drawstring device on the side of the fixing buckle through a fixing rope. A spring is provided on the other side of the frame. Under the reverse pulling force of the spring, the baffle presses the pocket against the fixing buckle in one direction.

[0026] For further details, please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 ,and Figure 3 The first telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups. The first telescopic pull plate is located on the opposite side of the storage area, and the second telescopic pull plate is located on the same side of the storage area. The second telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups.

[0027] Furthermore, the first telescopic pull plate includes a first rotating disc, and the second telescopic pull plate includes a second rotating disc. The first rotating disc is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod, and the second rotating disc is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod. The positions of the telescopic rod on the first rotating disc and the positions of the telescopic rod on the second rotating disc are symmetrically arranged.

[0028] It also includes a sales unit where users can select dishes from the menu and place an order. The system then analyzes the order parameters through a control panel to prepare and package the food. Users can place orders or make reservations online or offline.

[0029] When this technology is applied to a steamed bun machine, it also includes a forming unit, which includes a dough cavity and a filling cavity of a mixing container. The dough cavity and the filling cavity are separated by the filling cavity wall, and a forming base is provided at the bottom of the mixing container. The cooking unit includes a steamer, a steam generator, a moving mechanism, and a steamer lid. The steamer includes a steaming tray and a cleaning unit. The bottom of the steaming tray is equipped with a cleaning unit. The steam generator is connected to the bottom of the steamer through a pipe. The steamer lid is opened and closed by the moving mechanism to shut off the steamer.

[0030] The control system for the dough mixing equipment includes one or more main powder silos and water supply devices. The main powder silos have powder output and metering devices. The silos can be used to place powder, either by opening the lid, emptying the container, or other methods. The metering device measures the weight of the powder as it is added, using various methods such as electronic weighing, volumetric weighing, ruler weighing, and others. The main powder silos also have powder output devices that transport the powder to the dough mixing equipment. This transport can be achieved using gate valve suction, screw conveyor, or other methods. During the transport process, the system controls the coordination of other equipment and devices, and determines the required mixing time and water addition based on the metering feedback. The water supply device includes metering and output devices. It adds water in a pre-set ratio based on the amount of powder in the dough mixing equipment and device, and mixes the dough. Water metering can be done using flow rate, volumetric gradation, weighing, measuring tape, or other methods. Water delivery can be done via automatic gate valve discharge, adsorption, or other methods. Both powder metering and delivery, as well as water metering and delivery, are controlled by an electromechanical structure controlled by an electrical control system. The system adds the required amount of powder and water, and automatically calculates the mixing time and the amount and timing of water addition based on the food type and process flow. Water or powder can be added first, depending on the set process and system calculations. The control system sends commands to the device to complete the above operations. The forming unit also includes a dough mixing container and a dough conveying chamber. After receiving the set amount of flour and water, the dough mixing container drives the internal mixer to work, processing the dough according to the set mixing time. After the set mixing time is completed, the dough conveying chamber opens to convey the dough to the dough sheet cavity.

[0031] Furthermore, a transfer frame is provided between the first telescopic pull tray and the storage area. The transfer frame is hollow on the side near the first telescopic pull tray, and a slide assembly is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame to transport the transfer frame to the serving port.

[0032] In some embodiments, an automated packaging method for use in a food delivery machine is also included, comprising, The storage area unit is located on one side of the meal receiving unit. Multiple pockets are unidirectionally compressed by a spring mechanism, with the compression direction being towards the meal receiving unit. The first suction cup unit, symmetrical to the storage area unit, is located on the other side of the food receiving unit and uses a telescopic rod to suction out the pocket in the storage area. The second suction cup unit is located on the same side of the storage area. It uses a rotating unit and a telescopic rod to perform a second suction on the bag after suction, and then pulls the bag open. The meal receiving unit receives the meal, which is then transported to the dispensing port via a slide assembly at the bottom after falling into the opened pocket.

[0033] For further details, please refer to Figure 4 The top of the receiving unit is equipped with at least one set of conveyor belts, which transport the food to the top of the receiving unit.

[0034] Furthermore, the receiving unit has an opening on the side near the storage area unit, and the size of the opening is determined by the size of the pocket and the size of the second suction cup unit.

[0035] It is worth noting that, please refer to Figure 5 The top of the receiving unit is provided with a transfer component including a holding component, a telescopic component, a rotating component and a lifting component. The two ends of the telescopic component are respectively connected to the holding component and the rotating component. The rotating component is fixedly connected to the slider on the lifting component. The holding component is used to hold the meal into the pocket, and also includes, but is not limited to, holding the tableware containing the meal by holding the holding component.

[0036] It should be noted that the food receiving unit is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of this specification. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications or variations based on the description in this specification, such as changes to robotic arm components. However, these changes and modifications will not depart from the scope of this specification.

[0037] The basic concepts have been described above. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, the detailed disclosure above is merely illustrative and does not constitute a limitation of this specification. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and corrections to this specification. Such modifications, improvements, and corrections are suggested in this specification and therefore remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0038] Furthermore, this specification uses specific terms to describe embodiments thereof. For example, "an embodiment," "one embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with at least one embodiment of this specification. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that references to "an embodiment," "one embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" in different locations throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this specification can be appropriately combined.

[0039] Furthermore, unless expressly stated in the claims, the order of processing elements and sequences, the use of numbers and letters, or other names described in this specification are not intended to limit the order of the processes and methods described herein. Although various examples have been discussed in the foregoing disclosure of some embodiments of the invention that are currently considered useful, it should be understood that such details are for illustrative purposes only, and the appended claims are not limited to the disclosed embodiments; rather, the claims are intended to cover all modifications and equivalent combinations that conform to the spirit and scope of the embodiments described herein. For example, while the system components described above can be implemented using hardware devices, they can also be implemented solely using software solutions, such as installing the described system on existing servers or mobile devices.

[0040] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the description disclosed herein and thus aid in the understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing description of embodiments in this specification may sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, drawing, or description thereof. However, this method of disclosure does not imply that the subject matter of this specification requires more features than those mentioned in the claims. In fact, the embodiments contain fewer features than all the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0041] Finally, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the embodiments described herein. Other variations may also fall within the scope of this specification. Therefore, alternative configurations of the embodiments described herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting, and should be considered consistent with the teachings of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments described herein are not limited to those explicitly introduced and described herein.

Claims

1. An automatic packaging method applied in a food processing machine, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Obtain a single pocket using the first telescopic pull tab, and pull the pocket out using the second telescopic pull tab to obtain a pocket with the opening facing upwards; S2: Activate the transfer component above the pocket, and the food will rotate and fall into the pocket; S3: Activate the first and second telescopic trays to transport the bag containing the food to the serving area.

2. The automatic packaging method applied to a food processing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step S1, multiple pockets are fixed in the storage area under the pushing force of the spring compression plate. A fixing buckle is provided on the side of the storage area near the first telescopic pull plate. The fixing buckle is fixed around the pocket. A baffle is provided on the side of the pocket away from the fixing buckle. The baffle is connected to the drawstring device on the side of the fixing buckle through a fixing rope. A spring is provided on the other side of the frame. Under the reverse pulling force of the spring, the baffle presses the pocket against the fixing buckle in one direction.

3. The automatic packaging method applied to a food processing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups. The first telescopic pull plate is located on the opposite side of the storage area, and the second telescopic pull plate is located on the same side of the storage area. The second telescopic pull plate is a suction cup mounted on a telescopic rod, comprising at least two sets of telescopic rods and suction cups.

4. The automatic packaging method applied to a food processing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first telescopic pull plate includes a first rotating plate, and the second telescopic pull plate includes a second rotating plate. The first rotating plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod, and the second rotating plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of the telescopic rod. The positions of the telescopic rod on the first rotating plate and the positions of the telescopic rod on the second rotating plate are symmetrically arranged.

5. An automatic packaging method for use in a food processing machine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A transfer frame is provided between the first telescopic pull tray and the storage area. The transfer frame is hollow on the side near the first telescopic pull tray. A slide assembly is provided at the bottom of the transfer frame to transport the transfer frame to the serving port.

6. An automatic packaging method for use in a food processing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a sales unit where users can select dishes from the menu and place an order. The system then uses a control panel to parse the order parameters to prepare and package the food.

7. An automatic packaging method for use in a food processing machine according to claim 5, characterized in that, The transfer assembly includes a holding assembly, a telescopic assembly, a rotating assembly, and a lifting assembly. The two ends of the telescopic assembly are respectively connected to the holding assembly and the rotating assembly. The rotating assembly is fixedly connected to the slider on the lifting assembly. The holding assembly is used to hold the food into the pocket, and also includes, but is not limited to, holding the tableware containing the food by holding the food.

8. An automatic packaging system for use in food processing machines, characterized in that, An automatic packaging method for use in a food processing machine, as described in any of claims 6 or 7, includes, The storage area unit is located on one side of the meal receiving unit. Multiple pockets are unidirectionally compressed by a spring mechanism, with the compression direction being towards the meal receiving unit. The first suction cup unit, symmetrical to the storage area unit, is located on the other side of the food receiving unit and uses a telescopic rod to suction out the pocket in the storage area. The second suction cup unit is located on the same side of the storage area. It uses a rotating unit and a telescopic rod to perform a second suction on the bag after suction, and then pulls the bag open. The meal receiving unit receives the meal, which is then transported to the dispensing port via a slide assembly at the bottom after falling into the opened pocket.

9. An automatic packaging system for use in a food processing machine according to claim 8, characterized in that, The food receiving unit has an opening on the side near the storage area unit, and the size of the opening is determined by the size of the pocket and the size of the second suction cup unit.

10. An automatic packaging system for a food processing machine according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the above-mentioned operating mechanisms are all derived from the system's hardware and software control, forming an automatic operating circuit and program-driven functional software implementation, and the operating control system is operated by a circuit integrated operator.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Automatic packaging method for boxed meals

    CN116534367A