JP2012085927A - Automatic bread maker - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic bread maker including a convenient device for baking bread from cereal grains, and efficiently crushing the cereal grains.SOLUTION: The automatic bread maker includes a crushing blade 92 rotating together with a rotary shaft provided at the bottom of a bread container and used for crushing the cereal grains in the bread container. The crushing blade 92 has a first cutting portion 921 including a first cutting blade 921a and a second cutting portion 922 including a second cutting blade 922a. A height position at which the first cutting blade 921a is rotated is at least partially different from a height position at which the second cutting blade 922a is rotated.

Description

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

  A commercially available automatic bread maker for home use generally has a mechanism for producing bread by directly using a bread container into which bread ingredients are placed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an automatic bread maker, first, a bread container in which bread ingredients are placed is placed in a baking chamber in the main body. And the bread raw material in a bread container is kneaded into bread dough with the kneading blade provided in a bread container (kneading process). Thereafter, a fermentation process for fermenting the kneaded bread dough is performed, and the bread container is used as a baking mold to bake the bread (baking process).

  When bread is manufactured using such an automatic bread maker, so far, flour (wheat flour, rice flour, etc.) or flour such as wheat or rice is used as the raw material for bread. It was necessary to have a mixed powder in which various auxiliary materials were mixed. However, in general households, as represented by rice grains, grains are sometimes held in the form of grains instead of in the form of flour. For this reason, it would be very convenient if the automatic bread maker had a mechanism for producing bread directly from grains. With this in mind, the present applicants have developed a bread production method for producing bread using cereal grains as a starting material (see Patent Document 2).

  In this bread manufacturing method, first, cereal grains and a liquid are mixed, 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 ground powder obtained through the grinding process is kneaded into bread dough using a kneading blade (kneading process). Thereafter, a fermentation process for fermenting the kneaded bread dough is performed, followed by a baking process for baking the bread.

JP 2000-116526 A JP 2010-35476 A

  The present applicants are working on the development of an automatic bread maker having a new mechanism capable of executing the above-described method for producing bread using the grain as a starting material. As a configuration of the automatic bread maker provided with this new mechanism, for example, a bread container is accommodated in a baking chamber provided in the main body, and the baking process is executed from the above-described crushing process in this bread container. It is considered. More specifically, by automatically rotating the rotating shaft provided at the bottom of the bread container, the grinding blade and the kneading blade are rotatably provided, and the automatic structure has a configuration capable of appropriately exerting the grinding function and the kneading function. A bread maker is considered.

  By the way, in an automatic bread maker that manufactures bread using cereal grains as a starting material, unsatisfactory bread is likely to be manufactured if cereal grains are not sufficiently pulverized. By increasing the time of the pulverization process for pulverizing the grain, the level of pulverization of the grain becomes satisfactory to some extent. However, such a countermeasure is not preferable because it takes a long time to complete bread. For this reason, an automatic bread maker equipped with a new mechanism under development is required to have good crushing efficiency in the crushing process.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and can efficiently pulverize cereal grains.

  In order to achieve the above object, the automatic bread maker of the present invention is an automatic bread maker in which a bread container into which bread ingredients are charged is received in a baking chamber in the main body, and a bread manufacturing process is executed. A rotating shaft provided at the bottom of the bread container; a motor provided in the main body for applying a rotational force to the rotating shaft of the bread container housed in the baking chamber; and rotating together with the rotating shaft; A pulverizing blade used for pulverizing grains in a container, wherein the pulverizing blade includes a first cutting portion including a first cutting blade and a second cutting including a second cutting blade. The height position where the first cutting blade rotates and the height position where the second cutting blade rotates differ at least in part.

  In this configuration, the height position where the first cutting blade rotates and the height position where the second cutting blade rotates differ at least in part. In this case, the contact probability between the grain and the cutting blade is increased as compared with the case where the two cutting blades rotate at the same height position. As a result, the grinding efficiency of the grain by the grinding blade is improved.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the first cutting portion is provided substantially parallel to a surface orthogonal to the rotation axis, and the second cutting portion is inclined with respect to the surface orthogonal to the rotation axis. It is preferable. As a specific configuration in this case, the first cutting portion is provided so that a rotation track surface of the first cutting blade is substantially parallel to a surface orthogonal to the rotation axis, and the second cutting portion is provided. The portion is lowered from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, and the portion is lowered from the side where the second cutting blade is not provided toward the side where the second cutting blade is provided. A configuration having an inclined structure may be employed.

  If comprised in this way, by the rotation of a grinding | pulverization blade, while the flow of the liquid containing a grinding | pulverization object (grain grain) can be made smooth, it is also possible to improve the grinding | pulverization capability of grain grain. That is, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker having a high crushing efficiency.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, a dome-shaped first cover that covers the pulverization blade from above is further provided, and the first cover has at least one window that communicates the space inside the cover and the space outside the cover. And at least one rib for guiding the pulverized material pulverized by the pulverizing blade in the direction of the window is formed on the inner surface of the first cover, and the first cutting blade rotates at a high level. The height position may be at least partially lower than the height position at which the second cutting blade rotates.

  According to this configuration, since the cereal grains are pulverized in the first cover, it is possible to reduce the scattering of the cereal grains outside the bread container. In addition, since the window and the rib are provided in the first cover, supply of grain grains to be crushed by the pulverizing blade into the first cover, and pulverized powder pulverized by the pulverizing blade to the outside of the first cover. Can be efficiently discharged. Furthermore, since a difference is provided in the height position at which the two cutting blades rotate, the collision frequency between the cutting blade of the grinding blade and the grain is increased, and the grinding efficiency is good. In other words, according to this configuration, the grain grinding efficiency is increased.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, a kneading blade provided on the outer surface of the first cover and used for kneading bread dough in the bread container, and the rotational force of the rotating shaft applied to the first cover. A clutch for switching whether to transmit or not, wherein the grinding blade always rotates with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and the first cutting blade of the grinding blade when the rotary shaft rotates in one direction. And the second cutting blade is positioned rearward in the rotational direction, and the power is transmitted by the clutch. The first cover and the kneading blade rotate together with the rotational shaft, and the rotational shaft is When rotating in the direction opposite to the direction, the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade of the crushing blade are positioned forward in the rotation direction, and no power is transmitted by the clutch. The first cover and the kneading blades as a rotation stop state, it is also possible.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to switch between the crushing function and the kneading function in the automatic bread maker only by switching the rotation direction of the rotating shaft, so that the control operation in the automatic bread maker is not complicated. In addition, since the rotation of the first cover is stopped in the pulverizing step, the pulverization efficiency of the grain is easily increased.

  In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, a second cover that covers the grinding blade from below is attached to the first cover, and the second cover includes an inner annular portion and an outer side of the inner annular portion. And an outer annular portion provided concentrically, and a plurality of connecting portions that are spaced apart from each other and connect the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion.

  According to this structure, since the 2nd cover which covers a grinding | pulverization blade from the bottom is attached to the 1st cover, after preparatory work (attachment work of a braid | blade etc.) before bread manufacture or bread manufacture During this operation (operation such as bread removal), the possibility of the user touching the grinding blade and being injured is reduced. Further, since the relationship between the second cover and the pulverizing blade can be made as if it is the relationship between the outer blade and the inner blade of a rotary electric razor, efficient grain pulverization can be expected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker having a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and capable of efficiently pulverizing cereal grains. For this reason, according to the present invention, it is expected that home bread making will become popular by making home bread production more familiar.

The schematic perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure inside the main body of the automatic bread maker of this embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the clutch contained in the 1st power transmission part with which the automatic bread maker of this embodiment is provided. 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 Schematic plan view showing the configuration of a grinding blade provided in the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment 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 they do not limit the content of this invention.
(Configuration of automatic bread maker)
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an operation unit 20 is provided on a part of the upper surface of a main body 10 (the outer shell of which is formed of, for example, metal or synthetic resin) of an automatic bread maker 1 provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. It has been. The operation unit 20 includes an operation key group and a display unit that displays time, contents set by the operation key group, errors, and the like. The operation key group includes, for example, 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) And a selection key for selecting a course for producing bread using flour as a starting material. The display unit is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display panel.

  Inside the main body 10 is provided a baking chamber 30 in which a bread container 80, which will be described in detail later, is accommodated. The firing chamber 30 is composed of, for example, a bottom wall 30a made of sheet metal and four side walls 30b (see also FIG. 4 described later). The baking chamber 30 has a substantially rectangular box shape in plan view, and its upper surface is open. The firing chamber 30 can be opened and closed by a lid 40 provided on the upper part of the main body 10. The lid 40 is attached to the back side of the main body 10 with a hinge shaft (not shown), and the firing chamber 30 can be opened and closed by rotating about the hinge shaft as a fulcrum. FIG. 1 shows a state where the lid 40 is opened.

  The lid 40 is provided with a viewing window 41 made of, for example, heat-resistant glass so that the inside of the baking chamber 30 can be seen. A bread ingredient storage container 42 is attached to the lid 40. This bread ingredient storage container 42 makes it possible to automatically feed some bread ingredients during the bread production process. The bread raw material storage container 42 includes a box-shaped container body 42a having a substantially rectangular plane shape, and a container lid 42b that is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the container body 42a and opens and closes the opening of the container body 42a. . Further, the bread ingredient storage container 42 can support the container lid 42b from the outer surface (lower surface) side and maintain the closed state of the opening of the container body 42a, and is moved by an external force to move the container lid 42b to the container lid 42b. There is also provided a movable hook 42c for releasing the engagement.

  An automatic closing solenoid 16 (see FIG. 11 to be described later) is provided in the main body 10 on the lower side of the operation unit 20, and when the automatic closing solenoid is driven, the plunger is positioned on the main body wall adjacent to the lid 40. It protrudes from an opening 10b provided in 10a. Then, a movable member (not shown) movable by the protruding plunger moves the movable hook 42c, the container lid 42b and the movable hook 42c are disengaged, and the container lid 42b rotates. As a result, the opening of the container body 42a is opened. Note that FIG. 1 shows a state where the opening of the container main body 42a is opened.

  The container main body 42a and the container lid 42b are preferably provided with a metal such as aluminum so that a powder bread raw material (for example, gluten, dry yeast, etc.) stored in the container does not remain in the container. And it is preferable that those inner surfaces are covered with a coating layer of silicon, fluorine, or the like, and further, unevenness is not provided as much as possible and it is preferably formed smoothly.

  Further, if steam generated when pulverizing grains such as rice grains enters the container main body 42a, the bread material tends to adhere to the inner surface of the container, which is not preferable. For this purpose, a flange (flange) is provided on the opening side edge of the container main body 42a so that the above-described steam or the like does not enter the container main body 42a, and the container main body 42a is provided between the flange and the container lid 42b. Is provided with a packing (seal member) 42d.

  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 connected by a first belt 53 to a second pulley 55 having a diameter larger than that of the first pulley 52 and fixed to the upper side of the first rotating shaft 54. Has been. 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 (see also FIG. 3 described later). The first rotating shaft 54 and the second rotating shaft 57 are rotatably supported inside the main body 10. In addition, a clutch 56 that performs power transmission and power interruption is provided between the first rotation shaft 54 and the second rotation shaft 57 (see also FIG. 3 described later). 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 (see also FIG. 3 described later). 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 and has a first driving shaft pulley 12 (having substantially the same diameter as the third pulley 58). (See FIG. 3 described later). 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 PT1.

  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 fixed by a third belt 63 below the second driving shaft pulley 13 (below the first driving shaft pulley 12) fixed to the driving shaft 11; 3). The second driving shaft pulley 13 has substantially the same diameter as the fourth pulley 62. A grinding motor 60 that can rotate at high speed is selected. Since the rotation of the fourth pulley 62 is maintained at substantially the same speed in the second driving shaft pulley 13, the driving shaft 11 rotates at a high speed (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm) by the high speed rotation of the grinding motor 60. Do.

  In the following, the power transmission unit configured by the fourth pulley 62, the third belt 63, and the second driving shaft pulley 13 may be expressed as a second power transmission unit PT2. . The second power transmission unit PT2 has a configuration that does not 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 constantly.

  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. 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 clutch 56 transmits power. Further, when the two claws 561a and 562b are not engaged with each other (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the clutch 56 cuts off the power. 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 attached to the first rotating shaft 54 so as to be slidable in the axial direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) and not to be relatively rotatable, after taking measures against slipping off. Yes. A spring 71 is loosely fitted on the upper side of the first clutch member 561 of the first rotating shaft 54. The spring 71 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between a stopper portion 54a provided on the first rotating shaft 54 and the first clutch member 561, and biases the first clutch member 561 downward. ing. On the other hand, the second clutch member 562 is fixed to the upper end of the second rotating shaft 57.

  Switching between the power transmission state and the power cut-off state in the clutch 56 is performed using an arm portion 72 that can be selectively arranged at the lower position and the upper position. A part of the arm portion 72 is disposed below the first clutch member 561 and can come into contact with the outer peripheral side of the first clutch member 561.

  The arm unit 72 is driven using a clutch solenoid 73. The clutch solenoid 73 includes a permanent magnet 73a and is a so-called self-holding solenoid. The plunger 73 b of the clutch solenoid 73 is fixed to the plunger fixing attachment portion 72 a of the arm portion 72. For this reason, the arm part 72 moves according to the movement of the plunger 73b in which the amount of protrusion from the housing 73c varies due to the application of voltage.

  When the arm portion 72 moves from the lower position (the state shown in FIG. 3B) to the upper position (the state shown in FIG. 3A), the first clutch member 561 is pushed by the arm portion 72 and attached with the spring 71. Moves up against the forces. When the arm portion 72 is in the upper position, the first clutch member 561 and the second clutch member 562 do not mesh with each other. That is, when the arm portion 72 is in the upper position, the clutch 56 performs power interruption.

  On the other hand, when the arm portion 72 moves from the upper position to the lower position, the first clutch member 561 moves downward while being pushed by the urging force of the spring 71. When the arm portion 72 is in the lower position, the first clutch member 561 and the second clutch member 562 are engaged with each other. That is, when the arm portion 72 is in the lower position, the clutch 56 transmits power.

  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. (See FIG. 2). 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. The power to make it necessary. As a result, a very large load is applied to the pulverization motor 60, and 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 from being transmitted to the output shaft 51 of the kneading motor 50. Thus, as described above, the automatic bread maker 1 includes the clutch 56 that performs power transmission and power interruption in the first power transmission unit PT1.

  As described above, in the automatic bread maker 1, the second power transmission unit PT2 is not provided with a clutch. This is due to the following reason. That is, even if the kneading motor 50 is driven, the driving shaft 11 is only rotated at a low speed (for example, 180 rpm). For this reason, even if the rotational power for rotating the driving shaft 11 is transmitted to the output shaft of the crushing motor 60, a large load is not applied to the kneading motor 50. And the manufacturing cost of the automatic bread maker 1 is suppressed by adopting the structure in which the clutch is not provided in the second power transmission part PT2 in this way. However, it goes without saying that a configuration in which a clutch is provided in the second power transmission unit PT2 may be adopted.

  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 a bread container 80 accommodated in the baking chamber 30. By using the sheathed heater 31, it is possible to heat the bread material (which may be a dough) in the bread container 80.

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

  The bread container 80 is, for example, an aluminum alloy die-cast 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 (an example of the rotation shaft of the present invention) extending in the vertical direction is rotatably supported in a state where measures against sealing are taken. A container side coupling member 82a is fixed to the lower end of the blade rotation shaft 82 (projecting outward from the bottom of the bread container 80). Further, a cylindrical base 83 is provided on the outer surface side of the bottom of the bread container 80 so as to surround the blade rotation shaft 82. 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 portion 14. The pedestal 83 may be formed separately from the bread container 80 or may be formed integrally with the bread container 80.

  When the bread container 80 is received in the baking chamber 30 in a state where the pedestal 83 of the bread container 80 is received by the bread container support portion 14, the container-side coupling member 82a provided at the lower end of the blade rotation shaft 82 is provided. Then, connection (coupling) with the driving shaft side coupling member 11a fixed to the upper end of the driving shaft 11 is obtained. As a result, the blade rotation shaft 82 can transmit the 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. FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the configuration of a grinding blade provided in the automatic bread maker of this embodiment, FIG. 10 (a) is a view when viewed from above, and FIG. 10 (b) is FIG. 10 (a). 10C is a side view when viewed from the P2 position in FIG. 10A, and FIG. 10D is viewed from the P3 position in FIG. 10A. FIG. The broken lines in FIG. 10 (b), FIG. 10 (c), and FIG. 10 (d) are shown for easy understanding, and do not show a part of the grinding blade.

  The blade unit 90 is roughly attached to the unit shaft 91, the pulverizing blade 92 that is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to rotate relative to the unit shaft 91, and the relative rotation to the unit shaft 91 so as to cover the pulverizing blade 92 from above. A configuration comprising: a dome-shaped cover 93 that is substantially circular in plan view; a kneading blade 101 that is attached to the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to be relatively rotatable; and a guard 106 that is attached to the dome-shaped cover 93 and covers the grinding blade 92 from below. (For example, see FIGS. 5 to 7).

  The dome-shaped cover 93 is an example of the first cover of the present invention, and the guard 106 is an example of the second cover of the present invention. In the 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 92 and the dome-shaped cover 93 are accommodated in the recess 81 (see, for example, FIG. 4).

  The unit shaft 91 is a substantially cylindrical member formed of a metal such as a stainless steel plate, for example, and has an opening at one end (lower end), and the inside is hollow. That is, the unit shaft 91 has a configuration in which an insertion hole 91c is formed so that the blade rotation shaft 82 can be inserted from the lower end (see, for example, FIG. 7B).

  In addition, a pair of cutout portions 91a are formed on the lower side (opening side) of the side wall of the unit shaft 91 so as to be symmetrically arranged with respect to the rotation center of the unit shaft 91 (see, for example, FIG. 6). FIG. 6 shows only one of the pair of cutout portions 91a). The shape of the notch 91a is substantially rectangular in a side view, and in detail, one end (upper end) is rounded. The notch 91a is provided to engage the pin 821 (see FIG. 7B) that penetrates the blade rotation shaft 82 horizontally. When the pin 821 of the blade rotating shaft 82 and the notch 91a are engaged, the unit shaft 91 is attached to the blade rotating shaft 82 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

  As shown in FIG. 7B, the inner side of the unit shaft 91 is engaged with a convex portion 82b provided at the center of the upper end surface (substantially circular) of the blade rotation shaft 82 (shown by a broken line). A recess 91b is formed at the center of the upper surface of the substrate. Accordingly, the blade unit 90 can be easily attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 in a state where the centers of the unit shaft 91 and the blade rotation shaft 82 are aligned. For this reason, when the blade rotating shaft 82 is rotated, occurrence of unnecessary rattling is suppressed. In the present embodiment, the convex portion 82b is provided on the blade rotating shaft 82 side and the concave portion 91b is provided on the unit shaft 91 side, but conversely, the concave portion is provided on the blade rotating shaft 82 side and the unit shaft 91 side is provided. A configuration in which a convex portion is provided may be employed.

  The pulverizing blade 92 for pulverizing grains is formed by processing a stainless steel plate, for example. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the pulverizing blade 92 connects the first cutting part 921, the second cutting part 922, and the first cutting part 921 and the second cutting part 922. A connecting portion 923. An opening 923 a having a substantially rectangular shape (stadium shape) in plan view is formed at the center of the connecting portion 923. The grinding blade 92 is attached to the unit shaft 91 such that the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is fitted into the opening 923a.

  A flat surface is formed on the lower side of the unit shaft 91 by shaving a part of the side surface (near the position where the notch 91a is provided). Thereby, when the unit shaft 91 is viewed from below, the lower side of the unit shaft 91 has substantially the same shape (substantially rectangular shape) as the opening 923a provided in the connecting portion 923. The area when the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is viewed in plan is slightly smaller than the opening 923a. 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 preventing the retaining member 94 is fitted into the unit shaft 91 on the lower side of the pulverizing blade 92, the pulverizing blade 92 does not fall off the unit shaft 91.

  The first cutting part 921 and the second cutting part 922, which are each formed in a substantially triangular shape when viewed from above, are arranged to face each other with the coupling part 923 interposed therebetween (see FIG. 10A). ). As shown in FIGS. 10 (c) and 10 (d), the connecting portion 923 has a substantially arched shape in a side view, and the top plate portion (flat plate shape) in which the opening 923a is formed is the first. It is higher than the cutting part 921 and the second cutting part 922.

  A first cutting blade 921a is formed on one side of the upper surface side of the first cutting portion 921 so as to be gradually thinned toward the end surface. In addition, a second cutting blade 922a is formed on one side of the upper surface side of the second cutting portion 922 so as to be gradually thinned toward the end surface. The first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting portion 922a are arranged to face each other with the connecting portion 923 interposed when the pulverizing blade 92 is viewed from above (see FIG. 10A). As a result, when the pulverizing blade 92 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. 10A, the two cutting blades 921a and 922a are both positioned forward in the rotational direction, and exhibit a cutting function. Yes.

  The first cutting portion 921 is provided so as to be substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the blade rotation shaft 82 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a horizontal plane) in a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82. (See FIG. 10). In other words, when the grinding blade 92 rotates, the first cutting portion 921 is provided so that the rotation track surface of the first cutting blade 921a is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane.

  Although FIGS. 10B to 10C are different from each other, both correspond to side views of the grinding blade 92 when the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 extending in the vertical direction. To do.

  More precisely, the first cutting portion 921 is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82. However, this inclination is slight, and here, this inclination is treated as being substantially parallel to the horizontal plane. In some cases, the first cutting portion 921 may be completely parallel to the horizontal plane with the blade unit 90 attached to the blade rotation shaft 82.

  The 2nd cutting part 922 is a shape obtained by being twisted from a horizontal state, and has an inclined structure. For this reason, the blade unit 90 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane in a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 (see FIG. 10). More specifically, in the second cutting portion 922, the second cutting blade 922a is directed from the outer peripheral side (the left side in FIG. 10C corresponds) to the inner peripheral side (the right side in FIG. 10C corresponds). The slope is gradually lowered. Further, the second cutting portion 922 corresponds to the side having the second cutting blade 922a (the right side in FIG. 10B) from the side without the second cutting blade 922a (the left side in FIG. 10B corresponds). ) Incline so as to gradually become lower.

  In addition, the first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922a are arranged so that the height from the bottom surface of the bread container 80 (specifically, the bottom surface of the recess 81) is high when the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82. Are provided to rotate at different positions. Specifically, the first cutting blade 921a rotates at a lower position than the second cutting blade 922a.

  To be precise, the innermost circumferential side position of the first cutting blade 921a and the innermost circumferential side position of the second cutting blade 922a are in a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotating shaft 82. The height from the bottom surface of the bread container 80 is substantially the same. That is, in this embodiment, more precisely, a part of the first cutting blade 921a rotates at a lower position than the second cutting blade 922a. However, all of the first cutting blades 921a may rotate at a lower position than all of the second cutting blades 922a.

  The dome-shaped cover 93 disposed so as to surround and cover the crushing blade 92 is made of, for example, an aluminum alloy die-cast product, and a bearing 95 (in this embodiment, a rolling bearing is used on the inner surface side thereof. ) (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. In addition, the opening is not formed in the convex part 93a, and the bearing 95 accommodated in the accommodating part 931 is in the state in which the side surface and the upper surface are 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 wall of 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, the housing portion 931 of the dome-shaped cover 93 is made of, for example, a silicon-based material so that foreign matter (for example, liquid used when pulverizing grain grains or paste-like material obtained by pulverization) does not enter the bearing 95 from the outside. Alternatively, a seal material 97 formed of a 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. The sealing material 97 and the sealing cover 98 function as sealing means.

  On the outer surface of the dome-shaped cover 93, a kneading blade 101 (for example, aluminum) in a planar shape is formed by a support shaft 100 (see FIG. 6) disposed 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. In other words, the kneading blade 101 is attached to the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  On one surface near the tip of the kneading blade 101 (assuming a portion that draws the largest circle when the kneading blade 101 is rotated about the support shaft 100), a cushioning material 107 as shown in FIGS. It is attached. The buffer material 107 is provided so as to slightly protrude from the tip of the kneading blade 101 (see, for example, FIG. 8B). In the present embodiment, it is provided so as to protrude about 3 mm (d≈3 mm).

  The buffer material 107 is fixed in a state where the buffer material 107 is sandwiched between one surface of the kneading blade 101 and the fixing plate 108 and obtained by caulking the rivet 109 inserted from the other surface side of the kneading blade 101. ing. In the present embodiment, the number of rivets 109 is two, but it goes without saying that the number is not limited.

  The cushioning material 107 is disposed so as not to come into direct contact with the bread container 80 (inner wall thereof) when the kneading blade 101 is in the open posture described in detail later. When the kneading blade 101 and the bread container 80 are in direct contact with each other, damage may occur due to interference between them, and the buffer material 107 is provided to prevent such damage.

  In the automatic bread maker 1 of this embodiment, the surface of the bread container 80 and the kneading blade 101 is coated with fluorine. For this reason, it can be said that the buffer material 107 of the present embodiment is provided so that the fluorine coating is not peeled off by contact between the kneading blade 101 and the pan container 80. From this point, the material constituting the cushioning material 107 is preferably a material softer than the coating material so as not to peel off the fluorine coating. For example, silicone rubber or TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomers) is used. . The buffer material 107 also functions as a soundproofing measure, which will be described later. In the following description, the buffer material 107 may be regarded as a part of the kneading blade 101.

  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, the protrusion 101a (see FIG. 6) hanging from the lower edge of the kneading blade 101 comes into contact with the first stopper portion 93b provided on the upper surface (outer surface) of the dome-shaped cover 93. For this reason, the kneading blade 101 cannot further rotate counterclockwise (assuming the case viewed from above) with respect to the dome-shaped cover 93. 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. When the second engagement body 103b (fixed to the support shaft 100), which will be described in detail later, is unable to rotate by hitting the second stopper portion 93c provided on the inner surface of the dome-shaped cover 93, the kneading blade 101 is at its maximum. The opening angle.

  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.

  Incidentally, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, a first engagement body 103 a constituting a cover clutch 103 (an example of the clutch of the present invention) is attached to the unit shaft 91 between the pulverization blade 92 and the seal cover 98. It has been. For example, a substantially rectangular (stadium-shaped) opening 103aa is formed in the first engaging body 103a made of zinc die casting, and a substantially rectangular portion in plan view on the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is fitted into the opening 103aa. Thus, the first engagement body 103a is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The first engaging body 103a is attached 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 the present embodiment, the washer 104 is disposed between the first engagement body 103a and the seal cover 98 in consideration of prevention of deterioration of the first engagement body 103a. However, the washer 104 is not necessarily provided. It does not 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 (stadium-shaped) opening 103ba is formed in the second engaging body 103b made of zinc die casting, and a substantially rectangular portion in plan view on the lower side of the support shaft 100 is fitted into the opening 103ba. The second engagement 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 rotational power of the blade rotary shaft 82 is transmitted to the dome-shaped cover 93. 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). In this case, the cover clutch 103 does not transmit the rotational power of the blade rotation shaft 82 to the dome-shaped cover 93. 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.

  Further, a total of four ribs 93e are formed on the inner surface of the dome-shaped cover 93 corresponding to each window 93d (see FIG. 8). 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 guard 106 is detachably 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 for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the user.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6, at the center of the guard 106, there is a ring-shaped hub 106 a (an example of the inner annular portion of the present invention) through which a stopper member 94 fixed to the unit shaft 91 is passed. Further, at the periphery of the guard 106, there is a ring-shaped rim 106b (an example of the outer annular portion of the present invention) provided concentrically outside the hub 106a. The hub 106a and the rim 106b are connected by a plurality of spokes 106c (an example of the connecting portion of the present invention). The plurality of spokes 106c are arranged at a predetermined interval, and between the spokes 106c are openings 106d through which grain grains pulverized by the pulverizing blade 92 pass. The opening 106d has a size that prevents a finger from passing through.

  When the spoke 106 c of the guard 106 is attached to the dome-shaped cover 93, the spoke 106 c comes into close proximity with the grinding 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 93 by engaging the groove 106ea with the projections 93f formed on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped cover 93 (which are also arranged at a total interval of 45 °). . Although detailed description is omitted, the groove 106ea and the protrusion 93f are provided so as to constitute a bayonet coupling. Each of the plurality of pillars 106e is inclined such that the side surface 106eb that is the front surface in the rotation direction is obliquely upward when the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the forward direction.

  As described above, in the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment, since the crushing blade 92 and the kneading blade 101 are incorporated into one unit (blade unit 90), the handling thereof 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.

  Further, in the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment, since a liquid such as water is put into the bread container 80, the bearing 95 is preferably sealed to prevent the liquid from entering the bearing 95. 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), a structure for sealing the bearing 95 is obtained. 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).

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, the control operation in the automatic bread maker 1 is performed by the control device 120. The control device 120 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer including a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an input / output (I / O) circuit unit. . The control device 120 is preferably disposed at a position that is not easily affected by the heat of the baking chamber 30. Further, the control device 120 is provided with a time measuring function, and temporal control in the bread manufacturing process is possible.

  The control device 120 includes the operation unit 20, the temperature sensor 15 that detects the temperature of the baking chamber 30, a kneading motor drive circuit 121, a grinding motor drive circuit 122, a heater drive circuit 123, and a first solenoid. The drive circuit 124 and the second solenoid drive circuit 125 are electrically connected.

  The kneading motor driving circuit 121 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the kneading motor 50 under a command from the control device 120. The grinding motor drive circuit 122 is a circuit for controlling the driving of the grinding motor 60 under a command from the control device 120. The heater drive circuit 123 is a circuit for controlling the operation of the sheathed heater 31 under a command from the control device 120. The first solenoid drive circuit 124 controls the drive of the automatic charging solenoid 16 that is driven when a part of the bread ingredients is automatically charged in the course of the bread manufacturing process under the command from the control device 120. Circuit. The second solenoid drive circuit 125 is a circuit for controlling the drive of the clutch solenoid 73 (see FIG. 3) that switches the state of the clutch 56 (see FIG. 3) under a command from the control device 120.

The control device 120 reads a program relating to a bread manufacturing course (breadmaking course) stored in a ROM or the like based on an input signal from the operation unit 20, and a kneading blade by the kneading motor 50 via the kneading motor driving circuit 121. 101, rotation control of the complementary kneading blade 102, control of rotation of the pulverization blade 92 by the pulverization motor 60 via the pulverization motor drive circuit 122, control of heating operation by the sheathed heater 31 via the heater drive circuit 123, The automatic bread maker 1 controls the operation of the movable hook 42c by the automatic closing solenoid 16 via the solenoid driving circuit 124 and the switching control of the clutch 56 by the clutch solenoid 73 via the second solenoid driving circuit 125. Execute bread manufacturing process.
(Operation of automatic bread machine)
Next, the operation in the case of 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 by taking as an example a case where bread is produced by using the rice grain as a starting material by the automatic bread maker 1.

  When rice grains are used as a starting material, a bread-making course for rice grains is executed. FIG. 12 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. 12, in the bread making course for rice grains, the dipping process, the pulverizing process, the pause process, the kneading (kneading) process, the fermentation process, and the baking process are sequentially performed in this order. The

  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. As described above, since the blade unit 90 includes the guard 106, the user's finger does not touch the crushing blade 92 during this work, and the user can work safely. After the operation of attaching the blade unit 90, the user weighs rice grains, water, and seasonings (for example, salt, sugar, shortening, etc.) in predetermined amounts and puts them in the bread container 80.

  In addition, the user weighs the bread ingredients that are automatically added during the bread manufacturing process and puts them in the container body 42 a of the bread ingredient storage container 42. When the bread material to be stored is stored in the container body 42a, the container lid 42b is supported by the movable hook 42c, and the opening of the container body 42a is closed by the container lid 42b.

  In addition, as a bread raw material accommodated in the bread raw material storage container 42, gluten, dry yeast, etc. are mentioned, for example. Instead of gluten, for example, at least one of flour, thickener (eg, guar gum), and upper fresh powder may be stored in the bread ingredient storage container 42. In addition, for example, only dry yeast may be stored in the bread raw material storage container 42 without using gluten, wheat flour, thickener, super fresh powder or the like. Further, in some cases, seasonings such as salt, sugar, and shortening are stored in the bread ingredient storage container 42 together with, for example, gluten and dry yeast so as to be automatically introduced during the bread manufacturing process. May be. 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 attaches the bread ingredient storage container 42 to a predetermined position 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 control apparatus 120 starts control operation | movement of the bread-making course for rice grains which manufactures bread using a rice grain as a starting material.

  When the rice grain breadmaking course is started, the dipping process is started by a command from the control device 120. In the dipping process, the bread raw material previously put in the bread container 80 is set in a stationary state, and the stationary state is maintained for a predetermined time (30 minutes in the present embodiment). 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, it becomes possible to suppress the dispersion | variation in the water absorption degree of a rice grain. Further, in order to shorten the immersion time, the sheathed heater 31 may be energized to increase the temperature of the firing chamber 30.

  Further, the grinding blade 92 may be rotated at the initial stage of the dipping process, and further, the grinding blade 92 may be intermittently rotated thereafter. If it does in this way, the surface of a rice grain can be damaged, and the liquid absorption efficiency of a rice grain will be improved.

  When the predetermined time elapses, the dipping process is ended by a command from the control device 120, and a crushing process for crushing the rice grains is started. In this pulverization step, the pulverization blade 92 is rotated at a high speed (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm) in a mixture containing rice grains and water. In this crushing step, the control device 120 controls the crushing motor 60 to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction (clockwise rotation in FIG. 8 and counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 9). Due to the reverse rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82, the grinding blade 92 rotates with the first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922a being forward in the rotation direction. For this reason, the grinding function by the grinding blade 92 is obtained.

  When rotating the grinding blade 92 using the grinding motor 60, the control device 120 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 blocked (stopped). It is preferable that the pulverizing blade 92 is rotated at a low speed in the initial stage of the pulverization process and then rotated at a high speed.

  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 posture is changed to the open posture (the posture shown in FIG. 9B) by the resistance received from the mixture containing rice grains and water.

  When the kneading blade 101 is in the open posture, the engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b deviates from the rotation track of the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a (see the broken line in FIG. 8). For this purpose, the cover clutch 103 disconnects the blade rotation shaft 82 from the dome-shaped cover 93. Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, a part of the kneading blade 101 in the open position (more precisely, the cushioning material 107 provided on the front end side) is formed on the inner wall of the bread container 80 (more specifically, The rotation of the dome-shaped cover 93 is prevented (stopped) in order to come into contact with the bowl-shaped protrusion 80b provided on the inner wall of the bread container 80 in order to improve the grinding efficiency.

  In the crushing process, vibration is generated while the crushing blade 92 is rotating. However, since the cushioning material 107 is in contact with the bread container 80, the collision sound generated by this vibration is reduced. It has become.

  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, the pulverization of the rice grains is performed in the dome-shaped cover 93 whose rotation is stopped, so that the possibility that the rice grains scatter outside the bread container 80 is low.

  Further, a rib 93e and a window 93d are provided in the dome-shaped cover 93, and the second cutting portion 922 of the crushing blade 92 has an inclined structure. For this purpose, a mixture containing rice grains and water enters (sucks in) the dome-shaped cover 93 from the lower side of the dome-shaped cover 93 (present in the recess 81) by the reverse rotation of the grinding blade 92. After pulverization by the pulverization blade 92, the flow of going out (discharged) out of the dome-shaped cover 93 is smoothly performed.

  Specifically, the inclined structure of the second cutting portion 922 of the grinding blade 92 facilitates the mixture that has entered the dome-shaped cover 93 from the bottom to the top. Further, the rib 93e of the dome-shaped cover 93 is curved so that the side facing the mixture pressing toward it is convex, so that the mixture is less likely to stay on the surface of the rib 93e and is smoothly guided by the rib 93e. It flows toward the window 93d. Instead of the mixture being discharged out of the dome-shaped cover 93, the mixture present in the space above the recess 81 enters the recess 81, and further passes through the opening 106d of the guard 106 from the recess 81. It enters into the dome-shaped cover 93.

  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 the pulverization can be performed efficiently. Further, the rib 93e provided on the dome-shaped cover 93 moderately suppresses the flow of the mixture containing rice grains and water (the flow in the same direction as the rotation of the grinding blade 92), so that the rice grains are efficiently crushed. Well done.

  Further, the first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922a of the crushing blade 92 rotate at different positions from the bottom surface of the bread container 80 (specifically, the bottom surface of the recess 81). Yes. For this reason, compared with the case where two cutting blades rotate in the same height position, the contact probability of a rice grain and a cutting blade is raised. That is, rice grains can be pulverized while the pulverization efficiency by the pulverization blade 92 is increased.

  Specifically, the rice grains sucked into the dome-shaped cover 93 from the opening 106d of the guard 106 are first easily cut by the first cutting blade 921a (the rotation track surface is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane). ing. Then, the rice grains pushed upward from the bottom by the flow of the mixture in the dome-shaped cover 93 are easily cut by the second cutting blade 922a. The first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922b are rotated more rapidly toward the outer peripheral side, so that the cutting ability is easily exhibited. For this reason, it is preferable that the outer peripheral sides of the cutting blades 921a and 922a are particularly sharp.

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

  When the pulverization process is completed, a pause process is executed according to a command from the control device 120. This pause process is provided as a cooling period during which the temperature of the contents in the bread container 80 raised by the crushing process is lowered. The reason for lowering the temperature is that the next kneading step is carried out at a temperature at which the yeast is active (for example, around 30 ° C.). In the present embodiment, the pause process is a predetermined time (30 minutes). However, in some cases, the pause process may be performed until the temperature of the bread container 80 reaches a predetermined temperature.

  When the pause process ends, the kneading process is started by a command from the control device 120. At the start of the kneading process, the control device 120 drives the clutch solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 transmits power (state shown in FIG. 3B). Then, the control device 120 controls the kneading motor 50 to rotate the blade rotating shaft 82 in the forward direction (counterclockwise rotation in FIG. 8 and clockwise rotation in FIG. 9).

  When the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the forward direction, the grinding blade 92 is also rotated in the forward direction. In this case, the crushing blade 92 rotates with the first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922a rearward in the rotation direction, and does not exhibit the crushing function. Due to the rotation of the grinding blade 92, 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). As a result, the engaging portion 103bb of the second engaging body 103b has an angle that interferes with the rotation trajectory (see the broken line in FIG. 8) of the engaging portion 103ab of the first engaging body 103a. Then, the cover clutch 103 connects the blade rotation shaft 82 and the dome-shaped cover 93, and the dome-shaped cover 93 enters a state of being driven in earnest by the blade rotation shaft 82. The dome-shaped cover 93 and the kneading blade 101 in the folded position rotate together with the blade rotation shaft 82 in the forward direction.

  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 raw material is pressed strongly. It is. For this reason, the dough can be kneaded firmly.

  The rotation of the kneading blade 101 (this term is used as an expression including the complementary kneading blade 102 in the folded position, the same applies hereinafter) is very slow in the initial stage of the kneading process, and the speed is increased stepwise. Control is performed by the control device 120. In the initial stage of the kneading process in which the kneading blade 101 rotates very slowly, the control device 120 drives the automatic charging solenoid 16 so that the movable hook 42c of the bread ingredient storage container 42 supports the container lid 42b. Let go. Thereby, the opening of the container main body 42a is opened, and for example, bread ingredients such as gluten and dry yeast are automatically charged into the bread container 80.

  As described above, the bread raw material storage container 42 is provided with a coating layer inside the container body 42a and the container lid 42b to improve slipping, and is devised so that there is no uneven portion inside. Yes. Furthermore, the situation where the bread raw material is caught by the packing 42d is also suppressed by the device for arranging the packing 42d. For this reason, the automatic charging is completed with almost no bread ingredients remaining in the bread ingredient storage container 42.

  In this embodiment, the bread ingredients stored in the bread ingredient storage container 42 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 42 are put into the bread container 80, the bread ingredients are kneaded into a dough connected to one having a predetermined elasticity by the rotation of the kneading blade 101. Go. When the kneading blade 101 swings the dough and knocks it against the inner wall of the bread container 80, an element of “kneading” is added to the kneading. As the kneading blade 101 rotates, the dome-shaped cover 93 also rotates. When the dome-shaped cover 93 rotates, the rib 93e formed on the dome-shaped cover 93 also rotates, so that the bread material in the dome-shaped cover 93 is quickly discharged from the window 93d and the kneading blade 101 kneads the bread. Assimilate into a lump of material.

  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 (bread dough) 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 configuration in which a side surface 106eb which is a front surface in the rotational direction when the guard 106 rotates in the forward direction is inclined upward. For this reason, at the time of kneading, the bread material (bread dough) around the dome-shaped cover 93 is splashed upward on the side surface 106eb of the column 106e. Since the boiled bread material is assimilated into the lump (dough) of the upper bread material, the proportion of the raw material that becomes waste after baking the 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, a configuration in which the end point of the kneading process is determined based on the magnitude of the load of the kneading motor 50 (for example, it can be determined by the control current of the motor) may be used.

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

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

  In some cases, during the fermentation process, the kneading blade 101 may be rotated to perform degassing or dough rounding.

  When the fermentation process ends, the firing process is started by a command from the control device 120. The control device 120 controls the sheathed heater 31 to increase the temperature of the baking chamber 30 to a temperature suitable for baking (for example, 125 ° C.). Then, the control device 120 performs control so that the bread is baked in a baking environment for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 50 minutes). 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.

The bread in the bread container 80 can be taken out, for example, by turning the opening of the bread container 80 obliquely downward. Simultaneously with the removal of the bread, the blade unit 90 attached to the blade rotation shaft 82 is also removed from the bread container 80. Due to the presence of the guard 106, the user does not touch the crushing blade 92 during the bread removal operation, and the user can safely perform the bread removal operation. At the bottom of the bread, burn marks of the kneading blade 101 of the blade unit 90 and the complementary kneading blade 102 (projecting upward from the recess 81 of the bread container 80) remain. However, since the dome-shaped cover 93 and the guard 106 are accommodated in the recess 81, they are prevented from leaving a large burn mark on 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 embodiment described above, the first cutting portion 921 is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, and the second cutting portion 922 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. However, depending on the case, both cutting parts may be configured to be substantially parallel to the horizontal plane, or both cutting parts may be configured to be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. Even in this case, as long as the first cutting blade 921a and the second cutting blade 922a are configured to rotate at a position where the height from the bottom surface of the bread container 80 is different at least in part, the configuration is the present invention. Included in the range.

  However, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that one is substantially parallel to the horizontal plane and the other is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane. By comprising in this way, the grinding | pulverization capability of a rice grain can be improved, making the flow (circulation) of the mixture containing a rice grain smooth. In some cases, contrary to the present embodiment, the first cutting blade 921a of the first cutting portion 922 (substantially parallel to the horizontal plane) is replaced by the second cutting portion 922 (inclined with respect to the horizontal plane). You may employ | adopt the structure which rotates an upper side rather than the 2 cutting blade 922a. The present invention also includes such a configuration.

  In the embodiment described above, a configuration in which the dome-shaped cover 93 including the kneading blade 101 and the guard 106 and the crushing blade 92 are unitized as the blade unit 90 is employed. However, the present invention is applicable even when the dome-shaped cover 93 and the crushing blade 92 are separately attached to the blade rotation shaft 82.

  Moreover, in embodiment shown above, the structure and operation | movement of an automatic bread maker were demonstrated for the case where the grain of rice was used as a starting raw material. However, the present invention is also applicable when 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 bread-making course for rice grains shown above is an example, and the bread-making course for rice grains may be another manufacturing flow. As an example, the pause process after the grinding process may be omitted.

  In the embodiment described above, separate motors are used for the case where the grain is pulverized by the pulverizing blade 92 and the case where the dough is kneaded by the kneading blade 101. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, for example, only one motor may be provided, and the same motor may be used when the grain is crushed by the pulverizing blade 92 and when the bread dough is kneaded by the kneading blade 101.

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

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic breadmaker 10 Main body 30 Baking chamber 50 Kneading motor 60 Grinding motor 80 Bread container 82 Blade rotating shaft 92 Grinding blade 93 Dome-shaped cover (first cover)
93d window 93e rib 101 kneading blade 103 clutch for cover 106 guard (second cover)
106a Hub (inner ring)
106b Rim (outer annular part)
106c Spoke (connecting part)
921 1st cutting part 921a 1st cutting blade 922 2nd cutting part 922a 2nd cutting blade

Claims (6)

An automatic bread maker that accepts a bread container into which a bread material is charged in a baking chamber in the main body and executes a bread manufacturing process.
A rotating shaft provided at the bottom of the bread container;
A motor that is provided in the main body and applies a rotational force to the rotating shaft of the bread container accommodated in the baking chamber;
A grinding blade that rotates with the rotating shaft and is used to grind grain grains in the bread container,
The pulverizing blade has a first cutting portion including a first cutting blade, and a second cutting portion including a second cutting blade,
An automatic bread maker, wherein a height position at which the first cutting blade rotates and a height position at which the second cutting blade rotates differ at least in part. The first cutting portion is provided substantially parallel to a surface orthogonal to the rotation axis,
The automatic bread maker according to claim 1, wherein the second cutting unit is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to the rotation axis. The first cutting portion is provided such that a rotation track surface of the first cutting blade is substantially parallel to a surface orthogonal to the rotation axis,
In the second cutting portion, the second cutting blade is lowered from the outer peripheral side toward the inner peripheral side, and the side on which the second cutting blade is provided from the side where the second cutting blade is not provided. The automatic bread maker according to claim 2, wherein the bread maker has an inclined structure that decreases toward the top. A dome-shaped first cover for covering the grinding blade from above;
The first cover is formed with at least one window for communicating the space inside the cover and the space outside the cover,
The inner surface of the first cover is formed with at least one rib for guiding the pulverized material pulverized by the pulverizing blade toward the window,
The automatic bread making according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a height position at which the first cutting blade rotates is at least partially lower than a height position at which the second cutting blade rotates. vessel. A kneading blade provided on the outer surface of the first cover and used for kneading bread dough in the bread container;
A clutch that switches whether to transmit the rotational force of the rotary shaft to the first cover,
The grinding blade always rotates with the rotation of the rotating shaft,
When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade of the crushing blade are positioned rearward in the rotation direction, and power is transmitted by the clutch. The first cover and the kneading blade rotate with the rotating shaft,
When the rotation shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the first cutting blade and the second cutting blade of the crushing blade are positioned forward in the rotation direction, and power is transmitted by the clutch. The automatic bread maker according to claim 4, wherein the first cover and the kneading blade are not rotated. A second cover that covers the grinding blade from below is attached to the first cover,
The second cover is arranged at an interval between the inner annular portion, the outer annular portion provided concentrically outside the inner annular portion, and connects the inner annular portion and the outer annular portion. The automatic bread maker according to claim 4 or 5 including a plurality of connecting parts.

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