Restaurant movable body and restaurant transport system

Abstract

To provide a restaurant movable body and a restaurant transport system capable of sufficiently and properly attracting attention of customers.SOLUTION: A restaurant movable body 1 comprises multiple support bodies 10 and multiple coupling parts 30. Each support body 10 is mounted on a transport path and can support an article. Each coupling part 30 is connected or fixed to each of a pair of adjacent support bodies 10 in the multiple support bodies 10, for coupling one support body 10 to the other support body 10 in a rotatable manner around an axis extending in at least a vertical direction. As the pair of adjacent support bodies 10 as a set, the multiple coupling parts 30 couple continuously the sets of the support bodies 10 in a long size, therefore the coupled multiple support bodies 10 are moved in a meander state along a curve of the transport path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a restaurant mobile body that is transported by a transport device, and a restaurant transport system that includes the restaurant mobile body. [Background technology]

[0002] Restaurants (such as conveyor belt sushi restaurants) may use conveying devices that convey food and drink on a conveying path. The food and drink placed on the conveying path is transported by the conveying device to the eating area of ​​customers. In recent years, restaurants often use conveying devices to transport various moving objects other than food and drink. For example, some restaurants have attempted to have the conveying device transport guides that list recommended menu items, thereby drawing the attention of customers near the conveying path to the guides moving on the conveying path.

[0003] For example, the system described in Patent Document 1 transports a guide device equipped with a display means on a transport path. The display means of the guide device displays, for example, images and messages sent by customers via their communication terminals. Customers can identify the food and drink they have ordered by finding the guide device displaying the display data they sent among the items being transported on the transport path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-293322 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional technology, increasing the length of a moving object conveyed by a conveying device along the conveying path can result in problems such as the moving object departing from the conveying path, contacting objects outside the conveying path, and tipping over, especially when passing through a curved path. Therefore, as described in Patent Document 1, conventional technology has no choice but to limit the length of the moving object conveyed by the conveying device, making it difficult to sufficiently attract customers' attention to the guide. It is also possible to convey multiple short moving objects lined up on the conveying path. However, even in this case, the multiple moving objects must be separated, which is not very appealing, lacks a sense of unity, and weakens the impact on customers. As described above, conventional technology has made it difficult to adequately and appropriately attract customers' attention to moving objects on the conveying path.

[0006] A typical object of the present disclosure is to provide a restaurant mobile body and a restaurant conveyance system that can sufficiently and appropriately attract the attention of customers by solving at least one of the above problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A typical embodiment of the present disclosure provides a mobile restaurant vehicle, drinking A mobile object for a restaurant that is placed on a conveying path capable of conveying food and is conveyed along the path of the conveying path, The conveyance path has a continuous, long upper surface whose length in the direction along the conveyance direction of the conveyance path is longer than twice the width of the conveyance path, and the conveyance path is placed on the conveyance path with its long dimension aligned with the conveyance direction. The conveyance path is provided with a support capable of supporting an object that is longer than twice the width of the conveyance path and is provided to notify or present an event to customers. .

[0008] A first aspect of a restaurant conveying system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a restaurant conveying system for conveying food and beverages, comprising: a conveying device that conveys objects placed on a curved conveying path; and a restaurant mobile body that is placed on the conveying path and conveyed along the path of the conveying path, wherein the restaurant mobile body is placed on the conveying path and comprises a plurality of supports that are capable of supporting objects, and connecting parts that are connected to or fixed to each of adjacent pairs of the plurality of supports, thereby rotatably connecting one support to the other support around an axis extending at least vertically, and each of the connecting parts connects the set of adjacent pairs of supports in a continuous, long shape, so that the connected plurality of supports move in a serpentine manner along the curve of the conveying path.

[0009] A second aspect of a restaurant conveying system provided by a typical embodiment of the present disclosure is a restaurant conveying system for conveying food and beverages, comprising: a conveying device that conveys an object placed on a conveying path; and a restaurant mobile body that is placed on the conveying path and conveyed along the path of the conveying path, wherein the restaurant mobile body has a long, continuous upper surface whose length in the direction along the conveying direction of the conveying path is more than twice the width of the conveying path, and is placed on the conveying path with its long direction aligned with the conveying direction, and comprises a support body capable of supporting a long object that is more than twice the width of the conveying path and is provided to notify or present an event to customers.

[0010] The restaurant mobile body and restaurant conveyance system according to the present disclosure can attract the attention of customers sufficiently and appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a conveyance system 100 for a restaurant according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of a movable body 1 for a restaurant according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a plan view of the front end support 10A and the intermediate support 10C connected by the connecting portion 30. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the front end support body 10A has rotated around an axis O relative to the intermediate support body 10C from the state shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a detachable member 50. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a restaurant mobile body 1 on which a performance unit 60 is installed and which is being transported on a transport path 102. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a perspective view of the restaurant mobile body 1 with a performance unit 60 mounted thereon that is different from the performance unit 60 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <Summary> A restaurant mobile body exemplified in the present disclosure is placed on a curved conveyance path capable of conveying food and drink, and is conveyed along the path of the conveyance path. The restaurant mobile body of the present disclosure includes multiple supports and multiple connecting parts. Each support is placed on the conveyance path and is capable of supporting an object. Each connecting part is connected to or fixed to a pair of adjacent supports among the multiple supports, thereby connecting one support to the other support so that the support can rotate about an axis extending at least vertically. Each connecting part connects a pair of adjacent supports as a set in a continuous, elongated manner, so that the connected multiple supports move in a serpentine manner along the curve of the conveyance path.

[0013] According to the restaurant mobile unit of the present disclosure, multiple supports connected by connecting portions move in a serpentine manner along the curve of the conveyance path. Therefore, even if the length of the restaurant mobile unit along the conveyance path is increased, the restaurant mobile unit moves appropriately without encountering problems such as the mobile unit leaving the conveyance path, contacting objects outside the conveyance path, or tipping over. Furthermore, the supports can support objects. Therefore, the multiple connected supports can move along the conveyance path while supporting, for example, long objects that are difficult to support with a single support alone. Therefore, by using the restaurant mobile unit of the present disclosure, restaurants can adequately and appropriately attract customers' attention to the restaurant mobile unit on the conveyance path.

[0014] The number of supports provided in the restaurant mobile body may be three or more. In this case, the restaurant mobile body can move appropriately along the conveyance path while supporting an object that is longer in the direction along the conveyance path. This makes it easier to attract customers' attention to the restaurant mobile body. Note that if the number of supports is N (N≧3), the number of connecting parts may be N-1. In this case, the N supports are appropriately connected in a long shape. However, it is also possible to have two supports (one connecting part). In this case, it is easier to attract customers' attention than when a single object is moved along the conveyance path.

[0015] At least a portion of the upper surface of the support, capable of supporting an object, may be flat. In this case, a worker (e.g., a restaurant staff member) can stably support various objects on the upper surface of the support. Furthermore, at least a bottom surface of the support, capable of supporting an object, may be formed of a substantially plate-shaped member. In this case, a worker can stabilize the posture of the restaurant moving body on the conveyance path by placing the bottom surface of the bottom surface directly on the conveyance path. However, the configuration of the support may be changed. For example, the bottom surface of the support may be formed by arranging multiple rod-shaped members. The bottom surface of the support may be formed by a mesh-like member. Even in these cases, the restaurant moving body can move on the conveyance path while appropriately supporting an object. Furthermore, the shape of the upper surface of the support may be formed into a curved shape, an uneven shape, or the like.

[0016] The rear end of the support positioned at the front of the pair of adjacent supports in the conveying direction of the conveying path may have a rear arc-shaped portion in a plan view that is concave toward the front or convex toward the rear. The front end of the support positioned at the rear of the conveying direction may have a front arc-shaped portion in a plan view that has the same curvature as the rear arc-shaped portion of the front support and conforms to the shape of the rear arc-shaped portion of the front support. In this case, even if one of the pair of supports rotates relative to the other when the restaurant mobile body passes through a curve in the conveying path, a gap is less likely to form between the pair of supports. Therefore, problems such as objects placed on the supports falling through the gap and objects getting caught in the gap are appropriately reduced. Note that "the rear end of the support has a concave shape toward the front in a plan view" refers to a state in which the rear end of the support is recessed forward.

[0017] Each connecting portion may connect a pair of adjacent supports such that the rear end arc portion of the front support and the front end arc portion of the rear support are aligned. Each connecting portion may connect the pair of supports such that the center of the arc of the rear end arc portion and the front end arc portion, which are aligned with each other, serves as the central axis of rotation of one of the pair of supports relative to the other. In this case, one of the pair of supports rotates relative to the other with a constant gap between the rear end arc portion and the front end arc portion, or with the rear end arc portion and the front end arc portion in contact with each other without a gap. Therefore, with a gap between the pair of supports less likely to occur, multiple supports can more easily meander along the transport path.

[0018] The specific method for forming at least one of the rear end arc portion and the front end arc portion on each of the plurality of supports can be selected as appropriate. For example, in all of a set of a pair of adjacent supports, the rear end arc portion of the front support may be formed concavely toward the front, and the front end arc portion of the rear support may be formed convexly toward the front. Alternatively, in all of a set of a pair of adjacent supports, the rear end arc portion of the front support may be formed convexly toward the rear, and the front end arc portion of the rear support may be formed concavely toward the rear.

[0019] Furthermore, a set of a pair of supports in which the rear end arc portion of the front support is concave toward the front and the front end arc portion of the rear support is convex toward the front is referred to as a first set. Conversely, a set of a pair of supports in which the rear end arc portion of the front support is convex toward the rear and the front end arc portion of the rear support is concave toward the rear is referred to as a second set. The multiple sets of supports included in a single restaurant mobile body may include a mixture of first and second sets. For example, the first and second sets may be alternately arranged along the longitudinal direction of the long restaurant mobile body. In either case, gaps between the pair of supports are further reduced, making it easier for the multiple supports to meander smoothly along the conveyance path.

[0020] However, the shape of the supports may be changed. For example, at least a portion of the bottom surface of each support may be formed from a plate-shaped member. The connecting portion may connect a pair of adjacent supports by stacking the plate-shaped portions of the bottom surface of each support vertically. In this case, even if one of the pair of supports rotates relative to the other, a gap is less likely to occur between the pair of supports. Therefore, in this case, even if the planar shape of the supports is formed into various shapes such as a rectangle, a gap is less likely to occur between the pair of supports, and multiple supports can easily meander along the transport path.

[0021] Each connecting portion may extend from a connected or fixed position on one of a pair of adjacent supports, passing above the bottom surface of the other support, to a connecting position on the other support. When the restaurant mobile body passes through a curve in the conveyance path, the connecting portion rotates relative to the support around the pivot axis. By locating the connecting portion above the bottom surface of the support, even if the connecting portion rotates around the pivot axis, the rotating connecting portion does not interfere with the conveyance path on which the support is placed. Therefore, for example, problems such as interference with the conveyance path that inhibits the rotation of the connecting portion and the occurrence of scratches on the conveyance path are appropriately suppressed.

[0022] However, each connecting portion may extend from a connected or fixed position on one of a pair of adjacent supports to a connecting position on the other support, passing under the bottom surface of the other support. In this case, even if an object is placed on the top surface of the bottom surface of the support, the rotating connecting portion will not interfere with the object placed on the bottom surface of the support.

[0023] Each connecting portion may be formed of a rigid material. At least one pair of connecting portions connected to or fixed to the support may have a width in the left-right direction, intersecting the conveying direction of the conveying path, greater than its thickness in the up-down direction. In this case, the connecting portion connects one of a pair of adjacent supports to the other support so that the other support can rotate about an axis extending vertically, while preventing rotation in other directions. This makes it easier for workers to carry long restaurant mobile units. For example, when a worker carries a restaurant mobile unit, some of the connected supports may rotate about an axis extending longitudinally, preventing an object placed on the support from falling. This also increases the strength of the connection or fixation between the support and the connecting portion.

[0024] For example, each connecting portion may be entirely formed of a rigid plate-like member. The connecting portion may be connected or fixed to the support so that the width of the plate-like connecting portion in the left-right direction is greater than the thickness in the up-down direction. In this case, the structure of the connecting portion is simplified and the mobile food service unit can be easily transported.

[0025] At least one of the pair of connection parts of the connecting part that are connected (fixed) to each of the pair of supports may be connected to the supports by a pivotal connecting part (for example, a rotation pin) that connects the supports and the connecting part so that the supports and the connecting part can rotate relatively around an axis extending in the vertical direction. In this case, one support is connected to the other support in a pivotable state.

[0026] Furthermore, one of the pair of connection parts in the connecting part, other than the connection part by the pivotal connecting part, may be fixed to the support body. In this case, the support body is less likely to rotate relative to the connecting part at the fixed part between the connecting part and the support body. This makes it easier for workers to carry the long restaurant mobile body. However, it is also possible to connect both of the pair of connection parts in the connecting part to the support body by the pivotal connecting part.

[0027] A protrusion that protrudes further upward from the upper surface may be provided on at least a part of the outer periphery of the upper surface or side surface of each support (i.e., the outer periphery of the support when viewed from above). In this case, the protrusion appropriately prevents an object placed on the upper surface of the support from coming off the upper surface of the support.

[0028] The protrusion may be provided on the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the support (or on the side surface of the support), or may be provided at a position slightly inward from the outer peripheral edge.

[0029] The protrusion may be formed in a flange shape having a certain length along the outer periphery. In this case, the possibility of an object on the upper surface of the support being detached is more appropriately suppressed. However, the specific shape of the protrusion may be changed. For example, a plurality of rod-shaped members or a plurality of claw-shaped members arranged along the outer periphery may be used as the protrusion.

[0030] The multiple supports may include a front end support, a rear end support, and an intermediate support. The front end support is disposed at the front end of the multiple supports in the conveying direction of the conveying path. The rear end support is disposed at the rear end of the multiple supports in the conveying direction. The intermediate support is disposed between the front end support and the rear end support. The intermediate support may have a protrusion on its outer periphery, excluding both ends in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction. In this case, even if an object (e.g., a long object) is placed across the upper surfaces of the multiple supports, the protrusion is less likely to interfere with the object. Therefore, the worker can properly place the object on the upper surfaces of the multiple supports in a more stable state. Furthermore, for example, the upper surfaces of the multiple supports may be formed into parallel planes across the conveying direction.

[0031] As described above, each connecting portion can be passed from a connected or fixed position on one support body to a connecting position on the other support body, passing above the bottom surface of the other support body. In this case, by providing protrusions in an area of ​​the intermediate support body excluding both front-rear end portions, the connecting portions can rotate appropriately around the connection positions at both front-rear end portions of the upper surface of the intermediate support body without interfering with the protrusions. In addition, by appropriately specifying the positions of the protrusions formed in the left-right direction on the intermediate support body, it is possible to restrict the rotation range of the connecting portions relative to the support body to an appropriate range.

[0032] The front-end support may have a protrusion on the outer periphery, in a region excluding the rear end in the conveying direction (for example, the entire region excluding the rear end). In this case, the protrusion appropriately reduces the possibility that an object placed on the upper surface of the front-end support will fall off the upper surface of the support in the forward and lateral directions. Furthermore, even if an object is placed across the upper surfaces of the front-end support and the adjacent intermediate support, the protrusion is unlikely to interfere with the object.

[0033] The rear end support may have a protrusion in the outer periphery, in an area excluding the front end in the transport direction (for example, the entire area excluding the front end, or the left and right areas excluding the front and rear ends).

[0034] At least the bottom surface of the front end support of the multiple supports may be provided with a claw portion that protrudes downward. The multiple supports connected by the connecting portion move in series in the movement direction of the front end support. The claw portion on the bottom surface of the front end support makes it easier for the front end support to be locked to the transport path, making it easier for the movement path of the front end support to follow the path of the transport path. As a result, the overall movement path of the multiple connected supports also tends to follow the path of the transport path.

[0035] The claws on the bottom surfaces of the supports may be provided only on the front end support, or on each of the multiple supports. Also, if the friction between the support and the transport path is sufficient, the claws on the bottom surfaces of the supports may be omitted.

[0036] A cover member may be provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the top or side surface of each support (i.e., the outer periphery of the support when viewed from above), extending further upward from the top surface while allowing the object supported by the support to be visible from the outside, thereby preventing contact with the object from outside. In this case, the object supported by the support can be visually recognized by customers while appropriately preventing customers from contacting the object. Furthermore, the cover member appropriately reduces the possibility that the object supported by the support will become detached from the support.

[0037] Various materials can be used for the cover member. For example, a resin material having appropriate rigidity, flexibility, and optical transparency may be used as the cover member. Mesh-like materials may also be used as the cover member. The upper end of the cover member may be provided with a reinforcing piece to maintain the shape of the upper end of the cover member. In this case, the shape of the cover member is stabilized, improving the appearance and also ensuring the function of preventing customers from coming into contact with objects. The cover member may be provided on the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the support (or on the side of the support), or may be provided in a position slightly inward from the outer peripheral edge.

[0038] The intermediate support may be provided with a cover member on the outer periphery, excluding both ends in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction. In this case, the cover member of the intermediate support is less likely to get in the way when placing an object (e.g., a long object) across the upper surfaces of the multiple supports. Therefore, the restaurant mobile body can support various objects, such as long objects, using the multiple supports while appropriately preventing customers from coming into contact with the objects.

[0039] In addition, in restaurants equipped with conveying devices, the eating and drinking space for customers may be provided only on one side of the conveying path, i.e., the left or right side, which intersects with the conveying direction of the conveying path. Therefore, the cover member may be provided only on one side of the outer periphery of the upper surface of the support. Even in this case, the cover member can appropriately prevent customers from coming into contact with objects.

[0040] The front-end support may be provided with a cover member on the outer periphery, in an area excluding the rear end in the conveying direction (for example, the entire area excluding the rear end). In this case, an object is allowed to be supported across the top surfaces of the front-end support and the adjacent intermediate support, and contact with the object by customers is appropriately prevented.

[0041] The rear end support may be provided with a cover member in the outer periphery, in an area excluding the front end in the transport direction (for example, the entire area excluding the front end, or the left and right areas excluding the front and rear ends).

[0042] A protrusion provided on at least a part of the outer periphery of each support may also serve as an attachment portion to which a cover member is attached. In this case, the structure of the restaurant mobile body is prevented from becoming complicated, and both the detachment of the object from the support and contact of customers with the object are prevented.

[0043] The specific method for attaching the cover member to the support body can be selected as appropriate. For example, a groove into which the cover member is inserted from above may be formed in the support body (e.g., a protrusion provided on the support body). In this case, the worker can easily attach the cover member to the support body by simply inserting the cover member into the groove from above. The cover member can also be attached to the support body using screws or the like.

[0044] When the restaurant mobile body is viewed from the left and right directions intersecting the conveying direction with the multiple supports connected by the connecting parts aligned in a straight line, a pair of adjacent cover members may partially overlap each other along the conveying direction. In this case, it is difficult for customers to insert their hands or other objects through the gap between the adjacent pair of cover members. This further appropriately prevents customers from coming into contact with objects.

[0045] The restaurant mobile body may further include a detachable member. The detachable member includes a placement section on an upper surface (the surface facing upward) on which an object is placed. The detachable member is detachably attached to at least one of the multiple supports with a space secured between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. In this case, an operator can place various objects (e.g., a long object extending across the multiple connected supports) on the placement section of the detachable member attached to the support. Furthermore, a space is secured between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. Therefore, an operator can improve the appearance of the restaurant mobile body by, for example, placing an object that may detract from the appearance (e.g., at least one of wiring, a power source, and a switch) in the space between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. In addition, an operator can secure space on the placement section for placing an object that is visible to customers by placing an object that does not need to be visible to customers in the space between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. Therefore, the attention of customers can be more sufficiently and appropriately attracted to the restaurant mobile body on the conveying path.

[0046] The specific configuration for ensuring a space between the mounting portion of the detachable member and the bottom surface of the support can be selected as appropriate. For example, the detachable member may include a support member (e.g., at least one of a plurality of columnar members and a flange-shaped member) extending further downward from the bottom surface of the mounting portion (e.g., at least a portion of the outer periphery of the bottom surface). In this case, the support member of the detachable member is installed on the support (e.g., the bottom surface of the support), thereby ensuring an appropriate space between the mounting portion and the bottom surface of the support. Note that when the support member is provided on the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the mounting portion, the support member may be formed in a region of the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the mounting portion, excluding both ends in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction. In this case, the space between the mounting portion and the support is communicated across the multiple supports connected by the connecting portions. Therefore, an operator can pass a long object (e.g., a wire) through the space between the mounting portion and the support.

[0047] A step may be formed on at least a part of the support (for example, the inside of a protruding portion of the support), in which case, by attaching the detachable member to the step of the support, an appropriate space is secured between the placement portion and the bottom surface of the support.

[0048] At least a portion of the upper surface of the mounting portion may be formed flat. In this case, an operator can place various objects on the upper surface of the mounting portion in a stable state. The mounting portion may also be formed of a substantially plate-shaped member. The configuration of the mounting portion may also be changed. For example, the mounting portion may be formed by arranging multiple rod-shaped members. The mounting portion may also be formed by a mesh-shaped member. The shape of the upper surface of the mounting portion may also be formed into a curved shape, an uneven shape, or the like.

[0049] The mounting portion of the detachable member may have a through-hole formed therein that connects the space between the mounting portion and the bottom surface of the support with the space above the mounting portion. In this case, an operator can pass various components (e.g., wiring arranged in the space below the mounting portion and connected to an object placed on the mounting portion) through the through-hole. This allows the restaurant mobile body on the conveyor path to more appropriately attract the attention of customers.

[0050] The specific configuration of the through-holes can be selected as appropriate. For example, the through-holes may be through-holes that penetrate the mounting portion in the vertical direction. Alternatively, the through-holes may be notches formed in a portion of the outer periphery of the mounting portion. It goes without saying that the number and size of the through-holes formed in the mounting portion can be selected as appropriate.

[0051] A long-shaped performance unit that can deform according to the connection shape of the multiple supports and that performs electrical performance may be installed across multiple supports connected in a long shape by multiple connecting parts. In this case, the restaurant mobile body can support a long-shaped performance unit that would be difficult to support with only one support, and move along the conveyance path while the performance unit performs electrical performance. Therefore, the restaurant mobile body on the conveyance path can more fully and appropriately attract the attention of customers.

[0052] Various configurations can be adopted for the performance unit. For example, at least one of flexible electronic paper, multiple monitors connected in a state where they can be bent at the connection positions, and illuminating electric lights (e.g., LEDs) may be used as the performance unit. Also, a speaker that generates sound may be installed on the support together with the long performance unit. In this case, adding sound to the performance provided by the long performance unit can more fully attract the attention of customers.

[0053] However, it is also possible to change the objects placed on the multiple connected supports. For example, a long printed material that extends across multiple supports may be placed on the multiple supports. Even in this case, by transporting a long object that is difficult to support on only one support, it is possible to sufficiently attract the attention of customers. It is also possible to place multiple objects that are short in length in the transport direction on the multiple connected supports.

[0054] Another aspect of the restaurant conveyance system of the present disclosure will be described. The restaurant conveyance system of this aspect includes a conveyance device and a restaurant mobile body. The conveyance device conveys an object placed on a conveyance path. The restaurant mobile body is placed on the conveyance path and conveyed along the path of the conveyance path. The restaurant mobile body has a long, continuous upper surface whose length in the conveyance direction of the conveyance path is more than twice the width of the conveyance path. The restaurant mobile body is placed on the conveyance path with its long dimension aligned with the conveyance direction, and can support a long object that is more than twice the width of the conveyance path and is provided to notify or perform a performance for customers.

[0055] According to another aspect of the restaurant conveyance system, unlike a case where an object such as an advertisement or a display is placed on a single plate for carrying food and drink and then conveyed, a long object is conveyed to provide a notice or display to customers, thereby attracting sufficient attention from customers. Furthermore, simply placing two plates side by side or connecting two plates results in a gap between the two plates. In contrast, the restaurant conveyance system of another aspect has a long, continuous upper surface that is more than twice the width of the conveyance path. Therefore, the restaurant conveyance system of another aspect can move along the conveyance path while supporting a long object that would be difficult to support with just two plates. This allows the restaurant conveyance system to attract sufficient and appropriate attention from customers.

[0056] In addition, the conveying device of the conveying system for a restaurant in another aspect may be configured to convey an object along a linear conveying path (for example, to convey food and drink directly to an orderer). The mobile body for a restaurant in another aspect may move along a linear conveying path.

[0057] The object supported by the restaurant mobile body of another embodiment may be an object other than food or drink or a food or drink container, and may be, for example, an object that notifies or produces a performance for customers (customer seats). The object that notifies or produces a performance for customers may be, for example, an object that notifies or produces at least one of the following: notifying the contents of the food or drink, advertising (so-called POP advertising, etc.), or transmitting a message to customers (for example, gratitude, congratulations, appeals to customers, etc.). Furthermore, the object that notifies or produces a performance for customers may be, for example, an object that produces at least one of illuminations, monitors, etc. Furthermore, it goes without saying that audio notification or production may be used.

[0058] In another embodiment, a protrusion that protrudes further upward from the upper surface may be provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the upper surface or side surface of the support. In this case, the protrusion appropriately suppresses the possibility that an object placed on the upper surface of the support will come off the upper surface of the support. The configuration of the protrusion in another embodiment can also employ at least a portion of the configuration of the protrusion described above.

[0059] In another embodiment, a cover member may be provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the top or side surface of the support, extending further upward from the top surface while allowing the object supported by the support to be visible from the outside, thereby preventing contact with the object from outside. In this case, the object supported by the support can be visually recognized by customers while appropriately preventing customers from contacting the object. Furthermore, the cover member appropriately reduces the possibility that the object supported by the support will become detached from the support. The configuration of the cover member in another embodiment can also employ at least a portion of the configuration of the cover member described above.

[0060] A protrusion provided on at least a part of the outer periphery of the support may also serve as an attachment portion to which the cover member is attached. In this case, the structure of the restaurant mobile body is prevented from becoming complicated, and both the detachment of the object from the support and contact of customers with the object are prevented.

[0061] In another embodiment, the support may include a placement section on which an object is placed. The placement section may be provided on the support with a space secured between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. In this case, an operator can place various objects (e.g., long objects) on the placement section provided on the support. Furthermore, a space is secured between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. Therefore, an operator can improve the appearance of the restaurant mobile body by, for example, placing an object that may cause a poor appearance (e.g., at least one of wiring, a power source, and a switch) in the space between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. Furthermore, an operator can secure space on the placement section for placing an object that does not need to be visible to customers by placing an object that does not need to be visible to customers in the space between the placement section and the bottom surface of the support. This allows customers to more adequately and appropriately attract attention to the restaurant mobile body on the conveyance path.

[0062] The configuration of the mounting unit of another embodiment can also employ at least a part of the configuration of the mounting unit described above. However, the mounting unit of another embodiment may be detachably attached to the support, or may be fixed to the support. In either case, by ensuring a space between the mounting unit and the bottom surface of the support, it can more appropriately attract the attention of customers.

[0063] Another aspect of the mobile body for restaurants may be equipped with a long-shaped performance unit that performs electrical effects. In this case, the mobile body for restaurants can support a long-shaped performance unit that would be difficult to support with only two plates, and move along the conveyance path while the performance unit performs electrical effects. This allows customers to more fully and appropriately attract their attention to the mobile body for restaurants on the conveyance path. The configuration of the performance unit of another aspect may employ at least a portion of the configuration of the performance unit described above. Also, a speaker that generates sound may be installed on the support along with the long-shaped performance unit. In this case, adding sound to the effects produced by the long-shaped performance unit can more fully attract customers' attention.

[0064] <Embodiment> (Outline of restaurant conveyor system) A typical embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, a restaurant conveyance system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the restaurant conveyance system 100 according to this embodiment includes a conveyance device 101. The conveyance device 101 conveys objects (food and drink, food and drink containers (e.g., plates), and restaurant mobile bodies 1 (see FIG. 2)) placed on a conveyance path 102. The conveyance path 102 has a curve. The path (conveyance path) of the conveyance path 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a circulation path that circulates between a kitchen K and a guest room G. Objects placed on the conveyance path 102 in the kitchen K are conveyed along the conveyance path to the vicinity of each of a plurality of tables 104 (eating spaces) arranged in the guest room G in order. Objects not picked up in the guest room G return to the kitchen K. For example, a crescent chain or the like that moves a plurality of plates along the path can be used for the conveyance path 102.

[0065] An ordering device 106, which is a touch panel display device, is provided near each table 104 in guest room G. Customers can order their desired products by operating the ordering device 106. In addition, an order content display device 107, which is also a touch panel display device, is provided in kitchen K. The waiter checks the order content displayed on the order content display device 107 and places the ordered products on the conveyor path 102.

[0066] (Outline of the mobile vehicle for restaurants) 2 to 7, a description will be given of restaurant mobile body 1 included in restaurant conveyance system 100 of this embodiment. Restaurant mobile body 1 is placed on conveyance path 102 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) of conveyance device 101 and conveyed along the conveyance path. In FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 to 7, the right side of the drawings corresponds to the front of the conveyance direction of conveyance path 102 (the direction of travel), and the left side of the drawings corresponds to the rear of the conveyance direction of conveyance path 102 (the direction opposite to the direction of travel).

[0067] As shown in FIG. 2, the restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment includes multiple supports 10 (10A, 10B, and 10C) and multiple connecting portions 30. The multiple supports 10 are placed on a conveyance path 102. Each of the multiple supports 10 can support an object. Each of the multiple connecting portions 30 is connected to or fixed to a pair of adjacent supports 10. Each of the multiple connecting portions 30 connects one support 10 to the other support 10 of the connected or fixed pair of supports 10 so that the other support 10 can rotate about an axis O extending in the vertical direction (the up-down direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2) (see FIGS. 2 and 3). In other words, each of the multiple connecting portions 30 connects a pair of adjacent supports 10 together in a continuous, long set. As a result, the multiple supports 10 connected in a long set by the multiple connecting portions 30 move in a serpentine manner along the curve of the conveyance path 102.

[0068] Therefore, even if the length of the restaurant mobile body 1 in the direction along the conveying path 102 is increased, the restaurant mobile body 1 moves appropriately without causing problems such as the restaurant mobile body 1 leaving the conveying path 102, contacting an object outside the conveying path, or tipping over. Furthermore, the support body 10 can support an object. Therefore, multiple connected supports 10 can move along the conveying path 102 while supporting, for example, a long object that is difficult to support with only one support body 10 (such as the performance unit 60 (see FIG. 7) described below). Therefore, by using the restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment, a restaurant can adequately and appropriately attract customers' attention to the restaurant mobile body 1 on the conveying path 102.

[0069] The restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment includes three or more supports 10. Therefore, the restaurant mobile body 1 can appropriately move on the conveyance path 102 while supporting an object that is longer in the direction along the conveyance path 102. In this embodiment, if the number of supports 10 is N (N is a natural number of 3 or more), the N supports 10 can be appropriately connected in a long shape by using N-1 connecting parts 30.

[0070] 2, as viewed from the front in the conveyance direction, each of the following sets: a first support 10A and a second support 10C, a second support 10C and a third support 10C, a third support 10C and a fourth support 10C, a fourth support 10C and a fifth support 10C, a fifth support 10C and a sixth support 10C, and a sixth support 10C and a seventh support 10B, is connected by a connecting portion 30. In other words, as viewed from the front in the conveyance direction, the Kth (K is a natural number greater than or equal to 1) support 10 and the K+1th support 10 are rotatably connected by a connecting portion 30.

[0071] In the following description, of the multiple connected supports 10, the support 10 arranged at the front end side in the conveying direction of the conveying path 102 (the right end side in FIG. 2) is referred to as a front end support 10A. The support 10 arranged at the rear end side in the conveying direction (the left end side in FIG. 2) is referred to as a rear end support 10B. One or more supports 10 arranged between the front end support 10A and the rear end support 10B are referred to as intermediate support 10C.

[0072] The restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment also includes cover members 40 (40A, 40B, 40C). The cover members 40 are provided on at least one of the multiple supports 10. The cover members 40 extend upward from the upper surface of the bottom portion 11 of each support 10 to at least a portion of the upper surface (the surface facing upward) or the outer periphery of the side surface (i.e., the outer periphery of the support 10 when viewed from above) of the bottom portion 11 of each support 10, while allowing an object supported by the support 10 to be seen from the outside. Therefore, the object supported by the support 10 can be seen by customers, while the customers are appropriately prevented from touching the object. Furthermore, the cover members 40 appropriately reduce the possibility that an object supported by the support 10 will come off the support 10. Details of the cover members 40 will be described later.

[0073] Furthermore, the restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment includes one or more detachable members 50. The detachable member 50 includes a placement section 51 on an upper surface (the surface facing upward) on which an object is placed. The detachable member 50 is detachably attached to at least one of the multiple supports 10 with a space secured between the placement section 51 and the upper surface of the bottom section 11 of the support 10. Note that the example shown in FIG. 2 shows a state in which the detachable members 50 are attached to four of the seven supports 10 in order to also illustrate the supports 10 in a state in which the detachable members 50 are not attached. However, it goes without saying that the detachable members 50 may be attached to all of the multiple supports 10.

[0074] An operator can place various objects (e.g., a long-shaped presentation unit 60 (see FIG. 7 ) described later) on the placement unit 51 of the detachable member 50 attached to the support body 10. Furthermore, a space is secured between the placement unit 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. Therefore, an operator can improve the appearance of the restaurant mobile body 1 by, for example, placing an object that may cause a poor appearance (e.g., at least one of wiring, a power source, and a switch) in the space between the placement unit 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. Furthermore, an operator can secure space on the placement unit 51 for placing an object that does not need to be visible to customers by placing an object that does not need to be visible to customers in the space between the placement unit 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. Therefore, customers' attention can be more adequately and appropriately focused on the restaurant mobile body 1 on the conveyance path. Details of the detachable member 50 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0075] (Support / Connection part) The configuration of the support body 10 and the connecting portion 30 in the movable body for eating and drinking establishments 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Figure 3 is a plan view of the front-end support body 10A and the intermediate support body 10C connected by the connecting portion 30. Figure 4 is a plan view showing a state in which the front-end support body 10A has rotated about an axis O relative to the intermediate support body 10C from the state shown in Figure 3.

[0076] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 , at least a portion of the upper surface of the support 10 (in this embodiment, the upper surface of the bottom surface 11) capable of supporting at least an object (in this embodiment, the entire upper surface of the bottom surface 11 other than the installation position of the protrusion 13, which will be described later) is formed in a flat shape. Therefore, in this case, an operator (e.g., a restaurant staff member, etc.) can stably support various objects on the upper surface of the support 10. In this embodiment, at least the bottom surface 11 capable of supporting an object is formed of a plate-like member. Therefore, an operator can stabilize the posture of the restaurant mobile body 1 on the conveyance path 102 by placing the bottom surface of the bottom surface 11 directly on the conveyance path 102. Note that the support 10 in this embodiment is formed of a rigid metal. However, the support 10 may be formed of other materials (e.g., resin, etc.).

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, of a pair of adjacent supports 10, at least a part of the rear end (portion facing rearward) of the support 10 (front-end support 10A in FIGS. 3 and 4) arranged at the front side in the conveying direction has a rear-end arc portion 12R that is concave forward in plan view. That is, the rear end of the support 10 arranged at the front side in the conveying direction is concave forward. Furthermore, of a pair of adjacent supports 10, at least a part of the front end (portion facing forward) of the support 10 (middle support 10C in FIGS. 3 and 4) arranged at the rear side in the conveying direction has a front-end arc portion 12F that is the same curvature as the rear-end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 (front-end support 10A in FIGS. 3 and 4) and that is aligned with the rear-end arc portion 12R of the front support 10. Therefore, even if one of the pair of supports 10 rotates relative to the other when the restaurant mobile body 1 passes through a curve in the conveying path 102, a gap is unlikely to be formed between the pair of supports 10. Therefore, problems such as an object supported by the support 10 falling through a gap and an object entering a gap and getting caught therein are appropriately reduced.

[0078] More specifically, each connecting portion 30 connects the pair of supports 10 adjacent to each other in a state in which the rear end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 (front end support 10A in FIGS. 3 and 4) and the front end arc portion 12F of the rear support 10 (intermediate support 10C in FIGS. 3 and 4) are aligned (for example, with a small gap at a substantially constant interval, or in contact, etc.). Furthermore, each connecting portion 30 connects the pair of supports 10 such that the center positions of the arcs of the rear end arc portion 12R and the front end arc portion 12F, which are aligned to each other, serve as the central axis O of rotation of one of the pair of supports 10 relative to the other. As a result, one of the pair of supports 10 rotates relative to the other in a state in which the gap between the rear end arc portion 12R and the front end arc portion 12F is substantially constant, or in a state in which the rear end arc portion 12R and the front end arc portion 12F are in contact with each other without any gap. Therefore, in a state where gaps between a pair of supports 10 are even less likely to occur, the plurality of supports 10 can smoothly meander along the transport path 102.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, in all sets of a pair of adjacent supports 10, the rear end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 is formed concavely toward the front, and the front end arc portion 12F of the rear support 10 is formed convexly toward the front. As a result, the connected multiple supports 10 snake more smoothly along the conveyance path. This also makes it easier for workers to assemble the restaurant mobile body 1. However, in all sets of a pair of adjacent supports 10, the rear end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 may be formed convexly toward the rear, and the front end arc portion 12F of the rear support 10 may be formed concavely toward the rear. Furthermore, a set of a pair of supports 10 in which the rear end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 is concave toward the front, and the front end arc portion 12F of the rear support 10 is convex toward the front, is referred to as a first set. Conversely, a set of a pair of supports 10 in which the rear end arc portion 12R of the front support 10 is convex rearward and the front end arc portion 12F of the rear support 10 is concave rearward is referred to as the second set. The sets of supports 10 included in one restaurant mobile body 1 may include a mixture of first sets and second sets. For example, the first sets and second sets may be arranged alternately along the longitudinal direction of the long restaurant mobile body 1.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the connecting portions 30 extends from a position where it is connected or fixed (fixed in this embodiment) on one of a pair of adjacent supports 10 (front end support 10A in FIGS. 3 and 4 ), passing above the bottom surface 11 of the other support 10 (intermediate support 10C in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) to a connecting position (in this embodiment, a pivotal connecting portion 32 that coincides with axis O) on the other support 10. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when the restaurant mobile body 1 passes through a curve in the conveyance path 102, the connecting portion 30 pivots relative to the support 10 (intermediate support 10C in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) about the pivotal axis O. By arranging the connecting portion 30 above the bottom surface 11 of the support 10, even if the connecting portion 30 pivots about the pivotal axis O, the pivoting connecting portion 30 does not interfere with the conveyance path 102 on which the support 10 is placed. Therefore, for example, problems such as interference with the conveying path 102 that hinders the rotation of the connecting portion 30, and damage to the conveying path 102, etc. are appropriately suppressed.

[0081] 3 and 4, in this embodiment, each connecting portion 30 is formed from a rigid material. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between a pair of supports 10 connected by the connecting portion 30 is stabilized, making it easier for the multiple supports 10 to snake smoothly along the transport path 102. The connecting portion 30 in this embodiment is formed from a rigid metal. However, the connecting portion 30 may also be formed from other materials (for example, resin, etc.).

[0082] In this embodiment, the width of at least one pair of connecting portions 30 connected to or fixed to the supports 10 in the left-right direction, which intersects with the conveying direction of the conveying path, is greater than the thickness in the up-down direction. Therefore, the connecting portion 30 connects one of a pair of adjacent supports 10 to the other support 10 so that the other support 10 can rotate about an axis O extending in the vertical direction, while preventing rotation in other directions. This makes it easier for workers to carry the long restaurant mobile body 1. For example, when a worker carries the restaurant mobile body 1, some of the connected supports 10 may rotate about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction, preventing an object placed on the supports 10 from falling. This also increases the strength of the connection or fixation between the supports 10 and the connecting portion 30.

[0083] Specifically, in this embodiment, the entirety of each connecting portion 30 is formed of a rigid plate-like member (for example, a metal plate in this embodiment). The connecting portion 30, which is a plate, is connected or fixed to the support body 10 so that the width in the left-right direction of the connecting portion 30 is greater than the thickness in the up-down direction. Therefore, the configuration of the connecting portion 30 is simplified, and the restaurant mobile body 1 is also easy to carry.

[0084] In this embodiment, one of a pair of connection parts of the connecting part 30 that are connected (fixed) to each of a pair of adjacent supports 10 (in this embodiment, the rear support 10 of the pair of supports 10 (intermediate support 10C in Figures 3 and 4)) is connected to the support 10 by a pivotal connecting part 32 (for example, a rotation pin, etc.) that connects the support 10 and the connecting part 30 so that the support 10 and the connecting part 30 can rotate relatively around an axis O that extends in the vertical direction. Therefore, one support 10 is appropriately connected to the other support 10 in a pivotable state.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, of the pair of connection parts in the connecting part 30, the connection part opposite to the connection part by the pivotal connecting part 32 (in Figures 3 and 4, the right end part of the right connecting part 30) is fixed in a non-detachable state to the support body 10 (in this embodiment, the front support body 10 of the pair of supports 10 (front end support body 10A in Figures 3 and 4)). Therefore, at the fixed part between the connecting part 30 and the support body 10, it is difficult for the support body 10 to rotate relative to the connecting part 30. This makes it easier for workers to carry the long restaurant mobile body 1, etc.

[0086] 2 to 4, protrusions 13 (in FIG. 2, protrusion 13A of front end support 10A, protrusion 13B of rear end support 10B, and protrusion 13C of intermediate support 10C) that protrude further upward from the upper surface are provided on at least a part of the outer periphery of the upper surface (surface facing upward) or side surface of bottom surface 11 of each support 10. Therefore, protrusions 13 appropriately prevent an object placed on the upper surface of bottom surface 11 of support 10 from coming off the upper surface of bottom surface 11.

[0087] The protrusion 13 in this embodiment is provided on at least a portion of the outer circumferential edge of the upper surface of the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. As a result, the area of ​​the upper surface of the bottom surface 11 on which an object can be placed is appropriately secured. However, the protrusion 13 may be provided in a portion more inward than the outer circumferential edge of the upper surface of the bottom surface 11. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 13 in this embodiment is formed in a flange shape having a certain length along the outer circumferential edge of the bottom surface 11. As a result, for example, even when a small object is placed on the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10, the possibility of the object falling off is more appropriately suppressed. However, the specific shape of the protrusion 13 can also be changed. For example, a plurality of rod-shaped members or a plurality of claw-shaped members arranged along the outer circumferential edge of the upper surface of the bottom surface 11 may be used as the protrusion.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the intermediate support 10C, protrusions 13C are provided on the outer periphery of the bottom surface 11 in a region excluding both ends in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction (in this embodiment, the regions of the left and right ends). Therefore, even if an object (e.g., a long object) is placed across the top surfaces of multiple supports 10 connected in a long shape, the protrusions 13C are unlikely to interfere with the object. This allows the worker to more stably and appropriately place the object on the top surfaces of the multiple supports 10. Furthermore, as in this embodiment, it is also possible to form the top surfaces of the multiple supports 10 into planes that are parallel across the conveying direction.

[0089] 2, the rear end support 10B is provided with protrusions 13B in an area (such as left and right areas excluding the front and rear ends) of the outer periphery of the bottom surface 11 in the conveying direction, excluding the front end, as shown in FIG. 2. This allows the worker to place objects on the upper surfaces of the multiple supports 10 in a more stable and appropriate manner.

[0090] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the connecting portion 30 of this embodiment extends from a connected or fixed position on one of a pair of adjacent supports 10, passing above the bottom surface 11 of the other support 10, to a connecting position on the other support 10. In this case, by providing protrusions 13C in a region of the intermediate support 10C excluding both front-rear end portions, the connecting portion 30 can appropriately rotate around the connecting position at both front-rear end portions of the upper surface of the intermediate support 10C without interfering with the protrusions 13C. Furthermore, by appropriately defining the positions of the protrusions 13C formed in the left-right direction of the intermediate support 10C, the rotation range of the connecting portion 30 relative to the intermediate support 10C is restricted to an appropriate range. Similarly, with the rear end support 10B (see FIG. 2 ), the connecting portion 30 can appropriately rotate around the connecting position at the front end of the rear end support 10B without interfering with the protrusions 13B. Furthermore, by appropriately defining the position of the protrusion 13B formed in the left-right direction of the rear end support body 10B, the rotation range of the connecting part 30 relative to the rear end support body 10B is restricted to an appropriate range.

[0091] 3 and 4, the front end support 10A is provided with protrusions 13A on the outer periphery in a region excluding the rear end in the conveying direction (in this embodiment, the entire region excluding the rear end). Therefore, the protrusions 13A appropriately prevent an object placed on the upper surface of the front end support 10A from falling off the upper surface of the front end support 10A in the forward and lateral directions. Furthermore, even if an object is placed across the upper surface of the front end support 10A and the upper surface of the adjacent intermediate support 10C, the protrusions 13A are unlikely to interfere with the object.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 2 , at least the front end support 10A of the multiple supports 10 has a claw portion 15 protruding downward on its bottom surface. The multiple supports 10 connected by the connecting portion 30 move in a line in the direction of movement of the front end support 10A. The claw portion 15 on the bottom surface of the front end support 10A makes it easier for the front end support 10A to be locked to the transport path 102, which makes it easier for the movement path of the front end support 10A to align with the transport path 102. As a result, the movement path of the entire multiple connected supports 10 also tends to align with the transport path 102. Note that the claw portion 15 on the bottom surface of the support 10 may be provided only on the front end support 10A, or may be provided on each of the multiple supports 10. Furthermore, if the friction between the support 10 and the transport path 102 is sufficient, the claw portion 15 on the bottom surface of the support 10 may be omitted.

[0093] (Cover member) The cover member 40 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2. Various materials can be used for the cover member 40. In this embodiment, a resin material (transparent resin material in this embodiment) having appropriate rigidity, appropriate flexibility, and optical transparency is used for the cover member 40. It is also possible to use a mesh-like material or the like as the cover member.

[0094] In this embodiment, the upper end of the cover member 40 is provided with a reinforcing piece 42 that maintains the shape of the upper end of the cover member 40. Therefore, the shape of the cover member 40 is stabilized, improving the appearance and making it easier to ensure the function of preventing contact with objects by customers. Furthermore, the cover member 40 in this embodiment is provided on the outer peripheral edge (which can also be considered a side) of the upper surface (the surface facing upward) of the bottom surface portion 11 of the support body 10. As a result, a large area is ensured for the upper surface of the bottom surface portion 11. However, the cover member 40 may also be provided in a position more inward than the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the bottom surface portion 11 of the support body 10.

[0095] 2, the intermediate support 10C is provided with a cover member 40C on the outer periphery, excluding both ends (front and rear ends) in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction. Therefore, the cover member 40C of the intermediate support 10C is unlikely to get in the way when placing an object (e.g., a long object) across the upper surfaces of the multiple supports 10. Therefore, the restaurant mobile body 1 can support various objects, such as long objects, using the multiple supports 10, while appropriately preventing customers from coming into contact with the objects.

[0096] 1, in a restaurant equipped with conveying device 101, the eating and drinking space for customers may be provided only on one side, left or right, that intersects with the conveying direction of conveying path 102. Therefore, cover member 40 may be provided only on one side, left or right, of the outer periphery of the upper surface of support body 10. Even in this case, cover member 40 can appropriately prevent customers from coming into contact with objects.

[0097] In this embodiment, the front end support 10A is provided with a cover member 40A on the outer periphery of the top surface, in an area excluding the rear end in the conveying direction (in this embodiment, the entire area excluding the rear end). Therefore, in a state in which an object is allowed to be supported across the top surfaces of the front end support 10A and the adjacent intermediate support 10C, contact by customers with the object is more appropriately prevented.

[0098] In this embodiment, the rear end support 10B is provided with a cover member 40B in an area of ​​the outer periphery of the upper surface excluding the front end in the conveying direction (in this embodiment, the left and right areas excluding the front and rear ends, etc.). Therefore, in a state in which an object is allowed to be supported across the upper surfaces of the rear end support 10B and the adjacent intermediate support 10C, contact with the object by a customer is more appropriately prevented.

[0099] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in this embodiment, protrusions 13 (protrusions 13A and 13C in FIGS. 3 and 4) provided on at least a portion of the outer periphery of the bottom surface 11 of each support 10 also serve as attachment portions to which the cover member 40 is attached. This prevents the structure of the restaurant mobile body 1 from becoming complicated, and also prevents objects from detaching from the support 10 and customers from coming into contact with the objects. Note that the protrusions 13 in this embodiment are formed with grooves 14 into which the cover member 40 is inserted from above. Therefore, an operator can easily attach the cover member 40 to the support 10 simply by inserting the cover member 40 into the grooves 14 from above.

[0100] 2 and 3, in this embodiment, when the restaurant mobile body 1 is viewed from the left-right direction intersecting the conveying direction with multiple supports 10 connected by connecting portions 30 arranged in a straight line, a pair of adjacent cover members 40 along the conveying direction partially overlap each other. As a result, it becomes difficult for customers to insert their hands or the like through the gap between the pair of adjacent cover members 40. This further appropriately prevents customers from coming into contact with objects.

[0101] (detachable member) The detachable member 50 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, and 6. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the detachable member 50, and FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the detachable member. As described above, the detachable member 50 is detachably attached to at least one of the plurality of supports 10, with a space secured between the placing portion 51 and the upper surface of the bottom portion 11 of the support 10. Therefore, an operator can improve the appearance of the restaurant mobile body 1 by, for example, placing an object that may cause the appearance to deteriorate (for example, at least one of wiring, a power source, and a switch) in the space between the placing portion 51 and the bottom portion 11 of the support 10.

[0102] At least a portion of the upper surface of the mounting portion 51 (in this embodiment, the entire upper surface of the mounting portion 51) is formed in a flat shape. Therefore, an operator can place various objects on the upper surface of the mounting portion 51 in a stable state. Note that the mounting portion 51 in this embodiment is formed from a plate-like member (a flat plate-like member in this embodiment). However, the mounting portion may also be formed from a mesh-like member or the like.

[0103] 2, the shape of the placement portion 51 of the detachable member 50 in a plan view is substantially the same as the shape of the bottom surface portion 11 of the support body 10 in a plan view, and is formed to be slightly smaller than the bottom surface portion 11 (specifically, the width in the left-right direction intersecting the conveying direction is slightly smaller than the width of the bottom surface portion 11 in the left-right direction). Therefore, by attaching the detachable member 50 to each of the multiple supports 10, the placement portions 51 of the multiple detachable members 50 are positioned on the same plane. Therefore, various objects (e.g., long objects) can be placed on the multiple placement portions 51 in a stable and attractive state.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 5 , the detachable member 50 of this embodiment includes a support member 52 that extends downward from the bottom surface of the mounting portion 51 (for example, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the bottom surface). The height of the support member 52 is set to a predetermined height (constant height) to ensure an appropriate space between the mounting portion 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. Therefore, by installing the support member 52 of the detachable member 50 on the support body 10 (in this embodiment, the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10), an appropriate space is ensured between the mounting portion 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support body 10. Note that the support member 52 of this embodiment is a flange-shaped member. This makes it easier to stabilize the posture of the detachable member 50 attached to the support body 10. However, the shape of the support member 52 can be changed to a column shape or the like.

[0105] 5 and 6, the support member 52 is formed on the outer periphery of the bottom surface of the mounting portion 51, excluding both ends in the front-rear direction in the conveying direction. Therefore, the space between the mounting portion 51 and the bottom surface portion 11 of the support 10 communicates across the multiple support bodies 10 connected by the connecting portions 30. Therefore, the worker can pass a long object (such as a wire) through the space between the mounting portion 51 and the support bodies 10.

[0106] The mounting portion 51 of the detachable member 50 has a through-hole 53 formed therein, which communicates with the space between the mounting portion 51 and the bottom surface 11 of the support 10 and with the space above the mounting portion 51. Therefore, an operator can pass various components (for example, wiring arranged in the space below the mounting portion 51 and connected to an object placed on the mounting portion 51) through the through-hole 53. This can more appropriately attract the attention of customers to the restaurant mobile body 1 on the conveying path 102. Note that the through-hole 53 in this embodiment is a through-hole that passes through the mounting portion 51 in the vertical direction. However, the through-hole may be a notch formed in part of the outer periphery of the mounting portion 51.

[0107] It is also possible to change the configuration of the detachable member 50. For example, a step may be formed on at least a part of the support body 10 (for example, the inside of the protruding portion 13 of the support body 10, etc.). In this case, by attaching the detachable member to the step portion of the support body 10, an appropriate space is ensured between the placement portion 51 and the bottom surface portion 11 of the support body 10. It is also possible in this case for the detachable member to be formed as a member having a substantially flat plate shape, etc.

[0108] (Direction Department) An example of a usage mode of the mobile restaurant body 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. In the example shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the mobile restaurant body 1 includes a performance unit 60. The performance unit 60 can be deformed according to the connection shape of multiple supports 10 (see FIG. 2, etc.). The performance unit 60 can perform electrical performances using power supplied from a power supply unit 62 transported along with the mobile restaurant body 1. Specifically, the performance unit 60 and the power supply unit 62 are connected by wiring (not shown). The wiring may be arranged in the space between the mounting portion 51 of the detachable member 50 and the bottom surface portion 11 of the support 10 (see FIG. 2, etc.), and may be connected to the performance unit 60 through a through-hole 53 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) formed in the mounting portion 51. The length of the performance unit 60 in the conveying direction of the conveying path 102 is longer than the length of one support 10 in the conveying direction. The long performance unit 60 is installed across multiple supports 10 connected in a long shape by multiple connecting portions 30. Therefore, the restaurant mobile body 1 of this embodiment can support the long performance unit 60, which is difficult to support with only one support body 10, and can move on the conveyance path 102 while causing the performance unit 60 to perform electrical performances. This makes it possible to more fully and appropriately attract the attention of customers to the restaurant mobile body 1 on the conveyance path 102.

[0109] In the example shown in Fig. 7, a plurality of electric lights (LEDs in this embodiment) that emit light using power supplied from a power supply unit 62 are used as the performance unit 60. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 7, a speaker 61 that outputs sound using power supplied from the power supply unit 62 is installed on the support body 10 together with the long performance unit 60. Adding sound to the performance provided by the long performance unit 60 can more fully attract the attention of customers visiting the store.

[0110] In the performance unit 60 shown in FIG. 8 , a number of decorative lights (LEDs in the example shown in FIG. 8 ) are arranged regularly (e.g., at regular intervals) on a long sheet (a light-transmitting acrylic sheet in the example shown in FIG. 8 ) that can be deformed according to the connected shape of a number of supports 10 (see FIG. 2 , etc.). In the example shown in FIG. 8 , the performance unit 60 is formed by attaching a number of LED tape lights to a long sheet. An LED tape light (sometimes called an “LED ribbon light” or “LED strip light”) is a lighting fixture in which a number of LEDs are processed into a flat tape shape together with wiring. The restaurant mobile body 1 shown in FIG. 8 can provide customers with a unified performance over a wide, long area by illuminating the multiple decorative lights regularly arranged in the performance unit 60 and transporting it along the transport path 102. Note that, although it is difficult to see because FIG. 8 is a monochrome image, the multiple decorative lights provided in the performance unit 60 in FIG. 8 have different light colors. Among the multiple decorative lights, multiple lights belonging to the same horizontal row (or vertical row) emit light of the same color. In addition, each row of the illuminations is selectively arranged to emit one of a plurality of colors, resulting in a uniform gradation effect across the elongated area. However, the illumination colors of the plurality of illuminations may be the same color.

[0111] However, the configuration of the performance unit can be changed. For example, at least one of flexible electronic paper and a plurality of monitors connected in a state where they can be bent at the connection position may be used as the performance unit. Also, a long printed material that extends across a plurality of supports 10 may be placed on a plurality of supports 10. Even in this case, by transporting a long object that is difficult to support with only one support 10, it is possible to sufficiently attract the attention of customers. Also, a plurality of objects that are short in length in the transport direction can be placed on a plurality of connected supports 10.

[0112] The techniques disclosed in the above embodiments are merely examples. Therefore, the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments can be modified. For example, only a portion of the techniques exemplified in the above embodiments can be implemented. Specifically, in the above embodiments, the detachable member 50 is attached to the support 10, but the restaurant mobile body 1 can also be used without the detachable member 50. Furthermore, if at least a portion of the bottom surface 11 of each support 10 is formed of a plate-shaped member, the connecting member 30 may connect the pair of adjacent supports 10 in a state where the plate-shaped portions of the bottom surface 11 of the pair of supports 10 are stacked vertically. In this case, even if one of the pair of supports 10 rotates relative to the other, gaps are less likely to occur between the pair of supports 10. Therefore, even if the planar shape of the supports 10 is formed into various shapes, such as a rectangular shape, gaps are less likely to occur between the pair of supports 10, making it easier for the multiple supports 10 to meander smoothly along the conveying path 102. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Mobile objects for restaurants 10(10A,10B,10C) Support 10A front end support 10B Rear end support 10C intermediate support 11 Bottom part 12R rear arc 12F Front arc 13(13A,13B,13C) Projecting piece 14 Groove 15 Claw 12R rear arc 12F Front arc 30 Connecting part 32 Rotating connection part 40 Cover member 50 Detachable member 51 Placement section 52 Support member 53 Penetration 60 Production Department 100 Restaurant conveyor system 101 Transport device 102 Conveyor path

Claims

1. A mobile object for a restaurant that is placed on a conveying path capable of conveying food and drink and is conveyed along the path of the conveying path, A mobile object for a restaurant has a long, continuous upper surface whose length in the direction along the conveying direction of the conveying path is longer than twice the width of the conveying path, is placed on the conveying path with its long direction aligned with the conveying direction, and is equipped with a support body capable of supporting an object that is longer than twice the width of the conveying path and is provided to provide notifications or performances to customers.

2. A conveying system for a restaurant that conveys food and beverages, a conveying device that conveys an object placed on a conveying path; a movable body for a restaurant that is placed on the conveying path and conveyed along the path of the conveying path; Equipped with The restaurant mobile body is A conveying system for a restaurant, characterized in that it has a long, continuous upper surface whose length in the direction along the conveying direction of the conveying path is more than twice the width of the conveying path, is placed on the conveying path with its long direction aligned with the conveying direction, and is equipped with a support body capable of supporting an object that is more than twice the width of the conveying path and is provided to notify or present an event to customers.

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