Accessories for food delivery robots

Abstract

To provide an attachment allowing for preventing a beverage, etc. being carried on a food-serving robot from spilling out.SOLUTION: An attachment 100 for a food-serving robot 1 includes a first plate 111 that is used for a food-serving robot 1 to carry a tray 4 and supported at one surface 111B by the tray 4 and a second plate 112 that is arranged in a manner opposed to the other surface 111A. The second plate 112 is formed with a guide shape 110 that, in a carrying state in which a bottom surface of an eating utensil is supported by the tray 4 directly or through the first plate 111, abuts against any portion of the eating utensil other than the bottom surface thereof and regulates the eating utensil from moving horizontally. By an internal contact of at least one of the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 with a frame 41 provided in the tray 4 at least at two points AB, CD thereof, the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are regulated from moving horizontally in an extending direction Y of a side BC connecting between the two points.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an accessory used in a food service robot. [Background technology]

[0002] In the restaurant industry, food serving robots that serve food to customers and clear away dishes that customers have finished eating from are becoming increasingly common (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Food serving robots come in two types: open types that carry food and drinks on trays that are open to the outside of the food serving robot's housing, and closed types that store food and drinks inside the housing of the food serving robot and carry them so that they cannot be seen from the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 129287 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Closed-type food delivery robots are superior to open-type robots in terms of hygiene, as they prevent airborne dust particles and viruses from adhering to food and other items. However, while food delivery robots can transport drinks without spilling on a level floor, they may spill drinks on an inclined floor. In particular, when crossing the boundary between a horizontal and an inclined surface, the impact causes the transport robot to shake slightly, making drinks more likely to spill. When food or drinks are spilled and the food delivery robot becomes dirty, open-type robots are easier to clean than closed-type robots. For this reason, open-type food delivery robots are currently the mainstream.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an accessory that can prevent drinks and the like from spilling while being carried by a serving robot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present invention provides an accessory for a food service robot, which is used in a food service robot that carries trays, and includes a first plate having one surface and another surface opposite the first surface, the first surface being supported by the tray, and a second plate arranged to face the other surface. The second plate is formed with a guide shape that abuts against any part of the dish other than the bottom surface to restrict horizontal movement of the dish when the bottom surface of the dish is supported by the tray directly or via the first plate, and at least one of the first and second plates is inscribed in at least two points on a frame provided on the tray, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the first and second plates in the direction connecting the two points.

[0007] According to this aspect, the horizontal movement of the tableware is restricted by the accessories, and the horizontal movement of the accessories is restricted by the tray, reducing the shaking of the tableware and allowing the serving robot to carry drinks and the like without spilling them.

[0008] In the above aspect, the tray frame may be a rectangle having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. At least one of the first plate and the second plate may be configured to be inscribed in both the first side and the third side that are parallel to each other, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the first plate and the second plate in the extending direction of the second side that is perpendicular to the first side.

[0009] According to this aspect, since the tray is rectangular, it is easy to arrange polygons without gaps, and space can be used effectively.

[0010] In the above embodiment, the tableware may further include a third plate overlapping the other surface of the first plate and sandwiched between the other surface and the second plate. The tableware may be a wine glass having a bowl into which liquid is poured, a disc-shaped plate having a bottom surface and an upper surface opposite the bottom surface, and a rod-shaped stem connecting the plate and the bowl. The guide shape may be formed by a lower notch cut into the third plate with a width substantially the same as the outer shape of the plate, and an upper notch cut into the second plate with a width narrower than the outer shape of the plate and wider than the outer shape of the stem, and when the plate is inserted into the lower notch with the stem protruding from the upper notch, the lower notch restricts horizontal movement of the wine glass, and the second plate faces the upper surface of the plate to prevent the wine glass from tipping over.

[0011] According to this aspect, tableware that is prone to tipping over, such as wine glasses, can be transported stably.

[0012] The tableware may be a cone stand having a base with a bottom, a ring for holding a soft serve ice cream or ice cream cone, and a wire connecting the base and the ring. The guide shape may be composed of a notch into which the wire can be inserted and a through-hole through which the tip of the cone held by the ring can pass, and the second notch may be formed in a curved shape whose distance from the tip of the first notch gradually changes, and the notch and the wire may be frictionally engaged to restrict horizontal movement of the cone stand.

[0013] According to this aspect, tableware that is prone to tipping over, such as corn stands, can be transported stably.

[0014] In the above aspect, the guide shape may include a circular through-hole and a tongue portion protruding from an edge of the circular through-hole toward the center.

[0015] This configuration can restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as cylindrical or truncated cone glasses, hemispherical bowls, etc. The tongue portion protruding from the edge of the through-hole bends to fill the gap between the tableware and the through-hole, allowing the tableware to be transported stably even if the size of the tableware is slightly different from the size of the through-hole.

[0016] In the above aspect, the tableware is a beer mug, coffee cup, or teacup with a handle, and the guide shape may further include a handle notch that is larger than the handle when viewed in a plan view from the second plate toward the first plate.

[0017] According to this aspect, a handle can be placed in the handle notch, so that even tableware with handles, such as beer mugs and coffee cups, can be transported stably.

[0018] In the above embodiment, the first plate may be formed with a second guide shape that restricts horizontal movement of a second dish of a different type from the first dish by abutting against any part of the second dish other than the bottom surface when the second plate is inverted so that it is supported by the tray.

[0019] According to this aspect, since guide shapes are formed on both sides of the first plate and the second plate, the accessories can be applied to various types of tableware by moving them up and down depending on the type of tableware. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, an accessory can be provided that prevents drinks and the like from spilling while being carried by a serving robot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a food delivery robot. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a tray carried by a food service robot. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an accessory according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view of the accessory shown in FIG. 3 as seen along the longitudinal direction of the accessory. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded view showing the accessories shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a development view of an accessory according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing an accessory according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded view showing the accessories shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an accessory according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded view showing the accessories shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, components with the same reference numerals have the same or similar configurations. Accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 according to each embodiment of the present invention are fixing devices that are attached to a tray 4 carried by a food service robot 1 to regulate the movement of tableware. Each configuration will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10.

[0023] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a food delivery robot 1 that can transport food and drinks placed on a tray 4. The example shown is configured as a closed-type food delivery robot 1 that can close the door 3 while the tray 4 is stored in a storage cabinet 2. The tray 4 has a flat bottom plate 40 and a frame 41 that stands up from the outer edge of the bottom plate 40.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a tray 4 carried by the food service robot 1. In the example shown, the frame 41 provided on the tray 4 is formed in a square shape with the first to fourth sides AB, BC, CD, and DA all having equal lengths, and seamlessly surrounds the bottom plate 40. The shape of the frame 41 is not limited to the example shown. For example, the frame 41 may be partially interrupted. For example, the frame 41 may be rectangular with the first side AB and the second side BC having different lengths. For example, the frame 41 may be circular, elliptical, or another shape.

[0025] The accessories 100, 200, 300, 400 according to each embodiment of the present invention are configured to be restricted from horizontal movement in the direction connecting at least two points by inscribing the frame 41 provided on the tray 4. In the illustrated example, the accessory 100 is configured to be restricted from horizontal movement in the extension direction Y of the second side BC by inscribing the first side AB and the third side CD that are parallel to each other.

[0026] In the extension direction Y of the second side BC, the outer dimension L4 of the accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 is formed to be substantially the same as the inner dimension L2 of the frame 41. In the extension direction X of the first side AB, the outer dimension L3 of the accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 is formed to be a length obtained by dividing the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41 by an integer. Specifically, the outer dimension L3 of the accessories 100, 300, and 400 in the extension direction X of the first side AB is formed to be substantially half the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41. The outer dimension L3 of the accessory 200 in the extension direction X of the first side AB is formed to be substantially the same as the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41.

[0027] [First embodiment] 3 is a perspective view showing an accessory 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated example, the accessory 100 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape with both ends open. The shape of the accessory 100 is not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the accessory 100 may be a box shape with at least one end closed. Other shapes are also possible.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a side view of the accessory 100 shown in FIG. 3 as viewed along the longitudinal direction of the accessory 100. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the accessory 100 shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the accessory 100 is composed of a first plate 111, a second plate 112, and side plates 114, 115, 116, etc. The first plate 111, the second plate 112, and the side plates 114, 115, 116, etc. are made of, for example, cardboard. The material of the accessory 100 is not particularly limited, and may be other cardboard, resin, etc. These materials are inexpensive, can be replaced when soiled, and are therefore hygienic.

[0029] The first plate 111 is formed in a generally rectangular flat plate shape and has one surface 111B and another surface 111A opposite to the first surface 111B. The second plate 112 is also formed in a generally rectangular flat plate shape like the first plate 111. The second plate 112 is disposed so as to face the other surface 111A. The side plates 114, 115, and 116 connect the first plate 111 and the second plate 112.

[0030] In the illustrated example, accessory 100 is provided with tucks 117, slits 318, reinforcing ribs 119, etc. When reinforcing ribs 119 are cut and raised and tucks 117 are inserted into slits 118, the blank accessory 100 shown in FIG. 5 is assembled into the rectangular tube shape shown in FIG. 3.

[0031] 5, the insert 117 protrudes from the side plate 116 on the side opposite to the second plate 112. A slit 318 into which the insert 117 is inserted is formed between the first plate 111 and the side plate 114. A reinforcing rib 119 that increases the rigidity of the accessory 100 is formed between the first plate 111 and the side plate 115.

[0032] When the length of the long side of the first plate 111 is approximately the same as the inner dimension L2 of the frame 41 of the tray 4, one of the pair of short sides of the first plate 111 abuts against the first side AB of the frame 41, and the other abuts against the third side CD of the frame 41. Similarly, when the length of the long side of the second plate 112 is approximately the same as the inner dimension L2 of the frame 41 of the tray 4, the pair of short sides of the second plate 112 abut against the first and third sides AB, CD of the frame 41.

[0033] The length of the long side of the first plate 111 and the length of the long side of the second plate 112 may both be approximately the same as the inner dimension L2 of the frame 41 of the tray 4, or only one of them may be approximately the same as the inner dimension L2 of the frame 41 of the tray 4. The length of the long side of the first plate 111 and the length of the long side of the second plate 112 are each an example of the outer dimension L4 of the accessory 100.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the length of the short side of the first plate 111 is approximately half the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41 of the tray 4. Similarly, the length of the short side of the second plate 112 is approximately half the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41 of the tray 4. The lengths of the short sides of the first plate 111 and the second plate 112 are each an example of the outer dimension L2 of the accessory 100.

[0035] In the following description, the guide shape 120 formed on the second plate 112 may be referred to as the guide shape 120 on side A, and the guide shape 130 formed on the first plate 111 may be referred to as the guide shape 130 on side B. The accessory 100 can be turned upside down to use the guide shapes 120 and 130 on both sides.

[0036] Guide shape 120 on side A is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as beer mugs. Guide shape 120 on side A includes, for example, a circular through-hole 121, at least one tongue portion 122, and a notch 123 for a handle. When the bottom of a beer mug or similar is supported on bottom plate 40 of tray 4 via second plate 112 during transport, tongue portion 122 abuts against the cylindrical portion of the beer mug, restricting the horizontal movement of the beer mug. Because tongue portion 122 flexes to fill the gap between the cylindrical portion of the beer mug and circular through-hole 121, beer mugs can be transported stably even if their size is slightly different from the size of circular through-hole 121.

[0037] Circular through-hole 121 is formed slightly larger than the outer shape of the cylindrical portion of the beer mug. Tongue portions 122 are provided that protrude from the edge of circular through-hole 121 toward the center. In the example shown, multiple tongue portions 122 are provided at equal intervals. Handle cutout 123 is formed by cutting out larger than the handle when viewed from the top from second plate 112 toward first plate 111 so as not to interfere with the handle or the like protruding from the cylindrical portion of the beer mug or the like.

[0038] Guide shape 130 on side B is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of glassware such as tumblers. Guide shape 130 on side B includes, for example, a circular through-hole 131 formed slightly larger than the glass, and a tongue portion 132 provided on circular through-hole 131. A through-hole 139 or the like may also be formed for inserting a straw or the like for carrying the glass.

[0039] [Second embodiment] 6 is a development view of an accessory 200 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the outer dimension L2 of the first and second plates 211, 212 of the accessory 200 is formed to be approximately the same as the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41. In the example shown, each of the first and second plates 211, 212 is formed to be approximately square.

[0040] The guide shape 220 on the A side is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as rice bowls. As shown in FIG. 6, the guide shape 220 on the A side has a circular through-hole 221 and a tongue portion 222 that protrudes from the edge of the circular through-hole 221 toward the center. The guide shape 230 on the B side is configured to accommodate rice bowls and the like that are slightly smaller than the guide shape 220 on the A side, and to restrict the horizontal movement of such tableware. Through-holes 229, 239, etc. may be formed for inserting chopsticks, a spoon, etc. to carry them. In the illustrated example, the through-holes 229, 239 are formed by bending a roughly C-shaped slit toward the inside of the accessory 200. The bent portion supports the chopsticks, etc., making them less likely to move.

[0041] [Third embodiment] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an accessory 300 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 8 is an exploded view showing the accessory 300 shown in Fig. 7. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a guide shape 320 on surface A restricts horizontal movement of tableware such as a cone stand 8. The cone stand 8 includes, for example, a base 80 having a bottom surface, at least one ring 83 for holding a cone of soft serve ice cream or ice cream, and a wire 81 connecting the base 80 and the ring 83.

[0042] The guide shape 320 on the surface A is made up of first and second notches 324, 325 into which the wire 81 can be inserted, a through-hole 326 through which the tip of the cone held by the ring 83 can pass, etc. It may also include a saucer through-hole 329 for holding a saucer such as a coffee cup or tea cup.

[0043] The first notch 324 is formed in a curved shape. The second notch 325 is formed in a curved shape with a smaller curvature than the first notch 324. When the wire 81 is inserted into the first or second notch 324, 325, frictional engagement between the first or second notch 324, 325 and the wire 82 restricts horizontal movement of the cone stand 8 and also prevents the cone stand 8 from tipping over. Since the curvatures of the first and second notches 324, 325 are different, it can be used with cone stands 8 of various sizes.

[0044] The guide shape 330 on the B side restricts the horizontal movement of cups with handles, such as coffee cups and tea cups. The guide shape 330 on the B side is a smaller version of the guide shape 130 on the A side of the first embodiment, and is composed of a circular through-hole 331, a tongue portion 332, a notch 333 for the handle, and the like.

[0045] [Fourth embodiment] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an accessory 400 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is an exploded view showing the accessory 400 shown in Fig. 9. The fourth embodiment differs from the third embodiment in that it includes a third plate 413 superimposed on an upper surface 411A of a first plate 411.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 10, accessory 400 is made up of first plate 411, second plate 412, third plate 413, side plates 414 and 415, etc. T-shaped flap 417 is folded and passed through notch 418, and then unfolded and hooked onto the top surface of second plate 412, whereby blank accessory 400 shown in Fig. 10 is assembled into flat, rectangular tubular accessory 400 shown in Fig. 9. In the assembled state, there is almost no gap between first plate 411 and third plate 413, while there is a gap between third plate 413 and second plate 412 that is approximately the same height as the plate 90 of the wine glass.

[0047] Accessory 400 is formed with guide shapes 420 that restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as a wine glass. A wine glass, for example, has a bowl into which wine or other liquid is poured, a disk-shaped plate 90, and a rod-shaped stem 91 that connects plate 90 and the bowl.

[0048] The guide shape 420 is composed of a lower notch 427 formed in the third plate 413, an upper notch 428 formed in the second plate 412, etc. In the lower notch 427, the third plate 413 is cut out to a width W1 that is approximately the same as the outer shape of the plate 90. In the upper notch 428, the second plate 412 is cut out to a width W2 that is narrower than the outer shape of the plate 90 and wider than the outer shape (width W3) of the stem. In other words, the upper and lower notches 427, 428 are formed so that the size relationship is W1>W2>W3.

[0049] A guide (rough guide) 429 may be attached to the upper cutout 428. The insertion 429 is provided at the entrance of the upper cutout 428 and in the vicinity thereof, and is formed so as to become narrower as it goes deeper into the upper cutout 428.

[0050] When plate 90 is inserted into lower notch 427 with stem 91 protruding from upper notch 428, i.e., in the orientation for transporting wine, horizontal movement of the wine glass is restricted by lower notch 427, which has the same width W1 as plate 90. Furthermore, second plate 412, which faces the upper surface of plate 90, restricts the wine glass from tipping over. There may be no gap between the upper surface of plate 90 and second plate 412, or there may be a small gap.

[0051] According to the accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 configured as described above according to the respective embodiments of the present invention, the movement of tableware can be restricted to reduce shaking, so that the serving robot 1 can carry drinks and the like without spilling them.

[0052] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shape, size, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined. The present invention is not limited to accessories for closed-type food delivery robots, but is also suitable as accessories for open-type food delivery robots. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1...Serving robot, 2...Storage cabinet, 3...Door, 4...Tray, 8...Corn stand (example of tableware), 40...Bottom plate, 41...Frame, 80...Base, 81...Wire, 83...Ring, 90...Plate, 91...Stem, 100, 200, 300, 400...Accessories, 111, 211, 311, 411...First plate, 111A, 211A, 311A, 411A... Other side, 111B, 211B, 311B, 411B... One side, 112, 212, 312, 412... Second plate, 413... Third plate, 114, 115, 116, 214, 215, 216, 314, 315, 316, 414, 415... Side plate, 117, 217, 317... Insert, 417... Flap, 118, 218, 318... Cut, 418 ...Notches, 119, 219, 319...Reinforcing ribs, 120, 130, 220, 230, 320, 330...Guide shapes, 121, 131, 221, 231, 331...Circular through holes, 122, 132, 222, 232, 332...Tongue portions, 123, 333...Notches for handles, 324...First notch, 325...Second notch, 326...For cones Through hole, 427...lower notch, 428...upper notch, 139, 229, 239...through hole, 329...through hole for saucer, 429...guide, AB...first side, BC...second side, CD...third side, DA...fourth side, L1, L2...inner dimensions of frame, L3, L4...outer dimensions of accessories, W1, W2, W3...width, X...extension direction of first side, Y...extension direction of second side.

Claims

1. Used in food delivery robots that carry trays, a first plate having one surface and another surface opposite to the one surface, the one surface being supported by the tray; a second plate disposed to face the other surface, The second plate is formed with a guide shape that abuts against any part of the dish other than the bottom surface to restrict horizontal movement of the dish when the bottom surface of the dish is supported on the tray directly or via the first plate, At least one of the first plate and the second plate is inscribed in at least two points of a frame provided on the tray, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the first plate and the second plate in a direction connecting the two points, The first plate is formed with a second guide shape that restricts horizontal movement of a second dish of a different type from the first dish by contacting the second plate with any part other than the bottom surface of the second dish when the second plate is turned upside down so as to be supported by the tray. Accessories for food delivery robots.

2. the frame of the tray is a rectangle having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side; At least one of the first plate and the second plate is inscribed in both the first side and the third side that are parallel to each other, so that horizontal movement of the first plate and the second plate is restricted in the extension direction of the second side that is perpendicular to the first side.

2. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 1.

3. a third plate overlapping the other surface of the first plate and sandwiched between the other surface and the second plate; The tableware is A bowl into which liquid is poured, a plate formed in a disk shape and having the bottom surface and an upper surface opposite to the bottom surface; A stem formed in a rod shape and connecting the plate and the bowl, The guide shape is a lower notch formed in the third plate with a width substantially the same as the outer shape of the plate; an upper notch formed in the second plate, the upper notch being narrower than the outer shape of the plate and wider than the outer shape of the stem; When the plate is inserted into the lower notch with the stem protruding from the upper notch, the lower notch restricts horizontal movement of the wine glass, and the second plate faces the top surface of the plate to restrict tipping of the wine glass.

3. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tableware is a base having the bottom surface; a ring for holding a soft serve or ice cream cone; a wire connecting the base and the ring; The guide shape is a notch into which the wire can be inserted; a through hole through which the tip of the cone held by the ring can pass, The notch and the wire are frictionally engaged to restrict horizontal movement of the cone stand.

3. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The guide shape includes a circular through hole and a tongue portion protruding from an edge of the circular through hole toward the center.

3. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 1 or 2.

6. the tableware is a beer mug, coffee cup, or tea cup with a handle; The guide shape further includes a notch for a handle that is cut out larger than the handle in a plan view seen from the second plate toward the first plate.

6. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 5.

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