WO2012042981A1 - Automatic bread-making machine - Google Patents

Abstract

In this automatic bread-making machine, a blade part (90) can be attached to and detached from a rotary shaft (82) provided on the bottom of a bread container. Said blade part (90) has: an attachment part (91) that is attached so as to not be able to rotate with respect to the rotary shaft (82) and provided with an insertion hole (91c) through which the rotary shaft (82) is inserted; and a kneading blade (101) provided so as to make it possible to select whether or not said kneading blade rotates together with rotation of the attachment part (91). In this automatic bread-making machine, a rotation operation in which rotation of the kneading blade (101) is stopped and the rotary shaft (82) is rotated is executed automatically or upon a command from a user.

Description

Automatic bread machine

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

Commercially available automatic bread maker for home use generally has a mechanism for producing bread by directly using a container containing bread ingredients as a baking mold (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such an automatic bread maker, first, a bread container containing bread ingredients 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 liquid are mixed, and the crushed blade is rotated in this 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 applicants are working on the development of an automatic bread maker equipped with 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.

When adopting such a configuration, for example, if it is necessary to replace the blade (replacement between the pulverization blade and the kneading blade) when moving from the pulverization step to the kneading step, the user can easily use the automatic bread maker. There is a possibility of feeling bad. For this purpose, the present applicants are considering adopting a configuration in which, for example, one blade unit capable of selectively using a grinding blade and a kneading blade is detachably attached to the inside of the bread container.

In this configuration, the blade unit is attached to the bread container by, for example, covering the rotating shaft provided at the bottom of the bread container with the attachment part (the insertion hole is provided). Moreover, the rotating shaft provided in the bottom part of a bread container can be rotated by the motor provided in a main body.

However, according to the earnest research by the present applicants, when adopting a configuration in which a rotation shaft (rotation shaft provided at the bottom of the bread container) is inserted into an insertion hole provided in the attachment portion constituting the blade unit, It was found that problems like That is, in the above configuration, bread ingredients (bread dough is included in this expression) may enter between the attachment portion and the rotating shaft, and if the bread is baked (baking process) in this state, In some cases, the blade unit is fixed to the rotating shaft due to seizing of the bread material interposed between the portion and the rotating shaft. If the blade unit is fixed to the rotating shaft, the bread may not be taken out from the bread container.

In addition, when a configuration in which a pulverizing blade and a kneading blade are provided and a blade can be selectively used is employed, the configuration of the blade unit must be complicated to some extent. The blade unit is usually removed from the bread container and washed after the bread has been baked. When the configuration of the blade unit becomes complicated, it becomes difficult to clean the blade unit. If it is difficult to clean the blade unit, uncleaned stains (for example, baking of bread dough) may occur. In addition, if it is difficult to clean the blade unit, the user needs time to clean the blade unit, so that there is a possibility that the user may have an impression that the automatic bread maker is not easy to use.

In the above, the problem in the case where the blade portion (used as a concept including the above-described blade unit) is provided with a kneading blade and a grinding blade has been described. However, even in an automatic bread maker that does not have a pulverizing blade in the blade portion (one that can produce bread only from cereal flour such as wheat flour and rice flour), the above-mentioned problem of sticking of the blade portion and problems related to cleaning in the blade portion May occur and the resolution is considered to be what the user wants.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker that can easily take out the baked bread from the bread container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and is easy to take out the baked bread from a bread container. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker that can easily remove dirt from a blade portion including a kneading blade. Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and that can easily remove dirt from a blade portion including a grinding blade and a kneading blade.

In order to achieve the above object, an automatic bread maker of the present invention is provided in a main body having a baking chamber, a bread container housed in the baking chamber and having a rotating shaft at the bottom, and the main body, A motor for applying a rotational force to the rotary shaft of the bread container accommodated in the baking chamber, an attachment portion in which an insertion hole into which the rotary shaft is inserted is provided and non-rotatably attached to the rotary shaft; and A kneading blade provided so as to be selectable between a case where it is rotated and a case where it is not rotated, and a blade portion which can be attached to and detached from the rotating shaft, and stops the rotation of the kneading blade Thus, the rotation operation for rotating the rotation shaft is performed automatically or in response to a command from the user.

The blade portion may be a unit that can be integrally attached to and detached from the rotating shaft (one unit), or a plurality of blade portions that are not integrally attached to the rotating shaft but are detached from the rotating shaft. You may divide into these parts.

In this configuration, since the operation of stopping the rotation of the kneading blade and rotating the rotating shaft can be executed at an appropriate timing, it is appropriate for the problem that the rotating shaft is fixed to the mounting portion and the contamination of the blade portion. Correspondence is possible.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, a bread manufacturing process including a kneading process for kneading bread dough using the kneading blade, a fermentation process for fermenting the kneaded bread dough, and a baking process for baking the fermented bread dough is executed. In this case, it is preferable that the rotation operation is automatically executed at least once within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step.

In this configuration, at least once in the period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step, the rotation operation of stopping the rotation of the kneading blade and rotating the rotating shaft is performed. By this rotation operation (preferably high-speed rotation), it is possible to expect the effect that the bread material (which is an expression including bread dough) that has entered between the attachment portion of the blade portion and the rotation shaft is removed from between the two. For this reason, according to this structure, when a bread is taken out from a bread container, possibility that the attaching part and the rotating shaft will adhere may be reduced. As a result, in the automatic bread maker having this configuration, the situation where it is difficult to take out the baked bread from the bread container can be reduced. In addition, since this rotation operation is performed in a state where the kneading blade is stopped, the bread dough is hardly damaged due to this rotation operation.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the blade portion is rotatably attached to the attachment portion and includes a kneading blade support portion that supports the kneading blade, and the rotating shaft and the kneading blade support portion. And a first clutch for switching a connected state, wherein the kneading blade is rotatably attached to the kneading blade support portion and used in the kneading step, and the bread container. The first clutch is configured so that the kneading blade is in the folded position when the rotating shaft rotates in one direction. Connects the rotary shaft and the kneading blade support, the kneading blade support and the kneading blade rotate together with the rotary shaft, and the rotation When the shaft rotates in the opposite direction to the one direction, the kneading blade turns to the open posture, and the first clutch disconnects the rotary shaft and the kneading blade support portion, and the kneading blade support portion The kneading blade may be in a rotation stop state, and the rotation shaft may rotate in the reverse direction during the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step.

According to this configuration, it is possible to easily realize a rotating operation of stopping the rotation of the kneading blade and rotating the rotation shaft (preferably at a high speed) within the period from the end of the kneading process to the end of the firing process.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the blade portion further includes a grinding blade that is non-rotatably attached to the attachment portion, and the kneading blade support portion is a dome-shaped cover that covers the grinding blade, The bread manufacturing process may include a pulverization process performed before the kneading process and pulverizing grains with the pulverization blade.

本 According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from grain grains and that can easily take out the baked bread from the bread container.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the maximum rotation speed of the rotating shaft during the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step is the maximum rotation speed of the rotating blade in the crushing step. It is good also as being equivalent to the maximum rotational speed of the said rotating shaft at the time of rotating.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the motor includes a first motor used in the kneading step, the crushing step, and a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step. And a second motor used during the rotation operation performed inside. The rotation of the pulverization blade during the pulverization process (high-speed rotation) and the rotation of the kneading blade during the kneading process (high torque, low-speed rotation) require different rotations. For this reason, it is preferable that the automatic bread maker provided with the crushing blade and the kneading blade have different motors for rotating the blades as in this configuration. And in this structure, since the rotation operation performed within the period from the end of the kneading process to the end of the firing process is performed using the same high-speed motor used in the crushing process. It is easy to set the rotation speed during the rotation operation to high-speed rotation.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step is performed between the kneading step and the fermentation step and / or the baking. It may be performed in the middle of the process. When the rotating operation is performed in the middle of the firing process, the rotating operation is preferably performed in the initial stage of the firing process.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the rotating shaft is provided with a protruding portion that protrudes from a side surface thereof, and the protruding portion is provided on a side wall of the mounting portion when the rotating shaft is inserted into the insertion hole. A notch that engages with the part is formed, and the notch may have an inclined part that gradually decreases in width from the front side in the insertion direction in which the rotating shaft is inserted toward the back side.

According to this configuration, while preventing the mounting portion from wobbling with respect to the rotation shaft, the bread ingredients (not including bread dough) that have entered the notch of the mounting portion due to centrifugal force during the rotation operation (preferably high speed rotation). It is easy to be discharged out of the attachment portion along the inclined portion. For this reason, according to the present configuration, the possibility that the attachment portion and the rotating shaft are fixed is further reduced, and it can be expected that the situation where it is difficult to take out the baked bread from the bread container can be expected to be more effectively reduced. .

In the automatic bread maker having the above-described configuration, an abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormal state that hinders rotation of the rotating shaft, and a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step. When starting the rotation operation, when the abnormal state is detected based on information from the abnormality detection unit, the bread manufacturing process is continued and the rotation operation is not performed. May further include a determination unit that cancels execution of the rotation operation and determines to stop execution of the rotation operation when the rotation operation is being executed.

According to the above-described configuration including the abnormality detection unit and the determination unit, when an abnormal state that causes trouble if the rotation shaft is rotated is detected at a predetermined stage, “the rotation of the kneading blade is stopped and the rotation shaft is rotated. "Rotating operation" is canceled or canceled. However, the bread manufacturing process is continued even when such rotation operation is stopped or stopped. That is, in these configurations, when the above-described abnormal state is detected when the bread manufacturing process has already progressed to some extent, the bread manufacturing process is continued rather than performing the above-described rotation operation. Has been given priority.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the bread manufacturing process further includes a pulverization process performed before the kneading process and pulverizing the grains with a pulverizing blade, and the motor includes the kneading process. A first motor to be used, and a second motor to be used during the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the grinding step and the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step. The abnormality detection unit may detect an abnormal state that hinders the rotation of the rotating shaft by driving the second motor. In particular, when performing the pulverization process and the above-described rotation operation (rotation operation in which the rotation of the kneading blade is stopped and the rotation shaft is rotated), the rotation shaft is rotated at a high speed. It is preferable to detect an abnormal state, and this configuration is suitable for an automatic bread maker configured as such.

The abnormality detection unit includes a motor abnormality detection unit for detecting an operation abnormality of the motor, and an operation abnormality of the second clutch that switches whether to transmit the rotational power of the motor to the rotation shaft. An abnormality detection unit for the clutch for detecting the abnormality, an abnormality detection unit for the lid part for detecting an abnormality related to the open / closed state of the lid part that opens and closes the baking chamber, and an abnormality related to the position of the bread container in the baking chamber. At least any one of the abnormality detection parts for bread containers for detecting may be included.

The automatic bread maker configured as described above may further include an input unit for inputting a cleaning command for cleaning the blade unit, and the rotation operation may be executed by a user cleaning command input from the input unit. Good.

In this configuration, the blade part can be washed by an automatic bread maker. For this reason, the user can leave the dirt of the blade part easily by leaving it to the machine. That is, according to this configuration, the burden on the user when cleaning the blade portion is reduced. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that can easily remove dirt on the blade part without adding any special parts for cleaning the blade part.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the blade portion includes a pulverization blade used for pulverizing grains in the bread container, a cover that covers the pulverization blade and has the kneading blade on the outer surface, A first clutch that switches a connection state between the rotating shaft and the cover; and the crushing blade is non-rotatably attached to the attachment portion, and the cover is rotatably attached to the attachment portion. The kneading blade is rotatably attached to the cover so that it can take two postures: a folding posture, which is a posture when kneading bread dough, and an open posture, which is a posture in contact with the inner wall of the bread container. When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the kneading blade is in the folded posture and the first clutch is The rotating shaft and the cover are connected, and the cover and the kneading blade rotate together with the rotating shaft, and when the rotating shaft rotates in the opposite direction to the one direction, the kneading blade changes to the open position. The first clutch disconnects the rotary shaft and the cover, the cover and the kneading blade are in a rotation stop state, and the rotary shaft rotates in the reverse direction during the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command. You can do it.

According to this configuration, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and can easily remove dirt on the blade part including the grinding blade and the kneading blade. In this configuration, it is possible to perform the cleaning operation of the blade portion by using the same operation as in the case of pulverizing the grain using a pulverization blade in the pulverization step.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the blade portion may further include a guard that covers a lower surface of the cover and prevents a finger from approaching the grinding blade. In the configuration in which the guard is attached to the cover, the work load increases when the blade portion is manually cleaned. However, in this configuration, since the blade portion is mechanically cleaned, such a work load is unlikely to occur.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, it is preferable that the rotational speed of the rotational operation performed by the cleaning command is low in the initial stage and then high. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the scattering of liquid (for example, water and detergent) that is put into the bread container for washing due to the movement of the kneading blade.

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command may be performed a plurality of times with a pause period in which the rotation is stopped for a predetermined period. By interposing the rest period, it is possible to soften the dirt adhering to the blade portion with the liquid put in the bread container. For this reason, according to this configuration, it is easy to clean the blade portion.

The automatic bread maker configured as described above further includes a lid that opens and closes the baking chamber, and a lid open / close detection unit that detects an open / closed state of the lid, and the lid open / close detection unit opens the lid. It is preferable that the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command is not executed when it is detected that the cleaning is performed. According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the user will be injured by the cleaning operation of the blade part (with rotation of the rotating shaft).

In the automatic bread maker configured as described above, the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command may be executed after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed after receiving the cleaning command input from the input unit. According to this configuration, since the cleaning operation is started after the dirt adhering to the blade portion is softened with the liquid placed in the bread container, the cleaning effect by the cleaning operation is easily exhibited.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that facilitates taking out baked bread from a bread container. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and that can easily remove the baked bread from the bread container. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that can easily remove dirt on the blade portion including the kneading blade. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic bread maker that has a convenient mechanism for baking bread from cereal grains and that can easily remove dirt on a blade part including a grinding blade and a kneading blade. 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 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure inside the main body of the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment. The figure for demonstrating the clutch contained in the 1st power transmission part with which the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment is provided, The figure which shows the state which a clutch cuts off power The figure for demonstrating the clutch contained in the 1st power transmission part with which the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment is equipped, The figure which shows the state in which a clutch transmits power 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 1st Embodiment. The schematic perspective view which shows the structure of the blade unit with which the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment is provided. Schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment The schematic side view which shows the structure of the blade unit with which the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment is provided. Sectional view at the position AA in FIG. 7A FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the blade unit included in the automatic bread maker according to the first embodiment when viewed from below, and a view when the kneading blade is in a folded posture. FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the blade unit included in the automatic bread maker according to the first embodiment when viewed from below, and a view when the kneading blade is in an open posture. The figure when the bread container with which the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment is provided is seen from the top, and the figure when a kneading blade is in a folding posture The figure when the bread container provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment is viewed from above, and the figure when the kneading blade is in the open posture The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment. The schematic diagram which shows the flow of the bread-making course for rice grains performed with the automatic bread maker of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic bread maker of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the exception processing flow at the time of abnormal condition detection in the automatic bread maker of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic bread maker of 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of an automatic bread maker when the washing | cleaning key with which the automatic bread maker of 3rd Embodiment is equipped is pushed. It is a figure for demonstrating the modification of the automatic bread maker which concerns on embodiment, and is a schematic side view which shows the relationship between the shaft for units and a blade rotating shaft

Hereinafter, embodiments of the 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.

(First embodiment)
1. Configuration of Automatic Baking Machine FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an external configuration of the automatic baking machine according to the first 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.

In the main body 10, a baking chamber 30 is provided 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 baking chamber 30 can be opened and closed by a lid 40 (an example of the lid portion of the present invention) provided on the upper portion 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 heat-resistant glass, for example, 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. 10 described later) is provided in the main body 10 on the lower side of the operation unit 20, and when this solenoid is driven, its plunger is provided on the main body wall surface 10 a adjacent to the lid 40. It protrudes from the opening 10b. Then, the movable hook 42c is moved by a movable member (not shown) movable by the protruding plunger, the engagement between the container lid 42b and the movable hook 42c is released, the container lid 42b is rotated, and the container main body 42a. The opening of 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 powder bread materials (for example, gluten, dry yeast, etc.) stored in the container do not remain in the container. The inner surfaces thereof are preferably covered with a silicon-based or fluorine-based coating layer, and are preferably formed smoothly with as little unevenness as possible.

In addition, if steam or the like generated when pulverizing grains such as rice grains enters the container body 42a, it is not preferable because the bread material easily adheres to the inner surface of the container. For this purpose, a flange (flange) is provided at the opening side edge of the container main body 42a so that the aforementioned steam or the like does not enter the container, and a packing is provided between the flange and the container lid 42b. (Seal member) 42d is interposed.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the internal configuration of the main body of the automatic bread maker according to the first 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 arranged on the right side of the baking chamber 30, and mainly on the rear side of the baking chamber 30. A high-speed rotation type crushing motor 60 used in the crushing process is fixedly arranged. The kneading motor 50 and the crushing motor 60 are both shafts. The kneading motor 50 is an example of the first motor of the present invention, and the crushing motor 60 is an example of the second motor of the present invention.

The first pulley 52 is fixed to the 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 is substantially the same as the first rotating shaft 54 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B described later). . The first rotating shaft 54 and the second rotating shaft 57 are rotatably supported inside the main body 10. Further, a clutch 56 that performs power transmission and power interruption is provided between the first rotating shaft 54 and the second rotating shaft 57 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B 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 FIGS. 3A and 3B 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 FIGS. 3A and 3B 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 including the first driving shaft pulley 12 may be referred to as a first power transmission unit.

A fourth pulley 62 is fixed to the output shaft 61 protruding from the lower surface of the grinding motor 60. The fourth pulley 62 is 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; 3A and FIG. 3B). The second driving shaft pulley 13 has substantially the same diameter as the fourth pulley 62. A high-speed rotating motor is selected as the grinding motor 60, and the rotation of the fourth pulley 62 is maintained at substantially the same speed in the second driving shaft pulley 13. For this reason, the driving shaft 11 can be rotated at a high speed (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm) by driving the grinding motor 60.

In addition, the power transmission unit configured by the fourth pulley 62, the third belt 63, and the second driving shaft pulley 13 may be hereinafter referred to as a second power transmission unit. The second power transmission unit is configured not to have a clutch, and connects the output shaft 61 of the crushing motor 60 and the driving shaft 11 so that power can be transmitted at all times.

3A and 3B are views for explaining a clutch included in the first power transmission unit included in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment. 3A and 3B are diagrams assuming a case of viewing along the direction of the arrow X in FIG. 3A shows a state where the clutch 56 performs power cut-off, and FIG. 3B shows a state where the clutch 56 performs power transmission.

3A and 3B, the clutch 56 includes a first clutch member 561 and a second clutch member 562. Then, when the claw 561a provided on the first clutch member 561 and the claw 562a provided on the second clutch member 562 are engaged with each other (the state shown in FIG. 3B), the 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 slidable in the axial direction (vertical direction in FIGS. 3A and 3B) with respect to the first rotating shaft 54 and is not relatively rotatable. It is attached. 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.

The switching of the clutch 56 (switching between the power transmission state and the power cut-off state) is arranged below the first clutch member 561 and provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction (the axial direction of the first rotating shaft 54). And a self-holding solenoid (clutch solenoid) 73 having a built-in permanent magnet 73a. The plunger 73 b of the solenoid 73 is in a state where the tip end portion (the lower side corresponds to FIGS. 3A and 3B) is fixed to an attachment portion 72 a provided on the arm portion 72. Since the arm portion 72 (including the attachment portion 72a) is made of metal, it can be attracted to the permanent magnet 73a.

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

On the other hand, when a voltage in the direction in which the plunger 73b is pulled up (a voltage in a direction opposite to the direction in which the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 73a is canceled) is applied to the solenoid 73 from the state of FIG. 3B, the biasing force of the spring 71 is against. The first clutch member 561 is pulled up together with the arm portion 72. As a result, the engagement between the claw 561a of the first clutch member 561 and the claw 562a of the second clutch member 562 is released, and the clutch 56 performs power shut-off (the state shown in FIG. 3A). In the state where the meshing is released, the permanent magnet 73a built in the solenoid 73 attracts the arm portion 72 (more precisely, the mounting portion 72a). For this reason, after the driving for pulling up the first clutch member 561 is performed, the disengaged state can be maintained even if the solenoid 73 is turned off, and the solenoid 73 is turned off.

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

Note that, as described above, the automatic bread maker 1 has a configuration in which no clutch is provided in the second power transmission unit, for 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). Even if the rotational power for rotating the driving shaft 11 is transmitted to the output shaft of the crushing motor 60, the kneading motor A large load is not applied to 50. And the manufacturing cost of an automatic bread maker is suppressed by employ | adopting the structure in which a clutch is not provided in a 2nd power transmission part in this way. However, it goes without saying that a configuration in which a clutch is provided in the second power transmission unit may be adopted.

FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a baking chamber in which a bread container is accommodated and its surroundings in the automatic bread maker of the first 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 this sheathed heater 31, it is possible to heat the bread ingredients in the bread container 80 (this expression may include bread dough).

Further, a bread container support portion 14 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die-cast product) that supports the bread container 80 is fixed to a location that is substantially at the 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 a countermeasure against sealing is taken. A container side coupling member 82a is fixed to the lower end of the blade rotation shaft 82 (projecting outward from the bottom of the bread container 80). In addition, a cylindrical pedestal 83 is provided on the bottom outer surface side of the bread container 80, and the bread container 80 is accommodated in the baking chamber 30 in a state where the pedestal 83 is received by the bread container support part 14. It has become so. The pedestal 83 may be formed separately from the bread container 80 or may be formed integrally with the bread container 80.

When the pedestal 83 of the bread container 80 is received in the baking chamber 30 in a state of being received by the bread container support portion 14, the container-side coupling member 82 a provided at the lower end of the blade rotation shaft 82 and the driving shaft 11. The coupling (coupling) with the driving shaft side coupling member 11a fixed to the upper end of the shaft can be obtained. As a result, the blade rotation shaft 82 can transmit the rotational power from the driving shaft 11.

The blade unit 90 (an example of the blade portion of the present invention) is detachably attached to a portion of the blade rotating shaft 82 protruding into the bread container 80 from above. The configuration of the blade unit 90 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 7A, 7B, 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment. 7A and 7B are views showing a configuration of a blade unit provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment, FIG. 7A is a schematic side view, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view at the position AA in FIG. 7A. 8A and 8B are schematic plan views of the blade unit included in the automatic bread maker according to the first embodiment when viewed from below, FIG. 8A is a view when the kneading blade is in a folded position, and FIG. 8B is a kneading position. It is a figure in case a braid | blade exists in an open attitude | position. 8A and 8B show a state in which a guard to be described later is removed. FIG. 9A and FIG. 9B are diagrams when the bread container provided in the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment is viewed from above. FIG. 9A is a view when the kneading blade is in a folded position, and FIG. 9B is a view when the kneading blade is in an open position.

The blade unit 90 is roughly divided into a unit shaft 91 (an example of the mounting portion of the present invention), a crushing blade 92 that is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to rotate relative to the unit shaft 91, and a blade that can rotate relative to the unit shaft 91 and crushing blade. The dome-shaped cover 93 (an example of the kneading blade support portion of the present invention) attached in a plan view so as to cover the 92 and the kneading blade 101 attached to the dome-shaped cover 93 so as to be relatively rotatable are configured. (For example, see FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B). In a state where the blade unit 90 is attached to the blade rotation shaft 82, the crushing blade 92 is positioned slightly above the bottom surface of the recess 81 of the bread container 80. Further, almost the entire grinding blade 92 and the dome-shaped cover 93 are accommodated in the recess 81.

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 (the lower end in FIGS. 6 and 7B), and the inside is hollow. That is, the insertion shaft 91c is formed in the unit shaft 91 (see FIG. 7B). In addition, a pair of notches 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). 6 shows only one of them). When the unit shaft 91 is put on the blade rotation shaft 82 (when the blade rotation shaft 82 is inserted into the insertion hole 91c), a pin (not shown) penetrating the blade rotation shaft 82 horizontally is formed in the notch 91a. The unit shaft 91 is engaged with the blade rotation shaft 82 so as not to be relatively rotatable.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the upper inner surface of the unit shaft 91 is engaged with the convex portion 82b provided at the center of the upper surface (substantially circular) of the blade rotation shaft 82 (shown by a broken line). A recess 91b is formed at the center. 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, unnecessary rattling during rotation of the blade 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 of, for example, a stainless steel plate, and the shape thereof is, for example, an airplane propeller. As shown in FIG. 6, an opening 92 a having a substantially rectangular shape in plan view is formed at the center of the grinding blade 92. The crushing blade 92 is attached from the lower side of the unit shaft 91 so that the unit shaft 91 is fitted into the opening 92a.

The lower side of the unit shaft 91 is shaped like a side surface of a cylinder, and when viewed from below, is substantially the same shape (substantially rectangular shape) as the opening 92a of the grinding blade 92. Further, the area when the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is viewed from below is slightly smaller than the opening 92a. Since such a shape is adopted, the grinding blade 92 is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to be relatively rotatable. Since the stopper member 94 for 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 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), FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7A, FIG. As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, a cushioning material 107 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 this embodiment, it is provided so as to protrude about 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 buffer material 107 is disposed so as not to directly contact the bread container 80 (inner wall) when the kneading blade 101 is in an open posture, which will be 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 the present 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 this embodiment, the complementary kneading blade 102 (for example, made of an aluminum alloy die cast product) is fixedly arranged 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 has two postures, a folded posture shown in FIGS. 5, 7A, 8A and 9A, and an open posture shown in FIGS. 8B and 9B. Take. 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 tip of the kneading blade 101 is moved to the open posture shown in FIG. 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. 8B) 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, the complementary kneading blade 102 is aligned with the kneading blade 101 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7A, for example. The size becomes larger.

Incidentally, as shown in FIG. 6, the unit shaft 91 includes a first engagement body 103 a that forms a cover clutch 103 (an example of the first clutch of the present invention) between the pulverization blade 92 and the seal cover 98. Is attached. For example, a substantially rectangular opening 103aa is formed in the first engagement body 103a made of, for example, zinc die casting, and the first rectangular body 103 in the lower side of the unit shaft 91 is fitted into the opening 103aa so that the first The engaging body 103a is attached to the unit shaft 91 so as not to be relatively rotatable. The first engaging body 103a is fitted from the lower side of the unit shaft 91 prior to the crushing blade 92, and the stopper member 94 prevents the unit shaft 91 from dropping off together with the crushing blade 92. In 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.

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

The cover clutch 103 composed of the first engagement body 103a and the second engagement body 103b functions as a clutch for switching whether or not to transmit the rotational power of the blade rotation shaft 82 to the dome-shaped cover 93. The cover clutch 103 is a 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 FIGS. 8A and 8B, the rotation is counterclockwise. 9A and 9B, the rotation is clockwise (corresponding to “one direction” in the present invention), and the rotational power of the blade rotation 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 drive shaft 11 (this rotation direction is referred to as “reverse rotation”. FIGS. 8A and 8B rotate clockwise, and FIGS. 9A and 9B show rotation directions). In this case, the cover clutch 103 does not transmit the rotational power of the blade rotating 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 engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b is the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a (although there are two in this embodiment). It is an angle that interferes with the rotation trajectory (see 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 engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b deviates from the rotation trajectory of the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a. (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 93d 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 so as to correspond to the windows 93d. Each rib 93e extends obliquely from the vicinity of the center of the dome-shaped cover 93 to the outer peripheral annular wall with respect to the radial direction, 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.

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

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

A total of four columns 106e (not limited to this configuration) are integrally formed at the periphery of the rim 106b 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 grooves 106 ea with the projections 93 f formed on the outer periphery of the dome-shaped cover 93 (all four are arranged at intervals of 90 °). . The groove 106ea and the protrusion 93f are provided so as to constitute a bayonet connection.

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 in the bread container 80, the bearing 95 is preferably a sealed structure so that the liquid does not enter 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).

By the way, when using the blade unit 90 of the present embodiment, bread ingredients (including bread dough) may enter between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 during the bread making operation. If the bread is baked in a state where the bread material enters between them, the unit shaft 91 may be fixed to the blade rotation shaft 82. In this case, a situation may occur in which the baked bread cannot be taken out from the bread container 80 because the blade unit 90 does not come off from the blade rotation shaft 82. In order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment is devised for control operations when bread is manufactured. This point will be described in detail in the operation description of the automatic bread maker 1 described later.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the control operation in the automatic bread maker 1 is performed by the control device 120. The control device 120 includes, for example, a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an I / O (input / output) circuit unit, and the like. . 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 controls driving of a clutch solenoid 73 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) that switches the state of the clutch 56 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) under a command from the control device 120. Circuit.

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.

2. Operation of automatic bread maker Next, the operation in the case of producing bread with the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment 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 the rice grain is used as a starting material, a bread-making course for rice grain is executed. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the flow of the rice grain bread-making course executed by the automatic bread maker of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11, in the bread making course for rice grains, the dipping process, the crushing 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 bread making course for rice grains, the user attaches the blade unit 90 to the blade rotation shaft 82 by covering the blade rotation shaft 82 of the bread container 80 with the unit shaft 91. Then, the user weighs rice grains, water, and seasonings (eg, salt, sugar, shortening, etc.) by a predetermined amount and puts them into the bread container 80.

Also, the user weighs the bread ingredients that are automatically input during the bread manufacturing process and puts them in the container body 42a of the bread ingredient storage container 42. When the user stores the bread ingredients to be stored in the container main body 42a, the container lid 42b is supported by the movable hook 42c so that the opening of the container main body 42a is closed by the container cover 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, for example, salt, sugar and shortening 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. It 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.

After this, the user puts the bread container 80 into the baking chamber 30 and further attaches the bread raw material 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 (automatic control) of the bread-making course for rice grain which manufactures bread using rice grain as a starting material.

When the bread making course for rice grain 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 rate of rice grains varies depending on the temperature of the water. If the water temperature is high, the water absorption rate increases, and if the water temperature is low, the water absorption rate decreases. For this reason, you may make it fluctuate | variate 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 has elapsed, the dipping process is terminated by the command of the control device 120, and the pulverizing process for pulverizing the rice grains is started. In this crushing step, the crushing 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 FIGS. 8A and 8B, and counterclockwise rotation in FIGS. 9A and 9B). Since the cutting blade of the crushing blade 92 is moved forward in the rotation direction by the reverse rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82, a crushing function using the crushing 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 FIGS. 9A and 9B, and the kneading blade 101 has been folded until then (see FIG. 9A). In the case of the posture shown in FIG. 9B, the resistance is changed to the open posture (posture shown in FIG. 9B) due to the resistance received from the mixture containing rice grains and water.

When the kneading blade 101 is in the open position, the engagement portion 103bb of the second engagement body 103b deviates from the rotation trajectory (see the broken line in FIG. 8B) of the engagement portion 103ab of the first engagement body 103a. 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 posture (more precisely, the buffer material 107 provided on the tip side) is formed on the inner wall of the bread container 80 (specifically, the grinding efficiency is improved). The rotation of the dome-shaped cover 93 is prevented (stopped) in order to abut against the bowl-shaped convex portion 80b provided on the inner wall of the bread container 80 for improvement.

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 in which water is soaked in the rice grains by the previously performed immersion step, so that 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 that has stopped rotating, and therefore the possibility that the rice grains scatter outside the bread container 80 is low. Further, the rice grains entering the dome-shaped cover 93 from the opening 106d of the guard 106 in the rotation stopped state are sheared between the stationary spoke 106c and the rotating pulverizing blade 92, so that the pulverization can be performed efficiently. Further, the rib 93e provided on the dome-shaped cover 93 suppresses the flow of the mixture containing rice grains and water (flow in the same direction as the rotation of the grinding blade 92), so that the grinding can be performed efficiently.

Further, the mixture containing the pulverized rice grains and water is guided in the direction of the window 93d by the ribs 93e, and discharged from the window 93d to the outside of the dome-shaped cover 93. Since the rib 93e is curved so that the side facing the mixture pressing toward it is convex, the mixture hardly stays on the surface of the rib 93e and flows smoothly toward the window 93d. Further, instead of the mixture being discharged from the inside of the dome-shaped cover 93, the mixture existing in the space above the concave portion 81 enters the concave portion 81 and passes through the opening portion 106d of the guard 106 from the concave portion 81. Enter the cover 93. Since the pulverization by the pulverization blade 92 is performed while being circulated as described above, the pulverization can be performed efficiently.

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

When the pulverization process is completed, the 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 is completed, 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 FIGS. 8A and 8B and clockwise rotation in FIGS. 9A and 9B).

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 pulverizing blade 92 rotates with the cutting blade behind in the rotation direction, and does not exhibit the pulverizing 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 FIGS. 9A and 9B), the kneading blade 101 receives resistance from the non-flowing bread ingredients and is folded from the open position (see FIG. 9B). Change the angle to (see FIG. 9A). Thereby, 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. 8A) 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 surely connect the cover clutch 103 described above, the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 at the initial stage of the kneading process is preferably 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 is stopped. You may decide to throw in in the state which is carrying out. However, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to add the bread ingredients while the kneading blade 101 is rotated because the bread ingredients are 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 also rotates in the forward direction together with the dome-shaped cover 93. The spoke 106c of the guard 106 has a shape in which the center side of the guard 106 precedes and the outer peripheral side of the guard 106 follows when rotating in the forward direction. For this purpose, the guard 106 rotates in the forward direction to push the bread ingredients inside and outside the dome-shaped cover 93 outward with the spokes 106c. Thereby, the ratio of the raw material used as a waste after baking bread can be reduced.

Further, the pillar 106e of the guard 106 has a side surface 106eb (see FIG. 6) which is the front surface in the rotation direction when the guard 106 rotates in the forward direction, and is inclined upward. Bread ingredients are sprung upward on the front surface of the column 106e. For this reason, the ratio of the raw material which becomes waste after baking bread can be reduced.

In the automatic bread maker 1, a predetermined time (10 minutes in this embodiment) obtained experimentally as a time for obtaining bread dough having a desired elasticity is employed as the time for the kneading process. 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, when bread containing ingredients (for example, raisins, nuts, cheese, etc.) is baked, the ingredients may be introduced during the kneading process.

When the kneading process is completed, before the fermentation process is started, a rotation operation in which the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed with the rotation of the kneading blade 101 stopped by a command from the control device 120 (the rotation operation of the present invention). Example) is performed. This rotational movement is caused by the bread ingredients (including bread dough) that have entered between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 (such as the notch 91a portion and the gap portion of the insertion hole 91c into which the blade rotation shaft 82 is inserted). , Aimed at being removed from between the two. In order to perform this rotation operation, the control device 120 performs a control operation described below.

First, the control device 120 drives the clutch solenoid 73 so that the clutch 56 cuts off the power (the state shown in FIG. 3A). Then, the control device 120 drives the grinding motor 60 to slowly rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction (clockwise rotation in FIGS. 8A and 8B and counterclockwise rotation in FIGS. 9A and 9B). At the end of the kneading process, the kneading blade 101 is in a folded posture.

As the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates at a low speed (for example, about 3500 rpm), the kneading blade 101 turns to the open posture by the resistance received from the bread dough, as described in the pulverization step. When the kneading blade 101 is in the open posture, the first engaging body 103a and the second engaging body 103b are not engaged with each other, so the cover clutch 103 disconnects the blade rotation shaft 82 from the dome-shaped cover 93. In addition, a part of the kneading blade 101 in the open posture (more precisely, the cushioning material 107 provided on the front end side) comes into contact with the inner wall of the bread container 80. For this reason, the rotation of the kneading blade 101 and the dome-shaped cover 93 is stopped.

The control device 120 estimates the timing at which the rotation of the kneading blade 101 is stopped (in this embodiment, the low-speed rotation period is 3 seconds), and the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the reverse direction by the grinding motor 60. Switching from low speed rotation to high speed rotation (for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm). Note that the timing at which the rotation of the kneading blade 101 is stopped may be obtained in advance through experiments or the like. The predetermined time determined based on the obtained timing may be stored in the ROM of the control device 120 or the like. If it does in this way, switching from the above-mentioned low speed rotation to high speed rotation will be made at an appropriate timing. Moreover, what is necessary is just to make the rotation speed at the time of high speed rotation the same as the rotation speed of the blade rotating shaft 82 in the grinding | pulverization process, for example. Further, the time for rotating the blade rotating shaft 82 at a high speed is not particularly limited, but may be a short time (for example, 5 seconds).

By performing the rotation operation of the blade rotation shaft 82 as described above, not only the centrifugal force due to the rotation but also the influence of vibration generated by the high-speed rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 is added. It can be expected that the bread ingredients (including dough) interposed between the two are removed from between the two. When the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed, the kneading blade 101 (also the dome-shaped cover 93) is in a stopped state. For this reason, this rotating operation does not adversely affect the dough kneaded in the kneading process.

When the rotation operation performed after the kneading process is completed, 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.). The bread dough is left for a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 60 minutes) in an environment where fermentation proceeds.

In some cases, in the middle of this fermentation process, the kneading blade 101 (necessary to change from the open position to the folded position) may be rotated to perform degassing or rounding of the dough.

When the fermentation process is finished, 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).

In this embodiment, the control device 120 performs the same rotation operation (the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 using the grinding motor 60) as performed between the kneading step and the fermentation step 5 minutes after the firing step is started. The rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 is controlled so that reverse rotation, first low-speed rotation, and later high-speed rotation) are performed. The bread ingredients (including the bread dough) that have entered between the blade rotating shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 may not be sufficiently removed by only the rotating operation performed between the kneading process and the fermentation process. In addition, after the fermentation process, the bread dough entering between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 is likely to enter the insertion hole 91c due to swelling of the dough. In consideration of this, a rotation operation (an example of the rotation operation of the present invention) for rotating the blade rotation shaft 82 at a high speed is performed again during the firing process.

The reason why the rotation operation is performed 5 minutes after the start of the firing process is as follows. Compared with the case where the rotation operation (high-speed rotation of the blade rotation shaft) is performed before heat is transmitted to the blade rotation shaft 82 or the unit shaft 91, the rotation operation is performed after a certain amount of heat is transmitted to these. This is because the effect of taking out the bread ingredients (including bread dough) entering between the blade rotating shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 is increased.

On the other hand, if the time from the start of the baking process to the time when the rotation operation is performed becomes too long, the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 may already be fixed due to the baking of the bread ingredients. Get higher. When the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed in such a state where the sticking occurs, the sticking may be peeled off, but the possibility is low, and the significance of rotating the blade rotation shaft 82 at a high speed is considered to be reduced. . As described above, the timing for performing the rotation operation is set to 5 minutes after a lapse of time since the firing process is started. However, 5 minutes after the start of the firing process is an example, and it is natural that the process may be changed as appropriate.

In this embodiment, the kneading blade 101 should be in an open posture at the stage where the firing process is started, and the kneading blade 101 hardly moves even when the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the reverse direction. It should be. For this reason, in the rotation operation started 5 minutes after the firing step, the blade rotation shaft 82 may be suddenly rotated at a high speed. However, in order to ensure that the kneading blade 101 is brought into contact with the wall surface of the bread container 80 and stopped rotating, the blade rotating shaft 82 is temporarily lowered in order to perform high-speed rotation of the blade rotating shaft 82. It is preferable to shift to high speed rotation after rotating. If the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed while the kneading blade 101 is rotated, the fermented bread dough may be damaged. Further, when the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed while the kneading blade 101 is rotated, the grinding motor 60 and the bearing 95 are likely to be burdened due to the resistance received from the bread dough. It can also be a cause. In order to avoid these situations, it is preferable that the rotation operation is performed, and the rotation operation (after the kneading process and 5 minutes after the start of the baking process) in the automatic bread maker 1 of the present embodiment is initially slow. The control is rotation and then high-speed rotation.

The end of the firing process is notified to the user by, for example, a display on the liquid crystal display panel of the operation unit 20 or a notification sound. When the user detects the completion of bread making, the user opens the lid 40 and takes out the bread container 80 to complete the bread production. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that the rotation operation of rotating the blade rotating shaft 82 by stopping the rotation of the kneading blade 101 is performed between the kneading process and the fermentation process and after 5 minutes from the start of the baking process. Therefore, it is suppressed that the bread ingredients (including bread dough) remain between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91. As a result, in the baking process, the situation where the bread material is baked and the blade rotating shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 are fixed is reduced. For this reason, the user can easily take out the bread from the bread container 80 while pulling out the blade unit 90 from the blade rotation shaft 82.

It should be noted that burn marks of the kneading blade 101 and the complementary kneading blade 102 (projecting upward from the recess 81 of the bread container 80) remain on the bottom of the bread. 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.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the automatic bread maker of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated. The automatic bread maker of the second embodiment has almost the same configuration and operation as the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the automatic bread maker according to the second embodiment will be described by focusing on a different part from the automatic bread maker 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, below, the part which overlaps with the automatic bread maker 1 of 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects and demonstrates the same code | symbol.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the automatic bread maker 2 of the second embodiment is different from the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment in that an abnormality detection unit 17 is provided. The abnormality detection unit 17 is a means for detecting an abnormal state that hinders rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 (see, for example, FIG. 4) using the pulverization motor 60. The abnormality detection unit 17 is an example of the abnormality detection unit of the present invention, and the presence of the abnormality detection unit 17 can improve the safety of the user and can reduce the failure of the apparatus.

The abnormality detection unit 17 includes a motor sensor 171, a clutch sensor 172, a lid sensor 173, and a bread container sensor 174. The motor sensor 171 is an example of a motor abnormality detection unit. The clutch sensor 172 is an example of a clutch abnormality detection unit. The lid sensor 173 is an example of a lid abnormality detection unit. The bread container sensor 174 is an example of a bread container abnormality detection unit.

The motor sensor 171 is a sensor for detecting an abnormal operation of the crushing motor 60, and for example, monitors a current value in the crushing motor 60. And the control apparatus 120 which receives the information (signal) from the sensor 171 for motors detects the abnormal operation (abnormal state) of the crushing motor 60, for example, when the electric current value in the crushing motor 60 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. This is because if the pulverization motor 60 is continuously used in such a state, it causes a failure of the apparatus.

In principle, the control device 120 (exception will be described later) stops driving the crushing motor 60 and stops the bread manufacturing process when such an abnormal operation is detected. This stop may simply end the execution of the bread manufacturing process as it is, but may resume (return) the execution of the bread manufacturing process under certain conditions. Also good.

The clutch sensor 172 is a sensor that detects the power transmission state of the clutch 56 (see FIGS. 2, 3A, and 3B, an example of the second clutch) included in the first power transmission unit. As this sensor, for example, a contact type (mechanical) sensor such as a micro switch, a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor, or the like can be used. As a more specific configuration, for example, a configuration in which the microswitch is turned on and off depending on the position of the arm portion 72 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) that moves the first clutch member 561 up and down can be employed.

When the control device 120 that receives information (signal) from the clutch sensor 172 receives information that the clutch 56 is in a state of transmitting power before starting (or during driving) of the crushing motor 60, the control device 120 receives the information. Detects abnormal operation (abnormal state). This is because, if the pulverization motor 60 is driven in such a state, an overload is applied to the pulverization motor 60 as described above, causing a failure. In principle, the control device 120 (exception will be described later) does not start (or stops) the driving of the crushing motor 60 when such an abnormal operation is detected, and executes the bread manufacturing process. Stop. This stop may simply end the execution of the bread manufacturing process as it is, but may resume (return) the execution of the bread manufacturing process under certain conditions. Also good.

The lid sensor 173 is a sensor that detects the open / closed state of the lid 40 that opens and closes the baking chamber 30. As this sensor, for example, a contact type (mechanical) sensor such as a micro switch, a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor, or the like can be used. As a more specific configuration, for example, a configuration in which a permanent magnet is attached to the lid 40 side and a magnetic sensor is attached to the main body side can be employed.

When the control device 120 that receives information (signal) from the lid sensor 173 receives information that the lid 40 is open before (or during) driving of the crushing motor 60, the controller 120 opens and closes the lid 40. Detect abnormalities related to conditions. This is because if the crushing motor 60 is driven in a state where the lid 40 is opened, there is a possibility that the user may be in danger. In principle, the control device 120 (exception will be described later) does not start (or stops) the driving of the crushing motor 60 when such an abnormal state is detected, and executes the bread manufacturing process. Stop. This stop may simply end the execution of the bread manufacturing process as it is, or may restart the execution of the bread manufacturing process under certain conditions.

The bread container sensor 174 is a sensor that detects whether or not the bread container 80 (see, for example, FIGS. 1 and 4) accommodated in the baking chamber 30 is in a fixed position. As this sensor, for example, a contact type (mechanical) sensor such as a micro switch, a non-contact type sensor such as an optical sensor, or the like can be used. As a more specific configuration, for example, when the bread container 80 is stored in a fixed position, the micro switch is turned on, and the bread container 80 moves in the storage direction of the baking chamber 30 (vertical direction in FIG. 4). It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the microswitch is turned off when a predetermined amount is lifted from.

The control device 120 that receives information (signal) from the bread container sensor 174 indicates that the bread container 80 is in a state of being floated by a predetermined amount from the fixed position before starting the driving of the crushing motor 60 (or during driving). Is received, an abnormality relating to the position of the bread container 80 is detected. This is because the driving of the grinding motor 60 in such a state causes a failure of the apparatus. In principle, the control device 120 (exception will be described later) does not start (or stops) the driving of the crushing motor 60 when such an abnormal state is detected, and executes the bread manufacturing process. Stop. This stop may simply end the execution of the bread manufacturing process as it is, or may restart the execution of the bread manufacturing process under certain conditions.

Similarly to the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment, the automatic bread maker 2 of the second embodiment also sets the blade rotation shaft 82 between the kneading process and the fermentation process and 5 minutes after the start of the baking process. A rotation operation that rotates in the reverse direction (an example of the rotation operation of the present invention) is performed. This is intended to prevent the blade rotating shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 (for example, see FIG. 6) from sticking, as in the case of the first embodiment. By the way, when the above-described abnormality detection unit 17 is provided while adopting such a configuration, the following points are problematic.

That is, it is possible that an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detection unit 17 immediately before or during the rotation operation described above. In such a case, according to the above-mentioned principle, it is also possible to stop the bread manufacturing process by not starting the rotation operation using the grinding motor 60 or stopping the rotation operation. However, in this case, in the worst case, the bread manufacturing process ends without the bread being baked, even though the bread manufacturing process has progressed by more than half. For this reason, depending on the user, there is a possibility that materials, time, and the like are wasted and an impression that the user experience is poor.

In consideration of this point, in the automatic bread maker 2 of the second embodiment, the control device 120 detects an abnormal state based on information from the abnormality detection unit 17 immediately before or during the rotation operation described above. In such a case, an exception process as shown in FIG. 13 is performed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an exceptional process flow when an abnormal state is detected in the automatic bread maker of the second embodiment.

When the bread manufacturing process (for example, the manufacturing process shown in FIG. 11 corresponds) is started, the control device 120 rotates the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction between the rotation process (here, the kneading process and the fermentation process). It continues to check whether or not it is time to start the rotation operation (step S1).

When it is time to start the rotation operation described above (Yes in step S1), the control device 120 confirms whether or not an abnormal state is detected based on information from the abnormality detection unit 17 before starting the rotation operation. (Step S2). When the abnormal state is detected (Yes in Step S2), the control device 120 cancels the scheduled rotation operation using the grinding motor 60 while continuing the execution of the bread manufacturing process. Judgment is made and such an operation is executed (step S3).

Thereafter, the control device 120 confirms whether or not there is a plan to perform a further rotation operation (here, a rotation operation that rotates the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction after 5 minutes from the start of the firing process) (step). S4). If there is no plan for the rotation operation (Yes in step S4), the exception processing operation at the time of detecting the abnormal state is ended. On the other hand, when there is a plan for the rotation operation (No in step S4), the process returns to step S1. At this stage, the rotation operation in step S1 corresponds to the rotation operation that rotates the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction 5 minutes after the start of the firing process. In addition, when an abnormal state is detected before the start of the first rotation operation (rotation operation performed between the kneading process and the fermentation process), at that stage, the next rotation operation (5 minutes from the start of the baking process). The rotation operation performed later) may also be canceled.

If no abnormal state is detected in step S2 (No in step S2), the control device 120 executes a scheduled rotation operation (step S5). And the control apparatus 120 confirms whether the abnormal state was detected by the information from the abnormality detection part 17 during rotation operation (step S6). When an abnormal state is detected (Yes in step S6), the control device 120 determines that the rotation operation being performed is to be stopped while continuing the execution of the bread manufacturing process, and performs such an operation. (Step S7). After that, it progresses to step S4 and the above-mentioned process is performed.

In addition, when an abnormal state is detected in step S6, the rotation operation scheduled thereafter may be canceled.

If no abnormal state is detected in step S6 (No in step S6), the control device 120 confirms whether or not the rotation operation is finished (step S8). If the rotation operation is not completed (No in step S8), the process returns to step S6. On the other hand, when the rotation operation is completed (Yes in step S8), the process proceeds to step S4, and the above-described processing is performed.

As described above, the control device 120 executes the bread manufacturing process as a general rule when an abnormal state is detected by information from the abnormality detection unit 17 when the rotation operation is started or during the rotation operation. Rather than stop the process, continue the bread manufacturing process (performs an exception to the above principle). However, if the rotation operation is performed by driving the crushing motor 60 even though an abnormal state is detected, the user may be in danger or may cause a failure of the apparatus. Or “cancel”. As a result, the user may suffer from the disadvantage that it is difficult to take out the baked bread, but the user can manufacture the bread while avoiding waste of materials and time.

If no abnormal state is detected, the bread production process proceeds as planned, and the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates in the reverse direction between the kneading process and the fermentation process and 5 minutes after the start of the baking process. Operation is performed. For this reason, the baked bread can be easily taken out from the bread container 80.

Also, as can be seen from the above, the control device 120 detects an abnormal state based on information from the abnormality detection unit 17 and determines whether to continue the bread manufacturing process or cancel the rotation operation. That is, the control device 120 is an example of a determination unit of the present invention.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the automatic bread maker of 3rd Embodiment is demonstrated. The automatic bread maker of the third embodiment is almost the same in configuration and operation as the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the automatic bread maker according to the third embodiment will be described by focusing on portions different from the automatic bread maker 1 according to the first embodiment. In addition, below, the part which overlaps with the automatic bread maker 1 of 1st Embodiment attaches | subjects and demonstrates the same code | symbol.

In the automatic bread maker 1 having the configuration of the first embodiment, for example, the inside of the dome-shaped cover 93 (between the grinding blade 92 and the cover 93, etc.), the notch 91a of the unit shaft 91, and the spokes 106c of the guard 106 In some cases, bread ingredients (including bread dough) may be sandwiched and remain. As a result, after the bread has been baked, these residues may be burned out and become soiled. The automatic bread maker of the third embodiment is configured such that such dirt on the blade unit 90 can be easily washed after the bread is manufactured.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the automatic bread maker of the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 14, the automatic bread maker 3 of the third embodiment includes a cleaning key 21 (an example of the input unit of the present invention) in the operation unit 20 and a lid 40 (see FIG. 1). It differs from the automatic bread maker 1 of the first embodiment in that it includes a lid opening / closing detection sensor 18 (an example of a lid opening / closing detection unit of the present invention) that detects an open / closed state.

The cleaning key 21 is provided so that the user can input a cleaning command for cleaning the blade unit 90 after baking is completed. The control device 120 executes a cleaning operation (details will be described later) for cleaning the blade unit 90 in response to an input signal (command from the user) from the cleaning key 21.

The lid open / close detection sensor 17 is, for example, a magnetic sensor used in a pair with a magnet, a photosensor such as a photo interrupter (so-called transmission type or reflection type) having a light emitting part and a light receiving part, a metal sensor, and the like. (When the lid 40 is made of metal, the metal sensor can be used to detect opening and closing of the lid), or a mechanical sensor such as a microswitch.

An example of the operation of the automatic bread maker 3 when the blade unit 90 is cleaned (when the cleaning key 21 is pressed) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic bread maker when the washing key provided in the automatic bread maker of the third embodiment is pressed.

The user attaches the blade unit 90 (see FIG. 4) taken out from the bread container 80 together with the bread to the blade rotation shaft 82 before pressing the cleaning key 21. Specifically, the user puts the unit shaft 91 (see FIG. 6) on the blade rotation shaft 82. Before and after the operation of attaching the blade unit 90, the user puts water and a detergent (for example, a commercially available dishwashing detergent) into the bread container 80. Although a detergent is not always necessary, it is preferable to add it together with water. Further, the amount of water input may be changed as appropriate. For example, the amount of water may be such that the dome-shaped cover 93 of the blade unit 90 is immersed in water.

Thereafter, when the user puts the bread container 80 into the baking chamber 30 of the automatic bread maker 3, closes the lid 40 (see FIG. 1), and presses the cleaning key 21, the control device 120 performs a predetermined confirmation as will be described later. After performing the operation, a cleaning operation for cleaning the blade unit 90 is started. Of course, the blade unit 90 may be attached or water or the like may be charged into the bread container 80 while the bread container 80 is in the baking chamber 30.

When the cleaning key 21 is pressed, the control device 120 checks whether or not the cleaning operation for cleaning the blade unit 90 may be started (step S11). Specifically, the control device 120 checks whether or not the lid 40 of the automatic bread maker 3 is in a closed state based on information from the lid opening / closing detection sensor 17. As will be described later, in the cleaning operation, the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed. If the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed with the lid 40 opened, the user may be exposed to danger. The opening / closing confirmation of the lid 40 is performed with the aim of avoiding such danger.

If the control device 120 determines that the lid 40 is open (No in step S11), for example, an error is displayed on the display unit (provided in the operation unit 20), and the cleaning operation is not started. The operation related to the cleaning is terminated. When it is determined that the lid 40 is open, a message indicating that the lid 40 is to be closed may be displayed on the display unit.

The control device 120 also checks whether or not the automatic bread maker 3 is executing a bread making operation for producing bread. This is to avoid a situation where the cleaning operation is started during the bread making operation. When it is determined that the bread making operation is being performed (No in step S11), the control device 120 displays an error on the display unit, for example, and ends the operation related to the cleaning without starting the cleaning operation. When it is determined that the lid 40 is closed and the bread making operation is not performed (Yes in step S11), the control device 120 determines that the cleaning operation may be started.

When the control device 120 determines that the cleaning operation may be started, the control device 120 starts time measurement. And the control apparatus 120 confirms whether the predetermined period passed (step S12). The control device 120 performs this confirmation operation until a predetermined period elapses. That is, in this embodiment, the control device 120 determines that the cleaning operation may be started, and does not immediately start the cleaning operation, but starts the cleaning operation after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. It is like that. This waiting time is provided for the purpose of immersing dirt (baked bread dough etc.) adhering to the blade unit 90 in a liquid and softening it. When the predetermined period has elapsed, the control device 120 starts the cleaning operation.

Specifically, the control device 120 rotates the blade rotation shaft 82 at a low speed for a predetermined period (for example, about 5 seconds) (step S13). The rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 at this time is obtained by driving the crushing motor 60, and is rotated counterclockwise (reverse rotation) when the bread container 80 is viewed from above (see FIGS. 9A and 9B). . That is, the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the same direction as in the pulverization step. Then, during the period during which the low-speed rotation is performed, the kneading blade 101 of the blade unit 90 is in an open posture and abuts against the inner wall of the bread container 80 as described in the pulverization step. As a result, the rotation of the dome-shaped cover 93 and the kneading blade 101 is stopped.

The control device 120 drives the clutch solenoid 73 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B) so that the clutch 56 shuts off the power, and then starts the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 described above.

When a predetermined period for performing the low speed rotation elapses, the control device 120 uses the grinding motor 60 to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 at a high speed for a predetermined period (for example, about 25 seconds) (step S14). The rotation direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 at this time is the same as the previous low-speed rotation, and the rotation speed at this time is, for example, 7000 to 8000 rpm. Since the pulverizing blade 92 is rotated at a high speed as the blade rotation shaft 82 rotates at high speed, a high-speed water flow is generated in the bread container 80, and the dirt attached to the blade unit 90 can be effectively removed.

In this embodiment, the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a low speed, and the rotation of the dome-shaped cover 93 and the kneading blade 101 is reliably stopped, and then the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed. For this reason, compared with the case where the blade rotating shaft 82 is suddenly rotated at a high speed, the scattering of the liquid in the bread container 80 can be reduced. Further, the low-speed rotation in step 13 and the high-speed rotation in step S14 are examples of the “rotation operation executed by a command from the user” in the present invention.

When a predetermined period of time for high-speed rotation elapses, the control device 120 stops the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 (step S15). Thereafter, the control device 120 checks whether or not the number of times that the series of operations of Steps S13 to S15 has been performed has reached a predetermined number (Step S16). When the above-described series of operations reaches a predetermined number of times (Yes in step S16), the control device 120 ends the cleaning operation.

On the other hand, when the above-described series of operations has not reached the predetermined number of times (No in step S16), the control device 120 sets a pause period during which the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 is stopped for a predetermined period (for example, 4 minutes). (Step S17). Thereafter, steps S13 to S15 are performed again, and this repetition is terminated when the number of times that the series of operations of steps S13 to S15 has been performed reaches a predetermined number. In this embodiment, since the cleaning operation using the high-speed water flow is repeatedly performed, a pause period is provided during which the dirt attached to the blade unit 90 is softened with liquid during the rotation period in which the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated. Therefore, the cleaning effect is enhanced.

When the cleaning operation is completed, the user takes out the bread container 80 from the baking chamber 30 and removes the blade unit 90 from the bread container 80. By the cleaning operation using the high-speed rotation, for example, dirt attached to the inside of the dome-shaped cover 90 or between the spokes 106c of the guard 106 (see FIG. 6) is washed away cleanly. In other words, the user can easily wash the blade unit 90 by hand (for example, it is only necessary to flow water after the washing by the automatic bread maker 3).

(Other)
The embodiment of the automatic bread maker shown 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 shown above.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the rotation operation is performed to rotate the blade rotation shaft 82 in the reverse direction between the kneading process and the fermentation process and 5 minutes after the start of the baking process (the rotation operation is performed). Twice). However, the timing and number of times that this rotation operation is performed are not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and may be changed as appropriate. If this rotation operation is performed at least once at an appropriate timing within the period from the end of the kneading process to the end of the baking process, the bread ingredients (including the dough) are baked and the blade unit 90 comes off the blade rotation shaft 82. The effect which reduces the situation where there is no is acquired. For example, it is good also as a structure etc. in which this rotation operation is performed only in any one of between a kneading process and a fermentation process, and 5 minutes after a baking process start. In some cases, the rotating operation is performed even after the firing step, provided that the rotating operation is performed at least once at an appropriate timing within the period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step. It may be. Note that the automatic bread maker of the third embodiment may be configured such that this rotation operation that is automatically executed by the control device 120 is not performed.

In the embodiment described above, the shape of the notch 91a provided in the unit shaft 91 is configured as shown in the upper part (a) of FIG. That is, when the unit shaft 91 is viewed from the side, the width of the notch 91a (the length in the left-right direction in FIG. 16A) is the pin 821 provided on the blade rotating shaft 82 (the protrusion of the present invention). The length of the blade rotation shaft 82 was almost the same as the diameter of (example) (exactly slightly larger), and was constant along the insertion direction of the blade rotation shaft 82 (from the bottom to the top in FIG. 16). Exactly speaking, the vicinity of the portion where the pin 821 on the back side in the insertion direction abuts has an arc shape in plan view, and the width thereof is not constant.

However, the shape of the notch 91a provided in the unit shaft 91 is not limited to this configuration, and may be a configuration as shown in the lower part (b) of FIG. That is, when the unit shaft 91 is viewed from the side, the notch 91a has an inclined portion 91aa whose width gradually decreases from the front side in the insertion direction in which the blade rotation shaft 82 is inserted toward the back side. It may be provided.

In the modification shown in FIG. 16B, the width of the notch 91a is equal to the diameter of the pin 821 on the back side in the insertion direction, as in FIG. 16A, and on the near side in the insertion direction. The width of the pin 821 is wider. When the inclined portion 91aa is provided (tapered) as shown in FIG. 16B, the bread dough D sandwiched between the notches 91 is inclined when the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a high speed. It becomes easy to flow toward the portion 91aa. For this reason, the bread dough D etc. which were pinched | interposed into the notch 91a can be effectively removed by the above-mentioned high-speed rotation of the blade rotating shaft 82 performed between the kneading process and the fermentation process, for example. That is, by adopting the configuration shown in FIG. 16B, the sticking between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the unit shaft 91 is more effectively reduced, and the user can easily take out the bread from the bread container 80.

In the embodiment described above, the configuration and operation of the automatic bread maker have been described by taking as an example the case where rice grains are used as a starting 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.

In the above, the case where rice grains (cereal grains) are used as the starting material has been shown. However, the automatic bread maker 1 to 3 of the embodiment described above uses, for example, cereal flour such as wheat flour or rice flour as the starting material. Can also be used to produce bread. When wheat flour or rice flour is used as a starting material, the grinding blade 92 is not necessary. Therefore, in this case, a bread container or a blade unit different from those shown above may be used.

The present invention can also be applied to a case where bread is baked using grain flour such as wheat flour or rice flour as a starting material. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to an automatic bread maker that does not have a grinding blade. However, in this case, the automatic bread maker needs to include a blade portion configured to rotate the blade rotation shaft (high-speed rotation) while stopping the rotation of the kneading blade. As such a blade portion, for example, a configuration in which the pulverization blade 92 of the blade unit 90 of the present embodiment is erased (in this case, the dome-shaped cover 93 (kneading blade support portion) may be a simple disk or the like. Not).

In addition, the manufacturing flow of the rice grain breadmaking course shown above is an example, and other manufacturing flow may be used. 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 bread 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. In this case, the rotation operation for reducing the adhesion between the blade rotation shaft 82 and the blade unit 90 is also performed using this one motor.

In the second embodiment described above, the abnormality detection unit 17 includes the motor sensor 171, the clutch sensor 172, the lid sensor 173, and the bread container sensor 174. However, the present invention is not intended to be limited to such a configuration. That is, the configuration in which the abnormality detection unit 17 includes at least one of the four sensors 171 to 174 is within the scope of the present invention. In addition to the four sensors 171 to 174, the abnormality detection unit 17 is a means for detecting an abnormal state that hinders the rotation of the blade rotation shaft 82 using the other motors (the grinding motor 60). Including the other sensors (same as described above) other than the four sensors 171 to 174 are also within the scope of the present invention.

In the second embodiment described above, the abnormality detection unit 17 is a means for detecting an abnormal state that hinders the rotation of the crushing motor 60. However, as mentioned above, the scope of the present invention includes, for example, an automatic bread maker having only one motor. Further, the scope of the present invention includes, for example, an automatic bread maker that does not have a crushing function. For this reason, the abnormality detection unit of the present invention can be said to be a means for detecting an abnormal state that hinders the rotation of the blade rotation shaft.

In the third embodiment described above, a cleaning operation for cleaning the blade unit 90 (including a rotation operation for stopping the rotation of the kneading blade 101 and rotating the blade rotation shaft 82) is started before starting. The waiting time is provided. However, this waiting time is not essential, and the operation in step S12 in FIG. 15 may be omitted.

In the third embodiment described above, when the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated in the cleaning operation, the blade rotation shaft 82 is rotated at a low speed in the initial stage, and then is rotated at a high speed. However, depending on circumstances, the blade rotation shaft 82 may be configured to rotate suddenly at a high speed. For example, if the blade unit 90 is attached to the bread container 80 so that the kneading blade 101 is in the open posture and abuts against the inner wall of the bread container 80, the bread container is suddenly rotated at a high speed. The situation where the water in 80 scatters can be suppressed.

Further, in the third embodiment described above, in the cleaning operation of the blade unit 90, the rotation period and the pause period are alternately repeated until the number of times the rotation period is executed reaches a predetermined number. It has become. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, for example, a configuration in which the rotation period is performed only once may be employed. *

In the third embodiment described above, a cleaning command for cleaning the blade unit 90 is input by the cleaning key 21. However, the input of the cleaning command is not limited to the configuration of the embodiment, and of course, other input forms such as an input using a touch panel and an input using a remote controller may be used.

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

1, 2, 3 Automatic bread maker 10 Main body 17 Abnormality detection unit 18 Lid opening / closing detection sensor (Lid opening / closing detection unit)
21 Cleaning key (input section)
30 Firing chamber 40 Lid (lid)
50 Kneading motor (first motor)
60 Crushing motor (second motor)
80 Bread container 82 Blade rotating shaft 90 Blade unit (blade part)
91 Unit shaft (mounting part)
91a Notch 91aa Inclined part 91c Insertion hole 92 Grinding blade 93 Dome-shaped cover (kneading blade support part)
101 Kneading blade 103 Cover clutch (first clutch)
106 Guard 120 Control device (determination unit)
821 pin (protrusion)

Claims (18)

1. A main body having a firing chamber;
   A bread container housed in the baking chamber and having a rotating shaft at the bottom;
   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;
   An insertion hole in which the rotation shaft is inserted is provided so as to be non-rotatably attached to the rotation shaft, and a case where the rotation portion is rotated with rotation of the attachment portion and a case where the rotation portion is not rotated are provided. A blade portion having a kneading blade and detachable from the rotary shaft;
   With
   An automatic bread maker, wherein a rotation operation for stopping the rotation of the kneading blade and rotating the rotating shaft is executed automatically or by a command from a user.
2. When the kneading step of kneading bread dough using the kneading blade, the fermentation step of fermenting the kneaded bread dough, and the bread manufacturing step including baking the fermented bread dough are performed, the kneading step The automatic bread maker according to claim 1, wherein the rotation operation is automatically executed at least once within a period from the end to the end of the baking step.
3. A kneading blade support portion that is rotatably attached to the attachment portion and supports the kneading blade, and a first clutch that switches a connection state between the rotating shaft and the kneading blade support portion. , Further included,
   The kneading blade is rotatably attached to the kneading blade support, and has two postures, a folding posture that is used in the kneading step and an open posture that is in contact with the inner wall of the bread container. It can be taken,
   When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the kneading blade is in the folded position, the first clutch connects the rotating shaft and the kneading blade support, and the kneading blade support and the kneading blade The blade rotates with the axis of rotation;
   When the rotating shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the kneading blade turns to the opening posture, the first clutch disconnects the rotating shaft and the kneading blade support portion, and the kneading blade The support portion and the kneading blade are in a rotation stopped state,
   3. The automatic bread maker according to claim 2, wherein the rotating shaft rotates in the reverse direction during the rotating operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step.
4. The blade part further includes a grinding blade that is non-rotatably attached to the attachment part,
   The kneading blade support is a dome-shaped cover that covers the grinding blade,
   The automatic bread maker according to claim 3, wherein the bread manufacturing process includes a crushing process that is performed before the kneading process and crushes cereal grains with the crushing blade.
5. The maximum rotation speed of the rotating shaft during the rotating operation performed within the period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step is the maximum rotation speed of the rotating shaft when rotating the pulverizing blade in the pulverizing step. The automatic bread maker according to claim 4, which is equivalent to a rotation speed.
6. The motor is used in the first motor used in the kneading step, the crushing step, and the rotation operation performed within the period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step. The automatic bread maker according to claim 4, wherein the second motor is included.
7. The automatic operation according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step is performed between the kneading step and the fermentation step. Baking machine.
8. The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step is performed during the baking step.
9. The rotating shaft is provided with a protruding portion protruding from a side surface thereof,
   The side wall of the mounting portion is formed with a notch that engages with the protrusion when the rotating shaft is inserted into the insertion hole.
   The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notch has an inclined portion whose width gradually decreases from the front side in the insertion direction in which the rotating shaft is inserted to the back side.
10. An abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormal state that hinders rotation of the rotating shaft;
    When the abnormal state is detected based on information from the abnormality detection unit when starting the rotation operation performed within a period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the baking step, the panning is performed. A determination to stop execution of the rotation operation when the rotation operation is not executed, and to stop execution of the rotation operation when the rotation operation is being executed. And
    The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising:
11. The bread manufacturing process further includes a pulverizing step that is performed before the kneading step and pulverizes the grains with a pulverizing blade,
    The motor is used in the first motor used in the kneading step, the crushing step, and the rotation operation performed within the period from the end of the kneading step to the end of the firing step. And a second motor
    The automatic bread maker according to claim 10, wherein the abnormality detection unit detects an abnormal state that hinders the rotation of the rotating shaft by driving the second motor.
12. An input unit for inputting a cleaning command for cleaning the blade unit;
    The automatic bread maker according to claim 1, wherein the rotation operation is executed in accordance with a user's washing command input from the input unit.
13. The blade portion includes a pulverization blade used for pulverizing cereal grains in the bread container, a cover that covers the pulverization blade and has the kneading blade on an outer surface, and a connection between the rotating shaft and the cover. And a first clutch for switching the state,
    The grinding blade is non-rotatably attached to the attachment portion,
    The cover is rotatably attached to the attachment portion,
    The kneading blade is rotatably attached to the cover and can take two postures: a folding posture, which is a posture when kneading bread dough, and an open posture, which is a posture in contact with the inner wall of the bread container. And
    When the rotating shaft rotates in one direction, the kneading blade is in the folded posture, the first clutch connects the rotating shaft and the cover, and the cover and the kneading blade are together with the rotating shaft. Rotate,
    When the rotating shaft rotates in the direction opposite to the one direction, the kneading blade turns to the opening posture, the first clutch disconnects the rotating shaft and the cover, and the cover and the kneading blade Will stop rotating,
    The automatic bread maker according to claim 12, wherein the rotation shaft rotates in the reverse direction during the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command.
14. The automatic bread maker according to claim 13, wherein the blade part further includes a guard that covers a lower surface of the cover and prevents a finger from approaching the grinding blade.
15. 15. The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a rotational speed of the rotational operation performed by the cleaning command is set to a low speed at an initial stage and then to a high speed.
16. The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command is performed a plurality of times with a pause period in which rotation is stopped for a predetermined period.
17. A lid for opening and closing the baking chamber;
    A lid opening / closing detection unit for detecting an opening / closing state of the lid unit;
    Further comprising
    The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein when the lid opening / closing detection unit detects that the lid is open, the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command is not executed.
18. The automatic bread maker according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the rotation operation performed by the cleaning command is executed after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed since receiving the cleaning command input from the input unit. .

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