Automatic serving carousel and robot

Abstract

The utility model discloses a turntable and robot for automatic meal serving, and the turntable for automatic meal serving comprises a base plate, a rotating disc, a driving mechanism and a positioning mechanism, the driving mechanism and the positioning mechanism are arranged on the base plate and located between the base plate and the rotating disc, the rotating disc is installed on the driving mechanism, the driving mechanism is used for driving the rotating disc to rotate, and the positioning mechanism is used for identifying the angle of rotation of the rotating disc, a plurality of work stations for supporting objects are arranged on the rotating disc. The automatic meal serving robot comprises the turntable for automatic meal serving and further comprises a six-axis robot, the turntable for automatic meal serving is used for placing empty bowls to receive the meal serving of the six-axis robot. The rotating angle of the turntable is controlled accurately, the work stations are accurately aligned with the operation positions such as soup adding, noodle adding or meal taking during the rotation process, and thus meal serving errors or low efficiency caused by work station positioning deviation are avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of robot technology, and in particular relates to an automatic food dispensing turntable and robot. Background Technology

[0002] In automated systems within the catering industry, turntables are commonly used to transfer tableware or food to improve food preparation efficiency. Existing turntable technologies often employ simple motor-driven structures, capable only of basic rotational motion and lacking precise control over the rotation angle. For example, in noodle-cooking robot systems in hotels or noodle stalls, the traditional turntable's position often relies on mechanical limits or manual intervention during rotation, leading to inaccurate alignment of bowls with the soup-adding, noodle-cooking, or food-retrieval positions. This can easily result in food preparation errors, low efficiency, or robot malfunctions. Furthermore, due to the lack of an angle recognition mechanism, the turntable may accumulate errors during operation, affecting product consistency and system stability. Therefore, the inaccurate control of the turntable's rotation angle in existing technologies constitutes a major technical obstacle to improving the performance of automated food preparation systems. Utility Model Content

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide an automatic food dispensing turntable and robot to address the shortcomings of the prior art. The turntable rotation angle is precisely controlled to ensure that the workstation is accurately aligned with the operation position such as adding soup, noodles or picking up food during the rotation process, thereby avoiding food dispensing errors or low efficiency caused by workstation positioning deviation.

[0004] The first aspect of this utility model discloses an automatic food dispensing turntable, including a chassis, a rotating disk, a drive mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The drive mechanism and the positioning mechanism are both disposed on the chassis and located between the chassis and the rotating disk. The rotating disk is mounted on the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is used to drive the rotating disk to rotate, and the positioning mechanism is used to identify the rotation angle of the rotating disk. The rotating disk has multiple workstations for supporting objects.

[0005] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable includes a drive mechanism comprising a motor, a gear, a gear ring, and a retaining ring; the gear is mounted on the motor output shaft, the gear meshes with the internal teeth of the gear ring, the retaining ring is mounted on the gear ring, the rotating disk is mounted on the retaining ring, and the motor is fixed to the chassis. The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable uses a closed-loop stepper motor as its motor. The positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric sensor and a home trigger plate. The home trigger plate rotates with the gear ring, and the photoelectric sensor is mounted on the chassis. When the home trigger plate rotates to the detection position of the photoelectric sensor, it triggers the photoelectric sensor to emit a signal.

[0006] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable has a bearing mounted on its base. The inner ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the base, and the outer ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the gear ring.

[0007] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable has a locking ring with multiple evenly arranged locking interfaces, and the inner side of the turntable is provided with multiple locking posts that cooperate with the locking interfaces for installation. The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable includes a receiving tray and a sensor base for supporting objects. The lower part of the receiving tray and the sensor base are nested together. When the receiving tray is pressed, the sensor base is triggered to generate a sensing signal.

[0008] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable has a reset spring and a micro switch on the sensing base. The reset spring and micro switch are located between the receiving plate and the sensing base. When the receiving plate is pressed, the reset spring is compressed and the micro switch is driven. When the micro switch is driven to trigger, the sensing signal is generated.

[0009] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable has an upper limit flange and a lower guide flange. The upper limit flange is used to fit over the bottom of the bowl, and the lower guide flange is used to fit over the sensor seat.

[0010] The aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable has a receiving plate arranged on the outer side of the base. The receiving plate and the rotating plate are arranged coaxially. The outer edge of the receiving plate and the outer edge of the rotating plate are connected by a sealing ring. The receiving plate, the sealing ring, and the rotating plate together form a receiving space, which is used to place the power supply equipment for the micro switch.

[0011] The second aspect of this utility model discloses an automatic food dispensing robot, including the automatic food dispensing turntable described in the first aspect, and also including a six-axis robot. The automatic food dispensing turntable is used to place empty bowls to receive food from the six-axis robot.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this invention has the following advantages: The positioning mechanism of this invention can monitor the rotation angle of the turntable in real time and work in conjunction with the drive mechanism to ensure that the workstation is accurately aligned with the operation positions such as adding soup, noodles, or taking food during rotation, thereby avoiding food dispensing errors or inefficiencies caused by workstation positioning deviations. This angle recognition mechanism improves the accuracy of automated control, reduces accumulated errors, and enables the system to operate efficiently and stably. It not only improves food dispensing speed and consistency but also reduces the need for manual intervention and enhances overall reliability.

[0013] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1A schematic diagram of the structure of a turntable for automatic food dispensing.

[0015] Figure 2 This is the front view of the automatic food dispensing turntable.

[0016] Figure 3 for Figure 2 AA sectional view.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure after the rotating disk is removed.

[0018] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure after removing the snap ring.

[0019] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure after the gear ring is removed.

[0020] Figure 7 for Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the side structure after removing the motor housing.

[0021] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom structure of the receiving plate.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the induction base.

[0023] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the automatic food dispensing turntable after removing the receiving tray.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of an automated food dispensing robot.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: Detailed Implementation

[0026] like Figure 1 — Figure 11 As shown, an automatic food dispensing turntable includes a base 1, a rotating disk 2, a drive mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The drive mechanism and the positioning mechanism are both mounted on the base 1 and located between the base 1 and the rotating disk 2. The rotating disk 2 is mounted on the drive mechanism, which drives the rotating disk 2 to rotate. The positioning mechanism is used to identify the rotation angle of the rotating disk 2. The rotating disk 2 has multiple workstations for supporting objects.

[0027] In implementation, the chassis 1 is typically made of aluminum alloy or steel plate, and is circular or square in shape, providing stable foundation support. The rotating disk 2 is mounted above the chassis 1 via a drive mechanism, such as a servo motor 3 fixed to the center or edge of the chassis 1, to drive the rotating disk 2 in rotation. A positioning mechanism is integrated into the chassis 1, such as a rotary encoder or angle sensor, to detect the rotation angle of the rotating disk 2 in real time and adjust it via feedback from a control system (such as a PLC). Multiple workstations are evenly arranged on the rotating disk 2, each designed as a groove or bracket to support bowls or other tableware. During operation, the drive mechanism drives the rotating disk 2 to rotate intermittently or continuously, and the positioning mechanism ensures that each workstation is precisely aligned with external equipment (such as a soup dispenser or robot), thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of food preparation.

[0028] In one embodiment, the drive mechanism includes a motor 3, a gear 4, a gear ring 5, and a retaining ring 6; the gear 4 is mounted on the output shaft of the motor 3, the gear 4 meshes with the internal teeth of the gear ring 5, the retaining ring 6 is mounted on the gear ring 5, the rotating disk 2 is mounted on the retaining ring 6, and the motor 3 is fixed on the chassis 1.

[0029] In implementation, the drive mechanism specifically includes a motor 3, a gear 4, a gear ring 5, and a retaining ring 6. The motor 3 is a standard AC or DC motor 3, bolted to the chassis 1. Its output shaft is fitted with a small-diameter steel gear 4. The gear ring 5 is an annular component with internal teeth machined on its inner ring, meshing with the gear 4 to transmit the rotational motion of the motor 3 to the gear ring 5. The retaining ring 6 is welded or bolted to the upper part of the gear ring 5, and the rotating disk 2 is fixed through the retaining interface 10 on the retaining ring 6, allowing the rotating disk 2 to rotate synchronously with the gear ring 5. This transmission structure simplifies assembly and improves the smoothness and reliability of the transmission. like Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, the motor 3 is a closed-loop stepper motor 3; the positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric sensor 7 and an origin trigger plate 8, the origin trigger plate 8 can rotate with the gear ring 5, and the photoelectric sensor 7 is mounted on the chassis 1; when the origin trigger plate 8 rotates to the detection position of the photoelectric sensor 7, it triggers the photoelectric sensor 7 to emit a signal.

[0030] In implementation, motor 3 is specifically a closed-loop stepper motor 3, installed with an offset configuration. This motor 3 has a built-in encoder, providing high-precision position control. The positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric sensor 7 and an origin trigger plate 8. The photoelectric sensor 7 is mounted on the edge of the chassis 1 via a bracket. The origin trigger plate 8 is a metal sheet or reflective sheet, fixed to the lower side of the outer ring of the bearing 9 below the gear ring 5, and rotates with the gear ring 5. When the rotating disk 2 rotates, the origin trigger plate 8 passes through the detection area of ​​the photoelectric sensor 7, blocking or reflecting light, triggering the photoelectric sensor 7 to generate an electrical signal. This signal is sent to the control system to calibrate the initial position or zero angle of the rotating disk 2, ensuring accurate identification of the rotation angle.

[0031] Those skilled in the art should know that the motor 3 can also be a closed-loop brushless motor or a servo motor, as long as the motor enables the turntable to have good positioning accuracy.

[0032] The main advantage of this utility model using a closed-loop stepper motor 3 is that it is easy to install. In reality, there is usually a glass partition above the food serving counter in the kitchen. Conventional closed-loop motors are usually quite long. With this utility model, the motor 3 can be offset and installed by being clipped to the edge of the countertop. The rotating plate 2 is relatively thin, and there is still space after placing the bowl on it, so it will not hit the glass partition.

[0033] In one embodiment, a bearing 9 is mounted on the chassis 1, the inner ring of the bearing 9 is fixedly connected to the chassis 1, and the outer ring of the bearing 9 is fixedly connected to the gear ring 5.

[0034] In practice, bearing 9 is typically a deep groove ball bearing or a thrust bearing. Its inner ring is fixed to the center hole of the chassis 1, while its outer ring is connected to the gear ring 5 by press fitting or bolts. Bearing 9 serves to support and reduce friction, allowing the gear ring 5 and the rotating disk 2 to rotate smoothly, while bearing axial and radial loads, thus improving the durability and stability of the overall structure.

[0035] In one embodiment, the snap ring 6 has a plurality of snap interfaces 10 evenly arranged, and the inner side of the rotating disk 2 is provided with a plurality of snap posts 11 that are installed in cooperation with the snap interfaces 10. In implementation, the locking ring 6 is a ring-shaped plastic or metal part with multiple locking interfaces 10 evenly spaced around its circumference, such as U-shaped grooves or rectangular holes. Multiple locking posts 11 are correspondingly provided on the inner edge of the rotating disk 2. The locking posts 11 are cylindrical protrusions formed by injection molding or welding. During installation, the locking posts 11 are inserted into the locking interfaces 10 and locked by rotation or pressing. This locking design facilitates quick disassembly and maintenance of the rotating disk 2.

[0036] In one embodiment, the workstation for supporting the object includes a receiving plate 12 and a sensing seat 13; the lower part of the receiving plate 12 and the sensing seat 13 are nested together, and when the receiving plate 12 is pressed, the sensing signal of the sensing seat 13 is triggered.

[0037] In practice, the receiving tray 12 is typically made of food-grade plastic and is disc-shaped, used to directly support tableware; the sensing base 13 is a metal or plastic base, fixed to the rotating disk 2 by bolts. The lower part of the receiving tray 12 has a boss or slot that nests with the groove on the sensing base 13, forming a movable connection. When a bowl is placed in the receiving tray 12, its weight presses the tray downwards, triggering a sensor (such as a pressure sensor or microswitch 15) within the sensing base 13, generating a sensing signal. This signal can be used to detect whether the workstation is occupied or to trigger subsequent operations.

[0038] In one embodiment, the sensing base 13 is provided with a reset spring 14 and a micro switch 15. The reset spring 14 and the micro switch 15 are disposed between the receiving plate 12 and the sensing base 13. When the receiving plate 12 is pressed, the reset spring 14 is compressed and the micro switch 15 is driven. When the micro switch 15 is driven to trigger, the sensing signal is generated.

[0039] Those skilled in the art should know that, in addition to using the micro switch 15, other sensors, such as distance detection sensors and pressure detection actuators, can also be used to generate the sensing signal.

[0040] In practice, the return spring 14 is a compression spring installed between the receiving plate 12 and the sensing base 13, providing an upward elastic force. The micro switch 15 is fixed to the sensing base 13 by a bracket. When the receiving plate 12 is compressed, it compresses the return spring 14 and pushes the contact rod to activate the micro switch 15, causing the switch to close or open and generating an electrical signal. This mechanical-electrical combination ensures the reliability of signal triggering, and the return spring 14 causes the receiving plate 12 to automatically return to its original position after unloading.

[0041] like Figure 8 and 9 As shown, in one embodiment, the receiving plate 12 has an upper limit flange and a lower guide flange. The upper limit flange is used to cover the bottom of the bowl, and the lower guide flange is used to cover the sensing seat 13.

[0042] In practice, the upper limit flange is an annular protrusion located on the upper part of the receiving plate 12, used to fit the bottom of the bowl and prevent it from sliding; the lower guide flange is a conical or cylindrical structure located on the lower part of the receiving plate 12, used to fit and cooperate with the sensor base 13 to ensure that the receiving plate 12 moves smoothly in the vertical direction. This design improves the accuracy of bowl positioning and reduces wear.

[0043] In one embodiment, a receiving disk 16 is provided on the outer side of the chassis 1. The receiving disk 16 and the rotating disk 2 are arranged coaxially. The outer edge of the receiving disk 16 and the outer edge of the rotating disk 2 are connected by a sealing ring 17. The receiving disk 16, the sealing ring 17 and the rotating disk 2 together constitute a receiving space. The receiving space is used to place the power supply equipment for the micro switch 15.

[0044] In implementation, the receiving tray 16 is a ring-shaped plastic or metal disc, coaxially mounted with the rotating disk 2, and connected to the outer edge of the rotating disk 2 by a sealing ring 17 (such as a rubber ring), forming a sealed receiving space. Power supply equipment, such as a battery or wire connector, is placed within this space to power the microswitch 15 or other sensors. The sealing ring 17 prevents water or dust from entering, protecting electrical components, while the design of the receiving tray 16 facilitates wiring and management.

[0045] like Figure 11 As shown, this utility model also discloses an automatic food dispensing robot, including the aforementioned automatic food dispensing turntable and a six-axis robot. The automatic food dispensing turntable is used to place empty bowls to receive food from the six-axis robot.

[0046] In practice, a turntable is installed within the robot's working area to hold empty bowls. The six-axis robot, driven by servo drives and controlled by a program, performs operations such as retrieving noodles, cooking noodles, or adding broth. During operation, the turntable uses a positioning mechanism to ensure precise alignment of the workstation with the robot. When an empty bowl is placed at the workstation, the automatic food dispensing turntable rotates, positioning the bowl to receive food. The robot then places the food into the bowl, and the turntable rotates again, presenting the bowl to the customer, thus achieving a fully automated food dispensing process. This integration improves the automation level and efficiency of food service.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and does not constitute any limitation on the present utility model. Any simple modifications, alterations, or equivalent structural changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present utility model shall still fall within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A carousel for automated food serving, characterized in that, The system includes a chassis, a rotating disk, a drive mechanism, and a positioning mechanism. The drive mechanism and the positioning mechanism are both mounted on the chassis and located between the chassis and the rotating disk. The rotating disk is mounted on the drive mechanism, which drives the rotating disk to rotate. The positioning mechanism identifies the rotation angle of the rotating disk. The rotating disk has multiple stations for supporting objects. The drive mechanism includes a motor, gears, a gear ring, and a retaining ring. The gears are mounted on the motor output shaft and mesh with the internal teeth of the gear ring. The retaining ring is mounted on the gear ring, and the rotating disk is mounted on the retaining ring. The motor is fixed to the chassis. The motor is a closed-loop stepper motor. The positioning mechanism includes a photoelectric sensor and a home trigger plate. The home trigger plate rotates with the gear ring, and the photoelectric sensor is mounted on the chassis. When the home trigger plate rotates to the detection position of the photoelectric sensor, it triggers the photoelectric sensor to emit a signal.

2. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chassis is equipped with a bearing, the inner ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the chassis, and the outer ring of the bearing is fixedly connected to the gear ring.

3. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snap ring has multiple snap interfaces evenly arranged, and the inner side of the rotating disk is provided with multiple snap pins that cooperate with the snap interfaces for installation.

4. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workstation for supporting objects includes a receiving plate and a sensing base; the lower part of the receiving plate and the sensing base are nested together, and when the receiving plate is pressed, the sensing signal of the sensing base is triggered.

5. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sensing base is equipped with a reset spring and a micro switch, which are located between the receiving plate and the sensing base. When the receiving plate is pressed, the reset spring is compressed and the micro switch is driven. When the micro switch is driven to trigger, the sensing signal is generated.

6. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The receiving plate has an upper positioning flange and a lower guide flange. The upper positioning flange is used to fit the bottom of the bowl, and the lower guide flange is used to fit the sensor seat.

7. The automatic food dispensing turntable according to claim 5, characterized in that, A receiving plate is provided on the outer side of the chassis. The receiving plate and the rotating plate are arranged coaxially. The outer edge of the receiving plate and the outer edge of the rotating plate are connected by a sealing ring. The receiving plate, the sealing ring and the rotating plate together form a receiving space. The receiving space is used to place the power supply equipment for the micro switch.

8. An automated food dispensing robot, characterized in that, The automatic food dispensing turntable, as described in any one of claims 1-7, also includes a six-axis robot, wherein the automatic food dispensing turntable is used to place empty bowls to receive food from the six-axis robot.

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