Accessories for food delivery robots

Abstract

To provide an attachment allowing for preventing a dish, etc. being carried on a food-serving robot from spilling out.SOLUTION: An attachment 10 for a food-serving robot comprises a dome part 20 formed of a hard material in a dome form and a skirt part 30 formed of a material having rubber elasticity and surrounding the dome part 20. The skirt part 30 has a mount portion 31 attached to an edge 22 of the dome part 20 and a seal portion 32 to be adhered to an opening of an eating utensil to be carried by the food-serving robot. In a plan view as viewed from a top 21 side of the dome part 20, the seal portion 32 is formed broader than the mount portion 31 (W2>W1).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

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 and drinks to customers and clear away dishes after customers have finished eating are becoming increasingly common (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Food serving robots are classified into 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 airborne dust particles and viruses do not adhere to food. However, while food delivery robots can transport food and drinks without spilling on a level floor, they may spill food or 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 food from spilling while being transported by a serving robot. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, an accessory for a food service robot includes a dome portion formed in a dome shape from a hard material, and a skirt portion formed from a rubber-elastic material and surrounding the dome portion. The skirt portion has an attachment portion attached to the edge of the dome portion and a seal portion that can be attached to the opening of a dish transported by the food service robot. In a plan view from the top side of the dome portion, the seal portion is wider than the attachment portion.

[0007] This aspect seals the dish, preventing spillage of food or beverages contained therein. If the dish only had a soft seal that adhered to the edge, the center, far from the edge, would sag, potentially causing the accessories to come into contact with the food, especially in the case of bulging dishes such as bowls. However, the dome portion, made of a hard material, maintains its shape, preventing the accessories from coming into contact with the food and becoming soiled. While it is impractical for a food-serving robot to transport a variety of dishes to prepare accessories specifically tailored to each dish's size, this aspect allows the skirt portion to be wider than the mounting portion, allowing the same size accessories to be used with dishes of various sizes. By sealing the dish with the accessories, food can be transported without spilling.

[0008] In the above aspect, the width of the sealing portion may be at least twice as large as the width of the attachment portion in a plan view.

[0009] According to this aspect, since the seal portion is large enough, the present invention can be applied to tableware of various sizes.

[0010] In the above aspect, the suction surface of the seal portion may be formed as a concave conical surface.

[0011] According to this aspect, if the sealing part is placed shallowly, it can be attached to dishes with a large diameter, and if the sealing part is placed deeply, it can be attached to dishes with a small diameter, so the present invention can be applied to dishes with various diameters.

[0012] In the above aspect, the seal portion may have at least one rib provided on an outer surface of the seal portion opposite the suction surface.

[0013] According to this aspect, since the reinforcing rib that increases the rigidity of the seal portion is provided, the seal portion can maintain its umbrella-like shape even if it is wide.

[0014] In the above aspect, the dome portion may have a flange that protrudes radially from the edge portion in a plan view. In this case, the attachment portion may be a portion of the skirt portion where a groove that fits with the flange is provided.

[0015] According to this aspect, the attachment portion is specified as a circular ring structure having a U-shape in cross section that holds the flange. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, an accessory can be provided that prevents food from spilling while being transported by a food serving robot. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an accessory for a food service robot according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the accessory shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the top side of the dome portion. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dome portion shown in FIG. 2 taken along line III-III. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the skirt portion shown in FIG. 2 taken along line IV-IV. [Figure 5]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the accessory of this embodiment attached to a dish with a large opening and a dish with a small opening. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] A preferred embodiment 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 configuration. The accessory 10 for a food service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention is a lid that can be attached to the opening of a dish such as a bowl, preventing food from spilling from the dish even when the food service robot vibrates on an inclined surface. The width W2 of the seal portion 32 that attaches to the opening of the dish is larger than the width W1 of the attachment portion 31, allowing the accessory 10 to be used with dishes of various sizes in food service robots that carry a variety of dishes. Each component will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an accessory 10 for a food service robot according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the accessory 10 shown in Fig. 1, seen from the top 21 side of the dome portion 20. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the accessory 10 comprises a dome-shaped dome portion 20 and a skirt portion 30 that seamlessly surrounds an edge portion 22 of the dome portion 20.

[0020] The dome portion 20 is made of a hard material such as polypropylene resin. The skirt portion 30 is made of a soft material with rubber elasticity such as silicone resin. The materials of the dome portion 20 and the skirt portion 30 are not particularly limited, and known materials can be appropriately selected.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the dome portion 20 is formed in a substantially hemispherical dome shape. The shape of the dome portion 20 is not limited to the illustrated example, and the edge portion 22 may be a square dome shape. The accessory 10 having the hemispherical dome portion 20 is suitable for tableware with a circular opening.

[0022] In the following description, the direction parallel to the central axis O of the dome portion 20 may be referred to as the axial direction, the direction perpendicular to the central axis O may be referred to as the radial direction, and the directions rotating clockwise and counterclockwise around the central axis O may be referred to as the circumferential direction. In the axial direction, the direction from the edge 22 to the apex 21 may be referred to as the upward direction, and the direction from the apex 21 to the edge 22 may be referred to as the downward direction.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the dome portion 20 shown in Fig. 2 taken along line III-III. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the dome portion 20 may have a flange 23 that protrudes radially from the edge portion 22 in a plan view. The flange 23 fits into a groove 34 in the skirt portion 30.

[0024] The top 21 of the dome portion 20 may be provided with a grip portion 24 that can be held with the fingers so that the user can easily lift the accessory 10 with one hand. In the example shown in the figure, the grip portion 24 is formed as a pair of recesses that are recessed downward. The shape of the grip portion 24 is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and it may be a convex portion or the like.

[0025] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the skirt portion 30 shown in Fig. 2 taken along line IV-IV. As shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the skirt portion 30 has an attachment portion 31 attached to the edge portion 22 of the dome portion 20, and a seal portion 32 that spreads out like an umbrella. In the example shown, the skirt portion 30 further has a thin portion 33 that connects the attachment portion 31 and the seal portion 32. The thin portion 33 may be omitted, and the attachment portion 31 and the seal portion 32 may be directly connected.

[0026] Thin portion 33 is formed to be thinner than both mounting portion 31 and sealing portion 32. When dome portion 20 is pressed down with accessory 10 placed over the opening of the tableware, skirt portion 30 bends at thin portion 33, pushing out the air between the tableware and accessory 10, and when skirt portion 30 returns to its original shape, sealing portion 32 adheres to the opening of the tableware.

[0027] The mounting portion 31 is formed in a ring shape and seamlessly surrounds the edge portion 22 of the dome portion 20 so as to seal the edge portion 22. In the example shown, the mounting portion 31 is provided with a groove 34 that fits into the flange 23 of the edge portion 22. The shape of the mounting portion 31 is not limited to the example shown. The mounting portion 31 may be configured to be adhered to the edge portion 22 where the flange 23 is not formed, using an adhesive or the like.

[0028] The sealing portion 32 has an adhesive surface 32B that can be attached to the opening of a dish transported by a serving robot. In the illustrated example, the adhesive surface 32B is formed as a smooth concave conical surface. A stopper 35 may be provided on the adhesive surface 32B. The stopper 35 is provided on the upper end of the sealing portion 32 and prevents the accessory 10 from sliding down and causing the edge of the dish to come into contact with the thin-walled portion 33 beyond the sealing portion 32 when the accessory 10 is attached to the opening of the dish. In the illustrated example, the stopper 35 is formed in a ring shape that is provided on the upper end of the sealing portion 32 along the thin-walled portion 33. The shape of the stopper 35 is not limited to the illustrated example and may be a plurality of protrusions provided on the upper end of the sealing portion 32.

[0029] Ribs 36 may be provided on the outer surface 32A opposite to the suction surface 32B. In the illustrated example, two ribs 36 are provided, each formed in the shape of a concentric ring around the central axis O. The shape and number of the ribs 36 are not limited to the illustrated example. For example, the ribs 36 may extend in a substantially radial direction like the ribs of an umbrella. The number of ribs 36 may be one, or three or more.

[0030] The skirt portion 30 may have tongue portions 37 that protrude radially from the seal portion 32. In the illustrated example, three tongue portions 37 are provided at equal intervals of 120° in the circumferential direction. If there is at least one tongue portion 37, a gap can be easily formed between the suction surface 32B of the seal portion 32 and the opening of the dish by pinching the tongue portion 37 and pulling up the end of the seal portion 32. Because the tongue portion 37 protrudes outward beyond the seal portion 32, fingers are less likely to be exposed to hot steam leaking from the gap between the seal portion 32 and the dish when removing the accessory 10 from the dish.

[0031] One of the features of accessory 10 of this embodiment is that sealing portion 32 is formed to be wider than mounting portion 31. In a plan view seen from top 21, i.e., in a plan view seen from top 21 toward rim 22 parallel to central axis O, width W2 of sealing portion 32 is larger than width W1 of mounting portion 31. It is preferable that width W2 of sealing portion 32 be at least twice the width W1 of mounting portion 31 so that it can be used with tableware of various sizes.

[0032] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which accessory 10 of this embodiment is attached to dish 8 with a large opening and dish 9 with a small opening. With accessory 10 for a food service robot of this embodiment configured as described above, dish 8, 9 of various sizes can be sealed, as shown in Figure 5. For food service robots that must transport a variety of dishes, it is not practical to prepare dedicated accessories for each size of dish 8, 8. However, accessory 10 of this embodiment can be used with dish 8, 9 of various sizes, allowing the food service robot to transport dishes without spilling them.

[0033] The above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The elements of the embodiments, as well as their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc., are not limited to those illustrated and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, configurations shown in different embodiments can be partially substituted or combined with each other.

[0034] For example, dome portion 20 may be provided with an air hole (leak hole) to adjust the adhesive strength of seal portion 32. The air hole may be openable and closable by the user, or a small air hole may be constantly open to slowly introduce air to roughly balance the internal pressure that decreases as the food cools. By opening the air hole to weaken the adhesive strength of seal portion 32, accessory 10 can be removed from the tableware without applying excessive force, even when the food has cooled. Note that the present invention is not limited to accessories for closed-type food delivery robots, but is also suitable as an accessory for open-type food delivery robots. [Explanation of symbols]

[0035] 8, 9...tableware, 10...accessories, 20...dome portion, convex surface...20A, concave surface...20B, 21...top, 22...edge, 23...flange, 24...grip portion, 30...skirt portion, 31...mounting portion, 32...sealing portion, 32A...outer surface, 32B...suction surface, 33...thin portion, 34...groove, 35...stopper, 36...rib, 37...tongue portion, O...center axis, W1...width of mounting portion, W2...width of sealing portion.

Claims

1. a dome portion formed in a dome shape from a hard material; a skirt portion formed from a material having rubber elasticity and surrounding the dome portion, The skirt portion is a mounting portion attached to an edge of the dome portion; a seal portion that can be attached to an opening of the tableware to be transported by the serving robot; In a plan view seen from the top side of the dome portion, the sealing portion is formed to be wider than the mounting portion, The adsorption surface of the sealing portion is formed into a concave conical surface. Accessories for food delivery robots.

2. In the plan view, the width of the sealing portion is at least twice as large as the width of the mounting portion.

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

3. The sealing portion has at least one rib provided on an outer surface of the sealing portion opposite the suction surface.

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

4. a dome portion formed in a dome shape from a hard material; a skirt portion formed from a material having rubber elasticity and surrounding the dome portion, The skirt portion is a mounting portion attached to an edge of the dome portion; a seal portion that can be attached to an opening of the tableware to be transported by the serving robot; In a plan view seen from the top side of the dome portion, the sealing portion is formed to be wider than the mounting portion, the dome portion has a flange protruding radially from the edge portion in the plan view, The mounting portion is a portion of the skirt portion provided with a groove that fits with the flange. Accessories for food delivery robots.

5. In the plan view, the width of the sealing portion is at least twice as large as the width of the mounting portion.

5. An accessory for a food service robot according to claim 4.

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