Shari ball processing device and sari ball processing method

Abstract

To shorten a providing time of commodities according to an order condition in rice ball processing.SOLUTION: In a rice ball molding and conveying device M, a threshold level of the number of leftover plates is previously set, and when the input number of leftover plates is less than the threshold level, an intermittent feed pitch of a second conveyor 30-2 is made relatively long, and when the number is equal to or more than the threshold level, an intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is made relatively short. With this, in an off-season when the number of leftover plates is small, an intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is made relatively long so as to shorten a time for a plate D on which rice balls R are placed to reach a work bench 50 along the second conveyor 30-2 and a providing time of commodities. On the other hand, in a busy season when the number of leftover plates is large, an intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is made relatively short so as to increase the number of plates D on the second conveyor 30-2, and ingredients can be continuously and quickly dished up on rice balls R of the plurality of plates D so as to shorten a providing time of commodities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rice ball processing device and a rice ball processing method, and relates to a technology for producing nigiri sushi by, for example, placing formed rice balls on a plate or tray and placing sushi toppings or the like on the rice balls while they are being transported. [Background technology]

[0002] In the backroom or kitchen of a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, the sushi balls formed by a sushi ball forming machine are automatically transferred onto plates by a transfer machine. The plates with the sushi balls are then transported intermittently by a conveyor, and during the transport, a topping worker places sushi ingredients and toppings on the sushi balls.

[0003] The intermittent feed pitch of the trays on which the sushi rice balls are placed can be set arbitrarily, but changing the intermittent feed pitch requires manually changing the set value each time. However, changing the set value of the intermittent feed pitch requires an experienced person to determine the optimal timing, and since this work is done manually, it is a time-consuming and tedious task. For this reason, the set value of the intermittent feed pitch is rarely changed manually, and in practice, the intermittent feed pitch is fixed at the intermittent feed pitch set when the sushi rice ball processing device was first put into operation.

[0004] Such rice ball processing devices are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-143153 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-117527 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-117529 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Meanwhile, conveyor belt sushi restaurants and the like must take various measures to serve products depending on the number of customers, etc. For example, immediately after the restaurant opens or during idle hours, it is necessary to speed up the time it takes to serve products to customers by quickly transporting plates with rice balls to the topping workers.

[0007] Also, for example, during busy periods when orders come in continuously, it is necessary to keep as many plates with sushi rice balls on the conveyor as possible so that the toppings can be placed continuously and the products can be served in a short time. Furthermore, for example, when the supply of products is delayed during busy periods, it is necessary to keep a large number of plates on hand, as assistant workers may be called in to help.

[0008] However, as mentioned above, in the rice ball processing device, the pitch at which the trays on which the rice balls are placed are intermittently fed is fixed, and therefore the set value may not necessarily be appropriate in response to changes in the order situation.

[0009] For example, if the intermittent feed pitch is increased, the number of intermittent feeds will decrease and the time it takes for the plates carrying the sushi rice to reach the workers who place the toppings will be shorter, so this may be an appropriate pitch setting immediately after the store opens or during idle periods.However, since the number of plates that can be held on the transport conveyor will decrease, the time it takes to provide products will be delayed in situations where continuous work is required, such as during busy periods.

[0010] Also, for example, if the intermittent feed pitch is shortened, the number of intermittent feeds increases and the number of plates that can be held on the transport conveyor can be increased, so this can be said to be an appropriate pitch setting during busy periods, but the increased number of intermittent feeds will delay the time it takes for the plates to reach the workers who place the ingredients, so the time it takes to provide products will be delayed immediately after opening or during idle periods.

[0011] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned technical background, and aims to provide a technology that can shorten the time required to provide products in rice ball processing depending on the order status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to solve the above problems, the rice ball processing device of the present invention described in claim 1 comprises: rice ball forming means for forming rice balls; rice ball transfer means, which is installed adjacent to the rice ball forming means and transfers the rice balls formed by the rice ball forming means to containers; container supply means for supplying the containers to a position where the rice balls are transferred; conveying means, which is installed adjacent to the rice ball forming means and the rice ball transfer means and conveys the containers with the rice balls placed therein at a predetermined intermittent feed pitch; and a conveying means, which is installed along the conveying means and conveys ingredients on the rice balls placed in the containers to prepare products. The manufacturing system is characterized by comprising a workbench on which the manufacturing work is performed, an input means for inputting the production quantity of the product, and a control means for controlling the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the product input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value, so as to be longer than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the product input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value, and so as to make the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the product input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value shorter than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the product input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value, using a threshold value for the production quantity of the product as a boundary.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention as set forth in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the rice ball processing device as set forth in claim 1, a plurality of the threshold values are set.

[0014] Furthermore, the present invention as described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the rice ball processing device as described in claim 1 or 2, the input means is at least one of an input section provided in the rice ball forming means and a communication terminal for inputting via wire or wirelessly.

[0015] The rice ball processing method of the present invention as set forth in claim 4 includes a step of forming rice balls with a rice ball forming means, a step of supplying a container for transferring the rice balls to a rice ball transfer position, a step of transferring the rice balls to the container at the rice ball transfer position, a transport step of transporting the container with the rice balls placed therein at a determined intermittent feed pitch, a step of placing ingredients on the rice balls placed in the container while the container with the rice balls placed therein is being transported, a step of manufacturing a product, a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for the production quantity of the product, and a step of inputting the production quantity of the product from an input means. and a production quantity input step for inputting a production quantity of the commodity input from the input means, wherein the transport step comprises a step of transporting the container with the sushi rice balls placed thereon at an intermittent feed pitch longer than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention as set forth in claim 5 is characterized in that in the rice ball processing method as set forth in claim 4, a plurality of threshold values are set in the threshold value setting step.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention as set forth in claim 6 is characterized in that in the sushi rice ball processing method as set forth in claim 4 or 5, in the production quantity input step, the production quantity of the product is input by an input unit provided in the sushi rice ball forming means or by a wired or wireless communication terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, in the processing of rice balls, it is possible to shorten the time required to provide products depending on the order situation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1]1 is a plan view of an example of a rice ball forming and transferring device according to an embodiment of the present invention when conveying a plate. FIG. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1, seen obliquely from the front. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a main part of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of one row of a stock section constituting a plate supplying device of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view of one row of a stock section constituting a plate supplying device of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6(a) is an enlarged plan view of the main part of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 6(b) is an enlarged plan view of the first conveyor of the transfer conveyor of FIG. 6(a). [Figure 7] 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views taken along line II and line II-II in FIG. 6(b), respectively. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view of a main part showing the internal structure of a transfer machine of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of a gripping part of the transfer machine of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of a gripping part of the transfer machine of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 2 is a circuit block diagram of an example of a main part of a control unit of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 12] (a) is a plan view of the essential parts of an example of a display screen on the display unit of a sushi rice ball forming and transferring device when communication is stopped, (b) is a plan view of the essential parts of an example of a display screen on the display unit of a sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the off-season, and (c) is a plan view of the essential parts of an example of a display screen on the display unit of a sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the busy season. [Figure 13] (a) is a plan view showing an example of the intermittent feed pitch of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the off-season, and (b) to (e) are plan views showing an example of the change in the intermittent feed pitch of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the busy season. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0021] An example of the structure of the rice ball forming and transferring device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an example of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device of this embodiment when transferring a plate, FIG. 2 is an oblique view of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 1 seen diagonally from the front, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged oblique view of the main parts of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG. 2.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the rice ball forming and transferring device (rice ball processing device) M of this embodiment is a device that forms rice balls R and transfers the formed rice balls R to plates (containers) D to produce products such as nigiri sushi, and is equipped with a rice ball forming machine (rice ball forming means) 10, a plate supply machine (container supply means) 20, a transport conveyor 30, a transfer machine (rice ball transfer means) 40, and a work table 50.

[0024] In the illustrated example, the sushi rice ball forming machine 10, plate supply machine 20, transport conveyor 30, and transfer machine 40 are installed on a common table, which is the work table 50, but this is not limitative. Also, while a round plate D is used as an example of a container, this is not limitative as long as it can accommodate the sushi rice balls R, and other shaped containers, such as a square plate or an oval tray, can also be used.

[0025] The sushi rice ball forming machine 10 is a device that automatically forms sushi rice balls R, and is provided at its top with a hopper 12 into which cooked rice (such as vinegared rice) is poured by opening a pouring lid 11. Below the hopper 12 is provided a mechanism (not shown) that loosens the cooked rice supplied from the hopper 12, measures and divides it into predetermined weights to form cooked rice blocks, and pours these into forming holes 13a in a turntable 13 below. Also provided on the front is a liquid crystal touch panel in which an input unit IP and a display unit DP are integrated together.

[0026] The lowest turntable 13 is formed, for example, in the shape of a cylindrical plate and is provided so as to be able to rotate intermittently in one direction (for example, counterclockwise) with its circular upper surface facing upward. A plurality of (for example, 10) shaping holes 13a are formed in the circular upper surface of this turntable 13 at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction. As the turntable 13 rotates, a lump of cooked rice is placed in this shaping hole 13a and pressed by a lower shaping mold in the shaping hole 13a and an upper shaping mold (shaping member: not shown) above it, to form a roughly cylindrical bale-shaped rice ball R.

[0027] Each forming hole 13a of the turntable 13 is formed, for example, in an elliptical or oval shape in a plan view. Each forming hole 13a is arranged with its longitudinal direction aligned along the radial direction of the turntable 13, and is generally arranged radially on the circular upper surface of the turntable 13. However, it is sufficient for the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 to be able to press cooked rice blocks to form sushi rice balls R, and it is not limited to a structure including a turntable 13 as in this embodiment. Furthermore, the shape of the sushi rice balls R to be formed does not have to be approximately cylindrical as in this embodiment, and may be, for example, approximately spherical sushi rice balls known as temari sushi.

[0028] A plate supply machine 20 is provided on the rear side of the rice ball forming machine 10. The plate supply machine 20 is a mechanism for supplying plates D onto the transfer conveyor 30. The stock section 21 of this plate supply machine 20 is provided with, for example, three plate supply rows, and each plate supply row stocks a plurality of round plates D stacked vertically. The plates D in each plate supply row of the stock section 21 are dropped one by one from the bottom onto the plate supply conveyor 22 by a plate removal mechanism (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) described below, and are then supplied to the first conveyor 30-1 of the transfer conveyor 30 via the plate supply conveyor 22.

[0029] In stock section 21, for example, three different colored plates D are stocked in different plate supply rows so that the price of the sushi offered to customers can be determined by the color of the plate D. The number of plate supply rows in stock section 21 is not limited to three, but for example, reducing the number of plate supply rows in stock section 21 by one row to make it a supply row for other shaped containers such as trays (i.e., reducing the number of rows to fewer than three) may result in a shortage of round plates D, so from that perspective, it is preferable to have three or more rows.

[0030] 4 and 5 show cross-sectional views of one row of the stock section that constitutes the plate supplying device of the rice ball forming and transferring device of FIG.

[0031] The above-mentioned plate removal mechanism 23 is installed in each of the plate supply rows of the stock section 21 that constitutes the plate supply machine 20. As shown in Fig. 4, a pair of rollers 23a, 23b is installed in each plate removal mechanism 23 so that they can rotate about a rotation axis. Grooves 23c, 23c recessed in the radial direction of the rollers 23a, 23b are formed on the outer peripheral side surfaces of the pair of rollers 23a, 23b and extending along the axial direction (longitudinal direction) of the rollers 23a, 23a.

[0032] When a dish D is being held, the grooves 23c, 23c of the rollers 23a, 23b are positioned to face each other, and part of the outer periphery of the lowest dish D in the stock section 21 fits into each of the grooves 23c, 23c, thereby holding the lowest dish D. In addition, the dish D one level above the lowest dish D is held with part of the underside of its outer periphery resting on the upper outer periphery of the rollers 23a, 23b.

[0033] Each tray removal mechanism 23 is also equipped with a motor 23d. As shown in Fig. 5, a gear 23e is connected to a rotation shaft 23d1 of this motor 23d. This gear 23e is connected to an adjacent gear 23f via an adjacent idler gear (not shown). This gear 23f is connected to one axial end of one roller 23b (see Fig. 4). The roller 23b rotates in the same direction as the motor 23d via gear 23f, the idler gear, and gear 23e.

[0034] The idler gear described above is coaxial with the belt pulley 23g and is integrally installed on the far side of the paper in FIG. 5 relative to the pulley 23g. The belt pulley 23g is mechanically connected to the pulley 23i via the belt 23h. The pulley 23i is connected to one axial end of the other roller 23a. The other roller 23a rotates in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the motor 23d via the pulley 23i, the belt 23h, the pulley 23g, the idler gear, and the gear 23e.

[0035] In such a plate removal mechanism 23, when the pair of rollers 23a, 23b are rotated in the directions facing each other by controlling the rotation of motor 23d, the grooves 23c, 23c of each roller 23a, 23b face downward, making it possible to drop the lowest plate D held in the grooves 23c, 23c onto the plate supply conveyor 22. Note that when the pair of rollers 23a, 23b are further rotated in the same direction by controlling the rotation of motor 23d, the plate D one plate above the dropped lowest plate D is held in the grooves 23c, 23c during that rotation.

[0036] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the transport conveyor 30 is a mechanism that transports the plates D supplied from the plate supply machine 20 to a transfer position for the sushi rice balls R, and is installed to the side of the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 while overlapping with one of the plate supply rows of the plate supply machine 20.

[0037] Here, Figure 6(a) is an enlarged plan view of the main parts of the rice ball forming and transferring device of Figure 1, Figure 6(b) is an enlarged plan view of the first conveyor of the transport conveyor of Figure 6(a), and Figures 7(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of line II and line II-II of Figure 6(b), respectively.

[0038] 1 to 3 and 6(a), the transfer conveyor 30 includes a first conveyor 30-1 and a second conveyor (transport means) 30-2 arranged in series downstream of the first conveyor 30-1. By arranging the first conveyor 30-1 and the second conveyor 30-2 in series along their longitudinal directions in this manner, it is possible to flexibly handle the transportation of long containers such as trays.

[0039] The first conveyor 30-1 is a conveying means located upstream in the conveying direction and conveys the plates D to a position where the rice balls R are transferred by the transfer machine 40. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the first conveyor 30-1 includes a guide rail GL that guides the conveyance of the plates D, and a conveying belt B1 that moves the plates D along the extension direction of the guide rail GL.

[0040] The guide rail GL is installed so as to extend along the conveying direction of the dish D. Guide portions G, G are formed on both ends of the width direction (short direction) on the upper surface of this guide rail GL. These guide portions G, G are formed by bending both ends of the width direction of the upper surface of the guide rail GL upward. The dish D is conveyed in a stable state with its bottom sandwiched between the guide portions G, G.

[0041] However, it is sufficient that the guide portions G, G of the guide rail GL have the function of guiding both sides of the dish D during transport, and the upper surface of the guide rail GL does not have to be bent at both widthwise ends as in this embodiment. For example, walls that stand up at an interval slightly wider than the width of the dish D may be provided along the extension direction of the guide rail GL on both widthwise sides of the upper surface of the guide rail GL.

[0042] The conveying belt B1 is, for example, an endless belt, and is installed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide rail GL at the center of the width of the guide rail GL, while being stretched over a pair of rotating rollers (not shown) that are rotatably arranged at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the first conveyor 30-1.

[0043] A motor (not shown) is mechanically connected to one of the pair of rotating rollers around which the conveyor belt B1 is stretched. The rotation of the motor rotates the conveyor belt B1 between the pair of rotating rollers, and the plates D on the conveyor belt B1 move along the extension direction of the first conveyor 30-1.

[0044] This motor is, for example, a servo motor. However, the motor is not limited to a servo motor as long as it is capable of controlling the positioning of the dish D, and other motors such as a stepping motor can also be used.

[0045] On the surface of this conveyor belt B1, a plurality of protrusions (profiles) P are formed at predetermined intervals (profile pitch) along the extension direction of the conveyor belt B1 to determine the position of the dish D when the dish D is placed on the upper surface of the guide rail GL (conveyor belt B1). This profile pitch is usually set to match the length of the dish D in the conveying direction.

[0046] The first conveyor 30-1 operates in response to detection information from a sensor (not shown) of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M. That is, when the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M determines based on a detection signal from the sensor that a plate D is not present at the transfer position for the sushi rice balls R, it drives the transport belt B1 of the first conveyor 30-1 to send the plate D from the plate supply machine 20 to the transfer position. When the sensor determines based on a detection signal that a plate D is present at the transfer position for the sushi rice balls R, it stops driving the transport belt B1 of the first conveyor 30-1 to make the plate D wait at the transfer position.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the second conveyor 30-2 is located downstream in the conveying direction and is a conveying means that conveys plates D onto which rice balls R have been transferred by the transfer machine 40 to a work table 50 (see Figure 1) installed along the second conveyor 30-2. The work table 50 is an area where ingredients such as sushi toppings and other ingredients are placed on the rice balls R to produce products.

[0048] The conveying belt B2 of the second conveyor 30-2 is, for example, an endless belt, and is installed so as to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second conveyor 30-2, suspended over a pair of rotating rollers 30R (see Figure 2) that are freely rotatably arranged at both ends of the longitudinal direction of the second conveyor 30-1.

[0049] A motor (not shown) is mechanically connected to one of the pair of rotating rollers 30R around which the conveyor belt B2 is stretched. The rotation of the motor rotates the conveyor belt B2 between the pair of rotating rollers 30R, and the plates D on the conveyor belt B2 move along the extension direction of the second conveyor 30-2.

[0050] This motor is, for example, a servo motor, but the motor is not limited to a servo motor, and other motors such as a stepping motor can also be used.

[0051] The second conveyor 30-2 operates intermittently. That is, the second conveyor 30-2 moves the plates D on the conveyor belt B2 by alternately driving (moving) and stopping. The conveying pitch during the intermittent operation of the second conveyor 30-2 (i.e., the distance the plates D move in one drive, hereinafter referred to as the "intermittent feed pitch") is constant. In this embodiment, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 can be automatically changed depending on the situation in the store, etc. This will be explained in more detail later.

[0052] In the second conveyor 30-2 of this embodiment, the conveying speed can be changed by the operator, but the conveying speed may also be fixed (unchangeable).

[0053] Next, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the transfer machine 40 is a mechanism that transfers the sushi rice balls R formed by the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 to a plate D waiting at a transfer position for the sushi rice balls R, and is equipped with a gripping unit 41 that transfers the sushi rice balls R to the plate D.

[0054] The gripping portion 41 is provided with a pair of chucks 41a, 41a that grip the rice balls R. The pair of chucks 41a, 41a are installed in a state that allows them to open and close, move up and down, and rotate in both forward and reverse directions along a horizontal plane.

[0055] Here, Figure 8 is an oblique view of the main parts showing the internal structure of the transfer machine of the rice ball forming and transferring device of Figure 1, Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the gripping part of the transfer machine of Figure 8, and Figure 10 is an exploded oblique view of the main parts of the gripping part of the transfer machine of Figure 8.

[0056] 8, the gripping unit 41 slides on rails 44 on a belt 43 that is rotated in both forward and reverse directions by a motor 42, allowing it to move back and forth linearly along a line connecting the gripping position of the sushi rice balls R in the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 and the transfer position of the sushi rice balls R onto a tray D transported by the first conveyor 30-1. The motor 42 of the gripping unit 41 is a servo motor. However, the motor 42 is not limited to a servo motor as long as it can control the positioning of the gripping unit 41.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the pair of chucks 41a of the gripper 41 are supported by a support 41b in an openable and closable state. The pair of chucks 41a are opened and closed by an open / close motor 41c disposed above the chuck 41a and a tension spring (not shown) interposed between the chucks 41a. Specifically, an open / close shaft 41e is connected to a cam 41d directly connected to the rotation shaft of the open / close motor 41c. The open / close shaft 41e moves up and down as the cam 41d rotates. When the open / close shaft 41e moves downward, a chuck open / close plate 41f (see FIG. 10) above the chuck 41a is pressed down, opening the pair of chucks 41a. When the pressing force of the open / close shaft 41e against the chuck open / close plate 41f is released, the pair of chucks 41a is closed by the action of the tension spring between the pair of chucks 41a.

[0058] 9, the pair of chucks 41a, 41a are supported by the gripping part 41 in a state in which they can move up and down (raise and lower). The chuck 41a is raised and lowered by transmitting the rotational power of the lifting motor 41g to the crank 41i via the gear 41h. That is, when the rotation shaft of the lifting motor 41g rotates, the crank 41i moves up and down, and thus the support body 41b and the pair of chucks 41a, 41a, which are mechanically connected to the crank 41i, move up and down.

[0059] Furthermore, the pair of chucks 41a, 41a are supported by the gripping part 41 in a state in which they can rotate along a horizontal plane. The rotation mechanism of the chuck 41a is configured to rotate a rod 41j, which is disposed in the vertical direction and supports the chuck 41a of the gripping part 41, by a rotation motor 41k. In other words, the chuck 41a and the rod 41j that supports it are supported by the gripping part 41 in a state in which they can rotate along a horizontal plane.

[0060] A rotation motor 41k is mounted on the outer periphery of the rod 41j. A rotation motor gear 41m connected to the rotary shaft of the rotation motor 41k is mechanically engaged with a rotation driven gear 41n attached to the outer periphery of the upper part of the rod 41j. When the rotation motor 41k rotates, rotational power is transmitted to the rod 41j via the rotation motor gear 41m and the rotation driven gear 41n, causing the rod 41j to rotate about its axis in a horizontal plane. Here, a pair of chucks 41a, 41a are located at the rotation center of the rod 41j.

[0061] The rotation motor 41k and various gears move up and down together with the up and down movement of the chuck 41a. The rod 41j is hollow, and the opening / closing shaft 41e is installed in the hollow so that it can move up and down. However, the rotation mechanism is not limited to this.

[0062] As described above, the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M of this embodiment is configured so that the transfer machine 40 transfers the sushi rice balls R to the tray D waiting at the transfer position for the sushi rice balls R. This gives the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 versatility and flexibility. As a result, it can be used not only as one component of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M that transfers the sushi rice balls R to the tray D, but also as a standalone device. Furthermore, when a tray or the like is used as a container, even if there is a depression or the like in the center of the tray widthwise along the tray's conveyance direction, the sushi rice balls R can be transferred to the tray while avoiding this depression.

[0063] Next, an example of the configuration of a control unit that controls the operation of the rice ball forming and transferring device M of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a circuit block diagram of a main part of an example of a control unit of the rice ball forming and transferring device of Fig. 1.

[0064] The control unit (control means) MC controls the operation of the rice ball forming and transferring device M and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 80a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 80b, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 80c, a plurality of drive circuits 80d-1 to 80d-6, a detection circuit 80e, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) 80f, an interface 80g, and a communication interface 80h. These units are electrically connected to one another via a bus line 80i.

[0065] The ROM 80b stores software (control programs) for controlling the operation of the rice ball forming and transferring device M. The RAM 80c stores various data necessary for the CPU 80a to operate, and also temporarily stores product order data received from the input unit (input means) IP (see also Figures 2 and 3) or the wired or wireless communication terminal (input means) CC.

[0066] In this embodiment, the input unit IP and the communication terminal CC are provided as input means, but either the input unit IP or the communication terminal CC may be provided. In other words, it is sufficient that at least either the input unit IP or the communication terminal CC is provided.

[0067] The CPU 80a controls the operation of each part, such as the drive circuits 80d-1 to 80d-6, the detection circuit 80e, the interface 80g and the communication interface 80h, in accordance with the control program stored in the ROM 80b and in response to information sent from the input unit IP, the communication terminal CC and the sensor unit SE.

[0068] The display unit DP (see also Figures 2 and 3) is configured, for example, as a liquid crystal panel, and is electrically connected to the CPU 80a through a drive circuit 80d-1 for driving the display unit. The input unit IP is configured, for example, as described above, as a liquid crystal touch panel integrated with the display unit DP, and is electrically connected to the CPU 80a through an interface 80g. By integrating the display unit DP and the input unit IP, the rice ball forming and transferring device M can be simplified. However, the display unit DP and the input unit IP can also be configured as separate units. In that case, other input devices such as a keyboard can also be used as the input unit IP.

[0069] The communication terminal CC is, for example, a tablet terminal for ordering products, and is installed near the cash register operated by an employee or in the kitchen where workers prepare products such as nigiri sushi. Multiple communication terminals CC are installed, but only one communication terminal CC is shown in Figure 11 to make the drawing easier to understand. This communication terminal CC can communicate with the communication interface 80h and is electrically connected to the CPU 80a through the communication interface 80h.

[0070] The sensor unit SE is a detector provided in the rice ball forming machine 10, the plate supply machine 20, the transfer machine 40, etc. Although multiple sensor units SE are installed in each device, only one sensor unit SE is shown in Figure 11 for ease of viewing. The various sensor units SE are electrically connected to the CPU 80a via a detection circuit 80e.

[0071] The EEPROM 80f stores various setting data for the rice ball forming and transferring device M and detection data from the sensor unit SE. This setting data includes threshold data for the production quantity of products. This threshold production quantity is a numerical value that serves as a branching criterion when automatically changing the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 of the transfer conveyor 30, and is stored, for example, as the number of remaining plates. This number of remaining plates indicates the number of plates remaining that have not been delivered to the customer, and corresponds to the number of products ordered.

[0072] The threshold value for the production quantity of this product can be input by an operator, for example, via input unit IP. It is also possible to set one or more threshold values. However, since there is a limit to the number of trays D that can be held on second conveyor 30-2 depending on the length of second conveyor 30-2 and there is also a lower limit to the intermittent feed pitch, if multiple threshold values can be set, an instruction to prohibit this is displayed on display unit DP if there is a problem with the value or number of threshold values that are set.

[0073] Alternatively, multiple candidate thresholds for the production quantity of a product may be stored in the ROM 80b or the like and displayed on the LCD touch panel, allowing the operator to select one or more thresholds from the displayed candidate thresholds. This makes it easier for the operator to set the thresholds.

[0074] The rice ball forming machine 10, the plate supplying machine 20, and the transfer machine 40 are electrically connected to the CPU through drive circuits 80d-2 to 80d-4, respectively. The drive circuits 80d-2 to 80d-4 control the various operations of the rice ball forming machine 10, the plate supplying machine 20, and the transfer machine 40 based on commands from the CPU 80a.

[0075] The first conveyor 30-1 and the second conveyor 30-2 are electrically connected to the CPU 80a via drive circuits 80d-5 and 80d-6, respectively. The drive circuits 80d-5 and 80d-6 control the operation of the first conveyor 30-1 and the second conveyor 30-2 based on commands from the CPU 80a.

[0076] In this embodiment, the control unit MC controls the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 to be relatively longer when the production quantity of the product input from the input unit IP or the communication terminal CC is smaller than the preset production quantity threshold, and to be relatively shorter when the input production quantity of the product is equal to or greater than the preset production quantity threshold.

[0077] As a result, in this embodiment, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 can be automatically set to an appropriate pitch depending on the situation in the store, thereby reducing the time it takes to provide products such as nigiri sushi to customers.

[0078] For example, when the production quantity of a product input from the input unit IP or communication terminal CC is less than a threshold, such as immediately after opening or during idle hours, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 shown in Figure 1 can be made relatively longer to shorten the time it takes for the plate D carrying the rice balls R to reach the work table 50 where the toppings are placed, thereby shortening the time it takes to provide the product to the customer.

[0079] On the other hand, when the production quantity of the product input from the input unit IP or communication terminal CC exceeds a threshold value, such as during busy periods, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 shown in Figure 1 etc. can be relatively shortened to increase the number of plates D held on the second conveyor 30-2, and ingredients can be continuously and quickly arranged on the rice balls R on multiple plates D, thereby shortening the time it takes to provide the product to the customer.

[0080] Here, when transitioning from a busy season to a slow season, i.e., when changing the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 from a relatively short state to a relatively long state, the change can be made based on a threshold value for the production quantity of the product, but, for example, even during a busy season, the number of remaining plates may temporarily become smaller than the threshold value.

[0081] In anticipation of such a case, for example, if the production quantity of the product input from the input unit IP or communication terminal CC becomes 0 (zero) and communication is stopped, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 may be changed from a relatively short state to a relatively long state.

[0082] Alternatively, a pitch fixing switch for temporarily fixing the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 and a pitch fixing release switch for releasing the fixation may be provided. In this case, when the fixed pitch is released and the input production quantity of the product exceeds a threshold, the intermittent feed pitch is changed. For example, if the input production quantity of the product falls below the threshold when the intermittent feed pitch is relatively short, the intermittent feed pitch will not be changed if the pitch is fixed, but if the fixed pitch is released, the intermittent feed pitch will return to a relatively long state.

[0083] Next, an example of the operation of the rice ball forming and transferring device M of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 11 to 13. FIG.

[0084] First, the rice ball forming and transferring device M shown in Figures 1 and 2 is turned on to start the device M, and various setting data is input via the LCD touch panel of the input unit IP (see Figure 11). At this time, the threshold value for the production quantity of the above-mentioned product is also input. The threshold value for the production quantity is specified, for example, by the number of remaining plates, and here, although it is not particularly limited, for the sake of explanation, the threshold value is set to, for example, 5 plates.

[0085] Furthermore, the threshold value for the production quantity may be entered directly by the worker, or pre-stored threshold value candidates may be displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel of the input unit IP so that the worker can select from them.

[0086] Here, FIG. 12(a) is a plan view of a main part of an example of a display screen on the display unit of the rice ball forming and transferring device when communication is stopped.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12(a), the LCD screen of the display unit DP (see Figure 11) displays the number of remaining plates, for example, on 100 yen plate G1 and 150 yen plate G2. Since an order has not yet been placed, communication is stopped. Therefore, the number of remaining plates on both 100 yen plate G1 and 150 yen plate G2 is 0 (zero).

[0088] Next, production of products such as nigiri sushi begins through the input unit IP (see FIG. 11) of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Then, the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 is driven to form sushi rice balls R, and the plate D supplied from the plate supply machine 20 is transported to the transfer position by the first conveyor 30-1. Once the plate D has been transported to the transfer position, the transfer machine 40 transfers the sushi rice balls R formed by the sushi rice ball forming machine 10 onto the plate D.

[0089] Here, Figure 12(b) is a plan view of the essential parts of an example of a display screen on the display unit of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the off-season, and Figure 13(a) is a plan view showing an example of the intermittent feed pitch of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during the off-season.

[0090] Here, as shown in Figure 12(b), communication is in progress, but because the store has just opened and there are few customers, the number of remaining plates is, for example, one 100 yen plate G1 and one 150 yen plate G2. In other words, the total number of remaining plates is, for example, two, which is less than the threshold value, so the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is set relatively long, as shown in Figure 13(a).

[0091] 1 and 2, the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device M of this embodiment can shorten the time it takes for the plate D carrying the sushi rice balls R to reach the work table 50 (see FIG. 1), thereby shortening the time it takes to provide products such as nigiri sushi to customers. Note that the symbol LP in FIG. 13(a) indicates a location where the intermittent feed pitch is relatively long.

[0092] Next, Figure 12(c) is a plan view of the main parts of an example of a display screen on the display unit of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during busy periods, and Figures 13(b) to (e) are plan views showing an example of the change in the intermittent feed pitch of the sushi rice ball forming and transferring device during busy periods.

[0093] Here, as shown in Figure 12(c), because it is a busy season and there are many customers, the number of remaining plates is, for example, three 100 yen plates G1 and two 150 yen plates G2. That is, the total number of remaining plates is, for example, five, which is above the threshold, so the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is changed to a relatively short pitch, as shown in Figures 13(b) to 13(e). That is, in Figure 13(b), the spacing between adjacent plates D begins to change from long to short, and in Figure 13(e), the spacing between adjacent plates D has completely changed to short.

[0094] 1 and 2, the rice ball forming and transferring device M of this embodiment can increase the number of plates D held on the second conveyor 30-2, allowing ingredients such as sushi toppings and other ingredients to be continuously and quickly placed on the rice balls R on multiple plates D, thereby shortening the time it takes to provide products such as nigiri sushi to customers. Note that the symbols SP in Figures 13(b) to 13(e) indicate areas where the intermittent feed pitch is relatively short.

[0095] Here, when the busy season shifts to the off-season again and the number of remaining plates input from the input unit IP or communication terminal CC falls below the threshold, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 can be relatively lengthened, but here, for example, when the number of remaining plates becomes 0 (zero) and communication is stopped, the intermittent feed pitch is changed to a relatively long state. This ensures that the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 is changed to a relatively long state once the off-season has arrived.

[0096] Alternatively, the following may be done. That is, during the busy season, the above-mentioned pitch fixing switch is pressed to fix the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 to a relatively short state. Then, when it is empirically determined from the time, etc. that the off-season will soon begin, the pitch fixing release switch is pressed to release the fixed pitch. In this case, when the off-season actually begins and the number of remaining plates input from the input unit IP or communication terminal CC falls below the threshold value, the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 becomes relatively long. This ensures that the intermittent feed pitch of the second conveyor 30-2 can be changed to a relatively long state once the off-season has begun.

[0097] For simplicity's sake, the above operational example describes the case where only one threshold for the number of remaining plates is set, but multiple thresholds for the number of remaining plates may also be set. For example, if the thresholds for the number of remaining plates are set to 5 and 10, the intermittent feed pitch will be relatively long if the number of remaining plates is less than 5, medium if the number of remaining plates is 5 or more but less than 10, and relatively short if the number of remaining plates is 10 or more.

[0098] The invention made by the inventor has been specifically described above based on the embodiments, but the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and are not limited to the disclosed technology. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention should not be interpreted restrictively based on the description of the above embodiments, but should be interpreted solely in accordance with the claims, and includes technologies equivalent to the technologies described in the claims and all modifications that do not deviate from the gist of the claims.

[0099] In the above example, we have mainly described a case where the intermittent feed pitch is changed based on a threshold value for the product production quantity, but in some cases, the input product production quantity may alternate between values above and below the threshold. For example, in the above example, the input number of remaining plates may alternate between four and five. In such cases, alternating between long and short intermittent pitches can cause problems. In such cases, if the input number of remaining plates alternates between values above and below the threshold within a specified time, it is possible to prohibit changes to the intermittent feed pitch and change the intermittent feed pitch only after the input number of remaining plates reaches a constant value within the specified time. [Industrial Applicability]

[0100] In the above explanation, the device of the present invention has been described as being applied to a sushi rice ball forming and transferring device, but it is not limited to this and can be applied in various ways. For example, it can be applied to a gunkanmaki forming and transferring device that transfers gunkanmaki, which is made by wrapping seaweed around the outer side of sushi rice balls formed in a sushi rice ball forming machine, into a container. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10. Shari ball forming machine (shari ball forming means) 11 Loading lid 12 Hopper 13 Turntable 13a Molding hole 20 Plate feeding machine (container feeding means) 21 Stock Department 22 Plate supply conveyor 23 Dish removal mechanism 23a, 23b Laura 23c groove 23d motor 23d1 Rotation axis 23e,23f gear 23g pulley 23h Belt 23i pulley 30 Transport conveyor 30-1 First conveyor 30-2 Second conveyor (transport means) 30R rotating roller 40 Transfer machine (rice ball transfer means) 41 Gripping part 41a zipper 41b Support 41c Opening and closing motor 41d Cam 41e Opening and closing axis 41f Zipper opening and closing plate 41g lift motor 41h Gear 41i crank 41j Rod 41k swing motor 41m slewing motor gear 41n Slewing driven gear 42 Motor 43 Belt 44 Rail 50 Workbench 80a CPU 80b ROM 80c RAM 80d-1~80d-6 drive circuit 80e detection circuit 80f EEPROM 80g interface 80h communication interface 80i Bus Line M Shari ball forming and transferring device (Shari ball processing device) MC control unit (control means) DP display IP input section (input means) CC communication terminal (input means) SE sensor part GL guide rail G guide part B1 Conveyor belt B2 conveyor belt P protrusion D Dish (container) R Shari ball

Claims

1. a sushi rice ball forming means for forming the sushi rice balls; a rice ball transfer means disposed adjacent to the rice ball forming means for transferring the rice balls formed by the rice ball forming means to a container; a container supply means for supplying the container to a transfer position for the rice balls; a conveying means that is installed adjacent to the rice ball forming means and the rice ball transferring means and that conveys the container with the rice balls placed therein at a predetermined intermittent feed pitch; a work table that is installed along the conveying means and that performs an operation of placing ingredients on the rice balls placed in the container to manufacture a product; an input means for inputting the production quantity of the product; a control means for controlling the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the goods input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value, to be longer than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the goods input from the input means is equal to or larger than the threshold value, and for controlling the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the goods input from the input means is equal to or larger than the threshold value, to be shorter than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the goods input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value; A rice ball processing device comprising:

2. A plurality of the threshold values are set.

2. The rice ball processing device according to claim 1.

3. The input means is at least one of an input unit provided in the rice ball forming means and a communication terminal for inputting data by wire or wirelessly.

3. The rice ball processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. forming sushi rice balls using a sushi rice ball forming means; a step of supplying a container for transferring the rice balls to a rice ball transfer position; transferring the rice balls to the container at the rice ball transfer position; a conveying step of conveying the container on which the rice balls are placed at a predetermined intermittent feed pitch; a step of preparing a product by placing ingredients on the rice balls placed in the container while the container on which the rice balls are placed is being transported; a threshold setting step of setting a threshold for the production quantity of the product; a production quantity input step of inputting the production quantity of the product from an input means; Equipped with The transporting step includes: When the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value, conveying the container on which the rice balls are placed at an intermittent feed pitch that is longer than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value; When the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is equal to or greater than the threshold value, conveying the container on which the rice balls are placed at an intermittent feed pitch that is shorter than the intermittent feed pitch when the production quantity of the commodity input from the input means is smaller than the threshold value; A method for processing rice balls, comprising:

5. In the threshold value setting step, a plurality of threshold values are set.

5. The method for processing rice balls according to claim 4.

6. In the production quantity input step, the production quantity of the product is inputted via an input unit provided in the rice ball forming means or a wired or wireless communication terminal.

6. The method for processing rice balls according to claim 4 or 5.

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