JP7756542B2 - Accessories for food delivery robots - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to accessories used in food delivery robots.

Serving robots that serve food to customers and clear away dishes after customers have finished eating are becoming increasingly common in the restaurant industry (see, for example, Patent Document 1). There are two types of serving robots: open types, in which food and drinks are placed on trays that are open to the outside of the robot's housing and transported, and closed types, in which food and drinks are stored inside the robot's housing and transported so that they are not visible from the outside.

International Publication No. 2021/129287

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.

In light of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an accessory that can prevent drinks and other items from spilling while being transported by a food delivery robot.

One aspect of the present invention relates to an accessory for a food service robot, which is used in a food service robot that carries trays. The accessory includes a first plate having one side and another side opposite the first side, the first side being supported by the tray, and a second plate arranged to face the other side. The second plate is formed with a guide shape that abuts against a portion of the dish other than the bottom side to restrict horizontal movement of the dish when the bottom side of the dish is supported by the tray directly or via the first plate. 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.

In this configuration, the horizontal movement of the tableware is restricted by the accessories, and the horizontal movement of the accessories is restricted by the tray. This reduces the shaking of the tableware, allowing the serving robot to transport drinks and other items without spilling them.

In the above aspect, the tray frame may be rectangular having a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side. At least one of the first and second plates may be configured to be inscribed in both the first and third sides that are parallel to each other, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the first and second plates in the extension direction of the second side that is perpendicular to the first side.

In this configuration, the rectangular shape of the tray makes it easy to arrange polygons without gaps, allowing for efficient use of space.

The above embodiment 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 is composed of a lower notch cut into the third plate with a width approximately 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. 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.

This allows for stable transport of tableware that is prone to tipping over, such as wine glasses.

The tableware may be a cone stand having a base with a bottom, a ring for holding a soft serve or ice cream cone, and a wire connecting the base and the ring. The guide shape is 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. The second notch may be formed in a curved shape whose distance from the tip of the first notch gradually changes, and horizontal movement of the cone stand may be restricted by frictional engagement between the notch and the wire.

This allows for stable transport of tableware that is prone to tipping over, such as corn stands.

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

This configuration can restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as roughly cylindrical or roughly truncated cone-shaped glasses and hemispherical bowls. 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.

In the above aspect, the tableware may be 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.

In this embodiment, handles can be placed in the handle notches, allowing even tableware with handles, such as beer mugs and coffee cups, to be transported stably.

In the above embodiment, the first plate may be formed with a second guide shape that restricts horizontal movement of a second piece of tableware of a different type from the first piece of tableware by abutting against a portion of the second piece of tableware other than the bottom surface when the second plate is upside down so that it is supported by the tray.

In this configuration, guide shapes are formed on both sides of the first and second plates, allowing the accessories to be applied to a variety of tableware by moving them up and down depending on the type of tableware.

This invention provides accessories that prevent drinks and other items from spilling while being transported by a food delivery robot.

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

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 fasteners that are attached to the tray 4 carried by the food service robot 1 to restrict the movement of tableware. Each component will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 10.

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

Figure 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.

The accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 according to each embodiment of the present invention are configured to be inscribed in at least two locations on the frame 41 provided on the tray 4, thereby restricting horizontal movement in the direction connecting those two locations. In the illustrated example, the accessory 100 is inscribed in both the first side AB and the third side CD, which are parallel to each other, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the accessory 100 in the extension direction Y of the second side BC.

In the extension direction Y of the second side BC, the outer dimension L4 of the accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 is approximately 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 the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41 divided 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 approximately 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 approximately the same as the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41.

[First embodiment]
3 is a perspective view showing the accessory 100 according to the 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.

Figure 4 is a side view of the accessory 100 shown in Figure 3, viewed along the longitudinal direction of the accessory 100. Figure 5 is an exploded view of the accessory 100 shown in Figure 3. As shown in Figures 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 types of cardboard, resin, etc. These materials are inexpensive, can be replaced when soiled, and are therefore hygienic.

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 positioned 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.

In the illustrated example, the accessory 100 is provided with tacks 117, slits 318, reinforcing ribs 119, etc. By cutting and raising the reinforcing ribs 119 and inserting the tacks 117 into the slits 118, the blank accessory 100 shown in Figure 5 is assembled into the rectangular tube shape shown in Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 5, the insert 117 protrudes from the side plate 116 on the side opposite 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, which increases the rigidity of the accessory 100, is formed between the first plate 111 and the side plate 115.

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. 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 and CD of the frame 41.

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.

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.

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 flipped upside down to use the guide shapes 120 and 130 on both sides.

The guide shape 120 on side A is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as beer mugs. The 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 other tableware is supported on the bottom plate 40 of the tray 4 via the second plate 112 during transport, the tongue portion 122 abuts against the cylindrical portion of the beer mug, restricting the horizontal movement of the beer mug. The tongue portion 122 flexes to fill the gap between the cylindrical portion of the beer mug and the circular through-hole 121, allowing the beer mug to be transported stably even if its size is slightly different from the size of the circular through-hole 121.

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

The guide shape 130 on side B is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of glassware such as tumblers. The 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 the 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 tableware.

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 substantially the same as the inner dimension L1 of the frame 41. In the illustrated example, each of the first and second plates 211, 212 is formed to be substantially square.

The guide shape 220 on side A is configured to restrict the horizontal movement of tableware such as rice bowls. As shown in Figure 6, the guide shape 220 on side A 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 side B is configured to accommodate rice bowls and other tableware that are slightly smaller than the guide shape 220 on side A, and to restrict the horizontal movement of such tableware. Through-holes 229, 239 may also be formed for inserting and carrying chopsticks, spoons, etc. 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.

[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.

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

The first notch 324 is curved. The second notch 325 is curved 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 prevents the cone stand 8 from tipping over. Because the curvatures of the first and second notches 324, 325 are different, the device can be used with cone stands 8 of various sizes.

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

[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.

As shown in Figure 10, accessory 400 is composed of first plate 411, second plate 412, third plate 413, side plates 414 and 415, etc. By folding T-shaped flap 417 and passing it through notch 418, and then unfolding flap 417 and hooking it onto the top surface of second plate 412, the blank accessory 400 shown in Figure 10 is assembled into the flat, rectangular tube-shaped accessory 400 shown in Figure 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 a wine glass.

The accessory 400 is formed with a guide shape 420 that restricts 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 the plate 90 to the bowl.

The guide shape 420 is composed of a lower notch 427 formed in the third plate 413 and an upper notch 428 formed in the second plate 412. 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.

A guide (rough guide) 429 may be attached to the upper notch 428. The insertion 429 is provided at the entrance of the upper notch 428 and in its vicinity, and is formed so that its width narrows as it approaches the back of the upper notch 428.

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

The accessories 100, 200, 300, and 400 according to each embodiment of the present invention, configured as described above, can restrict the movement of tableware and reduce shaking, allowing the serving robot 1 to transport drinks and other items without spilling them.

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, 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 an accessory for open-type food delivery robots.

1...Serving robot, 2...Storage cabinet, 3...Door, 4...Tray, 8...Corn stand (an 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 surface, 111B, 211B, 311B, 411B... one surface, 112, 212, 312, 412... second plate, 413... third plate, 114, 115, 116, 214, 215, 216, 314, 315, 316, 414, 415... side plates, 117, 217, 317... insertion, 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 notches, 325... Second notches, 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 accessory, W1, W2, W3...width, X...extension direction of first side, Y...extension direction of second side.

Claims (6)

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.