JP2012000185A - Automatic bread maker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic bread maker having a bread ingredient storing container detachably attached to a holder member disposed in a lid, capable of providing a pathway for discharging steam or the like at a low cost.SOLUTION: The automatic bread maker 1 includes: a body portion having a baking chamber; the lid 40 for opening/closing an opening of the baking chamber; and the bread ingredient storing container 110 for storing part of bread ingredients to be automatically loaded on the way of bread making. A holder member 42 having a storage space 45 into which the bread ingredient storing container 110 can be detachably fitted is attached to the lid 40, and a through hole for exhaust (not shown) is formed in part of a wall 45b forming the storage space 45 in the holder member 42. The through hole communicates with an exhaust port 40b formed in the lid 40 via a duct 47 attached to the holder member 42.

Description

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

  In a conventional commercially available automatic bread maker for home use, bread is manufactured by the following procedure (for example, see Patent Document 1). First, a bread container containing bread ingredients is placed in a baking chamber in the main body, and the bread ingredients in the bread container are kneaded with a kneading blade and kneaded into a dough (kneading step). Thereafter, the obtained dough is fermented in a bread container (fermentation process), and the bread container is used as it is as a baking mold (baking process).

  In addition, some conventional home-made bread makers are provided with a material container so that bread containing raisins, nuts, cheese, etc. can be baked (see, for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). ). Such an automatic bread maker is configured such that ingredients contained in the ingredient container during the kneading process are automatically charged into the bread container, for example, by program control.

JP 2000-116526 A Japanese Patent No. 3191645 JP 2006-255071 A JP 2010-35476 A

  By the way, in a conventional automatic bread maker, when manufacturing bread, flour (flour, rice flour, etc.) obtained by milling grains such as wheat and rice, or a mixture in which various auxiliary ingredients are mixed with such milled flour. It was common to obtain flour and use it as a starting material. However, in general households, as represented by rice grains, grains are sometimes held in the form of grains, not in the form of flour. For this reason, it would be very convenient if bread could be produced directly from grain using an automatic bread maker. For these reasons, the present applicants have developed a method for producing bread using cereal grains as a starting material (see Patent Document 4).

  In this bread manufacturing method, first, cereal grains are mixed with a liquid, and a pulverizing blade is rotated in the mixture to pulverize the cereal grains (grinding step). And the bread raw material containing the paste-form pulverized powder obtained through the crushing process is kneaded into dough with a kneading blade (kneading process), and the dough is fermented (fermentation process), and then baked into bread (baking process).

  The present applicants are developing an automatic bread maker having a new mechanism so that bread can be baked using grain grains as a starting material so that the above-described bread manufacturing method can be automatically performed. Among them, the present applicants have an automatic mechanism equipped with a mechanism capable of automatically charging powder bread materials such as dry yeast and gluten into the bread container after pulverizing the grain grains in a state of mixing with the liquid in the bread container. A bread maker is under consideration.

  When the powder bread raw material is automatically charged, for example, it is conceivable to use an ingredient container as shown in Patent Documents 2 and 3. However, as a result of intensive studies by the present applicants, it has been found that the conventional material container has a problem that the powder bread raw material tends to remain in the container after being automatically charged. For this reason, the present applicants consider a configuration different from a conventional ingredient container as a container (hereinafter referred to as a bread ingredient storage container) for automatically charging powder bread ingredients.

  In addition, powder bread raw materials (after the above-mentioned dry yeast and gluten, for example, wheat flour and upper fresh flour) to be added after pulverizing grain grains tend to be bulky, so they are contained. It is necessary to increase the volume of the bread raw material storage container. For this reason, attaching the bread raw material storage container to the cover part (lid body) which can ensure a comparatively large space is examined.

  As a result of considering such development progress, ease of use for users, cost reduction, etc., the present applicants have a holding member having a storage space for fitting a bread raw material storage container in the lid portion of the automatic bread maker. It is considered to adopt a configuration in which the bread raw material storage container is detachable. However, in this configuration, there has been a problem of how to realize an exhaust path for exhausting steam, hot air, and the like generated in the firing chamber at low cost, and how to configure with good assemblability.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is an automatic bread maker in which a bread raw material storage container is detachably attached to a holding member provided in a lid, and an automatic bread maker that can realize a discharge path for steam or the like at a low cost. Is to provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker having a good assembly property of such a discharge path.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic bread maker of the present invention comprises a main body portion having a baking chamber, a lid portion for opening and closing the opening of the baking chamber, and a part of bread ingredients that are automatically introduced during the production of bread. A bread ingredient storage container used to store the bread ingredient storage container, wherein the lid has a holding member having an accommodation space into which the bread ingredient storage container can be detachably fitted. A through hole for exhaust is formed in a part of the wall that is attached and forms the housing space of the holding member, and the through hole is formed in the lid portion through a duct that is attached to the holding member. It is characterized by communicating with the exhaust port.

  According to this structure, the vapor | steam etc. which generate | occur | produced in the baking chamber are through the through-hole of a holding member (it has a storage space which can detachably fit a bread raw material storage container), the duct attached to a holding member, The air is exhausted from the exhaust port of the lid. And since it comprises so that a duct may be attached as a member different from a holding member, it does not need to make the shape of a holding member complicated and can suppress the raise of die cost. For this reason, in the automatic bread maker in which the bread raw material storage container is detachably attached to the holding member provided in the lid, a discharge path for steam or the like can be realized at low cost.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the lid is pivotally supported on the back side of the main body and opens from the front side to the back side of the main body to open the opening of the baking chamber. When the opening of the baking chamber is closed by rotating from the back side to the front side of the main body, and the lid is closed, the exhaust port is the lid Preferably, the exhaust through hole is provided closer to the upper back side of the holding member.

  It is considered that a user who uses an automatic bread maker usually stands on the front side of the automatic bread maker and performs operations (operations) necessary for the operation and bread making. In this regard, in this configuration, since the exhaust port formed in the lid portion is formed closer to the upper back side (assuming a state in which the lid portion is closed), the exhaust port is located away from the user. Will be placed. For this reason, it is preferable because it is possible to avoid a situation in which steam or the like from the exhaust port is discharged toward the user. Further, since the exhaust port is provided at a position that is difficult for the user to see, the design is preferable. Since the exhaust through-hole provided in the holding member is located closer to the upper back side near the exhaust port, the configuration of the duct that communicates the exhaust port and the through-hole provided in the holding member can be easily simplified. It is easy to reduce the cost of an automatic bread maker. Moreover, since this structure can simplify the structure of a duct as mentioned above, it is excellent also in assemblability.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the duct has a first opening provided on one end side, a second opening provided on the other end side facing the one end side, the first opening, and the second opening. A hollow space is formed and an engagement projection is formed on the outer surface of the upper surface of the holding member, and the outer surface of the side wall on the back side of the holding member is formed. A support piece is formed, and the other end side of the duct has a shape such that the upper part protrudes from the lower part and follows the upper wall and the rear side wall of the holding member in a side view. One end side is fitted into the exhaust port, the upper part on the other end side is sandwiched between the engaging projection and the outer surface of the upper wall of the holding member, and the lower part is supported by the support piece. Is preferred.

  According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to introduce other members such as screws in order to fix the duct, it is possible to reduce the cost of the automatic bread maker and facilitate assembly.

  The automatic bread maker configured as described above further includes a pulverizing means for pulverizing the cereal grains, provided so that bread can be produced using the cereal grains as a starting material, and the bread raw material storage container pulverizes the cereal grains by the pulverizing means. It may be used for storing powder bread raw materials to be charged later.

  The powder bread raw material input after pulverization of grain may be bulky. For this reason, in the automatic bread maker provided with the pulverizing means for pulverizing the grain grains as in this configuration and provided so that bread can be produced using the grain grains as the starting material, the bread ingredient storage container is the lid portion of the automatic bread making machine. It is preferable to provide in. And in this structure, when providing a bread raw material storage container in the cover part of an automatic bread maker, the discharge path | routes of a vapor | steam etc. can be implement | achieved at low cost, Furthermore, the assembly property of such a discharge path | route can be improved. That is, this configuration can be said to be a preferable configuration for an automatic bread maker that manufactures bread using cereal grains as a starting material.

  According to the present invention, in an automatic bread maker in which a bread raw material storage container is detachably attached to a holding member provided in a lid, a discharge path for steam or the like can be realized at low cost, and such a discharge path Can be easily assembled. The present invention is suitable for an automatic bread maker that can be used to make bread at home, and it can be expected to become familiar with bread making at home. Is expected to flourish.

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. The figure which shows typically the structure of the baking chamber in which the bread container was accommodated, and its periphery in the automatic bread maker of this embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the blade unit with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. Schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment The schematic side view and schematic sectional drawing which show the structure of the blade unit with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. Schematic plan view when the blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment is viewed from below (a diagram when the guard is removed) It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the blade unit with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided, and a figure at the time of seeing a bread container from the top The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the bread raw material storage container with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. Schematic sectional view showing a configuration of a bread raw material storage container provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment The schematic side view which shows the state which the container lid of the bread raw material storage container with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is equipped opened. The schematic side view for demonstrating the opening angle of the container lid of the bread raw material storage container with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. Schematic which shows the structure of the lid | cover in which the bread raw material storage container of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is attached. Schematic cross-sectional view at the BB position in FIG. It is a schematic plan view which shows the structure of the lid | cover with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is equipped, The figure at the time of seeing the state from which the inner cover and the bread raw material storage container were removed from the lower surface side of the lid | cover The schematic plan view for demonstrating the relationship between the frame member with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is equipped, and a duct 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)
1A and 1B are schematic perspective views showing the external configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1A shows a state in which the lid is closed, and FIG. 1B shows a state in which the lid is opened. Yes. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 10 (the outer shell of which is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin) of the automatic bread maker 1 has an upper surface on which an operation unit 20 is provided. 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, flour For example, a course for producing bread using as a starting material), and a display unit for displaying time, contents set by the operation key group, errors, and the like. . The display unit is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display panel.

  The main body 10 is provided with a baking chamber 30 in which a bread container 80, which will be described in detail later, is accommodated. The firing chamber 30 is configured in a substantially rectangular box shape having a bottom shape 30a made of, for example, sheet metal and four side walls 30b (see also FIG. 4 described later), and the upper surface thereof is open. One end of the baking chamber 30 is pivotally supported on the back side of the main body 10 and is displaced between a closed position covering the opening of the baking chamber 30 and an open position rotated by a predetermined angle from the closed position. The lid (lid body) 40 can be opened and closed. In other words, the lid 40 opens the opening of the baking chamber 30 by rotating from the front side to the back side of the main body 10, and opens the opening of the baking chamber 30 by rotating from the back side of the main body 10 to the front side. Is provided to close.

  The lid 40 (detailed structure will be described later) is provided with a viewing window 41 made of, for example, heat-resistant glass so that the inside of the bread container 80 accommodated in the baking chamber 30 can be seen from the outside. In addition, a bread raw material storage container 110 (detailed structure will be described later) is detachably attached to the lid 40 so that a part of the bread raw materials can be automatically charged during the manufacture of the bread. . FIG. 1 shows a state in which a container lid (container lid 112 described later) included in the bread ingredient storage container 110 is opened.

  In addition, the lid 40 has an inclined surface in which substantially the entire upper surface of the lid 40 becomes higher from the front side to the back side of the main body 10 in a state where the lid 40 is closed. For this reason, in the state which closed the lid | cover 40, the state in the bread container 80 accommodated in the baking chamber 30 from the observation window 10 arrange | positioned near the front surface of the main body 10 becomes easy to observe. In addition, the bread ingredient storage container 110 attached to the back side of the main body 10 with the lid 40 closed is disposed in a portion where the thickness of the lid 40 is thick. You can earn.

  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, and the lower side of the figure is the front side of the automatic bread maker 1 and the upper side of the figure is the back side. 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.

  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 is provided on the lower side of the firing chamber 30 by the second belt 59 and is fixed to the driving shaft 11. The first driving shaft pulley 12 (having substantially the same diameter as that of the third pulley 58). 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 Hereinafter, the power transmission unit configured by the first driving shaft pulley 12 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 may be expressed as a 2nd power transmission part below. 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 X in FIG. 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) on the first rotating shaft 54 and is attached to the first rotating shaft 54 so as not to be relatively rotatable. ing. 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) is performed by a self-holding solenoid (clutch) in which the arm portion 72 extending in a fixed state from the first clutch member 561 and a permanent magnet 73a is incorporated. For solenoid) 73. 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, when the voltage in the direction in which the plunger 73b is pulled up (the voltage in which the plus and minus are opposite to the voltage in the direction to cancel the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 73a) is applied to the solenoid 73 from the state of FIG. Contrary to the urging force, 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, even if the solenoid 73 is turned off, the state in which the clutch 73 is disengaged can be maintained, 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, in the automatic bread maker 1, the second power transmission unit is not provided with a clutch, but 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. However, it goes without saying that a clutch may be provided in the second power transmission unit.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the baking chamber in which the bread container is accommodated and its surroundings in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 assumes a configuration when the automatic bread maker 1 is viewed from the front side, and the configurations of the baking chamber 30 and the bread container 80 are generally shown in cross-sectional views. In addition, the bread container 80 used as a baking mold while the bread raw material is input can be taken in and out of 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 30, and the bread raw material in the bread container 80. (This expression includes bread ingredients made from dough).

  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 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 molded product (others may be made of sheet metal or the like), has a bucket-like shape, and is handed to the flange 80a provided on the side edge of the opening. A handle (not shown) is attached. 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 so as to accommodate a part of a blade unit 90 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 blade unit 90 is detachably attached to a portion of the blade rotation shaft 82 that protrudes into the bread container 80 from above. The configuration of the blade unit 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a blade unit included in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, FIG. 7 (a) is a schematic side view, and FIG. 7 (b) is the AA position in FIG. 7 (a). It is sectional drawing. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of the blade unit included in the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment when viewed from below. FIG. 8A is a diagram when the kneading blade is in a folded position, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a view when the kneading blade is in an open posture. FIG. 8 shows a state in which a guard to be described later is removed. FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the operation of the blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, and is a view when the bread container is viewed from above. FIG. 9A is a view when the kneading blade is in the folded position, and FIG. 9B is a view when the kneading blade is in the open position.

  The blade unit 90 is roughly attached to the unit shaft 91, the crushing blade 92 that is relatively non-rotatable and detachably attached to the unit shaft 91, and the unit shaft 91 that is relatively rotatable and covers the crushing blade 92. And a dome-shaped cover 93 having a substantially circular shape in a plan view (see, for example, FIGS. 5 to 7). In a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82, the crushing blade 92 is positioned slightly above the bottom surface of the recess 81 of the bread container 80. Further, almost the entire grinding blade 90 and the dome-shaped cover 93 are accommodated in the recess 81.

  The unit shaft 91 is a substantially columnar member formed of a metal such as a stainless steel plate, for example, and has an opening at one end (the lower end in FIGS. 6 and 7), and the inside is hollow. Further, a groove 91a that crosses the unit shaft 91 in the diameter direction is formed on the lower side of the unit shaft 91 (see, for example, FIG. 6). When the unit shaft 91 is fitted (covered) from above the blade rotation shaft 82, a pin (not shown) penetrating the blade rotation shaft 82 horizontally engages the groove 91a, and the unit shaft 91 is attached to the blade. The rotation shaft 82 is connected so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper portion of the unit shaft 91 is engaged with a convex portion 82a provided at the center of the upper surface (substantially circular) of the blade rotation shaft 82 (shown by a broken line). A concave portion 91b is formed in the central portion of the side inner surface. Accordingly, the blade unit 90 can be easily attached to the blade rotating shaft 82 in a state where the centers of the unit shaft 91 and the blade rotating shaft 82 are aligned, and unnecessary rattling or the like occurs when rotating the blade. This can be suppressed. In this embodiment, the convex portion 82a is provided on the blade rotating shaft 82 side and the concave portion 91b is provided on the unit shaft 91 side. On the contrary, the concave portion is provided on the blade rotating shaft 82 side and the unit shaft 91 side is provided. It does not matter as a structure which provides a convex part.

  The pulverizing blade for pulverizing rice grains (embodiment of the pulverizing means of the present invention) 92 is formed of, for example, a stainless steel plate, and the shape thereof is, for example, an airplane propeller. As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 92 a having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is formed at the center of the grinding blade 92. The crushing blade 92 is attached from the lower side of the unit shaft 91 so as to fit the unit shaft 91 into the opening 92a.

  The lower side of the unit shaft 91 has a shape that is obtained by scraping the side surface of a cylinder, and is substantially the same shape (substantially rectangular shape) as the opening 92a of the grinding blade 92 when viewed from below. Further, the size of the substantially rectangular portion (the lower side portion of the unit shaft 91) is slightly smaller than the opening 92a. Since such a shape is adopted, the grinding blade 92 is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Since the stopper member 94 for retaining is fitted into the lower part of the unit shaft 91 from the pulverizing blade 92, the pulverizing blade 92 does not fall off the unit shaft 91.

  The dome-shaped cover 93 disposed so as to surround and cover the grinding blade 91 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy die-cast molded product, and accommodates a bearing 95 (in this embodiment, a rolling bearing) on its inner surface side. A concave accommodating portion 931 (see FIG. 7B) is formed. In other words, in order to form the accommodating portion 931, the dome-shaped cover 93 has a configuration in which a substantially cylindrical convex portion 93a is formed at the center when viewed from the outer surface side. In addition, the opening is not formed in the outer surface of the convex part 93a, The bearing 95 accommodated in the accommodating part 931 is in the state where the side surface and the upper surface were enclosed by the wall surface of the accommodating part 931.

  The inner ring 95a is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to rotate relative to the bearing 95 with the retaining rings 96a and 96b arranged on the upper and lower sides (the unit shaft 91 is press-fitted into a through hole inside the inner ring 95a. ing). The bearing 95 is press-fitted into the housing portion 931 so that the outer ring 95b is fixed to the side wall of the housing portion 931. The dome-shaped cover 93 is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as to be rotatable relative to the bearing 95 (the inner ring 95a rotates relative to the outer ring 95b).

  In addition, foreign matter (for example, a liquid such as water or a paste-like material obtained by pulverization or the like charged into the bread container 80 as a bread raw material) does not enter the bearing 95 from the outside into the housing portion 931 of the dome-shaped cover 93. As described above, for example, a seal material 97 formed of a silicon-based or fluorine-based material and a metal seal cover 98 that holds the seal material 97 are press-fitted from the lower side of the bearing 95. The seal cover 98 is fixed to the dome-shaped cover 93 with a rivet 99 so that the fixing to the dome-shaped cover 93 is ensured. Although fixing with the rivet 99 may not be performed, it is preferable to configure as in the present embodiment in order to obtain reliable fixing.

  On the outer surface of the dome-shaped cover 93, a kneading blade 101 (for example, aluminum) having a planar shape “” is formed by a support shaft 100 (see FIG. 6) arranged so as to extend in a vertical direction at a location adjacent to the convex portion 93 a. (Made of die-cast alloy product) is attached. The kneading blade 101 is attached to the support shaft 100 so as not to be relatively rotatable, and moves together with the support shaft 100 attached to the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Further, in the present embodiment, a complementary kneading blade 102 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die cast product) is fixedly disposed on the outer surface of the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to be aligned with the kneading blade 101. The complementary kneading blade 102 is not necessarily provided, but is preferably provided in order to increase the kneading efficiency in the kneading process of kneading the bread dough.

  Here, the operation of the kneading blade 101 will be described. The kneading blade 101 rotates about the axis of the support shaft 100 together with the support shaft 100, and the folding posture shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 8A and 9A, and FIGS. Two postures are taken, the open posture shown in (b). In the folded position, a protrusion 101a (see FIGS. 5 and 6) hanging from the lower edge of the kneading blade 101 abuts on the first stopper portion 93b provided on the upper surface of the dome-shaped cover 93, and the kneading blade 101 is more than that. The dome-shaped cover 93 cannot be rotated counterclockwise (assuming that it is viewed from above). In this folded position, the tip of the kneading blade 101 protrudes slightly from the dome-shaped cover 93.

  When the kneading blade 101 is rotated clockwise (assumed when viewed from above) with respect to the dome-shaped cover 93 from this posture (the state shown in FIG. 9A), the open posture shown in FIG. 9B is obtained. The tip of the kneading blade 101 protrudes greatly from the dome-shaped cover 93. The opening angle of the kneading blade 101 in this opening posture is limited by the second stopper portion 93 c (see FIG. 8) provided on the inner surface of the dome-shaped cover 93. For details, the kneading blade 101 reaches the maximum opening angle when a second engagement body 103b (fixed to the support shaft 100), which will be described later, hits the second stopper portion 93c and cannot rotate.

  When the kneading blade 101 is in the folded position, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the complementary kneading blade 102 is aligned with the kneading blade 101, and the kneading blade 101 is shaped like a “<”. The size becomes larger.

  Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 6, a first engagement body 103 a constituting the cover clutch 103 is attached to the unit shaft 91 between the pulverization blade 92 and the seal cover 98. For example, a substantially rectangular opening 103aa is formed in the first engagement body 103a made of, for example, zinc die casting, and the first rectangular body 103 in the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is fitted into the opening 103aa so that the first The engaging body 103a is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The first engaging body 103a is fitted from the lower side of the unit shaft 91 prior to the crushing blade 92, and the stopper member 94 prevents the unit shaft 91 from dropping off together with the crushing blade 92. In this embodiment, the washer 104 is arranged between the first engagement body 103a and the seal cover 93 in consideration of prevention of deterioration of the first engagement body 103a. It does not necessarily have to be provided.

  A second engagement body 103b constituting the cover clutch 103 is attached to the lower side of the support shaft 100 to which the kneading blade 101 is attached. For example, a substantially rectangular opening 103ba is formed in the second engaging body 103b made of zinc die casting, and the second engaging member is fitted into the opening 103ba by fitting a substantially rectangular portion in plan view on the lower side of the support shaft 100. The united body 103b is attached to the support shaft 100 so as not to be relatively rotatable. In the present embodiment, the washer 105 is arranged on the upper side of the second engagement body 103b in consideration of prevention of deterioration of the second engagement body 103b. However, the washer 105 is not necessarily provided.

  The cover clutch 103 composed of the first engagement body 103a and the second engagement body 103b functions as a clutch that switches whether or not to transmit the rotational power of the blade rotation shaft 82 to the dome-shaped cover 93. In the cover clutch 103, the rotation direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 when the kneading motor 50 rotates the driving shaft 11 (this rotation direction is referred to as “forward rotation”. In this case, the blade rotation shaft 82 and the dome-shaped cover 93 are connected. Conversely, the rotation direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 when the crushing motor 60 rotates the driving shaft 11 (this rotation direction is referred to as “reverse rotation”. In FIG. 8, clockwise rotation, and FIG. 9 counterclockwise rotation). The cover clutch 103 disconnects the blade rotation shaft 82 and the dome-shaped cover 93 from each other. Hereinafter, the operation of the cover clutch 103 will be described in more detail.

  When the kneading blade 101 is in the folded position (for example, the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 9A), the engaging portion 103bb of the second engaging body 103b is engaged with the engaging portion 103ab of the first engaging body 103a (this embodiment). The angle is an angle that interferes with the rotation trajectory (there are two in the form but may be one) (see the broken line in FIG. 8A). Therefore, when the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the forward direction, the first engagement body 103 a and the second engagement body 103 b are engaged, and the rotational power of the blade rotation shaft 82 is transmitted to the dome-shaped cover 93.

  On the other hand, when the kneading blade 101 is in the open posture (for example, the state shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B), the engaging portion 103bb of the second engaging body 103b is the same as the engaging portion 103ab of the first engaging body 103a. The angle deviates from the rotation trajectory (see the broken line in FIG. 8B). For this reason, even if the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates, the first engagement body 103a and the second engagement body 103b are not engaged. Accordingly, the rotational power of the blade rotation shaft 82 is not transmitted to the dome-shaped cover 93.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the dome-shaped cover 93 is formed with a window 93 d that communicates the space inside the cover and the space outside the cover. The window 93d is arranged at a height equal to or higher than the grinding blade 92. In the present embodiment, a total of four windows 93d are arranged at intervals of 90 °, but other numbers and arrangement intervals can be selected.

  A total of four ribs 93e are formed on the inner surface of the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to correspond to the windows 93d. Each rib 93e extends obliquely in the radial direction from the vicinity of the center of the dome-shaped cover 93 to the outer peripheral annular wall, and the four ribs 93e form a kind of bowl shape. Moreover, each rib 93e is curving so that the side which faces the bread raw material pressed toward it may become convex.

  A detachable guard 106 is attached to the lower surface of the dome-shaped cover 93. The guard 106 covers the lower surface of the dome-shaped cover 93 and prevents the user's finger from approaching the grinding blade 92. The guard 106 is formed of, for example, an engineering plastic having heat resistance, and can be a molded product such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide). The guard 106 need not be provided, but is preferably provided so that the user can use it with peace of mind.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, at the center of the guard 106, there is a ring-shaped hub 106 a through which a stopper member 94 fixed to the unit shaft 91 is passed. Further, a ring-shaped rim 106b is provided at the periphery of the guard 106. The hub 106a and the rim 106b are connected by a plurality of spokes 106c. Between the spokes 106c is an opening 106d through which the rice grains crushed by the pulverizing blade 92 are passed. The opening 106d has a size that prevents a finger from passing through.

  When the guard 106 is attached to the dome-shaped cover 93, the guard 106 comes into proximity with the crushing blade 92. The guard 106 is shaped like an outer blade of a rotary electric razor, and the grinding blade 92 is shaped like an inner blade.

  On the periphery of the rim 106b, a total of four columns 106e (not limited to this configuration) are integrally formed at intervals of 90 °. A horizontal groove 106ea having one end dead end is formed on a side surface of the pillar 106e facing the center side of the guard 106. The guard 106 is attached to the dome-shaped cover 106 by engaging with the grooves 106 ea the projections 93 f (in the embodiment, a total of eight protrusions arranged at 45 ° intervals) formed on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped cover 93. . The groove 106ea and the protrusion 93f are provided so as to constitute a bayonet connection.

  In the automatic bread maker 1, the crushing blade 92 and the kneading blade 101 are provided in one unit (blade unit 90), so that the handling is convenient. The user can easily pull out the blade unit 90 from the blade rotating shaft 82, and can easily clean the blade after the bread making operation. Further, the pulverizing blade 92 provided in the blade unit 90 is detachably attached to the unit shaft 91, and is easily mass-produced and has excellent maintainability such as blade replacement.

  In the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment, since a liquid such as water is put into the bread container 80, the liquid enters the bearing 95 that allows the dome-shaped cover 93 to rotate relative to the unit shaft 91. The bearing 95 needs to be hermetically sealed. In this respect, in the automatic bread maker 1, since the bearing 95 is accommodated in the concave accommodating portion 931 provided in the dome-shaped cover 93, the sealing means (the sealing material 97 and the seal cover only on the inner surface side of the dome-shaped cover 93). 98), the bearing 95 can be sealed. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide sealing means above and below the bearing 95, and the seal structure of the bearing 95 can be downsized. For this reason, in the automatic bread maker 1, it is possible to suppress an adverse effect on the shape of the baked bread (for example, the bottom surface of the bread is greatly recessed).

  Here, the structure of the bread raw material storage container 110 provided in the automatic bread maker 1 and the structure for attaching the bread raw material storage container 110 to the lid 40 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the bread ingredient storage container provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 10 (a) is a diagram mainly showing the front side, and FIG. 10 (b) is mainly the back side. It is a figure which shows the side. In the state in which the lid 40 to which the bread ingredient storage container 110 is attached is closed (the state shown in FIG. 1), the front side of the main body 10 is the front side of the bread ingredient storage container 110, and the front side of the main body 10 is the rear side. The rear surface of the bread ingredient storage container 110 (hereinafter the same). FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a bread raw material storage container provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a schematic side view showing a state in which the container lid of the bread raw material storage container provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment is opened. FIG. 13 is a schematic side view for explaining the opening angle of the container lid of the bread ingredient storage container provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a lid to which a bread raw material storage container of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment is attached, and FIG. 14 (a) is a perspective view when the lid is viewed obliquely from below. b) is a plan view of the lid as viewed from below. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view at the BB position in FIG. 14 and 15 show a state in which the bread ingredient storage container 110 is attached to the lid 40. FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bread ingredient storage container 110 included in the automatic bread maker 1 is largely provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the container main body 111 and the container main body 111. And a container lid 112 for opening and closing the opening 111a.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the container body 111 is a box-shaped member having a substantially rectangular cross section. The container main body 111 is made of a metal such as aluminum or iron, which is difficult to be charged with static electricity so that powder bread materials (for example, gluten and dry yeast) can be prevented from adhering to the inside of the container main body 111. Further, in order to suppress the powder bread raw material from adhering in the container as much as possible, the inner surface of the container body 111 is covered with a coating layer CL made of silicon, fluorine, or the like. In addition, it is preferable that the inner surface of the container body 111 is not formed with irregularities due to rivets, screws, or the like, and the inner surface of the container body 111 is a smooth surface.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 11, the container main body 111 is formed with a flange portion (flange portion) 111b protruding outward from the side edge of the opening 111a. The flange 111b is formed on the entire circumference of the container body 111. A packing (embodiment of a seal member) 113 made of, for example, silicon is fixed to the flange 111b.

  The appearance of the packing 113 has a substantially frame shape in a planar shape, and the packing 113 is fixed to the entire circumference of the flange 111b. More specifically, the packing 113 protrudes from the substantially U-shaped section 113a attached so as to sandwich the flange 111b from above and below, and protrudes from the substantially U-shaped section (projecting upward in FIG. 11). And a thin-walled elastic portion 113b that is folded back so that the tip side faces in the direction opposite to the direction toward the opening 111a.

  If the packing 113 protrudes from the opening 111a of the container main body 111, the bread raw material stored in the container main body 111 is easily caught by the packing 113, which causes the bread raw material to remain in the container. In order to avoid such a situation, in the present embodiment, the packing 113 is attached to the container main body 111 so as not to protrude into the opening 111a. Further, if the packing 113 is fixed to the container lid 112 side, when the bread ingredients are put into the bread container 80 from the bread ingredient storage container 110, the bread ingredients are easily caught on the packing 113, and the amount of bread ingredients to be charged is inappropriate. Therefore, the packing 110 is fixed to the container main body 111 side.

  The packing 113 is fixed to the container main body 111 (the flange 111b) by a container cover 114 attached to the container main body 111 so as to sandwich the substantially U-shaped portion 113a. That is, the container cover 114 functions as a fixing member that fixes the packing 113 to the container body 111. The container cover 114 is composed of two parts in detail, and these two parts are arranged so as to sandwich the flange 111b together with the packing 113, and then screwed, so that the packing 113 by the container cover 114 is fixed. Fixing is realized. The container cover member 114 is not particularly limited, and is formed of, for example, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) resin in which a glass filler is dispersed.

  The container lid 112 is made of a substantially rectangular metal plate having a slightly larger area than the opening 111 a of the container body 111. The container lid 112 is formed of a metal such as aluminum for the same reason as the container main body 111 (suppression of adhesion of the powder bread raw material). Further, for the same reason as in the case of the container main body 111, the inner surface (which is an expression assuming that the container lid 112 is closed) is covered with a coating layer CL made of silicon or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the container lid 112 is provided with attachment portions 112 a having engagement holes at both end portions on the back side (corresponding to one end side of the present invention). The attachment portion 112a is formed by bending a part of the container lid 112. A support shaft 115 (provided at both end portions on the back side) fixed to the container main body 111 is fitted into the engagement hole of the attachment portion 112a. As a result, the container lid 112 is pivotally supported by the support shaft 115 fixed to the container body 111 on the back side (one end side), and the front side (the other end side facing the one end side) is opened. It is designed to rotate in a direction that is in contact with and away from the portion 111a.

  On the back side of the container lid 112, a part of the end of the container lid 112 is bent in a direction away from the opening 111a (bent approximately 90 ° in the present embodiment) to form a bent portion 112b. ing. The bent portion 112b may not be formed, but is provided to prevent the end surface of the container lid 112 from being caught by the packing 113 or damaging the packing 113 when the container lid 112 is opened. Is preferred.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a projection 116 having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is provided at a substantially central portion of the bent portion 112 b of the container lid 112 so as to protrude obliquely upward (toward the outside). In the present embodiment, the protrusion 116 is formed integrally with the container lid 112, but not limited to this, the container lid 112 and the protrusion 116 may be separate members.

  The protruding portion 116 protrudes from the container lid 112 so that the protruding position is positioned on the outer peripheral side (the position on the right side of the supporting shaft 115 in FIG. 12) with respect to the support shaft 115 (the rotation center of the container cover 112). Is provided. Therefore, by pressing the front surface 116a (see FIG. 10B) of the protrusion 116, the container lid 112 can be easily rotated and opened. That is, the protrusion 116 has a function of assisting an operation (by the user) to open the container lid 112. Of course, the size and shape of the protrusion 117 may be appropriately changed.

  Further, the protrusion 116 is provided so as to exhibit the following stopper function. When the automatic bread maker 1 is used, the bread ingredient storage container 110 is in a posture as shown in FIG. That is, the bread raw material storage container 110 is used with the container lid 112 positioned downward with respect to the container body 111. For this reason, when the container lid 112 changes from the closed state to the opened state (the state shown in FIG. 12), the container lid 112 rotates about the support shaft 115 by its own weight. When the container lid 112 is opened, if the opening angle becomes too large, there is a problem in that the amount of bread ingredients that spill outside the bread container 80 is not charged. In order to prevent this problem, the protrusion 116 is not opened (rotated) beyond a certain angle (in this embodiment, 95 ° with respect to the opening surface of the container main body 111), and the protrusion 116 is formed in the container main body 111 (details). Is configured to collide with a part of the container cover 114. That is, the protrusion 116 functions as a stopper that regulates the opening angle (amount) of the container lid 112.

  By the way, if the opening angle of the container lid 112 becomes too small due to the restriction by the protruding portion 116, there is the following problem. As shown in FIG. 13, when bread ingredients are stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110, it is assumed that the bread ingredient storage container 110 is placed on the table 2 with the container body 111 facing down and the container lid 112 facing up. Is done. If the opening angle of the container lid 112 becomes too small due to the restriction of the opening angle by the protrusion 116, the bread ingredients cannot be put into the container body 111 unless the container lid 112 is supported by hand.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, as described above, the restriction on the opening amount of the container lid 112 by the protrusion 116 is adjusted so that the maximum value of the opening angle of the container lid 112 is 95 ° which is larger than 90 °. ing. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the container lid 112 can be kept open without being supported by hand, and the bread raw material can be easily put into the container body 111.

  Needless to say, the limit value of the opening angle is an example, and various changes can be made. In short, the configuration of the protrusions 116 should be adjusted so as to reduce the amount of bread ingredients spilling out of the bread container 80 as much as possible and to ensure good workability when the bread ingredients are put into the bread ingredient storage container 110. That's fine. Moreover, the structure which maintains the open state, without supporting the container lid 112, for example, is also possible by making the bottom surface (assuming the case where it arrange | positions like FIG. 13) of the container main body 111 into an inclined structure. By adopting such a configuration, the opening amount of the container lid 112 may be adjusted.

  The protrusion 116 is covered with an elastic cover member 117 formed using, for example, silicon. The cover member 117 may not be provided, but is preferably provided to protect the user's finger and the like. Further, as described above, the protruding portion 116 collides with the container main body 111 (more specifically, a part of the container cover 114) to restrict the opening amount of the container lid 112. By providing the elastic cover member 117 on the protrusion 116, the impact at the time of the collision can be reduced (the collision sound can be suppressed). From this point, the cover member 117 is preferably provided.

  Note that the cover member 117 may be a hollow member having one end opened so that the cover member 117 is simply covered with the projection 116, but in the present embodiment, the cover member 117 is provided on the projection 116 so that the cover member 117 is not easily detached. It has the structure which has the engagement protrusion 117a engage | inserted by an engagement hole (refer FIG.10 (b)). Then, the engagement protrusion 117a fitted in the engagement hole provided in the protrusion 116 is for the container attached to the container body 111 when the container lid 112 is opened at a certain angle (95 ° in this embodiment). The cover 114 is in contact with a part of the cover 114.

  A movable lock member 118 is attached to the container cover 114 on the front side of the bread ingredient storage container 110. The lock member 118 has a placement portion 118a having a substantially L-shaped placement surface (for example, see FIG. 12) in a side view, and projects from the placement portion 118a toward the opening 111a of the container main body 111. A hook portion 118b is provided so that the lid 112 can be pressed from the outer surface side, and an arm portion 118c extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the container body 111 from the placement portion 118a.

  The arm portion 118c is pivotally supported by the container cover 114 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis C1 (see FIG. 10A) substantially parallel to the depth direction of the container body 111. The arm portion 118c is biased at one end by a biasing member (not shown), and the placing portion 118a and the hook portion 118b provided on the other end side of the arm portion 118c are subjected to the biasing force by the container body 111. Is directed toward the opening 111a.

  The hook portion 118b is provided in a substantially triangular shape in cross-section, and when a force is applied downward (an expression based on the posture of FIGS. 10 and 13) with the container lid 112 placed on the hook portion 118b, It is provided so as to generate a force against the urging force of the urging member that urges the portion 118c. For this reason, when the container lid 112 is placed on the hook portion 118b and a downward force is applied, the arm portion 118c is rotated by a force against the urging force of the urging member when the container lid 112 is placed on the hook portion 118b. Then, the hook portion 118b moves in a direction away from the container lid 112. When the container lid 112 is not placed on the hook portion 118b, the hook portion 118b moves to the container lid 112 side because the arm portion 118c is rotated by the biasing force of the biasing member, and the container lid 112 is moved to the outer surface. It reaches the position to hold down from the side. Thereby, the locked state (state in which the closed state of the container lid 112 is maintained) is obtained.

  In the locked state, as shown in FIG. 11, the outer peripheral side of the inner surface of the container lid 112 is in contact with the elastic portion 13 b of the packing 113 and overlaps with the flange portion 111 b, so that the opening 111 a is completely covered. In this locked state, since the gap between the flange 111b and the container lid 112 is sealed by the packing 113, it is difficult for moisture, dust or the like to enter the container main body 111 from the outside.

  When the locked state is released and the opening 111a of the container body 111 is opened, the arm portion 118c rotates (rotates about the rotation axis C1) against the biasing force. The hook portion 118b may be moved to a position where the container lid 112 is not pressed from the outer surface side. Thereby, the container lid 112 is rotated by gravity (expression based on the state of FIG. 12), and the state where the opening 111a is opened (open state) is obtained.

  In the automatic bread maker 1 of this embodiment, an automatic charging solenoid (not shown) is provided in the main body 10 on the lower side of the operation unit 20 (see FIG. 1). When the solenoid is driven, the plunger protrudes from an opening 10b (see FIG. 1B) provided in the main body wall surface 10a adjacent to the lid 40. Then, the protruding plunger presses the movable member 46 (see FIG. 14A) provided on the side wall 40a of the lid 40. The arm part 118c of the lock member 118 is pressed by the movement of the pressed movable member 46, and the arm part 118c rotates against the urging force of the urging member (not shown). As a result, the holding of the container lid 112 by the hook portion 118b is released, the container lid 112 is rotated by gravity, and the opening 111a is opened.

  Further, when the user opens the container lid 112 of the bread ingredient storage container 110, the user places his / her finger (for example, the left thumb) on the placement surface of the placement portion 118a and applies outward force (leftward in FIG. 13). Add As a result, the arm portion 118c of the lock member 118 is rotated, and the hook portion 118b moves to a position where the outer surface of the container lid 112 is not pressed. In this state, the container lid 112 is opened by pressing the projection 116 outward with a finger (for example, the right thumb) (rightward in FIG. 13). That is, by providing the mounting portion 118a and the projection portion 116, the user can easily open the container lid 112. As described above, since the placement surface on which the finger is placed has a substantially L-shape when viewed from the side, the placement portion 118a has good finger engagement.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the container cover 114 included in the bread ingredient storage container 110 includes a first engagement portion 119 provided on the back side so that the bread ingredient storage container 110 can be held by the lid 40, and a front surface. And a second engaging portion 120 provided on the side. That is, the first engagement portion 119 and the second engagement portion 120 constitute an attachment mechanism for attaching the bread ingredient storage container 110 to the lid 40.

  The first engaging portion 119 has a first engaging inclined surface 119a that protrudes outward from the side surface of the container cover 114 (projects obliquely upward in FIG. 15). A total of four first engaging portions 119 are provided in the vicinity of both end portions on the back side, two in close proximity to each other. However, the number and arrangement of the engaging portions 119 are examples, and may be changed as appropriate.

  The second engaging portion 120 includes a housing portion 120a and a mounting hook portion (movable hook portion) 120b in which a part of the housing portion 120a is accommodated. The mounting hook portion 120b is urged outward (in the left direction in FIG. 15) by a biasing member 120c (see FIG. 15) provided inside the housing portion 120a in a direction substantially parallel to the lateral direction of the container body 111. Yes. Further, when a force is applied in the direction against the urging force of the urging member 120c (toward the right in FIG. 15), the mounting hook portion 120b can move in that direction, and the amount of protrusion from the housing portion 120a can be reduced. It is variable.

  A frame member 42 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die-cast product) is accommodated inside the lid 40 of the automatic bread maker 1, and the frame member 42 is formed on the inner cover 43 (for example, made of sheet metal) from the back side of the lid 40. ). This frame member is an embodiment of the holding member of the present invention.

  A portion of the frame member 42 that is close to the front surface of the main body 10 when the lid 40 is in a closed state has a substantially rectangular shape (assuming that the lid 40 is viewed from the back surface side) surrounded by the wall portion 42a. A hole 44 is provided. The wall portion 42 a abuts on the observation window 41 disposed on the upper surface side of the lid 40 and supports the observation window 41. Specifically, the through hole 44 is formed so that the area when viewed in plan toward the viewing window 41 is gradually reduced.

  In this case, when the state inside the bread container 80 accommodated in the baking chamber 30 is viewed from the observation window 41, the structure inside the lid 40 cannot be seen by the wall portion 42a. You can see the situation in a clean state. In the present embodiment, the viewing window 41 is considerably larger than the size of the through hole 44 in consideration of the design (not limited to this configuration, for example, the through hole 44 and the like). The viewing windows 41 may be substantially the same size). In the case of this configuration, the internal structure of the lid 40 can be seen on the outside of the wall portion 42a.

  In the frame member 42, a space 45 formed by a dome-shaped wall 42b is formed in a portion near the back surface of the main body 10 when the lid 40 is closed. This space 45 is a storage space in which the bread ingredient storage container 110 can be detachably fitted. A front surface (left side in FIG. 15) in the storage space 45 is engaged with the mounting hook portion 120 b of the second engagement portion 120 when the bread ingredient storage container 110 is stored in the storage space 45. A joint groove 45a is formed. Further, on the rear surface (right side in FIG. 15) in the accommodation space 45, when the bread ingredient storage container 110 is accommodated, the second engagement comes into contact with the first engagement inclined surface 119a substantially in parallel. A combined inclined surface 45b is formed.

  When the bread ingredient storage container 110 is stored in the storage space 45, the user can force the mounting hook portion 120b of the second engagement portion 120 into the housing portion 120a (the biasing force of the biasing member 120c). Force in the direction opposite to the above). Then, in a state where the protruding amount of the mounting hook portion 120b from the housing portion 120a is reduced, the first engaging inclined surface 119a does not collide with the second engaging inclined surface 45b in the bread raw material storage container 110. Inclined and pushed into the holding part 45. Thereafter, the force applied to the mounting hook portion 120b is removed, the mounting hook portion 120b is projected, and the mounting hook portion 120b and the engaging groove 45a are engaged.

  Thus, when the bread raw material storage container 110 is fitted in the storage space 45, when the lid 40 is in the closed state (the state shown in FIG. 15 is applicable), the first engagement inclined surface 119a and the second engagement are provided. The joint inclined surface 45b comes into contact. And the bread raw material storage container 110 is a direction in which the upward force in the vertical direction (upward in FIG. 15) from the second engagement inclined surface 45b and the engagement with the engagement groove 45a of the mounting hook portion 120b are released. And a force in the opposite direction (a leftward force in FIG. 15). Therefore, in the storage space 45, the bread ingredient storage container 110 has an engagement groove 45a that engages with the hook portion 120b for attachment and a second engagement inclined surface 45b that contacts the first engagement inclined surface 119a. And are held in the accommodating space 45.

  In addition, when removing the bread raw material storage container 110 from the storage space 45, the hook part 120b for attachment is pressed in the direction retracted in the housing part 120a, and engagement with the hook part 120b for attachment and the engagement groove 45a is carried out. To release. Then, the first engagement inclined surface 119a may be pulled out obliquely so as not to be disturbed by the second engagement inclined surface 45b. That is, the user can easily attach and remove the bread ingredient storage container 110 to and from the lid 40 by simply pressing a part of the attaching hook portion 120b.

  For example, when the second engaging part 120 having the hook part 120b for mounting, the lock member 118, and the like are provided in the container main body 111 instead of the container cover 114, the container main body for fixing (fixing using a rivet or the like) Irregularities may be formed in 111. In this case, the bread raw material tends to remain in the container main body 111 in which the powder bread raw material is stored, which is not preferable (however, the present invention is not intended to exclude such a configuration). In the bread raw material storage container 110 of the present embodiment, since the second engagement portion 120, the lock member 118, and the like are provided in the container cover 114, such a problem can be avoided.

  Incidentally, the lid 40 of the automatic bread maker 1 is formed with an exhaust path which is a characteristic configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the present invention. The exhaust path referred to here is an exhaust path for discharging steam, hot air, etc. generated in the firing chamber 30. Hereinafter, the configuration of the exhaust path will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (FIG. 15 shows a case where the lid 40 is in a closed state), a duct 47 is disposed between the frame member 42 and the lid 40. The duct 47 includes a first opening 47a formed at one end, a second opening 47b formed at the other end, and a hollow space 47c that connects the first opening 47a and the second opening 47b (whichever And FIG. 15). As shown in FIG. 15, the end of the duct 47 on the side where the first opening 47 a is provided is an exhaust port 40 b (substantially rectangular in plan view) provided near the upper back side of the lid 40 of the automatic bread maker 1. It is designed to be fitted.

  The duct 47 has a structure in which the thickness gradually increases from one end where the first opening 47a is provided to the other end where the second opening 47b is provided, and the duct 47 extends from the exhaust port 40b. It is configured not to protrude to the outside.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration of a lid provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, and shows a state where the inner cover (indicated by reference numeral 43 in FIGS. 14 and 15) and the bread raw material storage container are removed. It is a figure at the time of seeing from the lower surface side. FIG. 17 is a schematic plan view for explaining the relationship between the frame member and the duct provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment, and FIG. 17A is a view when seen along the arrow Y in FIG. Yes, FIG. 17B is a view when viewed along the arrow Z in FIG. However, FIG. 17 is a diagram in a state where the front and back of the frame member 42 shown in FIG. 16 are turned over.

  As shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of exhaust through holes 42 c are formed in a part of the wall 45 b forming the accommodation space 45 of the frame member 42. In the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment, assuming that the lid 40 is in a closed state (for example, the state of FIG. 15), each of the plurality of exhaust through holes 42 c formed is a frame member 42. The through hole formed in the upper wall UW near the rear surface (rightward in FIG. 15) and the through hole formed near the upper portion of the side wall BW on the back surface side of the frame member 42 are connected. The number and shape of the exhaust through holes 42c provided in the frame member 42 may be determined as appropriate, and are not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the plurality of exhaust through holes 42 c formed in the frame member 42 are in a state of being covered by the end portion of the duct 47 on the side where the second opening 47 b is provided. In FIG. 17 (b), a broken arrow indicates a range (maximum range) in which the exhaust through hole 42c is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 15 (cross-sectional view) and FIG. 17 (side view), the end of the duct 47 on the side where the second opening 47b is provided has a configuration in which the upper part protrudes from the lower part. Further, the end side surface of the duct 47 on the side where the second opening 47b is provided has a structure that is curved along the upper wall UW and the rear side wall BW of the frame member 42 as shown in FIG. Yes. With this configuration, the duct 47 can completely cover the plurality of exhaust through holes 42c provided in the frame member 42.

  On the outer surface side of the upper wall UW of the frame member 42, an engaging protrusion 42d is formed for fixing the upper part on the end side where the second opening 47b of the duct 47 is provided. When viewed from the side, the engaging protrusion 42d has a shape in which the L-shape faces sideways as shown in FIG. The duct 47 has a frame member so that the upper part on the end side where the second opening 47b of the frame member 42 is provided is sandwiched in a space formed between the engagement protrusion 42e and the upper wall UW of the frame member 42. 42 is attached.

  Further, the duct 47 is attached to the frame member 42 so that the lower part on the end side where the second opening 47b is provided is supported by the protruding piece 42e provided on the outer surface of the back side wall BW of the frame member 42. It has become. As described above, the duct 47 is fixed between the frame member 42 and the lid 40 without using a fixing member such as a screw or a rivet.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the engagement protrusions 42d are provided at two locations. The number and shape of the engaging protrusions 42d are not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. In FIG. 16, since only the inner surface side of the frame member 42 is visible, the engagement protrusions 42d provided on the outer surface side are indicated by broken lines. Moreover, in this embodiment, as shown to Fig.17 (a), the protrusion piece 42e is provided in two places. The number and shape of the protruding pieces 42d are not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. The engaging protrusions 42d and the protruding pieces 42e are preferably formed integrally with the frame member 42, but are not necessarily limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, two positioning protrusions 42f are formed on the upper wall UW of the frame member 42 so that the position of the duct 47 attached to the frame member 42 is not displaced (FIG. 17A). reference). Thereby, the displacement of the duct 47 can be prevented and the attachment of the duct 47 to the frame member 42 is facilitated.

  In the automatic bread maker 1 having such a configuration, steam, hot air, or the like generated in the baking chamber 30 passes through the exhaust through hole 42 c provided in the frame member 42 and passes through the second opening 47 b of the duct 47. Into the duct 47. The steam or the like that enters the duct 47 reaches the exhaust port 40b provided in the lid 40 through the first opening 47a provided so as to face the second opening 47b of the duct 47, and the automatic bread maker 1. It is discharged outside.

  In the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment, since the duct 47 is a separate member from the frame member 42, the shape of the frame member 47 is not complicated, and an increase in mold cost can be suppressed. Further, since the exhaust port 40b formed in the lid 40 is formed closer to the upper back side (assuming the case where the lid 40 is in the closed position), the exhaust port 40b is disposed at a position away from the user. Will be. For this reason, it is preferable because it is possible to avoid a situation in which steam or the like from the exhaust port 40b is discharged toward the user. Moreover, since the exhaust port 40b is provided at a position where it is difficult for the user to see, the design is preferable.

  Further, since the exhaust through hole 42c provided in the frame member 42 is located closer to the upper back side near the exhaust port 40b, the duct 47 that connects the exhaust port 40b and the through hole 42c provided in the frame member 42 is provided. It is easy to make the configuration simple. As a result, it is easy to reduce the cost of the automatic bread maker 1. Moreover, since the structure of the duct 47 can be simplified as described above, the automatic bread maker 1 is also excellent in assemblability. Furthermore, since the duct 47 is attached without using a fixing member such as a screw or a rivet, the assembly of the exhaust path is easy.

  FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the control operation in the automatic bread maker 1 is performed by the control device 130. The control device 130 is configured by a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), an input / output (I / O) circuit unit, and the like. . The control device 130 is preferably disposed at a position that is not easily affected by the heat of the baking chamber 30. In addition, the control device 130 is provided with a time measuring function, and temporal control in the bread manufacturing process is possible.

  The control device 130 includes the operation unit 20 described above, the temperature sensor 15 that detects the temperature of the baking chamber 30, a kneading motor drive circuit 131, a pulverization motor drive circuit 132, a heater drive circuit 133, and a first solenoid. The drive circuit 134 and the second solenoid drive circuit 135 are electrically connected.

  The kneading motor driving circuit 131 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the kneading motor 50 under a command from the control device 130. The grinding motor drive circuit 132 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the grinding motor 60 under a command from the control device 130. The heater drive circuit 133 is a circuit for controlling the operation of the sheathed heater 31 under a command from the control device 130. The first solenoid drive circuit 134 drives the automatic charging solenoid 16, which is driven when a part of the bread ingredients are automatically input during the bread manufacturing process, under the command from the control device 130. It is a circuit for controlling. The second solenoid drive circuit 135 is a circuit for controlling the drive of the clutch solenoid 73 (see FIG. 3) for switching the state of the clutch 56 (see FIG. 3) under a command from the control device 130.

The control device 130 reads out a program related 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 controls each unit via the drive circuits 131 to 135. 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. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the bread making course for rice grains executed by the automatic bread maker. As shown in FIG. 19, in the rice grain breadmaking course, the dipping process, the pulverizing process, the kneading (kneading) process, the fermentation process, and the baking process are sequentially performed in this order.

  In starting the rice grain breadmaking course, the user attaches the blade unit 90 to the blade rotation shaft 82 by covering the blade rotation shaft 82 of the bread container 80 with the unit shaft 91. Then, the user weighs rice grains, water, and seasonings (eg, salt, sugar, shortening, etc.) by a predetermined amount and puts them into the bread container 80.

  In addition, the user weighs a part of the bread ingredients that are automatically added during the manufacture of bread and puts them in the container body 111 of the bread ingredient storage container 110. When the bread raw material to be stored is stored in the container main body 111, the opening 111 a of the container main body 111 is closed by the container lid 112, and the locked state is set by the lock member 118.

  Examples of the bread ingredients stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110 include gluten and dry yeast. However, instead of gluten, for example, at least one of flour, thickener (eg, guar gum), and upper fresh powder may be stored in the bread raw material storage container 110. In addition, for example, only dry yeast may be stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110 without using gluten, wheat flour, thickener, super fresh powder, or the like. Further, depending on the case, seasonings such as salt, sugar, and shortening may be stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110 together with, for example, gluten and dry yeast so as to be automatically added during the production of bread. In this case, the bread raw material previously put into the bread container 80 is rice grains and water (in place of mere water, for example, a liquid having a taste component such as soup stock, a liquid containing fruit juice or alcohol, etc.) Become.

  Thereafter, the user puts the bread container 80 into the baking chamber 30 and further fits the bread material storage container 110 into the holding portion 45 of the lid 40. Then, the user closes the lid 40, selects the rice grain breadmaking course using 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 130 is started.

  When the rice grain breadmaking course is started, the dipping process is started by a command from the control device 130. In the dipping process, the bread raw material charged in advance into the bread container 80 is left in a stationary state, and this stationary 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 pulverizing blade 92 may be rotated at the initial stage, and thereafter the pulverizing blade 92 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 130, and the pulverizing process for pulverizing the rice grains is started. In this pulverization step, the pulverization blade 92 is rotated at high speed in a mixture containing rice grains and water. Specifically, the control device 130 controls the crushing motor 60 to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction, thereby causing the crushing blade 92 to rotate at a high speed in a mixture containing rice grains and water.

  When the grinding blade 92 is rotated using the grinding motor 60, the control device 130 drives the clutch solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 shuts 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 92, the dome-shaped cover 93 also starts to rotate following the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82. The rotation of the cover 93 is immediately prevented. The rotation direction of the dome-shaped cover 93 accompanying the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 for rotating the grinding blade 92 is the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 9, and the kneading blade 101 has been folded until then (see FIG. 9A). In the case of the posture shown in FIG. 9, the resistance is changed to the open posture (posture shown in FIG. 9B) due to the resistance received from the mixture containing rice grains and water. When the kneading blade 101 is in the open position, the cover clutch 103 causes the engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b to deviate from the rotation track of the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a (see the broken line in FIG. 8). Then, the connection between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the dome-shaped cover 93 is disconnected. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the kneading blade 101 in the open posture hits the inner wall of the bread container 80, so that the rotation of the dome-shaped cover 93 is prevented.

  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 the present embodiment, the rotation of the pulverizing blade 92 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 92 may be continuous rotation, but for the purpose of, for example, preventing the temperature of the raw material 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 dome-shaped cover 93, the possibility that the rice grains are scattered outside the bread container 80 is low. Further, the rice grains entering the dome-shaped cover 93 from the opening 106d of the guard 106 in the rotation stopped state are sheared between the stationary spoke 106c and the rotating pulverizing blade 92, so that they can be efficiently pulverized. Further, the rib 93e provided on the dome-shaped cover 93 suppresses the flow of the mixture containing rice grains and water (the flow in the same direction as the rotation of the pulverizing blade 92).

  Further, the mixture containing the pulverized rice grains and water is guided in the direction of the window 93d by the rib 93e, and is discharged out of the dome-shaped cover 93 from the window 93d. Since the rib 93e is curved so that the side facing the mixture rushing toward it is convex, the mixture hardly flows to the surface of the rib 93e and flows smoothly toward the window 93d. Further, instead of the mixture being discharged from the inside of the dome-shaped cover 93, the mixture existing in the space above the concave portion 81 enters the concave portion 81 and passes through the opening portion 106d of the guard 106 from the concave portion 81. Enter the cover 93. Since the pulverization by the pulverization blade 92 is performed while being circulated as described above, the 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). Further, due to the effect of providing the packing 113, the water vapor generated in this crushing process is difficult to enter the container of the bread ingredient storage container 110.

  When the pulverization process is completed, the kneading process is started by a command from the control device 130. 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, you may make it start a kneading process when it becomes a predetermined temperature range.

  At the start of the kneading process, the control device 130 drives the clutch solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 transmits power (state shown in FIG. 3B). Then, the control device 130 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 92 is also rotated in the forward direction, and the bread ingredients around the grinding blade 92 flow in the forward direction. Accordingly, when the dome-shaped cover 93 moves in the forward direction (clockwise in FIG. 9), the kneading blade 101 receives resistance from the non-flowing bread ingredients and is folded from the open position (see FIG. 9B). The angle is changed to (see FIG. 9A). When the engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b is at an angle that interferes with the rotation path of the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a (see the broken line in FIG. 8), the cover clutch 103 is connected, and the dome-shaped cover is formed. 93 enters a state of being driven in earnest by the blade rotation shaft 82. The kneading blade 101 in a folded position with the dome-shaped cover 93 rotates in the forward direction integrally with the blade rotation shaft 82.

  In order to reliably connect the cover clutch 103 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. Further, as described above, when the kneading blade 101 is in the folded position, the complementary kneading blade 102 is arranged on the extension of the kneading blade 101, so that the kneading blade 101 is enlarged and the bread material is pressed strongly. It is. For this reason, the dough can be kneaded firmly.

  The rotation of the kneading blade 101 is very slow at the initial stage of the kneading process, and is controlled by the control device 130 so that the speed is increased stepwise. In the initial stage of the kneading process in which the kneading blade 101 rotates very slowly, the control device 130 drives the automatic charging solenoid 16 to rotate the arm portion 118c of the lock member 118 of the bread ingredient storage container 110. As a result, the state in which the hook portion 118b holds the container lid 112 is released, and the container lid 112 is rotated by gravity. That is, the opening 111a of the container body 111 is opened, and for example, bread ingredients such as gluten and dry-ice are automatically charged into the bread container 80.

  As described above, since the bread raw material storage container 110 is devised so that the bread raw material does not easily remain in the interior, the bread raw material storage container 110 hardly completes the bread raw material, and the automatic charging can be completed. When the lid 40 is closed, the viewing window 41 is on the front side, and the bread ingredient storage container 110 is on the rear side. The container lid 112 of the bread ingredient storage container 110 faces the rear side. And the plate-like surface becomes substantially parallel to the vertical direction (state shown in FIG. 15). For this reason, even after the automatic feeding using the bread raw material storage container 110 is performed, it is not difficult to observe the state in the bread container 80 using the observation window 41.

  In this embodiment, the bread ingredients stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110 are charged while the kneading blade 101 is rotating. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the kneading blade 101 stops. You may throw it in However, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to add the bread ingredients while the kneading blade 101 is rotated because the bread ingredients can be uniformly dispersed.

  After the bread ingredients stored in the bread ingredient storage container 110 are put into the bread container 80, the dough (dough connected to the dough (dough) having the predetermined elasticity is obtained by the rotation of the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102. ) When the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102 shake the dough and knock it against the inner wall of the bread container 80, an element of “kneading” is added to the kneading. The dome-shaped cover 93 is also rotated by the rotation of the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102. When the dome-shaped cover 93 rotates, the rib 93e formed on the dome-shaped cover 93 also rotates, so that the bread ingredients in the dome-shaped cover 93 are quickly discharged from the window 93d, and the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102 are Assimilate into a kneaded bread lump (dough).

  In the kneading process, the guard 106 is also rotated in the forward direction together with the dome-shaped cover 93. The spoke 106c of the guard 106 has a shape in which the center side of the guard 106 precedes and the outer peripheral side of the guard 106 follows when rotating in the forward direction. For this purpose, the guard 106 rotates in the forward direction to push the bread ingredients inside and outside the dome-shaped cover 93 outward with the spokes 106c. Thereby, the ratio of the raw material used as a waste after baking bread can be reduced.

  Further, the pillar 106e of the guard 106 has a side surface 106eb (see FIG. 6) which is the front surface in the rotation direction when the guard 106 rotates in the forward direction, and is inclined upward. Bread ingredients are sprung upward on the front surface of the column 106e. 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 completed, the fermentation process is started by a command from the control device 130. In this fermentation process, the control device 130 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 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102 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 130. The control device 130 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 burn mark of the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102 (projecting upward from the concave portion 81 of the bread container 80) remains on the bottom of the pan, the dome-shaped cover 93 and the guard 106 are accommodated in the concave portion 81. So that they do not leave a large burn at the bottom of the bread.
(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 above, the case of producing bread using the rice grain as a starting material by the automatic bread maker 1 has been shown. However, the automatic bread maker 1 can produce bread using, for example, wheat flour or rice flour as the starting material. (In this case, the bread making process is appropriately changed). When bread is produced using wheat flour or rice flour as a starting material, the bread material storage container 110 can also be used to contain ingredients for producing bread with ingredients such as raisins and nuts. is there. Further, in the case of producing bread using wheat flour or rice flour as a starting material, the grinding blade 92 is not necessary, so that a bread container different from the one shown above (only the kneading blade is attached to the blade rotation shaft). A conventional bread container) may be used (the bread container is properly used).

  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.

  In the embodiment shown above, the automatic bread maker 1 uses a separate motor for the case where the grain is pulverized by the pulverizing blade 92 and the case where the kneading blade 102 is rotated to knead the dough. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, for example, a configuration in which only one motor is provided, and a configuration in which the same motor is used for pulverizing the grain by the pulverizing blade 92 and rotating the kneading blade 102 to knead the bread dough may be used.

  In the embodiment described above, the pulverizing blade 92 and the kneading blade 101 are mounted as a unit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and these blades may be separately mounted on the blade rotation shaft 82. In some cases, the pulverizing blade and the kneading blade may not be separately provided, and only one blade that exhibits the pulverizing function and the kneading function may be provided.

  In addition, the present invention is suitable for an automatic bread maker that can produce bread using cereal grains as a starting material, but other automatic bread maker (for example, bread can be produced only when flour or rice flour is used as a starting material). It can also be applied to an automatic bread maker.

  The present invention can be applied to an automatic bread maker for home use, and is suitable for an automatic bread maker that can manufacture bread using cereal grains as a starting material.

1 Automatic bread maker 10 Main body (main body)
30 Firing chamber 40 Lid (lid)
40b Exhaust port 42b Dome-shaped wall (wall forming the accommodation space)
42c Exhaust through hole 42d Engaging projection 42e Support piece 42 Frame member (holding member)
45 Housing space 47 Duct 47a First opening 47b Second opening 47c Hollow space 92 Grinding blade (grinding means)
110 Bread raw material storage container UW Frame member upper wall BW Frame member rear side wall

Claims (4)

A main body having a firing chamber;
A lid for opening and closing the opening of the baking chamber;
An automatic bread maker comprising a bread raw material storage container used for storing a part of bread raw materials that are automatically charged during the manufacture of bread,
A holding member having a storage space in which the bread raw material storage container can be detachably fitted is attached to the lid part,
A through hole for exhaust is formed in a part of the wall forming the accommodation space of the holding member,
The automatic bread maker, wherein the through-hole communicates with an exhaust port formed in the lid through a duct attached to the holding member. The lid is pivotally supported on the back side of the main body, and opens from the back side of the main body to the front side by rotating from the front side to the back side of the main body. Is provided to close the opening of the baking chamber by rotating toward the
When the lid is in a closed state, the exhaust port is provided near the upper back side of the lid, and the exhaust through-hole is provided near the upper back side of the holding member. The automatic bread maker according to claim 1. The duct is formed with a first opening provided on one end side, a second opening provided on the other end side facing the one end side, and a hollow space connecting the first opening and the second opening. And
When the lid is in a closed state,
An engagement protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the upper wall of the holding member, and a support piece is formed on the outer surface of the side wall on the back side of the holding member.
The other end side of the duct has a shape in which the upper part protrudes from the lower part, along the side view, the upper wall of the holding member and the side wall on the back side,
The duct has the one end side fitted into the exhaust port, the upper end on the other end side is sandwiched between the engagement protrusion and the outer surface of the upper wall of the holding member, and the lower part is supported by the support piece. The automatic bread maker according to claim 2, wherein: It is further provided with a pulverizing means for pulverizing cereal grains, and is provided so that bread can be produced using the cereal grains as a starting material,
The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bread raw material storage container is used for storing a powder bread raw material that is input after the grain is pulverized by the pulverizing means. vessel.

Images