JP2011167407A - Automatic bread maker - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compact and inexpensive automatic bread maker equipped with a convenient mechanism by which breads can be manufactured from grains. <P>SOLUTION: On the bottom section of a bread container of this automatic bread maker, there is installed a blade rotating shaft which supports a crushing blade and a kneading blade (either one of them is not shown in the figure). The automatic bread maker includes: a driving shaft 11 which is power-transmissively connected with the blade rotating shaft under a state wherein the bread container is housed in a baking chamber 30; a first motor 50 for rotating the kneading blade at a low speed; a second motor 60 for rotating the crushing blade at a high speed; and a clutch 56 which performs the power transmission and the power interception. The automatic bread maker is equipped with a first power transmitting section which power-transmissively connects the output shaft 51 of the first motor 50 with the driving shaft 11, and a second power transmitting section which always power-transmissively connects the output shaft 61 of the second motor 60 with the driving shaft 11 when the clutch 56 performs the power transmission. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic bread maker mainly used in general households.

  A commercially available automatic bread maker for home use puts a bread container containing bread ingredients into a baking chamber in the main body, kneads the bread ingredients in the bread container with a kneading blade and kneads (kneading process), after passing through a fermentation process In general, the bread container is used as a baking mold as it is to bake bread (baking process) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Conventionally, when bread is produced using such an automatic bread maker, flour (rice, rice flour, etc.) obtained by milling grains such as wheat and rice, and various auxiliary raw materials are added to such milled flour. Bread was manufactured by obtaining the mixed flour mixed and using it as a raw material for baking.

JP 2000-116526 A

  By the way, in general households, as represented by rice grains, they sometimes possess grains in the form of grains instead of powder. For this reason, it would be very convenient if bread could be produced directly from grain using an automatic bread maker. For this reason, the present inventors have invented a method for producing bread using cereal grains as a starting material after extensive research. In addition, regarding this, a patent application has already been filed (Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-201507).

  I will introduce the bread manufacturing method I applied for earlier. In this bread manufacturing method, first, cereal grains are mixed with a liquid, and the mixture is pulverized by a pulverizing blade (pulverization step). Then, for example, gluten or yeast is added to the paste-like pulverized powder obtained through the pulverization process, and the dough is kneaded into the dough (kneading process), and the dough is fermented (fermentation process), and then baked into the bread (baking) Process).

  When pulverizing grain with a pulverizing blade, the pulverizing blade is rotated at a high speed (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm). On the other hand, when the dough is kneaded with the kneading blade, the kneading blade is rotated at a low speed (for example, 180 rpm). For this reason, when it is going to comprise the automatic bread maker which can manufacture bread using a grain grain as a raw material, it is preferable to set it as the structure provided with the motor for a grinding process, and the motor for a kneading process separately.

  When the automatic bread maker is configured to include the above-described two motors, an increase in the size of the device and an increase in the cost of the device are expected. Therefore, it is desired to suppress this. In addition, a mechanism for manufacturing bread by appropriately driving two motors is required.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a small and inexpensive automatic bread maker having a convenient mechanism for producing bread from grain.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic bread maker of the present invention kneads a bread container into which bread ingredients are charged, a grinding blade that grinds grain grains and a bread dough while being rotatably attached to the bottom of the bread container. A blade rotation shaft that supports the kneading blade, a baking chamber in which the bread container is accommodated, and a driving shaft that is coupled to the blade rotation shaft so that power can be transmitted in a state where the bread container is accommodated in the baking chamber. A first motor provided for rotating the kneading blade at a low speed, a second motor provided for rotating the crushing blade at a high speed, and a clutch for transmitting power and shutting off the power, When power transmission is performed, a first power transmission unit that connects the output shaft of the first motor and the driving shaft so as to be able to transmit power, and an output shaft of the second motor and a front shaft It is characterized in that it comprises a second power transmission unit for coupling to always possible power transmission and the driving shaft, a.

  According to this configuration, the blade rotation shaft included in the bread container is connected to the drive shaft that can be rotated by either the first motor or the second motor in a state where power can be transmitted. In this configuration, the grinding blade and the kneading blade can be rotated by the blade rotation shaft. For this reason, compared with the structure which provides the rotating shaft for blade rotation for every blade, an automatic bread maker can be reduced in size.

  Further, according to this configuration, when the driving shaft is rotated at a high speed by the second motor, if the power is cut off by the clutch, the high-speed rotation of the driving shaft is not transmitted to the output shaft of the first motor for low-speed rotation. Can be. For this reason, for example, when the second motor is driven, a large load is applied to the second motor in an attempt to rotate the output shaft of the first motor (motor for low-speed rotation) at a high speed, and the second motor is damaged. Such situation can be avoided. On the other hand, since the output shaft of the second motor and the driving shaft are connected so as to be able to transmit power at all times, when the driving shaft is rotated at a low speed by the first motor, the rotation of the driving shaft becomes the output shaft of the second motor. Power is always transmitted. However, in this case, since the output shaft of the second motor only rotates at a low speed, the load as described above is not applied to the first motor and the first motor is not damaged. That is, the automatic bread maker of this configuration employs a configuration that appropriately reduces the number of clutches provided in the power transmission unit that transmits the rotational power of the motor, and has a convenient mechanism for producing bread from grain. It is possible to make an automatic bread maker inexpensive.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, when the clutch transmits power, the first power transmission unit is configured such that the rotational speed of the driving shaft is slower than the rotational speed of the output shaft of the first motor. As described above, the rotational power of the first motor is transmitted to the driving shaft, and the second power transmission unit has a rotational speed of the output shaft of the second motor substantially equal to a rotational speed of the driving shaft. As described above, the rotational power of the second motor may be transmitted to the driving shaft.

  In the case of this configuration, when the driving shaft is rotated at a high speed by the second motor, the second motor is very large in an attempt to transmit the rotation faster than the rotating speed of the driving shaft to the output shaft of the first motor. There is a possibility of adding a load. However, as described above, since a clutch is appropriately provided in the power transmission unit that transmits the rotational power of the motor, an unnecessarily large load is applied to both the first motor and the second motor. There is no.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the clutch is preferably a meshing clutch. The meshing clutch is obtained at a low cost, and it is easy to suppress an increase in the cost of the automatic bread maker.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the small and cheap automatic bread maker provided with the convenient mechanism which can manufacture bread from a grain grain can be provided. For this reason, it can be expected that bread making at home will become popular by making bread manufacture at home more familiar.

The schematic perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure inside the main body of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the clutch contained in the 1st power transmission part with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. Partial sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the grinding | pulverization blade with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is equipped, and the kneading | mixing blade, and the schematic view at the time of seeing from diagonally downward It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the grinding | pulverization blade with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is equipped, and the kneading | mixing blade, and the schematic view when it sees from the bottom Top view of bread container when kneading blade is in folded position Top view of bread container with kneading blade in open position The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the guard with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment The schematic diagram which shows the flow of the bread-making course for rice grains performed with the automatic bread maker of this embodiment

Hereinafter, embodiments of an automatic bread maker of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the specific time, temperature, etc. which appear in this specification are illustrations to the last, and do not limit the content of this invention.
(Configuration of automatic bread maker)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit 20 is provided on the right side of the upper surface of the main body 10 (for example, formed of synthetic resin) of the automatic bread maker 1. The operation unit 20 includes a start key, a cancel key, a timer key, a reservation key, a bread manufacturing course (a course for manufacturing bread using rice grains as a starting material, a course for manufacturing bread using rice flour as a starting material, An operation key group such as a selection key for selecting a course for producing bread using wheat flour as a starting material, and a display unit for displaying contents set by the operation key group, errors, and the like are provided. The display unit is configured by a display lamp using a liquid crystal display panel or a light emitting diode as a light source, for example.

  In addition, a baking chamber 30 in which a bread container (details will be described later) is accommodated in the main body 10 on the side adjacent to the operation unit 20 (the left side in FIG. 1). For example, the firing chamber 30 formed of sheet metal is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in plan view, has a bottom wall 30a and four side walls 30b (see also FIG. 4 described later), and an upper surface is open. The main body 10 is provided with a lid 40 (for example, formed of synthetic resin) that covers the baking chamber 30. The lid 40 is attached to the back side of the main body 10 with a hinge shaft (not shown), and the opening of the firing chamber 30 can be opened and closed by rotating about the hinge shaft. Although not shown, the lid 40 is provided with a viewing window made of heat-resistant glass, for example, so that the inside of the baking chamber 30 can be seen.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the main body of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 assumes a case where the automatic bread maker 1 is viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2, in the automatic bread maker 1, a low-speed / high-torque type kneading motor 50 used in the kneading process is fixedly disposed on the right side of the baking chamber 30, and the grinding process is performed behind the baking chamber 30. The high-speed rotation type crushing motor 60 used in the above is fixedly arranged. The kneading motor 50 and the crushing motor 60 are both shafts. The kneading motor 50 is an embodiment of the first motor of the present invention, and the grinding motor 60 is an embodiment of the second motor of the present invention.

  A first pulley 52 is fixed to an output shaft 51 protruding from the upper surface of the kneading motor 50. The first pulley 52 is formed by the first belt 53 so that the diameter thereof is larger than that of the first pulley 52, and the second pulley 55 is fixed to the upper side of the first rotating shaft 54. It is connected. A second rotating shaft 57 is provided on the lower side of the first rotating shaft 54 so that the center of rotation thereof is substantially the same as the first rotating shaft 54. The first rotating shaft 54 and the second rotating shaft 57 are rotatably supported inside the main body 10. A clutch 56 is provided between the first rotating shaft 54 and the second rotating shaft 57 to perform power transmission and power interruption. The configuration of the clutch 56 will be described later.

  A third pulley 58 is fixed to the lower side of the second rotating shaft 57. The third pulley 58 has a first driving shaft pulley 12 (having substantially the same diameter as the third pulley 58) fixed to the driving shaft 11 provided on the lower side of the firing chamber 30 by the second belt 59. Connected). The kneading motor 50 itself is a low speed / high torque type, and the rotation of the first pulley 52 is decelerated and rotated by the second pulley 55 (for example, decelerated to 1/5 speed). For this reason, when the kneading motor 50 is driven in a state where the clutch 56 transmits power, the driving shaft 11 rotates at a low speed.

  The first pulley 52, the first belt 53, the first rotating shaft 54, the second pulley 55, the clutch 56, the second rotating shaft 57, the third pulley 58, the second belt 59, and The power transmission unit composed of the first driving shaft pulley 12 is an embodiment of the first power transmission unit of the present invention. Hereinafter, this power transmission unit may be expressed as a first power transmission unit.

  A fourth pulley 62 is fixed to the output shaft 61 protruding from the lower surface of the grinding motor 60. The fourth pulley 62 is coupled to a second driving shaft pulley 13 (fixed below the first driving shaft pulley 12) fixed to the driving shaft 11 by a third belt 63. ing. The second driving shaft pulley 13 has substantially the same diameter as the fourth pulley 62. As the crushing motor 60, a high-speed rotating one is selected, and the rotation of the fourth pulley 62 is maintained at substantially the same speed in the second driving shaft pulley 13. Therefore, when the crushing motor 60 is driven, the driving shaft 11 is driven. Performs high-speed rotation (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm).

  In addition, the power transmission part comprised by the 4th pulley 62, the 3rd belt 63, and the 2nd pulley 13 for driving shafts is embodiment of the 2nd power transmission part of this invention. Hereinafter, this power transmission unit may be expressed as a second power transmission unit. The second power transmission unit is configured not to have a clutch, and connects the output shaft 61 of the crushing motor 60 and the driving shaft 11 so that power can be transmitted at all times.

  FIG. 3 is a view for explaining a clutch included in the first power transmission unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram assuming the case of viewing along the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2. 3A shows a state in which the clutch 56 performs power cut-off, and FIG. 3B shows a state in which the clutch 56 performs power transmission.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the clutch 56 includes a first clutch member 561 and a second clutch member 562. Then, when the claw 561a provided on the first clutch member 561 and the claw 562a provided on the second clutch member 562 are engaged with each other (the state shown in FIG. 3B), the power is transmitted to the two claws 561a, When 562b does not mesh (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the power is cut off. That is, the clutch 56 is a meshing clutch.

  In the present embodiment, each of the two clutch members 561 and 562 has a circumferential direction (when the first clutch member 561 is seen in plan view from below, or the second clutch member 562 is seen in plan view from above. Assuming the case), six claws 561a and 562a arranged at almost equal intervals are provided, but the number of the claws may be appropriately changed. Moreover, what is necessary is just to select a preferable shape suitably for the shape of nail | claw 561a and 562a.

  The first clutch member 561 is slidable in the axial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) and non-rotatably attached to the first rotating shaft 54 after measures against slipping are taken. Yes. A spring 71 is loosely fitted on the upper side of the first clutch member 561 of the first rotating shaft 54. The spring 71 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between a stopper portion 54a provided on the first rotating shaft 54 and the first clutch member 561, and biases the first clutch member 561 downward. ing. On the other hand, the second clutch member 562 is fixed to the upper end of the second rotating shaft 57.

  Switching of the clutch 56 (switching between the power transmission state and the power cut-off state) includes an arm portion 72 extending in a fixed state from the first clutch member 561, a self-holding solenoid 73 having a built-in permanent magnet 73a, and , Using. The plunger 73 b of the solenoid 73 is in a state where its tip end portion (the lower side corresponds to FIG. 3) is fixed to an attachment portion 72 a provided on the arm portion 72. Since the arm portion 72 (including the attachment portion 72a) is made of metal, it can be attracted to the permanent magnet 73a.

  When a voltage is applied to the solenoid 73 so as to cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 73a from the state of FIG. 3A, the force that attracts the arm portion 72 (more precisely, the mounting portion 72a) of the permanent magnet 73a decreases. The first clutch member 561 is pushed down by the biasing force of the spring 71. As a result, meshing between the claw 561a of the first clutch member 561 and the claw 562a of the second clutch member 562 is obtained, and the clutch 56 transmits power (the state shown in FIG. 3B). ). Since this engagement is maintained by the urging force of the spring 71, the solenoid 73 is turned off after driving to pull down the first clutch member 561. Further, in the state in which this engagement is obtained, the arm portion 72 is pulled down, so that the plunger 73b of the solenoid 73 is in a state in which the amount of protrusion from the housing 73c (the amount of protrusion downward) is increased.

  On the other hand, if a voltage in the direction of pulling up the plunger 73b (a voltage in the direction opposite to the direction canceling the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 73a) is applied to the solenoid 73 from the state of FIG. Thus, the first clutch member 561 is pulled upward together with the arm portion 72. As a result, the engagement between the claw 561a of the first clutch member 561 and the claw 562a of the second clutch member 562 is released, and the clutch 56 performs power shut-off (a state shown in FIG. 3A). ). In the state where the meshing is released, the permanent magnet 73a built in the solenoid 73 attracts the arm portion 72 (more precisely, the mounting portion 72a). For this reason, after the drive for pulling up the first clutch member 561 is performed, the disengagement state can be maintained even if the solenoid 73 is turned off, so that the solenoid 73 is turned off.

  When the grinding motor 60 is driven, if the clutch 56 is in a state where power is transmitted (the state shown in FIG. 3B), rotational power for rotating the driving shaft 11 at high speed is transmitted to the output shaft 51 of the kneading motor 50. The In this case, if the crushing motor 60 is rotated at, for example, 8000 rpm, the output shaft 51 of the kneading motor 50 is rotated at 40000 rpm depending on the radius ratio (for example, 1: 5) between the first pulley 52 and the second pulley 55. I will try to let you. In this case, since a very large load is applied to the pulverization motor 60, the pulverization motor 60 may be damaged. For this reason, when driving the grinding motor 60, it is necessary to prevent the rotational power for rotating the driving shaft 11 at high speed from being transmitted to the output shaft 51 of the kneading motor 50. The first power transmission unit includes a clutch 56 that cuts off the power.

  As described above, the automatic bread maker 1 does not include a clutch in the second power transmission unit including the fourth pulley 62, the third belt 63, and the second driving shaft pulley 13. In this case, the motor is not damaged as described above. This is because even if the kneading motor 50 is driven, the driving shaft 11 is only rotated at a low speed (for example, 180 rpm). Even if the rotational power for rotating the driving shaft 11 is transmitted to the output shaft of the grinding motor 60, the kneading motor 50 is kneaded. This is because a large load is not applied to the motor 50. And the manufacturing cost of an automatic bread maker is suppressed by setting it as the structure which does not dare provide a clutch in the 2nd power transmission part in this way.

  FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 assumes a case where the automatic bread maker is viewed from the front side. FIG. 4 shows a state in which a bread container 80 into which bread ingredients are charged is accommodated in the baking chamber 30. As shown in FIG. 4, a sheathed heater 31 (an example of a heating unit) is disposed inside the baking chamber 30 so as to surround the bread container 80 accommodated in the baking chamber 31, and the bread raw material in the bread container 80. Can be heated.

  In addition, a bread container support portion 14 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die-cast molded product) that supports the bread container 80 is fixed to a location corresponding to the approximate center of the bottom wall 30a of the baking chamber 30. The bread container support portion 14 is formed so as to be recessed from the bottom wall 30a of the baking chamber 30, and the shape of the recess is substantially circular when viewed from above. At the center of the bread container support portion 14, the above-described driving shaft 11 is supported so as to be substantially perpendicular to the bottom wall 30a.

  The bread container 80 is, for example, an aluminum alloy die-cast product, has a bucket-like shape, and a handle (not shown) for handing is attached to a flange 80a provided on the side edge of the opening. . The horizontal cross section of the bread container 80 is a rectangle with rounded corners. Further, a concave portion 81 having a substantially circular shape in a plan view is formed on the bottom of the bread container 80 to accommodate a grinding blade 90 and a cover 100, which will be described in detail later.

  At the center of the bottom of the bread container 80, a blade rotation shaft 82 extending in the vertical direction is rotatably supported in a state where a countermeasure against sealing is taken. A container-side coupling member 82a is fixed to the lower end of the blade rotation shaft 82 (projecting from the bottom of the bread container 80). In addition, a cylindrical pedestal 83 is provided on the bottom outer surface side of the bread container 80, and the bread container 80 is accommodated in the baking chamber 30 in a state where the pedestal 83 is received by the bread container support part 14. It has become so. The pedestal 83 may be formed separately from the bread container 80 or may be formed integrally with the bread container 80.

  Protrusions (not shown) are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the bread container support 14 and the outer peripheral surface of the pedestal 83, respectively, and these protrusions constitute a known bayonet connection. That is, when the bread container 80 is attached to the bread container support part 14, the bread container 80 is lowered so that the protrusion of the base 83 does not interfere with the protrusion of the bread container support part 14. Then, after the pedestal 83 is fitted into the bread container support 14, when the bread container 80 is twisted horizontally, the protrusion of the pedestal 83 is engaged with the lower surface of the protrusion of the bread container support 14. Thereby, the bread container 80 cannot be pulled out upward.

  By this operation, the connection (coupling) between the container side coupling member 82a provided at the lower end of the blade rotating shaft 82 and the driving shaft side coupling member 11a fixed to the upper end of the driving shaft 11 is also performed simultaneously. Achieved. By this coupling, the blade rotating shaft 82 can transmit rotational power from the driving shaft 11.

  A crushing blade 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 at a position slightly above the bottom of the bread container 80. A dome-shaped cover 100 having a substantially circular shape in plan view is attached to the upper end of the blade rotation shaft 82. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the crushing blade and the kneading blade provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, and is a schematic view when viewed obliquely from below. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the crushing blade and the kneading blade provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, and is a schematic view when viewed from below.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the crushing blade 90 (formed by, for example, a stainless steel plate) has a shape like an airplane propeller and is non-rotatably attached to the blade rotation shaft 82. A central portion of the crushing blade 90 is a hub 90 a that is fitted to the blade rotation shaft 82. A groove 90b is formed in the lower surface of the hub 90a so as to cross the hub 90a in the diametrical direction. When the grinding blade 90 is fitted from above the blade rotation shaft 82, a pin (not shown) penetrating the blade rotation shaft 82 horizontally receives the hub 90a and engages with the groove 90b. Are connected to the blade rotation shaft 82 in a non-rotatable manner.

  Since the grinding blade 90 can be easily pulled out from the blade rotating shaft 82, it can be easily washed after the bread making operation and replaced when the sharpness is deteriorated.

  A dome-shaped cover 100 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die-cast product) surrounds and covers the grinding blade 90 as shown in FIG. The cover 100 is rotatably supported by the hub 90a of the grinding blade 90, and is prevented from being removed from the hub 90a by a washer 100a and a retaining ring 100b (see FIG. 4). That is, in this embodiment, the pulverization blade 90 and the cover 100 constitute a unit that cannot be separated, and the hub 90 a of the pulverization blade 90 also serves as a rotary bearing insertion portion that receives the blade rotation shaft 82 of the cover 100.

  In addition, since this cover 100 can be easily pulled out from the blade rotating shaft 82 together with the grinding blade 90, it is possible to easily perform the cleaning after the bread making operation is completed.

  The outer surface of the dome-shaped cover 100 is provided with a kneading blade 102 (for example, aluminum) in a planar shape by a vertically extending support shaft 101 (see FIG. 6) disposed at a position away from the blade rotation shaft 82. (Made of die-cast alloy product) is attached. The support shaft 101 is fixed to or integrated with the kneading blade 102 and moves together with the kneading blade 102.

  In the present embodiment, a complementary kneading blade 103 is provided on the outer surface of the cover 100 so as to line up with the kneading blade 102. The complementary kneading blade 103 is not necessarily provided, but is preferably provided in order to increase the efficiency in the kneading process of kneading bread dough. In the case of this configuration, the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 constitute an embodiment of the kneading blade of the present invention.

  The operation of the kneading blade 102 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 7 and 8 are views of the bread container 80 as viewed from above, and the kneading blade 102 is different in FIGS. 7 and 8.

  The kneading blade 102 rotates around the axis of the support shaft 101 together with the support shaft 101, and takes two postures, a folded posture shown in FIG. 7 and an open posture shown in FIG. In the folded position, a protrusion 102a (see FIG. 5) hanging from the lower edge of the kneading blade 102 abuts on the first stopper portion 100c provided on the upper surface of the cover 100. Rotation in the direction (assumed when viewed from above) cannot be performed. At this time, the tip of the kneading blade 102 slightly protrudes from the cover 100. From this point, when the kneading blade 102 rotates counterclockwise (assuming when viewed from above) to the open position shown in FIG. 8, the tip of the kneading blade 102 protrudes greatly from the cover 100. The opening angle of the kneading blade 102 in this opening posture is limited by the second stopper portion 100d (see FIGS. 5 and 6) provided on the inner surface of the cover 100. When a second engagement body 104b (attached to the support shaft 101 in a fixed state) constituting a cover clutch 104 (see FIG. 6), which will be described later, hits the second stopper portion 100d and cannot be rotated, the kneading blade 102 Is the maximum opening angle.

  When the kneading blade 102 is in a folded position, the complementary kneading blade 103 is aligned with the kneading blade 102 as shown in FIG. 7, and the size of the kneading blade 102 is increased. It becomes like.

  A cover clutch 104 is interposed between the cover 100 and the blade rotation shaft 82 as shown in FIG. The cover clutch 104 is rotated in the rotation direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 when the kneading motor 50 rotates the driving shaft 11 (this rotation direction is “forward rotation”, which is clockwise rotation in FIG. 6). The blade rotation shaft 82 and the cover 100 are connected. On the contrary, in the rotation direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 when the crushing motor 60 rotates the driving shaft 11 (this rotation direction is “reverse rotation”, which is counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 6). The clutch 104 disconnects the connection between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the cover 100. 7 and 8, the “forward rotation” is counterclockwise rotation, and the “reverse rotation” is clockwise rotation.

  The cover clutch 104 will be described in more detail. The cover clutch 104 includes a first engagement body 104a and a second engagement body 104b. The first engagement body 104a is fixed to the hub 90a of the grinding blade 90, or is integrally formed with the hub 90a. That is, the first engagement body 104a is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 so as not to rotate. The second engagement body 104b is fixed to the support shaft 101 of the kneading blade 102 or is integrally formed with the support shaft 101, and changes the angle as the posture of the kneading blade 102 is changed.

  When the kneading blade 102 is in the folded posture (for example, the state shown in FIGS. 6 and 7), the second engagement body 104b has an angle that interferes with the rotation track of the first engagement body 104a. Therefore, when the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the forward direction (clockwise rotation in FIG. 6 and counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 7), the first engagement body 104a and the second engagement body 104b are engaged, and the blade rotation shaft 82 A rotational force is transmitted to the cover 100 and the kneading blade 102.

  On the other hand, when the kneading blade 102 is in the open position (the state shown in FIG. 8), the second engagement body 104b has an angle deviating from the rotation trajectory of the first engagement body 104a. For this reason, even if the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the reverse direction (clockwise in FIG. 8), the first engagement body 104a and the second engagement body 104b are not engaged. Therefore, the rotational force of the blade rotation shaft 82 is not transmitted to the cover 100 and the kneading blade 102. As can be seen from the above, the cover clutch 104 switches the connection state between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the cover 100 according to the attitude of the kneading blade 102.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cover 100 is formed with a window 105 that communicates the space inside the cover and the space outside the cover. The window 105 is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the grinding blade 90. In the present embodiment, a total of four windows 105 are arranged at intervals of 90 °, but other numbers and arrangement intervals can be selected.

  A total of four ribs 106 are formed on the inner surface of the cover 100 corresponding to the windows 105. Each of the ribs 106 extends obliquely in the radial direction from the vicinity of the center of the cover 100 to the outer peripheral annular wall, and the four ribs 106 are combined to form a kind of bowl shape. In addition, each rib 106 is curved so that the side facing the bread ingredients that press toward it is convex.

  Returning to FIG. 4, a guard 110 is detachably attached to the lower surface of the cover 100. The guard 110 covers the lower surface of the cover 100 and prevents the finger from approaching the grinding blade 90. The guard 110 is made of, for example, an engineering plastic having heat resistance, and can be a molded product such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the guard provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the center of the guard 110 is a ring-shaped hub 111 through which the blade rotation shaft 82 passes. Further, a ring-shaped rim 112 is provided at the periphery of the guard 110. The hub 111 and the rim 112 are connected by a plurality of spokes 113. Between the spokes 113 is an opening 114 through which rice grains crushed by the pulverizing blade 90 are passed. The opening 114 has a size that prevents a finger from passing through.

  When the guard 110 is attached to the cover 100, the guard 110 is in proximity to the grinding blade 90. The guard 110 is shaped like an outer blade of a rotary electric razor, and the grinding blade 90 is shaped like an inner blade.

  A total of four columns 115 (not to be limited to this configuration) are integrally formed on the periphery of the rim 112 at intervals of 90 °. On the side surface of the pillar 115 facing the center side of the guard 110, a horizontal groove 115a having one end dead end is formed. The guard 110 is attached to the cover 100 by engaging the projections 100e formed on the outer periphery of the cover 100 in the groove 115a (in the embodiment, a total of eight protrusions are arranged at intervals of 45 °). The groove 115a and the protrusion 100e are provided so as to constitute a bayonet connection.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the control operation in the automatic bread maker 1 is performed by the control device 120. The control device 120 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an input / output (I / O) circuit unit. . The control device 120 is preferably disposed at a position that is not easily affected by the heat of the baking chamber 30. Further, the control device 120 is provided with a time measuring function, and temporal control in the bread manufacturing process is possible.

  The control device 120 includes the operation unit 20, the temperature sensor 15 that detects the temperature of the baking chamber 30, a kneading motor drive circuit 121, a pulverization motor drive circuit 122, a heater drive circuit 123, and a solenoid drive circuit 124. And are electrically connected.

  The kneading motor driving circuit 121 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the kneading motor 50 under a command from the control device 120. The grinding motor drive circuit 122 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the grinding motor 60 under a command from the control device 120. The heater drive circuit 123 is a circuit for controlling the operation of the sheathed heater 31 under a command from the control device 120. The solenoid drive circuit 124 is a circuit for controlling the drive of a solenoid 73 (see FIG. 3) that switches the state of the clutch 56 (see FIG. 3) under a command from the control device 120.

The control device 120 reads a program relating to a bread manufacturing course (breadmaking course) stored in a ROM or the like based on an input signal from the operation unit 20, and a kneading blade by the kneading motor 50 via the kneading motor driving circuit 121 102, control of the rotation of the complementary kneading blade 103, control of the rotation of the grinding blade 90 by the grinding motor 60 via the grinding motor drive circuit 122, control of the heating operation by the sheathed heater 31 via the heater drive circuit 123, solenoid drive circuit While performing the switching control of the clutch 56 by the solenoid 73 via 124, the automatic bread maker 1 executes the bread manufacturing process.
(Operation of automatic bread machine)
Next, the operation of the automatic bread maker 1 when producing bread with the automatic bread maker 1 configured as described above will be described. Here, the operation of the automatic bread maker 1 will be described using the automatic bread maker 1 as an example in the case of producing bread using rice grains as starting materials.

  When using rice grains as a starting material, a bread making course for rice grains is executed. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of a rice grain bread-making course executed by an automatic bread maker. As shown in FIG. 11, in the rice grain breadmaking course, the dipping process, the crushing process, the kneading (kneading) process, the fermentation process, and the baking process are sequentially performed in this order.

  In executing the rice grain bread making course, the user attaches the grinding blade 90 and the cover 100 with the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 to the blade rotation shaft 82 of the bread container 80. Then, the user measures a predetermined amount of each of the rice grains and water and puts them in the bread container 80. Here, rice grains and water are mixed, but instead of mere water, for example, a liquid having a taste component such as broth, fruit juice, a liquid containing alcohol, or the like may be used. Thereafter, the user puts the bread container 80 into which the rice grains and water are put into the baking chamber 30 and closes the lid 40, selects the bread making course for rice grains by the operation unit 20, and presses the start key. Thereby, the bread making course for rice grain which manufactures bread using the rice grain as a starting material by the control apparatus 120 is started.

  When the rice grain breadmaking course is started, the dipping process is started by a command from the control device 120. In the dipping process, the mixture of rice grains and water is allowed to stand, and this standing state is maintained for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 50 minutes). This dipping process is a process aimed at making the rice grains easy to be pulverized to the core in the subsequent pulverization process by adding water to the rice grains.

  The water absorption speed of rice grains varies depending on the temperature of the water. If the water temperature is high, the water absorption speed increases, and if the water temperature is low, the water absorption speed decreases. For this reason, you may make it fluctuate the time of an immersion process with the environmental temperature etc. in which the automatic bread maker 1 is used, for example. Thereby, the dispersion | variation in the water absorption degree of a rice grain can be suppressed. Moreover, in order to make immersion time short, you may make it raise the temperature of the baking chamber 30 by supplying with electricity to the sheathed heater 31 at the time of an immersion process.

  In the dipping process, the grinding blade 90 may be rotated at the initial stage, and thereafter, the grinding blade 90 may be intermittently rotated. In this way, the surface of the rice grain can be damaged, and the liquid absorption efficiency of the rice grain can be increased.

  When the predetermined time elapses, the dipping process is ended by a command from the control device 120, and a crushing process for crushing the rice grains is started. In this crushing step, the crushing blade 90 is rotated at a high speed in the mixture of rice grains and water. Specifically, the control device 120 controls the grinding motor 60 to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction, and starts the rotation of the grinding blade 90 in the mixture of rice grains and water.

  In addition, when rotating the crushing blade 90 using the crushing motor 60, the control device 120 drives the solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 cuts off the power (the state shown in FIG. 3A). This is because, as described above, there is a possibility that the motor is damaged unless it is controlled in this way.

  When the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the reverse direction to rotate the grinding blade 90, the cover 100 also starts rotating following the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82, but the cover 100 is rotated by the following operation. Will be stopped immediately. The rotation direction of the cover 100 accompanying the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 for rotating the pulverization blade 90 is clockwise in FIG. 7, and the kneading blade 102 has been in the folded posture (the posture shown in FIG. 7). In this case, the resistance is changed to the open posture (the posture shown in FIG. 8) due to the resistance received from the mixture of rice grains and water. When the kneading blade 102 is in the open posture, the cover clutch 104 disconnects the connection between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the cover 100 because the second engagement body 104b deviates from the rotation track of the first engagement body 104a. At the same time, the kneading blade 102 in the open position hits the inner wall of the bread container 80 as shown in FIG.

  The pulverization of the rice grains in the pulverization step is performed in a state where water is soaked in the rice grains by the previously performed immersion step, and thus the rice grains can be easily pulverized to the core. In this embodiment, the rotation of the pulverizing blade 90 in the pulverization step is intermittent. This intermittent rotation is performed, for example, in a cycle of rotating for 30 seconds and stopping for 5 minutes, and this cycle is repeated 10 times. In the last cycle, the stop for 5 minutes is not performed. The rotation of the crushing blade 90 may be continuous rotation, but for the purpose of, for example, preventing the raw material temperature in the bread container 80 from becoming too high, it is preferable to perform intermittent rotation.

  In the pulverization step, since the pulverization is performed in the cover 100, the possibility that the rice grains scatter out of the bread container 80 is low. Further, the rice grains entering the cover 100 from the opening 114 of the guard 110 in the rotation stopped state are sheared between the stationary spoke 113 and the rotating pulverizing blade 90, so that they can be efficiently pulverized. Further, the rib 106 provided on the cover 100 suppresses the flow of the mixture of rice grains and water (the flow is in the same direction as the rotation of the grinding blade 90), so that the grinding can be performed efficiently.

  Further, the pulverized mixture of rice grains and water is guided toward the window 105 by the rib 106 and discharged from the window 105 to the outside of the cover 100. Since the rib 106 is curved so that the side facing the mixture pressing toward it is convex, the mixture hardly flows to the surface of the rib 106 and flows smoothly toward the window 105. Further, instead of the mixture being discharged from the inside of the cover 100, the mixture present in the space above the recess 81 enters the recess 81 and enters the cover 100 from the recess 81 through the opening 114 of the guard 110. Yes. Since pulverization is performed by the pulverization blade 90 while circulating in this way, pulverization can be performed efficiently.

  In the automatic bread maker 1, the crushing process is completed in a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 50 minutes). However, the grain size of the pulverized powder may vary depending on the hardness of the rice grains and the environmental conditions. For this reason, the end of the pulverization process may be determined based on the magnitude of the load of the pulverization motor 60 (for example, it can be determined by the control current of the motor).

  When the pulverization process is completed, a kneading process is subsequently performed. In addition, it is necessary to perform this kneading process at the temperature (for example, around 30 degreeC) in which a yeast works actively. For this reason, it is preferable that a kneading process is started when it becomes a predetermined temperature range. At the start of the kneading process, a predetermined amount of each seasoning such as gluten, salt, sugar and shortening is charged into the bread container 80. This insertion may be performed by the user's hand, for example, or an automatic insertion device may be provided to insert them without bothering the user's hand.

  Gluten is not an essential ingredient for bread. For this reason, you may judge whether to add to a bread raw material according to liking. Further, flour or a thickening stabilizer (for example, guar gum) may be added instead of gluten or together with gluten. Moreover, the amount of seasonings such as salt, sugar, and shortening may be appropriately changed according to the user's preference.

  At the start of the kneading process, the control device 120 drives the solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 transmits power (state shown in FIG. 3B). Then, the control device 120 controls the kneading motor 50 to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the forward direction. When the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the forward direction, the grinding blade 90 is also rotated in the forward direction, and the bread ingredients around the grinding blade 90 flow in the forward direction. Accordingly, when the cover 100 moves in the forward direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 8), the kneading blade 102 receives resistance from the non-flowing bread ingredients, and is folded from the open position (see FIG. 8) (see FIG. 7). Change the angle to). When the second engagement body 104b has an angle that interferes with the rotation path of the first engagement body 104a, the cover clutch 104 is connected, and the cover 100 enters a state of being driven in earnest by the blade rotation shaft 82. The kneading blade 102 in a folded posture with the cover 100 rotates in the forward direction together with the blade rotation shaft 82. In order to reliably connect the cover clutch 104 described above, it is preferable that the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 at the initial stage of the kneading process is intermittent rotation or low speed rotation.

  As described above, when the kneading blade 102 is in the folded posture, the complementary kneading blade 103 is arranged on the extension of the kneading blade 102, so that the kneading blade 102 is enlarged and the bread raw material is strongly pressed. For this reason, the dough can be kneaded firmly.

  Although the rotation of the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 in the kneading process may be continuous rotation from beginning to end, in the automatic bread maker 1, the initial stage of the kneading process is intermittent rotation, and the latter half is continuous rotation. In the present embodiment, yeast (for example, dry yeast) is introduced at the stage where the initial intermittent rotation is completed. The yeast may be input by the user or may be input automatically. The reason why yeast is not added together with gluten or the like is to avoid direct contact between the yeast (dry yeast) and water as much as possible. However, in some cases, yeast may be added simultaneously with gluten or the like.

  The bread ingredients are kneaded by the rotation of the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103, and are kneaded into a dough connected to one having a predetermined elasticity. When the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 swing the dough and knock it against the inner wall of the bread container 80, an element of “kneading” is added to the kneading. The cover 100 is also rotated by the rotation of the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103. When the cover 100 rotates, the rib 106 formed on the cover 100 also rotates, so that the bread material in the cover 100 is quickly discharged from the window 105 and the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 are kneaded. Assimilate into a lump of dough.

  In the kneading process, the cover 110 and the guard 110 also rotate in the forward direction. The spoke 113 of the guard 110 has a shape in which the center side of the guard 110 precedes and the outer periphery side of the guard 110 follows when rotating in the forward direction. For this purpose, the guard 110 rotates in the forward direction to push the bread ingredients inside and outside the cover 100 outward with the spokes 113. Thereby, the ratio of the raw material used as a waste after baking bread can be reduced.

  Further, since the pillar 115 of the guard 110 has a side surface 115b (see FIG. 9) which is the front surface in the rotation direction when the guard 110 rotates in the forward direction, the bread ingredients around the cover 100 are kneaded. Is flipped up in front of the pillar 115. For this reason, the ratio of the raw material which becomes waste after baking bread can be reduced.

  In the automatic bread maker 1, the time of the kneading process is configured to employ a predetermined time (10 minutes in the present embodiment) obtained experimentally as the time for obtaining dough having a desired elasticity. However, if the time of the kneading process is constant, the degree of bread dough may vary depending on the environmental temperature or the like. For this reason, for example, the configuration may be such that the end point of the kneading process is determined by using the magnitude of the load of the kneading motor 50 (for example, it can be determined by the control current of the motor) as an index.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to put it in the middle of this kneading process, when baking bread containing ingredients (for example, raisins, nuts, cheese, etc.).

  When the kneading process is finished, the fermentation process is started by a command from the control device 120. In this fermentation process, the control device 120 controls the sheathed heater 31 to maintain the temperature of the baking chamber 30 at a temperature at which fermentation proceeds (for example, 38 ° C.). Then, it is left for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 60 minutes) in an environment in which fermentation proceeds.

  In some cases, during the fermentation process, the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 may be rotated to perform degassing or rounding of the dough.

  When the fermentation process ends, the firing process is started by a command from the control device 120. The control device 120 controls the sheathed heater 31 to increase the temperature of the baking chamber 30 to a temperature suitable for baking (for example, 125 ° C.), and in a baking environment for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 50 minutes). ) Control to bake bread. The end of the firing process is notified to the user by, for example, a display on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 20 or a notification sound. When the user detects the completion of bread making, the user opens the lid 40 and takes out the bread container 80 to complete the bread production.

In addition, although the baking marks of the kneading blade 102 and the complementary kneading blade 103 remain on the bottom of the pan, the cover 100 and the guard 110 are in a state of being accommodated in the recess 81, so that they are greatly baked on the bottom of the bread. There will be no trace.
(Other)
The embodiment of the automatic bread maker described above is an example of the present invention, and the configuration of the automatic bread maker to which the present invention is applied is not limited to the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the embodiment described above, the clutch 56 included in the first power transmission unit is a meshing clutch. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the clutch included in the first power transmission unit may be a clutch having another configuration such as an electromagnetic clutch. However, it is more advantageous in terms of manufacturing cost to use a meshing clutch as in this configuration. Further, in the case of a configuration using a belt for the power transmission unit as in the present configuration, the rotating shaft is likely to be displaced, so that it is preferable to use a meshing clutch rather than an electromagnetic clutch that requires high accuracy.

  Moreover, in the above, the case where bread was manufactured by using an automatic bread maker using rice grains as a starting material has been shown. However, the automatic bread maker of this embodiment uses, for example, wheat flour or rice flour as a starting material. Can also be manufactured. In this case, since the pulverizing blade 90 is unnecessary, a different bread container (conventional bread container in which only the kneading blade is attached to the blade rotation shaft) may be used. I do not care.

  Moreover, in embodiment shown above, the structure and operation | movement of an automatic bread maker were demonstrated to the case where the grain of rice is used for a starting material as an example. However, the automatic bread maker of the present invention can also be applied to the case where grain grains other than rice grains such as wheat, barley, straw, buckwheat, buckwheat, corn, and soybean are used as starting materials.

  Moreover, the manufacturing flow of the rice grain breadmaking course shown above is an example, and may be other manufacturing flow. For example, after the pulverization step, the pulverized powder may have a configuration in which the kneading step is performed after the immersion step is performed again in order to absorb water.

  The present invention is suitable for an automatic bread maker for home use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic bread maker 11 Driving shaft 12 Pulley for 1st driving shaft (a part of 1st power transmission part)
13 Second driving shaft pulley (part of second power transmission unit)
30 Firing chamber 50 Kneading motor (first motor)
51 Output shaft of kneading motor 52 First pulley (part of first power transmission unit)
53 1st belt (a part of 1st power transmission part)
54 1st rotating shaft (a part of 1st power transmission part)
55 Second pulley (part of the first power transmission unit)
56 Clutch (part of the first power transmission unit)
57 2nd rotating shaft (a part of 1st power transmission part)
58 third pulley (part of the first power transmission unit)
59 Second belt (part of the first power transmission unit)
60 Crushing motor (second motor)
61 Output shaft of grinding motor 62 Fourth pulley (part of second power transmission unit)
63 3rd belt (part of 2nd power transmission part)
80 Bread container 82 Blade rotating shaft 90 Grinding blade 102 Kneading blade 103 Complementary kneading blade

Claims (3)

A bread container into which bread ingredients are charged;
A blade rotation shaft that is rotatably attached to the bottom of the bread container and supports a pulverizing blade for pulverizing grains and a kneading blade for kneading bread dough;
A baking chamber in which the bread container is accommodated;
In a state where the bread container is accommodated in the baking chamber, a driving shaft coupled to the blade rotation shaft so that power can be transmitted;
A first motor provided to rotate the kneading blade at a low speed;
A second motor provided to rotate the grinding blade at a high speed;
A first power transmission unit that includes a clutch that performs power transmission and power interruption, and connects the output shaft of the first motor and the driving shaft so that power transmission is possible when the clutch performs power transmission;
A second power transmission unit that connects the output shaft of the second motor and the driving shaft so as to be able to constantly transmit power;
An automatic bread maker characterized by comprising: The first power transmission unit is configured so that when the clutch transmits power, the rotational speed of the driving shaft is slower than the rotational speed of the output shaft of the first motor. Rotational power is transmitted to the driving shaft,
The second power transmission unit transmits the rotational power of the second motor to the driving shaft so that the rotational speed of the output shaft of the second motor is substantially equal to the rotational speed of the driving shaft. The automatic bread maker according to claim 1.   The automatic bread maker according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the clutch is a meshing clutch.

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