Cooking appliance

Abstract

The present application provides a cooker capable of shortening the cooling time and allowing the consumer to intuitively recognize the air outlet function, which comprises a housing having a protection frame in the housing, the protection frame being in a cylindrical shape with an open upper end; an inner pot arranged in an internal space defined by the protection frame, a ventilation gap being formed between the side surface of the inner pot and the protection frame; a heater located below the inner pot, a heating surface of the heater being in contact with the bottom surface of the inner pot to heat the inner pot; a fan for generating a cooling air flow; an air outlet located at the center below the pot bottom of the inner pot, the air outlet being open toward the bottom surface of the inner pot; a wind guide box located below the air outlet, the wind guide box guiding the cooling air flow generated by the fan to the air outlet; and a wind guide box cover plate, at least a portion of the wind guide box cover plate being located in the air outlet and having an opening portion facing the bottom surface of the inner pot, a ventilation groove being arranged in at least one of the heating surface of the heater and the bottom surface of the inner pot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a cooking appliance with an inner pot that can efficiently cool the inner pot contained in the cooking appliance. Background Technology

[0002] As a typical cooking appliance, the rice cooker is a good example. Currently, rice cookers use coated inner pots, but these coatings have the drawback of releasing toxic substances when heated to high temperatures. Consumers are increasingly health-conscious, and rice cookers with uncoated inner pots are becoming a trend. Existing technologies include structures using side-cooling and internal water cooling in the heater.

[0003] If an uncoated inner pot is used, the rice cooker suffers from the problem of rice sticking to the pot. To address this, Patent Document 1 describes a method where cooling airflow is blown onto the side of the inner pot to cool it, and a water flow channel is incorporated within the heater for water cooling, thus preventing sticking. For IH rice cookers (non-contact heating), a cooling structure that blows air onto the bottom of the uncoated inner pot also exists. However, for microcomputer-controlled rice cookers (contact heating), the heater structure differs from that of IH rice cookers. Further research has not been conducted on how to efficiently cool the uncoated inner pot for microcomputer-controlled rice cookers.

[0004] Furthermore, there is currently no research on how to make consumers more intuitively understand the functions of rice cookers that can blow cooling air towards the center of the bottom of the inner pot.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: CN114305072A Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] In view of the above, the present invention provides a cooking appliance having a contact heater that can reliably form a ventilation channel through which cooling airflow passes for cooling the inner pot, shortening the cooling time, and also allowing consumers to intuitively understand the function of the air outlet.

[0010] Solution for solving the problem

[0011] The present invention provides a cooking appliance, characterized in that it comprises: a shell, wherein the shell has a protective frame inside, the protective frame being a cylindrical shape with an open upper end; an inner pot, the inner pot being disposed in an internal space defined by the protective frame, and a ventilation gap being formed between the side of the inner pot and the protective frame; a heater, the heater being located below the inner pot, the heating surface of the heater contacting the bottom surface of the inner pot to heat the inner pot; a fan, the fan being used to generate cooling airflow; an air outlet, the air outlet being located at the center below the bottom of the inner pot, opening towards the bottom surface of the inner pot; an air guide box, the air guide box being located below the air outlet, guiding the cooling airflow generated by the fan to the air outlet; and an air guide box cover plate, at least a portion of the air guide box cover plate being located in the air outlet and having an opening towards the bottom surface of the inner pot, and a ventilation groove being provided on at least one of the heating surface of the heater and the bottom surface of the inner pot.

[0012] Preferably, the air guide box cover is disposed on the air guide box or the protective frame.

[0013] Preferably, the air guide box cover is in contact with the heater.

[0014] Preferably, the fan is positioned below or to the side of the inner pot.

[0015] Preferably, the cooking appliance further includes a sensor disposed on the air guide box, forming a ventilation channel between the sensor and the air guide box cover.

[0016] Preferably, the openings are multiple and are evenly distributed around the sensor.

[0017] Preferably, there is an air outlet gap between the air guide box cover and the sensor.

[0018] Preferably, the air guide box has a spiral structure to deliver air in a spiral manner.

[0019] Preferably, the air guide box is fixed to the protective frame, and the fan is fixed to the protective frame or the air guide box.

[0020] Preferably, the air guide box is provided with baffles, which are disposed between the heater and the fan.

[0021] Preferably, the heater is provided with a heater rib protruding downwards, and the heater rib contacts the air guide box cover.

[0022] Preferably, the sensor can move up and down depending on whether the inner pot is placed inside. The heater is provided with a heater rib protruding downwards, and the air guide box cover is provided with a heater rib hole. The heater rib protrudes downwards through the heater rib hole. When the inner pot is placed inside, the sensor does not contact the heater rib and forms a ventilation channel. When the inner pot is removed, the sensor contacts the heater rib, but does not form a ventilation channel.

[0023] Preferably, there are multiple heater ribs, which are evenly distributed around the air outlet, and there are multiple heater rib holes, which are evenly distributed corresponding to the multiple heater ribs.

[0024] Preferably, the air guide box cover is integrally formed with the protective frame, or the air guide box, the air guide box cover, the sensor, and the fan are assembled into a whole and then fixed to the protective frame as a whole.

[0025] Preferably, the air outlet is annular.

[0026] The effects of the invention

[0027] The cooking appliance of the present invention can reliably form a ventilation channel through which the cooling airflow passes to cool the inner pot, shortening the cooling time, and also allowing consumers to intuitively understand the function of the air outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a front sectional view of the cooking appliance of this application, with arrows indicating the path of the cooling airflow.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a bottom view of the air guide box of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a top view of the heater of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the ventilation channel of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of one embodiment of the air guide box cover of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of another embodiment of the air guide box cover of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a top view schematic diagram of one embodiment of the air guide box cover of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a top view schematic diagram of another embodiment of the air guide box cover of the cooking appliance of this application.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the heater with heating ribs in the cooking appliance of this application.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the air guide box, air guide box cover, sensor, and fan assembled into a whole according to this application.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the air guide box cover and protective frame integrally formed in this application.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0040] 1. Shell; 2. Inner pot; 3. Protective frame; 4. Heater; 5. Fan; 6. Air guide box; 7. Ventilation gap; 8. Spring; 9. Sensor; 10. Ventilation hole; 61. Air inlet path; 62. Cylindrical part; 63. Buckle; 64. Rib; 11. Air guide box cover; 12. Heater rib hole; 13. Opening; 14. Air outlet gap; 41. Ventilation slot; 42. Heater rib. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following detailed description of the structure of the present invention is based on the accompanying drawings. However, the following description is not intended to limit the present invention. Changes, substitutions, combinations, deletions, etc., can be made to the constituent elements of the technical solution without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0042] <General Structure of Cooking Utensils>

[0043] exist Figure 1 The image shows a front sectional view of the rice cooking appliance 100 of this application. As a typical example of the rice cooking appliance 100, it could be an electric rice cooker. Figure 1 As shown, the cooking appliance 100 includes: a shell 1, which constitutes the outer shell of the cooking appliance 100, and a protective frame 3 inside the shell 1, which is a cylindrical shape with an open top; and an inner pot 2, which is disposed in the internal space defined by the protective frame 3. The protective frame 3 protects the shell 1 from the influence of the inner pot 2, and a ventilation gap 7 is formed between the side of the inner pot 2 and the protective frame 3.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, the cooking appliance 100 also includes: a heater 4, which is, for example, a contact-type microcomputer heater, located inside the protective frame 3. When the inner pot 2 is placed in the protective frame 3, the heater 4 is located below the inner pot 2, and the heating surface of the heater 4 contacts the bottom surface of the inner pot 2 to heat the inner pot; a fan 5, which generates cooling airflow. The fan 5 is located inside the housing 1 and below the inner pot 2 (including directly below and to the side below), but is not limited to this. The fan 5 can also be located to the side of the inner pot 2 (i.e., the fan 5 corresponds to the inner pot 2 in the vertical direction); and an outer cover, which is installed in the housing 1 in an openable manner. When the outer cover is installed in the housing 1, the outer cover closes the upper end of the protective frame 3, that is, closes the internal space of the inner pot 2. When the cooking appliance 100 is working, the inner pot 2 is in a closed state. After the work is completed, the outer cover can be opened to open the inner pot 2.

[0045] <Inner pot cooling structure>

[0046] The inner pot 2 is, for example, an uncoated inner pot. During the operation of the cooking appliance 100, to prevent rice from sticking to the inside of the inner pot 2, the cooking appliance 100 needs to have a cooling structure for the inner pot 2 within the outer shell 1. The following is based on... Figures 1-4 The cooling structure of this application will be described below.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the heater 4 has an opening in its central region, through which the sensor 9 (described later) enters. The sensor 9, entering this opening, can contact the bottom of the inner pot 2, thereby detecting the temperature of the bottom of the inner pot 2. An air outlet 10 is located at the center below the bottom of the inner pot 2, opening towards the bottom surface of the inner pot 2. The air outlet 10 can be, for example, an opening formed by the gap between the heater 4 and the sensor 9, and can be an annular shape. Alternatively, it can be an opening formed by the gap between the heater 4 and other components. It should be noted that the air outlet 10 being located at the center below the bottom of the inner pot 2 can be either exactly in the center or approximately in the vicinity of the center.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, a through hole is located at the center of the lower surface of the protective frame 3 (corresponding to the center of the bottom of the inner pot 2), and a circumferential flange 31 is provided around the through hole of the protective frame 3 (see reference). Figure 4 Thus, the central opening of the heater 4 is formed correspondingly to the central through hole of the protective frame 3, allowing the bottom of the inner pot 2 to communicate with the outside of the protective frame 3. Furthermore, as... Figure 4As shown, by forming a circumferential flange 31 around the through hole of the protective frame 3, the central through hole of the protective frame 3 can be made close to or even continuous with the central opening of the heater 4. That is, the circumferential flange 31 can abut against the outer periphery of the central opening of the heater 4, but it can also not be close to it (e.g. Figure 4 The circumferential flange 31 in the middle does not abut against the heater 4, which does not affect the formation of the ventilation channel described later.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, an air guide box 6 is located at the center below the inner pot 2. The air guide box 6 is positioned below the air outlet 10 and guides the cooling airflow generated by the fan 5 to the air outlet 10. The fan 5 is positioned below the inner pot 2 at a location offset from the center, and the part of the fan 5 is connected to the outside of the cooking appliance 100, thereby allowing it to draw in outside air. Furthermore, the fan 5 is connected to the air guide box 6, so that the outside air drawn in by the fan 5 during operation can be sent into the air guide box 6 as a cooling airflow.

[0050] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the air guide box 6 has an air inlet passage 61 and a cylindrical portion 62. The air inlet passage 61 is sealed to the fan 5, and preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet passage 61 decreases as it flows downstream, thereby increasing the flow velocity of the cooling airflow in the air inlet passage 61 and improving the cooling capacity. The cylindrical portion 62 is connected to the air inlet passage 61 and has a spiral structure, forming an annular gas flow path inside, so that the airflow entering the cylindrical portion 62 through the air inlet passage 61 flows as... Figure 2 As shown, the air rises in a spiral shape within the cylindrical portion 62, thereby spiraling the airflow and further enhancing the cooling capacity. The cylindrical portion 62 extends into the through-hole of the protective frame 3, allowing the cooling airflow to be guided to the center of the bottom of the inner pot 2 via the cylindrical portion 62.

[0051] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the fan 5 has a threaded fixing part 51, which allows the fan 5 to be fixed to the lower surface of the protective frame 3 via the threaded fixing part 51 using a threaded member. The air guide box 6 has a threaded fixing part 65, which allows the air guide box 6 to be fixed to the lower surface of the protective frame 3 via the threaded fixing part 65 using a threaded member. The position and number of the threaded fixing parts 51 and 65 are not particularly limited, as long as they can securely fix the fan 5 and the air guide box 6, they can be arbitrary. Alternatively, the fan 5 and the air guide box 6 can be connected together and then fixed to the protective frame 3 together. Or, the fan 5 can be fixed to the air guide box 6 instead of the protective frame 3.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown, sensor 9 is mounted on air guide box 6. Sensor 9 detects temperature by contacting the bottom of the inner pot 2. A sensor fixing clip 63 is located at the top of air guide box 6, allowing sensor 9 to be mounted vertically. Spring 8 is positioned between sensor 9 and air guide box 6. After assembling sensor 9 and air guide box 6, air guide box 6 is mounted on the lower surface of protective frame 3. Sensor 9 is inserted through the central through-hole of protective frame 3 and the central opening of heater 4. At least a portion of air guide box 6 is located within the through-hole of protective frame 3 and surrounded by a circumferential flange 31. This creates ventilation channels between air guide box 6 and protective frame 3, between sensor 9 and protective frame 3, and between sensor 9 and heater 4. Alternatively, the cylindrical portion 62 of the air guide box 6 can be formed upward to a height corresponding to the heater 4, forming a ventilation channel between the air guide box 6 and the heater 4, and also forming a ventilation channel between the sensor 9 and the heater 4.

[0053] When the inner pot 2 is not placed inside the protective frame 3, the sensor 9 is pushed upwards by the spring 8, increasing the distance between the sensor 9 and the air guide box 6. The sensor 9 extends upwards from the center opening of the heater 4 to a position higher than the heater 4. When the inner pot 2 is placed inside the protective frame 3, the bottom of the inner pot 2 first contacts the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9, and then the sensor 9 is pressed downwards, overcoming the force of the spring 8, until the bottom of the inner pot 2 contacts the heater 4. That is, the sensor 9 can move up and down depending on whether the inner pot 2 is placed inside.

[0054] exist Figure 4 The image shows the state of sensor 9 when the inner pot 2 is placed inside the protective frame 3, but the inner pot 2 is not shown in the diagram. Figure 4 As shown, when the inner pot 2 is placed in the protective frame 3, as the fan 5 is working, air is drawn in from the outside. The air enters the air guide box 6 as a cooling airflow. The cooling airflow passes through the ventilation channel, that is, between the air guide box 6 and the protective frame 3, between the sensor 9 and the protective frame 3, and between the sensor 9 and the heater 4 in sequence, and then exits through the air outlet 10 to cool the center of the bottom of the inner pot 2.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, a ventilation slot 41 is provided on the heating surface of the heater 4, so that the cooling airflow delivered to the center of the pot bottom can flow to the side of the inner pot 2 through the space between the inner pot 2 and the heater 4, thereby allowing the cooling airflow to flow from the center of the bottom of the inner pot 2 to the side of the inner pot 2, as shown. Figure 1As indicated by the arrow, after the cooling airflow passes between the inner pot 2 and the heater 4, it is exhausted to the outside of the cooking appliance 100 through the ventilation gap 7 between the side of the inner pot 2 and the protective frame 3. Ventilation slots may also be formed on the bottom surface of the inner pot 2, that is, ventilation slots are formed on at least one of the heating surface of the heater 4 and the bottom surface of the inner pot 2.

[0056] The ventilation slot 41 formed in the heater 4 does not need to be connected to the air outlet 10. Since the heating surface of the heater 4 and the bottom of the inner pot 2 are mostly non-horizontal, when the inner pot 2 is placed on the heater 4, a gap may form between the heater 4 and the inner pot 2 even without the ventilation slot 41. Therefore, as long as the cooling airflow can pass between the heater 4 and the inner pot 2, the ventilation slot 41 does not need to be formed. However, to ensure the channel area for the cooling airflow between the heater 4 and the inner pot 2 and thus improve the cooling capacity, it is preferable to form a ventilation slot on at least one of the heating surface of the heater 4 and the bottom surface of the inner pot 2.

[0057] <Air Guide Box Cover>

[0058] The protective frame 3 may also include an air guide box cover 11. The air guide box cover 11 is a cover that can be installed on the air guide box 6. In this case, the protective frame 3 does not have a full circumferential inner edge 31, and the air guide box cover 11 is installed in the portion of the air guide box 6 that enters the protective frame 3 through a hole. Alternatively, the air guide box cover 11 may be disposed on the protective frame 3.

[0059] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 As shown, the air guide box cover 11 has an upper cover 15 that protrudes upward. The upper cover 15 is formed, for example, in a circular shape when viewed from above. There is a through hole in the center of the upper cover 15, which allows the sensor 9 to extend out. The size of the upper cover 15 when viewed from above is smaller than the central opening of the heater 4. Thus, the upper cover 15 (at least a part of the air guide box cover 11) can be located in the air outlet 10 (for example, between the sensor 9 and the heater 4). The upper surface of the upper cover 15 has an opening 13 that opens toward the bottom of the inner pot.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, in the structure with the air guide box cover 11, the air outlet 10 formed by the gap between the heater 4 and the sensor 9 (upper housing 91) has an upper cover 15 of the air guide box cover 11, and an opening 13 is provided on the upper surface of the upper cover 15. Thus, an opening 13 that is immediately recognizable as an air outlet is provided in the originally annular air outlet 10. This not only allows for control of the desired air outlet state based on the shape of the opening 13, but also makes it immediately clear that the cooking appliance 100 has an air outlet for cooling the inner pot. For example, by comparison... Figure 3 and Figure 7It is evident that without the air guide box cover 11, the air outlet 10, acting as a gap between the heater 4 and the sensor 9, makes it difficult for customers to immediately recognize its cooling function. They might simply perceive it as a gap between components, which could contradict the functional descriptions given by sales personnel, potentially discouraging them from purchasing. However, with the air guide box cover 11, the opening 13 is formed on the upper cover 15. Customers can immediately identify the opening 13 as the air outlet responsible for cooling, facilitating sales personnel in explaining the product's advantages and functions and increasing customer purchase motivation.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, an air outlet gap 14 can also be provided between the upper cover plate 15 and the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9. The air outlet gap 14 can assist in the discharge of cooling airflow and ensure cooling capacity. Figure 7 As shown, there are multiple openings 13, which are evenly distributed around the sensor 9.

[0062] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower end cover 16 of the air guide box cover 11 is also formed in a circular shape when viewed from above. The upper part of the lower end cover 16 is continuously formed with the lower part of the upper end cover 15, thus the upper end cover 15 and the lower end cover 16 are integrally formed. The size of the lower end cover 16 when viewed from above is larger than that of the upper end cover 15. The upper part of the lower end cover 16 extends outward from the lower part of the upper end cover 15 and then extends downward. The lower part of the lower end cover 16 is fixed to the air guide box 6, thereby fixing the air guide box cover 11 to the air guide box 6, with the lower end cover 16 positioned between the heater 4 and the air guide box 6. Alternatively, the lower part of the lower end cover 16 can be fixed to the bottom surface of the protective frame 3, thereby fixing the air guide box cover 11 to the bottom surface of the protective frame 3, with the lower end cover 16 positioned between the heater 4 and the bottom surface of the protective frame 3. Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, a ventilation channel is formed between the sensor 9 and the air guide box cover 11. Specifically, a ventilation channel for cooling airflow is formed between the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 and the upper end cover 15 and lower end cover 16 of the air guide box cover 11.

[0063] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a baffle 64 is provided in the air guide box 6, and the baffle 64 is located between the heater 4 and the fan 5. This prevents the heat from the heater 4 from affecting the fan 5.

[0064] exist Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Figure 6 , Figure 8The image shows two different forms of the air guide box cover 11. The heater 4 is provided with a heater rib 42 protruding downwards. Figure 5 The diagram shows a structure in which heater rib holes 12 are provided on the air guide box cover 11, and heater ribs 42 protrude downwards through the heater rib holes 12. In this case, the heater ribs 42 may or may not contact the air guide box cover 11. Figure 6 The diagram shows a structure without heater rib holes 12, where the heater rib 42 contacts the air guide box cover 11.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, the heater rib 42 is exposed through the heater rib hole 12. When the sensor 9 moves downward as the inner pot 2 is placed in, the outer periphery of the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 separates from the air guide box cover 11 (and the heater rib 42 exposed from the heater rib hole 12) and does not contact each other, thus forming a ventilation channel. Therefore, when the inner pot 2 is placed, the ventilation channel can be kept unobstructed.

[0066] When the inner pot 2 is removed from the protective frame 3, the external force overcoming the spring 8 disappears, and the force of the spring 8 itself causes the sensor 9 to rise. Consequently, the outer periphery of the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 also rises, contacting the air guide box cover 11 (and the heater rib 42 exposed from the heater rib hole 12). Thus, the sensor 9 can contact the heater rib 42 of the heater 4 in the absence of the pot, detecting the temperature of the heater 4. If an abnormal temperature is detected in the heater 4, the heater 4 is controlled to stop operating. This achieves heating protection for the heater 4. Furthermore, when the inner pot 2 is removed, no ventilation channel is formed because the sensor 9 is in contact with the heater rib 42.

[0067] exist Figure 6 , Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure without the heater rib holes 12 is shown, and... Figure 5 Similarly, as the inner pot 2 is placed in or removed, the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 moves up and down. When the inner pot 2 is placed in, the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 moves downward and separates from the air guide box cover 11, so that they do not contact each other, thus forming a ventilation channel. Therefore, when the inner pot 2 is placed, the ventilation channel can be kept unobstructed.

[0068] When the inner pot 2 is removed from the protective frame 3, the external force overcoming the spring 8 disappears, and the force of the spring 8 itself causes the sensor 9 to rise. Consequently, the outer periphery of the upper housing 91 of the sensor 9 also rises and comes into contact with the air guide box cover 11. Thus, the sensor 9 can contact the air guide box cover 11 even without the pot. Since the heater rib 42 of the heater 4 is in contact with the air guide box cover 11, the sensor 9 can also detect the temperature of the heater 4 through the air guide box cover 11. If an abnormal temperature is detected in the heater 4, the heater 4 is controlled to stop working. This achieves heating protection for the heater 4. Furthermore, when the inner pot 2 is removed, no ventilation channel is formed because the sensor 9 is in contact with the air guide box cover 11.

[0069] Compared to Figure 6 The structure shown depicts sensor 9 detecting the temperature of heater 4 through air guide box cover 11. Figure 5 In this configuration, sensor 9 can directly contact the heater rib 42 exposed through the heater rib hole 12, therefore, Figure 5 The structure shown is superior to the angle at which heater 4 is monitored. Figure 6 The structure shown.

[0070] Figure 9 This is a 3D view of heater 4 from a low angle. Figure 9 The image shows a downward protrusion ( Figure 9 The diagram shows four heater ribs 42 (projecting upwards) formed on the heater 4. These four heater ribs 42 are evenly distributed around the air outlet 10, allowing the four heater ribs 42 to be inserted into the... Figure 7 The four heater rib holes 12 shown are evenly distributed corresponding to the four heater ribs 42. However, the number of heater ribs 42 and heater rib holes 12 is not limited to this and can be other numbers.

[0071] <Other Structures>

[0072] In this application, it is also possible to... Figure 10 As shown, the air guide box 6, air guide box cover 11, sensor 9, and fan 5 are assembled into a whole. After assembling the above four components into a whole, all of the above components can be installed on the protective frame 3 at one time. Compared with the case where the above four components are installed on the protective frame 3 separately, the assemblability can be improved.

[0073] Alternatively, it could be, such as Figure 11 As shown, the air guide box cover 11 is integrally formed with the protective frame 3. At this time, the assembly will not become more complicated due to the addition of the air guide box cover 11, just as it is when the air guide box 6, sensor 9 and fan 5 are installed on the protective frame 3.

[0074] <Effect>

[0075] Taking advantage of the gap between the inner pot 2 and the heater 4 in the microcomputer-controlled rice cooker (contact heater), the temperature of the outer surface of the inner pot 2 can be lowered relatively easily. By installing a fan 5 at the bottom, after the rice is cooked, the fan 5 is turned on, and the cooling airflow spreads from the center to the edges of the inner pot 2 through the gap between the bottom of the inner pot 2 and the heater 4, blowing the hot air from the bottom of the pot all the way to the edge. This accelerates the temperature drop of the outer surface of the inner pot 2, causing condensation to form between the rice and the inner pot 2, creating a water-separating film between the rice and the inner pot 2, achieving a non-stick effect.

[0076] Furthermore, this application utilizes the space between the air guide box 6 and the protective frame 3 to form a ventilation channel. If the cooling airflow is directly guided to the bottom of the inner pot 2 using only the air guide box 6, the air guide box 6 would need to be large in the vertical direction. This structure does not utilize other components already present in the cooking appliance. Additionally, if the sensor 9 is installed in such a structure, it would need to be installed inside the air guide box 6, making installation difficult. In contrast, this application does not directly guide the cooling airflow to the bottom of the inner pot 2 using the air guide box 6; that is, it does not rely solely on the air guide box 6 to guide the cooling airflow. Instead, it forms a ventilation channel based on the structure of the air guide box 6 and the protective frame 3 (which may further include the heater 4, sensor 9, etc.), thus utilizing other components already necessary in the cooking appliance. Moreover, it facilitates the installation of the sensor 9 when needed.

[0077] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the air guide box cover allows customers to clearly understand the air outlet function of the product's bottom, increasing their willingness to purchase. Moreover, the opening 13 on the air guide box cover 11 can be configured in different shapes as needed; for example, the opening 13 can be inclined as it extends in the circumferential direction, and / or the opening 13 can be higher inside and lower outside, etc., allowing for the appropriate selection of the desired air outlet shape to achieve better cooling effects.

[0078] With the inner pot 2 being an uncoated inner pot, it is possible to prevent rice from sticking to the inner pot while ensuring healthier use for customers, and to shorten the cooling time, thereby improving the product's working efficiency.

Claims

1. A cooking utensil (100), characterized in that, include: A housing (1) having a protective frame (3) inside, the protective frame being a cylindrical shape with an open top; Inner pot (2), the inner pot is disposed in the internal space defined by the protective frame, and a ventilation gap (7) is formed between the side of the inner pot and the protective frame; Heater (4), the heater (4) is located below the inner pot (2), and the heating surface of the heater contacts the bottom surface of the inner pot to heat the inner pot; Fan (5), the fan being used to generate cooling airflow; Air outlet (10), the air outlet is located in the center below the bottom of the inner pot and opens towards the bottom surface of the inner pot; Air guide box (6), the air guide box is located below the air outlet, and guides the cooling airflow generated by the fan to the air outlet; as well as An air guide box cover (11), at least a portion of which is located in the air outlet (10) and has an opening (13) facing the bottom surface of the inner pot. Ventilation slots (41) are provided on at least one of the heating surface of the heater (4) and the bottom surface of the inner pot (2).

2. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide box cover (11) is disposed on the air guide box (6) or the protective frame (3).

3. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide box cover (11) is in contact with the heater (4).

4. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fan is positioned below or to the side of the inner pot (2).

5. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cooking appliance also includes a sensor (9), which is disposed on the air guide box (6). A ventilation channel is formed between the sensor (9) and the air guide box cover (11).

6. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The opening (13) has multiple openings, which are evenly distributed around the sensor (9).

7. The cooking utensil according to claim 6, characterized in that, There is an air outlet gap (14) between the air guide box cover (11) and the sensor (9).

8. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide box has a spiral structure, thus delivering air in a spiral manner.

9. The cooking appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air guide box (6) is fixed on the protective frame (3). The fan is fixed to the protective frame or to the air guide box.

10. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, A baffle (64) is provided in the air guide box (6), and the baffle (64) is located between the heater (4) and the fan (5).

11. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heater (4) is provided with heater ribs (42) protruding downwards. The heater rib (42) is in contact with the air guide box cover (11).

12. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensor (9) can move up and down depending on whether the inner pot (2) is placed inside. The heater (4) is provided with heater ribs (42) protruding downwards. The air guide box cover (11) is provided with heater rib holes (12), and the heater ribs (42) protrude downward through the heater rib holes (12). When the inner pot (2) is placed in, the sensor (9) does not contact the heater rib (42) and forms a ventilation channel. When the inner pot (2) is removed, the sensor (9) comes into contact with the heater rib (42) and no ventilation channel is formed.

13. The cooking utensil according to claim 12, characterized in that, The heater ribs (42) are multiple, and the multiple heater ribs (42) are evenly distributed around the air outlet (10). The heater rib holes (12) are multiple, and the multiple heater rib holes (12) are evenly distributed corresponding to the multiple heater ribs (42).

14. The cooking utensil according to claim 5, characterized in that, The air guide box cover (11) is integrally formed with the protective frame (3), or, The air guide box (6), the air guide box cover (11), the sensor (9), and the fan (5) are assembled into a whole and then fixed to the protective frame (3).

15. The cooking utensil according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air outlet (10) is annular.

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