Quantitative dish subpackaging device for intelligent canteen
By using a closed-loop feedback system combining weighing sensors and electric slide rails with a check valve in the smart canteen, the problem of large errors in food packaging has been solved, enabling precise control of food packaging and improving the dining experience and the accuracy of food cost management.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 珠海市宸思健康产业科技有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing smart canteens, food packaging relies on manual operation, resulting in large fluctuations in portion sizes, which affects ingredient costs and consumer satisfaction.
A closed-loop feedback system is formed by a weighing sensor and a controller, combined with an electric slide rail and a check valve, to achieve precise control of food packaging. Through multi-stage flow regulation and buffer components, the packaging error is ensured to be within ±2%.
It achieves precise control over food portioning, with portion errors controlled within ±2%, improving the dining experience and the accuracy of ingredient cost management.
Smart Images
Figure CN224171286U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of intelligent catering equipment technology, and in particular to a food quantitative dispensing device for smart canteens. Background Technology
[0002] As a crucial venue for collective meal provision, canteens are undergoing a transformation in their operation model, shifting from traditional manual meal preparation to intelligent services. With the diversification of catering demands, modern canteens generally adopt a stall-style food display approach, offering different types of meals through multiple independent serving units. This open-style meal selection model allows diners to freely combine dishes according to their personal tastes and nutritional needs, effectively enhancing the personalization of the dining experience.
[0003] Existing smart canteen systems have initially automated the meal selection process, with a typical solution employing pre-portioned small bowls for food display. In practice, kitchen staff pre-portion various dishes into standardized bowls according to fixed sizes, continuously replenishing them via conveyor belts or display cases. Diners independently select a small bowl containing their desired dish from the selection area, place it in a designated sensing area on a smart tray, and finally, at the checkout, automatic pricing is achieved through image recognition or RFID technology. This model improves checkout efficiency through process reengineering and optimizes inventory management through data collection, forming the basic framework for standardized services.
[0004] Although the payment system has been upgraded with intelligent technology, food packaging still relies entirely on manual operation: kitchen staff must manually measure, serve, and plate each dish. Manual packaging results in significant quality fluctuations, with the quantity of the same dish varying by more than 20% between different batches. This not only makes ingredient costs uncontrollable but also affects customer satisfaction. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the drawback of inaccurate portioning affecting dining satisfaction, this utility model provides a food quantity dispensing device for smart canteens, aiming to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings.
[0006] A food dispensing device for smart canteens includes a support frame with a food box connected to it. A support plate is connected to the lower end of the support frame, and a weighing sensor is installed in the middle of the support plate. A controller is installed on the side of the food box and is wired to the weighing sensor. A slanted frame is connected inside the food box, and a filter screen is connected to the top of the slanted frame. A feeding frame is connected inside the food box, and an opening and closing component for controlling food dispensing is provided inside the food box. The opening and closing component is located between the slanted frame and the feeding frame. A control valve is installed at the bottom of the feeding frame, and a check valve is installed at the bottom of the food box. Both the control valve and the check valve are wired to the controller.
[0007] Furthermore, the opening and closing assembly includes a divider frame, which is connected inside the food box. The divider frame is located between the inclined frame and the feeding frame. An electric slide rail is installed inside the divider frame, and a baffle is slidably connected inside the divider frame. The electric slide rail is used to drive the baffle to slide. A frame is installed between the divider frame and the inner wall of the food box, and the baffle is slidably connected inside the frame. A buffer assembly for blocking the food is provided inside the baffle.
[0008] Furthermore, the buffer assembly includes a scraper, and the baffle has a guide cavity on the side facing the frame. Several movable plates are slidably connected in the guide cavity of the baffle. Several return springs are provided in the guide cavity. One end of the return spring is connected to the guide cavity, and the other end is connected to the movable plate. The scraper is connected to the side of the baffle facing the frame. The scraper is connected to the top and bottom surfaces of the baffle and fits against the upper and lower sides of the movable plate.
[0009] Furthermore, a telescopic pad is provided inside the partition frame, with one end of the telescopic pad connected to the baffle and the other end connected to the partition frame.
[0010] Furthermore, a cover plate is slidably connected to the top of the food box.
[0011] Furthermore, the food box has a transparent viewing window on the front.
[0012] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0013] 1. By forming a closed-loop feedback system with the weighing sensor and controller, the system monitors the changes in plate weight in real time and dynamically adjusts the opening and closing sequence of the check valve, so that the error of food portioning is controlled within ±2%, allowing diners to control the portion size of food independently and accurately.
[0014] 2. The electric slide rail drives the baffle in conjunction with the reset spring-moving plate linkage mechanism to achieve three-level intelligent adjustment of the dispensing rate: rapid feeding in the initial stage, switching to slow mode when half of the target weight is reached, and finally ensuring accurate weight through micro-motion compensation. Attached Figure Description
[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0016] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the installation structure of the inclined frame and filter screen of this utility model.
[0017] Figure 3 This is an exploded view showing the connection relationship between the separator and the baffle of this utility model.
[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the connection relationship between the feeding frame and the control valve of this utility model.
[0019] In the attached diagrams: 1: bracket, 101: support plate, 102: weighing sensor, 103: controller, 2: food box, 3: slanted frame, 4: filter screen, 5: divider, 6: electric slide rail, 7: baffle, 8: frame, 9: feeding box, 10: control valve, 11: guide cavity, 12: return spring, 13: movable plate, 14: scraper, 15: telescopic pad, 16: cover plate, 17: observation window, 18: check valve. Detailed Implementation
[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.
[0021] Example: A food dispensing device for smart canteens, such as... Figures 1-4 As shown, the device includes a bracket 1, a support plate 101, a weighing sensor 102, a controller 103, a food container 2, a slanted frame 3, a filter screen 4, an opening and closing assembly, a feeding frame 9, a control valve 10, and a check valve 18. The food container 2 is connected to the bracket 1, and the support plate 101 is connected to the lower end of the bracket 1. The weighing sensor 102 is installed in the middle of the support plate 101. The controller 103 is installed on the side of the food container 2 and is wiredly connected to the weighing sensor 102. The slanted frame 3 is connected inside the food container 2, and the filter screen 4 is connected to the top of the slanted frame 3. The feeding frame 9 is also connected inside the food container 2. The food container 2 is equipped with a control valve for controlling the dispensing of food. The opening and closing assembly is located between the inclined frame 3 and the feeding frame 9. A control valve 10 is installed at the bottom of the feeding frame 9, and a check valve 18 is installed at the bottom of the food box 2. Both the control valve 10 and the check valve 18 are wired to the controller 103. During the dispensing process, the controller 103 accurately controls the valve core opening of the check valve 18 according to the feedback signal from the weighing sensor 102: initially, it remains fully open; when the weight approaches the target value, it switches to pulse-type intermittent opening and closing; and finally, it is completely closed when the set weight is reached. The multi-stage flow control strategy achieves precise flow interception and avoids the weight error caused by inertial overshoot of traditional valves.
[0022] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the opening and closing assembly includes a divider 5, an electric slide rail 6, a baffle 7, a frame 8, and a buffer assembly. The divider 5 is connected inside the food box 2. The divider 5 is located between the inclined frame 3 and the feeding frame 9. The electric slide rail 6 is installed inside the divider 5. The baffle 7 is slidably connected inside the divider 5. The electric slide rail 6 is used to drive the baffle 7 to slide. The frame 8 is fixedly installed between the divider 5 and the inner wall of the food box 2. The baffle 7 is slidably connected inside the frame 8. A buffer assembly for blocking the food is provided inside the baffle 7.
[0023] like Figure 3 As shown, the buffer assembly includes a guide cavity 11, a return spring 12, a movable plate 13, and a scraper 14. The guide cavity 11 is opened on the side of the baffle 7 facing the frame 8. Several movable plates 13 are slidably connected in the guide cavity 11 of the baffle 7. Several return springs 12 are provided in the guide cavity 11. One end of the return spring 12 is connected to the guide cavity 11, and the other end is connected to the movable plate 13. The scraper 14 is connected to the side of the baffle 7 facing the frame 8. The scraper 14 is connected to the top and bottom surfaces of the baffle 7. The scraper 14 is in contact with the upper and lower sides of the movable plate 13. The scraper 14 continuously scrapes the food scraps remaining on the inner wall of the frame 8. When the baffle 7 is extended, the scraper 14 slides in contact with the upper surface of the movable plate 13 to remove the attached objects on the sliding path of the movable plate 13.
[0024] like Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, it also includes a telescopic pad 15. The telescopic pad 15 is installed inside the partition frame 5. One end of the telescopic pad 15 is connected to the baffle 7, and the other end is connected to the partition frame 5. The telescopic pad 15 covers the movement stroke of the electric slide rail 6, forming a sealed protective space. When the electric slide rail 6 drives the baffle 7 to reciprocate, the telescopic pad 15 expands and contracts synchronously with the displacement of the baffle 7. Its corrugated structure forms an axial fold under compression, realizing dynamic sealing of the entire stroke of the electric slide rail 6, preventing oil, water vapor and food debris from entering the precision transmission components, reducing the equipment failure rate. Moreover, the elastic structure design effectively buffers mechanical vibration, improves the running stability of the electric slide rail 6, and extends the service life of the transmission system.
[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes a cover plate 16. The top of the food box 2 is slidably connected to the cover plate 16. When closed, the cover plate 16 is provided with a silicone sealing strip on the contact surface with the box body to prevent external contaminants from entering the food box 2.
[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, it also includes an observation window 17. The front of the food box 2 is equipped with a transparent observation window 17, which allows for direct visual estimation of the remaining amount of food. The data is synchronously transmitted to the controller 103 for inventory warning.
[0027] The canteen staff pour the prepared dishes into the food container 2 and close the lid 16. The controller 103 displays the dish name and sets the weight and unit price. The type of dish is set: pure solid, pure liquid, or a mixture of solid and liquid. After the dish enters the food container 2, the broth passes through the filter 4 into the feeding box 9, while the solid is blocked by the filter 4, thus separating the solid and liquid and ensuring the reasonable measurement of the dish. The weight calculation method is different depending on the type of dish. For example, for pure solid, only the weight of the solid is calculated when weighing, and the small amount of broth or liquid is discharged after the amount is calculated.
[0028] Diners place their plates on the weighing sensor 102. The weighing sensor 102 reads the basic data and sends the basic weight to the controller 103. Diners then select a set weight or budget amount through the controller 103. The controller 103 combines the budget amount and the unit price per weight to obtain the budgeted weight and sends this weight to the weighing sensor 102. After receiving the weight signal, the weighing sensor 102 activates the electric slide rail 6 and the check valve 18. The electric slide rail 6 pulls the baffle 7 into the divider 5. The compressed return spring 12 pushes the movable plate 13 to press against the frame 8. After the return spring 12 fully rebounds, the baffle 7 continues to slide into the divider 5, and the movable plate 13 presses against the frame 8. 8. Release the squeezing engagement. At this time, the dish falls. The weighing sensor 102 calculates the weight difference. If the difference reaches half of the budgeted weight, the controller 103 drives the electric slide rail 6 to push the baffle 7 to slide towards the frame 8, reducing the falling speed of the dish. After reaching the target weight, the end of the movable plate 13 contacts the frame 8. If the dish is clamped by the movable plate 13 and the frame 8, the return spring 12 is compressed. The remaining ends of the movable plates 13 are squeezed into the frame 8. The amount is calculated based on the actual weight difference, and the control valve 10 is opened. After the soup suitable for solids flows out, the control valve 10 is closed. The diner pays the amount through the controller 103. The controller 103 closes the stop valve 18 to ensure the cleanliness of the surface of the weighing sensor 102.
[0029] Diners and canteen staff can observe the remaining amount of food through the observation window 17. When the baffle 7 moves toward the frame 8, the scraper 14 removes residual debris from the mating surface of the movable plate 13 and the frame 8 to avoid obstructing the sliding action. When the electric slide rail 6 drives the baffle 7 to move, the telescopic pad 15 extends and retracts with the baffle 7 to ensure the working environment of the electric slide rail 6.
[0030] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.
Claims
1. A food dispensing device for smart canteens, characterized in that: The system includes a support frame (1), on which a food box (2) is connected. A support plate (101) is connected to the lower end of the support frame (1). A weighing sensor (102) is installed in the middle of the support plate (101). A controller (103) is installed on the side of the food box (2). The controller (103) is wired to the weighing sensor (102). A slanted frame (3) is connected inside the food box (2). A [missing information - likely a device or component] is connected to the top of the slanted frame (3). The filter screen (4) is connected to the food box (2) and the feeding frame (9). The food box (2) is equipped with an opening and closing component for controlling the food output. The opening and closing component is located between the inclined frame (3) and the feeding frame (9). A control valve (10) is installed at the bottom of the feeding frame (9). A check valve (18) is installed at the bottom of the food box (2). The control valve (10) and the check valve (18) are both wired to the controller (103).
2. A food dispensing device for a smart canteen according to claim 1, characterized in that: The opening and closing assembly includes a divider (5), which is connected inside the food box (2). The divider (5) is located between the inclined frame (3) and the feeding frame (9). An electric slide rail (6) is installed inside the divider (5). A baffle (7) is slidably connected inside the divider (5). The electric slide rail (6) is used to drive the baffle (7) to slide. A frame (8) is installed between the divider (5) and the inner wall of the food box (2). The baffle (7) is slidably connected inside the frame (8). A buffer assembly for blocking the food is provided inside the baffle (7).
3. A food dispensing device for a smart canteen according to claim 2, characterized in that: The buffer assembly includes a scraper (14). The baffle (7) has a guide cavity (11) on the side facing the frame (8). Several movable plates (13) are slidably connected in the guide cavity (11) of the baffle (7). Several return springs (12) are provided in the guide cavity (11). One end of the return spring (12) is connected in the guide cavity (11), and the other end is connected to the movable plate (13). The scraper (14) is connected to the side of the baffle (7) facing the frame (8). The scraper (14) is connected to the top and bottom surfaces of the baffle (7). The scraper (14) is in contact with the upper and lower sides of the movable plate (13).
4. A food dispensing device for a smart canteen according to claim 3, characterized in that: The partition frame (5) is provided with a telescopic pad (15), one end of which is connected to the baffle (7) and the other end is connected to the partition frame (5).
5. A food dispensing device for a smart canteen according to claim 4, characterized in that: The food box (2) has a cover plate (16) that is slidably connected to the top.
6. A food dispensing device for a smart canteen according to claim 5, characterized in that: The food box (2) has a transparent observation window (17) on the front side.