JPH0451732Y2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an automatic bread maker that automatically performs a series of steps from kneading bread ingredients to baking.

(Prior Art) In recent years, various automatic bread makers have been provided that can easily bake bread at home. This automatic bread maker mixes the bread ingredients flour, yeast, salt, and water, then adds butter, sugar, etc., kneads the mixture, performs primary fermentation, degasses, and then molds and ferments it before baking. This series of steps is automatically performed through sequence control operations.

However, in this automatic bread making machine, a sequence control circuit is built in advance according to a process determined by the manufacturer, and therefore the user cannot adjust or change the bread making process. For this reason, it is not possible to bake bread according to the user's desired hardness and degree of baking, and it is also not possible to make various types of bread by appropriately changing ingredients such as flour, yeast, and adjunct materials, which causes dissatisfaction for the user. It was something that remained.

Therefore, in Utility Application No. 62-045975 (see Utility Model Publication No. 04-011627), the present applicant proposed that it is possible for the user to adjust and change the sequence control circuit, thereby making it possible for the user to make bread according to his/her preference. We are proposing an automatic bread maker.

This automatic bread making machine is operated by an operator for each bread making process, and includes a setting means for setting the point at which to move from one bread making process to the next, and a series of settings set by the setting means. The apparatus includes a storage means for storing processes, and a reproducing means for performing sequence control according to the processes stored by the storage means.

(Problem that the invention aims to solve) However, it is difficult for amateurs to judge whether or not to move on to the next step while looking at the state of the dough through the viewing window at each step, so it is difficult for amateurs to judge whether to move on to the next step or not. Sometimes it is actually easier to make a judgment based on the recorded time.

Furthermore, when changing the stored process afterwards, it would be convenient if it were possible to make detailed temporal corrections while checking the elapsed time.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic bread making machine that can tell the elapsed time of each step.

(Means for Solving the Problems) In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is based on the on signal of the switch that the operator determines the end point of each bread-making process and operates at that point. A setting means for setting the time required for a process, a storage means for storing a series of process times set by the setting means, and a reproducing means for performing sequence control according to the process times stored by the storage means. An automatic bread making machine comprising: a process display means for displaying the process being processed; and a time display means for displaying the elapsed time of the process being processed.

(Example) Next, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Configuration of automatic bread maker FIG. 1 shows an automatic bread maker according to the present invention,
The bread making machine main body (hereinafter simply referred to as the main body) 1 is:
A chassis 2, a shell 3, an oven 4 housed in the shell 3, a heat shield plate 6 that covers the outside of the oven 4 with a heat insulating space 5 in between, and an upper end of the oven 4 and the shell 3.
and a shoulder body 7 attached between the upper ends of the .

The lid body 11 is attached to the main body 1 so as to be freely openable and closable around a hinge shaft 12 and to be removable. A glass viewing window 14;
It consists of an inner lid 15 made of stainless steel provided around the inside of the viewing window 14.

A mounting base 21 is attached to the chassis 2 so as to pass through the oven 4. A drive shaft 22 penetrates approximately the center of this mounting base 21 and is rotatably fitted therein, and at the upper end of the drive shaft 22, as shown in FIG. A pair of first engaging members 23 that engage with 35 are attached, while a pulley 24 is attached to the lower end. In addition, a thermistor 25 penetrates and protrudes from the top surface of the mounting base 21, is biased upward by a coil spring 26, and comes into pressure contact with the bottom surface of a bread case 31, which will be described later, so that the temperature of the bread dough P inside the bread case 31 can be detected. It's getting old.

The bread case 31 housed in the oven 4 is
It is a square container, and a support stand 32 is attached to the outer surface of the bottom, and a kneading shaft 33 that penetrates the bottom of the bread case 31 and projects into the bread case 31 is rotatably fitted to the support stand 32. . At the upper end of the kneading shaft 33, there is a rotary blade 34 that stirs and kneads the bread ingredients.
is mounted to be detachable and rotatable together with the kneading shaft 33, while at the lower end, as shown in FIG. A second engaging member 35 is attached.

On the side surface of the bread case 31, a kneading bar 41 is inserted into a kneading bar attachment seat 42 so as to protrude from the outside into the bread case 31. The kneading rod 41 holds the dough P during kneading, prevents the dough and the rotary blades 34 from rotating together, and enables efficient kneading. Further, the kneading rod 41 can be removed from the bread case 31 so that it does not get in the way of taking out the bread.

Bread dough P stored in the bread case 31
The sheathed heater 51 that heats the bread case 31
are arranged around.

On the other hand, at the rear of the oven 4 is a kneading motor 6.
1. A machine room that houses a cooling fan 62, a fan motor (not shown), and the like. A pulley 63 of the kneading motor 61 and a pulley 24 of the drive shaft 22 are connected via a belt 64, and the kneading motor 61 drives the rotary blade 34 to rotate. The cooling fan 62 is rotationally driven by a fan motor (not shown), and guides the outside air sucked in from the side surface of the body 3 into the ventilation duct 65 provided in the lid 11 through the ventilation opening 66 to transfer the dough to the bread case 31. The air is blown toward the air to cool the dough P. Note that 67 is a fan heater for heating the bread dough when it is cold.

Further, the front of the oven 4 is an electrical room that houses a power source, electrical parts, etc., and 71 is a display/operation panel.

This display/operation panel 71 is provided with a course switch 72, a feed switch 73, and a memory switch 74, as shown in FIG. 76f, process display LEDs 77a to 77g that light up for each bread making process, and time display LED 78 are provided.

The course switch 72 is a course display LED 7
This is a switch for selecting a series of bread making processes preset according to each course displayed next to 6a to 76f. The feed switch 73 is a switch for moving from one bread making process to the next process and for storing the time required for the process in a RAM 84 which will be described later. The memory switch 74 will be described later in conjunction with the feed switch 73.
This is a switch for storing the time required for a series of bread-making processes stored in the RAM 84, and for causing the CPU 82, which will be described later, to perform sequence control in accordance with the stored bread-making processes. The process display LEDs 77a to 77g indicate "kneading 1", "fermentation 1", "kneading 2", "fermentation 2", and "fermentation 3", respectively.
”,
Displays "Baking" and "Cooling".

A control device provided inside the display/operation panel 71 includes a microcomputer 81. As shown in FIG. 3, this microcomputer 81 mainly consists of a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as
It is written as CPU. ) 82, read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as
It is written as ROM. ) 83, reading/writing memory (hereinafter referred to as
It is written as RAM. ) 84, a timer 85, and an input/output port (hereinafter referred to as an I/O port) 86.

The CPU 82 operates the kneading motor 61, the fan motor M, the sheathed heater 51, and the fan heater in cooperation with the timer 85 according to a control program written in advance in the ROM 83 or a control program written in the RAM 84 by manual operation described later by the user. 67 to sequentially perform the steps of kneading 1, fermentation 1, kneading 2, fermentation 2, fermentation 3, baking, and cooling.

FIG. 4 shows a control circuit diagram of the automatic bread maker by the microcomputer 81.

In the figure, the heater 51 is connected to the power supply 91 through the contacts of the relay Ry, and the relay Ry is connected to the connector of the driver transistor Tr ₁ connected to the output port of the CPU 82 of the microcomputer 81 through the resistor R ₁ . ing. Further, the kneading motor 61 is connected to a power source 91 via a triax Tc ₁ and a triax Tc ₂ , and is capable of forward and reverse rotation by alternately turning off the triax Tc ₁ and Tc ₂ . Fan motor M
is connected to the power supply 91 via the triax _Tc3 . Each of the trigger terminals Tc ₁ , Tc ₂ , and Tc ₃ is connected to the CPU 82 via the driver circuit 92.
connected to the output port of the The thermistor 25 connected in series with the resistor _R2 is connected to the DC power supply circuit 9.
3, and resists the resistance change of the thermistor 25.
The temperature of the bread case 31 that is in pressure contact with the thermistor 25 is detected by detecting the change in the partial pressure with respect to _R2 , inputting it to the input port of the CPU 82, and comparing it with a reference voltage using a comparator built in the microcomputer 81. It is designed to detect temperature.

Note that the transistor Tr ₂ , the resistor R ₃ , the Zener diode ZD, and the capacitor C ₁ constitute a voltage stabilization circuit, C ₂ is a phase advance capacitor, and PT is a power transformer. Switches such as the feed switch 73 provided on the display/operation panel 71 are connected to an input port of the CPU 82, and a display device such as a time display LED is connected to an output port via a driver circuit 94.

Control operation of automatic bread maker Bread making course Next, the control operation of the automatic bread maker having the above configuration will be explained according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 7.

When the power is turned on, the microcomputer 8
1, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined in step 1 whether the memory switch 74 has been pressed down, and if it has been pressed down, the process moves to step 5 and the previous homemade bread making process stored in the RAM 84 is performed. Run replay mode. Memory switch 7
4 has not been pressed down, it is determined in step 2 whether the feed switch 73 has been pressed down. Here, if the feed switch 73 is not pressed down, the process waits until it is pressed down, and if it is pressed down, after starting the timer 85 in step 3, the process moves to step 1 of kneading the bread ingredients.

In the kneading process 1, the microcomputer 81
As shown in FIG. 6, first, in step 11, a 3 second timer is started, and in step 12, it is determined whether 3 seconds have elapsed. Here, if 3 seconds have elapsed, go to step 13 and set the maximum time timer, then
At the same time as the mode operation, that is, the operation of kneading 1 is started, in step 15, the process display LED 77a and the time display LED 78 are turned on to display the process of kneading 1 and the elapsed time of the operation.
If the feed switch 73 is pressed down in step 16, the time required for kneading 1 is stored in the RAM 84 in step 17, and then the kneading switch 73 is pressed down.
At step 18, the process moves to the next mode, fermentation 1.

If 3 seconds have not elapsed in step 12,
In step 19, it is determined whether or not the feed switch 73 has been pressed down.
If 3 is pressed down, the process moves to the next mode, fermentation 1, in step 20.

If the feed switch 73 is not pressed down in step 16, that is, if kneading 1 is continuing, it is determined in step 21 whether or not the maximum time has elapsed, and if the maximum time has not elapsed, step 14 is performed. Return to step 1 and continue kneading 1. If the maximum time has elapsed, the time display LED 78 is blinked to notify the user in step 22, and then the operation of the kneader 1 is stopped.

Similarly, each operation from fermentation 1, kneading 2, fermentation 2, fermentation 3, and baking to cooling, which is the final bread making process, is performed according to steps 11 to 23.

When the cooling operation, which is the final mode, is completed, the microcomputer 81 performs termination processing such as buzzer notification, and as shown in FIG.
At step 33, it is determined whether the memory switch 74 has been pressed down and whether five minutes have elapsed or not, and the end mode state (input waiting state) of step 31 is continued until the memory switch 74 is pressed down. If the memory switch 74 is pressed down within 5 minutes, step 34
The time required for each mode of operation from kneading 1 to cooling, that is, the entire sequence, is stored in the RAM 84 and the process ends. Further, if the memory switch 74 is not pressed down even after 5 minutes have elapsed, the process ends without storing the required time of each mode operation.

Next, the operations of each bread making process executed according to the flowchart will be explained.

First, yeast is placed in a bread container 31, then flour and other ingredients are placed so as to cover the yeast, and water is first placed so that the yeast and water are isolated by the bread ingredients.

In this state, if you want to bake bread by reproducing the same process as the previous bread-making process, press the memory switch 74, and if you want to bake bread in a new bread-making process this time, press the feed switch 73. Here, it is assumed that the feed switch 73 is pressed down.

When the operator depresses the feed switch 73 after determining the end time for each process, the sheathed heater 51, fan heater 6
7. The kneading motor 61 and the fan motor M are controlled to make bread. During this time, the process display LEDs 77a to 77g corresponding to each process are lit, and the time display LED 78 is lit, so that the process display of each process and the elapsed time are displayed. .

When you press down the feed switch 73 for the first time,
The driver circuit 92 receives a signal from the CPU 82.
operates and turns on the triax Tc ₁ , so the kneading motor 61 starts and the kneading shaft 33 rotates via the pulley 63, belt 64, pulley 24, and drive shaft 22. As a result, the rotating blade 34 turns on the bread material. The operation of kneading 1 is started.

Next, the operator observes the condition of the bread ingredients through the viewing window 14 or the time display LED.
Judging from the elapsed time displayed by 78, the feed switch 73 is pressed to determine when the bread ingredients have been sufficiently kneaded. Then, the time required for the operation of kneading 1 is stored in the RAM 84, and at the same time the time required for the operation of kneading 1 is stored in the RAM 84.
Since the triax Tc ₁ is turned off by the signal from 2 via the driver circuit 92, the kneading motor 61 is stopped and the process proceeds to the fermentation 1.

Here, the operator presses the feed switch 73 when the dough has been fermented to a certain extent. Then, after the time required for fermentation 1 is stored in the RAM 84, the kneading 2 operation is started in the same manner as described above.
Degassing takes place. In this way, the feed switch 73 is pressed down one after another to perform the kneading 2, fermentation 2, and fermentation 3 operations.

After the fermentation 3 operation is completed, when the feed switch 73 is pressed, a signal from the CPU 82 causes the
Since the transistor Tr ₁ is turned on and the relay Ry is excited, its contacts are closed and energization to the sheathed heater 51 is started, and firing is performed.

When the operator determines that the bread is baked, he presses the feed switch 73, and a signal from the CPU 82 turns off the transistor Tr ₁ and demagnetizes the relay Ry, which opens its contacts and turns off the sheathed heater 51. The power supply to is stopped. and,
The driver circuit 9 receives a signal from the CPU 82.
Since triax Tc ₃ is turned on via 2, the fan motor M is driven and the cooling fan 6 is turned on.
The bread is cooled by air blowing from 2.

Then, the operator determines when the bread has cooled to the appropriate temperature and presses the feed switch 73.
The driver circuit 9 receives a signal from the CPU 82.
Since the triax Tc ₃ is turned off via the fan motor M, the fan motor M is stopped and cooling is completed.

If you want to memorize the above bread making process, press the memory switch 74, and if it is not necessary, just leave it alone. This completes the manual bread making by the operator.

In this way, in the handmade course by operating the feed switch 73, the process display LED 77a
~77g indicates whether a certain process has been completed or not, you can use the elapsed time displayed by the time display LED 78 to determine whether the dough is kneaded, fermented, or baked. Even amateurs who cannot judge the above can just move the feed switch down at the time written in a guidebook or the like.

In addition, if the temperature or water temperature changes due to the change of seasons and the process stored in the memory has a different baking quality or taste, or if you want to change the handmade process due to changes in taste, you can use the memorized process first. The process can be easily changed by increasing or decreasing the time while looking at the elapsed time based on the set time of the process.

In addition, if you want to omit a certain step in the handmade course from kneading 1 to cooling, you can press down the feed switch 73 within 3 seconds. For example, after fermentation 2 is completed and the feed switch 73 is pressed, by pressing the feed switch 73 continuously within 3 seconds, fermentation 3 is skipped and baking is performed. In this way, the process can be changed according to the operator's preference.

Furthermore, during the operation of a certain process, the feed switch 73
Even if you forget to press the button, it is safe because the operation will stop after a predetermined maximum time has elapsed.

Cake course Next, although it is not a homemade course like the above,
As an example of the bread-making process executed according to a program written in the ROM 83 in advance, the operation of a course for making a cake or a bun will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, case materials and water are placed in the bread case 31 and set. At this time, if ingredients such as grapes are added, the ingredients will sink to the bottom of the bread case 31 during stirring, which will be described later, so such ingredients should be added later.

When the course switch 72 is pressed to select "cake" and the start switch (not shown) is pressed, the kneading motor 61 is intermittently driven in step 41, and the rotary blade 34 stirs the cake material.
If 5 minutes have elapsed in step 42, the kneading motor 61 is stopped and a buzzer alerts the kneading motor 61 in step 43. Then, in steps 44 and 45, it is determined whether the start switch is pressed down and whether 20 minutes have elapsed, and this stopped state is continued until the start switch is pressed down or 20 minutes have elapsed.

The buzzer alert informs the operator of the timing to add ingredients such as grapes.
If necessary, ingredients are added onto the cake batter in the bread case 31. At this time, the cake batter has already been stirred and is semi-fluid, so even if you add the ingredients and knead it later, it will not sink to the bottom of the bread case. Also, if there is uneven stirring of the cake batter and unstirred flour or the like adheres to the wall surface of the bread case 31, this can be used as an opportunity to scrape it off.

When this work is completed and the start switch is pushed down, the process moves from step 44 to step 46, where the kneading motor 61 is driven again and the kneading operation is started. Then, in step 47, the kneading motor 61 is stopped, and the sheathed heater 51 is energized to perform baking. Further, in step 48, the power supply to the sheathed heater 51 is cut off, and the baked cake is cooled by the cooling fan 62 and is finished.

(Effects of the invention) As is clear from the above explanation, according to the invention, when setting the time for each bread-making process, the user can know the process in progress and its elapsed time, so the guide The process can be set according to the schedule written in the book, etc., and even an amateur who is inexperienced in determining the condition of bread dough can easily perform the setting operation.

Also, when changing the handmade process, you can make subtle corrections in terms of time while checking the elapsed time based on the set time of the previous handmade process.
This has the effect of allowing you to pursue the best taste at home or for yourself.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a sectional view of an automatic bread maker according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a front view of the display/operation panel, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the control device, Fig. 4 is a control circuit diagram, and Fig. 5 is a front view of the display/operation panel.
Figures 8 to 8 are flowcharts of the bread making process. Figure 5 shows the process up to the start of kneading in the handmade course, Figure 6 shows the intermediate mode of operation, Figure 7 shows the end mode, and Figure 8 shows the process of kneading. The picture is of the cake course. 73...Feed switch, 74...Memory switch, 77a-77g...LED for process display, 7
8...Time display LED, 81...Microcomputer, 82...Central processing unit, 84...
Reading memory.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claim for Utility Model Registration] Setting means for each bread-making process to determine the end point of the process and set the time required for the process based on an on signal of a switch operated at that time; In an automatic bread making machine comprising a storage means for storing the time of a series of steps set by the setting means, and a reproduction means for performing sequence control according to the time of the steps stored by the storage means, during processing. An automatic bread making machine characterized by being provided with a process display means for displaying the process, and a time display means for displaying the elapsed time of the process being processed.