Food and beverage conveying device

Abstract

Provided is a food and beverage conveying device that sequentially conveys, to each customer seat, a dish on which food and / or beverage prepared in a kitchen is placed thereon. In particular, this food and beverage conveying device comprises: a kitchen conveyance path on which a dish with prepared food and / or beverage placed thereon is conveyed to a predetermined position; and a conveying device that conveys the dish having been conveyed to the predetermined position to the entrance of each customer seat. The conveying device includes: conveyance paths that are continuous with the kitchen conveyance path at a predetermined position and directly lead to respective entrances of the customer seats; and a guidance device that guides the dish from the predetermined position to any one of the conveyance paths.

Description

Food and drink conveying equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a food and drink conveying device.

[0002] JP7091064B discloses a serving device that provides food and drink from supply conveyors that transport sushi plates with food and drink in front of multiple chefs working in a kitchen to a circulating conveyor in the kitchen. The circulating conveyor is also provided with a belt conveyor that circulates within the store.

[0003] In particular, the food and beverage providing device in JP7091064B includes a plurality of supply conveyors connected to one (the craftsman side) of two parallel conveyors included in the circulating conveyor for supplying food and beverages (cooked food and beverages) to the circulating conveyor, and a plurality of conveyors (shortcut paths) branching off from the other (the customer side) of the two parallel conveyors of the circulating conveyor for delivering food and beverages to customers.

[0004] However, in the device of Patent Document 1, although a shortcut path is formed in the other lane of the circulating conveyor, food and drink supplied from the supply conveyor to one of the parallel conveyors of the circulating conveyor is transported at least a predetermined distance along one lane (the chef's side) of the circulating conveyor before being served to the customer. Therefore, depending on the relative positions of the chef who prepares the ordered food and drink and the seat of the customer to whom the food and drink is to be served, it may take some time for the food and drink to be served after being cooked.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a food and drink conveying device that can provide cooked food and drink to customers' seats in a short time.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a food and beverage conveying device that sequentially conveys plates carrying food and beverages prepared in a kitchen to each seat. This food and beverage conveying device includes a kitchen conveying path that conveys the plates carrying cooked food and beverages to a predetermined position, and a conveying device that conveys the plates conveyed to the predetermined position to the entrance of each seat. In particular, the conveying device has conveying paths that connect to the kitchen conveying path at the predetermined position and lead directly to the entrance of each seat, and a path switch that guides the plates from the predetermined position to one of the conveying paths.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a food and drink conveying device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram explaining the configuration of a control device. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a food and drink conveying device. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a specific mode of control during plate congestion. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multi-stage food and drink conveying device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multi-stage food and drink conveying device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of a plate lifting and moving unit.

[0008] Hereinafter, various embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below is merely an aspect of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, each of the embodiments described below is assumed to be for a restaurant that primarily serves sushi as food and drink, but the present invention can also be appropriately adopted in restaurants that serve food and drink other than sushi (rice bowls such as udon, fried chicken, tempura, ramen, yakiniku, etc.).

[0009] [First embodiment] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a food and drink conveying device 10 according to this embodiment. The food and drink conveying device 10 is installed in a restaurant kitchen, and conveys plates carrying food and drink (especially sushi) prepared by a cooking staff O in a cooking area K within the kitchen to each customer seat, more specifically, to a plurality of (six in Fig. 1) rows of customer seats C. １１ , C １２ , C ２１ , C ２２ , C ３１ , C ３２ Each individual table C included in each １１１ ~C １１４ , C １２１ ~C １２４ , C ２１１ ~C２１４ , C ２２１ ~C ２２４ , C ３１１ ~C ３１４ , C ３２１ ~C ３２４ It is configured as a device that distributes and transports

[0010] Specifically, the food and beverage conveying device 10 has a kitchen conveyor 12, a branch conveyor 14, and a control device 100.

[0011] The kitchen conveyor 12 supplies plates D with rice placed on them, which are sent from an upstream work area or device (not shown), to the kitchen K, and also transfers plates D' with food (sushi) after cooking (adding sushi toppings) in the kitchen K to a predetermined position (base point branch point B ０ That is, the kitchen conveyor 12 conveys food from at least the kitchen K (more preferably, upstream thereof) to the base point branch point B ０ The conveyor is configured as a belt conveyor extending from the

[0012] The kitchen conveyor 12 starts from the kitchen K and ends at the base point branch point B. ０ In particular, the kitchen conveyor 12 is configured as a direct plate conveying path (a straight-line plate conveying path in this embodiment) connecting the upstream unit 12a, which functions as a conveying means for plates D carrying rice to the kitchen K, and a branch conveyor 14 (particularly, a base point branch point B ０ The upstream unit 12a and the downstream unit 12b are driven independently of each other. In particular, the upstream unit 12a is configured to be able to switch between driving and stopping by operating a manual switch sw operated by a cooking staff member O or the like in the kitchen K.

[0013] Therefore, for example, when a certain number (e.g., three) of plates D carrying rice arrive at kitchen K due to the drive of upstream unit 12a, cooking staff O can operate manual switch sw to stop upstream unit 12a, which allows multiple plates D to be placed in kitchen K (in front of cooking staff O) and the work of attaching sushi toppings according to the order to the rice on each plate D (cooking the sushi) can be performed. Note that cooking staff O can understand the order details by, for example, referring to the display on display device 400 provided near kitchen K.

[0014] In this embodiment, a pack placement table 22 carrying multiple (three in the figure) ingredient packs P, each containing a different type of sushi topping, is located on the opposite side of the kitchen conveyor 12 from the kitchen K (where the cooking staff O is located). When placing the ingredients, the cooking staff O can pick out the sushi ingredients appropriate to the order from the ingredient pack P and place them on the rice on the plate D. By adopting the positional relationship between the kitchen K (the cooking staff O) and the pack placement table 22 shown in FIG. 1 , the cooking staff O can replenish the ingredient packs P prepared in front of the cooking staff O with sushi toppings from the opposite side of the pack placement table 22 from the cooking staff O's position. This allows the replenishment of sushi ingredients to be performed without overlapping with the flow of the cooking staff O as they place the ingredients.

[0015] When the cook O operates the switch again after finishing the sushi topping, the upstream unit 12a is activated, allowing the plate D' carrying the cooked sushi to be sent from the upstream unit 12a to the downstream unit 12b and onto the branch conveyor 14.

[0016] Additionally, the kitchen conveyor 12 (more specifically, the downstream unit 12b) is provided with an RFID writer 24. The RFID writer 24 detects the arrival of a plate D' carrying cooked sushi and writes predetermined information to the plate D' (more specifically, to an RF tag embedded in the plate D'). In this embodiment, the concept of writing plate information to a plate D' includes not only writing the plate information in an information writing area such as an RF tag embedded in the plate D' itself, but also writing the plate information in an information writing area on an accessory (such as a cover for the sushi) attached to the plate D' and transported together with the plate D' (sushi). The same concept applies to reading plate information from a plate D', which will be described later.

[0017] Furthermore, the kitchen conveyor 12 (more specifically, the downstream unit 12b) is provided with a branch conveyor 14 (base point branch point B ０ ) is provided with an RFID reader 26. The RFID reader 26 detects the arrival of the plate D' and reads the plate information recorded on the plate D' by the RFID writer 24.

[0018] The branch conveyor 14 is located at a predetermined position (base point branch point B ０ ) and connected to seat row C, respectively. １１ , C １２ , seat row C ２１ , C ２２ , and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the branch conveyor 14 is configured as a conveyor having a conveying path that branches off individually toward the entrance of the seat row C. １１ , C １２ a first transport path 14a which is a transport path to the entrance of the seat row C; ２１ , C ２２ the second transport path 14b, which is the transport path to the entrance of the seat row C; ３１ , C ３２ and a third transport path 14c which serves as a transport path to the entrance of the second transport path 14b.

[0019] More specifically, the first transport path 14a is connected to a base point branch point B ０ From seating row C１１ , C １２ Entrance (more specifically, the seating conveyor belt R １ Branch point B that leads to １ ) is configured as a conveyor area that realizes a conveyance path that directly leads to the end of the first conveyance path 14a (branch point B １ An RFID reader 51 is provided at the position immediately before the tray D' to detect the arrival of the tray D' and to read the tray information recorded on the tray D'.

[0020] The second transport path 14b is connected to the base branch point B ０ From seating row C ２１ , C ２２ Entrance (more specifically, the seating conveyor belt R ２ Branch point B that leads to ２ ) is configured as a conveyor area that realizes a conveyance path that directly leads to the end of the second conveyance path 14b (branch point B ２ An RFID reader 52 is provided at the position immediately before the tray D' to detect the arrival of the tray D' and to read the tray information recorded on the tray D'.

[0021] Furthermore, the third transport path 14c has a base point branch point B ０ From seating row C ３１ , C ３２ Entrance (more specifically, the seating conveyor belt R ３ Branch point B that leads to ３ ) and the end of the third transport path 14c (branch point B ３ An RFID reader 52 is provided at the position immediately before the tray D' to detect the arrival of the tray D' and to read the tray information recorded on the tray D'.

[0022] In this embodiment, the "direct conveying route" refers to the base point branch point B ０ From the first entrance to the seating area (in this embodiment, the branch point B １ , B ２ , and B ３ A route leading to a base point branch point B ０It means a route (typically a route that is not circular) that can transport the plate D' to the one entrance without passing through other entrances farther from the one entrance. In particular, a "direct transport route" is a route that is not circular, and is determined by taking into consideration the layout of the store, etc., and is determined by taking into consideration the layout of the store, etc., and is determined by taking into consideration the layout of the store, etc., and is determined by taking into consideration the layout of the store, etc., and ０ It is preferable that the shortest route from the entrance to the one passenger seating area be the route (for example, a route that is constructed in a straight line, excluding unavoidable curves or bends in order to avoid obstacles).

[0023] In addition, the branch conveyor 14 has a base point branch point B that connects to a predetermined position of the kitchen conveyor 12. ０ , a first path switch 16 is provided. The first path switch 16 is configured with a movable lever that can be switched between a first position (position shown by a solid line in the figure) where the plate D' is guided to the first transport path 14a, and a second position (position shown by a dotted line in the figure) where the plate D is guided to the second transport path 14b (third transport path 14c).

[0024] Furthermore, the first transport path 14a of this embodiment has a base point branch point B ０ From seating row C １１ , C １２ A plurality of conveyor units (three in the figure) are arranged along the conveying direction from the entrance of １１ , U １２ , U １３ Similarly, the second transport path 14b is configured by the base point branch point B ０ From seating row C ２１ , C ２２ A plurality of conveyor units (three in the figure) are arranged along the conveying direction from the entrance of ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ The third transport path 14c is configured as follows: ０ From seating row C ３１ , C ３２ A plurality of (six in the figure) conveyor units U are arranged along the conveying direction up to the entrance of ３１ , U ３２ , U ３３ , U ３４ , U ３５ , U ３６Each conveyor unit U constituting each of the transport paths 14a, 14b, and 14c is １１ , U １２ , U １３ , U ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ , U ３１ , U ３２ , U ３３ , U ３４ , U ３５ , U ３６ are configured to be able to individually switch between driving and stopping under the control of the control device 100. This makes it possible to adjust the transportation and stopping of the plates D' partially on each of the transportation paths 14a, 14b, and 14c, taking into account the transportation status of the plates D' (such as whether there is a local congestion of the plates D').

[0025] In the example shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor unit U ２１ , U ２２ and the conveyor unit U of the third transport path 14c ３１ , U ３２ These are configured as a common unit. That is, a part of the second transport path 14b and a part of the third transport path 14c share the same unit. This allows the entire branch conveyor 14 to be made compact and space-saving while still achieving the functions required for each of the transport paths 14a, 14b, and 14c.

[0026] In the following, for the sake of simplicity, all conveyor units will be collectively referred to as "conveyor unit U" or "each conveyor unit U" as appropriate.

[0027] Conveyor unit U of second transport path 14b ２２ (Conveyor unit U of the third transport path 14c ３２ ) is provided with a second path switch 17. The second path switch 17 switches the tray D' to the conveyor unit U ２３ a first position (position shown by the solid line in the figure) that guides the tray D' to the conveyor unit U; ３３ a first position (position indicated by a dotted line in the figure) which guides the lever to the first position; and a second position (position indicated by a dotted line in the figure) which guides the lever to the first position.

[0028] In addition, the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment has branch points B on each of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, and 14c. １ , B ２ , B ３ Passenger seat conveyor pair R connected via １ , R ２ , R ３ It is equipped with:

[0029] Conveyor belt vs. R １ is seating row C １１ Each individual table C included in １１１ ~C １１４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along １１ And, audience row C １２ Each individual table C included in １２１ ~C １２４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along １２ and are configured by. Also, the passenger seat conveyor pair R ２ is seating row C ２１ Each individual table C included in ２１１ ~C ２１４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along ２１ and audience row C ２２ Each individual table C included in ２２１ ~C ２２４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along ２２ Furthermore, the seat conveyor pair R ３ is seating row C ３１ Each individual table C included in ３１１ ~C ３１４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along ３１ and audience row C ３２ Each individual table C included in ３２１ ~C ３２４ Passenger seat conveyor R extending along ３２ and

[0030] In addition, each individual table C １１１ ~C １１４ , C １２１ ~C １２４ , C ２１１ ~C ２１４ , C ２２１ ~C ２２４ , C ３１１ ~C ３１４, C ３２１ ~C ３２４ The table terminals T operated by customers are １１１ ~T １１４ , T １２１ ~T １２４ , T ２１１ ~T ２１４ , T ２２１ ~T ２２４ , T ３１１ ~T ３１４ , T ３２１ ~T ３２４ When each table terminal T receives an input operation by a customer (such as touch panel operation for the product to be ordered), it outputs order information I ｏｄ and transmits it to the control device 100.

[0031] Also, at each branch point B １ , B ２ , B ３ The seats are each equipped with a seat path switch S １ , S ２ , S ３ A passenger seat route switch S １ is branch point B １ Plate D' arrives at the customer seat conveyor R １１ The first position (position shown by the solid line in the figure) that guides the passengers to the seat conveyor R １２ The first position (shown by the dotted line in the figure) is a position where the passengers are guided to the first seat, and the second position (shown by the dotted line in the figure) is a position where the passengers are guided to the second seat. ２ is branch point B ２ Plate D' arrives at the customer seat conveyor R ２１ The first position (position shown by the solid line in the figure) that guides the passengers to the seat conveyor R ２２ A first position (position shown by the dotted line in the figure) that guides the passengers to the first position, and a second position (position shown by the dotted line in the figure) that guides the passengers to the second position. ３ is branch point B ３ Plate D' arrives at the customer seat conveyor R ３１ The first position (position shown by the solid line in the figure) that guides the passengers to the seat conveyor R ３２ a first position (position indicated by a dotted line in the figure) which guides the lever to the first position; and a second position (position indicated by a dotted line in the figure) which guides the lever to the first position.

[0032] The control device 100 is configured by a computer programmed to be able to execute the functions described below.

[0033] 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device 100. As shown in the figure, the control device 100 has an order information processing unit 102, a cooking order determination unit 104, a display processing unit 106, a dish information writing unit 114, an in-kitchen switch driving unit 116, a transport path selection unit 121, a branch conveyor driving unit 122, and a customer destination conveyor driving unit 124.

[0034] The order information processing unit 102 receives order information I from each table terminal T. ｏｄ When the order information processing unit 102 acquires the order information I, the following order information processing is performed. ｏｄ The order information I in this embodiment is recorded in an internal memory (not shown) or an external storage area (a predetermined server or cloud, etc.) that can be accessed as needed. ｏｄ The ID includes identification information for the plate D used for each order, information identifying the individual table where the order was placed (hereinafter referred to as the "table ID"), information indicating the product items to be ordered (order details), and information indicating the time the order was placed (hereinafter referred to as the "order time").

[0035] In addition, the order information processing unit 102 processes the order information I ｏｄ The order information processing unit 102 calculates the order sequence (hereinafter referred to as "order sequence") for each product item in the orders placed within a predetermined time period based on the order information I (especially the order time, etc.). ｏｄ Then, the cooking order determination unit 104 generates information (hereinafter referred to as “order order information”) that associates the calculated order order with the identification information and table ID of the dish D, and outputs this information to the cooking order determination unit 104 .

[0036] The cooking order determination unit 104 generates cooking order information from the order order information. The cooking order information is determined as information linking the order order information with the cooking order determined based on the order order (hereinafter referred to as the "first cooking order"). The cooking order may be determined to match the order order, or may be an order that is modified as appropriate. The cooking order determination unit 104 then outputs the generated cooking order information to the display processing unit 106 and the dish information writing unit 114.

[0037] The display processing unit 106 refers to the cooking order information and displays the product items ordered within the predetermined time period together with the cooking order on the display device 400.

[0038] When the plate information writing unit 114 receives a signal from the RFID writer 24 (a signal indicating the arrival of plate D'), it refers to the cooking order information and performs a process of writing specified plate information to plate D'. More specifically, the plate information writing unit 114 counts the number of plates that arrive at the RFID writer 24 and compares the count value with the cooking order of each product item included in the cooking order information to identify the cooking order associated with plate D' that has currently arrived at the RFID writer 24, and extracts the table ID of plate D' from the cooking order information using the identified cooking order as a key. The plate information writing unit 114 then generates plate information including at least the table ID and operates the RFID writer 24 to write the plate information to plate D'.

[0039] When the transport route selection unit 121 receives a signal from the RFID reader 26 (a signal including arrival information and plate information for the plate D'), it refers to the received plate information and selects one of the transport routes 14a, 14b, and 14c as the transport route for the plate D'. More specifically, the transport route selection unit 121 determines one transport route by comparing the table ID included in the plate information for the plate D' read by the RFID reader 26 with a data set in which each table ID is associated with an individual transport route. For example, the transport route selection unit 121 may select an individual table C for the received plate information. １１１ or individual table C １２１ If the acquired dish information includes a table ID indicating the individual table C, the transport route selector 121 selects the first transport route 14a as the transport route for the dish D'.２１１ or individual table C ２２１ If the acquired dish information includes a table ID indicating the individual table C, the transport route selector 121 selects the second transport route 14b as the transport route for the dish D'. ３１１ or individual table C ３２１ If the table ID indicating the above is included, the third transport path 14c is selected as the transport path for the plate D'.

[0040] The branch conveyor driving unit 122 drives (operates) the branch conveyor 14, the first path switch 16, and the second path switch 17 based on the selected transport path and the plate passing information. More specifically, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 drives (operates) the branch conveyor 14, the first path switch 16, and the second path switch 17 based on the selected transport path. １ , R ２ , or R ３ ), the branch conveyor 14 (particularly each conveyor unit U) is driven, the position of the first path switch 16 is adjusted, and the position of the second path switch 17 is adjusted.

[0041] For example, when the first transport path 14a is selected, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 adjusts the first path switch 16 to the first position and controls each conveyor unit U constituting the first transport path 14a. １１ , U １２ , U １３ As a result, the plate D' is transported to the customer seat conveyor pair R via the first transport path 14a. １ When the second transport path 14b is selected, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 adjusts the first path switch 16 to the second position, adjusts the second path switch 17 to the first position, and controls each conveyor unit U constituting the second transport path 14b. ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ As a result, the plate D' is transported to the customer seat conveyor pair R via the second transport path 14b. ２Furthermore, when the third transport path 14c is selected, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 adjusts the first path switch 16 to the second position, adjusts the second path switch 17 to the second position, and adjusts each conveyor unit U constituting the third transport path 14c to the second position. ３１ , U ３２ , U ３３ , U ３４ , U ３５ , U ３６ As a result, the plate D' is transported to the customer seat conveyor pair R via the third transport path 14c. ３ will be transported to.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the branch conveyor driver 122 acquires plate passing information for each conveyor unit U and executes control during plate congestion based on the plate passing information. More specifically, the branch conveyor driver 122 references the plate passing information to estimate the number of plates in each conveyor unit U constituting each of the transport paths 14a, 14b, and 14c. The branch conveyor driver 122 then determines whether there is a conveyor unit U (hereinafter referred to as a "congested conveyor unit") where the estimated number of plates is equal to or exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0043] This determination is made with the aim of detecting areas on each conveying path 14a, 14b, 14c where plates D' are locally concentrated to the extent that conveyance jams may occur. The plate passage information includes information determined based on the detection values ​​of plate passage sensors provided at the entrance and exit of each conveyor unit U (information indicating the entrance and exit of plates D' on each conveyor unit U).

[0044] When the branch conveyor driving unit 122 determines that a jammed conveyor unit exists, it drives or stops each conveyor unit U, adjusts the position of the first path switch 16, and adjusts the position of the second path switch 17 so that the following dish D' is not sent to the jammed conveyor unit. Details of the control when a dish is jammed will be described later.

[0045] When the customer conveyor driving unit 124 receives a signal (a signal including the arrival detection of the plate D' and the plate information) from the RFID readers 51, 52, 53, it refers to the received plate information and switches the customer seat path switch S１ , S ２ , S ３ , and each seat conveyor R １１ , R １２・・・ R ３１ , R ３２ More specifically, when the customer conveyor driving unit 124 receives a signal from the RFID reader 51, it drives (operates) the customer seat path switch S so that the dish D' is transported to the serving destination (individual table) linked to the table ID included in the dish information. １ Adjustment of the position of the seat conveyor (R １１ or R １２ ) is driven.

[0046] In particular, the customer conveyor drive unit 124 drives the plate D' through the customer seat path switch S １ By adjusting the position of the tray D', the tray D' is guided to the desired seating conveyor (row of seats) corresponding to the table ID, and the seating conveyor is driven at a predetermined speed for a predetermined time and then stopped. Here, the predetermined time is predetermined as the time it takes for the tray D' to reach the individual table where it is to be served from the entrance of the seating conveyor to which it has been guided according to the predetermined speed.

[0047] The same control is performed when a signal is received from the RFID reader 52 or the RFID reader 53.

[0048] Using the control logic in the branch conveyor drive unit 122 and customer conveyor drive unit 124, plate D' can be transported from the kitchen K to the desired individual table via a direct route via the kitchen conveyor 12 and one of the transport paths (14a, 14b, or 14c) corresponding to the serving destination (table ID).

[0049] Next, an example of a specific operation (particularly an operation when control during plate congestion is executed) of food and beverage conveying device 10 having the above configuration will be described.

[0050] 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a specific operation of food and drink conveying device 10. In FIG. 3, order information I relating to two consecutive sushi orders is ｏｄIn the following, the first plate D' carrying the sushi ordered by the previous order is referred to as the "first plate D'." ｋ ", and the plate D' with the sushi related to the later order is called "the second plate D' ｋ＋１ "

[0051] First, in step S11, a first plate D' on which sushi cooked in the kitchen K is placed is prepared. ｋ and second dish D' ｋ＋１ When the first plate D' arrives at the RFID writer 24, the control device 100 (particularly the plate information writing unit 114) writes the plate information including the table ID of each plate. ｋ The destination is individual table C １１１ and the individual table C １１１ The table ID indicating （１１１） " Also, the second plate D' ｋ＋１ The destination is individual table C ２２２ and the individual table C ２２２ The table ID indicating （２２２） " should be written as ".

[0052] Next, in step S12, the first plate D' that arrives at the RFID reader 26 is ｋ and second dish D' ｋ＋１ From, respectively, table ID （１１１） Dish information and table ID including （２２２） The plate information including the above is read and transmitted to the control device 100 (particularly the conveying path selection unit 121).

[0053] Furthermore, in step S13, the control device 100 (particularly the transport path selection unit 121) selects the first tray D' ｋ Table ID included in the dish information （１１１） Based on this, the first dish D' ｋ The transport path selector 121 selects the first transport path 14a as the transport path for the second tray D'. ｋ＋１ Table ID included in the dish information （２２２） Based on this, the second dish D' ｋ＋１ The second transport path 14b is selected as the transport path.

[0054] Next, in step S14, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122) controls each conveyor unit U constituting the first transport path 14a. １１ , U １２ , U １３ More specifically, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 determines whether or not a first jammed unit exists in each conveyor unit U. １１ , U １２ , U １３ By referring to the plate passing information in each conveyor unit U １１ , U １２ , U １３ The branch conveyor driving unit 122 then estimates (calculates) the number of plates D' (number of plates) present in each of the trays D'. Furthermore, the branch conveyor driving unit 122 compares each estimated number of plates with a predetermined threshold value and determines whether there is a tray with a number of plates equal to or greater than the threshold value.

[0055] If there is no first jammed unit, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122 and the customer conveyor driving unit 124) controls the first tray D' based on the control logic described in FIG. ｋ Individual table C １１１ Transport to.

[0056] On the other hand, if the first jammed unit exists, the process proceeds to step S16. Then, in step S16, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122) adjusts the position of the first path switch 16 and the position of each conveyor unit U. １１ , U １２ , U １３ By switching between driving and stopping the first plate D' ｋ The first non-congestion unit is a unit located upstream (more preferably, the most upstream) of the first congestion unit on the first transport path 14a and having a number of plates less than a threshold value.

[0057] In FIG. 4A, when a first jammed unit exists (particularly, conveyor unit U １３ is the first congestion unit), the first plate D' ｋThe first non-jammed unit (particularly, the conveyor unit U １１ ) is shown below.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the conveyor unit U １３ In a situation where the number of plates in the conveyor unit U is equal to or greater than the threshold value (four in the figure), the first path switch 16 is adjusted to the first position. １１ By driving the conveyor 12, the first dish D' is conveyed from the conveyor 12. ｋ Conveyor unit U １１ Then, the conveyor unit U １１ Place the first dish D' in the designated position above. ｋ When it arrives, the conveyor unit U １１ The drive of the first plate D' is stopped and the first plate D' is placed in the predetermined position. ｋ As a result, the conveyor unit U that is jammed with the tray D' in the conveying direction is stopped. １３ First dish D' ｋ This can prevent further congestion from worsening due to further traffic being sent.

[0059] In addition, the first dish D' ｋ The timing of arrival of the first plate D' at the predetermined position is, for example, ｋ is conveyor unit U １１ The estimated time can be calculated by adding a predetermined time to the timing (time) at which the conveyor passes through the entrance of the conveyor unit U. １１ When switching from drive to stop, conveyor unit U １２ and U １３ It is preferable to drive the conveyor unit U continuously. １３ The plate D' above can be sent downstream quickly, easing congestion.

[0060] Returning to FIG. 3, in step S17, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122) ｋ In a state where the first non-congestion unit is waiting, each conveyor unit U constituting the second transport path 14b ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３It is determined whether or not a second congestion unit exists in the traffic congestion area 10. The algorithm for determining whether or not a second congestion unit exists is the same as that for determining whether or not a first congestion unit exists in step S14.

[0061] If there is no second jammed unit, the process proceeds to step S18. In step S18, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122 and the customer conveyor driving unit 124) controls the second tray D' based on the control logic described in FIG. ｋ＋１ Individual table C ２２２ As a result, the first tray D' ｋ In the state where the second plate D' is waiting in the first non-jam unit, ｋ＋１ Individual table C ２２２ The second tray D' can be transported to the ｋ＋１ During the transport of conveyor unit U １３ When the number of plates becomes less than the threshold value (when the congestion on the first conveying path 14a is resolved), the second plate D' ｋ＋１ In parallel with the transport of the first tray D' ｋ Conveyor unit U １１ It is preferable to restart the drive of the motor.

[0062] In FIG. 4B, the first plate D' ｋ The first non-jammed unit (conveyor unit U １１ ) and wait for the second dish D' ｋ＋１ Individual table C ２２２ An example of a specific mode of transporting the material to the target object is shown below.

[0063] As shown in the figure, the conveyor unit U １１ The first plate D' that precedes ｋ While the second dish D' is waiting, the first path switch 16 is switched from the first position to the second position, and the second path switch 17 is adjusted to the first position. ｋ＋１ Conveyor unit U ２１ In this state, the conveyor units U constituting the second transport path 14b can be guided to the ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ is driven, the second plate D' ｋ＋１The seating conveyor vs. R ２ Therefore, the preceding first tray D' can be transported to the entrance of ｋ Even if the conveyance of the second tray D' is interrupted, the second tray D' can be conveyed to the next tray D' via the second conveyance path 14b where no congestion occurs. ｋ＋１ can be transported in advance.

[0064] 3, if a second jammed unit exists, the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the control device 100 (particularly the branch conveyor driving unit 122) adjusts the position of the first path switch 16, adjusts the position of the second path switch 17, and adjusts the position of each conveyor unit U. ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ By switching between driving and stopping the second plate D' ｋ＋１ The second non-congestion unit is a unit that is located upstream (more preferably, the most upstream) of the second congestion unit on the second transport path 14b and has a number of plates less than a threshold value.

[0065] The operation of the food and drink conveying device 10 shown in Fig. 3 (particularly the control when plates are jammed) is an example, and various variations can be adopted. ｋ The destination is individual table C ３１１ and the subsequent second plate D' ｋ＋１ The destination is individual table C ２１２ If so, the first dish D' ｋ The third transport path 14c is selected as the transport path for the second tray D'. ｋ＋１ The second transport path 14b is selected as the transport path for the sheet.

[0066] At this time, if the first jammed conveyor unit exists on the third transport path 14c, the first path switch 16 is adjusted to the second position, the second path switch 17 is adjusted to the second position, and the conveyor unit U ２１ (U ３１ ), and U ２２ (U ３２ ) is driven to turn the first dish D' ｋ Conveyor unit U ３３and then conveyor unit U ３３ By stopping the first dish D' ｋ The conveyor unit U ３３ A control logic may be adopted that makes the first tray D' wait at a predetermined position. ｋ The conveyor unit U ３３ While the first path switch 16 is kept at the second position, the second path switch 17 is switched to the first position, and each conveyor unit U constituting the second transport path 14b is ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ By driving all of the following second plate D', ｋ＋１ Prior to this, the seating conveyor belt ２ A control logic for transporting the liquid to the inlet of the liquid supply pipe may be employed.

[0067] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the plates D' on which food (sushi) prepared in the kitchen K is placed are delivered to each seat (each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ]) in sequence.

[0068] This food and drink conveying device 10 transfers the plate D' on which cooked food and drink is placed to a predetermined position (base point branch point B ０ ), and the plate D' conveyed to the predetermined position is conveyed to each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the branch conveyor 14 is connected to the kitchen conveyor 12 at a predetermined position and conveys the food to the entrance of each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２and a guide device (16, 17) for guiding the dish D' from the predetermined position to one of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0069] This allows the dishes D' that have been cooked in the kitchen K to be delivered to each seating row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ Therefore, food and drink cooked in the kitchen K can be provided to customers in a short time.

[0070] In particular, with the configuration of the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment, each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ] can be prepared in one kitchen K (a kitchen K where one cooking staff member O works) while reducing transportation time. Therefore, items necessary for preparing food (such as packs P containing sushi ingredients) and other equipment can be concentrated and placed near the kitchen K.

[0071] More specifically, for example, a plurality of kitchens K are installed in different locations in the kitchen, and the kitchens K are connected to the respective rows of customers [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ], the food and drink transport origin can be distributed to multiple locations, and by selecting an appropriate transport route, the transport time for cooked food and drink can be relatively short. On the other hand, it is necessary to assign at least one person to each kitchen K, and it is also necessary to distribute the items and equipment required for cooking to multiple locations. In contrast, with the food and drink transport device 10 of this embodiment, the kitchen K, where one cooking staff member O works, is used as the transport origin, and the food and drink transport origin is distributed to each seating row [C１１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ], it is possible to reduce personnel while consolidating necessary items near kitchen K, thereby making effective use of the space in the kitchen.

[0072] It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which multiple kitchens K are installed and the product items to be cooked in each kitchen K are separated, so that the same items required for cooking (such as ingredient packs P for the same type of sushi ingredients) are not distributed to multiple locations. However, in this case, it is necessary to separate the kitchens K and each seating row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ Depending on the positional relationship of the food and drink containers, the food and drink transport route may become longer, increasing the transport time.

[0073] In contrast to this, in the case of the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment, as described above, the plates D' carrying the food and drink cooked in one kitchen K are conveyed to each row of customers [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ] are transported using the transport routes 14a, 14b, and 14c that lead directly to each of the above, so that items necessary for cooking can be gathered in one place while shortening the transport time.

[0074] Furthermore, the food and beverage conveying device 10 of this embodiment further includes a reading device (RFID reader 26) that reads destination identification information (table ID) for identifying the destination from the plate D being transported by the kitchen conveyor 12, and a control device 100 that controls the guidance devices (16, 17).

[0075] The control device 100 then refers to the table ID read by the RFID reader 26, selects one of the transport routes 14a, 14b, and 14c, and operates the guide devices (16, 17) based on the selected transport route.

[0076] This allows the destination of the plate D' carrying cooked food to be identified by the table ID read from the plate D' during transport, and the plate D' can be transported after selecting a transport route corresponding to the table ID. Therefore, specific control logic can be realized to identify the individual table C designated as the destination of the plate D' and transport the plate D' via the transport route corresponding to the individual table C.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the transport paths 14a, 14b, and 14c is composed of multiple conveyor units U arranged in a row along the transport direction of the plates D', and the multiple conveyor units U can be individually switched between driving and stopping. The control device 100 then estimates the number of plates present on at least one of the conveyor units U that make up the selected transport path, and operates the guide devices (16, 17) and individually drives or stops the multiple conveyor units U based on the selected transport path and the estimated number of plates.

[0078] This allows the operation of the guide devices (16, 17) and each conveyor unit U to be appropriately controlled, taking into consideration the degree of congestion (traffic jam) of plates D on the selected conveying route.

[0079] More specifically, in the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment, each of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, and 14c is connected to a predetermined position (base point branch point B ０ ) to the first seating area (seat row [C １１ , C １２ ]), and a first conveying path 14a that leads directly to the second seat (seat row [C ２１ , C ２２ and a second transport path 14b that is directly connected to the first transport path 14b.

[0080] Then, the control device 100 controls the first seat (seat row [C １１ , C １２]) ｋ When the table ID of the first plate D' is acquired (step S12 in FIG. 3), ｋ The first conveying path 14a is selected as the conveying path (step S13), and each conveyor unit U constituting the first conveying path 14a is １１ , U １２ , U １３ Then, the control device 100 determines whether there is a first congestion unit (for example, conveyor unit U) in which the number of plates is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S14). １３ ) exists, the path switch (particularly the first path switch 16) is operated to switch the first plate D' ｋ The first congestion unit (U １３ ) is arranged upstream of the first non-jam unit (for example, conveyor unit U １１ ) and the first congestion unit (U １３ ) while driving the first non-jam unit (U １１ ) is stopped and the first plate D' ｋ The first non-congestion unit (U １１ ) is put on standby (step S16).

[0081] As a result, in a situation where a local jam of plates D' (plate jam) occurs on the first conveying path 14a, the first plate D' is further conveyed to the local jammed location. ｋ It is possible to realize specific control logic for preventing the worsening of congestion caused by sending out

[0082] In the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment, the control device 100 controls the first plate D' ｋ Following behind, the second seat (seat row [C ２１ , C ２２ ]) the second tray D' to be conveyed to ｋ＋１ When the table ID of the second plate D' is acquired (step S12), ｋ＋１ The second conveying path 14b is selected as the conveying path for the conveyor unit U (step S13). ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３If the control device 100 determines that there is no second congestion unit, the control device 100 determines whether there is a second congestion unit in which the number of plates is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step S17). １１ ) on the first plate D' ｋ While the conveyor units U are waiting, the path switchers (particularly the first path switcher 16 and the second path switcher 17) are operated, and all the conveyor units U constituting the second transport path 14b are switched. ２１ , U ２２ , U ２３ Drive the second plate D ｋ＋１ to the second seating area (seat row [C ２１ , C ２２ ]) (step S18).

[0083] As a result, the first plate D', which is ahead of the first plate D', is caught in a local jam of plates D on the first transport path 14a. ｋ While the conveyance of the second tray D' is suspended, the second tray D' is conveyed by another second conveyance path 14b. ｋ＋１ It is possible to realize specific control logic for transporting the passengers to the entrance of the auditorium in advance.

[0084] Furthermore, the food and drink conveying device 10 of this embodiment places the plate D' on which the food and drink cooked in the kitchen K is placed at a predetermined position (base point branch point B ０ ), and the plate D' moved to the predetermined position is transferred to each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the branch conveyor 14 is connected to the kitchen conveyor 12 at a predetermined position and conveys the food to the entrance of each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ and a guide device (16, 17) for guiding the dish D' from the predetermined position to one of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, 14c.

[0085] As a result, the food is cooked in the kitchen K and then transported to a predetermined position (B ０ ) and then take the shortest route possible to each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ Therefore, food and drink cooked in the kitchen K can be provided to customers in a short time.

[0086] In particular, food and beverage conveying device 10 of this embodiment further includes a reader (RFID reader 26) that reads destination identification information (table ID) for identifying the destination, and control device 100 that controls guiding devices (16, 17). Control device 100 references the table ID read by RFID reader 26 to select one of conveying routes 14a, 14b, 14c, and operates guiding devices (16, 17) based on the selected conveying route.

[0087] As a result, the food is cooked and then moved to a predetermined position (B ０ ) is identified by the table ID read by the RFID reader 26, and the plate D' can be transported after selecting a transport route corresponding to the table ID. Therefore, specific control logic can be realized to identify the individual table C designated as the destination of the plate D' and transport the plate D' via the transport route corresponding to the individual table C.

[0088] [Second Embodiment] In the following, elements similar to those described in the previous embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. In this embodiment, a multi-stage food and beverage conveying device 200 is provided in which the conveying means of the food and beverage conveying device 10 described in the first embodiment are arranged one above the other.

[0089] 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multi-stage food and drink conveying apparatus 200 according to this embodiment. Note that each part of the multi-stage food and drink conveying apparatus 200 according to this embodiment is also controlled by a control device 100, but to simplify the drawing, the control device 100 is not shown.

[0090] As shown in the figure, the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200 includes a first kitchen conveyor 12, a second kitchen conveyor 32, and an upper branch conveyor 14. ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ and,

[0091] The first kitchen conveyor 12 transfers the plate D1 carrying the cooked food (e.g., sushi) in the first kitchen K1 to a predetermined position (first base point branch point B ０ｄ On the other hand, the second kitchen conveyor 32 is configured as a belt conveyor that conveys the plate D2 carrying the food (e.g., sushi) after cooking in the second kitchen K2 to a predetermined position (second base point branch point B ０ｕ ) The second kitchen conveyor 32 is configured as a belt conveyor that conveys food to at least the second base point branch point B ０ｕ At the position of ｕ The conveying surface is configured higher than that of the first kitchen conveyor 12 so as to match the height of the entrance of the second kitchen K2. ｕ The conveying surface is configured to gradually become higher (sloped, for example) toward the top.

[0092] Upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ are arranged one above the other.

[0093] Upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ is the second kitchen conveyor 32 and the second base point branch point B ０ｕ and seating row C １１ , C １２ , seat row C ２１ , C ２２ , and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ is seating row C １１ , C １２ The first upper transport path 14a is a transport path to the entrance of the ｕ and audience row C ２１ , C ２２The second upper conveying path 14b is a conveying path to the entrance of the ｕ and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ The third upper conveying path 14c is a conveying path to the entrance of the ｕ and,

[0094] First upper transport path 14a ｕ is the second base point branch point B ０ｕ From seating row C １１ , C １２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R １ｕ Upper branch point B that leads to １ｕ ) and the second upper conveying path 14b ｕ is the second base point branch point B ０ｕ From seating row C ２１ , C ２２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R ２ｕ Upper branch point B that leads to ２ｕ ) is configured as a conveyor area directly connected to the third upper conveying path 14c. ｕ is the second base point branch point B ０ｕ From seating row C ３１ , C ３２ Entrance (more specifically, upper seating conveyor belt R ３ｕ Upper branch point B that leads to ３ｕ ) is configured as a conveyor area that leads directly to the

[0095] Lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ is the first kitchen conveyor 12 and the first base point branch point B ０ｄ and seating row C １１ , C １２ , seat row C ２１ , C ２２ , and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ In particular, the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ is seating row C １１ , C １２ The first lower conveying path 14a is a conveying path to the entrance of the ｄ and audience row C ２１ , C ２２The second lower conveying path 14b is a conveying path to the entrance of the ｄ and audience row C ３１ , C ３２ The third lower conveying path 14c is a conveying path to the entrance of the ｄ and,

[0096] First lower transport path 14a ｄ is the first base point branch point B ０ｄ From seating row C １１ , C １２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R １ｄ Lower branch point B that leads to １ｄ ) and the second lower conveying path 14b ｄ is the first base point branch point B ０ｄ From seating row C ２１ , C ２２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R ２ｄ Lower branch point B that leads to ２ｄ ) is configured as a conveyor area directly connected to the third lower conveying path 14c. ｄ is the first base point branch point B ０ｄ From seating row C ３１ , C ３２ Entrance (more specifically, the lower seating conveyor belt R ３ｄ Lower branch point B that leads to ３ｄ ) is configured as a conveyor area that leads directly to the

[0097] That is, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ are branched conveyors of substantially the same configuration stacked one above the other, and each branched end is connected to a common seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ]. ｕ Each upper conveying path 14a ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ Each lower conveying path 14a ｄ, 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ 14 is configured by a plurality of conveyor units U that can be individually switched between driving and stopping, similarly to the respective conveying paths 14a, 14b, and 14c in the first embodiment.

[0098] In addition, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ , a path switcher (first upper stage path switcher 16) having the same function as the first path switcher 16 in the first embodiment is provided. ｕ and the first lower stage path switch 16 ｄ ) and a path switcher having the same function as the second path switcher 17 (second upper path switcher 17 ｕ and the second lower stage path switch 17 ｄ ), and RFID reader (upper RFID reader 51 ｕ , 52 ｕ , 53 ｕ and lower RFID reader 51 ｄ , 52 ｄ , 53 ｄ ) and are provided.

[0099] Furthermore, the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200 includes upper conveying paths 14a ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ For each upper branch point B １ｕ , B ２ｕ , B ３ｕ Each pair of upper seat conveyors R connected via １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ and each lower conveying path 14a ｄ , 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ For each lower branch point B １ｄ , B ２ｄ , B ３ｄ Each lower seat conveyor pair R connected via １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ In addition, each upper seat conveyor pair R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R２ｄ , R ３ｄ are all common seating rows [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ] is configured as a set of belt conveyors along the

[0100] In addition, each upper branch point B １ｕ , B ２ｕ , B ３ｕ In the first embodiment, each seat path switch S １ , S ２ , S ３ Each upper seat path switcher S has the same function as １ｕ , S ２ｕ , S ３ｕ Furthermore, each lower branch point B １ｄ , B ２ｄ , B ３ｄ In the first embodiment, each seat path switch S １ , S ２ , S ３ Each lower seat path switch S has the same function as １ｄ , S ２ｄ , S ３ｄ is provided.

[0101] In the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200 of this embodiment, the control device 100 controls each upper branch conveyor 14 using the same control logic as in the first embodiment. ｕ , lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ , and the respective switches provided therein, and the respective upper seat conveyor pairs R １ｕ , R ２ｕ , R ３ｕ Each seat conveyor included in and each lower seat conveyor pair R １ｄ , R ２ｄ , R ３ｄ Controls the operation of each seat conveyor included in

[0102] As described above, in the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200 as the food and drink conveying device in this embodiment, the kitchen conveying path is configured as a first kitchen conveying path (first kitchen conveyor 12) and a second kitchen conveying path (second kitchen conveyor 32). In particular, the first kitchen conveyor 12 conveys food from the first kitchen area (first kitchen area K1) to the first predetermined position (first base point branch point B ０ｄ ), and the second kitchen conveyor 32 conveys the plate D' from the second kitchen area (second kitchen area K2) to the second predetermined position (second base point branch point B ０ｕ The conveying device then conveys the tray D' to the upper conveying device (upper branch conveyor 14) which are arranged one above the other. ｕ ) and a lower stage conveying device (lower stage branch conveyor 14 ｄ ) is composed of:

[0103] In particular, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ is the second predetermined position (second base point branch point B ０ｕ ) to the second kitchen conveyor 32, and each seat (each seat row [C １１ , C １２ ], [C ２１ , C ２２ ], [C ３１ , C ３２ ]) ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ In addition, the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ is the first predetermined position (first base point branch point B ０ｄ ) connected to the first kitchen conveyor 12, and each upper conveying path 14a ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ and each lower conveying route 14a directly leading to each common entrance of each seating area. ｄ , 14b ｄ , 14c ｄ It has.

[0104] As a result, the food and drink cooked in each of the first cooking area K1 and the second cooking area K2 is conveyed along the upper conveying paths 14a ｕ , 14b ｕ , 14c ｕ and each lower conveying path 14a ｄ , 14bｄ , 14c ｄ Therefore, the capacity to transport plates D' per space in the store can be increased while still providing cooked food and drink to customers in a short time.

[0105] For example, the types of food and drink (product items) cooked in the first kitchen K1 and the second kitchen K2 may be different. Specifically, the first kitchen K1 may prepare sushi dishes, while the second kitchen K2 may prepare other food and drink items (gunkan, desserts, other side dishes, etc.). This reduces the number of items (such as types of sushi toppings) required for cooking for the cooking staff O1 and O2 in charge of cooking in each kitchen K1, K2, and reduces the workload.

[0106] Furthermore, by adjusting the layout of the first kitchen K1, the second kitchen K2, and the pack placement tables 22-1, 22-1 as shown in Figure 4, the cooking staff O1 and O2 will perform cooking tasks with their backs to each other. Therefore, for example, when one cooking staff O1 (O2) is away from the first kitchen K1 (second kitchen K2), the other cooking staff O2 (O1) can work in the second kitchen K2 (first kitchen K1) while looking back as needed to work in the first kitchen K1 (second kitchen K2). Therefore, during times when the restaurant is not busy, one cooking staff O1 (or O2) can perform cooking tasks in both the first kitchen K1 and the second kitchen K2, thereby reducing the number of staff required.

[0107] [Third embodiment] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of a multi-stage food and drink conveying device 300 according to this embodiment. In the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 300 of this embodiment, an additional seat row C ４１ , C ４２ A structure is realized in which the tray D' can also be transported to the entrance of the tray.

[0108] Specifically, in the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 300, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ The first upper conveying path 14a ｕ, second upper conveying path 14b ｕ , and the third upper conveying path 14c ｕ In addition, the second base point branch point B ０ｕ From seating row C ４１ , C ４２ The fourth upper conveying path 14d is a conveying path to the entrance of ｕ The lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ The first lower conveying path 14a ｄ , second lower conveying path 14b ｄ , and the third lower conveying path 14c ｄ In addition, the first base point branch point B ０ｄ From seating row C ４１ , C ４２ The fourth lower conveying path 14d is a conveying path to the entrance of ｄ Further provided are:

[0109] Furthermore, the upper branch conveyor 14 ｕ In the figure, the plate D' is the second base point branch point B ０ｕ to the fourth upper conveying path 14d ｕ Upper stage path switch 18 for guiding ｕ is added, and the lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ In the figure, the plate D' is the first base point branch point B ０ｄ to the fourth lower conveying path 14d ｄ Lower path switch 18 for guiding ｄ will be added.

[0110] In addition, the fourth upper conveying path 14d ｕ At the upper branch point B ４ｕ Through the upper seating conveyor to R ４ｕ is added, and upper branch point B ４ｕ The upper seating route switch S ４ｕ Furthermore, a fourth lower conveying path 14d is provided. ｄ At the lower branch point B ４ｄ Through the lower seating conveyor R ４ｄ is added, and the lower branch point B ４ｄ The lower seating route switch S ４ｄ This allows the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200 of the second embodiment to function similarly to the multi-stage food and drink conveying device 200, while also being able to accommodate an increase in the number of seats.

[0111] In addition, the multi-stage food and beverage conveying device 300 of this embodiment is provided with a plate lifting and moving unit 27 for exchanging plates D' between the first kitchen conveyor 12 and the second kitchen conveyor 32.

[0112] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and operation of the dish lifting and moving unit 27. As shown in the figure, the dish lifting and moving unit 27 is composed of a drive device 27a, a casing 27b driven by the drive device 27a, an arm 27c attached to the casing 27b so as to be extendable and scalable, and a dish support plate 27d attached to the tip of the arm 27c.

[0113] The plate lifting and moving unit 27 operates under the control of the control device 100. Then, for example, the drive device 27a is operated to adjust the vertical position of the casing 27b to match the height of the conveying surface of the first kitchen conveyor 12, and in that state, the arm 27c is extended to insert the plate support plate 27d between the conveying surface and the bottom surface of the plate D', thereby recovering the plate D' from the conveying surface of the first kitchen conveyor 12 (see FIG. 7A).

[0114] Thereafter, with the plate D' placed on the plate support plate 27d, the arm 27c is retracted and the casing 27b is rotated, so that the plate support plate 27d faces the second kitchen conveyor 32 (see Figure 7 (B)).

[0115] Furthermore, with the plate support plate 27d facing the second kitchen conveyor 32, the casing 27b is moved upward to match the height of the conveying surface of the second kitchen conveyor 32, and the arm 27c is extended to transfer the plate D' placed on the plate support plate 27d to the conveying surface of the second kitchen conveyor 32 (see Figure 7 (C)).

[0116] In addition, by appropriately controlling the plate lifting and moving unit 27, it is also possible to move the plate D' from the conveying surface of the second kitchen conveyor 32 to the conveying surface of the first kitchen conveyor 12.

[0117] As described above, in this embodiment, a food and beverage conveying device is provided, which is a multi-stage food and beverage conveying device 300. The multi-stage food and beverage conveying device 300 further includes a moving device (plate lifting and moving unit 27) that moves plates D′ between the first kitchen conveyor 12 and the second kitchen conveyor 32.

[0118] As a result, the upper branch conveyor 14 can be arbitrarily used as a transport route for either the plate D' that has been cooked in the first cooking area K1 or the plate D' that has been cooked in the second cooking area K2. ｕ and lower branch conveyor 14 ｄ Therefore, even if the product items to be cooked are divided between the first cooking area K1 and the second cooking area K2, the transport route for the plate D' can be selected by taking into account the traffic congestion on each route and the nature of the food or drink to be cooked (such as whether it is hot or cold).

[0119] The present embodiment and each of the modified examples have been described above, but the above embodiment and each of the modified examples merely illustrate application examples of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiment.

[0120] For example, the specific structures of the food and beverage conveying apparatus (10, 200, 300) in the above embodiments are merely illustrative and can be modified as appropriate. For example, instead of the structure of each of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, 14c in the first embodiment, particularly the structure in which part of the second conveying path 14b and part of the third conveying path 14c share the same unit U, each of the conveying paths 14a, 14b, 14c may be structured independently of one another (i.e., they do not share the same unit U),

[0121] Furthermore, instead of the two-tiered device structure described in the second or third embodiment, a multi-tiered device structure with three or more tiers may be adopted. This allows, for example, even if three or more kitchens K are provided, independent transport paths for plates D' from each of these kitchens K to each row of customer seats to be established. Furthermore, instead of the plate lifting and moving unit 27 described in the third embodiment, any alternative device capable of realizing the function of exchanging plates D' between the first kitchen conveyor 12 and the second kitchen conveyor 32, such as an elevator or a conveyor belt with a slope, may be adopted.

[0122] Furthermore, the processes performed by the control device 100 shown in this embodiment are merely examples for realizing this embodiment, and the order of some of the processes may be changed, some of the processes may be omitted, or other processes may be added, within the scope that allows this embodiment to be realized. Furthermore, the programs for executing the processes performed by the control device 100 shown in this embodiment and the computer-readable recording media that store the programs are also included within the scope of the matters described in the specification, etc., of the present application as originally filed.

[0123] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-32062, filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 4, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A food and beverage conveying device that conveys plates carrying food and beverages cooked in a kitchen to each seat in sequence, comprising: a kitchen conveying path that conveys the plates carrying the cooked food and beverages to a predetermined position; and a conveying device that conveys the plates that have been conveyed to the predetermined position to the entrance of each seat, wherein the conveying device has conveying paths that continue from the kitchen conveying path at the predetermined positions and lead directly to the entrances of each seat; and a guide device that guides the plates from the predetermined position to one of the conveying paths.

2. A food and beverage conveying device as described in claim 1, further comprising a reading device that reads destination identification information for identifying the destination from the plate being conveyed on the kitchen conveying route, and a control device that operates the guiding device, wherein the control device selects one conveying route from among the conveying routes by referring to the destination identification information read by the reading device, and operates the guiding device based on the selected conveying route.

3. A food and beverage conveying device as described in claim 2, wherein each of the conveying paths is composed of a plurality of conveyor units arranged in a line along the conveying direction of the plates, and the plurality of conveyor units can be individually switched between driving and stopping, and the control device estimates the number of plates present on at least one of the conveyor units constituting the selected conveying path, and operates the guidance device and the plurality of conveyor units by referring to the selected conveying path and the estimated number of plates.

4. A food and beverage conveying device as described in claim 3, wherein each of the conveying routes includes a first conveying route that runs directly from the predetermined position to a first customer seat, and a second conveying route that runs directly from the predetermined position to a second customer seat; and when the control device acquires the destination identification information for a first plate to be conveyed to the first customer seat, it selects the first conveying route as the conveying route for the first plate, determines whether or not there is a first congestion unit among the conveyor units that make up the first conveying route, in which the number of plates is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and if it determines that there is a first congestion unit, it operates the guidance device to guide the first plate to a first non-congestion unit that is located upstream of the first congestion unit, and while driving the first congestion unit, stops driving the first non-congestion unit to allow the first plate to wait at the first non-congestion unit.

5. A food and beverage conveying device as described in claim 4, wherein the control device, upon acquiring the destination identification information of a second plate following the first plate and to be conveyed to the second seating, selects the second conveying path as the conveying path for the second plate, determines whether or not there is a second congestion unit among the conveyor units constituting the second conveying path in which the number of plates is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and, if it determines that there is no second congestion unit, has the first plate wait at the first non-congestion unit, operates the guidance device, and drives all of the conveyor units constituting the second conveying path to convey the second plate to the entrance of the second seating.

6. A food and beverage conveying device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the kitchen conveying route includes a first kitchen conveying route and a second kitchen conveying route, the first kitchen conveying route conveys the plates from a first of the kitchen areas to a first predetermined position, and the second kitchen conveying route conveys the plates from a second of the kitchen areas to a second predetermined position, the conveying devices include an upper conveying device and a lower conveying device arranged one above the other, the upper conveying device having upper conveying routes that are continuous with the second kitchen conveying route at the second predetermined position and lead directly to each of the entrances to each of the customer seats, and the lower conveying device having lower conveying routes that are continuous with the first kitchen conveying route at the first predetermined position and lead directly to each of the entrances to each of the customer seats that are common to each of the upper conveying routes.

7. A food and drink conveying device according to claim 6, further comprising a moving device for moving the plate between the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position.

8. A food and beverage conveying device that conveys plates carrying food and beverages prepared in a kitchen in sequence to each seat, comprising: a moving device that moves the plates carrying the food and beverages prepared in the kitchen to a predetermined position on a kitchen conveying route; and a conveying device that conveys the plates that have been moved to the predetermined position to the entrance of each seat, wherein the conveying device has conveying routes that continue from the kitchen conveying route at the predetermined positions and lead directly to the entrance of each seat, and a guide device that guides the plates from the predetermined position to one of the conveying routes.

9. A food and beverage conveying device as described in claim 8, further comprising a reading device that reads destination identification information for identifying the destination, and a control device that operates the guiding device, wherein the control device selects one of the conveying routes by referring to the destination identification information read by the reading device, and operates the guiding device based on the selected conveying route.