Food supply dispenser, food providing device, food supply method, program, and method of using food supply dispenser

Abstract

To provide a food supply dispenser, a food supply device, a food supply method, and a program capable of fine-tuning a liquid supply amount.SOLUTION: A food supply dispenser 200 includes: a storage tank 3 having a region 311 with ingredients for storing ingredients and curry including viscous liquid, a region 312 with no ingredients for storing the viscous liquid, and a partition wall 313 for communicating between the region 311 with ingredients and the region 312 with no ingredients, which is provided with a plurality of through-holes 313a through which the viscous liquid can pass, and the ingredients cannot pass, and separates the region 311 with ingredients from the region 312 with no ingredients; a first tube 71 communicating with the region 311 with ingredients for supplying the curry; a second tube 72 communicating with the region 312 with no ingredients for supplying the viscous liquid; a first electromagnetic valve 81 for opening / closing the first tube 71; and a second electromagnetic valve 82 for opening / closing the second tube 72.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a food supply dispenser, a food providing device, a food supply method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a food dispenser that dispenses soup beverage from a container to a dish. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4506287 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the food dispenser described in Patent Document 1, the soup beverage is discharged (supplied) from the container through a single nozzle provided on the container, so that when a solid-liquid mixed food containing solids and liquid is to be discharged (supplied) from the nozzle, the diameter of the nozzle must be made large, making it difficult to finely adjust the amount of liquid discharged (supplied).

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a food supply dispenser, a food supply device, a food supply method, and a program that are capable of finely adjusting the amount of liquid supplied. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a storage section includes a first storage area for storing a solid-liquid mixed food containing solids and liquids, a second storage area for storing only the liquid, and a partition wall that connects the first storage area with the second storage area and has a plurality of communication holes through which the liquid can pass but the solids cannot pass, and that separates the first storage area from the second storage area;A heat retaining section that retains the storage section with hot water, and a lid that is removably attached to the upper part of the storage section; The food processor is provided with a first supply passage communicating with the first storage area and supplying the solid-liquid mixed food, a second supply passage communicating with the second storage area and supplying the liquid, a first valve provided in the first supply passage for opening and closing the first supply passage, and a second valve provided in the second supply passage for opening and closing the second supply passage. The warming section can preheat a pack containing food by placing it in the hot water of the warming section, and the pack is inserted and removed from the warming section from the side where the lid is attached and detached. A food serving dispenser is provided. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to this embodiment, the solid-liquid mixed food and the liquid are supplied using two supply paths (that is, the first supply path and the second supply path), respectively, so that the supply amount of the liquid can be finely adjusted. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a food providing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a food supply dispenser; FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a storage tank. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a food supply dispenser. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a food providing method. [Figure 8] 1 is a flow chart showing a food supply process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a food supply process according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as the present embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that in this specification, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout.

[0010] (Configuration of food serving device) First, the configuration of a food providing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a food providing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment. In Fig. 1, the left-right direction (longitudinal direction), front-rear direction (width direction), and up-down direction (vertical direction) of the food providing apparatus 100 are defined as directions along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, respectively. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the left-right direction (longitudinal direction), front-rear direction (width direction), and up-down direction (vertical direction) of the food providing apparatus 100 will be simply referred to as the left-right direction (longitudinal direction), the front-rear direction (width direction), and the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0012] 1 is an apparatus for supplying a solid-liquid mixed food being kept warm to a heating pan 500 serving as a container, heating the heating pan 500 to which the solid-liquid mixed food has been supplied, and providing the heated solid-liquid mixed food from the heating pan 500 to a customer. The food providing apparatus 100 is installed and used as a commercial food providing apparatus in restaurants such as beef bowl restaurants, curry restaurants, sushi restaurants, and family restaurants. The food providing apparatus 100 also includes a food supply dispenser 200, a heating mechanism 300, and a rocking mechanism 400.

[0013] In this embodiment, curry will be described as an example of a solid-liquid mixed food. However, the solid-liquid mixed food is not limited to curry, and may be, for example, stew or soup. Curry includes meat curry, seafood curry, or vegetable curry, but is not limited to these. Curry as a solid-liquid mixed food is composed of ingredients (specifically, fish, meat, or vegetables) as solid matter and viscous liquid (specifically, sauce) as liquid.

[0014] (Food supply dispenser configuration) Next, the construction of the food supply dispenser 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the food supply dispenser 200. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the storage tank 3. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the food supply dispenser 200. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the controller 12.

[0016] Food supply dispenser 200 is a dispenser for supplying curry being kept warm to heating pot 500. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 5, food supply dispenser 200 includes a loading platform 1, a case member 2, a storage tank 3 as a storage section, an inlet 4, a heat retention mechanism 5, a boiler 6 as a heating section, a supply path mechanism 7, a valve mechanism 8, a placement section 9, a weight sensor 10 as a weight detection section, an operation mechanism 11, and a controller 12.

[0017] The loading platform 1 is installed in a kitchen of a restaurant or the like. An operation mechanism 11 is provided on a top plate of the loading platform 1. A boiler 6 is housed in the loading platform 1.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 1, the case member 2 is erected on the top plate of the loading platform 1. The case member 2 has a substantially box-shaped upper case 21 and a substantially box-shaped lower case 22. A partition wall 23 is provided between the upper case 21 and the lower case 22 as the bottom wall of the upper case 21 (see Fig. 2). A substantially circular opening 24 is formed in the center of the partition wall 23 (see Fig. 2).

[0019] The upper case 21 is supported on the loading platform 1 via the lower case 22. The storage tank 3 and the heat retention mechanism 5 are housed in the upper case 21. The upper case 21 also has an upper case body 211 connected to the lower case 22, and an upper lid 212 detachably attached to the upper part of the upper case body 211. A notch 213 for providing the input port 4 is formed above the front surface of the upper case body 211. The upper case 21 can be made even larger if necessary.

[0020] The lower case 22 connects the loading platform 1 and the upper case 21. The lower case 22 houses the supply path mechanism 7, the valve mechanism 8, the mounting portion 9, the weight sensor 10, and the controller 12. An entrance / exit 221 for inserting and removing the heating pan 500 is formed at the bottom of the front of the lower case 22. A window 222 is formed above the entrance / exit 221 to facilitate maintenance of the supply path mechanism 7, the valve mechanism 8, the mounting portion 9, the weight sensor 10, and the controller 12. A removable window 223 is provided in the window 222.

[0021] The storage tank 3 is a tank for storing curry. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage tank 3 has a tank body 31 and a tank lid 32.

[0022] Tank body 31 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape (specifically, a bottomed cylindrical shape). Tank body 31 has ingredient-containing region 311 as a first storage region, ingredient-free region 312 as a second storage region, and partition wall 313 separating ingredient-containing region 311 from ingredient-free region 312. The volume of ingredient-containing region 311 is larger than the volume of ingredient-free region 312.

[0023] The ingredient-containing region 311 is a region for containing curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid. The ingredient-containing region 311 is formed in a columnar shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape) by being surrounded by the partition wall 313. The ingredient-containing region 311 has a funnel portion 311a penetrating the opening 24 of the partition wall 23 at the bottom (see FIG. 3). A circular first communication hole 311b is formed at the bottom end of the funnel portion 311a. This allows the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 to be smoothly supplied to the first communication hole 311b by its own weight during supply. As a result, the ingredients of the curry are prevented from remaining at the bottom of the ingredient-containing region 311. The first communication hole 311b is formed to have a diameter that allows both the ingredients and the viscous liquid to pass through.

[0024] The ingredient-free region 312 is a region for containing only viscous liquid. The ingredient-free region 312 is formed in a tubular shape (specifically, cylindrical shape) having a predetermined thickness so as to surround the ingredient-containing region 311. The ingredient-free region 312 is a region formed between the peripheral wall of the tank body 31 and the partition wall 313. The ingredient-free region 312 is supported by the upper case 21 by abutting the annular (specifically, circular) bottom wall 312a against the partition wall 23. A circular second communication hole 312b is formed in the bottom wall 312a of the ingredient-free region 312. The diameter of the second communication hole 312b is smaller than the diameter of the first communication hole 311b.

[0025] The partition wall 313 is formed in a tubular shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape). The partition wall 313 is formed so that both ends are flush with both ends of the peripheral wall of the tank body 31. The partition wall 313 is evenly formed with circular through holes 313a as a plurality of communication holes. That is, the plurality of through holes 313a are evenly formed around the entire circumference of the partition wall 313. The through holes 313a communicate the ingredient-containing region 311 and the ingredient-free region 312, and are formed so that the viscous liquid can pass through them but the ingredients cannot. For this reason, it is possible to restrict the ingredients of the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 from entering the ingredient-free region 312 through the through holes 313a.

[0026] Here, the viscous liquid does not only mean a complete liquid, but also includes a liquid that passes through the through hole 313a (such as a liquid containing minute solid particles). The diameter of the through hole 313a is equal to or smaller than the diameter of the second communication hole 312b. This can reduce clogging of the second communication hole 312b.

[0027] The tank lid 32 is detachably attached to the upper part of the tank body 31. The lower surface of the tank lid 32 abuts over the entire circumference against both the upper end of the peripheral wall of the tank body 31 and the upper end of the partition wall 313. This makes it possible to seal the tank body 31 and to prevent communication between the ingredient-containing region 311 and the ingredient-free region 312 through the through-hole 313a.

[0028] An agitator 33 for agitating the curry is connected to the tank lid 32. When the tank lid 32 is attached to the top of the tank body 31, the agitator 33 is located in the ingredient-containing region 311. This makes it possible to agitate the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 and the viscous liquid contained in the ingredient-free region 312, thereby suppressing temperature variations in the curry when it is supplied.

[0029] 1, the inlet 4 is provided in the notch 213 of the upper case 21 so as to communicate between the outside and the ingredient-containing region 311. This makes it possible to prevent curry from entering the ingredient-free region 322 when it is introduced into the storage tank 3. As a result, clogging of the second communication hole 312b by ingredients can be prevented.

[0030] In this embodiment, the tank body 31 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape (specifically, a bottomed cylindrical shape), but is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a box shape, for example. In this case, a paddle-type agitator is housed in the ingredient-containing area 311 surrounded by the partition wall 313.

[0031] The heat retention mechanism 5 is a mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the storage tank 3. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the heat retention mechanism 5 has a heat retention tank 51 and a heat retention heater 52 as a heat retention section.

[0032] The heat-retaining tank 51 is a storage tank for storing hot water. The heat-retaining tank 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a certain thickness. The heat-retaining tank 51 is formed between the peripheral wall of the upper case body 211 and the peripheral wall of the tank body 31. Specifically, the heat-retaining tank 51 is surrounded by the peripheral wall of the upper case body 211, the partition wall 23, and the peripheral wall of the tank body 31. This allows the entire storage tank 3 having the ingredient-present region 311 and the ingredient-free region 312 to be evenly kept warm by the hot water stored in the heat-retaining tank 51.

[0033] Then, retort curry that has been produced in advance in a factory or the like is placed in the heat retention tank 51 in packs and warmed (preheated) with hot water. This improves the heating efficiency of the curry compared to the case where the curry is directly placed in the ingredient-containing area 311 of the storage tank 3 from the inlet 4 and heated without being preheated.

[0034] The heat retention heater 52 is a heater for maintaining the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heat retention tank 51 at a temperature not lower than a predetermined first temperature. In this embodiment, the heat retention heater 52 is attached to the outer periphery side of the heat retention tank 51 (specifically, inside the peripheral wall of the upper case main body 211). Specifically, the four heat retention heaters 52 are attached to the inner periphery sides of the four upper case main bodies 211, respectively. However, the heat retention heaters 52 are not limited to this, and may be attached to the inner periphery side of the heat retention tank 51 (specifically, outside the peripheral wall of the tank main body 31), for example.

[0035] The boiler 6 is a heater for heating water supplied from the outside. The boiler 6 is provided so as to be housed within the loading platform 1. As shown in Fig. 4, the boiler 6 heats water supplied from the outside into hot water, and supplies the heated hot water to the thermal insulation tank 51 through a flow path.

[0036] The supply path mechanism 7 is a mechanism for supplying the curry contained in the storage tank 3 to the heating pot 500. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the supply path mechanism 7 has a first tube 71 as a first supply path and a second tube 72 as a second supply path.

[0037] The first tube 71 is a tube for supplying the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) to the heating pan 500 placed on the placement section 9 by the weight of the curry. The first tube 71 extends in the up-down direction (vertical direction) so that the upper end as one end is connected to the ingredient-containing region 311 (specifically, the first communication hole 311b of the ingredient-containing region 311). The first tube 71 is formed to allow the ingredients to pass through.

[0038] Meanwhile, second tube 72 is a tube for supplying the viscous liquid of curry contained in ingredient-free region 312 to heating pan 500 placed on mounting portion 9 by the weight of the liquid. Second tube 72 extends in the up-down direction (vertical direction) so that one end, i.e., the upper end, is connected to ingredient-free region 312 (specifically, second communication hole 312b of ingredient-free region 312). The flow path diameter of second tube 72 is smaller than the flow path diameter of first tube 71. This makes it possible to suppress variation in the amount of curry supplied and finely adjust the amount of viscous liquid supplied.

[0039] The valve mechanism 8 is a mechanism for opening and closing the flow path of the supply path mechanism 7. The valve mechanism 8 is housed in the lower case 22 so as not to be visible from the outside. As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the valve mechanism 8 has a first solenoid valve 81 as a first valve and a second solenoid valve 82 as a second valve.

[0040] The first solenoid valve 81 is provided in the first tube 71 so as to open and close the flow path of the first tube 71. The first solenoid valve 81 can supply curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) from the ingredient presence region 311 by opening the flow path of the first tube 71. On the other hand, the first solenoid valve 81 can stop the supply of curry from the ingredient presence region 311 by closing the flow path of the first tube 71. In this way, the first solenoid valve 81 can supply curry from the ingredient presence region 311 through the first tube 71 by its own weight, by opening and closing the flow path of the first tube 71.

[0041] The second solenoid valve 82 is provided in the second tube 72 so as to open and close the flow path of the second tube 72. The second solenoid valve 82 can supply the viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312 by opening the flow path of the second tube 72. On the other hand, the second solenoid valve 82 can stop the supply of the viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312 by closing the flow path of the second tube 72. In this way, the second solenoid valve 82 can supply the viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312 through the second tube 72 by its own weight by opening and closing the flow path of the second tube 72, so that the supply amount of the viscous liquid can be finely adjusted.

[0042] In this embodiment, the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 are automatically controlled by the controller 12, but this is not limited to this and may be manually controlled, for example, by a user as an employee of a restaurant.

[0043] The placement portion 9 is a placement portion for placing the heating pan 500. As shown in Fig. 1, the placement portion 9 is provided in the lower case 22 so as to be located below the storage tank 3.

[0044] Weight sensor 10 is a sensor for detecting the weight of heating pan 500 placed on placement section 9 (the combined weight of heating pan 500 and curry when curry is supplied to heating pan 500). As shown in FIG. 4, weight sensor 10 is built into placement section 9.

[0045] In this embodiment, the amount of curry supplied is detected using the weight sensor 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the amount of curry supplied may be detected using a flow meter. In this case, the flow meter is provided in the first tube 71 and the second tube 72.

[0046] The operation mechanism 11 is an operator for realizing operations on the food supply dispenser 200. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the operation mechanism 11 is provided on the top plate of the platform 1, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided, for example, on the front surface of the case member 2. As shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the operation mechanism 11 has a supply amount selection unit 111 and a supply start unit 112.

[0047] The supply amount selection unit 111 is an operation button for selecting the supply amount (for example, including extra large, large, regular, and small) of curry to be supplied to the heating pan 500. The supply start unit 112 is an operation button for allowing the start of supply of curry.

[0048] In this embodiment, the operation mechanism 11 is configured with a button-type operator having a supply amount selection unit 111 and a supply start unit 112. However, the operation mechanism 11 is not limited to this, and may be configured with, for example, a touch panel type operator.

[0049] The controller 12 is a controller for controlling the operation of the food supply dispenser 200 (specifically, the operation of each of the agitator 33 of the storage tank 3, the heat retention heater 52 of the heat retention mechanism 5, the boiler 6, the valve mechanism 8, and the operation mechanism 11). In this embodiment, the controller 12 is configured by a CPU as a computer, but is not limited to this and may be configured by, for example, a plurality of microcomputers. In addition, the controller 12 is electrically connected to the agitator 33, the heat retention heater 52, the boiler 6, the valve mechanism 8, the weight sensor 10, and the operation mechanism 11.

[0050] Further, in this embodiment, the controller 12 is provided inside the lower case 22, but this is not limiting and the controller 12 may be provided inside the loading platform 1, for example.

[0051] 5, controller 12 has an interface 121, a heating control module 122 as a heating control unit, a heat retention control module 123 as a heat retention control unit, an agitation control module 124 as an agitation control unit, a threshold determination module 125 as a threshold determination unit, a valve control module 126 as a valve control unit, a determination module 127 as a determination unit, and a memory module 128 as a storage unit. Each module of controller 12 may be configured by hardware or software.

[0052] Details of the interface 121, the heating control module 122, the keeping warm control module 123, the stirring control module 124, the threshold determination module 125, the valve control module 126 and the judgment module 127 will be described later.

[0053] The memory module 128 stores a threshold determination table (not shown) used for determining a threshold. The memory module 128 is a memory that temporarily stores information related to the weight output from the weight sensor 10. The memory module 128 also stores a processing program or an algorithm program executed in each of the modules 122 to 127. In this embodiment, the memory module 128 is built into the controller 12, but is not limited to this, and may be provided separately from the controller 12, for example.

[0054] (Configuration of heating mechanism and rocking mechanism) Next, the configurations of the heating mechanism 300 and the rocking mechanism 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0055] The heating mechanism 300 is a mechanism for heating the heating pan 500. As shown in Fig. 1, the heating mechanism 300 is composed of a plurality of induction heaters 301. The plurality of induction heaters 301 are embedded in the top plate of the carrier 1 so as to be formed in a ring shape (specifically, a circular ring shape).

[0056] The rocking mechanism 400 is a mechanism for rocking the heating pan 500. The rocking mechanism 400 is provided above the top plate of the platform 1. As shown in FIG. 1 , the rocking mechanism 400 has a motor housing case 401 as a motor housing section, a plurality of motors 402, and a plurality of rocking frames 403.

[0057] The motor housing case 401 is a case for housing a plurality of motors 402. The motor housing case 401 is provided above and at the rear of the top plate of the loading platform 1 so as to extend along the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0058] The multiple motors 402 are driving units for driving the multiple oscillating frames 403. The multiple motors 402 are housed in the motor housing case 401 such that the rotation shafts extend in the up-down direction (vertical direction) and are arranged in the left-right direction (longitudinal direction).

[0059] A plurality of oscillating frames 403 are provided above the top plate of the loading platform 1. The oscillating frames 403 are connected to the motor 402 via a drive transmission mechanism (not shown). The drive transmission mechanism converts the rotational drive of the motor 402 into a linear drive and transmits it to the oscillating frame 403. That is, the oscillating frame 403 is driven by the motor 402 via the drive transmission mechanism. This causes the oscillating frame 403 to oscillate in the horizontal direction. Specifically, the oscillating frame 403 moves back and forth along the front-rear direction (width direction).

[0060] Furthermore, the oscillating frame 403 has a holding frame 403a and a connecting frame 403b. The holding frame 403a is a frame for holding the heating pan 500. The holding frame 403a is formed in a C-shaped arc (or annular shape) so that the inner periphery abuts against the outer periphery of the heating pan 500. The connecting frame 403b is a connecting portion for connecting the holding frame 403a to the drive transmission mechanism. The connecting frame 403b is formed to extend along the front-rear direction (width direction).

[0061] (Configuration of the heating pot) Next, the configuration of the heating pan 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the heating pan 500. As shown in FIG.

[0063] The heating pan 500 is a container for containing the supplied curry. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the heating pan 500 has a pan body 501 and a handle 502.

[0064] Pot body 501 is compatible with induction heater 301, and is made of a material having high thermal conductivity, such as stainless steel, aluminum, iron, copper, or a combination of these metals. In order to increase the heating efficiency of pot body 501, it is preferable that the bottom wall of pot body 501 is flat. Pot body 501 may be a commonly available product. Pot body 501 is formed in a bottomed tubular shape (specifically, a bottomed cylindrical shape). Pot body 501 also has non-curry containing area 501a, curry containing area 501b, and tubular (specifically, cylindrical) separation wall 501c that separates non-curry containing area 501a from curry containing area 501b.

[0065] The curry non-accommodating region 501a is a region that does not accommodate curry. The curry non-accommodating region 501a is surrounded by the partition wall 501c and is formed in a columnar shape (specifically, a cylindrical shape). Therefore, the curry non-accommodating region 501a is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. And, the circular curry non-accommodating region 501a corresponds to a circular region formed on the inner periphery side of the induction heater 301, and is therefore a region that is difficult to heat by the induction heater 301. Since the curry non-accommodating region 501a, which is a region that is difficult to heat, does not accommodate curry, the efficiency of heating the curry can be improved.

[0066] Curry accommodating area 501b is an area for accommodating curry. Curry accommodating area 501b is formed in a tubular (specifically, cylindrical) shape having a predetermined thickness so as to surround non-curry accommodating area 501a. Therefore, curry accommodating area 501b is formed in an annular (specifically, circular) shape in a plan view. And, annular (specifically, circular) curry accommodating area 501b corresponds to an area of ​​annular (specifically, circular) induction heater 301, and is therefore an area that is easily heated by induction heater 301. Curry is accommodated in curry accommodating area 501b, which is an area that is easily heated, and therefore the efficiency of heating curry can be improved.

[0067] Then, the curry from the first tube 71 (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) and the viscous liquid from the second tube 72 are supplied to the curry containing area 501b of the heating pan 500 placed on the placement portion 9.

[0068] Handle 502 is a member that is gripped by a user. Handle 502 is attached to the peripheral wall of pot body 501. Handle 502 is preferably made of a material with low thermal conductivity.

[0069] (Food provision method) Next, a food providing method according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a food providing method.

[0071] When the food providing apparatus 100 is turned on, the food providing method starts.

[0072] 7, first, in step S1, the boiler 6 heats water supplied from the outside to hot water having a first predetermined temperature, supplies the heated hot water to the thermal insulation tank 51, and proceeds to step S2. Specifically, in step S1, the boiler 6 heats water supplied from the outside to hot water, and supplies the heated hot water to the thermal insulation tank 51 based on an operation command for the boiler 6 output from the heating control module 122 of the controller 12.

[0073] Next, in step S2, the user puts the retort curry pack by pack into the heat retention tank 51, warms (preheats) it with hot water, and proceeds to step S3. Specifically, before putting the retort curry into the ingredient-containing area 311 of the storage tank 3, the user puts the retort curry pack by pack into the heat retention tank 51, and warms (preheats) it with hot water for a predetermined period of time. This improves the heating efficiency of the curry compared to the case where the curry is put directly into the ingredient-containing area 311 of the storage tank 3 from the input port 4 and heated without preheating it.

[0074] Next, in step S3, the user pours the contents of the retort curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) that has been warmed (preheated) for a predetermined time directly into the storage tank 3 (specifically, ingredient-containing area 311) through the inlet 4, and then proceeds to step S4.

[0075] Then, the viscous liquid of the curry poured into ingredient-containing region 311 passes through through-hole 313a formed in partition wall 313 and flows into ingredient-free region 312. As a result, ingredient-containing region 311 and ingredient-free region 312 are filled with curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) and viscous liquid, respectively. Note that the viscous liquid contained in ingredient-free region 312 can also flow into ingredient-containing region 311 through through-hole 313a.

[0076] Next, in step S4, the agitator 33 agitates the curry contained in the storage tank 3, and the heater 52 maintains the temperature inside the storage tank 3 at the first temperature, and the process proceeds to step S5.

[0077] Specifically, in step S4, the agitator 33 agitates the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) and the viscous liquid contained in the ingredient-free region 312 based on an operation command for the agitator 33 output from the agitation control module 124 of the controller 12. This makes it possible to suppress temperature variations in the curry contained in the storage tank 3.

[0078] At the same time, the warming heater 52 maintains the temperature inside the holding tank 3 at the first temperature based on an operation command for the warming heater 52 output from the warming control module 123 of the controller 12.

[0079] Next, in step S5, the food supply dispenser 200 supplies curry to the heating pan 500 (that is, performs a food supply process), and the process proceeds to step S6. Note that step S5 will be described in detail later.

[0080] Next, in step S6, the induction heater 301 heats the heating pan 500 to which the curry has been supplied to a second temperature, and the rocking mechanism 400 rocks the heating pan 500 in the front-to-back direction (width direction), and the process proceeds to step S7. As a result, the curry supplied to the heating pan 500 can be heated evenly while rocking the heating pan 500, and the variation in temperature of the curry provided can be further suppressed. In addition, since the heating pan 500 is rocked by the rocking mechanism 400, the user's operability can be improved. The second temperature is a higher temperature than the first temperature.

[0081] Next, in step S7, the user serves the curry in the heated heating pan 500 onto a plate or the like as tableware to be provided to the customer, and serves the plate or the like on which the curry is served to the customer, thereby completing the food serving method.

[0082] (Food Supply Processing) Next, the food supply process (food supply method / ie, step S5) by the food supply dispenser 200 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0083] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the food supply process (ie, step S5).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S501, the threshold determination module 125 of the controller 12 determines a first threshold and a second threshold according to the supply amount (e.g., including extra large, large, regular, and small) selected by the user's operation on the supply amount selection unit 111, and proceeds to step S502.

[0085] The first threshold is a threshold for determining the amount of curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) supplied from the ingredient-containing region 311 through the first tube 71. On the other hand, the second threshold is a threshold for determining the amount of viscous liquid supplied from the ingredient-free region 312 through the second tube 72. The second threshold is a threshold greater than the first threshold.

[0086] Specifically, in step S501, the supply amount selection unit 111 outputs supply amount information relating to the supply amount selected by the user to the controller 12. Then, the threshold value determination module 125 of the controller 12 determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value according to the supply amount information output from the supply amount selection unit 111 via the interface 121. This makes it possible to make the first threshold value and the second threshold value variable, and therefore to variably control the supply amount of curry.

[0087] More specifically, in step S501, the threshold determination module 125 determines (selects) a first threshold and a second threshold corresponding to the supply amount information output from the supply amount selection unit 111 and a threshold determination table stored in the memory module 128.

[0088] Next, in step S502, the valve control module 126 of the controller 12 acquires the supply start command output from the supply start unit 112, and proceeds to step S503. Specifically, in step S502, the supply start unit 112 outputs a supply start command related to a supply start operation by the user to the supply start unit 112, to the valve control module 126 via the interface 121. Then, the valve control module 126 acquires the supply start command output from the supply start unit 112.

[0089] Next, in step S503, the valve control module 126 controls the first solenoid valve 81 to be opened based on the acquired supply start command, and proceeds to step S504. Specifically, in step S503, the valve control module 126 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 to open the first solenoid valve 81 and close the second solenoid valve 82 based on the supply start command.

[0090] Then, by opening the first solenoid valve 81, curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) can be supplied first from the ingredient-present region 311 to the curry-containing region 501b of the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71. At the same time, by closing the second solenoid valve 82, the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312 to the curry-containing region 501b by the second tube 72 is not performed. In other words, curry can be supplied first by the first tube 71 without supplying viscous liquid by the second tube 72.

[0091] In this way, when curry is supplied through first tube 71 without supplying viscous liquid through second tube 72, the amount of curry contained in ingredient-present region 311 decreases. Then, to compensate for this decrease, the viscous liquid contained in ingredient-free region 312 passes through through-hole 313a formed in partition wall 313 and flows into ingredient-present region 311.

[0092] Next, in step S504, the weight sensor 10 detects the total weight (hereinafter also referred to as weight) of the heating pot 500 placed on the placement portion 9 and the curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) supplied to the heating pot 500, and proceeds to step S505.

[0093] Specifically, in step S504, the weight sensor 10 detects the total weight of the heating pan 500 and the curry, and outputs the detected total weight to the controller 12. Then, the determination module 127 of the controller 12 obtains the total weight output from the weight sensor 10 via the interface 121.

[0094] Next, in step S505, the judgment module 127 judges whether the acquired total weight has reached the first threshold value output from the threshold value determination module 125. In step S505, if the total weight has reached the first threshold value (if Yes), that is, if the amount of curry supplied by the first tube 71 has reached the first predetermined supply amount corresponding to the first threshold value, a first judgment result notification notifying that effect is output to the valve control module 126, and the process proceeds to step S506. On the other hand, in step S505, if the total weight has not reached the first threshold value (if No), that is, if the amount of curry supplied by the first tube 71 has not reached the first predetermined supply amount, the process returns to step S503.

[0095] Next, if the total weight reaches the first threshold value (Yes), that is, if the amount of curry supplied by the first tube 71 reaches the first specified supply amount, in step S506, the valve control module 126 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 so as to close the first solenoid valve 81 and open the second solenoid valve 82 based on the first judgment result notification output from the judgment module 127, and proceeds to step S507.

[0096] This makes it possible to stop the supply of curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) from the ingredient-containing region 311 to the curry containing region 501b by the first tube 71. At the same time, viscous liquid can be supplied from the ingredient-free region 312 to the curry containing region 501b of the same heating pan 500 through the second tube 72. That is, after the first predetermined amount of curry is supplied by the first tube 71, the viscous liquid can be supplied by the second tube 72. Also, the supply of curry by the first tube 71 can be switched to the supply of viscous liquid by the second tube 72 automatically without any time loss.

[0097] In this way, when curry is not supplied by first tube 71 and viscous liquid is supplied by second tube 72, the amount of viscous liquid contained in ingredient-free region 312 decreases. Then, to compensate for this decrease, the viscous liquid of the curry contained in ingredient-containing region 311 passes through through-hole 313a formed in partition wall 313 and flows into ingredient-free region 312.

[0098] Next, in step S507, the weight sensor 10 detects the total weight of the heating pot 500 placed on the placement portion 9 and the curry supplied to the heating pot 500 (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid), and proceeds to step S508.

[0099] Specifically, in step S507, the weight sensor 10 detects the total weight of the heating pan 500 and the curry, and outputs the detected total weight to the controller 12. Then, the determination module 127 of the controller 12 obtains the total weight output from the weight sensor 10 via the interface 121.

[0100] Next, in step S508, the judgment module 127 judges whether the acquired total weight reaches the second threshold output from the threshold determination module 125. In step S508, if the total weight reaches the second threshold (if Yes), that is, if the supply amount of the viscous liquid through the second tube 72 reaches the second predetermined supply amount corresponding to the second threshold, a second judgment result notification notifying that fact is output to the valve control module 126, and the process proceeds to step S509. On the other hand, in step S508, if the total weight does not reach the second threshold (if No), that is, if the supply amount of the viscous liquid through the second tube 72 does not reach the second predetermined supply amount, the process returns to step S506. Note that the second predetermined supply amount is smaller than the first predetermined supply amount.

[0101] Next, when the total weight reaches the second threshold value (if Yes), that is, when the amount of viscous liquid supplied by second tube 72 reaches the second predetermined supply amount, in step S509, valve control module 126 controls the opening and closing of first solenoid valve 81 and second solenoid valve 82 so as to close first solenoid valve 81 and second solenoid valve 82 based on the second determination result notification output from determination module 127. Then, the food supply process (step S5) is terminated and the process returns to the food providing method shown in FIG.

[0102] This makes it possible to stop the supply of curry and viscous liquid from first tube 71 and second tube 72, so that the first predetermined supply amount of curry and the second predetermined supply amount of viscous liquid are supplied to the same heating pot 500 (specifically, curry containing area 501b). As a result, it is possible to supply curry to the same heating pot 500 (specifically, curry containing area 501b) while suppressing variation in the supply amount. The total weight of the first predetermined supply amount and the second predetermined supply amount is the supply amount of curry selected by the user through operation of supply amount selection unit 111.

[0103] (Effects of the embodiment) Next, the main effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0104] The food supply dispenser 200 of this embodiment comprises a storage tank 3 having an ingredient-containing area 311 for containing curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid, an ingredient-free area 312 for containing the viscous liquid, a partition wall 313 separating the ingredient-containing area 311 from the ingredient-free area 312, the partition wall 313 having a plurality of through holes 313a that communicate between the ingredient-containing area 311 and the ingredient-free area 312 and through which the viscous liquid can pass but the ingredients cannot, a first tube 71 that communicates with the ingredient-containing area 311 and supplies curry, a second tube 72 that communicates with the ingredient-free area 312 and supplies the viscous liquid, a first solenoid valve 81 provided in the first tube 71 for opening and closing the flow path of the first tube 71, and a second solenoid valve 82 provided in the second tube 72 for opening and closing the flow path of the second tube 72.

[0105] According to this configuration, the second solenoid valve 82 opens and closes the flow path of the second tube 72 connected to the ingredient-free region 312, so that the viscous liquid can be supplied from the ingredient-free region 312 through the second tube 72 by its own weight, and the supply amount of the viscous liquid can be finely adjusted. As a result, the variation in the supply amount of curry can be suppressed.

[0106] In this embodiment, the flow passage diameter of the second tube 72 is smaller than the flow passage diameter of the first tube 71.

[0107] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress variation in the amount of curry supplied and to finely adjust the amount of viscous liquid supplied.

[0108] In this embodiment, ingredient-present region 311 is formed in a columnar shape, and ingredient-free region 312 is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding ingredient-present region 311, and further includes a cylindrical heat-retaining tank 51 arranged to surround ingredient-free region 312.

[0109] According to this configuration, the entire holding tank 3 having the ingredient-present region 311 and the ingredient-absent region 312 can be evenly kept warm by the hot water contained in the heat-retaining tank 51.

[0110] In this embodiment, the heat retention tank 51 is configured as a heat retention tank 51 that contains hot water.

[0111] According to this configuration, the retort curry can be placed in the heat retention tank 51 pack by pack and warmed (preheated) with hot water, thereby improving the heating efficiency of the curry compared to when the curry is placed directly into the ingredient-containing area 311 of the storage tank 3 through the inlet 4 and heated without preheating.

[0112] In this embodiment, the ingredient-containing region 311 is provided with a mixer 33 for mixing the curry.

[0113] According to this configuration, the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 and the viscous liquid contained in the ingredient-free region 312 can be stirred, thereby suppressing variation in the temperature of the curry when it is supplied.

[0114] In this embodiment, the ingredient-containing region 311 has a funnel portion 311 a connected to the upper end of the first tube 71 .

[0115] According to this configuration, the curry contained in the ingredient-containing region 311 can be smoothly supplied by its own weight to the first tube 71. As a result, the curry ingredients are prevented from remaining at the bottom of the ingredient-containing region 311.

[0116] In this embodiment, an inlet 4 communicating with the outside and the ingredient-containing region 311 is further provided.

[0117] This configuration makes it possible to restrict curry from flowing into ingredient-free region 322 when it is poured into storage tank 3. As a result, clogging of second communication hole 312b by ingredients can be prevented.

[0118] In this embodiment, the device further includes a mounting section 9 provided below the storage tank 3 so that the heating pot 500 can be placed thereon, a weight sensor 10 provided on the mounting section 9 for detecting the weight of the heating pot 500 placed on the mounting section 9, and a controller 12 for controlling the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 in accordance with the weight detected by the weight sensor 10.

[0119] According to this configuration, the controller 12 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 in accordance with the weight detected by the weight sensor 10, and therefore can automatically control the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82. As a result, curry can be supplied to the heating pot 500 with reduced variation in the supply amount.

[0120] In this embodiment, the device further includes a supply start unit 112 that allows the start of supply of curry, and when the supply start unit 112 is operated, the controller 12 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 to supply curry from the ingredient-present area 311 through the first tube to the heating pan 500, and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, the controller 12 closes the first solenoid valve 81 to stop the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311, while opening the second solenoid valve 82 to supply viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 through the second tube 72 to the heating pan 500, and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the controller 12 closes the second solenoid valve 82 to stop the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312.

[0121] The food supply method of this embodiment is a food supply method used in a food supply dispenser 200, which further includes a supply start unit 112 that allows the start of supply of curry, and includes the steps of: when the supply start unit 112 is operated, supplying curry from the ingredient-present area 311 through the first tube 71 to the heating pan 500 by opening the first solenoid valve 81; when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, stopping the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311 by closing the first solenoid valve 81, while supplying viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 through the second tube to the heating pan 500 by opening the second solenoid valve 82; and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, stopping the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 by closing the second solenoid valve 82.

[0122] The program according to this embodiment is a program used for the operation of the food supply dispenser 200, which further includes a supply start unit 112 that allows the start of supplying curry, and causes the computer to execute the following steps when the supply start unit 112 is operated: supplying curry from the ingredient-present area 311 to the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71 by opening the first solenoid valve 81; when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, stopping the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311 by closing the first solenoid valve 81, while supplying viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 to the heating pan 500 through the second tube by opening the second solenoid valve 82; and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, stopping the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 by closing the second solenoid valve 82.

[0123] According to these configurations, when the supply start unit 112 is operated, the first solenoid valve 81 is opened to supply curry from the ingredient presence area 311 through the first tube to the heating pan 500, so that by opening the first solenoid valve 81, curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) can first be supplied from the ingredient presence area 311 to the curry containing area 501b of the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71.

[0124] In addition, when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches the first threshold value, the first solenoid valve 81 is closed to stop the supply of curry from the ingredient-containing region 311, while the second solenoid valve 82 is opened to supply the viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312 to the heating pan 500 through the second tube 72. Therefore, the supply of curry (specifically, curry containing ingredients and viscous liquid) from the ingredient-containing region 311 to the curry-containing region 501b through the first tube 71 is stopped, and the viscous liquid can be supplied from the ingredient-free region 312 to the curry-containing region 501b of the same heating pan 500 through the second tube 72. That is, after the first predetermined supply amount of curry is supplied through the first tube 71, the viscous liquid can be supplied through the second tube 72. Also, the supply of curry through the first tube 71 can be automatically switched to the supply of viscous liquid through the second tube 72 without any time loss.

[0125] Furthermore, when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the second solenoid valve 82 is closed to stop the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free region 312, so that the first predetermined supply amount of curry and the second predetermined supply amount of viscous liquid are supplied to the same heating pot 500. As a result, it is possible to supply curry to the same heating pot 500 while suppressing variation in the supply amount.

[0126] In this embodiment, the apparatus further includes a supply amount selection unit 111 that selects the amount of curry to be supplied, and the controller 12 determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value according to the supply amount selected by an operation on the supply amount selection unit 111.

[0127] According to this configuration, the first threshold value and the second threshold value can be made variable, so that the amount of curry supplied can be variably controlled.

[0128] In this embodiment, the system includes a heating mechanism 300 that heats a heating pan 500 into which curry is supplied by a food supply dispenser 200, and a rocking mechanism 400 that rocks the heating pan 500 above the heating mechanism 300.

[0129] According to this configuration, the curry supplied to the heating pan 500 can be heated evenly while the heating pan 500 is rocked, so that the variation in temperature of the curry provided can be further suppressed. In addition, since the heating pan 500 is rocked by the rocking mechanism 400, the user's operability can be improved.

[0130] (Food supply dispenser and food supply process according to the first modified example) Next, the food supply dispenser 200 and the food supply process (i.e., step S5) according to the first modified example will be described. Note that in the first modified example, the same points as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the points different from the above-mentioned embodiment will be mainly described.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the operation mechanism 11 is configured to include the supply amount selection unit 111 and the supply start unit 112. In contrast, in the first modified example, the operation mechanism 11 is configured to include the supply start unit 112 without including the supply amount selection unit 111. In this case, since the operation mechanism 11 does not include the supply amount selection unit 111, the controller 12 does not include the threshold determination module 125 corresponding to the supply amount selection unit 111. This allows the entire food supply dispenser 200 to be simplified.

[0132] On the other hand, in the above-described embodiment, the food supply process (i.e., step S5) includes steps S501 to S509. In contrast, in the first modified example, the food supply process (i.e., step S5) may include steps S502 to S509 without including step S501.

[0133] In this case, the controller 12 does not determine (select) the first and second thresholds, but controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 using the first and second thresholds stored in advance in the memory module 128. This can simplify the food supply process (i.e., step S5).

[0134] (Food supply dispenser and food supply process according to the second modified example) Next, the food supply dispenser 200 and the food supply process (i.e., step S5) according to the second modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that in the second modified example, the same points as those in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the points different from the above-mentioned embodiment will be mainly described.

[0135] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the food supply process (ie, step S5) according to the second modified example.

[0136] In the above-described embodiment, the operation mechanism 11 is configured to have the supply amount selection unit 111 and the supply start unit 112. In contrast, in the second modified example, the operation mechanism 11 is configured to have the supply amount selection unit 111 without having the supply start unit 112. In this case, the entire food supply dispenser 200 can be simplified.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, the food supply process (i.e., step S5) includes steps S501 to S509, whereas in the second modified example, the food supply process (i.e., step S5) includes steps S501A to S509A (see FIG. 9). Steps S501A and S504A to S509A in the second modified example are similar to steps S501 and S504 to S509 in the above-described embodiment, respectively, and therefore will not be described.

[0138] On the other hand, steps S502A and S503A in the second embodiment are different from steps S502 and S503 in the above-described embodiment, and therefore will be described below.

[0139] 9, in step S502A, weight sensor 10 determines whether or not it has detected the weight of heating pan 500. If weight sensor 10 has detected the weight of heating pan 500 in step S502A (if Yes), i.e., if heating pan 500 has been placed on placement section 9, it outputs a detection notification to controller 12 notifying that effect, and proceeds to step S503A. On the other hand, if weight sensor 10 has not detected the weight of heating pan 500 in step S502A (if Yes), i.e., if heating pan 500 is not placed on placement section 9, it returns to step S502A.

[0140] Next, in step S503A, the valve control module 126 of the controller 12 controls the first solenoid valve 81 to be opened based on the detection notification output from the weight sensor 10 via the interface 121, and proceeds to step S504A. Specifically, in step S503A, the valve control module 126 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 based on the detection notification so as to open the first solenoid valve 81 and close the second solenoid valve 82.

[0141] As shown in steps S502A and S503A, controller 12 controls first solenoid valve 81 to be opened based on a detection notification from weight sensor 10, so that supply start unit 112 of the above-described embodiment can be omitted. Then, without the user having to operate supply start unit 112, first solenoid valve 81 can be opened to supply curry through first tube 71 simply by placing heating pan 500 on placement unit 9. As a result, user operability can be improved.

[0142] (Effects of the second modified example) Next, a description will be given of the effects of the second modified example. Note that the same effects as those of the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the following mainly describes the effects that differ from those of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0143] In the food supply dispenser 200 of the second variant, the controller 12 controls the opening and closing of the first solenoid valve 81 and the second solenoid valve 82 so that, when the heating pot 500 is placed on the placement portion 9, the controller 12 opens the first solenoid valve 81 to supply curry from the ingredient-present area 311 through the first tube to the heating pot 500, and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, the controller 12 closes the first solenoid valve 81 to stop the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311, while the controller 12 opens the second solenoid valve 82 to supply viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 through the second tube 72 to the heating pot 500, and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, the controller 12 closes the second solenoid valve 82 to stop the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312.

[0144] The food supply method of the second modified example is a food supply method used in a food supply dispenser 200, and includes the steps of: when a heating pan 500 is placed on the placement portion 9, supplying curry from the ingredient-present area 311 to the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71 by opening the first solenoid valve 81; when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, closing the first solenoid valve 81 to stop the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311, while opening the second solenoid valve 82 to supply viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 to the heating pan 500 through the second tube; and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, closing the second solenoid valve 82 to stop the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312.

[0145] The program relating to the second modified example is a program used for the operation of the food supply dispenser 200, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: when a heating pan 500 is placed on the placement section 9, supplying curry from the ingredient-present area 311 to the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71 by opening the first solenoid valve 81; when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a first threshold value, closing the first solenoid valve 81 to stop the supply of curry from the ingredient-present area 311, while opening the second solenoid valve 82 to supply viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312 to the heating pan 500 through the second tube; and when the weight detected by the weight sensor 10 reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, closing the second solenoid valve 82 to stop the supply of viscous liquid from the ingredient-free area 312.

[0146] According to these configurations, when the heating pan 500 is placed on the placement section 9, the first solenoid valve 81 is opened to supply curry from the ingredient presence area 311 to the heating pan 500 through the first tube 71, making it possible to omit the supply start section 112 of the above-mentioned embodiment. Then, simply by placing the heating pan 500 on the placement section 9, the first solenoid valve 81 can be opened to supply curry through the first tube 71, without the user having to operate the supply start section 112. As a result, it is possible to improve the user's operability.

[0147] The present embodiment and each of the modified examples have been described above. However, the above embodiment and each of the modified examples merely show application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0148] 3 Storage tank (storage section) 4 Inlet 9 Placement section 10 Weight sensor (weight detection section) 12 Controller 33 Mixer 51 Heat retention tank (heat retention part) 71 First tube (first supply line) 72 Second tube (second supply line) 81 First solenoid valve 82 Second solenoid valve 100 Food serving equipment 111 Supply volume selection unit 112 Supply start section 200 Food Supply Dispenser 300 Heating mechanism 311 Ingredients area (first storage area) 311a Funnel 312 Ingredient-free area (second storage area) 313 Partition Wall 313a Through hole (communication hole) 400 Swing Mechanism

Claims

1. a storage section including a first storage area for storing a solid-liquid mixed food containing solids and liquids, a second storage area for storing the liquid, and a partition wall for separating the first storage area from the second storage area, the partition wall being formed with a plurality of communication holes that communicate the first storage area with the second storage area and through which the liquid can pass but the solids cannot pass; A heat retaining unit that keeps the storage unit warm with hot water; A lid that is removably attached to the upper part of the storage portion; A first supply passage communicating with the first storage area and supplying the solid-liquid mixed food; a second supply passage communicating with the second storage area and supplying the liquid; a first valve provided in the first supply passage and configured to open and close the first supply passage; a second valve provided in the second supply passage and configured to open and close the second supply passage; The warming unit can preheat a pack containing food by placing it in the hot water of the warming unit, The pack is inserted into and removed from the heat retaining section from the side where the lid is attached and detached. Food supply dispenser.

2. The first storage area is formed in a columnar shape, The second storage area is formed in a cylindrical shape surrounding the first storage area, The heat retaining portion is cylindrical and is provided so as to surround the second storage area.

2. The food supply dispenser of claim 1.

3. The heat retention unit is composed of a heat retention tank that contains the hot water.

3. A food supply dispenser according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Further, an input port is provided which communicates with the outside and the first storage area. A food supply dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The heat retention section is provided outside the storage section, A heater for keeping the hot water warm is provided on the inside of the wall of the heat retaining section or on the outside of the wall of the storage section, A pack storage section for storing the pack is formed between the heat retention heater and a wall of the heat retention section or a wall of the storage section facing the heat retention heater. A food supply dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A placement section provided below the storage section so that a container can be placed thereon; a weight detection unit provided on the placement unit and detecting a weight of the container placed on the placement unit; and a controller that controls opening and closing of the first valve and the second valve in response to the weight detected by the weight detection unit. A food supply dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A supply start unit that allows the start of supply of the solid-liquid mixed food is further provided, The controller: When the supply start unit is operated, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the first valve is closed to stop the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area, and the second valve is opened to supply the liquid from the second storage area through the second supply path to the container; when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, opening and closing of the first valve and the second valve is controlled so as to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area by closing the second valve.

7. The food supply dispenser of claim 6.

8. The controller: When the container is placed on the placement section, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the first valve is closed to stop the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area, and the second valve is opened to supply the liquid from the second storage area through the second supply path to the container; when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, opening and closing of the first valve and the second valve is controlled so as to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area by closing the second valve.

7. The food supply dispenser of claim 6.

9. Further comprising a supply amount selection unit for selecting the supply amount of the solid-liquid mixed food, The controller determines the first threshold value and the second threshold value in accordance with a supply amount selected by an operation on the supply amount selection unit. A food supply dispenser according to claim 7 or 8.

10. A food supply dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9; a heating mechanism for heating a container into which the solid-liquid mixed food is dispensed by the food dispenser; A rocking mechanism that rocks the container above the heating mechanism. Food serving equipment.

11. 7. A food dispensing method for use with the food dispensing dispenser of claim 6, comprising the steps of: The food supply dispenser further includes a supply start unit that allows the start of supply of the solid-liquid mixed food, When the supply start unit is operated, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area is stopped by closing the first valve, and the liquid is supplied from the second storage area to the container through the second supply path by opening the second valve. and when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, closing the second valve to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area. Food supply method.

12. 7. A food dispensing method for use with the food dispensing dispenser of claim 6, comprising the steps of: When the container is placed on the placement section, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area is stopped by closing the first valve, and the liquid is supplied from the second storage area to the container through the second supply path by opening the second valve. and when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, closing the second valve to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area. Food supply method.

13. A program for use in the operation of the food supply dispenser of claim 6, comprising: The food supply dispenser further includes a supply start unit that allows the start of supply of the solid-liquid mixed food, On the computer, When the supply start unit is operated, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area is stopped by closing the first valve, and the liquid is supplied from the second storage area to the container through the second supply path by opening the second valve. and when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value higher than the first threshold value, closing the second valve to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area. program.

14. A program for use in the operation of the food supply dispenser of claim 6, comprising: On the computer, When the container is placed on the placement section, the first valve is opened to supply the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area through the first supply path to the container; When the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a first threshold value, the supply of the solid-liquid mixed food from the first storage area is stopped by closing the first valve, and the liquid is supplied from the second storage area to the container through the second supply path by opening the second valve. and when the weight detected by the weight detection unit reaches a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, closing the second valve to stop the supply of the liquid from the second storage area. program.

15. A storage section having a first storage area for storing a solid-liquid mixed food containing solids and liquids, a second storage area for storing the liquid, and a partition wall that connects the first storage area with the second storage area and has a plurality of communication holes through which the liquid can pass but the solids cannot pass, and that separates the first storage area from the second storage area; A heat retaining unit that keeps the storage unit warm with hot water; A lid that is removably attached to the upper part of the storage portion; A first supply passage communicating with the first storage area and supplying the solid-liquid mixed food; a second supply passage communicating with the second storage area and supplying the liquid; a first valve provided in the first supply passage and configured to open and close the first supply passage; a second valve provided in the second supply passage and configured to open and close the second supply passage; Equipped with A method of using a food supply dispenser that allows a pack containing food to be put into and taken out of the warming section from the side where the lid is attached and detached, comprising: The pack is preheated by placing it in the hot water of the heat retaining section; The food in the pack that has been warmed in the warming section is placed in the storage section. How to Use a Food Supply Dispenser.

Images