JP7198477B2 - Fermented milk production equipment and special container - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus and the like for producing fermented milk by heating and fermenting raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria.

Recently, yogurt production equipment that can produce fermented milk (yogurt) directly at home is widely used, and it is possible to produce yogurt with different luminescence temperatures (plain yogurt, Caspian Sea yogurt, etc.) with a single unit. A yoghurt production device has been provided (for example, Patent Document 1).
The device described in Patent Document 1 controls the temperature in the storage chamber containing the ingredients of the yogurt based on the selected set temperature by selecting the set temperature with the operation part of the device body, thereby producing the desired yogurt. configured to generate

Utility Model Registration No. 3206880

However, although the apparatus can produce fermented foods such as yogurt, sweet sake, and natto, it is not intended to produce foods other than fermented foods.
An object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional fermented milk production apparatus.

A fermented milk production apparatus according to the present invention is a fermented milk production apparatus for producing fermented milk by heating and fermenting a material to be heated containing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria, in which a first heating unit that heats the material to be heated 2 heating units.
The fermented milk production apparatus according to the present invention is a fermented milk production apparatus comprising a device main body that receives a material to be heated containing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria from an opening and heats and ferments the material to be heated to produce fermented milk, The apparatus main body includes a first heating section for heating the object to be heated, and a second heating section capable of heating to a temperature higher than the heating temperature of the first heating section.
An auxiliary container for a fermented-milk producing apparatus according to the present invention is a dedicated container used as a storage container for the fermented milk-producing apparatus, and has a bottomed cylindrical main body along the inner surface of the storage container. .

According to the above configuration, for example, fondue using chocolate, cheese, or the like can be generated (cooked).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the generating device according to the first embodiment, partly cut away so that the internal state can be seen. It is sectional drawing of an apparatus main body, (a) shows the state which contains the container, and (b) shows the state which removed the container. It is an exploded perspective view of a device main body. (a) is a cross-sectional perspective view of an upper housing, and (b) is a perspective view showing an exploded state of a second heating unit. (a) is a cross-sectional view of a second container, and (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view of a container in which the second container is incorporated. (a) is an upper perspective view of the device main body of the second embodiment, and (b) is an upper perspective view of a state in which an upper housing is removed from the device main body of the second embodiment. (a) is a cross-sectional view of the periphery where the thermal fuse is arranged, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the periphery where the microswitch is arranged. It is a figure which shows the upper housing|casing in a modification.

<Overview>
A fermented milk production apparatus according to one aspect is a fermented milk production apparatus that heats and ferments a material to be heated containing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria to produce fermented milk, in which, in addition to a first heating unit that heats the material to be heated, 2 heating units.
Further, a fermented-milk production apparatus according to one aspect includes a device main body that receives a material to be heated containing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria from an opening and heats and ferments the material to be heated to produce fermented milk. In the above, the device body includes a first heating section for heating the object to be heated, and a second heating section capable of heating to a temperature higher than the heating temperature of the first heating section.
Thereby, it is possible to heat the object to be heated other than for producing fermented milk.

In the fermented milk production apparatus according to another aspect, the apparatus body includes a housing recess for housing the object to be heated, the housing recess has the opening at the top and is recessed downward, and the first heating section and the A second heating section is provided along the housing recess, and the second heating section is located above the first heating section. Thereby, the object to be heated by the second heating unit can be placed using the accommodation recess.
In the fermented milk production device according to another aspect, the device main body includes a bottomed cylindrical portion that constitutes the accommodation recess, and the second heating portion is arranged in a state of being exposed in the cylindrical portion of the bottomed cylindrical portion. It is Thereby, it is possible to directly heat the storage container that stores the object to be heated by the second heating unit.
In the fermented milk production apparatus according to another aspect, at least the second heating section is provided with an excessive temperature rise prevention means. As a result, excessive temperature rise of the second heating section can be prevented.

In the fermented milk production apparatus according to another aspect, a container for containing a second object to be heated by the second heating unit is detachably provided on the opening side of the containing recess, and the container is in an attached state contact with the second heating unit; Thereby, the to-be-heated material accommodated in the container can be efficiently heated.
In the fermented milk production apparatus according to another aspect, a detection means for detecting installation of the storage container in the storage recess is provided, and the second heating unit is driven when the storage container is installed in the storage container. be. Thereby, safety can be improved.
In the apparatus for producing fermented milk according to another aspect, the container includes a bottomed tubular portion that fits into the opening side of the accommodation recess, and an outer flange that protrudes outward from the open end of the bottomed tubular portion. When the bottomed tubular portion is inserted into the accommodation recess, the outer flange faces the opening peripheral portion of the accommodation recess with a gap therebetween. Thereby, the storage container can be easily removed from the storage recess.

In the apparatus for producing fermented milk according to another aspect, the storage container has a recess that is recessed inside the bottomed tubular portion from the bottom portion of the bottomed tubular portion. Thereby, the to-be-heated object in a container can be heated uniformly.
In a fermented milk producing apparatus according to another aspect, a lid body covering the accommodating recess of the apparatus main body is provided, and a part or all of the outer brim of the accommodating container is a state in which the accommodating container is installed in the accommodating recess. , and protrudes outward from the inner peripheral surface of the lid. As a result, it becomes impossible to cover the container with the lid while the container is installed.
A dedicated container according to one aspect is a dedicated container used as a storage container of a fermented milk production apparatus that can be detachably attached to a storage recess, and has a bottomed cylindrical main body along the inner surface of the storage container. have a part. Thereby, the contact area between the storage container and the dedicated container can be widened.
In the dedicated container according to another aspect, the main body is made of paper. As a result, it can be provided at low cost.

<First Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, a fermented milk production apparatus that is a household apparatus that can produce fermented milk yogurt and that can also produce (cook) fondue will be described. Here, a yogurt maker that can produce yogurt, which is an example of fermented milk, will be described.
1. Overview Yogurt maker 1 includes a fermented milk production section, a cooking section, and a control section. The fermented milk production unit includes a heating unit, and heats a material to be heated containing at least raw milk and lactic acid bacteria to produce fermented milk. The cooking unit includes a heating unit, heats the container, and cooks the object to be heated in the container.
Here, the heating section of the fermented milk producing section is defined as a first heating section, the material to be heated in the first heating section is defined as a first heated material, the heating section of the cooking section is defined as a second heating section, and the Let the to-be-heated material heated with a 2nd heating part be a 2nd to-be-heated material.
The control unit turns on/off the second heating unit according to the user's operation of the operation panel, and controls at least the first heating unit according to a corresponding program stored in advance. Here, yogurt (including solid yogurt and liquid yogurt) is produced from the first object to be heated, and fondue is produced (cooked) from the second object to be heated.
As raw material milk, for example, cow's milk can be used, and as inoculum, for example, lactic acid bacteria, more specifically, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus thermophilus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, Gasseri, or a combination thereof can be used. Examples of the second heated object include cheese, chocolate, and the like.
As described above, the yogurt maker 1 includes a first heating unit that heats the first object to be heated and a second heating unit that heats the second object to be heated. The second heating section is configured to be heated at a temperature higher than the heating temperature of the first heating section.
In addition to fermented milk, the yogurt maker 1 can also produce natto, sweet sake, and the like.

Description will be made mainly with reference to FIG.
The yogurt maker 1 includes a device body 3 having a function of receiving a first object to be heated from an opening (32a) into a recessed housing 32 and heating and fermenting the first object to be heated to produce fermented milk. That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 2, the apparatus main body 3 here has an opening 32a at the top thereof and a housing recess 32 for housing the first object to be heated.
Returning to FIG. 1, the yogurt maker 1 has a lid 5 covering the top of the device body 3 . The yogurt maker 1 includes a storage container 7 detachably provided on the opening 32 a side (upper side) of the storage recess 32 . In addition, the container 7 accommodates the second object to be heated and is heated by the second heating unit.
Each part will be described in detail below.

2. Apparatus Main Body (1) Overview As shown in FIG. 2B, the apparatus main body 3 includes a first heating section 34 and a second heating section 36 in or around the housing recess 32 . The housing recess 32 here is recessed in the vertical direction, the first heating section 34 is arranged on the lower side of the housing recess 32, and the second heating section 36 is arranged on the upper side of the housing recess 32, respectively.
The device main body 3 includes an outer housing 38 , an inner housing 40 and an upper housing 42 . The housing recess 32 is mainly formed by the inner housing 40 and the upper housing 42 . The device main body 3 includes an operation unit 44 (see FIG. 1) and a control section (not shown) between the outer housing 38 and the inner housing 40 . Note that the control unit here is formed by mounting electronic components (IC, memory, etc.) on a board on which the operation buttons 441 constituting the operation unit 44 are mounted (not shown).

(2) Outer housing Mainly referring to FIG. 3, description will be made.
The outer housing 38 has a tubular outer peripheral wall 381 and a plate-shaped bottom wall 383 to form a bottomed tubular shape. Here, it has a bottomed cylindrical shape. The outer peripheral wall 381 has a through hole (not shown) for the operation unit 44 , and the substrate on which the operation button 441 is mounted is placed on the back side of the outer peripheral wall 381 ( inside). The mounting of the substrate to the outer peripheral wall 381 is performed using, for example, screw holes provided in bosses of the outer peripheral wall 381 .
The outer housing 38 has a groove portion 385 at the upper end of the outer peripheral wall 381 . The lower end portion (tip portion) of the inner fixed portion 407 (flange wall 419 ) of the inner housing 40 is inserted into the groove portion 385 .

(3) Inner Case Mainly referring to FIG.
The inner housing 40 includes a bottomed tubular portion 405 having an inner peripheral wall 401 and a bottom wall 403, and an inner fixing portion 407 provided at the upper end of the bottomed tubular portion 405 for fixing the upper housing 42. and In addition, the inner peripheral wall 401 can also be said to be a tubular portion of the bottomed tubular portion 405 .
The bottomed tubular portion 405 accommodates the first object to be heated. Here, milk cartons (1000 ml or 500 ml) in which the inoculum is added to the milk can be accommodated. Here, the bottomed tubular portion 405 has a rectangular cross section (bottomed rectangular tubular shape) and corresponds to the external shape of a milk carton.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end side of the inner peripheral wall 401 forms a diameter-enlarging region 409 that expands upward. The enlarged diameter region 409 here has a rectangular cross section.
As shown in FIG. 2 , the inner peripheral wall 401 has stepped portions 411 that flare outward and rise on two opposite surfaces of the enlarged diameter region 409 . As a result, the transverse shape of the expanded diameter region 409 becomes a rectangular shape elongated in the direction in which the stepped portion 411 (the second heating portion 36) exists. A second heating unit 36 is arranged on the stepped portion 411 .
Returning to FIG. 3, the enlarged diameter region 409 is formed with a stepped portion 411 and has a through hole 413 in the sloping wall. A cord 361a of the second heating unit 36 that is inserted through the through hole 413 passes between the inner housing 40 and the outer housing 38 and is connected to the control unit. A cord connecting the first heating unit 34 and the control unit is also arranged in the space between the inner housing 40 and the outer housing 38 .
A first heating unit 34 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral wall 401 . As a result, the outer peripheral wall 381 of the outer housing 38 exists outside the first heating section 34, and the first heating section 34 is not touched by human hands. Further, by separating the outer peripheral wall 381 and the first heating section 34, it is possible to prevent the outer peripheral wall 381 from becoming high temperature.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inner fixing portion 407 includes a flat wall 415 projecting outward from the upper end of the inner peripheral wall 401 in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis, and an inner wall extending upward from the flat wall 415 in the shape of a covered cylinder. It is composed of a boss 417 (see FIG. 2) and a through hole 418 formed in the lid portion of the inner boss 417 . The screw 49 is inserted through the through hole 418 from below.
The flat wall 415 has a circular outer peripheral shape and is composed of four circular arc portions arranged in the circumferential direction. The inner fixed part 407 has a collar wall 419 extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the flat wall 415 . A tip portion (lower end portion) of the brim wall 419 fits into the groove portion 385 of the outer housing 38 shown in FIG. The flange wall 419 and the inner peripheral wall 401 are separated in the radial direction, and a space is formed in the radial direction between the inner peripheral wall 401 of the inner housing 40 and the outer peripheral wall 381 of the outer housing 38 . This makes it difficult for the heat of the housing recess 32 to be transmitted to the outer peripheral wall 381 .

(4) Upper Housing The upper housing 42 includes a tubular portion 421 fitted in the enlarged diameter region 409 of the inner peripheral wall 401 of the inner housing 40 and the upper end portion of the tubular portion 421, as shown in FIG. It also has an upper fixing portion 423 fixed to the inner fixing portion 407 of the inner housing 40 . Note that the second heating portion 36 is provided in the tubular portion 421 .
As shown in FIG. 4(a), the cylindrical portion 421 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The tubular portion 421 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area increases upward. This facilitates taking out the container containing the first object to be heated. The tubular portion 421 has a through hole 425 for exposing the second heating portion 36 to the inside of the upper housing 42 .
The tubular portion 421 has a support portion 427 that supports the second heating portion 36 from the back side (outer housing 38 side). The support portion 427 is composed of a pair of ribs spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis.
The surface of the cylindrical portion 421 on which the second heating portion 36 is arranged is a stepped portion 429 formed below the through hole 425 so that the storage container 7 (to be described later) comes into contact with the second heating portion 36 . It spreads outward.

As shown in FIG. 3, the upper fixing portion 423 includes a flat portion 431 extending outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 421 in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis, and an outer peripheral edge of the flat portion 431 extending downward. 2, an upper boss 435 extending from the back surface of the flat portion 431 toward the inner boss 417 of the inner housing 40; and a screw hole 437 formed in the upper boss 435. .
The screw 49 shown in FIG. 3 is inserted through the through hole 418 of the inner boss 417 of the inner housing 40 and screwed into the screw hole 437 of the upper boss 435 of the upper fixing portion 423 shown in FIG. In addition, since the upper boss 435 extends the space between the cylindrical portion 421 and the back extending portion 433, the space between the cylindrical portion 421 and the back extending portion 433 can be effectively used.

The extending distal end of the back extending portion 433 approaches or abuts the flat wall 415 of the inner housing 40, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the outer peripheral surface of the extended distal end portion of the rear extended portion 433 substantially coincides with the outer peripheral edge of the flat wall 415 of the inner housing 40 . The rear extension portion 433 abuts the flat wall 415 of the inner housing 40 . As a result, the fixing portion between the upper housing 42 and the inner housing 40 is not exposed, and the design can be improved.

(5) Housing recess The housing recess 32 is mainly composed of the inner housing 40 and the upper housing 42 . Specifically, it is composed of the lower side of the enlarged diameter region 409 in the inner peripheral wall 401 of the inner housing 40 and the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42 that fits into the enlarged diameter region 409 . The opening 32 a of the housing recess 32 is formed by the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42 .

(6) First Heating Section The first heating section 34 is configured to be able to heat the first object to be heated within a range of 20[° C.] to 90[° C.]. That is, the second heating section 36 can be heated to a higher temperature than the first heating section 34 . The first heating unit 34 uses, for example, a plate heater, and is provided in contact with the central portion of the inner housing 40 in the height direction, as shown in FIG. Although the heater here is provided at one place in the height direction, a plurality of heaters may be provided at intervals in the height direction. In addition, here, one piece is attached to each of the two opposing surfaces of the inner housing 40 having a square cross section, and a total of two pieces are attached. 4 can be installed.
ON/OFF of the first heating unit 34 is performed by the control unit. A temperature sensor (not shown) is provided around the first heating unit 34 in the inner housing 40, and the temperature is controlled by the control unit.

(7) Second Heating Section Description will be made with reference to FIG.
The second heating unit 36 is configured to be able to heat the second object to be heated within a range of 30[°C] to 120[°C]. As shown in FIG. 4B, the second heating unit 36 includes a heater 361, a base 363 that supports the heater 361 on the surface, and a cover 365 that covers the heater 361 supported by the base 363 from the front side. .
A plate heater, for example, can be used as the heater 361 . The base 363 has a thin plate shape and has a through hole 363 a for the cord 361 a of the heater 361 . The cover 365 has a box portion 365a corresponding to the shape of the heater 361 (which can be accommodated inside) and an outer flange portion 365b extending outward from the opening edge of the box portion 365a. When the heater 361 is covered with the cover 365 , the surface of the heater 361 abuts (approaches) the front wall of the box portion 365 a and the outer flange 365 b of the cover 365 abuts (approaches) the base 363 .

As shown in FIG. 4A, the second heating unit 36 is attached to the upper housing 42 with the surface of the box portion 365a of the cover 365 exposed. That is, the second heating section 36 is located above the first heating section 34 .
In the second heating unit 36, the box portion 365a of the cover 365 is fitted into the through hole 425 of the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42, and the back surface of the base 363 is a supporting portion 427 (see FIG. 4A). The inner peripheral wall 401 (the stepped portion 411 (see FIG. 2)) of the inner housing 40 supports from the rear side.

When the second heating unit 36 is attached to the upper housing 42 (accommodating recessed portion 32), the surface of the box portion 365a of the cover 365 moves upward in the height direction so that the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42 tilted away from the cylinder axis of This inclination angle substantially coincides with the inclination angle of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 711 of the storage container 7, which will be described later. As a result, the second heating unit 36 comes into contact with the container 7 in a state close to surface contact.
A seal member (for example, a silicon plate) 367 is arranged. As a result, it is possible to reduce the intrusion of liquid or the like from the interior of the housing recess 32 to the outside. cord) and the cord 361a of the second heating unit 36 can be safely arranged.

(8) Operation unit and control unit The operation unit 44 includes an operation unit for turning on/off the power of the device, a menu operation unit for selecting a program for generating solid yogurt, liquid yogurt, etc., and setting the heating temperature of the second heating unit 36. Equipped with a temperature setting operation unit for setting and changing the temperature. Note that the operation is performed via the operation button 441 .
The control unit drives the first heating unit 34 and the second heating unit 36 according to the user's operation of the operation button 441 . For example, when the liquid yogurt generation operation is performed, the liquid yogurt generation program is read from the storage unit and executed, or when the heating temperature of the second heating unit 36 is set, the second heating unit 36 is heated to the set temperature ( driving).
The control unit is configured not to drive the first heating unit 34 and the second heating unit 36 at the same time.

3. Cover As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 5 includes a cylindrical portion 51 facing the upper fixing portion 423 of the upper housing 42 and a hemispherical portion 53 protruding from the upper edge of the cylindrical portion 51 in a hemispherical shape. and a knob recess 55 formed at the top of the hemispherical portion 53 .

4. 2. Storage Container The storage container 7 includes, as shown in FIG. and an outer flange portion 73 projecting outward from the open end of the. It should be noted that the fitting (installation) of the storage container 7 into the storage recess 32 is from the opposite side of the bottom of the storage recess 32 . The storage container 7 is made of a material with good thermal conductivity, such as metal, enamel, pottery, or thermally conductive resin. The container 7 is in contact with the second heating section 36 in the mounted state in which it is mounted (installed) in the housing recess 32 .

(4-1) Bottomed Cylindrical Portion The cross-sectional shape of the bottomed cylindrical portion 71 substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42 . That is, the bottomed cylindrical portion 71 has a substantially rectangular cylindrical portion 711 with four arcuate corners in cross-sectional shape, and a bottom portion 713 closing the lower end of the cylindrical portion 711 . As a result, the rotation of the container 7 about the cylinder axis with respect to the cylindrical portion 421 of the upper housing 42 is restricted.
The bottomed cylindrical portion 71 has a bottom portion 713 with a recessed portion 715 recessed into the inside of the container. Note that the recessed portion can also be said to be a convex bulging portion on the basis of the upward direction.

The tubular portion 711 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it approaches the bottom portion 713 . The inclination angle of the peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion 711 substantially matches the inclination angle of the upper peripheral wall of the housing recess 32 and the inclination angle of the surface of the box portion 365 a of the second heating portion 36 . As a result, the tubular portion 711 of the container 7 contacts the second heating portion 36 , and contact with the tubular portion 421 of the upper housing 42 forming the concave portion 32 can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the heat transmitted from the second heating portion from being transmitted to the housing recess 32 . The second heating part 36 also functions as a stopper that restricts downward movement of the container 7 .

The cylindrical portion 711 is in contact with the second heating section 36 on the bottom portion 713 side, as shown in FIG. 2(a). Thereby, the second object to be heated can be heated from the bottom side. Moreover, even when the amount of the second object to be heated is small, it can be efficiently heated.
A connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 711 and the bottom portion 713 has an outwardly convex arc shape. Further, connecting portions (corner portions in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical portion 711) between the four side walls forming the cylindrical portion 711 are arcuately convex outward. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second object to be heated from accumulating at the connecting portion between the side walls and the connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 711 and the bottom portion 713 inside the container 7 . This configuration also facilitates cleaning (washing) of the storage container 7 .

The recessed portion 715 is provided in the square central portion (the portion where the diagonal lines intersect) when the bottom portion 713 is viewed from above. The recessed portion 715 is recessed in a hemispherical shape upward in the height direction. The recessed portion 715 has the shape of a body of revolution whose rotational axis is a virtual axis that passes through the center of the bottom portion 713 and extends in the height direction. This makes it easier for the second object to be heated housed in the housing container 7 to be evenly heated. The shape of the recessed portion 715 is such that the diameter of the recessed portion 715 is reduced toward the bottom portion (upper end) and the bottom portion is curved. Furthermore, in other words, the cross section has a normal distribution curve shape.
The depth of the recessed portion 715 is in the range of 1/9 to 5/9 times the height of the cylindrical portion 711 . Thereby, the second object to be heated can be efficiently heated while securing the accommodation volume.

(4-2) Outer Collar Portion The outer collar portion 73 has a rectangular annular shape when viewed from above. Thereby, the rigidity of the storage container 7 can be increased. Moreover, the container 7 can be easily held. When the outer collar portion 73 is viewed from above, the four corner outer portions (portions located on the extension of the diagonal lines) of the substantially rectangular bottomed cylindrical portion 71 are arcuate. Thereby, the enlargement of the lid body 5 can be prevented. Also, safety can be improved.

When the bottomed tubular portion 71 is inserted into the housing recess 32, the outer collar portion 73 faces the flat portion 431 around the opening 32a of the housing recess 32 with a space therebetween. . As a result, a portion of the cylindrical portion 711 of the container 7 contacts the second heating portion 36 , and contact with the flat portion 431 of the upper housing 42 forming the concave portion 32 can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the heat transmitted from the second heating portion from being transmitted to the housing recess 32 . Further, when the bottomed tubular portion 71 is inserted into the housing recess 32, the outer flange portion 73 and the flat portion 431 are spaced apart (preferably, to the extent that a fingertip can be inserted). Easier to remove from.

5. Container The second object to be heated may be directly contained in the container 7 or may be contained via another container such as a disposable container. Hereinafter, a container 9 for a second object to be heated that can be accommodated in the container 7 (this container is referred to as a "second container" and corresponds to an example of the dedicated container of the present invention) will be described with reference to FIG. to explain.
The second container 9 is made of paper or resin, for example. When paper is used, it is disposable for each heating (every cooking) of the second object to be heated, and when resin is used, it can be disposable for each heating, or it can be washed and used multiple times. can also Even when paper is used, it can be used multiple times depending on the thickness, surface coating, and the like.
The second container 9 has a bottomed cylindrical body portion 91 that is housed in the container 7 and an outer flange portion 93 that protrudes outward from the end of the opening 91 a of the body portion 91 . That is, the body portion 91 has a shape along the inner peripheral surface of the container 7 .

The body portion 91 is fitted with the bottomed cylindrical portion 71 of the container 7 . The shape of the body portion 91 substantially matches the shape of the bottomed cylindrical portion 71 . Thereby, the contact area between the container 7 and the second container 9 can be increased. The body portion 91 has a tubular portion 911 having a rectangular cross section and a bottom portion 913 closing the lower end of the tubular portion 911 . As a result, rotation of the second container 9 about the cylindrical axis with respect to the container 7 is restricted.
Body portion 91 has a recessed portion 915 in bottom portion 913 that is recessed into the interior of the container. The recessed portion 915 has substantially the same shape as the recessed portion 715 of the container 7 . Thereby, the contact area between the recessed portions 715 and 915 can be increased. Note that the concave portion can also be said to be a bulging portion when the upward direction is used as a reference.
The cylindrical portion 911 has a tapered shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases as it approaches the bottom portion 913 . The inclination angle of the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 911 substantially matches the inclination angle of the peripheral wall of the tubular portion 711 of the container 7 . Thereby, the contact area with the tubular portion 711 of the storage container 7 can be increased.

A connecting portion between the cylindrical portion 911 and the bottom portion 913 has an outwardly convex arc shape. As a result, it is possible to prevent the second object to be heated from accumulating in the connection portion inside the second container 9 .
The recessed portion 915 is provided in the square central portion (the portion where the diagonal lines intersect) when the bottom portion 913 is viewed from above. The recessed portion 915 is recessed in a hemispherical shape upward in the height direction. The recessed portion 915 has the shape of a body of revolution whose rotational axis is a virtual axis that passes through the center of the bottom portion 713 and extends in the height direction. This makes it easier for the second object to be heated accommodated in the second container 9 to be evenly heated.
The shape of the recessed portion 915 is such that the diameter of the recessed portion 915 decreases toward the bottom portion (upper end) and the bottom portion is curved. Furthermore, in other words, the cross section has a normal distribution curve shape. The depth of the recessed portion 915 is in the range of 1/9 to 5/9 times the height of the cylindrical portion 911 . Thereby, the second object to be heated can be efficiently heated while securing the accommodation volume.

When viewed from above, the outer collar portion 93 has a rectangular annular shape as shown in FIG. 5(b). Thereby, the rigidity of the second container 9 can be increased. Also, the second container 9 can be easily held. When the outer collar portion 93 is viewed from above, the corner portions of the substantially square annular shape are rounded. Thereby, the enlargement of the lid body 5 can be prevented. Also, safety can be improved.
When the body portion 91 is inserted into the container 7 , the outer flange portion 93 faces the outer flange portion 73 of the container 7 with a space therebetween. This facilitates removal of the second container 9 from the container 7 .

<Second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, a yogurt maker provided with detection means for detecting whether or not the storage container 7 is installed will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. FIG.
It should be noted that configurations of parts, members, etc. using the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment have the same configurations as those of the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is assumed that configurations that are indicated by reference numerals but not described in the second embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, "A" is attached to the end of the reference numerals for members and the like that differ from the configuration of the first embodiment.

The yogurt maker has a device body 3A and a lid body 5. - 特許庁
The device main body 3A includes a first heating unit 34 and a second heating unit 36 in or around the accommodation recess 32A, as in the first embodiment, and detects whether or not the storage container 7 is placed in the storage container 7. It includes a detection means 46A and a control section that controls to drive the second heating section 36 when the detection means 46A detects (installation of) the container 7 .
One example of the detection means 46A is a microswitch, as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, "46A" is also used for the reference numeral of the microswitch.

The microswitch 46A has a switch body 463A attached to the rear side of the flat wall 415A of the inner housing 40A so that the operating portion (button portion) 461A protrudes upward from the flat portion 431A of the upper housing 42A.
When the upper housing 42A is attached to the inner housing 40A, the switch body 463A opens the space between the cylindrical portion 421A of the upper housing 42A and the rear extending portion 433A as shown in FIG. 7B. Located in In this way, since the microswitch 46A is arranged using the space of the upper housing 42A, a new function can be added without increasing the size of the device.
Since the control unit drives the second heating unit 36 when the detection signal of the container 7 is input from the microswitch 46A, the heating switch of the second heating unit 36 is turned on when the container 7 is not installed. It is possible to prevent the user from being burned or the like due to an erroneous operation.

As shown in FIGS. 6(b) and 7(a), the apparatus main body 3A has a temperature detection means 47A on the upper side of the housing recess 32A. In this embodiment, a plurality of, for example, three, temperature detection means 47A are provided. 47 A of temperature detection means contain two arranged around the two 2nd heating parts 36. FIG.
The two temperature detection means 47A around the second heating section 36 are arranged on the back side of the cylindrical section 421A in the upper housing 42A. In other words, the two temperature detection means 47 are disposed on the opposite inner walls of the tubular portion 421A having a rectangular inner surface and on the back side of the inner wall on which the second heating portion 36 is provided. Here, as shown in (a) of FIG. 7, the temperature detection means 47A is arranged above the second heating section 36 . Thereby, the temperature of the container 7 can be indirectly detected, and for example, the heating temperature of the second object to be heated placed in the container 7 can be adjusted.

As shown in FIG. 7(b), the remaining one temperature detection means 47A is arranged on the back side of the expanded diameter region 409A of the bottomed tubular portion 405A of the inner housing 40A. Here, the remaining one temperature detection means 47A is arranged below the microswitch 46A.

A thermistor 471A is used as the temperature detecting means 47A, and the thermistor 471A is attached to the cylindrical portion 421A and the enlarged diameter region 409A by, for example, an insulating tape 473A. A detection signal from the temperature detection means 47 is output to the control section. The control unit stops driving the second heating unit 36 when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold value. In some cases, a buzzer or the like may be used to inform the user of the excessive temperature rise.

The device main body 3A may include an excessive temperature rise prevention means for stopping power supply to the heating section when the temperature of the heating section (heater current) exceeds a threshold value. Here, a temperature fuse 48A is provided in the second heating section 36 as an excessive temperature rise prevention means. Here, as shown in FIG. 7A, it is provided on the back side of the stepped portion 411A of the bottomed cylindrical portion 405A of the inner housing 40A. Specifically, the fuse body 481A is attached with a heat-resistant tape 483A. As a result, excessive temperature rise of the second heating section 36 can be prevented.

Although the first and second embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and may be modified as follows. Moreover, what combined 1st and 2nd embodiment, a modification, and a modification with each other may be used.
Further, examples not described in the first and second embodiments and modified examples, and design changes within the scope of the invention are also included in the present invention.

<Modification>
1. Receiving recess In the first embodiment, the lateral cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess 32 was square or nearly square. The shape may be circular, oval, or the like. In this case, it is preferable that the shape of the bottomed tubular portion of the storage container also corresponds to the shape of the storage recess.
In the first embodiment, the opening 32a side has a wide shape. This makes it easy to take out the container (first container) that houses the first object to be heated. However, the inner peripheral shape in the cross section of the accommodation recess may be constant in the insertion direction of the first container. Further, only the middle portion of the first container in the insertion direction may be enlarged or reduced in the direction orthogonal to the insertion direction. By making the opening side smaller, it is possible to prevent the heat in the housing recess from being released.
Although the accommodation recess 32 is mainly composed of two members, the inner housing 40 and the upper housing 42, it may be composed of one member, for example. When one member is made of resin, it is necessary to use heat-resistant resin. However, when the inner housing and the upper housing are separately formed, only the upper housing can be made of heat-resistant resin or metal.

2. In the first embodiment, the first heating unit is provided in the middle of the receiving recess 32 in the direction in which the first container is inserted, but it may be provided on the lower side of the receiving recess, or two heaters, one between the lower part and the middle of the storing recess, may be provided. It may be provided at each location, or may be provided in plural at intervals in the circumferential direction.
Alternatively, the first heating part may be provided in the upper part of the container so that only the heating part provided in the upper part can be used as the second heating part. In this case, the first object to be heated can be heated over a wide range. In this case, the control unit is configured to be able to drive both the upper heating unit and the intermediate and/or lower heating units. A sensor capable of detecting attachment of the container may be provided, and only the heating unit provided at the top may be driven when the container is attached.

3. Second heating section In the first embodiment, it is provided on the side of the opening 32a of the housing recess 32 . The second heating units 36 are provided on two opposing surfaces having a square cross section (total two). However, the second heating portions may be provided on each of the four faces of the quadrangle (four in total).
The second heating section 36 has an inclined contact surface so as to come into contact with the container 7 , but may further include biasing means for biasing the second heating section toward the container 7 .
In the second embodiment, the second heating section is provided with the temperature detection means 47A and the temperature fuse 48A, but the first heating section may be provided with the temperature detection means 47A and the temperature fuse. When the temperature is low, the temperature detection means and thermal fuse may not be provided.

4. Entire housing (1) In the first embodiment, the space between the outer housing 38 and the inner housing 40 is used for the operation unit 44, control unit, wiring, etc. may be placed. Thereby, the temperature rise of the outer peripheral wall of the outer housing can be prevented.
In the first embodiment, the outer housing 38 and the inner housing 40 constitute one housing, and the upper housing 42 is positioned above the one housing. However, the inner casing is composed of the upper inner casing made of heat-resistant resin and the lower inner casing made of resin with lower heat resistance than the heat-resistant resin, and the outer peripheral edge of the upper inner casing and the outer You may make it couple|bond with the upper edge of a housing|casing.

(2) Upper housing In the upper housing 42 of the first embodiment, the portion (flat portion 431) facing the outer flange portion 73 of the container 7 is flat. good.
The upper housing 42B having a recess will be described with reference to FIG.
The upper housing 42B, as shown in FIG. 8, has a tubular portion 421 and an upper fixing portion 423B. Note that the second heating portion 36 is provided in the tubular portion 421 .
Since the cylindrical portion 421 is the same as the cylindrical portion 421 of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
The upper fixing portion 423B includes a flat portion 431B extending outward from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 421B in a direction orthogonal to the cylinder axis, a rear extending portion 433B extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the flat portion 431B, and a flat portion. It has an upper boss on the back surface of portion 431B and a screw hole formed in the upper boss.
Note that the back extending portion 433B, bosses and screw holes are the same as those in the first embodiment, and description thereof will be omitted.

The flat portion 431B has depressions 437B at portions corresponding to the four corners of the rectangular tubular portion 421B. The recess 437B is formed along the diagonal line of the cylindrical portion 421B when viewed from above. As a result, it is possible to easily remove the storage container 7 that is fitted in the storage recess.
Although there are four recesses 437B here, the number of recesses 437B may be two on one diagonal line, one may be provided, or two may be provided corresponding to adjacent corners in the circumferential direction. good too. Moreover, although the recesses 437B are formed corresponding to the corners of the rectangular cylinder, they may be formed between two corners adjacent in the circumferential direction.

In the first and second embodiments, the upper housings 42, 42A are fixed to the inner housings 40, 40A. may Thereby, the height of the device main body can be suppressed. The wiring of the second heating unit can be implemented by using a connector, for example.

5. Lid In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the lid 5 can be attached to the apparatus main body 3 with the container 7 installed in the accommodation recess 32 . However, the lid may not be attached to the apparatus main body 3 while the container 7 is installed in the accommodation recess 32 . For example, it can be implemented by projecting part or all of the brim (73) of the container outward from the inner peripheral edge of the lid. As a result, for example, steam generated when the second object to be heated is heated with the lid attached to the apparatus main body condenses in the lid, and the water droplets form a gap between the apparatus main body, for example, the inner housing. It is possible to prevent intrusion into the gap with the outer housing).

1 Yogurt maker (fermented milk production device)
3 Device main body 5 Lid 7 Storage container 9 Second container (dedicated container)
32 housing recess 32a opening 34 first heating unit 36 second heating unit

Claims (10)

In a fermented milk production apparatus for producing fermented milk by heating and fermenting a material to be heated containing raw material milk and lactic acid bacteria,
A first heating unit for heating the object to be heated arranged in a housing recess of an apparatus main body, a second heating unit capable of heating to a temperature higher than the heating temperature of the first heating unit, and being attachable to and detachable from the housing recess and a container that is heated by the second heating unit in the mounted state,
The second heating unit is located above the first heating unit,
Fermented milk production equipment. The device main body includes a bottomed cylindrical portion that constitutes the accommodation recess,
The fermented milk production apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second heating section is arranged in a state of being exposed in the cylindrical portion of the bottomed cylindrical section. The fermented milk production apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein at least the second heating section is provided with an excessive temperature rise prevention means. The fermented milk producing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage container is in contact with the second heating section in the attached state. A detection means for detecting installation of the storage container in the storage recess,
The fermented milk production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the second heating section is driven when the container is installed . The storage container has a bottomed cylindrical portion that fits into the opening side of the storage recess, and an outer flange portion that protrudes outward from the open end of the bottomed cylindrical portion,
The outer flange according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein when the bottomed cylindrical portion is inserted into the accommodation recess, the outer flange faces the opening peripheral portion of the accommodation recess with a gap. Fermented milk production equipment. The fermented milk production apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the storage container has a recess that is recessed inside the bottomed tubular portion from the bottom portion of the bottomed tubular portion. A lid covering the housing recess of the device body,
The fermented milk according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein part or all of the outer brim of the container protrudes outward from the inner peripheral surface of the lid when the container is installed in the concave portion. generator. A dedicated container used as a storage container of the fermented milk production apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
A dedicated container having a bottomed cylindrical main body along the inner surface of the container. The dedicated container according to claim 9 , wherein the main body is made of paper.

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